Gunnison Country Times, August 17, 2023

City seeks loan to continue water plant design

Total project cost exceeds $50 million

Bella Biondini Times Editor

Because the City of Gunnison’s existing cash reserves and water usage rates are insufficient to fund a new multimillion dollar water infrastructure improvements, leaders plan to cover the cost with a hodge-podge of grants, loans and utility rate increases.

This assortment will potentially include a $2.3 million interim loan from the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Water A6

Community scrambles to find temporary housing for Frontier Land residents

Owner plans to renovate mobile home park before end of year

Bella Biondini Times Editor

Since an eviction notice shared with Frontier Land ten-

ants landed on the desks of local leaders, the community has rushed to find temporary and affordable housing for the families before the end of August.

Although the owner shared his intent to repair the park’s infrastructure and install new mobile homes for the residents to purchase, the swift timeline took many by surprise. On July 25, Frontier Land residents received a notice that owner CCNB Properties had terminated their leases. They have 30

days from when it was issued to vacate their homes, which are leased on a month-to-month basis.

The Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority, backed by Gunnison County Health and Human Services, entered what Director Andy Kadlec called “emergency response mode.” Over the past two weeks, Kadlec reached out to organizations across the Gunnison Valley for help finding temporary housing for the residents during this interim

period — no easy feat with the limited inventory available.

Despite the challenge, temporary solutions slowly began to surface. So far, the Rural Transportation Authority has offered six of its presently empty employee housing units at Lazy K until November. The Town of Crested Butte has also offered some of the short-term units it uses for seasonal employees.

“No matter how many units you have, people need and want

Frontier Land A6

District-wide renovation planning begins

Energy, electric systems first on the list

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

The Gunnison Watershed School District's $95 million renovation project has kicked off with a few minor projects this summer, with the goal to start more considerable work this fall. In the last few months, contractors have started ener-

gy modeling for the Gunnison Community School, evaluating electrical and automation systems at all schools and finalizing community focus groups that will help guide the renovation.

In the next three years, the entire school district will get a facelift, focusing specifically on overcrowding at the Crested Butte Community School, adding more student programs and improving security systems at each school. The improvements are funded by a 2022 ballot

Students in a sixth grade physical science class work on their morning assignments. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

SHOW TUNES: (Left to right) Samantha Lovelace, Sadie Swift, Rose Pankratz, Adelaide Pankratz and Kassidy Robinson practice for their big moment at the Kids of the Gunnison Valley concert at I Bar Ranch on Aug. 15. The girls are not only best friends about the enter the fourth grade, but together, form the band Puguleles. They sang hits from Tom Petty, Imagine Dragons, Miranda Lambert and Ed Sheeran. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

QUOTE of the week

RECREATION FACILITIES AND STREETS POTENTIAL BALLOT MEASURE

The City of Gunnison is facing two critical budget issues in the coming years. First, 0.75% of the 1% Parks and Recreation sales and use tax that was approved in 2007 for the construction and maintenance of the pool, ice rink and trails, is scheduled to end (“sunset”) in 2032. This will reduce the collected sales tax from 1% to 0.25%, which will create a funding shortage for maintaining existing Parks and Recreation facilities and limit the possibility of adding or expanding facilities. Second, the City is facing funding shortages for maintaining and rehabilitating existing streets and related infrastructure such as pavement, curb and gutters, alleys, sidewalks, ADA accessibility and drainage.

In order to address these issues without asking voters for a sales tax increase, the City is considering an alternative option for voters this November. The proposed measure would, as of 1/1/24, remove the sunset from the 1.0% Parks and Rec Sales Tax and would allocate 0.67% of that tax towards permanent funding of Parks and Recreation facilities. The remaining 0.37% of the 1.0% tax would be allocated to help fund streets maintenance and improvements as a permanent source of funding. The potential measure is under consideration by City Council at the August 22, 2023, Regular Session meeting.

Tentative CBMR opening date set for Nov. 22

On Wednesday, Vail Resorts announced its tentative winter opening dates for the 2023-24 winter ski season. As is tradition, Keystone will kick off the season as early as possible in October and Breckenridge will plan to take operations into May as weather and conditions permit.

Resort target opening dates:

Mid-Oct. (pending early season conditions): Keystone

Nov. 10: Breckenridge and Vail

Nov. 22: Beaver Creek and Crested Butte

Kebler winter parking permits now $200

Gunnison County Commissioners have approved a cost increase for Kebler Pass winter parking permits.

A tag for the upcoming season now costs $200, up from $125 in 2022. Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt said this accounts for the average cost to maintain the spots. Over the last four years, the county has averaged about $208 per parking spot, solely for snow removal.

Each property owner, with a permitted residential structure on their property that lies east to the Bracken Creek drainage will be eligible to purchase two permits for $200 each. This includes one vehicle tag, one trailer tag per property and up to five snowmobile tags per property. Trailers and snowmobiles must have current registrations. Vehicles in the parking lot without a permit will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Applicants must have no pending enforcement orders on the property and a current septic inspection that shows compliance. The permits are non-transferrable and are tied to specific properties.

Only 56 parking permits are available and they are sold on a first-come first-serve basis. Permits become available on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 8 a.m.

Since the implementation of sales tax funding dedicated to Parks and Recreation, the department has established a record of providing projects as staples of our community. Per City survey results, membership and use of the recreation facilities and amenities are important to many lives in Gunnison. Residents of, and visitors to Gunnison utilize the Community/Recreation Center and pool, Jorgensen Ice Rink, and established trail systems every day throughout the year. Because of the strong utilization between Parks and Recreation amenities and Gunnison citizens, the department is seeking long-term sustainability and maintenance of its facilities.

If 0.75% of the Parks and Recreation Sales Tax sunsets, the permanent 0.25% tax collection does not provide enough funding for Parks and Recreation existing operations. To address the shortfall, membership rates and program costs will need to be increased.

The City has a “backlog” of identified pavement in poor condition. In 2018 and 2021, the City conducted scientific and data-based pavement condition studies with Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) which concluded that without systematic focus on street infrastructure the existing pavement will deteriorate faster than the City can preserve it. Without proper maintenance, the percentage of streets beyond preservation or rehabilitation will grow from 13% to 24-27% within the next 5 years. Signs of distress will appear as crowning, rutting, cracking, and potholes. Currently, the City allocates approximately $1.05M annually to street maintenance. A reallocation of 0.37% sales tax revenue dedicated to the Streets Improvement Fund could generate an estimated $950,000 per year. This revenue would help address the percentage of streets falling into fair or poor pavement conditions.

Proper maintenance of street quality should occur before the pavement reaches rehabilitation needs. If preservation, rather than rehabilitation, can occur, the overall life of pavement is increased, and street maintenance becomes more cost effective for the City. The longer street pavement goes unmaintained, particularity in Gunnison’s extreme weather conditions, the greater the cost becomes to repair it. If permanent funding is in place, the City can rely on expected dollars to maintain and rehabilitate existing streets and related infrastructure such as curbs and gutters, alleys, sidewalks, ADA accessibility and drainage.

To see more information about this potential ballot measure and its impact on Streets and Recreation Facility Funding please visit gunnisonco.gov/2023Election.

WANT TO CONTACT US?

Fully remodeled home has a large master bedroom, full bath & open living & dining room with spacious kitchen. Updated electric, large windows for passive solar, mud room & storage shed for your outdoor gear. 95 George Bailey Dr #23; $75,000.

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING

2800sf home at the end of the Ohio Creek valley sits on 40 acres with Carbon Creek running through the acreage. Custom home & garage offer in-floor heat, 3 bdrms/3 bath, south facing windows with incredible views and a 4 car garage with work space & a walkin cooler. 3750 County Road 737;$2,500,000.

Trail; $335,000.

GROUND LEVEL 2 bdrm/1 bath, 861 square foot condo features an open kitchen & spacious living room. Great rental investment or first time homebuyer option. 212 S. 11th St. #105; $240,000.

RICHARDSON SQUARE CONDO offered for those 55 and over. Nicely appointed 725sf end unit features 2 bedrooms & a full bath, stackable washer & dryer, carport and individual storage cabinet. 228 W. Georgia Ave.; $295,000.

PROPERTY POTENTIAL Here’s your chance to purchase R-3 lots & finish the West End Townhomes for a spec option, rental investment or employee housing. City approved site plans allow for two more duplex units. Water & sewer taps are already installed. Centrally located near the schools & RTA bus stop. 817 W. Denver Ave.; $297,000.

3 BDRM/2 BATH 1554sf home with open kitchen & dining room and a fully fenced backyard with storage shed. New metal roof in 2020 as well as exterior painting. Master bathroom was remodeled & includes two separate vanities with walk-in closet. 404 N. 7th St.; $375,000.

VIEWS OF BLUE MESA Reservoir from this 3 bdrm/2 bath, 1620sf home with 40 x 26 garage with 14 foot garage door for your boat to park next to the fish cleaning station in the garage. Bunk house above the garage sleeps 6 in the 2 bdrms & half bath. 33000 State Highway 149; $385,000.

OVER 1,900SF, log cabin on 35 acres features 2 bedrooms, an open living room & kitchen with custom made oak cabinets, Upstairs loft includes additional beds for guests & the woodstove keeps the cabin warm. Well in place & solar panels for electricity. Seasonal pond and sold partially furnished. Lot 1 Stratman Subdivision; $395,000.

“That we’re able to grow and expand on a dream, and eat and share our own food is the best feeling in the world.”

-Kara Williard Local farmer

Christopher Stanley Hansen-Murray

Former Gunnisonite Chris Hansen-Murray died in midApril at his home in Seattle, Washington after losing a battle with aggressive cancer. He was 76.

Chris was born in Norman, Oklahoma, the third son of Kenneth and Mary Alice Hansen. He moved with his family to Gunnison in 1949. He attended schools in Gunnison, except for a three-month period in 1959 and graduated from Gunnison County High School in 1964. He attended Western State College for two years of undergraduate studies before transferring to the University of Colorado at Boulder, where

he earned BA and MA degrees in Political Science and Economics. He later earned a PhD in Natural Resource Economics from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Chris retired in 2006 after some 30 years working as a career federal employee, serving with both the U.S. Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, with a two-year break working as an economist for Seattle City Light. His first assignment was as a summer seasonal worker on an engineering crew with the Gunnison National Forest. His last assignment was as the planning staff officer on Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

Following his retirement, he returned to his earlier passion: music. Chris sang with a community “show” choir for over a decade and then picked up his trumpet. He joined a local concert band, then added the cornet to his instrument collection. Chris played until his final year with Brass Band Northwest and served for a number of

BIRTHS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

long at birth. She is welcomed by siblings Zeke, age 5, Kylinn, age 3 and Kit, age 2. Her grandparents are Bill and Sherry Redden of Gunnison and Keith and Kendra Scott of Burns, Colorado. God is faithful!

Dr. Jeremy Williams

years as operations manager for the band. He also played with Jazz Night School and was a frequent substitute in other bands. He returned to Gunnison twice to participate in the Colorado Brass Band at Western, where he played alongside his former teacher, John Kincaid.

Chris’s other passion was travel. He and wife Jamia combined their love of music and dance and made many trips to Europe, often attending workshops and performing with international experts.

Chris is survived by his wife, Jamia Hansen-Murray, sons, Scott (Chrystie), of Lake Stevens, Washington and Rusty, of Ft. Lauderdale Florida, grandsons, Alexander and Nicholas, granddaughter, Sydney, and four dear stepgrandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, John (Judy), of Alexandria, Virginia and Henry (Rita) of Grass Valley, California, four nieces, four grandnieces, four grandnephews, and first wife, Peggy (Skip).

HORSE PROPERTY, EXCELLENT WATER RIGHTS!

MLS # 805627

700 Sierra Vista Way

$2,500,000

3 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

13.060 +/- Acres

Premier horse property. Masterful custom designed home with 4,514 SF. Attached 3 car garage, detached 2 car garage + multiple outbuildings. Horse barn with 10 stalls, water point, tack room, storage and electric. 2 bonus rooms + an oversized game/ workout room. Incredible views of the mountains and valley. Custom cabinetry, granite counters, bar seating, stainless steel appliances, travertine floors. NO covenants, excellent water rights on the Hyzer ditch.

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

MLS 803001

401 N. Wisconsin Street

$795,000

4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

0.287 +/- Acres

A Gunnison original home. Exceptional location, walk-able to town. The property is an R2 opportunity to add an additional dwelling per City of Gunnison codes and approval. Beautiful corner lot with grassy lawns, fenced back yard, mature trees and irrigation water from the City ditch system. Covered carport, 1 car garage. Updates feature modern amenities while maintaining the original character of the home with beautiful mill work and period brass light fixtures.

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

MLS # 805276

218 N. 10th Street

$590,000

3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

0.287 +/- Acres

Charming log home located within the City of Gunnison. Corner lot with mature trees and grassy lawns highlighted by a circular drive. There are 3 bedrooms and a beautifully remodeled full bathroom. The kitchen is efficient, has plentiful cabinet space and features a gas range. Additional parking is located off the bonus room just off the alley.

Bodie Justin Barber was born to Maricel and Justin Barber on July 28, 2023 at 11:19 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz. and measured 20 inches long at birth.

Kodee Lane Redden

Kodee Lane Redden was born to Kensie and Scott Redden on Aug. 1 at 1:18 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. and was 20 inches

Dr. Jeremy Williams, a graduate of Gunnison High School, was recently hooded at UCLA with a PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures with an emphasis in Hebrew Bible. Also pictured, his wife Amy and daughter Junia. He is the son of Rev. Gary Williams and Dr. Linda Williams.

Grace Archuletta was honored on her 100th birthday, Aug. 13th, 2023. The event was hosted by her brother Louis, aged 90 years, and his wife LaVonne and attended by her brother Andrew, aged 94 years, his wife Betty and many family and friends from around Colorado, California, Texas, Utah and Kansas. Music was enjoyed by The Pete Dunda Band. Many thanks to everyone who helped prepare and cleanup for this event. We could not have done it without you.

Bodie Barber

Grace Archuletta

970.641.1414

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OPINION

GUEST COMMENTARY

Wildland firefighters need our support

eral firefighters, called “forestry technicians,” who work under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior.

Gregory McNamee Writers on the Range

At any given moment during this smoky summer of 2023, hundreds of wildfires were blazing in the U.S. — more than 850 as of late July, according to the nonprofit Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center. Most of those wildfires ignited in the forests of the American West.

Fires were also burning by the thousands in Canada, creating a pall of particulate-dense smoke that blotted out views of the Chicago skyline and the Washington Mall. Those fires are expected to burn well into fall.

This hellish aspect lends weight to historian Stephen Pyne’s conclusion that we live now in an age of fire called the “Pyrocene.”

Assembled to combat these blazes is a massive army of wildland firefighters. Some are volunteers, some are prison work crews earning time credited against their sentences. Some are municipal firefighters dispatched to the woods.

Some 11,300 of them are fed-

LETTERS

Weapon clarification

For all of them, it’s exhausting work. Wildland firefighters typically log 16-hour days for weeks at a time, burning 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day while carrying heavy backpacks.

It’s punishing labor and always dangerous. Barely a year has gone by in the last quarter-century that has not seen at least 15 wildland firefighter deaths, the victims not just of flames and smoke but also of heat exhaustion, vehicle accidents, air crashes, falling trees and heart attacks.

