Gunnison Country Times, October 10, 2024

DAs office seeks record budget

Office needs evidence technicians

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

District attorney offices around the Western Slope are contending with considerable caseloads and high turnover. To offset the workload, the 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is seeking two full-time evidence technicians to help the office deal with a glut of digital evidence, and keep diverting work from overburdened attorneys.

Each year, the 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office (which includes Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties) makes a

budget request of each of the six constituent counties. The office’s total request, made at the start of September, is 13% higher than last year and its largest in history at just over $3.8 million. In an annual budget request, District Attorney Seth Ryan (who recently announced his resignation) cited a continuing preponderance of digital evidence from bodycams, salary increases, rising health insurance premiums and diminishing funding for victim services as factors for the high request.

The office is funded primarily by the counties it serves, and each monetary share is decided by population count, not overall case number. Gunnison County has the third-highest population in the district — at just over 17,000 — falling behind DA budget A6

County approves Whetstone plan

Gates offers to take on project at a discount

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

In the vision of Gunnison County planners, Whetstone is a pressure relief valve for local workers: offering affordable, secure housing as early as 2027 for those facing limited rental stock and astronomical home prices.

Amidst ongoing critique about the project’s affordability, the project’s design was finalized as Gunnison County Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners approved Whetstone’s final plan on Oct. 8. After the joint public hearing,

the commission recommended approval of the $130 million design, followed by county commissioners in a subsequent meeting — minus Laura Puckett Daniels, who recused herself.

Whetstone aims to offer just over 250 residential units with 476 bedrooms, primarily for the local workforce. Income restrictions range from 120% area median income or less to 170% or less, with some free market units. It offers a mixture of studio apartments, and oneto three-bedroom units. Many buildings will offer single-car garages and storage lockers.

This summer, county planners and their development partners cleared a number of hurdles for the $130 million housing project. Earlier this summer, the county received

Whetstone A6

Gunnison’s first sober living home a success so far Community foundation offers crowdsourcing

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

At the start of the year, the basement of a dark blue Gunnison-area home in the northwest corner of town was practically barren, threaded with exposed wire and a fatigued carpet. Just six months later, the space has been transformed, offering new rooms for Gunnison’s sober living home residents.

The city’s first sober living home, which offers a support-

ive environment for those seeking sobriety from drugs and alcohol, opened at the start of 2024. Since then, the home has added capacity with new bedrooms, and owners continue to renovate the space. The home’s financial model, using rents to pay the mortgage, is proving successful. Now, nonprofit owner Gunnison Sanctuary Housing is considering another sober living home for women in coming years.

The home is the result of years of work by local advocates and couple Mary Beth and Scott Kelley, who lost their son to an overdose in 2019. The couple owns the home under the nonprofit, but day-to-day operation is taken up by Oxford House, a sober living organization that Sober home A8

SADDLE UP: The Gunnison Elementary School Mustangs showed up to the Gunnison High School homecoming parade in Cowboy gear on Oct. 4. For more, see A9. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

“Seven years later, we still have people that want the same meal they had that many years ago. It says a lot.”

— Kevin Reinert, Burnells Farmhouse Eatery

See story on A15

Election coverage cutoff next week

The Times will include an election guide in the Oct. 17 edition. This will coincide with a pause in election coverage until results are compiled since ballots have been mailed to county residents. Election-related letters will not be accepted after the upcoming edition has been published.

School district contracts for Title VI complaint

The Gunnison Watershed School District approved a contract with Investigations Law Group (ILG), a Title VI complaint investigator, at a regular meeting on Oct. 7. ILG’s senior partners are paid $395 an hour, investigators are paid $225 and analysts, $175 per hour. Title VI is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, low-income or limited English proficiency.

Highway safety meeting

The City of Gunnison, Gunnison County and the Colorado Department of Transportation are hosting a traffic safety open house on Oct. 16 from 12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. at the Gunnison County Courthouse. The group will hear feedback on the Hwy. 50 West and Hwy. 135 Access Control Plan, meant to provide predictability for future new development access and increase traffic safety along Gunnison's major highway corridors. The plan includes proposals for traffic calming techniques, like additional traffic lights, and access consolidation, or replacing multiple driveways on a given corridor with fewer and safer access points to the highway.

Correction

The story titled “Front Range developer eyes parcel in west Gunnison,” in the Oct. 3 edition of the Times incorrectly stated the Urban Villages was founded by Grant McCargo. It was co-founded by Grant and Tom McCargo.

Douglas A. Kennedy

On Sept. 22, 2024 the Gunnison Valley lost a longtime resident and lover of the Gunnison Country. Douglas A. Kennedy, born Jan. 30, 1951, passed away peacefully in his Gunnison home. Doug had a great thirst for life, the great outdoors and friendships. Doug had a passion for anything outdoors from fishing to hunting, rafting, camping, ATVs and four wheeling along with snowmobiles, motorcycles and boating. In Doug's early years growing up in Colorado Springs, Doug's mother, Mary, encouraged him to play the piano. Doug then discovered basketball, and nearly every other sport with a ball. Doug followed his love for basketball and earned a scholarship to Western State College, where he acquired a degree in teaching which he followed up with a master's degree in education. Doug applied his degrees to teaching middle school math in Manitou Springs for 27 years. Along with teaching, he coached basketball and track.

Doug is survived by his father Buck, sister Cindy KennedyCrosman (Rick), sister in-law Lynne Kennedy and numerous extended family members. Doug is preceded in death by his mother Mary E. Kennedy, two brothers, Micheal M. Kennedy and Curtis C. Kennedy. Doug will be missed by many friends and family. As of late, Doug claimed his death song to be, "Don't Look Back" by Boston.

Friends and family would like to thank all of the professional staff who helped with Doug's

passing, especially Bre Norris with Your Journey Forward and all of her team. As per Doug's request, there will be only a very small private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please teach a child some form of sportsmanship.

William Austin Knowles

Bill Knowles passed away in his home on Sept. 26, 2024 with his family by his side. Following several chronic health issues, he decided to enter hospice. He was at peace and ready to join his loving wife, Sue, who had passed away nine months before him. His legacy and the long-lasting impact of his actions and example will reverberate throughout the Gunnison Valley for years to come.

Bill was born in Denver, Colorado on Sept. 2, 1946 and was welcomed into the Gunnison home of John, Evadna, and brother Bob Knowles. With the exception of the years serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bill spent his entire 78 years living in and improving his beloved Gunnison Valley.

Bill was a diplomat in all of his dealings: thoughtful, kind, humble, and never one to blow his own horn (so we will do it for him). He was loving and giving to his cherished family and always the voice of reason whenever it was needed. His community benefited greatly from his dedication to maintaining and improving the Gunnison Valley as a wonderful place to live.

Bill demonstrated his kindness early on. When he was 8 years old, his younger cousin

Candy moved into his family’s home because her mother had passed away. Two weeks after she arrived, she was scheduled for an emergency tonsillectomy and, realizing how frightened she was in a new environment with pending surgery, he went to her with his teddy bear and said, “This teddy bear had his tonsils out when I had mine removed, so he knows what to expect. He would like to go to the hospital with you to be your friend.”

The teddy bear was a great source of comfort during her hospital stay. When she returned home, she tried to return the bear, but he wouldn’t accept it saying that it belonged to her now. She slept with the teddy bear for years. This is the story of how Bill’s heart changed her life, and he has been changing lives ever since.

As a youth, Bill followed his dad’s tracks to the ski slopes. John Knowles had handmade skis while he was in college in the 1920’s and helped to build the first chairlift in Colorado on Cement Creek south of Crested Butte. Skiing was what John’s kids did every winter day when they weren’t in school and they loved it. Bill was 14 when Crested Butte Mountain Ski Resort first opened, and on the first run down the mountain that Thanksgiving Day, he broke his leg. He didn’t think it was an honor to be the first broken leg at Crested Butte as he would miss most of the season.

That same year he fell again — this time for Sue Wallace, who was the daughter of Frank and Betty Wallace. Thus started a love affair that lasted for the rest of their lives. They dated in high school and married on Sept. 24, 1966. For the 57 years of their marriage Bill referred to Sue as his bride. Their marriage was overflowing with mutual respect and love for one another.

That same year, during the draft for the Vietnam War, Bill received a low draft number. Knowing he was going to be called up shortly, he and Sue

continued with their planned wedding and he left for basic training in the Air Force. The Air Force trained him as a medic and he was sent to Fairchild Air Force base in Spokane, Washington with Sue by his side. He served as Airman First Class in the 810th Medical Group. He ended up being assigned to the ambulance service and delivery room and he never did get sent to Vietnam. Consequently, he was able to help Sue deliver their first child, Julia Lynne on Dec. 16, 1969.

After an honorable discharge and returning home to Gunnison in 1970, he went to work for Frank Wallace at the Conoco station on Tomichi Ave. Bill graduated from Western State College with a business degree in 1972. Bill and Sue settled into family life on the Knowles Ranch and welcomed daughter, Beth Ann, on Aug. 26, 1972. This was the life that he had dreamed of having and it had come to fruition.

With his business degree in hand, Bill opened Alpine Auto Repair and Welding on West Tomichi Ave. His employees often said how they were treated fairly and with a great deal of respect. If a customer came in that Bill didn’t know, he certainly did by the time their vehicle was repaired. He loved that aspect of his work.

Bill also thawed many frozen pipes around the valley and he ran a wrecker service out of that same shop, often getting called to high mountain passes where the unwitting somehow drove their vehicles into extremely dangerous situations. Bill was always able to extract their vehicles safely. In the 1990s, he became a real estate broker with Rocky Mountain Real Estate. He particularly enjoyed selling ranch land and many who are reading this will remember completing a real estate transaction with him. He was fair, honest and extremely trustworthy.

His community volunteerism continued on A3

UNDERCONTRACT

audrie Townsend Broker/Owner

included serving the Gunnison fire department and ambulance service, joining the Masons and Kiwanis, and volunteering for Search and Rescue. Search and Rescue of course occurred at all hours and in all weather. Oh, the harrowing rescues he was involved in, some with happy endings and some that ended tragically. Bill’s medical training was instrumental in saving lives and helping his fellow volunteers.

In 1985, Bill was elected to the Gunnison Watershed School District school board. Serving youth was dear to his heart. He supported teacher recruitment and retention, a balanced budget and a curriculum that prepared students to be successful. He was the president of the board when he had the honor of handing high school diplomas to both his daughters Julie and Beth and a nephew, Justin Prouty.

Bill followed his western heritage and was a member of the Cattlemen’s Days Board for 13 years. Cattlemen’s Days is a year-round effort with thousands of volunteer hours needed to bring the rodeo to Gunnison. Bill was in charge of the carnival, tickets and advertising, going from business to business in his congenial way to solicit advertising. Who could possibly turn him down?

The Gunnison Home Association is an organization that fit Bill’s talents and his concern for housing and care for the elderly. The association built the beautiful Palisades Senior RV Park on the west

BIRTHS

Theodore Oliver Krueger

On August 13, 2024 at 8:58 a.m. Theodore Oliver Krueger was born to Victoria Jane and Tanner Krueger of Gunnison. He weighed 9 lbs. and 6 oz. and measured 21.5 inches at birth. He has an older brother named Desmond who is 3 years old. His grandparents are Angela Crouser Krueger and Todd Krueger of Gunnison and Nicole and Earl Moore of

end of Tomichi Avenue, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars that are used to fund projects benefiting seniors. Association President Don Crosby referred to Bill as the balance on the board. Two new projects to be announced soon are $250,000 for an Alzheimer’s area at Gunnison Valley Hospital and $174,000 to update the fire suppression system at the Willows. These projects will be donated in Bill’s name. Don emphasized that Bill was the push behind these projects.

Bill’s volunteerism and work ethic found deep roots in both of his daughters. In the year of “no rodeos” during the 2020 pandemic, Gunnison was determined to be one of the few communities to continue their annual tradition. Knowing the daunting task ahead, Bill teamed up with Beth Wyman, his youngest daughter, Kevin Coblentz, and the rest of the Cattlemen’s Days Committee. Together, they raised money beyond anyone’s expectations and worked with local authorities to successfully host one of the few rodeos on the circuit that year. Beth had learned from her dad the importance of hard work and determination to enhance the valley they called home, and following in her dad’s footsteps, is now in charge of ticket sales. And like her dad, she and her husband Bill Wyman own a small business. Wyman Woodworks crafts and builds magnificent cabinets for many gorgeous homes around the valley.

Julie also followed what she had learned from Bill. After her graduation from Colorado College she became an educator, spending most of her career

Grand Junction, Colorado. His great grandparents are Pattie Miller Krueger of Montrose, Colorado and Carolynn Gaubert Kuykendall of Lafayette, Louisiana.

Billie Belle Wilson

Billie Belle Wilson was born to Sofia Marlene and Joshua Luke Wilson of Gunnison on September 28, 2024 at 11:02 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. at

in the public school system in Rifle, Colorado. She received her master’s degree and education specialist degree and became a district administrator working to improve life for students and thus the community, which she was very involved in. As Bill modeled for her, she excelled and did it humbly and with joy. Bill was so incredibly proud of her.

Upon retirement, and in addition to his many volunteer activities, he had a plethora of projects to keep him happily occupied. Bill thoroughly loved riding his UTV with friends and family. They would often go to Utah and western Colorado to ride, camp and tell stories. In the winter he could be found in his shop making furniture like Adirondack chairs for his family. There were always things around the ranch or house that needed to be repaired, improved or invented. He may not have done it the conventional way, but it worked.

One of Bill’s favorite places to be was the family cabin at the Blue Mesa subdivision, high on a mountain south of Lake City. No cell service. He rode his UTV for hours, hauled water from the well, engineered “stuff,” ate well, read, watched old westerns, napped with his dog and then headed home after spending a few days in the high country. Ten days later he would do it all again. He was in his element.

Bill’s granddaughters, Alex and Alysha Wyman were his sunshine. After graduating from Western Colorado University, they embraced his work ethic and humble demeanor. In order to help the girls get a foothold continued on A11

birth and measured 19 inches in length. Her grandparents are Joseph Edward Kos of Stratford, Connecticut, Amy Louise Davis of New York, New York, Ronada Jane Wilson of Anna, Texas and Carles Willis Wilson of Allen, Texas.

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LETTERS

OPINION

More about the ‘Pray/Vote’ ad

Editor:

There seems to be a question about who paid for the ad that has run a couple of times, “Pray/ Vote.”

Let me set the record straight. I ran the ad, the name was picked out of thin air. Had I known that it belonged to a group that was against the Jewish people, I would have paid to tell them shame on you. If you would like to talk about it, you can find me standing in front of City Market Sunday mornings after church, or at the farmers market on Saturday.

I would love to share my faith with you anytime. My sign simply states, Jesus is Lord, it is not you or me, Dems or Republicans, the rich or the poor that rules this world, it is Jesus Christ. I hope this clears up that question. Hope to see you soon, may God bless and keep you in his hands.

Gary

L. Montgomery Gunnison

Make the effort to learn more

On Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 12:30 p.m. in the University Center at Western Colorado University, there will be a second ballot issues forum.

Let's all make the effort to learn more before we sit down with our ballots to mark our votes.

Susan Ritchey Gunnison

This was our celebration

Editor:

It’s not easy to put into words the appreciation I have for all of you. The Red Lady celebration events were more than I could ever have hoped for. The feeling I had seeing about a thousand of my closest friends in the street on Friday night to celebrate Red Lady being saved defies description.

tion included in this year's tax bill (actually 2023 tax that was paid in 2024).

fight for our community, for the future for our children.

2024

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday 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.

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

Editor: With 14 Colorado ballot issues this year, our ballots will be huge. The issues are listed here: Veterans Property Tax, Judicial Discipline, Bail Exception, Definition of Marriage, Election Deadlines, Right to Abortion, School Choice, Sports Bet Tax, Firearms Tax, Big Cat Hunting, Parole, Veterinary Professional Associates, Law Enforcement, Elections to include all-candidate primary and ranked choice voting. There is also a Gunnison County Library District proposal for a new library in Crested Butte South.

I feel the need to learn more. These important issues will affect our community, families and future. You should have received in the mail the Colorado Government Legislative 2024 Ballot Information Booklet (Blue Book). The language in this booklet is often detailed, difficult to understand and hard to research. There is more simplified language in the Colorado League of Women Voters (LWV) pamphlet: background information, key points to consider, and what a "yes" or "no" vote means on every issue. These pamphlets are available in the libraries, coffee shops, restaurants and election offices. The information can also be found online at lwvcolorado. org. The website is easy to navigate and the information is clear. Colorado League Executive Director Beth Hendrix and local LWV member Thalia Oster will present a ballot issues forum in the auditorium at the Gunnison High School (800 West Ohio Ave.) on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Gunnison County Library Director Drew Brookhart will also be on-hand to explain the ballot issue bond for the library.

The 40 people who climbed Red Lady on Saturday, and the gathering at the top, brought waves of sentiment reaching deep into my heart. As we paid homage to the celebratory climb back in 1981 (when Amax left) by singing “The Mountain Song” (by Tracey Wickland), I know I was not the only one with tears in my eyes. The memories are too potent for words.

The 47 years that it took to get to this moment were all completely worth it for me, and for others who worked diligently in various capacities. Seeing the successful culmination has been an overwhelming experience. Celebrating together was uplifting and powerful.

Putting on such an extravaganza took many hands. To thank all involved would be daunting, but, on behalf of High Country Conservation Advocates, I must offer extreme gratitude to the Crested Butte Town Council and staff, Mt. Emmons Mining Company, Crested Butte Land Trust, CCWC, Floodgate Operators, Matti Brown, the Eldo, the chamber, Suzanne Pierson, Alex Stevenson and City of Gunnison staff. This was our celebration, all of ours, from hanging banners to decorating store windows, to giving us space to honor Red Lady indoors and out. Thank you all for coming.

