Gunnison Country Times

City initiates multi-million dollar water treatment plant project

Water utility rate hikes planned in coming years

Bella Biondini Times Editor

The City of Gunnison has begun the design process for a $20-30 million surface

water treatment plant — a multi-year project that will likely be the largest in the city’s history.

Gunnison’s previous plant, built almost 100 years ago, went offline in the 60s. The city temporarily drilled wells in anticipation of building a new plant, but that never happened. In the new year, staff are taking

A moment of hope

Snowpack receives small boost entering new year

Dangerous avalanche conditions persist in North Valley

Bella Biondini Times Editor

After a dry autumn, the Gunnison Basin finally received some relief over the holidays as snow blanketed both ends of the valley.

Local businesses swap locations

All Sports Replay and OffCenter

DeSigns will have new homes

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Although not nearly as large as 2021’s epic Santa Slammer, two storm cycles dropped feet of snow between Christmas and New Year’s Day. On Jan. 3, snowpack in the Upper Gunnison Basin sat at little above 130% of normal, while the rest of the state hovered around 125%. These percentages refer to how the present median snow water equivalent comAll Sports A7

In a game of musical chairs in which everyone wins, a pair of Gunnison businesses are preparing to trade locations in February. OffCenter DeSigns and All Sports Replay will each move two blocks — in opposite directions — to set up shop in the other’s old space. For All Sports, that’s not all that’s changing. The sports equip-

Michael Stanley, Steve Curtiss and Adam Crist (right to left) of Econo Lodge watch what would prove to be an unsuccessful shootout during the Gunnison adult fall B-league championship on Dec. 21. Econo Lodge lost to CB Electric in the fourth round of the shootout. For more, see B7.

Morgan Raspanti

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of the week

Blue Mesa is so low now that it’s going to take an amazing amount of water to bring it back up.

OBITUARIES

Garry F. Mazzuca

Garry F. Mazzuca passed away Dec. 25, 2022 in Gunnison, Colorado. Garry worked at Six-Points and will be dearly missed. Obituary to follow.

Bev Richards,

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District

Harold F. “Hal” Yale

story on A1

BRIEFS

Uptick in RSV local infections

Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) continues to grapple with the “tripledemic” infection season as a frontline responder for RSV, COVID and the flu.

On Dec. 20, the GVH Board of Trustees updated the Gunnison County Commissioners on valley-wide infection rates. Through the month of December, staff saw an uptick in admissions for RSV infection and admits, as well as flu cases.

Since Nov. 1, the hospital has admitted 10 RSV patients, mostly young children. The hospital typically only admits two to five RSV patients per year.

The hospital works closely with the Colorado Hospital Transfer Center, which allows direct admit RSV and pediatric transfers to areas like Denver or Colorado Springs. But so far, GVH has been able to manage its patients in-house.

Oxygen therapy is the most common medical support provided to RSV admits. GVH works with a local oxygen distributing company to make sure there are enough pediatric oxygen regulators.

The most rapid increase in infections came from the flu. On Nov. 1, there were no infections reported in the health system. By Dec. 11, more than 40 cases were recorded. Most of those cases came through clinics. Only three hospital admissions for the flu occurred between Nov. 1 and Dec. 20. The hospital is still offering flu shots for residents.

COVID curves have remained flat with only one hospital admission since November.

Minimum wage increase

On Jan. 1, the statewide minimum hourly wage in Colorado increased to $13.65 for regular employees and $10.63 for tipped employees.

Colorado’s minimum wage changes at the start of each year based on the inflation rate of the past year. The statewide increase in 2022 was equal to almost 9%.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Harold F. “Hal” Yale of Gunnison, Colorado on Dec. 28, 2022 at age 87. He was born Aug. 11, 1935 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Legend has it that he was born prematurely so to keep him warm he was given a sip of whiskey and was placed in an oven that was used as an incubator. As a child his family was on the move to places like Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Brighton and Denver, Colorado finally settling in Gunnison in 1948. Hal was a graduate of Gunnison High School, Class of 1953. In 1957, he graduated from Western State College. After college he served two years in the United States Army. While on leave in 1958 he married his college sweetheart and continued to be her “knight in shining armor” for more than 64 years. In 1960, Hal, his wife, Peg, and children, Gary and Cindy, returned to Gunnison where he lived for the remainder of his life. He began work at the family accounting firm

and obtained his Certified Public Accountant license in 1967. He kept the accounting firm going until he sold the practice and retired. When not working he could be found out for a “short” Sunday drive on one of the many 4-wheeldrive trails, heading up to the Alpine Tunnel, picking wild raspberries, cheering on the Cowboys, Mountaineers and Broncos, or out cross-country skiing near his cabin in Pitkin. He enjoyed showing off his 1929 Model-A pickup at car shows or in parades, once driving the entire parade route in reverse. Hal was actively involved with the Gunnison Rotary Club for more than half of its 100-year existence. He served in several offices culminating in the 197576 club president. He could always be counted on to support the Rotarians during roadside cleanup, Fourth of July fireworks, Halloween parties, or any other community service activity. In 2015, his service was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Gunnison Rotary Club’s “Hal Yale Service Above Self Award.” After he retired from the accounting firm he spent many hours supporting the Pioneer Museum. He served as the Gunnison County Pioneer and Historical Society Treasurer and helped at the museum by gathering donated items, arranging displays and giving tours. He loved history, especially the history of the Gunnison Valley and old West. He would occasionally leave the valley to travel or go on a cruise. While he enjoyed cruising, he preferred to drive so he could see the countryside. He always had a gleam in his eye and a little chuckle when he spoke. He is survived by his wife Peg, children Gary (Debbie), Cindy, Ken (Teri), and Andrew (Troy), brother Donald (Sandy), sister-in-law Marge Yale, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Byron “Barney” and Joyce

Yale and brother Jim (Marge). Some will remember him as a devoted husband and father. Others as the clown/magician at the Rotary Halloween parties. All will remember him as a warm, kind and gentle man who always thought of others above himself. May he rest in peace and enjoy the paradise he has earned. Services will be later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations

career as county librarian for many years. She enjoyed hiking, evening stars, the beauty of nature and of course planting spring flowers. She loved the mountains of Colorado as well as the deserts of Utah. Laurel was preceded in death by both parents and her first husband Michael. She is survived by her son Benjamin Bain of Durango, Colorado, her step son Christopher Bain of Florissant, Colorado and her husband Greg Winslow of Aurora, Colorado. Laurel will be missed by many. A celebration of life will be held in the Gunnison Valley sometime next summer, time and date to be determined.

Delbert Rodney Davis

Laurel Warmack Bain, beloved wife, mother and dear friend passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2022 while traveling through Seattle, Washington on vacation with her husband Greg. Laurel was born on March 5, 1948 to Clonita and Ralph Warmack in Dalton, Georgia. Laurel graduated high school in Boulder, Colorado and then continued on to receive her Bachelors degree and Masters degree in library science from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Laurel moved to the Gunnison area in the mid-70’s where she received a teaching certificate from Western State College. She soon discovered that she enjoyed the library much more. Laurel was married to Michael Bain and they raised their son Benjamin in the Gunnison Valley. Laurel continued a very long

Delbert Rodney Davis (Rod), 93, passed away Dec. 15, 2022. Services will be held at the Sedgwick Community Center, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Sedgwick Volunteer Fire Department or VFW in Rod’s name. Visit bohlenderfuneralchapel.com to share memories and read Rod’s obituary.

MOUNTAIN GETAWAY Home on 5 mining claims in Ohio City features an excellent mixture of wildlife, nearby trails, aspen, pines & 300 feet of Gold Creek frontage. 3 bdrm/2 bath house, huge attached garage, large detached barn, touched by Forest Service lands. Gold and Silver mine. 5498 County Road 771; $1,750,000.

COME VISIT THIS over 1,200sf, 3 bdrm/2 bath, ranch level home with a small fenced yard. Open kitchen & dining area. Master suite has large windows for natural light. Located near the new Lazy K Park & the West End River Park. 1208 W. Tomichi Ave. #4; $299,000.

NEW LISTING 3 bdrm/2 bath, ranch level home with a walkout basement. Open kitchen & dining area with a pellet stove. Property has an attached oversized 2 car garage. Over 1,800sf with great southern views of Sawtooth Mountain & W Mountain. No HOA or covenants. 851 County Road 18; $435,000.

OHIO CITY Opportunity knocks at Sportsmans Resort! Year-round access location, mature trees, positioned on 1.28 acres, would make a great retreat or base camp. Ride Cumberland Pass over to Taylor Reservoir for the day. 116 County Road 771; $499,900.

WHITEPINE LAND Very nice lot in the town of White Pine about an hour from Gunnison. This is a great location to build your dream cabin or park your RV. 9900 County Road 888; $25,000.

NEW LISTING 3 bdrm/2 bath home on 18 acres of fenced & irrigated pasture, 2 car detached garage, multiple sheds & small animal barn. Lots of wildlife, no covenants, home is 1,173sf with a 400sf mudroom. Kitchen appliances included, antique decorative ranching equipment & woodburning stove. 44829 County Road 18VV; $499,000.

PRICE REDUCTION 3 bdrm/ 2 bath home with large yard, detached garage & additional cabin. Large living room & open kitchen, plenty of storage for your toys. Zoned R-3 on 6 city lots. 502 S. 11th; $585,000.

OVER 1,900SF log cabin on 35 acres features 2 bedrooms, an open living room & kitchen with custom made oak cabinets, Upstairs loft includes additional beds for guest & the woodstove keeps the cabin warm. Well in place & solar panels for electricity. Seasonal pond and sold partially furnished. Lot 1 Stratman Subdivision; $425,000.

VIEWS from the main floor & upstairs of this 2,304 square foot, 4 bdrm/2 bath, two story home on 6.8 acres overlooking the Ohio Creek Valley & Horse River Ranches. Partially fenced with loafing shed

Hospital pushes retention programs into 2023

Focus on longterm staffing goals and housing

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Staffing shortages continue to hinder Gunnison Valley’s economy — but the headaches are not limited to small business owners. On Dec. 20, Gunnison County Commissioners heard a presentation from Gunnison Valley Health administrators detailing the formidable staffing problems the publicly-owned institution faces — and laying out their plans to tackle them.

The hospital has 70 open positions, a number that has barely budged since the start of the year. Of those, 50 are full-time, 10 are part-time and 10 are on an as-needed basis. The most challenging roles to fill continue to be registered nurses who work in the operating room, radiation technologists and care techs who work in urgent care and home health care. Those openings continue to be filled by traveling nurses, said GVH Chief Executive Officer Jason Amrich.

The use of “travelers” presents a dilemma for the staffingstrained hospital. Travelers can fill critical staffing roles quickly, but using temporary labor means pulling housing and financial resources from full-time staff development. Currently, 6.5% of the hospital’s staff is made of travelers, but they’re using over 50% of the hospital’s housing stock.

“The cost to pay travelers is as much as hiring our open positions that we have available,” Amrich told the Times . "That kind of tells you what we're dealing with and what healthcare systems across the country are dealing with.”

But the fundamental roles travelers play in the valley's healthcare system can’t be understated, he said.

“Those travelers are filling critical roles that we need for continuity of operations across

nursing departments, support departments — like radiology and lab — and then our Senior Care Center,” he said.

One strategy the hospital is pursuing is converting travelers to full-time staff, which is a benefit to the hospital culture and budget, Amrich said. The mountain recreation lifestyle can be appealing enough to some that making a permanent move is desirable.

To try and make hospital employment more enticing and affordable, GVH has implemented three new programs for its staff. The first is a matching program. GVH will match 50 cents per dollar for dependent care for qualified staff. The hospital has also invested in recreation through the creation of a lifestyle account, which contributes money for activities like skiing, running and yoga. This benefit is scaled based on the employees’ years of service.

The final benefit is an increase in full-time tuition reimbursement from $2,000 to $5,000. Through an approval process, full and part-time hospital staff are eligible to have a portion of their education paid for. Investing in staff education strengthens staff culture, Amrich said.

“We believe that's going to help folks feel supported as they better themselves and look for their own professional development,” he said. “And if we can help develop those employees

into positions that we need, it’s a win-win all around.”

Housing plans

GVH is looking to increase its housing stock by 11 units in 2023, bringing the total owned by the hospital to 38. Those units will be a combination of local projects like Lazy K and the renovation of a wing in the old Senior Care Center.

The hospital presently controls 27 units, 14 of which are owned outright and 13 that are leased. GVH staff occupy 24 of the 27 units. The goal is 50 units, Amrich said, which would be a combination of ownership and master leases, depending on what is available.

GVH applied for institutional units in the most recent Lazy K lottery, but hospital staff was still priced out because of a stricter area median income (AMI) criteria.

“Obviously, our target is towards people who can't afford homes, but that's becoming, more and more, everyone that works at GVH,” Wade Baker, GVH vice president of operations, said in the meeting. “We didn't want to have units sitting there waiting for the right person with the right income,”

Since the recent lottery left units unfilled, the city has lifted income restrictions on the institutional units, so the hospital is pursuing four units that would be immediately available for occupancy.

Looking back on 2022, the eight units of GVH staff housing at Paintbrush Apartments has made a significant difference, Amrich said. The hospital also bought a home and a townhome, which are now being used by GVH staff. To help streamline housing projects, the hospital will hire a housing coordinator in the coming months.

“We're really excited to have that person come on board to help us,” Amrich said. “We see that role as a conduit with other local housing agencies or authorities.”

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

BIBLE GEMS

GOD’S LOVE AND PURPOSE

John 3:16

Selected and provided by Gene Siemer

We believe that’s going to help folks feel supported as they better themselves and look for their own professional development.

Jason Amrich

GVH CEO

970.641.1414

© 2023 Gunnison Country Times

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Editor Bella Biondini bella@gunnisontimes.com

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Staff Writer Abby Harrison abby@gunnisontimes.com

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Production/ Social Media Manager

Libby Marsden libby@gunnisontimes.com

A headshot for the editor

I’ve joked for more than a year now that I didn’t need a headshot to go along with my commentaries. Why? Maybe to remain just a little mysterious, even though that’s not really possible in Gunnison. Shrugging, I’d say, most of you know what I look like anyway.

