NEWS: Avalanche claims life of local skier, A3
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VOL. 143 NO. 7 | THURSDAY, FEBRARY 15, 2024 | $1.00
School board increases bond project budget by $14 million Passes by a 3-2 vote Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer Bella Biondini Times Editor
BALLOONS AND BALLGOWNS: Emma Williams and McKenna Singer float across the dance floor with balloons in hand during the Daddy-Daughter Dance on Feb. 10. Throughout the evening, fathers and daughters twirled and jumped to Taylor Swift classics like “Love Story” and other pop favorites. For more, see A10. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
INSIDE
TODAY NEWS: The toll of trauma: part three, A5
COMMUNITY: God save the LEGO queen, B1
OBITUARIES A2 OPINION A4 CLASSIFIEDS A14-A17 SPORTS B4 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM
School budget A6
Local ‘snow drought’ Brush Creek begins to lift intersection presSteady storms bring some relief to Gunnison Basin Bella Biondini Times Editor
SPORTS: Japuntich crowned state champion, B4
The Gunnison Watershed School District board decided to increase its valley-wide renovation budget from $101 million to $115 million. During a regular meeting on Feb. 12, owner's representative Artaic Group presented the budget for the schematic design phase, which had risen by $14 million since vot-
Following an ongoing cycle of winter storms, snowpack conditions in the Upper Colorado R i v e r B a s i n h av e g re a t l y improved since the beginning of the year. At the start of February, much of the western United States remained in what has been labeled as a “snow drought.” While the drought spans much of the region, the Colorado Rocky Mountains are faring much better than the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges where some basins are report-
ing snowpack levels as low at 40-60% average. The snow water equivalent (SWE), which determines how much water the snowpack is holding, in most areas in the Upper Colorado River Basin ranged between 80-100% of normal. This is a large boost after a fairly dry start to the winter season. Little snow fell in the Gunnison Valley until the weather pattern began to shift in mid-January. Temperatures across the Western Slope have hovered between 1 to 3 degrees above average, and in the Gunnison Valley, nearly 6 degrees above average in January. The warm temperatures brought occasional afternoon rain, but steady snows have been falling at high elevations. While many suspect El Niño is to blame for the unusual
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sures Whetstone deadlines Town utility connection still not guaranteed Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
The future of Whetstone, Gunnison County’s planned affordable housing development just south of Crested Butte, may be tied to the function and finances of the nearby Brush Creek Road intersection — envisioned to have a roundabout and pedestrian underpass. This reality is now com-
plicating county officials’ ability to move the project forward as they face deadlines for connecting Whetstone to the town’s utilities. County and town planners and Crested Butte councilors debated whether the renovated intersection needs to be guaranteed before connecting utilities to Whetstone at a Town Council meeting on Feb. 5. The Town of Crested Butte is still waiting for an updated engineering report from the county before it considers final approval for the connection. County planners expressed concern that binding the utilWhetstone A6
A2 • NEWS • Thursday, February 15, 2024
QUOTE
Gunnison Country Times
OBITUARIES Eric Freson
of the week “Some have to pack up in order to rebuild, but they still carry that trauma with them.” — Amy Engleman, Victim advocate
See story on A5
BRIEFS Julie Baca named Housing Authority interim director T h e G u n n i s o n Va l l e y Regional Housing Authority Board has selected Julie Baca to serve as its interim executive director. Baca is a consultant in the private sector and contributes to a number of valley-wide planning efforts. She served as Western Colorado University’s vice president of administration, and still works with the university’s Geiman Fellows. Andy Kadlec announced his resignation at the end of 2023, after serving in the role for a little over a year. His last day in the office was at the end of January. Applications for the executive director position closed on Jan. 28. The board, led by president Laura Puckett Daniels, gave a hiring update during a regular meeting on Feb. 8. The Housing Authority received 16 applications, seven of which the organization’s recruiter said are “qualified and bring expertise,” Daniels said. Three to four final candidates will travel to Gunnison in March for in-person interviews and a community meet-and-greet. The Housing Authority board hopes to have a position filled by April.
Eric Freson passed away on Feb. 11, 2024. He is survived by his parents, Tony and Monica Freson, sister, Claire Freson and many friends. Please join Eric’s family and friends on Feb. 17 from 2-5 p.m. at the Western Colorado University Ballroom. Please bring photographs and your favorite stories to share. Food and beverages will be provided. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to a GoFundMe set up for Eric at gofund.me/014d8380 to cover costs. Some of the money will be donated to organizations he had identified. Donations can also be made directly to the Gunnison Bank and Trust Eric Freson Memorial Fund.
Marilyn Kay Probst Rozman
Marilyn Kay Probst Rozman passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 13, 2024. Marilyn was born at St. Mary’s of the Ozarks in Ironton, Missouri on Aug. 3, 1944 to Nolan and Grayce Probst. When she was in 3rd grade, the family moved to Gunnison, where they lived for a short while before moving to Crested Butte, where her father became the superintendent of the Keystone Mine. She would
spend the rest of her life in the Crested Butte area. Marilyn graduated from Crested Butte High School in 1962. Later in life, she liked to tell people that she graduated from CBHS as valedictorian. She would then pause for effect before stating that it was a graduating class of five. After high school, she attended one year at Western State College in Gunnison. On Aug. 8, 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, John Rozman. They were married for 60 years. Being a “town girl”, Marilyn was not prepared for life as a rancher’s wife. She loved to tell people that the first time she walked into the ranch house, there were two water buckets located behind the coal stove. That was the indoor plumbing. The rest of the plumbing — the outhouse — was located outside behind the house. Over the years, John remodeled the house into a comfortable ranch home. In addition to working full time on the ranch, Marilyn also worked in Rozman’s, her brother-in-law’s hotel and restaurant, and in various Crested Butte retail establishments. Marilyn loved to read and had an extensive library. She was a skilled baker and her homemade blueberr y and cherry pies were some of the best you would have ever eaten. More than anything, though, she loved to laugh. Her favorite activities were laughter-filled family picnics, holiday gatherings and time spent with her grandchildren. Marilyn is survived by her husband, John Rozman, her two daughters Grayce (DeVon) Wilson of Delta, Nola (Daniel) Oberosler of Crested Butte and her two grandchildren, Brandon Wilson of Delta and Lyndsey (John) Schneider of Fort Collins. She is preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Joy Greer. Marilyn’s funeral service was held on Jan. 22, 2024 at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Crested Butte. Marilyn was laid to rest at the Crested Butte Cemetery.
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held on Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Montrose Pavilion Conference Center, 1800 Pavilion Dr., in Montrose. In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up at NuVista Federal Credit Union, 2711 Commercial Way, Montrose, Colorado, 81401.
Kevin Propernick
Darla Duran, 69, of Gunnison and most recently, Montrose, passed away on Feb. 5, 2024. She was born to Philip and Frances Duran in Gunnison, where she spent most of her life. Darla was a caretaker at heart. She was always willing to help others and would give you the shirt off her back. She had a love of working and her many different jobs as a caregiver, in hospitality and in customer service allowed her to help even more people. Darla had a special love for animals. She always had animals of her own and some that were not her own, but she loved them all the same. Her faith and willingness to share her faith with others helped her and her family through many things throughout her life. She had a great sense of humor and was always cracking jokes, making people laugh and being ornery. Darla is survived by her daughter, Frances Duran, son, Jason Johnson (Jaymi), grandchildren, Adrianna Cole (Torren), Jacob Martinez (Raven), Joseph Bracamonte (Venessa), Isabella Smith, Erik Johnson, Jason Johnson, Jr. and Ethan Johnson and greatgrandchildren, Zoey and Rain Bracamonte, Tatum Schultz and Noah, Wyatt and Tanin Cole. She is also survived by her siblings, Joyce Sanchez, Judy Cabral (Poncho), Teri Caldera (Miguel), Cathy Mendez (Steven), Kenny Duran and Anita Espinoza and many nieces and nephews, who she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Espinoza and Mary Duran and brother, Thomas Duran. A celebration of life will be
Kevin Propernick was born on Aug. 6, 1967 and passed away on Feb. 10, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Kevin was born in Salida, Colorado and grew up in Buena Vista, Colorado. He was the happiest when he was doing what he loved — hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. Kevin loved to be involved in any kind of sporting event, including coaching his daughters in softball. He was a father of three daughters, Berlyn, Bailey and Britt, and a husband to Candi Propernick. Kevin was a friend to many around the Gunnison community. He was a huge part of the Western community, from being an athlete to graduating from Western in 1993, then eventually moving on to coaching for the Western football team. His coaching through football and softball changed and inspired many lives. Kevin was a strong individual who never failed to have a conversation with anyone. His presence impacted many in the best ways and will continue to do so. A celebration of life will be held in the fall during his favorite time, hunting season. We thank everyone for their generous donations and their love and prayers during this unimaginable time.
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County Sheriff's scholarship program open T h e C o u nt y Sh e r i f f s o f Colorado, Inc. (CSOC) will award a $500 scholarship to a deserving Gunnison County student next spring. Applications will be reviewed by a local citizens committee appointed by Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie, and a final selection will be made by CSOC. This criterion includes leadership, merit, character, involvement and career purpose. Applications are available online at csoc.org, or at the sheriff's office at 510 West Bidwell Ave. Any legal permanent resident of Gunnison County enrolled in, or applying to, a vocational training program or college in Colorado as a full- or part-time student is eligible to apply.
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40 ACRE historic parcel is the town site of Sherrod and part of the Sherrod Loop on the Alpine Tunnel Loop past Pitkin, just before Hancock Pass. Sherrod was known for its rich silver lodes in the surrounding mountains. Great 4x4 country. 7800 Forest Service Road 839; $215,000.
3 HOMES TOTAL Investment opportunity in town where each home is 2 bdrm/1 bath & tenants pay utilities. Located near the airport and fairgrounds. 314 S. 12th St; $950,000.
WATERFRONT BUILDING SITE to build your new home! Two lots totaling 1.78 acres. Great opportunity to own on the Gunnison River, hidden between the trees & close to the White Water Park. Level building site with mature trees and still close to downtown conveniences. 350 Rio Vista Road; $400,000.
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Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 • NEWS • A3
Gunnison Country Times
Local skier killed by avalanche near Crested Butte
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A day prior, snowboarder seriously injured on Snodgrass Bella Biondini Times Editor
Over the weekend, avalanches severely injured one backcountry snowboarder and killed a skier in two separate accidents near Crested Butte. O n Sunday, Feb. 11, Gunnison local Eric Freson, 36, was caught, buried and killed while backcountry skiing in an area of the Anthracite Range known as the Playground. His identity was confirmed by the Gunnison County Coroner. The preliminary accident report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) stated that Freson’s partners were able to locate and extricate him from the avalanche debris, but he died from the injuries he sustained from the avalanche. An avid mountain biker and skier, Freson served as a mentor and friend to many in the valley. A Facebook post from Irwin guide Billy Rankin said Freson was known for “his love for the pursuit, the adventure and the unknown.” “I feel a huge burden of sorrow and loss and maybe it is cumulative and gets harder each time?” Rankin wrote on Feb. 12. “I feel the sorrow of our whole community, especially those closest to him and those involved with the accident.” Freson was caught in a small avalanche that broke above a cliff band. He pulled his airbag and was carried over the cliff, where a larger avalanche was released. According to a Monday press release from the Gunnison County Sheriff ’s Office, the Crested Butte and Western search and rescue teams were paged out to the site of the accident. A helicopter was later deployed to the scene and rescuers attempted lifesav-
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The accident site in the Anthracite Range where a skier was killed on Feb. 11. (Courtesy Colorado Avalanche Information Center)
ing efforts, but Freson died on scene. CAIC and Crested Butte Avalanche Center staff visited the accident site on Monday and will issue a full report in the next week. This was Colorado’s second avalanche death of the 2023-24 winter season. In late January, a solo backcountry snowboarder died from traumatic injuries after being caught and partially buried at Waterfall Canyon, south of Ophir. On Saturday Feb. 10, a large avalanche caught, carried and severely injured a snowboarder on Snodgrass Mountain — a popular backcountry ski area just north of Crested Butte. The crown ranged from 1 foot thick in some areas, to up to 3 feet thick in others. Even though the rider wasn’t buried, the area where the avalanche occurred drained into some trees. Crested Butte Search and Rescue responded to the accident and were able to evacuate the snowboarder. The avalanche industry doesn’t publish names to protect those involved from judgment, and to focus on sharing information that could potentially save someone’s life.
weekend illustrated the snowpack’s potential for “dangerous surprises.” Signs of instability are becoming more sporadic, which means the snow may not give the usual warning signs before an avalanche is released. At the same time, human-triggered avalanches continue to occur throughout the backcountry, many in zones frequented by local skiers and riders. A layer of surface hoar buried several feet deep in the snowpack has been the culprit in much of recent avalanche activity seen in the valley. Surface hoar is the feathery crystals that form on the snow’s surface when the weather is clear and calm. Once this fragile layer is buried, it can become unpredictable. “We’ve seen a mixed bag of feedback,” said CBAC’s lead forecaster Zach Guy during the accident investigation on Snodgrass. “On some slopes people are skiing steep terrain and nothing is happening. [On] other slopes people are triggering avalanches.” To access local mental health services for trauma and grief, visit cbstateofmind.org.
