GET A CLUE: Thespians of all ages gathered on Feb. 23 for the first weekend of SonofaGunn’s 34th annual theater performance. This year’s production was held in Western Colorado University’s Taylor Auditorium. The play was a fusion between the 1995 cult-classic film “Clueless” and the popular whodunit board game “Clue.” For more, see
Bella Biondini Times Editor
Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
While the prevalence of fentanyl in the Gunnison Valley is rising, the availability of Narcan and the community’s recent push to destigmatize substance abuse disorders is likely saving lives.
In 2023, the Gunnison Police
Fentanyl A6
NEWS: MetRec grant pot over $720,000, A10
COMMUNITY: Dance for the year of the dragon, B1
SPORTS: Cowboy basketball falls in first round, B4
OBITUARIES A2, A3, A5
OPINION A4
CLASSIFIEDS A18-A21
SPORTS B4
ONLINE
GUNNISONTIMES.COM
The Gunnison Watershed School District has been hesitant to jump into the housing business. But a new housing action plan, solicited by the school board last year, lists the district-owned properties that could be used to house employees.
The plan, which is still a draft, does not guarantee that the school district will begin
to use taxpayer dollars to buy, build and offer housing to its teachers and faculty. But without a “landing zone” in place, Superintendent Leslie Nichols worried the district will continuously struggle to attract highquality educators to the valley.
“We are big enough to look at being part of the solution,” Nichols said.
The plan, if adopted, will help Nichols understand in what capacity the school board, and the wider community, wants the district to enter the housing market. Some of the valley’s largest employers, like Western Colorado University and Gunnison Valley Health, already offer employee housing.
The school district wants to be prepared for if and when those
Housing A9
Elise Park will step in as the Gunnison Arts Center’s new executive director on March 4, marking the organization’s second leadership transition in the past year.
Departing executive director Grace Thurlow took over in mid-2023, quickly moving from her initial role as the director of development. Thurlow announced her resignation in mid-February. She said she
decided to leave the arts center to move closer to family in Denver.
Park and Thurlow will continue to work together over the next few months to ensure the transition is smooth. A Western Colorado University graduate, Park returned to the valley with experience in museum management and in the nonprofits sector. Her work as a cultural anthropologist has taken her around the West where she has held leadership roles with organizations in Crested Butte, Lake Tahoe, Jackson Hole and Moab.
Park said she’s ready to guide the organization into the future as renovations of the historic building that houses the Gunnison Arts Center near completion. The project is
GAC A7
Ron Earl
“Every time I write, I do so with the intention of saving someone’s life.”
— Aaron Abeyta, Colorado poet
See story on A16
The U.S. Forest Service plans to approve Monarch Mountain’s No Name Basin project. The release of the draft decision on Feb. 22 launched a 45-day objection period, open to those who have previously commented on the project. It closes on April 8.
The ski resort’s proposal, part of its 2011 master development plan, includes expanding into No Name Basin (increasing total acreage to 1,146), installing a new chairlift, building a warming hut and realigning approximately 700 feet of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The projects are located on the Gunnison Ranger District adjacent to Monarch’s existing ski area.
Feedback on the project so far has been “overwhelmingly positive,” said Mountain Resort Program Manager Don Dressler. However, some have expressed concern for the health of the area’s wildlife and wetlands.
The Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority is hosting a community meetand-greet with the two finalists for the executive director. Former Executive Director Andy Kadlec resigned in late January, after a little over a year in the position.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 on the first floor of the Gunnison County Courthouse from 6-7:30 p.m. The two candidates, Trevor Barlow and Dallas Blaney, will be in attendance.
Barlow has spent almost two decades of his career in executive leadership positions, currently as managing partner with TreBar LLC. Blaney serves as the CEO of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency in Basalt.
Ron Earl, community member and dear friend to many, passed away on Feb. 22. A service for Ron will be held in the near future. Time is needed for coordination with his family. A formal obituary and information on his upcoming service will be published soon.
William ‘“Bill” Powell
Bill Powell was born in Colorado Springs on Aug. 9, 1941 to Joseph and Alma Powell. He grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Palmer High School in 1959. Bill and his older brothers, Gordon and Bob, were a tight-knit trio whose childhood adventures rivaled those of Huck Finn. He graduated as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with his bachelor’s degree in English from Colorado College and also completed ROTC at the top of his class in 1963. He joined the U.S. Army as an officer and served in Germany and Vietnam. After his military service, Bill obtained his master’s degree in English from Colorado University Boulder. He then built a career in education, serving as the assistant superintendent in Darlington, South Carolina, and as a superintendent in Walden, Eaton and Strasburg, Colorado. He retired to Gunnison in 2004. Because of his continued passion for students and educators, he joined the Gunnison Watershed School Board from 2007-15. He also played an integral role in acquiring funding to renovate the schools in the district. Bill always had the stu-
dents and educators at the heart of his efforts and was a very generous soul. During his free time, he enjoyed reading, painting, astronomy, fishing, hunting, crawdadding and hiking with his family. He was a lifelong learner and an enthusiastic student of life.
Bill died peacefully in Aurora, Colorado, on Feb. 15, 2024 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Kathie Powell, and their two sons, John and Will, his son, Roger Powell (Ani) and Roger’s mom, Phyllis. He will be buried at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest near his father. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider making a donation to the Gunnison Valley Education Foundation in his memory at gunnisonvalleyeducationfoundation.org.
Douglas Victor Thalmann
Doug Thalmann passed away in his home in Austin, Colorado on Jan. 20, 2024. He was 70 years old. Doug was born on Jun. 13, 1953 in Henning, Minnesota and lived there through his childhood. His family moved to Gunnison when he was young.
Doug graduated from Gunnison High School in 1971 and Western State College in 1981. He married Linda Watters in 1975 and started a family. He enjoyed playing basketball, racquetball and baseball, continuing on to play baseball in college. He also belonged to the rodeo club in college, where he rode broncs.
Doug was a skilled tradesman and an avid outdoors -
man. He loved fishing, ice fishing, deer and elk hunting, game bird hunting, trap shooting, riding his motorcycle over the Colorado mountain passes, working on cars, welding and woodworking.
After a career with City Market, he branched out, opening Doug’s Sporting Goods and putting his vast carpentry skills to work. He enjoyed using his skills to help family and friends with project builds of any size, as well as guided hunting and fishing trips for friends he met along the way. He spent his later years traveling between Colorado and Nebraska.
Doug is preceded in death by his father, Victor Thalmann and mother, Jackie Thalmann. He is survived by his brother, Randy Thalmann (Rhonda) of Hotchkiss, Colorado, his three daughters, Michelle Leflar (CB), Lindsay Gibson (Ryan) and Stefanie Sullivan (Kurt) and 10 grandchildren. A memorial for friends and family will be held by his family this summer in Gunnison.
Marie Guerrieri Leach
Marie Guerrieri Leach was born in Crested Butte on Jan. 20, 1934. She passed peacefully on Dec. 31, 2023 in Houston, Texas with her family around her. Marie grew up in Gunnison and graduated from Gunnison High School in 1952. She went on to college and graduated from Colorado State College in 1956. After marrying Carl Leach in 1958, they honeymooned and lived in Powderhorn for about a year, then spent the majority of the rest of their lives in Texas.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Gasper and Frances Guerrieri, her brother, Albert Guerrieri and her husband, Carl. She is survived by her brother, Chuck and wife, Kris, daughter, Melissa Robertson and husband, Keith, son, Brad Leach and wife, Tracee, daughter, Melanie Leach and partner, Bill, and Michelle Leach. She was a grandmother to four and a great-grandmother to five. She will live in our lives forever.
Bruce Cranor
Bruce Cranor’s obituary is lovingly written by his middle daughter and kids with the support of his other loving daughters and grandchildren.
Bruce was born in Delta, Colorado on Sept. 16, 1947 and died on Dec. 2, 2023. His dad, Sherman Cranor and mom, Edna, started the Taylor Park Resort in 1940. As a kid growing up in the mountains with bare feet and denim shorts, he had many happy adventures. At age 7, with the help of his older brother Ralph, working the pedals, he drove an old, stickshift truck piled high with his own gleaming, chopped wood. Bruce and Ralph delivered the wood to the resort cabins and picked up the silver trash cans. At a young age, Bruce learned how to work hard. In the winters, his dad stayed at the resort in Taylor Park until just before Christmas, putting up ice from the Taylor Reservoir for the next summer, then moving back down to Austin, Colorado, where his family wintered.
continued on A3
continued from A2
When an opportunity presented itself, Bruce was always willing to volunteer. As tax season approached one year, a trip was planned to retrieve the forgotten taxes from the frozen, hibernating, wintery resort. Being only 11, strapping on his man-sized snowshoes, he and his dad started at Harmels on the Taylor and embarked on a 17-mile trek up the wooded canyon. As they snowshoed up the windy canyon, the coyotes were yipping, telling each other of the snowshoers. All of a sudden, halfway up, a wolf let out its shattering howl, silencing the gossipping coyotes and standing the hairs on Bruce’s neck straight up!
As time went on and Bruce grew up, he went to four colleges, two of which were Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and Colorado State University. During that time, he took every math, geometry, calculus, trigonometry and business
Roland Roy Stuckey
Roland Roy Stuckey was born to Jordan and Ryan Stuckey of Gunnison on Jan. 12, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. He weighed 8 lbs., .5 oz. and measured 19 1/2 inches long at birth. He is welcomed by his grandparents, Randy and Karen Stuckey of Gunnison and Dan and Karen Maes of Branson, Missouri and great-grandparents, Tom and Kathryn Burge of Liberal, Kansas and Norma Tanner of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Grady Orin Gates
Grady Orin Gates was born to Cassie and Ryan Gates of Gunnison on Feb. 6, 2024 at
class available. Of course, not omitting the fun. He skied the slopes with the guys practicing on the Olympic team and met his beautiful, kind-hearted wife, Ilene. She became a part of the resort in 1967, working for the family.
After spending their first winter together as newlyweds in South Carolina in 1969, Bruce and Ilene explored Jekyll Island and traveled abroad. Bruce was offered a job as a tour guide in Europe, but declined. The couple returned back to the mountains of Taylor Park. Living there required the family, always around Thanksgiving time, to move out and find other work.
Bruce carried his father’s dream of making the place work, so he built his own house there in the spring of 1972, just in time for the arrival of his second daughter. His family could still not quite live there year-round until the winter of 1973, even though they didn’t have electricity until about 1975. They had electricity in the
11:30 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz. and measured 20 in. long at birth. He is welcomed by his grandparents, Mike and Pam Slentz of Himrod, New York, Mike and Teresa Gates of Fairplay, Colorado and greatgrandparents, Ann Gates of Loveland, Colorado, Norma Jean Goodheart of Loveland and Ann Loree of Penn Yan, New York.
Landon Reese Schumacher
Landon Reese Schumacher was born to Michelle Conway and Luke Schumacher of Almont on Feb. 7, 2024 at 8:50 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz. and measured 20 in. long at
summer months, running the big light plants, but it was too expensive to run them for just a few people in the winter.
Bruce helped his dad by digging out trees in the deep snow and harvesting them with a log chain and the only capable machine available to do the job, a Caterpillar. With the hard work came a hearty, healthy appetite. Bruce could eat a whole loaf of bread made into sandwiches by himself. Once the snow-drug logs were harvested and loaded, Bruce and his father pushed them through their sawmill, providing the necessary materials for them to build ten more cabins. His brother, Roy, helped when he wasn’t attending college or doing other college-related activities. Roy married Lynn in the summer of 1976. That year, the REA came in, providing electricity and no more dealing with the light plants. They were donated to the Gunnison
continued on A5
birth. He is welcomed by his grandparents, Mark and Mary Jo Schumacher of Almont and Lynn Reese and Mike Conway of Mukilteo, Washington.
Myra Rae Halligan
Myra Rae Halligan was born to Alex and Evan Halligan of Gunnison on Feb. 13, 2024 at 12:12 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. and measured 20.5 inches at birth. She is welcomed by her grandparents, Denise and Gerry Halligan of Arvada, Colorado and Roxie and Larry Cummings of Gunnison and great-grandparents, Velma Larson of Arvada and Claude and Greg Kielb of Malta, Montana.
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© 2023 Gunnison Country Times
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Bella Biondini Times Editor
The call always comes when you least expect it. Under an unspoken pact, my best friend and I always pick up, no matter the hour. We don’t live on the same side of the Continental Divide anymore, but the rule still stands.
It was a morning in December of 2022. My boyfriend had already left for work and it was still dark out. Or at least that’s how I remember it.
I picked up the phone. Kyle, my best friend’s brother, was dead. I choked, the air suddenly thick, hands shaking. The call was short, but I didn’t move for a long time after we hung up. I stayed in bed, pillowcase soggy, stifling my sobs so roommates wouldn’t hear.
Kyle was 22 when he died. Even though I hadn’t seen him in close to a year, I remember him best for his firecracker attitude, flashy smile and obsession with music. We were always dancing when we were together, surrounded by a huge circle of friends. It was a place where I felt like a kid again, and everything felt possible.
Fentanyl overdose. That’s how Kyle died. It was an accident, the drugs he had taken for a concert had been laced. His roommate found him the next morning. Three others were hospitalized in Vail that same weekend, likely from the same batch.
2023 Member
Editor:
Some of you may be aware that two grocery chains, Kroger and Albertsons, are attempting to merge with one another into one giant corporation.
The Federal Trade Commission, along with several state governors, have filed a lawsuit against this for obvious reasons. But how might this merging affect competition here in Gunnison and elsewhere?
My best friend was one of the first to hear about it, and had to share the news with his family. The months that followed were a roller coaster, as they tried to comprehend how life could go on.
