Gunnison Country Times, November 30, 2023

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OPINION: Spetzler bids the Times farewell, A4

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BLM seeks public input for Gunnison sage-grouse recovery plan Open house scheduled for Dec. 5 Bella Biondini Times Editor

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is drafting a new plan that will create more consistent management guidelines for the Gunnison sage-grouse and its habitat. These rules will stretch beyond the Gunnison Valley, home to 85% of the bird’s population, and cover a large portion of its range across southwestern Colorado and Utah.

Grouse A6

INSIDE

TODAY

NEWS: Crested Butte gym space gets tighter, A10

COMMUNITY: From scrap wood to bird housing, B1

SPORTS: Local lifter breaks world record, B

HANDMADE ORNAMENTS: Isabel Franklin gathered with friends at the Gunnison Senior Center on Wednesday to decorate ornaments with colorful alcohol inks. The event was part of a multi-week arts and craft series celebrating the arrival of the holiday season.

(Photo by Alex McCrindle)

Library district hopes to purchase property in CB South for new branch Closing anticipated in summer of 2024

CLASSIFIEDS A14-A16 SPORTS B6 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM

The Gunnison County Library District signed a letter of intent on Nov. 16 to purchase property in Block 6 of Crested Butte South to build a new library

with the current owner, Adagio Properties LLC. A purchase and sale agreement is currently targeted for early 2024 with closing anticipated in early summer pending subdivision approval.

After closing, the Library District plans to involve the Library plan A8

Colorado legislators pass property tax relief in special session Critics say the bill recreates failed Prop HH Sara Wilson Colorado Newsline

OPINION A4

Bella Biondini Times Editor

branch.

The eventual purchase of the 1-acre parcel in CB South’s commercial district depends on subdivision approval from the Crested Butte South Property Owners Association and from Gunnison County. The Library District does not have a purchase and sale agreement yet

The Colorado Legislature wrapped up its four-day special session focused on property taxes last week, ushering through a relief plan that closely resembles the core of failed ballot measure, Proposition HH. Lawmakers also passed several bills providing targeted relief for low-income Coloradans and renters.

“The call for this special session gave us a clear directive for the past few days, but the policies we passed mark the start — not the finish line — for the progress we’ll make next session. In just a few short weeks we’ll be back at the Capitol to build on this work and continue taking bold action to improve the lives of all Coloradans,” Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, a Denver Democrat, said in a statement following the end of the session.

Democratic Gov. Jared Polis called the special session in the wake of Prop HH’s defeat at the Tax relief A6

House Majority Leader Monica Duran addresses the Colorado House of Representatives on Nov. 20, 2023. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline)

A2 • NEWS • Thursday, November 30, 2023

QUOTE

of the week “Like any machine or tool, they serve a purpose, though that purpose is what usually causes all the consternation.”

— Dave Ochs, CBMBA

See story on B11

BRIEFS City adopts 2024 budget During a regular meeting on Nov. 28, Gunnison City Council approved the 2024 budget.

Next year’s budget includes utility rate increases for city electrical, water, sewer and trash and recycling services, that are anticipated to cost Gunnison residents an additional $20 per month on average. Five percent increases are proposed for both sewer and electric, along with a 12% boost to trash rates.

The city is proposing another 25% rate hike for water, the second of three that were approved by council in 2021. These large increases will help pay for a roughly $50 million surface water treatment plant.

In 2024, the city plans to add three new full-time employees to its team with close to $1 million more budgeted to cover salaries. This includes a temporary water treatment plant construction manager; a “procurement and contract officer” to manage grant money; and a “systems and special projects coordinator,” who will lead projects that move the city toward the goals in its sustainability plan.

Gunnison Country Times

It’s Giving Season in the Gunnison Valley!

From providing one of the top avalanche forecasts in the state, to feeding our neighbors, to nurturing the minds of our youngest community members, to providing joy and entertainment via radio waves or in theatres across the Gunnison Valley, and more… staff and volunteers at nonprofits work every day to provide vital services that enhance our lives in the Gunnison Valley. No matter who you are or what your life circumstances may be, your life is made better in some way by the nonprofit sector.

As the world around us marches towards the darkest day of the year in December, this giving season offers a time to spread light, love, and hope while giving back to our community.

Colorado Gives Day Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV) and many of your other favorite nonprofit organizations are celebrating Colorado Gives day this year on December 5, easily the best day to give. Last year, more than 100,000 donors gave $53 million to support Colorado nonprofits.

Giving began November 1 and will continue through Colorado Gives Day on December 5. During this time, all donations can help nonprofits win more than $100,000 in prizes and earn part of a $1,000,000 Incentive Fund provided by Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank.

“This Giving Season, we’re celebrating the dozens of local nonprofits doing vital work that enriches our lives,” explained Lauren Kugler, CFGV executive director. “These organizations contribute to a vibrant, safe, and connected Gunnison Valley. Making a gift as part of Colorado Gives Day helps local nonprofits secure more of the Incentive Fund, bringing additional resources to the Gunnison Valley.”

Those who are interested in supporting CFGV’s Colorado Gives Day campaign can visit ColoradoGives. org/organization/CFGV. Donations made between now

Giving Season Continues The Giving Season doesn’t end after Colorado Gives Day on December 5. Head to cfgv.org/ giving-season-2023 for more ways to give back this December.

Thank you for your generosity!

Give to CFGV’s Colorado Gives Day Campaign:

CFGV.ORG/GIVING-SEASON-2023 CFGV INSPIRES AND CONNECTS PEOPLE SO EVERYONE CAN THRIVE. FEATURED PROPERTY

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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.

Black Canyon fees to rise in 2024 Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Black Canyon National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will increase camping and boat launch fees. Campground fees have remained unchanged since before 2016, while boat launch fees have not changed since at least 2003.

The new pricing structure will bring the parks into closer alignment with nearby and comparable campground and boating services. The increased fees will provide additional revenue to fund operations and deferred maintenance projects.

and December 5 will be matched by a generous local donor until we reach $25,000.

To support the other great organizations working in the Gunnison Valley, head to ColoradoGives.org and search for your favorite nonprofits.

2,800 SF 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.

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.

R-3 LOTS Purchase R-3 lots & finish the West End Townhomes for a spec option, rental investment or employee housing. City approved site plans allow for two more duplex units. Water & sewer taps are already installed. Centrally located near the schools & RTA bus stop. 817 W. Denver Ave.; $297,000.

NEW LISTING Comfortable

CUTE AS CAN BE 2 bdrm/2 bath log sided home in town with large home in Pitkin sits on 4 windows for passive solar, lots & offers willows for two inviting patios, metal privacy & an aspen forest roof, sprinkler system & out front. Two woodsheds detached 2 car garage & outbuilding at this quiet with separate workshop & bunkroom. Includes & peaceful end of the road RMU lots that could be location. 10 State Street; subdivided and built out. $355,000.

205 N. 11th St. $749,000.

HISTORIC BASSICK MINE in Ohio City has produced 3 HOMES TOTAL Investment opportunity in town Gold & Silver on the over 50 acres of 5 mining claims. where each home is 2 bdrm/1 bath & tenants pay Property includes a 3 bdrm/2 bath house with huge utilities. Located near the airport and fairgrounds. attached garage & is fronted by 300 feet of Gold Creek.

314 S. 12th St; $950,000. & cozy one bdrm/1 bath

5498 County Road 771; $2,500,000.

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.

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.

NEW LISTING 40 acre historic parcel is the town site of Sherrod and part of the Sherrod Loop on the Alpine Tunnel Loop past Pitkin, just before Hancock Pass. Sherrod was known for its rich silver lodes in the surrounding mountains. Great 4x4 country. 7800 Forest Service Road 839.; $215,000.

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

View listings at: www.clarkeagency.net

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A3

Gunnison Country Times

Reducing the odds of catastrophic wildfire in Gunnison County In 2011, the Gunnison County Community Wildfire Protection Plan identified three communities that have an extreme wildfire hazard rating: Lake Irwin, Trapper’s Crossing and Quartz Creek. This was due to the dense forest conditions, steep terrain and limited access in the case of evacuations. The response time of the volunteer fire department and other resources would be at least 40 minutes.

More than a decade after the report was released, local residents, along with wildfire and natural resource personnel, wanted to continue to create safer communities. This fall, close to 100 acres of forest were thinned in Quartz Creek in an effort to reduce the chances that a catastrophic wildfire moves through the area. The Colorado State Forest Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management funded the project. All of the fuel reduction work was done on private land and would not have been possible without the help of property owners.

Most of the homes within the Quartz Creek community,

which is located northeast of Gunnison near Pitkin, can only be accessed by a single road, while much of the surrounding land is covered in dense forest.

In the summer, the community is home to about 300 residents.

Starting in 1878, mining-era clearcuts removed trees from large areas around Pitkin. In the early to mid-1900s, a timber business supplied logs to a mill in the area. After this historic logging stopped, the forest grew back densely.

A nationwide policy put in place in 1935 required that all wildfires must be put out the morning after they broke out.

The exclusion of small, natural fires resulted in thick forests in the area. With no fires to thin out shrubs and burn dead lower branches, hazardous ladder fuels built up. Dead and diseased trees added to the heavy fuel loading, which can result in large, hot wildfires.

The Colorado State Forest Service, which has a local office in Gunnison, and the West Region Wildfire Council coordinated the project. The council works to increase resilience to wildfire in Delta, Gunnison,

Call Teresa Anderson

970.209.9105

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Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties.

Shawn Cheeseman’s crew at CRS Timber Products completed thinning in Quartz Creek.

Work involved creating defensible space around homes and thinning vegetation along the primary roads that lead in and out of Quartz Creek. The crew also created small openings in the forest canopy that favor the regeneration of a healthy new cohort of quaking aspen. The canopy gaps also reduce the risk of crown fires, which can create extremely tall and hot flames that are difficult for firefighters to control.

“Thanks to you all for your dedication and perseverance,” said Dave Denison, president of the Quartz Creek Property Owners Association. “Our community is a safer place because of your efforts.”

Starting this fall the Wildfire Council will work with Gunnison County on a new county-wide Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The Colorado Forest Restoration Institute (CFRI) will work with citizens and stakeholders to determine highly valued resources and assets. Using fire modeling, CFRI will determine where treatments are most cost effective. Watch for future opportunities to get involved in the development of the protection plan.

To learn more about how to reduce wildfire risk, visit COwildfire.org/.

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

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MLS # 807776 43240 CO RD 6 YY $699,000 2 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 45.570 +/- Acres Top of the hill cabin. Off grid living in Gold Basin High Country Ranch. Enjoy spectacular views, abundant sunshine and privacy in this peaceful setting.

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Detached garage w/ electric, concrete parking apron and concrete flooring.

There is a large storage area over a portion of the garage to store your gear.

MLS # 808926 1205 W. Virginia Ave $389,000 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 0.189 +/- Acres Spacious mobile home for sale in Gunnison! This is a great opportunity for a new owner to continue with rentals or make this your first-time home. There is a nice sized kitchen with ample cabinets for storage and plenty of counter space off of the living room with a separate dining space.

You will appreciate the detached 2 car garage and shed on the property for parking your toys, vehicles and storing gear. Enjoy grassy lawns, mature trees and vegetation on a flat and level lot.

Great location and RTA bus stop is a short walk for easy access to public transportation.

(Source: West Region Wildfire Council.)

We would love your support!

Consider making a donation to help keep independent locally owned journalism alive.

Nearly 100 acres were thinned this summer to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. (Courtesy Mike Tarantino)

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

ALANWARTESMEDIA

970.641.1414

OPINION

So long, and thanks for all the photo ops

© 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 Advertising Assistant Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com Production Manager Stefan Scott Stefan@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

Jacob Spetzler Times Photo Editor

This column is the first I’ve written since I began at the Times nearly three years ago and as this is my final issue as a staff member, it will likely also be my last. That might seem ironic, but I’ve realized I’m much better at communicating visually than with the written word.

It’s one of many things I’ve discovered about myself during my time with this profoundly special paper. Here are a few other things I’ve found: a passionate belief in the value of local news, a group of coworkers turned friends, an incredible love for the community of the Gunnison Valley, a rabid fandom of GHS athletics and the ability to work harder than I ever dreamed possible.

But I didn’t just uncover things about my own character.

My tenure at the paper served as a bootcamp in visual literacy.

It augmented my belief in the value images can lend to every level of news coverage. As the web of local news across the

country collapses — the United States has lost a quarter of its newspapers since 2005 — photographers are often the first to go from newsrooms looking to cut costs.

I think that’s a mistake. Visual journalism, when it leads with people and emotion, is not only a language everyone can understand, but functions as a meeting point for everyone on the political spectrum. At its best, local news photojournalism reflects a community back onto itself. That means the highs of high school sports wins to the lows and bittersweet connection when a restaurant like Firebrand closes. The Gunnison Valley is a diverse place and the photos should reflect that — rodeo and 4H sit side by side with images of ski racers and faith celebrations.