Let us all know that this community has done what it does best — working together toward a successful outcome, no matter the odds. We can all be rightfully proud, and awed, each time we look up at Red Lady, knowing that she’ll be there for us, forever. Red Lady Forever!

Sue Navy

High Country Conservation Advocates

6A does not deserve to be approved

Editor:

Anyone who has to pay property tax in Gunnison County is painfully aware of the massive increase in property tax valua-

Our bill went up close to 30% — wow. Many of us have also suffered under the illusion that if the valuation ballooned up suddenly, the mill levies of the various tax authorities would be adjusted downward to offset the spike in the property valuation. Not so. Of the nine tax authorities that comprise the Crested Butte property tax bill, only three reduced their mill levy: Gunnison County, the Crested Butte Fire Protection District and the Town of Crested Butte. Comparing the levied tax of 2023 and 2024, all of the tax authorities (except Gunnison County) recorded increases in 2024 ranging from 23% to 60% — the biggest (or greediest, if you will) was the Gunnison County Library District. Apparently, the library district never got the memo that they work for the taxpayers. Note: The Gunnison County levied tax increase for 2024 was a modest 9%.

Ballot issue 6A asks for additional tax revenue of 1.25 million for collection in 2025 … and by such amount as may be raised annually thereafter by increasing the district’s mill levy rate by 1.1 mills.

In my opinion, ballot issue 6A does not deserve to be approved for the following reasons: Ballot issue 6A contains language that enables virtually continuous annual funding without any voter approval; The Gunnison County Library District has demonstrated a disregard for the taxpayers by spiking their mill levy in this year’s property tax.

I would like to see the library district go back to the drawing board and return with a proposal that doesn’t contain an openended increase in their funding. The proposal should be specific and include a “sunset clause” to give the taxpayers a chance to see if the library district can “walk their talk.”For the above reasons, I recommend a no vote on ballot issue 6A.

P.S. I have been a supporter of Gunnison County Libraries for over 25 years. I have worked and supported the CB Friends of the Library since its inception, and I believe in the importance of our libraries, just as I believe in the importance of fiscal responsibility.

Skip Berkshire Crested Butte

We want answers

Editor:

Too many people are struggling in our community and too many businesses are closing. We need to fix the problems we face. We need to open our eyes and see that what our current leadership is doing is harmful to the people. Why do we allow the government to rule over us? The Constitution was written for 'We the people,' not ‘Them the government.’

We need to take a stand and

Let's band together and stop constant tax raises. Let's make sure they are using our tax dollars in the proper way, and not wasting them. We watch what is happening with the schools, our streets, the choices they are making, the money the commissioners, the city, the council and the state is wasting.

We want answers. We want to know when, where, why and how our tax dollars are being spent. Vote against tax increases, vote against another library being added into our community that includes government housing, vote against the same leadership that has hit our wallets hard, vote against all the fees coming at us in every direction.

Do you really think paying more in taxes is going to help the economy? Does it help your bottom line? Research before you vote. If you don't understand the ballot question, or know about a candidate don't vote on that initiative, or vote no. Maybe next time they will make it more clear for us all.

Tom Marshall Gunnison County

No on amendment 79

Editor:

The purpose of this letter is not to judge individuals confronted with unexpected or difficult pregnancies, that decision is between them and God.

Amendment 79 asks Colorado voters to decide on one of the most important ballot measures in their history: the right to require use of public funds to pay for abortions. It will clear the way for tax-payer funded abortions with no reasonable restrictions or limits of any kind. This will force me, as a taxpayer, to help fund abortions up to the moment of birth. There could not be a greater violation of my freedom and deeply held beliefs that abortion is the direct killing of the innocent unborn child. It is wrong to force others who disagree with abortion to contribute to abortion.

Amendment 79 is tantamount to using the ballot box to bully or take advantage of those who do not agree on the question of abortion. The time is right to take a stand against the “bullies,” or individuals who are using the emotion around the issue of abortion and ignore the rights of others.

As school principals of 30 years, nothing was more disappointing than the “coat holders,” those individuals who watched bullies in action, saying nothing to stand up for the victim. A vote no on Amendment 79 is our chance to do what is right and treat everyone with dignity and respect. In fact, it could be the first step in that direction, don’t be a coat holder.

I believe the wrong way to expand the violence of abortion is Amendment 79. I also believe we

need to use love and support to help mothers and their families with unexpected or challenging pregnancies.

In addition the proposed amendment 79 will:

• Allow abortion in Colorado at any stage of the pregnancy, for any reason, and without any protection for women. Currently, Colorado has no minimum health standards for abortion clinics. Regulations or inspections for abortion clinics are also nonexistent in our state.

• Eliminate the only abortion restriction enforced in Colorado — parental notification. Teenagers with unexpected pregnancy could be required to confront on their own without parental support.

• Remove the 1984 Colorado Amendment 3 that prohibits the use of public funds for abortions. It clears the way for taxpayerfunded abortion with no reasonable restrictions

Please vote no on Amendment 79. We can prevent Amendment 79 with your help. Please share with others, your churches and letters to the editor.

Greg and Patti Kruthaupt Gunnison

Common sense is on ballot

Editor:

Common sense is on the ballot this year in our local elections. From the libraries, to the schools, to the commissioner race. Why would you want more of the same things going on? Permitting, fees, businesses struggling and closing or not even able to come here, rules and regulations are out of control. We are in a housing crisis. Gunnison County seems to be slowly closing. Businesses aren’t able to thrive, or even start up in some cases. We have six libraries in our valley open to the public already and this library proposition that they are putting forth would include housing. Why do we think the government should be involved in housing? Why do we have to foot the bill as taxpayers? Now the schools want more money too. Well, watching the construction in Gunnison this summer was a mess, they put in curbs, took it out, they put in lights, took them out and moved them. They moved things and did things that were unnecessary. They put in playgrounds with toxic materials that left a stench around the Lake School for about a week. Now they want more money to waste because they couldn’t make up their minds as work was in progress.

We need some common sense leadership in this community. Did you know that the bond initiative that passed in 2023 hasn’t hit your pockets yet? Vote no on raising property taxes for the libraries and the schools. Vote for people who are on common ground with the citizens. Vote for Lisa Henry and Steve Bathje for our county commissioners.

Lori Hodges Crested Butte

How Gunnison Basin wildlife relies on healthy watersheds

Editor:

The Gunnison Basin is a vital ecosystem in Colorado, and home to a diverse array of native species that depend on healthy watersheds for survival. Watersheds, which include rivers, streams, wetlands and the surrounding landscapes, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance that sustains local wildlife.

Healthy watersheds provide clean water, abundant vegetation and suitable habitats essential for the survival of species such as the Gunnison sage-grouse, cutthroat trout, beavers and elk. These species are deeply intertwined with the health of the basin’s watersheds, and rely on them for food, shelter and breeding grounds.

The Upper Gunnison Basin Wet Meadows Restoration Program is a significant initiative aimed at preserving and restoring these critical habitats. Wet meadows in particular are essential for species like the Gunnison sagegrouse — a bird that relies on moist, vegetated areas for nesting and raising its young. However, due to historical land use changes and climate impacts, many wet meadows have been degraded, threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Restoration efforts focus on degraded wet meadows by reconnecting ephemeral water flows to their floodplains to promote the growth of native mesic vegetation. By doing so, the program enhances the resilience of these ecosystems, ensuring that they can continue to support the wildlife and working rangelands that depend on them.

Another example of collaborative conservation efforts includes the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, which is a public and private partnership of water users, conservation groups and state and federal agencies. The Gunnison River is a suitable habitat for endangered fish species such as Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, bonytail and razorback sucker.

By protecting and restoring the Gunnison Basin’s watersheds, we ensure that native species can continue to thrive in a balanced and vibrant environment. We can contribute to these efforts by supporting local conservation initiatives, volunteering for habitat restoration projects and advocating for sustainable land use practices. Together, we can help preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Gunnison Basin for future generations.

Savannah Nelson Gunnison Basin Roundtable

It’s already legal in Colorado

Editor: Amendment 79, “A Constitutional Right to Abortion” is on the ballot. The state currently does not restrict abortion whatsoever, but does ban the funding of this procedure via taxpayer resources. A sizable amount of taxes come from citizens who morally object to

abortion because they believe it makes them complicit in what they believe is the depriving a human being of the right to a life. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for these services and violate their conscience.

The idea that, “Abortion is an essential component of women’s health care,” is a disturbing statement, because it treats such an important and life changing decision so lightly. It’s not equivalent to a PAP smear or a mammogram, which are forms of women’s health care to prevent disease, because it involves the life of another being now existing in the mother’s body.

Pregnancy is normally not a threat to a woman’s health, and is usually a welcome and happy event, unless the baby is just not wanted at that particular time in life. It’s just a sad reflection of our culture when being “unwanted” is the determining factor where we cease to protect human life and legalize death-even considering it a “right.”

In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that abortion is actually not a “right” as it was formerly judged, and left the determination of its legality to the individual states where there has been a push by abortion lobbyists to codify this practice which promotes the sacrifice of millions of unwanted babies each year. That's what this ballot issue is about.

Even though the practice itself is abhorrent to many who know what actually takes place during an abortion procedure, those pushing for it have convinced women that their freedom and bodily autonomy is at stake, and they are the victims of injustice if they cannot choose it. If a child were an infant, and the parents were struggling to take care of it, would that be justification to terminate that child’s life? So what causes a full-term abortion (which current Colorado law allows) to be justifiable even days before birth, whereas once it is born it is fully protected by law? In reality, even an animal has more consideration and more outcry for its defense in our society than a preborn baby. Isn’t this inconsistent?

There are other options to abortion. Adoption is a major one that actually allows the mother to give life and hope to the baby and the chosen family, while moving forward with her own life. Open adoption even allows birth parents to choose the adoptive parents and stay in touch throughout the child’s life. This won’t likely be suggested by abortion advocates, because it doesn’t support their agenda. However, it will be openly discussed at a local pregnancy resource center as a viable option.

I also ask everyone reading this to put alarmism aside, educate yourself on the issue, and please vote no “79.” It’s already legal in Colorado!

Michelle Duft Gunnison

approval for a utility connection from the Town of Crested Butte and received a $15 million federal roads grant that will allow it to commit to finishing the Brush Creek Road underpass before Whetstone’s first residents move in. The roundabout will follow in 2027.

During the public hearing, residents, primarily from the North Valley, echoed complaints that have tracked with the project for years: ruining uninterrupted views along the Hwy. 135 corridor, the development’s growing density and its distance from town. The project’s neighbors, some from Riverland and others from Creekside Subdivision on the western flank, asked the board for clear communication as construction starts.

In recent months, the project has faced a newer theme of critique: concern over its affordability, but also possible ethical conflicts considering the county’s role as both applicant and the reviewer. Puckett Daniels, who attended Crested Butte Town Council meetings this summer on behalf of the county commissioners, recused herself at the start of the hearing. She stated she has no conflict of interest, but cited her “public role” as a negotiator for the county on the utility extension agreement. She, nor any member of her family, is benefiting in any material way from Whetstone, she said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, I will sit out of today's public hearing so that the board, the staff and the public can feel confident that this land use decision was made in the most thorough, transparent way possible,” she said.

The county received initial approvals from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for utility infrastructure, but is awaiting final engineering review. Planners are now negotiating a “guaranteed maximum price” for the project with developer Servitas, who works with contractors to lock down prices, with the goal of issuing bonds in December.

The hearing also included a last-minute business proposal from Texas-based developer Gary Gates, to build the project at a discount of nearly $60 million. Gates is responsible for Gunnison’s Paintbrush development, and bid on Whetstone and the Corner at Brush Creek. The development at Brush Creek was never approved due to significant community opposition.

Gates said the 77 incomerestricted rental units at Paintbrush cost him $19 million to build, or just over $249,000 per unit. He offered to use similar deed restrictions for income. The amount the county must issue in bonds for Whetstone is still unclear, as planners wait on state and federal grants. However, the per unit cost, including design, is expected to be more than $520,000, Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability John Cattles told the Times

“The proposal before you today is not based on the data,” Gates said to the planning commission. “It was created based on citizen input who are not aware of the constraints of the fundamental economics to build and operate a workforce project in Gunnison County.

Jared Polis’ office will appoint someone to serve until the next general election.

Montrose and Delta. This year, the 7th is requesting $617,000 from Gunnison County, about $74,000 more than last year. Budget gaps are filled with state and federal grants, but these funding opportunities, specifically those slated for victims services, will diminish next year (See related story in Sept. 19 edition of the Times).

Ryan announced his resignation last month, referencing serious labor shortages in the office in a late September press release. The Colorado Republican Party has yet to produce a nominee to take Ryan’s spot on the ballot this fall. If the GOP can’t produce a nominee by the earliest day voters can return mail-in ballots, Gov.

In his 17 years in the district — four of which he spent as DA — Ryan told the Times he only recalls a couple weeks where the office was fully staffed. The issue became more acute in the last several years as attorneys have picked up the work of vacant positions and lost steam quickly. In 2024, the office filled five vacant attorney positions but in the last two months, lost an additional three from its Montrose office.

“The people that have stayed are burned out, and they end up leaving … There's a lot of stress involved in being a prosecutor, there's a lot of pressure,” Ryan said. “You couple that with being understaffed and people just don't stay in the office.”

The job market for attorneys

Now you have a dream project that is going to very likely be a financial burden for the county.”

When the county sent a bid for Whetstone out in early 2022, Gates had a different vision for the project and the proposal did

“You have a dream project that is very likely going to be a financial burden to the county.”

Gary

Gates

Housing developer

not “meet the county’s goals,” Cattles told the Times

The final plan makes a permanent record of the project’s design, and reflects just a few changes since the sketch plan was approved in February 2023. This includes an increase in building height and size,

in Colorado has become more competitive, Ryan said, forcing the office to start hiring recent law school graduates who have yet to pass the bar exam. If the gamble doesn’t pay off, they lose those hires. In a bid to increase retention and keep qualified attorneys, many in the office were given raises between 9-13% over the last two years. While the raises helped narrowly improve retention, the market for bar-certified attorneys remains aggressive, the budget request states.

Caseloads for the office’s full-time attorneys track around expectations set by the American Bar Association (ABA), an improvement over last year when caseloads were far above ABA recommendations. To preserve its attorneys, the office is requesting an above-inflation wage and salary

reduced landscaping to accommodate new wildfire codes and fewer parking spaces.

“They [the public] wanted to see housing that's secure, that they could count on being there year after year,” Cattles told the commission. “They wanted to make sure that the livability of this housing was really high quality, and that it had amenities that would make it an attractive place to live.”

The county placed the larger apartment buildings along the Hwy. 135 corridor, despite years of concern about preserving the North Valley’s iconic mountain views. This was done in order to keep the highest number of renters closer to public transit and trails, Cattles said. And, the buildings concentrate vehicle traffic in the front end of the site. Crested Butte Community Development Director Troy Russ added, in public comment, that buildings hugging a roadway signal to drivers to slow down.

“You're killing the goose that lays the golden egg,” said Crested Butte resident George Gibson. “Protect the view of your up-valley travelers. This should be important to you.”

Since the sketch plan was

increase of 3% for all employees.

“To continue to recruit and retain qualified and experienced employees, it is important that our wages and salaries continue to remain on par with or exceed the cost-of-living and inflation rates,” the request read.

Nearby, the 21st Judicial District, or Mesa County, has a population of just over 150,000 and employs 33 attorneys and paralegals, to the 7th’s current 15 attorneys and three paralegals. In the last several years, the 21st has hired away some of the office’s most experienced attorneys with wages that outpace statewide averages.

Evidence overload

Difficulty handling the number of cases is compounded by an overload of digital evidence

approved, the density has increased from 231 units in 30 buildings to 252 units in 23 buildings. According to county planners, the change was to accommodate more amenities like snow storage and increased green space.

In a subsequent meeting that same day, county commissioners Jonathan Houck and Liz Smith declined to schedule another public hearing, stating that the lingering unknowns in the project have been answered for the community.

“There was a time when Skyland was a very controversial issue, whether or not there should be homes and golf course and all of those things adjacent to the town,” Houck said. “There was a time when in the City of Gunnison, the idea of building the Palisade neighborhood without straight, big, wide streets and no ditches, was an absolute town brawl … those things were incredibly controversial in this community, and now, over time and through good planning and execution, that's part of who we are.”

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

submitted from law enforcement. In 2021, all Colorado law enforcement officers were required to start wearing body cameras. But the added measure of accountability had an unanticipated impact on local DAs: clogging the electronic evidence filing system with hours-long videos.

Colorado’s Rule 16 lays out specific requirements, namely timelines, for certain types of evidence to be provided to defendants and their attorneys. So when officers forget to turn cameras on, lose the footage or file recordings under the wrong case number, it further slows the discovery process and can result in sanctions and trial delay.

“It's not just that you buy them [body cams] and put

A digital rendering of a view of Whetstone from Hwy. 135 (Courtesy Norris Design)

them in place,” said Gunnison Police Department (GPD) Captain Chris Wilson. “There's a policy that needs to be written. Officers need to learn how to use them. And it's not just always just pressing a button.”

At the same time, few of the district’s 23 law enforcement agencies have invested in extra personnel to manage data storage and submission, the request reads. GPD elected to start using body cams five years ago, before the state mandated the change. The timeline is also extended as evidence is continually unearthed or created via interviews, Wilson said.

As a result, the DAs office has seen an uptick in cases marred by missing evidence and Rule 16 violations. Now, employees in the 7th no longer assume all the evidence has been submitted, and instead devote significant time to inventory every component of a case. To mitigate the overload of unorganized evidence, the office hired three non-attorneys to review and keep track of evidence last year.

The hires, sent to Montrose and Delta, proved successful and shortened the review timeline. But as a result, increased the number of cases those paralegals and evidence tech took on — between 4-6 cases per

day, per employee. In 2025, the office is requesting two more evidence technicians for Delta and Montrose counties.