Dangerous surprises According to the Crested Butte Avalanche Center, the two serious accidents over the
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
ALANWARTESMEDIA
LETTERS 970.641.1414 © 2023 Gunnison Country Times
Publisher/Owner Alan Wartes publisher@gunnisontimes.com Office Manager Bonnie Gollhofer bonnie@gunnisontimes.com Editor Bella Biondini bella@gunnisontimes.com Staff Writer Abby Harrison abby@gunnisontimes.com Photo Editor Mariel Wiley mariel@gunnisontimes.com Sports Editor Alex McCrindle alex@gunnisontimes.com Advertising Manager Steve Nunn steve@gunnisontimes.com Advertising Assistant Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com Production Manager Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Gunnison Country Times, 218 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, CO 81230-0240
OPINION
Thanks for believing in the value of GHS soccer Editor: The Gunnison High School soccer team wants to thank the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation (METREC) District for their generous grant award to support the team’s off-season training. The team finished its fall season, and had many successes to celebrate. Now the players are engaged in various off-season activities including weight training, weekly drop-in indoor soccer and traveling to a tournament. MetRec’s generosity is making the continuation of the program through the winter months and into summer possible for all players. The first big event in the offseason program was for the team to attend the CSU-Pueblo Indoor Tournament, which took place last weekend. GHS was able to bring three teams to the tournament and compete in two different divisions. The younger group was crowned champions of the High School
Younger division, and one of the older teams came in second in the High School Older division. In the past, there were enough players for just two teams, so fielding three was a nice bonus this year. In addition to the on-court victories and getting to visit a university campus, having the opportunity to travel together, and spend time bonding made it a fantastic experience for the boys. The program continues to focus on creating a community where players are expected to be great people, great students and great athletes, in that order. This focus has fostered a sense of belonging among the players, families and the broader Gunnison community in a way that is unique in high school sports. The diversity of the GHS soccer team continues to help build connections between and among people. Our goal is to continue the work of building bridges and creating strong individuals through recreation as we move forward.
Thank you MetRec for believing in the value of the Gunnison High School Soccer program and for your financial support. Your generosity is so appreciated by the coaches, the players and their families and the greater Gunnison community. Susan Powers GHS soccer team
Why is gas so expensive in Gunnison? Editor: According to AAA, the average price of unleaded fuel in Colorado today is $2.72 per gallon. According to KRDO's fuel tracker for Colorado Springs (Feb. 9, 2024), the lowest price is $2.19 at Exxon, $2.25 at Costco and $2.32 at U Pump. Pilot in Monument is $2.33, Costco in Westminster is $2.27, Sinclair in Evans is $2.09, and Phillips 66 on Townsend Avenue in Montrose is $2.78. Why is fuel still above $3 per gallon for unleaded in
Gunnison? City Market $3.38. Fuel in Montrose is $0.60 a gallon cheaper. I have been tracking our fuel prices. Only in the last couple of years have fuel prices in Gunnison skyrocketed over our neighboring cities. What is the reason? Taxes? Transportation? Local establishments’ greed? I do not know, nor do I understand or accept these outrageous prices. In some cases, we as a county are paying double for the same gallon of fuel as our neighbors to the east and west. I do not feel that it costs Kenan Advantage fuel tanker $1 per gallon more to drive over Monarch Mountain, or Cerro Summit to deliver our fuel. I would like some answers! Teresa Golden Gunnison
Love is in the air The Gunnison Resiliency Project and Rotary Club volunteers hung nearly 400 hearts from students, Senior Care Center residents and many others in the trees around downtown Gunnison on Feb. 12 in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Paper hearts, markers and yarn are still available at Abracadabra for those who want to make and hang their own.
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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. (Courtesy Celeste Helminski/Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce)
Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 • NEWS • A5
Gunnison Country Times
The toll of trauma: part three After reporting sexual assault, victims struggle for justice Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
(Editor’s note: This is the final installment in a three-part series covering sexual assault cases handled in Gunnison District Court. The previous stories appeared in the Feb. 1 and 8 editions of the Times.) Previous parts of this series told the stories of two young women who each suffered an alleged sexual assault in Gunnison County. What happened to both occurred in a setting where they should have felt safe. Celeste Hendry was in her own home, while Jazmyn Hart was in the trusted company of her “Uncle Luke.” For years, they shared their stories selectively, to sisters and mothers, to boyfriends. Jazmyn feared the rumors in her small hometown of Crawford. Already, insults were hurled at parties, and whispers that she’d lied arose from her assailant’s family. Celeste felt her professional path as a healer would be sullied if she disclosed her story, branding her a “victim,” her mother Enid Holden said. “[Sexual assault] is much closer to death, to being murdered, than it is to having a sexual encounter … I think sometimes the severity of it is lost,” Enid said. The women eventually reported the incidents to law enforcement and entered into the local court system — a decision few victims ever make. Celeste reported her alleged assault the morning after ; Jazmyn, three months later. It’s a difficult decision, which many believe offers a promise of justice or protection. But after reporting, the women faced a legal system fraught with rules and procedures that do not always prioritize the needs of victims. Jazmyn re-lived the event over
and over in interviews, all for an outcome she felt was devoid of accountability. For Celeste, reporting did little to soothe her fear that her alleged assailant would return. As a result, factors entirely out of these women’s control took the most from them. A reduced bond set Celeste’s alleged assailant free after she’d lived with anxiety and pain for years. A day after he posted bail, she took her own life. Jazmyn’s case sat cold at the Gunnison County Sheriff ’s Office before her assailant, Luke Chesnik, was offered a plea deal with no jail time. She felt that the district attorney would not fight for her when she was finally ready to face the ordeal of a trial. In the wake of sexual assault, victims and their families may be left wondering who’s fighting for them, if their assailant will ever be held accountable and mostly, where healing can be found. “If the law allows repeat offenders to be free, and victims to live in fear and have their lives destroyed, then I don't think that serves justice at all,” Enid said. ‘Fairness, respect, dignity’ Over half of all women and one in three men in the United States will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the Centers f o r D i s e a s e C o n t ro l a n d Prevention. Currently, Project Hope, the Gunnison Valley’s only nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, is managing about 150 cases. This means the nonprofit is likely serving only a fraction of the possible need, said Executive Director Amy Kirschbaum. She estimates that of the ongoing cases, fewer than half involve the police and next to none proceed into the court system. Those who seek help from Project Hope are not obligated to report their assault to the police, meaning many will privately carry the burden of sexual violence for a lifetime. Amy Engleman, a law enforcement victim advocate with the Gunnison Police Department, took on just 11 sexual assault cases in
Gunnison County in 2023. That includes the City of Gunnison, Gunnison County, Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte. “[After an assault], this person now has to find a way to live,” Engleman said. “Some people live in silence and some rebuild. Some have to pack up in order to rebuild, but they still carry that trauma with them.” In addition to filing police reports, both women sought help. Celeste went to Project Hope, Enid said. And Jazmyn went to the Dolphin House in Montrose, which helps underage victims tell their stories in a safe space. Beyond immediate support, they had resources under Colorado’s Victim Rights Act (VRA), meant to ensure that victims are treated with “fairness, respect and dignity.” But when it comes to court, those rights simply ensure victims are kept informed of the judicial process. They have no ability to determine the outcome. Prosecuting attorneys do not represent victims and their families. Instead, their job is to enforce the laws of the State of Colorado. For this reason, a district attorney is under no obligation to act on victims’ desires. They are bound by “an ethical obligation,” to only pursue charges they have a reasonable chance of proving at trial, said Deputy District Attorney Darren Struble. This can leave families raw with anger when plea deals are offered, or when their memory of events is repeatedly questioned. But after years of being afraid to face Chesnik in court, Jazmyn finally felt ready. “For the majority of this case, I did not want anything to do with being in the courtroom with him … [but] I started coming around to the idea of speaking up and saying my piece,” she said. “He got to tell everybody in that courtroom his side of the story and there's only a handful of people who've heard mine. I felt it was something I had to do.” Instead, the Harts were notified of a plea deal. When Struble offered Chesnik a deal, he did not need Jazmyn’s
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A6 • NEWS • Thursday, February 15, 2024
School budget from A1 ers passed the ballot initiative in 2022. While conceptual drawings are more abstract, the schematic phase began to add layers of detail to each individual school renovation project. The budget adjustment is primarily due to cost inflation and energy efficiency upgrades across the district. The school board split the vote, with Anne Brookhart and Mandy Roberts voting against the budget increase, and Tyler Martineau, Jo d y C o l e m a n a n d Ma r k VanderVeer for. Even with the increase, the language in the ballot question ensures taxpayers will not spend more than $95 million, said Superintendent Leslie Nichols. The district sold the bonds at a “good time,” and is able to cover the additional costs using accruing interest and bond premiums — which happens when investors pay more than the face value of the bond. “We had greater revenue than expected,” Nichols said. “My next commitment, besides the taxpayers, is to the kids and to the future of this community. If we do not spend every penny, which we are lucky enough to have because it’s unusual for a school district to have unexpected funds … I'm not doing my job.” Over and above The school district developed the project’s original budget in 2020, when it first began considering a ballot initiative. A 20% inflation factor added in 2022 accounted for escalating construction prices, bringing the project’s total budget to $101 million. But the increases continued through 2023. Gunnison’s Pathways renovation is expected to be over $5 million over budget, and Crested Butte
Whetstone from A1 ity extension to the renovated intersection will stall the over $130 million housing project. The county is looking to break ground on utility work, using a time-sensitive $10 million grant, this summer. “ Time is of the essence for this project,” said County Attorney Matt Hoyt. “The longer it takes, the more money it costs. And just to be blunt, the less likely it's viable.” But for most councilors, the transit needs of the development — addressed by the construction of a roundabout and underpass at Brush Creek Road — are intricately tied to the town’s long-term goals. This includes reducing climate impacts by facilitating public transportation and offering pedestrians and bikers safe passage across the Hwy. 135 and into town. “Housing is a huge priority, and I get the timing issue,” said councilor Gabi Prochaska. “But
Gunnison Country Times
Community School (CBCS) nearly $10 million more than expected, according to Grand Junction-based general cont ra c t o r FC I C o n s t r u c t o r s. Gunnison Community School fell nearly $4 million under budget. Lake School fell much closer to its original budget than the valley’s other schools. “We encouraged Dr. Nichols’ team to dream big and tell us what would be ideal scenarios, and sure, some of those dreams crept beyond some of the specific bond promises,” said Artaic Group principal Chris Guarino. “What we found was that pricing was quite large, and over and above our budgets.” Prices at CBCS rose dramatically because the “renovation scope” itself increased, said Artaic project manager John Usery. Design meetings last year revealed that building additions at the school will require extra demolition and planning. The new two-story Career and Technical Education addition will mean demolishing and moving entire classrooms. At Gunnison Community School, the significant cost decrease came from the removal of ground source heating. The cost of adding that kind of system into the renovation plans was “tremendous,” Martineau said. Still, TreanorHL, the district’s architect, is projecting a 40% reduction in energy use at the school. This will be achieved through better insulation and m o re a d v a n c e d t e m p e ra ture control systems. No items directly benefiting the student experience, like new desks or carpets, were removed, he said. In response to the inflated budget, Guarino said the leadership team began carving the project down to just “essential programming,” such as safety and security improvements, and energy efficiency. That team includes Nichols, Ma r t i n e a u , t h e d i s t r i c t ’s Business Manager Tia Mills and Transportation Manager Paul
A pair of students get a head start on homework at Gunnison Middle School on Feb. 13. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
Morgan. But the renovations still fell 10-15% above the original estimates even after some adjustment. In order to hit the original $101 million, Usery estimated that Treanor HL would have to remove up to 4,000 square feet of the design. This means cutting out Pathways classrooms and a significant portion of renovations in Crested Butte, and scaling back work on mechanical systems at all schools. “That's not something that can easily be added in later,” he said. “Once FCI starts construction, you're going to be paying significantly more to add that back into the project.” While the proje ct team accounted for inflation and labor shortages ahead of time, it is not uncommon for project costs to creep above the budget, Guarino said. In 2021, following the pandemic, 11 other school districts had construction costs
escalate so quickly that their projects were no longer possible. Facing cost inflation of up to 30%, the districts sought supplemental grants from the state to cover the gap. Others made difficult cuts to make it work. “We’ve watched projects suffer through this escalation,” Guarino said. “You’re not excluded from this.” Not all board members felt a larger budget was necessary. Brookhart voted no due to the potential costs of construction, concerned that this might be the last time the district could contractually control the financial scope of the project, she said. “Projects tend to get over budget once they're actually doing the construction,” Brookhart said. “My concern is that if we hit this budget at conceptual design, that we won't be able to deliver on all the proj-
ects the way we said we would.” But the district has already included the financial impact of uncertainty in its contingency pricing. During the project’s lifespan, this money is used as insurance for “unforeseen conditions,'' and errors and adjustments in the architectural drawings. The approved budget has $14 million in contingencies, Nichols said. “Contingencies are part of the cost estimate that we've had from the beginning … Contingencies aren't Monopoly money,” Nichols said. “They're not play, they're expected.” (Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.) (Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
to discuss this without the ability to access transit is irresponsible. There's a large number of people, residents in Whetstone who are working in town. I'm imagining people running across the highway, or vehicles talking left turns across the highway. [That idea] makes my head spin.” Unanswered questions The town’s hesitance to guarantee the utility connection comes from what it deems the “potential unanticipated” impacts the connection could have on its current infrastructure and ratepayers. The energy demands of the planned 255unit development represent 8% and 10% of the overall capacity of the water and wastewater treatment facilities, according to a Feb. 5 staff report. “We committed to no more incremental decisions,” said Crested Butte Community Development Director Troy Russ. “Let's be comprehensive and strategic about what we do, continued on A7
Community members and county and town officials walk the Whetstone site in the summer of 2023. (Courtesy Gunnison County)
Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 • NEWS • A7
Gunnison Country Times continued from A6 so we don't create unintended consequences … The community is very concerned about this growth.” At the end of 2023, the county submitted an engineering feasibility report to the town, meant to lay out the estimated utility demands of the housing development. That report stated that the town’s utility infrastructure could support Whetstone without “expensive and exhaustive expansion.” Council had the report independently reviewed by JVA Engineering, revealing the need for “significant changes” to the engineering design. “Just as we vet one specific situation, five more questions come up,” said Crested Butte Public Works Director Shea Earley. The county is currently reviewing and responding to these comments, said Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability John Cattles. At the Feb. 5 meeting, councilors recommended not approving the connection, but indicated it could come soon after if outstanding engineering questions are answered. A shrinking timeline In April of last year, the Colorado Department of Housing awarded the county $10 million for Whetstone’s utilities. The state denied the county an extension on the grant, so it must be spent by 2026. But to break ground, the county needs approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for a transmission line and lift station — both utility-related.