It’s been a privilege to work for one of the few local papers which puts resources and emphasis on its visuals. For that I have to thank Alan for seeing the value in it and supporting it.

And I also have to thank everyone in the Gunnison Valley for allowing us to flutter around with cameras. The community has been the best collaborator I could’ve imagined. And that’s really what great photography is: a collaboration.

Speaking of a collaboration, I can finally come clean. When Alan took a chance on me and brought me on initially as the sports editor and staff photographer, well … I’ll be honest, I didn’t know the first thing about

sports. During the interview he asked me about that and I think I said, “I like a challenge.”

So thanks to all of the coaches, parents and athletes for helping me get through that learning curve. I’ve emerged on the other side, maybe not an expert, but certainly enthusiastic. It’s been great fun to watch Gunnison high schoolers move through the ranks from freshman teams to junior varsity to varsity. A photographer walks into a newspaper office and walks out a sports fan. Who would have thought.

Fortunately, my departure doesn’t mean the visuals will suffer in the least. Both incredibly talented photographers, Bella and Abby will no doubt take up the slack in the interim before the next staff photographer, Mariel Wiley, comes on board. Mariel is as great of a replacement as I can possibly imagine, her energy for the medium is high, and I’m sure she’ll bring entirely new dimensions to the Times’ coverage.

To have a newspaper of this quality is a rare and beautiful thing. Its production each week is a miracle of its own, created — under the veteran leadership of our publisher — by a newsroom populated by journalists all under the age of 27. I can’t express enough gratitude for them. We’ve spent many late nights and early mornings together. Bella is relentless and a born journalist. We spent almost a year in the trenches as the only two full-time employ-

ees in editorial. Abby’s commitment to old school, meticulous journalism is bottomless while Alex produces sports stories that are so well recounted, it’s (almost) better than going to the game.

Everyone there, both currently or previously employed, have been some of the most hard working, genuine people I’ve ever met, starting with Alan himself. It takes nerves of steel to buy a newspaper in 2021 and I admire Alan and Issa’s commitment to the cause. Alan has also served as a mentor, not only pushing me to be my best but supporting me along the way. He also has an uncanny ability to see passion and drive when it appears and though there’s been turnover, the desks in the Wisconsin Street office have always been filled with talent.

As for me, I’m not planning on leaving the valley. I’m enrolled in a low-residency MFA program in photography through the University of Hartford which means occasional travel but otherwise I’ll be freelancing (get in touch about portraits, events, whatever) and I’m sure I’ll still contribute photos and the odd feature to the Times. I’ll still be roaming around with a camera in hand.

That much is clear.

(Jacob Spetzler can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or jacob@gunnisontimes.com.)

GUEST COMMENTARY

Life after Proposition HH 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.

William Spicer Special to the Times

As the saying goes, a week is a long time in politics. When it comes to Colorado’s property tax problems, this might be an exaggeration, but not much of one. On Nov. 7, voters statewide rejected Proposition HH, the legislature’s hastily conceived and largely unpopular attempt to lower property taxes at the expense of reduced TABOR refunds. On Nov. 9, Gov. Jared Polis announced a special legislative session with a mandate to provide immediate relief to homeowners, many of whom might otherwise see their property taxes increase by 40% or more when notices arrive early next year. On Nov. 20, the legislature sent a new Property Tax Relief bill (SB23B001) to the governor, along with companion bills making next year’s TABOR refunds identical for everyone, and directing a portion of refund money to increase earned income tax credits.

What impact will these bills have? It should come as no surprise that SB23B-001 adheres very closely to the 2023 prop-

erty tax reduction provisions of Proposition HH: individual residential actual values are reduced by $55,000 (HH provided for a slightly smaller deduction of $50,000), and again the residential assessment rate is lowered from 6.765% to 6.7%.

In a previous commentary, I presented an example of how HH might impact local homeowners: let’s revisit our hypothetical couple (with a $500,000 home in the City of Gunnison and $75,000 in combined income), and see how they fare under the new legislation.

Compared to existing 2023 tax rates, they would have seen a net benefit of $207 under HH; now, with SB23B-001, they can expect to be better off to the tune of $212 (based on mill levy estimates from the Gunnison County Assessor’s Office, and TA B O R r e f u n d e s t i m a t e s from the Colorado Legislative Council.) In other words, about the same gain, but without giving up any future TABOR refund money.

Unlike Proposition HH, the new bill is a one-year-only deal. During the special session, however, the legislature also took the first step towards

crafting a long-term solution to the problem of ever-escalating property taxes. They passed a separate bill creating the eighteen-member Property Tax Task Force, set to convene in December and report its findings to the legislature by midMarch 2024. The task force membership is broad and includes representation from a number of important stakeholders, such as city and county governments, school districts and fire departments, none of whom have previously had a seat at the table. This seems like a positive move, and certainly an improvement on the legislature’s recent pattern of lastminute, Band-Aid fixes.

The legislature is not under any obligation to adopt the task force’s recommendations, but in reality they may be keen to do so. There are property tax initiatives already destined for the ballot in 2024. One calls for a hard cap on tax district revenue growth, and a second proposes an annual limit on individual tax increases. Neither approach is favored by the legislature, but to compete they will need a proposal of their own that is well-thought-out, fair and easy

to understand. Let’s hope the task force can come through for them.

There is one final, unintended consequence of SB23B-001 that property owners should be aware of. The end-of-year process whereby assessors certify values to tax districts, districts finalize their budgets and set their levies and treasurers mail out tax notices operates under a very tight timeline.

The legislature threw a wrench into that process by changing (at the eleventh hour) the formula used to calculate taxes.

As a result, 2023 tax bills will be dropping onto doormats about two weeks later than usual, and very close to the February 28th deadline for making firsthalf payments. If you haven’t received your notice by then, remember that payment information will also be available online via the treasurer’s website.

(William Spicer is a former employee of the Gunnison County Assessor's Office.)

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A5

Gunnison Country Times

LETTERS ‘If it were easy … ‘ Editor: I have a motto: “If it were easy anybody could do it.” I’d like to talk about three things on a macro sociological level.

Solutions for the things I’m about to say aren’t easy.

T h e f i r s t i s s e r v i c e by Americans in the United States military. In my view, every American citizen, 18-21 years of age, should have a duty to serve in our military. When I mention this, most agree on service but caveat their agreement with something like service in other governmental agencies is acceptable.

That’s not the way I see it.

Men and women, I believe, should raise their right hand and sw ear to defend the Constitution of the United States of America with their sacred honors even unto their lives. That’s what the Greatest Generation did during the Second World War. Our common duty is to defend her still.

I visit with veterans who live in our Senior Care Center. To a person, that’s what they did.

A couple of them in WWII. They’re all proud of their service. They defended freedom for everyone, not just Americans.

Everyone. Which brings me to the second thing.

The threat to Ukraine is an existential threat to freedomloving peoples everywhere.

European and Scandinavian countries are wondering how they might fare if Ukraine falls.

Extremists are being elected in Europe and the Americas.

Violent conflict continues in Africa and the Middle East.

Some may not realize we still have American troops in Middle Eastern countries who continue to search out and destroy those who would do us harm. Let’s not allow our elected representatives to restrict our ability to support our troops, or Ukraine. Contact our Colorado Congressional representatives and tell them to stop Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville holding up military promotions and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson tying aid for Ukraine to southern border reform. Which brings me to the third thing.

Israelis and Palestinians have a human right to enjoy life and liberty and to live in peace.

Each has historical ties to a common land. There are 206 nation-states that meet accepted criteria to exist as such. In my view, that’s enough for now.

Both Israel and Palestine (consisting of Gaza and the West Bank) are recognized as nations but to different degrees.

Let’s look at a couple of differences. One is Hamas, the armed faction in Gaza, and the armed faction in the West Bank known as Lions’ Den. Hamas avows the complete annihilation of Israel. An armed extreme minority hold hostage the magnificent majority. If Palestinians don’t want to be pulverized, why don’t they rise up and not let Hamas live amongst them, fire rockets from their neighborhoods and ambush, kill and kidnap women and children?

By the same token, why can’t

Israelis recognize the right of Palestinians to have some form of independent, autonomous government? Why can’t they recognize the rights of Palestinian landowners and not encroach on that land by building kibbutzim on it?

I guess if it were easy, anybody could do it.

Joe Dix Gunnison

Proposed ammo bill tightens noose Editor: U. S. S e n a t o r E l i z a b e t h Warren (D-MA) and Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), have recently introduced the Ammunition Modernization and Monitoring Oversight Act (AMMO Act).

This pending legislation would restrict bulk sales of ammunition, require businesses who sell ammunition to obtain the same federal license as firearm dealers and require businesses to conduct a background check on ammunition buyers.

The same prohibitions relating to the sale of firearms would also extend to ammo purchases and would require "data sharing" of those purchases to authorities. The bill also specifically limits individuals to purchasing no more than 100 rounds for .50 caliber ammunition and 1,000 rounds for all other ammunition within a 5-day period.

In regards to the hidden beauty of the act, after its inherent weaknesses come glaring through all the hype that surrounds it, it'll provide the Democrats an opportunistic springboard to "tighten the noose," so-to-speak, around the necks of legitimate gun dealers, ammo distributors and gun owners, which I believe is the ultimate aim of their game.

Examining the good senator's AMMO Act, and brushing aside her alleged cultural and racial identity misappropriations from the past, she said that, "We have a moral responsibility to treat gun violence in this country like the crisis it is."

I presume that her idea of "moral responsibility" doesn't apply to the big business termination of certain preborn individuals, the crisis of our open border, along with the human trafficking and drugs which flow through it, plus the crisis of opioid overdoses. But that's another story that perhaps she can sup another beer over in a staged home video.

We'll keep a sharp lookout for more of the usual Democratinspired obfuscations and shenanigans as this feel-good antiBill-of-Rights legislation creeps along the hilarious halls of Congress in D.C. Jon Matuszczak Gunnison

Thanks for community Thanksgiving Editor: I just wanted to say thank you to all the community champions and volunteers who joined us for the first annual Gunnison Valley Community Thanksgiving dinner. I have had this event on my heart since before COVID, and thanks to a financial donation from Trinity Baptist Church to get the first one going, we had a successful event, serving over 150 meals.

The turnout of volunteers from our community was outstanding, with many offers to help again next year. There have been financial donations that will start us off for next year, and we have many other items that will carry over. We will have a get-together sometime in February to start planning for next year and go over what worked and what needs to be changed, but overall, it was a success and a wonderful gathering of great folks.

Again, thanks to all that helped, and we hope that it will become the place to be for our community every Thanksgiving.

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Grateful to Elks for winter clothing Editor: I am a teacher for the Gunnison Watershed School District, writing to express my deepest gratitude to the Elks Clothesline Program for their generous donations of winter clothing to families in need in our community. As the temperatures drop and the winter season approaches, their thoughtful contributions have made a significant impact on the lives of young children and families facing economic challenges in our cold climate.

It is heartening to see organizations like the Elks stepping up to make a positive difference in our community. Their generosity serves as a reminder that we can come together to support one another. From snow boots and snow pants to warm coats, mittens and hats, children of all ages need these items during their cold commutes to and from school and during their times outside.

Th e e f f o r t s o f t h e E l ks Clothesline Program have not gone unnoticed, and our school community is truly grateful for their compassion and dedication in helping children feel warm, valued and safe.

Please consider making a donation by sending a check to 123 S. Main St. Write "Elks Clothesline" in the memo.

Erin Harrington Gunnison

The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period starts October 15 through December 7 Call Shondeck Financial Services & Insurance today to: • Take the confusion out of Medicare • Get help comparing plans • Receive one-on-one service • Make enrolling in a plan easier

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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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A6 • NEWS • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Grouse from A1 The Gunnison sage-grouse, not recognized as its own species until 2000, is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Although the Gunnison Valley is home to the largest number of grouse, its satellite populations are managed by a mixture of different BLM field offices, a natural conservation area and a national monument. Land managers and biologists believe applying consistent management actions across all eight populations may help boost numbers.

“For the species to recover, it’s going to require some of these other populations to grow,” said Kathy Brodhead, a wildlife biologist for the BLM Gunnison Field Office. “The Gunnison population is recognized for its resilienc y.

Hopefully having some guidance for the others will mean their populations may improve.”

The draft details five alternative management approaches for addressing the conservation needs of the species in balance with the other resources and activities the BLM monitors, including recreation, livestock grazing, prescribed fire and oil and gas leasing. The agency is seeking input from the public with a 90-day window that will be open until Feb. 6, 2024.

“Public feedback during this comment period is critical in shaping our management that benefits this threatened species,” BLM Colorado State Director Doug Vilsack said in a press release. “Public input on the draft will help us finalize an approach that allows for the Gunnison sage-grouse population to recover — and perhaps eventually be removed from Endangered Species Act listing.”