Often, they don’t die alone. In June 2013, 19 “Hotshots” burned to death in a horrific Arizona wildfire, the thirdgreatest loss of wildland firefighters in U.S. history.

Yet despite the hardships and the history, a mandated pay raise in June 2021, spurred by President Joe Biden, brought the minimum wage for federal wildland firefighters up to a mere $15 an hour.

Firefighters of my acquaintance seldom cite money as a motivator for their work. They fight fires in the spirit of public service, while in some rural communities, as a young Apache firefighter told me, “It gives us something to do.”

But firefighters, like everyone else, must shoulder rents and

mortgages and groceries, and a paycheck of less than $3,000 a month just doesn’t cut it.

Enter a temporary order from President Biden raising that base pay rate by 50%. Put in place in August 2022, and retroactive to the previous October as part of a hotly contested package of infrastructure-funding policies, the pay raise was funded only until Sept. 30, 2023, after which pay for wildland firefighters drops back to 2020 levels.

Wildland firefighters lobbied for Biden’s pay raise to be made permanent, but they made few inroads. That was until they finally found an ally in Arizona’s Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Now an independent, Sinema allied with Republican Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming and Steve Daines of Montana, and Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana, to introduce the bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. It would fund permanent pay increases.

By late June of 2023, their bill had passed out of committee by a vote of 10 to 1, the only no vote coming from Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. When it reaches the Senate floor, it will be open to debate and a full vote.

There, however, the politicians are likely to squabble, especially on the House side. Larger issues loom, too, such

as the need to revise policy so that forests are better managed to improve the conditions that now foster massive wildfires. Those conditions are the product of a “wise use” regime that saw forests as profitable tree farms and not as living systems The Forest Service also had a decades-long policy of dousing all wildfires as early as possible.

While Washington deliberates, and while a more comprehensive bill compensating wildland firefighters struggles to gain traction, fires continue to burn in the outback. Without a pay raise, federal officials fear, some firefighters will walk away from a risky and insultingly lowpaying job.

Wildland firefighters are needed right now, and we need to pay them what they deserve through the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. They will be needed even more in a future of climbing temperatures and widespread drought causing even more massive wildfires. We can only hope that we will have the firefighters to confront them.

(Gregory McNamee is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is an author and journalist in Tucson.)

2023

LETTERS POLICY

Letters to the editor must be 500 words or less. We favor local topics and discourage argumentative letters addressed to particular people. If you reference data, please include sources for fact-checking.

We will not print letters from candidates for public office.

Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include your full name, address and a phone number — for our internal use only.

The deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m. Letters may be edited for grammar, clarity or length.

(Editor’s note: The Times received a paper copy of this letter and made an error transcribing it. The corrected sentence has been italicized. The Times apologies for any confusion.)

Editor:

This letter is in answer to the several letters to the editor in the July 27, 2023 edition of the Gunnison Country Times.

Let’s start with what seems to be the biggest concern of everyone: that really scary-looking military-style rifle on the postcard mailer for the GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. It is a simple bolt action rifle, similar to tens of millions of hunting rifles that are in the hands of citizens throughout the nation and most other nations in the world. It is not a semi-automatic or a beltfed machine gun. If you don’t know anything about guns, don’t comment on them.

Furthermore, this type of weapon has not been used in a school shooting, or any other mass shooting.

In my opinion, the best deterrent to this problem, and many others, would be swift and severe punishment for anyone using a firearm in any crimes. Quick and severe sends a mes-

sage to others. The profits from this auction will go to the Gunnison County GOP. They will not be used for any candidate for the school board.

The issue of what assets each candidate will bring to the board will have to be answered by each candidate. I can’t answer for them. By the way, the candidates Cori Dobson, Lisa Henry and Bonnie Thompson have been holding Town Hall meetings every other Wednesday since last April. These meetings are posted on social media and shared by word of mouth. Go to these meetings and ask questions, share your concerns and comments.

Bob Delahey Gunnison

Thank you firefighters

Editor:

Just a short letter about the Lowline Fire up Ohio Creek. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a major Gunnison forest fire so close and threatening. We’ve all noticed the thick smoke and some homeowners have been close to having to leave their homes.

As of early August, firefighters from 20 plus states are up valley fighting this thing. My main thought is we need to thank these men and women for all their effort in this hard and demanding work. Please take time to make some signs and put them in highly visible places. It’s the least we can do. If you see them in town, offer to buy them a cup of coffee. They are out there for us, we can do a few little things for them.

WC Bennett Gunnison

Misconceptions and misinformation

Editor:

Several opinions have been submitted recently to the Times regarding the Republican Lincoln Day Dinner and their choice to auction a rifle.

Opinions have criticized their choice, defended it and used it as an opportunity to treat this issue sarcastically. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify what I believe are equivocations, misconceptions and misinformation.

One writer refers to this "military-style rifle" as a "simple bolt action rifle." That's true.

It is also true that most United States military sniper rifles are the same because of their simplicity, dependability and ruggedness. Has the writer served in the United States military? If so, has he carried a long gun in combat situations?

If so, he should have known of these inherent qualities. If the writer had read closely the recent Gun Safety for Gunnison County letter appearing in the Times , he would have noted that it stated the rifle has been adapted by the military for use as a sniper and assault rifle. Equivocation of the weapon's capabilities and its dual use in hunting and target shooting don't negate the fact that it is an excellent military rifle, designated XM1200.

The writer suggests that those who don't know anything about guns shouldn't comment on them. Good idea.

The writer goes on to share that the use of a firearm by anyone in a crime should be met with "swift and severe punishment." I wonder where due process of law fits in.

They recommend people attend "Town Hall" meetings held every other Wednesday by three of the school board candidates. I heartily agree. I've been told that they're held upstairs

2023 Member

at the OI Miner Steakhouse. I'm told that there's some sort of "chain" across the stairs but one only has to lift it up, walk up and ask questions.

Another writer has written sarcastically about canceling hunting season in Gunnison County. I, for one, am not for that. I love venison and elk meat. I used to hunt but I choose not to do so anymore. But I sure still love the harvest.

Some members of our Gun Safety for Gunnison County organization own guns and hunt. One of our signs says, "Gun Owners for Gun Reform." We believe we should be cleareyed about the results of so many guns on our people. There are more guns in America than there are human beings. There have been more mass shootings in America so far this year than there are days in the whole year.

Finally, I wonder if Gunnison Republicans could have a "do over," would they choose a high powered rifle used for hunting, target shooting and war as their choice for an auction prize.

Joe Dix Gunnison

Why not auction off some other item?

Editor:

Recently there have been a number of letters in defense of auctioning off a rifle at a Republican fundraiser for school board candidates.

The common themes have been: It is not an assault rifle, it’s a hunting rifle, and people should not comment on guns if they do not know what they are talking about.

The problem is that these statements completely miss the point. Over the past 10 or 15 years we have witnessed an epidemic of children being slaughtered in what was once considered the safe environment of the school classroom. As a small sampling, think of the parents who stood outside of the school in Texas while their children were being murdered inside. Or of the mother in Sandy Hook who had to identify the body of her child with a bullet hole in her forehead, and then being harassed online by right wing extremists claiming it never happened. The point is that the optics are all wrong. Associating any type of gun with a school board election is repugnant. Why not auction off some other donated objects and save the rifle for some other fundraiser?

On another point, at least one letter points out that a bolt action rifle has never been used in a school shooting. They have almost always been assault weapons. This is also true of many other mass shootings as well.

So, it begs the question: Why can virtually any person in this nation, legally or illegally, easily obtain an assault weapon whose only purpose is to kill people?

Charles Welch Gunnison

Coleman for school board

Editor: I am writing to you to express my enthusiastic endorsement of Dr. Jody Coleman for the upcoming school board election. As a former student and member of the community, I wholeheartedly believe that Coleman is the quintessential candidate to organize and guide the wellness and success of our school district.

One of the most compelling aspects of Coleman’s candidacy is her background as a teacher and researcher. Coleman’s over four decades of teaching experience, many of which were in the Gunnison Watershed School District, give her an intimate insight into the challenges that our students and educators face. Her background allows her to craft and implement policies that are not only informed, but practical and effective.

As a former student of Coleman, I can personally attest to her commitment to an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English because of her passion and dedication while she was my educator and mentor both in the classroom and in the National Honors Society.

She ignited my love for education, volunteerism and critical literary analysis. The knowledge and skills I gained under her tutelage continue to shape my life and pursuits. To this day whenever I yawn or answer my phone, I think of the etiquette she instilled and find myself transported to a fall-smelling classroom with thoughts of Civil Disobedience or Manifest Destiny.

As you can tell, Coleman and the education she gave me has had a lasting impact, which is why I am confident that her commitment to education and the welfare of students will shine on the school board.

In an evolving educational environment, we need leaders who understand the intricate nuances of teaching and learning. I know Coleman will prioritize academic success, freedom of knowledge and equal access to education. Her wisdom as a teacher and dedication to excellence, integrity and innovation, make her an exceptional choice for our school board.

I urge you to cast your vote for Dr. Coleman, a candidate who truly carries the best interests of our students and educators near to her heart.

Maddie Manning Crested Butte

Indulging our love of cinema at home

Editor:

Did you get to jump on the Barbenheimer bandwagon?

Back in the fall of 2020, during 2021 and through the spring of 2022, it was very hard to imagine we’d be able to ride this summer 2023 wave of double blockbusters at our very own Majestic movie theater.

A huge shout out of incredible appreciation and grati -

tude to Carrie Wallace, Conrad Kaul and Whitney Favor for doing what it took to bring back the Majestic Theater to the Gunnison Valley. Their vision of operating the Majestic as a nonprofit organization and showing new Hollywood releases, while also offering private rentals and a myriad of fun events, benefits our community in so many ways.

As we near the one-year anniversary of the reopened better-than-ever Majestic Theater, I just want to say thank you, Children of the Popcorn! You’ve made it possible for us to indulge our love of cinema on the big screen once again right here at home.

Linda Wartes Gunnison

A big thanks from KBUT

Editor:

KBUT wants to thank the entire Gunnison Valley community for another historic outpouring of support for our Summer 2023 Pledge Drive, which ended last week.

Only a year ago, we took a chance and raised our fundraising goal for the first time in a long time. As the price of everything continues to rise and we strive to improve everything we do, including a oncein-a-generation upgrade to our broadcast studios. We've been ambitious in setting our goals in every Drive since, and we've never regretted it.

This summer, we asked the community to get us to $70,000 for the first time ever, and gave ourselves 12 days to do it. By the morning of the 12th day, we had reached that goal, and the money is still coming in. We are honored by the level of support this community shows KBUT during each of our Drives (and all year), and proud to turn that support into the best radio station in the world.

In the coming weeks, you’ll hear thank yous to the dozens of local businesses that kept the DJs, phone ops, and staff fed during the Drive. There are too many to thank here. We want to thank Monarch Mountain and Crested Butte Mountain Resort for donating the season pass grand prizes that every donor was entered to win. The lucky winners will have been chosen by the time this letter is published.

I'd like to personally thank KBUT's incredibly dedicated staff, and our ceaselessly talented and creative volunteer DJs, the heart of all we do. More than anything, I want to pass along a heartfelt, humble and awestruck thank you to the Gunnison Valley Community, and our listeners around the world, for such an unprecedented outpouring of generosity.

Jackson Petitio KBUT

Authority — an agency that provides loans and grants to Colorado governmental agencies to finance water infrastructure projects — to help pay for the plant’s design. City council approved the application at a regular meeting on Aug. 8. The state board will review applications and make a final decision in October of this year.

The city has been relying on a low-cost, but out-dated, method that is no longer permitted by the state to treat its drinking water supply, using chlorine gas at wellheads scattered throughout Gunnison. It launched the planning process for a new surface water treatment plant, which it presently lacks, in 2022.

The completion of both the design and the construction of a water treatment plant on Gunnison’s VanTuyl Ranch property is directly dependent on the city’s ability to find enough money to cover the cost of the exceptionally large infrastructure improvement project. But the estimated cost of the entire project exceeds $50 million in today’s dollars, an amount that is likely to increase each year.

This figure includes not only the water plant itself, but other future phases, such as a new reservoir and upgraded water storage tanks. The surface water plant and additional wells, the first phase of the project, are estimated to cost about $30 million.

Frontier Land

from A1

housing for their employees,” Kadlec said. “We're trying to balance that aspect. But anything we can get now is better than nothing.”

A purchase agreement between the Housing Authority and the Frontier Land owner, CCNB Properties, expired barely a month before the notice went out. The organization had filed an objection to the property inspection with the seller and the parties did not come to an agreement. The contract terminated as a result.

According to a notice shared with Frontier Land residents in both English and Spanish, the terminated contract “led to an urgent need to start this project immediately because of the conditions of the park.” Major concerns expressed in the final inspection report include sewage found under and around homes, many electrical issues and the “general state of disrepair” of the property.

The notice states that the owner will start removing the old trailers at the beginning of next month so updated infrastructure can be installed before new trailers are brought in. This will include new sewer and electrical lines. If all goes as planned, move-ins are expected by November or December of this year.

CCNB Properties indicated it

“We do not have sufficient funds to continue to design those improvements or construct them,” City Manager Amanda Wilson said. “As a result, staff is actively pursuing as many options as possible.”

The type of loan the city is pursuing is commonly referred to as “bridge financing,” designed to bridge a monetary gap until longer-term funding for a project is obtained.

According to city officials, the $2.3 million would enable the city to partially complete the design of the water infrastructure, making the project more competitive for additional state and federal grants. The goal is to complete 30% or more of the plant’s design by January of 2024.

Council member Jim Miles said he encouraged the application submission.

“I appreciate that you're looking for any way to reduce the costs and keep expenses down for the public,” Miles said.

In 2023, the city only budgeted $350,000 to move from a preliminary needs assessment into the actual design process — a costly stage of the project due to the need for geotechnical work and environmental assessments near the chosen site. The loan the city is applying for would help the engineering team move from 30% to 100% of the design and cover some of the pre-construction management.

The city has already received almost $3 million from earmarks, which are typically small grants to programs and projects in congressional dis -

intends to sell the new homes back to tenants. All existing tenants will be given first right of refusal to purchase the new trailers, with financing provided if they cannot pay cash. It is unknown at this time whether leasing will also be an option. The Times has reached out to the owner multiple times since the property went up for sale, without response.

Although the timeline of the entire process will potentially only span three to four months, approximately 50 residents will be displaced, nearly half under the age of 18. Many have lived at Frontier Land for more than a decade, and in just a few weeks children will be returning to school.

On Thursday, Aug. 10, the Housing Authority hosted a resident meeting to gather information that would help the organization match residents with temporary housing. The majority of the meeting was conducted in Spanish, and the chosen developer, Texas Home Outlet, gave a short presentation to help the mobile home community start understanding its options.

Texas Home Outlet is run by the husband and wife duo, Ben and Celeste Spector and installs manufactured homes across the country. Ben is a Western Colorado University graduate and the pair lives part-time in one of their manufactured homes in Almont.