“The county commissioners have been very generous. I've asked for probably larger budget increases than any of my predecessors … Of course, it's my job to say, ‘This is the average salary for this position in Colorado,’ and I have been asking for that, but it's been creeping up pretty fast,” Ryan said.

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

A bodycam owned by the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo by Mariel Wiley) continued from A6

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walked about, seeking whom he may devour.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. STAND OUT IN A MOUNTAIN CROWD!

Signs • Vehicle Decals & Wraps

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manages homes across the Western Slope.

“I expected a little bit of negative pushback, you know, from being in a family neighborhood and we've got none of that,” Mary Beth said. “All the neighbors have been super friendly and nice and supportive.”

Although it can accommodate up to eight men, numbers have hovered closer to six. At six residents, each gets their own space instead of having a roommate, which might be preferable, Mary Beth said. So far, the home’s residents have arrived through programs that deal with addiction treatment, such as Front Range Clinic, Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) Behavioral Health or Gunnison County Detention Center’s jailbased behavioral services.

Occupancy has been fluid over the summer, as some residents have reached a point in their sobriety where they are able to live more independently, while others aren’t alway the right fit for the home, said former Oxford House outreach worker Phil Bohannon. He still lives in the home, but now works as a peer support specialist at GVH.

Oxford House requests that residents actively work on their recovery, which could mean attending AA or NA meetings, mindfulness in recovery or getting involved with local churches. As Oxford Homes are “democratically run,” each resident takes on a different role, which includes managing rent, coordinating chores, facilitating meetings with the regional chapter and interviewing potential roommates. When new roommates go up for a vote, 80% of the current residents have to agree in order for that person to be admitted. After a 30-day trial period, they become a permanent member of the home.

“As long as somebody is actually working on their recovery, that's what the sole purpose of living in the house is,” he said.

As men have moved in and out, the Kelley couple, with help from friends and other community collaborators, have slowly remodeled the home. This summer, they renovated the basement area to include an addi -

tional three bedrooms and a sitting area with a TV and couch. Crews laid synthetic hardwood, put in drywall, added egress windows and painted the walls, now spruced with local art.

“We got so much, and some of it had a special story behind it … and some of it was just beautiful,” she said.

Clean Lines Painting, run by Carleen White, painted the home at its out-of-pocket cost, turning the “ugly dark blue house" a shade of dark gray. A former resident, now moved on to live with his son, landscaped the front of the home, adding rock features, sapling aspens, a French drain and seeding grass with Gunni Gold compost.

The couple raised over $120,000 to purchase the house.

So far, the concept of using resident’s rent to cover the debt on the home has proven successful, she said. But unexpected maintenance on the home has kept the pair fundraising through the year. Sanctuary is looking to expand usable space in the kitchen, install a new bathroom and eventually, open a sober living home for women in Gunnison or Crested Butte.

The nonprofit’s board has considered using rent money to buy another home for women, Kelley said. However, that’s only an option once the debt on the current home is paid off in full.

New avenue for crowdsourcing Sanctuary is seeking a little over $10,000 for a new bathroom to be installed in the basement before winter’s end.

To garner the funds, Sanctuary is using the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley’s new program, “The

Gunnison Valley Giving Connection.”

The program allows nonprofits’ supporters to donate the program year-round with contributions as small as a few dollars. Unlike the Foundation’s typical grant cycles, fundraisers on the Giving Connection can be anyone in the community needing charitable support. So far, Sanctuary is joined by organizers pushing for a new senior center in Crested Butte, and Gunnison Middle School Leadership Club students looking to travel to Brighton, Colorado for a conference in November.

Users of the Giving Connection benefit from being on a locally-recognized platform, said Director of Philanthropy Jessica Wurtz. It offers a slight advantage to Gunnison Valley-based organizations, who might get lost in the donation throng of national crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter. And, the foundation charges a 1.5% fee, lower than standard fees from national platforms.

“There was a run of people coming to us and [asking] can you fund this? Or do you know how this can be funded? And we said ‘No, not right now with the way that we function, but this would be something that the community might want to come together on,” Wurtz said. For more information on the Giving Connection, visit cfgv. org or to learn more about Sanctuary, email Mary Beth at marybethkelley.cb@gmail.com.

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

The upstairs living room.

Sober home from A1

The entrance to the sober living home. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Ride for the brand

Gunnison High School homecoming celebrations were in full swing last weekend with a “lighting of the G” celebration, a community parade and a dance. At the parade on Oct. 4, elementary and middle school students showed out on Main Street to support their elder peers with head-to-toe crimson garb, banners and pom poms. Crowds cheered as the Cowboys perched on parade floats and sent candy sailing through the air. The festivities culminated with the GHS homecoming dance on Saturday night. High schoolers hit the dance floor in a flurry of sequins and sneakers, while others took a break to play foosball and card games.

HOUCK

GUNNISON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2

PUBLIC LANDS - Gunnison County is 82% Public Lands and as your County Commissioner, Jonathan has been your voice on bringing our values to the table. From Forest Service and BLM planning efforts to home grown legislation like GORP, that defends and protects our interests, Jonathan is a recognized expert and leader to make sure these productive landscapes are managed and endure for future generations to benefit from, utilize and enjoy.

• Mt. Emmons forever protected from mining

• GMUG Forest Plan completed

• BLM Gunnison Sage Grouse Plan amended

• GORP Act/GPLI Introduced in US Senate

• Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal finalized

• STOR Committee supporting Land Management

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Senator Michael Bennet, Commissioner Jonathan Houck and Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland

1105 N Pine St., MLS #810392, $845,000. Welcome to your dream home in the picturesque Van Tuyl Village subdivision! This brand-new, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property is a testament to modern design and quality craftsmanship. As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open and inviting kitchen-dining area, adorned with cherry cabinets and equipped with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The tiled shower and bathtub add a touch of luxury to the bathrooms, while the master bedroom boasts its own oasis with a reading nook or small office space. The 2-car detached garage features 8-foot doors and 10-foot ceilings inside, providing ample space for your vehicles and storage needs. The extra space above the garage, accessible via exterior stairs, presents exciting opportunities. Whether you need additional storage or dream of an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the potential is yours to explore with City of Gunnison approval. Don’t miss the chance to make this new construction your forever home. Contact us now to schedule a viewing and witness the epitome of contemporary living!

TBD W Denver Ave. MLS# 816647 $610,000 Spectacular 2.5 acre level lot located in Gunnison’s new subdivision Elk Ranch. This parcel is located just outside City limits on the west side of town and seller has it set up to be built on immediately. Lot has a well permit already in place along with the required approval for well from the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District which can be transferred at closing. Buyer of lot may also pay for tap fees to hook into the City water and sewer main that will be extended north by City this fall. There is a shared road/driveway into the subdivision and it will be completed by this fall as well. Lot has been surveyed and a building envelope has been established for a single family residence but other dwellings such as barns/sheds etc. will be allowed. Come enjoy some country living with incredible views of mountains up Ohio Valley and the Palisades while being so close to town.

16 Irwin St. MLS# 817525 $625,000 6 bedroom/3 bath updated brick home located in Palisades subdivision. This home has 2 kitchens and separate living spaces and the downstairs has its own entrance from the back of house. The breezeway from the house to the 2

garage is fully enclosed and is great space for entertaining or storage. Close to schools and new Gunnison Library. This is great starter home that can produce supplemental income!

Bear attacks Lake City resident

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) responded on Oct. 3 when a 74-year-old man was attacked by a black bear inside his home on the north side of Lake City.

The bear and her three cubs opened a partially cracked sliding glass door and entered the home at roughly 8:30 p.m. The residents in the home were startled when they heard a loud crash and saw the bears entering through the door.

The victim of the attack grabbed a chair from the kitchen and attempted to direct the adult bear out the door. But the bear charged the man, knocking him into a wall before it briefly stood over him. The bear swiped at the man, who incurred significant wounds to the head, neck, both arms, lower abdomen, shoulder and calf. Emergency medical personnel treated the victim on the scene, and the victim declined to be transported to the hospital.

“It’s certainly lucky we didn’t have a fatality, because it was close,” said CPW Wildlife Officer Lucas Martin.

When law enforcement and medical personnel arrived, the bear’s three cubs were still inside the home, despite attempts by the residents to haze the bears away. At that time, the residents had locked themselves in a bedroom. A Hinsdale County Sheriff’s deputy eventually scared the cubs out of the home. Two CPW district wildlife managers also responded.

of those reports were of adult female bears, called “sows,” with cubs.

“When we have multiple sows with multiple cubs in town and conflict is occurring based on the ongoing availability of human food sources, it creates a very complex situation to mitigate,” Martin said. “Unfortunately, cub bears that are taught these behaviors by their mother may result in generations of conflict between bears and people.”

CPW emphasized the importance of the public reporting all bear incidents to their nearest CPW office to try and prevent conflict from escalating to the level of an attack.

“We sometimes hear through the rumor mill or grapevine of bears getting in through open windows or entering garages … often, people want to get on social media and post about it, but they never actually call the authorities,” Martin said. “We don’t only want calls when something escalates to this level. We want to be able to do some management before things get to this level.”

Use these tips and precautions to help prevent human-wildlife conflicts that can also save a bear’s life:

• Keep garbage in a wellsecured location and only put out garbage on the morning of pickup. Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors. Ammonia is effective.

• Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.

• Don't leave pet food or stock feed outside.

• Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths. Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.

The bears climbed trees outside the home, and after preliminary confirmation of their involvement in the attack, all four were subsequently euthanized. The animals were sent to CPW’s health lab in Fort Collins to be tested for disease and to undergo a full necropsy. This is the first reported bear attack in Colorado in 2024, compared with six reports in 2023. There have been 96 reported bear attacks on humans in Colorado dating back to 1960.

storage and a shared hall bath. The property has a nice grassy courtyard to enjoy those beautiful Gunnison sunsets. New roof was installed earlier this year and the seller has already paid the assessment from the HOA for it. This property has historically been a rental and currently has a lease in place until September 15, 2024 and then will be

“It’s a terrible set of circumstances that, unfortunately, our district wildlife managers are routinely faced with,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Brandon Diamond. “Clearly, these bears were highly habituated and were willing to enter an occupied house with the residents sitting just feet away. When a bear reaches this level of human habituation, clearly a lot of interaction with people has already happened, and unless communities are working with us collaboratively and communicating issues, we have no opportunity to intervene.”

Previous to this attack, CPW had only received eight official reports of bear activity in Hinsdale County in 2024. However, it is common for bears to be in and around Lake City, and CPW officers have been aware of chatter on social media related to bears getting into unoccupied homes and garages in the area throughout the late summer and early fall. Some

• Do not attract other wildlife by feeding them, such as deer, turkeys or small mammals.

• Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house. If you see one, yell at it, throw things at it, make noise to scare it off.

• Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.

• Clean the grill after each use.

• Clean-up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck.

• If you have fruit trees, don't allow the fruit to rot on the ground.

• If you keep small livestock, keep animals in a fully covered enclosure. Construct electric fencing if possible. Don’t store livestock food outside, keep enclosures clean to minimize odors, hang rags soaked in ammonia or Pine-Sol around the enclosure.

For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw. state.co.us/bears. Call your nearest CPW office for questions or to report bear problems.

(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)

in the Gunnison housing market, Bill and Sue deeded two plots of land on their property so the girls could build. Bill and Beth Wyman, Alex, Alysha, and Alysha’s boyfriend, Gus Roberts, designed and built two homes. What a tremendous gift!

Bill also had an “adopted” grandson, Juan Jose Diaz, who came from Venezuela to run track at Western. Juan’s father had done the same thing in the 1980s with Betty Wallace, Sue’s mother, acting as a surrogate mother. Bill and Sue did the same for Juan supporting him emotionally and financially. Juan says he never would have made it to get his master’s degree without them. He is now coaching track for Western and running semi-pro. His younger brother, Oliver, has just arrived at Western on a track scholarship, and he will receive the same care from the Knowles family.

Following Sue’s death, all that Bill had instilled in his daughters came back to him. Knowing that Bill needed help while wanting to remain at home, the three of them worked closely together to ensure his independence. As the year progressed, however, it became apparent that living alone was not an option any longer and Julie moved back in with him. Fortunately for her family and Gunnison, Julie has decided to

make this community her home once again.

The hole left in our hearts with his death is a deep one, and yet we take comfort knowing that his legacy lives on in his family and in his community.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, John and Evadna Knowles, and his bride, Sue. He is survived by daughter, Julie, now of Gunnison, daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Bill Wyman, granddaughters Alex Wyman, Alysha Wyman and boyfriend, Gus Roberts all of Gunnison. His brother Bob of Boulder, sister Candy Prouty of Boise, and nieces and nephews Kate Saunders, Kristin Galloway, Mike Knowles and Justin Prouty, along with brother-in-law Norman Saunders.

The family wishes to thank Gunnison Valley Hospice for the excellent care he received. They provided for his comfort and dignity until the very end, and are an incredible resource for this community.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to go to Gunnison Valley Hospice, 711 N. Taylor, and/or the Gunnison Home Association, Box 1381, Gunnison, CO, 81230.

A celebration of Bill’s life and legacy will be held at the Palisade Restaurant, Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m. Please come to share stories and memories and to raise a glass to this remarkable man.

Wildlife weekend

The Gunnison Wildlife Association and the Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Field Office continued an annual tradition last weekend to celebrate Public Lands Day. On Oct. 4, the partners hosted a social at the Gunnison Elks Lodge. The group grilled up hamburgers, hung out at the bar and claimed raffle prizes. The following day, volunteers spent the morning restoring sagebrush habitat along a recently-closed road outside of town.

(effective Monday, October 21, 2024)

... with an idyllic setting, Excellent hay meadows and pastures as well as a nice ranch home, a rented mobile home, exceptional pipe corrals, large greenhouse, productive garden area, fruit and vegetable cellar, various barns, sheds and shops for outbuildings. Good deeded water rights and a very nice meandering stretch of Quartz Creek runs through the property. This is a very special 298 + acre ranch that has been loved, nurtured, maintained and improved by the same family for nearly 90 years. Call for your appointment to see the ranch and take in the expansive views, enjoy the sound of the trout stream, breathe in the fresh mountain air and imagine the tranquility of owning your very own paradise personified. Matt Robbins, CRS, GRI Monarch Realty, Inc. 970-596-0715 • matt@monarchrlty.com

For additional information and photos or your appointment go to: www.monarchrlty.com or Call Matt Robbins, 970-596-0715.

Larry Don Suckla

Alan Wartes Times Publisher

(Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from an interview on a current episode of Think Radio, a Gunnison Country Times podcast. It has been edited for length and clarity. To listen to the entire conversation, follow the link below.)

Larry Don Suckla is the Republican candidate to represent Colorado’s House District 58, which includes Gunnison County.

What made you choose to enter politics?

I really don't want to do this job, to be honest with you. But I feel like it's necessary to do the job seeing the way that our country is going and the state in general, and I'd like to see some changes made. I was successful as a [Montezuma County] commissioner because I looked at all of my constituents as a part of my family, and I saw where they were having troubles, and I thought I could do a good job in government. That's why I became a commissioner.

You’ve identified private property rights as one of your priorities if elected. Why is that issue important to you?

I grew up on a ranch that my grandfather put together. He started with nothing and kept buying ranches, selling ranches … So I grew up with great appreciation for being in the middle of nowhere. … And that made me a very independent thinker, I believe, the way I was raised. But one thing that caught my eye was somebody came down, a biologist, and they said, “Well, we know there's no bald eagles down here, but we're going to search for some nests anyway, and my granddad said, “No bald eagles? I can take you to 20 nests right now. And what that taught me was that people that are sitting in an office don't really [know] what it's really like to be on the land, unless you're right there living it every day. That's why private property rights are so important to me.

Water is another item in your list of priorities. What do you hope to accomplish to protect Western Slope water if elected?

I believe that the Upper Basin states [Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico] should have control of Lake Powell. I believe that if that was the case, we might have 60% capacity sitting today at Lake Powell, and then, where all of our winter vegetables are grown, which is the Imperial Valley and Yuma, Arizona, when they need more water for their vegetables, Colorado

can sell the water out of Lake Powell and the Upper Basin — the Upper Basin in general, all four states — then they can take that money from the extra water they sold, which was theirs in the beginning, and they can use it for infrastructure in the four states, so that we can conserve more water, we can improve our water projects.

Affordable housing is a top priority for people in Gunnison County. Do you see anything that can be done by the legislature to take some pressure off?

I own a real estate company, my wife and I do, in Cortez, Colorado, as well as other businesses. There is no such thing today as affordable housing. Let me repeat what I just said. There is no such thing today as affordable housing. A developer comes in, [and] the way they make their money is they buy the land by the acre, and they sell it by the lot. You buy whiskey by the barrel, and you sell it by the shot. So you have to have affordable land to have affordable housing. And it's the government that actually is causing part of this problem. The infrastructure is so costly to put in the electric lines, to put in the water lines, put in the sewer connection, and the fees that you have to pay the counties. The solution to affordable housing has got to be, in my opinion, where you already have housing. So there's no affordable land in Denver. There's no affordable land in Gunnison. What there is, though, and I don't know about Gunnison, but there's parts of the community that are run down, that are drug infested. Every HUD foreclosure needs to be bought up for affordable housing, to create affordable housing. Every bank repo and these communities that are run down, that's where the developers need to go, [where] they've already got the infrastructure in place.

In your letter announcing your candidacy, you promise

(Courtesy

to address what you say are “bad laws” that have passed in recent years. What’s an example of that?

I live in Olathe part of the time. We're a large farming community and we have migrants come over from Mexico, and they work for five or six months, and then they go back home. Great program. These are some of the only workers that want to do that type of work, and they're happy to do it. So our state legislators passed a law that after 56 hours, depending on your employees, how many you have, they get time and a half. … The workers hate it and the employers hate it. They want to work every day. They want to make as much money as possible, and then they want to go home to their families, and they want to hang out with their families for seven months and do it all over again the next year. So what the employers are doing, because it's cost prohibitive to them, is after 56 hours, they're not working on Sundays, and the workers can't stand it. They don't have anything to do anyway. They're over here in a foreign country. They want to work seven days a week. That law needs to be repealed, and ag needs to be exempt again from that law.