In the spirit of the CCA As Gunnison sage-grouse numbers continue to fluctuate with both ups and downs, the

Tax relief from A1 ballot box earlier this month.

That proposition, referred to voters by lawmakers earlier this year, would have reduced property tax rates over 10 years and exempted part of a home’s value for its assessment. To pay for the cuts, the government would have been allowed to keep more tax revenue than currently allowed under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), in turn reducing the amount owed back to taxpayers through annual refund mechanisms.

The TABOR issue was central to lawmakers’ weekend debate on how to move forward to reduce the sharp increase in property taxes expected next year. Republicans contended that by rejecting Prop HH, voters sent a message that they do not want the TABOR surplus to be used to pay for any policy, tax relief or otherwise. While

BLM hopes the plan’s adoption is a path toward recovery. The agency has incorporated the existing candidate conservation agreement (CCA) for the sagegrouse, a document that has inspired community conservation efforts in the Gunnison Basin for over a decade.

Local public land managers signed onto the CCA in 2010.

This is a voluntary agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other parties — such local governments, Tribes and private landowners — to remove or reduce threats to species that are candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The document contained management guidance for the conservation of Gunnison sage-grouse on federal lands, such as the BLM, which manages 40% of the bird’s habitat. It provides filters for grazing, new infrastructure and roads with consultation from the Fish and Wildlife Service using habitat disturbance “tiers.”

But the BLM’s internal guidelines for land use management decisions based on the bird’s recovery are limited. The management rules set in place by the CCA do not extend past the Gunnison Basin, where approximately 10 other land use plans are in effect where the sagegrouse live and breed.

Although residents have worked together to protect the sage-grouse under the CCA, the Fish and Wildlife Service required the BLM to revisit the agreement if populations fell below a certain threshold. Data revealed a boost in numbers last summer, but it followed a series of droughts and hard winter that produced a sharp decline in 2019.

Brodhead said she hopes the document, which is considered an “amendment” to the agency’s existing resource management plan, codifies the best of the CCA. “I hear stories. It was the glory days when the ranchers united with the county and the BLM,” she said. “The commuthe property tax plan passed by Democrats will not use TABOR surplus, another bill to expand an income tax credit will dip into the surplus money.

On the other hand, Republicans’ plan for property tax relief relied on using general fund reserve money, which was a non-starter for Democrats as they worried that depleting reserve money would put the state in a bad spot during an economic downturn.

“At the end of the day, this is real relief done in a way that doesn’t do it on the back of our future teachers, our future students, because there will be a downturn somewhere in the future. We’ll need to use our reserves to make sure we get through those headwinds,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, a Boulder Democrat, said Monday evening.

Republicans criticized the special session at its conclusion, saying it did not provide the “honest” property tax relief and TABOR protections they called for.

“The result is tragically simi-

Gunnison Country Times

Male Gunnison sage-grouse are known for their flashy courtship displays in the springtime. (Photo by Bella Biondini)

nity really came together, so I hope the spirit of the CCA is adopted into this resource management plan.”

More seasonal closures under consideration Although the communities next door to the grouse’s satellite populations may see more changes after the plan is adopted, a few will appear in the Gunnison Valley — particularly surrounding seasonal closures.

The BLM’s preferred alternative, which is not yet set into stone, extends “ground disturbance” closures through mid-July to protect active nests and small chicks at the end of breeding season.

This is different from the existing motorized closures at Signal Peak and Hartman Rocks that stretch from March 15 to May 15 in sage-grouse habitat each spring. The proposed restrictions would apply to activities like trail building and construction, such as the pending installation of a new weather radar on Big Mesa.

There is a possibility Signal Peak, which is known for its growing system of mountain

bike trails, will be converted to a “special recreation management area,” similar to Hartman Rocks. The new designation, although it is not likely to trigger any noticeable changes, may create limitations on construction and road development in the future with a “disturbance cap.”

The BLM also hopes to designate new “areas of critical environmental concern,” which are zones with restrictions in place to protect sensitive plant and animal species. The proposed alternative includes the addition of Chance Gulch, Sugar Creek and Sapinero Mesa.

These areas will likely be subjected to motorized closures and visitor limitations during the lekking season. Changes to existing zones will add more flexibility for cheatgrass treatment.

Under the preferred alternative, areas with no or low oil and gas potential would be closed to leasing — which is roughly a little more than 80% of occupied and unoccupied habitat rangewide. This covers all of the Gunnison Basin, which doesn’t have the geology to support

large numbers of oil and gas leases on public land.

“For the Gunnison Basin, because of the CCA, there won't be really big differences … We have a community right in the middle of occupied habitat so we've been dealing with this for a lot longer than other communities,” Brodhead said.

Gunnison County is one of 30 cooperating agencies working on the amendment, including 11 counties, nine state and 10 federal agencies. The BLM will hold three public meetings about the amendment, including one in Gunnison on Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the library. A virtual meeting will be held the following week on Dec. 12 from 2-3:30 p.m.

Written comments can be submitted through the “Participate Now” option on the BLM National NEPA Register.

Additional documents, maps and information are also available at eplanning.blm.gov.

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

These figures are estimated in dollars for a $500,000 home in Gunnison belonging to owners with household income of $75,000. (Courtesy William Spicer)

lar to the approach that was offered in Proposition HH, which was so soundly rejected by the voters in the recent election,” Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican, told reporters after the session ended.

Democrats command substantial majorities in both chambers of the Legislature.

Polis applauded the work accomplished during the special session as he signed four of the session’s seven bills Monday night, yet he emphasized that there is significant work to be done on a long-term property tax plan and lowering the cost

of housing in the state overall.

“Of course, the actions we’re taking today can’t solve the real affordability crisis we have in housing. For that work, the General Assembly will return in January,” he said.

Here is what the Legislature passed, almost entirely along party lines, in addition to an appropriation to the Treasury Department to boost staffing for a tax deferral program.

Property tax relief for Colorado homeowners SB 23B-1 will reduce the residential assessment rate for the 2023 tax year to 6.7% from 6.765%. Additionally, homeowners will be able exempt $55,000 of their home’s value from taxation. That amounts to about $430 million in property tax relief.

Those numbers are very similar to the ones from Proposition HH. Property taxes will still rise next year for homeowners, though by not as much.

To pay for the rate cut, the continued on A7

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A7

Gunnison Country Times continued from A6 bill uses $200 million in general fund money that was already set aside for this purpose. School, fire, hospital and ambulance authorities will be repaid completely for the revenue they will miss out on due to lower tax rates. After that, local governments will be partially repaid depending on how much their assessment values have grown, so areas with slower growth, under 15%, will see more money and areas with bigger growth will see less, if any.

“At the end of the day, this is real relief done in a way that doesn’t do it on the back of our future teachers, our future students, because there will be a downturn somewhere in the future.”

Steve Fenberg Colorado Senate president Opting in to federal food program With the passage of SB 23B2, Colorado will be part of the

new federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program next summer, which will provide up to $120 to children at risk of food insecurity when school is not in session. Bill sponsors estimate that about 300,000 children in Colorado will benefit.

Equalizing TABOR refund checks Colorado taxpayers will all get the same amount in their TABOR refund checks next year, with SB 23B-3. When the state collects tax revenue over the constitutional cap, which is adjusted annually by inflation and population growth, it must return the extra money back to taxpayers. There are a variety of refund mechanisms, including direct checks based on income level. That means higher earners who pay more in taxes generally get a larger refund check.

Instead, all filers will get the same amount of $800.

If Prop HH had passed, this policy would have gone into effect, so Democrats brought it forward for the special session.

Republicans argued that flattening the TABOR refund checks is unfair to people who pay more in taxes, while Democrats see it as a move towards equity and making sure wealthy Coloradans don’t benefit at the expense of others. $30 million more for rental assistance In HB 23B-1001, the Legislature added $30 million in emergency rental assistance during the special session, bringing the total amount it has invested to $65 million. That is targeted relief for people who make up to 80% of the area

median income and are at risk of eviction.

It can go towards rent, utility bills, late fees, court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and any other costs associated with eviction prevention. The grants will be administered through the Division of Housing within the Department of Local Affairs.

If the money isn’t distributed by next July, it will head back to the state to spend elsewhere.

NIGHT OF LIGHTS

GUNNISON GALLERY

Featuring “Chasing Stars” photography by SHERI DURAN, Origami Christmas Cards & Quilled Ornaments for the Gunnison Food Pantry, “Altitude Adjustment” book signing by GREG SMITH and Live Piano Music by JODY COLEMAN. 124 N Main St

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER Come Jingle and Mingle at the Gunnison Arts Center for our Holiday Market! Over 25 local artists with all sorts of crafts and gifts. Featuring Firebrand’s, HEIDI MAGNUS in the Cafe Gallery with treats for sale.

Don’t miss this amazing town collaboration.

Expanding earned income tax credit HB 23B-1002 doubled the state’s earned income tax credit for this year. Right now, the state gives 25% of the federal benefit amount to those who qualify. Next year, the state amount will be 50% the federal amount.

The earned income tax credit largely benefits low-income working families.

102 S Main St

Join us for Art in Action as we create whimsical holiday ornaments. Come clay with us! Unique one of a kind holiday gifts and local art. Featuring guest artists: Kit Webbski and Karolina Szumilas 133 E Tomichi Ave

Long-term tax relief task force House Bill 23B-1003 created a task force for a long-term property tax plan by forming a 19-member task force to study and develop potential longterm “permanent and sustainable” property tax plans to consider. The task force will include members of the Legislature, local elected officials, an assessor and members representing education, firefighting and business interests.

(Sara Wilson covers state government, Colorado's congressional delegation, energy and other stories for Newsline. Visit Colorado Newsline at coloradonewsline.com.)

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A8 • NEWS • Thursday, November 30, 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.

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.

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.

UNDER CONTRACT 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!

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Library plan from A1 community in the planning and design work.

This fall, the Library District updated its strategic plan on the heels of the completion of the new Gunnison Library on Quartz Street. One of the library’s board’s priorities was to understand the community’s willingness to support a similar level of library service in the North Valley. Although Crested Butte’s Old Rock Community Library, situated at 504 Maroon Ave., is much smaller than the new Gunnison location, it remains busy.

When considering a spot to reach as many underserved residents as possible within the library district, Crested Butte South became a natural choice, Executive Director Drew Brookhart said. He noted a large demand for meeting rooms, and children’s library space, in addition to other public facilities, such as a library, within the community.

“The Library District has an opportunity to bring people together by providing three unique experiences in the valley and give them a reason to visit each of the libraries, no matter where they live,” Brookhart said.

Although it is still early in the process, the Library District is grateful for Adagio’s willingness to collaborate, he said. Adagio has owned 6-acre property for over a decade. With the exception of the Crested Butte Dental offices, the remaining land on the plot is empty.

Because Crested Butte South falls in a special use area with-

in the county, the POA asked county commissioners to not permit additional development on Block 6 until a more unified vision is created for the space. This conversation is happening now, said POA board president and secretary Andrew Sandstrom.

Adagio is working with the Crested Butte South POA to split the property into lots that can be sold and developed.

According to Sandstrom, one of its goals is to ensure Block 6 contains public amenities and spaces — such as a new library branch. So far, the idea has been “well-received” by the board, he said.

Although the community of Crested Butte South is unincorporated, it is the secondlargest population center in the North Valley with almost 1,200 residents — falling behind the Town of Crested Butte. To date, it is only about two-thirds built out, meaning the community will likely continue to grow. To begin to see some more amenities develop within a community that has to drive to Crested Butte or Gunnison for things like gas and groceries, is a positive, he said.

“The board didn't want to see lots get cut off piecemeal,” Sandstrom said. “We wanted to have a little bit more of a plan …

We've been having these discussions about Block 6 and how to ensure that there's some community space there. It's great timing.”

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

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970.641.1414 • gunnisontimes.com

Patrons enjoy reading together at the opening of the new Gunnison Library last year. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A9

Gunnison Country Times

BLM affirms North Fork drilling project will have ‘no significant impact’ Gunnison Energy drops federal lawsuit Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Two lawsuits and six years later, natural gas drilling company Gunnison Energy is closer than ever to a final greenlight for a project on the north end of Gunnison County. If the project is approved, the company will proceed with developing up to 35 natural gas “fracking” wells in public lands just over 100 miles north of the City of Gunnison.

Last month, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) completed a new environmental assessment for the plan that found it to have “no significant impact” on the surrounding landscape or environment.

The North Fork Mancos Master Development Plan is Gunnison Energy’s drilling project that lies in forested lands between Gunnison and Delta counties, with proposed wells on a mixture of both public and private lands. Master development plans are a way for the BLM to plan and manage largescale drilling projects with multiple leases, all at once.

