State plans to exclude most of Gunnison from enterprise zone
Downtown businesses, nonprofits may lose tax credits
Bella Biondini Times Editor
Under Colorado’s Enterprise Zone (EZ) program, Gunnison is labeled as “economically distressed.” Upon re-evaluation, the state plans to remove most of Gunnison and its downtown area from the map at the start of 2026. While this may appear to be good news for the city, a number of local businesses and nonprofits may lose
NEWS: TAPP prepares for leadership change, A11
COMMUNITY: McDonald
retires from Pioneer Museum, B1
SPORTS: GHS girls track and field wins meet, B6
OBITUARIES A2
OPINION A4
CLASSIFIEDS A15-A18 SPORTS B6
City proposes 13% electric rate hike
If approved, increase takes effect May 1
Bella Biondini Times Editor
Citing “extreme inflation” and pass-through costs from its wholesale power provider, the City of Gunnison is proposing an electric rate increase of 13%.
This is the fourth consecutive year the city has raised electric rates. After a public hearing on Tuesday, which resulted in only one resident comment, city council is expected to approve the rate increase at an upcoming meeting on April 22. The changes will show up on residents’ utility bills starting in May to avoid the peak home heating season.
According to Finance
Director Ben Cowan, the cost of the materials used to maintain Gunnison’s electric grid have been heavily impacted by inflation. Price increases and supply chain issues have held steady since the pandemic. For example, between 2021 and 2024, the cost of transformers, pipes and power poles has more than doubled. At the same time, the price of the power the city purchases from the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) — an electricity cooperative that provides energy to municipalities across four states including Colorado — is increasing 9%, also largely due to inflation.
The city’s electric fund, supported solely by electricity bills, has not been able to keep up. The monthly increase is expected to be roughly $8.13 for the average customer’s electric bills.
Library district approves new CB South library
Will finance project without tax increase
Alan Wartes Times Publisher
Last fall, Gunnison Valley voters rejected a proposed tax increase to fund the construction of a new library in Crested Butte South. Now, the Gunnison County Library District Board of Trustees say they got the message, and have approved a plan to proceed with the new facility without new tax revenue
“By refocusing existing resources, and postponing some previously planned ser-
vice improvements, the district is now able to move forward with delivering a much-needed new library in the North Valley,” an April 7 district press release stated.
The district currently operates libraries in Gunnison and Crested Butte. In recent years, trustees set a strategic goal of adding a third library to better serve the north end of the valley, according to Sally Hays, district board president.
“The board has been running the library incredibly fiscally conservative for years, in the sense that we don't run into budget shortfalls,” Hays said.
“When the voters came back and said no, we re-evaluated. We still feel the need of having
Enterprise A6
HANDS-ON SCIENCE: Kids explored the “magic” of chemistry during a Western Colorado University Chemistry Club show on April 4. For more, see A8. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
Gems from the BiBle RECEIVE GOD AND HIS OFFER OF MERCY And what a difference between man’s sin and God’s forgiveness! For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this one man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God’s mercy.
Selected by Renee Balch & Leta Haverly
access to tax credits designed to stimulate the Western Slope’s rural economy.
Following a number of business closures and with lingering vacant buildings, the economic health of downtown Gunnison has been the center of conversation for more than a year. Elected officials, with the help of Region 10, a nonprofit that supports small business and regional development in six Western Slope counties, are preparing to request a map amendment. They are racing the clock as the public input period ends in May.
“There is a sense for many people that we are not as vibrant as we once were, or we could be … “[We] are serious about doing and exhausting every effort we can to get this map resolved,” City Manager Amanda Wilson told the Times. “It’s a 10-year period. It has a long-term impact.”
Colorado lawmakers created the EZ program to encourage job growth and economic development in 16 designated zones that have high unemployment rates, low per-capita income (a snapshot of the standard of living) or slow population growth. These determinations are made using census data and are re-evaluated every 10 years. Currently, the entirety of Gunnison County is considered an enterprise zone.
But if no changes are made to the newly drawn maps, many businesses and nonprofits will no longer be eligible for a variety of tax credits and exemptions through the program. The counties most impacted by the redesignation are Gunnison, and neighboring Ouray and
Hinsdale counties. According to a letter from Mayor Diego Plata to the Colorado Economic Development Commission, the EZ tax credit program leveraged nearly 250 jobs and $70 million in investment in 2024 alone in the Region 10 area. Only a small portion of Gunnison now qualifies.
“Having this program is extremely important in our county and makes a financial difference for many of our businesses and nonprofit organizations … These are significant investments in our communities and are influential in decisions for businesses to relocate, expand or open in our region,” Plata wrote.
Some tax credits may be as small as a couple hundred dollars, while others are more than $100,000, depending on which one businesses take advantage of. Some of EZ incentives include a state income tax credit of $1,100 per new employee to promote the creation of jobs. Businesses can also earn income tax credits on personal property investments, new commercial vehicles or job training. Another incentive covers a portion of the cost to renovate aging buildings that have sat vacant for a number of years.
The Colorado EZ program also supports the fundraising and operations of nonprofits. By offering donors a 25% state income tax credit for donations and 12.5% for in-kind gifts, the program “incentivizes giving and makes charitable support more accessible and appealing,” Gunnison Arts Center Executive Director Alysa VandenHeuvel told the Times in an email.
“These credits have significantly enhanced the GAC’s ability to attract donations, which are crucial for sustaining community arts programming and
to
preserving the historic building,” she said.
While it’s a positive on paper to shed the “economically distressed” label, it signals the loss of incentives to doing businesses in the area, said Courtney Tribble, Region 10 economic development district program manager. And in the wake of the pandemic, the census data used does not tell the whole story.
The years directly after the pandemic, particularly 2021 and 2022, were some of the region’s best, Tribble said. In what was later described as the “mountain migration,” people fled the city en masse and moved into rural areas. The influx of remote workers with higher incomes, paired with a tourism boom, brought more wealth into Colorado’s resort towns, and an uptick in population. Tribble believed the EZ census data captured a snap -
shot of a region with a supercharged economy marked by higher sales tax collections and visitation.
But a number of Western Slope communities, including the Gunnison Valley, are slowly returning to pre-Covid numbers. In 2020, Ouray showed even more stringent signs of economic distress, and the state designated it as an “enhanced rural enterprise zone.” The county has since almost graduated out of the program. But the feedback Region 10 has heard from the business community is news that a significant number of storefronts have been shuttered.
“What we're feeling in our communities is not being depicted on paper,” Tribble said. With assistance from Region 10, the city plans to challenge the data used to determine Gunnison no longer meets
the EZ criteria. According to Wilson, staff believe some of the numbers, particularly around income and population, may have been skewed. The census data seems to have captured the neighborhoods directly outside of city limits, where residents tend to have higher incomes than those in town. The earliest Region 10 can submit a boundary amendment based on new data is June 2026.
“We have to try to use the city boundaries and see if that has an effect. And if it proves that it doesn't, then we at least know that we gave it everything that we had to make it work for our business community,” Wilson said.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
appropriate services both at the south end and the north end of the valley, so how could we possibly make that happen?”