I don’t know how to carry pain for others, but it feels like having a lead weight in the pit of your stomach. I missed the funeral because my car was in the shop, leaving me stranded 200 miles away. I mourned alone, a process that came with random fits of anxiety and outbursts that left me on the floor gasping, sleeves covered with snot. How suddenly those close to us are gone. I hold my sister tighter when I see her.
The drug crisis did not become real to me until I picked up the phone that morning. It interjects without permission and leaves ugly marks, and sometimes obituaries, behind. For some, like Kyle, it’s an accidental encounter. For others, it's a slow waltz with the devil. It lurks in the branches of family trees, haunting parents and children for generations.
The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities across the United States, and is nowhere near over. In her most recent novel “Demon Copperhead,” co-recipient of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, Barbara Kingsolver reimagines a Charles Dickens’ story, this time placed in modern-day rural America. Her characters are ensnared in the cycles of poverty and addiction — the American Dream turned upside down. In the end, it could have been anyone’s story.
“What’s an oxy, I’d asked. That November it was still a shiny new thing,” Kingsolver wrote. “OxyContin, God’s gift for the laid-off deep-hole man with
his back and neck bones grinding like bags of gravel. For the bent-over lady pulling double shifts at Dollar General with her shot knees and ADHD grandkids to raise by herself. For every football player with some of this or that torn up, and the whole world riding on his getting back in the game. This was our deliverance. The tree was shaken and yes, we did eat of the apple.”
Until we learn how to talk about, and therefore humanize the drug crisis, it will take from us. The Gunnison Valley is trying to destigmatize drug use and substance abuse disorders, recognizing that our little paradise is far from perfect. Our hands are outstretched, in hope of catching those who may be at risk of falling through the cracks. I desperately hope this continues so no more lives are lost.
Just like sexual assault and suicide, we often choose not to talk about drug addiction or overdoses within our own communties. Mainstream conversations in the media about these topics are always an overnight tragedy. The weight of fame crushes another celebrity. It’s rarely in our own neighborhoods, or at least that’s what we choose to believe.
Our staff reporter Abby Harrison recently published a three-part series about the trauma that accompanies sexual assault — stories set here, at home. It is difficult to comprehend the pain that we all carry, but these stories offered a fleeting glimpse.
After finishing the series, we received one letter to the editor amidst dozens of private, and seemingly secretive comments in passing, at the coffeeshop and in emails. Few wanted to
talk about it publicly. It was an opportunity missed.
When I told people about what happened to Kyle, some shared their own buried stories of loss. It was as if my willingness to talk about it might have opened a door, or a small window of connection. Turns out, many of us have received that unexpected phone call. No one is prepared for them.
As a 90s baby, I went through the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, where I was taught to “just say no.” It was as simple as that, as if a one-man show could win this war. According to American Addiction Centers, although the program was popular amongst school officials and politicians, it prompted fear and “War on Drugs hysteria” and ultimately failed.
The program did little to promote empathy, or prepare me for the environment many young people face today. It is natural, and I’d argue very normal, to want to experiment as kids, high schoolers and college students. Curiosity leads us to try different sports, books, art, food, drugs and music. We all experiment. I sure did.
And when I did, I didn’t base my decisions on life or death. Or understand that the solution to the drug crisis hinges on a lot more than “just saying no.” Not everyone’s choice is black and white. How was I supposed to know that I would end up on one side of the coin, and Kyle on the other.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
We will not
Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include
The deadline is Tuesday at 12
Since Albertsons owns the Safeway brand and City Market is under Kroger management, perhaps a whole lot.
My life's experience tells me that competition is a good thing for the consumer and the employee, unlike monopolies.
In 1901, then-president Theodore Roosevelt utilized the relatively new Sherman Antitrust Act to bust up the monopolies of Rockefeller's Standard Oil Co. and JP
Morgan's Northern Securities Co. railroad conglomerate. These were good things happening. The people need more competition between companies, not less.
If you're interested, please respectfully contact the headquarters of both grocery chain parties and let them know about your thoughts on their pending merger. Kroger is out of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Albertsons is based in Boise, Idaho.
Jon Matuszczak GunnisonThanks a bunch
Editor:
I would like to heartily thank the community for its support of my small, local company “Oh Be Joyful Bags,” in which I recycle river rafts that can no longer float into bags, wallets and jewelry.
Oh Be Joyful Bags began as a project for a circular economy class I was taking at Western Colorado University as a graduate student in the environmental management program (and during the pandemic pandemonium) in the spring of 2021. The goal was to create an environmentally sustainable business plan and to market it in order to demonstrate its viability. My original student-partners include Lew Price, Austin Shirley, Zack Benton and Sean Pope. As a team, we made an award-winning video garnering us a grant to attend a mostly virtual business accelerator at the ICELab on Western’s campus. Since then, we have disbanded and remain good friends. My passion and belief in Oh Be Joyful Bags propelled me to continue the business on my own. There are a few individuals I would like to thank for helping me to continue this functional and sustainable enterprise, beginning with Anne
Michel of Gunnison Gallery for seeing promise in my work and featuring me as the guest artist for February. Thank you to the board members of the Gunnison Creative District who also nominated me as their February artist of the month.
I also would like to give a big shout out to P.J. Runnels and Clare Pitcher for their technical help with my industrial sewing machine. Thank you to those who have donated their “bum” rafts so that they can avoid the landfill and still serve a purpose.
I would like to thank my partner, George Verstraete, who creates measuring templates and without whose support, I would never be able to realize this dream project. Lastly, I thank my children, Cordellia and Scarlet who inspire me to keep moving forward through the growing pains that come with being an entrepreneur.
continued from A4
Throughout this last month, I have met so many amazing and skilled Gunnison artists and I am stunned with the amount of talent we have here in our small, yet impactful town.
Sama Hunter GunnisonSneaky scammers
Editor:
Another fraud call, this one from Medicare. Ring ring hello. Hello this is Susan?
What is this call about? This is Medicare calling. Have you received your new Medicare card in the last two weeks? No.
This is your address? And she quotes my address. So she has my phone number, she has my name and she has my address. And now she wants me to go get my Medicare card so I can read off information to her. She said
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Pioneer Museum by the family.
Bruce and Ilene had three girls. The oldest was taught kindergarten and first grade in Taylor Park. When their middle daughter was old enough for kindergarten, they decided to leave the snowy valley of Taylor Park and raise their kids in the nearest Christian school. Moving to Montrose for the winters and coming back to work every summer, jobs were hard to accommodate, with frequent quitting of them every time spring came to go back to the mountains and “start-up” the resort.
During this time, Bruce found a more stable job working for Carl Woerner, owner of Frontier Log Homes in Montrose. He helped build several exquisite, beautiful log homes down Taylor Canyon at Crystal Creek. Being always familiar with a chainsaw, Bruce would saw out the window log bucks freehanded and perfectly level.
After being gone from Taylor Park for seven winters, three out of those seven being whole years, Bruce was offered a third of Frontier Log Homes, now a well-growing company. At the same time, his dad’s business, the Taylor Park Trading Post, was in the red. Not wanting to see it go further downhill, Bruce had a decision to make. Weighing the pros and cons and being a strong family man, he decided to return to Taylor Park in 1983, working again for the resort. Having more time to spend with his wife and kids and keeping his dad’s dream alive was more important to him.
By the time his youngest was two, Bruce and his wife’s God-gifted creativity and loving hands added on to the Taylor Park dream with a gift shop and the idea of an R.V. park, along with other details. Their goal was to make the resort a peaceful (in soul) place for people to get a reprieve from the hecticness of life. Filling the days there was always entertaining,
she’ll wait while I go get my card.
I put my phone down and proceeded to get out of bed, dressed and fed the cat and finally I just turned my phone off. It immediately rang again, and it was her. I sent it to voicemail.
I googled why Medicare would be sending me a new card. Google said Medicare would not send me a new card at this time, that it was fraud and that they were being very persistent.
At about this time my phone rang again, and it was the same woman. I told her I wasn’t answering any questions and hung up. No more calls.
The other interesting thing about this whole series of events is that the three phone calls were from the same person. But they were three different phone numbers, so obviously from a call center. If these people spend as much time pursuing legal endeavors, they’d have a much more satisfactory life.
from pulling people out of the mud to rescuing them from the mountaintop shale roads to midnight snowmobile rescue rides made up of willing volunteers to putting out spontaneous fires in Tin Cup and abroad in the forested valley.
Being an excellent, freehanded marksman, Bruce loved elk hunting with family and friends, creating lots of fond memories. When packing out the elk, he would just throw the hindquarters over his shoulders. He made and ventured first on several mountain roads with his Willys Jeep, later enjoying the roads in shock-absorbing blazers. Every spring, when the roads melted out from the snowy winter, if he came across a mountain jeeping road that needed help, he would stop and repair it so the water wouldn’t wash it away.
Bruce had an easy-going personality and many friends, from President Carter, who signed and gave him a book, to the drunken bum he pulled off the street and invited into his home to spend the night out of the cold, to snowmobiling to the top of Pearl Pass with Malcom Smith. He was a respecter of people and treated each as an individual.
Bruce loved and taught his kids fishing, especially in the spring and fall, when there was more time. Sometimes, his love of fishing got him into exciting adventures, like building a raft on Taylor Reservoir. Bruce was younger at the time, and J.D. Herman, who ran the boat dock, rescued him and his buddies from going over the spillway. As soon as they were safely rescued, they watched their makeshift raft plunge over the spillway, crashing into pieces at the bottom.
When Bruce was older, after being married, his love of fish drove him into convincing his buddies to go rafting down the dangerous waters of the Black Canyon. Only one out of his group of friends, Tom Canning, dared to go with him more than once for that wild ride, enjoying
I just want people to know that they are still out there, trying to get our money and being very sneaky about it.
Susan Crawford GunnisonAirport parking policy stinks
Editor:
Although the new GunnisonCrested Butte Regional airport is stellar in many ways, the parking policy stinks. Free parking for 30 minutes? Great! But if you happen to stay for 31 or 32 minutes, the charge immediately jumps to a full $8 for the day.
If you want to encourage people to use the parking lot, a graduated sum — say, $1 for an hour — would do that. The current policy serves only as a deterrent.
Kathie Turner Mt. Crested Buttethe thrill.
Bruce’s love of photography inspired him to hike with his brother to the top of Park Cone in the middle of winter to catch the rising of the sun and the setting of the moon, all in one picture. Always enjoying hiking, his favorite mountain climbing adventure was Ice Mountain. Before the age of 21, he and two of his friends shimmied up to the top of Ice Mountain. Wearing only his All-Star shoes, Bruce was one of the brave few who actually made it to the real top. Truly climbing Ice Mountain consisted of one foot standing on the top with no room left to stand, looking straight down the 1,700 foot sheer drop. This adventure made him the 92nd person to sign the register that had been there since 1923.
Bruce had a passion for hiking to the tops of mountains. Whenever he reached the top of one, he would say, “Now this is living!” As for living for eternity, Bruce would have wanted to share that the most important part of his life was having a personal relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Life is simple, with only two paths to choose from: Jesus Christ, which leads to all of his promises and eternal life in heaven, or Satan, which leads to destruction and eternal death in hell. “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him…” Psalm 8:4. And yet, God does care about us so much that he gave his son, Jesus Christ, “That whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
It’s not by our righteousness or unrighteousness that we go to hell or heaven, but by asking Jesus to come into our hearts or choosing to reject him — forever choosing our eternal destination. Choose the best life, it’s a short ride. God loves us so much. He gave us this life.
amphetamine and fentanyl rose, in most cases, by nearly double. Methamphetamine was the most prevalent drug found in the community in the early to mid 2000s. But over the past couple of years, the amount of fentanyl in Gunnison has “skyrocketed,” said Gunnison patrol officer and canine handler Chris Isham.
Police seized more than 2,000 individual fentanyl pills last year. Most originated from a string of large drug busts following long-term investigations and “agency assists,” when one local law enforcement agency helps another. Beno, the police department’s K9, aided officers during many drug-related investigations.
Fentanyl, a type of synthetic opioid, can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The potent drug is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States. Overdoses involving opioids killed more than 80,000 people in 2021, most of those losses due to synthetic opioids.
Many people who deal drugs in the valley struggle with addiction and sell to support their habits, Isham said. As a result, the amount of fentanyl sold in the valley is less than in a larger city. Most seizures only result in a few pills at a time.
Through the introduction of Naloxone, which goes by the name brand “Narcan,” Gunnison Valley health officials and educators are fighting the stigma of drug use and substance abuse disorders. Narcan is a nasal spray that can be used to treat narcotic overdoses in emergency situations. It’s been distributed in local schools, where older students, alongside teachers, have been taught how to use it.
As opioids become more potent, users enter a cycle that can be difficult to break without treatment. Over time, the body can also build up a tolerance to Narcan, making it less effective during an emergency. Narcan alone is a temporary solution for a growing problem that stretches across the country. Local organizations have recognized this and are building a support network aimed at preventing kids from using drugs and helping those struggling with addiction.
‘Taking a chance’
There are two types of fentanyl. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, typically after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Most overdoses are linked to illegally-synthesized fentanyl. Opioids like fentanyl are highly addictive, even after short-term use, and produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Fentanyl can be distributed as a powder, where it looks like many other street drugs, or in pill form. It is not unusual to lace other drugs, like heroin,
cocaine and methamphetamine, with fentanyl to make them more addictive. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless they are tested.
“The problem is the unknown and what's added in those pills … You’re just taking the chance,” said Gunnison Police Department Patrol Sergeant Joe Engleman.
In Gunnison, the police department has mostly found fentanyl in its pill form. Often, the “little blue pills” officers come across are meant to look like Oxycodone, another kind of opioid.