But the BLM, which is tasked with evaluating how drilling projects affect the natural landscape, was sued two years ago by conservation groups, including Crested Butte-based High Country Conservation

Advocates, which claimed the agency did not appropriately consider the project’s greenhouse gas and climate change impacts. At that point, the BLM and the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests had already approved parts of the project. Nonetheless, a federal judge ruled in favor of the groups and vacated the project until a new assessment was drafted.

The BLM released the assessment last month, and it reaffirmed the agency’s previous finding that the project would have “no significant impact.”

The new assessment includes updated climate modeling and assumes the use of more emissions control equipment.

This new environmental assessment differs from the original in a few ways. It assumes the use of more emiss i o n s c o nt ro l e q u i p m e nt, including electric “no-bleed” instead of “low-bleed” technology. The switch is meant to reduce the amount of methane emissions from valves and other production equipment.

It also has an updated emissions inventory that includes “midstream” emissions — generated during transport, compression, processing, storage and distribution of natural gas.

The change means Gunnison Energy now has to consider greenhouse gas emissions at more steps of the drilling process.

The new assessment is also compliant with new Colorado Department of Public Health

and Environment air quality regulations for oil and gas operations. These amendments were adopted after the original 2019 assessment was issued.

While conservation groups sued the BLM to halt the master plan, Gunnison Energy also sued the BLM to compel the agency to accept some well proposals in the plan. Earlier this year, Gunnison Energy alleged in a suit that the agency did not confirm that applications to drill two wells were complete within the 10-day timeframe outlined in the federal Mineral Leasing Act. The company also claimed the BLM did not make a decision on the permit within 30 days, in violation of federal law.

The company already has five approved applications for permits to drill in the North Fork master plan area and one of those wells is currently producing. When the BLM approved the new assessment in September of this year, it also approved the two individual permits involved in the lawsuit. A day later, the company dropped the lawsuit.

The BLM and GMUG have yet to sign off on a final action plan, meant to ensure the wells are developed in an environmentally responsible manner.

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

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The 4 BR 2 bath home with 2 car attached garage also boasts a large family/game room, big country kitchen, wood stove, great south facing deck and passive solar exposure, and almost 2,300 square feet to call your own.

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A Gunnison Energy well in northern Gunnison County. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

Matt Robbins, CRS, GRI Monarch Realty, Inc. 970-596-0715 l matt@monarchrlty.com

A10 • NEWS • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Gunnison Country Times

Crested Butte gym space tighter than ever Potential solution in MetRec’s master plan Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Cassia Cadenhead waited with bated breath as the page loaded to see if she could secure one of the eight coveted gymnastics spots for her daughter.

Last year, it took less than a minute for the only North Valley gymnastics program to sell out. “ We c a l l i t t h e p a re n t Olympics,” Cadenhead said. “To see what time a program opens, you note it on your calendar. If you're in a job where you can't have an internet connection at that exact moment, you have no chance.”

The situation comes as no surprise, as the Town of Crested Butte, in the last several years, has tightened the schedule for its gymnastics program. As space dwindled at Crested Butte Community School (CBCS) and more programs migrated into the town’s only indoor gym space, Jerry’s Gym. This year, due to space constraints, the town won’t offer gymnastics in the winter and is instead moving the program to the spring.

A s s p o r t s p ro g ra m m i ng o f f e re d by t h e G u n n i s o n Watershed School District has grown in the North Valley, the amount of time slots available to fit the kids has shrunk. As a result, the town, which has historically rented space from the community school for its own programs, has had to accommodate. The town’s programs migrated into Jerry’s Gym and were moved to later in the evening. The number of slots in each program was capped.

Now, for the first time in years, the town won’t run any of its kid’s winter sports programs at CBCS. But finding a solution is not as simple as throwing up a new building or laying a new field. In Crested Butte, plots of land that could be developed are few and far between, while the price of property soars. But what could be the North Valley’s best chance at a solution in years may be on the horizon: MetRec’s master recreation plan, a large-scale guide to how recreation will develop in the valley for the next decade. With a contractor slated to come on before the end of 2023, all eyes are on MetRec to see where its priorities land.

Over a decade of squeezing into gyms Parents and coaches in Crested Butte have been having the “space” conversation for years, said County Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels. Daniels has coached the CBCS track team for over a decade. Come wintertime, runners practice outside for as

long as they can, but are forced inside once snow accumulates on roads and sidewalks.

Throwers and jumpers also need indoor practice space.

“I felt like 10 years ago, I had to be really protective of the gym space for track practice because people perceive it as an outdoor sport … That tension has been there for a while,” she said.

When she started coaching in 2009, only one gym space was available — what’s now called the elementary school gym.

When the second gym opened a few years later, the space allowed for more wintertime use. But soon enough, a girls soccer program started, followed by boys lacrosse. During big snow years, like last season, those teams often needed access to gym space at the same time.

As soon as the temperature drops and snow is in the forecast, the gym space at the community school gets scheduled out for months, said CBCS Athletics Director Abby McDonnell. Even when those teams can practice outside, they often have to travel down to Gunnison for field space.

The Crested Butte Titans lacrosse team, primarily made up of Crested Butte boys, bus down to Gunnison nearly every day for practice. This is due in part to field space shortages, but also because of fields that are iced over, said head coach Andrew Hadley. The CBCS hockey team travels down to Gunnison during the season to use the Jorgensen Rink, while the CBCS track team and girl’s soccer team regularly rent field and track space from Western Colorado University to practice.

Lack of physical space is only one piece of the problem. CBCS sports programs have ballooned in the last few years. Last year’s girls basketball team was the biggest the school has ever had, McDonnell said. She expects it to only keep growing. The middle school boys basketball team, now with a 40-kid roster, squeezes into one gym space while older kids use the other.

“It is tight, we're bursting at the seams,” McDonnell said.

Programming takes a hit With limited space at the community school, practice times get pushed later. This year, basketball teams will use both gyms until 6:30 p.m. With no feasible time slots left, the Town of Crested Butte, which historically rents space from the school to run its own programs, won’t run its own winter sports programs at the school this year.

The town’s adult drop-in programs like indoor soccer, which runs from 8:30-10 p.m., will continue to use the space.

While the town’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Department still use those later time slots, it’s no longer a good solution for young kids, said super visor Joey Carpenter. He places no blame on the school.

“It’s an impossible task that our staff and partners work meticulously on to ensure that if there is a way to fit something in, we make it happen,” Carpenter said.

Previously, the town ran its basketball program at CBCS, which includes first to eighth grade. “Youth” slots are generally before 7 p.m., as anything later stretches into bedtime and dinner. The school boasts big-

ger courts and generally more space, so it was a beneficial arrangement, Carpenter said.

The shift this year will force the town to run the entire basketball program out of Jerry’s Gym, which is simply not big enough. The town’s 5th/6th grade basketball enrollment has dropped 14 kids now that the program is back at Jerry’s.

Gymnastics and smaller programs like pickleball and volleyball will move to the shoulder seasons, forcing kids to choose between outdoor and indoor sports.

The town is also balancing increased demand for adult and senior programming, alongside everyday private rentals for birthday parties and other events. Programs have gone from selling out in a matter of days to being full in minutes, and kids pile up on the waitlists.

Usually, the town can get them off the waitlist in the end, but not always.

“It makes us sad to turn kids away and that we can't necessarily offer the depth of demand for programming that we're getting from the community,” Carpenter said.

A possible way out MetRec’s master planning process may offer the town and the school district some relief for the worsening space constraints. The district is seeking a completed master recreation plan by 2025, envisioned as a roadmap for recreation in the valley for coming decades. In MetRec’s most recent recreation survey, respondents said that game and practice space was one of the most pressing indoor recreation needs in the North Valley.

The North Valley is a patchwork of proper ty ow ners’ associations and municipalities, which means “no one is able to do it on their own,” Cadenhead said. Cadenhead is also a Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) board member. Organizations offering youth athletic opportunities like the town, the school district and club organizations end up vying for the same spaces with no streamlined plan.

This is where MetRec’s planning process could have real traction, she said.

“I view the North Valley subdistrict of MetRec to be a powerful option, because we're all too small on our own … the goal is to look for the next 20, 30 years down the road. That's my goal, do something profound that’s going to be visionary.”

In the future, Puckett Daniels said she sees real opportunity in land around Crested Butte South and Mt. Crested Butte.

Even if there was a viable plot of land to expand recreation infrastructure, meeting the cost would be no small feat.

“The hard part about that, in my mind, is that's a high dollar problem,” Cadenhead said. ” The MetRec board has not yet decided if the district would use taxpayer dollars to build and own its own recreation infrastructure or jointly-fund projects by other organizations or governments. The master plan contractor is slated to come on before the new year.

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

Youth activities organizers struggle to find space for practices and events in Crested Butte due to a lack of space. (Courtesy Robby Lloyd)

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A11

Gunnison Country Times

A little pre-feast exercise for a good cause Community members came out for the seventh annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23. The event, which raises support and awareness for mental health in the valley, has traditionally taken place in Crested Butte, but moved down to Gunnison this year. Edward Catmur took first place with a time of 21:22.6, Caroline Ott came in second at 21:38.2 and Brandon Hollack finished third with 23:39.3.

206 N. COLORADO STREET

Gunnison City Charmer $849,000

Corner Property offers many options that will fulfill any lifestyle and needs. Since 2012, it has been a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-family home, but prior to that, it was multi-units and a popular Bed and Breakfast. Updates include electrical, roof, windows, kitchen, bathrooms, landscaping and much more.

MINDY STURM Broker/Owner REALTOR Premier Mountain Properties 970-209-0911 cell mindy@pmpcb.com

(Photos by Elle Forrest)

318 Elk Ave. Suite 15, PO Box 1081, Crested Butte, CO 81224 www.premier-mountain-properties.com

Stay abreast of these developing stories, plus all the rest of our regular community-focused coverage, with a digital subscription to the Times.

$60 for an entire year, or only $3 for one week’s access.

USE YOUR VISION BENEFITS BEFORE

DECEMBER 31

SCHEDULE YOUR EYE EXAM TODAY ABBAEYECARE-GUNNISON.COM 970-641-2020

*Requires purchase of a complete prescription pair, including frame and lenses. Does not include Barton Perreira, Cartier, Cazal, Chanel, Cutler and Gross, Dior, Dita Lancier, Fendi, Gucci, ic!Berlin, l.a. Eyeworks, Maui Jim, Michael Kors, Nifties, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Persol, Ray-Ban, Robert Marc, Silhouette, Tiffany & Co., Tom Ford, WOOW, accessories, contact lenses, or medical procedures. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, or insurance plans. Not valid on previous orders. Other restrictions may apply. See practice for full details. Offer valid 9/25/2023 - 12/31/2023. 23AEG-620369

A12 • NEWS • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Gunnison Country Times

GVH Cancer Center receives chemo shirts from Living Journeys

OPHTHALMOLOGY AT GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH

COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE FOR YOUR EYES AND VISION • Cataracts • Glaucoma • Eye conditions related to diabetes • Macular degeneration • Dry eyes • Injuries to the eye, eyelid and eye socket

• Infections and inflammation of the eye and surrounding tissues • Optic nerve disorders • Amblyopia (commonly referred to as lazy eye) • Retinal detachment

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT CALL 970-642-4816 WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG

HELP US DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF DERMATOLOGY SERVICES IN GUNNISON COUNTY!

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

GVH has begun distributing Comfy Chemo shirts to oncology patients.

The shirts were donated by local cancer support group Living Journeys.

(Courtesy Gunnison Valley Health)

Thanks to the generosity of the local cancer support nonprofit Living Journeys, Gu n n i s o n Va l l e y He a l t h’s Cancer Center patients will have access to free “Comfy Chemo” shirts. The shirts are specifically designed for patients with implanted chest venous access devices such as ports. The generous donation is another example of Living Journeys’ continued commitment to supporting the comfort and well-being of every person affected by cancer in the Gunnison Valley.

“I am grateful for Living Journeys and their commitment to support our cancer care services and most importantly our patients” Gunnison Valley CEO Jason Amrich said. “Julie Reid, her team and her board of directors are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of patients and ensuring they receive their care respectfully and comfortably.”

Chemotherapy can be a challenging and often uncomfortable experience, and clothing designed with the specific needs and comfort of cancer patients in mind can make a significant difference. Comfy Chemo shirts were designed by an oncology nurse who saw firsthand the challenges patients faced during chemotherapy. Patients had to stretch or cut their clothing or have it

partially or totally removed, leaving them feeling exposed during treatment. The shirts are a way for patients to have clothing that allows for easy, sterile access to the port and still looks and feels like their everyday attire. The goal is to provide comfort and practicality.

Living Journeys Executive Director, Julie Reid, said that this donation perfectly aligns with their mission.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to provide people affected with cancer something that brings them comfort and dignity,” Reid said. “We are constantly looking for ways that we can support our community and ensure that people have the resources they need — both big and small.”

GVH Oncology Manager Trisha Boulware said the shirts are already being distributed to patients.