The result of that discussion is a $12 million project that takes a multi-layered approach to meeting the board’s goals. First, the district will proceed with a new $8 million, 10,000 square-foot library in Crested Butte South. That phase of the project will be largely funded by issuing up to $7 million in certificates of participation — a common financing mechanism used by municipalities and other public entities. The district will contribute up to $1 million for construction from its reserve funds. The district already owns the land — a 1.5 acre parcel in Crested Butte South, purchased with district reserves in October 2024.
The district has never directly borrowed money before, said Gunnison County Libraries Executive Director Drew Brookhart, meaning step one will be to obtain a credit rating. He hopes to have that done and to be in a position to proceed with financing by the end of 2025.
The second phase of the project that was presented to voters last fall is to build eight units of affordable housing on the same property. The plan envisions two three-bedroom-two bathroom and six one-bedroom apartments. The board intends to finance that by seeking grants, Brookhart said. The projected cost is $4 million.
The planning and design process for the proposed construction is already underway, paid for by a $1 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The new facility is planned to include a community workshop and an interactive children's library with separate quiet reading rooms.
(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@ gunnisontimes.com.)
“We found a good path forward,” Brookhart said. “It will truly advance library services, allowing us to do a better job for everyone, while also respecting voters and the community.”
Prior
the redesignation, all of downtown Gunnison was considered an enterprise zone under the state’s program. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
A conceptual drawing of the proposed new library to be located in Crested Butte South. (Courtesy Gunnison County Libraries)
GUNNISON COUNTY ALL HAZARDS HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION DAYS
WHO: GUNNISON COUNTY RESIDENTS
WHEN: FRIDAY: 4/25/25 AND SATURDAY: 4/26/25
TIME: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (BOTH DAYS)
WHERE: GUNNISON COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
195 BASIN PARK DRIVE (NEXT TO RECYCLE CENTER) GUNNISON, CO 81230
For further information contact Gunnison County Public Works at 641-0044.
DÍA DE RECOLECCIÓN DE RESIDUOS DE HOGAR DE RIESGOS EN EL CONDADO DE GUNNISON
QUIEN: RESIDENTES DEL CONDADO DO GUNNISON
CUÁNDO: VIERNES: 25/04/25 Y SÁBADO: 26/04/25
HORA: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (AMBOS DÍAS)
DÓNDE: DEPARTAMENTO DE OBRAS PÚBLICAS DEL CONDADO DE GUNNISON 195 BASIN PARK DRIVE (AL LADO DEL CENTRO DE RECICLAJE)
COSTO: $2.00 POR GALÓN/LIBRA ($2.00 MÍNIMO)
Para más información, póngase en contacto con: Obras Públicas del Condado de Gunnison en 641-0044. GUNNISON, CO 81230
SE ACEPTARÁN LOS SIGUIENTES ARTÍCULOS Y MUCHO MÁS: Ácidos • Anticongelante • Baterías de coche • Cáusticos • Limpiadores • Fertilizantes • Liquidos Inflamables • Aceite • Pintura/Pintura en aerosol • Pesticidas NO SE ACEPTAN ELECTRÓNICOS
Enchanting elements
Families flocked to Western Colorado University for the annual chemistry magic show on April 4. Western Chemistry Club students, wearing safety goggles, lab coats and mad scientist wigs performed a host of “magical” science experiments to the delight of the audience. Color-changing liquids, bubbling dry ice and exploding dust stole the show, demonstrating the wonders of chemistry.
(Photos by Mariel Wiley)
Palisade Townhomes | S 6th
Gunnison Times
mugs: $10
Hats: $20
T-SHIRTS: $20
Hoodies: $40
County Road 10 Bridge Closure
Effective April 21st, 2025, to approximately May 16th, 2025, the County Road 10 (Walker Lane) Bridge will be closed. Located approximately 4.27 miles from the frontage road on the south end and .35 miles from Highway 135 on the north end. This closure is to facilitate the necessary replacement of the bridge decking. During this time, travelers may need to use the southern entrance as an alternative route.
Please contact Gunnison County Public Works Department at 970-641-0044 with any questions.
LOCATIONS- The Boathouse in Taylor Canyon The Taylor and the Gunnison Rivers
PALISADES AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY BLUE MESA RECREATIONAL RANCH
is looking for housekeepers, maintenance, grounds-keeping and front desk customer service employees. If you would like to stay on-property with your RV, rent is only $150/month and includes all utilities. $15-$18/hr depending on experience. Full-time work, then enjoy this beautiful area on your days off. Must commit to the full summer season through 10/7. Call 970-784-6190 if interested.
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
CBES - Permanent Substitute Bus Drivers Food Service Substitute teachers
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
GHS - SPED Teacher
GHS - Math Teacher
GHS - Office Manager
GHS - Educational Assistant
GES - Music Teacher
GMS - Math Teacher
GMS - Office Manager
Lake - Kindergarten Teacher
CBSS - Science .57 FTE Teacher
CBSS - PE/Health Teacher District Psychologist
COACHING
CBHS - Head Hockey Coach
CBHS - Volleyball Coach
Please contact:
Superintendent’s Office
JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@ gunnisonschools.net
GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $72,397.26 to $102,405.83 plus full benefits. Take home vehicle & uniform allowance provided by the Sheriff’s Office.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $23.60 to $31.69 plus full benefits.
Jail Administrator
Sheriff: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range is from $6,778.80 to $8,240.87, depending on experience, plus full benefits.
Weed Program Technician –Summer Seasonal Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly range from $25.01 to $28.48, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
Motor Vehicle Supervisor –Deputy County Clerk
Clerk/Recorder: 40 hours/week, monthly range from $4,825.07 to $5,493.46, depending on experience, plus full benefits.
Communications Director County Manager: 40 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $7,616.73 to $10,773.85, depending on experience, plus full benefits.
Shop Foreman Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $34.81 to $39.63, plus full benefits.
Temporary Planner I Community Development: 30 hours/week, hourly range from $31.28 to $38.02, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Part-Time Openings: Lifeguards: $23-$29.33/hr.
Special Events/Project Assistant: $20.91 to $23.64/hr plus $1.78 incentive completion bonus.
Summer Ditch Laborer: $25.09 to $27.82/hr plus $1.78 incentive completion bonus.
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.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY
seeks applicants for our fully benefitted Custodian I position.
Full-time (40 hours/week). Starting pay rate $18.78/hour. Western’s benefit package includes PERA retirement and medical/dental/vision insurance plans (with generous employer contributions), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. Employees receive basic life insurance and disability insurance at no cost. Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for FREE!
To view the full job announcements and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (EOE)
UNIVERSIDAD DE WESTERN COLORADO
busca solicitantes para Custodio I ¡Beneficios incluidos!
Tiempo completo (40 horas / semana). Tasa de pago inicial $18.78 / hora. El paquete de beneficios de Western incluye jubilación de PERA, planes de seguro (con generosas contribuciones del empleador para su seguro médico/dental/ de la vista), beneficios de matrícula en la Universidad para empleados y dependientes, vacaciones pagadas, tiempo de descanso pagado para enfermedad y 11 días festivos pagados por año. Los empleados reciben seguro de vida básico y seguro de discapacidad sin costo. ¡Los programas de bienestar para empleados y las capacitaciones de desarrollo profesional están disponibles GRATIS!
Para ver el anuncio de trabajo completo y entregar una solicituda, visite western.edu/ jobs y haga clic en “Ver carreras” (EOE)
Si tiene preguntas, envíe un correo electrónico a HR@ western.edu
$18-$22/hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and complimentary golf. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com.