Unless the town commits to the utility connection, the county cannot apply for review with the CDPHE. And, the county still needs to go through its own land use review — both processes that will take time. “We need to start construction this season for this project to be successful,” Cattles said. The county and town signed an agreement that conditionally approved the utility extension at the end of 2022. As a part of that, the county agreed to advance the design of Brush Creek Road intersection to 50%, obtain Colorado Department of Transportation approval for the realignment and make it the primary entrance to the development. But as the timeline gets tighter, staff feel those items could be cumbersome and slow the process. Many councilors felt that before the town commits to extending utilities, community members also need a promise that the Brush Creek intersection will be completed. And, the county has yet to provide any alternatives for the roundabout and underpass, Russ said. “Providing access across the highway is essential,” said councilor Anna Fenerty. “To do it any other way, to start building before we get the road figured out, seems backward. There's no reason to delay this project, but there is a responsibility for how many vehicles it will create.” Many of the holdups are design-related, Crested Butte Mayor Ian Billick said. The town has long-standing concerns about traffic flow for northbound travelers and the ability of public transit users to cross the highway safely.
“Say we [guarantee utilities]. Two years later, you come back and say, ‘Well, this is just a lot of money. Sorry, you’re out of luck.’ You guys go forward, do [Whetstone],” Billick said. “Are we out of luck [for Brush Creek] or is there a pathway to resolve that? What kind of risk are we looking at?” The county has spent $400,000 on the roundabout design so far, and its overall cost is expected to be about $8.5 million. And the county agrees that the two projects are bound. Whetstone is essential in order to justify the “public good” of the intersection in grant narratives, Cattles said. The county will continue incurring financial risk ($3 million so far on Whetstone) as long as the town agrees to extend utilities and also assume some liability, he said. “ There are going to be impacts to the town that we may not be able to fully compensate for over a 30-year period,” Cattles said. “I just want to prepare the council that there's going to be a decision point about how much you're willing to absorb.” (Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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A8 • NEWS • Thursday, February 15, 2024
Gunnison Country Times continued from A5 approval or input on the terms of the plea. All he was required to do by law was inform her of it. It was a “heart shattering” moment, Jazmyn said. “That's a slap in the face,” said Jessica Hart, Jazmyn’s mother. “You're sitting here telling me that the [assailant] has the right to go to trial. But the victim doesn't?”
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Innocent until proven guilty Even after reporting, a single wrinkle in the investigation is all it takes to dissolve a case — a search warrant executed improperly, evidence missed at the scene or in Jazmyn’s case, a loss of physical evidence as time passed These are among the factors that push prosecutors toward plea deals. A plea is sometimes the only way to ensure a measure of accountability, said Aimee English, victims services supervisor for Colorado’s 7th Judicial District. She estimated that sexual assault cases involving felony charges take between one to two years, or longer if more evidence is discovered along the way. Jazmyn’s took five. “There's a misperception amongst victims, that a case is as simple as they tell their story, we present it to a judge and then a jury finds them guilty,” English said. “But we've done many cases that seem cut and dry to us, [but they] go before a jury and end in a not guilty verdict.” At each step of the way, victims must accept uncertainty that is beyond their control. Which charges will stick? What evidence will be accepted? How will a judge rule? For instance, Gunnis on County Court Judge Ashley Burgemeister reduced the bond of Celeste’s alleged assailant from $60,000 to $15,000, despite Celeste’s request to leave it unchanged. She “would not feel safe” were he released, Struble said at a bond hearing in May. When Burgemeister reduced the bond, she had access to the arrest affidavit and charge sheet, with considerable detail of what Celeste said happened that night. She knew of the previous sexual assault charge against the accused in Texas that was pled down to a non-sex misdemeanor, and had Struble’s assertion that Celeste was fearful of him. And in an American courtroom, defendants are innocent until proven guilty. The premise guards against prejudice and is meant to ensure a fair trial. But in cases of sexual assault, this idea — a bedrock of an impartial court system — can have consequences for victims. Investigations push them through repeated cycles of questioning and uncertainty. The presumption of innocence is especially relevant in bond decisions, said former federal prosecutor Rick Kornfeld. Kornfeld represented the State of Colorado as a Special Assistant Attorney General, and has extensive experience prosecuting white collar, violent and organized crime.
Celeste Hendry (Courtesy Enid Holden)
When setting a bond, a judge also considers whether the accused is likely to flee if released from jail or poses a serious risk to the victim. The rest is left to their interpretation of the law, and the evidence and charges in front of them, Kornfeld said. There’s never an exact formula for the outcome. “Holding somebody in custody, while their case is pending, is a very serious thing,” he said. “And you're being held at the same time while you're presumed innocent.” Along the way, Celeste and Jazmyn interacted with local victim advocates and state VRA representatives, on top of multiple visits to the Gunnison District Attorney’s office. VRA representatives are tasked with walking victims through the court process — such as how to enter protection orders — and accompanying them to meetings with the prosecutor and to court dates. The caseload for VRA staff in the 7th Judicial District (which contains Gunnison County) is staggering. English estimates that the office handles about 1,000 cases per year, with only six full-time employees. And money for Colorado VRA is about to plummet. Victim services funding is projected to fall from $17 million last year to just over $3 million, which Gov. Jared Polis budgeted in the 2024-25 budget. For English’s office, this would at least mean cutting one of her full-time employees. The Harts said that they felt that neither law enforcement nor the district attorney’s office fought for them. Jessica filed two complaints with a VRA subcommittee, outlining unanswered emails from the sheriff and the feeling that the district attorney “just wanted to get it over with,” according to the ruling. But in both cases, the subcommittee found no violation had occurred. “Justice is served when a victim can tell their story in a way that they need to tell their story,” English said. “And that’s probably the most justice they’re going to get.” VRA representatives meet with district attorneys each month to review ongoing sexual assault cases. Struble, designated as the county’s sex offender-specific prosecutor, attends special training a few times a year. Project Hope is improving
its relationships with local law enforcement and the district attorney’s office, Kirschbaum said. She remains hopeful for the future. “I have not seen [collaboration] to this level ever before. So that's exciting,” she said. “I think there's been little pieces of it here and there, but it’s now a full court press.” ‘In all you do, start with the end’ Life is no longer the same for the Hart family in Crawford. Jazmyn moved away, and the family lives each day with their guard up, Jessica said. None of the Hart children are allowed to call anyone “uncle,” and none of them go out without their mom or dad. “I hope they try harder with the next case and the next one after that, because it's never going to stop happening,” Jessica said. “... If you fight harder, what’s the worst that's going to happen? What [did] happen? That was probably the worst.” In Gunnison, Enid passed the first of Celeste’s birthdays without her. She would have been 32. Celsete’s diary remains a testament to her vitality, and her will to create a better life for herself. Her scrawls spill over the fine edge of the page, reminders that physical pain can be soothed by the brain, that she wanted to be a generous, joyful and skilled chiropractor. “Dr. Celeste Hendry will be remembered for tirelessly helping the people of the Gunnison Valley to lead more complete, fulfilled and healthy lives through chiropractic,” she wrote in a journal she kept after her alleged sexual assault. “Over the years she has helped thousands if not tens of thousands … Finish strong by starting strong. In all you do, start with the end.” Celeste’s alleged assailant entered a not guilty plea at the end of 2023. He will face trial in Gunnison District Court the week of May 20, 2024. Project Hope can be reached 24/7 at 970.275.1193. (Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 • NEWS • A9
Gunnison Country Times
43110 US Highway 50 | Gunnison
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Blue Mesa Reservoir is roughly 68% full on Feb. 14. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
Snowpack from A1 winter weather, weather experts say that it is difficult to draw direct correlations. “The impacts of El Niño in the Upper Colorado River Basin are all over the place,” said Paul Miller, a hydrologist with the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. Each year, the forecast center is tasked with trying to predict the volume of water that will flow into the region’s reservoirs when the snow melts. “We’ve had some very wet El Niños, some very dry La Niñas and everything in between.” So far for the 2024 water year, measured from October 2023 through the end of January, precipitation across the entire Colorado River Basin is near or below normal — with its upper reaches faring better. The Gunnison Basin fell at approximately 118% of normal (percent of average from 1991 to 2020). Storms also finally have begun moving through the Dolores (101% of average) and San Juan (94%) river basins. Despite the relief, as of Feb. 6, the southwestern half of Gunnison County was still experiencing some form of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This compares to over 90% at the end of January. Much of the moisture is being held at high elevations, as many of the valley’s SNOTEL sites are reading between 80 to 115% of normal. These are automated data collection sites that measure snowfall. Most of southwest Colorado is still in moderate to severe drought, including neighboring Hinsdale, Saguache, Montrose and Ouray counties. Early water outlook The water supply forecast, in which hydrologists predict how much water will be available in the spring when the snow melts, has improved following a wet January across the region. So far, this month has also been dominated by an active storm cycle, boosting snowpack levels
in the valley. Weather forecasts show that more is on the way. The water supply outlook mirrors the snow amounts seen so far this winter, hydrologist Cody Moser said during a Colorado River Basin water supply briefing on Feb. 7. Forecasts are more favorable in the northwestern portion of Colorado, while much of the Western Slope lags behind. But because it's still early in the season, a lot of these estimates are subject to change, and will become more accurate as the spring approaches. The forecast center showed an inflow of 560,000 acrefeet of water into Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is 88% of normal, between the months of April and July. Based on the Bureau of Reclamation’s latest projections, Blue Mesa is expected to fill to roughly 86% full, from 68% currently. The latest official inflow forecast for Lake Powell is roughly 4.7 million acre-feet of water, or about 75% of normal. For comparison, after a wet winter last year, the forecast center predicted an inflow at 117% of average, or 7.5 million acre-feet. Lake Powell is roughly 32% full, and peaked last year at about 39% of capacity. While the healthy winter of 2022-23 helped ease the anxiety of some local water users, the water levels of Lake Powell and Lake Mead remain on the minds of many of Colorado’s water management agencies. The seven Colorado River Basin states are still trying to reach a deal on water cuts this year as they try to adapt to a future with less water. “We’ve had some good years, like last, sprinkled in there, but one good year isn’t enough to make up for the persistent drought we’ve been in since about 2000,” Miller said. (Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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A10 • NEWS • Thursday, February 15, 2024
Gunnison Country Times
Dance the night away Fathers and daughters arrived at the Gunnison Community Church arm-in-arm on Feb. 10 for the sixth annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. Duos decked out in their finest attire took to the dance floor while others enjoyed Valentine-themed treats. The event was sponsored by the Gunnison MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).
