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Magic school bus drivers of the Gunnison Valley During a dire shortage, a small team keeps bus routes alive Bella Biondini Times Editor
Te d B e m i s a r r i v e d a t Gunnison High School long before the students and grabbed his key off the hook. It was still dark out as he circled around the school bus for a safety check, the exhaust pipe creating a cloud in the cold. As part of this earlymorning ritual, Bemis pumped the brakes, inspected the mirrors and peaked under the hood at the oil levels and fan belts. With the heater at a full roar, and the seats empty, he pulled out of the bus barn parking lot. The sun began to rise over the School bus A6
A student looks out the window of the school bus on Oct. 12. (Photo by Bella Biondini)
City launches County adopts TODAY community-driven 2021 building program to slow codes traffic in town Contractors fear
INSIDE
NEWS: Realtors chip in to help new homebuyers, A13
COMMUNITY: Rasmussen shows grit in marathon, B1
Online request form goes live in January SPORTS: Western to host playoff football game, B6
OPINION A4 CLASSIFIEDS A15-A18 SPORTS B6 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM
Bella Biondini Times Editor
The City of Gunnison is introducing a new program designed to quicken its response time to community requests to slow down traffic through busy areas. Instead of drafting another long-range plan to reduce the amount of cars speeding through town, City Manager Amanda Wilson wanted to take more immediate action.
In August, Wilson introduced a draft “traffic calming” program to city council for input. Once put in place, the program would create guidelines for how city employees should respond to and make decisions regarding resident complaints about unsafe roads and intersections. An uptick in community concern about the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Spruce Street, the location of what many believed was a dangerous crosswalk, spurred the creation of the new program. The city approached the problem from a number of different angles, but there wasn’t any guidance in Traffic A8
skyrocketing prices for energy ratings Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
After multiple rounds of review and public input, Gunnison County Commissioners have adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC). The new rules, like each suite of code updates, tightens building requirements in an effort to better manage overall energy use. While the county is man-
dated to adopt the 2021 codes, it also approved a number of “above code” amendments, reflecting the county’s preparation for even stricter state regulations years down the line. Despite the fact that planning staff have called the new codes “conservative” for months, several contractors showed up to a commissioners meeting on Nov. 7 to share serious cost concerns about years of increasing regulations and a newly-mandated energy rating system for large homes. After public comment, commissioners adopted the new IECC codes and the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready code. The new codes include more stringent requirements for Codes A8
The news you need. The excellence you deserve. WINNER! GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD 2022 2023 Colorado Press Association Awards
A2 • NEWS • Thursday, November 16, 2023
QUOTE
of the week “Most people do recognize the weight of the world on our shoulders.” — Ted Bemis, local school bus driver
See story on A1
BRIEFS Winter bus service begins The Rural Transportation Authority’s (RTA) winter bus schedule starts on Wednesday, Nov. 22 in sync with opening day at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. This is the RTA’s largest commuter bus schedule yet with 42 daily trips, up from 35 last year. Du r i n g p e a k c o m mu t e r times, buses will arrive every 15 minutes, with the longest wait about half an hour. Express buses that skip the Crested Butte South stop have been discontinued this winter. Residents can sign up for alerts from the RTA through the Transit app by clicking on “RTA” and then on the pushpin image to receive service notifications.
Elk Creek Marina ramp repairs The National Park Service recently made improvements to the Elk Creek Marina boat ramp at Curecanti National Recreation Area, which records approximately 1 million visitors annually. The $126,000 project, funded by revenue from boating and camping fees, replaced about 7,000 square feet of the concrete ramp that was originally constructed in the 1960s. It was cracked, broken and crumbling due to age and heavy use. Repairs can only be made when the ramp is exposed due to low water levels. Millions of dollars of maintenance work have occurred at the ramp and marina areas at Curecanti in support of waterbased recreation. Over the summer, 30 restrooms were rehabilitated and rodent proofed and 30 more are planned for 2024. Replacement of all fish cleaning stations at the Elk Creek and Lake Fork marinas is scheduled for 2024. Next year, the Park Service will also initiate a multi-year, $18 million project to replace all underground water and wastewater infrastructure at Elk Creek and Lake Fork.
Gunnison Country Times
2023 City of Gunnison Words of Thanks
The City of Gunnison would like to share sentiments of gratitude from exiting Councilmembers Boe Freeburn and Mallory Logan. In reflecting on their terms, both Councilors extend their thanks to the Gunnison community. Councilor Boe Freeburn
Mayor Pro Tem Mallory Logan
A word of gratitude for Thanksgiving to all the fine members of the City of Gunnison Four years have passed seemingly so quickly since I was first elected to sit on the City’s Council. During my time serving the people of Gunnison I gained a healthy education on civics and how a Home Rule city government works. I also witnessed an “insider’s” perspective on how our community rallied to combat the challenges brought upon us as the COVID epidemic swept through our town and Nation. It was always apparent to me that we live in a super special place where people truly care about one another, but to see firsthand how our city officials and outstanding members of our community stepped up to get us through was truly amazing. I also want to mention what an honor it has been to serve on council with such dedicated, compassionate, smart colleagues. The issues presented to us were not always easy to resolve but I feel as individuals we could come to consensus to make decisions that would best serve our constituents. All in all, I feel our community is going in the right direction. We have voted and passed ballot issue 2B which will provide resources to continue funding our Recreation department into the future and at the same time provide funding to keep our streets in the condition we all expect and deserve without raising taxes. Again, Thank You Gunnison for trusting me to serve you.
In Gratitude for Gunnison Seven years has been a blip in time and an eon all at once. I vividly remember my son Harlan, 11 at the time, loudly proclaiming “Mom, you got a 4-year sentence!” after my re-election bid in 2019. I’d be fibbing to say that sentiment didn’t feel a bit fitting at times. I’d also be fibbing to say that serving on City Council hasn’t changed my life in profoundly positive ways, and immensely grown my love for this remarkable place. These are a few of my favorite things: we don’t always agree, but we listen to each other. Our community is unconditionally generous and unwavering in the support of their friends and neighbors. Our community truly cares and doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations and processes. We show up and provide thoughtful energy and input to help our electeds make the best decisions. Our local government staff is deeply committed to the vitality and vision of our community, and they work incredibly hard to move us in the right direction. We work together to find common ground and make each other feel at home. Wouldn’t you agree? Ricky Glatiotis summed up my sentiments perfectly in receiving his proclamation for “Ricky Glatiotis Day,” October 22, 2023: “Thank you Gunnison, I love you Gunnison.” -Mallory Logan, (soon-to-be) former Mayor Pro Tem
-Happy Thanksgiving, Boe Freeburn
These words of thanks remind us what is means to be a connected community. With a new Council coming to the dais upon their December 12th swearing in, the needs and values of Gunnison residents will continue to be wholly considered as the voice of the people. The City of Gunnison looks forward to welcoming in 4-year term Councilmembers Deigo Plata and Marisela Ballesteros and 2-year Councilmembers Matt Schwartz and Scott Frazier. New and returning Councilmembers will join continuing Councilor Jim Gelwicks to make up a governing body of 5. Your City Council serves as representatives of the people and as such are always available to hear your comments. Public Input is welcomed for 3 minutes per person at every Council meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Councilmembers’ contact information is available online at gunnisonco.gov/Council or by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 970-641-8080.
Facebook: facebook.com/CityofGunnison
WANT TO CONTACT US?
Please stop by City Hall at 201 W. Virginia Avenue Call 970.641.8080 || www.gunnisonco.gov Email City Clerk Erica Boucher at eboucher@gunnisonco.gov
FEATURED PROPERTY
Broker/Owner
(970) 209-6208
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(970) 209-4479
Clarke agenCy real esTaTe 241 N. Main St. Gunnison, CO 81230 Office: (970) 641-0511 www.clarkeagency.net
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with loft nestled in the trees with Gold Creek in the back yard on over 3 acres. Just 3.5 miles from Ohio City, 1 bdrm/1 bath, bordered by national forest, built in 1994 with well & septic. 1,008 square feet with generator and shed too. 3491 County Road 771; $635,000.
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Instagram: instagram.com/cityofgunnison
NEW LISTING Comfortable & cozy one bdrm/1 bath home in Pitkin sits on 4 lots & offers willows for privacy & an aspen forest out front. Two woodsheds & outbuilding at this quiet & peaceful end of the road location. 10 State Street; $355,000.
IMMACULATE CONDITION Move-in ready one level, 3 bdrm/2 bath, over 1,600sf home has been fully remodeled in 2017 & features a large backyard with two car detached garage.
403 S. 14th St.; $649,000. 10 ACRE PARCEL in South Beaver Cow Camp
NEW PRICE 2 bdrm/2 bath log sided home in town with large windows for passive solar, two inviting patios, metal roof, sprinkler system & detached 2 car garage with separate workshop & bunkroom. Includes RMU lots that could be subdivided and built out. 205 N. 11th St.; $749,000.
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING 2800sf home at the end of the Ohio Creek valley sits on 40 acres with Carbon Creek running through the acreage. Custom home & garage offer in-floor heat, 3 bdrm/3 bath, south facing windows with incredible views and a 4 car garage with work space & a walk-in cooler. 3750 County Road 737; $2,500,000.
Subdivision. Property borders public land in hunting unit 67 for elk and deer seasons. No covenants, seasonal SO access and nearby roads forDriding your side by side in L the summer months. Lots of trees make this the perfect place for camping on the weekends. Tract 7 South Beaver Cow Camp; $40,000.
3 HOMES TOTAL Investment opportunity in town where each home is 2 bdrm/1 bath & tenants pay utilities. Located near the airport and fairgrounds. 314 S. 12th St; $950,000.
VIEWS OF BLUE MESA Reservoir from this 3 bdrm/2 bath, 1620sf home with 40 x 26 garage with 14 SOboat to park next to the fish foot garage door for your LD cleaning station in the garage. Bunk house above the garage sleeps 6 in the 2 bdrms & half bath. 33000 State Highway 149; $385,000.
HISTORIC BASSICK MINE in Ohio City has produced Gold & Silver on the over 50 acres of 5 mining claims. Property includes a 3 bdrm/2 bath house with huge attached garage & is fronted by 300 feet of Gold Creek. 5498 County Road 771; $2,500,000.
IOLA VALLEY TRACTS are situated just a few miles
from the Iola Boat Dock at the beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir. There are 8 sites offered that are each 1.5 acres with no covenants or HOA. Affordable land options just 15 minutes from Gunnison. Spring Drive; $60,000.
40 ACRE PARCEL close to the city limits of Gunnison. Features include two permitted commercial wells, southern exposure making for possible solar arrays and green energy with endless development possibilities. Crest View Drive; $3,000,000.
People’s Choice Award for Best Realtor 2021 & 2022
WATERFRONT BUILDING SITE to build your new home! Two lots totaling 1.78 acres. Great opportunity to own on the Gunnison River, hidden between the trees & close to the White Water Park. Level building site with mature trees and still close to downtown conveniences. 350 Rio Vista Road; $400,000.
View listings at: www.clarkeagency.net
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • NEWS • A3
Gunnison Country Times
BIRTHS Tulsi Sally Dobi
Hazel Joy Curran
Eileen Siobhan Koch
Tulsi Sally Dobi was born to Sara and Cal Dobie of Gunnison on Nov. 1, 2023 at 6:42 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz. at birth. She is welcomed by her grandparents, Andy and Peggy Dobi of Gunnison, Kevin Coblentz of Gunnison, Megan Croniger of Lake Kiowa, Texas, great-grandparents Reed and Ardith Perry (deceased), Sally and Alvin Coblentz of Gunnison, Angelo and Anna Mae Geurreri of Gunnison, Bob and Dee Dobie (deceased) and her big brother, Rip Bear, who is 2 years old.
Hazel Joy Curran was born to Lauren and Mikey Curran of Crested Butte on Oct. 31, 2023 at 6:05 p.m. She weighed 4 lbs., 10 oz. and was 18 in. long at birth. She is welcomed by her big brother, Bobby, who is two years old. Our baby girl surprised us one month early on Halloween night!
Eileen Siobhan Koch was born to Keelin MacCarthy and Nick Koch of Gunnison on Oct. 27, 2023 at 1:01 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz. and was 19 ¼ in. long at birth. She is welcomed by her grandparents, Nate and Kathleen Seward of Gunnison, Thomas and Delrose Koch of Glen Ellyn, Illinois and great-grandmother, Vivian Hazer of Lisle, Illinois.
Asher Coady and Melanie van der Lans Asher Coady of Gunnison and Melanie van der Lans of Amstelveen, Netherlands were married on Oct. 28 in a Halloween-themed wedding at Atelier Van Lieshout in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
(Courtesy Briony and Chris Coady)
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
ALANWARTESMEDIA
OPINION
GUEST COMMENTARY
The artist in all of us
970.641.1414 © 2023 Gunnison Country Times
Publisher/Owner Alan Wartes publisher@gunnisontimes.com Office Manager Bonnie Gollhofer bonnie@gunnisontimes.com Editor Bella Biondini bella@gunnisontimes.com Staff Writer Abby Harrison abby@gunnisontimes.com Photo Editor Jacob Spetzler jacob@gunnisontimes.com Sports Editor Alex McCrindle alex@gunnisontimes.com Advertising Manager Steve Nunn steve@gunnisontimes.com Production Stefan Scott Stefan@gunnisontimes.com Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com
THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Gunnison Country Times, 218 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, CO 81230-0240 Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
2023
2023 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.
Grace Thurlow Special to the Times
My name is Grace, and I’m the executive director at the Gunnison Arts Center, also known as the GAC. For many years, I hesitated to identify as an artist, a sentiment shared by many who engage in artistic pursuits. However, art has been a significant part of my life, enriching it in countless ways. It has been a bridge to connection in a world where we find ourselves increasingly starved of genuine human interaction. Art has not only helped me process personal loss, but also brought me a profound sense of fulfillment. In the heart of our community, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasons, many of us are artists without realizing it. Artistry is not confined
to paintbrushes and canvases. The meticulous care in planting a garden, the creative flair in preparing a family recipe or the craftsmanship in repairing an old barn. These are all expressions of art. Our community is rich with unrecognized artists whose everyday practices contribute to a tapestry of Gunnison’s beauty and tradition. This artistry, woven into the very fabric of our daily lives, celebrates our connection to the land, history and each other. In 2023, the Gunnison Arts Center entered a transformative phase, guided by a new leadership team and the beginning of the final phase of a major historical construction endeavor. This period of evolution, though challenging due to temporary closures, provided a unique opportunity for introspection and the redefinition of our mission and purpose. Moving beyond the broad concepts of merely being “a place for community gathering” or “a hub for expanding creativity,” we are compelled to delve deeper into our purpose and impact. We are driv-
en by the essential question of “What unique role do we play in enriching the lives of our community?” The Gunnison Arts Center is unveiling the answer to this essential question as it enters a new era of purpose-driven, community-focused initiatives guided by preserving Gunnison’s rich history and character. We hold steadfast in our unwavering pursuit to serve our community by fostering relationships and collaborations with community members, local businesses and nonprofits and all who share our dedication to strengthening our community. This collective effort doesn't happen overnight, and we seek our community's support through the sharing of experiences, thoughts and ideas on how the GAC can foster, grow and preserve community in the Gunnison Valley. Our gala on Dec. 15 will showcase new community collaborations, emphasizing our dedication to highlighting Gunnison’s one-of-a-kind character through our sponsors, auction items and special com-
munity guests. As we enter the new year, anticipate program expansions through community partnerships featuring both new and familiar faces. Despite current construction limitations on public hours, my priority is to meet with community members from all walks of life and listen to your ideas, experiences and questions about the Gunnison Arts Center and its future. Let’s meet at the GAC, over coffee or the phone. Together, let's shape and strengthen our community and its distinct, irreplicable character through this new era at the Gunnison Arts Center.
And now, on the collegiate front, your Mountaineer football team is on the brink of a breakthrough season. They posted a 10-1 regular season record, rose to the second seed in their region and this Saturday get to christen the new-andimproving (it’s not fully finished) Mountaineer Bowl in a playoff game against Central Washington. How cool is it that the first game in our historic and now renovated football stadium is going to be in a national playoff atmosphere? This could be the type of sporting spectacle that people are still talking about in 30 years: “Remember that first game in the new Bowl? Wasn’t that awesome!” I wouldn’t miss it, and you shouldn’t either. See you there, and go Mountaineers!
the past. He also brought up an interesting factoid in his article which described the problems our schools have been going through, and how the local institution is well below state and federal standards. This admission is a strange disclosure from him, since Democrats have run the school system for decades with the current campaign slogan of "success" — and all three candidates plastered on one sign to ram their slogan through. He did a lot of "guessing" in his piece in regards to those who challenged the status quo politics we face here every election cycle But two things he did bring up: that our local schools struggle under the load of the ranching community; and the influx of migrants who don't speak English. I certainly hope that he wasn't suggesting that our ranching community is somehow partly responsible for dragging down the academic record of our schools. He did not clarify this position in his article. Perhaps he will now apologize to these members of our community? As far as the influx of migrants who don't speak English coming into the district system, this has been going on for some time now. Why hasn't it been properly addressed by the school board by rapidly bringing these people up to speed in learning the major language of the area, such as separate and accelerated English classes for those in need, while not holding up the rest of the
students while the new kids successfully learn the language? Again, thanks to all who ran the gauntlet.
(For the first time in over a decade, the Gunnison Arts Center is under new leadership. Grace Thurlow took the lead at the end of May, quickly moving from her initial role as the director of development, where she started last winter, into the executive position.)
LETTERS Plenty to cheer about Editor: It’s always a good time to be a sports fan in the Gunnison Valley, but this fall has been particularly exceptional. How about them Crested Butte Titans? Capturing their fourth state soccer title — and third in the past four years — in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year shows just how formidable this program has become. In the world of Colorado prep sports, I dare say that Titans soccer has elevated itself into the realm of the “D” word: Dynasty. The Gunnison High School football team fought through adversity all year, losing several key players to injury, yet still managed to come out top in their league and make a push to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs — treating fans to not just one, but two home playoff games. The GHS volleyball team’s rise was meteoric, at one point holding a 10-0 record. The girls brought some thunder back to the Cowboy gymnasium, earning the right to host a regional round of the playoffs in what turned out to be a thrilling tournament. From softball and golf to cross country and mountain biking, there was no shortage of grit and great accomplishments on display this fall in the high school ranks. Congratulations to all who braved the battlefield and gave your community something to cheer on.
Chris Dickey Gunnison
To all that ran the gauntlet Editor: Congratulations to all six candidates who ran for our school board this year. Special thanks to Cori, Greg and Lisa for bravely running against the grain, which only goes one way around here. Interestingly in October, Mark Reaman at the Crested Butte News penned his always certain opinion concerning the candidates. True to form, he endorsed all the Democrats as he's done on a regular basis in
Jon Matuszczak Gunnison
Thanks to our veterans Editor: The Gunnison Elementary and Middle School conducted a patriotic program on Thursday, Sept. 9 to honor and recognize the veterans of the armed forces in the Gunnison Valley. The assembly program was organized and presented by social studies teacher Andy Dunda, with the support of the school staff. Once again, the students’ behavior, decorum and respect for veterans and the significance of Veterans Day was heart-warming and exemplary. On behalf of all veterans, I'd like to offer our thanks and appreciation for the school's outstanding assembly in honor and recognition of the service and the sacrifices Veterans have given to our great country. Many kudos to the students and teachers at Gunnison Elementary and Middle School for their efforts. "Well done" and appreciated! Peter Dunda Almont
continued on A5
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • NEWS • A5
Gunnison Country Times continued from A4
In support of Schumachers and Three Rivers Editor: The Schumacher’s are one of the most generous families in the valley. They are thoughtful, kind and giving folks who consider important decisions very carefully. They ask hard questions of themselves, seek advice from others and take into consideration how their decisions affect people, not just the bottom line. They are invested in their workforce and one of the standout employers who take good care of their employees. They are also service-oriented community members who volunteer their time, skills and resources. We don’t think we could begin to name the number of people who’ve been granted a chance to succeed because of the Schumacher family. Their contributions to this valley are beyond incredible. We benefit from their hard work simply by living here. Mark, Mary Jo, Luke, Dirk and Sarah too, please know your family and businesses are loved, respected and highly valued. Thank you all! Tina and Dustin McGuinness Gunnison
Possible to own Editor: We would like to reach out to signify our gratitude to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Association of Realtors for their support in our home buying experience in Gunnison. These funds have significantly assisted us with funding our first home. We are extremely thankful that the Association of
Realtors awarded us with the first-time homeowners grant. Our kitties are also enjoying the bigger space and the wildlife that are roaming the neighborhood. Thanks for giving us a peace of mind that is possible to own in Gunnison. Nicole Real and Kyle Flannigan Gunnison
‘Time is free, but it’s precious’ Editor: To my Gunni community — it’s been almost eight months since I received the diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) and it feels like the right time to write this letter. Having been a part of this community for almost 50 years, I have lots of friends, former students and their parents, my awesome school community and acquaintances here. I want to thank all of you for the support you have shown and continue to show me during this challenging time. While this illness is devastating psychologically, emotionally and physically, I feel like you all are pulling me forward and willing me to keep going with your help, delicious meals, prayers, positive energy and encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, texts, phone calls, and genuine concern for me (and for Rick). These past few months Rick and I have reconnected with many old friends and that has been amazing. We’ve been able to do a lot of traveling, working on our goal of visiting all 50 states and are getting ready for a trip to Europe soon. We’re trying to pack it all in while I am still able! My symptoms are progress-
ing, but it’s happening relatively slowly. There are challenges day to day but I can still walk and talk, drive, ride my townie bike and I’m hoping to be able to ski some this winter. I’m left handed and my left hand and arm were affected first, so writing is becoming very difficult as well as other tasks. My right hand is getting weaker. My voice is sometimes weak and gravelly, but sometimes seems to be mostly normal. ALS is a disease that is still largely a mystery, and my doctors say there may be as many as 90 different types. Only about 5,000 to 6,000 people a year are diagnosed with it in the U.S. so it is not extremely common. I am fortunate to be able to take three medications that are said to slow the progression, but unfortunately there is no cure yet. I am also taking part in a clinical trial through UC Health/Anschutz in Denver and am taking a drug (or placebo) for six months that is also meant to slow the progression. Just a few years ago these options were not available. There are a lot of various types of support available through the ALS Association (als.org) which is a great resource to learn more about the disease, or donate for a cure. And for me, to connect with others going through the same experience. I saw a quote recently that said “Time is free, but it’s precious.” To me that means cherish every day and don’t take the time you have for granted. We never know what’s around the bend. I know that these are the good old days. Right now is what we all have. I am so grateful to be a part of this town, this valley, for my sweet husband, for my family and my friends. Thank you all so much. Kathy Garcia Gunnison
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Jessica and Drew Brown donated this year’s community Christmas tree from their property at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Colorado Street. Gunnison County Public Works hauled it to its designated spot at South Main Street on Nov. 9 with crane service from Brian Murphy. The 60-foot tree will be lit at Gunnison’s annual Night of Lights celebration on Friday, Dec. 1.
(Courtesy Will Dowis)
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970-641-4700 / 970-349-1041 Gunnison: 114 N. Boulevard St. Suites 102 & 105 Crested Butte: 214 6th st Suite 9, Ore Bucket Building
A6 • NEWS • Thursday, November 16, 2023
School bus from A1 Anthracite Range as the school bus trundled toward Almont before returning south to collect students along Lost Canyon Road. Some jumped on the bus with excitement and piled into seats with their friends, while others sleepily shuffled to the back of the bus and gazed out the window. As the sound of giggles, and sometimes commotion, reached the front of the bus, Bemis glanced back at the kids through the front mirror, but was quick to return his gaze to the road. Most of the Gunnison Watershed School District’s bus drivers know their routes by heart, or by mailbox. Most of the substitutes, like Bemis on this particular morning, are just as familiar with the corners each student stands on, waiting for the bus doors to swing open. With only six full-time drivers, substitutes fill in routes up to four times a week. Bemis is part of the small team of drivers that have kept the school district’s bus routes alive as it struggles to address a chronic driver shortage. What began in Crested Butte trickled down to Gunnison for the first time this year, sending parents scrambling to find a way to get their kids to and from school, while administrators fought to keep and attract drivers. School districts across the nation are experiencing pressure from driver shortages, largely because of low pay and the high level of responsibility attached to the position. In the
Gunnison Valley, it has been a constant tug of war as veteran drivers phased in and then out of retirement to keep the system running, while parents and coaches have helped students make it to games after school. New recruits have been scarce and are not immune to the low housing inventory. It typically takes seven school buses to run the district’s full route, which covers most of the Gunnison-Crested Butte corridor. Bus routes stretch as far as Arrowhead and Sargents with some drives that total more than 100 miles roundtrip. Heading into the 2023-24 school year, the district is down to five and a half routes. According to Haleigh Simmons, the district’s transportation office manager, driver numbers are at an all time low, and each week is a balancing act to make sure routes are covered. School leaders have offered free training and a competitive pay and benefits package to attract new drivers. But the crew that has kept bus service going in the Gunnison Valley are motivated by much more than just a paycheck. Early mornings and late nights are accompanied by a desire to give back to the community and leave a lasting mark on each student that steps onto the bus. Kids of the community Bemis occasionally steps in as a substitute for morning and afternoon routes, but mostly serves as an activities driver — transporting students to and from sporting continued on A7
Gunnison Country Times
The Almont route picks up Gunnison students on Lost Canyon Road. (Photos by Bella Biondini)
Ted Bemis has been a driver for nearly a decade. He’s stern with students, but also jovial, sharing jokes and stories that grab their attention, even just for a moment. He recalled a winter when he created a playlist of classic Christmas songs (complete with Dolly Parton and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) the week before school let out. “It was a treasure because the kids couldn’t help themselves but sing along,” he said.
Like other drivers, Russ Halpern was talked into trying out the position because of the lingering shortage. For three years, he picked up kids along his own street on Gold Basin Road. “I could be in a bad mood and then see them grinning and so happy to get on the bus and come to school,” he said. “I enjoy that … I’m the first thing they see in the morning, and the last thing they see in the afternoon.”
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • NEWS • A7
Gunnison Country Times continued from A6 events and field trips. Because of Gunnison’s location, the job involves hundreds of miles of driving, and navigating road closures and bad weather. Drivers take students as far as Glenwood Springs, Denver, Grand Junction, Telluride and Durango, with the likely chance of snowstorms easily turning three-hour drives into six. “Most people do recognize the weight of the world on our shoulders … You've got a whole busload of kids, and you can feel the pressure sometimes on some of those long drives,” Bemis said. “There's really no relaxing when you're driving a school bus with a bunch of precious lives.” A number of school administrators and even bus mechanics have stepped in to fill the weekly bus route schedule. Simmons usually wakes up around 4 a.m. to be near her phone in case someone calls out or needs a substitute. In addition to making sure all of the existing routes are covered, she’s a driver herself. Over the past two years, the district has given its drivers a more than 25% raise. Following the wage bump, Simmons said she was optimistic. So far, it hasn’t attracted many drivers. At the beginning of the school year, she hung up flyers around town with images of Miss Frizzle — the main character of the animated Magic School Bus
series that lives in the memories of many kids from the 90s. “I want to try to tempt people with that kind of thing,” she said. “You don't have to be a certain person to drive a bus. It's so needed.” Although many of the drivers are retirees, others squeeze the role into their already packed schedules. Justin Skokan works nights as a paramedic with Gunnison Valley Health, but drives on his days off. “It's the kids of the community that drive that need and want for all of us to continue driving,” Skokan said. “It's a safe way to get kids that may not have the ability to get to and from school. I don't want any of those kids left behind. And if it takes sacrificing three of my days off, I'll do it.” The North Valley has become used to limited school bus service, but the need for more drivers is apparent. At the start of the school year, only one bus route was available from Crested Butte South in the morning. Whoever could walk or get dropped off at the Red Mountain Park got a ride to school. On average, Tee Pleak, Crested Butte’s sole driver at the time, picked up 60 students a day. Bill Kastning recently came out of retirement for the seventh time to run the afternoon route. On paper, district transportation director Paul Morgan doesn’t have time to drive a school bus, but he does it anyway and will continue to until
their team grows. This winter, the district plans to welcome two new drivers, one in Gunnison and one in Crested Butte. Despite the hope that new recruits bring, many of the current bus drivers are retirees. Morgan worries about them phasing out in the future. Bemis has been a bus driver for nearly a decade. He started driving after he retired, initially drawn to the job for stable health insurance. But over time, he bonded with students as he watched them grow up. For Bemis, the long hours and overnight trips to games are worth it. “What would their school experience be like if they didn't get to do these things?” he said. “In a very small way, I'm helping them live their lives to the fullest.” (Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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A8 • NEWS • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
Traffic from A1 place to make changes. City officials believe the traffic calming program would reduce the amount of time it takes to choose fixes that make sense. Solutions will be based on the geometry of the road in question, the existing speed limit and the volume of traffic passing through the area. Common methods used to slow traffic are bulb outs, temporary speed bumps, signage and narrowing streets. “We continue to hear concerns from the community that we're not taking enough action, and often some of the solutions that are proposed, we're not implementing them,” Wilson said during a work session in late October. “There's confusion and often concern as to why that is.” During a regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, city council approved the traffic calming program manual and associated complaint form that will be launched online in January 2024. The documents will be available in both English and Spanish. All requests will be available to the public. The Public Works Department will be in charge of reviewing and responding to complaints. The new manual includes guidelines that will be used to make engineering decisions, as well as site and neighborhood-specific request forms. The department is required to respond to residents within 10 business days, something council member Mallory Logan said is crucial to the program's success. A formal decision will follow within roughly a month. “I think the people that have
Codes from A1 stringent requirements for building, like better insulation around ductwork and tighter window seals. The air exchange rate, or how many times each hour the entire volume of air in a given space is replaced, also became stricter. Boilers and heat pumps must also be more efficient than in former 2015 codes. Requirements from the model electric ready codes require homes to prepare for electric, but does not yet mandate that builders install solar panels and EV charging stations. “It’s lots of little marginal changes, increasing stringency,” John Cattles, assistant county manager for operations and sustainability told the Times. Commissioners adopted a number of above-code amendments, like incentivizing the use of an energy rating index (ERI) — a system that captures the energy efficiency of a building and is just one of many pathways to code compliance. The board also prohibited a number of amenities like gas-fired heaters for pools and spas, heated sidewalks, decks, parking areas and driveways. The board also
The City of Gunnison recently installed temporary delineators along the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Spruce Street to slow traffic. (Photo by Bella Biondini)
constantly tried to engage in these input processes have just been kind of underwhelmed with communication and follow through,” she said. While the cost of smaller projects will be covered by the city’s annual budget, other larger, neighborhood requests may require residents to pitch in. Applicants must also gather support among property owners and residents within the area with a petition. All decisions will be data driven and approved by the city’s licensed engineers. If approved adoption of new codes every three years, rather than six. O n e o f t h e ab ov e - c o d e amendments is that homes greater than 5,000 square feet must use an ERI. The ERI pathway to code compliance has been available since 2015, but this is the first time the county is mandating it. Larger homes tend to have more complex design plans and it takes staff more time to review them. The ERI helps streamline the process and make sure nothing slips through the cracks, Cattles said. The ERI mandate for larger homes also lays the groundwork for more aggressive energy budgets down the line. And it’s a race against the clock for planning staff, who anticipate the state may mandate the rating system in the future. Although the public has been able to use the ERI pathway for eight years, there have been no takers so far, said the county’s Building and Environmental Health Official Crystal Lambert. The reason might be that the other code compliance options are a better fit, Cattles said. There’s even one that’s essentially a “simpler” ERI. But it could also be that the market in the Gunnison Valley for ERI ratings is slim to none. There are a few local certified
a request qualifies for action, Public Works will proceed with a mixture of interim and permanent projects. The timeline will depend upon the cost and scale of the chosen traffic calming method as well as the weather conditions. The city plans to monitor all of the roadway changes and present a mid-year review to council in June. Wilson was unsure how many applications to expect over the course of the year. Project prioritization will come down to cost and the volume of requests, with focus placed on roads that
will impact a greater number of residents, she said. The new traffic calming program accompanies years of work in Gunnison to address speeding and traffic safety issues. This includes reducing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour in residential areas, adding new automated speed radar signs and crosswalks, as well as larger projects such as the new thruway on Ohio Avenue and the multi-use trail from the Rady building to Colorado Street. These fall alongside longterm safety planning initiatives
with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Gunnison County along Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 135. “We're never done with improving multimodal safety, but we have to attack it in a variety of different ways,” Wilson said. (Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
(Photo by Jacob Spetzler)
raters and rating could be done remotely, but demand is low enough that lack of competition keeps prices high. Mandating the ERI for larger homes is meant to spur the industry locally, Cattles said. “It creates the beginning of a marketplace that we believe is almost inevitable,” he said. “We need to start to incentivize the creation of that marketplace in our community so that it's an easier adoption later on.” Pricing out the middle class For local contractors, years of accumulating regulations have started to exclude the middle
class from any possibility of building, or owning, a home. John Stock, who built Lazy K and the Van Tuyl Village subdivision, said getting an ERI rating is already vastly more expensive than commissioners suggest. Even though the ERI is not yet mandated for smaller homes, Stock said he already has civil, structural and mechanical engineers working on homes less than 800 square feet. The days of reasonably-priced planning are gone, he said. Single-family homes, before a shovel even hits the dirt, have risen from less than $100,000 to over a million, he said.
In the North Valley, Stock said achieving the ERI standard already costs just under $170 a square foot. Further, the technicians installing heat pumps are “fudging the numbers” to get the systems to work in the valley’s climate zone, one of the harshest by IECC standards, Stock said. His crew couldn’t put in backup electric resistance heat because it blew the energy out of compliance. “It's a big ugly circle, but somewhere along the line the good intentions need to get checked for the livability of our continued on A9
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • NEWS • A9
Gunnison Country Times continued from A8
LOT 65 RED MOUNTAIN ROAD, L AKE CIT Y NEW LISTING!
0.970 Acre Lot in San Juan Ranch Estates Build your Colorado dream mountain home! Mature aspens and pine trees & incredible views Includes semi-private fishing rights on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River $74,000 MLS#809100
1205 W VIRGINI A AVE, GUNNISON 4 Bed/2 Bath spacious mobile home 1,420+/- square feet Detached 2 car garage and shed Great location and RTA bus stop is a short walk $399,000 MLS#808926
NEW LISTING!
79 ASPEN TRAIL, GUNNISON 3 Bedroom/2 Bath in Gold Basin Meadows Subdivision 0.319 Acres, 2 Car Garage 1,624 SF., near the base of Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Detached shed $639,000 MLS#808718
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community,” Stock said. “I build houses all the time for people who [don’t care] if their house costs another $500,000. But the guys who live here and work here can’t afford it.” Stock also questioned some of the “above-code” recommendations commissioners adopted, like heated driveways or sidewalks. Without a heated driveway, crews use snow blowers significantly longer, Stock said. He challenged data that commissioners cited suggesting that not using heating systems is better for the environment. Brett Adkins of Professional Contractors agre e d. After 18 years of building in the Gunnison Valley (and several years of voluntary compliance with 2021 IECC codes), he said every new code amendment just adds to the cost of building. He said two clients backed off this year, each considering a $1.5 million build, due to “over regulation” and high permitting costs. “It is eliminating our middle class from being able to live here comfortably,” he said. “Not just live here by just scraping by, but live here and enjoy this place without working three jobs.” While he understands the goals of the amendments and the potential savings down the line in energy costs, he said the county needs to do more to suppress the up-front costs. A septic system replacement at his own property in Ohio Meadows, after reviews for wildfire mitigation, driveway and sage-grouse, inflated his budget and delayed the project to the cusp of winter. “We need to look at the big picture and see who we are forcing out and who we are promoting in. Are we only catering to the rich? Or are we actually listening to the middle class and those important workers in our community?” he asked. Residential energy auditor Andy Tocke said he recently got certified as an ERI rater and that depending on the home size, the rating costs anywhere between $2,500 to $5,000.
Figuring out what it takes to achieve a complaint rating for any one home will be harder than the rating itself, Tocke said. He anticipates contractors will need input from engineers, architects and raters. Commissioners reiterated that the rating is only required for homes greater than 5,000 square feet, and the goal is to create a market for ERIs before the state forces all homeowners to use it. Community Development also hired a new planner in the last six months, which should reduce the time it takes to process permits, said Assistant County Manager for Community and Economic Development Cathie Pagano. Commissioners will also consider offering model home plans and funding the ERI rating for income qualified homeowners in the future. But that’s a budget matter, so it doesn’t take effect right away, Cattles said. “We're all sensitive to the drip of code and cost increases,” Cattles said. “Some of it is inevitable and it's just the way it is as we have more stringent codes for good reasons. But we're trying to do what we can to minimize that.” The new code includes two exceptions: people rebuilding after a natural disaster and owners of commercial buildings larger than 10,000 square feet who can show that there would be a significant financial impact to the project were they to comply fully. Stock said he worries about attitude. He sees, in fellow contractors, a frustrated response to layered code amendments that pushes them to increase prices. “The decisions you make impact everybody …. We heard it directly when those codes got adopted up [north]: “‘I'm going to raise my price,’ because they don't care,” Stock said. “Somebody has to be the leader, somebody has to take responsibility.”
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A10 • NEWS • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
BUY OF THE WEEK
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Lake City finally getting high-speed fiber internet Hinsdale County hoping for more Laura Palmisano KVNF Community Radio - Paonia
At last, the only town in the most remote county in the lower 48 states is getting highspeed fiber internet. Work is underway to connect the tiny town of Lake City in southwestern Colorado. To get fiber optic cable from Gunnison to Lake City, over rough mountain terrain, would cost a lot of money — money, tiny Hinsdale County doesn’t have. However, it turns out fiber was already in place. Hinsdale County Commissioner Greg Levine said it’s been here for decades. “It was installed by CenturyLink years ago,” he said. “The fiber was brought to the town to the CenturyLink building, but CenturyLink never built out beyond that.” Levine said the remote county isn’t a profitable investment for the telecommunications giant. “CenturyLink doesn’t see us as a viable market in which to provide that service to,” he said. “We are a poor market. We’re not attractive. [With] less than 800 residents in the county, it becomes a tough business pitch.” Region 10, an association of local governments, serves six counties on the Western Slope including Hinsdale. The organization is working on a regional effort to improve broadband infrastructure. So far it’s been able to do so in 14 communities like Delta, Mo n t ro s e, G u n n i s o n a n d Telluride. Michelle Haynes, the organization's executive director, said businesses in rural communities face operational challenges without high-speed internet. However, she said it was during COVID that the broader community impact really came to light.
“You know, your kids can’t go home from school and do their work from home if there isn’t adequate broadband, and we can’t do telemedicine and you can’t even work remotely if there isn’t adequate broadband,” Haynes said. She said the goal is to connect communities to the organization’s regional network and “set up a meet-me point or carrier-neutral location, they go by different terms, but a place where we can bring that line into the community and work with private providers to be able to take that service out to the homes and businesses,” Haynes said. Region 10 is helping Hinsdale County with its middle-mile project. That means extending the internet backbone so it connects internet service providers to end users. The organization secured agreements to connect Lake City to its network in Gunnison and connect fiber to anchor institutions such as the school, courthouse and medical center. It was awarded a $300,000 Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for the project. Haynes said the state recognizes that former mining towns like Lake City need help with infrastructure projects. “They’ve taken some of the energy, mineral impact funds in recognizing some of these communities are often no longer mining for coal or mining in general or have power plants which were a big source of income before, so they’ve taken some funding from that fund to invest into these middlemile projects,” she said. The grant required a 50/50 match. Hinsdale County and the Town of Lake City each put up $100,000 of American Recovery Act funds towards the project. The Gunnison County Electric Association also ponied up $100,000 knowing it could get fiber to the substation in town. Visionary Broadband, a multistate private internet provider,
is installing fiber optic cable over power lines or underground in Lake City to complete the middle mile project. “ High-sp e e d internet is something that’s been lacking for many years,” said Town Mayor Dave Roberts. “It’s been frustrating for the local residents. No reliability.” Residents complain about internet connectivity, speed and affordability. So Roberts is happy to see progress towards better broadband in Lake City. “It’s something that’s been needed for a long time,” he said. “It’s still not in place, but we are looking forward to it. I think it will play a big role in the future of our town.” However, not everyone in Hinsdale County will have access to high-speed fiber internet. “The initial buildout is limited to what I’d call the boundaries of the town,” said Levine. “It goes through Wade’s Addition, goes to the water tower, and then as far north as road and bridge. But it doesn’t cover all the residents by a long shot. We will have hundreds of people that are still needing those services.” Hinsdale County is hoping to get another slice of the more than $1.2 billion in federal funds the state received to improve high-speed internet access. Levine said adequate broadband is an essential service. “Broadband internet is now a utility just like [electricity],” he said. “It becomes kind of like a right for people. They need it.” The middle-mile project is set to wrap up this fall. Once complete, high-speed fiber internet will soon become available for a majority of residents and businesses in town. (Laura joined KVNF in 2014. She was the news director for two years and now works as a freelance reporter covering Colorado's Western Slope.)
Join the Hometown Holidays Shop Local Gift Guide! The Gunnison Country Times is putting together a Shop Local Gift Guide for the Hometown Holidays special publication. This free feature will be available for all local businesses and artisans to spotlight their holiday specials and encourage people to shop locally this holiday season.
The deadline to participate in the Shop Local Gift Guide is Nov. 17. Email Specials Editor Bonnie Gollhofer at bonnie@gunnisontimes.com or call 970-641-1414 to participate.
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • NEWS • A11
Gunnison Country Times
Baker held on $1 million bond 710 Hawk Drive | Gunnison
TBD W Denver Street | Gunnison
3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,435 SF | 35 Acres | $2,200,000
27+ Acres | River Front Development Site | $1,900,000
(Courtesy Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office)
Next hearing set for Jan. 23
518 E Georgia Avenue | Gunnison Fiveplex | WCU Adjacent | Rental Opportunity | $995,000
215 S 7th Street | Gunnison
310 S Main Street | Gunnison
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,191 SF | $437,500
2 Bed | 1 Bath | 959 SF | $349,000
ic pr e
Last month, Gunnison District Court Chief Judge Steven Patrick set bail at $500,000 for each of two first degree murder charges against Zachar y Baker of Grand Junction. The charges are related to a double homicide that occurred near Blue Mesa Reservoir along Hwy. 50. On May 9, the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office arrested Baker in connection with the murder of Estefan Coronado, 33, of Fruita, Colorado and Colin Williams, 45, of Clifton, Colorado. According to an arrest affidavit, Baker shot the men from behind in a truck as it was traveling down Hwy. 50 near Sapinero in the early morning hours of Monday, May 8. A local sheriff ’s office deputy spotted the vehicle, which veered off the road, and soon found Baker walking on the side of the road yelling into a cell phone. The deputy then located the truck and found Coronado and
43191 US Highway 50 | Gunnison 5 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 20 Acres | 2,400 SF Shop | $1,490,000
w ne
Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
William inside, deceased. Baker has been held without bond since he was arrested in May. The Colorado Supreme Court held in July that because the state no longer has the death penalty, it can no longer hold suspects without bond. The DA’s office had been attempting to have a bond hearing since that ruling, Waggoneer told the Times. It was at the defense’s request that the bond hearing be continued out so far. At a hearing on Oct. 24, Patrick set bond after lengthy arguments from the district attorney and public defender. According to reporting from the Montrose Daily Press, public defender Daniel Lavrisha argued for a $50,000 bond per charge, but Chief Deputy D i s t r i c t At t o r n e y J e s s i c a Waggoner pressed for $2 million. Baker was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree on May 16 and has been held in the Gunnison County Detention Center since. The investigation is ongoing by the sheriff’s office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Brian Cooper
Chrissy Mitchell
Broker Associate c 970.275.8022 brian@bbre1.com
Broker Associate c 970.420.1175 chrissy@bbre1.com
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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A12 • NEWS • Thursday, November 16, 2023 UNDER CONTRACT
Gunnison Country Times
1203 Van Tuyl Circle, MLS #805249, $769,000, 4-Bedroom 3.25 Bathrooms 1766 sqft built in 2017. This quaint contemporary single family home is surrounded by magnificent views of the Palisades in the quiet neighborhood of Van Tuyl Village. This 4-bedroom 3.25-bathroom property, a primary bedroom with full bathroom on the ground floor and half bedroom by the utility room that is easily accessible by guests and friends when entertaining. The living room is equipped with a pellet stove, moving into an open kitchen area with granite countertops, a deep sink and dining area nearby. The upstairs consists of a second primary bedroom with 3/4 bathroom and two large bedrooms with a full bathroom in the hallway. The natural sunlight from the expansive windows throughout the property provides views and sun exposure. The huge fenced in front yard will enable you to garden and play with your pet(s) and/or entertain your family and friends during the beautiful sunny summers in Gunnison. The irrigation ditch is available during spring/summer/ fall months to water the yard and provide you with ambient noise to enjoy during the pleasant Gunnison evenings. Call the listing agent for further questions and to schedule a showing. 216 Lochleven Lane, MLS #804508, $875,000, 3-Bedroom 2-Bathroom 1,988 sqft, built in
NEW PRICE ADJUSTMENT 1985, and with1.056 acres with attached car garage. Well built home situated in the beautiful
little Homestead Subdivision in Almont. Sit on your large front deck and revel in the views up the East River Valley. Located just 10 min from Gunnison and 20 min from CB, you are centrally located to enjoy the activities the area has to offer from world class fishing, rafting and hiking to snowmobiling and skiing. This 2 story home has its main living area on the top floor with a large open kitchen/ dining living room area with a wood stove that keeps the top floor nice and warm. This area is a great space to gather and entertain as you take in the views surrounding the property. The property also has a sunroom that can be accessed from the second level or has 2 separate entrances from the exterior. There is a 1 car oversized attached garage and located next to the garage is a very large storage room/closet for all of your storage needs. The home has a lot of deck area on the outside for outdoor entertaining or to casually relax and take in the many different views. Almont is a quaint small town with 2 restaurants/bars located within minutes from the property. There is a free bus that runs up and down the valley from Gunnison to CB with a stop located in Almont.
PRICE ADJUSTMENT
459 Fairway Lane MLS #806172 $850,00 4-bedroom 3-bathroom 2291sqft. built in 1979 This contemporary quaint rustic house is within a profoundly well known subdivision, Dos Rios III. Close vicinity to the back 9 of the Dos Rios Golf Course. On a .46 of an acre, has 4-bedrooms and 3-bathrooms, the house features hardwood/tile floors, kitchen fully equipped with stainless appliances, kitchen cabinets and an open concept living room with a wood burning stove and second living room or/an office has a pellet stove. On the first floor you have a half bathroom that is easily accessible. On the second floor the master suite has an oversized bedroom with a full bathroom and a walk-in closet with a sliding barn door. The other full bathroom is down the hallway between the other two oversized bedrooms. The enormous backyard has a shed and plenty of sun exposure to plant/seed flowers, play with your pets and have get-togethers with friends. The two car garage is attached to the house and is very spacious and heated by a wood burning stove. There is sufficient amount of parking in the driveway and along the east side of the house. This home is magnificent so don’t miss out and schedule a showing by contacting the agent.
PRICE ADJUSTMENT
413 W New York MLS #805945 2125 sqft 1 bathroom Commercial Retail $525,000 Perfect Opportunity to Move a Business and/or a Start a New Business with great past history of tenants using the retail storefront i.e for nail/salon, daycare, mechanical auto body, pet/animal feed and accessories-retail and granite-retail/distribution to name a few. The property consists of about 1500 sqft of retail space with storefront access to New York and a half bathroom that is easily accessible for staff and customers to use. An added bonus is having an attached garage with about 625 sqft with an overhead garage bay. The garage could be a storage facility or part of business operations. The property has 5 parking spaces and close to Safeway and the new location of 5 Bs. A growing and upcoming neighborhood. Don’t miss this opportunity contact the listing agent to schedule a showing.
Birth Collective expands to Gunnison Valley The Colorado Birth Collective hosted its first-ever Gunnison event, “A Mother’s Village,” on Nov. 11 at the Gunnison County Public Library. Although the Collective originated in Grand Junction, it is expanding its reach into the valley as it works to create a support system for mothers across the Western Slope. Saturday’s event includes a variety of classes and sessions for women and children of all ages including yoga, storytelling, a sacred grandmother’s circle and more. Louise Perry, a social worker with Gunnison Valley Health, organized the village and plans to host more gatherings next year.
(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)
PRICE ADJUSTMENT 71 Caddis Fly Lane - $200,000, MLS# 809269 Nice level 1.07 acre lot with trees located on on dead end road so there is ultimate privacy. Electric to corner of lot and it is with in close walking distance to HOA rental house for owners use. Subdivision located just minutes north of town and includes fishing rights along the Gunnison River and also includes many walking paths throughout the subdivision. Lot A next to this lot is also for sale, now is a great opportunity to pick up 2 lots to create more privacy!
KELLY
MCKINNIS
970.641.4880
AJ
MANI
129 EAST TOMICHI AVENUE
GUNNISONREALESTATEANDRENTALS.
NOW HIRING! PART-TIME POSTITIONS: PASSENGER SERVICE AGENTS AND RAMP AGENTS $21 PER HOUR
WE OFFER COMPETETIVE BENEFITS INCLUDING: DIRECT DEPOSIT COMPANY PROVIDED UNIFORMS
To apply visit G2securestaff.com - CLICK “Join our team”, Gunnison, Colorado or text “G2Jobs” to 22633
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • NEWS • A13
Gunnison Country Times
Local realtors chip in to help new homebuyers
50 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
nov. 16, 1973
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Association of Realtors’ new program reduces the cost of buying a home by $1,000. (Photo by Alex McCrindle)
GCAR opens new program for locals looking to buy Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
While Gunnison Valley realtors may spend a good amount of time brokering deals for million-dollar homes, a new program is bringing a portion of those commissions to the world of affordable housing. Starting this year, over 50 local realtors are donating a portion of their paychecks to a program that helps potential homeowners close on their new space. Gunnison-Crested Butte Association of Realtors (GCAR) new homebuyers assistance program allows realtors — or local offices and brokerages — to donate a portion of their commission after each closing. So far, about a third of the Association’s membership, or 54 realtors, have signed up to share a portion of their paycheck with the growing fund, which is now over $20,000. “I've worked with a ton of locals who are trying to buy homes here, and I see the struggle. I was in the service industry for a long time. It's just hard,” said Signature Properties realtor Alex Richland. Richland was instrumental in putting the new program together. “I don't think we're the biggest help in the valley or offering the most money, but it's something that we as realtors can do.” In the first year of the program, GCAR will give out 12 grants, each worth $1,000. The award money can be spent on any part of the homebuying process, whether renting a U-Haul or covering closing costs. GCAR started recruiting realtors for the program in December of 2022, and gave out the inaugural grant in August of this year. In the future, the
award amount could increase, but that depends on how much the fund continues to grow, Richland said. The program was modeled after one from the Telluride Association of Realtors (TAR), which set up something similar in 2002. In the last two decades, the program in Telluride has awarded nearly 600 grants, totaling $900,000, to local homebuyers, said Telluride’s MLS Coordinator Mier Esch. “It's very popular, and everybody is open, warm and absolutely loves it,” Esch said. “TAR loves giving back to the community. There's some months that we don't have any applicants, and then there's been months where we've had up to 11.” The most basic criteria for the GCAR program is that the home must be in the regions GCAR serves, which includes Gunnison, Crested Butte, Lake City, Pitkin, Ohio City, Taylor Park and Almont. Applicants must be first-time homeowners who have lived in Gunnison County for 12 months prior to applying, and the house in question must be a single-family home. Applicants don’t need to be under contract for the home, but do need an approved loan application and estimated purchase price. Currently, the maximum income for applicants is $124,000 per year for singleincome households, or just over $141,000 a year for multiple-income households. So far, GCAR has given out two awards. Kyle Flannigan and Nicole Real have lived in the Gunnison Valley for over a decade, and rented the whole time. Like many locals, they’ve moved several times in the last few years — most recently from the Paintbrush housing project. This year, when a Lazy K unit came on the market for resale, they learned it would be cheaper to buy the deed-restricted home than it would be to continue renting at their current spot. But money was tight, even after saving for years. The couple applied for the GCAR pro-
gram through their realtor, Kelly McKinnis of Gunnison Real Estate and Rentals, and were approved in a matter of days. Although the grant pales in comparison to overall price of the home, it allowed the couple to take on the mounting costs of homebuying. “We’d been saving our pennies for a couple years. I was looking at the numbers and guesstimating and we barely had enough money,” Flannigan said. “Then we were told about this program and it definitely helped quite a bit.” While the City of Gunnison and Gunnison County have to locate hundreds of thousands, or millions, to get affordable housing projects off the ground, GCAR is chipping away at the issue on a different level, Richland said. The program means less bureaucratic hoops to jump through and shorter checklists than those attached to deed-restricted or government housing projects. “We have a little bit of flexibility in terms of who we can help,” Richland said. “If someone doesn't fit into a specific box, but we still deem them worthy of assistance … we can help.” The program works in partnership with local title companies Alpine Title, Gunnison County Abstract Company and the Land Title Guarantee Company. Once the grant is approved, the title companies reduce the realtor’s commission check by the amount of the grant, and then cut a check in the same amount to GCAR. “There was a lot of tension in the valley between second homeowners, short-term rentals and locals,” Richland said. “It piqued my interest as a way that us as realtors could do something for our community, knowing all of the external factors making it difficult for locals to achieve homeownership here.” For more information, visit gcaor.org. (Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
NEW SIDEWALK OVERHANG: Bernie Rose is shown working on the latest downtown business wooden front overhang at the Gunnison County Abstract Company.
RETRO BUSINESS
A LOOK BACK IN TIME SPONSORED BY:
NESBITT & COMPANY LLC Bill Nesbitt
104 E. Tomichi Ave. | 641-2235 | gunnisonhomes.com WANT TO SPONSOR? CONTACT STEVE@GUNNISONTIMES.COM
A14 • NEWS • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
Sweet like sugar plums The Fred Field Center hosted Gunnison’s 49th annual Sugarplum Festival over the weekend on Nov. 10 and 11. Shoppers perused a wide variety of handmade Christmas gifts from local vendors from sweaters to ceramics and rugs.
(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)
Bethany Church 909 N Wisconsin St.
Faith Directory
New Song Christian Fellowship
(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.
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. www.newsonggunnison.net
B'nai Butte Congregation
107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925 Pastor Larry Nelson Sunday Morning Worship 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
PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 305-803-3648 Friday, 11/17- 6 p.m. Shabbatluck service at Monica and Nathan Bilow’s -bring a dish and drink to share Saturday 11/18 - 10:30 a.m., Kibbitz (chat) with Rabbi Mark at Rumors Coffee in CB Torah on Tap, 4-6 p.m., an open discussion with Rabbi Mark at High Alpine Brewery, Gunnison “Love Thy Neighbor as Yourself….really?”, followed by Havdallah service Sunday 11/19, 11AM- Torah study at the Elfenbein’s Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula; available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com (305) 803-3648 www.bnaibutte.org
Church of Christ
600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588 Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.
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
Community Church of Gunnison
First Baptist Church
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240 Pastor Jonathan Jones 9:30 a.m. Share & Prayer Fellowship 10 a.m. Sunday School Classes 11 a.m. Morning Worship Service 6 p.m. Evening Service Wednesday 7 p.m. - Children's Patch Club Gunnison Bible Institute Thursday 7 p.m. - College & Career Christian Fellowship www.firstbaptistgunnison.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. www.trinitybaptistsgunnison.com
The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church 307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429 Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar Sunday Morning Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9 a.m. Children's Sunday school 9 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. Office Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.goodsamaritangunnison.com Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Sunday 5 p.m. Union Congregational Church, 403 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte.
Gunnison Congregational Church United Church of Christ 317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203 Open and Affirming Whole Earth · Just Peace Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship www.gunnisonucc.org
Grace Covenant Church Gunnison
101 N. 8th St. Gunnison Meeting at the Historic 8th St School House Reformed, Confessional & committed to Expository preaching Sundays 10:00 a.m. Thursdays 1:00 p.m. Women's Bible Study gracegunnison.com
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church 711 N. Main • 970-641-1860 Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays Church Service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays Pastor Robert Carabotta, Pastor Jacob With
The Rising Church
92 C.R. 17 • 970-444-1545 Service times: Sundays @ 9:30 a.m., Men’s and Women’s group, Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Rising Gen (youth ministry) Thursdays @ 6 p.m. Gunnisonrising.church for more details!
Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries
1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158 Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School “Remedy” Worship Nights Small Group Ministries www.rmcmchurch.org
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago www.gunnisoncatholic.org www.crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office. St. Peter's - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m. Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Mass Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
LISTINGS TODAY
44
Classifieds EMPLOYMENT
EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING
Journeyman & Residential Wireman for projects in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen. Top pay & Benefits. Send resumes to info@ec-electric.com or call 970-641-0195 www.ec-electric.com/careers
641.1414 Stop by: Gunnison Country Times 218 North Wisconsin Gunnison, CO 81230 Email: classifieds@ gunnisontimes.com Ad policy & Rates:
• $7 for 20 words or less, 20¢ each additional word. • Display Classified rate is $9.40 per column inch. • Deadline is NOON SHARP TUESDAY.
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4 DAY WORK WEEK M-TH (4x10) AUTOMOTIVE MASTER TECHNICIAN. If you are curious about how your current job compares to Precision Automotive? EMAIL your resume to precisionauto4040@hotmail.com, call or text Steve at 970-596-9999 ALL INQUIRIES ARE STRICKLY CONFIDENTIAL! Benefits include: PAID VACATION, PAID HOLIDAYS, MEDICAL, DENTAL, MATCHING IRA. AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICE Do you love cars? Get your start in the well paid and exciting world of Automotive Repair that could turn into your life passion. Work along side your mentor a Master Certified Technician while completing online modules such as: Electrical, Engine mechanical, Transmission, Drive train, Suspension & Steering, Heating & A/C, Engine Performance and Brakes. CAR WASH/DETAILER/SHOP MAINTENANCE. Call or text 970-596-9999 for interview. PRECISIONAUTO.NET
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT REAL ESTATE RENTALS
A15 A16 A16
LEGALS
ID SCULPTURE IS HIRING
NOTICES
A16
CROSSWORD
A16
COMMUNITY
Sip and
Shop
DECEMBER 2ND 2:00-6:00PM FEATURED VENDORS: GOTHIC MOUNTAIN JEWELERS OPAL ORBIT LUNA BAKERY MOUNTAIN VALLEY CREATIONS DAYDREAMS AND JOY Come shop, sip, and eat. Wine, food, gifts, giveaways!
1018 Highway 135 Unit B www.buckelfamilywine.com
Giving Tanks
ANIMAL FRIENDS FOR OUR Help your pets this holiday season, with IN-HOME vet care. Specializing in: • Senior Pet Care • Pain Management • Laser Therapy • Arthritis Solutions • Cancer Support
Interested in making the world’s best playgrounds, climbing boulders and interactive art? ID Sculpture designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures and fine art sculptures for parks, schools and public spaces across the country. We use a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments. IDS provides secure, year-round indoor and outdoor work in a unique fabrication environment with opportunity for travel and room for advancement. We offer benefits including PTO, healthcare and retirement. ID Sculpture is an equal opportunity employer. We are currently seeking: Production Assistant(s): Ideal candidates possess a positive attitude, good work ethic and are eager to learn. Applicants must have physical strength, hand-eye coordination, and endurance. Initial responsibilities are to provide general labor and assist artists, fabricators and shipping departments as needed. Compensation is $20-$25 per hr. depending on prior construction experience and/or aptitude. Project Fabricator(s): The ideal candidate for this position has construction trades experience, welding experience, the ability to work well with a team and a positive attitude. Initial responsibilities are to fabricate various components for standard and custom products. Compensation is $23-$30 per hr. depending on prior construction experience and/or aptitude. Project Sculptor(s): The ideal candidate for this position has a passion for creating works of art, ability to work well with a team, fastidious attention to detail, a positive attitude, experience sculpting concrete, rock climbing, course setting and construction
GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES *Housing is held for Gunnison County employees and may be available to rent*
Human Resources Coordinator HR: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,440-$4,861, plus full benefits. Deputy Chief Financial Officer Finance: 40 hours/week, starting salary range from $100,178-$118,618. Full monthly salary grade range from $100,178-$141,702, plus full benefits. Caseworker I HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,989-$6,065, plus full benefits. Public Health Nurse II – Substance Abuse Prevention, Juvenile Services: 20 hours/week, hourly rate range from $32.03-$38.94, plus partial benefits. Seasonal Worker Public Works: Guaranteed 40 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $15.75$22.28 depending on experience, plus partial benefits. Outdoor work that includes traffic control, fencing, tree and brush removal, trail work, recycling, equipment training and much more, all in a 4-day work week. Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,552$7,853 plus full benefits. Detention Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,989$7,057 plus full benefits. Only work 14 days a month. For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/ jobs. trades experience. Initial responsibilities are hands on sculpting of foam, concrete, and epoxy. Compensation is $24.50-$55.00 per hr. depending on familiarity with IDS process, prior experience, employment references and body of work. To apply for this unique opportunity, please provide a resumé, cover letter and references to hello@idsculpture.com with the position of interest in the subject line, or drop off your resume at 591 S. Boulevard St. Gunnison, CO 81230. Learn more about what we do at idsculpture. com. COMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is currently seeking candidate to fill a full-time relationship banker position in our Gunnison banking center. This is an excellent career opportunity. For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com. BOOKKEEPING HELP WANTED: Parttime, approximately 15 hours per week with flexible schedule. Experience preferred, but not required, training is available. Please reach out to Sierra@CrestedButteLodging. com, 970-349-2400 for more information and to apply. LIVING JOURNEYS, a local non-profit that provides community cancer support, is hiring a full-time development manager to assist with the organization’s rapid growth. This position will help set the organization’s strategic fundraising agenda to achieve revenue goals. If you are passionate about helping people in our community, have experience running projects to success and leading a dynamic team, we want to hear from you. Bring your expertise to our thriving organization where your skills will make a difference. To learn more, go to livingjourneys.org. To apply, please email your resume, cover letter and three references to info@livingjourneys.org.
GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students find the confidence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!” HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES Bus Drivers Food Service-CBCS ELL Educational Assistant-CBCS and GMS Assistant Building Manager-CBCS Lead Custodian-Lake School Permanent Substitute-GHS, GES and GMS Substitute Teachers PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Counselor-CBES COACHING GHS-Speech and Debate GHS-Assistant Girls Basketball Coach Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net
JOHN ROBERTS MOTOR WORKS SEEKS COLLISON CENTER TECHNICIANS AND AUTOMOTIVE CENTER TECHNICIANS. Competitive pay, 401K, insurance, paid vacations. 40 hour work week. Apply at John Roberts Motor Works.
JOIN OUR TEAM AT PARADISE SNOW REMOVAL: We are seeking motivated team members to join our busy snow removal service. Duties include ground shoveling and roof shoveling. Servicing all of Crested Butte. Competitive employment packages available. Contact Margie Black at 970-3492604, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. margie@paradisecb.com. PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS is seeking a medical receptionist to work in both our Crested Butte and Gunnison offices. Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multitask and strong computer skills a must. $22-$24/hr DOE. If interested in joining our great team, send resume/references to office@pinnaceorthocolorado.com. THE GUNNISON VALLEY REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (GVRHA) now hiring for an administrative office assistant. Work with our housing staff by answering phones, responding to emails, updating databases, supporting our program staff, bookkeeping assistance and keeping our office running smoothly. In-office, 30 hours/ week, flexible schedule. $21/hour, higher for bilingual (Spanish) candidates. Email akadlec@gvrha.org for application, or find online at gvrha.org.
CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Police Officer Full-time, $68,900-$93,100/yr $33.13-$44.76/hr Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related to maintaining the security of the city, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The city will pay for the Police Academy if needed and pay a cadet wage of $50,900 while attending the academy. Includes a $15,000 signing bonus. Increased wages over above-listed salary available for working nights. Personal liability insurance paid by the City of Gunnison. Housing is available. The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 12 paid holidays, and 12 days of sick leave per year. For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR 100% EMPLOYER-PAID health, dental, vision and life insurance for employee plus dependents. Retirement matching, paid holidays, vacation and sick time are also benefits with the year-round position of Public Works Maintenance Worker/Heavy Equipment Operator. This position is with the Town of Crested Butte and operates construction equipment and vehicles to perform maintenance, repair, snow removal, construction and renovation work. Starting pay is $47,220-$57,500 DOQ plus shift differential opportunities available. The full job description and application are available on the town’s website at townofcrestedbutte. com/jobs. To apply, submit an application via email to jobs@crestedbutte-co.gov. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT: The right candidate would be reliable and experienced in property cleaning with attention to detail. Cleaning will be short term rentals, private homes and condo associations. Some snow removal and lawn care required. General maintenance and repair skills would be a plus. Weekend on-call availability for owners and short term rental guests is a must with two midweek days off. Free employee housing, 600 square foot studio apartment available for the right candidate after an evaluation period. Housing is job-attached. On top of the free housing, an hourly wage will be provided. Candidate must be an effective communicator. We only work with the best and always expect and provide 5 star service. Hours per week vary depending on season but the expectation is full-time work. Raises, bonuses and ski pass can be provided for an exceptional employee. Please email resume to info@highviewpropertymanagement.com. THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: line cook, $21-$25/hr. + gratuity, dishwasher, $20/hr., host, $16/hr. + gratuity, ski valet, $17-$20/hr., front desk attendant, $16-$20/hr., snow removal, oncall/early morning availability, $25-$30/hr., housekeeping, flexible schedule available, $20-$25/hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and ski storage at the base area. For more information or to submit a resume, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte. com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • CLASSIFIEDS • A16
Gunnison Country Times and qualifications. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/ careers/.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY seeks applicants for our fulltime, on-site Human Resources Generalist position. This is an opportunity to grow your knowledge and career in Human Resources. Responsibilities include recruiting, new employee on-boarding, data tracking/entry, file maintenance, HR system support, work comp administration, employee off-boarding, and unemployment claims processing. This position assists with general HR questions and supports the HR Director on special projects. Required qualifications: bachelor’s degree, solid skills with MS Office and databases, attention to detail, effective communication and customer service skills, at least 1 year of work experience in a field that utilizes a similar level of required skills, abilities and knowledge. Western’s benefit package includes a retirement plan, generous employer contributions to medical/dental/ vision insurance, employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave and paid holidays. Employees receive basic life insurance and disability insurance at no cost. Employee wellness programs are available for FREE. To view the full job announcement(s) and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (AA/ EOE).
TEMPORARY LABORERS NEEDED: Need some cash this off season? The Town of Crested Butte Parks and Recreation Department is hiring temporary laborers for spring prep/cleanup season. Work will begin once the snow is gone from the majority of parks and public areas. Duties include raking, power washing, painting and general cleanup and repairs. Full job description and application available online at townofcrestedbutte.com click on “Careers”. Pay $19/hour. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
IRWING GUIDES IS SEEKING OFFICE/ SALES ASSOCIATES, SEASONAL, FULL AND PART-TIME: The position will be responsible for assisting the Irwin Guides administrator with day-to-day operations including, but not limited to, data entry, completing and filing paperwork, interacting with guests face-to-face or via phone/ email, booking trips and assisting with walk-in traffic and retail inquires/purchases. A strong candidate will have knowledge of the outdoor industry and local activities, strong administrative skills, effective communication, both oral and written, and is detail-oriented, responsive to delegation and comfortable working both independently and in a fast-paced team environment. During the operational seasons this position will be required to work some early mornings and late afternoons, at least one weekend day per week and some holidays as necessary. This is a winter seasonal position starting at $19-$22 per hour depending on experience
CLUES ACROSS 1. Beats per minute 4. Hindu deity 10. Polynesian garland of flowers 11. Not chained to 12. Metric ton 14. Tall, rounded vase 15. Musical composition 16. St. Francis of __ 18. Discover the location of 22. Compact group of mountains 23. Mend 24. Not current 26. Atomic #64 27. Young hawk 28. Or __ 30. Pouches 31. Southern Thailand isthmus 34. Mends with yarn 36. Downwinds 37. One of two equal parts of a divisible whole 39. Italian archaeological site 40. Cold appetizer 41. Yes
THE CRESTED BUTTE WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL is hiring an executive director. The CBWF is a well-loved event by both locals and visitors that takes place over two weeks in July. An ideal candidate has a background in non-profit work, experience with project development and execution, excellent communication and leadership skills and an interest in the natural world and trail systems around Crested Butte. The position is 3/4-time. Mid-May through MidAugust is the most time-intensive period of the year and the candidate must be available during those months to be considered. For more details and info on compensation, please visit CrestedButteWildflowerFestival. org and email resume and cover letter to info@cbwildflower.com. HIRING CASHIERS AND COOKS: Full and part-time pay based on experience, but expect $22 + after tips. Drop resumes at Powerstop. SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Sustainability Director. The position reports to The AVP of Campus Operations and Construction, works closely with Facilities and the campus as a whole and is responsible for fostering a culture of sustainability. (This is an oncampus position with the possibility of some remote work.) The Western Sustainability Coordinator Director must be committed to Western’s mission, vision, and values (growth, courage, integrity, inclusivity, and stewardship): western.edu/about/vision-values/ and will be instrumental in Western achieving the four goals of our 2023-28 Strategic Plan Responsibilities: The Sustainability Director will serve the institution broadly and provide leadership, coordination and development of a campus-wide sustainability program. The Director will coordinate sustainability efforts and planning associated with academic and research programs, campus operations and facilities and students. They will advise senior leaders on sustainability issues and help integrate sustainability goals and programs into campus and departmental planning. The Director will be the point person for sustainability on campus and the representative of Western for external sustainability collaborations and obligations. The Sustainability Director will work collaboratively with all entities on campus, including finance and administration (including operations/facilities), academic affairs, student affairs, marketing and enrollment, advancement and fundraising, the Division of Justice and Inclusion and the faculty, staff and students. While the position is housed under the Associate Vice President of Campus Operations and Construction, they are a campus-wide coordinator and work comprehensively across campus units. The Director will chair the Sustainability Action Committee, work closely with the LEAD Sustainability office and students and engage with the Student Government Association. They will also work closely with Western’s Residence Life team and Food Services (Sodexo). The Director will maintain Western’s membership in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and monitor and report Western’s performance under the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). The Director will work closely with campus operations and facilities to monitor, assess, maintain and report on the sustainability performance of campus infrastructure, including buildings and grounds. They will monitor carbon emissions and track Western’s progress toward our Second Nature climate commitment toward zero carbon by 2050. They will develop and coordinate the campus Climate Action Plan,
42. Peninsula 48. Of that 50. A way to divide 51. Relating to the physical senses 52. One who makes money 53. __ Spumante (Italian wine) 54. Inconvenience (abbr.) 55. South Dakota 56. Snow sport 58. The products of human creativity 59. Change mind 60. Born of
CLUES DOWN
1. Similar to the color of a clear unclouded sky 2. Former name of Iran 3. Made smaller 4. Type of meter 5. Revolt 6. Killed with rocks 7. Gregory __, US dancer 8. Nullifies 9. Home to the Flyers 12. Female parent 13. Pre-1917 Russian emperor
research/develop renewable energy options, and promote energy conservation in all campus sectors. They will also coordinate the Western waste stream and manage waste, recycling and composting on campus (e.g., oversee the campus rocket composter) This position will also supervise the student recycle crews. This will also entail assisting from time to time as needed with the program. The Director will lead in telling Western’s sustainability story (and collaborate with marketing and enrollment to use sustainability as a recruitment lever) and conducting outreach, trainings and other educational programs to elevate a culture of sustainability at Western. The Director will work closely with faculty and facilitate the integration of sustainability content into the curriculum. The Director will research and write private, state and federal grants to obtain resources to expand and elevate Western’s sustainability programming on campus. The Sustainability Coordinator Director will stay current on innovative sustainability practices in higher education and society through professional development and will promote innovations on campus and in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners. Additionally, as this will be a facilities-based position, other duties as assigned could arise requiring some physical functions. For example, may need to cover for staffing shortages. When needed, the position will load and move recyclables, books and bins and may exert up to 50 lbs. force as needed. Minimum Qualifications: The Western Colorado University Sustainability Director will have earned, at minimum, a B.S. or B.A. degree or comparable experience in a relevant field is also acceptable. They must have experience creating and managing projects, initiatives and program budgets and will have a track record and experience in managing sustainability programming. They must have excellent written and verbal communication and analytical skills, including managing databases, conducting analyses and using Microsoft Suite and other software programs. The applicant should be self-motivated, able to work independently and take initiative while paying close attention to detail. The Director will work closely in team environments daily and should demonstrate collaborative, problem-solving characteristics. The applicant must be committed to DEIJ+ values and will be a campus leader in collaborative efforts with diverse groups. Preferred Qualifications: M.E.M. or B.S., B.A., M.S., M.A. degree, preferably in an environmental or sustainability field. Applicants should have advanced knowledge of current sustainability concepts, issues, trends and best practices, particularly related to higher education. Compensation: $50,000-$60,000 DOE and FLSA Exempt. Additionally, Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. Application Procedure: Apply online at Western.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include letter of application addressed to Sherry Ford, AVP of Campus Operations and Construction, resume and contact information for three references. Please direct questions to Sherry Ford at sford@western.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a successful candidate is hired. Note: If transcripts are required for your
17. Outsourcing (abbr.) 19. Regal 20. Line 21. Hermann __, author of “Siddhartha” 25. Clearing up 29. No seats available 31. Leaves of an Arabian shrub 32. Groove in organ or tissue 33. Not of this world 35. Cooking device 38. Forget 41. Operational flight 43. Actress Danes 44. Poke holes in
CROSSWORD ANSWERS FOR PREVIOUS WEEK
45. A way to discolor 46. Shouts of welcome or farewell 47. Pharrell’s group 49. Red fluorescent dye 56. Jr.’s dad 57. Electronics firm
application, you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, dates of attendance, or graduation from the educational institution. If a degree is required for employment, official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire. Copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire. Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte: Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are studentoriented, collegial, enthusiastic and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge. The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world-class ski community. K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping, all within minutes of the campus. Visit western.edu to learn more about the university. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS is seeking a FT medical assistant to join our team. Duties include clinical documentation, x-rays, medical supply inventory management and casting/splinting. Good organization and computer skills while working in a fast-paced environment are important. Position is for both our Crested Butte and Gunnison offices. $22-$24/hr DOE. Please send resume to office@pinnacleorthocolorado.com. GUNNISON LIQUOR (The Ghost) is currently looking for part-time help. Nights and weekends a must. Stop by with a resume. 603 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison. INCOME TAX PREPARER AND RECEPTIONIST WANTED for Gunnison H&R Block office. Experienced preferred but will train. Full or part-time for 2024 tax season. Contact Lisa at 970-946-8543. SERVICE PLUMBER TECHNICIAN: Timberline Mechanical Contracting is looking for a service technician for troubleshooting and plumbing repair. Plumbing and customer service experience preferred. We offer high pay, paid holidays, paid vacation, health insurance and ski pass. Clean driving record is mandatory. Timberline Mechanical Contracting Crested Butte, CO. Phone: 970-349-5679. Email info@timberlinemech.com. CRESTED BUTTE BURGER COMPANY is hiring the following positions: cooks and cashiers, flexible schedule available, starting pay $16-$18/hr. + gratuity. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: crestedbutteburgerco@gmail.com.
HOUSEHOLD & FURNITURE DESK AND CREDENZA: Desk 32D, 64W, 30H, Credenza 20D, 64W, 30H. Pottery Barn “Printer’s Modular Collection”, color is Tuscan Chestnut. Like new, $500. Mt. CB 918-625-2195.
REAL ESTATE SEVEN BDRM, 3 BATH HOUSE FOR RENT IN ALMONT: Close to Taylor Park for snowmobiling and fishing, Crested Butte for skiing and Gunnison for dining and shopping. Sleeps 16 comfortably, fully furnished, including kitchen appliances and on-site washer/dryer. This home is available for $4,000 a month (full month rentals only) from November through March. For more information, call 970-641-1740, or email stay@harmels.com. PRIME RENTAL AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY on Elk Ave., Crested Butte. 1BR, 1BA, full kitchen with living room. Outside patio with grill and views of Mt. CB. Above a medical office, two parking spots, alley entrance, pets welcome with landlord approval and pet deposit. $2,000/month plus utilities. If interested, please email drbeim38@gmail.com. PRIME OFFICE SPACE on Main St. Five private offices. Client waiting/conference room, reception desk, 12 paved parking spaces. Call or text 970-596-9999 for more info. HOME FOR SALE: 1700 sq. ft. 2020 build. Very accessible single story home in great west Gunnison location. For further details enter 600 Carbon Court, Gunnison, CO into Zillow search and/or contact terravistalimited@gmail.com, 970-497-9113. 10 ACRE MINING CLAIM: Established in 1896. Hand-dug shaft, unit 66, spring-fed pond, partially fenced, good hunting, easy access off Hwy. 149. $54,000. 970-2090142.
Legals NOTICE OF BUDGET NOTICE OF BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Gunnison County Fire Protection District for the year 2024. That a copy of such proposed budget is on file in the office of the Gunnison County Fire Protection District. A copy of the budget may be examined or obtained for public inspection at the office of the Fire Marshal, City Hall, Gunnison. That such proposed budget will be considered at the regular meeting of the Gunnison County Fire Protection District to be held on November 16, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department at 241 West New York Avenue, Gunnison. Notice is further given that an amendment to the budget for year 2023 will be presented and discussed following the discussion of the 2024 budget. Any interested elector of such Gunnison County Fire Protection District 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 dates of November 9, 16, 2023 11327
A17 • LEGALS • Thursday, November 16, 2023 Legals NOTICE OF HEARING LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to the liquor laws of Colorado Red White & Booze LLC dba Red Mountain Liquor has made an application dated September 28, 2023 to the licensing officials of Gunnison County to grant a transfer of Liquor License to Red White & Booze LLC dba Red Mountain Liquor located at 81 Gillaspey Ave, Crested Butte Colorado 81224. A hearing on this application will be held on November 21, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. in the Gunnison County Commissioners Meeting Room, 200 East Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Comments may be made in writing to the Gunnison County Clerk & Recorder, Kathy Simillion, 221 N. Wisconsin Street, Gunnison, Colorado 81230 prior to the hearing or in person at the hearing. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
2pm, Tuesday 1pm- 4 pm., and Friday 10am - 2pm. Any interested elector of the Ragged Mountain Fire Protection District may file any objection to the proposed budget at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, in writing, delivered to the office of the Ragged Mountain Fire Protection District, located at 3688 Highway 133, Somerset CO 81434 or mailed to PO Box 570; Somerset, CO 81434. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 16, 2023 11374
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT North Valley Trails Environmental Assessment USDA Forest Service Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Gunnison Ranger District Gunnison County, Colorado
to consider proposed changes to the Saguache County Land Development Code.
The Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest has prepared an environmental assessment (EA), draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (DN) for the North Valley Trails project. The District Ranger, Dayle Funka, has decided to approve construction of a total of 9.45 miles of single-track trail, decommission 1.0 miles of single-track trail, and approve approximately 18.7 acres of disturbance for expansion of existing parking areas and enhancement of the infrastructure at the Brush Creek Trailhead, Tent City Day Use and Designated Camping Area, and Walrod Trailhead. Specific trail alignment sections can be found in the draft DN.
To view the proposed changes BEGINNING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2023, you may contact the Saguache County Land Use Department – PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or atorrez@saguachecounty-co. gov or by calling 719-655-2321 or you may also view the changes on our website at saguachecounty.colorado.gov .
The project was developed in response to Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association’s (CBMBA) Short-Term Trail Plan: Riders off the Road proposal. The objective is to provide better and more diverse user opportunities by facilitating safe, responsible, and sustainable recreation infrastructure improvements to the current trail system.
Written comments will be accepted until Friday, December 1, 2023 at 3pm, and may be sent to Saguache County Land Use Department at PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or email to atorrez@saguachecountyco.gov
Additional information can be found in the EA and draft DN at the following weblink: fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61177
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PUBLIC HEARING The Saguache County Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at the Saguache County Commissioners meeting Room located at 305 – 3rd Street, Saguache, Colorado, on the following date: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 at 5 PM
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023 11301
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING 2024 BUDGET FOR THE RAGGED MOUNTAIN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, by the Ragged Mountain Fire Protection District, pursuant to C.R.S. 29-1-106, that on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 at 6:00 pm, the Ragged Mountain Fire Protection District will hold a Public Hearing regarding the 2024 Budget. The Hearing will be held via conference call (605) 472-5550 Access Code 296143 and at 3688 Highway 133, Somerset CO 81434. The proposed budget is available for inspection by the public at the office of the Ragged Mountain Fire Protection District located at 3688 Highway 133, Somerset CO 81434. Office Hours are Monday 10am -
How
to
Object
and
Timeframe
The opportunity to object ends 45 days following the date of publication of the legal notice in Gunnison Country Times. The publication date of the legal notice in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or time frame information provided by any other source. This decision is subject to a pre-decisional objection period in accordance with the provisions of 36 CFR 218 subparts A and B. Objections must be filed with the reviewing officer in writing. All objections are available for public inspection during and after the objection process. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted and timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project or activity and attributed to the objector, unless the issue is based on new information that arose after the opportunities for comment on the preliminary EA. At a minimum, an objection must include the following: (1) Objector’s name and address as defined in 36 CFR 218.2, with a telephone number, if available; (2) Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for electronic mail may be filed with the objection); (3) When
multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector as defined in 36 CFR 218.2. Verification of the identity of the lead objector must be provided upon request or the reviewing officer will designate a lead objector as provided in 36 CFR 218.5(d); (4) The name of the proposed project, the name and title of the responsible official, and the name(s) of the national forest(s) and/or ranger district(s) on which the proposed project will be implemented; (5) A description of those aspects of the proposed project addressed by the objection, including specific issues related to the proposed project; if applicable, how the objector believes the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy; suggested remedies that would resolve the objection; supporting reasons for the reviewing officer to consider; and (6) A statement that demonstrates the connection between Objector’s prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunities for comment (i.e., after May 1, 2023). Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided for at 36 CFR 218.8(b). Written objections, including attachments, must be filed with: Chad Stewart, GMUG Forest Supervisor ATTN: North Valley Trails Objections 2250 South Main St. Delta, Colorado 81416 Electronic objections must be filed online; attachments may be included in a variety of formats (such as pdf, plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rtf), or MSWord (.docx)) In cases where no identifiable name is attached to an electronic message, a verification of identity will be required. A scanned signature is one way to provide verification. Objections and attachments may be submitted online at: cara.fs2c.usda.gov/ Public//CommentInput?Project=61177 If you have any questions or need assistance accessing documents, please contact Emily Nutgrass, Environmental Coordinator, at emily.nutgrass@usda.gov or 970-642-4412. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 16, 2023 11420
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RFP – Town of Mt. Crested Butte – Town Hall Assessment – Phase 2 The Town of Mt. Crested Butte (Town) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to assess the existing Mt. Crested Butte Town Hall Buildings for potential expansion, reconfiguration, and renovation to meet future needs. Town Hall is located at 911 Gothic Road, Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado, 81225. This Project involves two separate Town buildings, including the Town Hall Administration Building and the Town Maintenance Garage Building. The purpose of this project is to identify a preferred plan for each building to better serve the existing and future needs of the Town, including staff, equipment, and storage requirements. The Town’s primary objectives for this Project are: Task 1: Determine Space Allocation and Functional Building Layout Requirements. Task 2: Identify Options Involving Building Re-Purposing, Reconfiguration, Renovation, and/or Remodeling. Task 3: Identify a Preferred Implementation Phasing Plan
and Costs. The Proposal deadline is December 22, 2023 at 3:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time). The Bid Documents and any addendums can be found on the Town’s website at mtcb.colorado.gov/requestfor-proposals. Please contact Jeff Smith, Capital Projects Manager at jsmith@mtcb. colorado.gov or 970-349-6632 ext. 103 for questions or to schedule a site visit. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of November 16, 23, 2023 11373
County, Colorado as Reception No. 258799, Subject to any easement which may exist for the use of the ACCESS ROAD and EXISTING ACCESS ROAD as such roads are shown on that certain survey of LAVETA PLACER ADDITION, LOTS 19 THROUGH 32, IN BLOCK 2 as recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Gunnison County, Colorado as reception number 693674, Gunnison County, Colorado. By: S: Jacob A. With Jacob A. With Dated October 23, 2023
SUMMONS SUMMONS District Court Gunnison County, Colorado Court Address: 200 E. Virginia Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230 Plaintiffs: LaDonna J. McLain and David J. McLain v. Defendants: The Town of Pitkin, Colorado; The Board of County Commissioners of the County of Gunnison, State of Colorado; and any and all unknown persons who claim any interest in the subject matter of this action Attorneys for Plaintiffs: Law of the Rockies Jacob A. With, Atty. Reg. #: 40546 525 North Main Street Gunnison, CO 81230 Phone Number: 970-641-1903 Facsimile Number: 970-641-1943 jwith@lawoftherockies.com Case Number: 2023CV30047 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court. If you fail to file your answer or other response in writing within the applicable time period, the Court may enter judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice. This is an action to quiet title pursuant to C.R.C.P. 105 in favor of the Plaintiffs in and to the following property in Gunnison County, Colorado:
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2023 11222
NOTICE OF VACANCY
VACANCY NOTICE Investment Advisory Board
The City of Gunnison is currently accepting letters of interest for a vacancy on the Investment Advisory Board. This board provides general investment direction and advice to the Director of Finance and makes recommendations for investment policy changes or updates. The Board meets twice per year, typically in the second and fourth quarters per year. Letters of interest will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2023 at 5 p.m. Please include all contact information, including an email address, with your letter. To submit a letter of interest or request more information, please contact Ben Cowan, Director of Finance, by calling 970-641-8162, email bcowan@ gunnisonco.gov, or mail at City of Gunnison, P.O. Box 239, Gunnison, CO 81230. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 16, 2023 11382
A parcel of ground lying within Section 9, Township 50 North, Range 4 East, New Mexico Principal Meridian, having a Basis of Bearings of N00°32′55″W from the E1/4 corner of said Section 9 to the NE corner of said Section 9, said parcel is better described as beginning at a rebar and 1″ aluminum cap LS1776, being S46°40′02″W 1615.13 feet from the NE corner of said Section 9; thence S55°39′39″W 349.89 feet to rebar and 1″ aluminum cap LS1776; thence N34°18′39″W 132.44 feet; thence N55°43′39″E 350.55 feet; thence S34°01′27″E 132.03 feet to the point of beginning; having an area of 1.06 acres, Together with a right to access the abovedescribed parcel, including for ingress, egress and utilities, on, over, across and under the roads and streets identified on the plat of La Veta Addition to the Town of Pitkin, Gunnison County, Colorado as recorded in the real property records of Gunnison
WATER RESUME DIVISION 5 WATER COURT- OCTOBER 2023 RESUME (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the Colorado State Judicial website at: www.courts.state.co.us). 4. PURSUANT TO C.R.S., §37-92-302, AS AMENDED, YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE FOLLOWING PAGES COMPRISE A RESUME OF THE APPLICATIONS AND AMENDED APPLICATIONS FILED WITH THE WATER CLERK FOR WATER DIVISION 5 DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2023. The water right claimed by this application may affect in priority any water right claimed or heretofore adjudicated within this division and owners of affected rights must appear to object and protest within the time provided by statute or be forever barred. 23CW3152 GUNNISON COUNTY – APPLICATION FOR GEOTHERMAL WATER RIGHT. 1. Name, Address, Phone Number, and E-Mail Address of Applicant. Treasure Mountain Ranch Inc., c/o Stuart Gillespie, Treasurer, 1203 Colorado Ave., Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81611; Phone: (901) 240-5188; e-mail: stuart.j.gillespie@gmail.com. Copies of all pleadings to David F. Bower, Johnson & Repucci LLP, 850 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 100, Louisville, Colorado 80027; Phone: (303) 546-5608; E-mail: dfbower@j-rlaw. com. 2. Claim for Conditional Geothermal Water Right. (a) Name of Well Structure. Treasure Mountain Ranch Geothermal Well No. 1. (b) Permit Information. The well structure is currently permitted under Well Permit No. 328613, issued September 22, 2022. The well will be re-permitted upon granting of the claimed water right. (c) Location. NE1/4 SW1/4 of Section 27, Township 11 South, Range 87 West, of the 6th P.M. (Easting 318574.0, Northing 4325961.3). (d) Source. Geothermal groundwater tributary to the North Fork of the Crystal River, tributary to the Crystal River, tributary to the Roaring Fork River, tributary to the Colorado River. (e) Depth of Well. ~600 feet. (f) Appropriation Date. Date of application. (g) Amount. 0.25 cfs (112 gpm), conditional. (h) Uses. Geothermal energy, domestic, recreational, and other beneficial purposes. (i) Remarks. This well will primarily be used for power generation and to heat private buildings and other structures associated with the Treasure Mountain Ranch. In addition, geothermal water may be used for domestic and related purposes, including but not limited to filling baths and soaking pools and melting snow. 3. Name and Address of Landowner Upon which any New or Modified Diversion or Storage Structure is Located. The Treasure Mountain Ranch Geothermal Well No. 1 is on land owned by Applicant. WHEREFORE, Applicant respectfully requests that the Court grant the claim for a geothermal water right as set forth above. (3 pages) YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE until the last day of DECEMBER 2023 to file with the Water Clerk a verified Statement of Opposition setting forth facts as to why this application should not be granted or why it should be granted in part or on certain conditions. A copy of such statement of opposition must also be served upon the applicant or the applicant’s attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service shall be filed with the Water Clerk, as prescribed by Rule 5, CRCP. (Filing Fee: $192.00) KATHY POWERS, Water Clerk, Water Division 5; 109 8th Street, Suite 104 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 16, 2023
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IRA, call or visit by April 17. Gunnison/Crested Butte 0.00% to 0.00% Corporate Bond Rate
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IR Name, Phone: News Gothic To download graphic files goMT toCnwww.edwardjones.com/graphics WebADVISOR Address: BodoniBerthBQ-Regular BILL MATTHEWS - FINANCIAL Childcare 641-6438 W 641-0400 • www.RaymondJames.com Unlimited Dialup Services SIPC line: News Gothic MT 210 W. Spencer Ave., Unit C SIGNS & SCREENPRINTING Small Ads $17.95/month DSL To see why it makes sense to roll High Speed DSL starting at Member FINRA/SIPC IR name: Extra Condensed Franklin Gothic 641.3767 uite 3, Gunnison, CO 81230 Investment Representative Thanks Mike & Debbie Weidler for $17.95/month your 401(k) to Edward Jones, Mou $19.95/month Unlimited Dial-up Email Only Accounts Address: News Gothic MT Cn Bus: (970) 641-1900 the work on your Doyleville Log Large Ad Unlimited Dialup Services S MITH OPERA HHome OUSE call today. IR Street Address Cell: (970) 596-0715 419 North Main Painting • Refi nishing • Carpentry Satellite TV & Satellite Internet Improvement House! Fax: (970) 641-1906 Gunnison, CO 81230 Web Design & Web Hosting Email OnlyFranklin AccountsGothic City/Town: Extra Condensed 114 N. Boulevard St., Suite 105 • Gunnison IR City, State, ZIP Sirius & XM Radio Matt Robbins CRs Frank Patin 715.892.1673 Web Design & Web Hosting IR Name, News Gothic download graphic files goMT toCnwww.edwardjones.com/graphics Exterior house painting Phone: BILL MATTHEWS - FINANCIAL A~Interior, DVISOR To Phone b ChildcareIRwww.edwardjones.com 641-6438 ~ Woodwork, Furniture, Cabinets 641-3702 or 641-6438 641-0400 • www.RaymondJames.com 641-6438 To download graphic files go to www.edwardjones.com/graphics/usa/sales/ads ~ DecksSmall Ads 210 W. Ave., Unit C Member SIPC Pre-school andSpencer Child Care 210 W. Spencer Ave. Unit C DSL $17.95/month High Speed starting at C FOSTER CONSTRUCTION 210DSL W. Spencer Ave., Unit Terri Sokaitis "Helping Buyers & Sel IR name: Extra Condensed Franklin Gothic Six weeks to 12 years Carleen White 970-209-9119 HANDYMAN, CARPENTRY $17.95/month Since 1984" $19.95/month Unlimited Dial-u 525 N. Main St. Address: News Gothic MT Cn www.cleanlines.biz & RENOVATION SERVICES Bus: (970) Gunnison, 641-1900 CO 81230 Landscaping HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC. Unlimited Dialup Services HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC. 970-641-5036 Cell: (970) Office: 596-0715 North Satellite TV & Satellite419Intern Home Improvement 642-1949 Cell: 970-275-2899 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Replacement Windows & Doors Fax: (970) 641-1906 Gunnison, CO 8 Only Accounts Replacement Windows & Doors Email Fax: 970-641-5524 Personal & Residential Landscaping Roofing - Steel & Shingle www.monarchrlty.com Sirius & XM Radio Pho 720-201-9100 tsokaitis@rockymountainre.com Roofi ng Steel & Shingle Email: brokers@monarchrlty.com Fa Insulated Siding Web Design & Web Hosting www.rockymountainre.com Insulated Siding Seamless Rain Gutters Patio Covers & Awnings Seamless Rain Gutters Warren 641-3702 or 641-6438 Mobile Home Improvements Patio Covers & Awnings 641-6438 To download graphic files go to www.edwardjones.com/graphics/usa/sales/ads Homebuilders Inc. Computers You Buy, Always Give Whitey’s a Try! Pre-school and ChildBefore Care 210 W. Spencer Ave. Unit C Mobile Home Improvements • New Construction and Remodels TAX PREPARATION 210 W. Spencer Ave., Unit C bRokeR
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RokeR
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WHITEY’S
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CHURCH OF HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC.Discover/Visa/MC Delta • 874-3665 ENERGY SAVING Serving the Gunnison Area since 1947 CHRIST indows & Doors 641-4051 Montrose • 249-9605 Replacement Windows & Doors Montrose • 249-9603 DOORS & WINDOWS Personal & Residential Landscaping 249-9605 Fax • www.whiteyshomeimp.com eel & Shingle 123 W. STomichi www.whiteyshomeimp.com O L A R • DAve E S I G•NGunnison • INSTALL 970-209-4048 Roofi ng Steel & Shingle REACH d Siding 600 E. Virginia • 641-1588 NEW Sunday Morning Bible Class: Insulated Siding ain Gutters E. Main #155, Buena Vista | 719-96 Drop off - 301 Upload - Virtual. 9:30 a.m. CL 733 US Hwy 24, Ste 102, Leadville | 719 IENTS s & Awnings Seamless Rain Gutters Sunday Morning Worship: 1548 G St. #3, Salida | 719-207-4070 Improvements 10:30 a.m. Patio Covers & Awnings Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m. 970.648.4421 • 123 W Virginia Ave. ys Give Whitey’s a Try! 970.642.5554 Mobile Home Improvements Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m. 301 E. Main #155, Buena Vista | 719-966–5031 GABE.JACQUEZ@hrblock.com
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Thursday, November 16, 2023 • NEWS • A19
Gunnison Country Times
Lights & Sirens CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT NOV. 6 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — W. NEW YORK AVE. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 910 W. BIDWELL AVE. ACCIDENT — 100 E. TOMICHI AVE. TRAFFIC - DUR — 400 N. 11TH ST. TOBACCO VIOLATION - UNLAWFUL POSSESSION - RE1J — 1099 N. 11TH ST. HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — N. TAYLOR ST. HARASSMENT: STRIKE, SHOVE, KICK — W. TOMICHI AVE. THEFT: USES, CONCEALS OR ABANDONS WITH INTENT — 215 S. 12TH ST. AGENCY ASSIST — N. TELLER ST.
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN ST. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 900 N. MAIN ST. JUVENILE REPORT — N. COLORADO ST. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — N. COLORADO ST. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — 900 W. DENVER AVE. TRAFFIC - NPOI — N. MAIN ST. AGENCY ASSIST — 1198 N. MAIN ST.
GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT
-Citation issued for driving without a valid driver’s license
NOV. 8
HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — ESCALANTE DR.
-In-county warrant arrest for domestic violence -Harassment report in Cimarron -Vicious dog report with injury in Cimarron -Vicious dog with injuries in Gunnison
WELFARE ASSIST — E. GOTHIC AVE. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 600 N. COLORADO ST. IDENTIFICATION CARD - UNLAWFUL USE OF — 1198 N. MAIN ST. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — N. BOULEVARD ST. THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 300 JOSEPH LN. INFORMATION — W. DENVER AVE. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 900 N. MAIN ST. INFORMATION — E. GUNNISON AVE. ACCIDENT - HIT AND RUN — 200 N. MAIN ST. PROPERTY - LOST — 880 N. MAIN ST. INFORMATION — W. DENVER AVE. CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST DEGREE - RESIDENCE — 403 E. TOMICHI AVE.
NOV. 9 MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 438 TINCUP DR. NUISANCE CODE VIOLATION — 202 S. 11TH ST. THEFT - UNDER $100 MUNICIPAL — 900 N. MAIN ST. THEFT - UNDER $100 MUNICIPAL — 900 N. MAIN ST. THEFT - UNDER $100 MUNICIPAL — 900 N. MAIN ST. THEFT - UNDER $100 MUNICIPAL — 900 N. MAIN ST. ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE MUNICIPAL — 404 W. RIO GRANDE AVE. INFORMATION — VAN TUYL CIR. ALCOHOL VIOLATION - UNDERAGE POSS./CONSUMPTION — 1010 W. VIRGINIA AVE. MEDICAL CALL — W. OHIO AVE.
Mountain Mamas Cafe COME MEET OTHER MAMAS! ¡VEN A CONOCER A OTRA MAMAS!
GUNNISON: MONDAYS, 1:30 - 3:30 P.M. SANCTUARY SOMATICS YOGA 513 S MAIN ST (EN ESPANOL) GUNNISON: MIERCOLES, 2 - 4 P.M. SANCUARY SOMATICS YOGA 513 S MAIN ST CRESTED BUTTE: FRIDAYS 10 - 12 P.M. OH BE JOYFUL 625 MAROON AVE
NOV. 7
NOV. 7
NOV. 8
FAMILY BIRTH CENTER
NOV. 9 -Distribution investigation -Lost property reported - firearm -Vehicle crash on Monarch Pass -Paper service attempt -Driving under the influence
NOV. 10 -Criminal impersonation -Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a three-vehicle accident on east Hwy. 50 -Deputies arrested one individual for felony DUI, excessive alcohol content, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, weaving, driving an uninsured and unregistered vehicle, driving when license canceled or revoked, obstruction, resisting and two in-county warrants
NOV. 11 -Two dogs found between Cerro Summit and Little Blue - taken to Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League - there were originally three but one ran away -Agency assist to the CSP with a one-vehicle rollover on west Hwy. 50
NOV. 12 -Driving under the influence of drugs arrest
Cada reunión de grupo Each group meeting will incluirá: include: • Breastfeeding support • Soporte para la lactancia y estación de and weight station pesas • Conversations around maternal mental health • Conversaciones sobre la salud mental materna • Light refreshments • Refrigerios ligeros For more info, contact Kelsey Weaver at kweaver@gvh-colorado.org or 970-648-7071 Para más información, contacte Kelsey Weaver a kweaver@gvh-colorado.org o 970-648-7071
GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG/MAMAS
GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH
WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC COMPREHENSIVE GYNECOLOGICAL CARE TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF WOMEN OF ALL AGES. Services Include: • Hormone Replacement Therapy • Menopause Care • Infertility Evaluation • Evaluation and Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding & Irregular Menstruation
• Endometriosis Evaluation & Treatment • Ovarian Cyst Evaluation & Treatment • Hysterectomy
NOV. 13 -Harassment report
NOV. 10 PROPERTY - FOUND — 880 N. MAIN ST. IDENTIFICATION CARD - UNLAWFUL USE OF — 1198 N. MAIN ST. ACCIDENT — N. ADAMS ST. ACCIDENT - HIT AND RUN — 820 N. MAIN ST. ABANDONED VEHICLE — 300 S. MAIN ST. PROPERTY - LOST — 1114 VULCAN ST. THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN ST.
Dr. Deborah Tozer, MD
Joy McElyea, WHNP
The clinic is open on Mondays and Wednesdays and is located in the specialty clinic at the hospital. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 970-641-3927. More information about the specific services offered is available at WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG/WOMENSHEALTH.
A20 • NEWS • Thursday, November 16, 2023
H
Gunnison Country Times
I D L O A H Y S N I S W COMI O T E M N O Hom e
Holtiodawyns
This year’s holiday special will be inserted in the DEC. 7 Gunnison Times and will include a Shop Local Gift Guide.
Gunn
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100 YEA
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Dec. 8,
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Buy 4 or more ads in the Times or Shopper between Nov. 17 and Dec. 31 and you will receive 20% off all of your ads. Abby
Harris
on
Gunn
ison
The ad submission deadline for the Hometown Holidays is Nov. 17.
Pione
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GUNN ISON COUN TY 1922
ART: ‘Down to Earth’ exhibition on display in Gunnison, B3
SPORTS: Cowboy football falls in second round, B6
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
Of grit, triumph and finish lines Rasmussen strides across the bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn, pictured below is her finishers medal. (Courtesy of MarathonFoto and NYRR)
Gunnison local Erica Rasmussen completes NYC marathon Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
On Nov. 4, a swarm of close to 52,000 runners from 148 countries clipped across five bureaus of New York City in the largest marathon in the world. Amidst the skyscrapers, waving flags and blaring cheers was Gunnison local Erica Rasmussen. After conquering 26.2 miles and reaching Central Park, she officially earned the title of marathon finisher. But for Rasmussen, her pounding heartbeat and cramping legs represented far more than just the end of a marathon. Instead, the finish line marked the pinnacle of her health journey that started five years ago in a smalltown hospital.
In 2018, Rasmussen had just entered the third trimester of a challenging pregnancy and awaited the birth of her daughter. One of the contributing factors to complications was her health. Rasmussen said that was the moment she promised herself to make significant lifestyle changes. “I had a really difficult pregnancy with my daughter, and almost lost her,” Rasmussen said. “Part of that was because my health wasn’t as great as it could be. Consistency is hard. Discipline is hard, and it took time to find a way to take ownership. I just want to run around with my grandkids one day, that’s my ultimate goal.” After her daughter was born, Rasmussen began a nutrition and workout plan with friend and fitness coach Edina Braun. The two began outlining the mental challenges of making significant change. Braun explained that weight loss is, quite literally, a marathon not a sprint. “Mental wellbeing is the first step,” Braun said. “I try to
explain that a health transformation doesn’t happen overnight. We focus on how to speak to ourselves. What our home environment looks like. Who our support system is — and then start off on a basic nutrition and workout plan.” Running almost instantly became a regular part of Rasmussen’s life. In 2021, she ran the Emma Coburn Elk Run. She recalled struggling with the race her first year, but returned in 2022 with a stronger time and faster pace. Running transformed from a chore to a passion as times dropped and distances grew. “ This wasn’t s omething I wanted to do short term,” Rasmussen said. “I was committed to taking it day by day and week by week to make healthier choices. In 2021 I could barely run down Elk — the race was brutal. But in 2022 I had some serious wins and wanted to make a larger goal.” That year, she set the goal of finishing 50 running races in 50 states before her 50th birthday. Marathon B2
B2 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
ENVISION BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME
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Marathon from B1 Starting with mostly 5Ks, she checked off races in surrounding states and worked her way up to half marathons. Little did she know her first marathon would come at the largest in the world. Getting accepted for the New York City Marathon can happen in three ways. Runners can submit a qualifying time, get selected through a lottery or run in partnership with a charity. For Rasmussen, a connection with the Aspen-based, Chris Klug Foundation led to her acceptance last year. On top of that, her application to represent the United States at the opening ceremony was also accepted. After months of intense preparation and hundreds of hours running through Taylor Canyon and lapping the Mountaineer Field House track, Rasmussen headed to the Big Apple. She waved the U.S. flag and marched alongside runners from across the globe at the opening ceremony. Fireworks lit up the cityscape as New York partied late into the night. “It was incredible to represent the U.S., coming from such a small community,” she said. “I made friends from all over the world, and the camaraderie from the runners was overwhelming.” The next morning, the runners lined up at the starting block on Staten Island
and prepared to run 26.2 miles, across Brooklyn, into Queens, the Bronx and finishing on the island of Manhattan. Rasmussen started off flying. “Training in the Gunnison Valley, at elevation with lots of hills did me a serious favor,” she said. “I went into the race day feeling super strong, and the first 10 miles flew by.” At mile marker 16, an electrolyte imbalance due to the humid weather led to serious leg pain. Rasmussen found a hay bale on a bridge between Queens and Manhattan, sat down and started crying. The entire journey flooded back into her mind, starting with the birth of her daughter five years ago. She wanted to push hard into the final 10 miles, but had never felt shooting pain running down her legs like this before. “I was freaked out, wanting to keep going, but unsure of what to do,” she said. “Two women came up and told me ‘Don’t stop, just keep going and you’ll feel better.’ So they helped me up and we started jogging again.” A much needed banana in the Bronx subsided some of the cramping, and Rasmussen powered through. The New York streets buzzed with excitement, as thousands of spectators blasted music and partied across Manhattan. At mile 20, encouragement started flowing from onlookers. “You got this Erica, way to go!” The tears started flowing at mile marker 26, as she came to the overwhelming realization
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that she would be a marathon finisher. “I gave myself permission to absolutely collapse at the finish line if I needed to,” she said. “But when I finally crossed the line, I started crying and was filled with joy and pride and gratitude for what I had accomplished. It was entirely surreal.” For her fitness coach and mentor along the whole process, hearing of her finish was an emotional moment. “The most rewarding part of being a coach and helping people, is to watch them take control, and kick butt,” Braun said. “It’s been amazing to see Erica accomplish such amazing goals.” Rasmussen will be back in action in two weeks, running a half-marathon in Nashville. She has also applied to three marathons next year, hoping to get accepted to run in Berlin, Boston or Chicago. New York marked her 11th state, and it’s safe to say Erica won’t be slowing down anytime soon. “Anybody that finishes a marathon runs a great race,” she said. “It’s not about time per mile, It’s about the process, the training and the support system back home. When I crossed that finish line, I knew I gave everything my best and that’s the most we can ask of ourselves. It’s ridiculous grit. To take control of your life and own it.” (Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B3
Gunnison Country Times
‘Down to earth’
Sanders Sanders, a Salida-based art- small, Angora goat in the bag, a ist, has been creating for near- coveted breed for its soft, curly explores her ly four decades. She always coat. thought of herself as a visual “I like looking at the textures, relationship learner, but felt drawn to tac- but I also like feeling,” Sanders art for much of her adult said. “That's something I like with the planet tile life. After taking a weaving about fiber art. A lot of it the during her youth, she was onlooker can touch.” through fiber art class hooked. Weaving progressed Sanders used to work with Bella Biondini Times Editor
Beth Sanders uses colors from the things that surround her, pulling natural pigments from rabbitbrush she finds in the neighborhood for wonderful yellows, black beans for blues and avocado pits for delicate shades of pink. On a loom, she then weaves the fibers into brilliantly colored tapestries with layers of wool, silks, flax and cotton. This month, Sanders is showcasing a series called “Down to Earth” at the Gunnison Arts Center for the first time. Through her work, she reflects on how humans impact, but depend on the earth. With hand woven and dyed fibers, Sanders displays themes of fragility, connection and resiliency. The show is dedicated to her mother, Marie Watkins Clontz, who died last year. “She was the biggest environmentalist you could imagine, and way ahead of her time,” Sanders said. “She was someone who tread lightly on the earth, but left a big footprint on people's lives.”
into needle and wet felting. This process uses friction, soap and hot water to create felt out of wool fibers. The mixture changes the pH of the wool, allowing the magic to happen. “It's amazing how the fibers then grab each other and adhere and start the felting process … There’s a beautiful simplicity about it,” Sanders said. As she became more familiar with her craft, Sanders progressed to dyeing and began experimenting with different materials — mixing in anything from paper to pieces of cottonwood trees, acorns and hornets nests. Through these methods, she uses pieces of the natural world to tell stories to her audience. In addition to tapestries, Sanders creates three-dimensional vessels out of felt in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Sanders’ long-term goal was to learn how to go from “animal all the way to finished product.” She owned a llama for a time, which she sheared for its beautiful fur. Years ago, she attended a large textile festival in Asheville, armed with a big, canvas tote bag to buy fibers. She returned home with a
acid dyes, components of which can be harmful to people and the environment. When she began her transition to natural pigments, she thought she would have trouble finding similarly brilliant colors in nature. But she was pleasantly surprised, finding a rainbow of colors available from food waste from the kitchen and plants in the garden. Along with locally sourced animal and cellulose fibers, Sanders tends to pull colors in from her immediate environment. When she lived in North Carolina, she steered toward reds, burnt oranges and greens. Once she moved to Colorado after retirement, that shifted to blues and yellows. “I like the textures found in nature and so I like to try and reflect that,” Sanders said. “Down to Earth” is on display in the Gunnison Arts Center’s Cafe and Tredway galleries, which are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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Beth Sanders works on a loom. (Courtesy Beth Sanders)
B4 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
Thank you for your service Veterans gathered alongside community members at Legion Park on Saturday, Nov. 11 for Gunnison’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. Several community members gave short speeches including Legion Post 54 Commander John Nelson. Student Udev Vijay, who was introduced by Mike Callihan, also spoke at length about the Gunnison High School Legion Club’s work this year to restore veteran gravestones at the cemetery. Legion members then lowered the summer flag in exchange for the winter one.
(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B5
Gunnison Country Times
PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS Holiday food boxes
Holiday grief support
Call for dancers
If you or someone you know would benefit from receiving a free Holiday Harvest box from Mountain Roots Food Project, including fresh produce and a family portion of meat, please reach out to erinn@ mountainrootsfoodproject.org.
On Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m., Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church at 711 N. Main Street in Gunnison will host the GriefShare program “Surviving the Holidays,” a faithbased approach to helping those who are grieving the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. The event is free and light snacks will be provided. Email rodmorrill2@gmail.com or call 703.483.0218 to RSVP.
Are you interested in dancing in Move the Butte 2024? This community production is open to all levels of dancers from beginner to advanced and we would love for you to join us. Now is the time to sign up. Production dates are Feb. 22-24, 2024. Please visit the “dancer” page on our website at movethebutte.com or email movethebutte@gmail.com for more details.
Dance classes Crested Butte School of Dance spring registration opens Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. Classes run from Jan. 8-May 4, 2024 for youth and Jan. 8-Apr. 12 for adults. Scholarship applications for youth and adult students will be accepted from Nov. 14-Dec. 5. Visit dancecrestedbutte.org or contact programs@dancecrestedbutte.org for more information.
‘World War Women’ Join the American Association of University Women on Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Gunnison Library for a talk by Margaret Adcock about the roles women filled in both World Wars. AAUW was established in 1881 with the mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. For more information, contact Sharon Schlegel at 970.641.2883 or Ronda Connaway at 970.641.2638.
Harvest box packing Mountain Roots Food Project seeks volunteers to help pack and distribute Holiday Harvest food boxes to families in need on Nov. 21 at the Fred Field Center at the Gunnison fairgrounds. Packing will take place from 9 a.m.-noon and delivery from 1-3 p.m. Visit mountainrootsfoodproject.org/ volunteer for more information.
“Skatesgiving’ Put your bird in the oven and come play drop-in hockey to support youth skaters at the Jorgensen indoor ice arena on Nov. 23rd. A slower, family game takes place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and a faster game happens from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Each time slot is limited to 30 players and the cost is $25. Call 719.330.3519 or email coachbill@wehockey.org for more information.
Eating disorder recovery group If you or someone you love is working toward recovery from an eating disorder, this group can offer support. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month (Dec. 12) from 5:45-6:45 p.m. at the Gunnison Library in Conference Room C. Email Katherine Melland with questions at edrecoverygunni@gmail. com.
Caregiver support group The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Gunnison County Library. For more information, contact group facilitator Mary at 970.596.5667 or taktser8@gmail.com.
Join the Gunnison Arts Center for “Macrame Mushrooms and Mojitos” on Nov. 17 from 6-9 p.m. Mini mushrooms make great holiday ornaments or a thoughtful gift for your favorite FUN-gi lover. The cost is $35 per person. Register at gunnisonartscenter.org.
Coming Up
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 AT 5:30 PM
Mindful dit ita tat atio di on Meditation w/ instructor
Jenny Ward This class will offer teachings on how to develop skillful means for meditation practice, time to practice together, and opportunities for discussion and questions. NO MEDITATION EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY TO ATTEND. at Gunnison Library | Free & Open to the Public
GunnisonCountyLibraries.org
PUMPKIN SPICE AND OTHER THINGS NICE!
Pumpkin Spice Latte
GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS Macrame mushrooms and mojitos
HERE IS WHAT'S
Pumpkin Chai
Holiday theater
Butter Rum White Mocha
Creede Repertory Theatre announces the return of “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” by Tom Mula to the Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre in Creede, Colorado from Nov. 24- Dec. 16. The production stars company favorite Lavour Addison in a oneperson version of the show. Tickets are more information are available at creederep.org.
Gingerbread Latte Fresh Baked Pastries Breakfast Burritos Breakfast Sandwiches.
e ek day s a w pm OPEN 7 il 4 a m u nt 6 m o r f
ON THE CORNER OF MAIN ST. AND DENVER
Traffic jam One of several annual cattle drives passed through the Town of Crested Butte on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
No Dig Moratorium The City of Gunnison will begin the No Dig Moratorium effective November 22, 2023. Effective November 22nd, no excavation will be allowed in the City right-of-way until further notice. The Moratorium will be lifted when the ground thaws in Spring 2024.
(Photo by Jacob Spetzler)
WRESTLING: Western begins winter season, B7
SOFTBALL: 2023 season awards announced, B8
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
To play like a Cowboy GHS falls to Strasburg in second round Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
The Cowboy football season came to a dramatic conclusion in a hard fought home loss to the Strasburg Indians on Nov. 11. In an emotional, final locker room speech, Head Coach Paul Vickers said this team was one of the best he’s coached. “Hats off to you guys,” Vickers said. “You’ve done something that hasn’t been done in this program for a long time — to go as far as we did. The seniors said they wanted to leave a legacy this year, and they’ve been rock solid all season. They’ve shown what it truly means to play like a Cowboy.” On Saturday afternoon, the GHS football field lit up with community support for the second week in a row. Students, parents and faculty cheered as
the Cowboys took the field. T h e h o m e t e a m s t a r ted strong. On the opening Strasburg drive, the Cowboys forced a turnover on downs, i m m e d i at e l y s w ay i n g t h e momentum in their favor. With the ball back in sophomore quarterback Ethan Pierce’s hands, the Cowboys ran a dynamic, tailback pitch, gaining massive yardage. A few plays later, the Cowboys scored to take a 7-0 advantage. The early punch in the mouth was a good omen for the Cowboys. However, on the following drive, the Indian offense came to life. Strasburg marched down the field, running its talented backfield in a methodical drive. The Indians equalized at 7-7, and returned to take a 14-7, and then 21-7 advantage. The Cowboys left the field at halftime down 28-7. “Even down by a couple touchdowns, I don’t think even one of our players gave up,” Vickers said. “These guys all played for each other. They played like a fist all game, and I’m proud of them.”
After the half, the Cowboys returned to the endzone for another touchdown, but the lead was unmanageable. The Indians eliminated GHS with a final score of 56-14. The GHS captains have worked every day to revamp the football season for years to come. “I hope this team inspires Gunnison kids to see that it’s possible — to build a team and go far in the playoffs,” said captain Grady Buckhanan. “We want to get a dynasty rolling.” Despite the sting of defeat, Vickers said this was the most complete team he’s coached in years. “We have three goals every year: to maintain a 3.0 GPA across the players, to grow as men and to grow as a team,” he said. “This was an amazing group of guys. The cohesiveness of this group was special.” (Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.) Hunter Vincent fends off a Strasburg defender. (Photo by Jacob Spetzler)
Western football to host playoff game Renovated Mountaineer Bowl opens for postseason Brenna Barkley Special to the Times
Fo l l o w i n g a c o m m a n d ing, 45-24 victor y against rivals Adams State, the No. 10 Mountaineer football team received the second seed in Super Region Four and will host No. 23 Central Washington University Wildcats at 12 p.m. on Nov. 18. The renovated Rady Sports Complex will re-open for the FRIDAY FEB. 10 SATURDAY FEB. 11 marquee matchup, marking WCU Basketball v Fort Lewis WCU Basketball v Adams 5:30 pm | Men 7:30pm 5 pm | Men 7 pm The Western offense runs the ball in last week’s victory Women at Adams State. (Courtesy Women Western Colorado Western’s first postseason game GHS Basketball v Meeker GHS Basketball v Roaring Fork since 2021. Head Coach Jas University) GJV 4, BJV 4, GV 5:30pm, BV 7pm
HOME SPORTS EVENTS THIS WEEK WEEKLY SPORTS CALENDAR SPONSORED BY BLUEBIRD REAL ESTATE 970-209-2300 | WWW.BBRE1.COM
Bains’ squad finished the regular season with a 10-1 overall record. Because the game is a NCAA championship event, tickets will be priced differently than the regular season. Fans can buy tickets on the Mountaineers’ website. Chairback tickets are $20 with only 414 seats available. Bench row tickets are $15, senior tickets are $10 and student and youth tickets are $5. Fans are encouraged to park in the University Center and Paul Wright Gym parking lots. ADA parking will be available in the Dolores lot. (Brenna Barkley is the assistant athletics communications director at Western, and can be reached at bbarkley@western. edu.)
GJV 11am, BJV 11am, GV 12:30pm, BV 2pm
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GHS ATHLETES ON YOUR FALL SEASON!
Good Luck
Mountaineers! Mountaineers! Mindy Costanzo 970.209.2300 Mindy-Land.com
NCAA PLAYOFFS November 18th
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B7
Gunnison Country Times
Mountaineers fend off Lopers Western wrestling returns to the mat
Gregg Petcoff Special to the Times
The No. 22 Mountaineers earned a 21-20 non-conference victory Thursday night over the visiting No. 18 University of Nebraska Kearney Lopers. Western broke a 20-20 tie with most non-pin match points (6159). Midway through the match, with Western trailing 11-5, the team rang up 15 unanswered points over four weights to seemingly seize control of the match with just two bouts remaining on the schedule. The initial points in the string came from Ryan Wilson's 8-6 decision at 157 pounds, his winning points coming on a late takedown in the third period. Next was Walker
Heckendorf's dominating victory at 165 pounds. In the opening period, he registered a takedown and a pair of four-point near falls. Then, in the early moments of the second period, he scored a reversal for two more points before finishing off the Lopers' Cameron Graham with a pin at the four-minute, 25-second mark of the match. Cole Hernandez stepped onto the mat next and earned a 12-6 decision at 174 to push Western's lead to 17-11 in the match. At 184 pounds, Cole Gray and Kearney’s Jacob Awiszus traded the upper hand in the first two periods. Gray registered an early takedown in the third. He later added another takedown and then picked up the riding time point for an 11-9 decision that pushed the Mountaineer advantage to 20-11. Kearney, though, erased its nine-point deficit in the final two matches, getting an 11-8 decision from Tre Daro at 197 and a first-period fall from Jake Boley at 285 to pull even on the scoreboard.
The initial tie breaking criteria, individual match wins, was tied at five each. Next on the list was pins, with each team again equaling the other with one apiece. The tie was finally broken using the next criteria, most non-pin points. Kearney won the opening bout at 125, but Patrick Allis brought Western right back into
the match with a 17-1 technical fall at the closing buzzer of the second period. Another buzzer beater in the match came at 149 when Kearney’s Brody Arrants earned a takedown at the last moment of the third period — one that was challenged and went to review, but upheld — for a 4-2 decision over Dean Noble. Western will participate
in the Neb.-Kearney Younes Holiday Open on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Gregg Petcoff is the assistant athletics director for communications, and can be reached at gpetcoff@western.edu.)
(Courtesy Western Colorado University)
Western hockey shines against Mountain Lions For the first time in over a year and a half, the Mountaineer club hockey team left the ice with a victory. Western defeated the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs 8-3 at home on Nov. 10. Cole Brooker was the star of the show Friday night. He set a Western single-game record with six goals to spark the offense. The win also marked the first career victory for Head Coach Sam Covelli. The Mountaineers return to the Jorgensen Ice Rink on Dec. 8 for a home match against rivals Colorado Mesa University.
(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)
B8 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
Cowboy softball awards announced GHS received its 2023 softball awards this week, following a 13-10 overall record and playoff defeat to Lamar High School late last month. All-League Honorable Mention 3A Western Slope League
WOUND CARE CLINIC
AT GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH Specialized Care To Help You Heal Our skilled team are all experts in both acute and chronic wound healing. • • • •
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Brooke Rickert Nella Gardner Isabella Crown All-League 1st Team 3A Western Slope League Maddi Bacalis Maddie Vollendorf Coach of the year 3A Western Slope League Leslie diLorenzo CHSAA All-State Honorable Mention Maddie Vollendorf
All Wounds Heal Differently The precise timeline for a wound to heal depends on many factors and differs from person to person. However, if your wound had not healed after 30 days, it is time to seek treatment. For more information or to schedule please call 970-641-3927 WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG
Maddi Bacalis slides into home plate. (Photos by Jacob Spetzler)
HELP US DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF DERMATOLOGY SERVICES IN GUNNISON COUNTY!