HOT TUB TECHNICIAN: Part-time year round position with growth opportunities. Pay starts at $25/hr plus incentives. Prior experience, weekend shifts and skilled repair work pays more. AWD work van, work clothing and ongoing training provided. We respect and value our employees. Call CB Hot Tub at 970-275-5700.
THE TURD HERDER IN GUNNISON is Hiring a Seasonal Water and Wastewater Technician. Job duties include septic system pumping and inspection, sewer line jetting and unclogging, sewer line camera and locate work, excavation for system installation, sewer line repair and replacement. Candidate must have a clean driving record. Class A CDL or Class B CDL with tanker endorsement preferred. Experience with septic tank pumping and heavy equipment operation. Knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems, equipment repair and maintenance, septic system function and septic system installation. NAWT Certification in septic system cleaning/inspection will be provided. Starting wage of up to $35/hr. DOE, paid as salary. The job is considered seasonal, starting May 1, 2025, running through October 31, 2025. Potential 401K and paid vacation after meeting required criteria. Please visit our website @ www. theturdherder.com to apply or contact our office at 970-641-7450.
STEPPINGSTONES CHILDREN’S
CENTER IS HIRING: We offer competitive pay starting at $20-$23 depending on experience, plus an amazing staff filled with caring and loving people and great benefits. Visit us in Crested Butte and come be a part of our team! Send your interest and resume to Steppingstonescb@gmail.com.
ADVANCEMENT MANAGER: The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory has an opening for a full-time advancement manager to lead strategic initiatives and new fundraising opportunities. The role is an integral member of the development team and is responsible for implementing and progressing strategic initiatives to grow and diversify RMBL revenue streams. These initiatives include alumni/planned giving campaigns, website development, cultivation of individual donors and private foundations, grant/proposal submissions, and capital
Legals
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION AND CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Ragged Mountain Fire Protection District, Gunnison County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S. The following candidates are hereby declared elected:
Steve Lacroix 4-year term until May 2029
Eric J. Gross (Signature of the Designated Election Official)
Eric J. Gros (DEO’s Printed Name)
Contact Person for the District: Viki Harris
Telephone Number of the District: 970-9295500
Address of the District: 3688 Hwy 133, PO Box 570, Somerset, co 81434 District Email: office@rmfpd1.org
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of April 10, 2025 16927
NOTICE OF ELECTION
NOTICE OF THE ELECTION FOR NORTH FORK AMBULANCE HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICT MAY 6, 2025 DELTA COUNTY, COLORADO
Ballots will be mailed the week of April 14, 2025 to all active registered voters. Ballots will not forward so please make sure your mailing address is current. Ballots may be returned by U.S. Mail (affix adequate postage) or may be dropped off at a designated drop off location. YOU CAN VERIFY, UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS, OR REGISTER TO VOTE AT www.govotecolorado.gov
campaign planning. Ideal candidates will be mission-driven, thrive in small organizations and prefer to work in teams rather than silos. We seek someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who enjoys working in a dynamic and fast-changing environment. A bachelor’s degree and experience in fundraising, sales, and/or marketing are required. This is a non-exempt position with a starting salary of $60,000 and additional benefits of a $6,000 annual taxable salary supplement, accrued vacation days, seasonal lunch plan, and flexible work schedule outside the summer season. To see the full job description and learn how to apply, please visit our website at rmbl.org/about-us-2/jobs/.
SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for heavy equipment operators in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience of 1-2 years required. Must be able to assist laborer performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $30-40/hr depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to: office@spalloneconstruction.com.
POWERSTOP is looking for head cook. Pay is $50,000 minimum, position also offers paid time off and health insurance reimbursement. Pay is based on 40 hours a week. Applications must be able to work mornings or evenings and weekends. Resumes to be in a sealed envelope attention Sean. Drop off at Powerstop.
IT TECH/COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR:
Location: Saguache County, Colorado
Job Type: Full-Time Department: Information Technology Salary: $55,304/yr.
Summary:
Saguache County is seeking a highly skilled and experienced IT Tech/ Communications Director to oversee and manage our technology infrastructure and communications systems. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of our network, as well as managing various technology-related projects. This role requires a commitment to monitoring and maintaining the network during weekdays, weeknights, holidays, and weekends. The IT Tech/Communications Director must be prepared to respond to cyber-attacks or network issues at any time.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and references to
24 Hour Drop Boxes *ADA accessible voting machines are available at any VSPC listed below.
Delta Human Services – 320 W 5th St, Delta Monday through Friday (April 28 to May 5)
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday (May 3) 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Election Day (May 6) 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
North Fork Annex - 196 W Hotchkiss Ave, Hotchkiss Co
Election Day (May 6) 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
24 Hour Ballot Drop Boxes – Available
Starting April 10th
Delta Courthouse - 501 Palmer St, Delta North Fork Annex - 196 W Hotchkiss Ave, Hotchkiss Paonia Town Hall – 214 Grand Ave, Paonia Town of Crawford – 425 Highway 92, Crawford
Track Your Ballot: Visit www. GoVoteColorado.gov or call 970-874-2153
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 10, 2025 16852
NOTICE OF ELECTION POLLING PLACE
NOTICE OF POLLING PLACE ELECTION FOR GUNNISON COUNTY METROPOLITAN RECREATION DISTRICT
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and particularly to the electors of the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (“District”) of Gunnison and Saguache Counties, Colorado.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election of the District shall be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Board of Directors of the District has designated the following polling place(s):
Queen of All Saints Catholic Church 401 Sopris Avenue, Crested Butte, CO
Fred Field Western Heritage Center
275 Spruce Street, Gunnison, CO
At such election, the electors of the District shall vote for Directors to serve the following terms of office on the Board of Directors of the District:
Two Directors for Four-Year Terms
The names of persons nominated and terms of office for which nominated are as follows:
Dave Wiens for Four-Year Term
Adam Shindler for Four-Year Term
Sharon Mills for Four-Year Term
Shawn Cooper for Four-Year Term
the Saguache County Human Resources Department at aquintana@saguachecountyco.gov or deliver to Saguache County Administration, 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO 81149. You may also find the job application online at https://saguachecounty. colorado.gov/employment-opportunities Applications will be accepted until Thursday, April 17, 2025. Saguache County is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a Seasonal Recreation Program Assistant. This position is 24 hours/week and performs a variety of duties associated with the planning, coordination, and administration of Parks and Recreation programs and activities in a supporting role to the Recreation Program Coordinator. Requirements: must be at least 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License, Current CPR & First Aid certifications or able to obtain within 30 days of employment. Pay: $21/hr. Full job description is available on the Town’s website at www.townofcrestedbutte.com. Please submit your application and resume to jobs@ crestedbutte-co.gov. Position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY seeks a Bilingual Advocate for a 25-27 hour/week position to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and/or stalking. To apply, send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: director@hope4gv.org. See further info on our website at hope4gv.org/employment.
NOW HIRING: Seasonal help up beautiful Taylor Canyon. Looking for cleaning/serving staff with some gardening. Competitive pay and seasonal housing available (just for employee). Contact Rory or Becky (970) 641-2606.