For those of you who don’t, or haven’t yet crossed paths with me, I hope to meet you soon. I get sick of taking phone calls so please swing by the office and say hello. If I’m not in the office, I’m in the backcountry. And if I’m not in the backcountry, I'm usually in the office — it’s become my second home at this point. I might as well move in.

I stumbled upon the Gunnison Valley by complete accident — looking back, very much a happy one. I was a college student eager to see the world, and only a plane ticket away from a semester in Ecuador.

Then COVID made its appearance, somewhat like a freight train. I delayed my semester abroad, in hope, like many, that the pandemic would end as abruptly as it arrived.

A year passed and I looked to my adviser in desperation — please, anything to get me the hell out of southern Louisiana once and for all.

Many of my friends attended Colorado State University, and I spent my summers in Fort Collins and the Denver area. After scouring a map for months, I settled on Western for my semester “abroad,” kind of close to what was familiar, but not really. It would have to do.

I arrived in Gunnison ter-

LETTERS

rified and very much alone. I didn’t know a soul, and hung on desperately to one arranged friendship. On my first day of class it was 22 below zero, a warm welcome. My three-hour lab was outside.

I’ve come to appreciate the tingling of my fingers and toes as they go numb from the cold. It often accompanies the thrill of flying down a mountain on skis, or the satisfying thud of an ice ax against a frozen wall.

As the months flew by, my “arranged friend” became my most-trusted hiking partner. We have stumbled up too many peaks to count, with objectives sometimes too large to achieve.

It wasn’t dissimilar from the way I stumbled through this job in the beginning — sometimes biting off way more than I realistically knew how to chew. Some things require quick learning, a trial by fire of sorts.

It surely was a trial by deadlines and feeling like I knew absolutely nothing about taxes, TABOR or the ins and outs of an election. By the looks of the chaotic cork board behind my desk, I’m proud to say not a day goes by that I don’t learn something new.

My tenure at the Gunnison

Country Times began more than two years ago with an email to former owner Chris Dickey to see if he was looking for an intern. I later found my writing (and my ski turns) challenged and often pushed to new limits by former Times editor Sam Liebl. For that, I am thankful.

The ultimate multi-tasker and speed writer, and veteran of the world of daily newspapers, I said I never wanted Sam’s job. With a notable amount of gray hair even though I haven't yet reached the ripe age of 24, here we are.

Although I graduated with a degree in journalism, I swore I had no interest in writing for a newspaper. But the Gunnison Valley community captured me in its hands and held on tight.

Even though I ski, climb and bike, I was an outsider. But it didn’t matter. You still welcomed me into your offices and classrooms, onto the backs of snowmobiles and at your kitchen tables, onto tiny jet planes and hot air balloons that made me weak in the knees.

You pulled up an extra chair for me even though I was a mere stranger. Slowly the Gunnison community became more like a family than anything else. Many listened to me ramble on about my weekend climbing adventures, while others asked me if my family was safe during Hurricane Ida. Community. It’s something I never really had growing up. I was a child of a nasty divorce. My parents worked night shifts (and still do) at the hospital. They rotated shifts, so while one parent slept during the day, the

other was a zombie — irritable and exhausted. I was too young to understand.

One day my mother packed her things and left, and everything fell apart. I looked for community under every rock or page I turned over. I played volleyball, ran track, buried myself in books and wrote and wrote until I couldn’t anymore.

This is the first time I have ever understood the true meaning and value of community. I am lucky to learn, mourn, listen and celebrate alongside you. As it comes as no surprise to those who have lived here longer than I (most of you have), it has changed the way I look at the world.

For those who have accepted calls from my out of state cell phone number, after hours or on your days off, thank you. Thank you for your trust in me to tell your stories, big or small. Bright, or a little heavy.

Just know that I carry your stories with me. Sometimes I feel their weight too, and after the car door shuts and the camera is put away sometimes tears follow. Other times, your elation carries me through the work week.

Although my title has changed numerous times, almost with the seasons, my responsibility has not. Thank you Gunnison, for sharing your stories and listening to mine. And finally, here is my headshot.

(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ 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 Winter Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Ban books or see their beauty

Editor:

I am concerned about the latest round of book banning and reshelving efforts at the Gunnison County libraries. I am disturbed in part because I grew up in the aftermath of the rise of the fascist regimes in Europe followed by World War II. I often heard about the atrocities of those times, and in fact saw many films of actual book burnings in Nazi Germany.

I fear that there can be a slippery slope from banning a few books written about a small part of the population to a literal bonfire of some of the greatest books expressing profound ideas.

Who decides? Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, as is ugliness. For example, Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses is applauded in the West and vilified in the Middle East, simply based on point of view. Who decides?

What is the definition of

obscenity anyway? Some say the best definition is simply “I know it (obscenity/pornography) when I see it,” as Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart famously said. Should such a vague definition be used to decide what gets banned? Again, we stand at the edge of the slippery slope.

Could we lose wonderful books with beautiful ideas?

Books by Kurt Vonnegut, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, John Steinbeck, Erich Maria Remarque and George Orwell all have been banned in the past. It is no coincidence that these books espouse social and political views that some people do not like and not just sexually explicit themes.

Disagreement about such ideas can stir up deep emotions. I understand the promoters of banning some of the library books brought legal suit against the leaders of the library. Why would this be dragged into the legal sphere? Could we not have a respectful debate about the issues instead?

As we see in the current case regarding books about LGBTQ people — and in fact in many cases of book banning — it is books about oppressed minorities (or about suppressed ideas) that some want to ban.

Could it be that these people are afraid of ideas that are new to their experience?

Laird Cagan

Gunnison

I am the missing middle

Editor:

In the Dec. 29, 2022, edition of the Gunnison Country Times one of the cover stories reads, "Lazy K boosts options for the missing middle." I am the missing middle, and I am currently under contract for a Lazy K unit. What the community needs to know is that these units are in fact not affordable. They are barely attainable for the "missing middle."

I am fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to

"qualify" for units at the Lazy K development at the 80% AMI range, or so I was led to believe. According to the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority, the bank and the City of Gunnison, I make enough annually to "afford" to live there.

The affordability recipe outlined by these government and financial agencies means forfeiting over more than 66% of my monthly gross income to be able to live in this townhome. And that 66% doesn't account for fuel, groceries or enjoyment. I have been told that the rule of thumb in finance is to not spend more than 33% of your gross monthly income on housing, otherwise you will be house poor. The high interest rates must be taken into consideration, but even with a better market, this purchase would still be a challenge.

Who are these units for? I am the missing middle. Is this really my best option? Does it make sense (cents) for me to

Bella Biondini Times Editor

NEW YEAR’S BABY

Kevin Bates of Gunnison and Jed Frame of Almont, Colorado. His great grandparents are Mary Frame of Gunnison, Nick Lypps of Paonia, Colorado, Gail Digate of Sedona, Arizona and James Digate also of Sedona.

His mother considers him a very beautiful, handsome and healthy New Year’s Baby!

Robert Avram Lavelle Sneed

DeLaney Hudson and Robert Ethan Sneed of Hurst, Texas. He weighed 8 lbs. 8 ozs. and measured 20.5 inches in length. He has an older sister named Audreya Rae Sneed who is 4. His grandparents include Issa Forrest and Alan Wartes of Gunnison, Christopher Hudson and Shawn Waggoner of Salida, Colorado, Jennifer Halloway of Mansfield, Texas, and Rodney Sneed of Weatherford, Texas. His great grandparents are Sandy Spink of Hurst, Nancy Zeller of Salida, Joan Sorensen of Gunnison, Don Sorensen of Salt Lake City, Utah and Sara Wartes of Houston, Texas.

Alejandro C Houle

On Jan. 1, 2023 at 7:45 p.m.

Anneliese Frame gave birth to the first baby of the year, Malakhi Frame. He weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. and measured 20.5 inches in length. He has two furry older siblings Lady and Spock. His grandparents are Nicole Digate of Gunnison,

On Dec. 9, 2022 at 7:44 p.m.

Alejandro C Houle on Jan. 2, 2023 to Victoria Baca and Colton Houle of Gunnison. He weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz. and measured 19 inches in length.

pay more than two-thirds of my monthly gross when I will never be able to make more than a 2% profit?

Who are these units for? I am the missing middle, and this is not an affordable solution for me.

The article in the Gunnison Country Times explains why city council was forced to change the AMI limit for the 140% units. This is because they were unaffordable even for Gunnison Valley Health. An institution who has the financial overhead and need for housing pulled out because the staff they planned to fill these units with made "too much money." It is good that council and the Housing Authority saw this gap and have made efforts to fix it, but that is a small step in a much bigger marathon.

Who are these units for? I am the missing middle. I hope I am wrong, but I anticipate many of these units to remain empty until interest rates go down. But even then, due to the layout and the varying AMI limits per unit, I would not be surprised if empty units were a common theme in this development.

If the business-priority units are not being scooped up because businesses are unable to afford it, how do you expect a hard-working single woman such as myself to be able to pull this off

Who are these units for? I am the missing middle.

to offer some facts, based on science and the hard work and sincere dedication of a group of diverse stakeholders, including some local to the Gunnison Basin.

The Colorado Wolf Technical Working Group (TWG), a body that included our own county commissioner, Jonathan Houck, published a final report in August 2022 that stated, “wolves will not have an impact on populations of threatened and endangered species in Colorado, specifically lynx and Gunnison sage-grouse.”

Since the TWG operated by consensus, it would seem that Commissioner Houck signed off on the notion that wolves will not adversely affect our precious and imperiled sagegrouse. Instead, we should address the actual causes of the grouse’s decline, specifically uninhibited livestock grazing and recreation pressure.

As for the unsubstantiated claim that wolves will destroy wildlife, let’s look again to the TWG report: “At a statewide level, wolves are unlikely to have a major impact on overall big game populations or hunting opportunities in Colorado based on evidence from northern Rocky Mountain states.”

Indeed, data supplied by the relevant state game agencies reveal that there are now more elk in every northern Rocky Mountain state than before wolf restoration.

Coloradans of all stripes should be proud of the plan that is shaping up to restore wolves. The citizen enacted law that put this plan in motion goes aboveand-beyond to protect the interests of all stakeholders. In turn, wolves will restore balance to our mountain ecosystems — for the good of elk, deer and myriad others of their wild brethren, for now and future generations.

Tom Zieber Gunnison

LETTERS POLICY

The Gunnison Country Times welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be under 500 words, be clear, concise and free of profanity or inflammatory language. Write with purpose and make your case clear, keep your topics local. We discourage argumentative letters addressed to particular members of the community. If you use data to support a point, include sources at the bottom of your letter. We’ll use them to check your facts. We will no longer publish letters from candidates for political office or endorsements from organizations. We will accept these from indivicuals.

Wolves and Gunnison sage-grouse: For real Editor:

Last week’s letter about the upcoming reintroduction of wolves to Colorado amounts to little more than baseless fear mongering. In response, I’d like

Turning to the potential impact on livestock, data from the Northern Rockies is again instructive: In counties hosting both wolves and livestock, 99.95% of the resident cows and sheep do not perish by wolves. Fortunately for Colorado’s stock growers, state game managers are building out a robust toolkit of non-lethal deterrents, as well as a compensation program for those few ranches that experience depredation.

They can be mailed to our office at 218 N. Wisconsin in Gunnison, delivered in person or, preferably, emailed to: bella@gunnisontimes.com. All letters must be signed and include your full name, address and a phone number. This is for our internal use. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Our deadline is Tuesdays at 12pm. We cannot guarantee that every letter will be used, but we do try to reflect the viewpoints of the community, subject to our space limitations. We reserve the right to edit letters for grammar, clarity or space.

Madeline Thomas Gunnison

Robert Avram Lavelle Sneed was born to parents Altamira

Water plant

the first steps toward constructing a new plant — initiating a project that will supply an extra layer of security against well contamination, support population growth and guard against drought.

The city’s present lack of a water treatment plant makes it an oddity amongst other Colorado communities. Instead, the city uses an outdated well system to supply drinking water to its residents. This is an entirely different facility than the operating wastewater treatment plant.

Nine wells are scattered throughout Gunnison and are connected by water lines that generally run down each city block — forming a grid system. These wells pump chlorinated groundwater directly into a distribution system that feeds the pipes and faucets of homes.

Although clean and tested daily, the water flowing to homes closer to wells may not have enough time between when it’s pulled from the aquifer and when it’s consumed for adequate disinfection, said Water and Wastewater Superintendent Mike Rogers. This could become a problem in the case a contaminant enters the system.

“Right now it’s perfectly fine, but it’s prone to vulnerability,” Rogers said. “Going to a water treatment plant would make it bulletproof.”

A system at risk

Building a water treatment plant will allow the city to pull water directly from wells or the Gunnison River — considered surface water, and not groundwater — and treat it at a single location. The plant would then pump the clean water back to homes in town.

One of the largest problems with Gunnison’s shallow well

Snowpack

pares to the levels measured between 1991 and 2020, a notably dry time period when looking at historical data.

The 2022 holiday storm cycle was only a third of the size of the “hellacious” snowstorm of December 2021, which boosted the snowpack in the local area anywhere between 150300%, said Beverly Richards, water resource specialist for the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District.

“Nothing like last year, but we still got precipitation in December, and that's a good thing,” Richards said.

Despite this, the long-term drought index, which stretches into the next 60-90 days, predicts that some drought conditions will return in Gunnison County. According to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, the amount of precipitation expected to fall in January is 40% of average.

On Jan. 3, Blue Mesa Reservoir sat at about 73 feet

system, which would no longer be permitted by the state if it was built today, is its susceptibility to contamination, said Public Works Director David Gardner.

“If somebody accidentally spilled a diesel tank or something it could feasibly get into the water system, and could immediately, if it were by one of those wells, contaminate the entire system,” Gardner said.

The collection of additional water from the Gunnison River and likely the Town Ditch will also create more diversity within the system in the case of continual drought conditions throughout the region, Gardner said. In the case of a fire upstream, or a chemical that seeps in the aquifer, staff would be able to switch between sources.

“It’s safer, it’s cleaner, it’s

below full pool, or 35% full. That is up 12 feet from one year ago.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, by Sept. 30, 2023 — the end of the water year — Blue Mesa’s elevation is projected to be approximately 7,470 feet above sea level, or 52% of capacity.