To listen to the whole conversation, visit gunnisontimes. com/category/podcasts or scan the QR code below.

(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)

BEAUTIFUL QUARTZ CREEK RANCH

Larry Don Suckla)

Kathleen Curry

Alan Wartes Times Publisher

(Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from an interview on a current episode of Think Radio, a Gunnison Country Times podcast. It has been edited for length and clarity. To listen to the entire conversation, follow the link below.)

Kathleen Curry is the Democrat candidate to represent Colorado’s House District 58, which includes Gunnison County.

How did you get into politics?

First off, I don't really think of myself as a politician and prefer the term public servant. But I do understand that that might be how it looks to folks. So I got on this road to public service back in 2004 and decided to throw my hat in the ring and run for the House. Having absolutely no background in politics — I was managing the water district in Gunnison — and I thought, okay, how could I make the most difference? I could be an elected official. I could go down to the Capitol, and I could defend Western Slope water that way and have the most impact for the people at home. I had not ever set foot in the Capitol building. I hadn't attended a committee meeting. Lo and behold, I got elected and went down to the Capitol, and it wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be. You don't get to just work on the one issue that you might care about the most. And found out after three terms how spread thin the members are. You have to cover so many different bases and build relationships and figure out how to get things done. And I learned a lot. I absolutely love the legislative process. I'm policy oriented, and I got to work on issues that impacted people at home in their daily lives, and I truly loved serving.

Why did you take such an interest in water policy?

I love that question, and it's going to sound a little bit corny, but when I was a kid in the fourth grade, I think, and … we had Sunday school, and we were cleaning the trash out of the stream behind the Sunday school. And I was so upset about all the trash that had been thrown into this little creek that I thought, you know, I want to work on protecting things like this, and that's never wavered. I've cared about the welfare of our rivers, streams and oceans since that day. I decided then that that's what I would do with my life and still love it as much.

play in helping to set policy where Colorado water is concerned?

The General Assembly's role right now is to support the efforts of our Colorado River Commissioner, Becky Mitchell, and the Attorney General's Office, because they are the ones doing the heavy lifting on renegotiating the operating plan for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. So as you know, the Colorado River Compact itself is not on the table. It's this operating document that is up in 2026 and needs to be renewed. So there we have really capable people at the state level that are at the table doing that work, but the General Assembly is in a position to support that financially, to make sure the Colorado River office is adequately staffed, that the Attorney General's Office is adequately staffed, that we have a reserve so that if the state goes into a litigation mode, that there are funds there to defend our interests.

One of your stated priorities if elected is “land use.” What exactly do you mean by that?

The issue in the district that I hear the most about is affordable housing and local control, and how on earth to wrap our arms around this issue and come out ahead with something positive. So, down at the Capitol the last two years, there have been a number of bills related to land use and land use planning. Not this past session, but the session before, the governor had pushed a bill forward that was a kind of a top down approach that actually instructed counties and municipalities to take certain steps. And it didn't go over well. It ended up not passing, but it got broken up into individual pieces this past session. Instead of a mandate, the bills turned into an incentive driven approach. And what I love to learn from people about is how, how could the General Assembly not stand in the way? How can we incentivize or be supportive of land use planning and management

(Courtesy Kathleen Curry)

at the local level?

What are your ideas about education funding in Colorado?

This is such a tough question, because there was good progress made last year. The negative factor was erased, and that debt that had been carried for a number of years was canceled out, and so we did make headway on a debt. But that doesn't mean that we've met the needs of our teachers, for example, in terms of salary … It seems like all roads lead to affordable housing, but [teachers] can't make it on those on the salaries they're being paid, not to mention the stress of the job. There's a lot more work to do. And I what I would do is identify people I trust and and can learn from people, both here at home and at the Colorado General Assembly, and try to follow their lead, and then check in with people here to say, what does this make sense for you guys, for the school districts in in House District 58 and if not, let me carry that forward and see if we can address those concerns.

To listen to the whole conversation, visit gunnisontimes. com/category/podcasts or scan the QR code below.

(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)

The Phantom of the Main Place

Art through the ages

The Gunnison Arts Center celebrated its 40th anniversary with birthday cake, balloons and live music on Oct. 4. Theater seats and time capsule bottles were available for purchase to support the center’s future projects. Between festivities, passersby enjoyed live performances and art along Main Street during the First Friday Art Walk.

Requests your presence at his Business After Hours and Open House for free wine, chili, face painting, local artists and more mysteries!

Thursday October 17th from 5:30pm ~ 7:00pm with the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce

Seniors on the move

Last month, members of the Gunnison Senior Center visited Coldharbour Institute to learn about regenerative land and water use practices. Coldharbour Executive Director Julie Nania and Western Colorado University intern Tucker Palumbo led a tour of the institute’s research projects. Founder and board member Butch Clark also shared the history behind the institute’s land and buildings.

(Courtesy Elizabeth Gillis/Gunnison Senior Center)

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

BIZ CENTS

‘Meals that bring you back’

Burnells Farmhouse

Eatery returns for two days this weekend

Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

For Gunnison Valley chefs Kevin and Denise Reinert, comfort food is key. They founded Burnells Farmhouse Eatery in 2017, crafting a menu of familiar favorites that keep customers coming back for more.

During warmer seasons, they served hearty meals out of a food truck at the corner of Denver Avenue and Main Street. This tradition persisted until the pandemic, when the duo shifted gears to focus on catering and bringing the truck to events.

After a multi-year hiatus, the Reinerts will return to their original spot with a Burnells food truck pop-up at 623 North Main St. from Oct. 12-13. The decision came from the couple’s desire to reconnect with loyal customers beyond the context of a catered event, Kevin said. The truck will serve lunch in the courtyard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Limited seating will be available, but customers can bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

This weekend, patrons can choose from a variety of com -

forting classics. Burnells’ crowd-pleasing chicken sandwich will be on the menu, featuring fried chicken thighs dressed with remoulade, barbecue or raspberry chipotle sauce options.

Crispy crustaceans are the star of the show in the shrimp and bacon po-boy sandwich and shrimp and grits dish. The Reinerts’ unique twist on these classics highlights a Southwestinspired green chili salsa sauce. For those seeking a lighter meal, an autumnal salad with locallygrown carrots, apples, candied walnuts and quinoa is an easy choice.

To create each dish, the Reinerts pull from their memories of family dinners back home. For Denise, the idea of “comfort food” reminds her of her own mother’s cooking throughout her childhood in Virginia, she said. Kevin’s family of farmers hails from Illinois. The eatery itself is named after his maternal grandfather, Burnell.

The couple also draw ideas from regular trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and New Orleans, Louisiana, where they find the food and drink to be “inspirational,” Denise said. By far the most rewarding part of the job is being able to please peoples’ wide variety of culinary tastes, Kevin said.

“The vast majority of the people that we serve, whether it’s the courtyard or catering, are really happy with what we put in front of them,” he said. “I

don’t think we’re over the top with our menu. It’s fairly simple, but it’s just really tasty and fresh … it’s meals that bring you back.”

While the food truck’s twoday return to its original courtyard is temporary for the time being, there are still multiple ways for fans to get a taste of their favorite Burnells dishes throughout the year. The truck makes regular appearances around town for events, including pop-ups at Buckel Family Wine and the Sundays@6 summer concert series in Legion Park. Burnells catering recently fed over 250 attendees of a Crested Butte Center for the Arts gala.

Catering and events service takes up most of the Reinerts’ time and energy, but the popup this weekend is a way to test the waters for offering more regular service in a sustainable manner, Kevin said. This could mean more pop-ups in the future, when the pair have time to fit it into their busy schedule.

“It gives us a chance to be creative with the things we’ve learned over the years and the feedback we get from people,” he said. “Seven years later, we still have people that want the same meal they had that many years ago. It says a lot.”

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)

I have a background in water management, and my

ranches in Gunnison

I served three terms in the State House from 20052010 and have raised my family on the West Slope. We are outnumbered at the state Capitol, so it is critical that whoever we send has the experience and leadership qualities to get things done.

It really isn’t about red and blue – it is about effectively protecting our values and quality of life.

I would be honored to

Burnells

IRRIGATION SYSTEM BLOWOUT: Call Lapis Contracting for a free quote and to get scheduled. Serving the entire valley. 970901-2565.

Atmos Energy has a rewarding opportunity for a full-time Construction Operator, Service Technician and Distribution Operator in Gunnison or Crested Butte.

This position would be responsible for customer service and construction field activities on distribution and transmission systems and facilities. Must enjoy working with the public working outside in all weather conditions and be available for overtime and call-out. Positions require a high school diploma or GED, along with a valid driver's license. All training will be provided. Relocation assistance may be considered. DOT Drug Test. Background and MVR required. CDL-A preferred. ($29.25-$42.50 DOE).

Interested applicants must apply on line at atmosenergy.com/careers.

EOE/M/F/0/V

JOIN THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE’S CLERK’S OFFICE: We are seeking an organized and detail-oriented individual to perform various administrative duties, supporting the Town Clerk, Town Council, and Municipal Court. This year-round position includes a salary range dependent on qualifications of $52,551-$63,952 and includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer-paid employee & dependent health, dental, vision, life insurance, and matching contributions to a retirement plan after one year of employment. Full job description and job application are available on the Town’s website at www. townofcrestedbutte.com. To apply, please submit an application and resume to jobs@ crestedbutte-co.gov

CAPITAL PROJECTS SUPERVISOR JOB POSTING: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a capital projects supervisor. Under the general direction of the district manager, this full-time position is responsible for professional level oversight on all phases of capital expenditure construction projects for the district. Desired skills and experience include a successful record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget, strong project management skills, effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and a passion for water and wastewater construction projects. Important qualifications include a combination of experience and education with a desired Bachelor of Science degree in construction management, a PMP certification and/or a PE license in the state of Colorado. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $90,000-$130,000 DOQ. Excellent benefits package, including 100% employerpaid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, 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 wellness benefit/ski pass. Full job description is available at mcbwsd. com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, P.O. Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. THE MT CRESTED BUTTE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time Wastewater Operator to be part of a team environment

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/GES - Permanent Substitute

CBES - Half-time SPED

Educational Assistant Special Education Educational Assistant-Achievement Center Bus Drivers Food Service

Substitute teachers

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

District School Psychologist

GHS - SPED Teacher

COACHING

GHS - Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach (C team) GHS - Rock Climbing

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

focused on the operations of the wastewater plant and collection system for Mt. Crested Butte. Qualifications for the position include construction experience, the ability to work outdoors, prepare and analyze lab responsibilities, and experience with electrical, mechanical and maintenance repairs. A State of Colorado Collections and/or Wastewater license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators will be required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at hiring or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is required. Starting salary is $53,100 to $59,500 for entry level. $58,000 to $75,000 salary available for operators/electricians with experience and appropriate state licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms, and a wellness benefit/ski pass. Full job description is available at www.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.

FOREVER OUR RIVERS is hiring a Grant Program Lead. Our mission is to restore rivers throughout the Southwest. This is a part-time position with opportunity for growth. Excellent writing skills required. Learn more at ForeverOurRivers.org/careers.

BUS OPERATIONS MANAGER: The Gunnison Valley RTA is seeking a detail oriented experienced professional with clear and effective written and verbal communication skills to provide expertise and assistance overseeing the operations

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Health Nurse II –Substance Abuse Prevention

HHS: 20 hours/week, hourly pay range from $33.79 to $41.08 plus partial benefits.

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $70,288 to $99,422 plus full benefits.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $22.91 to $30.77 plus full benefits.

Juvenile Services Facilitator

Juvenile Services: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, hourly pay range is $27.03 - $30.36 plus full benefits. Bilingual - English and Spanish Speaking (Required)

Facilitator/Parent Coach

Juvenile Services: 20 hours/week, hourly pay range from $27.03 to $30.77, depending on experience, plus partial benefits. BilingualEnglish and Spanish Speaking (Preferred)

Family Support Manager

Juvenile Services: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, monthly pay rate is $6,581.00 plus full benefits.

Family Support Partner

Juvenile Services: Part-Time, 20 hours/week, starting hourly pay rate is $21.82, plus partial benefits.

Planner Technician

Community Development: FullTime, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $56,215 to $68,340 plus full benefits.

Deputy Emergency Manager/ Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Emergency Management: FullTime, 40 hours/week, monthly pay range is $6,209 to $7,070 plus full benefits.

Administrative Assistant –Permitting/Job Costing Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, hourly pay range from $27.03 to $30.77 plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II – Child Care Health Consultant

HHS: 20 hours/week, hourly pay range from $33.79 to $38.48, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Parents As Teachers - Parent Educator

HHS: 20 hours/week, hourly pay range from $27.03 to $30.77, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Juvenile Diversion Case Manager and Colorado Youth Detention Continuum (CYDC) Officer

Juvenile Services: 20 hours/ week, hourly pay range from $31.88 to $38.75, depending on experience, plus partial benefits.

Shop Technician I Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, hourly range from $25.74 to $29.31 plus full benefits

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

of the GVRTA Commuter Bus and Senior Transportation services. The chosen contractor will work closely with the GVRTA Executive Director and will be the liaison between the GVRTA and the private sector contractors. In addition to managing GVRTA facilities and overseeing partnerships, the Bus Operations Manager will be the point person for handling GVRTA customer service and provide input for planning future services.

The GVRTA is budgeting approximately $6,500 per month for the first year of the contract and will be accepting letters of interest until 5pm on October 29th. Email gvrtaops@gmail.com for a full description and instructions.

THE TOWN OF MT CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a full-time year-round maintenance worker. Seasonal worker will be considered for a qualified applicant with a current CDL and heavy equipment experience. Snowplow experience is preferred. Typical job duties will vary from season to season and will include but are not limited to: snow shoveling, plowing of the Mt. Crested Butte roads and various parking lots, maintaining town equipment and vehicles, emptying trash cans, repairing fence lines, building maintenance, road maintenance including sweeping, flagging, filling potholes, maintaining the town’s ditches and culverts. Schedule is 4 – 10 hour days with one weekend day in the winter being required. Overtime is expected during snow cycles. Minimum qualifications include the ability to obtain a class B commercial driver’s license, clean seven year driving record, ability to obtain their flagger certification, safely lift 80 pounds, good customer service, communication and team work skills, ability to walk on uneven surfaces, ability to work outdoors for an extended period in the summer and winter, basic knowledge of heavy equipment and snow plowing experience. Preferred qualifications include having a class B commercial driver’s license, flagger certification knowledge of heavy equipment operations, loader, backhoe and snowplow experience, knowledge of

vehicle and heavy equipment maintenance (mechanic) welding experience and building maintenance and upkeep experience. Starting pay range is $47,599 to $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(1) or pension plan, 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, wellness program and more. Please visit mtcb.colorado.gov for the full job description. Contact Bobby Block at bblock@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 Applications received prior to October 4, 2024 will receive priority.

B&H CONSTRUCTION is looking for skilled carpenters to join our team. Pay based on experience. Contact Jordan at 970-9010510 or bhcgunnison@gmail.com for more info.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: Ski Valet $18-$20/hr; Line Cook $21-$25/hr + Gratuity; Servers and Hosts $16/hr + Gratuity; Snow Removal Tech (must have on-call and early morning availability) $25-$30/hr. Employee benefits include discounts, employee meals, and ski storage at the base area. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte. com.

IRWIN GUIDES seeks On Mountain Hospitality Associates to provide for clients needs and comfort during cat skiing days, maintain the functionality and cleanliness of the base area, and provide in-town support, e.g. ski tuning, waxing, etc. This guest facing position will work closely with operations teams and administrative staff. This position requires customer service experience, CPR, First Aid, TIPS, and avalanche certification, or willingness to be certified,

time, seasonal positions start at $200-$230/ day, or $20-$23/hour administrative rate for in-town support, depending on experience and qualifications. The Winter season runs December to April. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/ careers/.

SAGUACHE COUNTY IS SEEKING AN ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM INSPECTOR: The On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Inspector for Saguache County is responsible for maintaining and enforcing public health regulations relating to the community’s environmental health. Through investigation, inspection, education and enforcement, the On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Inspector takes action to mitigate or eliminate public health hazards. Inspections and investigations occur indoors and outdoors facilities such as residential homes, restaurants, swimming pools, public schools, penal institutions, childcare

facilities, nursing homes, body art facilities, cannabis/hemp facilities, campgrounds, mobile home parks, public accommodations, bars/lounges, etc. On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Inspectors are assigned primary responsibilities in specific environmental programs but are required to possess knowledge of all programs in order to respond to public health emergencies.

Starting salary of $25/hour depending on experience and qualifications. Saguache County offers an exceptional benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance with an option for a Health Savings Account. Employees enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, 11 holidays. Saguache County is an equal opportunity employer. Saguache County is an EEO employer. Valid Driver’s License, Drug testing which includes marijuana, and a background check will be required also a physical exam may be required for final applicants. To view the job description and an

NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS

NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS CREATING A VESTED RIGHT GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Gunnison County has approved the following Land Use Change permits with site-specific development plans(s) within unincorporated Gunnison County, which creates a threeyear vested property right pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, Article 68 of Title 24 C.R.S., as amended.

link may also be obtained by contacting Ben Cowan, Fiscal and Administrative Agent, at the below address. Any interested elector may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of October 10, 2024 15118

A “vested property right” gives the following applicant(s) the right to undertake the development subject to the condition(s) of approval of the site-specific development plan(s).

LUC-24-00045 – Michael D. Graham Rentals, LLC is approved for the construction of a Driveway to Vacant Land on a parcel legally described as Section 9, T50N, R4E Of The N.M.P.M. A Tract Of Land Located Within La Veta Placer, Mineral Survey No 6303, Also Being A Portion Of The Quartz Creek Mining And Milling Company Mill Site As Shown On The Plat Of La Veta Addition To The Town Of

application they are available at Saguache County Administration office 505 3rd Street, Saguache or printable at www. saguachecounty.colorado.gov. Call 719-655-2231 for more information. Position opened until filled.