GVRHA is hiring a full-time experienced Office Manager to support all aspects of the organization including communications, operations, accounting support and community engagement. The ideal candidate will receive all incoming visitors, calls and general emails, has excellent communication skills (verbal and written), and QuickBooks experience is a plus. Strong organization skills, keen attention to detail, knowledge of and experience with website and social media platforms also required. GVRHA offers a comprehensive benefit package
Sean Patrick for Four-Year Term
Sheila Davis for Four-Year Term
GUNNISON COUNTY METROPOLITAN
RECREATION DISTRICT
By /s/ Sue Wallace
Designated Election Official
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 10, 2025
16843
PUBLIC HEARING
THE SOMERSET DOMESTIC WATERWORKS DISTRICT is holding a Public Hearing on April 15th, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Somerset Community Center to pass the adoption of a new service plan for the formation of a sub district for parks and clean up for the acquisition of the Gunnison County Park.
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 10, 2025
16844
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR AN OIL AND GAS APPLICATION, OG-25-00001, SUBMITTED BY SG INTERESTS I, LTD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO NEW GAS WELLS FOR THE FALCON SEABOARD 11-90-12 #3 WELL PAD ON A PARCEL LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED WITHIN SECTIONS 1, 11, 12 AND 13, TOWNSHIP 11 SOUTH, RANGE 90 WEST, 6TH P.M. GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO
APPLICANT: SG Interests I, Ltd.
LOCATION: The proposed wells are located on a parcel legally described as a tract of land situated in Sections 1, 11, 12 and 13, Township 11 South, Range 90 West, 6th P.M. The proposed activity will occur in Section 12, Township 11 South, Range 90 West, 6th P.M.
PROPOSAL: The applicant proposes the development of two new gas wells on an existing well pad described as the Falcon Seaboard 11-90-12 #3. There are two existing wells, Falcon Seaboard 11-90-12 #3 and Falcon Seaboard 11-90-12 #5 on the existing well pad. The proposed two new wells are referred to as Falcon Seaboard 1190-12 #4HC and Falcon Seaboard 11-90-12 #6HC.
COMMENT PERIOD: Comments will be accepted until end of day April 24, 2025. Submit written comments by mail (to the County Community Development Department, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite
including paid holiday, vacation, and sick days, generous employer contribution towards medical, dental and vision insurance for both employee and dependents, and 3% employer match to a Simple Ira. Preference given to bilingual candidates. This is a nonexempt position and pays $23-$26/hour. Please send resume to: hiring@gvrha.org. For more information, visit gvrha.org/joinour-team.
SOLAR BEAR ELECTRIC: Looking for persons that are tired of a job that does not have a future for a good living and security in the future. Willing to train the right people for a great future as an Electrician. Very good starting salary and quick advancements as you learn a trade for your future security in a field that will only grow more and more. Start your future now Call 970-349-6473 for more information.
PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY seeks a Director of Operations for a 32 hour/week position to provide bookkeeping and administrative support. To apply, send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: director@hope4gv.org. See further info on our website at www.hope4gv. org/employment
PARKS SPRING CREW (Seasonal) - Need some cash this off season? The Town of Crested Butte Parks and Recreation Department is hiring a Parks Spring Crew for summer prep/winter cleanup. Work will begin mid-April once the snow is gone from most parks and public areas and will end by Memorial Day. Duties include raking, power washing, painting, and general cleanup and repairs. Full job description is available on the Town’s website at www.townofcrestedbutte. com. Please submit your application and resume to jobs@crestedbutte-co.gov. Position is open until filled. Pay $20/hour. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
NOTICE
SPRING RUNOFF: There is potential for flooding due to snowmelt in the spring. If you are a property owner in an area prone to high water or flooding, please consider the following: Is your property flood insurance in force and up to date? What is covered by your flood insurance? Have you taken steps to prepare your property for flooding (berms, sandbags, etc.)? Are there items that could be moved to higher points on your property
D, Gunnison, CO 81230) or by email to cpagano@gunnisoncounty.org. A copy of the application is available in the Gunnison County Community Development Department, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO or online at: https://gunnisoncounty.org/436/Permit-
Database Additional information may be obtained by calling the Department at (970) 641-0360. /s/ Cathie Pagano Assistant County Manager for Community and Economic Development Gunnison County Community Development Department
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 10, 2025 16907
MEETING NOTICE
Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District
Board of Directors Meeting Monday, April 28, 2025, 5:30 PM
The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular board meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the UGRWCD Offices, 210 W. Spencer Ave., Suite A, Gunnison, CO 81230 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing. Please call the District at (970)641-6065 for the Zoom registration line or any questions.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado
Publication date of April 10, 2025 1634
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Crested Butte South Metro District Request for Proposal
or in your home in the event of a flood? Have you and your family identified where you would go and what you would take with you should you need to evacuate? Have you signed up for emergency alerts? Sign up for alerts at https://www.gunnisoncounty. org/145/Emergency-Management. Prepare early – don’t wait until the last minute. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or the Colorado Water Conservation Board https:// cwcb.colorado.gov/focus-areas/hazards/ flood-information-resources for information on the National Flood Insurance Program and other flood information. For additional local information contact: - City of Gunnison Floodplain Manager Eric Jansen at 970-641-8151 ejansen@ gunnisonco.gov; - Gunnison County Floodplain Manager Hillary Seminick 970-641-7930 HSeminick@gunnisoncounty.org, or visit https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/1011/ Floodplain-Development - Town of Crested Butte Floodplain Manager Mel Yemma 970-349-5338 Ext. 119 Melyemma@crestedbutte-co.gov - Town of Mt. Crested Butte Community Development 970-349-6632 Gunnison County Emergency Management 970-641-2481 smorrill@gunnisoncounty.org or rwhite@gunnisoncounty.org
REAL ESTATE
PRIME RETAIL SPACE NEXT TO CITY MARKET IN GUNNISON: 1,500 sq. ft. of prime ground floor retail space available in the Meadows Mall next to City Market in Gunnison - Huge parking lot, tons of foot traffic, excellent 135 highway visibility - Rent is $2,750/month NNN - For more information, call Jordon Ringel at 817-733-6947 or visit GunnisonMeadows.com.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 10, 2025 16908
PUBLIC NOTICE
Saguache County is seeking to hire a qualified consultant to complete pre-development design and engineering Plans for affordable housing in Saguache County, Colorado. Work includes a Phase 1 environmental assessment with soil sampling for target parcels, design of a base affordable singlefamily home utilizing local materials and labor for use in eight (8) or more Casita Park parcels and elsewhere, and individual parcel foundation engineering. With housing expertise to support Saguache County staff with specific Grant-related activities and expertise to increase professional capacity.
Applications are due no later than 3pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison Colorado Publication dates of April 10, 17 and 24, 2025 16906
SUMMONS
SUMMONS
District Court Gunnison County, Colorado Court Address: 200 E. Virginia Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230
Plaintiffs: J. Craig Bryant and Luanna L. Bryant
v. Defendants: B.H. Jorgensen; the Board of County Commissioners of Gunnison County, Colorado; and any and all unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action
Attorneys for Plaintiffs: Law of the Rockies Jacob A.