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Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 • NEWS • A11
Gunnison Country Times
City prepares to overhaul land development rules Code changes will dictate how new builds look and feel Bella Biondini Times Editor
T h i s y e a r, t h e C i t y o f Gunnison is rewriting its land development code for the first time in nearly a decade. Changes made to the code will likely influence how density is handled in the future, while trying to preserve the existing character of Gunnison. A land development code is the “how, the what and the where,” of private development within city limits, according to City Manager Amanda Wilson. It could be as simple as the regulations used to build a guesthouse in a backyard, or as complex as designing an affordable housing project. This rulebook typically changes across the city’s zoning districts, with different guidelines found in residential areas versus the downtown business district. While the city has made a number of minor changes to its land development code over the past several years, it hasn’t done a comprehensive update since 2014. Through the code adjustments, the Community D e ve l o p m e nt D e pa r t m e nt hopes to streamline the existing building application review process, make it easier to develop affordable housing and preserve the “look and feel” of Gunnison as the community grows. Last month, the city began searching for a consultant team to help guide staff through the process. Wilson anticipates the code update will cost the city under $100,000. The cost will be reduced by a $40,000 grant from the Colorado Department o f L o c a l A f f a i r s’ S t r o n g Communities Infrastructure program — an incentive to push local governments to address parts of the code that may inadvertently hinder the construction of affordable housing. The city plans to choose a consultant in March. The entire process, which will involve extensive internal review, as well as direction from the Gunnison community, is expected to take 12-18 months. In addition to the fact that Gunnison’s land development code is aging, a recent community survey showed that many residents worried about how the city will address future population growth. But the way in which the city “responsibly addresses growth,” in many ways, is through the code, Wilson said. It determines how many stories tall buildings can be, how far back they are from
the property line, as well as the scale and density of private development. “All of those details contribute to how you feel about the character of the community,” Wilson said. Some building regulations are intended to preserve the way a community looks, but they may also make it more difficult or cost prohibitive to create affordable housing. For example, if the city requires large setbacks on plots of land, it may reduce the footprint that contractors can build on. The result may be that a builder needs to fit more units to make a new development financially viable, and the housing project isn’t pursued.
1105 N Pine St., MLS #810392, $845,000. Welcome to your dream home in the picturesque Van Tuyl Village subdivision! This brand-new, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property is a testament to modern design and quality craftsmanship. As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open and inviting kitchen-dining area, adorned with cherry cabinets and equipped with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The tiled shower and bathtub add a touch of luxury to the bathrooms, while the master bedroom boasts its own oasis with a reading nook or small office space. The 2-car detached garage features 8-foot doors and 10-foot ceilings inside, providing ample space for your vehicles and storage needs. The extra space above the garage, accessible via exterior stairs, presents exciting opportunities. Whether you need additional storage or dream of an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the potential is yours to explore with City of Gunnison approval. Don’t miss the chance to make this new construction your forever home. Contact us now to schedule a viewing and witness the epitome of contemporary living!
UNDER CONTRACT
459 Fairway Lane MLS #806172 $850,00 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.
“All of those details contribute to how you feel about the character of the community.” Amanda Wilson Gunnison City Manager The city plans to look at the issues around higher density builds and consider mixed use zoning districts (which could allow housing in areas that are not designated as residential). With the community’s guidance, the department will also consider where accessory dwelling units (ADU) are allowed and potentially rethink minimum lot sizes. The ultimate goal is to increase the amount of buildable area that exists in the city, said Community Development Director Anton Sinkewich. But zones like West Gunnison and Gunnison Rising need extensive infrastructure upgrades and utility extensions before they can support more development. For now, the city will have to figure out how to responsibly promote infill, while preserving the open space and ranchland that characterize the Gunnison Valley. “The acuteness of the housing needs is much more profound than it has been in the past decade … But the alreadyserviced area of city limits is pretty built out, and the unbuilt areas are unbuilt for a reason, Sinkewich said. (Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
216 Lochleven Lane, MLS #804508, $875,000, 3-Bedroom 2-Bathroom 1,988 sqft, built in 1985, and with1.056 acres with attached car garage. Well built home situated in the beautiful little Homestead Subdivision in Almont. Sit on your large front deck and revel in the views up the East River Valley. Located just 10 min from Gunnison and 20 min from CB, you are centrally located to enjoy the activities the area has to offer from world class fishing, rafting and hiking to snowmobiling and skiing. This 2 story home has its main living area on the top floor with a large open kitchen/ dining living room area with a wood stove that keeps the top floor nice and warm. This area is a great space to gather and entertain as you take in the views surrounding the property. The property also has a sunroom that can be accessed from the second level or has 2 separate entrances from the exterior. There is a 1 car oversized attached garage and located next to the garage is a very large storage room/closet for all of your storage needs. The home has a lot of deck area on the outside for outdoor entertaining or to casually relax and take in the many different views. Almont is a quaint small town with 2 restaurants/bars located within minutes from the property. There is a free bus that runs up and down the valley from Gunnison to CB with a stop located in Almont.
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AJ
MANI
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GUNNISONREALESTATEANDRENTALS.
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS VACANCIES SEARCH NOTICE Gunnison County is currently accepting Letters of Interest for the Vacancies listed below.
Letters of Interest will be accepted for the following: Board/Commission: 7th Judicial District Community Corrections Board Environmental Health Board (alternate) Extension Advisory Committee Gunnison Basin Sage-grouse Strategic Committee: Public At-Large (alternate) Development At-Large (regular & alternate) Recreation At-Large (regular & alternate) Research & Education At-Large (regular & alternate) Historical Preservation Commission Region 10 (Transportation Committee)
Vacancies: 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 5 1
Letters of interest will be accepted until Monday, March 4, 2024 via: Gunnison County Administration Office Mail: 200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison CO 81230 Fax: (970) 641-3061 Email: bocc@gunnisoncounty.org Online: https://gunnisoncounty.org/boardapp Please provide all contact information with your letter, including an email address. You may request more information by calling (970) 641-7600.
A12 • NEWS • Thursday, February 15, 2024
Gunnison Country Times
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Infrastructure grant to help with staff, marketing Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
Thirteen Gunnison County n o n p ro f i t s w e re aw a rd e d grants totaling $600,000 from the state’s Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), allowing those organizations to fill gaps and complete projects that would have otherwise been impossible. This money, tagged as a “ No n p ro f i t I n f ra s t r u c t u re Grant,” is meant to support the organizations’ day-today needs: such as new computer systems, better marketing or professional development. Awardees include Six Points Evaluation and Training, the Gunnison Country Food Pa n t r y , G u n n i s o n Va l l e y Mentors, KBUT, Project Hope of Gunnison Valley and more. The Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley partnered with DOLA to administer the federal funding. The Foundation is distributing money to others around the region, in Delta, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. The goal is to distribute it by the end of March. While many federal or state grants come with a wealth of red tape or are designated for something specific, like a capital project, this grant money could be used in a variety of ways. It was limited to nonprofits with annual budgets between $150,000 and $2 million, who had experienced a disproportionate impact from the pandemic. State-wide, DOLA awarded more than $31 million to nearly 500 nonprofits. Foundation staff noticed
that other regions receiving grant money were represented by state-wide organizations, said Executive Director Lauren Kugler. Concerned that the interests of the Gunnison Valley and its neighbors might be lost, the Foundation signed on as a partner. It was a unique arrangement for the organization, which has a small staff and usually does not handle federal grants or act as a pass-through for state money. “We knew that it would be a big undertaking and a lot of work,” Kugler said. “But we felt like it was the best way to give our region the best shot at accessing those dollars.” There wasn’t enough money to fully fund all the requests. So the organizations are now revising their budgets to the amount awarded. At the Food Pantry, $53,000 will support IT upgrades, primarily laptops for staff who have been using their own. The pantry will bolster its marketing efforts, especially in the North Valley where staff learned that fewer locals know what the organization does, said Executive Director Jodi Payne. The rest is set aside for shelves and wire baskets to improve shoppers’ experience. The $40,000 to KBUT will partially fund the nonprofit’s IT equipment overhaul, said KBUT’s Director of Development Tyler Lucas. New software, broadcast towers, soundboards and computers will improve broadcast quality. An upgraded website will offer on-demand news and archives of previous shows. The news organization is also looking to expand its education programs, KBUTeens and KBUT Kid Radio Club, to the south end of the valley. Currently, they’re only offered at Crested Butte Community School. The grant doesn’t fully cover the cost to expand the program, but it puts the organization in a better spot to do so, Lucas said.
Project Hope, the Gunnison Valley’s only nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, will benefit from just over $63,000. That means the organization’s first in-office phone network, allowing locals to call specific staff members. Those who don’t speak Spanish will get more language classes, to better serve all who might come for assistance. “Even if our clients are bilingual, if you go through trauma, you're going to, at the very least, be more comfortable speaking in your primary language, whether that's Spanish or something else,” said executive director Amy Kirschbaum. “We want to make sure that whoever is in the office can do the basics until our Spanish-speaking staff [arrive].” The $40,000 to the Valley Housing Fund will fund marketing and outreach efforts, IT upgrades and its strategic planning process, said executive director Lauren Koelliker. Minor amounts of money into many buckets may seem mundane, but helps the organization start the new year with more security, she said. “It allows us to have funds going into or in the early part of 2024, rather than kind of working throughout the year to raise money,” Koelliker said. “[We can] move into 2024 more prepared, because we know that we have certain items on our budget filled.” (Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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Locals at the Gunnison Country Food Pantry’s grand re-opening in early October. (Photo by Jacob Spetzler)
Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 • NEWS • A13
Gunnison Country Times
Park rats swarm Western Skiers and snowboarders crowded around a makeshift terrain park on Western Colorado University’s Taylor Lawn on Feb. 9 for the 15th annual Rail Jam. The competition invites Western students as well as members of the public to put their park prowess to the test. As the results trickled in, competitors and spectators made their way to Powerstop for a rowdy afterparty featuring live drum-and-bass sets from local DJs Jondlez and Supernovaye.
(Photos by Mariel Wiley)
Bethany Church 909 N Wisconsin St.
(behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144 Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service gunnisonbethany.com 9 a.m.: Family Service with nursery & children’s church Check out our website for updates! Or download our app on the App Store by searching, Gunnison Bethany.
B'nai Butte Congregation
PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com Feb. 16 - Shabbatluck service, 6 p.m. pls bring a dish and drink to share. Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m., Kibbitz (chat) with Rabbi Mark at Rumors Coffee in CB. Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m., Mitzvah Day at the Gunnison Country Food Pantry, 114 s. 14th St, Gunnison. Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m., Havdalah service, in CB South, pls bring an appetizer or drinks to share. Feb. 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Torah Study in CB South. Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com Go to bnaibutte.org for additional details and locations.
Faith Directory
New Song Christian Fellowship
77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034 A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey. Sunday 10 a.m. / Wednesday 7 p.m. newsonggunnison.net
Community Church of Gunnison
107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925 Pastor Larry Nelson Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m. Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Weekend Services 9:30 a.m. Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry Weekly Student Ministry Weekly Adult LifeGroups Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4 For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube Transforming Lives • Building Community
First Baptist Church
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240 Pastor Jonathan Jones 9:30 a.m. Share & Prayer Fellowship 10 a.m. Sunday School Classes 11 a.m. Morning Worship Service 6 p.m. Evening Service Wednesday 7 p.m. - Children's Patch Club Gunnison Bible Institute Thursday 7 p.m. - College & Career Christian Fellowship firstbaptistgunnison.org.
Church of Christ
600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588 Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.
Trinity Baptist Church
Church in the Barn
523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813 Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com
8007 County Road 887 Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries
711 N. Main • 970-641-1860 Children’s Christmas Program Sunday, December 17th at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. Christmas Day Service at 10 AM
The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church 307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429 Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar First Sunday of each month – 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains Check our websites for location Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday – 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Children’s Sunday school – 2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II 403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte Visit our website for location of 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org
1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158 Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School “Remedy” Worship Nights Small Group Ministries mcmchurch.org
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office. St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m. Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Mass Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.
Gunnison Congregational Church United Church of Christ 317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203 Open and Affirming Whole Earth · Just Peace Sunday, 10 a.m. Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
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Classifieds BUSINESS SERVICES WILD, SASHIMI GRADE, CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE, ALASKAN SOCKEYE SALMON AND BLACK COD available for sale. We have fillets, portions and smoked products. To learn more, visit wildbayseafoodco.com/pages/nowdelivering-in-the-gunnison-valley. Free delivery for orders over $100. Let us know if you have any questions at 206-962-1636.
EMPLOYMENT
HAS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR AN OFFICE POSITION AND SERVICE WRITER POSITION.
Competitive pay, 401K, insurance, paid vacations. 40 hour work week. Apply at John Roberts Motor Works. 212 WEST HIGHWAY 50 GUNNISON, CO 81230
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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.
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COMMUNITY
O-Be-Joyful
ski races
CRANOR SKI HILL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH Registration begins at 9:30 am Races begin at 10:00 am *HELMETS REQUIRED*
free for kids Free HOT DOGs FOr aLL An informed consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to participation.
Volunteers are greatly appreciated — please call Faith at 970-641-8420 to volunteer
Send resumes to info@ec-electric.com or call 970-641-0195 www.ec-electric.com/careers
LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE is hiring a full-time preschool teacher. This is a great opportunity for a year-round, full-time, stable job with great pay and benefits in a fun and supportive environment. Experience and education are preferred but not required and opportunities for growth are abundant. If you love little people, being creative and spending your days doing something rewarding, this is the job for you. Contact Jessica with resume at lilredschoolhouse1@ gmail.com. HOT TUB TECHNICIAN: Year-round position with real growth opportunities. Train at $22/hour. Pay starts at $25/hour plus incentives. Weekend shifts and skilled repair work pays more. AWD work van, clothing and ongoing support provided. Call Graeme at CB Hot Tub, 970-275-5700. JOB OPPORTUNITY, ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN II (STAKING ENGINEER): Gunnison County Electric Association is currently seeking applications for an Engineering Technician II (Staking Engineer) position. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison headquarters/ Crested Butte outpost. This position plans for the construction of electric services including line design and preparing staking sheets. This is an hourly or non-exempt position, and the pay range is between $85,862$114,483 annually. Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring range based upon experience, education and/or skill level. Applicable overtime pay may apply occasionally or when needed. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the complete job description and to learn how to apply, please visit our website at gcea.coop, About tab, Careers. Job will remain open until Feb. 20, 2024.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY invites applications for the full-time position of Executive Assistant to the business school. This position reports to the associate dean, works closely with faculty, staff and students and is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operation of the business school. This position is primarily on-campus with the potential for occasional remote work. To view the full job announcement and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (AA/EOE).
