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redspotlight
October 31, 2013
Ghost Towns
reecekothe newseditor
Despite all of its positive attributes, Colorado hides a darker side, hidden within the rugged Rocky Mountains, that very few know about. In the mid 1800s, thousands of prospectors rushed to Colorado in search of gold and silver. During this time, crime was abundant as people’s greed to strike it rich drove them to go beyond their limits. This was the time of the true wild west where sheriffs never lasted long and villains often had the last word. As fast as the Gold Rush began; it ended leaving in its wake numerous old towns with violent, disturbing pasts that continue to plague the wilds of the remote Rockies. Tales of brutal deaths over a hundred years ago are told to this day. Many believe ghosts live within those sad, abandoned towns (located at 10,000 plus-feet) seeking their revenge from over a century ago. In old, forgotten towns such as Tin Cup near Buena Vista hidden deep in the dark, forgotten mountain basins; disturbance is not tolerated by the paranormal residents who continue to watch over the once rowdy town driving away any unwanted visitors. In the eerie town graveyard, ghosts are often seen patrolling the grounds desperately seeking peace that will never come. In a narrow canyon on the outskirts of Buena Vista, the remains of the ghostly town of Winfield lies rotting away. Only the ghosts of disappointed min-
ers roam the canyon in a town that went bust in just three years. Other towns that were once more lively and successful harbor even more tragic times. The town of Cripple Creek in southern Colorado once thrived during the mining days and still has even in present day. However, the town did not go unscathed. In the middle of town, an old hospital stands the test of time. During the Gold Rush, injured miners were treated there, along with the mentally ill. Shortly after the town failed, the hospital was converted into a hotel. Violent ghosts haunt the rooms and halls, scaring visitors and driving them away. Likewise, in the town of St. Elmo, a successful town of 3,000 residents at its peak, visitors have reported seeing a young women in the old hotel window on the second story. Locals say that she was the owner of the hotel and went insane after the town died and now looks over the town haunting those who intrude. Colorado is a state with many secrets. So the next time you explore the wild backcountry of Colorado, beware of the lost souls who roam its depths. Tour a ghost town and uncover the mysteries of its former days as you discover what really happened in Colorado’s dark mining past. Whether you have an encounter with a ghost of the 1800s or not, you will never view Colorado the same again.
davisanders
and seven Nebula Awards for science fiction or fantasy have gone to her most popular books Blackout, Doomsday, and Fire Watch. In addition Connie Willis she has been inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Willis cur-
Tiara Miller Jazz II band jams while playing “Work Song.” This concert was Doddridge’s first time directing in concert at EHS.
Band Shreds First Concert
tiaramiller featureeditor
Eaton High School band students made their new director, Logan Doddridge, very proud in their first concert of the year. Doddridge walked out of the auditorium on Oct. 25 with a huge smile on his face and said, “It was awesome! I can hardly breathe right now.” Doddridge said that this concert was one of the first times he’s ever been nervous. He said, “I was very pleased [with their performance]. I usually don’t get nervous... but I was really nervous for some reason.” He wasn’t nervous about the band’s performing poorly, he said, “The little details were the most stressful.” Jazz II opened with outstanding solos by pianist Josh Carner (15), trumpet player Zane Schneider (16), and clarionet player Ali Dyer (17). Jazz II played “Work Song,” “Killer Joe,” and closed with “Mr. PC.” All three songs were very cool and jazzy, and were complemented by fantastic solos. Jazz Band came out with “Night
Train,” a very fast-paced song with a dual between trombone player Jose Delgado (15) and guitarist Adam Schott (15). They went on to play “Hummin’” and “Hot Java Jump.” Doddridge said hechose the song because of his extreme love for coffee and because it was mysteriously covered in coffee. Schott also soloed during this bouncy, jazzy tune. Concert Band finished the show strong with “Dance of the Spirits,” “Blue and Green Music,” and “The Great Locomotive Chase.” “Dance of the Spirits,” a Halloween themed song that was both chilling and powerful. This song stood out because of the use of pots and pans to drum, creating a cool, creepy feel. “Blue and Green Music” and “The Great Locomotive Chase” were both very powerful, mature pieces. “Blue and Green Music” featured solos by Mishayla Stephenson (14) on the vibraphone and Megan Radcliff (15) on the bass clarinet. “The Great
Locomotive Chase” featured solos by Delgado on the trombone and a duet by Janell Edsall (14) and Haley Cox (14) both on alto saxophone. Doddridge said that his band has “not only gotten better at music, but also grown as musicians. They are able to talk with me about music.” It is important to Doddridge because it helps them grow as musicians and people who listen to music. The winter band concert on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Tiara Miller
Adam Schott (15) solos in “Hummin”
Nationally acclaimed Science Fiction author Connie Willis comes to EHS staffreporter
Connie Willis, a nationally acclaimed science fiction writer, will visit Eaton High School on Nov. 4 to lead a writer’s workshop focusing on the rising and falling action of plot for up-and-coming writers. Willis, who has published over 20 novels and short story compilations, has won many awards for her short stories and novels. Three of Willis’ 11 Hugo Awards
rently resides in Greeley Colorado, and attended Colorado State College, now the University of Colorado, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Liz Weaver, events coordinator for the Eaton Library, said Willis was “very gracious” when asked about coming to Eaton. Weaver said her greatest hope is that the “Community will realize you don’t have to look to a big mega city” to try to find an
incredible author or artist. “You only have to travel 20 miles, virtually right in our backyard, to find somebody so highly respected in the science fiction community.” When Willis agreed to a writer’s workshop, Weaver contacted creative writing teacher Merri Kirby to get the event going at the high school. Kirby expressed how excited she was for such a popular author like Willis to come to EHS. Kirby said, “Its so great
the library could arrange this. We’re expecting a very large turnout with quite a few students.” Willis’ books are familiar to several students at Eaton High School. Emily Naill (14) said, “I have read a couple of her books and absolutely loved them. I’m really looking forward to the workshop she will be putting on.” The clinic is open to all ages, and Willis has encouraged all students to bring a pencil and notepad.