“I have had the pleasure of offering the shirts to our patients and have received wonderful feedback,” Boulware said. “Everyone has been so appreciative of Living Journeys’ generosity and thoughtfulness.

Cancer treatment is challenging and even a simple piece of clothing can have a profound impact.”

(Source: Gunnison Valley Health)

Give the Gift that Gives

All Year Long

A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES MAKES THAT CERTAIN SOMEONE ON YOUR LIST FEEL LIKE IT’S CHRISTMAS MORNING... EVERY THURSDAY!

SCAN HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!

$60 PER YEAR DIGITAL $65 PER YEAR PRINT & ONLINE 970.641.1414 • gunnisontimes.com

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A13

Gunnison Country Times

Snow brings new terrain The ski season continues to ramp up with Crested Butte Mountain Resort opening Teocalli Lift and the terrain it services on Tuesday, Nov. 28. There are now 175 acres of terrain available to ski on the mountain. (Taylor Ahearn/Crested Butte Mountain Resort)

GREAT GUNNISON ELF HUNT AWARD SPONSOR

GAME SPONSOR

FIND THE ELVES AROUND TOWN! Fill in the blanks with the name of the elf and the location where you found the elf. elf name + location found

name:

phone: Jingle

email:

Sprite Diego

Theodor

Josie

Fill in the blanks with the elf name & location. Find elves at Gunnison businesses and city locations. Be sure to check the Recreation Center and parks too! Elves will be displayed starting December 2nd. Turn in your game board by December 24th to the Gunnison Chamber/Visitor Center, 500 East Tomichi Ave., Monday – Friday 10am to 5pm to be entered into a drawing for prizes supplied by Abracadabra! Board does not need to be fully filled in to be eligible to enter.

Have fun!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

LISTINGS TODAY

38 641.1414 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.

Classifieds BUSINESS SERVICES WE PROVIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHT AND DECOR INSTALLATION for exterior/interior residential and commercial applications in the Gunnison valley. Our services include installation and removal. Call or text 830500-0077 for a quote.

CARS & TRUCKS 1979 FORD F350 PICK-UP: VIN F36SPEC5511. H&H Towing, 203 W. US Hwy 50, Gunnison. 970-641-2628.

2008 CHEVY MALIBU SD: VIN 1G1ZJ57B084255317. H&H Towing, 203 W. US Hwy 50, Gunnison. 970-641-2628.

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

gunnisontimes.com SCAN TO PLACE AN AD

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT REAL ESTATE RENTALS

A14 A15 A15

LEGALS

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

NOTICES

A15

CROSSWORD

A15

COMMUNITY

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

BLACKSTOCK BISTRO IENDS EARLHOL& IDAFR RON NIGH Y MUSIC T OF A

SUNDAY DEC. 3 $85 PER TICKET • 4PM & 7:30PM SEATINGS RD

INCLUDES:

DRINK OF CHOICE, SMALL APPETIZER, ENTRÉE, DESSERT AND A CHRISTMAS PARTY FAVOR. KIDS PRICING AVAILABLE ** FOOD PRE-ORDER REQUIRED TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FRENCH ONION SOUP, TOMATO BISQUE, OR HOUSE SALAD GRILLED SALMON, FILET MIGNON, OR PINEAPPLE RED CURRY **

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

CALL 641-4394 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Emergency Communications Specialist Full-time, $54,000-$63,400/yr Performs public contact and communications duties necessary for the dispatching of all law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and fire departments for emergency and non-emergency situations.

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. 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 FRONT DESK/BAR POSITION: WestWall Lodge is seeking full/part time employee for front desk and bar position. We have evening shift available from 3-9 p.m. and day shift available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Looking for someone with a lively, yet professional attitude. Competitive pay and access to ski in/ski out locker. Please email resume to linda@wwlhoa.com or call 970-349-1280 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

ID SCULPTURE IS HIRING 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.

970.641.4394 122 W. TOMICHI AVE. BLACKSTOCKBISTRO.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.

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

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). 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 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.

MECHANIC/EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: Gunnison County Electric Association is currently seeking applications for a mechanic/equipment operator. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison headquarters location. This position maintains and repairs all association vehicles. This position also operates the cable plow and heavy equipment. This position is paid on an hourly basis and the pay range is between $69,950-$93,267 annually. Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level. Applicable overtime pay may apply occasionally or when needed. Upon meeting eligibility requirements this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the full job description and qualifications needed as well as to learn how to apply, please visit our website at gcea.coop/about-us/careers.

SERVICE PLUMBER TECHNICIAN: Timberline Mechanical Contracting is looking for a service technician for troubleshooting and plumbing repair. Plumbing and customer

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.

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Case Management Aide HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,707-$5,722, plus full benefits.

Landfill Gate Attendant Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $19.51-$23.72, plus full benefits.

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.

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. 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.

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.

HIRING CASHIERS AND COOKS: Full and part-time pay based on experience, but expect $22 + after tips. Drop resumes at Powerstop.

SNOW SHOVELER NEEDED for the winter season. $23/hour, full time hours and ski pass reimbursement. Email office@ prproperty.com or call 970-349-6281.

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • CLASSIFIEDS • A15

Gunnison Country Times 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.

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 by Dec. 8.

CB STATE OF MIND is a local suicide prevention organization seeking motivated board members. Looking for someone who is passionate about making therapy accessible for those in need living in the Gunnison valley. Development, fundraising and organizational skills are necessary. This is an active volunteer board that is in need of motivated individuals willing to take on tasks. Potential paid position in the future. mtohomes@gmail.com.

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.

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.

EXPERIENCED SKID STEER OPERATOR: Needed ASAP. Very good pay and compensation for the right person. Please call Jean at 970-275-8731.

STAFF ENGINEER POSITION: Gunnison County Electric Association is currently seeking applications for a staff engineer. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison headquarters location. This position ensures future capacity needs are met and that the system is built using proper specifications. This position has supervisory duties. This is a salaried or exempt position and the pay range is between $112,500$150,000 annually. Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring range based upon work experience, education and/or skill level.

Upon meeting eligibility requirements, this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the full job description and qualifications needed as well as to learn how to apply, please visit our website at gcea.coop/about-us/careers.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Old English letters 5. Sculpture 11. Showing up again 14. Tie the knot again 15. Washington city 18.Stiff structures in invertebrates 19. Mark over a vowel 21. Explosive 23. Popular race: __ 500 24. Pile up 28. Mint 29. Commercial 30. A minute amount (Scottish) 32. Small Eurasian deer 33. Baseball stat 35. Numbers cruncher 36. Japanese masked drama 39. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 41. Blood group 42. Assist in wrongdoing 44. Language spoken in Cameroon and Chad 46. Grayish-white 47. A woolen cap of Scottish origin

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.

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.

ALL SPORTS REPLAY is seeking an experienced assistant retail manager with knowledge and a passion for the outdoor sports industry to work with a great team.

Responsibilities include supervising the everyday operations of our retail and consignment inventory, ordering products and assisting staff to work efficiently while providing excellent customer service. 40hour work week, some weekends.

Benefits include salary of $37-$44K/year, two weeks paid vacation, IRA with 3% match, employee discount. Please send your resume to Manager@ASRGunnison. 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., server/bartender, $16/ hr. + gratuity, host, $16/hr. + gratuity, ski valet, $17-$20/hr., front desk attendant, $16$20/hr., snow removal, on-call/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.

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.

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.

49. Microorganism 52. Place under prohibition 56. Calm, dependable 58. Congressman 60. Force 62. As a result of this document 63. One of two main branches of Islam

CLUES DOWN

1. Make a mistake 2. Gordon and Snider are two 3. Geographical region of Finland 4. Ejected saliva 5. A way of performing 6. Scotland’s longest river 7. One of the six noble gases (abbr.)

8. Body art 9. Two-toed sloth 10. Electronic countercountermeasures 12. Foolish person (Brit.)

13. Of the wind 16. Grand home

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.

2 BED/1 BATH CONDO FOR SALE in Dos Rios Condos just outside of town.

New carpet and paint, peaceful setting overlooking a pond. $265,000. Great starter home or investment property. Call 571-5500821 or email alex@alexrichland.com 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.

Legals JOINT PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF JOINT PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING LUC-22-00052, A LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A MINOR IMPACT LAND USE CHANGE FOR A THREE LOT SUBDIVISION. A TRACT OF LAND WITHIN THE SE1/ NW1/4 OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 50 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, NEW MEXICO PRINCIPAL MERIDAN, GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO; SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED WITHIN THE WARRANTY DEED RECORDED UNDER NO. 675047.

PARCEL NO. 3701-350-00-027.

HEARING DATE, TIME AND LOCATION: The Gunnison County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on January 4th at 9:00 a.m. in the meeting room upstairs in the Blackstock Government Center, 221 N. Wisconsin St. in Gunnison and/or by ZOOM meeting. If attending by Zoom please go to the online meetings tab at gunnisoncounty. org/144/Community-and-EconomicDevelopment for the ZOOM meeting link to hear public comments concerning this land use change permit application.

APPLICANT: Bobette Sylvester-McCarroll and Richard McCarroll PARCEL LOCATION: 13.2 acres in Section 35, Township 50N, Range 1W, County Of Gunnison. TBD W Denver Ave, Gunnison.

Parcel No. 3701-350-00-027.

PROPOSAL: Applicant is proposing to subdivide 13.2 acres into three single-family residential lots with agricultural capabilities, as limited by the current deed restriction.

Each parcel will have a single-family home, not greater than 3,500 square feet with additional garage and/or agricultural structures, not exceed the County limitations of the total area. The current ingress/egress access point (on the South, North of Knowles Ranch Way from Denver Avenue and 8th Street in the City of Gunnison) will continue to be used for construction and hauling as necessary to accommodate the construction of houses. The current road will be modified to accommodate emergency vehicles.

Roads will be constructed to the residential houses and to an additional ingress/egress access point on the north end of the parcel.

17. Sound 20. English river 22. Symbol indicating ownership 25. Exclamation of surprise 26. Pouch 27. Apart from 29. Satisfaction 31. The bill in a restaurant 34. Sea bream 36. Port in southern Japan 37. Double-reed instruments 38. Center 40. South Dakota 43. An orderly crowd 45. Indicates position

CROSSWORD ANSWERS FOR PREVIOUS WEEK

48. __-pedi 50. Nonsense (slang) 51. Republic of Ireland 53. Nocturnal flyers 54. American state 55. Clusters in fern fronds 57. Patriotic women 58. A person’s brother or sister 59. Breed of sheep 61. Popular film “Despicable __”

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The public is invited to submit oral or written comments at the hearing, or to submit written comments by email: planning@gunnisoncounty.org, or by letter (Community Development, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO 81230), so long as they are received by 5 p.m. the afternoon before the date of the meeting so that they may be submitted for the public record during the hearing. A copy of the application is available in the Community Development Department, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO; additional information may be obtained by calling the Planning Office (970) 641-0360.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Anyone needing special accommodations as determined by the American Disabilities Act may contact the Community Development Department prior to the day of the hearing. /s/ Rachael Blondy Planner I Gunnison County Community Development Department Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 30, 2023 11540

NOTICE OF BUDGET NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF NORTH FORK AMBULANCE HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICT NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of North Fork Ambulance Health Service District for the year 2024; that copies of this proposed budget have been filed in the office of the District at 110 E Hotchkiss Ave, Hotchkiss, Colorado, where the same is open for public inspection; and that such proposed budget will be considered at a public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held at 110 E Hotchkiss Ave, Hotchkiss, Colorado on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, inspect the budget and file or register any objections thereto.

NORTH FORK AMBULANCE HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICT By: Diane Perry Secretary to the Board Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 30, 2023 11480

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 to consider proposed changes to the Saguache County Land Development Code.

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 .

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 Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023 11301

PUBLIC NOTICE Swearing-In Ceremony Board of Education December 4, 2023 5:30pm Lake Conference Room

This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.

Board President Tyler will administer the oath to newly elected board

Martineau of office members:

Anne Brookhart, Jody Coleman Mark VanderVeer Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of November 30, 2023 11541

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Town of Mt. Crested Butte (Town) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide exterior repairs to the Mt. Crested Butte Town Hall Buildings. Town Hall is located at 911 Gothic Road, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225. This Project involves exterior repairs to two separate Town buildings, including the Town Hall Administration Building and the Town Maintenance Garage Building. The purpose of this Project is to provide exterior building siding and roof repairs in 2024 and a longer-term phased improvement plan to best serve the future needs of the Town. The improvements may involve a combination of refurbishment, repairs and replacement.

Project phasing and costs are a major consideration for the Town. The Town’s primary objectives for this Project are: Task 1: Assess the need and timing of exterior repairs - per building and type of repair. Task 2: Identify a phased means and method for accomplishing exterior repairs - per building.