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE IN CB

SOUTH is hiring a full time infant/toddler teacher to start at the beginning of the school year! This is a great opportunity for a full time year round stable job with great pay and benefits! It is rewarding and fun, and there is a lot of potential for growth in this career. Please submit resume to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com

THE GUNNISON VALLEY REGIONAL

HOUSING AUTORITY IS HIRING: We have a newly created role we are hiring for to support our Ownership Program. This is a great opportunity for a detailed oriented person with good Excel, administrative and public service skills, who is interested in contributing to our affordable housing ownership program. Join our amazing team and help us make a difference! See detailed job description on our website here: www. gvrha.org/join-our-team. $23-$25/DOE. Please email resume to hiring@gvrha.org for more information.

FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Mountain Roots seeks experienced leader to advance food security initiatives. Focus on project management, team leadership, strategic growth, community impact, and advancing equity within sustainable food systems. Spanish language helpful. Salary

$50,000 - $55,000/yr. Full description at www.mountainrootsfoodproject.org.

CLERK OF COURT I (.3 FTE): The Hinsdale Combined Court located in Lake City, Colorado is seeking applications to fill a .3 FTE (12 hours per week) position of a Clerk of Court I. This is an in-person position that provides technical, administrative, and supervisory work in the operation of a Clerk’s Office of the Colorado Judicial Branch. Application shall be filed electronically. To apply go to www.coloradojudicial.gov/ under the Careers/Career Openings tab and follow the instructions to apply for this position.

THREE RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE at Three Rivers Resort in Almont seeks an experienced Restaurant Manager(s) for the 2025 summer season. The restaurant

Pitkin Recorded At Reception No. 258799 Of The Records Of Gunnison County.

/s/ Sean Pope Land Use Planner Gunnison County Community Development Department

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of October 10, 2024

15117

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Franklin E. Oberosler, a/k/a Franklin Eugene Oberosler, Franklin Oberosler, and Frank Oberosler, Deceased Case Number 2024PR30028

will open Memorial Weekend and close October 5th. The Manager(s) will likely start the week of May 4th and finish up midOctober. Individuals or couples may apply. The Manager(s) will have well-rounded experience in running a busy restaurant with heavy emphasis on back-of-the-house operations. The Manager(s) will have strong leadership skills, bringing together a cohesive team, and effectively resolving employee and customer issues. This opportunity allows Manager(s) to run the operation as their own with consultation from Resort Managers/Owners. Compensation is based on experience and lucrative performance incentives may be available. Onsite housing or RV space plus resort discounts are included. We are a family business with a strong local following so if you’re tired of the “corporate” workplace, contact us: 3riversresort.com/employment/ or operations@3riversresort.com.

ELEVEN SEEKS A GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR to own all on-boarding, off-boarding, payroll, benefits, and HRIS processing functions for all Eleven locations across the globe. This role is responsible for managing global payroll and time-tracking systems, and will be the company’s subject matter expert on global on-boarding, off-boarding, payroll, benefits, and HRIS administration. This position requires 1+ years experience processing payroll, as well as high ethical standards and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will have 1+ years experience processing global payroll, and be multilingual, especially in Spanish, French, and/or Icelandic. This full time, year round position starts at $60,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. For more information and to apply please visit elevenexperience.com/careers/.

MOTORIZED

2003 KTM 300: Excellent. $3,000.Phone will be turned off in 2 weeks. Call now 970-7846722.

REAL ESTATE

MODERN OFFICE/SHOWROOM SPACE available for rent immediately. 264sqft. Perfect for interior designers, architects,

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates October 10, 17 and 24, 2024 15173

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Robert Daniel Whitesides, Deceased Case Number 24PR22

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison, County, Colorado on or before February 10, 2025 or the claims may be forever barred.

home remodeling or similar industry. Includes: front door space for your own business sign, 1 parking spot for owner and 1 for guests, internet, cleaning service, shared bathroom, window/deck with spectacular view, and garage storage for shipping and receiving. Nice natural light and comfortable interiors. $1,760/month utilities included. Riverland Industrial Park in CB. Call or Text 970-987-4198.

FOR RENT IN GUNNISON: 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, brand-new townhomes. 427 S. Boulevard Ave. No pets, no smoking. First, last and security deposit. Previous rental references required. Available Nov. 1st. $3,000. Please call 970-901-1798.

FOR RENT MAIN STREET COMMERCIAL SPACE: 2,100 Sq. Ft . Alley access. Fireplace. $2,600 monthly. liskorinternational@gmail. com. 847-769-7800.

FURNISHED RENTAL: Private bed and bath in shared home, blocks from university, all amenities, one professional, non-smoking, no pets, references. Available Nov. 1. $800/ mo. deposit. 970-963-7200.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Donald Ray Hirsch, Deceased Case Number 2024PR30029

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison, County, Colorado on or before February 3, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Gary Wayne Pekar as Personal Representative of the Estate of Donald Ray Hirsch 1515 Lloyds Hall Court Mansfield, TX 76063

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado by February 10, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

David Oberosler, Personal Representative c/o Law Office of Robert M. O’Hayre, LLC P.O. Box 179 Gunnison, CO 81230

Wesley Whitesides Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Daniels Whitesides 416 1/2 Alamo St. Grand Junction, CO 81504

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of October 10, 17 and 24 2024 15115

Please contact through counsel: Jacob A. With, Atty. #:40546 Law of the Rockies 525 N. Main Street Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-1903 ex. 2

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of October 3, 10 and 17, 2024 15037

PUBLIC HEARING

Notice of Public Hearing

2025 Budget – December 12, 2024

Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District, North Subdistrict, and South Subdistrict

Notice is hereby given that the proposed 2025 budget will be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District by October 15, 2024. A copy of said budget will be filed at the District office, 710 S. 9th Street, Gunnison, CO 81230, where the same is open for public inspection after October 15th. Or a copy may be obtained by emailing a request to admin@gcmetrec.com. That said proposed 2025 budget will be considered at a special meeting of the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District Board of Directors to be held on Thursday, the 12th day of December 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at the District office. The Board will hold a public hearing at such a meeting during which all interested parties may be heard. A remote video communications link may also be obtained by contacting Derrick Nehrenberg, Executive Director, via the phone number below or emailing a request to admin@ gcmetrec.com. Any interested elector of the District may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget on December 12th, 2024.

Derrick Nehrenberg, Executive Director, (970) 641-8725

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of October 10, 2024 15171

MEETING NOTICE

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, October 28, 2024

5:30 PM

The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular board meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the UGRWCD Offices, 210 W. Spencer Ave., Suite A, Gunnison, CO 81230 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing. Please call (970)641-6065 for login information or visit www.UGRWCD.org and choose the Meetings tab.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication date of October 10, 2024 15116

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Town of Pitkin is soliciting cost proposals for snow removal services for winter 20242025. The services to be provided will consist of plowing approximately thirty (30) blocks. A copy of the formal Request for Proposals which identifies cost proposal requirements and street segments in Pitkin that are to be plowed may be obtained by contacting the Pitkin Town Clerk by email at thetownofpitkin@gmail.com or by telephone at 970-787-0031. A minimum of $100,000.00 in general liability insurance will be required. Cost proposals are to be submitted in accordance with the Request for Proposals by 5pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The Town Board of Trustees expects to award a contract during the Regular Monthly Meeting on October 21, 2024.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of October 3 and 10, 2024 15027

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF STATE OF COLORADO GENERAL ELECTION GUNNISON, COLORADO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to law, an Election will be held in Gunnison County, in the State of Colorado, on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.

The Election will be conducted as a Mail Ballot Election. The Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder, Kathy Simillion, is the Designated Election Official for Gunnison County.

Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPC)

(M-F) – 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM

• November 2nd, 2024 (Sat) – 7:00 AM until 11:00 AM

• November 4th, 2024 (Mon) – 8:00 AM

until 5:00 PM

• November 5th, 2024 (ELECTION DAY)

– 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM

The Queen of All Saint’s Parish Hall VSPC located in Crested Butte at 405 Sopris Avenue, will be open the following dates and times:

• November 1st, 2024 (Fri) – 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM

• November 4th, 2024 (Mon) – 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM

• November 5th, 2024 (ELECTION DAY)

– 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM

The Western Colorado University VSPC located in Gunnison at the Student Center North Conference Room at 1 Western Way, will be open the following dates and times:

• November 4th, 2024 (Mon) – 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM

• November 5th, 2024 (ELECTION DAY)

– 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM

24 Hour Secure Dropbox

24/7 Monitored & Secure Dropboxes are available at the below locations starting on October 16th, 2024.

• Blackstock Government Building – 221 N. Wisconsin St, Gunnison – Located at the South end of the parking lot

• Western Colorado University – 1 Western Way, Gunnison – Located outside the Student Center (South Entrance)

• Crested Butte South POA Mail Building

– 61 Teocalli Ave, Crested Butte – Outside the Mail Building

• Crested Butte Crank’s Plaza – 507 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte – Outside Town Hall

• Mt. Crested Butte TC-1 Parking – 700 Gothic Rd, Mt. Crested Butte – Outside Lot Building

TO ENSURE A VOTED BALLOT IS COUNTED, IT MUST BE RETURNED TO ONE OF THE ABOVE LISTED LOCATIONS NO LATER THAN 7:00 PM, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2024 (ELECTION DAY).

POSTMARKS DO NOT COUNT.

If a resident of Gunnison County is not currently registered to vote, they may register in person at the Gunnison County Election’s Office, at any of the above listed VSPCs until 7:00 PM on Election Day, November 5th, 2024, or by visiting GoVoteColorado.gov. To register to vote online, an eligible elector must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or valid Colorado Identification Card. For further information or questions please contact the Gunnison County Elections Division at (970) 641-7927.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Gunnison, this 23rd day of September, 2024. Kathy Simillion, Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of October 10, 2024 14952

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Is hereby given that I will, according to law, offer online at www.zeusauction.com, November 1, 2024, commencing at the hour of 8:00 am and ending at 5:00pm on said day, tax liens on the following described real estate situated in said County of Gunnison for unpaid general taxes for the year 2023.The taxes herein set together with interest, penalties and costs as provided by law. (Advertising costs are made on an average parcel charge);

DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAXES

R001125 $6,896.88 1210 W TOMICHI PARTNERS LLC LOTS 13-19 & PART OF ADJACENT STREET AND ALLEY, BLOCK 112, WEST GUNNISON

R014744 $1,014.58

ADEN ROGER GEORGE LOT 7, BLOCK 14, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 2

R013343 $1,454.54 ANDERSON PATTI DICK Includes 2022 and 2023 taxes

IMPROVEMENT ONLY: ON USFS LAND, SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 14S, RANGE 85W, LOT Z, CEMENT CREEK SUMMER HOME GROUP

R042890 $973.33

ARCHULETA ANGELO

MORNING STAR & LAMAR LODE MINING

CLAIMS, SURVEY #S:2656 & 2657 TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R012196 $741.54

ARSENAULT ROBERTA LOT 7, BLOCK 3, ARROWHEAD

SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R074431 $74.26

B MURPHY CONSTRUCTION UNIT B, BUILDING 105, LAZY K TOWNHOMES

R005814 $1,526.54

BAKER AUDREY I LIVING TRUST UNIT 505, BUTTES CONDOMINIUMS, MT CRESTED BUTTE

R012211 $112.02

BARRITT BARBARA J GOLDEN SLIPPER LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #13179, DOMINGO MINING DISTRICT

R014584 $1,756.51

BATES TRUST LOT 21, BEARCLAW SUBDIVISION

R026919 $704.08

BETINE RICHARD L M.L. AYERS & HENRY LAWRENCE LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #S:1935 & 1936, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R016248 $719.97

BIBBY CHARLES KING JR LOT 13, BLOCK 3, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R016342 $2,024.15

BIBBY CHARLES KING JR LOT 14, BLOCK 3, ARROWHEAD

SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R010748 $3,276.14

BLOOMER KENNETH MICHAEL LOT 40, DOS RIOS SUBDIVISION, UNIT NO. 3

R003319 $6,097.49

BORLAND ANTHONY H LOT 20 & PART OF LOTS 18 & 19, THE SOPRIS SUBDIVISION, BLOCK 25, CRESTED BUTTE

R014118 $278.82

BRANSON REX LOTS 10-12 & 16, BLOCK 12, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 2

R073134 $1,515.55

BRANSON REX

PARCEL A, BLOCK 10, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 2

R001083 $1,900.02

BRODEUR JACQUELYN LOT 17, BLOCK 7, PALISADE ADDITION TO GUNNISON

R042687 $3,721.80

BRYANT DAVID T LIVING TRUST LOT M3-54, BUCKHORN RANCH SUBDIVISION

R012287 $739.38

BRYNDAL CARL E

VIRGINIA LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #3164, ELK MOUNTAIN MINING DISTRICT

R032096 $4,040.11

BUSHFENCE LLC UNIT 105, MAJESTIC PLAZA CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R016460 $1,070.22

BYERS KARA D LOT 11, BLOCK 11, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R013048 $254.35

CAHIR MATTHEW J LOTS 8 & 11, BLOCK 2, IRWIN

R013051 $427.12

CAHIR MATTHEW J LOTS 17 & 18, BLOCK 2, IRWIN

R003528 $20,781.66

CASONA COLORADO PROPERTIES LLC

2 LOTS 29 & 30, BLOCK 23, CRESTED BUTTE

R042696 $9,543.83

CB ADVENTURES LLC LOT 62, BUCKHORN RANCH SUBDIVISION

R003486 $15,129.73

RESORT CONDOMINIUMS, MT. CRESTED BUTTE

R011752 $744.23

COAKLEY TIMOTHY J SITE 62, MASDEN LAKE FORK COVE SUBDIVISION

R004096 $92.02

COHEN M M LOT W, BLOCK 15, EAST MARBLE

R003847 $703.59

COLE PETER ALLAN LOTS 7-9, BLOCK 26, PITKIN

R008061 $479.91

COLLINS WENDY K 1.125 ACRES IN SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 1N RANGE 1W

R043990 $622.71

CORDOVES STEVEN UNIT 306, THE GRAND LODGE CRESTED BUTTE

RESORT II CONDOMINIUMS, MT. CRESTED BUTTE

R010530 $1,322.65

CRAFT FAMILY ENTERPRISES LLC 2.27 ACRES IN SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 49N, RANGE 1W

R003209 $9,375.80

CRESTED BUTTE CORPORATION LOTS 24 & 25, BLOCK 29, CRESTED BUTTE

R031537 $11,844.69

DAHLBERG ERIC LOT 29, THE SUMMIT SUBDIVISION

R013384 $6,023.24

DAHLIA PROPERTY PARTNERS LLC LOT 17, THE ALLEN HOME SITES

SUBDIVISION

R011175 $1,390.09

DARBY DALE LOT 4, BLOCK 9, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R073366 $471.66

DENISON WADE

SUNSET LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #1981, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R014987 $5,696.00

DERUSSEAU JEFFREY ALAN LOT 19, BLOCK 23, CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH SUBDIVISION

R072164 $14,775.09

DJ TRUST LOTS 15 & 16, ELK RUN SUBDIVISION

R014394 $168.62

DOLEZAL RUTH E UNDIVIDED 35% INTEREST IN: LOT 34, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 7

R071363 $11,023.07

DOUBLE M LLC

170.70 ACRES IN: HOMESTEAD LOT, LOST MINERRANCH SUBDIVISION

R001681 $3,699.37

EASTMAN STEPHANIE LOTS 23 & 24, BLOCK 21, ORIGINAL GUNNISON

R010232 $676.67

EBERLY JOSHUA J LOT 4-A & PART OF LOT 5-B, SUN PARK ADDITION SUBDIVISION

R017150 $988.71

EPPS JOHN D LOT 29, NORTH VALLEY SUBDIVISION

R017642 $1,205.98

EVCO MANAGEMENT LLC UNIT 309-A, SKYLAND LODGE CONDOMINIUMS

R013037 $770.17

FELIX RANDY LOT 9 AND PART OF LOT 8, BLOCK 10, IRWIN

R011353 $948.83

FERRY LUCIAN S CHARLOTTE & MARIA LOUISA LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #S: 4198 & 4199, TIN CUP MINING DISTRICT

R074176 $29.31

FLEMING ED 20 ACRES IN SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 14S, RANGE 91W

R003727 $671.81

FRANKLIN LINDA DIANE LOTS 4-6, BLOCK 35, PITKIN

R012232 $26.84

UNIT 1, CRYSTAL CREEK CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R017614 $1,288.49

FUHRMAN KAREN E UNIT 205-A, SKYLAND LODGE CONDOMINIUMS

R040565 $8,206.94

GARCIA RANDY S LOT S-118, SKYLAND SUBDIVISION

R045063 $1,662.90

GARDUNO RUSTY LOT 19, THORNTON MEADOWS SUBDIVISION

R043129 $27,607.74

GCP HOLDINGS LLC LOT S-187, SKYLAND SUBDIVISION

R073631 $13,057.85

GCP HOLDINGS LLC LOT 3, FAIRWAY PARK AT SKYLAND TOWNHOME SUBDIVISION

R004131 $549.69

GELIN BRUCE AND FILOMENA J LOTS 3-6, BLOCK 35, MARBLE

R030784 $2,512.27

GILES JAIMA C LOT 8, BLOCK 10, CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH SUBDIVISION

R013067 $1,037.82 GREEN SCOTT P LOTS 3-5, 15 & 16 AND ADJACENT STREETS AND ALLEYS, BLOCK 24, IRWIN

R013821 $86.13

GRIFFITH ROBERTA GAIL UNDIVIDED 2.6% INTEREST IN: LOTS 7 & 9, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CONDOMINIUM FILING

R001234 $6,852.92

GUNNISON HEGENES LLC LOT A, BLOCK 94, WEST GUNNISON

R043449 $5,894.24

GUNNISON HEGENES LLC LOT B2, LOT B BLOCK 95 SUBDIVISION

R071827 $2,114.45 HAMMACK 1990 TRUST LOT 6, BLOCK 28, CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH SUBDIVISION

R033489 $474.41

HARRIS HOWARD CLAY JUNCTION LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #2670, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R013791 $1,673.02

HARRIS TRACEY LOTS 17 & 18, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 4

R003058 $8,417.55

HART JR RICHARD LOTS 11 & 12, BLOCK 7, CRESTED BUTTE

R072068 $2,764.95

HASSEBROEK KATHERINE C UNIT 303, THE TIMBERS CONDOMINIUMS, MT CRESTED BUTTE

R027129 $452.98

HELLYER MICHAEL BRUCE LOTS 7-14, BLOCK 40, TIN CUP

R007407 $1,195.31

HELMS JUSTIN

LIME CONTACT NO. 3 & NO. 4 LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #14311, QUARTZ CREEK PROPERTIES SUBDIVISION

R007438 $496.94

HELMS JUSTIN

DEER TRAIL LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #4705, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R007517 $433.75

HELMS JUSTIN

EARLY BIRD LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #1885, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R033490 $490.34

HELMS JUSTIN

LITTLE BOSS LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #2658, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R040202 $1,456.13

HELMS JUSTIN LOTS 25-27, BLOCK 36, PITKIN

R026920 $536.50

HERNANDEZ DANIEL A MINARRO

LOST WINDING LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #19208, GOLD BRICK MINING DISTRICT

R040770 $49.13

Voter Service and Polling Centers will provide the following services: Ballot Drop-Off, Voter Registration & Updates, Replacement Ballots, and Electronic & ADA Compliant Voting. The VSPCs will be open per the below schedules.