“We are not interested in just selling houses,” Celeste said

tricts, from Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert and Sen. John Hickenlooper. The city has also pre-qualified for a low-interest loan through the Colorado State Revolving Loan program, with payments that would be spread over 20-25 years, and may pursue funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The city plans to try and take as much pressure as possible off its water utility customers, who will likely shoulder a portion of the plant’s high price tag. In addition to mitigating the cost, the Public Works Department

during the meeting. “We are interested in helping you guys in the community get a chance to buy your own home.”

According to Ben, the Home Outlet’s lenders offer financing to clients without social security numbers and those who have never had credit before. Price estimates for new trailers hovered around $95,000. Although this price is far below what is available on the regular market, it would be paired with lot rent payments and the high interest rates that typically accompany manufactured homes.

The brevity of the owner’s timeline seems ambitious when compared to the construction delays and drawn-out projects seen following the pandemic, but Ben told the Times he believes it is realistic. Their manufactured homes only take five weeks to deliver and just a couple of days to install.

Celeste said she has worked to help those impacted by natural disasters in the southern United States, where clients are shell-shocked, have lost everything or been subjected to sometimes dangerous circumstances.

“Last night, we were walking into a room full of people that had experienced something very similar,” she said.

The fear of not having a home

Some of the Frontier Land trailers date back to the 1970s, making the presence of asbestos likely, said Kelly McKinnis of Gunnison Real Estate and

is also trying to balance creating flexibility for population growth, building a plant that blends into the VanTuyl landscape and planning for future water treatment regulations aimed at specific contaminants, such as PFAS or “forever chemicals.”

Wilson said the city plans to take a closer look at its water utility rates and will initiate a conversation about additional increases in the coming months. When the city first launched the planning process, the city council approved three

Rentals, the agency that managed the property up until the end of July. Years ago her team also found aluminum wiring, which can become a safety risk, and tenants had to sign a disclosure about the possible presence of lead-based paint.

The City of Gunnison received the third party inspection results because it helped the Housing Authority pay for the work, a gesture meant to support the organization’s intent to purchase the park earlier this year. Following the guidelines of the city’s existing code, what the inspector found would have been enough of a red flag for the city to consider taking the first steps in the condemnation process, said Building Official Eric Jansen.

But the Community Development Department does not plan to conduct its own inspections of the existing conditions at Frontier Land at this time since the owner has shared his intent to repair the infrastructure at the park.

“It just doesn't make sense to compound the situation by going through that whole condemnation process when he's already taking proactive measures to do something about it,” Jansen said.

The department was unaware of just how poor conditions were, Jansen said. Because Frontier Land is privately owned, the City of Gunnison never received the complaints needed from tenants to conduct inspections of its own on the

years of 25% rate increases starting in 2023.

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)

property.

The process the city uses to condemn buildings, which doesn’t happen often, has historically been complaint driven. While larger municipalities have employees that are dedicated to performing routine audits of building habitability, the city does not staff a property maintenance code enforcement department.

Jansen said he believes the city has not received complaints from existing tenants due to a fear that bringing awareness to the situation could potentially force them out of their homes.

“They’ve been living with a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell mentality,’” Jansen said. “Ultimately what happens when you condemn a building is, ‘Thou shall not live there anymore.’ And so people don't really want to take that next step for fear of not having a place to live.”

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)

The City of Gunnison plans to place the new surface water treatment plant on the VanTuyl Ranch property within Parker Pastures’ ranch headquarters. (Photo by Bella Biondini)

measure that approved a $95 million bond, supported by a property tax increase. Over half of that budget is expected to be spent at CBCS.

The District’s bonds were sold successfully at the start of the year, and it soon hired Denver-based Artaic Group to oversee the budget and overall schedule. Artaic soon selected TreanorHL as the architect and Grand Junction-based FCI Constructors as the general contractor. TreanorHL will draw up schematic designs this November for FCI to price out.

Gunnison Community School will receive an overhauled heating and cooling system. Group14 Engineering, an energy efficiency consulting firm, is currently analyzing the conventional system to determine if it needs an upgrade or full replacement. The team is working with Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability John Cattles to evaluate possible geothermal solutions for GCS, like air exchange heat pumps or inground heat pumps.

“GCS is where we’ll see the most work in terms of upgrades to their HVAC system, where we have the most opportunity to realize cost savings, better operations and more energy efficiency,” said Artaic project manager John Usery in a school board meeting on Aug. 14.

Artaic is also still compiling design advisory groups, which will include principles, staff, parents and community members to look at the biggest parts of the renovations like safety and security, playgrounds and CBCS improvements. These five key groups, composed of

12-15 people, will start meeting in September. There are still open spots in each group.

“While the [design advisory groups] are relatively small, every single user group in the school district will have a voice … That will really get to a granular level of what's important to you, as we go through this process,” said Superintendent Leslie Nichols.

Artaic estimates a number of challenges along the way, primarily labor shortages and material lead times. Upgrades to school playgrounds are slated to start next summer, so the team is working to procure playground vendors now, a year in advance, to make sure designs and materials can be acquired. If the project stays on schedule, facility upgrades should be finished by the end of 2026.

To tackle the issue of future capacity needs, Artaic brought on a demographer to provide updated projections for the project, given pandemic-era population changes and new housing projects set to come

online in the next 5-10 years. Demographics has been a huge talking point for TreanorHL, Usery said. The goal is to ensure the improvements that happen now are scalable to future population shifts.

“[Gunnison] is where all the new building construction is happening, and the bond has already passed, so I would hate to have to ask people to increase our schools for more room,” said board director Mandy Roberts.

With the school year starting up, Artaic will begin meeting with staff, parents and community members who have been away on summer break. Interested community members can apply for a design group at gwsdschools.com/getinvolved.

(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@gunnisontimes.com.)

Located outside of Gunnison near Blue Mesa Reservoir, this resort like estate offers 4 homes and a large garage/barn. The cabin features a loft, 1 bedroom, and 1 bathroom. The trailer homes provide

Students file toward the front courtyard of Gunnison Community School at the end of May. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

Lowline Fire back under local management

Size stays just under 1,900 acres

At 7 a.m. on Wednesday, command of the Lowline Fire transitioned back to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District. Unless conditions change, Incident Commander Bryan Gaines shared the last email update for the Lowline Fire that same morning.

The wildfire is 1,871 acres and is 55% contained. The remaining perimeter of the fire, while not considered an official containment line, has remained cool and is holding along natural features such as creek beds, aspen groves and ridgelines.

The firefighting strategy can now transition to a long-term operational plan managed by the GMUG. Firefighting crews remain working on the fire and

are prepared for quick response should fire conditions change.

The firefighters will continue to maintain observational and strategic attack capacity until the Lowline Fire is no longer considered a re-ignition risk for the area. This level of readiness could remain in place for the next several months, depending on future weather and environmental conditions such as wind, precipitation and fuel moisture.

Incident Commander Theo Engel took over the Lowline Fire on Wednesday.

“Since the Lowline Fire was first reported at 8 a.m. on July 26, approximately 575 personnel have worked on this fire,” he said. “The investment that these people, this community and our partner agencies have put into Lowline over the past several weeks has been incredible and is deeply appreciated. We have an excellent plan moving forward to continue to protect this investment and support this

community.”

Over the next several days, the fire area will see a potential for increased moisture, primarily in the afternoon and later into the evening. Winds remain low, and nighttime temperature lows remain in the 40s. Forecasted moisture will make fuels less available to carry fire until a drying period occurs.

Previous hot spots along the western edge of the fire have cooled and have limited potential to spread. While mixed conifer stands continue to periodically burn and put out minimal smoke, the areas of aspen stands continue to resist fire spread.

A pre-evacuation order remains in effect for residents along County Road 727 along Mill Creek. No other evacuations or pre-evacuations are in place near the fire.

The closure order for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District

remains in effect. In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire personnel and avoid the area around Lowline Fire, especially the forest closure areas and preevacuation area along County Road 727. County Road 818 and

County Road 727 remain closed except to local traffic.

Gunnison Valley Hospital busier than usual in July

COVID admissions, traumas increase

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

As a hectic summer in the Gunnison Valley winds to an end, Gunnison Valley Health is coming off one of its busiest seasons in recent history. GVH clocked a significant uptick in COVID admissions in July and the beginning of August and had a busier-than-usual season in the urgent care and emergen-

cy department, said Marketing and Communications Director Joelle Ashley.

“I think the town's just very busy. We have more people around,” Ashley said. “It wasn't anything concerning and nothing that couldn't be handled very, very well by all the teams.”

The month of July was one of the hospital’s busiest to-date, seeing increases in the family medicine clinic, the emergency room and urgent care. EMS received the most calls in its history in July and there was at least one point when the hospital filled all available beds. There was no obvious reason for the uptick in emergency and urgent care visits, she said, just

It’s nearly showtime!

the normal mix of just traumas — like motorcycle accidents and falls — the things that occur when people go outside and recreate in the backcountry.

GVH tallied 43 positive COVID cases in July, among a mix of locals and tourists. One person was transferred out of the hospital for greater repository support, and six people were admitted, all of whom were over the age of 80. The first week of August started to slow down, with only eight COVID cases through Aug. 8.

“It's not something anybody's super concerned about,” Ashley said. “Like any illness, you see ups and downs with it. We're just advising people to follow

existing CDC guidelines.”

According to the state's COVID database, just over 1.8 million Coloradans have been infected and around 15,000 have died of the virus or related complications. A new variant, dubbed EG.5, became the dominant variant in the U.S. last week, according to the World Health Organization. In an Aug. 9 press release, the organization described it as able to spread quickly, but posing no more severe symptoms than any other strains. Gunnison County Health and Human Services has not received a health alert from the state about the variant, as it did when Omicron surged back in December of 2022.

Health and Human Services is now in disease control and response mode, similar to what is done for any other disease, like giardia or salmonella. The department gathers COVID test reports and submits them to the state to help keep track of infections. The department also offers support, like connecting locals with treatment or helping them decide how to isolate. Visit cdc.gov for more information.

(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)

(Source: GMUG Fire Information from the U.S. Forest Service.)

The west side of the Lowline Fire on Aug. 1. (Courtesy InciWeb)

The young cast members of Missoula Children’s Theatre rendition of “The Secret Garden” participated in a final dress rehearsal last week at the Gunnison High School auditorium. The cast donned all sorts of garden costumes and filed on stage in preparation for the formal performance on Aug. 12.

(Photos by Abby Harrison)

Rockin’ reading route wraps up another great summer

Señorita Rita’s Rockin’ Reading Route Book Bus did its final laps around town last week, making stops at Tenderfoot and Western Colorado University’s summer camp. Kids of all ages jumped on board to peruse hundreds of books, all organized by reading levels. This year marked the Book Bus’ 12th year of fighting off the dreaded summer reading setback syndrome. The Book Bus crew handed out school supplies to students getting ready to head back to school and will have more supplies available at the upcoming Gunnison Car Show.

(Courtesy Rita Merrigan)

Submitted by Larry McDonald

With the coming of the automobile in the early 1900’s, efforts were underway across the country to complete a transcontinental highway system and counties throughout Colorado began lobbying to have it pass through their regions. At an “enthusiastic” meeting of counties held in Salida in January of 1911, it was Professor Grant Ruland who represented Gunnison, and following the meeting the Gunnison NewsChampion stated, “To construct a great system of scenic highways in Colorado and leave out the magnificent Gunnison valley with it’s 500 miles of trout fishing would be like the play of Hamlet with Hamlet left out.” The “Rainbow Route” name was officially adopted by representatives of Pueblo, El Paso, Fremont, Chaffee, Saguache, Montrose, and Gunnison counties, and it wasn’t long before other areas of the state begun raising a ruckus.

A January 11, 1912, Rocky Mountain New’s headline read, “Pueblo Convention Ends in a Row, Mayor’s Welcome Branded Insult, Rainbow Route Indorsed at Packed Meeting, 38 Counties Call Action Indecent”, and went on to state, “We deplore the successful effort of Pueblo and adjoining counties in packing the convention and controlling it by political, unfair, indecent and disgraceful methods.” Bad feelings festered for another year, until early 1913 when a compromise resolution was adopted that, “favors three roads across the state. One from Denver via Idaho Springs, one from Colorado Springs via Ute pass, and one from Pueblo

City withdraws primary Gun Show sponsorship

Without funding and event space, show’s future is unclear

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

uptick in gun violence around the country correlated to the city withdrawing as the primary sponsor.

feat, Eflin said. Rallying vendors, acquiring tables, hiring security and gathering required paperwork can take months. Each year, between 1,000 and 1,500 people paid entrance fees to the event, and around 50 vendors usually show up. GSA ran a gun check each year, making sure the guns were emptied of ammunition and decommissioned, or zip tied, correctly.

via Canon City, known as the Rainbow Route.”

With a truce now in place, the “Rainbow Route” officially opened in the fall of 1915 and, “Motorists can now all thru the summer and fall travel with ease along this route and enjoy the most magnificent scenery to be found anywhere in the United States or foreign lands.” And it was the Women’s Good Roads Club of Gunnison that can be credited with promoting the “Rainbow Route”, placing a full-page ad in the 1914 Automobile Bluebook, a national publication, with the tag line, “YOU CAN GET THERE BY AUTO – IT’S ON THE RAINBOW ROUTE”. With much excitement, enthusiasm and interest over the new Rainbow Route, the Gunnison Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution decided to make the marking of the road a major project, and they soon voted to install signs along the route. Signs were soon placed on trees and telephone poles all along the route and they remained until the State Highway Commission ordered them removed in 1930.

In 1938 a highway department worker found one of the signs on Old Monarch Pass and he then gave it to a Gunnison woman who stored it away where it remained forgotten until 1977 when DAR member Ruth Stell came across it. Jimmy Stell restored the badly rusted and damaged sign, and then had it placed at the museum where it has been on display for decades now. With the 35th Annual Gunnison Car Show taking place this Saturday right outside our front door, we invite you to take advantage of a special discounted adult admission fee of $10.00 and check out our amazing collection of nearly 100 beautiful vintage vehicles and the historic “Rainbow Route” sign!

MUSEUM OPEN DAILY 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

FROM MAY 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30.

Admission $15 ages 13+, $5 for ages 6-12, Free for 5 and under. Follow us on Facebook for current information and amazing local history!

The annual Gunnison Gun Show, put on each year at the end of July, was canceled this year after running for nearly a decade. The gun show, historically held at Jorgensen Ice Rink, brings locals and tourists alike together for a weekend of browsing new and vintage guns, archery equipment and fishing gear from visiting vendors.

The City of Gunnison has historically supported the event, but withdrew in 2022 as the primary sponsor and, this year, offered no financial sponsorship. Following that move, the city passed the baton to Gunnison Sportsman's Association (GSA), but the organization did not have the manpower or funding to support the event, which costs upward of $2,500 to put on.

Former city manager Russ Forrest was at the helm of that decision. He declined comment for this story. For GSA Board President Steve Bathje, the main reason was that several community members voiced concern to city staff about the city supporting a gun show. Bathje said the GSA board had a meeting with city staff last year, including Forrest. The board was told that the city had received complaints about the gun show, amidst increasing incidents of mass shootings around the nation.

That same year, GSA was named as the primary sponsor on all marketing materials, but the city continued to fund and coordinate the event. New City Manager Amanda Wilson, who was not a city employee at the time of the decision, said she could not confirm that an

As it stands now, city-hosted events should directly align with the city’s purpose and strategic plan, Wilson wrote in a statement to the Times . Those events are to be “community driven,” and fill a gap not otherwise provided by another entity. Each year, the gun show cost the city between $2,500-3,000 to put on, but it made upward of $7,000. Surplus revenue went back into the city’s event budget.