Most of the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office interactions with drugs are at the jail. In the last year, a body scanner at the entrance has led to hundreds of pills confiscated from incoming detainees, some of them fentanyl. It’s common for people to come into jail high or drunk and have to detox in a holding cell before they can be released, Sheriff Adam Murdie said. Last year, the office contracted with Gunnison Valley Health to have a nurse come by and provide care to the inmates. But that contract has not been renewed for 2024.
The data regarding drug seizures can be difficult to track. Sheriff’s deputies often find pills or illicit drugs when they’re called out for other incidents, such as domestic violence calls or traffic stops, Murdie said. The office had to give away its K9 last year when her handler quit. A K9 increases the likelihood an officer could find drugs at a scene.
All Gunnison police officers carry Narcan, and many of the tenured officers have used it multiple times, Isham said. It’s been quieter in the wider county. Murdie said he doesn’t know of a single sheriff’s deputy that’s had to use Narcan on the job in the last year. Most overdoses occur within city limits, and are handled by Gunnison or Crested Butte law enforcement.
When officers seize fentanyl,
users have Narcan with them nearly three quarters of the time, Isham said. While having the drug on-hand can reduce users’ risk, sometimes the treatment doesn’t last as long as the effect of the drug. Users can go right back into an overdose state just hours later.
“Realistically, I don’t think we’re going to stop [the drug crisis] at this point,” Isham said. “What we’re trying to do is slow it as best we can with the resources we have.”
A community-wide network
Narcan has been widely distributed in the Gunnison Valley over the past couple of years and can be found in the Gunnison Watershed School District, at Western Colorado University and in the hands of bus drivers, bartenders and emergency responders.
Members of Gunnison County Juvenile Services and the GRASP consortium, a group emphasizing harm reduction, treatment, recovery and prevention for substance use disorder across all age groups, led the effort.
The group has been giving trainings around the community since 2019 and has distributed more than 1,000 doses of the life-saving drug. According to data collected by Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes, there were two overdose-related deaths in 2023, compared to four each year in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
The school district brought Narcan into local schools two years ago, not just for the safety of the student body, but for everyone on campus — including parents, faculty and visitors. Narcan stays stocked in each schools’ health room in the case of an emergency. At the Gunnison Community School, a lockbox with Narcan sits next to a case with an automated external defibrillator.
“Drugs are in our community and we’re realistic about knowing that it’s there … By carrying it around, all you're ever going to do is save somebody’s life,” district nurse Sherilyn Skokan
said. “When you put it in that light, people see it differently than something that would encourage substance use.”
Over the last three years, the number of students using, possessing or selling controlled substances (other than marijuana) on school grounds has remained low. The district’s disciplinary records show fewer than 20 suspensions related to drugs over the last three years. No overdoses have been reported.
The district is also trying to prevent drug use through education and harm reduction practices. Students, who are naturally curious and often open to experimentation, are taught to be aware of the potential dangers of substance use — especially when they purchase something they think is safe.
“The lesson we want to emphasize is, ‘don't go into this thinking you’re invincible and nothing's going to happen,’” Skokan said. “But things can happen. Best case scenario, you choose not to experiment. But if you do, make sure it’s in the safest way possible.”
Each week, sixth and ninth graders participate in the “Owning Up” program, offered by Alex Stefan at the high schools, and by William Powell at the middle school. Both work as social-emotional learning coordinators for Juvenile Services. The purpose of the program is to support conversations about taboo, or difficult subjects, said Director Kari Commerford.
“What does it mean to have self respect? What does it mean to respect your friends? What's a healthy relationship?” Commerford said.
Roughly 560 students are enrolled in Choice Pass program, offered by the Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP), a coalition promoting healthy youth and families by increasing risk prevention. The pass offers local kids discounted recreation opportunities and wellness events in exchange for a pledge to stay substance use
free.
Outside of the schools, resources for those grappling with substance use disorder have increased. In the last year, Gunnison’s first-ever sober living home opened, a new mindfulness-in-recovery support group started and locals can now work with a Spanishspeaking AAA facilitator.
The county continues to push for more prevention and treatment opportunities through GCSAPP’s community coalition. The groups’ biggest push in 2023 was to focus on harm reduction and distribute Narcan, said county health educator Kyle Tibbett.
“We were worried for a long time and had a lot of conversations about, ‘Is the community ready for this?’ … There was never any group, even a small group, opposed to it,” Tibbett said.
GRASP is now looking to expand the workforce for those focused on substance use disorder, which includes therapists, peer support specialists and school-based clinicians — many of whom are already at capacity.
“We need more providers,” Commerford said. “That's part of the tricky piece. As you decrease stigma and increase people's desire to access care, and don't have individuals providing services … That’s where we’re lacking.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
expected to be finished by the end of the year. The Times sat down with Park to learn more about what will come next.
(Editor’s note: This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.)
What is your arts background?
I'm not an artist. That's probably shocking for people. When I was in graduate school, I wanted to find more ways for professional and applied anthropology. I applied for an internship at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and got it. That launched me into the world of museum management. My master's thesis focused on the concept of the intersections of art and social justice. And tied into all of that, the concepts around not just individual memory, but collective memory. That really coalesced for me in the museum world, because museums are record keepers for communities.
Why is having a healthy arts community important in a rural area like Gunnison?
Art can be a way for us to address or look at things that can be more difficult emotionally to process. Art enables us to process different points of view, and to understand that the multitude of perspectives can be valid, rather than black and white. Art also opens up those conversations and encourages interactions amongst diverse community members. I know there may be differences in opinion on aesthetics, but overall, we're all here because we appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and the beauty
that's in our lives. And artists create and capture that for us in so many ways.
What is your plan to get the Arts Center back on its feet after renovations are finished?
One of our very first priorities is to put out a survey so we can best understand what the needs, wishes and desires of the community are for the space, and for our events and programs. We want to be the heart of the community, and the heart of the arts. But we need input.
There's so many opportunities. Everything is art, right? Whether it's furniture, the clothing we're wearing, the art on our walls or the music we're listening to. There's so many ways to incorporate things like STEM, color theory and more into our programming.
Everyone who's been working on the renovation process for nearly a decade has done an incredible job of designing that space so it can be flexible. We've got a kitchen for culinary classes, the dance space and a new theater soon to come. I have been set up by all my predecessors, and everyone who's ever worked at the GAC has propelled this organization into this new chapter. They have set us up for success to cover many different kinds of art so that we can be flexible and responsive to the community's needs.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
MARCH 1, 2024
5-7 P.M.
Join us for an evening of clay, creativity and conversation! Art in Action- we will be demonstrating how to make colorful clay tiles. Enjoy new oil paintings by Karolina Szumilas, Ceramic Work by Kit Webbski and Kristin Gruenberger and Mixed Media by Boo Radford.
133 E. Tomichi Ave.
For Mental Health Awareness month the GAC features Eva Paul’s series “Making Sense of the Subtle”. Eva utilizes color, shape, negative space, and intention as tools to self-reflect to make sense of life’s subtleties.
Dylan De’Arman’s series “Natures Portals” is also on view!
102 S Main Street
Featuring “My Own Wild Backyard” photography by DAPHNE FIEDLER, WCU Alumni. She is inspired by the sheer beauty of Gunnison and the curiously charming wildlife that surrounds us. Enjoy Live Music by JENNY HILL & LIZZY PLOTKIN and homemade appetizers for a fun evening.
124 N. Main Street
Come join us at Blue Mesa Music for live music from 5-7 p.m. featuring singer/songwriter Anna Coburn. We will also feature custom woodworking and electrified furniture created by Aaron Hobart.
132 N. Main Street
Vienna, Austria, Peace Museum hosted a conference and a call for Peace posters with over 289 submissions. The posters on exhibit and the award-winning posters that caused one to reflect and pause about what we can do for Peace on a daily basis.
235 N. Main Street
Please join the WCU Art Department in celebrating their Spring 2024 Graduating BFA Seniors: Dominick Cardile, Anna Montalbano, and Sabina Tamburrino
Brought to you by the Gunnison Creative District gunnisoncreativedistrict.org
Following a string of threats to university administrators, Western Colorado University was granted an extreme risk protection order, or ERPO.
Gunnison County Court Judge Ashley Burgemeister granted the protection order at a hearing on Feb. 22 following nearly four hours of witness testimony and evidence review. Western, petitioning as the Board of Trustees, had to prove that the person poses a serious threat to himself or others by having a firearm.
ERPOs were first enacted by the Colorado legislature in 2019. The law allows a petitioner to ask the court to remove a person’s ability to possess, control, purchase or receive a firearm for a period of a year. If the order is granted, the respondent has to surrender all firearms and any concealed carry permits.
The law was amended last year to specifically allow educators to pursue ERPOs. This is the first ERPO that’s been granted to a Colorado public institution of higher education, according to Lawrence Pacheco, chief
communications officer for the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
Western Director of Campus Security Dashown Wilson received word at the end of January from an out-of-state victim’s advocate that someone had made threats of violence against the university. He then informed Dean of Students Gary Pierson and the Gunnison Police Department.
Public safety psychologist and threat assessment expert John Nicoletti was called as a witness in the ERPO hearing. Nicoletti testified that a series of emails admitted as evidence indicate an escalation in concerning behaviors. He stated that the individual was in a “reactive” state and was becoming more disruptive to certain people around him.
On Jan. 25, he was made “persona non grata,” meaning he’s not allowed to set foot on campus. Western President Brad Baca sent out three campus-wide emails identifying the individual and warning students that anyone seeing him should call 911. The university also increased campus safety patrols and asked Gunnison Police Department to do the same.
(The Times chose to withhold further details of the threats and the respondent’s name to avoid escalating the situation. The respondent currently has a permanent address in town, according to the ERPO petition.)
Baca also convened a team
of two senior cabinet members, Western’s director of security, legal counsel and a member of the police department to collect and assess information about risks posed to the campus community, Western Provost Jess Young wrote in an email to the Times . This team is currently reviewing the existing emergency operations and communication plans.
Wilson has attended national safety trainings and works
closely with the Gunnison Police Department, Young said. The campus community has received training for active shooter preparedness, and has scheduled tests for the emergency communication system.
Last summer, the university launched Western Safe, an app that allows community members to see a list of emergency contact numbers and have the ability to report suspicious behavior or request a security
escort on campus.
“When we believe that there is elevated risk, we request additional police presence on and around the campus and communicate to all students, staff and faculty to be vigilant,” Young said.
A hearing to review the ERPO is scheduled in Gunnison County Court on Nov. 22, 2024.
organizations approach the board with collaborative housing projects, said local housing consultant Willa Williford.
This is not the first time the school district has considered whether, and how, to obtain affordable housing for its employees. It started the conservation several years ago, and then purchased a duplex in Crested Butte. But housing prices have continued to rise, while vacant positions remain unfilled.
The school district hired Williford last year to survey the nearly 300 district employees about their housing situations and preferences. She found that a large number of teachers and faculty have reached, or are approaching, retirement age — with many likely to phase out in the next five years. To adjust, the district will need to recruit 70 to 80 new employees. Few will be able to afford housing in the Gunnison Valley’s market.
Using the survey results as a baseline, Williford put together the school district’s first housing action plan, which will act as a guide for the next five years. She presented a draft to the school board during a regular meeting on Feb. 12. The school district will collect feedback from its employees and the community at two open houses scheduled for the first week of March.
A working group — composed of a mixture of school board members, the superintendent and faculty — started the planning process in October. The draft outlines partnerships that could help the
school district both develop and pay for housing projects, as well as possible locations to build.
Although price points are a moving target, the group settled on the construction of 15 to 20 new housing units split between Gunnnison and Crested Butte. If the board approves the plan this spring, the district will identify a project manager with the goal of building new housing between 2025 and 2026.
Williford described the goal as both “aspirational and realistic.”
“We know this is a resource intensive proposition,” Williford said. “And we also know that the need is quite a lot more than this.”
Duplexes, triplexes and townhouses are the preferred housing type, with a priority set on building for those with a salary below the 140% area median income ($105,000 or less for a two-person household). Singlefamily homes and apartments would be considered based on location and cost.
The plan advises the school board to set aside up to $2.5 million from its capital spending budget for housing projects over the next five years. Williford also suggested the district explore “certificates of participation.” This is a financing tool many mountain town school districts are using to build that allows districts to repay loans with rent from tenants.
The district owns 11 pieces of land that comprise about 77 acres in Gunnison County, most located in the City of Gunnison. The working group looked at the district’s entire inventory of vacant land and found three “promising” parcels.
The former bus barn lot,
a half acre parcel across from Gunnison High School, could be developed and is in a residential neighborhood. The southeast corner of the Gunnison Community School has a vacant area adjacent to apartment buildings. While the 23-acre Gunnison High School lot is dominated by school buildings, a parking lot and sports fields, Williford said there’s an opportunity to build on the northwest corner of the property.
“It is not a foregone conclusion that we need to use district land for these efforts,” Williford said. “But we didn't want the plan to omit that option.”
School board member Jody Coleman said the school district should be cautious about how to promote equity amongst its new and established employees.
“I want to be fair to every employee … I know there is resentment out there, that ‘I got mine, you go get yours,’” Coleman said.
Board treasurer Mark VanderVeer said he wanted to make sure any debt the school district incurs to build could be paid back without risk. The district’s reserves are projected to drop over time, and he worried about meeting the salary needs of school employees, he said.
“It's a sizable amount of money to get into this,” VanderVeer said. “It is a sizable project to manage … I need to understand a lot more to think that getting into the housing business is the right thing to do for the school district.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Former Gunnison High School German teacher Frau Tredway introduces German phrases to third grade students. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
We also have a private meeting room that can be booked for small groups!
Local organizations working to sustain the Gunnison Valley’s recreation opportunities have access to just over $727,000 in grants this year from the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec).