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY seeks applicants for a full-time (40 hours/week) Equipment Mechanic II. This State of Colorado classified position provides maintenance, diagnosis and repair for all Western Colorado University vehicles and equipment, as well as for vehicles of other state agencies. Western’s benefit package includes Colorado PERA retirement, low-cost insurance plans (with generous employer contributions to medical/dental/vision), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year. All classified employees receive basic life insurance and shortterm disability coverage at no cost. Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for FREE. To view the full job announcement and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (AA/EOE). ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER SUMMER INSTRUCTOR: The Adaptive Sports Center is seeking adaptive instructors to facilitate exceptional adaptive sport and recreation activities for the 2024 Summer Season. Pay ranges from $20-$29/hour based on experience. Benefits for full-time, seasonal staff include pro-forms, certification and membership dues, exam reimbursement, paid sick days, 5-day stipend and a 401(k) match. More information and summer application is at adaptivesports.org – about us – careers. Applications are due Mar. 15. DOS RIOS GOLF CLUB in Gunnison is hiring for the position of golf course equipment technician (mechanic). This is a full-time, year-round position. Pay range is $55-60,000/year DOE. Please visit turfnet. com/jobs/j55009-turf-equipment-technician/ for a more detailed job description. Send resume and/or questions to groundsuper@ dosriosgolfclub.org. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GUNNISON VALLEY is seeking a construction manager/hands-on builder with experience coordinating subcontractors, ordering materials and working with volunteers. Thurs.-Sat., May-Oct.. Pay negotiable, based on experience. Send job qualifications to P.O. Box 1295, Gunnison, CO 81230 or for more information call 970-641-1245. GUNNISON H&R BLOCK OFFICE has two open positions. Tax preparer, will train, full or part-time for 2024 tax season. Receptionist, full or part-time for 2024 tax season. Contact Gunnison office at 970-648-4121 or Lisa at 970-731-1080.
CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Chief Water Operator Full-time, $72,800-$85,500/yr Leads Water department staff and performs a variety of skilled technical duties and skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the city’s nine (9) potable water wells, water distribution system, wastewater collections system, irrigation ditches, etc. Construction Project Manager Full-time, $83,200-$112,400/yr This is a temporary, full-time position that is anticipated to be renewed annually for technical oversight for a 5-7 year long, $50 million, multi-phased design and construction program for the city’s water system improvements project. Police Officer Full-time, $68,900-$93,100/yr $33.13-$44.76/hr Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related tomaintaining the security of the city, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order,preventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The city will pay for the police academy if needed and pay a cadet wage of $50,900 while attending the academy. Includes a $15,000 signing bonus. Increased wages over above-listed salary available for working nights. Personal liability insurance paid by the City of Gunnison. Housing is available. The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 13 paid holidays, and 12 days of sick leave per year. For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR
HIGH-VOLUME, PROFESSIONAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR seeks fulltime, experienced controller with 5+ years experience. Duties include overseeing general ledger and accounting functions, balance sheet reconciliation, maintaining accounting systems access controls and oversight of accounting managers including accounts receivable, accounts payable, billings functions and payroll preparation. Successful candidates will be detail-oriented and proactive in our fast-paced environment, with proficiency in Quickbooks and experience in ProCore a bonus. Competitive base salary and benefits. Please submit resume to david@davidgrossgc.com or call 970-901-1798. EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT TEACHERS: Tenderfoot Child and Family Development Center is seeking assistant teachers to join our early childhood team with children 2 1/2-5 years old. Must be at least 16 years of age. Full ($17.42/hr) or part-time ($15.42/hr) mornings. Background checks and paid, pre-service training required. Sick/vacation benefits, possible free child care. Paid professional development and a great opportunity to grow as an educator. Call 970-642-1949 or email tfootdirector@ gmail.com for more information. EOE.
GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Maintenance Technician II Facilities and Grounds: 40 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $4,684-$5,333 plus full benefits. Motor Vehicle/Recording Technician Clerk and Recorder: 40 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $21.82-$24.85 plus full benefits. Case Management Aide HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,966-$6,037 plus full benefits. Caseworker I HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$6,399 plus full benefits. Public Health Nurse II – Substance Abuse Prevention Juvenile Services: 20 hours/week, hourly rate range from $33.79-$41.08 plus partial benefits. Seasonal Public Works: Guaranteed 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $20.58-$23.43 depending on experience, plus partial benefits. Outdoor work that includes traffic control, fencing, tree and brush removal, trail work, recycling, equipment training and much more, all in a 4-day work week. Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,857-$6,669 plus full benefits. Detention Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$5,992 plus full benefits. Only work 14 days a month. For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
MECHANIC NEEDED FOR BUSY LOCAL BIKE SHOP: Pay DOE and we’re willing to train the right person. Flexible hours and accommodating around you having a life. Drop off a resume with your availability to Dan at Double Shot Cyclery, 222 N. Main St. Gunnison. 970-642-5411. WHITEOUT SNOW REMOVAL in Crested Butte is looking for part-time and fulltime roof shovelers. Pay rate depends on experience. Call Ben at 970-787-0702. WASTEWATER OPERATOR: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a full-time Wastewater Operator position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the wastewater plant and collection system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of construction, field operations and electrical/mechanical/ maintenance repair. A licensed electrician is preferred. A State of Colorado Collections and/or wastewater license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) 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, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at hiring or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is required. Starting salary is $44,500-$52,000 for entry level. $52,000-$72,000 salary available for operators/electricians with experience and appropriate state wastewater and/ or electrical licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer-paid premium family health, dental and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, a season ski pass, employer provided uniforms and employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching). Full job description is available at mcbwsd.com.
Thursday, February 15, 2024 • CLASSIFIEDS • A15
Gunnison Country Times Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email bburks@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WANT TO WORK 32 HOURS AND GET PAID FOR 40 HOURS? CB South Metro District is hiring for a full-time Road Manager and Heavy Equipment Operator. This position would be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all activities and staff related to the district’s roads and maintenance. Duties include road maintenance, snow removal, drinking water operations, wastewater operations and other day-to-day tasks of running a utility. This job requires the applicant to have motor grader and heavy equipment experience. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid Colorado driver’s license. The successful applicant is eligible to receive an elite, full benefit package. Full job description, requirements, pay ranges and benefits are available on the district’s website at cbsouthmetro.net. Email resume to info@cbsouthmetro.net or drop off at 280 Cement Creek Road. ARE YOU TIRED OF WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS TO MAKE IT IN THE VALLEY? Iron Horse is looking for the right individual to join our expanding property care team. This individual is responsible for property inspections, inventories and the overall quality and presentation of vacation rentals in our luxury inventory. You will work hand-inhand with our maintenance, housekeeping and reservation teams to ensure that our guests experience vacation perfection. Pay is DOE plus a company car, health insurance, on-call pay, paid vacation, ski or health and wellness pass, 5-day work week and more. If you are detail-oriented, organized, punctual and only want the best, then submit your resume to steve@ironhorsecb.com and qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Clean driving record is required. No phone calls please. LEGAL SERVICES AND VICTIM SERVICES POSITION is available immediately in the Gunnison District Attorney’s office. Legal services: This position requires excellent data entry and word processing skills (Microsoft Word), a professional demeanor and an ability to enjoy working with the public. Duties include Legal filings and case data entry, telephones, electronic filing, greeting visitors and coordination with court and law enforcement personnel. Legal or criminal justice background is preferred but not required. Victim assistance: You will be responsible for assisting victims through the criminal justice system as it relates to the DA’s office. Full-time, 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Salary: $19-26 per hour (DOE). Benefit package. Please mail your resume with employment references to the following address: Office of the District Attorney, Attention: Administrator, 1140 N. Grand Avenue, Ste. 200, Montrose, CO 81401, Or submit via email to mail@ co7da.org. This position will remain open until filled. COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is seeking qualified candidates to fill both a relationship banker and an associate banker position in our Gunnison banking center. Fulltime with benefits. Excellent opportunities to start your career in banking. For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks. com. NBH Bank is an equal opportunity employer.hr DOE. Please send resume to office@pinnacleorthocolorado.com.
NOTICE SAGUACHE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEEKS SAGUACHE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS: Saguache County Board of Commissioners are seeking members and alternates from: La Garita/Center area - member and alternate Town of Center and surrounding area alternate Moffat and surrounding area - alternate Hooper and surrounding area - member and alternate At Large for All of Saguache County alternate Crestone and surrounding area - alternate The representative must be a property owner or property manager and reside in the area they are interested in representing. Regular member terms are for three years and the alternate terms are for one year.
PALISADES AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY
Palisades Apartments is currently accepting applications for our waiting list. Our 2 bedroom, low income apartment community is income-based. You must meet restrictions. Our newly renovated 2 bedroom apartments are a must see. Apply in-person at 600 N. Colorado in Gunnison.
We are a no smoking property.
Saguache County Planning Commission meets on the last Thursday of each month in the Road and Bridge meeting room. The Planning Commission may also have work sessions throughout each month to work on the Saguache County Master Plan and different items. Saguache County Planning Commission members and alternates are paid $100 for every regular meeting they attend, plus mileage reimbursement. If you are interested, please send a brief letter of interest stating qualifications and interest to: Saguache County Land Use, Attn: Amber Wilson, PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 prior to Thursday, February 29th, 2024. All applicants will be interviewed by the Board of County Commissioners. Should you have any questions please call Amber Wilson at 719-655-2321.
CLUES ACROSS
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ELK AVENUE OFFICE SPACE: Looking for the ideal office space that combines convenience and charm? Look no further. With a variety of sizes to suit your unique needs, our spaces are conveniently located and affordably priced. Contact Kezia for details. kezia@toadpropertymanagement. com. 970-349-2773.
CLUES DOWN
1. Pacific Standard Time 2. Protruding ridge on nematodes 3. Indian king 4. Type of milk 5. One who brings home the bacon 6. More comprehensible 7. Connected with sense of touch 8. Red mineral 9. Breezed through 10. Therefore 12. Supplement with difficulty
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Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of February 8, 15, 2024 12116
LUC-23-00041 – Haverly LLC approved to record Haverly Townhomes Plat.
NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS
LUC-23-00050 – Dennis Apsey approved to construct a second residence on a parcel legally described as Tract 5, LOST CANYON TRACTS, as shown on the Plat thereof recorded April 28, 1994 bearing Reception No. 451132.
NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS CREATING A VESTED RIGHT GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO
LUC-23-00052 – Steven Ladik approved to construct a single family residence on a ridgeline, on a parcel legally described as Lot 3, Red Mountain Estates Subdivision.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Gunnison County has approved the following Land Use Change permits with site-specific development plans(s) within unincorporated Gunnison County, which creates a threeyear vested property right pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, Article 68 of Title 24 C.R.S., as amended.
LUC-23-00054 – Larry Ryan and Meegan have been approved to relocate a building envelope on the property legally described as Lot 5, FOX MEADOWS SUBDIVISION, according to the Plat recorded January 26, 2005 as Reception No. 550373.
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AMERIGLIDE
14. Early kingdom of Syria 19. Satisfy 23. They confuse doctors (abbr.) 24. Brass instrument 25. Domesticated animal 26. Ribonucleic acid 27. Snakelike fish 28. Woman (French) 29. Economically-minded aircraft 34. When you hope to get somewhere 35. Tease 36. Actress Gretchen 37. Midway between northeast and east
PREVIOUS WEEK
Unit 328 - Joshua Rowland Unit A11 - Shawn McKee Unit A35 - Jake Neil Unit A49 - Joshua Richards
/s/ Rachael Blondy Land Use Planner Gunnison County Community Development Department Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of February 15, 2024 12190
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CROSSWORD
To the following parties that have their personal property stored at Plotts Mini Storage, LLC, 312 W. Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230:
LUC-23-00036 – Off the Grid at Fossil Ridge LLC approved to cluster THAT PORTION OF RESURVEYED TRACT 37, DESCRIBED IN THE ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT SURVEY AND UNITED STATES PATENT RECORDED FEBRUARY 1, 1963 IN BOOK 362 AT PAGE 305 AS (lot 1) THE NE¼NE¼ OF SECTION 33 IN TOWNSHIP 51 NORTH, RANGE 3 EAST, N.M.P.M, THAT PORTION OF RESURVEYED TRACT 37, DESCRIBED IN THE ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT SURVEY AND UNITED STATES PATENT RECORDED FEBRUARY 1, 1963 IN BOOK 362 AT PAGE 305 NW¼NW¼ OF SECTION 34 IN TOWNSHIP 51 NORTH, RANGES 3 EAST, N.M.P.M. and TRACT 38, ACCORDING TO THE INDEPENDENT RESURVEY DATED JUNE 9, 1934, ORIGINALLY DESCRIBED IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT RECORDED JUNE 20, 1966 IN BOOK 388 AT PAGE 302 AS THE SE ¼ NE ¼ OF SECTION 33 AND THE SW¼NW¼ OF SECTION 34, ALL IN TOWNSHIP 51 NORTH, RANGE 3 EAST, N.M.P.M
Colorado Statewide
FOR LEASE: Approximately 2,000 sq. ft. shop/office located on S. 11th close to the airport. Commercial zoning. Call 970-2093676 for information.