For the reservoir to have a chance at recovery, Richards said, the basin needs two or three years of heavy snow and increased soil moisture so runoff doesn’t seep directly into the ground before it reaches rivers and streams. The arrival of another La Niña this winter signals a greater likelihood of above average temperatures and below average precipitation across much of the Southwest.

“Blue Mesa is so low now that it's going to take an amazing amount of water to bring it back up,” Richards said.

Dangerous avalanche cycle

Zach Guy, lead avalanche forecaster for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBAC), estimated that Schofield Pass received five feet of snow during December’s large storm

more efficient,” Gardner said.

Another advantage of being proactive is ample time for planning and securing grants, said City Engineer Cody Tusing. He noted stories of towns that were put onto a compliance schedule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and only had a couple of years to get it done. This could more than quadruple the price tag for a plant.

Last year, the EPA’s proposed reclassification of Afton, Wyoming’s water system had the potential to cost the small town millions of dollars in infrastructure on a tight timeline.

“You don’t want to be there,” Tusing said.

Rising water utility bills

The project, which is expected to take 10-15 years to fully complete, will be split into

phases to help spread out the cost. According to project engineers, the design process alone is expected to continue well into 2024.

Phase one will include constructing the plant itself and a “manifold” — a pipeline that ties Gunnison’s wells together and transports the water to a centralized location — followed by additional wells and storage tanks in later phases.

Breaking the project up into smaller pieces increases the availability of grant funding, reducing the portion of the cost that will fall onto local taxpayers. Each phase may be eligible for its own set of grants, Rogers said.

“We're trying to go above and beyond to get extra funding and to make it more affordable,” said Rogers. “In the past, we've really looked at the utility investment

fees to make sure that everybody's paying their fair share in anticipation of this.”

Even with grant money, the Public Works Department estimated that at least 50% of the project cost will be reflected in residents' water utility bills in the coming years. The 25% water rate increase going into ect this year is the first phase of rate hikes that will also support the project. Existing measures that can help reduce monthly utility bills include recent boosts in water utility investment fees for contractors, adding a price tag for bulk water lls in town and the initiation of a water loss study.

e city has already received a $310,000 state grant for design and engineering work. Staff are hopeful more is on the way, looking to the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and support from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, said Finance Director and Interim City Manager Ben Cowan.

The water treatment plant will be built on city-owned property at Van Tuyl Ranch near Calder Farms. The building will be fairly large, similar to the size of City Hall and will include space for a storage lake, tanks and ponds for water treatment.

The city is working with JVA Consulting Engineers, a company based out of Boulder, and Eidos Architects — the same firm that designed Mount Crested Butte’s water treatment facility expansion that was completed early last year.

The major upgrade to a now antiquated system is essential for Gunnison, said JVA’s lead project engineer Kevin Tone.

“This project will give the city the kind of resiliency and water reliability to bring us way into the future here,” Tone said.

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

cycle. The wet, dense snow fell on top of a number of weak layers in the snowpack — some that formed during a dry spell earlier in the month, and a brittle layer on the ground from November.

The heavy snowfall caused a spike in the avalanche danger toward the end of the storm. Multiple people were buried in avalanches around the state over the weekend. One the events, southwest of Breckenridge, resulted in Colorado’s second avalanche fatality of the winter season.

Last weekend, the CBAC team observed a number of destructive natural avalanches that broke on the weak layers and facets. Slides buried some backcountry roads, such as Ohio Creek Pass, which is a groomed snowmobile route. Some were large enough to reach far into valley runouts — the portion of the avalanche path where debris is usually carried — following breaks on nearby Augusta Mountain and Whetstone.

Light snow fell on Monday night and into Tuesday, and will

taper off on Friday. After a big load, the general trend is for the snowpack to start to improve as it adjusts and settles, Guy said.

While the peak of snow instability has passed, he still acknowledged the threat of triggering large avalanches.

“Those weak layers aren’t going to be quick to heal,” Guy said. “I recommend still using kind of conservative travel hab-

its, because the consequences of an avalanche will remain deadly even if the likelihood is decreasing.”

To get updated avalanche forecasts, visit cbavalanchecenter.org.

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

Water and Wastewater Operator Nick Hill explains how the water pump system works at well 10. It starts with water being pumped from the aquifer, which is then chlorinated before going to the sand separator and finally out to the distribution system.

Abby Harrison

A natural avalanche piled up deep enough to bury a person on Reno Divide Road in the Cement Creek drainage.

Courtesy Crested Butte Avalanche Center

ment consignment shop will also be under new ownership when doors open again.

All Sports’ previous owner, Brea Patten, put the business and building up for sale in March 2022. Late last year a deal developed to split that offering, with Kirsten Dickey of OffCenter DeSigns purchasing the property while Gunnison paramedic Michael Tobiassen bought the All Sports business.

Patten, who bought All Sports in 2017 after being an employee there for five years, said he’s ready for something new after years of service in the outdoor industry.

"Basically, I've had two jobs in my life, I worked at a bike shop when I lived in Boulder and then when I moved here, I started working here and that's all I've ever done,” he said. “It's just time for a change.”

OffCenter will move presses and embroidery machines to its new home at 115 W Georgia Ave. during the first week of February, Dickey said. The business had outgrown its home and needed more room for better printing efficiency.

“We're learning some new printing techniques, and I feel with all that we may get busier and need a few more people to help out,” she said.

Since most of OffCenter’s clientele is in Gunnison and Crested Butte, she anticipates no significant changes to service and is looking forward to welcoming people to the new space.

For Tobiassen, the move into the outdoor-gear business has seeds in his young adulthood, spent racing cyclocross and working in bike shops outside Denver.

“Cycling has always been a big part of my life. Then since moving to Gunnison, doing more skiing — nordic and alpine — and more rock climbing and ice climbing, I've spent a ton of time riding and being in the culture, and just wanting to get back into the business side of it,” he said.

Tobiassen has been a patron of All Sports, and a friend to Patten’s family, for years. All Sports’ culture and service stuck with him through the years.

“It's being able to walk in and find that stellar deal on something that's lightly used,” he said. “Looking for a new ski shell, walking in and seeing the perfect thing and then two racks over, there's something that I didn't even think that I might be interested in.”

Looking forward, Tobiassen said the Tomichi Avenue location may give the consignment store greater visibility, spurring more locals and tourists to stop in. The ice cream shop that lives in front of the building, Spenny’s Ice Cream, will stay in that location and serve customers in the summer.

Although the space is smaller than the Georgia Avenue lot, he doesn’t think much will change. The store will still offer consignment and have bike mechanics and ski services, although space may limit staff to simple ski tune-ups, like waxing and edging. Staff may build back into mounting and testing ski bindings and

sharpening skates as space allows.

To prepare for the move, All Sports has started slimming down store inventory and services. Staff are no longer accepting consignment items until the store reopens sometime in February or early March. Customers who already have consignment items with the store can pick those items up before Jan. 31 for safekeeping during the move. After reopening, the store will mostly be accepting items for spring and summer.

Store credit will start fresh at the new location so those who have money in a consigner account can spend it before February, pick up a check at the store or request it be mailed out. The shop will be closed for a couple weeks starting Feb. 1, to allow things to settle in at the new location. Updates about the reopening can be found on All Sports’ social media.

Patten said he looks back fondly on the five years of ownership.

“Growing it the way we did was really fun … You get to know a lot of people here and there's customers that you just love to see and deal with every day,” he said. “I'm definitely gonna miss that the most, the personal relationships you develop with people.”

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

The outside of All Sports Replay

OffCenter staff celebrate the purchase of the old All Sports building on W. Georgia Ave.

Jacob Spetzler

Courtesy

1%

January 2023

Chamber News You Can Use

NEW YEAR - THE CALENDAR YEAR JUST BEGUN

The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors wishes all a wonderful start to 2023. December ended with gratitude for 2022 well done. We thank our communities, our members, our businesses

members whose time on the board has concluded. Thank you to board members AJ Mani and Jennifer Kermode as their terms are up and make way for the new.

We are pleased to share the 2023 Chamber Board Leadership:

Lacey Keane / Treads ‘N’ ThreadsPresident

Luke Schumacher / Three Rivers ResortVice President

James Harriss / Western Colorado UniversityTreasurer

Cheryl Dillard / Exploration Kids TherapySecretary

Pamela Williams / Island Acres Resort MotelPast President

Dani Crist / Rocky Mountain Rose

Craig Beebe / Western Colorado University

Clarie Broshinsky / American Family Insurance

Amy Stevens / The Wanderlust Hostel

Kendal Rota / Sapinero Village Campground and RV Park

Josh Townsend / Clarke Agency Real Estate

Our Board represents the diversity of our membership. I am grateful for this wonderful leadership and invite all business – organizations to get involved. Not only can one be an active member, you can add your voice through joining as a committee member – volunteer. The current Chamber committees are:

Membership Events

Innovation

Brighter days to come

In the dark of the winter solstice, the Gunnison Valley glowed with the light of luminaria — small paper lanterns signifying brighter and longer days on the horizon. he annual event began in 2020 and is organized by the Resiliency Project.

Abba Eye Care, Inc

Abracadabra

Agave Family Mexican Restaurant

All Sports Replay Alpha Mechanical Solutions LLC

Alpine Express, Inc.

Alpine Lumber

ALSCO - American Linen

Alta Gas & Convenience Store

Amazing Glamping Adventures

Arbys

Arrowhead Mountain Lodge and Adventures

Atmos Energy

Auto Corral

Axis Health System

Back at the Ranch Bank of the West Benchmark Mortgage Berkshire Hathaway

HomeServices Today

Realty and Associates

Blackstock Bistro

BLUE MESA ADVENTURE

CAMPING PODS

Blue Mesa Music, Inc.

Blue Mesa Outpost

Bluebird Real Estate

Buckel Family Wine

Buff’s Collision Specialists

Burnells Farmhouse Eatery

Camp Gunnison

Cathedral Ranch Cabins

Catrina Abeyta

Cattlemen’s Days, Inc. and

Tough Enough to Wear Pink

Center for the Arts Crested

Butte

Christopher Klein

Construction, Inc.

Cimarron Wealth

Management

City Market

Clarie Broschinsky

Agency - American Family Insurance

Clarke Agency Real Estate

Clean Lines Painting,

Clear Skies Wraps & Signs

Coffee Trader

Coldharbour Institute

Coldwell Banker Mountain

Properties

Collaborative Trauma Solutions

Colorado Cannabis Cabin, LLC

Comfort Inn Gunnison Community Banks of Colorado

Community Church of Gunnison

Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley

Corner Cupboard

Crested Butte Arts Festival

Crested Butte Land Trust

Crested Butte Lodging

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte Music Festival

Crested Butte Snowsports Foundation

Cristiana Guesthaus, Bed & Breakfast Crowns Insurance Company Inc.

Crumb de la Crumb

Crystal Canyon Counseling Services

Crystal Clear Window Washing Dalby, Wendland & Co.

Darby Design Studio LLC

Davidson Wildlife Services LLC

Dobrato Resophonic Guitars Dog Cabin Resort

Domino’s Team Bailey

Double Dragon Dove Graphics, Inc. EC Electric

Econolodge Gunnison/ Crested Butte Edward Jones

Elevation Hotel & Spa Elk Creek and Lake

Fork Marinas, Pappy’s Restaurant and Blue Mesa

Adventure Camping Pods

Exploration Kids Therapy

Family Vision Center

Fantasy Ranch Horseback

Adventures

FedEx Ground

Firebrand Deli

Four Seasons Apartments

Fullmer’s Ace Hardware GardenWalk of Gunnison

Garlic Mike’s

Gemstone Skincare + Services

Gene

Gunnison Crested Butte

Wedding Guide

Gunnison Fish & Raft GUNNISON GALLERY

Gunnison Golf Club (Dos Rios)

Gunnison Liquor Gunnison Nordic Gunnison Pizza Company

Gunnison Radio, Inc

Gunnison Real Estate and Rentals

Gunnison River Festival Gunnison River Fly Shop

Gunnison Savings & Loan Gunnison Shipping

Gunnison Trails Gunnison Underdog Rescue

Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League

Gunnison Valley Family Physicians

Gunnison Valley Health Gunnison Valley Mentors

Gunnison Valley Observatory Gunnison Valley Properties Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority

Gunnison Valley Senior Care Center

Gunnison Vitamin & Health Gunnison Watershed School District

Gunnison Workforce Center - Colorado Dept of Labor & Employment

Gunnison-Crested Butte Association of Realtors

Gunny Lube H&H Towing & Auto Repair H&R Block

Habitat for Humanity Harmels on the Taylor

High Alpine Brewing Company

High Mountain Liquor Holiday Inn Express

Home Together Veterinary Services

Homestead Hut Hope & Glory/Misty Mtn.

Floral Hoskin, Farina & Kampf, PC

I Bar Ranch

Id Sculpture

Island Acres Resort

JC Propane Jennifer Kermode

Jermaine’s

John B. Schmidt, DDS, P.C.

John Roberts Motor Works

John T. Whitley Construction

Kaizen Collision Center

KBUT Kebler Corner

Kelsey Loftis Kooler Garage Doors

Last Ditch Thrift

Law of the Rockies

Layne Insurance Agency

Lighthouse Pregnancy Center

Living Journeys Managing Results, LLC

Mario’s Pizza & Pasta Marmi, Ltd.

McDonald’s of Gunnison

Mechanic On Duty Melissa Stewart Life Coaching Midnight Marketing Solutions, LLC.

Miller Furniture LLC Mochas Coffeehouse and

Bakery Monarch Mountain Monarch Realty, Inc.