The Crested Butte South Metropolitan District (CBSMD) is accepting proposals for all excavation and associated work for the installation of a 6’x6’x8’ vault and connections to the existing 8” water main adjacent to 2214 Bryant Ave in Crested Butte South. CBSMD will purchase all parts including pipe, fittings, valves and vault for the project. The contractor will transport all parts to the project site and make the connections to the existing water main. The sequence of the project must be scheduled in the manner to limit the time required for the water main shutoff to 12 hours. The contractor will complete all backfill in accordance with CBSMD road cut document guidelines and return the site to finished grade and vegetation restoration. The project may begin after June 1, 2025 and must be completed by August 1, 2025. Please visit www.cbsouthmetro.net or call 970-349-5480 for the complete details of the project scope. Proposals are due by May 1, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Proposals will be evaluated and then awarded no later than May 8, 2025.
Larry McDonald retires from Gunnison Pioneer Museum
Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor
At the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, a stroll around the 14-acre property transports visitors back in time. More than 1 million artifacts rest on the museum’s shelves and its manicured lawn, items ranging in scale from tiny broach -
es to train cars, and even an entire schoolhouse. However, it is the museum’s curators who bring these items’ stories back to life.
Since 2018, Larry McDonald has spent countless hours unraveling the threads of the valley’s history to share with others at the museum. Although his passion for history emerged later in life, his wealth of local historical knowledge has made him an invaluable resource to Gunnison residents curious about their town’s past.
McDonald made the difficult decision this spring to relocate from his beloved Gunnison home to Colorado Springs, but throughout it
The McDonald family. From left to right: Debra, Loretta, James, Larry and Robert. (Courtesy Larry McDonald)
Larry McDonald leads a tour at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum in April 2024. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
all, he continues to dive into
“Every tiny little ghost town was publishing a newspaper … I consider the historic newspapers and documents and photos the most important part of our preservation efforts.”
Larry McDonald Gunnison Pioneer Museum
“Those stories, I want them to be told. I want these pioneers to be remembered,” McDonald said.
McDonald was born and raised in Gunnison alongside his sister Debra and
brother Robert while their father attended Western State College in the 1960s. The family moved frequently for work, but McDonald always maintained a strong connection to the valley through family hunting trips and later as a student at Western. After graduation, McDonald traded his “ski-bum lifestyle” for a career in public and private recreation management between California and New Castle, Colorado.
McDonald said it was the devastating loss of his father in 2016 that finally brought him home to the Gunnison Valley, and helped spark his fascination with history. James was working on a book at the time of his death, and had asked his wife and son to complete his work.
McDonald was amazed to find that his father had traced back nearly 1,000 years of their ancestry. James had meticulously connected the thread from one relation in Middle Ages England, to descendants who first set foot on the eastern shores of North America during the 1600s, and eventually to not-so-distant relatives who settled in the eastern plains of Colorado by the 1880s.
While continuing his father’s work, McDonald discovered a family relation to the one and only Captain Gunnison, the namesake for the Gunnison Valley. Captain John Williams Gunnison was
an American military officer and explorer whose 1853 expedition to survey a route for the Pacific Railroad took him and his party through Colorado’s Tomichi Valley and Black Canyon. McDonald’s relation to one of the valley’s key historical figures inspired him to keep decoding the past.
“Everything’s connected, when you start really digging deep,” he said.
McDonald joined the Pioneer Museum team soon after, and quickly moved up the ranks from volunteer to writing weekly history columns for the Gunnison Times Over the years, he spent thousands of hours researching both prominent historical figures and those that time had forgotten, including the victims of the Crested Butte mine disaster of 1884.
On that day more than a century ago, a buildup of methane gas inside the Crested Butte Mine (also nicknamed the Jokerville Mine) caused an explosion that killed 59 workers. McDonald was inspired to learn more about the disaster after stumbling upon a headstone in the Crested Butte cemetery with the name Daniel McDonald and a death date that aligned with the event.
With the help of his mother Loretta, an amateur genealogist, McDonald built profiles for all of the workers who died for a memorial display organized by the Town of
ALEX FRANK GUEST
McDonald and his sister Debra graduated from Western State College, their father’s alma mater. (Courtesy Larry McDonald)
McDonald B3
Crested Butte. The McDonalds’ research included finding and marking the graves of other miners who weren’t buried in the mass grave.
Daniel was one of those lost victims of the explosion, whose untimely death was quickly followed by that of his infant son. Baby Daniel was buried alongside his father, whose headstone has stood tall above them both for more than a century.
McDonald said he hopes that sharing these stories can help those who reside in the valley feel connected to and remember their forebears in life and in death.
“There are just so many little different things about Gunnison history, and we haven’t done the best job of really acknowledging and sharing our history,” McDonald said.
And historical documentation is something that the valley has in abundance: Gunnison County produced more newspapers than any other county in the state other than Denver before 1900, with over 30 regular newspapers in circulation, McDonald said. Today, hundreds of those newspapers are stored in the Pioneer Museum and deep inside Western Colorado University’s archives.
“Every tiny little ghost town was publishing a newspaper … I consider the historic newspapers and documents and photos the most important part of our preservation efforts,” McDonald said.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of preserving the past is encouraging people today to take interest in it, McDonald said. But there are ways to fight this “uphill battle,” such as community efforts to protect historic architecture (such as Pam Williams’ recent
work preserving Hartman Castle), educational murals and signage or events that commemorate significant dates and stories.
Despite putting hundreds of miles between himself and the valley, McDonald said he remains addicted to its history.
His personal collection of over 300 historic books (the older, the better) continues to grow, and he plans to continue his studies with a new emphasis on the Colorado Springs area, and its connections throughout time to the Western Slope.
“There’s still so much more
history that hasn’t been uncovered in our county … My hope is that Gunnison will continue to expose all those hidden histories,” he said.
(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Hiring - K-12 Art Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Colorado Department of Education teacher license - Visual Arts Grades K-12 endorsement
• Desire to live in a small, remote mountain community
• Collaborative skills and flexibility to teach effectively in small school setting
• Strong communication skills to enhance interactions with students, parents, colleagues, community
• Experience in individualization/differentiation of instruction, Response to Intervention, and use of technology as a tool for learning
• Clean driving record and willingness to drive suburbans of students in mountain driving conditions
• Interest in supporting co-curricular student activities
DATES OF EMPLOYMENT:
August 2025 – May 2026; 4-day school week (Tuesday - Friday); .75 FTE position; salary based on education and experience; benefits include 100% health/dental/life, 151-day contract, 8 personal days, K-12 public school teaching in US
TO APPLY: Licensed application available www.lakecityschool.org. Please submit a complete application including cover letter, resume, District application form, 3 letters of reference, transcripts, and copy of Colorado teaching license to Shawn Arthur, Administrative Assistant by email: shawn@lakecityschool.org or mail: PO Box 39, Lake City, CO 81235.
Hiring - Lead Preschool Teacher/ Director & Educational Assistant
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Desire to live in a small, remote mountain community
• Collaborative skills and flexibility to teach effectively in small school setting
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with students, parents, colleagues, community
• Experience working with preschool age students with a knowledgeable base of performance-based learning and social emotional learning
• High school diploma, Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 3, and Small Childcare Director Qualified preferred
• Ensure compliance with state licensing, health and safety regulations
• Manage enrollment and Universal Preschool Program
DATES OF EMPLOYMENT:
August 2025 – May 2026; 4-day school week (Tuesday-Friday)
Full-time FTE position; 151-day contract; salary based on education and experience; benefits include: 100% health/dental/life, 8 personal days
TO APPLY: Preschool teacher application available www.lakecityschool.org.