The grant program, revamped in 2023, has supported travel soccer tournaments, African dance programs, avalanche education and more. MetRec budgeted nearly $200,000 more for grants this year than last. Board members discussed this year’s grant cycle at a regular meeting on Jan. 31.
tion of its tax revenue in reserves this year, as it did last year, to save resources for capital projects down the line. The grant deadline is March 15, and the district’s board will award grants at a meeting May 29.
MetRec is trying to make the grant process more competitive this year by boosting the overall money available, Nehrenberg said. Last year, the district budgeted over $50,000 more for grants than it ended up awarding.
All the grants require a 50-75% match from the applicant — but only 10% of which must be in up-front cash. The rest can be accounted for in staff time, grants or in-kind donations, said board president Loren Ahonen.
26. Last year’s grant recipients included Gunnison High School Soccer, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Gunnison Trails, the Adaptive Sports Center and the Crested Butte Botanic Gardens.
Per the ballot language that approved the tax increase, MetRec can hold as little as 30% or as high as 60% of the north subdistrict’s annual property taxes in capital reserves. This year, the district is holding 58% of the grant award funds in capital reserves to save for capital projects. At the end of 2024, MetRec expects to have just over $1.3 million in capital reserves.
mugs: $10
Hats: $20
T-SHIRTS: $20
Hoodies: $40
“It's impressive how organizations are not asking for the world, but just asking for a little bit of help, so they can execute their missions, and do a better job,” said District Manager Derrick Nehrenberg.
The grant money is budgeted from both district and North Subdistrict tax collections. Property taxes reached a new high last year in Gunnison County, with a total assessed value breaking $1 billion. And in 2022, Gunnison Valley voters approved ballot measure 6B, which added an additional two mills for property owners in the North Subdistrict. As a result, MetRec’s overall revenue went from just over $1.8 million in 2023 to $2.4 million this year.
The district then overhauled the program by consolidating its various funding opportunities into three buckets: capital improvements, nonprofit operations and community collaboration.
The district will hold a por-
For example, a $100,000 capital grant project (which requires a 75% match) would require $75,000 from the organization, bringing MetRec’s contribution to $25,000. The high match requirement, but lower immediate cash investment, is meant to encourage projects that are already “leveraged” in the community, Nehrenberg said.
The district will continue to offer two multi-year grant programs, meant to provide more regular funding streams for organizations that face the annual challenge of re-applying for grants just to stay afloat. The multi-year operations grants are now capped at $150,000 annually, instead of $100,000 in 2023.
Applicants for multi-year grants must have been previously funded by MetRec and are required to submit a three-year strategic plan. The organizations must put up a 75% match for the project in question.
“In my opinion, a relatively high match requirement for large capital investment makes sense,” Ahonen said. “So we're not leaving it sitting in some sort of capital fund, which we have seen in the past — waiting for something to happen.”
The district received 30 applications in 2023, and funded
“We need to push as much into reserve as possible while we do the planning because we know that as soon as we start funding big grants, we're going to be exhausting these funds pretty quickly,” said board member Earl Marshall.
In May of 2023, the district embarked on creating a valleywide master recreation plan, which aims to shape the future of recreation along the Hwy. 135 corridor. The district is building its reserves to be able to take on projects in the future, after master planning is complete.
The district set aside $200,000 for the process, all out of this year’s budget. The district will select a contractor at its Feb. 28 meeting, with the goal of starting the planning process in March, Nehrenberg said.
“We've been building the foundation to get to this critical thing for the community for a while. It's exciting to be here … MetRec is looking forward to engaging the community. It’s going to take a village to figure out what we want to do together,” Nehrenberg said.
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Bella Biondini Times Editor
On Monday, Feb. 26, emergency responders received a report of a fatal snowmobile accident near Crested Butte. According to Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes, the
victim was not a Gunnison Valley local.
The accident was reported via Garmin inReach at around 4 p.m. in Splain’s Gulch, approximately 5 miles up Kebler Pass. Crested Butte Search and Rescue and deputies from the Mt. Crested Butte Police Department responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders determined a 49-year-old man had died at the scene of
the accident. Another person was injured and transported by ambulance. Crested Butte SAR confirmed that an avalanche did not cause the accident. The investigation is still ongoing and no further details were available by press time.
(Source: Gunnison County Sheriff's Office.)
submissions will be waived for all moose statewide.
Gray wolves and coyotes: How to spot the differences
hunting statistics web page contains information from previous draws to help hunters maximize their draw potential. Important information for hunters to take note of this season includes:
Nonresident license allocation modified
Big-game license allocations for bear, deer, elk and pronghorn have been modified from 65% for residents and 35% for nonresidents, to 75% for residents and 25% for nonresidents for most hunt codes. Highdemand hunt codes remain at 80% for residents, and 20% for nonresidents.
Mandatory testing for chronic wasting disease
In 2024, CPW will require mandatory submission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) test samples (heads) from all deer harvested during rifle seasons from specific hunt codes. There will be no charge for mandatory testing. If a hunter is not selected for mandatory testing, but wants to know whether their harvested deer or elk has CWD, they can submit their animal's head and pay a $25 fee. In 2024, testing fees for voluntary
Be aware that gray wolves are now another one of the more than 960 wildlife species on the Colorado landscape. Coyotes and gray wolves can look similar from a distance, so CPW created a handout to help hunters spot the differences. It can be viewed at cpw.state.co.us.
In Colorado, gray wolves are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and state law. Penalties for illegally killing a gray wolf can vary and can include fines up to $100,000, jail time and loss of hunting privileges.
Plan your hunt
For questions about setting up accounts, planning hunts or applying for licenses, call center agents and hunt planners are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 303.297.1192. Hunting resources are available at cpw.st ate. co.us/bg. Be sure to read the “What’s New” pages in CPW’s big game brochure and the sheep and goat brochure to get a full list of game management unit specific changes for 2024.
CPW harvest data from 20232024 will not be available until mid-March. License quotas will not be finalized until the May 2024 Commission meeting after staff are finished analyzing data from population surveys.
(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)
TOMICHI CREEK PROPERTIES
Several home sites with beautiful locations in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to Gunnison. Panoramic mountain and valley views, Tomichi Creek meanders through this gated community that also features ponds, open space, and natures bounty. Nearby recreation opportunities galore with golfing, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, world class downhill skiing and prime fishing less than an hour from your property. A wonderful place for you to enjoy your custom home and its slice of paradise. Priced from $299,000 to $429,000. Call Matt to set up your appointment to see this fine property.
Matt Robbins, CRS, GRI Monarch Realty, Inc. 970-596-0715 matt@monarchrlty.com
Have you thought about your IRA contribution? What about your Health Savings Account?
Gunnison Savings and Loan can help
Call 970.641.2171 or visit us at gunnisonsl.com
303 N. Main St., Gunnison
Abby
As the world races to extract more lithium in the name of a greener future, the Gunnison Valley may be the location of one of Colorado’s only active commercial lithium mines.
Samples from a lithium mining project near Pitkin produced promising results after a summer of field testing in 2023. The company is now waiting on more geochemical testing to decide where to drill. The valuable ore, hidden in rock called pegmatite beneath the valley’s sagebrush, is used to make rechargeable lithium-ion batteries — powering everything from cars to mobile phones.
“You only get so many tries at drilling holes, so we want to make sure we put them in the right place.”
Robert Shafer United Lithium Corp.
The “Patriot Project” is owned by the Canadian company United Lithium Corp. United staked the claims at the end of 2022, the first step in a years-long sampling and permitting process. The company has two other lithium pegmatite projects in the U.S., one in South Dakota and another in an undisclosed state. Like Patriot, they are on public lands.
If the project proceeds, it could be the first commercial lithium setups in Colorado, and one of only a few in the United States. The company is “highly encouraged” to begin a maiden drilling campaign, said Scott Eldridge, United’s president and CEO in a September 2023 press release.
United planned to begin drilling this spring, but the timeline has been drawn out. The company’s attention for the last several months has been pulled overseas following encouraging results from a lithium project in Sweden. And, lithium prices around the world dropped dramatically in 2023, pushing
the company into a more careful approach for the local project, said United board member Robert Schafer.
“Raising additional funds to do work on all the projects is a little more challenging than it was a year ago,” Shafer said. “ … Rather than shot-gunning things, we want to be judicious with where we focus our energy.”
The company announced in September of last year that it found 15 pegmatite formations, a coarse-textured rock usually with large, interlocking crystals, that contained lithium. Nine of those 15 are new discoveries, and the remaining six were identified from work carried out by the U.S. Geological Survey during and immediately after WWII.
If the project receives a green light, United plans to use a core drilling method to obtain the lithium. The drill holes would be about 300 to 500 feet deep, and three inches in diameter. About a quarter to half an acre would be disturbed around any given hole, Shafer said. Those areas must later be reclaimed.
United hopes to drill mostly near existing roads, but the process will still require creating small, flat areas for the drills to sit on.
“You only get so many tries at drilling holes, so we want to make sure we put them in the right place,” Shafer said.
United secured the area, a 25-square-kilometer “land position,” at the end of 2022. The project includes nearly 300 lode claims between Parlin and Ohio City. A lode claim is a portion of valuable, mineralized rock with well-defined boundaries. Those lode claims are spread across public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
A United team did a combination of a mapping and rock chip sampling in the summer of 2023. They collected hundreds of samples, which revealed that some of the pegmatite deposits could be financially viable.
Should the company decide to move forward, it will have to submit applications to both the county, the state and the federal government in order to obtain proper permits. United has yet to submit these documents to the Forest Service or BLM.
More sampling and testing will occur this summer, Shafer said. The timeline for submitting permits is yet to be decided.
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
1105 N Pine St., MLS #810392, $845,000. Welcome to your dream home in the picturesque Van Tuyl Village subdivision! This brand-new, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property is a testament to modern design and quality craftsmanship. As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open and inviting kitchen-dining area, adorned with cherry cabinets and equipped with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The tiled shower and bathtub add a touch of luxury to the bathrooms, while the master bedroom boasts its own oasis with a reading nook or small office space. The 2-car detached garage features 8-foot doors and 10-foot ceilings inside, providing ample space for your vehicles and storage needs. The extra space above the garage, accessible via exterior stairs, presents exciting opportunities. Whether you need additional storage or dream of an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the potential is yours to explore with City of Gunnison approval. Don’t miss the chance to make this new construction your forever home. Contact us now to schedule a viewing and witness the epitome of contemporary living!
216 Lochleven Lane, MLS #804508, $875,000, 3-Bedroom 2-Bathroom 1,988 sqft, built in 1985, and with1.056 acres with attached car garage. Well built home situated in the beautiful little Homestead Subdivision in Almont. Sit on your large front deck and revel in the views up the East River Valley. Located just 10 min from Gunnison and 20 min from CB, you are centrally located to enjoy the activities the area has to offer from world class fishing, rafting and hiking to snowmobiling and skiing. This 2 story home has its main living area on the top floor with a large open kitchen/ dining living room area with a wood stove that keeps the top floor nice and warm. This area is a great space to gather and entertain as you take in the views surrounding the property. The property also has a sunroom that can be accessed from the second level or has 2 separate entrances from the exterior. There is a 1 car oversized attached garage and located next to the garage is a very large storage room/closet for all of your storage needs. The home has a lot of deck area on the outside for outdoor entertaining or to casually relax and take in the many different views. Almont is a quaint small town with 2 restaurants/bars located within minutes from the property. There is a free bus that runs up and down the valley from Gunnison to CB with a stop located in Almont.
413 W New York MLS #805945 2125 sqft 1 bathroom Commercial Retail $525,000
Perfect Opportunity to Move a Business and/or a Start a New Business with great past history of tenants using the retail storefront i.e for nail/salon, daycare, mechanical auto body, pet/animal feed and accessories-retail and granite-retail/distribution to name a few. The property consists of about 1500 sqft of retail space with storefront access to New York and a half bathroom that is easily accessible for staff and customers to use. An added bonus is having an attached garage with about 625 sqft with an overhead garage bay. The garage could be a storage facility or part of business operations. The property has 5 parking spaces and close to Safeway and the new location of 5 Bs. A growing and upcoming neighborhood. Don’t miss this opportunity contact the listing agent to schedule a showing.
970.641.4880
129 EAST TOMICHI AVENUE GUNNISONREALESTATEANDRENTALS.
Gunnison Trails would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate and give back to our trails at this year’s Winter Blast! A special thanks to our event sponsor Bluebird Real Estate, Rae Anglen, Jennifer Swift, WCU student volunteers, and our Board of Directors without whom this event wouldn’t be possible. Thanks as always to Gary Pierson, WCU Conference Services and Sodexo for their continued support. Cheers to High Alpine Brewing Company and Wet Grocer for supplying the adult beverages. And most of all, a massive thank you to the numerous businesses that donated top-notch items for our silent auction. Trails are an important resource for the Gunnison Valley, connecting residents and visitors with our extraordinary public lands. Gunnison Trails works tirelessly to maintain our local trails and educate trail users on all matters related to responsible recreation. And we couldn’t do it without the continued support of our members and business partners. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to continue our mission. Visit gunnisontrails.org to receive the latest news, up-to-date trail info and to learn about trail work days and how to get your hands dirty.