The Blackstock Government Center VSPC is in the parking lot located at 221 N. Wisconsin St, Gunnison. Hours of operation as follows:

• October 21st – November 1st, 2024

R043982 $764.19 ANDERSON SCOTT D UNIT 221, THE GRAND LODGE CRESTED BUTTE RESORT II CONDOMINIUMS, MT.

CRESTED BUTTE

R017647 $1,589.14

ANNARELLI DENNIS C JR UNIT 314-A, SKYLAND LODGE CONDOMINIUMS

CB MAROON LLC LOTS 25 & 26, BLOCK 14 CRESTED BUTTE

R044087 $2,099.58

CERVANTES MARIA DE LOS ANGELES RAMIREZ LOT E6, LARKSPUR SUBDIVISION

R043065 $535.11

CHAPMAN KEVIN WAYNE UNIT 471, THE GRAND LODGE CRESTED BUTTE

FREO RALPH UNDIVIDED 1% INTEREST IN: CAVERN LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #2816, ROCK CREEK MINING DISTRICT

R002454 $1,953.74

FRISCH REBECCA L PART OF TRACT 33, ISLAND ACRES SUBDIVISION

R003559 $3,605.01 FUCHS ALISON K

HERSBERGER WESLEY B PARCEL 3, PIKE BLUE MESA PARCELS SUBDIVISION

R002309 $671.16

HESS BRYAN J LOTS 7-11, BLOCK 3, RIO GRAND ADDITION TO GUNNISON

R033148 $391.43

HINES LILLIAN BROOKE LIVING TRUST

TENNESSEE LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #6238, ROCK CREEK MINING DISTRICT

R001615 $3,990.56

HOLDEN ENID MARGARET LOTS 3 & 4, BLOCK 18, ORIGINAL GUNNISON

R007154 $2,777.78

HOLMAN JANET S REVOCABLE TRUST LOTS 1 & 2, BLOCK 3, THE HOMESTEAD SUBDIVISION

R026969 $1,537.62

HOLMAN JANET S REVOCABLE TRUST LOT 11, BLOCK 4, THE HOMESTEAD SUBDIVISION

R011339 $364.25

HONEY BADGER RESOURCES LLC

ROSE BUD AND PART OF HUMMING BIRD & WAR

EAGLE LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #10910, DOMINGO MINING DISTRICT (BALANCE IN SAGUACHE COUNTY)

R012274 $195.92

HONEY BADGER RESOURCES LLC

MILLSITE LODE LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #19920, DOMINGO MINING DISTRICT

R016643 $758.85

JOHNSTON META LOTS 77 & 78, BLUE MESA SUBDIVISION - UNIT 2

R033682 $681.00

KILLINGBACK RICHARD A

BRYAN, MASCOT & MATCHLESS LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #18220, GOLD BRICK MINING DISTRICT

R007485 $157.37

LACAPRA DANIEL ANTHONY

UNDIVIDED 50% INTEREST IN: DEAD WOOD LODE MING CLAIM, SURVEY #1872, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R040376 $80.44

LACAPRA DANIEL ANTHONY

UNDIVIDED 29% INTEREST IN: IRON KING LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #4808, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R008962 $145.28

LACAPRA VINCE

UNDIVIDED 50% INTEREST IN: DEAD

WOOD LODE MING CLAIM, SURVEY #1872, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R033165 $168.36

LACAPRA VINCE

UNDIVIDED 71% INTEREST IN: IRON KING LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #4808, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R010211 $1,072.64

LAMBERT PROPERTIES LLC LOT 21, SUN PARK ADDITION SUBDIVISION

R016361 $520.27

LESSARD JEFFREY S LOT 7, BLOCK 7, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 3

R073107 $334.29

LINSCHEID VELDA LOUISE RED CLOUD LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #3147, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R008304 $188.14

LOOPER ROBERT DAVID LIME CONTACT NO. 13 LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #14311, QUARTZ CREEK PROPERTIES SUBDIVISION

R032927 $25.55

LOST MINER ENTERPRISES LLC 1 ACRE IN LOST MINER RANCH SUBDIVISION

R009043 $246.93

LUEKER ANDREW BELLE MAHONE LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #15305, QUARTZ CREEK MINING DISTRICT

R014727 $676.81

LUNN KRISTOPHER T LOT 22, BLOCK 14, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 2

R013822 $86.13

LYONS HARLEY L UNDIVIDED 2.6% INTEREST IN: LOTS 7 & 9, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CONDOMINIUM FILING

R025584 $875.52

MAFFRY DOUGLAS KIRK NORTH STAR, NUMBER 3, NARROW GAUGE & MULDOON

LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #S: 847A, 848, 849 & 850, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R041547 $676.06

MAGDALENO JARIB

TRACT B, LOT 2, SHULTZ SUBDIVISION

R016466 $520.27

MAIER DAVID ANTHONY LOT 6, BLOCK 10, ARROWHEAD

SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R005241 $3,818.48

MANGURIAN MIKE UNIT 123, MOUNTAIN SUNRISE CONDOMINIUMS, MT CRESTED BUTTE

R014558 $912.35

MAPLE GROVE PROPERTIES LLC LOT 24, BEARCLAW SUBDIVISION

R073716 $613.29

MASONBRINK ADAM LOTS 9-14 & 27-32, BLOCK 27, SCHOFIELD TOWNSITE

R012768 $5,345.65

MATTSON JORDAN LOT 20, GLACIER LILY ESTATES SUBDIVISION

R008534 $965.63

MCGINNIS SHANNON H HORN NO. 1 LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #15184, QUARTZ CREEK PROPERTIES SUBDIVISION

R026684 $1,944.65

MCLELAND LENORE G FAMILY TRUST UNIT 34, HEATHERWOOD VILLAS CONDOMINIUMS

R071741 $450.15

MILLER PAMELA J VENI LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #7713, QUARTZ CREEK PROPERTIES SUBDIVISION

R007012 $2,003.02

MITSUBA LLC PART OF CLARKSON LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #12011A & PART OF RECONSTRUCTION

PLACER MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #19524, GOLD BRICK MINING DISTRICT

R009102 $1,954.67

MITSUBA LLC PART OF RECONSTRUCTION PLACER MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #19524, GOLD BRICK MINING DISTRICT

R005789 $2,459.60

MORDVINOFF PETER N UNIT 31, REDSTONE BLDG, EVERGREEN CONDOMINIUMS, MT CRESTED BUTTE

R031929 $7,183.81

MORNING DEW PARTNERS LLC LOT 28, MERIDIAN LAKE MEADOWS SUBDIVISION

R042729 $9,653.25

MORRISON JERRY LOT 41, BUCKHORN RANCH SUBDIVISION

R006058 $1,249.39

MOUNTAIN MIRACLE INC

UNIT C, THE GARDENS CONDOMINIUMS, MT CRESTED BUTTE

R006059 $2,023.16

MOUNTAIN MIRACLE INC

UNIT D, THE GARDENS CONDOMINIUMS MT CRESTED BUTTE

R001120 $965.20

MULLEN EDGAR LOTS 20 & 21, BLOCK 113, WEST GUNNISON

R010524 $302.97

MURILLO LILIANA MARQUEZ LOT 15, PLEASANTVIEW PARK SUBDIVISION

R001269 $1,331.97

NICHOLS JAMES LOTS 3-5, BLOCK 18, WEST GUNNISON

R003419 $10,681.12

NIMMO MICHAEL LOTS 9, 10 & PART OF LOT 8, BLOCK 39, CRESTED BUTTE

R001116 $1,353.67

OZYP MATTHEW LOTS 6, 7 & PART OF LOT 8 AND ADJACENT ALLEY, BLOCK 114, WEST GUNNISON

R001526 $1,805.15

OZYP MATTHEW R PART OF LOTS 8-12, BLOCK 79, FIRST ADDITION TO GUNNISON

R001958 $959.24

OZYP MATTHEW R LOTS 11 & 12, BLOCK 31, ORIGINAL GUNNISON

R033389 $33.66

OZYP MATTHEW R 10.834 ACRES IN SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 48N, RANGE 2W

R071510 $454.64

OZYP MATTHEW R

120.23 ACRES IN SECTIONS 14 & 23, TOWNSHIP 48N, RANGE 2W

R072243 $226.05

OZYP MATTHEW R TRACT C, MESSNER FAMILY

PARTNERSHIP SUBDIVISION

R009714 $2,161.14

OZYP MATTHEW ROBERT LOT 29, OHIO MEADOWS SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R071511 $102.82

OZYP MATTHEW ROBERT 93.02 ACRES IN SECTIONS 22 & 23, TOWNSHIP 48N, RANGE 2W

R001166 $1,232.14

PATOINE-GALE JOSHUA P LOTS 15 & 16, BLOCK 79, WEST GUNNISON

R071737 $8,692.81

PATRICK SEAN LOTS M2-58 & M2-59, BUCKHORN RANCH SUBDIVISION

R010344 $687.61

PEPPERD ENID C

ROCKY PLACER LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #763, GOLD BASIN MINING DISTRICT

R026602 $3,617.36

PETERSON RODNEY N 0.36 ACRES IN SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 49N, RANGE 2E

R004112 $2,626.53

PETROCCO J ANTHONY LOTS C-I & N-W, BLOCK 19, EAST MARBLE

R013154 $6,695.13

PIKE PATRICIA JO LOT 16, RIVER BEND SUBDIVISION

R032552 $9,382.50

PIKE PATRICIA JO LOT S-61, SKYLAND SUBDIVISION

R003477 $6,016.06

POTICIA PALACE LLC TRACT 1, SAYA SUBDIVISION

R032062 $1,153.00

POWERS D MAX 40 ACRES IN SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 51N, RANGE 2E

R008792 $1,908.68

QUARTZ CREEK LAND CO

217.62 ACRES IN SECTIONS 26 & 27, TOWNSHIP 50N, RANGE 3E

R030009 $6,090.15

RAFFERTY COLLEEN S LOTS 1, 2 & PART OF LOT 3, BLOCK 38, CRESTED BUTTE

R003269 $7,153.34

RAYDER NICHOLAS LIVING TRUST LOTS 23-25, BLOCK 33, CRESTED BUTTE

R014224 $265.76

REED DAVID LOTS 28 & 29, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R007501 $452.98

RESNICK MICHAEL SAUL LIVING TRUST

SULPHURET & SNOWBIRD LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #S: 6938 & 17748, TOMICHI MINING DISTRICT

R026323 $2,369.52

RIBE JESSICA L 11.57 ACRES IN SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 50N, RANGE 1W

R045500 $11,207.14

RIO WILDER 4 LLC LOT 4, WILDER ON THE TAYLOR SUBDIVISION

R014219 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 35, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014220 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 34, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014221 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 33, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014231 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 22, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014232 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 21, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014233 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 20, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014234 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC

LOT 19, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

R006197 $4,843.24

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014235 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 18, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014236 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 17, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014237 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 16, BLOCK 4, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014248 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 102, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014249 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 103, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA

SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014250 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 104, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014251 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 105, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014252 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 106, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014253 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 107, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014254 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 108, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014255 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 109, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014256 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 110, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014257 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 111, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014258 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 112, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014259 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 114, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014274 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 96, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014275 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 97, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014276 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 98, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014277 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 99, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014278 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 100, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R014279 $142.88

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC LOT 101, BLOCK 3, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, CRYSTAL RIVER FILING

R071736 $150.49

RIVER DANCE RANCH INC 2.29 ACRES IN SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 11S, RANGE 88W

ROBERTSON MARY JEAN UNIT 4, BLDG B, SNOWFALL POINT CONDOMINIUMS, MT CRESTED BUTTE

R017626 $1,801.74

ROGGENBUCK PAUL UNIT 217-A, SKYLAND LODGE CONDOMINIUMS

R073632 $4,072.16

RORKE JIM LOT 4, FAIRWAY PARK AT SKYLAND TOWNHOME SUBDIVISION

R007754 $95.27

ROSS FAMILY LLC 80 ACRES IN SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 15S, RANGE 87W

R007756 $44.17

ROSS FAMILY LLC TRACT A, WILDERNESS STREAMS SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 2

R014422 $444.22

ROWLAND CAREN E LOTS 1 & 2, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 7

R043987 $1,737.79

RYAN CHARLES T UNIT 303, THE GRAND LODGE CRESTED BUTTE RESORT II CONDOMINIUMS, MT. CRESTED BUTTE

R033191 $343.63

RYAN PATRICK SENATOR BECK LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #16567, QUARTZ CREEK MINING DISTRICT

R002068 $2,775.70

S COLORADO RESTAURANT LLC PART OF LOT 22, BLOCK 28, ORIGINAL GUNNISON

R008298 $224.40

SAFFER JESSI VICTORIA LOTS 9-12, BLOCK 2 AND ADJACENT STREET & ALLEY, CAUFMAN’S ADDITION TO OHIO CITY

R005519 $2,510.05

SAIED V C UNIT 2302, COLUMBINE CONDOMINIUMS, MT CRESTED BUTTE

R071479 $797.01

SAVITZ TIM UNIT 2, TOMICHI TOWNHOMES, GUNNISON

R032106 $2,435.44

SCARLET BEGONIAS PARTNERS LLC UNIT 221, MAJESTIC PLAZA CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R032107 $2,586.59

SCARLET BEGONIAS PARTNERS LLC UNIT 222, MAJESTIC PLAZA CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R007452 $542.55

SCHOONOVER JACKIE L BLUE BIRD LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #932, QUARTZ CREEK MINING DISTRICT

R008012 $81.54

SCHOONOVER JACKIE L LOTS 25-28, BLOCK 20, LA VETA ADDITION TO PITKIN

R011359 $193.21

SCHOONOVER JACKIE L NELLIE MC LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #19523, TIN CUP MINING DISTRICT

R026586 $1,306.09

SELLERS CHAD ANTHONY 40 ACRES IN SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 48N, RANGE 3W

R014067 $117.29

SERENITY HOUSE LLC LOT 13, BLOCK 5, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R014069 $216.42

SERENITY HOUSE LLC LOT 12, BLOCK 5, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R070979 $216.42

SERENITY HOUSE LLC LOT 17, BLOCK 5, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R070980 $216.42

SERENITY HOUSE LLC LOT 16, BLOCK 5, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R013663 $562.15

SERENITY POINT LLC

DYNAMITE, LEGACY & SATURDAY NIGHT LODE MINING CLAIMS, SURVEY #7655, ROCK CREEK MINING DISTRICT

R042704 $13,506.56

SHAKEDOWN ST PARTNERS LLC LOT 61, BUCKHORN RANCH

R007316 $1,265.51

SHANK NEWTON M JR 2.70 ACRES IN SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 50N, RANGE 1E

R032204 $1,059.07

SHRIEVES STEPHANIE A LOT 29, SUNSPOT SUBDIVISION

R016979 $113.10

SINGSON DAVID REX FORTALEZA LOT 253, BLUE MESA SUBDIVISIONUNIT 1

R011774 $442.78

SMITH HEATHER LOT 11, BLOCK 15, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 2

R073868 $2,152.62

STEVENS LACHLAN

40.32 ACRES IN SECTION 17, TOWNSHIP 14S, RANGE 87W

R031916 $6,136.23

STOKELD TRUST LOT 15, MERIDIAN LAKE MEADOWS SUBDIVISION

R042709 $9,653.25

SUGAREE LH LLC LOT 22, BUCKHORN RANCH SUBDIVISION

R016432 $1,170.06

TAYLOR JAMES ERIC LOT 27, BLOCK 8, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R072138 $695.84

THULIN TIMOTHY

SUNOL LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #7908, QUARTZ CREEK PROPERTIES SUBDIVISION

R032931 $250.22

TRAUTMAN DANA TRUSTEE

GAGE LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #10713, GOLD BASIN MINING DISTRICT

R072734 $9,011.21

TUCUMCARI PARTNERS LLC LOT 3, MELDRUM SUBDIVISION

R074093 $3,747.62

TUCUMCARI PARTNERS LLC

UNIT B, ELCHO PLACE TOWNHOMES, CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH

R013454 $1,587.85

UGGE CRYSTAL LOTS 8-33, BLOCK 24, SCHOFIELD TOWNSITE

R013455 $467.88 UGGE CRYSTAL LOTS 2-7 & 34-39, BLOCK 17, SCHOFIELD TOWNSITE

R025802 $3,216.80 VIDMAR M K TRUST

9.203 ACRES IN SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 49N, RANGE 1W

R031836 $5,506.76

VILLALOBOS MARIO LOTS 1-4, PART OF LOT 5 AND ADJACENT

ALLEY, BLOCK 42, MARBLE

R043196 $13,013.72

WALKER JANE H TRUST FBO WINTER

OLIVIA PARCEL 13, THE RESERVE ON THE EAST RIVER SUBDIVISION

R040157 $1,634.10

WARREN TONY

100.037 ACRES IN SECTION 6, TOWNSHIP 47N, RANGE 3W

R025357 $749.11

WATERS PAUL A 42.090 ACRES IN SECTIONS 23 & 26, TOWNSHIP 47N, RANGE 4W

R072873 $167.81

WATSON LINDA L PART OF LOT E5 & TRASH ENCLOSURE LOT, PONDEROSA PARK SUBDIVISION

R002242 $4,263.86

WEAVER JESSIE LOTS 1-3, BLOCK 37, WEST GUNNISON

R043917 $1,793.14

WELFELT ERIN S UNIT 1, WILDWOOD TOWNHOMES CONDOMINIUMS, PHASE 8, GUNNISON

R012125 $759.99

WEMPEN MICHAEL CRAIG LOT 6, BLOCK 9, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R031668 $2,916.43

WGMA LAKESIDE LP LOTS 18-20 & PART OF LOT 21, BLOCK 6, MARBLE SKI AREA SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R031245 $10.76

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 Jewish Congregation PO Box 2537 Crested Butte, CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com

Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado. High Holy Days schedule

Rosh Hashana

Oct 2, 5 p.m. - erev Rosh Hashana services potluck following, please bring a dish and drink to share

Oct 3 - 1st day of Rosh Hashana, service & hike to begin at 9:30 a.m., Tashlick at 1 p.m.