Please submit a complete application including cover letter, resume, District application form, 3 letters of reference, and transcripts to Shawn Arthur, Administrative Assistant by email: shawn@lakecityschool.org or mail: PO Box 39, Lake City, CO 81235.
McDonald started as a volunteer at the Pioneer Museum in 2018, but joined the board of directors soon after.
Sticks and stones can break my bones but words …
Wendy Videlock Special to the Times
It is said the more names you have for a loved one, the more affection you have for them. I suppose this is why those nicknames and pet names, (from sweetheart to pumpkin to bubba to buddy to babe) are called terms of endearment.
A toast then, to the love of my life, to the salt of my earth, to my Cap’n Crunch, to my two-for-lunch, to my fox at dusk, to my hunka hunka honey bunch.
I have given our tawny little cat a string of names that to me, float across the air like a song. But to others might sound like a cackling coven of witches.
Asha Seleenka Sosostris Sophia Maria Gatita Bonita Mia is her name. I only know she comes when I call.
Like a cat, poetry enters the room and just like that I must concur: I have nothing
better to do.
May she long lay in my lap and purr.
These days I tend to call many of my beloved friends and family honey, or sweetie, or when I’m feeling ironic, dah-ling. I’m old enough that nobody seems to mind. I think it’s kind of a rite of passage for women who make it past a certain age — and I have to say these pet names roll easily off my tongue. I had a grandmother for whom we were all honey, and an aunt who was generous with the word sweetheart.
Lots of men these days call their male friends, brother. I notice my friends of Indigenous heritage, whatever the gender, often use cousin as a term of endearment for friends they meet along the way.
I have a few acquaintances who call me girlfriend, or girl. They say it with a little snap of the finger. I can’t seem to take that one on. I might be past the expiration date on that one. But I do like referring to my closest girlfriends as sister, or sister on the path.
A dear friend and mentor from Salida used to call me Little Buffalo. We all called her Ma James.
It always seemed to me you emerged from a haze, hid yourself in a thousand ways, revealed yourself in the turn of a phrase, those eyes of yours blue as rain and strangely ablaze.
Ah, Montana, oh Ma James. Brutally true, American made.
Justice and mercy your daily clay. It seemed to me you befriended me one foot in the mud, one eyebrow raised, rooted in humor and earthly complaint.
Ah Montana, oh Ma James, the back roads and mountain passes and dragons you slayed!
I’m not surprised you’ve left this place in much the same way— emerging from a smoky haze, one foot in the grave, one glass of wine raised, brutally missed, aquarius made, planted in joy and earthly praise. With a shawl across your shoulders, you’ve stepped out of this maze, struck by beauty, married to truth, and hardly phased. Just another bright star in the night, ablaze. Oh Montana, Ah Ma James.
A friend of a friend used to call me boss. After a while, I realized he called lots of people that. He was an extremely tall guy, and I figured it was his way of leveling the playing field. But then I met another guy (also from South Dakota), who also called people boss, and I figured it was a regional influence at work.
Here in western Colorado, I notice ranchers often call their
young kids cowboy or cowgirl. A neighbor with an orchard calls her daughter peaches. My father used to call me dear, but only when he was extremely annoyed with me. That’s one of the ways terms of endearment or pet names can be used to establish a hierarchy, or put someone in their place. In the workplace, your boss calling you sweetheart is, thankfully, a thing of the past. I should quantify that: ideally it’s a thing of the past.
Terms of endearment and nicknames can be delightful — and can be tricky.
A grizzly old bear of a friend who lived outside Ridgway once taught me an invaluable lesson about language. He was my elder and had lived a very colorful life and he had a brilliant sense of humor — and an abiding love of language. I wrote a poem about him in which I refer to him as My Moses and Big Jack. He very much approved:
My Moses Big Jack and his walking stick live on the ridge. Kokopelli’s orphan kids dance for him, bobcat urine's in the weeds, the shotgun barrel's up his sleeve, a Persian coin is on the wind.
The Chinese Mountains smell the moon and arch their backs. I tell him, Jack, sometimes I wish I was living in canvas France, the old west, a picture book, the Sea of Tranquility, or even in
the den near the hot spring. He says, kid, to hell with phantom limbs; spring is a verb, a wish is a wash, a walking stick is a gottdam wing.
After knowing him for many years and feeling as familial as familial can be, I began to call Big Jack, Jackie. He bristled. He tended toward bristling and I tended to like poking the bear, so I continued. And he continued to bristle. I finally told him that my calling him Jackie was just another form of affection. “I don’t like the diminutive,” he said. “It makes me feel diminished, like a little kid.” This was an aging man, and immediately I understood. A diminutive is when we call a Bob, Bobbie, or Melissa, Missy, or Dan, Danny. “Besides,” Big Jack continued. “You didn’t ask.”
Well then, I said, correcting my posture,
Jack, dah ling, would you mind terribly if I called you Jackie ? I’d be honored, he replied. And so he was My Jackie until the day he died.
(Wendy Videlock of Palisade currently serves as poet laureate of Western Colorado. Reach her at westernslopeword@gmail. com.)
Tips and tricks for preparing scallops
Enid Holden Special to the Times
I have always been leery of cooking scallops because I found them to be tough, rubbery and a bit bland, until a friend brought over a surprise dish of pasta with scallops in garlic cream sauce. Yum. Thank you, Monica! Since then, I’ve seen them on sale in local supermarkets and researched the tricks of preparing them.
I’d like to share a few tricks and my favorite garlic cream sauce recipe that only uses five ingredients and goes wonderfully with any kind of pasta — although I use mainly spaghetti or tagliatelle. The scallops are sliced up and so the dish ends up being an economical treat for an entire family. The scallops are a substitute in taste for shrimp or lobster.
Locally, the scallops come mainly frozen. First, you should defrost them, rinse them off in
water, and first trick, marinate them in a cup of milk for a few hours. This reduces the fishiness and makes them creamier in flavor.
Ingredients:
1 lb scallops
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter. Unsalted is best so you can adjust the seasoning.
4 cloves garlic minced or garlic powder
1/3 cup white wine such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio. Wine is optional. You can use chicken stock instead, or leave it out.
3/4 cup heavy cream, thickened cream or even evaporated milk.
1 tbsp lemon juice, just enough in a creamy sauce like this one.
Parsley or chives, optional, to garnish.
1 pack of pasta.
Directions:
First, heat the water with a little salt for your pasta. Scallops only take four to five minutes to cook. That’s the second key step. Heat them in an oiled pan with a little butter. You want them to sizzle and crisp to a
golden brown on both the top and the bottom only. The first scallop should sizzle as soon as it hits the oil. If it doesn’t, wait and heat the pan before adding more. Then, use a large pan or cook in batches to make sure they are about one-inch apart. Sear them without moving them for about two to three minutes on
each side. Any more and they’ll be tough. Put the pasta in the hot water to cook. Then go straight into making your sauce. Melt butter in the same pan as the scallops, scraping in any delicious browned bits. Add garlic. Pour in dry white wine, and reduce to half. Add cream, heat, but don’t boil or burn. Simmer. Stir
in lemon juice off the heat. Slice up the scallops into four or six parts and add the scallops back into the pan on heat to serve over the pasta. If you want to add a veggie, sliced spring onions or frozen peas work great. They get added at the end.