Mountain Fireplace Specialists

Mountain Legacy Veterinary Center Mountain Magic Media Mountain Roots Food

Project

Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services, LLC Mountaineer Athletic Association

Mountaineer Theatre, Inc. Mountaineer Village Apartments Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Mt. Emmons Mining Company

Nesbitt & Company LLC Nikki Pulitzer Realtor NuVista Federal Credit Union

Oasis RV Resort & Cottages

Gunnison Lakeside OffCenter DeSigns O’Hayre Dawson, PLLC OL’ Miner Steakhouse

On The Fly Aviation Palisades Restaurant

Palisades Senior RV Park Pando Telecom Paper Clip, The Pappy’s Restaurant at Elk Creek Marina

Patcharee’s Kitchen

Pat’s Screen Printing

Pawsitively Native PCI Construction Peace Hero Museum Colorado

Pete Klingsmith State Farm

Pinnacle Bookkeeping & Payroll

Pinnacle Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Pioneer Museum/Gunnison Co. Pioneer & Historical Society

Pitas in Paradise

Pitkin Colorado Real Estate Power Stop (The)

Precision Automotive Project Hope of the Gunnison Valley Quality Inn – Sure Stay Plus by Best Western Quick Draw Carpet

Cleaning Race Revolutions, LLC RE/MAX Community Brokers

Region 10 Economic Asst. & Planning Rock ‘n’ Roll Sports

Rocky Mountain Frames and Trophies

Rocky Mountain Rose Rooted Apothecary Roots RX Gunnison

RoShamBo Marketing + Creative

Rotary Club Run Sleep DesignGunnison and Crested Butte Website Design and Development

Russell Cellular SALON ONE FORTY FOUR Sapinero Village Inc Scenic River Tours, Inc. SCJ Alliance

SGM (Schmueser Gordon Meyer)

Sherpa Cafe Shondeck Financial Serv. & Ins. Sign Guys (and gal)

Six Points Evaluation & Training, Inc.

Sodexo

Spallone Construction Superior Insurance Group Swifthaus Design [graphic + website design]

Taco Bell Gunnison - ColCal Colorado Inc.

TACOCAT TACOCART

Tall Texan RV Park and Cabins

Tango Taylor Park Marina

The Boom-a-Rang

The Colorado Health Foundation

The Dispensary the Dive Pub

The Gunnison Bank The Gunnison Inn at Dos Rios

The Inn at Tomichi Village The MAYA Center

The Turquoise Junction and Gun Room

Thomas M. Riser(Law

Three Rivers Resort

Toggery Elevated Tomichi Cycles

Tractor Supply Co.

Treads ‘n’ Threads

Tributary Coffee Roasters

Turner Automotive Inc

Visionary Broadband

VSON Alpine Wal-Mart

Wanderlust Hostel

Waunita Hot Springs Ranch

West Elk Hockey Association

Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University Foundation

Western Lumber, Inc.

WET GROCER LIQUORS

Wilders Organic Market, LLC

Have interest in learning more about the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce and what 2023 membership brings, contact 970 641 1501 or www.gunnisonchamber.com . Become an active business/organization member in your chamber community and join in sharing. – Celeste & the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce

Maryo Ewell

Crested Butte Mountain Resort celebrated the arrival of the new year in its classic style with a ski instructor torchlight parade and fireworks at the base area.

Taylor Ahearn/Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Over-the-snow winter travel reminders

The Gunnison Ranger District would like to remind over-thesnow users about its winter travel regulations. Residents and visitors can pick up a winter travel brochure at both the Gunnison and Crested Butte chambers of commerce and the U.S. Forest Service Gunnison Ranger District office at 216 North Colorado Street. All drainages in the North Valley contain private property, wilderness boundaries and overthe-snow closures.

Here are some local rules to keep in mind when riding in the Crested Butte area:

Washington Gulch

Motorized over-the-snow vehicles are not allowed in the Anthracite Mesa or Coneys Ridge area, the Rock Springs Creek drainage on Mt. Baldy and in the Gothic closure area.

Please respect private lands by staying on the road for one mile beginning at the winter trailhead to the National Forest boundary and through the private property at the Elkton townsite and cabins.

To ride in Washington Gulch, all over-the-snow vehicles must display a Washington Gulch permit. These are free and available at the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce and Gunnison Ranger District office.

Slate

Respect private and Land Trust property, stay on the road to the National Forest boundary.

Kebler

Lots of private property. Please respect wilderness boundaries as well.

Cement Creek

Stay on the road for the first seven miles to avoid trespassing on private property.

Brush Creek

Please respect wilderness boundaries and private property.

Gothic

This is a non-motorized winter drainage. There are a few private properties the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) have limited access special use permits to operate over-snow vehicles in the drainage.

Pick up a “Winter Recreation around Crested Butte Brochure,” follow the rules and protect over-the-snow motorized recreation for generations to come. For questions about winter recreation in the forest, call the Gunnison Ranger District at 970.641.0471. (Source: U.S. Forest Service.)

Bella Biondini

Record growth for Western’s adult degree program

Fully-online bachelor's program opens new doors

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Western Colorado University’s Adult Degree Completion program (ADC) is making waves in the world of higher education. The yearand-half-old program, still in its infancy, has already seen rapid growth in just under a year.

The program offers Western’s first fully-online undergraduate degree, designed to help professionals and paraprofessionals with some college credit finish their requirements and earn a bachelor’s degree. The program started in 2021 by offering a business communication major, but quickly added general studies in the spring of 2022, which enables paraprofessionals to obtain a teaching license. A paraprofessional typically works full-time in a school district, but does not have a four-year degree.

“Everybody in our program is back because they've hit a wall, and they need a degree,” said ADC Director Terry Schliesman. “They’ve been told ‘we'd love to give you this job, you don't have the degree’."

Enrollment data show rapid growth since classes first started in 2021. There were nine ADC courses offered and six students enrolled in 2021-22 school year, but the 2022-23 school year boasts 27 courses and nearly 50 students. The program’s popularity has even taken Western staff to the Front Range to recruit entire cohorts of students.

The beginnings of ADC can be traced back nearly a decade, when Western staff and administrators started brainstorming ways the university could have a stronger online presence. This interest was spurred in part by whispers of concern permeating

the world of higher education. Declining birth rates since the 2008 recession have created a phenomenon dubbed “the cliff,” referring to projections that college enrollments will drop nearly 15% starting in 2025. This has spurred universities around the country to invest in online degree programs and offerings outside the traditional, 4-year, brick-and-mortar classroom model. For Western, that trajectory led to more online graduate and concurrent enrollment programs — and eventually, the ADC program.

The curriculum is asynchronous, meaning class materials are delivered one week and students take the next week to complete them. The asynchronous model effectively revolutionized the online-learning space, especially for adults, because it allowed professionals to pursue education on a more flexible timeline, said Sherri Anderson, director of educator preparation at Western.

“People really thought that they were locked out of their dreams,” she said. “They can't quit their jobs, and so they can't do the whole school thing anymore. That ship has sort of sailed. This bridges the gap.”

Online learning brings with it unique challenges. An academic workflow might not be intuitive for an adult who has been out of school for years, maybe decades.

“A lot of it is in the moment. ‘How do I do this? I haven't been in school in 20 years’,” Schliesman said. “So, one of the challenges is, ‘academically, how do I pull this off?’”

But unraveling the web of academic success is just one part of it. ADC students have families, jobs and real-world concerns to attend to. For this reason, the individuals who come into the program are a breed of their own, he said. The program welcomes mothers and fathers who work 60-hour weeks who then find the grit to pursue a degree to improve their financial prospects or pro-

coursework at Jermaine’s Cafe. Courtesy

fessional trajectory.

One of these students is Rebekah Herrera, a mom-ofthree who started in the general studies program this fall after spending a few years working as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher in the Gunnison Watershed School District.

“I was going to be an elementary teacher, and then I had kids and just kind of wanted to be a stay-at-home mom for a while,” she said. “After that I thought my chances of becoming a teacher were out the door.”

Herrera started the program this fall and is aiming for a teaching license in the next couple years.

A pipeline for teachers

Of the two majors offered in ADC, the combination of general studies and teacher licensure

has most of the new recruits, with nearly 30 students for the inaugural class. It is also the only ADC program in the state to offer fully-online teacher licensure for paraprofessionals.

The ADC program allows paraprofessionals to finish out their credits in the general studies program so they are eligible to pursue a teaching license, which is often the only thing standing in the way of the next step, said Tara Mason, special education program coordinator at Western.

“That changes their life overnight. They double their salary because they become a teacher, they get to then work in their own classroom which is pretty exciting,” she said. “It feels empowering and exciting to be able to guide your own learning ship.”

The program also helps address a crippling state short-

age of special educators. The Colorado Department of Higher Education estimates that over half a million people have some college education but have not earned a degree. Statewide educator shortages have led the Colorado legislature to pursue incentive programs to recruit more teachers. One of those programs is the Educator

Recruitment and Retention fund, which kicks in $10,000 toward the cost of licensure.

Scholarships like these can shift the balance for people interested in coming back to school, Mason said.

“I do think that cost is an incredibly huge barrier,” she said. “We still have a lot of inequities in our higher education systems, where students who maybe didn’t finish high school and go to college are having barriers going back to school and taking out a loan.”

The program is funded by state grants, tuition and support from the university’s Center for Learning and Ingenuity. ADC received $780,000 over four years from the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), administered through the Colorado Department of Higher Education. COSI scholar-

ship support has lowered ADC tuition nearly 85% for students.

Looking down a barrel of immense growth means the program has to be scalable, Schliesman said. To accommodate growth, he is moving full-time into administering the ADC program. Staff will also look for more grant support from the state.

Herrera said the constant support and guidance of ADC staff has helped her navigate this new chapter. She sat down with advisors, who laid out the process and explained how she could finish and get her license.

“This is my second chance to do it right and get it done,” she said. “This program has just been amazing.”

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

People really thought they were locked out of their dreams.

Sherri Anderson Director of Education Preparation

LIGHTS&SIRENS

CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT

DECEMBER 27

HARASSMENT — 910 E. TOMICHI AVE.

FIREWORKS - UNLAWFUL — 405 N. 7TH ST.

FAILURE TO APPEAR-OTHER JURISDICTION — 400 W. TOMICHI AVE.

FAILURE TO APPEAR-OTHER JURISDICTION — 524 12TH ST.

CIVIL PROBLEM — 432 PAINTBRUSH AVE.

HARASSMENTINSULTS,TAUNTS,CHALLENGES — 720 N. COLORADO ST.

FRAUD - INFORMATION / WIRE — 201 E. TOMICHI AVE.

VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER — 200 N. MAIN ST.

DECEMBER 28

UN-SECURE PREMISES — 315 N. MAIN ST.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — PAINTBRUSH AVE.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 100 W. NEW YORK AVE.

THEFT - INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 411 PAINTBRUSH AVE.

ACCIDENT — 115 W. GEORGIA AVE.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - DRUGS — 300 W. SPENCER AVE.

DECEMBER 29

JUVENILE PROBLEM — W. VIRGINIA AVE.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 504 N. MAIN ST.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 400 E. TOMICHI AVE.

DECEMBER 30

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — W. TOMICHI AVE.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — E. TOMICHI AVE.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL — 221 W. HWY. 50

DECEMBER 31

HARASSMENT - STRIKE SHOVE, KICK — N. SPRUCE ST.

TRAFFIC - DUS — 100 W. TOMICHI AVE.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE

- MUNICIPAL — 820 W. TOMICHI AVE.

ALARM — 821 W. TOMICHI AVE.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — W. TOMICHI AVE.

JANUARY 1

TRAFFIC - DUS — 200 E. DENVER AVE.

DROVE VEHICLE WHEN LICENSE REVOKED AS HABITUAL OFFENDER — 900 N. MAIN ST.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE - MUNICIPAL — 800 W. TOMICHI AVE.

HARASSMENT - MUNICIPAL — 416 PAINTBRUSH AVE.

INFORMATION — 711 N. TAYLOR ST.

JANUARY 2

WELFARE ASSIST — W. TOMICHI AVE.

INFORMATION — 910 W. BIDWELL AVE.

UN-SECURE PREMISES — QUARTZ ST.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 718 W. NEW YORK AVE.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 308 S. 11TH ST.

TRAFFIC - DUS — 600 N. COLORADO ST.

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

DECEMBER 27

-Agency assist to the Saguache County sheriff’s Office and the Colorado State Patrol with a high-speed pursuit for a felony domestic -Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol for a one vehicle roll over -911 hang up

DECEMBER 28

-Found property at the Castle Mountain area- keys -Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department with a disturbance -Deputies responded to a vehicle slide off- no damage and no injuries

-Deputies responded to a second vehicle slide off also with no damages or injuries

DECEMBER 29

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol for a vehicle slide off -Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol for a one vehicle rollover with 5 occupants -Possible criminal mischief and trespassing report under investigation -Welfare check on a suicidal subject

DECEMBER 30

-Summons issued for dog at large and no licensing second and fourth offense -Theft of a bike from a storage facility

-Information report regarding someone who tried to leave an ex-roommate’s belongings on the sidewalk of the jail but was told he could not

-Information report about a dog on the roadway eating road kill -Family dispute -Deputies arrested a person for driving under the influence -Welfare check

DECEMBER 31

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol for a snow plow accident -Civil standby for an eviction through a Writ of Restitution -Gun shots reported in an area where someone has seen a moose

JANUARY 1

-Agency assist for a 2-vehicle car accident

JANUARY 2

-Dog at large -Vicious dog warning -Citation issued for speeding -Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department for a welfare check on a 1 year old

1% for Open Space, Inc.

1880 Tapas & Spirits

4 U Consignment Auctions

4th Generation Mechanical

5 B’s Barbecue

91 Perks Photography

Abba Eye Care - Acuity

Abracadabra

Academy Mortgage

Ace CB

Adam Frisch for Colorado

Adaptive Sports Center

Agenti Media Services

All Sports Replay Almont Resort

Alpengardener

Alpine Express

Alpine Loop Technical Consulting Alpine Lumber

Altitude Painting

AM Salvage

American Family Insurance

American Legion Auxiliary

Amy Jo Odubhaigh

Amy Kowal

Anderson Associates

Anderson Associates - extras

Andie Holman- Scar Queen

Andrew Dunda

Antonucci Consulting

APEX Land Management

Apogee Brokers

Appraisal Group of Western Colorado

Arcadia Cognerati

Art in the Park

Ascent Counseling

Atlasta Solar Center

Atmos Energy - Greeley

Auto Corral

Avflight

Axis Health system

Back at the Ranch

Back Country Cafe

Backcountry Cannabis

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Bank of the West Crested Butte

Barb Carroll

Beggin’ For Bagels

BenchMark Mortgage

Berkshire Hathaway - Gerald Lain

Berkshire Hathaway - Kelsey Loftis

Bethany Baptist Church

Bible Gems

Big C Builders

Bill Knowles

Black Canyon Quilt Show

Blackstock Bistro

Blaze Blister

Blue Bird Boutique

Blue Mesa Baptist Church

Blue Mesa Music Store

Bluebird - Bobby Overturf

Bluebird - Steve Mills

Bluebird Boutique - Maggie Dethloff

Bluebird Real Estate

Bluebird Real Estate - Brian Cooper

Bluebird Real Estate - Lisa Lenander

Bluebird Real Estate - Patti Hensley

Bluebird Realty - Bet Egelhoff

B’nai Butte

Bookie Louise, Public Accountant

Boom-a-rang Brian Walker

Buckel Family Wine

Buff’s Collision Specialists

Bureau of Land Management Gunnison

BV Sportsman’s Association

C.E.D - Gunnison

Cattlemen’s Days

CB Center for the Arts

CB Chamber of Commerce

CB Devo (Crested Butte

Development)

CB Festival of the Arts

CB Film Festival

CB Land Trust

CB Majestic Theatre

CB Mountain Heritage Museum

CB Mountain Runners

CB Mountain Theatre

CB Music Festival

CB Nordic Center

CB school of Dance

CB Snowsports Foundation

CB Wildflower Festival

CBMR

CBMR Ski Patrol

CDAN/CO Press

Ceara Smith

Center for Public Lands

Christopher Klein Construction Inc.