“A gun show does not align with the priorities of the city’s strategic plan or the purpose of our organization,” Wilson said. “It does not appear that city council had discussions related to gun violence in 2021 or 2022 … It is a fact that public safety is a top priority and that the city, and our partners are committed to gun violence prevention.”

Despite City Events Manager Andy Eflin offering to help train another organizer and provide tables, GSA could not swing it this year.

“Unfortunately, nobody's willing to step up and take over that,” Bathje said. “We don't have the manpower that the city has and we just don't have that type of facility.”

Although Gunnison’s event is on the smaller end for state gun shows, putting it on is no small

Over the years, city staff encountered only one violation over and over, Eflin said. State law limits vendors from selling large-capacity magazines, but each year, a few would try and sneak them in for sale. Outside this recurring issue, things went off without a hitch, he said.

“From my perspective, people enjoyed coming to the gun show. The vendors enjoyed doing business up here, and it was mostly on a positive note,” Eflin said.

Although Bathje is unsure what the future of the Gunnison Gun Show will look like, he doesn’t see much prospect in local ownership or sponsorship. When local support dries up, companies like Tanner Gun Show step in to support smaller shows, as it has already done in Montrose and Buena Vista.

In the last few years, as incidences of gun violence around the country have escalated, the Colorado state legislature has introduced a number of new gun bills — some successful, some not. This year, the legislature passed a law that requires a mandatory three-day waiting period after purchasing a gun, to provide a “buffer” or “cooling period” to discourage guns bought in fits of anger or emotional instability.

“How will that affect gun shows? We don't know, as gun owners,” Bathje said. “That's a really good question. That could be another reason that gun shows go away in the future in Colorado.”

(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)

“Rainbow Route is Attraction for Tourists”

“People enjoyed coming to the gun show. The vendors enjoyed doing business up here, and it was mostly on a positive note.”

Andy Eflin City of Gunnison

Attendees peruse vendors’ offerings at the 2022 gun show. (Photo by Jacob Spetzler)

A fruitful season on the trails

The Gunnison Trails crew has been hard at work on local trails since May. Community members may have run into Steiny, Michael, Hannah, Bobby, Daniel and Avery on the trails at Hartman Rocks or Signal Peak, where a significant amount of early-season maintenance was required after a winter of heavy snow. The trail crew cleared downed timber and worked in drainages along Mill Castle and Little Mill, Canyon Creek, Doctor Park, Bear Gulch and sections of the Colorado Trail. The team also spent more than three weeks on the South Lottis Trail in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness.

(Courtesy Tim Kugler)

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‘Biochar, a substance of great worth’

On Thursday, Aug. 10, a collection of approximately 60 students and community members attended a biochar demonstration hosted by Ricardo Vazquez Perales, an assistant professor of environment and sustainability at Western Colorado University. Biochar is a soil amendment made of wood that would otherwise be burned or placed in a landfill. The substance reduces waste and carbon emissions, helps improve soil fertility and works well with compost — benefiting farmers, ranchers and entire ecosystems.

“Biochar is like a sponge,” Vazquez Perales said. “It retains water and nutrients and becomes the ideal habitat for bacteria in the soil.”

After assembling the portable kiln, and lighting the fire, the wood was heated to more than 700 degrees. Approximately two hours later, firefighters helped the team extinguish the fire — a necessary step so the wood does not turn to ash. When it cooled, participants shoveled the biochar into bags before it was hauled off to use in Mountain Roots Food Project gardens.

The Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program recently received a donation of a “Ring of Fire” biochar kiln, while support from Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley and Coldharbour Ranch helped make the event possible. Vazquez Perales is working with the City of Gunnison to potentially include the use of biochar into its new composting master plan.

Dani Laird, a first-year MEM student and research coordinator at Coldharbour, said she’s only seen biochar used once before, but was excited about the possibilities.

“This is just one sustainable way to add nutrients back into the soil over time, which is going to help create more fertile, productive agriculture without chemical additives,” she said. “Plus, it's really simple, and can actually be a community building process.”

(Courtesy Rachel Brand)

RTA prepares for the future

5-year plan to include passenger surveys, bus route finetuning

Bella Biondini Times Editor

This winter, the Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) will start crafting a new operating plan for its valley-wide commuter bus service for the first time since 2017 — a process that will largely be driven by the Gunnison Valley community.

The intent of the large project is to evaluate the community’s transit needs and fine-tune bus schedules and routes. The RTA will also use this project as an opportunity to plan for the future by exploring possible locations for a multi-modal transit center and park-and-ride facilities.

The roughly 10-month planning process will begin in early January and stretch through the fall, allowing the organization to collect data during the busy winter and the summer seasons. The work will culminate in a final report transportation officials hope will guide the RTA through the coming years.

In 2017, the RTA board used the data it gathered from its old operating plan to make some minor tweaks to bus routes. It also learned that although little demand existed for additional stops, residents wanted more bus service.

“That's what we've tried to do,” said Executive Director Scott Truex. “The results of this one will guide us going forward with what we try to do for the next five years.”

As Gunnison and Crested Butte have engaged in transportation planning, Truex said he has been asked some questions he didn’t really have answers for. The pandemic had also put the RTA, which usually updates its strategic plan every five years, behind. Truex needed up-to-date data, he said.

A large portion of the planning process will involve passenger surveys during the valley’s busiest seasons, which will record who the RTA’s riders are, where they are going and why. It will also evaluate potential service expansion projects that may be warranted as new housing developments such as Whetstone come online. This will include an analysis of possible locations for future park and ride facilities in the Gunnison Valley, as well as a transit center in Gunnison. This comes after a failed attempt to select a site this year.

The RTA will hire an outside

consultant to help the board work through these tasks. In the past, the RTA has taken on these projects itself, but Truex said it's good to have a fresh set of eyes from outside the valley.

“We're so tied up in the dayto-day operations that we can sometimes miss the big picture,” he said.

Truex presented a draft of the project’s scope to the RTA board during a regular meeting on Friday, Aug. 11 for feedback. Although the majority of the board believed Truex had covered everything, board member Jason MacMillan emphasized the importance of public outreach during the duration of the planning process.

Looking at the south valley, County Commissioner Liz Smith said if the city had an appetite for its own bus circulator system, similar to Crested

Butte’s Alpine Express, now was the time to have those conversations.

“What we come up with at least opens the door,” Smith said. “That might prevent people from closing their mind to the opportunity.”

In case the city does introduce its own circulator bus system in the future, Truex said it would likely be in addition to the RTA’s regular route through Gunnison, to prevent passengers from needing to transfer buses. This was something that could ultimately decrease ridership in the long run, he said.

Board member Laura Puckett Daniels said that many residents in Riverland and Skyland are already driving to a bus stop or using the Mountain Express to catch an RTA bus.

“To preclude even considering talking about a circulator in Gunnison seems short sighted,” she said. “As our communities are spread out farther and farther, people are going to have some sort of transfer.

If Gunnison Rising comes in, people aren't going to be walking all the way into town, they're going to be driving. What are the ways that we can serve our community as it grows?”

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)

“The results of this one will guide us going forward with what we try to do for the next five years.”

Scott Truex RTA

GCEA releases new multi-year strategic plan

Reliability and reducing carbon footprint are main priorities

Abby

Harrison

Times Staff Writer Gunnison County’s electric utility, Gunnison County Electric Association, recently released its newest five-year strategic plan, which will guide the co-op’s priorities for the next five to seven years.

As volatility in energy prices and markets continues around the nation, the local utility is doubling down on reliability and renewables. The plan also includes a number of first-time goals, including increasing participation in board elections and formally committing to a greenhouse gas emission reductions goal.

GCEA worked with local consultant Marv Weidner to help draft the plan, which included five specific targets: member experience, employee care, being the energy provider of choice, environmental responsibility and good governance. The roadmap to achieving these goals is yet to be determined, said Chief Executive Officer Mike McBride. Instead, GCEA has put together teams that will develop a recommended action plan for each category in the coming months.

“We've got the ‘what’ and the ‘when’ in the strategic plan, but the ‘how’ will be developed by working with employee groups and smaller employee teams,” McBride said.

By 2025, GCEA aims to increase election participation from 14% to 25%. The board’s most recent election this summer received 17% participation, an improvement that board member Greg Wiggins attributes to allowing online voting.

“We are interested in more engagement and having the voice of our members reflected in governance,” McBride said.

For employees, the utility is aiming to have an average wage rate at the 75th percentile among electric cooperatives in Colorado. GCEA executives also considered entering the housing market, going so far as to contract a design for a multiunit project. The plan was eventually put on the back burner as it required drilling under Hwy. 50 to run sewer lines, a connection that proved to be too expensive.

Going green, reliably

By 2030, GCEA aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within its entire circle of influence — power supply,

beneficial electrification and in-house footprint — by 90% compared to a 2015 baseline. That is the first greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal GCEA has ever articulated. As of December 2022, GCEA had achieved a 14% reduction. But with the 735 megawatts of solar that its supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, has under contract, that number should increase quickly, McBride said.

By 2027, GCEA looks to get more co-op members to use electrification incentives, improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and light-weight fleet and have at least 70% of the utility’s power come from reliable, renewable sources — TriState’s projection of how much of its portfolio will be renewable in 2030. The “reliable” stipulation gives board members the ability to turn the dial as needed if renewables aren’t performing, to make sure members get the power they need.

“We've got to go as green as possible without sacrificing reliability,” Wiggins said.

Although GCEA is capped at 7% for the amount of renewable energy it can generate locally, it continues to look to Tri-State to achieve its stated renewable goals. Including Tri-State’s goals in the utility’s plan helps the co-op monitor that progress and continue to press them to achieve those goals, McBride said.

GCEA may be able to go beyond 7% in the future through a partial requirements contract, which could allow the utility to self-supply up to 50% of its load requirement. There are currently six Tri-State members that have elected for this option. GCEA considered the option once already, but could not make it work financially.

The utility is open to the possibility in the future, but is limited by the high cost of local generation and renewable projects, McBride said. Replacing what will be 70% renewable energy from Tri-State with 100% renewables projects could mean excluding the economies of scale that make larger renewable projects cheaper for companies like Tri-State, he added.

“All the co-ops that are involved with Tri-State just need to stay with it,” Wiggins said. “That's, that's the reality. That will get us more renewables because they can do it cheaper and bigger and faster than we can.”

(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)

1203 Van Tuyl Circle, MLS #805249, $784,000, 4-Bedroom 3.25 Bathrooms 1766 sqft built in 2017. This quaint contemporary single family home is surrounded by magnificent views of the Palisades in the quiet neighborhood of Van Tuyl Village. This 4-bedroom 3.25-bathroom property, a primary bedroom with full bathroom on the ground floor and half bedroom by the utility room that is easily accessible by guests and friends when entertaining. The living room is equipped with a pellet stove, moving into an open kitchen area with granite countertops, a deep sink and dining area nearby. The upstairs consists of a second primary bedroom with 3/4 bathroom and two large bedrooms with a full bathroom in the hallway. The natural sunlight from the expansive windows throughout the property provides views and sun exposure. The huge fenced in front yard will enable you to garden and play with your pet(s) and/or entertain your family and friends during the beautiful sunny summers in Gunnison. The irrigation ditch is available during spring/summer/fall months to water the yard and provide you with ambient noise to enjoy during the pleasant Gunnison evenings. Call the listing agent for further questions and to schedule a showing.

613 W New York, MLS #804709, $857,000, 4 houses located on W. New York Ave. in a growing area of town. The 4 houses contain 5 units that have been rented for many years. Theproperties have excellent rental history and good cash flow. New water lines installed last year and sewer lines in 2 small houses on 12th have been replaced in the last 5 years along with new roofs for these 2 houses in the last 4 years. The small house at 613 W New York had a new heater and refrigerator installed this past winter. All units currently have leases in place so an investor can start cash flowing the property immediately. Property is older and in need of some deferred maintenance but is being sold “as is” at this price. This property includes the addresses: 202 S. 12th, 206 S 12th, 613 W New York and 615 W New York.

305 Roper Lane, MLS #804514, $1,775,000, 3-Bedroom 3-bathroom 2,290 sqft, built in 2008, 2.751 acres and attached 2 car garage. Welcome to a fisherman’s paradise located about 10 min. north of Gunnison on the Gunnison River. As you arrive and walk into the property you will notice that the main focus of this home is the river and it can be seen from almost every room in the house! This well-appointed ranch style home sits just up from a large shelf area that is along the river. This shelf area with 397 ft of river frontage can be developed into a fantastic riverside entertaining area with maybe a gazebo, firepit or maybe even a small sleeping structure to enjoy the sounds of nature. The main entertaining area of home has a large open kitchen/dining/ living room area with vaulted ceilings which are perfect for entertaining and has plenty of large windows that let in a lot of light and also gives you great views of the river. Amazing interior finishes include: wood floors throughout most of the home, large tiles in some areas, granite countertops and vanity tops, stainless steel appliances, wonderful accent lighting, beautiful stone work around the gas fireplace, T&G ceilings, solid wood trim and interior doors and solid wood built in bookcases. The location of this home is very private and quiet yet close enough to town for those quick errands. It is also located about 20 miles from Crested Butte and is centrally located to enjoy all of the activities our area has to offer. Put your raft in at your home and float down the river to the famous Garlic Mikes and join them for an evening of great food or have a drink at their river bar while listening to live local music on the weekends.

216 Lochleven Lane, MLS #804508, $$990,000, 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.

459 Fairway Lane MLS #806172 $899,00 4-bedroom 3-bathroom 2291sqft. built in 1979

This contemporary quaint rustic house is within a profoundly well known subdivision, Dos Rios III. Close vicinity to the back 9 of the Dos Rios Golf Course. On a .46 of an acre, has 4-bedrooms and 3-bathrooms, the house features hardwood/tile floors, kitchen fully equipped with stainless appliances, kitchen cabinets and an open concept living room with a wood burning stove and second living room or/an office has a pellet stove. On the first floor you have a half bathroom that is easily accessible. On the second floor the master suite has an oversized bedroom with a full bathroom and a walk-in closet with a sliding barn door. The other full bathroom is down the hallway between the other two oversized bedrooms. The enormous backyard has a shed and plenty of sun exposure to plant/seed flowers, play with your pets and have get-togethers with friends. The two car garage is attached to the house and is very spacious and heated by a wood burning stove. There is sufficient amount of parking in the driveway and along the east side of the house. This home is magnificent so don’t miss out and schedule a showing by contacting the agent. 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.

Kickin’ it with KBUT

People of all ages turned up and turned out at the KBUT Kampout fundraiser on Aug. 11 and 12, held at Gunnison’s I Bar Ranch. Bands from all over performed, including Ozomatli, Easy Jim, Roka Hueka, Chala, Alternative People, Beer Hunter, Sunny Downpour, Chris Coady and Sol Chase. Local radio station supporters jammed into the night, camped and stargazed to catch the Perseids meteor shower.

Come

meet the Animals

from 2-5pm on 8/20

Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary is moving to Menagerie Meadow

Say hello to the animals and check out their new home just outside beautiful Gunnison.