1880 Tapas & Spirits, Abracadabra, Acli-mate, All Sports Replay, Artisan Rugs, Backcountry Cafe, Beacon Guidebooks, Bikepacking.com, Black Tie Ski Rental, Blue Mesa Music, Bodysong Therapeutic Massage, Bramble & Bloom, Buckel Winery, Calder Farm, CB Interative Massage, Chopwood Merchantile, Christy's Sports, Colorado Laser Spa, Core, Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, Crested Butte MTB Association, Crested Butte Nordic Center, Critter Mountain Wear, Dave Kozlowski Photography, Dave Wiens, Debby Phelps, Deirdre Jones Jewelry, Dog Cabin Resort, Double Shot Cyclery, Elk Mountain Lodge, Embroidered Sportswear Company, Ergon, Exposing The Light, Family Vision Center, Favor the Kind, Fullmer's Ace Hardware, Gene Taylor's, Goodday Bikes + Curiosity Bags, Gunnison Country Shopper, Gunnison Country Times, Gunnison Gallery, Gunnison Liquor, Gunnison Recreation Center, Gunnison Vitamin Health Food Store, High Alpine Brewing Company, High Attitude Dance Academy, iRepair of Gunnison, Jenny Smith Coaching, Jimmy Faust, Jitter Juice Coffee, JJ's Jeep, Keating Wood Floors, KNS Reps (Kirk Haskell), Kooler Garage Doors, Mabuhay, Mario's Pizza, Matt Burt Photography, Michael Kugler, Monarch Mountain, Monkey Goats, Mountain Flyer Magazine, Mountain Spirits Liquors, Off Center Designs, Paradox Footwear, Parker Pastures, Patcharee's Kitchen, Pawsitively Native , Pfister's Handworks, Pivot Cycles, Pooh's Corner, Precision Automotive, Primal Wear, Rim Tours, Rock-n-Roll, Rocky Mountain Rose, ROMP Skis, Rooted Apothecary, Roshambo, Ryce Asian Bistro, Sage Mountain Bike Instruction, Spa La La, Steel Hand Fabrications, Stumbling Moose Lodge, TekNikul Bags, The Dilly Deli, The Dive, Three Rivers Resort, Toggery Elevated, Tomichi Cycles, Tractor Supply, Trailhead Childrens Museum, Treads-N-Threads, Tributary Coffee Roasters, Vermont Sticky, WCU Bookstore, WCU Field House, Western Lumber, Western Pilates, Wet Grocer, Wood Product Signs.
Steve Schechter, like many climate activists, lived his life in a way that would leave as small of an impact on the natural world as possible. But in doing so, he left an outsized positive impact on the lives of those around him. The example of sustainable living that Schechter set continues to inspire his community even after his passing.
Schechter, 72, died in December with his family by his side. In life, he left no environmental advocacy opportunity untouched. Schechter had his hands in everything from the conservation of public lands with Crested Butte’s High Country Conservation Advocates (CHCCA) and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District to working towards energy efficiency with the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA). He was a regular at city council meetings, where he’d scold councilors for omitting climate change from their policy considerations.
As a construction contractor, he championed energy-efficient design in projects with his company Heron Construction and Mountain Solar Design and in the two homes that he built for himself and his family. He never hesitated to share the harvest from his home garden, donating hundreds of pounds of food to Mountain Roots Food Project each year and preparing meals for his community.
“He stood up for what he believed in and he pulled no punches,” said Sue Navy, HCCA board president. “He liked feeding people and taking care of the earth — he tried really hard to make positive change. That’s who he was.”
In 2016, Schechter submitted
a design to a sustainable architectural design competition held by Habitat for Humanity. Impressed by his expertise and his passion for building with local materials and solar, Habitat Executive Director Julie Robinson convinced Schechter to join the board of directors.
Schechter pushed the board to use straw bale insulation and solar power in their annual building projects, Robinson said. Before his addition to the board, there wasn’t enough support to force the decision through.
Combined with solar energy’s increasing affordability and newly-available home insurance for straw bale housing, Schechter’s nudges eventually tipped the scale. His spirited advocacy for net-zero building practices led Robinson and other board members to coin the phrase “going Schechter.”
“He really wanted people to ‘get it’ and pay attention to their actions, and how their carbon footprint affects the whole world,” Robinson said. “Steve was one of those guys who walked the walk. He wasn’t just saying ‘go green,’ he actually built green.”
Gunnison Valley Climate Crisis Coalition (GVC3) secretary Katherine Norgard first met Schechter during one of Habitat’s annual home builds. She recalls Schechter patiently teaching her how to apply plaster to walls. Not long after, Schechter joined GVC3 alongside Norgard, where he continued to embody patience and perseverance in his lifelong fight for climate advocacy, she said.
His wife, Lyda Hardy, said that Schechter’s concern for the environment started when the pair were in high school in the late 60s. Most of his knowledge about sustainability was self-taught: a result of his voracious reading habit. The rest he learned from hands-on work assisting other straw bale contractors and training provided by the various organizations for which he served as a board member.
“Doing activist work, people
can get ornery and angry, but I never saw him do that,” Norgard said. “He kept a positive attitude and he just stayed with things.”
Norgard said that it would probably take half a dozen people from Gunnison to fill Steve’s shoes. Up until his death, he was actively working to nurture a collaboration between GVC3 and GCEA to provide clean electricity to the Gunnison Valley.
Schechter’s activism didn’t end when he went home after long days on construction sites and in board meetings. His personal lifestyle was a testament to the values that he worked hard to instill in others, Robinson said. He walked and bike whenever he could, and drove his electric car only when necessary.
Schechter and Hardy raised their children in a solar envelope home that he built in Steuben Creek, located on County Road 20 near Blue Mesa Reservoir. Powered entirely by
solar, envelope homes have double-layered walls that allow warm air to circulate the living spaces, reducing the need for a heating system. During their years in this home, the pair hosted lively “Solstice Dinners” each winter. Friends and family crowded into the house with potluck offerings while Schechter prepared a meal, featuring a roast turkey that he’d raised himself.
“Sometimes, [the turkeys] were so big they barely fit in the oven,” Navy said. “I think he might have cooked them for an entire day. But they were always really melt-in-your-mouth.”
Once they became empty nesters, Schecter constructed a solar-powered straw bale home within Gunnison city limits for the pair to retire to. The front yard was dedicated to his sprawling garden, from which he frequently shared his harvest. He spent many hours laboring over his crops, often striking up conversations with passersby and handing out
fruits and veggies.
Schechter was known fondly by many as the “ultimate local Lorax,” referencing Dr. Seuss’ lovable environmental activist character, said Barbara Haas. His dedication to both the planet and the people around him will be remembered for years to come. Indeed, one could argue that the phrase “going Schechter” is synonymous with “going green.”
More information about Schechter’s legacy and a list of sustainability action steps can be found on his memorial Facebook page, “Going Schechter.” Stickers with QR code links to the page are available from Habitat for Humanity or at Double Shot Cyclery.
(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)
The sounds of woodwinds and brass instruments tuning floated through the air in Western’s Kincaid Concert Hall during the 71st annual All-Colorado Honor Band Festival from Feb. 15-17. Gunnison High School students Tyler Hill (trumpet), Gavin Vasquez (flute), Udev Vijay (trumpet), Riego Koepsel (oboe) and Stephanie Harvey (clarinet) performed with the Western Colorado University Symphonic Band. Guest conductors Dan Bell and Dr. Mark Bonner with guest trumpet soloist John Pirillo played alongside students.
SonofaGunn’s 2024 performance, “Clue-Less,” guided the audience through a murder mystery saga set to a 90s pop soundtrack. Set in a fictionalized 1880s Gunnison, actors portrayed larger-than-life caricatures of real locals, including party planner “Lady Lew,” barber “Fast Freddy” and the shady character of “Miss Sage Grouse-y.” Ron Earl was memorialized in the character “Don Twirl.” Next year’s production is slated to take place in the Gunnison Arts Center’s newly remodeled Black Box Theater.
Effective March 5, 2024 County Road 734 (Slate River Road) will be under a 15-ton weight restriction from the intersection of CR 734 and CR 317 (Gothic Road) to the end of winter maintenance at the CR 734 trailhead, to protect the road from resource damage. The weight restriction will be lifted when conditions allow.
Please contact:
Gunnison County Public Works Department at 970-641-0044 with any questions.
Gunnison County is currently accepting Letters of Interest for the Vacancies listed below.
George Sibley Special to the Times
The ancestors of Colorado poet Aaron Abeyta were in Colorado long before there was a Colorado. They had been in the Rio Grande Valley for several generations when it was known as El Norte, rather than the Southwest. Abeyta will bring his poetry to the Gunnison Library on Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m., with a reading from his newest collection, “Ancestor of Fire.”
“I wish to be an ancestor of fire and how flames came to be,” Abeyta said.
He feels a strong sense of responsibility as a voice for the seven generations of family he knows of that were here before him, with an obligation to remember and revitalize a culture overrun and broken in recent centuries.
“Every time I write I do so with the intention of saving someone’s life,” he said. “To reclaim them from the forgotten, discarded and the broken, to find beauty and resolve in fallen things.”
Abeyta’s reading will be preceded with a community potluck at 5:30 p.m. in the library’s community room, featuring dishes in the MexicanAmerican tradition by local families. Other community participants are asked to bring a side dish or dessert from their own traditions.
of poet Billy Collins. But at the same time, tongued with a kind of fire in his words, as he stands at the door between an old earth-oriented culture and the modern world, a true “ancestor of fire:”
i am here
where the faces become a two lane road one whispers east to the testimonial light of new day the other tugs me west toward the dying red sun of our past
Letters of interest will be accepted until Monday, March 4, 2024 via:
Gunnison County Administration Office
Mail: 200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison CO 81230
Fax: (970) 641-3061
Email: bocc@gunnisoncounty.org
Online: https://gunnisoncounty.org/boardapp
Please provide all contact information with your letter, including an email address. You may request more information by calling (970) 641-7600.
Abeyta’s first book of poetry, “Colcha,” was recognized with both an American Book Award and a Colorado Book Award. That was followed by another collection, “As Orion Falls,” and a novel, “Rise, Do Not Be Afraid.”
But locals who know of Abeyta will remember him best from his presentations at Western Colorado University’s Headwaters conferences, where for many years he wrote an annual “Letter to the Headwaters.” These prose poems have been collected in a volume with numerous other letters he has written to recipients as various as boyhood friends, the ecologist Aldo Leopold and the high school football team he coached in Conejos County, the Centauri Trojans. Pep-talks to his “Men of Troy” elevate football to a metaphor for life.
In all his poetic work, Abeyta manages to be both accessible — “inviting us in,” in the words
Abeyta walks his talk about reclaiming the forgotten and discarded, finding beauty and resolve in fallen things. He has served as football coach in his hometown Antonito, where he once played well enough to get a scholarship to Colorado State University. He has also served as mayor of Antonito, and he and his wife Michele, another Antonito native, are developing the charter school, Justice and Heritage Academy.
In addition to the reading, Abeyta will conduct an open writing workshop at the library, from 3:30-5 p.m., for anyone interested in a brief session with a poet who knows that poetry can’t be taught, but can be inspired.
Abeyta’s “Ancestor of Fire” and some of his earlier books will be available for purchase by checks or cash. The Abeyta events are sponsored by the library, whose director, Drew Brookhart, and staff hope that the combination of a program with a community potluck will set the tone for many similar events in the new library’s fine facilities.
(George Sibley is a Gunnison writer and thinker.)
More than 100 Gunnison Valley dancers came together for the 14th annual Move the Butte performance at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. Each year, the production showcases a plethora of dance disciplines including ballet, tap, aerial and more. The show is organized by the Crested Butte Dance Collective.
Bethany Church
909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144
Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service gunnisonbethany.com
9 a.m.: Family Service with nursery & children’s church Check out our website for updates! Or download our app on the App Store by searching, Gunnison Bethany.
B'nai Butte Congregation
PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com
Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com
Go to bnaibutte.org for additional details and locations.
New Song Christian Fellowship
77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034
A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.
Sunday 10 a.m. / Wednesday 7 p.m. newsonggunnison.net
Community Church of Gunnison
107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925
Pastor Larry Nelson
Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Weekend Services 9:30 a.m.
Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry
Weekly Student Ministry
Weekly Adult LifeGroups
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4
For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com
Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube
Transforming Lives • Building Community
First Baptist Church
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240
Pastor Jonathan Jones
9:30 a.m. Share & Prayer Fellowship
10 a.m. Sunday School Classes
11 a.m. Morning Worship Service 6 p.m. Evening Service
Wednesday 7 p.m. - Children's Patch Club Gunnison Bible Institute
Thursday 7 p.m. - College & Career Christian Fellowship firstbaptistgunnison.org.
Church of Christ
600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588
Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.
Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.
Trinity Baptist Church
523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813
Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks
Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
711 N. Main • 970-641-1860
Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 17th at 10 a.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m.
Christmas Day Service at 10 AM
The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church
307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429
Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar
First Sunday of each month –11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains
Check our websites for location
Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday –9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Children’s Sunday school –2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org
Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II
403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte
Visit our website for location of 11 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org
Church in the Barn 8007 County Road 887
Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.
Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries
1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.
Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School
“Remedy” Worship Nights Small Group Ministries mcmchurch.org
St. Peter’s Catholic Church 300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808
Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.
St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass
First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m.
Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass
St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Mass Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.
Gunnison
Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203
Open and Affirming
Whole Earth · Just Peace Sunday, 10 a.m.
Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org
(Courtesy Nolan Blunck)
Journeyman & Residential Wireman for projects in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Top pay & Benefits.
Send resumes to info@ec-electric.com or call 970-641-0195
www.ec-electric.com/careers
HAS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR AN OFFICE POSITION AND SERVICE WRITER POSITION.
Competitive pay, 401K, insurance, paid vacations. 40 hour work week. Apply at John Roberts Motor Works.
212 WEST HIGHWAY 50 GUNNISON, CO 81230
Maintenance Technician II
Facilities and Grounds: 40 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $4,684-$5,333 plus full benefits.
Motor Vehicle/Recording Technician
Clerk and Recorder: 40 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $21.82-$24.85 plus full benefits
Case Management Aide
HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,966-$6,037 plus full benefits.
Caseworker I
HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$6,399 plus full benefits.
Public Health Nurse II –
Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Services: 20 hours/week, hourly rate range from $33.79-$41.08 plus partial benefits.