Church Directory GCM

Church of the Good Samaritan

City Market

Clarke Agency Clean Lines

Climb Elevated Eatery Club at Crested Butte

CO Parks & Wildlife

Coldharbour Insitiute

Coldwell Banker - Brian Cooper

Coldwell Banker - Chris Kopf

Coldwell Banker - Joe Garcia

Coldwell Banker - Tammy Armour

Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties

Coldwell Banker-Reggie Masters

Colorado Adventure Rentals

Colorado Cannabis Cabin

Colorado Mountain Mushers

Colorado Water Conservation Board

Colorado West Investments

Colorado Workforce Center

Community Banks of Colorado

Community Church of Gunnison

Community Foundation Gunnison Valley (CFGV)

Cooksey’s Top Notch Detail

CPA Network

Craftsmen Construction

Creative District

Creek Side Chalets

Crested Butte Dental

Crested Butte Fire & EMS Volunteer Squad

CRH Americas Materials

Crumb de la Crumb

Custom Home Accents

Dan’s Fly Shop

Darby Design Studio

Daughters of the American Revolution

Dave Taylor Days Inn

Deer Creek Blinds

Dexter Guerrieri

Diamond Pool and Spa

Division 5 Water Court

Dobrato Resophonic Guitars

Dog Cabin Resort

Dos Rios Golf Club

Dotty’s Double Dragon

Double Shot Cyclery

Dry Wall Supply Yard

Duke Williams

Durango Organics

Eager Beaver Tree Services

Early Childhood Council

EC Electric

Eddie’s Barber Shop

Edward Jones

Edward Jones - Rose Tocke

El Paraiso

Electronic Solutions

Elks Lodge

EMICO Media

Epiphany Dermatology

Equip Bookkeeping

Fantasy Ranch Farmers Insurance

Fawn Romero FedEx

Firebrand

First Baptist Church

First Friday Art Walk

Flairmont Furniture

Foster Construction

Friends of NRA

Frosty Leaf Dispensary

Frozen Smoke

Fullmer’s Ace Hardware G Arts Center 2021 Sponsorship

Excavation

Home Association

Jiu-Jitsu

Gunnirents

Gunnisack

Gunnison Anglers Society and Trout Unlimited

Gunnison Arts Center

Gunnison Bank and Trust

Gunnison Car Club

Gunnison CB Tourism Association

Gunnison Church of Christ

Gunnison City Clerk

Gunnison City Finance

Gunnison City Parks and Recreation

Gunnison City Planning

Gunnison City Police Department

Gunnison City Public Works

Gunnison Congregational Church

Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce

Gunnison Country Folks with Common Sense

Gunnison Country Food Pantry

Gunnison County Administration

Gunnison County Community Development

Gunnison County Dept. of Health and Human Services

Gunnison County Electric Assoc GCEA

Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Gunnison County Human Resources

Gunnison County Public Health

Gunnison County Public Library

Gunnison County Public Works

Gunnison Farmer’s Market

Gunnison Fly Shop

Gunnison Funeral Services

Gunnison Gallery

Hargrove & Kidd Construction

Harmels

Heady Elephant Height of Land Publications

Heights Physical Therapy

Hi Country Carpet & Tile

High Alpine Brewing Co.

High Country Conservation Advocates HCCA

High Mountain Liquor

Hinsdale Historical Society

Hispanic Affairs Project, Marketa Zubkova

Hockey Moms Holy Cross Energy

Home Together Veterinary Services Homestead Hut

Hope & Glory House

HOUSE/GCT/SHOPPER

I-Bar, Inc. Ice Lab

Ingrid Butts Inn at Arrowhead Inn at Tomichi Village

Interior Visions

iRepair Gunnison Island Acres Motel

J Reeser Architect, LLC Jermaine’s

Jim Gelwicks

Jo Laird

Joe Dixon C.M Days Director

Johnny Apple Tree Care

Johnston Van Arsdale Martin PLLC

Justin Leflar - Music Lessons Kaizen Collision

Misc Shopper

Mochas

Monarch Realty Monarch Ski Area

Montrose Police Department

Montrose Regional Health

Moore Good Dogs MOPS

Mountain Fireplace Specialists

Mountain Legacy Veterinary Center

Mountain Meadows Mall

Mountain Roots Food Project Mountain Surfaces Mountain Windows Inc

Mountaineer Theater

Move it Right LLC

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Murdoch’s Salida

Napa Auto Parts

Neptune Retail Solutions (ARBY’S)

Nesbitt & Company LLC

New Era LawnScaping, LLC

New Song Christian Fellowship

Nikki Pulitzer

North Fork Auctions

NSA Media - Sears Hometown Stores

Nunatak Alternative Energy Solutions

NuVista Credit Union

Offcenter Design

Ol’ Miner Steakhouse, Inc. OT4 Yoga

Palisades Apartments

Palisades Restaurant & Saloon

Paper Clip

Paradox Footwear Paragon Gallery

Parker Pastures

Patin, Frank Patriot Pressworks

Pawsitively Native Peace Museum Colorado Peak Property Management and Sales Pederson Enterprises Pet Au Pairs

Pie-Zans Pioneer Museum

Pitkin Colorado Real Estate

Pitkin Historical & Community Assoc

Pizza Mountain Alamo Saloon Por Tu Salud

Powerstop Powur Precision Automotive Premier Mountain Properties Project Hope Pure Fire Cannabis Quad Media Solutions

Quick Draw Carpet Cleaning Rady School

RE/MAX Community Brokers

Sleep Factory - Montrose

SnoTrackers

Sodexo Sportsman’s Liquor

Squeeky Kleen Auto Wash

St. Peter’s Altar and Rosary - Colette Perusek

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

State Farm - Pete Klingsmith Stice & Company, LLC

STOR

Studio E Photography Sugarplum Festival Sundrop Flora Susan Zanol

Sustainable CB Sustainable Crested Butte Swifthaus Design

Taco Bell

TACOCAT

Tango Tava Real Estate - Josh Young

TAVA Real Estate - Ryan Jordi Taylor Canyon Fire Station

Taylor Park Marina

Technical College of the Rockies Tenderfoot CFDC

The Coffee Trader The Dispensary

The Dive

The Matterhorn Motel

The Schossow Group The Toad Team

Thomas Riser Attorney

Thurston Kitchen & Bath Today Realty

Toggery Touch of Care

Tough Enough To Wear Pink Town of Crested Butte Town of Mt. Crested Butte

Tracy Pearson Trader’s Rendezvous

Treads N’ Threads

Trestle Strategy Group

TRIC Salon

Trinity Baptist Church

Trout Creek Engineering

True Media-Murdochs

Turner Automotive TWS Action Fund

Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District UGRWCD

Valley Housing Fund

Valley Restoration and Construction

Varner Equipment

Visionary Communications, INC. VSON Alpine Wallin Construction

Warren Homebuilders

WCU - Center for Learning and Innovation

WCU - Colorado Water Workshop

WCU Alumni Affairs

WCU Art & Music Dept

WCU Athletic Association

Gunnison Liquor Store

Gunnison Muffler & Pipe, Inc.

Gunnison Nordic Club

Gunnison Pizza Company

Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals LLC

Gunnison River Festival

Gunnison Savings and Loan

Gunnison Senior Center

Gunnison Shipping

Gunnison Underdog Rescue

Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League

Gunnison Valley Family Physicians

Gunnison Valley Hospital

Gunnison Valley RTA

Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival

Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food Store

Gunnison Watershed RE1J Book Bus

Gunnison Watershed RE1J School District

Gunnison Wildlife Association

Gunnison-Crested Butte Strong Schools

GV Cattlewomen

GV Mentors

GV Observatory

GV Producers’ Guild

Gene Taylor’s

Gentle Dental Care

GHS Mountain Biking

Go Orthopaedics

Grace Covenant Church

Greatland Log Homes

Gunni Grub

GV Veterinary Clinic GVRHA

H & H Towing

H & R Block District #7057

Habitat For Humanity Hair Repair II Hall Realty

KD Custom Builders

Kinikin Processing

Kooler Homes

Krista Brockschmidt

Lake City Arts

Lake City Auto

Lake City Chamber of Commerce

Lake City Community School

Lake City DIRT

Lake City Liquors

Larene Summer

Lasso Digital

Last Ditch Thrift

Laura Guccione

Laura Puckett Daniels for County

Commissioner

League of Women Voters

Legacy Family Ministries

Leia Morrison

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyJill Matlock

Living Journeys

Lori Wilcox

Lost Miner Ranch

Luke Danielson

MarCom Group, Inc

Marios

Martin Group - (The Faricy Boys)

Martin Retail

MAYA

Mechanic on Duty

Mendez Cleaning

Mesa Valley Group, Inc.

Miller Furniture

Mindy Costanzo Real Estate

Misc GCT

Region 10

Reyes Sealcoating & Crack Filling Rick Barton Ministries

Right Path Health Screenings

RM Taylor

Rock N Roll Sports

Rocky Mountain Biological Lab

Rocky Mountain Cannabis

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries

Rocky Mountain Frames & Trophies

Roots RX

Roshambo

Russ Brown Gallery

Rustic Legacy

Saguache Chamber of Commerce

Salida Arts

Salida Gun Shop

San Juan Strains - Gunnison

SAW Advertising

Saw Contracting

SCJ Alliance

Scott Lefevre Bookkeeping

SGM

S’Haul Good Hauling & Delivery

Sherpa

Shipman Builders

Shondeck Insurance

Signature Properties

Signature Properties - Erin Welfelt

Signature Properties - John Rasmussen

Signature Properties - Jordan Brandenburg

Signature Properties - Kelsey Loftis

Signature Properties - Zach Coffey Six Points

WCU Comm Arts / Language / Literature

WCU Communications & Marketing

WCU Dept. of Exercise and Sports Science

WCU Environment & Sustainability

WCU Extended Studies

WCU Field House Fitness Center

WCU Human Resources

WCU School of Business

WCU Swimming and Diving

WCU Track and Field

Weehawken Creative Arts

Wendy Buckhanan

Wendy Preston - Crested Butte

Realty

Wentz Foot & Ankle Specialists

West Elk Hockey Association

West Elk Martial Arts

Western Colorado Angus Assoc.

Western Land Group, Inc.

Western Lumber

Western Pilates

Wet Grocer

Wheelies and Waves

Wild Roach

Wilderness Pursuits

William and Annette Vannice

Wonderland Clayworks

Wood Product SIGNS

Yard of the Week

Yes on 2A

Zacchariah Zypp & Co.

Zuni Street Brewing

Karen Barnes KBUT

Classifieds

CARS & TRUCKS

2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA: Vin: 1FUJGLDR59LAJ0007. H&H Towing 203 W. US. Hwy 50. Gunnison, Co 81230. 970641-2628.

2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX: Vin: 2GNFLEE57C6162861. H&H Towing 203 W. US. Hwy 50. Gunnison, Co 81230. 970641-2628.

1995 HONDA ACCORD: Vin: 1HGCD7166SA039865. H&H Towing 203 W. US. Hwy 50. Gunnison, Co 81230. 970641-2628.

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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. And 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”

Teacher Librarian/Media Specialist/ Instructional Support-CBCS Finance Assistant-GCS ELL Educational Assistant-GHS District Benefits Coordinator Math Intervention Teacher-CBSS Library Educational Assistant-GCS Supervision EA-CBCS Special Education EA- CBSS Lake Preschool Teacher Permanent Substitutes Food Service-CBCS and GCS Bus Drivers Substitute Teachers

Coaching: CBHS Asst. Lacrosse coach GMS Assistant Gymnastics coach (2 positions)

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

jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH

Gunnison Valley Health is hiring. Please note This is not a complete list of all our open jobs - you can view all open positions at our website, jobs.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org

Receptionist/Dispatch Senior Care Center TransportationFT $16.00 - $18.40/hr DOE

Phlebotomist/Lab (willing to train)FT $17 – 19.55/hr DOE

Care Associate II – GVO Clinic/ Family MedicineFT $17.87 – $22.10/hr DOE Nursing AssistantFT $16.00 - $18.40/hr DOE

Medical AssistantFT, $18.17 - $21.81/hr DOE

Benefits Eligibility: Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA, and dependent care FSA: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following date of hire. PRN staff are not initially eligible for benefits, and GVH follows all Affordable Health Care Act Eligibility guidelines.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Western seeks applicants for the following state classified positions:

Security I (full-time): Responsibilities include patrolling campus grounds and buildings, identifying and responding to policy/ traffic violations and safety hazards, documenting incidents and actions taken, conducting crowd and traffic control during campus events, notifying and working with local law enforcement to respond to criminal activity (as needed), and more. This position is scheduled for night shifts (8:00 pm – 6:00 am) and is paid an additional 14% per hour on weeknights and 20% more per hour on weekends. Benefits include Colorado PERA retirement, tuition benefits, paid time off, and low-cost insurance plans. To view the full job announcement and apply, visit governmentjobs.com/careers/ colorado. AA/EOE

Custodian I (full-time): Starting pay is $15 per hour. Benefits include Colorado PERA retirement, tuition benefits, paid time off, and low-cost insurance plans. To view the full job announcement and apply, visit governmentjobs.com/ careers/colorado. Apply online or email HR@western.edu. AA/EOE

La Universidad de Western Colorado está contratando las posiciones de un Custodio 1 de tiempo-completo. Los beneficios incluyen un plan de retiro por Colorado PERA, beneficios de tuición, tiempo de descanso pagado, y planes de aseguranza de costo-bajo. Para ver el anuncio entero del trabajo y para aplicar, por favor visite governmentjobs. com/careers/colorado o mande correo electrónico a HR@western.edu.