50. Sword 55. Actor Idris 56. Affirmative (slang) 57. Afflicted 59. One point north of northeast 60. Born of 61. Arabic name 62. Traumatic brain injury (abbr.) 63. Extremity 64. Post
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE:
LUC-23-00031 – Gary and Melody Danhof approved to cluster Lime Basin 5 Lode Mining Claim and Lime Basin 6 Lode Mining Claim in Quartz Creek Properties
1 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT: No pets, no smoking, $1,800. Utilities included. 970-312-5767.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN AND RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT beginning mid-April. 1,700 sq. ft. property. The front 400 sq. ft. is now successful, well-established deli, including display refrigerators, counter and seating. Back of the property is 1,300 sq. ft. complete commercial kitchen, bathroom and office. Located in Crested Butte with plenty of parking and great delivery and loading area, this property is perfect for deli, catering, bakery or endless possibilities. Rent or purchase is negotiable. $3,885$5,885/mo. 970-209-3920.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE
A “vested property right” gives the following applicant(s) the right to undertake the development subject to the condition(s) of approval of the site-specific development plan(s).
REAL ESTATE
EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Growing regional, local, Crested Butte-born, residential construction company. Excellent pay and benefits. Text 970-596-1131.
1. Golf scores 5. Shock therapy 8. Ballplayer’s tool 11. Quench one’s thirst 13. Female relatives of American war vets (abbr.) 14. Every one of two or more things 15. Member of Muslim people 16. Play 17. Type of cheese 18. Type of lounge chair 20. __ King Cole, musician 21. Fellows 22. North, Central and South 25. In an early way 30. Foes 31. Georgia rockers 32. Cryptocurrency 33. Narrow path along a slope 38. Disallow 41. Joyousness 43. Inaccessible 45. Evoke emotions 47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 49. Boston Celtic punk rockers (abbr.)
For further information please contact us at 970-641-5429 or palisadesmanager@ silva-markham.com
Legals
39. Inoffensive 40. Yellowish cotton cloth 41. Consume 42. Does not tell the truth 44. Improved something 45. Spiritual leader 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Fix 48. Evergreen tree genus 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Major C. European river 54. Long, narrow strap 58. Male parent
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A16 • LEGALS • Thursday, February 15, 2024 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
LEGAL NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT
E. Martin Hatcher, Deceased Case Number 2024PR30003
USDA FOREST SERVICE
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 June 24, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred. Mark C. Hatcher 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 February 8, 15, 22, 2024 12115
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JUDITH EBAUGH, Deceased Case Number 2024PR3 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred. PersonalRepresentative: Hayley Mallett 266 C.R. 233 Durango, CO 81301 Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of February 15, 22, 29, 2024 12208
H
GRAND MESA, UNCOMPAHGRE AND GUNNISON NATIONAL FORESTS, GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT NORTH VALLEY CATTLE AND HORSE ALLOTMENTS The USDA Forest Service is conducting an analysis of the North Valley Cattle and Horse Allotments. The proposed action is to be located on the Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison Nation Forests, outside the towns of Crested Butte, CO, Mt. Crested Butte, CO, and Almont, CO. The proposed action is to continue to authorize grazing on six allotments: Butte North, Meridian, Spring Creek, Silver Springs, Lost Canyon, and Snodgrass Allotments. This analysis is anticipated to be documented in an environmental assessment (EA). The Responsible Official for a future decision is Dayle Funka, Gunnison District Ranger. A detailed proposed action and preliminary alternatives document, along with project area maps for the North Valley Allotments is available upon request at the Gunnison Ranger District office, 216 N. Colorado St. Gunnison, CO 81230. These documents are also available online: https://www.fs.usda. gov/project/?project=64217. Additional information regarding this proposed action can also be obtained from Emily Nutgrass at 970-642-4412 or by e-mail at Emily. nutgrass@usda.gov. The North Valley Allotments project is an activity implementing the forests’ land and resource management plan. This activity is subject to pre-decisional objection under subparts A and B of 36 CFR Part 218. Pursuant to 36 CFR 218.25, comments on this proposed action will be accepted for 30 days beginning on the first day after the date of publication of this notice in the Gunnison Country Times, the newspaper of record. If the comment period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday, comments will be accepted until the end of the next Federal working day. A timely submission will be
Gunnison Country Times determined as outlined in 36 CFR 218.25(a) (4). It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted.
Gunnison, CO 81230. Office hours, for those who wish to hand deliver their comments, are 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday (except Federal holidays).
The Responsible Official will consider all written comments received. However, in order for your comments to be most useful to the agency’s preparation of the EA, and to retain your opportunity to be considered for possible eligibility to object to the draft decision later in the process, it’s important that you provide your comments prior to the close of the scoping comment period and that you clearly articulate your concerns and contentions. Only individuals or entities (as defined by 36 CFR 218.2) who submit timely, specific written comments (as specified in 36 CFR 218.2) about this proposed action during this comment period established by the Responsible Official will be eligible to file an objection. The Responsible Official does not anticipate providing an additional opportunity to submit written comments other than this scoping period. Other eligibility requirements are specified in 36 CFR 218.25(a)(3) and include, among other requirements, the commenter’s name, postal address, title of the proposed action, and signature or other verification of identity upon request and identification of the individual or entity who authored the comment(s). All written comments received by the Responsible Official, including names and addresses of commenters shall be placed in the project file and shall become a matter of public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the commenter with subsequent environmental documents.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Comments should be within the scope of the proposed action, have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and must include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider (36 CFR 218.2). Submit comments to the Responsible Official, Dayle Funka, Gunnison District Ranger on the website: https://www.fs.usda. gov/project/gmug/?project=64217 through the “Comment/Object on Project” link found on the right hand side of the page. Electronic attachments to comments (e.g. .doc, .txt, .rtf or pdf) may also be submitted. Or mail comments to: Gunnison Ranger District, Attn: Dayle Funka, 216 N. Colorado St.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of February 15, 2024 12230
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Request Trash
For and
Proposal (RFP) Rubbish Removal
In response to the Saguache County Nuisance Ordinance, Saguache County is seeking contractors for the removal of and disposal of trash, rubbish, debris and assorted waste materials from land located in Saguache County. This shall include, but not be limited to, the removal and disposal of vehicles, trailers, building materials, trash, debris, and various materials that require removal. This position shall be on call or as needed. Bids should include, but not be limited to, hourly rates, and the rate for special material removal that may not be allowed for disposal in a land fill or conventional waste facility. Salvageable materials (excluding vehicles) may be kept by the contractor. Any salvaged vehicles must be taken to the designated vehicle area that will be located at the Saguache County Landfill. If hazardous materials are located, it will be up to the County to contract for that service.
Putting arts and culture in the
spotlight.
For questions, please email Amber Wilson at atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov or call 719-655-2321. Proposal may be emailed, mailed or hand delivered. Email RFP to atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov, mail to PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or hand deliver to 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO 81149. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2024
www.gunnisontimes.com
12057
e l n a t i V n e y s p Da p a from all of us at the
We LOVE doing business with you and serving the Gunnison Valley!
y
BUSINESS DIRECTORY RENTALS
FINANCIAL SERVICES
GUNNISON + CRESTED BUTTE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
SF hondeck
gunnirents@gmail.com 918 W. San Juan Avenue Gunnison, Colorado 970.707.4271
Life • Health • Disability Long-term Care Retirement Plan Design Employment Benefit Design
Ryan Jordi
970.596.1906 ryan@tavarealestate.com
Serving the Gunnison area since 1994.
114 N. Boulevard, Suite 102 641-4700
CONSTRUCTION
OFFICE SUPPLIES
CRAFTSMAN CONSTRUCTION
ERIN WELFELT
BROKER ASSOCIATE 970-208-7136 Erin@signaturepropertiescb.com www.signaturepropertiescb.com
Thanks Everyone for keeping me busy the past 3 1/2 years after my 19 year absence! 24th year here…
Frank Patin 715.892.1673
SIGNS & SCREENPRINTING OFFICE SUPPLIES
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• Over 20 years home building experience
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• High quality homes that enhance the natural beauty of the Gunnison Valley
PAINTING & REFINISHING
Don Weaver • 970-291-1407
DonaldWeaver@DFWConstruction.biz
Painting • Refinishing • Carpentry
GIFT WRAPPING
Carleen White 970-209-9119 www.cleanlines.biz
Professional, creative gift wrapping
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Interior, Exterior Painting, Cabinets, Decks, Remodels
Need your special gift wrapped? don’t want to do it yourself? Allow me! Materials provided or provide your own.
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Please inquire for rates.
Diana Dixon - 720-939-5851
600 E. Virginia • 641-1588
ELECTRICAL
DOORS & WINDOWS
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate and Property Management
inancial ServiceS & inSurance
YOUR LOCAL TOOL AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL SOURCE
REAL ESTATE
TAX PREPARATION Tax Preparation
Randy Stafford EA • 35 years experience •
970-641-0497
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.
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WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS? Contact Advertising Manager, Steve
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A18 • NEWS • Thursday, February 15, 2024
Gunnison Country Times
Frosting with friends Love was in the air at local bakery Cake Me Away on Feb. 9 as residents gathered with friends and family for an evening of Valentine’s Day-themed cookie decorating. Local baker Shaylea McMillan demonstrated different frosting techniques such as “flooding,” in which one covers the surface of a cookie with thin lines of frosting before blurring them together with a small needle tool called a scribe. After the demonstration, participants tried their hand at decorating sugar cookies in the shape of lips and hearts.
Make the most of your pet’s Golden Years!
IN-HOME SENIOR PET CARE • Pain Management • Mobility Assistance • Digestive Support • Cognitive Support • Personalized Service
Gunnison, Almont, Crested Butte, Mt. CB, Lake City and Beyond...
970.975.0298
hometogethervet.com
DO YOU HAVE A TREE YOU WOULD LIKE OUT OF YOUR YARD AND THINK IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE CITY? Must be easily accessed and be approximately 50ft tall. Contact the City of Gunnison Public Works at 970-641-8020.
Coming soon!
Community Fitness Calendar Do you teach yoga? zumba? Pilates? Meditation? Are you a personal trainer who would like to get your information out to the community? Advertise your class in the new fitness calendar coming soon to the Shopper. • $10 per week for contact info and one class listing. • $5 per added class per week. Contact admanager@gunnisontimes.com to be added to the calendar!
www. gunni s onti me s .co m
ONLINE ALL THE TIME!
See your local news on any device.
(Photos by Mariel Wiley)
Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 • NEWS • A19
Gunnison Country Times
Lights & Sirens
CITY OF GUNNISON GUNNISON COUNTY POLICE REPORT SHERIFF’S REPORT FEB. 7
FEB. 6
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST DEGREE - VEHICLE — 400 N. PITKIN ACCIDENT - HIT AND RUN — 202 E. TOMICHI AVE. ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE - MUNICIPAL — 702 W. TOMICHI AVE. CIVIL PROBLEM — 608 W. NEW YORK AVE. DISTURBING THE PEACE — 412 E. TOMICHI AVE.
-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a one-vehicle rollover with injuries east of town -Agency assist to the CSP for a two-vehicle head-on, north on Hwy. 135 -Deputies took a possible harassment/road rage report in Marble
SonofaGunn Presents:
FEB. 7 -Traffic citation issued for speeding -Civil papers served
FEB. 8 DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — 700 N. MAIN ST. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — N. BOULEVARD ST. ACCIDENT — 411 PAINTBRUSH AVE. WELFARE ASSIST — N. PITKIN ST. AGENCY ASSIST
FEB. 9 TRAFFIC - DUS — W. NEW YORK AVE. JUVENILE PROBLEM — N. COLORADO ST. SECOND DEGREE CRIMINAL TAMPERING — 608 W. NEW YORK AVE. ALCOHOL VIOLATION - UNDERAGE POSS/CONSUMPTION — ESCALANTE DR.
FEB. 10 ALCOHOL VIOLATION - UNDERAGE POSS/CONSUMPTION — 226 N. MAIN ST. FRAUD — 408 S. TAYLOR ST. WELFARE ASSIST — 901 W. DENVER AVE. WELFARE ASSIST — 121 N. TAYLOR ST. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — 600 N. COLORADO ST. ACCIDENT — 112 S. MAIN ST. WELFARE ASSIST — 600 N. MAIN
FEB. 11 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 275 S. SPRUCE ST. THEFT — 711 W. RIO GRANDE AVE. CIVIL PROBLEM — 215 N. COLORADO ST. WELFARE ASSIST — 600 N. MAIN TRAFFIC - NPOI — 600 N. MAIN DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - DRUGS — 100 S. BOULEVARD ST.