Seasonal
Public Works: Guaranteed 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $20.58-$23.43 depending on experience, plus partial benefits. Outdoor work that includes traffic control, fencing, tree and brush removal, trail work, recycling, equipment training and much more, all in a 4-day work week.
Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,857-$6,669 plus full benefits.
Detention Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$5,992 plus full benefits. Only work 14 days a month.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net
Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students find the confidence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!”
HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES:
SPED-Educational Assistant - GMS Bus Drivers Food Service - CBCS Assistant Building Manager - CBCS Lead Custodian - Lake School Substitute Teachers
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Secondary Principal - CBSS School Psychologist - District Newcomer Teacher and Integration Specialist
COACHING:
GHS - Speech and Debate GHS - Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
GHS - Head Wrestling Coach
GMS Track and Field Coach - (Shot Put and Discus) (Sprints and Long Jump)
Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net
LEGAL SERVICES AND VICTIM SERVICES
POSITION is available immediately in the Gunnison District Attorney’s office. Legal services: This position requires excellent data entry and word processing skills (Microsoft Word), a professional demeanor and an ability to enjoy working with the public. Duties include Legal filings and case data entry, telephones, electronic filing, greeting visitors and coordination with court and law enforcement personnel. Legal or criminal justice background is preferred but not required. Victim assistance: You will be responsible for assisting victims through the criminal justice system as it relates to the DA’s office. Full-time, 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Salary: $19-26 per hour (DOE). Benefit package. Please mail your resume with employment references to the following address: Office of the District Attorney, Attention: Administrator, 1140 N. Grand Avenue, Ste. 200, Montrose, CO 81401, Or submit via email to mail@ co7da.org. This position will remain open until filled.
WATER
For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com. NBH Bank is an equal opportunity employer.
GUNNISON H&R BLOCK OFFICE has two open positions. Tax preparer, will train, full or part-time for 2024 tax season. Receptionist, full or part-time for 2024 tax season. Contact Gunnison office at 970-648-4121 or Lisa at 970-731-1080.
MECHANIC NEEDED FOR BUSY LOCAL BIKE SHOP: Pay DOE and we’re willing to train the right person. Flexible hours and accommodating around you having a life. Drop off a resume with your availability to Dan at Double Shot Cyclery, 222 N. Main St. Gunnison. 970-642-5411.
seeks applicants for a full-time (40 hours/week) Equipment Mechanic II.
This State of Colorado classified position provides maintenance, diagnosis and repair for all Western Colorado University vehicles and equipment, as well as for vehicles of other state agencies.
Western’s benefit package includes Colorado PERA retirement, low-cost insurance plans (with generous employer contributions to medical/dental/vision), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year. All classified employees receive basic life insurance and shortterm disability coverage at no cost. Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for FREE.
To view the full job announcement and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (AA/EOE).
and
District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CLEANER POSITION: The Town of Mt. Crested Butte is hiring for a part-time cleaner. This position will be Monday through Friday, approximately 3-4 hours per day. The cleaner will clean the Mt. Crested Butte Town Hall, police department, maintenance building, TC-1 (Gothic lot) bathrooms and the sitting area in the transit center. The Town Hall and police department cannot be cleaned until after 5 p.m. but other areas can be cleaned on your own schedule. Must be at least 18 years old with a clean driving record, valid Colorado driver’s license and the ability to pass a CBI/FBI background check. Town pays sick time for all part-time employees. Pay is $25-$35 per hour based on experience. To apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter and references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov or drop off your application materials at the Mt. Crested Butte Town Hall, 911 Gothic Road, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225. If you have any questions please email or call Tiffany O’Connell at 970-349-6632 or toconnell@ mtcb.colorado.gov.
SOL FOOD GARDENS IS HIRING FOR 2024 SEASON: Starting Apr. 29-middle of Oct. Part to full-time, pay DOE, minimum $25 per hour. Attention to detail, hardworking and a positive attitude are a plus. Tasks include weeding, raking, planting, veggie beds, building raised beds, small scale irrigation, maintenance, pruning, dead heading, etc. Send a resume to SolFoodGardens@gmail. com.
COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is currently seeking candidates to fill an assistant banking center manager position in our Gunnison banking center. Great opportunity with excellent benefits package. For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com. NBH Bank is an equal opportunity employer.
CLEAN ENERGY AND HOUSING
COMMUNITY LIASON: AmeriCorps service opportunity. The Gunnison Valley Home Energy Advancement Team (GV-HEAT) of the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority is facilitating energy efficiency upgrades in income-qualified households in the Gunnison Valley and is seeking a Clean Energy and Housing Community Liaison to help sustain and grow its programming. The activities of the AmeriCorps member, between Apr. 8 and Dec. 15, will focus on interacting, educating and collaborating with the local community in four key areas: 1. outreach, 2. program support, 3. workforce development and 4. expansion into the health sector. A living allowance and education award will be awarded. For more information, please view the service
description on gvrha.org and apply through mountainrootsfoodproject.org/healthyfutures. Please email healthyfutures@ mountainrootsfoodproject.org with your questions.
TUTORS WANTED: We are growing our brilliant team. Tutors for all age groups and subject areas are needed. Please call 970417-0656. ElevatedLearningTutors.com.
ICLEAN IN CRESTED BUTTE is looking for cleaners. Pay DOE. Please call 970-3312417. Buscamos limpiadores. Por favor, comuníquese con IClean al 970-3312417. Para trabajar en Crested Butte.
GUNNISON SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION is seeking applications from qualified individuals with strong customer service skills looking for a career in banking. The administrative assistant position includes performing teller functions and assisting with all aspects of deposit accounts. The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail and an enthusiastic, positive attitude. Benefits include an enjoyable and friendly work environment, employer-assisted health insurance, monthly health savings account contribution, 401-K retirement plan, paid vacation and sick leave. Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Please submit a letter of application and Resume with references to Imbra Taramarcaz, Vice President, 303 North Main, Gunnison, CO 81230, itaramarcaz@ gunnisonsl.com or 970-642-4630.
PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS is seeking a FT medical assistant to join our team. Duties include clinical documentation, x-rays, medical supply inventory management and casting/splinting. Good organization and computer skills while working in a fastpaced environment are important. On-site training is provided. Position is for both our Crested Butte and Gunnison offices. $24/ hr DOE. Please send resume to office@ pinnacleorthocolorado.com.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER SUMMER INSTRUCTOR: The Adaptive Sports Center is seeking adaptive instructors to facilitate exceptional adaptive sport and recreation activities for the 2024 Summer Season. Pay ranges from $20-$29/hour based on experience. Benefits for full-time, seasonal staff include pro-forms, certification and membership dues, exam reimbursement, paid sick days, 5-day stipend and a 401(k) match. More information and summer application is at adaptivesports.org – about us – careers. Applications are due Mar. 15.
EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS NEEDED
in Crested Butte. Growing regional, local, Crested Butte-born, residential construction company. Excellent pay and benefits. Text 970-596-1131.
ARE YOU TIRED OF WORKING MULTIPLE
JOBS TO MAKE IT IN THE VALLEY? Iron Horse is looking for the right individual to join our expanding property care team. This individual is responsible for property inspections, inventories and the overall quality and presentation of vacation rentals in our luxury inventory. You will work hand-inhand with our maintenance, housekeeping and reservation teams to ensure that our guests experience vacation perfection. Pay is DOE plus a company car, health insurance, on-call pay, paid vacation, ski or health and wellness pass, 5-day work week and more. If you are detail-oriented, organized, punctual and only want the best, then submit your resume to steve@ironhorsecb.com and qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Clean driving record is required. No phone calls please.
WANT
Road Manager and Heavy Equipment Operator. This position would be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all activities and staff related to the district’s roads and maintenance. Duties include road maintenance, snow removal, drinking water operations, wastewater operations and other day-to-day tasks of running a utility. This job requires the applicant to have motor grader and heavy equipment experience. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid Colorado driver’s license. The successful applicant is eligible to receive an elite, full benefit package. Full job description, requirements, pay ranges and benefits are available on the district’s website at cbsouthmetro.net. Email resume to info@cbsouthmetro.net or drop off at 280 Cement Creek Road.
SAGUACHE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEEKS SAGUACHE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Saguache County Board of Commissioners are seeking members and alternates from:
La Garita/Center area - member and alternate
Town of Center and surrounding areaalternate Moffat and surrounding area - alternate Hooper and surrounding area - member and alternate
At Large for All of Saguache Countyalternate
Crestone and surrounding area - alternate
The representative must be a property owner or property manager and reside in the area they are interested in representing. Regular member terms are for three years and the alternate terms are for one year.
Saguache County Planning Commission meets on the last Thursday of each month in the Road and Bridge meeting room. The Planning Commission may also have work sessions throughout each month to work on the Saguache County Master Plan and different items.
Saguache County Planning Commission members and alternates are paid $100 for every regular meeting they attend, plus mileage reimbursement.
If you are interested, please send a brief letter of interest stating qualifications and interest to: Saguache County Land Use, Attn: Amber Wilson, PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 prior to Thursday, February 29th, 2024. All applicants will be interviewed by the Board of County Commissioners. Should you have any questions please call Amber Wilson at 719-655-2321.
ELK AVENUE OFFICE SPACE: Looking for the ideal office space that combines convenience and charm? Look no further. With a variety of sizes to suit your unique needs, our spaces are conveniently located and affordably priced. Contact Kezia for details. kezia@toadpropertymanagement. com. 970-349-2773.
1 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT: No pets, no smoking, $1,800. Utilities included. 970-312-5767.
FOR LEASE: Approximately 2,000 sq. ft. shop/office located on S. 11th close to the airport. Commercial zoning. Call 970-2093676 for information.
Palisades Apartments is currently accepting applications for our waiting list. Our 2 bedroom, low income apartment community is income-based. You must meet restrictions.
Our newly renovated 2 bedroom apartments are a must see. Apply in-person at 600 N. Colorado in Gunnison.
We are a no smoking property.
For further information please contact us at 970-641-5429 or palisadesmanager@ silva-markham.com
5:30pm
Butte Community School Library
This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approval of agenda (ACTION, All)
5. Commendations and celebrations (Information, Successful Students, Strong Employees)
6. Public comment (Information, Engaged Community) Please use the public participation form, or use the Q&A feature in Zoom, and indicate your name, address, and topic for comment.
7. Consent agenda (ACTION, All) Items in the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will not be separate discussion of these items prior to the time the board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be removed from the grouping for separate consideration.
a. Board of Education Minutes
February 12, 2024 Regular meeting
Meeting (ACTION, Engaged Community)
Second reading of policy for consideration of approval
IHAM - Comprehensive Health Education
(Discussion, Successful Students)
First reading of policy for discussion
f. Other Administrative Report Items(Discussion, All)
Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent
9. Public comment (Information, Engaged Community)
Please complete the public participation form, or use the Q&A feature in Zoom and indicate your name, address, and topic for comment.
10. Items introduced by Board Members (Discussion, All)
11. Board committee reports (Information, All)
a. Board/Student Engagement - Dr. Coleman and Mrs. Roberts
b. School Board Policy - Mrs. Brookhart and Dr. Coleman
c. Executive Committee for Bond ProjectMr. Martineau
d. Superintendent Evaluation- Mrs. Brookhart and Dr. Coleman
e. District Accountability Committee (DAC)Mrs. Roberts f. School Accountability Committees (SAC) GHS - Dr. Coleman GCS - Mrs. Brookhart
CBCS - Mr. Martineau
g. Gunnison County Education Association
Negotiations - Mr. VanderVeer h. Gunnison County Education Association
3x3 - Mr. VanderVeer
i. Fund 26 - Dr. Coleman
b. Finance: Approve for payment, as presented by the Director of Finance, warrants as indicated: General Account # 43573-43662 Payroll Direct Deposit # 59631-60029
c. Personnel Laura Schliesman-LOA for the 2024-25 school year-GHS Mark High-Transitional Employment for the 2024-25 school year Damian D’Apolito-Resignation-Industrial Arts teacher-CBSS Rital Merrigan-Resignation-Newcomer teacher-GHS Malita Ferchau-Asst. Track coach-GHS
Caileen Sienknecht-Asst. Track coach-GHS
Bryce Vincent-Asst. Baseball coach-GHS Kevin Walek-Asst. Baseball coach-GHS Keith Koepsel-Transitional Employment for the 2024-25 school year
8. Items for information, discussion, and action Public comment is welcome following board discussion of individual items below. Please use the public participation form, or the Q&A feature in Zoom, and indicate your name, address, and topic for comment.
a. Facilities Improvement Program Update and Energy Model Presentation (Information/ Discussion, Functional Facilities)
Chris Guarino & Ryan Smelker, Artaic Group Anna McCullough, Group 14; Kevin DeBoer, ME Engineers; Patrick Johnson, TreanorHL; Gilbert Lee, FCI Constructors
b. Consider approval of the 2024-2025 School Calendar and preliminary approval of the 2025-2026 School Calendar (ACTION, Engaged Community)
Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent
c. Consider appointment of Marlo Frazier to Fund 26 committee (ACTION, Engaged Community)
Dr. Leslie Nichols, Superintendent
d. School Board Assignments (ACTION Engaged Community)
Housing Advisory Committee - _________ Gunnison Valley Education Foundation -
e. School Board Policies
BEDB - Agenda (ACTION, Engaged Community) Second reading of policy for consideration of approval
BEDH - Public Participation at Board
j. Gunnison Memorial Scholarship - Mrs. Roberts k. Health Insurance Committee - Mr. VanderVeer
12. Upcoming agenda items and meeting schedule (Information, Engaged Community) a. Monday, March 25, 2024
Work Session@5:30pm-GUN
b. Monday, April 8, 2024 Regular meeting@5:30pm-GUN
c. Monday, April 22, 2024
Work Session@5:30pm-CB d. Monday, May 6, 2024 Regular meeting@5:30pm-GUN e. Monday, May 20, 2024
Regular meeting/Proposed Budget @5:30pm-CB
13. Executive Session: None
14.Adjournment
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication date of February 29, 2024 12345
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of JUDITH EBAUGH, Deceased
Case Number 2024PR3
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Personal Representative:
Hayley Mallett
266 C.R. 233
Durango, CO 81301
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of February 15, 22, 29, 2024 12208
Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated Bidding Documents Website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the Bidding Documents Website in either electronic or paper format. The Bidding Documents Website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the Bidding Documents Website. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Bidding Documents Website.