EMPLOYMENT

LOADER

LOOKING FOR A HYGIENIST for progressive, mercury-safe dental office in Crested Butte. We have cool lasers and bright sunny operatories to work in. Prefer full-time, but part-time availability would be considered. Full benefits included. Please send resume to info@ intergrativedentistrycolorado.com

COAL CREEK WATERSHED COALITION (CCWC) is seeking a science-minded and detail-oriented professional to lead our water quality sampling programs and handle administrative duties. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or similar science background along with 2-3 years of relevant work experience. This is a part-time, 1099 contract position. Compensation is $3540 per hour, depending on experience. For a more detailed description of desired attributes and job duties please visit coalcreek.org/hiring.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH BENEFITS? The Crested Butte Bank (a branch of the Gunnison Bank and Trust Company), has an opening for a full-time teller to join the operations side of our

Please visit our website for more in-depth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online: https://jobs. gunnisonvalleyhealth.org , or call HR for questions 970-641-1456. (PRN = as needed). All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a negative 10 panel drug screen test, criminal background check, reference checks, infection prevention procedures (TB test, Flu Shot, immunization records, etc.), physical capacity profile and acknowledgement of policies.

growing Bank. Applicants should have strong customer service skills, the ability to multi-task, and a willingness to learn. GB&T fosters a learning environment where you will gain exposure to multiple areas of the Bank, with a strong foundation in operations, pay starting at $18.00. Robust benefits package includes 401(k), medical insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and disability insurance (ST and LT). Pooled transportation is available. Send resume to abrown@crestedbuttebank.com or lbeda@ gunnisonbank.com.

WASTEWATER OPERATOR: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a full-time wastewater operator position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the wastewater plant and collection system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of construction, field operations and electrical/ mechanical/maintenance repair. A State of Colorado Collections and/or wastewater license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators are required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A

valid Colorado driver’s license is required, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at hiring or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is required. Starting salary is $41,500 to $48,500 for entry level. $48,500 to $70,100 salary available for operators with experience and appropriate state wastewater licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, a season ski pass, employer provided uniforms and employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching). Full job description is available at www.mcbwsd. com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email bburks@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COME AND JOIN AN AWESOME TEAM at a progressive, mercury-safe dental practice. Work is consistent, non-seasonal, flexible work options and benefits are available for full time work. No experience is necessary. Please call 970-349-5577 or send an email with your resume to info@ integrativedentistrycolorado.com.

UCC IS LOOKING for a friendly, organized part time office manager. Ideal candidate would have some bookkeeping experience as well as competence in Microsoft Office Suite. Minimum $23/hour. Flexible schedule, paid vacation, ski pass, great work environment. Please send letter of interest and resume to timothyqclark@yahoo.com, or call him at 970-209-9306.

CRESTED BUTTE DENTAL is looking for an energetic and caring person to join our team as a dental assistant. Experience preferred, however, will happily train someone with a great attitude and willingness to learn. $19$24/hr DOE and comprehensive benefits package. Please send resume and cover letter to amy@crestedbuttedentist.com.

TRIM CARPENTERS AND LEAD CARPENTERS WANTED: KD Custom Builders. PAY D.O.E. Call 970-275-6969.

LOOKING FOR HOUSE CLEANER once a week 2 bedrooms 2 baths, living room. Prior experience and references required. Erik 970-596-6160.

START YOUR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CAREER WITH WONDERLAND NATURE SCHOOL the only nature-based early childhood center in the Valley. Now hiring starting at $1618 depending on experience. Full time preferred, but part-time hours may be available. Retirement match, mental health and paid training benefits provided. We are a supportive, friendly work environmentjoin our team and make a difference in our little ones’ lives. Email us at admin@ wonderlandnatureschool.org.

GUNNISON SAVINGS AND LOAN is accepting applications for an experienced loan officer to join our loan origination team. Our loan officers are responsible for origination, processing and closing mortgage loans. Qualified candidates will possess exceptional customer service skills, high level of confidentiality, professionalism, attention to detail and ability to build long term relationships. Competitive compensation based on experience, 401(k), group life and health insurance, vacation and sick benefits, HSA contributions and paid federal holidays. A letter of application and a resume with references should be submitted to Janice English, Sr. Vice President at 303 North Main Street, Gunnison, CO 81230 or jenglish@ gunnisonsl.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

BLIND FAITH CUSTOM WINDOW FASHIONS is hoping to find an administrative support/customer relations teammate. This full-time role will oversee that the support is provided to ensure efficient operation of the office. Supports staff through a variety of tasks related to organization and communication. You will be responsible for time sensitive scheduling and effectively communicate via phone and email ensuring that all communication is delivered with high quality and in a timely manner.

Responsibilities will include but aren’t limited to: answering phone calls and scheduling appointments, reply to email, return phone calls and greet and assist visitors to the showroom, shipping, receiving and organization of inventory (including staying on top of digital communication about the orders/order process), submit and reconcile invoices all while resolving scheduling conflicts and providing polite professional communication. Please email: admin@ blindfaithcb.com or call Kelly: 850-855-8838.

Family Planning Nurse

Practitioner/Physician’s Assistant HHS: Part-time, 6 hours every other week, hourly rate range from $38.15 to $53.96 plus full benefits.

Facilities Maintenance Custodian Facilities: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $21.72 to $30.72 plus full benefits.

IT System Administrator: Full-time, 40 hours/week, starting monthly salary range from $6,613 to $9,354, plus full benefits.

Prevention Coordinator Juvenile Services: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $27.15 to $38.41 plus full benefits.

Recycling Technician/Landfill Operator Public Works: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $21.72 to $30.72 plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II: Family Planning Coordinator HHS: Parttime, 30 hours/week, hourly rate range from $32.03 to $45.31 plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II: Child Care Health Consultant HHS: Part-time, 6 hours/week, hourly rate range from $32.03 to $45.31.

Patrol Deputy (Marble and Somerset Area) Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,989 to $7,057 plus full benefits. Work in the Marble and Somerset area.

Detention Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,229 to $5,982 plus full benefits. Only work 14 days a month.

Heavy Equipment Operator I

Public Works: Full-time, 40 hours/ week, starting hourly rate $21.72 to $30.72 depending on experience, full benefits.

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

For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications

Improvement) GS-0462-04 23-TEMP4-R23137-4DT-DM

Forestry Technician (Wilderness/Trails) GS-0462-06 23-TEMP4-R2-0037-6DT-SC

Forestry Technician (Trails) GS0462-05 23-TEMP4-R2-2861-5DT-MM

Forestry Technician (Trails) GS0462-04 23-TEMP4-R2-2860-4DT-EW

Customer Service Representative GS0303-05 23-TEMP4-R2-2456-5DT-EW

Forestry Tech (Fire) GS-0462-04 23-TEMPF4-R2-0003-4DH

Forestry Aid (Fire) GS-0462-03 23-TEMPF4-R2-3867-3DH

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER (PYTHON): Join our team to create warehouse automation solutions from our ski-in, ski-out office in Mt. Crested Butte. We are building hybridcloud containerized applications to move products faster and more efficiently using robots. If you have Python skills and want to be part of a growing team in the mountains, send resume to Chris Ladoulis at Slate River Systems (SRSI) at cladoulis@gosrsi.com. See seetheraft.com.

Legals AGENDA

Regular Meeting January 9, 2023 5:30 p.m. Crested Butte Community School Library This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions. I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Pledge of Allegiance

X. Board Committee assignments for the 2022-23 school year

District Accountability CommitteeMrs. Roberts

School Accountability CommitteesMr. Martineau, Mrs. Mick, Mrs. Brookhart

Gunnison County Education Association Negotiations- Mr. Taylor Gunnison County Education Association 3X3- Mr. Martineau Fund 26- Mrs. Mick

Gunnison Valley Community Foundation- Mrs. Mick

Gunnison Memorial Scholarship- Mrs. Roberts Health Insurance Committee- Mr. Taylor

XI. Forthcoming Agendas/ Meeting Dates and Times

a. Monday, January 23, 2023

Regular meeting/Amended Budget@5:30pm Gunnison b. Monday, February 13, 2023

Regular meeting@5:30pm CB c. Monday, February 27, 2023

Work Session@5:30pm Gunnison d. Monday, March 6, 2023 Regular meeting@5:30pm CB e. Monday, March 27, 2023 Work Session@5:50pm Gunnison

XII. Adjournment

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication date of January 5, 2023 7333

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

A

REAL ESTATE

PALISADES AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY

Palisades Apartment is currently accepting applications for our waiting list. Our 2 Bedroom Low income Apartment Community is Income based. You must meet restrictions

GUNNISON POSITIONS:

Temporary positions (approx. June –November)

Do you want to work outdoors? Do you want to contribute to natural resource management in the Gunnison Valley? Do you want to get paid to have fun in the forest?

If so, apply to work for the USDA Forest Service in Gunnison, Colorado! We are offering multiple temporary positions with flexible work schedules, paid federal holidays and paid time off. Positions are available in a variety of departments including timber sale preparation, timber stand improvement, trails, customer service and wildland fire. Wage is dependent on experience and ranges from $14.38/hour - $18.06/hour with opportunities for overtime. No experience is required for some of these positions. Health, vision and dental benefits are available to all

employees expected to be in pay status for 90 days or more. Housing may be available upon request.

Application period: 1/12/2023 - 1/19/2023 Applicants must apply online through USAjobs.gov

Please contact the Gunnison Ranger District at 970-641-0471 with any questions. We are happy to help you through the application process.

Specific Positions in Gunnison are:

Official Title PP/Series/Grades

Announcement No

Forestry Technician (Timber Sale Prep) GS-0462-05 23-TEMP4-R2-0041-5DT-MM

Forestry Technician (Timber Sale Prep) GS-0462-04 23-TEMP4-R2-2466-4DT-MG

Forestry Technician (Timber Sale Improvement) GS-0462-05 23-TEMP4-R23138-5DT-SC

Forestry Technician (Timber Sale

Our Newly renovated 2 bedroom apartments are a must see. Apply in person at 600 N. Colorado in Gunnison.

We are a no Smoking property.

For further information please contact us at 970-641-5429 or palisadesmanager@ silva-markham.com

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

(NOTICE BY PUBLICATION OF)

§1-13.5-501, 1-13.5-1102(3), 32-1-905(2), C.R.S.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District, Gunnison County and a portion of the northwest corner of Saguache County, State of Colorado;

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, three directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms. Eligible electors of the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District interested in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District website at www.gcmetrec.com and from the Designated Election Official (DEO):

Sue Wallace (Designated Election Official) Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District – 710 South 9th Street, Gunnison, Colorado

Sue Wallace – 970-901-6851; Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District –970-641-8725

DEO@gcmetrec.com

The Office of the DEO is open on the following days: Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The deadline to submit a SelfNomination and Acceptance is close of business on February 24, 2023 (not less than 67 days before the election).

Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-In-Candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the designated election official by the close of business on Monday, February 27, 2023 (the sixty-fourth day before the election).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, an application for an absentee ballot shall be filed with the designated election official no later than the close of business on Tuesday preceding the election, April 25, 2023

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 5, 2023

7322

PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF GUNNISON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, pursuant to Sections 6.5 and 10.3 of the Land Development Code of the City of Gunnison, Colorado, a public hearing will be held at the hour of 7:00 p.m. on the 25th day of January, 2023 in the City Council Chambers, Gunnison Municipal Building, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado on the merits of Major Change to a PUD application ZA 23-1 submitted by the City of Gunnison regarding additional density on Lot 16 and Lot 18, Lazy K Subdivision. The property is legally described as:

Lazy K Subdivision, Reception Number 675479, City of Gunnison, Gunnison County, State of Colorado.

AT WHICH TIME AND PLACE you may attend and give testimony, if you so desire.

The public may attend Public Hearings and Regular and Special Sessions in person or remotely. To attend the meeting remotely go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88019114033

?pwd=WFdPSXNlRHZ6MENBTGUvVjU2R

WV1QT09

City of Gunnison, Colorado Planning and Zoning Commission

/s/ Andie Ruggera, Senior Planner

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication date of January 5, 2023 7306

PUBLIC NOTICE

Saguache County Board of Commissioners Seeks Saguache County Planning Commission Members

Saguache County Board of Commissioners are seeking members and alternates from:

Town of Saguache surrounding area –member and alternate La Garita/Center area – member and alternate Town of Center and surrounding area –member and alternate

Cochetopa area – alternate Moffat and surrounding area – member and alternate Hooper and surrounding area – alternate Villa Grove and surrounding area –member and alternate

At Large for All of Saguache County –alternate Crestone and surrounding area – member and alternate

The representative must be a property owner or property manager and reside in the area they are interested in representing. Regular member terms are for three years and the alternate terms are for one year.

Saguache County Planning Commission meets on the last Thursday of each month in the Road and Bridge meeting room. The Planning Commission may also have work sessions throughout each month to work on the Saguache County Master Plan and different items.

If you are interested, please send a brief letter of interest stating qualifications and interest to: Saguache County Land Use, Attn: Amber Wilson, PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 prior to Friday, January 13, 2023. Should you have any questions please call Amber Wilson at 719-655-2321.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of December 22, 29, 2022 and January 5, 12, 2023

7176

PUBLIC NOTICE

Saguache County Sales Tax Grants now available:

The Saguache County Board of Commissioners will be taking Grant Applications for Saguache County Sales Tax Grants until 3:00PM, Friday, February 17, 2023.

To be eligible grant applications must be for either: Emergency Services/Public Health and Safety; Youth and Senior programs, projects, or organizations; or Renewable Energy projects/Business Opportunities and Job Creation.