(Photos by Julia Sams)

Bighorns in peril in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain West

Joe Lewandowski Special to the Times

I’ve been afforded the rare opportunity to kneel beside Colorado’s most iconic animal: the Rocky Mountain bighorn. When I worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, I attended capture projects where biologists examined bighorns, and attached tracking collars.

I placed my hands on the bighorns’ thick, rough coats and observed them in awe. At the shoulder most measured about four feet in height, their bodies solid and muscular, their hooves thick, but pliable — providing the platforms needed for leaping among cliffs and climbing steep slopes.

I thought of how they live, constantly enduring the punishing mountain terrain. For tens of thousands of years, big-

horns have survived the unrelenting sun, harsh rain, wind, winter’s cold and deep snow. They nibble grass and shrubs, lick lichen from rocks, sip from tiny streams, somehow obtaining their nutritional needs from these meager sources. Then to reproduce, the rams fight for dominance; the ewes give birth on mountainsides and nurture lambs through difficult conditions.

Based on the writings of pioneers, bighorns were once the most abundant ungulate in the Rockies—likely numbering in the hundreds of thousands in Colorado. Today, CPW estimates a total state-wide population of only about 7,000, and the number is likely declining. To put that in perspective, CPW estimates the statewide elk population at 230,000 and mule deer at 600,000.

Habitat loss for bighorns is certainly a factor. But the biggest cause of the decline is respiratory disease caused by transmission of bacteria from domestic sheep. Thousands of domestics graze in the alpine terrain favored by bighorns. While sheep producers argue otherwise, disease-spread is a fact proven beyond a doubt.

Bighorns get in trouble when

an adult, usually a young ram, wanders into a flock of domestics and picks up pathogens. When the wanderers return, the bacteria are spread and bighorns have no immunity.

The effect is catastrophic. All-age die-offs have occurred. Pregnant ewes that survive eventually pass the pathogens to their offspring and infected lambs seldom survive more than a few months. Both scenarios result in significant population declines.

The pneumonia, too, causes an agonizing death. Infected bighorns are observed coughing and wheezing, trying desperately to breathe. Essentially, they drown as their lungs fill with fluid.

The domestics use public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Leaders of those outfits know the problem full well, but they resist closing grazing allotments. The members of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, the body that sets policy for the state agency and is supposed to protect wildlife, is doing nothing to defend bighorns.

The non-action, of course, is heavily influenced by politics. Unfortunately, the few “wool -

growers” in Colorado hold inordinate political power because their agricultural status is somehow held sacrosanct by local, state and federal politicians. They, apparently, do not see the value of this rare wildlife species. And to boot, the woolgrowers are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers through sweetheart grazing-fee deals: producers pay just $1.35 per month per “animal unit,” which is five sheep.

An allotment northeast of Durango was closed a few years ago after the National Wildlife Federation worked a deal with the lease holder. The NWF spent $83,000 to obtain the allotment; the amount received by the rancher was not disclosed. The point is that a private organization paid for what should have been done by government agencies.

Producers say their “heritage” is at risk if they aren’t allowed to use public lands. They want to pass this agricultural relic to their kids. But it is the “heritage” of the natural world, a heritage that has been intact for tens of thousands of years, that is at risk of being lost. I want future generations to know that there will always be wild bighorns on the landscape.

This is the time of year when

sheep swarm our public lands. High country hikers will know when they get a whiff of a 1,000head herd. Domestics consume wildflowers, trample the tundra, and their to-the-ground grazing habits cause significant erosion.

If you’re hiking and see wild bighorns near a domestic herd, please contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife. That animal, if it is found — and that’s unlikely — will be killed in the futile hope that its destruction will prevent disease spread.

You can also participate in a citizen science effort coordinated by the Mountain Studies Institute (mountainstudies.org) by reporting sightings through a phone app.

And if you are moved by the plight of these magnificent animals, call politicians, forest service and BLM officials and write to CPW’s commissioners. You never know, one of them might listen and attempt to do the right thing.

(Joe Lewandowski worked as a public information officer for CPW for 16 years. Now retired, he lives in Durango.)

County seeks new traffic safety plan

Scope to include Hwy. 135 corridor, Gunnison and Crested Butte

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

As both the City of Gunnison and the Town of Crested Butte chip away at municipal traffic safety plans, Gunnison County is seeking a plan of its own.

At the end of July, the county issued a bid for a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan. The plan will help the county identify where safety upgrades could be made along the 27-mile stretch of highway from Hwy. 50 in Gunnison to the intersection of 6th Street and Elk Avenue in Crested Butte. The plan will primarily look at intersections along that stretch that could be made safer.

The Hwy. 135 corridor includes multiple “high use” intersections that may need improvement, said Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt. Major intersections have already been called out in municipal and county traffic planning, including the Brush Creek Intersection, the Red Lady Avenue and 6th Street intersection in Crested Butte and the Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 135 intersection in Gunnison.

Each year, multiple traffic accidents occur along that stretch of highway. Last November, a Crested Butte resident lost his life after being hit by a car while riding his bike on the side of the road. The plan will analyze existing traffic safety conditions and identify recent trends in crashes involving fatalities and serious injuries, with the goal of achieving zero deaths by 2045.

“The focus of the Safety Action Plan and implementation funding is on making our streets safer. Intersections are the most dangerous location on pretty much every road,” Schmidt said.

The SS4A grant program was established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and set aside $5 billion over five years to fund regional and local efforts to prevent roadway deaths. In order to get dollars on the ground for construction projects, the county must first draft a safety action plan. The budget for this plan is $200,000 — $160,000 from an SS4A grant and $40,000 committed by Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Once selected, the contrac-

tor will help the county identify pressure points along that corridor that are in need of upgrades and coordinate public engagement. Having a clear roadmap for what needs to be fixed helps the county leverage federal funds for construction projects in the future, Schmidt said.

The county’s plan is meant to supplement traffic safety work already occurring on both ends of the valley, Schmidt said.

Gunnison is currently working on a traffic safety plan for Hwy. 135 and local streets, and Crested Butte is doing its own safety planning via the 2023 Transportation and Mobility Plan. The county’s action plan will “dovetail nicely” into this work already underway in Gunnison and Crested Butte and is a “low cost” option for corridor planning, Schmidt said.

AUGUST 27 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10

All proceeds benefit the Adaptive Sports Center and provide adaptive recreation for people with disabilities

PRESENTED BY

AdaptiveSports.org/bridges

Commit to raise $100 by Sept 10 and registration is FREE!

$24 Adults | $12 Kids (17 & under) | $12 From anywhere $10 Event t-shirt

The hope is that the action plan will allow all three entities to have a clear path forward to improve safety across the valley, he said. It will also include the intersecting roads and driveways and other multimodal transportation infrastructure like public transit, pedestrian and bicycle paths.

“It made a lot of sense for the town, city and county to partner on this because of that blurry line at the jurisdictional boundary and how the municipalities may want something to occur in the county and vice versa,” he said. “So having a consistent vision for the corridor is really important.”

The city, county and town will also work with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority and Crested Butte Mountain Express to draft the final plan. With an action plan in hand, the county will apply for implementation funding as early as the summer of 2024.

(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)

“Intersections are the most dangerous location on pretty much every road.”

Martin Schmidt Gunnison County

VALLEY NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

Feast in the Field

Mountain Roots Food Project held its annual fundraising event on Aug. 12 at Red Dog Ranch in Crested Butte. The evening began with a cocktail hour and a silent auction. Attendees then feasted with a farm-to-table meal from chefs Dana Zobs of Crested Butte's Personal Chefs and Abby Knowles of XIT Ranch. The night ended with a live auction to raise money for all things local food and regenerative agriculture.

Bethany Church

909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144

Summer schedule, One service at 9am! gunnisonbethany.com

9 am: 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

Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado bnaibutte@gmail.com

Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula; available for you at: RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com www.bnaibutte.

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.

Faith Directory

Community Church of Gunnison

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925

Pastor Larry Nelson

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry Weekly Student Ministry Weekly Adult LifeGroups

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9:00-4:00

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 PM - Children's Patch Club

Gunnison Bible Institute

Thursday 7 PM - College & Career Christian Fellowship www.firstbaptistgunnison.org.

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429

Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar

Sunday Morning Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9 a.m.

Children's Sunday school 9 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.

Office Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.goodsamaritangunnison.com

Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Sunday 5 p.m. Union Congregational Church, 403 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte.

Gunnison Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203

Open and Affirming

Whole Earth · Just Peace

Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship www.gunnisonucc.org

Grace Covenant Church Gunnison

101 N. 8th St. Gunnison

Meeting at the Historic 8th St School House

Reformed, Confessional & committed to Expository preaching Sundays 10:00 a.m. Thursdays 1:00 p.m.

Women's Bible Study gracegunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860

Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays

Church Service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays

Pastor Robert Carabotta, Pastor Jacob With

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 10am / Wednesday 7pm www.newsonggunnison.net

The Rising Church

92 C.R. 17 • 970-444-1545

Service times:

Sundays @ 9:30 a.m.,

Men’s and Women’s group, Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.

Rising Gen (youth ministry) Thursdays @ 6 p.m.

Gunnisonrising.church for more details!

Rocky Mountain

Christian Ministries

1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30am

Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School

“Remedy” Worship Nights

Small Group Ministries

www.rmcmchurch.org

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808

Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago

www.gunnisoncatholic.org

www.crestedbuttecatholic.org

or call the Parish Office.

St. Peter's - Gunnison Sat 8:30 am, 6:30 pm & Sun 10:30 am, 12:00 pm (Spanish) Mass

First Sunday of every month

bilingual Mass at 11am

Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30am Mass

St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Mass Service, Sat 4:00pm

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813

Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM

www.trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

(Photos by Julia Sams)

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

*Housing is held for Gunnison County employees and may be available to rent*

Senior Administrative Assistant Community Development: 40 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $3,990-$4,850, plus full benefits.

Maintenance Technician I Facilities and Grounds: 40 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $21.72 -$26.40, plus full benefits.

Senior Operations Accountant

Finance: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,885-$7,924, plus full benefits.

Airport Operations Manager

Airport: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $6,238-$8,194, plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II – Family Planning Coordinator

HHS: Part-time, 24 hours/week, hourly rate range from $32.03-$45.31, plus partial benefits.

IT Help Desk Technician

IT: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,229-$5,141, plus full benefits.

Family Advocacy and Support Team (FAST) Coordinator Juvenile Services: Part-time, 35 hours/week, hourly rate range from $28.78-$34.03, plus full benefits.

Eligibility Technician

HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $3,764-$4,285, plus full benefits.

Summer Seasonal

Public Works: Guaranteed 40 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $15.75$22.28 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 $5,552$7,853, plus full benefits.

Detention Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,989$7,057, 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.

PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY seeks a bilingual advocate for a 25 hour/week position to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking. To apply, send resume, cover letter and three references to info@ hope4gv.org. See further info on our website at hope4gv.org/employment.

THE MT. CRESTED BUTTE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time water operator position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the water plant and distribution system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of construction, field operations and electrical/mechanical/maintenance repair. A State of Colorado water and/or distribution license or the ability to obtain such within one year is mandatory. Training for certifications provided. Operators are required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $44,500-$51,500 for entry level. $58,000-$75,000 salary available for operators with experience and appropriate state licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms and a seasonal ski pass. Full job description is available at mcbwsd.com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, P.O. Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an equal opportunity employer.

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE is seeking a fabulous addition to our family. Looking for a motivated, fun, creative and flexible teacher who is willing to grow and learn and loves small kiddos. Great pay, $20-$25/hr starting. Great benefits including insurance and retirement and a lot of opportunity for growth. Super fun and fast-paced job with a great group. Please inquire with resume to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com.

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-in-hand with our maintenance, housekeeping and reservation teams to ensure that our guests experience vacation perfection. Pay starts at $22 per hour 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.

ALL POSITIONS OPEN: Looking for front desk, housekeeping and maintenance. Come in for an application at 411 E. Tomichi Ave. Immediate hire. $250 gift card after three months of employment.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE

FACTORY in Crested Butte is now hiring an assistant manager, previous management experienced preferred, and counter help to provide excellent customer service, scoop ice cream, stock cases and other duties. Fun job, great tips. Flexible hours. Apply in person at 314 Elk Ave., Crested Butte or send resume to ashlee.rmcf@hotmail.com.

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE seeks applicants for an HR manager to join the finance and administrative services team. The HR manager is responsible for the daily operations of human resources to include, but not limited to, payroll processing, recruitment, staffing, retention, training, benefits administration, wage administration, employee relations, terminations, workers’ compensation, risk management and the smooth operation of the HR office in compliance with all company policies, as well as federal, state and local legislation. This year-round position includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer paid health, dental, vision, life insurance and contribution to retirement plan after one year of employment. Starting salary is $67,089-$80,320 DOQ. Full job description is available on the town’s website at townofcrestedbutte.com. Please submit application, cover letter and resume via email to jobs@crestedbutte-co.gov. Position is open until filled. The town of Crested Butte is an equal opportunity employer.

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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

Bus Drivers Food Service-CBCS and GCS

Office Manager-CBSS

Special Needs Educational Assistants

ELL Educational Assistant-CBCS and GHS

Special Education EA-CBSS, CBES and GMS

Building Manager-CBCS

Assistant Building Manager-CBCS

Lead Custodian-Lake School

Permanent Substitute-CBSS Substitute Teachers

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Industrial Arts-CBSS

Nutrition Program Supervisor

IT Professional-District

4th grade Teacher-CBES

Counselor-GES-(1 year only)

Counselor-CBES

ELL Teacher-GMS

COACHING

GHS-Speech and Debate

GMS-7th grade Head and Assistant Volleyball Coach

GMS-8th grade Assistant Volleyball Coach

Please contact:

Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760

jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

Please contact:

Superintendent’s Office

JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760

jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

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

COME JOIN THE HARMELS TEAM: We are looking for servers with a great attitude. Pay is $18/hr plus tips and can be full or part-time. Housing may be a possibility for a lesser hourly rate. Call 970-641-1740 or email resume to jointheteam@harmels.com.

BARISTA: Mochas Coffeehouse and Bakery in Gunnison is seeking baristas to join our team. Good pay plus tips and shift meals in a positive and fun work environment. Drop your resume off or fill out an application at 710 N. Main St., or email mochasbarista@ gmail.com.

DAVID CROSS GENERAL CONTRACTOR is hiring for a full-time, salaried office manager position for our fast-paced office environment. Duties include company asset management, obtaining bids and maintaining various insurances, fleet management, procurement for office and project needs, assisting project managers with subcontractor agreements and documents and personal assistance to the owner and general manager. Experience with Google Suite and Quickbooks is preferred. Compensation package includes ski pass, vacation time, paid holidays and health insurance. Please email resumes to david@davidgrossgc.com.

FRITO LAY IS HIRING for a route sales position in Gunnison,CO. Are you looking for a job that doesn’t require sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day? Here’s a fantastic opportunity: the starting salary is $63,000 with a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Work for a well-established company offering benefits that work as hard as you do, with industry-leading day one healthcare coverage, savings and investments to support different life stages and continued education opportunities. Visit fritolayemployment.com to apply today.

THE TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE has 3 full-time, year-round positions available.