FEB. 8 -Driving under the influence of alcohol arrest, north on Highway 135 -Agency assist to the CSP on a two-vehicle accident, east Hwy. 50, blocking the road -Deputies arrested one individual on an in-county felony warrant -Deputies arrested one individual for a violation of a protection order
FEB. 9 -Traffic infraction issued in Somerset
FEB. 10 -Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department with disorderly subject refusing to leave a local establishment -Information report - civil assist -Agency assist to the GPD with a possible domestic in town
PERFORMANCES: Feb. 22, 23, 24, 29 Mar. 1, 2, 2024 Doors @ 7 p.m., Curtain @ 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets https://www.gunnisonartscenter.org/
**This years performance will take place at Western’s Taylor Hall Auditorium
FEB. 11 -Deputies issued a citation for dogat-large -Criminal trespassing/trespassing report - under investigation -Information – search and rescue for four skiers caught in an avalanche – one fatality
FEB. 12 -Dog-at-large call - dog taken to Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League
POWERING STUDENTS' FUTURES
GCEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GCEA awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors, returning college students, and non-traditional students.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Must be a GCEA member
NEED HELP? • SEXUAL ASSAULT • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE • HUMAN TRAFFICKING • STALKING 24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE: 970.275.1193
Application deadline is March 1, 2024 Students must have a 2.0 or higher GPA Scan the QR code for more information
gcea.coop 970-641-3520
A20 • NEWS • Thursday, February 15, 2024
Gunnison Country Times
Expert Care. Designed for you.
Care designed for ...
STUDENTS
From kindergarten to college, we have the services you need to keep your students healthy and at their best.
CAMPUS HEALTH CLINIC
The Western Colorado University Campus Health Clinic provides convenient treatment of illness and injury. SICK VISITS | ROUTINE MEDICAL CARE | PRESCRIPTIONS & FOLLOW UPS WCU | 970-943-2707
104 TOMICHI HALL | GUNNISON
CAMPUS COUNSELING CENTER
Offering individual counseling for Western students and staff free of charge. WCU | 970-648-7128
CRYSTAL HALL 104 | GUNNISON
PEDIATRICS
Our pediatrician is here to care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional well-being, in both sickness and health. SICK VISITS | REGULAR WELLNESS VISITS | IMMUNIZATIONS GUNNISON | 970-642-8413 707 N. IOWA | GUNNISON
CRESTED BUTTE | 970-642-8413 305 S. 6TH | CRESTED BUTTE
PEDIATRIC THERAPY
Child-centered treatment with an emphasis on collaboration with the influential people in your child’s life. SPEECH THERAPY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
HOSPITAL | 970-641-7268 711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON
GUNNISON | 970-641-2001 322 N. MAIN ST. | GUNNISON
CRESTED BUTTE | 970-349-5684 214 6TH AVE. | CRESTED BUTTE
WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG
PHOTOS: Valentine’s Day candygrams, B7
SPORTS: Cowboy wrestlers shine at regionals, B4
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
God save the (LEGO) queen O’Donnell points out details on her current project, the scene of a Lakota encampment.
O’Donnell shares the healing power of building miniatures Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor
A miniature world made of plastic LEGO bricks rests on a little wooden table in Maureen O’Donnell’s living room. A waterfall cascades into a pool beside a beach where tiny horses and sheep roam. Nearby, a woodland encampment rises from the earth where inch-tall Lakota people are frozen in conversation around a crackling fire. Unbeknownst to them, two Arapahoe warriors are locked
in a stealthy approach to the camp. This is what O ’D onnell adores: the infinite narrative possibilities that building with LEGOs provides. And as health challenges arose over the years, the process of building an entire world from the ground up kept her mind sharp and her hands nimble. “One of my super-duper favorite things is to make a little story out of it all — to have lots of stories going on in each creation,” O’Donnell said. She had a long career building miniatures for private collectors and trade shows. Miniatures are small-scale renditions of buildings or homes that often replicate different architectural styles. They are complete with interior furnishings, which O’Donnell painted LEGO queen B2
A young participant shows his LEGO creation to friends and family at the Gunnison Arts Center.
B2 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 15, 2024
STAND OUT IN A MOUNTAIN CROWD!
Signs • Vehicle Decals & Wraps Store front signs and lettering Screenprinting • Embroidery Promotional Products • Stickers Banners • CANVAS PHOTO WRAPS
DFW Construction
• Over 20 years home building experience • High quality homes that enhance the natural beauty of the Gunnison Valley Don Weaver • 970-291-1407
DonaldWeaver@DFWConstruction.biz
KBUT - ALWAYS ON Our WINTER Pledge Drive is here! Now Feb. 23, 2024
Gunnison Country Times
LEGO queen from B1 with painstaking detail. She specialized in southwestern Adobe and Japanese-style structures. In the early 2000s, she began to notice hand tremors and a decline in her peripheral vision. Her unsteady hands prevented her from doing the fine painting work needed to create her miniatures, and she was forced to step away from her profession. A routine visit to Walmart in 2017 opened the door for O’Donnell to create again. She noticed a display of large LEGO building sets marked down on clearance and thought that one would make a great gift for her granddaughter. But those sets never made it to her granddaughter, as O’Donnell’s curiosity took hold. She opened up the boxes upon arriving home and began to build miniature structures again for the first time since her tremors began. After a while, she noticed a marked improvement in her manual dexterity. The fine motor skills needed to assemble the LEGO kits turned out to be an effective form of physical therapy. Even though she often dropped pieces or had to try multiple times to snap them together, she found that with enough determination, she could always get the pieces where she wanted them to go. Working on a three-dimensional puzzle with no instruction manual also sharpened O’Donnell’s cognitive function. Each freestyle building project flexed her problem-solving skills. “My neurologist was over the moon about it,” she said. “He was like, ‘You could not do anything better for your brain than playing with LEGOs all day.’ That’s why I encourage all parents that LEGO is the best toy you could invest in for your child.” Affectionately known around Gunnison as “Maureen the L E G O Qu e e n ,” O ’ D o n n e l l shares LEGOs with local kids who may not have access to the
River Webb holds up a LEGO figurine from a mystery pack. O’Donnell distributed the packs to eight young participants.
often expensive building kits. Large building kits are priced between $100 to nearly $700 on the LEGO website. Her mission is driven largely by her firsthand experience of the therapeutic benefits of building with the plastic bricks. For the past four years, she has partnered with the Gunnison Arts Center to host an annual LEGO showcase, which invites children to submit their own creations for display alongside O’Donnell’s own work. In preparation for each show, she distributes donated LEGO pieces and kits for free to kids interested in participating. The fourth annual LEGO showcase opened on Feb. 2 at the Gunnison Arts Center. The
structures included smaller items like race cars and flowers as well as larger, more complex vistas such as an aquarium scene and a skate park. Eight young builders participated in the show alongside O’Donnell, who chatted with her fellow LEGO architects and handed out prizes. Anyone wishing to donate new or used (in good condition) LEGO pieces and base plates for next year’s show can drop off contributions at the Gunnison County Library or the Gunnison Arts Center. (Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)
scan to donate
Help us reach our $70,000 goal! Donate now and become a member of your local community radio station. All donors during the pledge drive will be entered to win our
Grand Prize! • Two 3-day lift tickets • $150 dining credit • $100 Retail Gift Certificate • Courtesy of Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s EpicPromise Visit KBUT.org/give or call 970.349.7444 90.3 fm Crested Butte | 88.7 fm Gunnison | KBUT.ORG
O’Donnell uses her guest bedroom to store past projects and meticulously organized LEGO pieces.
Thursday, February 15, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B3
Gunnison Country Times
PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS Sage-grouse committee meeting
Gunnison County Republican caucus
The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee is Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the planning commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more information, including the most recent agenda and access to the virtual meeting, visit gunnisoncounty.org.
The Gunnison County Republican caucus and assembly is March 9 at the Fred Field Center. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. There will be a silent auction and food provided. Only registered Republicans in Gunnison County can attend. You must be registered or update registration by Feb. 16. People may attend via Zoom. For more information, contact Cori Dobson, chairperson for the Gunnison County Republican Central Committee, at 719.209.8158 or Cdobson13@ protonmail.com.
Saguache County Republican caucus The Saguache County Republican Party will hold its caucus on March 7 at 6 p.m. at two locations in the county. Precincts 1, 2, 6 and 7 will me et at Mountain Valle y School cafeteria in Saguache. Precincts 3, 4 and 5 will meet at Moffat School cafeteria in Moffat. If you are a registered Republican and not sure what precinct you are in or have other questions about the caucus or upcoming county assembly, please call 719.530.1257 or email mkc@ accentusa.com.
History pub crawl Jo i n t h e C re s t e d B u t t e Museum on Feb. 26 for a histor y pub crawl in Crested Butte, featuring local authors at each location. George Sibley, Polly Oberosler and Duane Vandenbusche will speak about writing their respective books. Tickets include a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and history at each stop. Space is limited. Get tickets at crestedbuttemuseum.com or at the museum, open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS Youth builders club
34th annual ‘SonofaGunn’
Builders Club for youth ages 11-17 at the Gunnison Arts Center will use upcycled materials to create robots on Feb. 17 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Both classes and all materials are included in the registration fee. Registration is $70 for members and $80 for non-members at gunnisonartscenter.org.
The Gunnison Arts Center presents “SonofaGunn: ClueLess” from Feb. 22-24 and Feb. 29-March 1-2 in Taylor Auditorium at Western Colorado University. This year’s show is a play on the board game, “Clue” and 90s movie, “Clueless.” Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Find tickets at gunnisonartscenter.org.
CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS Brett Dennen Songwriter Brett Dennen’s e n d e a r i n g a n d a d v e n t u rous “Lift” series is back at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. The annual tour is set against the backdrop of Brett’s favorite ski towns. Tickets range from $45$65 and may be purchased at crestedbuttearts.org.
Arts youth camp Give your kids a fun and fulfilling February break with immersion in an engaging and dynamic afternoon cultural arts camp from Feb. 20-23. The Kissidugu West African Arts
Youth Camp is for ages 8-12 and will explore the art of storytelling through music, dance and stories on stage. The full schedule can be found on the CBCA website at crestedbuttearts.org.
West African dance performance Be transported and amazed at this original Kissidugu African Arts Theater show, “Liberté,” choreographed by world-renowned West African artist Fara Tolno at the CBCA on March 2 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$50 and may be purchased at crestedbuttearts.org.
GUNNISON VALLEY SENIORS CALENDAR SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS
Ongoing Senior Services
Celebrate Your Love for This Community by volunteering or donating to the Senior Meals program! These meals feed many older adults each week. Volunteers are needed to host meals and deliver them to those that cannot attend in person. Contact: egillis@ Delivery Assistance Hotline: (970) 641-7959 - assistance with ordering, gunnisonco.gov or 970-641-8272.
pick-up and delivery of groceries and prescription medications. • Feb. 15: Nordic Ski Lesson. This includes deliveries the Food • Feb. 20: Snowshoe Hike &from Avalanche SafetyBank. Class – Slate River. Rated Easy +.
Registration required by Thursday, Feb. 15th. • Feb. 22: Nordic(970) Ski Excursion. All levels welcome!orders Registration required by Saturday, Senior Meals: 641-8272 for advance OR (970) 641-2107 for Feb. 17th. Location TBA. same-day Pick-up orWednesdays delivery only! Meals served Join us for aservice. meal on Mondays, or Fridays! (see below Mondays, for more info) Want to smile a&lot, maybe giggle some folks? to onethis of time. Wednesdays, Fridays. Pleasea little note:and allmeet meals, allnew days are Come $4 during our regular activities – Canasta, Mahjong, Book Club, Art Club or Bridge. (see below for Order in advance if possible! Upcoming menu: times)
• March 27: Lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread, dessert Regular Activities: Mondays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Tuesdays – Canasta @ 2pm; Wednesdays – •Book March steak,ofmashed potatoes, corn,@rolls, fruit, dessert Club30: @ 1Salisbury pm on 1st Weds. month; Thursdays – Bridge 1 pm; Fridays – Art Club @ 12:30 pm & Mahjong @ 1 pm • April 1: Stew, carrot/raisin salad, Mandarin oranges, rolls, dessert All RSVPs and more info on Senior Center programs: egillis@gunnisonco.gov or 970-6418272.