Kaylee Vincent waits for her pitch.
We are seeking input on the need for dermatology services in Gunnison County. Please take a moment to take this brief survey. Scan the QR code or visit: WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG/DERMATOLOGY
Hiring Executive Director Position 3/4- time position with competitive pay. Job description & duties available at www.CrestedButteWildflowerFestival.org Please email resume & cover letter to info@cbwildflower.com
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B9
Gunnison Country Times
Flavors of the Caribbean come to Rockies Jamaican cuisine set to launch Nov. 19 Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
Plant’n Tree, an authentic Jamaican “Jerk Pan'' food truck and catering service is set to launch at the Crested Butte Center of the Arts on Sunday, Nov. 19. The plantain-based menu is the brainchild of Lafara Locke and Jackson, who hope to bring a taste of the Caribbean to the mountains. With winter approaching, Plant’n Trees will be a full-time catering service throughout the colder months. The duo plans to open their mobile business in the spring and make appearances at the Crested Butte Farmers Market and Alpenglow concert series. T h i s w e e k , a g ro u p o f Jamaican chefs set off on Plant’n Trees’ maiden voyage, catering for a private event in the North Valley. Jerk pans sizzled, sending the aroma of slow-roasting chicken, fresh with Caribbean spices, into the room. Slices of plantains caramelized in a nearby pan as the chefs brought an authentic Jamaican culinary experience to a chateau high in the rockies. “Lafara and I wanted to represent our culture and celebrate Jamaican cuisine in this valley,” Jackson said. “We decided on a plantain-focused menu because it’s sustainable, with very little waste. Plantains are a vital part of diets in tropical countries, and a staple in Jamaica.” The plantain is a tropical, starchy fruit similar to a banana in shape. While unripe, plantains boast a savory taste and sweeten as they ripen. They are
used in different dishes across their lifespan, Jackson said, even baked into pastries when dark and sweaty. The fruit is an excellent source of magnesium and potassium, along with vitamins A and K. For this reason, they are used as dietary supplements, especially for pregnant women in Jamaica. Locke and Jackson decided on the plantain because of its versatility. The duo moved to Gunnison from Florida last year. They have visited since 2019 for snowboarding trips, but after getting a peek of the summer season, they made the move permanent. Jackson said Plant’n Trees was only possible because of help from the Sherpa family and local business owner Jermaine Rodney. “It would be impossible for us to start this year without the outpouring from the community,” Jackson said. “The Sherpa family has lent us trucks, equipment and transportation, even offering to invest in our company. We’re renting our trailer from Jermaine, and he has been a constant source of help and advice.” This weekend, the restaurant will serve the community for the first time at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts in a “soft launch” event. Visitors are welcomed to try dishes from across the menu, from coconut curry and fried green plantains to plantain burgers. “Mountain people and island people are very similar,” Jackson said. “Very welcoming, not in a rush. Mountain time and island time are two in the same — I think we’ll get along.” (Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
GUNNISON VALLEY SENIORS CALENDAR SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS
Ongoing Senior Services
• Nov. 15 (12:45PM): Elder Law with attorney Jacob With (Law of the Rockies). Bring your questions about a wide variety of topics including powers of attorney, estate planning, wills, trusts, and more. Families & caregivers welcome! RSVP requested. Delivery Hotline: (970) 641-7959 - assistance with ordering, •Nov. Assistance 29: (12:45PM): Decorating Holiday Ornaments with Alcohol Ink. Join artist Barbara for more fun with alcohol inks! And bringmedications. home some beautiful pick-up andBriggs delivery of groceries and prescription Spaces limited required. Costs: Senior Center membership + $10.00 This decorations. includes deliveries from– RSVP the Food Bank. (payable on day of workshop). •Dec. 6 (1PM): Book Club. December’s book “Isaac’s Storm” by Erik Larson. More info: 973-584-4987. Senior Meals: (970) 641-8272 for advance orders OR (970) 641-2107 for •Dec. 8 (3:30PM - 6:30PM): Community Meal. Social Hour starts @ 3:30pm; meal same-day service. Pick-up or delivery only! Meals served Mondays, @ 5pm, catered by 5B’s BBQ. Volunteers needed!!! RSVPs are required. Cost: $5 for Wednesdays, & Fridays. Please note: all meals, all days are $4 during this time. members/$10 non-members.
Order in advance if Mondays possible!– Bridge Upcoming menu: Regular Activities: @ 1 pm; Tuesdays – Canasta @ 2pm; Wednesdays – Book Club @ 1 pm on 1st Weds. of month; Thursdays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Fridays – Art Club @ • March green 12:3027: pm &Lasagna, Mahjong @ 1 pmbeans, salad, garlic bread, dessert • March 30: and Salisbury steak, mashed rolls, fruit, dessert All RSVPs more info on Senior Centerpotatoes, programs: corn, egillis@gunnisonco.gov or 970-6418272. • April 1: Stew, carrot/raisin salad, Mandarin oranges, rolls, dessert FITNESS @ THE REC CENTER – Sign up at the Rec Center front desk! Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym Senior Shopping Hours: • Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30 am • City• Market – Mondays, Fridays (7AM – 8AM) Silver Sneakers Classic @Wednesdays, 10:15 am Tuesdays @ 10am in the Leisure Pool • Safeway – Tuesdays & Thursdays (7AM – 9AM) • Silver Sneakers Splash Class (all levels)
• Walmart – Tuesdays (6AM – 7AM) • Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food Store – Monday - Saturday (8AM – 9AM) SENIOR MEALS Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 11:30 am.day $5.00 per meals. Advanced orders • Clark’s Market (Crested Butte) – Every (8AM – 9AM) appreciate (24 hours). Pick-ups between 11 – 11:15 am (advanced orders only). ORDER MEALS: 970-641-8272 Self-reporting Form: www.gunnisoncounty.org/covid19. NOTE: Senior Meals Thanksgiving meal is on November 22nd – advanced orders appreciated! RSVPs required by Mon., Nov. 20. OK, please fill out the form. If you have symptoms but are otherwise MENU: (all meals come with dessert!)
If you cannot fill out the form, call the Call Center (970) 641-7660.
• Mon., Nov. 20: Hamburgers, baked beans, French fries, fruit • Weds., Nov. 22: Thanksgiving meal - Ham, acorn squash, green bean casserole, roasted Call Center: 641-7660. If you fingerling(970) potatoes, homemade rollsare having symptoms, cannot fill out the Nov. CLOSED for Thanksgiving Holiday call the Call Center. DO NOT go online• Fri., form, or24: your symptoms are worsening, & visitors welcome! Homebound 55 & up eligible delivery. If you need a toWalk-in your doctor’s or the hospital. If itadults is anages emergency, callfor 911. ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970-596-6700 (call in advance).
Please practice social isolation. Remain SERVICES 6 feet or more from others when ONGOING needing to be Food out, Pantry but staying at(1home if Wednesdays at all possible. Gunnison Country – Mondays – 4 pm), (1 – 7 pm), Thursdays for 60+ (10 am – 2 pm). Contact: 970-641-4156, Located on the SW Corner of Main St. & Ohio Ave. GVH Senior Bus: 7 days a week, 9 am – 4 pm. Call in advance! 970-596-6700. Crested Butte Senior Bus: Monday thru Friday, 9 am 4 pm Services Montrose & Grand Junction for The Gunnison Senior Center & –Community Recreation Center medical appointments. Call at least 1 week in advance, or more. 970-275-4768. is closed until April 30th. 970-641-3244. Gunnison County HHS Senior Resource Office: Call for appointments. 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER Colorado’s best small community weekly newspaper
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Jackson and Locke prepare for business at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. (Courtesy Lafara Locke)
970.641.1414 • gunnisontimes.com
BECAUSE CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY IS WORTH IT.
B10 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
VETERANS’VOICE
Stories, news and resources for those who have served.
Among the best armed Marines in Vietnam Richard L. Murdie Special to the Times
After a year with a military police company in San Diego, California, I was standing on the tarmac at DaNang Air Base, Vietnam waiting for my in-countr y assignment. I was told that I was going to an ONTOS battalion. ONTOS? What the hell was that? Greek for “the thing,” ONTOS is a small, tracked vehicle with a three-man crew, six 106 mm recoilless rifles, four .50 caliber spotter guns, one .30 caliber machine gun, handheld .45 caliber grease guns and whatever else the crew could carry inside the limited area — perhaps the best-armed Marines in Vietnam. Powered by a Chrysler V8 engine, speed was a plus. The battalion area was southwest of the airbase, backing up to what was called “Indian Country,” an area where the Viet Cong lived, worked and boobytrapped the jungle terrain. ONTOS was used as ground support, direct fire on operations and artillery as needed. It had a few problems, such as thin armor, was not good in rice paddies and, most of all, the back-blast from the 106s were as devastating as the projected rounds. Don’t stand behind it and make sure no one else did. It fired numerous different types of rounds, making it a most formidable and impressive weapon that brought a large amount of firepower to the battlefield. At night, it was a stationary artillery platform, firing harassment and interdiction rounds throughout the night. An ONTOS company consisted of five of these vehicles, each one being located at remote combat posts and requiring daily resupply missions. Our company was moved northwest of Da Nang prior to moving to the demilitarized zone during operations Hastings and Prairie in late
1966. From Dong Ha we moved inland to help establish Camp Carroll, ConTien, the Rockpile and other firebases. When back in the “secured area,” we conducted foot patrols day and night around the bases and performed the ever-present guard duty at night. In this environment, you learned your fellow Marine was someone you depended on and they depended on you. I became good friends with most, and we kept in touch over the years, trying to have reunions as often as possible. One even became my brother-in-law, married to my wife’s sister — brothers in arms and brothers in life. A lot of them are gone now due to the effects of Agent Orange. We watched formations of C-130 aircraft spraying the defoliant around our areas, then patrolled the same areas. Who knew? All the friends made and lost were special people — young, idealistic and supportive of the effort. I was proud to be a Marine. I left Vietnam on a flight to El Toro Air Base in California. My brothers lived in Santa Ana, California. They came to pick me up when I arrived. With a caution, I was told “Do not wear your uniform, it will be a fight wherever we go.” What an eye-opening experience that was. After my discharge, I reverted to the military police era of my time in the Marines. I joined the Denver Police Department and served there for 13 years. I later moved my family to Gunnison, where I am originally from, and went to work for the Gunnison Sheriff’s Office. I loved the job, but elections happen, and I went back to Denver, commuting, and then on to instructing law enforcement at the Law Enforcement Academy in Delta, Colorado. I decided to run for sheriff in Gunnison and was elected in 1986. I served as the Gunnison County sheriff for six
terms, a total of 24 years, before retiring. I know with all that I have seen and done that I have been blessed. My time in the Marines set the foundation. I have a great family. My wife of 55 years still puts up with me, my daughter and son at times listen to me, and I have three grandchildren who more often than not plug their ears! What more could a person want? Semper Fi. (Rick Murdie is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and former sheriff of Gunnison County.)
(Courtesy Richard Murdie)
PROUD TO SUPPORT GUNNISON VALLEY VETERANS VETERAN EVENTS & LOCAL INFORMATION SAT. DECEMBER 2ND: VETERAN BREAKFAST AT THE AMERICAN LEGION, 9AM-11AM. ALL VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME! SAT. DECEMBER 2ND: 10% MILITARY AND VETERAN DISCOUNT AT SAFEWAY WED. DECEMBER 20TH: THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 54 MONTHLY MEETING, DINNER AT 5PM, MEETING AT 6PM. ALL VETERANS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. 8.3% OF COLORADO’S ADULT POPULATION ARE VETERANS OF THE U.S. MILITARY. BE THE ONE! ASK, LISTEN AND REACH OUT TO A VETERAN YOU KNOW!
SPONSORED BY:
RYAN JORDI • 970-596-1906
GHS LEGION CLUB
Preserving Historic Veteran Tombstones!
Interested in sponsoring this page? Contact Steve to learn more, steve@gunnisontimes.com or 970.641.1414
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B11
Gunnison Country Times
Chili for veterans Legion Post 54 hosted a chili lunch after Gunnison’s Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Do you know someone at risk of an opioid overdose?
(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OUR MARIO’S AND DIVE FAMILY, WE WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAY! The week of Thanksgiving, Mario’s and the Dive will have their regular hours outside of these days closed.
Be prepared to take action. Whether it’s for yourself, a loved one, or your community, every life matters, and you can make a difference. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can effectively reverse opioid overdoses. Prepare yourself with the necessary education and tools - it could truly make a difference and save a life.
Carry naloxone. Mario's will be closed 11/23 - 11/26 The Dive will be closed 11/20 - 11/23
It can help save a life.
Contact us to learn about getting your naloxone kits.
axishealthsystem.org/locations/ 24/7 Axis Care Line: 970-247-5245
B12 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gunnison Country Times
FR E E B U S WINTER 2023-2024 YOUR PUBLICLY FUNDED BUS SYSTEM
RTA FREE BUS – The 41 round-trip Winter Schedule starts on November 22nd FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE, INCLUDING ALL OF OUR BUS STOPS, PLEASE VISIT
WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYRTA.COM
The bus leaves from these selected stops at these times: GUNNISON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS NORTHBOUND: 5:25 AM 5:55 AM 6:25 AM 6:40 AM 6:55 AM 7:10 AM 7:30 AM
8:00 AM 8:30 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:15 AM 9:35 AM 10:05 AM
10:35 AM 11:05 AM 11:40 AM 12:10 PM 12:40 PM 12:55 PM 1:25 PM
1:45 PM 2:15 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:15 PM 3:30 PM 3:50 PM
4:20 PM 4:35 PM 5:05 PM 5:35 PM 6:05 PM 6:40 PM 7:10 PM
7:40 PM 8:10 PM 8:45 PM 9:15 PM 9:45 PM 10:15 PM
GUNNISON – SPENCER AND HWY 135 NORTHBOUND: 5:40 AM 6:10 AM 6:40 AM 6:55 AM 7:10 AM 7:25 AM 7:45 AM
8:15 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:15 AM 9:30 AM 9:50 AM 10:20 AM
10:50 AM 11:20 AM 11:55 AM 12:25 PM 12:55 PM 1:10 PM 1:40 PM
2:00 PM 2:30 PM 2:45 PM 3:15 PM 3:30 PM 3:45 PM 4:05 PM
4:35 PM 4:50 PM 5:20 PM 5:50 PM 6:20 PM 6:55 PM 7:25 PM
7:55 PM 8:25 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM
MT CRESTED BUTTE TRANSIT CENTER SOUTHBOUND: 6:40 AM 7:10 AM 7:40 AM 7:55 AM 8:10 AM 8:25 AM 8:45 AM
9:15 AM 9:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:50 AM 11:20 AM
11:50 AM 12:20 PM 12:55 PM 1:25 PM 1:55 PM 2:10 PM 2:40 PM
3:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:45 PM 4:15 PM 4:30 PM 4:45 PM 5:05 PM
5:35 PM 5:50 PM 6:20 PM 6:50 PM 7:20 PM 7:55 PM 8:25 PM
8:55 PM 9:25 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM
CRESTED BUTTE 4-WAY STOP SOUTHBOUND: 6:48 AM 7:18 AM 7:48 AM 8:03 AM 8:18 AM 8:33 AM 8:53 AM
9:23 AM 9:53 AM 10:08 AM 10:23 AM 10:38 AM 10:58 AM 11:28 AM
11:58 AM 12:28 PM 1:03 PM 1:33 PM 2:03 PM 2:18 PM 2:48 PM
3:08 PM 3:38 PM 3:53 PM 4:23 PM 4:38 PM 4:53 PM 5:13 PM
5:43 PM 5:58 PM 6:28 PM 6:58 PM 7:28 PM 8:03 PM 8:33 PM
9:03 PM 9:33 PM 10:08 PM 10:38 PM 11:08 PM 11:38 PM
CB SOUTH – RED MOUNTAIN PARK NORTHBOUND: 6:06 AM 6:36 AM 7:06 AM 7:21 AM 7:36 AM 7:51 AM 8:11 AM
8:41 AM 9:11 AM 9:26 AM 9:41 AM 9:56 AM 10:16 PM 10:46 PM
11:16 PM 11:46 PM 12:21 PM 12:51 PM 1:21 PM 1:36 PM 2:06 PM
2:26 PM 2:56 PM 3:11 PM 3:41 PM 3:56 PM 4:11 PM 4:31 PM
5:01 PM 5:16 PM 5:46 PM 6:16 PM 6:46 PM 7:21 PM 7:51 PM
8:21 PM 8:51 PM 9:26 PM 9:56 PM 10:26 PM 10:56 PM
CB SOUTH – RED MOUNTAIN PARK SOUTHBOUND: 7:00 AM 7:30 AM 8:00 AM 8:15 AM 8:30 AM 8:45 AM 9:05 AM
9:35 AM 10:05 AM 10:20 AM 10:35 AM 10:50 AM 11:10 AM 11:40 AM
12:10 PM 12:40 PM 1:15 PM 1:45 PM 2:15 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM
3:20 PM 3:50 PM 4:05 PM 4:35 PM 4:50 PM 5:05 PM 5:25 PM
5:55 PM 6:10 PM 6:40 PM 7:10 PM 7:40 PM 8:15 PM 8:45 PM
9:15 PM 9:45 PM 10:20 PM 10:50 PM 11:20 PM 11:50 PM
All buses are wheelchair accessible. For more information or lost & found, please call 970-641-4111.