Instructions to Bidders. For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
END OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of February, 22, 29, March 7, 2024
12248
Request For Proposal (RFP)
Trash and Rubbish Removal
In response to the Saguache County Nuisance Ordinance, Saguache County is seeking contractors for the removal of and disposal of trash, rubbish, debris and assorted waste materials from land located in Saguache County. This shall include, but not be limited to, the removal and disposal of vehicles, trailers, building materials, trash, debris, and various materials that require removal. This position shall be on call or as needed. Bids should include, but not be limited to, hourly rates, and the rate for special material removal that may not be allowed for disposal in a land fill or conventional waste facility. Salvageable materials (excluding vehicles) may be kept by the contractor. Any salvaged vehicles must be taken to the designated vehicle area that will be located at the Saguache County Landfill. If hazardous materials are located, it will be up to the County to contract for that service.
For questions, please email Amber Wilson at atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov or call 719-655-2321. Proposal may be emailed, mailed or hand delivered. Email RFP to atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov, mail to PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or hand deliver to 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO 81149. Gunnison
Pursuant to Sections 40-3.5-104(1) and (2) C.R.S., the City Council of the City of Gunnison hereby gives notice of a Public Hearing to be held on proposed changes to the City of Gunnison Electric Rates. The Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 5:30 PM, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Each municipal utility customer shall have the right to appear, personally or through counsel, at this hearing for the purpose of providing testimony regarding the proposed new schedule. Copies of this proposed rate are available for inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado during regular business hours. The proposed electric rates are as follows:
Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found only at the following designated Bidding Documents Website:
Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (“RMEPS”): portal at https://www. bidnetdirect.com/colorado .
These rates and charges set forth herein, if approved and adopted of the required ordinance, shall be effective as of May 10, 2024, and thereafter.
GVRTA is looking for feedback on how to improve RTA bus services. Please scan the QR code or follow the link below to provide feedback!
GVRTA está buscando opiniones para mejorar los servicios de autobús de la RTA. ¡Escanear el código QR o siga el enlace que aparece más abajo para enviar sus comentarios!
https://tinyurl.com/surveyGVRTA
People gathered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Feb. 23 to dine on fried fish with friends and family. Members of the local chapter of Knights of Columbus bustled about the kitchen preparing the meals.Members of the Altar and Rosary Society women’s group provided a wide selection of baked goods for dessert. The Knights of Columbus host fish fries each Friday throughout Lent, except on Good Friday.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6
6:00 TO 7:30 P.M.
Western Colorado University South Ballroom
Menopause is a natural part of aging for women, but the perimenopausal and postmenopausal experiences are different for each person. Women’s health experts, Dr. Deborah Tozer and Joy McElyea, will take you through the basics of menopause.
Topics include:
• The different stages: perimenopause, menopause, post menopause
• Signs and symptoms
• Treatment options
• Q&A with the experts WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG
CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT
FEB. 20
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
- DRUGS — 720 N. MAIN ST.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 906
SUNNY SLOPE DR.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 800 N.
COLORADO ST.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST
DEGREE - RESIDENCE — 212 E.
TOMICHI AVE.
ACCIDENT - HIT AND RUN — 600
N. COLORADO ST.
WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER
JURISDICTION — FRONTAGE RD.
FEB. 21
BURGLARY: SECOND DEGREE — 1140 N. MAIN ST.
ANIMAL: NUISANCE ABATEMENT
- NOISE — 701 ANDREW LN.
WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JU-
RISDICTION — 200 E. VIRGINIA
AVE.
HARASSMENT: TELEPHONE
CALLS — 500 E. GOTHIC AVE.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
- DRUGS — 212 E. TOMICHI AVE.
FEB. 22
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMA -
NENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN
ST.
ACCIDENT — 600 E. GEORGIA AVE.
UN-SECURE PREMISES — 300 E. TOMICHI AVE.
FEB. 23
WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JURISDICTION — 600 N. COLORADO
ST.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE -
POSS. MARIJUANA UNDER 21 —
711 W. RIO GRANDE AVE.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 720 N.
COLORADO ST.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 501 E.
GEORGIA AVE.
TOBACCO VIOLATION - UNLAW-
FUL POSSESSION RE1J — 1099 N. 11TH ST.
ADMIN - UNASSIGNED INCIDENT
— 880 N. MAIN ST.
TOBACCO VIOLATION - UNLAW-
FUL POSSESSION RE1J — 1099 N.
11TH ST.
CIVIL PROBLEM — N. 8TH ST.
FEB. 24
VIOLATION OF PROTECTION
ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 600
N. COLORADO ST.
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMA -
NENTLY DEPRIVE — 710 N. MAIN
ST THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMA -
NENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN
ST.
DISTURBING THE PEACE — 275 S.
SPRUCE ST.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — 200 N. PINE ST.
ASSAULT - MUNICIPAL — 1500 W. TOMICHI AVE.
FEB. 25
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 800 N. COLORADO ST.
AGENCY ASSIST — 910 W.
BIDWELL AVE.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICIPAL — 901 W. DENVER AVE.
-Attempted fraud - scam phone call pretending to be Amazon stating someone had charged $1,500 on their account
-The Sheriff and the Colorado Humane Society performed an animal welfare check on a residence that has many different animals. Owner is away and it was found that the person caring for the animals was doing a good job. The animals were in good condition and wellmaintained.
-Information report on a possible altercation in Somerset - deputies responded, interviewed the involved parties and deemed this unfounded
-Welfare check - no one at the residence
-Animal welfare check
FEB. 22
-Information report - lost person -Civil paper service
-Vehicle accident
-Welfare check/felony warrant arrest
-Deputies and Western Mountain Rescue had a search and rescue for an injured snowmobiler
-Fraud and deceit report in Somerset, re: online sales
-Deputies stopped and issued a citation for reckless driving, speeding, passed on the left in an unsafe manner and plate obstructed by tinted device
FEB. 23
-Possible forgery - under investigation
-Missing juvenile - later located
FEB. 24
-Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police Department with a domestic disturbance
-Gunnison County Resolution 2010-30 - barking dog - warning given
-Welfare check - the person in question was okay
-Deputies assisted the GPD with a one-vehicle crash in town
FEB. 25
-Runaway juvenile reported - repeat offender - found
-Deputies in Somerset issued a citation for speeding and operating an unregistered vehicle
-Warning issued in Somerset for Gunnison County Resolution 201830 - dog at large/barking
-Deputies issued a citation for speeding
FEB. 26
-Information report - possible theft of guns - under investigation
-Civil paper service
-Another scam where someone impersonating an officer told someone they had a warrant and could pay him or be arrested. Law enforcement will never call and ask for money - scam - be advised
-Information report - neighbor complaint regarding cattle
-Deputies assisted the GPD with a possible driving under the influence call where the suspect had a warrant
At Gunnison Valley Health we have the services you need to recover from injury and illness.
Offering convenient care for minor injuries and illnesses that can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment.
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
URGENT CARE | 970-648-7105 707
We offer a diverse range of cutting-edge services to keep you active and well.
PHYSICAL
GUNNISON | 970-641-2001
CRESTED BUTTE | 970-349-5684
Offering extensive therapies and treatments that can help stimulate a chronic wound or optimize an acute wound to maximize healing and improve comfort throughout the process.
As a full moon rose over Gunnison last weekend, a herd of lions and a 20-foot-long dragon were on the prowl. Several costumed dancers hid beneath layers of sequined fabric, deftly maneuvering the animals through a dance routine to welcome the Lunar New Year at Western Colorado University’s Paul Wright Gymnasium.
The Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated in early spring to honor the coming year. This was also the first year that the Lunar New Year was recognized as an observed state holiday in Colorado.
Western’s Asian Pacific
Islander Club (APIC) invited dancers from the Denver-based Guiding Mountain Dragon & Lion Dance Association to perform during halftime at the men’s and women’s basketball games on Saturday, Feb. 24. The two performances were the first of their kind in Gunnison, and offered an opportunity for locals and Western students to partake in an ancient tradition from across the world.
Although mainly practiced in China, lion dancing also has roots in Korea and Vietnam. Dating back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, the holiday’s origin is imbued with mythology. Legend holds that a monster named “Nyan,” which is the Mandarin word for “year,” would terrorize small villages, eating livestock and destroying property.
“The villagers found out that the monster was scared of lions, which is where [the practice] originated,” APIC Vice President Malia Yang said.
Discovering that the monster’s other fears were fire, the
color red — which signifies fire — and bright lights led to other Lunar New Year traditions. These include lighting fireworks, painting paper lanterns and sharing red envelopes filled with money with family and friends.
During the performances, booming drum beats and the crash of cymbals filled the air as a long green dragon twined around center court. Two fuzzy lions, each operated by two dancers, ventured into the bleachers to connect with the crowd. Spectators grinned as the lions approached them like curious felines, with heads tilting side to side and large eyes blinking slowly.
Just outside the gymnasium doors, APIC members greeted passersby and handed out red envelopes. Each packet was labeled with one of twelve signs on the Chinese zodiac and contained information about how to get involved with the club and a zodiac-specific fortune for the new year.
APIC President Kai Vong presented red envelopes to visitors, using both hands. Recipients accepted the offering with both hands, a common practice that signifies good blessings between giver and receiver.
been a dream for Vong, who lamented the art’s absence in the Gunnison Valley. He hopes that Guiding Mountain’s performances will pique local interest in the practice and pave the way for potential learning events hosted by APIC in the future.
Making lion dancing more accessible is a goal shared by Gina Lafferty, one of Guiding Mountain’s co-founders. Many dragon and lion dancing teams in the U.S. are associated with Buddhist temples or other Asian religious groups, limiting participation to affiliated members.
When students of color have a cool tradition, I think it’s important to share it with everybody.
Lorena Ayala APIC Treasurer
Born in Hawaii, Vong’s experience with the Lunar New Year began when he moved to Denver as a child. He recalled a tradition of cleaning the entire house — which he hated at the time — to rid the space of bad luck and prepare for a prosperous year. Family members would visit from out of town to share an authentic Chinese feast. As he grew older, Vong developed a greater appreciation for his family’s traditions.
In recent years, he’s made a concerted effort to partake in more holiday traditions like wearing lucky colors — such as red and yellow— and learning lion dancing. A few of Vong’s childhood friends were involved in lion dancing, but he didn’t have the opportunity to try it himself. Bringing a dragon and lion dancing troupe to Gunnison has long
Some martial arts schools offer lion dancing lessons, but these are often infrequent compared to their regular martial arts programming and require an expensive membership. Lafferty and several others founded Guiding Mountain in December of 2022, recognizing a need in their local community for dragon and lion dance training without any financial or religious barriers to entry.
“People say you have to encourage youth in the community to do things, but I think it’s actually the opposite,” Lafferty said. “They are ready to [participate], but they just don’t have the resources to do so.”
Since its formation, Guiding Mountain provides free training for its 25 members, who range in age from 13 to over 40. The older, and more experienced members — some who have been dancing for decades — train new recruits. The money raised from performances goes straight back into the organization to pay for training space, equipment and maintaining the custom handmade dragon and lion costumes.
The opportunity to connect with one’s heritage draws people — especially youth — to participate in lion dancing.
In addition, the lively performances encourage people from different backgrounds to learn about cultural traditions that differ from their own.
For APIC Treasurer Lorena Ayala, who identifies as Latina and attended a Mandarin immersion school as a child, adopting Lunar New Year traditions has been “really fun.” Although her family doesn’t observe the holiday, she finds ways to celebrate through her membership in APIC and with her partner, Vong, and his family.
“When students of color have a cool tradition, I think it’s important to share it with everybody,” Ayala said.
(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)
The Gunnison County Electric Association will meet at the GCEA headquarters, 37250 W. Hwy. 50 in Gunnison on Feb. 29. A meet and greet with Tri-State CEO Duane Highley will take place at 5 p.m. and the meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Register at gcea. coop.
Veteran breakfast
American Legion Post 54 will host itsmonthly veteran breakfast on March 2 at the Post 54 hut from 9-11 a.m. All veterans, their families and friends and supporters of the American Legion are welcome to attend.
Everyone is invited to Gunnison Middle and High School Band Bingo at the Elks Lodge on March 1. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and games start at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy door prizes, a bake sale and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the band programs. Tickets are $10 to play. To purchase advance tickets, contact Mr. Koepsel at 970.641.5904 or any band student.
On March 5, the Gunnison Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Band and the Gunnison High School Band will have their mid-winter concert at 7 p.m. in the GHS auditorium. The performance will feature a variety of musical styles. Admission is free, so come on out and support the bands.
The Gunnison County Library invites everyone to "Potluck and Poetry" on March 7. American Book Award-winning poet Aaron Abeyta from Antonito, Colorado, will offer a writing workshop at 3:30 p.m. The community potluck begins at 5:30 p.m. and a poetry reading by Abeyta will take place at 6:30 p.m. All events are free to the public.
Saguache Republican caucus
The Saguache County Republican Party will hold its caucus on March 7 at 6 p.m. at two locations in the county. Precincts 1, 2, 6 and 7 will
meet at Mountain Valley School cafeteria in Saguache. Precincts 3, 4 and 5 will meet at Moffat School cafeteria in Moffat. If you are a registered Republican and not sure what precinct you are in or have other questions about the caucus or upcoming county assembly, please call 719.530.1257 or email mkc@ accentusa.com.