Grant applications are available on our

website at saguachecounty.colorado.gov - use “sales tax grant applicationform5” or you can contact the Saguache County Administration office at 719-655-2231 to request a copy of the grant application.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication dates of January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9, 16, 2023

7315

PUBLIC NOTICE

MEMORANDUM

TO: Potential Region 10 Aging Service Providers

FROM: Eva Veitch Region 10 Community Living Services Program Director

DATE: December 20, 2022

RE: Request for Proposals (RFP’s) for FY 2023 Older Americans Act Funding for Older Adult Services

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) – Region 10 is soliciting proposals for Older Americans Act funding from public, private and nonprofit organizations interested in providing services for older adults (60+) within Region

10. The AAA - Region 10 serves Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties.

RFP’s will be accepted for funding in the following categories of services:

• Part B- Supportive Services (transportation, information/assistance, legal, material aid, other supportive services

• etc.)

• Part C1 (Congregate Meals), C2 (Homedelivered Meals)

• Part D-Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

• Part E-National Family Caregiver Support Program

The contract period for this application is for thirty-six months, beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2026.

The deadline for receipt of applications by the Area Agency on Aging – Region 10 is 5:00 P.M., Monday February 20th 2023.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact Eva Veitch/AAA Director at 970-765-3127 or eveitch@region10.net

A complete RFP packet is available at www. region10.net

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 5 and 12, 2023 7314

PUBLIC NOTICE

RAGGED MOUNTAIN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NOTICE OF:

2023 Regular Board Meeting - The second Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm. Attend At: 3688 Hwy 133, Somerset Co, 81434 or Conference Call: Dial 1-605-472-5550, Enter Access Code 296143

January 10th, February 14th, March 14th, April 11th, May 9th, June 13th, July 11th, August 8th, September 12th, October 10th, November 14th, December 12th.

If you would like a copy or have questions, please call RMFPD (970) 929-5500

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 5, 2023

7319

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS OF GUNNISON SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION :

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the members of the abovenamed Association will be held at 303 North Main Street, Gunnison, Colorado 81230, on the 18th day of January 2023, at the hour of 5:00 p.m. of said day. The business to be taken up at the Annual Meeting shall be:

(1) Considering and voting upon the minutes of last members’ meeting;

(2) Considering and voting upon reports of officers and committees of the Association;

(3) Considering and voting upon the acts of directors and officers of the Association;

(4) Election of directors to fill the offices the terms of which are then expiring.

(5) No other matters.

Dated this 22nd day of December 2022.

Stacy Lawrence, Secretary Gunnison Savings and Loan Association

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 5, 12, 2023 7327

SUMMONS

SUMMONS

District Court Gunnison County, Colorado Court Address: 200 E. Virginia Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230

Plaintiffs: Gunnison Valley Housing Foundation n/k/a Valley Housing Fund, a Colorado non-profit corporation; and The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System, acting by and through Colorado State University v. Defendants: W.R. Prendergast; Phyllis Prendergast; Kenneth C. Eilebrecht; Edna Mae Eilebrecht; and all Unknown Persons who may Claim any Interest in the Subject Matter of this Action

Attorneys for Plaintiffs: Law of the Rockies Jacob A. With, Atty. Reg. #: 40546 525 North Main Street Gunnison, CO 81230 Phone Number: 970-641-1903 Facsimile Number: 970-641-1943 jwith@lawoftherockies.com Case Number: 2022CV30060

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response in writing within the applicable time period, the Court may enter judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This is an action to quiet title pursuant to C.R.C.P. 105 in favor of the Plaintiffs in and to the following property in Gunnison County, Colorado:

A TRACT OF LAND WITHIN THE SW1/4 OF SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 50 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, NEW MEXICO PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO; SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 25, (AS MARKED BY A PRIVATE SURVEYOR’S BRASS CAP MONUMENT); THENCE NORTH 75°03’40” EAST 737.35 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE EILEBRECHT PROPERTY, (AS RECORDED JUNE 12, 1968 IN BOOK 403 AT PAGE 242 OF THE RECORDS OF GUNNISON COUNTY); THENCE NORTH 04°50’00” EAST 3.14 FEET ALONG THE WEST BOUNDARY OF SAID PROPERTY TO A POINT ON AN EXISTING EAST-WEST FENCELINE; SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING FOR THE HEREIN DESCRIBED TRACT; THENCE THE FOLLOWING COURSES AROUND SAID TRACT: 1. NORTH 04°50’00” EAST 2064.20 FEET ALONG SAID BOUNDARY TO A POINT; 2. NORTH 89°51’00” WEST 11.28 FEET TO A POINT ON AN EXISTING NORTH-SOUTH FENCELINE; 3. SOUTH 04°58’29” WEST 869.68 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE; 4. SOUTH 22°23’59” WEST 13.71 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE; 5. SOUTH 04°47’16” WEST 512.00 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE; 6. NORTH 68°41’48” WEST 31.44 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE; 7. SOUTH 04°41’59” WEST 248.94 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE; 8. SOUTH 17°17’43” EAST 8.67 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE; 9. SOUTH 04°40’20” WEST 408.86 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE; 10. SOUTH 11°28’29” EAST 15.15 FEET ALONG SAID FENCELINE TO THE INTERSECTION POINT OF SAID NORTH-SOUTH FENCELINE AND SAID EAST-WEST FENCELINE; 11. SOUTH 89°34′49′′ EAST 38.13 FEET ALONG SAID EAST-WEST FENCELINE TO A POINT ON SAID WEST BOUNDARY, SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE HEREIN DESCRIBED TRACT. THE BASIS OF BEARINGS USED HEREIN IS ASTRONOMIC NORTH AS DETERMINED BY SOLAR OBSERVATIONS. COUNTY OF GUNNISON, STATE OF COLORADO.

By: S: Jacob A With Jacob A. With

Dated December 12, 2022 Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of December 15, 22, and 29, 2022, January 5, and 12, 2023 7127

BETHANY CHURCH

909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 641-2144

Holiday Schedule: Jan. 8 - 9 am.

Two services at 9 & 10:30 am resume Jan. 15

Visit our website for more information - gunnisonbethany.com 9 am: Family Service with nursery & children’s church 10:30 am: Western Student Service with FREE lunch for college students following Check out our website for updates!

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

600 E. Virginia • 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.

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GUNNISON

107 N. Iowa • 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, 9:00-4:00

For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com

Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube

Transforming Lives • Building Community

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Virginia at N. Pine St. • 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 PM - Children's Patch Club / Gunnison Bible Institute

Thursday 7 PM - College & Career Christian Fellowship www.firstbaptistgunnison.org.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH

307 W. Virginia Ave. • 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, 407 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte.

GUNNISON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

United Church of Christ Open and Affirming · Whole Earth · Just Peace Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship www.gunnisonucc.org • 317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203

GRACE COVENANT CHURCH GUNNISON

Meeting at the Historic 8th St School House 101 N. 8th St. Gunnison

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 • 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

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.)

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30am

Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School

“Remedy” Worship Nights

Small Group Ministries www.rmcmchurch.org - 641-0158

ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

300 N. Wisconsin • 641-0808 • Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago (www.gunnisoncatholic.org | www.crestedbuttecatholic.org) or call the Parish Office.

St. Peter's - Gunnison Sat 8:30 am, 5 pm & Sun 10:30 am, 12:00 pm (Spanish) Mass

First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass at 11am

Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30am Mass

St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Communion Service, Sat 4:00pm

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

523 N. Pine St. • 641-1813

Senior Pastor - Michael McVey Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM www.trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Winter recreation

Cranor Hill and Hartman Rocks ready to roll

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

After the most recent storm cycle blanketed the ground with over a foot of snow, local recreation sites around the valley are opening up for business. Bikers, skiers and snowshoers alike can snap in for the season and head into the hills for an adventure.

Cranor Hill

For the first time in nearly two years, the much-beloved Cranor Hill Ski Area will open for the season on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Cranor Hill, just northeast of Gunnison off Lost Canyon Road, has been operating for nearly 60 years. The hill was originally owned by the Cranor family but the city purchased it in 1966 under the terms that it would always be used as a public ski area. The area is administered by the Gunnison Parks and Rec Department.

The 310-foot hill uses a Poma Platter Surface Lift, featuring a disk-like support suspended from a cable placed between the legs to pull the skier uphill. Cranor will open only if there is enough snow coverage to prevent groomers from picking up dirt. For opening day, the hill just reached bare minimum, between 12 and 14 inches. There’s no designated routes hill, but that’s just part of the beauty of the place, Dan Vollendorf, director of Gunnison Parks and Recreation, said.

With no designated routes at Cranor, “It’s a choose-your-own adventure,” he said. "There’s no real way to do the hill, and you can go skiing wherever you want on the property.”

New this year, Cranor will have special hours on Wednesday afternoons to accommodate early release in the Gunnison Watershed School District. The mid-week hours are not the first time the hill has welcomed kids during the school week.

“You hear stories from other people who grew up here that the bus used to take them to Cranor, and they'd get an hour to ski after school back when Cranor had lights,” said Ginny Baylor, parks and rec supervisor.

The uptick in usage of the Rec Center during early release hours inspired the idea, Baylor said. She coordinated with CB

Snowsports Foundation and the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District to offer free daily lift tickets between 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday for the entire 2023 season.

Cranor is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Season passes are available to all, but Rec Center members get a slight discount. Otherwise, daily tickets cost $13 for ages 5-16, $22 for ages 17-64 and are free for those under 5 or over 65.

“It's not like Vail. You know what I mean?” Vollendorf said.

“It's the local ski hill, where kids can go crazy, and it's just five minutes up the road.”

Hartman Rocks

Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is formally open for winter patronage. Gunnison Trails and Gunnison Nordic have already groomed over 14 miles of winding trail networks and road connectors three times. The paths are now groomed for snowshoeing, skiing, hiking and biking — although some recent wind made the trails a little soft for biking, said Tim Kugler, executive director of Gunnison Trails.

After last week’s storm cycle, the organizations received the green light from the Bureau of Land Management to close gates at the bottom of Kill Hill and begin the annual ritual.

Hartmans didn’t receive enough snow last year to merit any grooming, Kugler said, so the wintertime recreation just wasn’t the same.

“Last year, the gates never really swung shut for snow, but they did eventually swing shut for mud, because there was just enough snow out there to make things sloppy,” Kugler said.

The trail system is especially popular for fat bikers. Although the bikes can be ridden anywhere there’s packed snow, like the Van Tuyl trail or the recreation path to Mt. Crested Butte, the trails at Hartman Rocks offer a curated experience.

“The options are pretty limited if you're really looking for a single-track riding experience,” said Kugler. “That's why Hartman’s is great, because we actually do regular grooming specific for riding.”

Grooming reports are available on the Gunnison Trails website. Patrons can check their social channels or sign up for an email list for updates.

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

W Gunnison Ave, Gunnison CO 81230 MLS#796363 $890,000

Mobile Home Trailers built between 1962,1968,1970,1971, 1972 &1973

opportunity to own 12 unit manufacturer home trailer park, Frontierland which is located within R3 zoning for multifamily residential development. Their 12 trailers are fully leased and owned by CCNB Properties LLC with month to month

managed by Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals. Fronteirland is within Gunnison city limits and generates about $6,225 a month, gross income. The trailers are owned by the landowner so a potential buyer can update the trailers and/or replaced the trailers with new trailers. The new trailers can be sold individually or rented out at higher rents; either of these two options will lead to more income opportunities for a potential buyer. Property taxes 2021 are about $1061.00. 100 Chipeta Ct, $427,473 782 sqft 2bed 1bath with carport MLS#794678 Brand new 2 bed/1 bath house in the Lazy K Subdivision. Property has an attached carport, vaulted ceilings, all kitchen appliances with a W/D hookup. This is a deed restricted

A groomer on a hill at Hartman Rocks.

Tim Kugler

Great documentary photography never forgets one simple, guiding truth: It’s all about people. Stories of triumph and tragedy are not found in events themselves, but in how people respond to them.

When I set out to document how changes in the ski industry in the Gunnison Valley are affecting the community, I faced a challenge in finding a way to capture something that’s elusive. Which story would I

Compared to other ski destinations, change has come late to the Gunnison Valley. But now that it’s here, it’s picking up pace, and it impacts everyone differently. It’s a story about property prices, the housing crisis, the employee shortage, the new Starbucks, overflowing preschools, a lack of bus drivers, Vail Resorts, the traffic and the lift lines, the end of the Bakery.

But who are the people at the front lines, who live this story every day?

The answer quickly became obvi-

ous: ski bums. Judging by this name, an outsider might expect ski bums to be lazy, but my experience says anything but. Just to exist in the Gunnison Valley, it’s normal to hold two, three, four jobs — all while living out of a car in the woods in the summer or a cabin in Almont in the winter.

It’s this army of laborers who make the valley run. They wash the dishes, cook the meals, clean the rooms, create the snow, groom it, plow the roads, and run the lifts. It isn’t uncommon for a ski instructor who taught a tourist’s kids during the day to take their dinner order that same evening. In the back alleys, the kitchens, the tops of mountains at night — what are the lives like of these workers who produce paradise?

Here I’ll present a small selection of photos in an attempt to answer that question. A note on the style: I decided to create “dirty” photos — high contrast black and white, off camera flash, out of focus, intense amounts of digital noise — as an aesthetic

HISTORY: From Saguache to Lake City by buckboard,

COMMUNITY: How to socialize away from the ski slopes, B5

SPORTS: Western women’s basketball ends year with win, B7

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

Jacob Spetzler

Photo and Sports Editor

response to the colorful, crisp, com-

Mount Crested Butte is covered with snow after the first big storm of the winter three years ago.

Snowmaker and cat driver Shakti Leacult smokes a cigarette outside of a trailer he is renting with friends for the winter in Almont.

Kannon Thompson, a groomer at Monarch Mountain, watches the sunrise on a ridge overlooking the ski resort.

A groomer sits during his 3 a.m. lunch break during an overnight shift at Monarch Mountain.

Moments from the lives of those who ‘produce paradise’

Jacob Spetzler

Early morning fog sits over the trailer park at Three Rivers Resort in Almont. During the winter, the resort shuts down and rents out the cabins, primarily to seasonal workers. Amid an ongoing housing crisis, Almont provides one of the last true wells of affordable housing in the Gunnison Valley.

mercial photography that usually represents this valley.