Oct 4, 2nd day of Rosh Hashana, services begin at 10 followed by potluck, please bring a dish and drink to share

Yom Kippur

Oct 11, Kol Nidre services begin at 6 p.m.

Oct 12, services begin at 10 a.m. and conclude with Ne’ila at 6:30 p.m. followed by break the fast potluck, please bring a dish to share

Faith leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com

See details/locations on our website bnaibutte.org

WHETSTONE TOWNHOUSE ASSOC PART OF LOT M-5, RIVER BEND

SUBDIVISION

R025330 $2,799.47

WHINNERY HELEN E

978.03 ACRES IN SECTIONS 25, 26, 35 & 36, TOWNSHIP 46N, RANGE 4W

R040779 $64.38

WHINNERY STEVEN L 200 ACRES IN SECTIONS 17 & 20, TOWNSHIP 46N, RANGE 3W

R042351 $64.38

WHINNERY STEVEN L

200 ACRES IN SECTIONS 25 & 26, TOWNSHIP 48N, RANGE 4W

R042916 $37.86

WHINNERY STEVEN L

80 ACRES IN SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 48N, RANGE 4W

R042918 $461.14

WHINNERY STEVEN L 545.18 ACRES IN SECTIONS 1 & 2, TOWNSHIP 47N, RANGE 4W

R032065 $1,385.11

WHINNERY STEVEN LYNN

40 ACRES IN SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 46N, RANGE 4W

R011796 $677.16

WILSON MELISSA LOT 10, BLOCK 10, ARROWHEAD

SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 1

R016296 $520.27

WILSON MELISSA LOT 22, BLOCK 7, ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R042174 $1,429.05

WONSPEED LLC UNIT 102, WEST ELK CENTER CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R042176 $1,429.05

WONSPEED LLC UNIT 204, WEST ELK CENTER CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R042179 $660.38

WONSPEED LLC UNIT 203, WEST ELK CENTER

CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R042180 $958.03

WONSPEED LLC UNIT 202, WEST ELK CENTER

CONDOMINIUMS, CRESTED BUTTE

R012135 $39.48

WRIGHT ARWEN ANN VANDENBERG LOT 21, BLOCK 1, IOLA VALLEY TRACTS

SUBDIVISION

R007232 $855.19

WYNNE JOSEPH MONETARY NO.2 LODE MINING CLAIM, SURVEY #8231, QUARTZ CREEK PROPERTIES

SUBDIVISION

R017285 $218.08

ZAKRAJSEK RICHARD A LOT 24, BLOCK 12, ARROWHEAD

SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 3

R016604 $130.42

ZIMMER CONSTANCE LOT 38, BLUE MESA SUBDIVISION - UNIT 2

R071649 $3,199.15

ZIMMER CONSTANCE APRYL LOT 5, BLOCK 29, CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH SUBDIVISION

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL THIS October 3, 2024 Debbie Dunbar Gunnison County Treasurer Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication dates of October 3, 10 and 17 2024 14997

PUBLIC NOTICE

GUNNISON COUNTY TAX SALE INFORMATION TAX SALE LIST

Our tax sale list will be published in October and will run for three weeks.

SALE -Date of Sale: November 1, 2024

Faith Directory

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034

A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.

Sunday 10 a.m. / Wednesday 7 p.m. newsonggunnison.net

Community Church of Gunnison

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925

Pastor Larry Nelson

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

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.

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.

-Sale will be held online at www. zeusauction.com. Auction and registration information available on our website, www. gunnisoncounty.org/treasurer.

-Auction will begin at 8:00 am MST and close at 5:00 pm MST

BIDDING

-Employees and officials of Gunnison County, members of their immediate families or their agents are not permitted to bid at Gunnison County Tax Sale.

-It is bidder’s responsibility to know what he/ she is bidding on. Each parcel number and minimum bid (minimum bid includes taxes, interest, advertising and certificate costs) will be listed on auction site. - Payment for all winning bids will be made by ACH from the bidder’s account that was used in the registration process. This is the only form of payment accepted.

INTEREST 15%

TAX LIEN -You are only purchasing a lien to the property no other rights.

SUBSEQUENT PROPERTY -If the owner does not pay future taxes by July 31, you will be notified of the amount due and you may pay them if you wish. Payments will accrue interest at the same rate as the certificate.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication dates of October 3, 10 and 17 2024 14995

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.

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.

2024 Flu Clinics

Protect yourself and those around you!

Crested Butte Gunnison

October 9th

3-6 pm

Inside the Parish Hall of Queen of All Saints

Parking available in the parking lot, close walking distance from Elk Ave

October 17th 2-6 pm

Gunnison County Health & Human Services Office 220 N. Spruce St. Drive-thru and walk-in clinic!

Drive-thru clinic in the south parking lot, enter from Virginia Ave

Walk-in clinic entrance through the office lobby, use the west parking lot off Spruce St or park on West Georgia Ave.

PLEASE BRING A HARD COPY OF INSURANCE CARDS WITH ID’S TO CONFIRM INFORMATION We DO NOT accept Kaiser Permanente insurance

$25 for the vaccine if you are uninsured

Cash, checks, & credit cards are accepted

Persons 6 months and older can be vaccinated

2024 Clinicas de Gripe/Flu

¡Protégete a ti mismo y a los que te rodean!

Crested Butte Gunnison

9 de octubre 3-6pm

Dentro del Salón

Parroquial de Queen of All Saints 401 Sopris Ave

Aparcamiento disponible en el aparcamiento, a poca distancia a pie de Elk Ave.

17 de octubre 2-6 pm

Oficina de Salud y Servicios

Humanos del Condado de Gunnison 220 N. Spruce St.

Esta clínica ofrecerá servicio desde el coche y sin cita.

clínica de acceso en coche será en el estacionamiento sur por la calle

Virginia entrada a la clínica sin cita será en la área de recepción de la oficina, utilice el aparcamiento oeste de Spruce St o aparque en West Georgia Ave

Vacunas contra la gripe de dosis normal y alta disponibles POR FAVOR TRAIGA UNA COPIA DE SU TARJETA DE SEGURO MEDICO Y SU IDENTIFICACIÓN PARA

CONFIRMAR SU INFORMACIÓN NO aceptamos el seguro medico Kaiser Permanente

$25 por la vacuna si no tiene seguro médico

Se aceptan efectivo, cheques y tarjetas de crédito

Las personas a partir de 6 meses pueden vacunarse

Music with the Mountaineers

Western Colorado University music students showcased their skill during a Family Weekend concert at Kincaid Concert Hall on Oct. 4. The concert choir, jazz ensemble, steel band and drumline all made appearances for the show.

Prutch’s Garage Door now on Main Street

The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce welcomed Prutch’s Garage Door to town with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 1. Prutch’s is based in Pueblo, and has been serving Colorado customers since 1989. The business's new Gunnison outpost is located at 811 North Main St., in Kooler Garage Doors’ former location.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

(Courtesy Celeste Helminski/Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce)

Lights & Sirens

CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE DEPARTMENT

SEPTEMBER 30

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN ST. PROPERTY - LOST — 1160 N. MAIN ST.

PROPERTY - FOUND — 500 E. TOMICHI AVE.

ACCIDENT — 1125 N. MAIN ST. MENACING: NO WEAPON INVOLVED — N. MAIN ST. JUVENILE PROBLEM — S. 14TH ST.

PROSTITUTION - PURCHASING

PROSTITUTION — 107 S. MAIN ST.

OCTOBER 1

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICIPAL — 600 ESCALANTE DR. ACCIDENT — 200 N. MAIN ST.

OCTOBER 2

CRIMINAL TRESPASS: SECOND DEGREE - VEHICLE — 1015 W. DENVER AVE. MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 400 W. RUBY AVE. ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE - MUNICIPAL — 310 W. GEORGIA AVE. ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL — 114 N. BOULEVARD ST. WELFARE ASSIST — N. TAYLOR

ST. WELFARE ASSIST — S. SPRUCE ST.

OCTOBER 3

ACCIDENT - HIT & RUN — 108 S. 12TH ST. INFORMATION — 501 E. TOMICHI AVE.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE - MUNICIPAL — 412 W. TOMICHI AVE. ACCIDENT — 100 W. GEORGIA AVE. HARASSMENT:STRIKE/SHOVE/ KICK — 1500 W. TOMICHI AVE

DRIVING WHILE ABILITY IMPAIRED - ALCOHOL — HIGHWAY 135 FRONTAGE ROAD

OCTOBER 4

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE - MUNICIPAL — 700 W. TOMICHI AVE.

JUVENILE PROBLEM — 1099 N. 11TH ST. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 1007 W. DENVER AVE.

WELFARE ASSIST — N. MAIN ST. THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN

ST. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — N. COLORADO ST.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - COARSE OR OFFENSIVE — 800 W. OHIO

AVE.

OCTOBER 5

ALCOHOL VIOLATION - UNDERAGE POSSESSION/CONSUMPTION — 100 N. MAIN ST. CRIMINAL TRESPASS: SECOND DEGREE - COMMON AREA — 226 N. MAIN ST.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — 905 N. MAIN ST. AGENCY ASSIST — W. COTTONWOOD RD.

HARASSMENT: GESTURE/LANGUAGE IN PUBLIC — 1010 W. VIRGINIA AVE.

WELFARE ASSIST — W. TOMICHI AVE.

OCTOBER 6

HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — 1000 N. COLORADO ST. MEDICAL CALL — W. TOMICHI AVE.

ASSAULT: THIRD DEGREE - BODILY INJURY — 720 N. COLORADO

ST.

WELFARE ASSIST — S. 12TH ST.

ACCIDENT - HIT & RUN — 307 N. 10TH ST.

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

OCTOBER 1

- Harassment report

OCTOBER 2

- Agency Assist – Colorado State Patrol

- Family Dispute Report - Theft Report

Agency Assist – Gunnison Police Department

OCTOBER 3

- Trespassing Report - Agency Assist – Gunnison Police Department

- Agency Assist – Gunnison Police Department

OCTOBER 4

- Information report – Fraud

- Warrant Arrest – Out of county

- Trespassing report

- Information Report – Lost Property

- Agency Assist Report – Gunnison Police Department

- Warrant Arrest – In county

- Agency Assist Report – Gunnison Police Department

OCTOBER 5

- Driving Under the Influence Arrest - Information – Welfare Check

OCTOBER 6

- Information Report – Dog Bite - Criminal Mischief Report

- Agency Assist Report – Gunnison Police Department

- Information Report – Welfare Check

OCTOBER 7

- Violation of Protection order Report

- Unattended Death Report

- Dog at large report

- Information Report – Disorderly subject

- Information Report – Paper Service

2024 Gunnison Valley Health Pumpkin Patch

PHOTOS: Winding down the fall harvest, B11

POETRY: The answer to all that ails us? B4

B6

Rangers John and Elaine Essam are the last Taylor Park pioneers

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

John and Elaine Essam retreated into their remote cabin as dark clouds flooded over nearby Cottonwood Pass. Their home is an outpost in a vast sea of wilderness. It is located 13 miles north of Taylor Reservoir up a rutted dirt road. Inside the single-room cabin, moose paddles rest on a shelf, and the couple's bed sits across from their wood-burning stove. In addition to the cozy space, it is the natural beauty, like waking up to glistening dew on the tall grasses, and watching countless elk wander the hillsides, that have kept the Essams returning for almost a quarter century.

This season marked the 24th anniversary of the couple’s career with the U.S. Forest Service at the historic Dorchester Cabin. Each year, from May to October, the Essams live in the remote homestead, working as camp

Tales from the end of the road

hosts for the Dorchester Campground. Over the years, the Essams have amassed quite a few stories.

“There’s something about this little cabin,” John said. “It’s sipping coffee out back every morning, watching the animals, and the warmth of our stove once the weather cools off. We look out at the sunrise every morning, and think, ‘How can you not love this?’”

The old mining town of Dorchester sits in the middle of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Aspen, in one of the most remote and harsh environments in the Rockies. Adjacent to a slew of mines, Dorchester boomed in the early 1900s, boasting a saloon, two stores and a hotel.

But after the mining buzz fizzled out, the cabin was converted into a ranger station. It is all that remains of the once vibrant town. The homestead has sat ever since, hosting Forest Service rangers during the warmer months, and going dormant during the severe winters.

During the summer of 1999, John and Elaine rattled up the washboard road to Dorchester. The Nebraska-based couple were perennial campers, and had returned every summer since the 1980s with their three sons. But at the turn of the century, the existing camp hosts surprised the couple with a lifechanging proposition.

and

The cabin had become too much work for the rangers, and

accepted the position, and moved in during the summer of 2000 to take

SPORTS: Mountaineers crush Skyhawks,

the hosts offered the Essams the keys. John

Elaine

John and Elaine Essam raise the American flag outside the Dorchester Cabin. (Photos by Alex McCrindle)

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

The Essams watch a storm from their back porch.

Steve Bathje

Jonathan Houck

Lisa Henry

Liz Smith

drifting asleep with the stars, and watching the seasons’ gentle change, the Essams have fallen in love with the daily surprises of the job. Similar to Tom Hanks’ “Castaway,” the couple could never predict what the tide would bring. Some days they simply hauled water and split firewood, and on others, Elaine sat and repainted campground signs.

“This cabin has saved lives, but also, we’ve had people come in and pour out their hearts here.”

Ski Area and landed miles off route. He stumbled up to the patio with his parachute draped across his shoulders.

“Excuse me, where am I?” he asked.

“Welcome to Dorchester, Colorado, you’re quite literally in the middle of nowhere,” John replied.

The cabin is one of few aid stations in the Taylor Park wilderness, and the Essams have become first responders on more than one occasion. Sometimes it’s only a lost dog or horse. But after a serious car accident one autumn, a 19-year-old patient used the Dorchester couch as a hospital bed, awaiting a helicopter. Another time, the Essams offered first aid to a man struck by lightning.

According to historical newspaper accounts, cut out and laminated on the Dorchester dinner table, the cabin has also saved a number of lives. In 1993, the Denver Post reported that five lost backcountry skiers survived for four days in the Dorchester Cabin, ultimately trekking 13 miles and calling for help at the Taylor Park Trading Post.

One summer day, just as John settled into his camp chair on the back porch, someone knocked on the door. It was a Romanian paraglider, who had taken off from Aspen Mountain

Similarly, in 2011, a group of backcountry skiers from Denver smashed in the Dorchester window, and took shelter during a blizzard. The party was found nine miles south of their original destination. To this day, the

Halftime heroes

Essams keep the cabin’s woodburning stove fully stocked with kindling and firewood in case of an emergency.

“This cabin has saved lives, but also, we’ve had people come in and pour out their hearts here,” Elaine said. “Maybe they’ve lost a spouse, or a child, or are going through a divorce. But also, there’s been beautiful weddings up here, and really joyous occasions. It’s a powerful little place.”

As the years passed, and John’s mustache turned from brown to gray, the Essams admit the water buckets are heavier than they used to be. Still, the couple is ever passionate about their remote refuge in the heart of the Rockies, and will hope to be called back for their 25th season.

This fall, the Essams winterized the cabin, ensuring its safety for another grueling winter, and then high-tailed it back to their permanent home in Nebraska. They will wait out the winter, and pray for another phone call come spring.

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

Kids of all ages stole the show during halftime at the Western Colorado University football game against Fort Lewis College on Oct. 5. The Mountaineer Cheer team led the young stampede onto the field through billows of red smoke.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Elaine Essam

Taylor Park ranger

Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Dorchester Cabin is the only remaining structure from the old mining boom.

Inside the Essams’ one-room outpost.

‘GFALL’ and auction

The Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League will present GFALL, an autumn festival supporting the valley’s homeless animals on Saturday Oct. 19 from 5-8 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 123 S. Main St. in Gunnison. Admission includes dinner, live music by Matthew Grant and more. All proceeds will benefit GVAWL. Tickets are $25 ages 18 and up, $20 for students and $10 for kids 5-11. Under 4 are free. Tickets are available at Pat’s Screen Printing or Blue Mesa Music in Gunnison.