Task 3: Identify the repair costs proposed for 2024 - per building and type of repair. 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/request-for-proposals.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of November 26, 30, 2023 11457

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Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A17

Gunnison Country Times

Turkey Day for everyone The Gunnison Country Food Pantry hosted a community Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 23 at the fairgrounds. Locals of all ages arrived to enjoy the free feast.

(Photos by Elle Forrest)

Bethany Church 909 N Wisconsin St.

(behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144 Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service gunnisonbethany.com 9 a.m.: Family Service with nursery & children’s church Check out our website for updates!

Or download our app on the App Store by searching, Gunnison Bethany.

B'nai Butte Congregation

PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 305-803-3648 Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado 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

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034 A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.

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

Faith Directory

Community Church of Gunnison

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

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

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.

First Baptist Church

Gunnison Congregational Church United Church of Christ

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

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.

A18 • NEWS • Thursday, November 30, 2023

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

GUNNISON GALLERY FIRST FRIDAY’S Night of Lights Art Walk & Music

“Chasing Stars” photography by SHERI DURAN

Friday, Dec.1st 5-7pm

“Altitude Adjustment” book signing

by GREG SMITH Origami Christmas Cards & Quilled Ornaments for the Gunnison Food Pantry Live Piano Music by JODY COLEMAN

124 N. Main St. • (970) 641-6111 www.gunnisongallery.net

Artwork on display until December 30th.

HOLIDAY DRINK SPECIALS!

Gunnison Country Times

Wolverine listed as threatened under Endangered Species Act On Nov. 29, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it will protect the wolverine population in the lower 48 states as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a decision that will provide this species with new legal protections and programs for recovery.

The decision represents the culmination of a campaign by conservationists over decades that required six rounds of successful litigation to secure federal protections. Most recently, conservation groups succeeded in 2022 in persuading a federal judge to vacate a 2020 decision by the service denying ESA protections for wolverines in the Lower 48. That victory sent the agency back to the drawing board to reconsider its determination and set the stage for today’s listing decision.

Conservation groups originally petitioned to list the wolverine as threatened under the act in 1994 and again in 2000.

For decades, the service repeatedly delayed and obstructed the proposed wolverine listing, forcing wolverine advocates to turn to the courts for enforcement of the act.

Today’s decision provides the wolverine and its remaining habitat with additional protections to ensure its best chance for survival. The wolverine, the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family, is threatened with massive habitat loss due to climate change. Wolverines depend on areas with deep snow through late spring.

Pregnant females dig their dens into this snowpack to birth and raise their young. Scientists estimate that no more than 300 wolverines remain in the lower 48 states.

“The protections that come with Endangered Species Act listing increase the chance that our children will continue to share the mountains with these elusive and fascinating carnivores..”

Michael Saul Defenders of Wildlife

“The science is clear: snowpack-dependent species like the wolverine are facing an increasingly uncertain future under a warming climate,” said Michael Saul, Defenders of Wildlife Rockies and plains program director. “The protections that come with Endangered Species Act listing increase the chance

that our children will continue to share the mountains with these elusive and fascinating carnivores. Now it’s time to support the species’ future by bringing them back to the mountains of Colorado as well.”

Wolverines once roamed across the northern tier of the United States and as far south as New Mexico in the Rockies and Southern California in the Sierra Nevada range. After more than a century of trapping and habitat loss, wolverines in the Lower 48 today exist only as small, fragmented populations in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming and northeast Oregon.

Wolverine populations are also at risk from traps, human disturbance, habitat fragmentation and extremely low population numbers resulting in low genetic diversity. Conservation groups have warned that without new conservation efforts the dangers faced by wolverines threaten remaining populations with localized extinctions and inbreeding.

(Earthjustice represented a broad coalition of conservation groups in the most recent suit to protect the wolverine.)

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Thursday, November 30, 2023 • NEWS • A19

Gunnison Country Times

Lights & Sirens

CITY OF GUNNISON NOV. 26 POLICE REPORT NOV. 21 MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 600 S. 11TH ST. ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE MUNICIPAL — 1 QUARTZ ST. INFORMATION — W. TOMICHI AVE. WELFARE ASSIST — QUARTZ ST.

NOV. 22

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — M.M. 156 W. HWY. 50 WELFARE ASSIST — W. DENVER AVE. BURGLARY: SECOND DEGREE — 418 TINCUP DR.

An Artisanal Market celebrating Colorado-based crafters, makers, movers & shakers!

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT NOV. 21

FRAUD — 723 N. 10TH ST. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 800 N. MAIN ST.

NOV. 23 DISTURBING THE PEACE ALLOWING OTHERS — 600 N. COLORADO ST. JUVENILE PROBLEM — E. TOMICHI AVE. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — OURAY LN.

NOV. 24

-Vicious dog report

NOV. 22 -Public indecency report in Somerset -Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police Department with a protection order violation in town

NOV. 23 -Trespass in progress report -Search and rescue call for sick hunter -Welfare check

JUVENILE PROBLEM — E. TOMICHI AVE.

NOV. 24

NOV. 25

-Citation issued for operating an unregistered vehicle

WELFARE ASSIST — N. COLORADO ST. WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JURISDICTION — 108 S. 12TH ST. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - DRUGS — 300 W. TOMICHI AVE.

NOV. 25 -Search and rescue call for a diabetic hunter -Trespassing/mental issue report transported to the hospital

Saturday, Dec. 9 from 12 noon - 8 pm Sunday, Dec.10 from 10 am - 2 pm Lodge at Mountaineer Square Open to the Public. Free entry!

cbchamber.com/coloradocrafted

Tired of paying fees for your business and personal checking accounts?

Here is your “mooove it” kit: • Write a check from your existing bank account to yourself and/or your business.* • Bring the check(s) with a valid ID and your SSN to our friendly new account folks.** • Make sure to close out your old account so you don’t pay any more than you already have.

You have to MOOOVE it to IMPROVE it.

• Take a deep breath. You are in good hands. *

If the bank you are moving from requires a cashier’s check or wire to close your account, GB&T will reimburse you for their fee. ** If you are moving your business account, touch base with a GB&T new accounts person for additional information.

We look forward to protecting your hard-earned money and reinvesting it into our community.

232 W Tomichi Ave. • Gunnison 970.641.0320 gunnisonbank.com

A20 • NEWS • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Gunnison Country Times

Sunday Shopping Stroll December 3 11am-3pm rd

Boom-A-Rang 225 N. Main 970.641.3115

Gunnison Gallery Gunnison Gallery 124 N. Main 970.641.6111

Firebrand Delicatessen 108 N Main St 970.641.6266 Open for cookie and muffin purchases

Abracadabra 211 N. Main 970.641.3693

Pawsitively Native 229 N. Main 970.642.4250

Last Ditch Thrift

Tango 144 N. Main 970.641.3833

Last Ditch Thrift 125 N. Main 970.707.4019

Miller Furniture 315 Main St. 970.641.2560

Gene Taylors 201 W. Tomichi 970.641.1845

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE Local FOR THE HOLIDAYS

608 W Tomichi Ave. 970.641.9150

Blue Mesa Music Store 132 N. Main 970.648.0800

Hope & Glory 147 N. Main, B 970.641.1638

Double Shot Cyclery 222 N. Main St. 970.642.5411

Strolling Carolers will be sharing holiday carols during the Sunday Stroll. Starting at 11:30 am at Miller Furniture lead by Cassia Montgomery.

Toggery Elevated 147 N. Main, A 970.641.0844

113

Gunnison Arts Center 102 S. Main St. 970.641.4029

Corner Cupboard 101 N. Main 970.641.0313

Rocky Mountain Rose 303 E. Tomichi 970.641.1354

Monkey Goats Monkey Goats 118 W. Tomichi Ave. 970.641.4110

Turquoise Junction 125 N. Main St. 970.641.3588

Rocky Mtn. Frames and Trophies 228 N. Main St. 970.641.5033

Sunday Holiday Open House Event

Rooted Apothecary 126 N. Main 970.707.4135

www.treadsnthreads.com ado N. Ma in St . • Gunnison, Color

Treads 'N' Threads 113 N. Main 970.641.1551

All Sports Replay 200 W Tomichi Ave 970.641.1893

POETRY: Thirteen ways of looking at winter, B4

SPORTS: Western wrestlers shine in Nebraska, B6

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

So the birds may abidE Filar sits in front of the Rocky Mountain Rose with one of his prized pieces — a cabin, complete with stone chimney, layered aluminum roof and wooden porch. (Photos by Alex McCrindle)

Reclaimed wood birdhouses display carpentry and artistry Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The colorful grains of reclaimed wood, scattered across job sites and left for waste, linger on the mind of Gunnison local Chris Filar.

Throughout his carpentr y career, the craftsman has transformed scrap wood into miniature architectural masterpieces.

By adding circular cutouts, the cabins create a home for native birds like kestrels, chickadees and nuthatches. Filar has sold his birdhouses for six years now, sending his creations to faraway states, with rumors of one even reaching the yard of famed actor Jeff Bridges.

He said his work combines

the methodical nature of craftsmanship and a connection with the local community and passing travelers.

“There’s a little story that comes along with every birdhouse,” Filar said. “The wood

“There’s a little story that comes along with every birdhouse.”

Chris Filar Carpenter

varies by age and location.

S ome are resourced from 56-year old douglas fir cabins in the Gunnison Valley. But seeing the appreciation from the community and interacting with the public is the accumulation of satisfaction for me.”

Filar has worked with wood for his entire adult life. For the past four decades, he’s worked in the home-building industry in Livingston, Colorado. Today, he completes building inspections and balances his time between Gunnison and Salida.

The idea for birdhouses arose in 2017 when his aging dog was unable to accompany him on weekend hikes.

“At the time, I couldn’t take my senior dog on walks anymore, but still wanted to spend time with him,” Filar said. “So I started creating these little birdhouses on the weekends and started selling them straight out of my front yard.”

With his 14-year-old hound lying at his feet, Filar began sanding away at wood he reclaimed from job sites. He fastened the walls together, adding shingles atop the roof and highlighting the natural blues and greens that streaked through the grain. By drilling a single circular opening, the model cabins were ready for songbirds Birdhouses, B2

B2 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Birdhouses from B1 to nestle inside.

In Livingston, Filar's front yard sat adjacent to a popular restaurant. He filled the space with dangling birdhouses and began selling them by the dozen. After a year or two of small business and a move to the Gunnison Valley, he was invited to display the houses at

Gunnison Country Times

local art shows in Crested Butte.

Ever since, Filar has been a consistent figure at the Gunnison and Crested Butte weekend markets, sending his personalized creations home to numerous other states and countries.

Along with birdhouses, Filar has also custom-built models of iconic Coloradan architecture. Last year, he constructed a model of the Crystal Mill for a Marble-based museum. He

continues to make the cabins more elaborate, adding brick and mortar chimneys, miniature porches and wrap-around decks. Filar works to balance the line between tradesmanship and fine art.

“I’ve worked in conventional trades for all my life, and it has been so encouraging to be recognized and appreciated by established artists at shows,” Filar said. “I showed my hous-

es at the Gunnison Gallery last Christmas, and was flattered to be included in that circle — after all I just started doing this for fun.”

After six years, he’s heard back from handfuls of buyers celebrating the arrival of a songbird family into his creation.

Of all the feedback, one of the more exciting was word that Jeff Bridges purchased one of Filar’s houses and hung it on his prop-

erty near Livingston. Whether true or not, one thing is certain — Filar’s “weekend” project has now brought a smile to hundreds of homeowners, and a new living space for native birds.

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

Gunnison Times

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Thursday, November 30, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B3

Gunnison Country Times

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS ‘Santa Paws’ Get your pet’s photo taken with Santa Claus at Pat’s Screen Printing on Dec. 1 during Night of Lights from 5-7:30 p.m. and Dec. 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy professional photography from Daphne Bernard. Prices start at $14.95 and all proceeds benefit the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League.

Ski-board wax fundraiser Get all of your Nordic skis, alpine skis and boards prepped for the season by experienced coaches and athletes. Western Mountain Sports is hosting a fundraiser to reduce travel costs this winter season. Drop your skis or boards off at the Mountain Sports tent at the Field House on Dec. 6 between 1-4 p.m. Hot wax is $20, a full tune is $30-40 and P-tex is $10. For more information, call Andrew at 541.948.9507.

Food pantry meeting The Gunnison Country Food Pantry will host its annual meeting on Dec. 5 at 5B's BBQ from 2-3:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

GV-HEAT roundtable The Gunnison Valley Home Energy Advancement Team (GV-HEAT) will host a conversation for community members who are curious about their services to speak with past participants on Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Gunnison Library.

Free food and beverages will be provided by Jermaine’s.

El Equipo Promotor de Energía para el Hogar del Valle de Gunnison (GV-HEAT) esta vinculando desde el 2017 personas locales ofreciendoles actualizaciones y evaluaciones de energia para el hogar. Estamos presentando una conversación y mesa redonda, para los miembros de la comunidad que tengan curiosodad en conocer nuestros servicios y hablar con antiguos participantes. Únete a nosotros el 6 de Dic. de 6-8 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública del Condado, para conocer más. Comida y bebidas gratis suministradas por Jermaine’s.