Gunnison Democratic caucus
The Gunnison County Democratic Party caucuses and assembly will be held on Mar. 9. Visit gunnisondemocrats.org for further information
Gunnison Republican caucus
The Gunnison County Republican caucus and assembly is March 9 at the Fred Field Center. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. There will be a silent auction and food provided. Only registered Republicans in Gunnison County can attend. You must be registered or update registration by Feb. 16. People may attend via Zoom. For more information, contact Cori Dobson, chairperson for the Gunnison County Republican Central Committee, at 719.209.8158 or Cdobson13@ protonmail.com.
Trivia Tuesdays
Join the Crested Butte Museum for trivia night every Tuesday in March from 5:30-7 p.m. Rotating themes will test your knowledge in history, pop-culture, science and more. A pop-up bar and snacks will be available. Register as a team or individual at the museum or crestedbuttemuseum.com/tuesday-trivia/.
Youth nicotine anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous for Young Adults meets every Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. at 601 6th St. in Crested Butte and from 4-5 p.m. at the Fred Field McDonough Room in Gunnison. This is a mutual support group with no religious affiliation. Contact ajohnson@gunnisoncounty.org with questions.
• Feb. 29: Nordic Ski Excursion – Crested Butte Nordic Trails. All levels welcome! Registration required by Saturday, Feb. 23rd.
Delivery Assistance Hotline: (970) 641-7959 - assistance with ordering, pick-up and delivery of groceries and prescription medications
This includes deliveries from the Food Bank.
• March 5 (12noon): Focus Group on Gunnison Valley RTA. Come help shape the next 5 years of bus service in the Gunnison Valley! Your voice is important – join us to assist in improving services for older adults living in our valley. For senior transportation, call GVH Senior Bus or Crested Butte Senior Bus (see contact info below in Ongoing Services). Pizza & drinks provided! RSVP to: egillis@gunnisonco.gov.
• March 20 (12:45pm): WORKSHOP – Avoiding Cons & Scams. Presented by Gunnison Police and Gunnison County Law Enforcement Victim Advocates. Learn how to keep yourself, your friends and family member safer by knowing more about common scams, frauds and cons happening in our community. And about the services provided by the Victim Advocate. RSVP requested for planning purposes.
Senior Meals: (970) 641-8272 for advance orders OR (970) 641-2107 for same-day service Pick-up or delivery only! Meals served Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays. Please note: all meals, all days are $4 during this time. Order in advance if possible! Upcoming menu:
• March 27: Lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread, dessert
• Want to smile a lot, maybe giggle a little and meet some new folks? Come to one of our regular activities – Canasta, Mahjong, Book Club, Art Club or Bridge. (see below for times)
• March 30: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, fruit, dessert
• April 1: Stew, carrot/raisin salad, Mandarin oranges, rolls, dessert
Regular Activities: Mondays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Tuesdays – Canasta @ 2pm; Wednesdays –Book Club @ 1 pm on 1st Weds. of month; Thursdays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Fridays – Art Club @ 12:30 pm & Mahjong @ 1 pm
Senior Shopping Hours:
All RSVPs and more info on Senior Center programs: egillis@gunnisonco.gov or 970-6418272.
The Gunnison Arts Center presents “SonofaGunn: ClueLess” March 1-2 in Taylor Auditorium at Western Colorado University. The show is a play on the board game, “Clue” and 90s movie, “Clueless.” Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Find tickets at gunnisonartscenter.org.
Join Eva Paul on March 2 at the GAC from 6-9 p.m. for “Chakras and Chocolate”. Participants will create a watercolor meditation tile while exploring the seven main chakras. No painting experience is necessary. Includes chocolate, snacks and one free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. The cost is $30. Register at gunnisonartscenter.org.
• City Market – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (7AM – 8AM)
FITNESS @ THE REC CENTER – Sign up at the Rec Center front desk!
• Safeway – Tuesdays & Thursdays (7AM – 9AM)
Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym
• Walmart – Tuesdays (6AM – 7AM)
- Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30am
- Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15am
• Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food Store – Monday - Saturday (8AM – 9AM)
Tuesdays @ 10AM in the Leisure Pool
• Clark’s Market (Crested Butte) – Every day (8AM – 9AM)
-Silver Sneakers Splash Class (all levels)
SENIOR MEALS
Self-reporting Form: www gunnisoncounty org /covid19
If you have symptoms but are otherwise OK, please fill out the form
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 11:30 am. $5 per meal. Advanced orders appreciate (24 hours). Pick-ups between 11 – 11:15 am (advanced orders only).
If you cannot fill out the form, call the Call Center (970) 641-7660.
ORDER MEALS: 970-641-8272
Menu: (all meals come with dessert!)
• Mon., March 4: Salisbury Steak, baked potatoes, peas, homemade bread
• Weds., March 6: Pork Tenderloin, butternut squash, veggies, homemade rolls
• Fri., March 8: Potato Soup with Grilled Cheese or Ham & Cheese Sandwich, salad, fruit
Call Center: (970) 641-7660. If you are having symptoms, cannot fill out the online form, or your symptoms are worsening, call the Call Center DO NOT go to your doctor ’s or the hospital. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Walk-in & visitors welcome! Homebound adults ages 55 & up eligible for delivery.
If you need a ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970-596-6700 (call in advance) or call the Senior Center 970-641-8272.
Please practice social isolation. Remain 6 feet or more from others when needing to be out, but staying at home if at all possible
The Gunnison Senior Center & Community Recreation Center is closed until April 30th.
The Cowboys basketball season came to a premature end on Feb. 20 when the team fell on the road against Cedaredge in the first round of the playoffs. The 54-35 loss rounds out the GHS season with a 3-17 overall record, and sixth in the 3A Western Slope League.
“We certainly didn’t meet the goals we set out for ourselves at the beginning of the season,” said Head Coach Cristian Aguilar. “Sports continue to teach life lessons, like what it truly takes to accomplish goals.”
Following a shaky 2023 season that ended in a 4-15 overall record, Aguilar was confident
The GHS girls basketball team qualified for regionals for the second year in a row, even after falling to Olathe 49-20 away in the district tournament on Feb. 20.
The Cowboys still qualified for regionals due to its 6-14 overall record and a strong schedule. The regional matchup will not be an easy test, however. GHS will face off against the undefeated Colorado Springs Christian Lions away on March 1.
“We won enough games this season to squeak into regionals,” said Head Coach Chad Terry. “It is still a huge accom-
plishment for these girls to gain experience against a top team. Our goal now is to compete the best we can.”
This season, the Cowboys have a dense roster of juniors led by guard Kylee McDougal and Sienna Gomez. The girls have the advantage of playing together as a unit for two seasons, but the team’s youth has peeked through at times. GHS fell in consecutive league games in early February, but bounced back quickly to defeat local rivals Crested Butte and league opponents North Fork this month.
At the district tournament, GHS matched up against the Olathe Pirates for the third time this season. Despite holding up well on defense, the Cowboys struggled to put points on the board and fell 49-20. Terry identified a low shooting percentage as a key area of growth after the defeat. The girls shot 13% from the floor — a number the coaching staff is working to
increase.
“We’ve played really good basketball all season, but we have to make more shots,” Terry said. “I don’t know we’ll solve that problem between now and Saturday, but we have to improve our scoring before November.”
On Friday, the Cowboys will take on red-hot Colorado Springs Christian. The Lions have yet to lose a game all season, and have regularly defeated teams by 50 or more points.
“We are up against a serious opponent this weekend,” Terry said. “This is by far the biggest stage these girls have played on. It's a big deal to play at regionals. Our goal is to go compete to the best of our ability, and have fun.”
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
the Cowboys would rebound with renewed team chemistry this year. GHS fell in back-toback games to kickstart the year, but pulled one back against league rivals Grand Valley in mid-December to renew hope. The Cowboys only won one in their following 15 games through the holiday season. The final win of the season came against league rivals Olathe on Feb. 16.
“I knew going into that game it could be my last time playing Cowboy basketball,” said senior Hunter Vincent. “I wanted to make sure that, win or lose, I left everything on the court. I don’t have any regrets from the game.”
In the first round of the playoffs, GHS took on a Cedaredge side that had already bested them in early February. Despite the leadership from senior Noah Pederson and seasonlong athleticism from Vincent, the Cowboys fell short, 54-35, and were eliminated from the playoffs.
“It was a tough night,” Aguilar said. “We couldn’t get rebounds when we needed them, or hit the shots when we had them. Credit to Cedaredge, they are a good basketball team.”
For the seniors, the loss to Cedaredge marked the last time they will wear the black and red on the court. Pederson said he is thankful for the time invested by the coaching staff.
“I’m so appreciative of my coaches,” he said. “They have sacrificed a lot for us, and used basketball to teach us how to be better men, and prepare us for life after high school.”
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Western track and field competed at the 2024 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) championships in Spearfish, South Dakota on Feb. 22 and 23. The Mountaineers finished fourth in the women’s team standings and sixth in the men’s. Simon Kelati placed first, setting a new facility record and tied the RMAC meet record in the men’s 3000-meter run with a time of 8:14.10. In the women’s 3000-meter, Leah Taylor finished in first place with a time of 9:43.40, which also was a facility record. In total, the Mountaineers concluded the weekend with three champions, five first team all-conference honors and nine second team all-conference honors.
Western dropped its final two home games of the season against visiting Regis
and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. On Friday, Feb. 23 against the Rangers, Erika Lane led the team with 15 points in the 71-56 loss — one point shy of her career high. In Saturday’s 67-63 loss to the Mountain Lions, Ivey Schmidt registered a game-high 20 points — the fourth time this season the sophomore has scored at least 20 points in a game.
The No. 24 Mountaineers will participate in the NCAA Division II Super Region VI Tournament in Pueblo on Saturday, March 2. Headlining the roster is No. 2 Cole Hernandez, who has climbed steadily in the 174-pound individual rankings of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. The top three finishers in each of the 10 weight classes will advance to the NCAA D-II wrestling championships in Park City, Kansas on March 16 and 17.
Freshman Morgan Nielsen qualified for the NCAA Division II women’s swimming and diving championship to swim the 500, 1000 and 1650-yard freestyle events — all events in which she set school records this season. The championship meet will be hosted in Geneva, Ohio on March 12-16. Nielsen is Western’s first championship meet qualifier since Savannah Tice in 2020.
The Western Colorado University men's basketball team forced a dramatic, 84-82, overtime win against the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) at home on Saturday, Feb. 24.
The Mountaineers and Mountain Lions set the scene for a thrilling finish in a second half that had 17 lead changes and was tied 9 times. UCCS won the jump ball to begin the 5-minute overtime period, but that did not stop the Mountaineers from finding momentum.
Down 78-75 with over 2 minutes remaining on the clock, Christian Still drained a 3-pointer before Kade Juelfs came up big behind the arc. The Mountain Lions then went to the free throw line and pulled Western’s lead down to one. A 3-pointer from Tyler Halligan gave the Mountaineers a 4-point lead with 1 minute left in overtime.
UCCS continued to find suc-
cess in the paint with a layup from Xavier Martinez. As the Mountain Lions got the ball back with less than a second left, they missed the layup at the buzzer. Western notched its seventh conference win of the season.
Both teams dominated from inside the paint in the second half, scoring 20 points apiece. The Mountaineers shot 43% from the field compared to UCCS’ 41%. Lieck led the Mountaineers in the second with 8 points off the bench, registering 28 points total.
For the second consecutive night, Halligan led the Mountaineers with 14 points. The redshirt freshman went 5-for-10 from the field and 2-for-4 from 3-point range. Juelfs also scored in double digits for the Mountaineers with 11 points, while Jamel Hollins scored 10 points.
The Mountaineers will wrap up their season on the road in Salt Lake City, Utah on Thursday, Feb. 29. The team’s final game of the season will be in Grand Junction, against
top-10 Colorado Mesa. Tip-off against the Mavericks is set for 7:30 p.m. on March 2.
(Brenna Barkley is the assistant athletics communications director at Western, and can be reached at bbarkley@western. edu.)
Amongst the towering red rocks and twisting canyon walls of southeast Utah, the Western trail running team competed in the Moab Red Hot race on Feb. 24. Western sent 16 athletes to compete in the races ranging from 15K (9.32 miles) to 55K (34.18 miles). In the 55K, senior Cole Campbell covered the course in a blistering 3:49.57, taking home second place behind professional trail runner Jeshurun Small. Western’s Nate Rengo finished in 5:03.58 for a ninth-place finish in the 55K. The team will return to Moab at the end of March for the final race in the Moab Triple Crown at the Behind the Rocks Ultra.
Women in blaze orange gathered by the Lake City bridge on Feb. 24 for the last rabbit hunt of the season, hosted by nonprofit Uncharted Outdoorswomen. Guide Gabby Zaldumbide led the group through small game hunting regulations and firearm safety before they headed out into the field in search of rabbits. Although Zaldumbide said it has been a slower season compared to previous years, the ladies spotted five rabbits and successfully shot one. To wrap up the day, Zaldumbide demonstrated proper field dressing techniques and shared her favorite rabbit recipes and meat storage tips.
Gruenberger is the owner of Wonderland Clayworks in Gunnison, a community studio space and gallery that ignites the imagination and encourages a playful creative approach to clay through private classes and workshops The signature whimsy of her work comes from a Japanese inlay technique called Mishima in which imagery is freehandedly carved into the surface of a wheel-thrown pot Stop by Wonderland studio during First Friday Artwalk at 133 E Tomichi Avenue, 5-7pm
The Gunnison Creative District is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on uplifting artists and public art in our community. Artwalk, Artist Directory and Public Art Campaign info: https://gunnisoncreativedistrict.org