Parks Supervisor: Responsible for managing a parks crew of 2 full-time and 1 seasonal position. In addition to overseeing a crew, the parks supervisor works closely with his/ her crew to maintain the parks, recreation path, campground and special projects. This is an exempt position. Starting salary is $68,372-$82,046 depending on experience.

Parks Worker: This position has a wide range of duties from landscaping, maintaining playgrounds, cleaning up after events, installing and repairing sprinkler systems, operating chain saws, vehicles, power and hand tools, light equipment such as skid steer and lawn mowers, snow removal in the winter with hand shoveling, ice picking and using a bob cat. Starting pay is $44,000$61,000 depending on experience.

JOHN ROBERTS MOTOR WORKS SEEKS COLLISON CENTER TECHNICIANS AND AUTOMOTIVE CENTER TECHNICIANS.

Competitive pay, 401K, insurance, paid vacations. 40 hour work week. Apply at John Roberts Motor Works.

THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER is seeking adaptive ski and snowboard instructors to facilitate exceptional adaptive sport and recreation activities for the 20232024 winter season. Pay ranges from $2029/hour based on experience. Benefits for full-time seasonal staff include proforms, certification and membership dues, exam reimbursement, paid sick days, 5-day stipend and a 401(k) match. More information and the winter application are at adaptivesports.org/about-us/careers. The deadline to apply is Sept. 15.

Maintenance Worker: Maintenance duties vary from season to season and will include but are not limited to snow shoveling, plowing of the Mt. Crested Butte roads and various parking lots, maintaining town equipment and vehicles, emptying trash cans, repairing fence lines, building maintenance, road maintenance including sweeping, flagging, filling potholes and maintaining the town’s ditches and culverts. Class B commercial driver’s license or the ability to obtain one is required for this position. This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing as per federal law regarding the Class B commercial driver’s license. Starting pay range is $48,590-$56,436 depending on experience.

The town offers an amazing benefits package: full health, vision and dental insurance premiums paid for you and your immediately family, paid life insurance, retirement plan through PERA, 12 paid holidays, generous vacation time, wellness program, Aflac and more. All positions require a clean, seven-year driving record. For the full job description and more information please visit mtcb.colorado. gov/employment. To apply for a position please email your resume, cover letter and three references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov.

HEARTH DESIGN BUILD: Small, local, dynamic firm dedicated to community housing. Seeking passionate and driven individuals. Experience appreciated, not necessary. 802-595-9576, hearthdesignbuild.org, hearthdesignbuild@ gmail.com.

SERVICE PLUMBER TECHNICIAN:

Timberline Mechanical Contracting is looking for a service technician for troubleshooting and plumbing repair. Plumbing and customer service experience preferred. We offer high pay, paid holidays, paid vacation, health insurance and ski pass. Clean driving record is mandatory. Timberline Mechanical Contracting Crested Butte, CO. Phone: 970349-5679. Email info@timberlinemech.com.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: line cooks and dishwasher, $20-$25/hr. + gratuity, general facility maintenance, $18-$20/hr., greens and maintenance techs, $20-$23/hr. Employee benefits include complimentary golf rounds and employee discounts. For more information or to submit a resume, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

GUNNIRENTS TOOL AND EQUIPMENT

RENTAL is looking to fill two part-time roles to assist in the daily operations of this growing business. We are looking for someone with experience in administrative work, sales and general customer service, pay starting at $22/hr. We are also looking for someone with experience towing a trailer, completing basic maintenance tasks on tools and equipment and detailing said equipment, pay starting at $25/hr. For both positions, experience with tools, equipment or the construction industry is preferred but not required. Please feel free to stop by for an application at 918 W. San Juan Ave., Gunnison, or call 970-412-9956 to coordinate.

PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE

TECHNICIANS WANTED TO JOIN THE

SEALCO TEAM: $33+ hourly - $1,800+ weekly potential with performance and safety bonuses. Seeking motivated, hardworking and dependable individuals. No experience necessary. On the job training working outdoors. Paid weekly. Must be capable of lifting 60 pounds. Email resumes to Aaron@sealcoincorporated.com or call 970-641-4260.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY: Gunnison

Savings and Loan Association is seeking applications from qualified individuals with strong customer service skills looking for a career in banking. The position includes performing teller functions and assisting in the loan department. 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 Janice English, Sr. Vice President, 303 North Main, Gunnison, CO 81230, jenglish@gunnisonsl.com or 970642-4642. Equal Opportunity Employer.

SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for dump truck drivers in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience of 3-5 years required. Must be able to assist laborer performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $25-$38 depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to: office@spalloneconstruction.com.

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH IS HIRING:

Please note this is not a complete list of all our open jobs. You can view all open positions at our website at jobs.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org.

Computer Technician - FT $22.61-$26/hr. DOE Housekeeper, Senior Care Center - FT $17-$19.55/hr. DOE

4 DAY WORK WEEK M-TH (4x10)

AUTOMOTIVE MASTER TECHNICIAN. If you are curious about how your current job compares to Precision Automotive? EMAIL your resume to precisionauto4040@hotmail.com, call or text Steve at 970-596-9999 ALL INQUIRIES ARE STRICKLY CONFIDENTIAL! Benefits include: PAID VACATION, PAID HOLIDAYS, MEDICAL, DENTAL, MATCHING IRA.

LAKE CITY AREA MEDICAL CENTER

is seeking a full-time or part-time RN, LPN or MA with some reception coverage, 1640 hrs/week, $18-30/hr with benefits (FT). Email your CV to lcmedcenter@lcamc.net.

EOE.

RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE at the Gunnison Meadows Mall next to City Market, +/-1,500 sqft available. For more information and pricing visit GunnisonMeadows.com or call Jordon Ringel at 817-733-6947.

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT: This 1,000 sq. ft. space is located on Main St. with plenty of parking and storage. Please call Michelle at 970-641-0895 or email ceogcar1@gmail.com.

PRIME OFFICE SPACE on Main St. Five private offices. Client waiting/conference room, reception desk, 12 paved parking spaces. Call or text 970-596-9999 for more info.

Peer Support Specialist - FT $17-$19.55/hr DOE

Unit Coordinator, Emergency Department - FT $19.10-$21.96/hr. DOE

Benefits Eligibility: Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA and dependent care FSA. All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following date of hire. PRN staff are not initially eligible for benefits. Please visit our website for more indepth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online: gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/careers/ or call HR for questions at 970-641-1456. (PRN = as needed). All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a negative 10-panel drug screen test, criminal background check, reference checks, infection prevention procedures (TB test, Flu Shot, immunization records, etc.), physical capacity profile and acknowledgement of policies.

GUNNISON LIQUOR (The Ghost) is currently looking for part-time help. Nights and weekends a must. Stop by with a resume. 603 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison.

ALTA CONVENIENCE is looking to hire store managers and associates. Applicants will need to have open availability, (days, nights, weekends, and holidays). Must be at least 18 years of age and pass a criminal background check. Please call 719-849-1636 for an interview and/or more information.

B&B PRINTERS is looking to fill an entrylevel training position in our press room. Candidate would train in all production facets including offset and letterpress press operation, bindery operations and equipment maintenance. Call 970-641-2672 or email jimstanley@bbprinters.com.

PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS has F/T and P/T openings for a medical assistant and receptionist in both our Crested Butte and Gunnison offices. On-site training provided. Strong interpersonal, organizational and computer skills are important, but overall we value a good fit for our team. $20+ DOE. Send resume and references to office@ pinnacleorthocolorado.com.

COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is currently seeking candidates to fill both a part-time teller position and a relationship banker position in our Gunnison banking center. Excellent opportunity and competitive benefits. For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com. NBH Bank is an equal opportunity employer.

CLUES DOWN

1. Defunct US energy company

2. Fellow

3. It’s issued from volcanoes

4. Type of

AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICE Do you love cars? Get your start in the well paid and exciting world of Automotive Repair that could turn into your life passion. Work along side your mentor a Master Certified Technician while completing online modules such as: Electrical, Engine mechanical, Transmission, Drive train, Suspension & Steering, Heating & A/C, Engine Performance and Brakes.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH BENEFITS? The Crested Butte Bank, a branch of the Gunnison Bank and Trust Company, has an opening for a full-time teller to join the operations side of our growing bank. Applicants should have strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and a willingness to learn. GB&T fosters a learning environment where you will gain exposure to multiple areas of the bank with a strong foundation in operations. Pay starting at $18. Robust benefits package includes 401(k), medical insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and disability insurance (ST and LT). Pooled transportation is available. Send resume to abrown@crestedbuttebank. com or lbeda@gunnisonbank.com.

GARAGE / YARD SALES

STORAGE UNIT SALE: New merchandise added weekly. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. 108 S. 11th, alley side.

REAL ESTATE

CAR WASH/DETAILER/SHOP MAINTENANCE. Call or text 970-596-9999 for interview.

PRECISIONAUTO.NET

CRESTED BUTTE BURGER COMPANY

is hiring the following positions: cooks and cashiers - flexible schedule available, starting pay $16-$18/hr. + gratuity. Assistant manager - full-time seasonal, starting pay $18-$20/hr. + gratuity, pay DOE. For more information or to submit a resume, please email crestedbutteburgerco@gmail.com.

IRWIN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDES is seeking on-mountain hospitality candidates for our cat skiing operation. Position requires ability to work in an alpine environment with high physical demands and long days. This role is guest-facing and applicants must have a strong desire to provide exceptional hospitality to a high-end clientele while maintaining a professional appearance. The diversity of this role requires experience in both food preparation and mountain operations, as well as a hard-working team player with attention to detail and good communication skills. Marker certification, CPR/First Aid and the ability to operate a snowmobile is preferred. Clean motor vehicle record mandatory. Full-time and parttime winter positions available starting in November. Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@elevenexperience.com. More information about our company can be found at irwinguides.com and elevenexperience. com. This is a winter seasonal position starting November 25 through April 15 and starts at $180-$230 per day, plus tips depending on experience and qualifications.

TEMPORARY LABORERS NEEDED: Need some cash this off season? The Town of Crested Butte Parks and Recreation Department is hiring temporary laborers for spring prep/cleanup season. Work will begin once the snow is gone from the majority of parks and public areas. Duties include raking, power washing, painting and general cleanup and repairs. Full job description and application available online at townofcrestedbutte.com click on “Careers”. Pay $19/hour. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

MT. CB CONDO: 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom fully-furnished condominium located in the Lodge at Mountaineer Square. Includes underground, heated parking for one car, all utilities, access to pool, hot tub and fitness center. $3,495 per month. Available Sept. 1. Call Bill at 970-349-2338.

OFFICE SPACE TO RENT: In Gunnison. Health, beauty, general. Shared bathrooms and kitchen. Call 970641-2423 or text only 970-497-6121.

BIBLE BELIEVING WIDOWER is moving back home to Gunnison County hoping to exchange his real estate experience to manage your home or apartments in exchange for free rent. Excellent credit, local and national references. Non-smoker/vaper, no pets, blessed with excellent physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health, calm caring spirit. Call or text Gary Pearson 719980-2490.

ROOM FOR RENT: Taylor Canyon, 3 bed/3 bath house. Professional/student, respectful, mature desired. Dogs. October 1st. $900, all included. Text for info: 802-595-9576.

Colorado Statewide Network

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AMERIGLIDE

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PORTABLE OXYGEN

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HOME FOR SALE: 1700 sq. ft. 2020 build. Very accessible single story home in great west Gunnison location. For further details enter 600 Carbon Court, Gunnison, Colorado into Zillow search and/or contact terravistalimited@gmail.com, 970-497-9113. CLUES

Legals

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Valerie J. Hoagland, Deceased

Case Number 2023PR30033

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before December 15, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Randall R. Fornecker

Personal Representative

c/o Kathleen L. Fogo, P.C.

Attorney for Personal Representative

P.O. Box 7200, Gunnison, CO 81230

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of Aug. 17, 24, 31, 2023

10300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

James A. Pendergraft, Deceased

Case Number 2023PR30034

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before December 15, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Stacy Gail Pendergraft

Personal Representative

c/o Kathleen L. Fogo, P.C.

Attorney for Personal Representative

P.O. Box 7200, Gunnison, CO 81230

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of Aug. 17, 24, 31, 2023

10299

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Donna Rae Bratton, aka Donna R. Bratton, aka Donna Bratton

Deceased

Case Number 2023 PR 30031

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them

to the personal representative or to District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before December 10, 2023 or the claims may be forever barred.

L. Richard Bratton

Personal Representative

c/o Hoskin, Farina & Kampf, P.C.

Post Office Box 40 Grand Junction , CO 81502

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of Aug. 10, 17, 24, 2023

10220

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Request For Proposal (RFP) Trash and Rubbish Removal

Saguache County is looking for a contractor 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 trailers, building materials, trash, debris, asbestos 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.

For questions, please email Amber Wilson at atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov or call 719-655-2231.

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.

Proposals must be received by 3pm on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of July 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24,

IF YOU’RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB, YOUR 401 ( k ) SHOULDN’T BE EITHER.

Leaving a 401(k) with a previous employer could mean leaving it alone with no one to watch over it.

At Edward Jones, we can explain options for your 401(k) and help you select the one that’s best for you. If you’d like to roll it over into an Edward Jones IRA, we can help you do it without paying taxes or penalties. So you can feel confident someone is looking out for you and your 401(k).

To find out why it makes sense to talk with Edward Jones about your 401(k) options, call or visit your local investment representative today.

IF YOU’RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB, YOUR 401 ( k ) SHOULDN’T BE EITHER.

provide a higher return than you currently earn.

* IRAs are tax-deferred accounts.IRAs do not have rates.Only the underlying investments within an IRA may have rates.Based on corporate bond yields to maturity effective xx/xx/xx, subject to availability and price change.Yield and market value may fluctuate ifsold prior to maturity,and the amount received from the sale ofthese securities may be less than the amount originally invested.Some ofthe available issues are callable.Bond values may decline in a rising interest rate environment.Your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor can provide more information about maturity dates and applicable call provisions.Any bonds called prior to maturity would result in reinvestment risk for the bond owner.

IF YOU’RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB, YOUR 401 ( k ) SHOULDN’T BE EITHER Leaving a 401(k) behind could mean leaving it with no one to watch over it.

If you have an IRA elsewhere, it’s easy to transfer to Edward Jones and begin receiving the face-to-face advice you deserve.

We can explain your options, and if you’d like to roll your 401(k) over into an Edward Jones IRA,we can help you do it with no taxes or penalties.We’ll look out for you.

* IRAs are tax-deferred accounts.IRAs do not have rates.Only the underlying investments within an IRA may have rates.Based on corporate bond yields to maturity effective xx/xx/xx, subject to availability and price change.Yield and market value may fluctuate ifsold prior to maturity,and the amount received from the sale ofthese securities may be less than the amount originally invested.Some ofthe available issues are callable.Bond values may decline in a rising interest rate environment.Your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor can provide more information about maturity dates and applicable call provisions.Any bonds called prior to maturity would result in reinvestment risk for the bond owner.

To find out about 401(k) options that makes sense, call today.

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words,

Lights & Sirens

CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT

AUG 7

WELFARE ASSIST — N. MAIN ST.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - DAMAGE

TO PROPERTY — 301 S. 2ND ST.