High school theater

The Gunnison High School Drama Club presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” on Dec. 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 16 at 4 p.m. at Gunnison High School. Tickets will be available at the door with a suggested donation of $5. Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book by LInda Woolverton. “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. MTIShows. com.

Ugly sweater fun run Join the Six Points Ugly Sweater Fun Run on Dec. 9.

Registration opens at 9:30 a.m at the Gunnison Rec Center. The entry fee is $15 per person or $25 per family, with proceeds supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. The run will begin at 10:30 a.m. and finish at Six Points with hot cocoa, cookies, awards for best ugly sweater and more.

Holiday music at Western T h e We s t e r n C o l o r a d o University Music Department’s Holiday Gala takes place at Quigley Hall on the WCU campus on Dec. 9. This free event featuring food, fun and a silent auction starts at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

Holiday theater You may be familiar with the Nutcracker ballet, but do you know the actual story on which it’s based? Firebird Theatre Company presents “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King'' at the Majestic Theatre in Crested Butte from Dec. 9-10 and 16-17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for kids and $10 for adults and may be purchased in advance at cbmajestic. org.

Theater party On Dec. 9, Firebird Theatre Company will host their firstannual season reveal party at the Public House in Crested Butte.

Enjoy a night of refreshments and a fast-paced, high energy performance that will reveal the upcoming season and keep you laughing throughout. This fun-

draiser will help kickstart next year’s slate of productions. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 at the door or in advance at firebirdcb.com. Email firebirdtroupe@ gmail.com for sponsorship information.

Free legal clinics Free legal clinics for parties who have no attorney will be held on Dec. 13 from 2-5 p.m. at the Gunnison and Crested Butte Libraries. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions and explain the process and procedure for all areas of Colorado civil law.

Contact the Gunnison Library at 970.641.3485 or 970.349.6535 in Crested Butte to be added to the sign-up sheet. Space is limited.

Holiday food boxes 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.

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.

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

MAJESTIC THEATRE

SHOWTIMES FRI DEC 1- THURS DEC 7 **CLOSED MON DEC **

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS Avalanche awareness night

Holiday drag performance

Gallery reception

The Crested Butte Avalanche Center presents its annual avalanche awareness night on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. Enjoy presentations from experts in the avalanche world, videos and not one, but two raffles with tons of prizes.

Kick off your holiday season with the premiere musical drag tribute to The Golden Girls television show, all the way from New York City with “The Golden Gays: Thank YULE for Being a Friend” on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. Ticket prices start at $25. Find more information at crestedbuttearts. org.

On Dec. 8 at 5 p.m., join the Crested Butte Center for the Arts for the opening reception of their “Sense of Place” show. The event will feature a robust bar menu and a chance to mingle with the artists.

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER (PG) DAILY: 4:00 & 7:00 PM *CLOSED MONDAY

SALTBURN (R) DAILY: 4:15 & 7:15 PM *CLOSED MONDAY

CBMAJESTIC.ORG

B4 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Gunnison Country Times

The poetry of snow Thirteen ways of looking at winter

Today we woke up to a revolution of snow, its white flag waving over everything, the landscape vanished…

Donald Hall has a more modern take on the first snow: Snow fell in the night.

At five-fifteen I woke to a bluish mounded softness where the Honda was…

Derek Walcott describes the same phenomenon this way:

Wendy Videlock Colorado Poet Laureate

Here at the base of the Grand Mesa, on the eastern edge of Palisade, where the peaches grow and generous slopes of vineyards overflow into the valley, we woke recently to our first snow of the year. snow drifts…shaping itself to the wish of any object it touches —Linda Pastan I just love that little touch of personification, offering a remarkable image of snowdrifts as beings of surrender. Billy Collins gives us an entirely different take on surrender:

Against thin woods, Siberian snow steadily erases objects from their names…

Emily Dickinson offers a more active image of falling snow: It reaches to the fence, It wraps it, rail by rail, Till it is lost in fleeces; It flings a crystal veil…

In another stunning winter poem, Dickinson describes falling flakes of snow as “the white souls of the autumn leaves”, which “come back, drifting, drifting.”

This is the kind of metaphor that sneaks up from behind and can forever change the way we

see things. This is something Emily Dickinson does over and over again in her work — a feat which makes her one of our most beloved American poets.

In yet another of her winter poems, she famously begins: There’s a certain slant of light, Winter afternoons— That oppresses, like the Heft of Cathedral tunes…

Here she gives us a powerful rendering of that harsh, diminishing light, especially if we consider it in contrast with the exquisitely forgiving and soft Autumn light which precedes winter’s stark light.

The time of flying snow and winter’s dark certainly has its shadow side — most of us experience both the quiet joy of the season and the darker, oppressive nature of winter in turns— and everything in between.

Sylvia Plath gives us these harsh lines: Winter dawn is the color of metal, The trees stiffen into place like burnt nerves…

Yikes! I can feel that one in my bones, in my gut, in my own nerves.

This is one of the reasons I find poetry a real guiding star in my life — it has no inter-

est in presenting or ascribing to just one side of things — it offers us instead the full spectrum of experience, sensation and perception, reminding us we needn’t land on one emotion and stick to it like glue. As sentient, mindful beings, we’re allowed to feel it all.

As Auden said, “poetry might be defined as the clear expression of mixed emotions.”

High desert snow often melts within a day or so; nevertheless it is snow— and first snow, across cultures, is often seen as spiritually relevant. It’s certainly long captured the attention and imagination of the poets.

In winter all the singing is in the tops of the trees…

— Mary Oliver We n d e l l B e r r y re m i n d s us that the winter is a time of reflection, introspection and retreat.

quility, calm and mystery.

How is it that the snow amplifies the silence, slathers the black bark on limbs…

— Robert Haight Perhaps one of my favorite meditations on snow is magical, philosophic and descriptive all at once. It comes by way of Wallace Stevens poem, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” I encourage you to seek out if you don’t know it. It begins: Among twenty snowy mountains, The only moving thing Was the eye of the blackbird…

(Wendy Videlock of Palisade is poet laureate of the Western Slope. She hosts Lit Radio on KAFM and advocates for the arts in schools and public spaces. She can be contacted at westernslopeword@gmail.com.)

To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight, and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings, and is traveled by dark feet and dark wings.

Not only does snow brighten the landscape, it also silences it, deepening our sense of tran-

A happy season for all (even cats and dogs) How to make the holidays more petfriendly

Dan Estep and Suzanne Hetts Special to the Times

While holiday activities may be fun for us, with rich food, visitors coming and going and new objects in the house, our companion animals may experience stress and frustration rather than enjoying the celebrations.

Here are a few suggestions to make things happier and safer for you and your pets.

Watch what foods your pets are getting this season.

It’s natural to want to share food with those we love, including our dogs and cats, but sweets and other foods that are a change from your pets’ normal diets can cause intestinal

upsets resulting in messes to clean up. And there are always the enterprising pets who want to help themselves if given the chance. Even worse, some foods, such as chocolate, are toxic and should never be given to pets. To avoid problems, it’s best to keep your pet’s diet the same, limit the amount of sharing of holiday goodies and make sure you’ve safely stored chocolates and other human treats out of your pet’s reach.

Proactively manage the interactions between your pets and visitors to your house.

Even the friendliest, welltrained dog can become overwhelmed with too many people in the house. This is especially true if your pet isn’t accustomed to being around children and you know there will be young kids visiting your home. The safest approach is to not allow your dog to meet people at the front door or the front gate.

Instead, confine them briefly in a bedroom or other room with a door, let visitors settle in the house, and even sit down, then bring your dog out to greet them in a controlled and safe manner. You can give each guest a small dog treat then your dog can make the rounds and earn a treat by sitting first when asked by each guest.

Many cats are fearful of people they don’t know, so plan to have a quiet, easily acces-

sible area where your cat can retreat and avoid guests if she chooses to. If you know or suspect that either your dog or cat could be aggressive to people, or your dog’s jumping or barking are unmanageable (even if friendly), then you, your pets and your guests will all be happier if you put your pets in their own area away from your visitors with their beds, food, water and something to play with.

Have one family member be responsible for monitoring the pet’s behavior and interactions with others.

Don’t hesitate to segregate your pet, if necessary.

If visitors are behaving in risky ways (this often happens when alcohol is involved), such as trying to hug your dog, roughhousing or when children just won’t leave your pets alone, then it’s best to take your pet to their own space and shut the door. Many people, even if they have dogs of their own, often don’t recognize the signs of stress and anxiety in pets. But you know your pets best, and if they don't look happy and relaxed, the kindest thing to do is give them their own quiet space. No one wants to ruin a holiday celebration with a dog or cat bite.

Be watchful of your pets around Christmas trees and ornaments, other decorations,

wrapped gifts and indoor and outdoor lights.

All of these could be hazardous to your pet or could be damaged by a playful dog or cat.

Christmas tree tinsel, in particular, can be very dangerous to cats if they ingest it. And as you all know, any pet, at any time can turn almost anything into a chew toy. We were reminded of this recently when we were petsitting two dogs who decided to destroy a miniature, Oaxacan art sea turtle that was sitting on a display shelf in their reach.

The dogs had ignored a whole shelf of these wooden objects on previous visits and on previous days during this sit. But unfortunately, we had ignored

the “on any given day” rule and not proactively put up a baby gate in front of the shelf. We paid the price, as did the little turtle!

The take home message is to consciously think about how your pets will react to upcoming holiday celebrations and changes and proactively plan for their needs so that their holiday experiences will be just as safe and pleasant as your own.

(Suzanne Hetts and Daniel Estep are certified animal behaviorists and part-time residents of the Gunnison Valley.)

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B5

Gunnison Country Times

Undercover elves Fred Field Center lent the community of Gunnison a hand with a little early holiday season shopping on Friday, Nov. 24 during the Santa's Little Helper holiday market.

(Photos by Elle Forrest)

Give the Gift that Gives

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BASKETBALL: Western slips to Lopers, B7

SHOOTING: Ruggera competes in Chile, B8

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Gunnison native smashes powerlifting record Hildreth competes at world championship Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

Leona Hildreth is the housec l e a n e r at t h e 2 4 / 7 Gy m on Main Street. Few, however, know of her superhuman strength and reputation as a world record powerlifter. On Nov. 19, the Gunnison native set a new world record at the 2023 International Powerlifting League (IPL) World Championship in Eugene, Oregon.

Hildreth walked away from the three-day tournament with a number of achievements.

Her 308-pound squat broke the

world record in the women's masters (40-to 49-year-old) bracket. She also received first place in the masters full power — a competition that includes squat, deadlift and bench press. Hildreth is now the ninth

ranked all-time master powerlifter ever.

“The whole experience was empowering,” Hildreth said. “I will be 50 in July, and was out competing with the kids, and won.”

Powerlifting, B8

Leona approaches the bar before her world record attempt. (Courtesy PWRBLD Media)

Mountaineers shine in Nebraska Wrestlers earn trio of secondplace finishes Gregg Petcoff Special to the Times

Western Colorado University wrestling concluded on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Younes Hospitality Open in Nebraska with a slew of top-three placements.

Ryan Wilson was the runnerup in the 157-pound bracket.

Cole Hernandez took second for 174, while Sage Harrison earned second place in the amateur 197 bracket. Dean Noble and Patrick Allis also placed, with Noble taking fifth at 149, and Allis, sixth at 133.

Wilson opened his morning with a 5-1 decision, before posting a 12-1 major decision to advance to the quarterfinals.

An 8-2 decision there, and a 5-4 decision in the semifinal put Wilson in the championship

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bout. That would be the end of with a 10-2 major. his winning streak, however.

Allis made it into the semifiEthan Stiles from the University nal round of the 133 elite brackof Nebraska earned the title et, but suffered a 20-7 major to with a 14-2 major over Wilson. fall into the consolation bracket.

Hernandez dominated his He finished in sixth-place.. first two opponents, registerNoble dropped his opening ing a second-period fall in his match of the 149 elite bracket. opener and a 25-15 major in the He then stormed through the second round. It was a score consolation bracket with a firstthat concluded the open as the period fall, a medical forfeit, a most points in a single match.

19-1 third-period tech fall — all His 5-2 quarterfinal deci- which led to a wild 19-13 decision moved Hernandez into sion. Noble moved on to forfeit the semis, where he won a his next match, and picked up 19-8 major. The championship a fifth-place finish for Western.

(Courtesy Western Colorado University.) final reversed that dominance, Logan Branigan, who comthough, when Otgonbayar peted in the 149-amateur by a pin, a decision and a major athletics director for communications at Western Colorado Batsuuri of Northwest Kansas bracket, had a solid day for the before bowing out.

Next up, the Mountaineers University, and can be reached Mountaineers. He followed an took the title with a 15-5 major.

Harrison rolled through his opening pin with a loss in the will travel to Grand Junction at gpetcoff@western.edu.) first two matches with a first- second round, but scored a on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The period fall, and a first-period tech fall and a major. Then, he first match is a non-confer19-3 technical fall at the 2:21 notched a 17-14 overtime sud- ence rivalry bout against host mark. A 5-2 decision and an 8-3 den victory. His day ended with Colorado Mesa University, and decision advanced Harrison a 10-4 decision in a match that the second is a Rocky Mountain into the semis where he scored was tied at 4-4 after two periods. Athletic Conference match at FRIDAY FEB. 10 SATURDAY FEB. 11 Trevor Pettit also had a nice Mesa against San Francisco a 14-4 major to earn his spot in WCU Basketball v Fort WCU Basketball v Adams State. runLewis through the consolation the amateur 197 championship Women 5:30 pm | Men 7:30pm Women 5 pm | Men 7 pm bout. But Brian Burbunja from side of the 174-amateur bracket, GHS title, Basketball vwinning Meeker GHS Basketballmatches v Roaring Fork (Gregg Petcoff is the assistant consecutive Air Force Prep took the GJV 4, BJV 4, GV 5:30pm, BV 7pm

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Thursday, November 30, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B7

Gunnison Country Times

Western basketball falls to Lopers in close battle Rembao leads Mountaineers with 19 points Brenna Barkley Special to the Times

On Nov. 21, the Mountaineers basketball squad lost to the Nebraska Kearne y L opers 76-75, despite being up 44-39 at the half. The defeat drops Western to a 2-3 record for the season.

Entering the final two minutes of the game, the teams were tied at 69 points apiece before senior guard Aver y Rembao put the Mountaineers up by two. The Lopers then

equalized at 71. Sean Evans went to the free-throw line and made his lone attempt, putting the team up by one.

At the 47-second mark, the game was again tied at 74 after Rembao's first attempt at the charity stripe. Rembao then edged his team ahead by making his second free throw. The Lopers responded with a layup, taking the lead with 40 seconds left. Nebraska managed to hold onto its one point advantage.

In the first half, Western shot 53.1% from the field, 7% better than the Lopers. The team also maintained a 35.7% clip from beyond the arc.

Rembao led the Mountaineers with 19 points over the course of the game —

going 6-for-13 from the field, and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line. Kade Juelfs went 6-for-10 from the field and 3-for-7 from three-point range.

Defensively, three Mountaineers tallied a block each, while Xavier Harris registered two steals, three rebounds and four assists. Jamel Hollins led the Mountaineers' rebound efforts with seven.

Western will start conference play this weekend on Dec. 1, facing Adams State at home at 7 p.m.

(Brenna Barkley is the assistant athletics communications director at Western, and can be reached at bbarkley@western. edu.)

(Courtesy Western Colorado University.)

Thanksgiving on ice Jorgensen Ice Rink hosted the annual pre-feast skatesgiving hockey games on Thursday, Nov. 23.

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B8 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Powerlifting from B6 She recalled struggling to even squat the bar alone in 2016.

Now, after working with elitelevel coaches in Salt Lake City

and competing at pro meets for the past year and a half, Hildreth has officially written her name into the powerlifting history books.

In Eugene, she competed against 450 athletes from across the world. After the dust had settled, she was named first

Gunnison Country Times in the masters full power, and second in the 18-year-old-andup full power. To top it all off, her squat broke the women's masters world record, adding to the deadlift world record she achieved in 2021. She now holds two world records, five national records and 15 state

records in two weight divisions.

“This took so much work, a lot of repetition and just showing up,” Hildreth said. “It makes me want more, and tears down the limitations of age.”

Looking ahead, Hildreth plans to step into a personal training role at the 24/7 Gym

and teach the next generation proper technique to prevent injury. She plans to compete again at a meet this June.

“It’s pretty cool we have one more badass in the valley,” said 24/7 Gym owner Kevin Hartigan.

With spotters standing nearby, Hildreth completes the world record squat at 308-pounds. (Courtesy PWRBLD Media.)

Ruggera represents the U.S. in Chile Landon Ruggera, Gunnison’s up-and-coming paralympic shooting ace, competed at the Para Pan American games in Santiago, Chile last week. On Nov. 21, he finished fifth in the Para sport 10-meter air rifle prone finals. He went on to finish seventh in the mixed 50-meter prone.

(Courtesy U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee)

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B9

Gunnison Country Times

Black Friday deals close to home The Gunnison Arts Center opened its annual Holiday Market on Friday, Nov. 24 just in time for early Christmas shoppers. The market will be open from 12-6 p.m. every Friday through Sunday until Jan. 14.

A variety of art and jewelry created by local artists is available for purchase.

MEETING NOTICE-RTA

The next meeting of the Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (RTA) will be December 8, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. at the Crested Butte Town Offices. For copies of the Board of Directors meeting packet, please go to www.gunnisonvalleyrta.com/meetings or call Scott Truex at 970-275-0111.

Two or more County Commissioners may attend these meetings.

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The Gunnison Country Times monthly Spanish language and culture page is produced in partnership with Inmigrantes Unidos.

La primera mujer hispana miembro del consejo de Gunnison Marisela Ballesteros gana las elecciones Laura Cardozo Especial para los Times

Con una de las votaciones más altas, Marisela Ballesteros de 26 años, es la primera concejala de origen hispano en el Concejo de Gunnison.

La ciudad de Gunnison eligió el pasado 7 de noviembre a los representantes al Concejo Municipal. Según los resultados el concejo queda conformado por Diego Plata, Marisela Ballesteros, Matt Schwartz y Scott Frazier.

De esta forma la comunidad latina en Gunnison estará representada por dos concejales de origen hispano, Diego plata y Marisela Ballestero.

“Tenemos voz”, dice la concejala electa al preguntarle sobre los resultados de las pasadas elecciones.

“Junto a Diego Plata, hemos conversado sobre propuestas que tenemos para disminuir las barreras entre inmigrantes y locales”, comentó Marisela.

Marisela tiene herencia indígena mexicana. Nació en Montrose, Colorado y ha vivido desde que era una niña en Gunnison. Habla español, inglés y cora, una lengua de origen indígena hablada por los Coras de Nayarit en México.

Los Coras son una de las comunidades más numerosas que hace presencia en el valle.

Según la concejal, estudió cosmetología y posteriormente continuó sus estudios en finanzas y español en la Universidad de Western Colorado. Hace parte del equipo de trabajo de Project Hope, una agencia enfocada a víctimas de violencia doméstica, desde donde dice haber creado una vocación de servicio a la comunidad.

De acuerdo con Marisela, tiene una serie de propuestas enfocadas en violencia doméstica. Además, incluye entre sus objetivos para los siguientes años lograr una

comunidad incluyente donde se pueda acceder a la información en diferentes idiomas.

“Yo vengo de una familia inmigrante, sé cuáles son nuestras dificultades y con esta representación de dos hispanos en el concejo podemos tener la posibilidad de crear una comunidad con igualdad de oportunidades”, comentó la concejal.

Marisela dice estar agradecida con todos aquellos que votaron por ella e hicieron posible su permanencia en el Concejo Municipal los siguientes 4 años. “Quiero ser un puente para integrar la comunidad y crear unidad”, afirmó Marisela.

(Laura Cardozo puede ser contactada por 970.641.1414.)

(Cortesía de Marisela Ballesteros)

Gunnison’s first female hispanic council member Marisela Ballesteros wins 4-year term Laura Cardozo

Special to the Times

( Article translated from Sp anish b y Mayte Ar zuz a Burton.)

With one of the highest votes, Marisela Ballesteros, 26 years old, is the first councilwoman of Hispanic origin on the Gunnison City Council.

O n Nov. 7 , t h e C i t y o f Gunnison elected representatives to the city council. In order of votes won, the new members are Diego Plata, followed by Ballesteros, Matt Schwartz and

Scott Frazier.

The Latino community in Gunnison will now be represented by two council members of Hispanic origin — Plata and Ballesteros.

“We have a voice,” the councilwoman-elect said. “Along with Diego Plata, we have talked about proposals to reduce the barriers between immigrants and locals,” Ballesteros said.

Ballesteros is of indigenous Mexican heritage. She was born in Montrose, Colorado, and has lived in Gunnison since she was a child. She speaks Spanish,

English and Cora — the language spoken by the indigenous Cora people of Nayarit, Mexico.

The Cora are one of the largest communities present in the Gunnison Valley.

According to the councilwoman, she studied cosmetology and later continued her studies in finance and Spanish at Western Colorado University.

She is part of Project Hope’s work team, an agency focused on victims of domestic violence, from where she has created a vocation of service to the community.

Ballesteros said she has a series of proposals focused on domestic violence. In addition, it includes among its objectives to achieve an inclusive community where information can be accessed in different languages in the following years.

“I come from an immigrant family, I know what our difficulties are and with this representation of two Hispanics on the council we have the possibility of creating a community with equal opportunities,” the councilwoman said.

Ballesteros said she is grateful

to all those who voted for her and made it possible for her to remain on the city council for the next four years.

“I want to be a bridge to integrate the community and create unity,” Ballesteros said.

(Laura Cardozo puede ser contactada por 970.641.1414.)

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Thursday, November 30, 2023 • ROUNDUP • B11

Gunnison Country Times

E-bikes, guns and money A look back at 2023 on the trails Dave Ochs Special to the Times

(Editor’s note: This article has been edited for length and clarity.)

That headline borrows from the late Warren Zevon, in a little play on words referencing more desperate times in the Gunnison Valley backcountry this summer. It’s always fun to look back on a season once the books are closed. Besides having a pretty rough spate of entitlement and overuse for four weeks in July and August, it was an otherwise stellar summer season. From the hard core and dedicated Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) volunteers, to the mightily benevolent Crested Butte Conser vation Corps (CBCC) crews — it was one to remember.

Let’s go in order, shall we?

No matter where one stands (or falls) on e-bikes, one thing is certain: they are not going away.

They are already here and are ever-growing in popularity. It is truly amazing to see how people react to e-bikes (like them or not) and what a stir they can rile up in folks. Like any machine or tool, they serve a purpose, though that purpose is what usually causes all the consternation.

CBCC crews use e-bikes when needing to get deep to work projects while carrying a heavy pack full of tools and supplies — of course, on motorized roads and routes. E-bikes certainly are a positive tool in this regard. The aging and physically challenged surely have a purpose when using an e-bike, although there is no legal or written justification for such.

E-bikes can make really difficult rides and routes more palatable. With that, they can provide excellent user experiences. They can also provide another tool in the quiver when you need to get out on the trails but the legs are in a spot of bother from a summer of (over) use and little recovery time. Big mountains and less oxygen to boot.

Alas, it’s the dude in jean shorts, with a speaker blaring from his e-bike, going up Gothic Road and passing non-electric bikes on a Saturday in July en route to ride 401 with the other 379 people and their Subarus that usually makes one question his purpose.

The only real solution here is a full process of federal “travel management,” where the suitability of trails for use by e-bikes is determined on a one-by-one basis. Not that they do any more damage than an analog/acoustic bike — it’s more a numbers game. Adding increased uphill

speeds, downhill numbers and overall users to the 403 and 401 trails is not good for any user or for future uses. E-bikes replacing shuttling cars, that’s great.

E-bikes keeping folks on bikes that otherwise would not be able to ride, even better.

But until that travel management process happens, or until the feds (Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service) redefine what an e-bike is and classify its use, then it’s still a “motorized” device that can only be used on motorized trails. It’s up to us, as users, to be diligent and act with purpose in any of our actions in life, let alone choice of bicycle. But each user should not let someone else’s questionable choices ruin their ride, or their day.

Serenity now! Thanks, Frank Costanza.

Speaking of jean shorts, I wish one dude in particular had been wearing them. CBCC crews assisted a Herculean fella this summer who was seemingly on psychedelic contraband while riding 401 in bike shorts — no shirt, no helmet — and a holstered knife and sidearm strapped to each side. You can imagine the conversation that developed. I’d rather see an e-bike on 401.

In another lasting memory from the trails in 2023, CBCC crews helped H&H Towing remove a Land Rover from Roaring Judy Trail #552 where it had been abandoned for four years. It’s amazing to ponder how it hurdled the boulders to make it there. CBCC crews had to smoke out wasps and clear parts of the forest to be able to extract it. We sure had a good time watching H&H play Land Rover forest pinball extracting this thing.

Winter is in sight and we’ll be back to maintaining some winter trails, because, well, we like trails. CBMBA meets yearround and board meetings are always open to the public. We invite any and all to come out and play in the dirt or snow with us, or join us at the conference table. You can find more info and a calendar at cbmba.org, on our social media channels or by contacting dave@cbmba.org.

(Dave O chs is executive director of the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association.)

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B12 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, November 30, 2023

Gunnison Country Times

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