(Enid Holden is a Gunnison writer, artist and foodie.)
(Envato Elements)
PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS
Top O’ the World Plant Sale
Pre-order now on our Facebook website. Pick up plants May 16-17 at the Fair Grounds.
Colorado Native Plants
Join us for a talk about lawn conversion, seed starts and native gardens on April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Gunnison County Library. For more information, contact gunnisonconps@gmail.com.
Public Lands awareness
Join us on April 12 at 11 a.m. to ski Snodgrass in Mt. Crested Butte. This event is to raise awareness by supporting conservation of public lands and the people who steward them. We will gather at the trailhead at 11 a.m. to hear a few words about the importance of public lands, snow and winter recreation to our local community and offer a show of support.
Film screening: ‘Docked’
WSAT and Western Colorado University present a showing of the film Docked. A film that features information about human trafficking on Colorado’s Western slope. The film will be presented at the WCU Theater on April 16 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit westerslopeagainsttrafficking.com.
Sage grouse meeting
The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee will be April 16 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the Planning Commission Meeting Room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more updated information, including the most recent agenda and access to the virtual meeting, please visit gunnisoncounty. org/187/Gunnison-Basin-SageGrouse-Strategic-Com.
Free cooking class
Join GV-HEAT and Mountain Roots for a free, four-week com-
munity cooking class using portable induction stoves. As part of the class, we offer four free cooking classes, a free food giveaway, and a portable induction stove raffle at the end of class. The classes will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on April 15, 22, 29 and May 6 at the Fred Field Center, 275 S Spruce St. in Gunnison. Visit https://bit. ly/3FuyvMn to sign up, as space is limited.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Join us on April 10 at the Western Colorado University Center at 6:30 p.m. for a SAAM film screening of I Am Evidence to bring awareness to sexual assault for the month of April. This critically acclaimed HBO documentary exposes the alarming number of untested rape kits in the United States, bringing much-needed attention to the disturbing pattern of how the criminal justice system has historically treated survivors of sexual assault.
The Feminine Rager
Join us April 12 from 8-11:30 p.m. at The Gunnison Arts Center Dance Studio for the Feminine Rager. This event is a vibrant, inclusive community celebration of femme energy—part dance party, part cathartic singalong and part creative gathering. We'll have live DJs, expressive fashion and a space for folks of all genders to let loose and be loud together. Tickets are $20 For more Information contact Sierra Hainsworth at 801.592.9491.
Engineering Student Advisory Board fundraiser
Join the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program Student Advisory Board (SAB) at High Alpine Brewing Co. April 17 from 5–8 p.m. to support student trips, career fairs and conferences. A portion of drink sales goes directly to expanding these opportunities—come connect with students and support future engineers.
GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS
One Act Play Festival
Join us April 11-12 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of original short plays in the Blue Box Theatre. Featuring works by Paul Edwards and his playwriting students, these stories explore life-changing moments and how characters face personal challenges—from a girl seeing her dad in a new light, to a woman confronting her past.
Saturday Clay Day: Easter garlands
Join us April 12 at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate Easter with a fun Ceramic Garland Class. Join Cat Avila to make cute clay garlands with your family. Perfect for all ages, this class is a great way to get creative and make memories together.
Vietnam assembly
Come to the GHS auditorium on April 10 from 10-10:30 a.m. for an assembly about the Vietnam war led by our local veterans group.
Film screening: Thinking Like Water
The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD), in collaboration with Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands will host a free film screening of Thinking Like Water on April 18 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Western’s University Center Theatre in Gunnison. The film, starting at 6:00 pm, will be followed by door prize giveaways and a Q&A discussion with local watershed restoration leaders.
We want your event announcements!
The Gunnison Country Times publishes nonprofit event announcements free of charge.
• Please keep your announcement brief (3 sentences).
• Our deadline for submissions is noon on Tuesdays.
• Please send details to publisher@gunnisontimes.com.
AND Series: Wood Burning and Whiskey
Join us April 18 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for a creative and relaxing workshop with Chelsea McKenzie. Enjoy whiskey cocktails while learning to create personalized wooden pieces. No experience necessary
The Moonlight Concert Series
Join us April 18 at 7 p.m. for Jenny Hill Pankratz and Lizzy Plotkin. The pair have been making beautiful folk music together for over 10 years, inspired by the mountains. This special night will feature their performance, followed by Golden Shoals, who play lively old-time music with a modern twist.
Film screening: ‘Secret Mall Apartment’
Join us April 26 at 6:30 p.m. for Secret Mall Apartment produced by Jesse Eisenberg. In 2003, eight Rhode Islanders secretly built and lived in an apartment inside the Providence Place Mall for four years. What started as a wild prank became a powerful symbol of rebellion, creativity and defiance against gentrification. Don't miss this unforgettable true story in our new Blue Box Theater.
GHS girls track and field take first
Cowboy jumpers combine for Grand Junction victory
Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
The Cowboy track and field teams earned podium finishes and personal bests at the Frank Woodburn Invitational in Grand Junction on April 5. The girls team, led by a strong jumping squad, finished first place overall, while others shed time and set new personal records.
“We’re in a better place than we were at the same time last season,” said Head Coach Stacey Mickelson. “These kids are competing really well, and we’re picking up from where we left off.”
Catalina Schwab held down the distance running fort while
Mountaineers smash PRs at Maverick Invite
Butterfield leads Western track and field
Gregg Petcoff Special to the Times
Western Colorado University’s outdoor track and field teams finished off opening day of the Maverick Invite on April 3 with a number of careerbest marks.
Logan Butterfield and Anthony Avila placed second and third in the men's hammer throw, and each recorded personal records in the event.
Butterfield's fourth toss soared 56.36 meters, and Avila's fifth attempt traveled 49 meters to earn top-three finishes. Butterfield continues to hunt
second-place spot in Western’s history.
In the first event on Thursday, a pair of Mountaineers raced to PRs in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Jayda Nix placed fourth in the women's race in a time of 11 minutes, 15.23 seconds, and Joseph Houdeshell tied his career best in the men's race with his fourth-place time of 9:58.96.
The 5000 meter run also produced a few individual records.
The Mountaineer women ran to a fourth through seventh place, and two of those runners hit personal bests.
Haley Wood's fifth-place time of 17:53.08 and Lacey Kunz' seventh-place time of 18:19.57 shattered personal times. Fourth place Gretchen Slattum
In the men's 5000, Oliver Diaz won the event with a time of 14:48.91, notching the second fastest time in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference so far this outdoor season. Kyle Partin took second with the third-fastest 5000 in the RMAC.
The pole vault and long jump events also provided top finishes by Western competitors.
Aaleiah Porter-Gyll and Sophie Varela took first and second in the women's pole vault, both clearing a height of 3.15 meters. Varela took second on one extra miss during the competition.
Mountaineers finished second through fifth place in the men’s vault, led by Max Kittsteiner. Robert Letsche placed third, tied with Jake Gash who cleared a personal record height, and Ben Ford in fifth.
Gabi Huggins won the women's long jump with a best leap
of 5.63 meters, less than an inch off her individual record, while teammate Emma Alford placed fifth.
(Gregg Petcoff is the assistant athletics director for communications at Western Colorado University and can be reached at gpetcoff@western.edu.)