AGENCY ASSIST — UTE LN.

PROPERTY - FOUND

NUISANCE CODE VIOLATION —

410 S. 10TH ST.

ANIMAL TREATMENT - CRUELTY

- MUNICIPAL — 880 N. MAIN ST.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 310 E. GEORGIA AVE.

AUG 8

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — 600 N. COLORADO ST.

NUISANCE CODE VIOLATION —

600 N. COLORADO ST.

INFORMATION — 400 N. PITKIN

ST. INFORMATION — 310 W. TOMICHI

AVE.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

- ALCOHOL — 700 N. 12TH ST.

AUG 9

ASSAULT: THIRD DEGREE - BODI-

LY INJURY — E. GEORGIA AVE.

CIVIL PROBLEM — SUNNY SLOPE

DR.

DISTURBING THE PEACE — 218 N. 12TH ST.

AUG 10

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICI-

PAL — 226 N. MAIN ST.

PROPERTY - FOUND — 920 W. NEW YORK AVE.

NUISANCE CODE VIOLATION — 106 FLORESTA ST.

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMA -

NENTLY DEPRIVE — 400 E. TOMICHI AVE.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 200 S. BOULEVARD ST.

GUNNISON COUNTY

SHERIFF’S REPORT

AUG 8

-Information report - harassment, north end of the county

-Information report on golf balls hitting a house

-Agency assist - medical call

-In-county warrant arrest

-Search and rescue

AUG 9

-Search and rescue near Marble

-Welfare assist to someone stranded in Gunnison County

-Runaway juvenile report - found in neighboring county

-Criminal mischief - broken vehicle windshield north of town

AUG 10

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol as cover for a warrant arrest

-Agency assist to the CSP with a two-vehicle accident

e Colorado Geological Survey (CGS), a department of the Colorado School of Mines, has been funded through a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) to conduct a 5-year study of baseline radionuclides and metals in groundwater obtained from privately owned residential water wells throughout Colorado. CDPHE’s reason for this study is education focused for homeowners on wells. Note: CDPHE has no regulatory authority over private wells. e grant is covering the costs so is free to home owners.

For this e ort, 50 water samples are currently available for Gunnison County. ese were divided up in a grid, with each grid space containing 1 or 2 proposed water samples. If the number of volunteers in a given grid space exceeds the quota, the CGS will prioritizing selection of participants by spatial distribution combined with geologic considerations, and secondarily a rst come, rst-served basis.

For this e ort we are seeking volunteers to whom we will ship, via FedEx Ground, a boxed sampling kit that contains sample bottle, instructions, a sample form to complete, and a pre-paid FedEx Ground return shipping label. Once we receive a water sample, we will assign a sample number to anonymize it. us, the owner’s contact information will stay solely with CGS. We anticipate at least 2 or maybe 3 month turn-around times before we can email lab results to the individual well owners.

Volunteers, please send an email to LSEBOL@mines.edu with your name, shipping address, (physical address of property if di erent) and phone number (FedEx requires phone numbers for shipping). A reply email will be sent with more detailed information. If possible, please also identify which grid space the well is located within (grids are shown on our county grid map).

YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A FREE, AFTER-HOURS HOSPITAL TOUR

HOSPITAL

GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH’S CANCER SCREENING AND CARE SERVICES

Wednesday, August 23 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

TOURS START AT 6 AND 7 P.M. Interpretation will be provided during the tours

Gunnison Valley Health Hospital Main Entrance

711 N. Taylor St. Gunnison, CO 81230

• Meet the physicians, nurses and technicians who provide these lifesaving services

• Take an up-close look at the stateof-the art equipment used for cancer screenings including:

• 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography

• Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)

• Lung cancer screening

• Colonoscopy

• Deep oscillation therapy

• Tour the chemotherapy space

• Enjoy delicious appetizers and enter to win wonderful door prizes

Three years of harvest at Gunnison’s new Sunny Sage Farm

Bella Biondini Times Editor

As summer reached its peak, Sunny Sage Farm’s modest greenhouse overflowed with vibrant hues of green. Hidden cucumbers and dragon’s tongue bush bean pods streaked with purple were tucked amidst the jungle of vines and leaves.

Right outside, Zach Husted stood in knee-high rows of kale, cabbage and neon pinkstemmed chard, armed with a pair of garden shears. He and his partner, Kara Williard, had been out of town, but the vegetables’ growth spurt continued uninterrupted and many were ready for harvest.

Open grassland stretched to the edges of their 7-acre pasture with Ohio Peak and the distant Anthracite mountain range as

A passion for FOOD

a backdrop. Nearly 200 young, cold-hardy fruit trees, which had survived their first winter, dotted its boundary. Although Sunny Sage is a relatively smallscale operation, Husted and Williard’s dream for the future is much larger.

The pair built the new Gunnison farm with the greater ecosystem in mind, with plans to take care of a landscape that would provide food for not only for themselves, but for the Gunnison Valley community. The design of Sunny Sage, founded only three short years ago, centers on permaculture — a land management approach that mimics the regularly occurring arrangements found in natural ecosystems. The result is a sustainable quality of life for everyone that lives there: plants, animals and people.

“For me, it was merging my passion for food with how we can in some way have an impact in our own lives and community with the food we eat,” Williard said. “How can we do all these things that work together and eliminate waste and be able to see a healthier landscape year in and year

out?”

None of the permaculture practices at Sunny Sage are new, and all can be attributed to the way Indigenous peoples have been growing food for centuries. But a renewed excitement is growing around the

potential to use it as a way to restore the land and mitigate a changing climate, Williard said.

“There's a lot of potential for it to help bring health back to our ecosystems,” she said.

Each part of their operation is well-thought out and comple

ments the others. For example, mobile chicken coops, what Williard calls “tractors,” provide benefits to the rest of the farm. The chicken poop fertilizes the ground and scratch and eat the

PHOTOS: Music cruise rolls through Gunnison, B3

SPORTS: Western President Baca races Leadville 100, B6

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023

and taking care of the landscape that produces it

Kara Williard and Zach Husted at Sunny Sage Farm in north Gunnison. (Photos by Bella Biondini)

Inside the greenhouse, the pair grows three varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, broccoli and more.

Sunny Sage, B2

grass, they create an ecological disturbance — promoting regrowth and species diversity. In turn, the migrating chickens have access to different grasses and bugs, while providing Sunny Sage with a colorful array of eggs all summer.

At the top of the property, Husted and Williard planted evergreen trees, which will eventually act as a windbreak, shielding crops from the sometimes harsh northwesterly winds. The trees were planted next to companions: nitrogenfixing shrubs that will help the young trees get the nutrients they need to grow tall. The pair also plans to create a space for pollinators.

Husted and Williard moved to the Valley to attend Western Colorado University’s Master of Environmental Management program. Although they both obtained full time jobs after graduation, they run the farm because it's something they love to do.

In addition to being a regenerative farmer, Husted, Colorado born and raised, works as a ski guide. Williard is a multigenerational farmer, and much of her family has raised sheep in the northern portion of New Mexico. Under the mentorship of her aunt, Williard

learned how to grow food at 9,000 feet, a zone that came with similar growing difficulties to Gunnison.

Since she was in high school, she knew she wanted to grow her own food no matter where she ended up, but it felt like a faraway dream. Then the pair purchased the property in 2020, and the adventure began shortly afterward.

Each growing season has been a little bit different and not without an unexpected dose of headaches, early frosts and aphids attacks. But with each passing year, their harvest has grown, alongside their familiarity with the landscape they live in. When Williard see’s a certain species of flower sprout, it has become a representation of a specific time of year and a growing love of the place.

“I feel really grounded,” she said. “That we’re able to grow and expand on a dream, and eat and share our own food is the best feeling in the world.”

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)

A capital campaign is successfully underway, but we need your help to break ground on the new station! While hoping you never need to dial 911, a new station will dramatically improve response time to emergency calls so GVH Paramedics can provide you, your family, and our community with the best emergency medicine and rescue services available.

Jenny Birnie, Executive Director Gunnison Valley Health Foundation jbirnie@gvh-colorado.org

970.642.8400 gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/savelives

Sunny Sage moves mobile “chicken tractors” around the property.

Williard holds a frizzle chicken.

Husted prepares to harvest vegetables at Sunny Sage on Aug. 11.

Cruise on over

A parade of bikers rolled through town during one of the Resiliency Project’s summer music cruises on Tuesday, Aug. 15. The enthusiastic crew stopped to share live music from Les Choy & Gypsy Jazz with pleasantly-surprised restaurant goers at the Dive and Jermaine’s. They also made a pit stop in front of City Market to hand out Tootsie Rolls to evening. The party, which was co-sponsored by the Gunnison Arts Center and the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, came to a conclusion at IOOF Park.

Valley kids go big at I Bar

I Bar Ranch hosted Kids of the Gunnison Valley on Aug. 15, an event that invites young musicians to showcase their musical talents. Kids with violins, ukuleles and guitars sat on stage and played their hearts out for a crowd that included Western Colorado University athletes, Six Point representatives and adoring parents. The event has spanned almost as long as the I Bar itself — running nine of the ranch’s total 11 years of business. “I thought it would be super cool if we could get the young kids — the future generations of music — on the same stage as Grammy-winning artists,” said I Bar owner Bryan Wickenhauser. “Any kid can sign up, there is no requirement. You could play ‘Chopsticks,’ bring any instrument, hum or even whistle.”

(Photos by Bella Biondini)

(Photos by Abby Harrison)

Life lessons in a pile of newspaper clippings

week, and I didn’t see your article.”

“I didn’t write this week,” I’d explain. “I’ll let you know when there’s one in the paper.”

“Pardon me?”

“We’ll let you know when she has an article in the paper!” my husband shouted.

I shook my head, a little relieved to get off the call.

showed an interest in just about everyone he met. Speaking at his memorial service, his daughter, Margie Berger, commented on this very quality.

Mara Taylor-Heine

Special to the Times

Robert Heine, a Times subscriber, died this summer at the age of 91. As far as I know, during his lifetime, he never visited Gunnison County. But he was my husband’s uncle and my biggest fan.

“You’re a journalist now!” he’d repeat with each phone call. “Did you write for the paper this week? What was your article about?”

A story about a local celebrity, a trick rider for the movies, I’d say. Or, a story about older adults living in an assisted living facility, for “Elderbeat.”

“That sounds very interesting. I’d like to read it. Will you send me a copy?”

Not accustomed to reading material online, Uncle Bob relied on our weekly calls to find out if I had an article in that week’s paper, and when I did, he always asked me to mail him a copy. After several weeks of this, I complained, and my husband suggested we buy him a paper subscription, saving me the weekly trip to the post office.

Last spring, I took an extended trip out of town and a hiatus from writing for the Times During this period, Uncle Bob’s health precipitously declined, and he called less often. When we did talk, he often sounded despondent.

“I looked in the paper this

When Parkinson’s attacked Uncle Bob’s swallowing reflexes and the reflexes protecting his windpipe from food and drink, he refused the feeding tube and chose to enter hospice.

My husband and I flew to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, meeting up with Uncle Bob’s daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and grandson to join them in saying our final goodbyes. One afternoon, his granddaughter, Rachel, who was at his bedside, called me over.

“He’s asking for you,” she said. I was surprised he was singling me out in this way. This was a time when he was sleeping most of the day. When he was awake, he spoke little and seemed only vaguely aware.

Uncle Bob pointed to the bottom drawer of his nightstand and told me to open it. I did as he asked, to find what looked like important, confidential, documents: a copy of his will, a handful of bank statements.

I laughed nervously.

“Keep looking,” Rachel prodded.

And sure enough, at the bottom of the stack of papers, was a pile of Gunnison Country Times clippings, carefully torn at their borders, a sticky note with a hastily written message in my handwriting. The articles were all written by me.

It’s tempting to claim here that I stood out as special to Uncle Bob, that we had an extraordinary bond. But I’ve come to learn that Uncle Bob

“He kept up with everybody and always remembered what each of their kids were doing and would follow-up to ask how a test or a move went. He truly loved his family. He had a genuine interest in other people.”

I miss Uncle Bob now: the phone calls, even those obligatory dispatches.

When we grieve, do we also grieve a part of ourselves, the part that understands everything as fleeting, the part that might have appreciated, might have savored, more?

“We always have the opportunity to let our sight connect us with the preciousness of the sacred world,” Buddhist nun and teacher Pema Chödrön writes in “Living Beautifully.” “Sacred not in the sense of religious or holy but in the sense of precious, rare, fleeting, fundamentally genuine and good.”

In the daily rush, what feels like an irritation might be just what I miss one day, Uncle Bob reminded me. He also taught me this: An interest in others, the genuine kind, the kind that asks questions, remembers details, saves artifacts of a loved one’s achievement or work is a profound gift.

It was Uncle Bob’s parting gift to me.

(Mara Taylor-Heine can be contacted at mara@gunnisontimes.com.)

Living Journeys

Living Journeys hosts free and confidential monthly support groups — open to all Gunnison County residents.

-Caregivers Support Group: 1st Monday of each month.

-Bereavement Support Group: 2nd Monday of each month.

-Cancer Support Group: 1st Thursday and 3rd Monday of each month. Professional therapists facilitate in-person and zoom meetings, no RSVP necessary. Get details at livingjourneys.org.

Caregiver support group

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Gunnison County Library. For more information, contact group facilitator Mary at 970.596.5667 or taktser8@gmail. com.

Alcoholicos Anonimos

Cada semana, lunes y miércoles. 8-9:30 p.m. 101 N. 8th St, Gunnison. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor póngase en contacto 970.275.2241.

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous meets on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at The Last Resort, 114 Wisconsin St. in downtown Gunnison. This is an open meeting.

Free park admission

As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering active duty military, veterans and the National Guard free admission to all state parks for the month of August. Find more information at cpw.state.co.us.

Firefighter support

Fire officials appreciate the support and generosity shown to our firefighters by the community. If you wish to donate in a way that helps both local families affected by the fire and the firefighters, please consider donating to the Gunnison Food Pantry or to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, a nonprofit group that provides support to injured and fallen firefighters and their families, at wffoundation.org.

High Octane Arts and Crafts Festival

Join the fun on Aug. 19 at Legion Park from 9 a.m.-4p.m., across the street from the Gunnison Car Show for handmade pottery, wine jelly, jewelry, botanical skin care, goat soap, fine arts, dog leashes and collars, wreaths, photography, wood burn art, pressed flower picture frames, clocks, clothing and more. Homemade tacos will be available for purchase during the lunch hour.

Pioneer Museum car show special

With the 35th Annual Gunnison Car Show at Jorgenson Park this Saturday, the Gunnison Pioneer Museum is featuring its extensive vintage vehicle collection and will offer a special discounted rate of $10 for adults on Aug. 19 only. The museum is open daily from 9a.m.-5p.m. with regular admission at $15 for ages 13+, $5 for those 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under.

School board candidate forums

The League of Women Voters of the Gunnison Valley has invited all candidates running for the Gunnison Watershed School District Board to par-

Yard of the Week

ticipate in public forums at both ends of the valley this fall. Details will be forthcoming regarding the dates and venues. Questions will be solicited from the public and should focus on issues that are important to the school community. They may be edited to meet LWV’s nonpartisan standards. Submit your questions no later than Aug. 18 online at lwvgunnison.org, by email at school_election@ lwvgunnison.org or by mail to LWVGV, 322 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230.