Senior Shopping Hours: FITNESS @ THE REC CENTER – Sign up at the Rec Center front desk! • City Market – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (7AM – 8AM) Gym •Mondays Safeway&–Wednesdays Tuesdays in & the Thursdays (7AM – 9AM) - Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30am •- Walmart – Tuesdays (6AM – 7AM) Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15am • Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food Store – Monday - Saturday (8AM – 9AM) @ 10AM (Crested in the Leisure Pool – Every day (8AM – 9AM) •Tuesdays Clark’s Market Butte) -Silver Sneakers Splash Class (all levels) SENIOR MEALS Form: www.gunnisoncounty.org/covid19. Self-reporting Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 11:30 am. $5 per meal. Advanced orders appreciate (24 Ifhours). you have symptoms OK,orders please fill out the form. Pick-ups between but 11 – are 11:15otherwise am (advanced only). MEALS:fill 970-641-8272 IfORDER you cannot out the form, call the Call Center (970) 641-7660. Menu: (all meals come with dessert!) • Mon., Feb. 19: CLOSED for President’s Day Holiday Call Center: 641-7660. If you are having • Weds.,(970) Feb. 21: Goulash, salad, muffins, fruit symptoms, cannot fill out the Feb. Baked Fish, tater are tots,worsening, spinach, salad, fruit, bread online• Fri., form, or23: your symptoms call thehomemade Call Center. DO NOT go
toWalk-in your doctor’s or the hospital. If itadults is anages emergency, callfor 911. & visitors welcome! Homebound 55 & up eligible delivery. If you need
a ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970-596-6700 (call in advance) or call the Senior Center 970-6418272.
Please practice social isolation. Remain SERVICES 6 feet or more from others when ONGOING needing to be Food out, Pantry but staying at(1home if Wednesdays at all possible. Gunnison Country – Mondays – 4 pm), (1 – 7 pm), Thursdays for 60+ (10 am – 2 pm). Contact: 970-641-4156, Located on the SW Corner of Main St. & Ohio Ave. GVH Senior Bus: 7 days a week, 9 am – 4 pm. Call in advance! 970-596-6700. The Gunnison Senior Center & –Community Recreation Center Crested Butte Senior Bus: Monday thru Friday, 9 am 4 pm Services Montrose & Grand Junction for medical appointments. Call at least 1is week in advance, or more. 970-275-4768. closed until April 30th. Gunnison County HHS Senior Resource Office: Call for appointments. 970-641-3244.
HOCKEY: Crested Butte Titans fall to Glenwood, B5
SKIING: Mountaineers compete at Copper, B6
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
Kailyn Japuntich crowned state champion Cowboy swim and dive soars at state meet Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
T h e C o w b oy s w i m a n d dive team lit up the leaderboard at the 2024 3A State Championship on Feb. 9 and 10 in Thornton. Senior Kailyn Japuntich, who finished runner-up at state last year, finally achieved redemption and was named state champion in the 1-meter dive and 3A Diver of the Year. Alongside her, junior Sam Jones surged into the 100-yard breaststroke, shedding almost 2 seconds off her personal best to finish fifth in the state. As a team, the Cowboys finished 14th out of 31 competing high schools. Swimming B6
The Cowboy swim team celebrates a successful competition. (Courtesy Robert Petrie)
Cowboy wrestlers reign at regionals Uhrig siblings, Harris and Casebolt win first Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
The GHS boys and girls wrestling teams put on a show at the regional tournament on Feb. 9 and 10. The girls traveled to Grand Junction, while the boys competed at home. Across the two tournaments, 12 Cowboys qualified for the upcoming state championships in Denver next weekend, and head into the contest with flying confidence. “We have a lot of potential,” said boys Head Coach Dave Uhrig. “The state tournament is a lot about luck, but there’s an old saying that ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get,’ and these guys have worked really hard.”
HOME SPORTS EVENTS THIS WEEK WEEKLY SPORTS CALENDAR SPONSORED BY MINDYLAND AT BLUEBIRD REAL ESTATE 970-209-2300 | WWW.MINDY-LAND.COM
In Grand Junction, Roxie and Romie Uhrig led the Cowboys. Roxie dominated the 135pound weight class, finishing first after a strong performance in the final. Her older sister, Romie, also left her mark on the regional tournament with a first-place finish in the 145pound bracket. Reigning state qualifier Caroline Sudderth took second in the 125-pound bracket, and Evelyne Cope placed fourth in the 140-pound class to book her ticket to state. “Our girls don’t care if they’re wrestling a 5A team, or a 2A team,” said girls Head Coach Mike Dawson. “These girls have a winning attitude and they’re looking to dominate every match.” The Gunnison community turned out in force for the boys home tournament over the weekend. The dimly lit GHS gymnasium rocked as the Cowboys battled on the mats. Miles Harris prevailed over his opponents across the two-
day competition. He won the championship 41-4 to take home first place. Royce Uhrig added a fourth consecutive regional first-place trophy to the cabinet, and sophomore Cody Casebolt won first place in the 120-pound bracket after finishing runner-up in 2023. Damyon Funk, Zach Benson and Kleber Flores all completed second-place finishes. Brock Fry and Preston Gomez rounded out the state qualifiers for the Cowboys with fourth-place results. Now, all eyes are on the state tournament in Denver on Feb. 16 and 17. Senior leader Miles Harris said the team is mentally prepared for the top challenge. “We have a great shot at winning state as a team this year,” Harris said. “I think we have a good idea of what we need to work on before then, so we’re going in really confident.” Both the boys and girls team will travel and compete as a unit this weekend. Royce Uhrig will
Royce Uhrig duels against a Centauri Falcon. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
seek his third-consecutive state title, while Harris aims for his first.
Mindy gets results!
2/16 GIRLS BASKETBALL HOME @ 5:30 BOYS BASKETBALL HOME @ 7 CB HOCKEY HOME AT JORGENSEN @ 8:15 2/17 CB HOCKEY AT JORGENSEN @ 2:15
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
35 Acres on Lake City Cutoff Sold in less than 30 days
SOLD
Mindy Constanzo | 970.209.2300 cmindy@gmail.com | Mindy-Land.com
Gunnison Country Times
Titans fall to Glenwood Springs The Crested Butte Titans hockey team suffered its third consecutive defeat on the road to red-hot Glenwood Springs, 10-2, on Feb. 10. The loss moves the Titans to an 8-6-1 overall record, and 4-4 in the 4A Mountain League. The boys will end their season with two back-to-back games against Steamboat Springs at home on Friday, Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday at 2:15 p.m.
Thursday, February 15, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B5 HERE IS WHAT'S
FREE MOVIE NIGHT!
PAGE SCREEN SERIES
Celebrating books that have inspired on-screen adaptations
THE GREAT GATSBY
film directed by Baz Luhrmann 2013 - Rated PG - 2h 23m
Friday, February 23, 2024 5:30pm at the Gunnison Library GunnisonCountyLibraries.org
The Titans line up for the national anthem. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)
Luke Hartigan fends off an opposing skater.
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Vojta Jirka controls the puck as Max Dukeman looks for a pass.
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B6 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 15, 2024
Gunnison Country Times
Kailyn Japuntich displays her first place medal, and Diver of the Year award.
Sam Jones cuts through the water in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Swimming
“I knew I had a chance to place at state, and after finishing second at regionals I was even more motivated,” Japuntich said. Despite going neck-and-neck with opposing divers early in the competition, Japuntich pulled away with her final three dives. She completed a difficult, forward 2 ½ tuck on her second-to-last attempt to run away with the lead. On her final dive, she sealed the title with a reverse double tuck. “I learned my final reverse dive on Monday, and had to compete on Saturday, so it
from B4 “It was amazing for Kailyn to finish first, and Sam had the swim of the century,” said Head Coach Tami Maciejko. “I’m so proud of these girls. I’m already looking ahead to the summer season.” Over the weekend, the Cowboys placed well against some of the state's top swimmers. Kathryn Frey, Jemma Petrie, Catalina Schwab and Jones took off time in the 200-
yard freestyle relay to place 15th. Petrie returned to action in the 100-yard breaststroke where she took 11th. Jones was the standout swimmer for GHS. On Friday, she knocked off a second in the preliminary rounds of the 100-yard breaststroke to qualify for the finals. Then, she took off an additional 2 seconds on Saturday to finish fifth overall. Her performance set a new GHS record in the breaststroke. O n Satu rd ay , Japu nt i c h returned to the diving board after falling short in regionals the week prior.
was stressful,” Japuntich said. “During the meet, I felt confident and was relieved to nail it. It was redemption from last year, and I was so happy to finally win first place.” Alongside winning first, Japuntich was also voted the 2023 3A Diver of the Year by coaches. Her diving coach, Meredith Clabaugh, was named 2023 3A Dive Coach of the Year. Zia Schwab and Abby Cattles also finished off their seasons in style. Schwab notched a 16thplace finish in the 1-meter dive, while Cattles competed with an injured leg and qualified
through the first round. Maciejko said she has high expectations for her junior class as the team prepares to transition into the off season. With state competitors Petrie, Jones, Frey and Catalina and Zia Schwab stepping into their senior year, Cowboy swimming could be on the verge of a historic 2025 season. (Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Western freeride and Nordic compete over the Divide Kieran Nay Special to the Times
Western Colorado University’s freeride ski and snowboard teams took on the Copper Mountain IFSA competition over the weekend, while the Nordic ski team traveled to Leadville for the CSU Invite. The Nordic team continued to show its strength with top finishes. On Saturday, Feb. 10, Western won the mixed team relay with a time of 28:51. Fielding multiple teams, the Mountaineers also took second overall. The women finished second with 28 points in the 7.5K freestyle. Maddy Rosenberger led the team in third, followed by Hannah Cryder in ninth and Eirwen McClish in 16th. On the men’s side, Graydon Walker carried the day with a first-place finish in 22:02, followed by teammates Connor
Nilsen in second, Tyler Hippchen in fifth, Albert Hesse in seventh and Sean Meeker in ninth. With five skiers in the top 10, the Western men claimed first with 8 points. On the other side of Tennessee Pass, the freeride team took on the Copper Mountain competition. In the women’s ski event, Agostina Vietti won the day with a score of 32.63. Western athlete Camden Mullens also finished in sixth place with 29.90 points. Aaron Smiley finished atop the podium with a score of 32.13 in men’s snowboarding. Western’s MJ Lagos finished seventh in the men’s ski with 28.80 points and first place went to Luke Penton with a score of 36.70. Western’s Cal Hill finished narrowly outside of the top three in fourth place with a score of 36.07. Next up, the Nordic team travels nor th to Laramie,
Graydon Walker leads the men’s 7.5K freestyle. (Photo by David James)
Wyoming to face the University of Wyoming on Feb. 18 and 19. The freeride team will head west to Snowbird, Utah, and the Alpine team to Keystone.
(Kieran Nay is the Mountain Sports coordinator at Western Colorado University and can be reached at kieran.nay@western. edu.)
Thursday, February 15, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B7
Gunnison Country Times
Rice Krispie kindness Members of the Gunnison Middle School Girls’ Group club were hard at work making sweet treats on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The girls delivered the treats on Valentine’s Day. Last week, Girls’ Group collected $2 from students looking to send a homemade Rice Krispie bar to someone they care for. The club’s mission is to spread kindness to their fellow students.
(Photos by Mariel Wiley)
O-Be-Joyful
ski races
CRANOR SKI HILL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 TH Registration begins at 9:30 am Races begin at 10:00 am *HELMETS REQUIRED*
free for kids Free HOT DOGs FOr aLL An informed consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to participation.
Volunteers are greatly appreciated — please call Faith at 970-641-8420 to volunteer
B8 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 15, 2024
Eat local beef The Gunnison Valley Cattlewomen and Gunnison County Stockgrowers awarded six lucky people with 9-pound packages of locally raised beef in late January. The winners consisted of four Gunnison residents, as well as one from Crested Butte and another from Lake City. Cranor Charolais and Tomichi Creek Beef provided the meat.
Gunnison Country Times
Holy Cross Energy Notice of Change in Rates & Tariffs You are hereby notified that Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is proposing to make the following changes in its Electric Service Tariffs, Rules and Regulations to become effective April 1, 2024.
• The fixed montly Customer Charge will increase, based on the member’s rate class. Rate Class
Previous
New, Starting 4/1
Small Residential
$12.00/month
$16.00/month
Large Residential
$28.00/month
$45.00/month
Small Commercial
$18.00/month
$20.00/month
Large Commercial
$28.00/month
$62.00/month
• The temporary Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA), a fluctuating charge already in place on monthly bills, will be incorporated into the energy charge for all members. In 2023, the ECA averaged roughly one half-cent ($0.005) per kilowatt-hour. Starting in April, that one half-cent per kilowatt-hour will be added to the energy charge, while the ECA will reduce by the same amount. (Courtesy Melody Roper/Gunnison County)
• The payback amounts for Peak Time Payback will increase. This free program now enables members to save more than before on their electric bills by reducing their electricity use during specified times of high electricity demand. Starting in April, members can save up to $1.50 per kilowatt-hour during “critical” alerts, more than 10x the normal energy rate. This payback rate was previously $1.00 per kilowatt-hour.
• A significant decrease in the cost of PuRE and other administrative updates are available to view in redline format on our website.
Please visit holycross.com/rates to view the proposed changes to the HCE Electric Service Tariffs, Rules and Regulations in detail. If you have questions, would like to comment, or file a formal complaint about the proposed changes, please fill out the online form located at holycross.com/rates by March 16.
Contact & More Info holycross.com/rates rates@holycross.com 970.945.5491
Esta información está disponible en español en nuestro sitio web > holycross.com/rates
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WINTER BLAST FEB 23 5:30-8PM
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ENJOY DINNER, LIBATIONS, socializing, silent auction Tickets must be purchased in advance at: gunnisontrails.org