Catalina Schwab gallops ahead in a distance event. (Courtesy Sienna Gomez)
Track B7
Logan Butterfield competes in the hammer throw. (Courtesy Western Colorado University Athletic Communications)
Jemma Petrie was away attending the science olympiad. The senior took second place in the 1600-meter run, and fifth place in the 800, providing key points in the absence of Jemma, and Madelyn Stice, who continues to recover from injury. Sophomore Maya Petrie tacked on a third-place time in the 200-meter dash, while Eden Williams took 12th.
Caroline Sudderth fanned the flames in the hurdle events. The junior placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles, and fifth in the 300-meter hurdles, while Brooke Terry finished on her heels. The combined effort paved the way for the Cowboy jumpers to rake in points.
Angela Hindes shined in the high jump, placing first with a leap of 5 feet. Lee Brunsting and Terry placed second and third in the triple jump, and senior Sienna Gomez notched a third-place leap in the long jump. To cap off the meet, the 4x100 relay team of Gomez, Hindes, Williams and Sudderth took first, while the 4x200 team of Gomez, Maya, Sudderth and Aubrey Welfelt placed second.
On top of a commanding, first-place finish for the girls, Stice also returned to training last week, and is hopeful to begin competing in the coming month.
“We had some great training, but then went straight on
spring break,” Mickelson said. “Now that we’re two weeks past the break, everyone is back in the groove, and that really showed over the weekend.”
Senior Jackson Dalleck stood as the top athlete for the GHS boys in Junction, earning a second-place finish in the 1600, and sixth-place time in the 800.
Shane Mensing added to the senior dominance with a second-place toss in the discus, and 11th in the shot put. Arno Mortensen finished off the
Cowboys’ performance with a sixth-place leap in the high jump. The combined effort earned the GHS boys team an 11th place finish out of 20 competing schools.
The Cowboy athletes will return to the oval at the Thunder-Storm Invitational in Pueblo on April 12.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Kayden McDonough and Avery Crean take their marks on the blocks.
Maya Petrie accelerates into the long jump.
Lee Brunsting leaps into the sand pit.
Cowboy baseball falls to Titans
The GHS baseball team dropped its opening league doubleheader to powerhouse Coal Ridge on April 5. The losses moved the Cowboys to a 5-6 overall record, and an 0-2 start to life in the 3A Western Slope League. The boys will host the Basalt Longhorns in a doubleheader on April 12, with the first pitch slated for 11 a.m.
Kahne Chippini eyes down the base path.
Talon Kibler cruises to first base. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)
Holden Vickers guards first base.
Tomlin leads Cowboy golf with 79
With a week of practice at the Dos Rios Golf Club under their belt, the GHS girls golf team shed strokes off their rounds at Cobble Creek Golf Course in Montrose on April 7. Junior Aiden Tomlin climbed high on the leaderboards, and broke 80 for the first time this season with a fourth-place 79. Sophomore Norah Abila finished 27th with a 100, and Faith Pederson took 37th with a 104. The girls will hone in their games on the range this week before traveling to Glenwood Springs on April 15.
Faith Directory
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 us out on YouTube at Gunnison Bethany.
B'nai Butte Jewish Congregation
PO Box 2537 Crested Butte, CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com
Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and surrounging areas in Colorado.
April 12 at 6 p.m. - Passover Community Seder
April 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - “History of Greek Jews from Antiquity until the Present” presentation by Elliot Colchamiro
For more details and locations go to bnaibutte.org
Spititual leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com bnaibutte.org
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
SUNDAY
Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year)
WEDNESDAY (during school year)
Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. firstbaptistgunnison.org.
Gunnison
Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203
Reverand Ian Wrisley
Welcoming, Open and Affirming, Building a Just world for All. Sundays, 10 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.
Starting March 5 - Wednesday night service at 7pm.
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 Communion Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.
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.
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.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Gunnison Branch 810 N 11th St. 970-648-4804
Sacrament Meeting 10 a.m.
Attending church each Sunday is a respite from fast-paced daily living. Join us to worship God, strengthen your spiritual connections, and focus on Jesus. Worship with a community of people who are trying to be more Christlike and learn from each other.
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
Aiden Tomlin, Althea Stansbery, Kaylee Vincent and Norah Abila take the tee at Cobble Creek. (Courtesy Kevin Mickelson/GHS)
Tomlin tees off on the 10th tee.
And just like that …
Skiers and snowboarders celebrated the end of the winter season with a few final laps at Crested Butte Mountain Resort on April 6. The crowd donned silly costumes and outfits to shred the springtime slush. Although the chairs have stopped spinning at CBMR, Monarch Mountain will remain open through April 13.
(Photos by Mariel Wiley)
Preschool & LAKE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
TUESDAY, APRIL 15 4-6:30PM
Preschool Registration Opens March 1. Kindergarten Registration Opens April 1. Tour the school - Come meet the teachers!
At the open house, technical and translation support will be available for those that need assistance applying for UPK preschool scholarships, kindergarten and/or preschool registration. For more info 970-641-7704
TO REGISTER VISIT: lake.gunnisonschools.net
Students must be 3, 4, or 5 years old respectively by August 1st to be eligible for our Preschool 3, Preschool 4, and Kindergarten entry.
La Inscripción Preescolar se abre el 1 de Marzo. La Inscripción para Kínder se abre el 1 de Abril. Recorre la escuela - ¡Ven a conocer a los profesores!
En la jornada de puertas abiertas, habrá apoyo técnico y de traducción disponible para aquellos que necesiten ayuda para solicitar becas de preescolar UPK, kindergarten y/o inscripción preescolar. Para más información 970-641-7704
Para registrarse visite: lake.gunnisonschools.net
Los estudiantes deben tener 3, 4 o 5 años respectivamente antes del 1 de agosto para ser elegibles para nuestra entrada a Preescolar 3, Preescolar 4 y Kindergarten.
UPK 4-Year-Old Scholarship Applications
Available Online Now AT upk.colorado.gov
April 13 at 10 a.m. Palm Sunday April 17 at 7 p.m. Maundy thursday April 18 at 7 p.m. Good Friday April 20 Easter Sunday - Easter Breakfast at 9 a.m. - Worship at 10 a.m. - Easter Egg Hunt following service.
BREAST SCREENINGS
We provide a comprehensive set of breast screening services that includes 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography and Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (ABUS).
Radiology | 970-641-7253
COLONOSCOPY
Screening Prevention&
A screening colonoscopy is recommended for everyone over 45 years old even if you do not have any symptoms.
Specialty Clinic | 970-641-3927
PRIMARY CARE
At Gunnison Valley Health we have the screenings and services you need to monitor your health and identify concerns early.
With family medicine, internal medicine and pediatric care, we can help you be healthy and well.
Family Medicine Clinic | 970-642-8413
WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC
We o er comprehensive gynecological care including hormone replacement therapy, menopause care and endometriosis treatment.
Specialty Clinic | 970-641-3927
DERMATOLOGY
We o er preventive dermatology services including full-body skin checks, early skin cancer detection and treatment for chronic skin conditions.
Specialty Clinic | 970-641-3927
DIRECT ACCESS LAB TESTING
Take charge of your health. Our direct access lab testing allows you to request many routine lab tests without a provider referral, making it easier to stay on top of your health.