PTA costume swap

Donate your child's old or outgrown costumes to the Gunnison PTA from Oct. 7-18. Drop them off, and we’ll bring them to the swap event on Friday, Oct. 18 from 4-6 p.m. at the Gunnison Elementary School gym, 1099 N. 11th St., Gunnison.

Speaking Up and Speaking Out

On Oct. 12 from 10-11:30 a.m., Gunnison County Republicans will host an information session about 2024 ballot initiatives at the Gunnison County Library, 1 Quartz Ave. in Gunnison. This will be fol -

lowed from 1-3:30 p.m. by a class called Speaking Up and Speaking Out, led by a representative from the Independence Institute and Citizen Involvement Project.

Free

coats and more

The Gunnison Rotary Club sponsors a free coat closet on the west side of the Gunnison Country Food Pantry building at 114 S. 14th St. Feel free to take a coat or leave a gently used coat of any size.

GriefShare

Are you grieving the loss of a family member or friend? Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Gunnison will host a 13-week, scripture-based support group on a schedule that will accommodate all participants. Email Rod Morrill at rodmorrill2@ gmail.com for more information and to register.

Winter dance programs

The Crested Butte School of Dance winter programs begin Oct. 28 and registration is now open. For more information about class schedules and scholarship opportunities, visit dancecrestedbutte.org or email programs@dancecrestedbutte. org.

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

Lunchtime Restorative Yoga

Enjoy a midday break every Thursday Until Nov. 21 from 12-1 p.m.with Lunchtime Restorative Yoga—an ideal way to nurture your mind and body during the workweek.

Pop Up Pottery: Friends Night Out

Grab your friends and get your hands dirty! Join us Oct. 11 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for a fun and creative pottery night out. Cheers to clay, laughter and unforgettable memories! 21+ alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS

Rocky Horror Picture Show

On Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Firebird Theatre and the Center for the Arts are proud to present an outrageously fun screening of the 1975 cult classic, “Rocky Horror Picture Show!” Featuring an interactive shadow cast starring some of Crested Butte’s hottest talent, this night of absolute pleasure encourages unbridled audience participation. Get rowdy and let’s do the Time Warp again! 18+ unless accompanied by an adult. The cost is $35.

The Dean's List tour 2024

The Dean's List is coming to Crested Butte for the second time on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. with a full set of ski and snowboard films. TDL organization stands to support action sports filmmakers and athletes by touring the best in amateur and profes-

League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters is hosting a forum to discuss and explain all 14 issues Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m, in the high school auditorium, 800 W Ohio Avenue. LWV State Executive Director Beth Hendrix and local LWV member Thalia Oster will lead the session. A second forum takes place Oct. 22 at 12:30 p.m., in the University Center at Western Colorado University, also sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

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.

Ink work infusion + herbal mocktails

Join us Oct. 12 from 6-9 p.m. for 2-D Inkworks in Batik style with art therapist Abby Johnson. This class invites you to explore your feelings and experiences through the transformative power of art and blend artistic expression with emotional wellbeing. 15+

sional film. Join us for a night of gear giveaways, film premiers, and athlete chats. The cost is $15.

Small Works Show reception

Join us Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m. for the opening reception of our Small Works Show to celebrate the participating artists. Featuring complimentary beer or wine, a bar menu and a chance to mingle with the artists. In conjunction with the local Makers Market, the Kinder Padon Gallery Small Works Show will be the perfect place to start your holiday shopping.

Cookbook club: Ottolenghi Comfort

As part of our extended programming from the Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival, we’re bringing a fun twist to gathering at the Center for the Arts. Join us Nov. 8 from 5-7

p.m. for a collaborative potluck inspired by Ottolenghi Comfort. Pick up a copy at Townie Books or borrow ours, sign up for a dish and bring your creation to share. We’ll handle the table and wine—it’s a fun way to enjoy food, conversation, and inspiration with fellow food lovers! The cost is $25.

Taylor

Nation tribute show

On Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., prepare to embark on a thrilling musical odyssey that spans the entire spectrum of Taylor Swift's illustrious career. Taylor Nation, the premier live band sing-along tribute, invites you to join us on a remarkable journey through the eras of Taylor Swift's momentous musical evolution. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Crested Butte Community School PTA. The cost is $35+.

The answer to all that ails us?

Wendy Videlock Special to the Times

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

Dear Universe, In all this calm, in all this mist, these vague shaped continents begin to drift. A finger lifts, falls again. A foghorn sounds, passionless. Do you wonder what we are in all this calm, in all this mist. Wolf prints. Red clay. A slender wrist. Murder. Magic. Ballet.

While people often say they don’t like poetry, it is the first thing that people turn to during

times of terrible loss, grief and sorrow. I can’t tell you how many memorial poems I’ve delivered at funerals over the years. Sometimes I think it’s the most important service I perform as a poet.

As a culture we also rely on poetry during times of upheaval and trauma: during the Arab Spring poetry marched in the streets; after the attacks on 911, a poem by WH Auden filled our social media feeds. But poetry is also central to great celebration, often becoming the highlight of wedding ceremonies, graduation speeches and inaugurations.

And I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard people say that poetry saved their lives. Although it’s true that poetry is a sacred art, it’s also true that poetry is fundamentally fun.

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

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

For some, love is a shooting star, for others a plot and barbed wire, for others

On top of the world

a warm and tended fire.

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

Poetry, it seems, is a way of exploring what it means to be alive in the world, a way of learning to live with uncertainty. Poetry might even be insisting we loosen the ways we think of ourselves, rethink the ways we perceive the world and unearth the story under the story.

I am entirely convinced that the simple act of reading a few lines of poetry a day can change your life. Try it, you just might fall in love with life all over again.

(Wendy Videlock of Palisade serves as Poet Laureate of the Western Slope. Wendy is the author of five books of poetry, a book of essays and an illustrated children’s book. Reach her at westernslopeword@gmail.com.)

Haze from distant fires hung above the Gunnison Valley last weekend, visible from the summit of Gothic Mountain on Oct. 6.

(Photo by Mariel Wiley)

Cowboys rebound at state championship

Zummach leads GHS golf to fifth-place finish

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The GHS boys golf season came down to a two-day finale in the state championship at the Club at Rolling Hills in Golden on Oct. 7 and 8. After swinging through tricky greens on the first day, three Cowboy players fought back to finish fifth overall as a team.

To cap off the season, Carson Zummach found his groove on the final day to take fifth place out of 84 competitors. The senior led the Cowboys, and finished his varsity career on the podium after posting an 82 and 75.

“State felt like redemption for us because we knew we didn’t play our best at regionals,” said Head Coach Kevin Mickelson. “I was proud of how patiently Carson played today. He took the highs and lows with the same even-keeled approach, and it paid off.”

Faced with the most difficult greens of the season, it took the GHS boys a full nine holes to figure out the speed and undulation.

Zummach struggled initially, posting a double bogey early in the first round. But the senior remained calm, and bounced back on the back-nine to shoot an impressive 82. Senior Preston Pike finished just shy of his teammate, scoring an 86 on the opening day. Junior Paden Davis shot a 92 on his first career round at state.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys returned to the links with an improved feel for the greens.

Zummach found his best tempo all season, and posted an astounding 75 on his final day as a Cowboy golfer. His combined score of 157 earned a fifth-place finish, just eight strokes off first place.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my last year,”

Zummach said. “My first nine was rough, but I knew I could come back from anything. I figured out my swing and started hitting the ball really well, and just kept it going.”

Pike and Davis penciled in an

Despite a disappointing regional performance at Devil’s Thumb Golf Course last week, the Cowboys finally put the pieces together in Golden. It didn’t come easily, however.

finish. It was the final outing for Pike as a Cowboy, but

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

Mountaineer football grounds Skyhawks

The No. 12 Western Colorado University football team dominated visiting Fort Lewis College 44-7 at the Mountaineer Bowl on Oct. 5.

The victory moved Western up two spots to No. 10 in the national polls.

The Mountaineer defense held the Skyhawks to minus-7 rushing yards, while Western tacked on 306 yards in the win. Quarterback Josiah Roy led the Mountaineers to a touchdown on the game's opening drive. The redshirt sophomore pushed the offense 73 yards and finished the drive off himself with a 10-yard touchdown run.

Western's defense took over from that point, limiting the Skyhawks to 7 yards on its first possession, and then minus-6 yards on its second drive. Roy and the offense got things rolling again after an early turnover. The Mountaineers drove 80 yards in just over two minutes for another touchdown. Once again, Roy was key in the finishing touch. The quarterback tossed a short pass to running back Bryce Vaz who raced eight yards into the end zone.

The Skyhawks stopped Western on fourth-and-1 in the following drive, preventing the Mountaineers from running away with the score. But the

83 and 87 on the day, contributing to the Cowboys fifth-place team

Davis will return to the links in 2025, and hopes to lead the next batch of GHS golfers.

(Alex

Carson Zummach finished fifth place, shooting an 82 and 75 over two rounds. (Courtesy Kevin Mickelson)

Gregg Petcoff Special to the Times

Josiah Roy scrambles out of the pocket. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Western B9

GHS mountain biking takes top spot in division

Cowboys head to state championship

Marlo Frazier

Special to the Times

The Cowboy mountain bike team wrapped up its regular season on Oct. 6 with a formidable performance at the Chalk Creek Stampede in Nathrop. GHS secured second place as a team, and first overall in the Crystal Region Division 2 category. With 14 riders participating in the final regular season race, the team showcased its depth and range of skills.

The day began with solid performances from the freshman and JV girls. Freshman rider Delaney Olmstead impressed with a fourth-place finish, while JV riders Atalaya Hausdoerffer and Emily Cattles placed 19th and 21st.

The freshman and sophomore boys continued the momentum. The underclassmen delivered several top-20 finishes, keeping GHS in contention for a team podium spot.

In the JV Boys category, senior captain Porter Houck capped off his last regular sea-

son race with a strong 15thplace finish, completing the course in 59:30. Teammate Owen Frazier had another admirable ride, securing fifth place, while Colin Bloomer finished in 29th. Judson Metcalf delivered one of the top rides of the day, moving up an incredible 34 spots to finish 55th out of 120 riders.

Another standout performance came from Ezekial New. The sophomore started in 57th position, but charged through the pack to finish 20th with a time of 1:02:21. Both Metcalf and New earned well-deserved recognition for their resilience and determination on race day.

The varsity girls wrapped up racing their final three laps of the season. Seniors Olivia Neyman and Norah Lee led the way, finishing in 10th and 13th place.

Now, 12 Cowboy riders will set their sights on the state championship race on Oct. 19 and 20 at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. GHS will take on all four Colorado high school leagues at the season finale.

(Marlo Frazier is a GHS Mountain Bike team parent.)

Hank the Cowboy stands on the podium with the riders and coaches to celebrate the regional win.

Zeke New speeds past spectators. (Courtesy Marlo Frazier)

Homecoming heartbreak

The Cowboy football team suffered another blow on its homecoming night, Oct. 4, to league rival Montezuma-Cortez. The Panthers continued their dominant, 4-1 season, defeating GHS 54-26. The loss moves the Cowboys to an 0-5 overall record, and 0-1 in the 2A Intermountain League. After an away bout with Alamosa on Oct. 11, the boys will return home to face Pagosa Springs on Oct. 18.

The GHS defensive line faces off against the Panthers. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Mountaineer defense stayed firm, and forced another Fort Lewis punt.

Roy worked the clock in the final minutes of the half, and again found Vaz with a short pass. The redshirt freshman squeezed inside the right pylon for his second receiving touchdown of the night.

Vaz added a third touchdown, this one rushing, in the third quarter. Roy added another touchdown pass, connecting with Josiah Ayon for 10 yards, to close out the third quarter with a 38-0 lead.

Fort Lewis finally found itself in an advantageous position after a long punt return. The Skyhawks drove the final 43 yards early in the fourth quarter to tack on seven. The Mountaineer defense responded with interceptions by Drea Thompson, and then Zac Heaton, to limit the damage.

Vaz finished the night with three touchdowns, 92 yards

rushing and 17 yards receiving. Starting running back Royce Pao hammered the Skyhawk defense for 142 yards on 21 carries for a 6.8 yards per carry average.

Roy had a stellar night through the air for Western, connecting on 24 of 30 pass attempts for 291 yards and three touchdowns. Ayon led the receiving corps with seven catches for 75 yards and one touchdown, while tight end Daniel Parsek terrorized the Skyhawk defensive backfield, finishing his four-catch night with 57 yards.

Next up, the Mountaineers play an away Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota.

(Gregg Petcoff is the assistant athletics director for communications at Western Colorado University and can be reached at gpetcoff@western.edu.)

Softball wins six in a row

The Cowboy softball team is cruising through the most important stretch of the season, taking down league rivals Cedaredge and sweeping Aspen on Oct. 7 and 8. The three wins extend the Cowboys’ win streak to six games, and move the girls to a winning, 11-10 overall record, and 6-4 in the 3A Western Slope League. The regular season wraps up with a league doubleheader away against Basalt on Oct. 12, before playoff matchups are announced.

Bryce Vaz squeezes into the end zone.

Nella Gardner takes a cut in the batters box against Florence on Sept. 28. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Kaylee Vincent smiles at first base.

Senior captain Maddie Vollendorf turns first.

VETERANS’ VOICE

Quilts of Valor: a shield against ‘war demons’

Jerry Deverell Special to the Times

I was drafted into the Army on Dec. 1, 1966. I did basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and then was sent to Fort Ord, California. Then I qualified for redeye gunner training and was sent to Fort Bliss, Texas. After three weeks of training I learned to use a shoulder-fired, heat-seeking anti-aircraft missile. My training buddy was Chuck Hagel who later became President Obama’s Secretary of Defense. After this, I was deployed in Germany and was honorably discharged on Dec. 1, 1968.

Recently, I received a Quilt of Valor for my military duty, and this is why I am featured here today.

I was visiting my good friends in Hotchkiss, Colorado, Billy and Kerry Folger, and noticed a beautiful quilt and asked about it. Billy received this quilt from a national organization called Quilts of Valor. His quilt was made by local quilters from Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss and Paonia. Betsy Krager started this local group in September 2015 to make quilts for servicemen and women in this area. So far they have presented 345 quilts.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, a quilter. Her son was deployed in Iraq. One night she dreamed of a post-deployment warrior struggling with his “war demons.” She saw him sitting on the side of his bed, wrapped in a quilt. The quilt comforted him and fenced off the war demons that troubled him. In the dream, his entire demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well being. This quilt had made a dramatic change in his life. The message of her dream was that quilts = healing.

The model appeared simple:

create a team of quilters who would donate their time and materials to make a quilt. One person would piece the top and the other would quilt it.

From this vision, Quilts of Valor foundation began. Since 2003, over 393,000 quilts have been awarded to our service men and women. These quilts bring a three-part message: honor, freedom, comfort.

• Quilters honor the service of the military. They honor them for leaving all they hold dear to stand in harm's way in a time of crisis protecting us from the effects of war.

• Quilters know that freedom

is not free. The cost of freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women and this quilt is meant to say thank you for your sacrifice.

• Finally, this quilt is meant to offer comfort and to remind you are forever in all of our thoughts and hearts.

The quilt consists of three layers. The top of the quilt, with its many colors, shapes and fabric, represents the communities and the many individuals we are. The batting, the filler, is the center of the quilt. It represents our hope that this quilt will bring warmth, comfort, peace and healing. The backing is the

strength and supports the other layers. It represents the strength of yourself and the support of your friends, family, community and nation. Each stitch holding the layers together represents love and gratitude.

For more information scan the QR code. (qovf.org) or email Jerry at jcdgrit@gmail.com.

(Jerry Deverell is a U.S. Army veteran who lives in Crested Butte, Colorado.)

•

Jerry Deverell displays the Quilt of Valor he received for his military service. (Courtesy Mark High/American Legion Post 54)

Volunteers prepared Mountain Roots Food Project’s Sunshine Garden for winter during a garden closedown day on Oct. 4. The gardeners harvested remaining produce and tilled the earth so the area will be primed for planting next spring. After the work was done, the group shared a meal.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Garren, Dr. McMurren, Dr. Thorson, Dr. Villanueva, Dr. Tucker or Emily Ferrell, please call (970) 641-0211.

Expert Care, Expanded for You

Your partners in health. Whether it’s family medicine, internal medicine, full spectrum labor and delivery care or pediatric care, our highly skilled providers are here to take care of you and your family.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hill, Dr. Sullenberger, Dr. Gattis, Dr. Swanson, Jodi Bauer or Brigid Heckel, please call (970) 642-8413.

FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Care designed for ... SCREENING & PREVENTION

At Gunnison Valley Health we have the screenings and services you need to monitor your health and identify concerns early.

COLONOSCOPY

A screening colonoscopy is recommended for everyone over 45 years old even if you do not have any symptoms.

SPECIALTY CLINIC | 970-641-3927

711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

BREAST SCREENINGS

We provide a comprehensive set of breast screening services.

3D TOMOSYNTHESIS MAMMOGRAPHY | AUTOMATED WHOLE BREAST ULTRASOUND (ABUS)

RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT | 970-641-7253

711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

DIRECT ACCESS LAB TESTING

Convenient access to year-round low-cost laboratory testing.

LABORATORY | 970-641-7259

711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

PRIMARY CARE

With family medicine, internal medicine and pediatric care, we can help you be healthy and well.

ANNUAL PHYSICALS | WELLNESS EXAMS | VACCINES & FLU SHOTS

GUNNISON | 970-642-8413

707 N. IOWA | GUNNISON

WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC

CRESTED BUTTE | 970-642-8413

305 S. 6TH | CRESTED BUTTE

We offer comprehensive gynecological care to support the health of women of all ages.

ANNUAL WELL WOMAN EXAMS | MENOPAUSE CARE

SPECIALTY CLINIC | 970-641-3927

711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON