Gunnison Country Times, May 9, 2024

County Road 26 opening for trailers

More travel time slots could be added after May 15

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Gunnison County announced that County Road 26, or the Lake City cutoff, is opening on Thursday, May 9 for all vehicles under the state’s legal load limit of 85,000 pounds — allowing livestock trailers, campers and other heavier vehicles. The county opened the road with restrictions weeks ago as a detour around the closure of the Hwy. 50 “middle bridge” on April 18.

The county is also considering additional time windows for travel on CR 26, but will wait to see how much damage the trailers and heavy Bridge A6

NEWS: New fraud alert service for property owners, A3

COMMUNITY: Gunnison Pioneer Museum turns 60, B1

SPORTS: GHS baseball defeats Bruins, B4

BIRTHS A2 OPINION A4

A15-A18 SPORTS B4

City cuts down water plant size

lar meeting on Tuesday, April 23, city councilors chose to downsize, a decision they hoped would save money.

Lives on the line

911 dispatchers handle valley’s hardest moments

Bella Biondini Times Editor

In an attempt to reduce the cost of construction, the City of Gunnison is scaling down the capacity of its new water treatment plant, which is still under design.

When choosing the size of the plant and the pipes that will move water, the project team — led by JVA Consulting Engineers and Gunnison Public Works

Director David Gardner — considered the city’s daily water demand, future population growth, the overall cost and the impacts of the town’s domestic irrigation ditch system. At a regu-

The city abandoned its previous water treatment plant in the 1960s due to high amounts of sediment and clogged and freezing pipes. Today, Gunnison’s drinking water treatment system is decentralized and made up of nine, shallow groundwater wells scattered throughout the city. The outdated system is no longer permitted by the state and is vulnerable to contamination.

The construction of a new water treatment plant is the largest project the city has taken on in recent history. Estimates for the first three parts of the multiphase project near $50 million. As the city prepares to work through the design phase, project leaders are seeking grants

Water plant A6

Bella Biondini Times Editor

The ringtone, the shriek of a police siren, cut through the silence in the room, and Bel Bowen’s eyes darted to one of her five computer screens.

“911, what is your emergency?” she said into her headset, voice steady. Her fingers moved rapidly across the keyboard as she entered a stream of information into the computer.

“Is it around mile marker 196 and about half the size of a Volkswagen? Does that sound about right?” Bowen said.

Over the course of the hour, the Gunnison Regional 911 Communications Center had received numerous reports of

a large boulder that had rolled into the road on Monarch Pass. Minutes later, the flurry of calls lapsed and dispatchers awaited the next incident.

The team of first responders at the call center are the immediate lifeline for anyone in Gunnison and Hinsdale counties who dials 911. They typically work in twos and threes with shifts that stretch into the wee hours of the morning, long after much of the Gunnison Valley workforce has gone home for the day.

After a phone call is answered, the team’s first priority is to send help. But it can take hours for first responders to reach the more remote parts of the county. In the meantime, dispatchers walk panicked callers through CPR, or how to stop a serious bleed. They are tasked with keeping patients stable after an accident even though they are not physically present at the scene.

A8

HELPING HANDS: Gunnison Habitat for Humanity board member Kevin Donovan moves construction materials from a build site during the nonprofit’s first volunteer event of the season on May 4. Habitat Executive Director Julie Robinson recognized Gunnison resident Steve Schechter, who passed away at the end of 2023, as the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award. For more, see A16. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

“They’re silent heroes. People don’t see them.”

— Jodie Chinn, Gunnison Regional 911 Center

OBITUARIES

Bob Wojtko

A celebration of life will be held on May 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Webster Hall for Robert J. Wojtko, who died May 2, seven years after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

See story on A1

BRIEFS

Car club accepting grant requests

The Gunnison Car Club is accepting grant applications from local charitable and nonprofit organizations. Applications can be found at gunnisoncarclub.com and must be sent to info@gunnisoncarclub.com. The deadline is June 12. The car club members will review the grant applications and vote on them.

The grant money will come from its 2024 Gunnison Car Show, which is expected to generate several thousand dollars. The annual “Cool Cars, Cool Mountains Car Show” will be held August 16, 17 and 18 in Gunnison. This weekend is expected to bring hundreds of classic and collector cars to the Gunnison Valley.

Colorado legislature passes bill to restore wolverines

After a more than 100-year absence, wolverines are poised to return to Colorado. On May 3, Senate Bill 24-171 passed the House on a bipartisan 51-13 vote. The bill made it through the Senate in April on a bipartisan 29-5 vote.

The Senate bill was sponsored by Sen. Perry Will (R), Sen. Dylan Roberts (D), Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D) and Representative Tisha Mauro (D). The legislation will facilitate the development of a 10(j) rule under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to reintroduce North American wolverines to Colorado.

Colorado’s wolverine population went extinct due to unregulated trapping and poisoning in the early 1900s. In the last 100 years, the wolverine population has diminished in the Lower 48, leaving less than 400 animals. Because of this decline, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed wolverines as a threatened species under the ESA last year. Under Colorado law, legislative approval is required for any federally-listed species to be reintroduced in the state.

1987, where he found many of his passions. He joined the choir at St. John’s Church and became a cameraman for Longmont’s community access TV, then Channel 3, now Channel 8. The TV station covered area sports and many community activities. In addition, he started a videography business, filming weddings and other events.

It was in Longmont that he met Rita, the love of his life. Upon his departure from IBM in 2004, the couple cast about for a place to retire and landed in Gunnison, where Bob planned to take up fishing but never got around to it.

Bob was born in New York City in 1946 to Julius and Mary (Serine) Wojtko. He grew up in the city, graduating from Monsignor McClancy High School. He started college but then joined the Air Force during the Vietnam era, working in the field of avionics, the electronic systems used in aircraft. He was stationed at bases in Asia.

Upon his return to civilian life, Bob attended Pace University in New York, graduating with a degree in economics. He initially got a job with the Federal Reserve Bank, but eventually took a position with IBM as a systems programmer.

He married in 1973, and the couple had four children: Christopher, Michael, Karen and Lauren. They later divorced.

Bob’s job with IBM brought him to Longmont, Colorado in

Instead, he sang at St. Peter’s Church and with the Gunnison Arts Center Community Singers, joined the Knights of Columbus and helped with their fish fries, served at the Gunnison Country Food Pantry as both a volunteer and board member and continued his association with the local chapters of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

He and Rita continued their videography business, Third Eye Productions. Over the years, he recorded a couple hundred weddings, live events and barbershop singing competitions. He also helped numerous people modernize their treasured memories that were stored in outdated formats such as 8 millimeter and VHS.

Mostly, though, one could find Bob on a dance floor. He and Rita took both tap and ball-

room lessons, and when the ballroom teacher left town, they stepped up and became the instructors, teaching numerous locals the rudiments of social dance. They also hosted community dances for several years, sharing their love of the activity with others.

Cancer slowed Bob but it never stopped him — he was spotted dancing as recently as late fall. Through the kind attentiveness of the Veterans Administration’s Palliative Care program and especially Hospice and Palliative Care of the Gunnison Valley, Bob was able to remain at home, where he spent his last days looking out across the valley and enjoying the sun on his face while listening to his favorite music.

Survivors include his partner of 25 years, Rita Bohn, his sons, Christopher (Julie) Wojtko and Mike (Danni) Holliday, his daughters, Karen Wojtko and Lauren (Kyle) Nesslein, eight grandchildren, Rita’s children, Paula (Tim) Pelczar, Christopher (Caryl) Bohn and Ginger (Doug) Randolph, Rita’s five grandchildren, his cat, Princess and his bereft dog, Ruby.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gunnison Country Food Pantry, Living Journeys, Hospice of the Gunnison Valley or the charity of your choice. Bob’s celebration of life will be followed by dinner and, of course, dancing.

welcomed by her older sibling, Beckwith, who is 2 1/2 years old.

We want your announcements! The Gunnison Country Times publishes birth and wedding announcements free of charge.

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Lighthouse Pregnancy Center relocates

The Legacy Family Ministries’ Lighthouse Pregnancy Center relocated to 223 N. Iowa Street on May 6. Increasing client numbers and a growing team of staff members incentivised a need for a new, larger office space. The Lighthouse provides advocacy, education and supplies to individuals experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.

(Courtesy Wendy Solheim, Legacy Family Ministries)

Lucy Marie Beltchenko

Lucy Marie Beltchenko was born to Lindsay and Neil Beltchenko of Gunnison on April 29, 2024 at 1:18 p.m. She weighed 6 lb., 9 oz. and measured 19 1/2 in. long at birth. She is

New fraud alert service for property owners

Notifications free to the public

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Gunnison County landowners have access to an extra layer of security from a new fraud alert service offered by the Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. The system is meant to prevent people’s land from being sold or deeded out from under them — an increasingly common occurrence around the country, and in Gunnison County.

Last year, several Gunnison Valley landowners had their identity stolen by out-of-state scammers who then proceeded to put the plots up for sale. The listings ranged in value from several hundred thousand dollars to $2 million.

The service, free to all landowners, sends an email notification to the subscriber when there’s activity on a property in the county that’s associated with their name. These documents include home refinancing materials, liens against properties or any type of deed of ownership.

The owner can add up to five names to the alert. For example, this accounts for nicknames, maiden names or common misspellings. The office contracted with Tyler Technology to implement the service.

“If you've ever talked to a victim of property crime, which most people don't, it can be very devastating, especially to older folks who maybe don't keep up on the electronic part,” said recording supervisor Shelly Williams.

Those who own multiple properties or homes can be more vulnerable to the scam as they don’t live year-round in the home, Williams said. But if the fraudulent document is caught before the Gunnison County Assessor's Office certifies it, tens of thousands of dollars can be saved in legal fees fighting the crime in court.

Last fall, county recording staff started looking into the software following a string of calls into the office inquiring if the county offered the service. And weeks ago, Brett Andrew Nelson was sentenced to 12 years in prison following years of extortion and recording fraud that targeted people around the Western Slope, including some in Gunnison County.

Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder Kathy Simillion recalled an instance last year when a landowner called into the office after not receiving a property tax notice, only to learn they no longer owned the property. A scammer had set up a fake real estate site, selected the parcel and sold it out from under the owner, she said.

The service can also act as a failsafe for the Clerk and Recorder’s office, which is not a policing agency, Simillion said. The system is meant to catch these scams before any property is transferred or money is spent.

“If somebody brings us something to record and they pay the fees, by law we have to record it,” she said. “We have no choice, so we don't catch things like this.”

This service is available at idocmarket.com. For further information, call the county’s recording technicians at 970.641.2038.

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

“And

Recording technician Joan Bare and Supervisor Shelly Williams. Land or homeowners who have questions about the fraud alert service should call in or drop by the office to speak with them. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

970.641.1414

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LETTERS

SB24-213 would have undermined Gunnison Country’s special sauce

Editor:

OPINION

Last week, the Colorado legislature almost passed Senate Bill 24-213, which was proposed to prevent counties from regulating the short-term rental of backcountry cabins and huts used for recreation.

Recreational cabins and huts are typically constructed on private property and governed by county regulations. These properties are (often) surrounded or bordered by public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management.

Federal authorities do not apply to these private lands. County regulations in unincorporated areas for septic systems and their capacity, access roads to private properties and any adjacent trailhead parking needs are critically important for public health and safety, the rights of adjacent private property owners and the management of surrounding public lands.

Allowing “recreational” properties to go without county regulations would result in outcomes like structures being rented or used as residence without septic systems, or over capacity for its system; structures built without proper electrical wiring could pose human or wildfire hazards; trailheads with ‘No Overnight Parking’ restrictions could suddenly be filled with overnight guests, limiting county services such as snow plowing and day use parking; or new access road or trail construction across adjacent public or private land without permission.

2024 Member

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.

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to the environment, wildlife, neighbors and local communities before being developed or commercially rented to prevent losing what makes Gunnison Country unique?

Gunnison County is fortunate that the Colorado State House listened to the opposition and indefinitely postponed Senate Bill 24-213 from a vote to become state law. But this isn’t the first attempt and won’t be the last. Right now, the Gunnison County Land Use Resolution (LUR), which is enforced by Gunnison County, protects public lands and private property owners by establishing common health, safety and access regulations for the development or commercial use of a structure. It should remain that way.

West Slope needs West Springs

Editor:

West Springs Hospital is a catchment mental health hospital for the Western Slope of Colorado. They are the only inpatient psychiatric facility and psychiatric emergency department on the Western Slope.

six hours away), or farther to get access to care.

The financial impact on our rural health system is also great. Most of the cost of transport will fall directly upon Medicaid and the transferring hospital. This cost to the Front Range will be exorbitant. Rural facilities already facing financial challenges will be faced with yet another burden.

Additionally, this will take ambulance and EMS personnel out of local circulation for longer, leading to deleterious problems for other patients that need ambulance transfer. Finally, this transportation is one way. Once discharged, patients must find their own way home, only adding to the stress of people already struggling. The Western Slope needs West Springs Hospital.

Drs. Garza, McAllister, Quenelle, May, MacKenzie, Yeowell, Kairam, Stewart Lindsay, Majors-Foley ED Physicians working in Montrose

Republicans meet with Gays Against Groomers

Editor:

In Gunnison County, there are hundreds of properties that could meet the definition of a recreational cabin or hut. In fact, Irwin — after it was a mining location in the late 1800s — became a cluster of recreational cabins and now has evolved into a community of year-round residents. If the county did not have the authority to require private property regulations in Irwin, whether recreational or residential, there would be serious impacts from structures without septic systems polluting Coal Creek, the town of Crested Butte’s primary water source.

Properties change ownership and become full-time residences or short-term rentals during different seasons each year. It's difficult to define recreational properties versus residences — especially in mountain communities with high real estate values that lack affordable housing for local employees.

Sponsors for Senate Bill 24-213 have argued that since recreational properties are outside of town limits, they should have less regulations to preserve their “special sauce.” Perhaps since these properties are outside of town limits and lack infrastructure for human occupancy, they should have a higher level of scrutiny for impacts

The facility faces financial hardships that may force the facility to close without help. This news is cause of catastrophic consequence to the patients and communities on the Western Slope. We write this letter in open support for West Springs. We plead for you to understand the impact this would have on our rural Western Slope communities.

The Western Slope, like most places, is experiencing an increase in the severity of mental health cases. Due to the shortage of behavioral health resources in our area, an individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis is most often evaluated in the emergency department. At our hospital, Montrose Regional Health, we evaluated 636 psychiatric patients in 2023. This was a 42% increase from the year before.

West Springs is a valued partner and has made great efforts to increase access to care for the Western Slope community. The hospital admits most of our patients requiring a higher level of psychiatric care — and of great importance, this includes children. The youth mental health crisis is well documented and beds for this population are difficult to find.

The closure of West Springs Hospital would have catastrophic consequences in our rural area. Without them, Western Slope community members needing mental health hospitalization will face grave difficulty finding true help. Their ER length of stay will increase, and most will now have to be transferred to the Front Range (five to

be keeping secrets from parents? Why don’t we fight for the future of our country? Are we really okay with leaving a country in turmoil for our children? I am not. I believe parents and community members need to start attending the school board meetings. We need to volunteer in the schools, get involved in city and county meetings, watch what big government is doing to our country and make sure the elected officials are doing the right things and not putting our teachers, our children and ourselves in danger legally and mentally.

When they have decided in the past something that isn’t working or you don’t agree with, bring it up. Fight for what you believe in. Don’t be afraid to talk about it and open a conversation again. Changes and improvements can always be made. We should want the best for our children, for ourselves and for the future of our community and country.

We should all stand up, speak up and fight for it, together. This country is built by the people, not by the government. Let’s keep it that way.

Cori Dobson Gunnison

We are sorry you did not make our meeting last Saturday. The Gunnison County Republicans enjoyed our monthly event with Rich Guggenheim from Gays Against Groomers (GAG).

Rich has been very active with GAG fighting for rights in our state. He said five years ago he never would have thought that he would be fighting the Democrats, but that is where we are. He said the Republicans are the party who fight for rights for all, while the Democrats in our country are fighting to limit rights.

He has been traveling the state to meet and share what GAG is about and what actions they are taking to fight for rights for all — from fighting the legislature on parental rights, to men and women’s rights in sports and our children’s safety and protection. These are all rights we all should want, have, and deserve.

He is fighting House Bill 24-1039, a bill that states that if a teacher or administrator of any public-school mis-genders a child they can have charges brought against them. There is no age limit on this bill. That means if a 3-year-old wants to be known as a boy instead of a girl and a teacher continues to call her by a girl’s name, the teacher could have charges brought against them. They also do not have to tell the parents. This bill is effective immediately.

Rich mentioned some important points about how we fight so hard for abortion and gun rights, but what about our children? Why don’t we fight for our children and parental rights?

Do we think that having schools raise our children is the right thing to do? Do we think our children, or the teachers should

Sad day for women

Editor:

Joe Biden’s Department of Education is rewriting Title IX. Now, sex = gender identity. Title IX passed Congress in 1972 to protect and equally fund women’s sports. My high school and college female peers were denied the opportunity to receive scholarships and, or play in women's sports programs before 1972. Title IX guaranteed equal rights and funding for women to participate in women's sports — separate and equal.

Biden just erased all that the women’s rights movement fought so hard for in the 60s and 70s.

In a nutshell, the new Title IX rewrite requires schools to:

-Allow men on girls’ sports teams

-Allow men in girls' locker rooms

-Allow men to take girls' scholarships

-Force the use of “preferred” pronouns

Democrat and unaffiliated voters in Gunnison County and Colorado voted this man in as president. Now our daughters and granddaughters will suffer the consequences.

Anyone who still believes that Biden's Democratic Party is the party of "women's rights" is blinded by their own ideology and grossly misinformed. You got what you voted for.

Sandy McNamara Gunnison

Jon Hare

High Country Conservation Advocates

CSU Extension works to keep ranchers afloat during bridge closure

Some cut off from spring turnout, supply delivery routes

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Satellite maps of the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir show tan swatches of sagebrush, cleaved by a number of creeks. Local rancher Daniel Strausbaugh studied the shoreline as it wound east toward Gunnison. “This just might work,” he thought.

For Strausbaugh, the trip from Soap Creek to the Dillon Pinnacles parking lot was a last ditch effort to move nearly 750 cattle to their summertime pasture around Steuben and West Elk creeks. Like many ranchers in the Gunnison Valley, Strausbaugh’s springtime plans were thrown wildly off course following the closure of the Hwy. 50 “middle bridge.”

When the bridge closed in the midst of spring turnout — moving cattle from warmer winter pastures back to the Gunnison high country — ranchers were forced to think outside the box. They had to find a way to move their animals without dropping thousands on a freight bill for the six to seven-hour I-70 detour. The Gunnison County CSU Extension Office has been working alongside ranchers to fundraise and offset increased fuel and feed costs.

But Gunnison County will reduce the restrictions on County Road 26 starting on May 9, opening the road to all vehicles under the state’s legal load limit of 85,000 pounds. County officials announced the news at a briefing for producers at the Fred Field Center on May 2.

The state agreed to have the road graveled and covered in magnesium chloride (which stabilizes soil and controls dust) by this week, said Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt. The county also intends to increase the number of time slots across CR 26 sometime after May 16, he said.

It’s welcome news for the many ranchers who have been cut off not only from their animals, but also from thousands of dollars of feed and equipment, much of which is sourced west of the closure.

Strausbaugh said the announcement is the “best case scenario,” and precludes him from having to move his cattle roughly seven miles along the reservoir’s shore. The feat may have been easier for the heartier cattle of the Wild West, he said, but not so much for modern

cows that are accustomed to the same route each year.

“With the news we just heard, we can safely get our cattle across, whether they be yearlings or pairs, make it to market and also get the materials we need — fertilizer, feed, fuel and equipment without going, as I would call it, Western or outlaw-ish,” Andy Spann, president of the Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association, said at the meeting.

The county delayed opening the road to trailers or heavy vehicles to limit the damage those vehicles would cause while state contractors shore it up for heavy use as a detour road. Some questioned the county’s allowance of 18-wheeler gravel trucks using the road, while restricting livestock trailers.

“Trucks hauling gravel out there are damaging the road, and we can see it, we can see them making the soft spots worse. But they're also part of the solution,” Schmidt said.

For some, the news of the road opening was too late.

Lonny Boyd, a fourth-generation rancher and owner of LB Beef Cattle Ranch, put nearly all cows on the market just a week after the closure. Boyd, who is also the Gunnison County brand inspector, keeps his cattle in the Montrose-Olathe area during the winter. He had already purchased feed and was storing it on a ranch outside Gunnison, in preparation to move his cattle this month.

He didn’t have the extra thousands of dollars to purchase feed in Montrose and wait out a possible trailer opening on CR 26, he said. Facing the end of his winter pasture lease and no feed for his cattle, he had no choice but to sell. Within a week, he’d sold 32 head to a rancher in Utah. Boyd said he expects to suspend his beef business, and focus on raising the few cows he has left as a hobby.

“It is disheartening, because I worked for a long time to be able to do this and have this lifestyle,” he said.

Ride and pasture-shares

Following the closure, the extension office started a rideshare program on its Facebook page for those traveling across the detour for feed or supplies. Gunnison County CSU Extension Director Hannah Cranor-Kersting also encouraged the ranchers in the room to communicate if they have available pasture or extra hay.

The office also drafted a list of vendors that deliver materials from both sides of the closure, including nitrogen, feed, propane and Red Dye fuel — used in off-road vehicles like farm tractors and heavy construction equipment. For those facing a six- to seven-hour detour around I-70, the extension office is working with veterinarians to locate ideal “halfway point” offloading sites that will allow ranchers to feed and walk calves and lambs during the long drive.

State and federal funding for producers during state emergencies is practically nonexistent, Cranor-Kersting said. In addition to helping ranchers work around the closure and get supply deliveries, the office is also fundraising to put cash directly into ranchers’ hands. The office is planning a fundraising event to raise awareness about ranchers’ difficulty with the closure.

“That's [financial help] a big focus for us,” she said. “As we all know, that detour route adds an incredible amount of cost to us.”

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is already studying the economic impacts of the closure on local businesses and producers. Cranor Kersting encouraged all ranchers to keep every receipt for reimbursements and data sharing.

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

Ranchers are encouraged to keep receipts for detour-related expenses. (Courtesy Daniel Strausbaugh)

vehicles do to the road, said Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt at a project briefing on May 7. All vehicles under that legal load limit, and that don’t need an oversize or overweight permit and aren’t carrying hazardous materials, will be allowed on the road.

“We are slowly and consistently increasing the amount of traffic on this road. [We are] going slow in order to go fast,” Schmidt said. “We want to learn what can be done on this road without causing it to be untravelable by the public.”

Gunnison County has been told that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will keep the road usable until travelers can once again use Hwy. 50. Since the state’s contractor Kiewit took over, the county has not spent additional staff time or dollars on the road, Schmidt said.

The county is continuing to try and clear snow and debris from Kebler Pass, which connects Crested Butte to the North Fork Valley. But early spring storms in the North Valley have continually laid more snow across the road right after plowing. Gunnison County Road and Bridge employees are working 10-12 hour days on Kebler, Schmidt said. Earlier this week, the crew found 16 trees blown down across the road.

County Road 25, which parallels CR 26 as it winds north toward the reservoir, is closed for Gunnison sage-grouse mating season. The county has not determined what vehicle access on CR 25 will look like after the closure period ends on May 15. There are currently cement barriers across the road to prevent travel.

CR 25 is in worse shape than its now-repaired neighbor, so county staff will have to balance resource protection (sagegrouse, elk and the road itself) and driver safety against the demand for more detours. If the bridge is not repaired come wintertime, the county would consider plowing CR 26 to keep it open for traffic, Schmidt said.

Ongoing road work on Hwy. 50 in Little Blue Creek Canyon west of the bridge closure is set to resume early next week. CDOT has been in touch with the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), which manages the project, to determine if the construction schedule could be accelerated during the closure. Travelers have faced limited access through the canyon for three years during the road realignment project. The flaggers in Little Blue and on CR 26 will coordinate so people don’t get stuck between the two closures.

The Colorado Transportation Commission, which sets CDOT’s budget, approved an additional $10 million for the “middle bridge” emergency, bringing the agency’s total resources for the repair up to $20 million. That funding was provided on an emergency basis. The commission can always approve additional

funding down the road, CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said during the meeting.

The FHA is not providing additional disaster relief funding because the bridge closure was not the result of an “act of god,” like a natural disaster, Lew said. The state will continue to look for money from the federal government as the project wears on.

Other state partners like the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Department of Local Affairs and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade have been looped into the state’s response efforts to provide more relief for local ranchers and business owners.

“The situation we're in is having to do this right, but also having to do everything we possibly can to make a very hard situation as workable as possible for all of you, and your neighbors and families,” Lew said.

Bridge repair not yet clear

The bridge inspection is only 40% complete, so the exact type of repair needed is unclear, said Kiewit project manager Jason Proskovec. He laid out construction timelines on four possible bridge repair scenarios, ranging

from four weeks to over a year. If a longer repair is required, the company will consider onelane traffic across the bridge, Proskovec said.

“We are not overreacting. We have the best interest of public safety in mind when we are making these decisions,” said CDOT Chief Engineer Keith Stefanik. “We are being cautious that we don't further damage this bridge so it can be repaired in place.”

The contractors found 118 spots on the bridge that need to be scanned. So far, those scans revealed 25 “anomalies” in the structure, said CDOT Region 3 Transportation Director Jason Smith. The inspections have not revealed any issues with the substructure, or the concrete columns holding the metal up.

Kiewit has already started procuring steel so the company can start the repair right away. Depending on the required repair, anywhere from 12 to 322 tons of fabricated, fracturecritical steel could be required. Keiwet has already acquired the first 88 tons.

The inspection process is slow. Workers have to visually inspect, and grind paint away from, the entire structure pieceby-piece. Crews have switched

to sandblasting the paint away as it’s quicker and more effective than grinding. As crews sandblast paint and steel, CDOT has been testing these materials for lead and asbestos, and levels are currently compliant with state law, Stefanik said.

The inspection will also reveal how much weight the bridge can safely handle while it’s being fixed. Ideally, Kiewit will put a “false deck” beneath it to allow workers to make repairs without increasing the weight on the damaged bridge. If the bridge can’t handle the false deck or weight of the construction equipment, Kiewit will use “Flexifloats” on Blue Mesa — or lifts and cranes anchored in the water that allow workers to reach the underside of the bridge.

Proskovec gave an overview of the possible repairs on the bridge. The best case scenario is a local plating repair, which would require the least amount of steel (12 tons) and 4-6 weeks of construction. The middle two options range from 2-5 months of construction time.

The “worst case,” is a complete replacement of three spans on the structure. Kiewit would likely not even be able to acquire the long steel girders

until January of 2025, Proskovec said. Once they have the steel and the construction season restarts in the spring, the repair would take 3-4 months of construction. However, that is a “low probability” option at this time, he said.

The state inspected these two bridges at the urging of the FHA as they were built with “T-1” fracture critical steel, which can develop cracks in the welds over time. The two bridges over Blue Mesa — the Lake Fork and “middle” bridges — are the only ones in the state that fit this criteria.

An initial inspection of the Lake Fork Bridge, just 5 miles west of the closed bridge, did not reveal any serious concern, Stefanik said. CDOT crews will continue to focus on the “middle bridge,” but will eventually return to the Lake Fork Bridge for further inspection.

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

(Left to right) Gunnison County Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels, Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt, CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew, Region 3 Transportation Director Jason Smith and Kiewit project manager Jason Proskovec spoke at briefing on May 7 at the Fred Field Center.

Possible construction repairs on the Hwy. 50 “middle bridge” range from 4 weeks to over a year. (Photos by Abby Harrison)

and new staff to help manage the plant’s construction. It’s a process that may become more complicated with Gardner’s looming retirement and the recent departure of its water and wastewater superintendent, Mike Rogers.

Now that it has chosen a location, the city has begun to work through the finer details of the plant’s design. The city tasked JVA with finding ways to reduce the cost of the project alongside its own hunt for grant money. Last month, the engineering firm recommended cutting down the plant to a size that would process an initial 4 million gallons per day with the ability to expand in the future. This is a 2 million gallon per day reduction from earlier design plans.

The adjustment could save the city an estimated $10 million during the construction phase, according to City Manager Amanda Wilson. Public Works would have the ability to upgrade the equipment to process up to 6 million gallons per day in the future — a calculation based on population growth estimates as well as expected buildout within city limits. The plant's pipes will be larger than needed today so expansion projects in the coming decades, if needed, are minimal and relatively inexpensive.

Despite the reduction, the plant will have enough capacity to support Gunnison even if its population doubles. For scale, the average daily demand in Gunnison in 2019 equated to 1.3 million gallons per day, with a maximum closer to 2.5 million. The city is conducting a rate study this year to determine how these costs impact Gunnison ratepayers and will continue to consider, and possibly tweak the size of the facility.

Downsizing allows “growth to pay for growth,” which means new development will pay for additional capacity at the plant with tap fees, said JVA project coordinator Josh McGibbon.

“We want to make sure that if we borrow a lot of money to pay for this project, it's going to outlast the life of that loan and you're not still paying for something that has now become obsolete,” McGibbon said. “But on the flip side of that, we don't want to oversize it.”

When calculating the plant’s size, Public Works also considered the amount of demand relief the city’s free irrigation ditches provide to its drinking water system. During the irrigation season, people without a ditch can use up to three times as much potable water as someone with access — equating to almost 1.2 million additional gallons per day of demand, Gardner told the Times The city believes it is more “cost effective” to continue to invest in the ditch system in lieu of building a larger plant, he said.

In search of project managers

Over the past couple of years, Gardner and Rogers have been managing the city’s developing water project on top of their regular duties. To help manage some of the workload, the city planned to hire a project-specific con -

struction manager.

“It’s a full-time job in itself, and this project is proven to be too large,” Gardner said.

But the position remains a challenging one to fill due to the high demand for construction managers both on the Front Range and across the country, Wilson said. The city made an offer to a local candidate who ultimately decided to accept a position with a different organization. The job posting has been open for a couple of months, but the position remains vacant.

In addition to struggling to find a project manager, the city is also facing the departure of two of its major leaders within Public Works. Rogers left his position in mid-March. More details were not available as of press time. And this month, Gardner announced that he would retire in November.

The public works director is one of the city’s highest ranking employees, responsible for managing nearly three quarters of the city’s budget, and the majority of its large projects such as the water plant. With help from a recruiter, the city will begin a national search for a new director this week and plans to conduct interviews in late summer. The city is already recruiting for Rogers’ position.

New PFAS limits

In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new drinking water standards for PFAS or “forever chemicals.” This was the first time the federal agency set enforceable limits on the amounts present in drinking water.

PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are widely used, long-lasting chemicals that break down extremely slowly over time. Because of their widespread use, the chemicals have been found in air, water, soil, fish and wildlife and are believed to have harmful effects on human health.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, long-term exposure to certain types of PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver damage and high cholesterol.

The city has been monitoring its well water for PFAS for almost two years in anticipation of a ruling from the EPA. Trace amounts have been detected in the city’s water wells, although they fall well below the new limit of four parts per trillion. Six months ago, the Public Works Department preemptively shut down two wells, one with trace amounts and the other just shy of the new limit. The city is actively discussing the addition of another layer of water treatment for PFAS at the new plant.

“We're still in our planning [phase], so this is the perfect time to be talking about it,” Gardner said.

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

MOST GMC SIERRA 1500 MODELS

Dispatchers must compartmentalize the things they’ve heard echo through the receiver. Sometimes the mental images that accompany bad calls stay with them, while the aftermath of others come with guilt, Bowen said; could they have said something different that would have led to a better outcome?

When the workday is over, the first responders blend back into the community. Much of their work goes unseen, but the weight of it is carried with them.

“They're mountain bikers, skiers and artists and nobody knows what it is they do unless they know them … A lot of people don’t know that the person they’ve talked to at the very worst moment of their life has a real commitment and a buyin to this community because they live here,” said Executive Director Jodie Chinn, who’s worked at the call center for more than two decades.

The regional dispatch center is operated out of the Gunnison police station and receives all of the 911 calls in Gunnison and Hinsdale counties. After the phone rings, dispatchers determine the gravity of a situation and the appropriate first responders to send to the scene, whether it's law enforcement, firefighters, EMS or backcountry search and rescue. The call center’s small team can work with up to 28 different agencies on a given day.

The dispatch team shoulders some of the community's most difficult moments. In 2023, they answered calls for

the double homicide on Blue Mesa Reservoir, the highway washout in the North Fork Valley and the plane crash near Hwy. 92. During the Lowline Fire, Gunnison 911 fielded an approximate 200% increase in call volume during the first 24 hours and managed radio traffic until the U.S. Forest Service took command of the situation.

“They're silent heroes,” Chinn said. “People don't see them. They don't always understand the role they [dispatchers] play in the good and the bad, the messy and the easy.”

The ‘why’

A dot appeared on the computer screen to Kelsey Oettinger’s right, flashing as it ran across a satellite map and

down the road. Oettinger has worked at the dispatch center for four years. Because the dot was moving, it was likely the caller was in a vehicle, she said.

When calls come in, the person’s location pops up on a map if they have enough cell service. But much of the region outside of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Lake City — the main population hubs the call center serves — is public land, and many county roads and trails render cell phones mostly useless. In certain cases, dispatchers use signals from off-the-grid communication devices such as an inReach to locate callers in the backcountry.

“It’s not like in the movies where it’s 100% [accurate], especially where we live,”

Oettinger said. “Sometimes if they're really remote or don't have good service, they'll just hit the [cell] tower and we won't get a good location.”

The dispatch center receives similar calls to Colorado’s cities: medical issues, burglaries, car thefts and parking violations. But because Gunnison is surrounded by mountain passes, car accidents are often dire. The community’s ease of access to public land and the popularity of extreme sports leads to extreme accidents.

While some 911 calls only last a couple of minutes, others span hours as first responders travel through rugged, and often mountainous terrain to reach the lost or injured. Even though the dispatchers and

callers don’t see each other face to face, these are the incidents that stick with them, Jayme Book said. She used to work in patient care at the hospital, before moving to the call center two years ago.

She remembered a call with a snowmobiler who had gotten in an accident in Taylor Park. It took more than an hour for help to arrive, and she stayed on the line. She gave him her first name and tried to distract the snowmobiler as they waited for the helicopter — him, alone in the snow, and Book from her desk, as she coordinated the rescue.

Dispatchers are exposed to trauma through sound. Some have listened to a mother scream as her baby stops

Dispatchers’ work stations have five monitors. (Photos by Abby Harrison)

Cell towers are marked on a map.

Dispatch from A1

breathing, a partner grieving the loss of a spouse, or a shooting, and must learn how to process it. They don’t always know how the story ends.

In a larger city, many of the callers would be strangers. But in a small town like Gunnison, it’s not uncommon for callers to be acquaintances, friends of a friend and even family members. Chinn took the 911 call made when her grandmother couldn’t breathe.

“You hear people screaming, you hear people's desperation, and even when the outcome is good, that stays with you … When you hang up a call it still rings in your ear,” Chinn said.

Chinn offers her team peer support, group stress debriefings and free therapy sessions. Still, some trainees quit because they can’t handle the intensity of the job. Chinn looks for applicants with a specific, type A personality, with the ability to put work aside when they are off the clock.

Despite the toll the job can have on dispatchers’ mental health, the crew share a common purpose: to be there when the community needs them most.

“It's a lot of stress, but there's a good reason,” Oettinger said. “You're helping people. You're saving people. You're keeping people safe. That’s the backbone for me, it answers my ‘why.’”

The person behind the receiver

In 2023, the 911 center answered more than 55,000 calls. In July alone, dispatchers responded to more than 1,000 emergencies, a boost in call volume that accompanies the valley’s peak tourism season.

But the department’s revenue hasn’t kept up with the rise in volume, and the same is true in resort towns across Colorado, Chinn said. She advocates for the needs of rural 911 centers at the state and national level.

A portion of the call center’s budget is covered by a surcharge on phones, which is collected by the state and redistributed to dispatchers based on a

community’s population. But the team handles a temporary, annual population increase during the summer and ski seasons — without the budget to accommodate the high volume of calls.

“They're getting hurt, they're getting sick, they're stranded, they're out on the lake having boat issues and they're calling us for help … We handle a population increase without actually having the population to fund it,” Chinn said.

Chinn graduated from Gunnison High School in 1995 and has worked at the 911 center for more than two decades. She was promoted to director in 2019. When she began her career in August of 2002, dispatchers recorded incidents by hand in a notebook, and the call center’s recording system operated off of cassette tapes.

Today, the call center relies on complex technology that advances each year. Within the last year, dispatchers gained the ability to receive videos and photos straight from a scene.

Cell phones work as mini satellite trackers and can almost instantly share the caller’s name, phone number, GPS coordinates and any health data in their phone. Chinn hopes to implement AI translation in the near future to better serve the valley’s Spanish-speaking residents.

All of the changes are designed to reduce the amount of time it takes to send help to a caller after they dial 911. Despite the benefit of modern technology, saving lives requires the compassion of the person on the other end of the line.

“You take this call, and it's very traumatic or emotionally invested and then you hang up the phone,” Chinn said. “You might not have a second to step away because the phone is ringing again because the next person is having a crisis, and they depend on you.”

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

Kelsey Oettinger speaks into the headset. She has worked at the Gunnison Regional 911 Communications Center for four years.

Home is where the heart is

Habitat for Humanity of the Gunnison Valley kicked off its building season with a volunteer day on May 4. Attendees fueled up on coffee and donuts before an introductions and awards ceremony to recognize the previous year’s volunteers. Afterward, volunteers donned their sun hats and work gloves to get the ball rolling on this year’s two home build projects, which should be completed by November.

(Photos by Abby Harrison)

Western students plan energy retrofits for lowincome households

Capstone project details benefits of using heat pumps

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Thanks to the work of three Western Colorado University seniors, several low-income homeowners in the Gunnison Valley now have a ready-to-use guide to switch to a greener and more affordable heating system for just a few thousand dollars.

When bitter cold hits the valley each winter, houses with aging heating systems or poor insulation can face bills that match, or exceed, rent. In an attempt to reduce this cost, Rady School of Engineering students acted as “consultants” for several low-income homeowners to see if the homes would benefit from air-source heat pumps. Although the students did not actually install the heat pumps, they gave each homeowner a step-by-step guide to do so if they choose.

The students worked with four local homeowners, all at or below 80% area median income (AMI), or $60,000 for a two-person household. If these households move ahead with the retrofit and choose to apply for state rebates, the cost could be as low as a few thousand dollars. The existing heating systems would remain in the homes as a “failsafe” for the valley’s frequent negative doubledigit nights.

“There's a wide range of individuals that we're serving through this … I think it's been insightful to see what we could potentially be saving them in utility bills,” Connor Hayes, a student on the project, said.

Hayes and Miles Murphy started researching the possibility of using air-source heat pumps in the Gunnison Valley last January in professor Emily Artale’s “Design for Community” class. A year later, and with the help of classmate Camden Mullens, they started working with homeowners to actually audit local homes.

The students worked closely with Gesa Michel, coordinator for the Gunnison Valley Home Energy Advancement Team (GV-HEAT) program. GV-HEAT helps income-qualified homeowners save hundreds, or thousands, of dollars on utility bills each year, through rebate programs, weatherization or bill support.

The time to switch systems is now, Michel said. There are more incentives for energy reduction in Colorado than

ever before, especially for lowincome families. Per the students’ calculations, the retrofits could cost just over $4,000 with state rebates. The rebates from the Colorado Energy Office could offset the cost of installing a new heating system and will be unveiled until this fall.

“There's so many incentives out there, and maybe people who are in the lower incomes don't know about them or don't have access to them,” Michel said.

The students selected households that GV-HEAT already worked with in the past, as those homes already had completed energy audits. The homes also had to have been weatherized to some degree, through sealed windows or better insulation, to allow the future heat pumps to be as efficient as possible.

Switching from fossil fuels to electricity means more dependable and predictable energy prices, Artale said. Unlike propane or coal-fired heating, which converts heat from combustion, air-source heat pumps warm the air slowly by pulling out the heat from outside air and moving it inside. Or, vice versa in the summer.

The work has come full-circle for Artale, who helped develop the GV-HEAT program alongside former Gunnison County Commissioner John Messner and John Cattles, now the assistant county manager for operations and sustainability. The trio moved the program to the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority, thinking GV-HEAT could be another tool to address the affordable housing crisis, Artale said.

“When you are underresourced, and you don't have money to afford a place with

Hours: 4-8 p.m. Regular Hours Begin May 23 (noon-9 every day)

modern appliances, you take what you can afford,” Artale said. “Then you move into this house and your appliances are older, they're more leaky and unsafe, there’s worse indoor air quality, and your bills are really high. There's just not a lot of support for that.”

What started as serving one or two homes each year through GV-HEAT has since become a permanent fixture of the Housing Authority, serving about 50-60 households each year, and now Western students are chipping in.

“We're trying to expose students to all different forms of engineering, that there's just so many ways that engineers can help people,” Artale said. “And this is one. Yes, it's not a physical product. But it's a great need and great interest, at least in the world of sustainability.”

Michel hopes the project will spread the word about GV-HEAT, and encourage more contractors to start installing these heat pumps. The students’ work could also help other mountain communities around Colorado learn how to do these upgrades, Artale said. Having a template could keep contracting costs lower for future residents looking to make the switch.

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

The students work with contractors to see how heat pumps are installed. (Courtesy Miles Murphy)

JUNE

5:00pm Social Hour, 6:30pm Dinner Gunnison County Fairgrounds 275 S Spruce Street, Gunnison, CO 81230

5:00pm Social Hour, 6:30pm Dinner Gunnison County Fairgrounds 275 S Spruce Street, Gunnison, CO 81230

5:00pm Social Hour, 6:30pm Dinner Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Western Colorado University hosted its 111th commencement ceremony in the recently-renovated Mountaineer Bowl on May 4. Camille Dungy, a university distinguished professor at Colorado State University, delivered this year’s commencement speech. After the new graduates tossed their caps into the air, they joined family and friends for refreshments at the University Center.

(Courtesy Kate Wasson/Western Colorado University)

Nine miles of new trail coming to the North Valley

On May 2, the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) announced the commencement of the North Valley Trails Project in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Gunnison Ranger District.

A “decision notice,” or proverbial greenlight, from the Gunnison District Ranger means CBMBA can move forward on the construction of approximately nine miles of new trail, plus one mile of trail decommissioning. CBMBA will begin work during the upcoming summer riding season.

“This decision provides for new trails, network connections and needed infrastructure improvements that will greatly improve the safety and recreation experiences for all trail users.”

Matt Whiting CBMBA

“We are thankful for the efforts of the Gunnison Ranger District and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) team in finding this decision,” said Doug Bradbury, president of the CBMBA board of directors. “It opens the door for some truly amazing new rec-

reation amenities that will bring value to our entire community and visitors alike.”

CBMBA began this trails plan in 2017 with extensive public outreach and stakeholder input. More recently, the local trails advocacy organization presented its proposal to the Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee, where it was further vetted.

In 2021, the Gunnison Ranger District accepted the proposed plan, then titled “Riders Off the Road.” It then entered into the NEPA process where it was retitled the North Valley Trails Project.

The project includes CBMBAproposed trails along with designated camping and trailhead infrastructure improvements to be completed on behalf of the ranger district. After further vetting by district specialists, extensive scoping and public comment periods, the NEPA process was completed and Gunnison District Ranger Dayle Funka signed off on the project.

“This project has been a collaborative effort,” Funka said. “I’m proud of my team for their hard work and I respect CBMBA’s dedication to high quality, safe recreation opportunities.”

CBMBA now has direction for several years’ worth of trail construction projects and will continue the tradition of bringing the community together around volunteer workdays.

Potential new builds for the 2024 season include the Upper Upper Loop to Brush Creek Trailhead connection that will allow riders to avoid a busy section of dirt road in the Brush Creek drainage, and the Teocalli Ridge extension, which will lengthen one of the North Valley’s most iconic downhills while also lessening ride time on the road. None of these new

MEETING NOTICE-RTA

The next meeting of the Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (RTA) will be May 17, 2024 at 8 a.m. at the Crested Butte Town Offices. For copies of the Board of Directors meeting packet, please go to gunnisonvalleyrta.com/ meetings or call Scott Truex at 970-275-0111.

Two or more County Commissioners may attend these meetings.

trails are located in designated wilderness or proposed wildlife management areas in the ongoing forest plan revision.

“This decision provides for new trails, network connections and needed infrastructure improvements that will greatly improve the safety and recreation experiences for all trail users,” Matt Whiting, vice president of the CBMBA board of directors, said.

In addition to the new trails, the North Valley Trails Project will create nearly 19 acres of new parking and trailhead infrastructure at the Brush Creek Trailhead, Walrod Trailhead, Tent City Trailhead and designated camping area, respectively. Work at the Brush Creek and Tent City trailheads will also begin this summer.

“With our dedicated trail crews and amazing volunteers, we will chip away at these new trail projects for several years,” said CBMBA Executive Director Dave Ochs.

Work will begin in earnest during National Trails Day on June 1. To read the full Decision Notice and learn more about the North Valley Trails Project and NEPA process, go to fs.usda. gov/project/?project=61177. For more information about CBMBA trail workdays, volunteer opportunities or the project, check out crestedbuttemountainbike.com or contact Ochs at dave@cbmba.org or 970.349.7324

(Source: Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association.)

STAND OUT IN A MOUNTAIN CROWD! Signs • Vehicle Decals & Wraps

Store front signs and lettering Screenprinting • Embroidery Promotional Products • Stickers Banners • CANVAS PHOTO WRAPS

BLM HAS CLOSED SEVERAL GATES IN THE GUNNISON BASIN TO PREVENT ROAD DAMAGE

The BLM Gunnison Field Office is closing gates on BLM roads in the Gunnison Basin as part of the annual closure from March 15-May 15 to protect Gunnison sage-grouse during their mating and nesting season. The closures are in coordination with Gunnison County, Gunnison Ranger District, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The gates will reopen on May 15.

For specific information on closures on BLM lands, contact the Gunnison Field Office at (970) 642-4940.

A biker rides near Gothic Mountain in Crested Butte. (Courtesy Alex Fenlon/Tourism and Prosperity Partnership)

Bend it like Beckham, bat like Babe Ruth

Kids clad in shin guards and cleats charged across the Gunnison Rec Center field during U8 soccer practice on May 1. Across town, youth baseball players got a head start on their pitching and batting skills in a preseason fastpitch clinic at Jorgensen Park on May 2. Gunnison Parks and Recreation organized both after-school programs to keep young athletes active throughout the spring.

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.org

Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado Spiritual Leader Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com bnaibutte@gmail.com

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

Faith Directory

Community Church of Gunnison

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925

Pastor Larry Nelson

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.

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

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813

Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860

Senior Pastor Robert Carabotta Assoc. Pastor Jacob With Childrens Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m. Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m. Divine Service of the Word – Sunday 10 a.m.

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429

Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar First Sunday of each month –11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains

Check our websites for location

Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday –9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Children’s Sunday school –2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org

Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II

403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte

Visit our website for location of 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org

Church in the Barn 8007 County Road 887 Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.

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

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School

“Remedy” Worship Nights Small Group Ministries mcmchurch.org

St. Peter’s Catholic Church 300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.

St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m.

Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass

St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Mass Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.

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.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

Journeyman & Residential Wireman for projects in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen. Top pay & Benefits.

Send resumes to info@ec-electric.com or call 970-641-0195 www.ec-electric.com/careers

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT

See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net

Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students find the confidence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!”

HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES: Bus Drivers Food Service

Lead Custodian - Lake School

Educational Assistants - Lake School

Substitute Teachers

Special Education EASignificant Needs

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

District School Psychologist

CBSS Assistant Principal

CBSS Science

CBSS Spanish (one-year only)

CBSS Language Arts (one-year only)

CBSS and GHS Special Education Teacher

GMS 8th grade Science (one year only)

GMS 6th grade Language Arts

GMS Electives (life skills, current events and social emotional curriculum)

COACHING:

GHS - Speech and Debate

GHS - Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach

CBHS - Volleyball Coach

CBHS - Head Basketball Coach

CBMS - Assistant Track and Field Coach

Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

LUNA BAKERY is hiring for a baking position. Experience preferred. Pay starts at $20 hour, but opportunity to grow with the business. Part-time to start and closer to full-time during the summer, weekends off. Contact Deven, 970-231-3247.

CONSTRUCTION

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Health Nurse II –

Substance Abuse Prevention

Juvenile Services: 20 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $33.79-$41.08 plus partial benefits.

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.

Heavy Equipment Operator I:

Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate from $22.91-$26.08 plus full benefits.

Permit and Right-Of-Way Manager: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,857-$7,120 plus full benefits.

Landfill Foreman: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate from $31.88-$36.29 plus full 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.

Administrative Generalist

Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate range $22.91-$26.08 plus full benefits.

For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Police Officer

Full-time, $68,900-$93,100/yr

$33.13-$44.76/hr

Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related to maintaining 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.

Part-Time Openings

Special Events/Project Assistant -up to $24.23/hr

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.

or call 970-901-1798.

SUMMER YARD CREW: Positions available starting mid-May. Summer yards and groundskeeping person needed. $24/hour. Perfect for a college student home for summer looking for beer money. Contact PR Property Management today. prpropertyoffice@gmail.com, 970-349-6281.

COME JOIN THE HARMELS TEAM IN ALMONT: We are still needing to fill two full-time positions as soon as possible. Cooks starting at $18/hour and servers starting at $14.50 + tips. We are looking for experienced persons with great attitudes. Onsite housing possible. Call 970-641-1740 or email resume to jointheteam@harmels. com.

NOW HIRING:

APPRENTICES, RESIDENTIAL WIREMAN, JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIANS

Skills/qualifications:

• High-end residential and commercial experience a MUST. • Team player

HAS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR A SERVICE TECHNICIAN AND COLLISION CENTER TECHNICIAN

Competitive pay, 401K, insurance, paid vacations. 40 hour work week.

Apply at John Roberts

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY seeks Director of Dis/Ability and Accommodation. For application or information, please scan the QR code.

WAITSTAFF WANTED AT PALISADES: Full and part-time. Apply in person. No experience necessary. 820 N. Main St., Gunnison. 970-641-9223.

• Physical, hands-on environment

• Must have basic hand tools. • Employer will provide specialty tooling.

EXCELLENT WAGES AND BENEFITS!

Please email a resume to reception@raelectric.com. NTERPRISES OF

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

AT THE

PIONEER MUSEUM

Work 4 hours per week

Hours: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. 7 days a week.

This is a chance to meet people from many states and foreign countries. The museum will open May 15 and be open until September 30.

Please call volunteer coordinator Darrah Miller at 970.596.2226 with questions or for more information.

Details will be discussed at a volunteer meeting on May 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fred Field Center, 275 S. Spruce Street.

All are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.

COME JOIN THE HARMELS TEAM IN ALMONT: We are looking for housekeepers with experience but will train the right person. Pay starts at $16/hour; higher wage with experience. Onsite housing possible. Call 970-641-1740, or email resume to jointheteam@harmels.com.

PUBLIC HOUSE IS SEEKING A MOTIVATED LINE COOK to join the team. This role is directly responsible for all kitchen functions including food, preparation and maintenance of quality standards, sanitation and cleanliness, preparation, plate presentation, portion and cost control. This position will work closely with managers and co-workers to provide excellent service to customers. This position requires 2-plus years cooking experience in a full-service restaurant, problem solving abilities, self motivation and organization. This position also requires knowledge of ingredients for flavor profiles and basic cooking techniques. The ideal candidate will have a culinary certificate and/or degree, and knowledge of cuisine and familiarity with wine pairings. This full-time, seasonal position starts at $22-$25/hour plus tips, depending on experience and qualifications. The season runs May-Nov. We also offer opportunities for career growth within our organization. If you are passionate about cooking and thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience. com/careers.

TAYLOR RIVER RANCH is looking to hire summer staff. Positions needed are housekeeping, waitstaff and ranch maintenance. Also need laborers for month of May. Great pay and gas allowance. Possible housing available. Please call Rory or Becky, 970-641-2606 or 970-901-8500.

OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS ASSISTANT, TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE: The parks, rec, open space and trails department seeks an Open Space and Trails Assistant for the 2024 field season. This position is responsible for general field maintenance on conserved properties and rec access areas in the town’s open space and trails portfolio. General duties include conservation easement monitoring, data collection, trail maintenance, agricultural lease maintenance and other divisional tasks. Candidates could start as early as mid-May and work through October, although start/end dates are flexible. This position is scheduled for 24 hours/week at $18-22/hour DOE. To apply, send application, resume and cover letter to jobs@crestedbutte-co.gov. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WILD RIVER BUILDERS IS HIRING

CARPENTERS: All positions. We are a small company that works hard and appreciates our employees. We offer competitive wages with regular pay raise opportunities, $500 signing bonus after four months, transportation from Gunnison or mileage reimbursement, retirement match after one year and more. wildriverbuilders. com/careers or contact Evan at 970-5962897.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT:

The right candidate would be reliable and experienced in property cleaning with attention to detail. Cleaning will be short term rentals, private homes and condo associations. Some snow removal and lawn care required. General maintenance and repair skills would be a plus. Weekend on-call availability for owners and short term rental guests is a must with two midweek days off. Free employee housing, 600 square foot studio apartment available for the right candidate after an evaluation period. Housing is job-attached. On top of the free housing, an hourly wage will be provided. Candidate must be an effective communicator. We only work with the best and always expect and provide 5 star service. Hours per week vary depending on season but the expectation is full-time work. Raises, bonuses and ski pass can be provided for an exceptional employee. Please email resume to info@highviewpropertymanagement.com.

WATER TREATMENT FACILITY

FOREMAN: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a full-time Water Treatment Facility Foreman position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the water plant and distribution system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of treatment operations, employee supervision, construction and electrical/mechanical/ maintenance repair. A State of Colorado Water B and Distribution 3 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. Starting salary is $74,200-$91,000 DOQ. Excellent benefits package, including 100% employer-paid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms and a seasonal ski pass. Full job description is available at mcbwsd.com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE

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

THE TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE IS HIRING FOR A SUMMER PARKS POSITION: Hours will be between 30-40 hours per week. Minimum age requirement is 15 years old. Responsibilities include planting flowers, watering, weeding flower beds, mowing, cleaning up after events in the pavilion and garden, cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash containers and more. Candidates should be expected to work outdoors in variable mountain and inclement

weather conditions. They should be able to stoop, bend and carry up to 40 pounds. Pay range is $22-$25 per hour. For the full job description, please go to mtcb.colorado.gov. If you have any questions, please email or call Addison Ives at aives@mtcb.colorado. gov or 970-349-6632, ext 115. To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb. colorado.gov.

SUMMER PARKS CREW: Seasonal, housing available. Need housing in CB? Join the Town of Crested Butte Parks Crew and live in the heart of town at the beautiful Ruby communal housing residence. Enjoy a flexible schedule and be at the center of summer fun in CB. Work is available in April through late fall with a $1/hour-worked bonus for those who complete the season. Landscaping, field maintenance, irrigation and equipment experience preferred, but not required. Candidates must be able to work outdoors and lift 50-100 lbs. and possess a valid driver’s license. Pay $20-21/hr. DOQ. Full job description and application available online at townofcrestedbutte.com, click on “Careers”. To apply, send application, resume and cover letter to jobs@crestedbutte-co. gov. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

UNASE AL EQUIPO DE HARMELS EN ALMONT: Buscamos camaristas con experiencia pero capacitaremos a la persona adecuada. El pago comienza en $16/hr; salario mas alto con experiencia. Posibilidad de alojamiento en el lugar. Llame al 970641-1740 o envie su curriculum por correo eletronico a jointheteam@harmels.com.

THE ELEVATION HOTEL TEAM IS GROWING: We are adding team members in the front office, engineering and food and beverage. Bell Captain $20/hr, Bell Person $17/hr, Night Auditor $21/hr, Night Audit Supervisor $22/hr, Guest Service Agent $20.25/hr, Front Desk Supervisor $22/hr, Engineer I, II, II $21-$24/hr, Bartender $17/ hr. Full-time team members are eligible for full benefits including medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k, gym membership, room night discounts and housing. For details and to apply, please visit highgate.com/careers. Questions can be directed to elustig@ elevationresort.com.

FINISH CARPENTRY: High volume, professional general contractor seeks full-time, detail-oriented carpenters for a variety of carpentry needs, including back out framing, finish trim work, custom millwork and potential for other custom work. Competitive salary DOE, fuel stipend, vacation pay, health insurance, ski pass among top benefits. Please submit resume to david@davidgrossgc.com or call 970-9011798.

POWERSTOP is hiring cooks. Cooking experience a must. Pay based on experience but the minimum would be guaranteed $20/ hr after tips earned. The yearly average is between $25-$28 per hour. Kitchen manager position is also available. Please drop resume at Powerstop, 905 N. Main St. Attn: Sean.

EXPERIENCED LEAD CARPENTERS

NEEDED in Crested Butte. Local Crested Butte-born, residential construction company, growing regional, excellent pay. Text/call 512-947-7797.

LEGACY FAMILY MINISTRIES seeks a director for the Lighthouse: A Pregnancy and Family Resource Center. 24 hours/week, $24 per hour. We are a faith-based 501c3 nonprofit and there is a faith requirement for employment. The Lighthouse serves our community through education, advocacy and supplies for those experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. To request an application, please email Wendy Solheim, legacyceo.LFM@gmail.com.

EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Local Crested Butte-born, residential construction company, growing regional, excellent pay. Text/call 970-5961131.

THE CRESTED BUTTE SCHOOL OF DANCE is hiring a managing director: The managing director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization’s business. The managing director provides ethical, strategic, transparent and value-centered leadership. Equally comfortable managing the external and internal aspects of the job, the managing director recognizes the importance of these different spheres to the organization’s ultimate success. The managing director is responsible for oversight and handson execution of all key administrative and business functions, including providing leadership and vision that ensures financial and organizational success. The managing director is the spokesperson, advocate and visible representative of the Crested Butte School of Dance and takes an active part in the life of the community. The managing director takes a leadership role in fundraising for the organization. This role works closely with the board of directors to ensure good governance, communication and transparency and fosters a culture of success among all stakeholders. Salary range: $58,000-$63,750, 3/4 time position. Possibility for expansion into full-time employment. Salary commensurate with experience. See full description here: dancecrestedbutte.org/now-hiring. To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Chrissie Nehrenberg, CBSOD Board President, ccnehrenberg@gmail.com.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions for summer 2024: Housekeeper $21-23/hr; clubhouse attendant $16-18/ hr, line cook $21-25/hr + gratuity, lead bartender $18-22/hr + gratuity, dishwasher $20/hr+ gratuity. Employee benefits include complimentary golf and employee discounts. For more information or to submit a resume, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE is seeking a long-term, full-time, qualified early childhood teacher to join our fantastic team. Very competitive pay, benefits and perks offered all the time. This is a super rewarding career and a fabulous group of families and teachers. Please email interest letter and resumé to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@ gmail.com.

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

deeply rooted in the Gunnison Valley. Visit rockymountaintrees.com/employment/ to view available positions.

LOCAL EVENT COMPANY SET-UP CREW: Work outside this summer. Event and tent set up, full and part-time hours available, $25/ hr. Dishwasher: part-time, flexible schedule, $25/hr. Please contact via phone or email for a complete job description. 970-596-2145. operations@alpengloweventsco.com.

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.

THE TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a full-time, year-round parks worker. This position has a wide range of duties from landscaping, maintaining playgrounds, cleaning up after events, installing and repairing sprinkler systems, operating chain saws, vehicles, power and hand tools, light equipment such as skid steer and lawn mowers, snow removal in the winter with hand shoveling, ice picking and using a bob cat. For a full job description, please go to mtcb.colorado.gov. Schedule is four 10-hour days with one weekend day in the winter required. Overtime is required based on weather and snow storms. Must have a seven-year clean driving record, the ability to obtain your flagger certification, safety lift 80 pounds, good customer service, communication and team work skills, ability to work outside in the winter and summer for an extended period of time. Starting pay is between $44-$66,000, depending on experience. The town offers an amazing benefit package with paid health, vision and dental insurance for you and your family, 401(k) or pension plan, 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, wellness program and more. Contact Addison Ives at aives@mtcb.colorado.gov with any questions. To apply, email your resume, cover letter and three references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov.