Backcountry Alliance annual meeting

The Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance (formerly Silent Tracks) will hold their annual meeting and potluck on Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. in the Town Depot at 716 Elk Ave. in Crested Butte. Bring a dish to share and learn how you can help protect, promote and enhance humanpowered recreation in the Gunnison Valley. To become a member or learn more, visit EMBA.earth.

Beauty and the Beast

Don’t miss the last two performances of Firebird Theatre Company’s production of Beauty and the Beast at the Majestic Theatre in Crested Butte on Aug. 19-20 at 1 p.m. This live adaptation of Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve’s 1740 story is a fun and family-friendly show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5-12 and are available at cbmajestic.org. Visit firebirdcb.com for more information.

The Top O’ the World Garden Club awarded Hap and Narcissa Channell with Yard of the Week. Their home at 601 N. Wisconsin Street is a never-ending showcase of flowers. The perimeter of the Channell’s corner property is rimmed with a perennial flower garden, designed to have blooms throughout the summer. Arranged between a curbside sidewalk and a decorative iron fence are clumps of wild geraniums, day lilies, yarrow, Asiatic lilies, clematis, snow-in-summer and blanket flower, among others. Their historic sandstone house forms a beautiful backdrop to the rich garden.

(Courtesy Top O’ the World Garden Club)

Just keep pedaling

Western President Brad Baca completes Leadville 100

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

Last weekend, Baca pedaled one of the most grueling bike endurance races in the world: the classic Leadville 100.

On Aug. 12, Baca traversed 100 miles in 11 hours and 31 minutes aboard his Pivot mountain bike, finishing the famous race just before the 12-hour cutoff.

But for Baca, the high mileage and exceeding altitude was not a new feat. This year marked the seventh time he’s finished the cycling race.

“At the last aid station I leaned over to my wife and son, who were running support, and said, ‘If I ever mention that I want to do this again hit me upside the head with a two-byfour,’” Baca said. “But this event has grown to be so iconic, not just for Leadville, but for the entire state of Colorado. It’s just such a fun event.”

Baca last raced in 2015. He said the eight-year gap was enough to convince him to hop

back on the bike and give the race another spin.

The course follows a trail system that begins in downtown Leadville, winds south to the Columbine climb, reaches 12,600 feet, and loops back around. Riders are met with gravel trails, technical descents and tedious climbs. Baca said his fellow Gunnison racers

excelled on the difficult course.

“There’s so many people in this community who are so much better endurance athletes than I am,” he said. “Dave Weins being one of them. I, on the other hand, can barely finish it these days.”

Despite completing an elitelevel endurance test, Baca still admitted to heavy breathing

while climbing the infamous three flights of stairs leading to the President’s office in Taylor Hall. Still, he said the race lives true to its motto: “You’re tougher than you think you are.”

“My first take-away is just how resilient the human spirit can be,” Baca said. “Throughout the race I was off-pace from what I’m used to. It took a men-

tal toll. The race is all about perseverance, and being able to dig deep. Just one more climb, just keep going. Just keep pedaling, and you’ll get there.”

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Cowboy softball off to hot start

Team defeats

MontezumaCortez with back-to-back wins

Alex McCrindle

Times Sports Editor

The GHS softball sluggers commenced their fall season with historic double-header

wins away at MontezumaCortez on Aug. 12. Winning the first game by the narrow margin of 16-14, the Cowboys returned with fury — taking the second game 21-6.

Head Coach Leslie DiLorenzo said this was the first time GHS has beaten Montezuma-Cortez in program history.

“It was amazing to see the way our girls played in the opening game,” DiLorenzo said.

“It was quite a tight, high-scoring game. Last year it was the type of game we might have let slip away.”

This year, the Cowboys welcomed a hungry group of incoming seniors and juniors, after losing only one senior from the previous season. The team’s experience showed in the opener when senior Brooke Rickert and juniors Maddy Bacalis and Isabella Crown made an instant impact.

“Against Cortez, it was great to see Brooke and Isabella really shine,” DiLorenzo said. “Maddy [Bacalis] threw three players out at third. Our base paths played really well too, with Maddie Vollendorf and Kylie McDougal

at first and third.”

Armed with a deep squad with varsity gametime under their belt, DiLorenzo believes this season could mark a new era for Gunnison softball.

“Before the games, we told the girls to go out and let the league know that they better be watching us this season,” she said. “Gunnison is not going to be a pushover, other teams need to be ready to come here and play.”

The victories skyrocketed the Cowboys to a 2-0 record and first place in the 3A Western

Slope division. Next up, the girls will face off in their first home game against Montrose on Aug. 16, before taking on Florence at home on Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. Scores for the Montrose game were not available by press time.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Celebrations after 100 miles in the saddle. (Courtesy Brad Baca)

Eli Coop, Zavier Drendel and William Hubbard pose with their winners medals. (Courtesy Beth Coop)

Xavier Amrich after winning the final.

•Volunteers are Needed at the Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center located at 1500 W. Tomichi Ave.

•The Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center provides the perfect combination of person-centered care, with all the comforts of home.

•Volunteers do one on one visits with residents as often as possible, assist with bingo, attend activities, play games, assist with personal computing, attend off center outings, take walks and most importantly establish relationships with residents. Weekend companionship is encouraged!

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Gunnison Country Times Thursday, August 17, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B7

The ‘10 boys team celebrate as champions.

Cowboy golf opens season at Bookcliff

Weitman finishes as GHS top player

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The GHS boys golf team opened the season with a statement performance at the Bookcliff Golf Course in Grand Junction on Aug. 7. Junior Mason Weitman finished as the low player for the Cowboys, shooting an 81, and leading the team to an eighth-place finish. The event marked the first competition for the varsity boys ahead of a rapid schedule.

Head Coach Kevin Mickelson said the tournament identified ways each player can improve.

“Even though we have a really young team, our players have a lot of experience,” Mickelson said. “We’re just trying to get better and better, week after week. Every single one of them needs to work on finishing rounds strong and maintaining their game throughout the last six holes. That was our achilles heel last year.”

In Grand Junction, the Cowboys reeled in impressive scores throughout the tournament. Top-seed Preston Pike sat out the tournament due to illness, allowing sophomore Paden Davis to notch a varsity start.

When all of the scorecards were signed and strokes were tallied, Weitman led the Cowboys, followed by Joey Noble at 86. Carson Zummach scored an 89 and Davis picked up a 93. In total, GHS finished eighth out of 13 schools and walked away optimistic for the upcoming fall schedule.

“Golf is a weird sport, it’s so individual,” Mickelson said. “We try to accommodate each players’ talents that they bring to the table and just try to give them the tools to get better. At this point in the season, we’re just getting warmed up.”

The varsity team played backto-back tournaments in Aspen and Carbondale on Aug. 14 and 15, but scores were not available by press time. The Cowboys JV squad will play their first tournament on Aug. 18 in Alamosa.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)

(Courtesy Kevin Mickelson)

Game, set, match

GUNNISON WATERSHED 2023 BUS SCHEDULE

Stops and times are subject to change over the next two weeks.

Creek Bottom 7:29

Antelope Hills Rd. 7:32

Upper Antelope Hills Rd.

7:37

Fawn Dr & Mesa Loop 7:38

Doe Cir & Willow Ln 7:39

13 Willow Ln 7:40

Mesa Loop & Sage 7:41

359 Mesa Loop Dr. 7:42

367 Mesa Loop 7:43

3115 Cty Rd 17 (Orange Gate) 7:45

Blue Mesa Baptist Church

7:47

Jones Blvd 7:50

Island Acres 7:53

Cottonwood Park 7:55

Reed St. there are 2 stops

Doyleville, Bus #4 Driver will now be Russ Halpern NeedleCreekTurnaround7:22

Safeway 8:02

GHS 8:09

Lake 8:12

GCS 8:15

Antelope Hills

“Bus #6”

Drivers: Bryon Roberts

7:56 & 7:57

Wildwood 7:58

Nursing Home 7:59

Twin Pines 8:00

6th & New York 8:01

Trailer Park at 10th St” 8:03

( New stop!)

GHS 8:05

Lake 8:10

GCS 8:12

Due to a shortage of bus drivers, the Gold Basin/ Dos Rios bus route has been cancelled until further notice.

The 2023 Tennis Round Robin fundraiser brought local players to the Gunnison’s Char Mar courts on Saturday morning despite the wet weather. The event was spearheaded by local tennis guru Katy Murtaugh. Four teams competed, and all of the proceeds went toward equipment for the Char Mar tennis and pickleball facilities.

(Photos by Alex McCrindle)

Poetry: the road to enchantment

While people often say they don’t like poetry, poetry is the first thing that people turn to during times of terrible loss, grief and sorrow. I can’t tell you how many memorial poems I’ve delivered at funerals over the years. Sometimes I think it’s the most important service I perform as a poet. As a culture, we also rely on poetry during times of upheaval and trauma.

Wendy Videlock Special to the Times

I sometimes think poetry might just be the answer to all that ails us. I suppose that’s because poetry reminds us to really slow down and listen, and not just to the poem at hand but to the world at large, to the silence between sounds, to our own inner chatter and to the words coming out of our own mouths. Surely slowing down is a lost art, not to mention the lost art of listening.

Just so you know, close to the chest is close to the bone. Just so you know there’s not much growth in your comfort zone.

Just so you know the pen is no mightier than the soul, a guarded heart keeps the song at bay, the wind carries your words away.

Just so you know your bliss is the sister to your pain, there’s no one for whom all is well, art is meant to cast a spell. Just so you know the lotus is married to the mud, your happiness has nothing to do with a white glove.

Just so you know to listen deeply is to love.

Just so you know, everything is an inside job.

During the Arab Spring, poetry marched in the streets. After the attacks on 9-11, a poem by WH Auden filled our social media feeds. But poetry is also central to great celebration, often becoming the highlight of wedding ceremonies, graduation speeches and inaugurations. And I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard people say that poetry saved their lives. Although it’s true that poetry is a sacred art, it’s also true that poetry is fundamentally fun.

Like a sleuth I watch for the moon to slip up.

In fact, the poets that I always return to have an unmistakable twinkle in the eye. They love to make us laugh at ourselves, to play with language and to remind us how those things are a great source of pleasure. Why, the very word, humor, comes from the word humus, of the earth, to be humble. Contrary to popular opinion, poetry is not an elitist art, but rather a great joy, a deep source of pleasure, a road that leads to enchantment.

For some, love is a shooting star, for others a plot and barbed wire, for others a warm and tended fire.

Beautiful bouquets

The dominant culture seems to insist on polarization, fragmentation, and compartmentalization, but a sense of wholeness and integration is what poetry offers in return. Poetry is not interested in demographics, but rather challenges the very idea of reducing ourselves to one thing. Poetry has us finding the universal in the particular, the metaphor in the familiar, the cosmos in the miniscule.

Poetry, it seems, is a way of exploring what it means to be alive in the world, a way of learning to live with uncertainty. Poetry might even be insisting we loosen the ways we think of ourselves, rethink the ways we perceive the world, unearth the story under the story. Here in the Grand Valley, where I live, poetry readings and story-telling events are on the rise and are well attended, proving that the art is alive and well around here.

In this column I hope to entertain, delight and maybe even educate — all in the name of poetry, in service to poetry and through the lens of poetry. I hope to introduce you to regional poets, to keep the conversation going, the campfire burning and the curiosity turning. Until next time, I remain, yours in the words, yours on the winds, and yours in the glorious west.

(Award-winning poet Wendy Videlock is Poet Laureate of the Western Slope. She lives in Palisade with her husband and their various critters.)

Alexis Taylor, owner of Sundrop Flora, hosted her first-ever flower picking event for the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Aug. 14. At the start of the evening, participants went on a tour of the flower farm, and Taylor gave them instructions on harvesting. Armed with a pair of scissors and a vase, the crew gathered fresh flowers in the hoop house before arranging them into vibrant bouquets. Taylor hopes to host a similar “Flower U-Pick” event next month.

(Courtesy Alexis Taylor)

Upcoming eventS

-Aug. 17 (10am – 12pm): Birdhouse Tour & Picnic Brunch. Come check out the birdhouses made by Senior Center members that are now housing birds in local Gunnison parks! Our own Teri Cantrell-Pearce will be on hand to help ID all birds spotted. RSVP required.

-Aug. 22: Hike – Green Lake. Rated Difficult. RSVP required.

-Aug. 23 (12:45pm): Painting with Alcohol Inks. Join local artist Barbara Briggs to create your own artwork using alcohol inks. All supplies provided with $5.00 fee (payable on day of workshop). RSVP Required!

-Aug. 29: Hike – Baldy Chato Peak. Rated Difficult. RSVP Required.

FITNESS at THE REC CENTER -

Sign up at the Rec Center front desk!

Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym

• Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30am

• Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15am

Splash class will resume on September 5th! (Tuesdays @ 10am)

SENIOR MEALS -

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 11:30am. $5.00 per meals. Advanced orders appreciate (24 hours). Pick-ups between 11am – 11:15am (advanced orders only). ORDER MEALS: 970-641-8272

Menu: (all meals come with dessert!)

•Mon., Aug. 21:Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggies, homemade bread

•Weds., Aug. 23:Hamburgers & Brats, potato salad

•Fri., Aug. 25: Chicken Salad, veggies

Walk-ins & visitors welcome! Homebound adults ages 55 & up eligible for delivery. If you need a ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970596-6700 (call in advance).

AT THE SENIOR CENTER 200 E. SPENCER AVE. ALL SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM INFO & RSVPS: EGILLIS@GUNNISONCO.GOV OR 970-641-8272.

Weekly Happenings

Monday

• Computer Use (9 a.m.)

• Bridge (1 p.m.)

Wednesday

• Book Club (1st Wednesday)

Thursday

• Bridge (1 p.m.)

Friday

• Art Club (12:30 p.m.)

• Mahjong (1 p.m.)

WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC

The providers at the Gunnison Valley Health Women’s Health Clinic are specialists who offer a broad continuum of care that support women to access the services they need without leaving the community. The available services encompass everything from prevention to surgery.

Paper petunias

The Gunnison Senior Center held a paper flower making event on Aug. 9 for members of all crafting skill levels. Participants carefully cut and wired together several layers of colored tissue paper that would later open up into beautiful floral designs.

Dr. Deborah Tozer, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN who enjoys having the opportunity to provide continuity of care from adolescence and beyond. Dr. Tozer prides herself in offering high quality and patient centered care in both obstetrics and gynecology.

Joy McElyea, DNP, WHNP is a women’s health nurse practitioner who specializes in healthcare for women from adolescence through the post-menopausal period. She has a passion for women’s healthcare and is excited to offer her specialty at Gunnison Valley Health.

The clinic is open Monday and Wednesday and is located in the specialty clinic on the second floor of the hospital. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 970-641-3927. More information about the specific services offered is available at WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG/WOMENSHEALTH.

(Photos by Abby Harrison)

The sound of suds

The Gunnison High School Marching Band put on its annual car wash outside Powerstop on Aug. 11. The young musicians lathered and rinsed a number of cars (and one dirt bike), all by donation. The funds will help support the marching band this upcoming school year.

(Photos by Abby Harrison and Bella Biondini)