ACC MOUNTAIN WEST is hiring heavy equipment operators, CDL drivers and laborers for the US 285 and Highway 9 project. Hourly wages from $20-$35 and great benefits. ACC MW is a drug-free work environment (including marijuana), Equal Opportunity Employer and we participate in E-Verify. Apply at accbuilt.com. For more information, call 303-795-2582.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a part-time, year-round front desk attendant for $18-$22/hr DOE. Weekend availability required. Employee benefits include complimentary golf and employee discounts. For more information or to submit a resume, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

TODDLER LEAD TEACHER: Tenderfoot Child and Family Development Center is seeking an early childhood qualified teacher to work with children aged 1-3 years old. The lead teacher position can be part-time or full-time, $19.93 -$24/hour. Tenderfoot will support professional development to earn credentials for this position. Benefits include flexible scheduling, a supportive team, paid time off, free child care while working and continuing education. Email tfootdirector@ gmail.com or call 970-642-1949 for more information. EOE.

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a finance and administrative assistant to provide services and functions critical to the day-to-day operation of the town. This includes accounting, human resources, purchasing, contracting, IT support, budgeting and communications. The finance and administrative assistant is responsible for daily financial tasks including but not limited to administration of the sales tax and business license process, cash receipting, departmental customer service and file and records maintenance. Starting hourly range is $25.48-$31.12 and includes 100% employer-paid health, dental and vision benefits for employee and dependents. The full job description, benefits and application are available on the town’s website at townofcrestedbutte.com. To apply, submit an application via email to jobs@crestedbutteco.gov. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JC SERVICES is seeking full-time automotive technician with intermediate understanding of theory operations of automotive systems. Experienced and have own tools. Major holidays off paid. No weekends. Pay based on experience and knowledge. Apply in person only with resume and references. JC Services, 702 W. Tomichi Ave, Gunnison CO 81230. 970-641-4310.

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS DRIVER. JOIN OUR TEAM. PAID CDL TRAINING: Mountain Express is looking to recruit drivers for immediately available shifts. We will offer CDL training at an outside CDL training agency, as well as a sign-on bonus. Starting wage is $22.60/hr. Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit. Drivers are responsible for the safe transport and friendly assistance of passengers on our bus route. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp.org to apply and for a complete job description, visit mtnexp.org. EOE.

PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS is hiring an office manager for our Crested Butte and Gunnison locations. Responsibilities include various organizational and administrative tasks, patient and staff support, inventory management and coordination with external resources. Come join our dynamic team. $28+/hr commensurate with experience. Send resume to office@ pinnacleorthocolorado.com.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TREES AND LANDSCAPING now hiring for our 40th summer season. Come join a team that’s

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS SHOP TECHNICIAN: JOIN OUR TEAM. Mountain Express is looking to recruit a shop technician for immediately available shifts. Applicant required to hold a CDL class BP-2 with no air brake restrictions, or we will pay for you to obtain one. Starting wage is $22.60/hr. Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit. Shop technicians are responsible for daily fueling and cleaning of fleet vehicles and other related tasks at the direction of the shop supervisor. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp. org to apply. For a complete job description, visit mtnexp.org. EOE.

ELEVEN IS SEEKING A TEAM-ORIENTED AND FLEXIBLE LODGE AND PREP COOK to support the Colorado Culinary team with food preparations, transportation and meal service throughout Eleven’s entire Colorado footprint. This position will systematically execute food prep and transportation with quality and efficiency, as well as assist the team with managing food inventory and maintaining a clean, food-safe and organized kitchen. This position requires at least 1 year of food and beverage experience. The ideal candidate will have a team orientation with flexibility and willingness to do what is needed to complete Colorado Culinary team goals and meet guest needs and expectations. These are full and part-time seasonal positions starting at $21/hour depending on experience and qualifications. The summer season runs from May through Oct. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers.

REAL ESTATE

1,500 SQ. FT. RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in the Gunnison Meadows Mall next to City Market. Address: 722 N. Main. $22/ft. NNN = $2,750/month. For more information, call Jordon Ringel, 817-7336947 or visit GunnisonMeadows.com.

PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED BUDGET

MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING

Lake San Cristobal Water Activity

Enterprise At the Lake City Firehouse Conference Room, 131 Henson St., Lake City, CO 81235

And Via Zoom Video/Teleconference Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 3:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that a proposed Budget for the year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, will be considered by the Board of Directors of the Lake San Cristobal Water Activity Enterprise. Adoption of the proposed Budget will be discussed at a public hearing during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors on May 21, 2024 commencing at 3:00 p.m.

Any interested party may file objections to the proposed budget at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget. The Budget will be available for inspection prior to the meeting. For information on the Zoom video/ teleconferencing option, please contact the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District at (970)641-6065.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication date of May 9, 2024 13188

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF COLORADO OFFICE OF THE STATE ARCHITECT STATE BUILDINGS PROGRAM

NOTICE OF CONTRACTOR’S SETTLEMENT

Institution/Agency: Western Colorado

University Notice Number: One (1)

Project No./Title:2021-037M21 Upgrade HVAC Systems Academic Buildings

Notice is hereby given that on May 1, 2024 at 1 Western Way, Colorado, final settlement will be made by the STATE OF COLORADO with McKinstry Essention, LLC, hereinafter called the “CONTRACTOR”, for and on account of the contract for the construction of a PROJECT as referenced above.

1. Any person, co-partnership, association or corporation who has an unpaid claim against the said project, for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, rental machinery, tools, or equipment and other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of his subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

2. All such claims shall be filed with the Authority for College, Institution, Department or Agency.

3. Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve the State of Colorado from any and all liability for such claim.

Authorized Facility Manager or Authorized Individual

Name: Sherry Ford, AVP of Campus

Operations and Construction

Approval Date: 4/30/2024

Agency: Western Colorado University

Phone: 970-943-7052

Fax: 970-943-3329

Email: sford@western.edu

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication date of May 2, 9, 2024 13183

MEETING NOTICE

MEETING NOTICE

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District Board of Directors

Meeting Tuesday, May 21, 2024 1:00 PM at the Lake City Firehouse

The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular board meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Lake City Firehouse Conference Room, 131 N. Henson Street, Lake City, CO 81235 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing.

Please contact the UGRWCD at (970)6416065 for more information on attending via Zoom video/teleconferencing. A meeting agenda will be posted at the District Office prior to the meeting.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of May 9, 2024 13189

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR SAGUACHE COUNTY COURT FACILITIES FEASABILITY STUDY

For: SAGUACHE COUNTY PO BOX 100 505 3rd Street Saguache, CO. 81149

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR SAGUACHE COUNTY COURT FACILITIES FEASABILITY STUDY

Table of Contents

I. OVERVIEW II. BACKGROUND III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION IV. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

V. SCHEDULE

I. OVERVIEW PROPOSAL DUE DATE/DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS – Responses due by June 10,2024 at 3PM

Delivery of 4 original copies either by USPS or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to:

Wendi Maez PO Box 100 505 3rd Street Saguache, CO 81149

All official communication with Candidates and questions regarding this RFP will be via email to the Wendi Maez at wmaez@ saguachecounty-co.gov.

No inquiries will be accepted after the clarification deadline as indicated in the project schedule.

All Candidate inquiries will be responded to at the same time which will be after the “Clarification Deadline”. Candidates should not rely on any other statements, either oral or written, that alter any specification or other term or condition of the RFP during the open solicitation period. Candidates should not contact any team member, or any individual associated with the Owner or Saguache County regarding this RFP or this project except to schedule an optional site visit.

RFP Schedule

RFP Available, May 1, 2024

Optional Site Visit, By apt with all

RFP Clarification Deadline, May 28, 2024

RFP Clarification Responses, May 31, 2024

RFP Responses Due, June 10, 2024

Interview Invitations Sent, June 12, 2024

Interviews, June 25, 2024

Selections Made and Candidates Notified, July 3, 2024

Contract Negotiations/discussionComplete, July 9, 2024

Notice to Proceed Given to Successful Firm, July 16, 2024

Study to begin , July 17, 2024

Study completion and submittal date, October 1, 2024

Report submitted and reviewed by BOCC, October 8, 2024

Report accepted and approved, October 15, 2024

II. Background

Saguache County has outgrown the current space the county and judicial staff occupy. There is no additional space to expand and the need for more space continues to grow.

III. Project Description

Saguache County is searching for a vendor to conduct a feasibility study which will assist in deciding the option that best suits Saguache County, it’s needs and its circumstances. The options are – a) Construct a new “Judicial Building” that would house the judicial portion of the current courthouse, b) Remodel the 3rd floor of the courthouse to better accommodate the Judicial Department, c) Build a new County Government complex.

Cost of project study not to exceed $70,000.

IV. Submittal Requirements

Saguache County asks for a letter of interest which incorporates your experience and your qualifications. In addition, please include the cost of the study. Refer to the first page of this document for the address and manner of submitting your information.

V. Schedule – See RFP Schedule

It is expected that the selected firm has the current capabilities and capacity to complete the project by the date listed in the project schedule. Provide a detailed schedule, including milestones, from the notice to proceed date the completion of the study, modifications or alterations, including deviations from the estimated schedule set forth in the RFP Schedule.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024

13178

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Town of Pitkin: Request for Proposal

Ditch Cleaning

The Town of Pitkin is requesting bids from qualified contractors to clean the Town irrigation ditches and relocate debris to a specified location. The contract consists of no more than 35 blocks of ditches to be cleared beginning on or about May 21, 2024. All work must be completed no later than June 3, 2024. A walk-through with a Town representative is required to submit a bid.

Please contact Ed Pianalto at (405)7608157 or edpianalto@yahoo.com to schedule a walk-through. All walk-throughs must be completed by Thursday, May 16th and sealed bids submitted to the Town Clerk by Friday, May 17th at: P.O. Box 9, Pitkin, CO 81241. Bid will be awarded at the Town Meeting on Monday, May 20th, 2024. Contact the Clerk at (970)787-0031 or thetownofpitkin@gmail. com to hand deliver bids.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of May 9, 2024

13269

SUMMONS

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION DISTRICT COURT, GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO

200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison CO 81230 Telephone: 970-642-8300 Plaintiff: Cimarron Canal & Reservoir Company v. Defendants: Cimarron and Uncompahgre Valley Canal and Reservoir Company (a defunct corporation); Vernal Mesa Ditch and Reservoir Company (a defunct corporation); and all unknown parties who may claim in interest in the subject matter of this action.

Case Number: 2024 CV 030015 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

TO: THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT(S)\

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service by publication of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court. If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This is an action to adjudicate that Plaintiff is the owner of the following real property: 1. That property conveyed by deed recorded July 20, 1931 at Book 236, Page 553, Gunnison County Records, described as follows: Beginning at a point on the West Bank of the Cimarron Canal whence the East quarter-corner of Section 5 Township 46 North Range 6 West NMPM bears East 561 feet; thence along the West bank of said canal as follows: North 19°20’West a

distance of 234 feet; thence North 56°50’ West a distance of 111 feet; thence North 64°46’ West a distance of 189 feet; thence

West 150 feet; Thence South 21°30’ East 385 feet to the Point of Beginning; containing 4.4 acres more or less. The rightof-way to the Canal, with is 50 feet from the marginal line of the Canal, is included in the 4.4

Lights & Sirens

CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT

APRIL 29

DISTURBING THE PEACE — 221 N.

LOVELAND ST.

JUVENILE PROBLEM — N. 9TH ST. PROPERTY - FOUND — 300 N. 14TH ST.

HARASSMENT: INSULTS, TAUNTS, CHALLENGES — 211 S. TAYLOR ST.

PROPERTY - FOUND — 880 N.

MAIN ST.

DISTURBING THE PEACE — 315 S. BOULEVARD ST.

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 226 N. MAIN ST. X2

APRIL 30

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 226 N. MAIN NUISANCE CODE VIOLATION — 312 E. TOMICHI AVE.

WEAPONS OFFENSE - FAILURE TO SECURE FIREARM — 910 W. BIDWELL AVE.

WELFARE ASSIST — N. COLORADO ST.

ACCIDENT — 800 W. OHIO AVE.

HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — 600 N. COLORADO ST.

ANIMAL TREATMENT - CRUELTY - MUNICIPAL — W. HWY. 50 PROPERTY - FOUND — 800 W. TOMICHI AVE.

HARASSMENT: FOLLOWING — 1140 N. MAIN ST.

MAY 1

WELFARE ASSIST — W. GUNNISON AVE.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — E. GEORGIA AVE.

PROPERTY - FOUND

CRIMINAL TRESPASS: THIRD DEGREE — 303 E. TOMICHI AVE.

MAY 2

VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — C.R. 38

MAY 3

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: DISPLAY DEADLY WEAPON — 700 W. HWY. 50 PROPERTY - FOUND — 100 S. PINE ST. INFORMATION — W. GUNNISON AVE. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 214 W. DENVER AVE.

FRAUD — W. GUNNISON AVE.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: UNLAWFUL POSSESSION - EXCEPT MARIJUANA — 100 N. PINE ST.

ASSAULT: THIRD DEGREE - BODILY INJURY — 880 N. MAIN ST. ACCIDENT — 820 W. TOMICHI AVE.

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN

ST. INFORMATION — N. MAIN ST. THEFT: TWO OR MORE THEFTS IN 6 MONTHS — 900 N. MAIN ST. X11

MAY 4

HARASSMENT — 720 N. COLORADO ST. AGENCY ASSIST — 201 E. TOMICHI AVE.

DISTURBING THE PEACE - ALLOWING OTHERS — 305 JOSEPH LN.

DISTURBING THE PEACE - ALLOWING OTHERS — 313 S. TAYLOR ST.

MAY 5

ASSAULT: THIRD DEGREE - BODILY INJURY — 226 N. MAIN ST.

ANIMAL: WILDLIFE ISSUES — 500 E. VIRGINIA AVE.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL — 207 S. 6TH ST. WELFARE ASSIST — E. TOMICHI AVE.

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

APRIL 30

-Deputies issued a speeding citation

-Barking dog complaint - issue should be resolved - owner will collar it when away

-Lost property returned

MAY 1

-Deputies assisted with a medical call

-Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police Department with a trespassing call at a local business

MAY 2

-Deputies assisted the GPD with a vehicle trying to elude officers

-Welfare check derived from a note for help left at a local businessunfounded

-Barking dog complaint

-Somerset/Marble deputies issued a summons to a person for unlawful conduct on public property and disregarding traffic control device when this person drove past a road closed sign and ended up stuck

MAY 3

-Somerset deputies were advised of a person breaking through the barriers of closed County Road 12 and being uncooperative - MT. Crested Butte Police Department were able to intercept this person and charge them

MAY 4

-Possible theft of a saw reportedunder investigation

-Obstructing highway/passage report

-Shooting from a public road complaint - shooters contacted and warned

-Deputies arrested one person for an out-of-county warrant

MAY 5

-Domestic violence report

-Deputies assisted Bureau of Land Management officers with a noncompliant warrant arrest

MAY 6

-Deputies responded to an unattended death in Marble

Spring cleaning at whitewater park

Volunteers joined forces with Gunnison Waves and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District to pick up garbage and debris at the whitewater park during the annual river clean up on May 4. After rendering the riverbank spick and span, attendees surfed the waves and enjoyed lunch from Jermaine’s and coffee from Tributary Roasters.

(Photos by Abby Harrison)

COMMUNITY: Champions of conservation, B6

SPORTS: GHS track and field vies for state qualification, B4

• THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024

The ‘Smithsonian of the Western Slope’

Pioneer Museum celebrates 60 years with new exhibits

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

Historian Larry McDonald examined the tall, plexiglass display cases at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum. His eyes brightened with excitement, the same way they do when he talks about western Colorado railroad history, or after a new discovery in online newspaper archives. He scanned the shelves stacked with hundreds of military action figures. Dioramas of foot-tall Vietnam soldiers, dressed in tiger-stripe camouflage, called for an airstrike. Further down the wall, naval officers manned anti-aircraft artillery.

McDonald was exploring the new Hall of Honor Military Figurine and Accessory

Collection at the Pioneer Museum for the first time.

The exhibit is one of two new displays opening to the public this season, and houses the action-figure collection of local Vietnam veteran Dale Briels. The exhibit includes hundreds of military figurines arranged in historical order, from Confederate generals to modern-day Marines.

In 60 years of documenting Gunnison history, the Pioneer Museum has transformed from a humble campus on less than an acre, to a sprawling gallery of mismatched artifacts. From full train engines, to vintage sewing machines, the relics have miraculous stories attached to them. After the passing of revered president C.J. Miller, the museum is entering a new phase of reenchanting the Gunnison community with its storied past.

“I’ve done a lot of research, and Gunnison history compares with any place on the planet,” McDonald said. “We’ve had it called ‘The Smithsonian of western Colorado.’ The truth is, the Pioneer Museum is not a

singular museum, but a collection of museums.”

The groundwork to create the modern-day museum began in 1930, when the Gunnison Valley Pioneer and Historical Society was estab -

lished. The society dreamt of founding a museum, but it took more than 30 years for the Pioneer Museum to open its doors.

Initially, the exhibits stayed true to the pioneer theme. The

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES

original half acre plot housed Alonzo Hartman’s 1876 mail cabin, considered to be the oldest homestead in Gunnison, and the 1905 Paragon schoolhouse. In 1964, the museum

Larry McDonald points to an artifact inside the Fabiano Coors Collection. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Rows of toy Vietnam soldiers, including Colonel Hal Moore, rest on shelves at the Pioneer Museum.

Museum from B1

received its most iconic artifact, “Cinder Ella,” the 1882 Baldwin steam engine that still greets visitors coming in from the east along Hwy 50 today. Over time, the museum grew to cover 14 acres, and now hosts 40 buildings.

McDonald said in the early years of the museum, the Gunnison Valley community was even more “cliquey” than it is today. At first, the society granted membership solely to residents who had lived in the town for 50 years or more. Nowadays, membership is open to visitors for $25 each summer.

Since it was founded in 1965, the museum accepted artifact donations from the local community, many branching out from the initial pioneer theme. Now, it hosts cattlemen exhibits, a sprawling vintage car collection, military artifacts and relics from the trial of the “Colorado cannibal” Alfred Packer, the construction of the Alpine Tunnel and the Captain John W. Gunnison expedition.

At the center of the museum hubbub for over two decades, was curator and president Charles Julian (C.J.) Miller, who died in 2022. Every fall, Miller would stand, with a hand covering his white beard and watch Western Colorado University freshmen trim back Aspen trees and pick weeds. Then, he too would pick up the steel loppers, and cut back the spruce branches. He had high expectations for his grounds. Since his passing, McDonald and the passionate team of volunteers have worked to maintain the legacy he set.

“C.J. had high standards, but good standards,” McDonald said. “I remember one cold and windy day, the tin roof on a building started to rip off. C.J. told me ‘Let’s go!’ and had me hold the ladder while he tacked the roof back on. He must have been in his late 80s at the time.”

Now in his sixth year of volunteer work, McDonald has stepped into the outreach coordinator position, and now works to spread excitement around local history. Despite the growing number of exhibits, the museum has struggled to reconnect the Gunnison community with its history. In recent years, the campus has seen lower visitor numbers and is searching for more volunteers to work a weekly fourhour shift, guide tours and assist visitors.

“As a Western Slope native and fourth generation Western Colorado University graduate, the museum preserves and brings back so many memories,” said volunteer coordinator Darrah Miller. “I realized local history was something I wanted to become deeply involved with.”

On May 7, McDonald toured the new figurine and accessory gallery alongside collector Briels. The pair browsed through hundreds of years of military history. Plastic soldiers draped in historically-accurate

uniforms rested on shelves. On the left side of the building, foot-tall General Custer and Grant stood prominently.

Further down the exhibit, Comanche and Pawnee figurines held tomahawks, their faces colored with war paint. Housed inside plexiglass boxes, World War II Marines lifted the American Flag on Iwo Jima, and the Union cavalry charged into enemy lines.

After serving with the 101st Airborne Division and 1st Cavalry Division in the Vietnam War, Briels’ passion for military history led him to collect G.I. Joe, and other military figurines. Now his gigantic collection has moved from his garage to a small building on the museum grounds.

“I’m a history nut, I love the mountain men and the Plains Indians,” Briels said. “After serving in the Army, I began researching the Vietnam War and that led me back into my passion for military history. Collecting action fig -

ures helped me study history, and has been therapeutic for my battle with post traumatic stress.”

Additionally, the museum gained a collection of Gunnison Valley Masonic Lodge relics. The new building displays chairs, books and artwork from the Freemason fraternal lodges in Crested Butte, Gunnison and Tin Cup. The “World Largest Private Collection of Coors Breweriana” also received an update, adding more beerthemed accessories to the extensive display.

The museum will open for the summer season on May 15. For more information or volunteer opportunities, call Darrah Miller at 970.596.2226.

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

In the early 1960’s, the Pioneer Museum included the Paragon Schoolhouse (left) and Alonzo Hartman’s mail cabin (right). The two structures remain today. (Courtesy Pioneer Museum)

Briels stands next to his old Army uniform.

HCCA happy hour

High Country Conservation Advocates invites the public to meet their new advocacy director, Jon Hare, on May 9 at High Alpine Brewing in downtown Gunnison from 5-7 p.m.

Mountain Roots CSA

Join Mountain Roots 16-week CSA program. Delivery begins on June 27. Support local farmers and enjoy fresh, organic produce delivered weekly to your doorstep. Sign up at mountainrootsfoodproject.org.

Seeking arrowhead collectors

Area residents with collections of projectile points are invited to bring their finds to the Gunnison Library Community Room on May 11 from 10 a.m.2 p.m. University of Oklahoma archaeologists will share what they know about the artifacts and want to hear your ideas about them. This is an information exchange only. No valuations will be provided. Call 909.633.4711 with questions.

League of Women Voters meeting

The League of Women Voters of the Gunnison Valley will meet on May 14 at the Gunnison Library for a discussion of “Democracy Awakening, Notes on the State of America” by Heather Cox Richardson. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon. This meeting is open to the public.

Sage-grouse committee meeting

The Gunnison Basin SageGrouse Strategic Committee will meet on May 15 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the planning commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more information, please visit gunnisoncounty.org.

Children’s theater

Firebird Theatre presents an all-ages production of “Alice in Wonderland” on May 17-18 and 24-25 at Parish Hall in Crested Butte. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Find more information at firebirdcb.com.

Dance classes

Crested Butte School of Dance registration is open. Classes run from now-June 7 for adults and May 9 - June 3 for youth. Half and full-day summer dance camps for kids and over 30 weekly classes for dancers of all ages and skill levels begin June 17. Visit dancecrestedbutte.org for program details and registration. Email programs@dancecrestedbutte.org with questions.

Youth nature classes

Ripples Wilderness in Crested Butte offers classes for kids ages 6 and up to discover the beauty and importance of nature and where we fit in it all. Financial aid is available. Sign up for summer programming and find more information at rippleswilderness. com.

Trail closure

The Doctor Park trail is closed to all uses from now to Memorial Day weekend for bighorn sheep protection. Please respect all trail closures.

Producers’ Guild plant sale

The Gunnison Valley Producers’ Guild will host a vegetable and herb plant sale on May 25 at 513 S. Main St. from 11 a.m.2 p.m.

100th birthday celebration

Friends of Thomas McKelvie are invited to attend his 100-year birthday celebration on May 26 from 12-2 p.m. at the Western Colorado University Center.

Volunteers needed

Habitat for Humanity Gunnison is seeking volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. at 211 S. 6th St. in Gunnison. Help with painting, landscaping and basic construction tasks. No experience is necessary. Volunteers get a free t-shirt and lunch on Saturdays. Call 970.641.1245 or visit hfhgunnisonvalley.org for more details.

Rotary grant

The Rotary Club of Gunnison invites proposals from local charitable organizations for grant support, specifically those that serve children from birth to high school graduation. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or other type of charitable organization. The application deadline is June 3 at noon. Email Pam Montgomery at pgmflower@gunnison.com or call 970.901.9950 for more information and to apply.

GHS reunion

Gunnison High School’s 60-year class reunion will be held on July 12, with dinner at 5B's BBQ at 5 p.m. For more information, call Bob at 970.596.1556.

Overeaters Anonymous

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

May 18th

N I S

Ongoing Senior Services

Spring Hikes & Bird Watching Walks! Join the Senior Center for docent-led birdwatching walks and weekly hikes this Spring, Summer & Fall. Sign up for the Gunnison Senior Center Newsletter for advance notifications! Spaces are limited. Visitors welcome! To sign up: egillis@gunnisonco.gov.

SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS

Delivery Assistance Hotline: (970) 641-7959 - assistance with ordering, pick-up and delivery of groceries and prescription medications This includes deliveries from the Food Bank

• May 14: First Hike – Old Agency. Rated Easy. RSVP required – spaces limited. Details sent to those that sign up. Costs: Senior Center membership + $10 hike fee.

• May 16: Bird-Watching Walk @ Neversink & McCabe’s Wetlands. Led by local birding enthusiast Teri Pearce. RSVP required. Costs: Senior Center membership.

Senior Meals: (970) 641-8272 for advance orders OR (970) 641-2107 for same-day service. Pick-up or delivery only! Meals served Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays. Please note: all meals, all days are $4 during this time. Order in advance if possible! Upcoming menu:

• May 21: Signal Peak Loop Hike. Rated Easy. RSVP required – spaces limited.

• May 22 (12:45pm): Spring Flowers with Alcohol Inks. RSVP required – space is limited! Cost: $10 per person + Senior Center membership.

• March 27: Lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread, dessert

• March 30: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, fruit, dessert

Regular Activities: Mondays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Tuesdays – Canasta @ 1pm; Wednesdays – Book Club @ 1 pm on 1st Weds. of 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:

• City Market – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (7AM – 8AM)

FITNESS @ THE REC CENTER – Sign up at the Rec Center front desk!

Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym - Silver

Tuesdays @ 10AM

• Safeway – Tuesdays & Thursdays (7AM – 9AM)

the

Boom Muscle @ 9:30am - Silver

Classic @ 10:15am

• Walmart – Tuesdays (6AM – 7AM)

• Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food e – Monday - Saturday (8AM – 9AM)

• Clark’s Market (Crested Butte) – Every day (8AM – 9AM)

SENIOR MEALS

Self-reporting Form: www.gunnisoncounty.org /covid19.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 11:30 am. $5 per meal. Advanced orders appreciate (24 hours). Pick-ups between 11 – 11:15 am (advanced orders only).

ORDER MEALS: 970-641-8272

If you have symptoms but are otherwise OK, please fill out the form. If you cannot fill out the form, call the Call Center (970) 641-7660.

Menu: (all meals come with dessert!)

• Mon., May 13: Baked Chicken, Parmesan potatoes, veggies, frog-eye salad

• Weds., May 15: Hamburger Pot with Beans, roasted veggies, cornbread

• Fri., May 17: Pulled Pork Burritos, refried beans, applesauce

Call Center: (970) 641-7660 If you are having symptoms, cannot fill out the online form, or your symptoms are worsening, call the Call Center DO NOT go to your doctor ’s or the hospital If it is an emergency, call 911

Walk-in & visitors welcome! Homebound adults ages 55 & up eligible for delivery. If you need a ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970-596-6700 (call in advance) or call the Senior Center 970-641-8272.

ONGOING SERVICES

Please practice social isolation. Remain 6 feet or more from others when needing to be out, but staying at home if at all possible.

The Gunnison Senior Center & Community Recreation Center is closed until April 30th

Sneakers

Sneakers

in

Leisure Pool -Silver Sneakers Splash Class (all levels)

GHS track kicks into gear

Four Cowboys finish first in Grand Junction

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The Cowboy track and field team continued its exciting spring season at the Western Slope League Championship in Grand Junction on May 2 and 3. In the second-to-last meet before state, four Cowboys stood atop the podium, and several more placed in the top three.

“We competed really well,” said Head Coach Stacey Mickelson. “A lot of our athletes set personal record times, and everyone is getting better as the season is winding down.”

Each season, the Cowboy athletes battle to qualify for the state championship. Qualification is determined by a season-long ranking, and the top 18 athletes in each event book a ticket to Denver on May 16. With only one meet remain-

ing before the state competition, it’s crunch time for the Cowboys.

On Friday, May 3, the GHS athletes set a competitive pace. Jumper Angela Hindes, currently ranked first in the high jump, again placed first in Grand Junction. Sienna Gomez joined her at the top of the podium, taking first in the long jump.

Senior sprinter Bodin Bichon capped off an impressive league championship, taking first in the 400-meter dash in 51.27. In the distance events, junior allstar Madelyn Stice placed first in the 1600 meter with a new personal best time of 5:19.35. Jemma Petrie also shined in the 1600, taking second in 5:35.17.

Julian Ryter and Spencer Hays both set personal bests in the 1600, placing second and third in 4:40.65 and 4:40.81. Caroline Sudderth was the standout hurdler for the Cowboys, finishing second in the 100 meter.

The GHS athletes will compete at Pueblo West next on May 10. It will be the final meet of the season, and the last

chance to secure a state qualification. The state championship will be held on May 16 at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood.

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

Cowboys polish off Bruins

Hunter Vincent triple secures victory

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The Cowboy baseball team boosted its league record on May 7, defeating the Cedaredge Bruins 8-2 at home. The win moves GHS to a 9-9 overall record, and 3-4 in the 3A Western Slope League.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys opened with a flurry of runs thanks to smart baserunning from Grady Buckhanan and Marshall Spann. The game stalled at 2-1 until the bottom of the fourth, when the Cowboys blew the barn doors off. Talon

Kibler opened with a single and a stolen base to force a runner in scoring position.

The Bruins walked Jacob Riser, Kayne Chippiani and Rylee Berry in consecutive atbats, before senior Hunter Vincent knocked in a three-run triple to put the game to bed. It ended 8-2 for the home team.

The Cowboys will close out their home campaign in a league doubleheader against Moffat County on May 11 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The team will play its final regular season games away against North Fork on May 14, before the post season.

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

Grady Buckhanan lays down a bunt. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

Madelyn Stice and Jemma Petrie cruise around the Mountaineer Field House track at practice on May 7.

(Photo by Bella Biondini)

Girls golf surges into final tournaments

Allie Schwartz leads team with 99

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The Cowboy girls golf team took on the lengthy par-5’s and treacherous water hazards of Eagle Ranch Golf Club in Eagle on May 2. Despite the difficult course, senior captain Allie Schwartz broke 100 for the first time this season and led the Cowboys with a 99. Now, all eyes are on the state and regional tournaments to wrap up the season.

Cowboy No. 1 seed Aiden Tomlin shot 108 through 18 holes, taking second place on the team. Sophomore Faith Pederson finished third for the Cowboys with a 120. Freshman duo Norah Abila and Althea Stansbery finished strong, shooting 125 and 138.

The home tournament at Dos Rios Golf Course, initially scheduled for May 6 against Alamosa and Monte Vista, was canceled due to weather. It will be rescheduled with a team tournament at Dos Rios on May 15.

The top four players on the Cowboys’ roster will travel to the Cattails Golf Course in Alamosa for a practice round on May 13, followed by the regional tournament on May 14. If they qualify, the players will compete at the state tournament in Berthoud May 20 and 21.

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

All Stars start summer season strong

The Six Points All Stars shined at the Special Olympics regional track and field meet in Grand Junction on May 4. Thankfully, the athletes enjoyed the new scenery on the lengthy I-70 detour around the closed Blue Mesa bridge. Jeffrey Crawley was the standout athlete for the All Stars. He took first in the 5K run with a blazing time of 30.07 minutes. Additionally, he placed on top of the podium in the 400-meter dash and shot put. Angela Lee and Tom Dunham were also speedsters on the track, finishing first in the women’s and men’s 200-meter walk. Jade Hannah secured the final top spot for the All Stars, taking first in the long jump and 100-meter dash. Next up, the All Stars will compete at the state meet in early June at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

The girl’s golf team before teeing of at Eagle Valley Ranch. (Courtesy Kevin Mickelson)

Jeffrey Crawley (left) and Ricky Glatiotis (right) celebrate their first-and second-place ribbons.

(Courtesy Brian Smith/Six Points)

Champions of conservation

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates 34 years in Gunnison

Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

As the winter snow melts, hunters will soon dust off their rifles and wander deep into the wilderness near Gunnison and Crested Butte in pursuit of elk. Many are drawn to the hunt by the desire to live off of what nature provides. And when elk season ends, many of these elk hunters will shift gears to protect the bountiful land they recreate on.

Since 1990, Gunnison’s World Record Chapter, part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), has provided a platform for local hunters to get involved with elk habitat and wilderness conservation both in the Gunnison Valley and the remainder of Colorado. Since its inception 34 years ago, the World Record Chapter has raised more than $1 million to support land preservation efforts throughout the state. During the organization’s annual fundraising banquet at the Fred Field Center in April, the World Record Chapter raised over $67,000 — the majority of which will be put toward conservation projects in Colorado.

The World Record Chapter is just one of over 500 chapters of RMEF nationwide, each of which raises and donates money to local conservation projects. Although many of the projects funded by the World Record Chapter aim to protect elk populations and migration corridors throughout the state, its conservation ventures expand beyond the scope of big game animals.

“There’s kind of a misnomer that hunters are selfish because they’re harvesting animals,” said Doug Todd, a World Record Chapter member. “But at the end of the day, these are some of the most passionate people about wildlife conservation.”

Todd and his wife, Courtney, joined the World Record Chapter just over a year ago. Like many local RMEF members, they are avid elk hunters who wanted to find a way to protect public lands for future generations, he said.

The organization works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to purchase conservation easements from landowners throughout the region. Easements protect privately-owned land from further development by acquiring the developmental rights to the land. This restricts future commercial development, such as hotels or shopping centers, but allows owners to continue liv-

ing and working on their land.

Conservation easements are scattered across Gunnison County, and RMEF played a role in establishing several in the Gunnison Valley, including plots at Lost Canyon, Snyder Ranch and north of Blue Mesa Reservoir.

In addition to funding easements, RMEF allocates money towards local conservation projects. Each year, individuals, businesses or other groups with ideas for projects in their area can apply for funding through RMEF’s website. So far in 2024, the organization has awarded over half a million dollars to Colorado-based project applications. Some of these projects include fence removal, prescribed burns and elk migration studies throughout northwestern Colorado, Middle Park, Ouray, Delta and Montrose.

To RMEF, education is as important as the boots-on-theground work that volunteers do out in the wilderness. The organization funds programs that educate the public about wildlife habitat conservation, the value of wildlife management and hunting ethics. RMEF also funds scholarships for individuals to participate in programs and mentorships that teach outdoor skills.

“There are funds out there for work in your area, [you] just need to go through the right channels,” World Record Chapter member Terry Klug said.

All of the funds for the year are raised during each chapter’s annual banquet. Before the World Record Chapter’s banquet last month, local businesses donated hunting rifles, outdoor gear and art pieces for a raffle. Members also held a live auction for other hunting rifles during the event. For the first time, the group recognized a local business with an “Outstanding Supporter” plaque. The award went to Gene Taylor’s, whose support for the World Record Chapter spans 30 years.

Although the group only hosts meetings for the few months leading up to the banquet, the impacts of their fundraising work extend year-round. After members wrap up the season with a final meeting following the banquet, they’ll spend the rest of the year recreating in the wilderness they help to preserve.

Members view encouraging the next generation to protect the land as an important responsibility, Klug said. Several members of the World Record Chapter have been involved with RMEF for over two decades. As these tenured members approach retirement, they depend on young hunters to take over stewardship of the land. This year, five new members joined, up from zero the previous year.

“If everybody does a little bit of [preservation] work, [the land] is going to be there for

your kids and grandkids,” Klug said. “It is important to get involved with what excites you and moves you — that’s how I feel about this organization.”

More information on apply -

ing for funding through RMEF’s grant program can be found at rmef.org/grant-programs/. (Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Banquet guests chat with a World Record Chapter member about hunting rifles available in the raffle. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Attendees donned festive elk antler crowns before dinner.

Throughout the banquet, RMEF members announced raffle winners and held a live auction for hunting rifles.

Minecraft madness

Young artists brought the world of the beloved video game, “Minecraft,” to life with themed art projects at the Gunnison Arts Center on May 2. Kids created clay planters resembling “creepers,” which are monsters from the game. As they worked, the artists discussed how long they’ve been playing Minecraft and their favorite things about the game.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)