This is a personal story as well. I was born in the valley, but my family moved away when I was still a kid. I moved back three years ago and spent two of them working every kind of job available, from ski instructor and raft guide to construction worker and concert security guard. When I filed my taxes for 2021, I submitted double digits worth of W2s, not to mention the 1099s.

In 2021, my girlfriend Morgan and I lost our housing in Crested Butte and with nowhere to live, we moved into our 1997 Ford Ranger for the summer. We lived up Taylor Canyon where I was raft guiding, and she would take the car (and our house) into town for babysitting gigs. I was still committed to becoming a photojournalist, but it was a slow process.

When the Times called to offer me a full-time job, I was in

Freshly created piles of man made snow covers the main ski run off the Painter Boy lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Crested Butte, kneeling in halffrozen November mud pulling a rotten log out from the bottom of an old miners-cabin-turnedvacation-rental. My mud encrusted Carhartts cracked at the knees and I took the job, effectively ending that period of physical labor. Currently I spend my time with a camera in hand rather than a hammer or paddle and, now, a year in, it feels as if my entire resume came together for

this photo essay. Part sports story, part lived experience. Two things were important to me to show: the struggle and the joy. People come here for a reason and they stick around, in no small part due to the community.

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

Drea Hanks prepare to do a shotski at a party in Almont.

Jacob Spetzler

continued on B3

Alex Pennimen looks out the window of the Dogwood to watch the snow pile up during a prep cook shift in Crested Butte.

Collin Carter suprises Shakti Leacult after Shakti gets home from his late night shift as a snowmaker in Almont.

A crow sits on a powerline over the Gunnison River in Almont.

Left: Alex Pennimen looks out of the open door at the Dogwood during his prep cook shift.

Snowboarders ride through a snowstorm known as the “Santa Slammer” at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Jacob Spetzler

John Duffy and Tyler Zoesch play “drunk chess” in Almont. “Drunk Chess” has slightly different rules than the normal version. The rules change often and often involve more drinking.

Collin Carter walks home at 11 p.m. to make coffee for his girlfriend who is just waking up to go to her graveyard shift as a snowmaker. As a ski instructor who also works at a restaurant, Collin and his partner rarely find their schedules overlapping during the early season.

TAYLOR

PROCESS

From Saguache to Lake City by

Early road built by Otto Mears

Duane Vandenbusche Special to the Times

In May, 1877, a Rocky Mountain News reporter embarked on a trip that took him from Saguache in the San Luis Valley to the booming silver camp of Lake City — over the 1874 road built by the “pathfinder of the San Juan,” Otto Mears.

In late May, the reporter left Saguache in a buckboard pulled by two horses, crossed the 10,032 foot Cochetopa Pass and then headed for Cebolla Creek and Lake City. The road involved a descent along Monument Creek through an area studded with “stupendous monuments, columns and boulders of smoothly worn granite,” he wrote.

From there, he traveled down the creek a mile or two past a rocky ridge with more rocks and rounded buttes which looked like haystacks. Rock Creek was a little farther, beyond a region that looked to the reporter like paved rock at the surface. For four miles he saw few trees or bushes and little grass.

After Rock Creek, he made another ascent with many snow banks into Summit Park, which he described as “said to be the most cheerless and dangerous portion of the whole road in the wild storms of winter.” As proof, the road there was marked by posts to show the way to winter travelers.

Leaving Summit Park, the reporter’s party went through timbered hills for a short distance and then reached and followed Beaver Creek to its junction with Cebolla Creek.

“The Cebolla is a large stream, with a beautiful valley a half-mile wide,” the man wrote. “The land is fertile, easily irrigated and low enough for

almost all kinds of crops. It is all claimed and nearly all the valley land is fenced, with much of it under cultivation.”

The White Earth Post Office was just below where the road entered the valley. Cebolla is Spanish for “onion,” but “after the streams in the Gunnison Basin had been put in a hat, shaken up and drawn, and the name Cebolla had be given to the creek, it was discovered that the Native stream of that name was 50 miles to the northwest, where onions grew, and that the stream in the Powderhorn area was actually named El Rita Terra Blanca, or White Earth Creek.”

Because of this, early settlers compromised by naming the post office White Earth while keeping Cebolla as the name of the creek.

The reporter and his party then followed Cebolla Creek for several miles.

“In the Cebolla Valley was a group of mineral springs, cold, warm and hot, iron, soda and sulphur, some of them large and remarkable,” he wrote. “They extend along the creek for about a mile. The Powderhorn, another large creek, comes down from the south and enters the Cebolla just where the road leaves the valley.”

The 1874 road then went up hills covered with grass, crested and descended along a minor drainage until it hit Indian Creek. From there, the party followed it down less than a mile to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River — and 20 more miles to Lake City.

The 1874 road from Saguache to Lake City was over 90 miles long. It took the reporter and his party three days to make the journey by buckboard — years before Gunnison was a town.

(Duane Vandenbusche is a retired Western Colorado University history professor.)

The White Earth Post Office stood in the Cebolla Creek Valley along a road built in 1874 by Otto Mears, the “pathfinder of the San Juan.”

Courtesy

In search of socializing away from the slopes?

Nine ways to connect with the community during winter season

‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions. For many of us, that means making plans to build new habits or routines, hoping to scroll less on social media and gaining new experiences. But winter in the Gunnison Valley can be harsh for those of us who aren’t avid participants of snow sports. It can be difficult to feel like there is a reason to get off the couch.

Having moved to the valley from a suburb of New Orleans, I was accustomed to having endless opportunities for cultural events, and I kept a full calendar. The transition to life in rural Gunnison was hard, but over the years I have discovered that despite its size, the Gunnison Valley has a lot going on! There are plenty of ways to get out and connect with our community. You just have to know where to look.

Here are some of the places and activities I am always dragging my friends to.

Sanctuary Somatics: The train cars at South Main Street — often referred to as “Joe Bob’s place” — are a hub for many community activities. From Harvest Hoedown in the fall to several weekly yoga classes, this is one of the first corners of Gunnison I look to find unique ways to learn new habits, build routines and make friends. Sanctuary Somatics gives an opportunity to move your body and tap into your mind with “Ecstatic Dance” Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and group meditation each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Both of these events are pay what you can, with a suggested offering of $5 to $10. If you have an Instagram, be sure to follow so you can get updates about Holy Fire nights that honor transitions like the solstice.

Buckel Family Wine: This past year, Buckel alone could have

filled up your social calendar. In summer and fall, they partner with local makers to host monthly events, such as paint your own pottery and wreathmaking workshops. They also do a wine education series, and you can visit their tasting room every Friday and Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m. Bring a few friends or make it a date. Order a cheese board, sip wine and enjoy.

Western Colorado University: The university happenings are not just for college students. Visit their website to learn about film screenings that are typically family-friendly and substancefree. You can eat some popcorn and watch a movie on the big screen at no cost. Their delightful orchestra and music events are generally held on Thursday evenings. And looking forward to summer, one of my favorite things to do is attend performances from the Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival.

Music venues: If live music is your jam, you probably already know about the incredible summer concert series at I Bar Ranch. But all is not lost in winter. The Public House in Crested Butte books bands throughout the year in the Tap Room, serving freshlybaked, chocolate chip cookies during shows. The Elks Lodge in Gunnison occasionally has live music, usually in conjunction with larger community events.

You can also attend weekly Bingo on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Arts centers: Both the Gunnison Arts Center and Crested Butte Center for the Arts host an exceptional variety of activities, from concerts to educational events. Visit the Crested Butte Center on the first Thursday of each month for a night of trivia with Quiz Quiz Bang Bang. The Gunnison Arts Center has the next few months of events already lined up, includ-

ing the Moonlight Concert Series, SonnofaGunn, Mixed Media and Margaritas and much more.

Pottery studios: Wonderland Clayworks and Crested Butte Clay Studio have opportunities for paint-your-own pottery, onetime classes and more serious students.

Theaters: The Crested Butte Mountain Theatre hosts performances such as improv and New Year’s Eve dance parties. Get on their email list to stay up to date. The Majestic also offers more than just movies. You can rent their space and host a party of your own, or attend events such as Craft and Cinema every third Sunday of the month from 3:30-7 p.m. Check their website often for special film screenings and community fundraisers.

Coffee shops: From 5 to 7 p.m. each Thursday, sip cocktails or coffee while embarrassing yourself and having a great time during karaoke at Double Shot Cyclery. In Crested Butte, Rumors often hosts authors for readings and book signings. While the other local coffee shops don’t usually have specific events, they are great places to check for local happenings. Event poster boards at Tributary Coffee Roasters and Mochas Coffeehouse are usually completely full with things to do.

KBUT: More than just a radio station, KBUT is a hub for community events. My personal “can’t miss” happenings are the Disco Inferno (formerly known as Soul Train) and the Fish Fry. Their calendar is also an essential resource for finding local events. If it seems like a lot to keep track of (it is), the KBUT Gunnison Valley Calendar will help you stay organized.

Surprisingly, this is just a taste of what happens in the Gunnison Valley (ladies night at Ace, anyone?), but I hope that it gets you started in your journey to get involved in our incredible community.

(Alexis Taylor has lived in the Gunnison Valley — and grown food here — for several years. She is the owner of Sundrop Flora, a flower farm.)

Alexis Taylor

Alexis Taylor Special to the Times

Sundrop Flora held a flower workshop at Buckel Family Wine in 2022.

Ice Art Show

The “Ice Art Show” at Gunnison Gallery will benefit The Gunnison Country Food Pantry (GCFP) in January. Enter one “Ice is a Love story” themed photograph or painting by Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m. to Gunnison Gallery at 124 N. Main St. The cost is $5 for the GCFP. Email your photograph to gunnisongallery124@gmail.com. There will be a reception on Jan. 6 from 5-7 p.m. for the First Fridays Art Walk. The Ice Art Show will be on display until Jan. 31. Call 970.641.6111 for more information.

Gunnison Basin SageGrouse Strategic Committee meeting

The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee will be Jan. 18 at 12 p.m. via Zoom or in the Planning Commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more updated information, including the most recent agenda and access to the virtual meeting, please visit gunnisoncounty. org.

Move the Butte 2023

Are you interested in dancing in Move the Butte 2023? This community dance production is open to all levels of dancers from beginners to advanced levels and we would

love for you to join us. Please visit our website to sign up at dancecrestedbutte.org or email us at movethebutte@gmail.com for more details. Move the Butte will happen on Feb. 23-25, 2023 and tickets will go on sale in January.

Free legal help

Get free legal advice on the second Wednesday of every month from 2-5 p.m. at the Gunnison County Library at 1 Quartz St. in Gunnison and at the Old Rock Community Library in Crested Butte. Volunteer attorneys will offer assistance one-on-one, via computer link. In Gunnison call 970.641.3485 or in Crested Butte call 970.349.6535 to be added to the sign-up sheet.

Living Journeys

Living Journeys hosts free and confidential monthly support groups — open to all Gunnison County residents.

-Caregivers Support Group: 1st Monday of each month.

-Bereavement Support Group: 2nd Monday of each month.

-Cancer Support Group: 1st Thursday and 3rd Monday of each month.

Professional therapists facilitate in-person and zoom meetings, no RSVP necessary. Get details at livingjourneys.org/ Calendar.

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

Bob RossHappy Little Accidents

On Jan. 17 or or Jan. 19 from 6-9 p.m. treat yourself to a night out and come paint along to an episode of “The Joy of Painting” This TV series introduced the world to Bob Ross, a soft-spoken artist with a nurturing disposition, who believed art was about more than skill but a means to finding mindfulness and a respect for nature. All levels welcome, “all you need is the desire to make beautiful things happen on canvas” . ~ Bob Ross.

The cost is $45 per person or $140 for a group of four.

Snow season painting

In this class, Jan. 4 & 11 from 2-4 p.m., kids will get to paint their dream designs on used skis or snowboards. Artist and instructor Nathan will walk the students through basic acrylic painting techniques to successfully bring colorful scapes to life. Repurpose old equipment to make a lasting decoration. Parents, make sure to drop off painting surfaces before the first class. The kids can take bus #5 from school and arrive right at the Arts Center.

The cost is $60 per person and $51 per member.

Simply sweets

Every Wednesday Jan. 4-25 from 6-9 p.m. students will

explore playful hand building, texturing and glazing techniques to create a collection of dessert dishes, servers and cupcake stands for your favorite sweet treats.

The instructor is Kristin Gruenberger and the cost is $230 for non-members and $192 for members.

Daytime throwing

Thursdays Jan. 5-26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. students will be taught centering, wheel throwing and trimming techniques. All ability ranges are welcome.

The instructor is Abra Karbin and the cost is $230 per student and $192 per member.

Lunchtime dance workout

Drop in at the GAC for a quick workout session Tuesdays from 12:30-1:15 p.m. Jan.10 through Feb. 28 to keep the blood moving throughout the day. Students will be led through an energetic routine with a hip hop influence. Stay active this winter and join us for a workout. Purchase all eight classes for the best deal, or drop in whenever you’re feeling an itch.

Your instructor will be Sakara Sullivan and the cost is $94 per person, $80 per member and $13 for drop-ins.

Fall league hockey championships decided

Three Rivers and CB Electric emerge triumphant

John Mark Sibley Special to the Times

Three Rivers Resort and CB Electric brought home the glory in the Gunnison adult fall hockey championships on Dec. 21. Both games were fast paced and competitive, requiring extra time and, in one case, a shootout.

The A-league teams played first, with Three Rivers Resort facing the Rocky Mountain Trees. It started quickly, both teams scoring within the first three minutes. By the end of the first period, the score was tied at 2-2.

The scoreboard stayed the same throughout the second. Rocky Mountain finally got the puck past the goaltender, but the point was ruled a no goal.

Early in the third, Shane McGuinness scored, giving Three Rivers the lead. Two minutes later, Rocky Mountain Trees’ Ashton Marby, assisted by Sam

Kay, gave their answer to tie the game. The clock drained, and the game went into three versus three overtime.

During the additional five

minutes, Three Rivers’ Matt Prudhomme beat the three defenders and took a shot against the goalie — winning the game and the A-league title.

The B-league game between Econo Lodge and CB Electric followed. Econo Lodge’s Kevin Krone opened the scoreboard with four minutes left in the first period. CB Electric was unable to answer until early in the second when Maxwell Carroll tied the game. The remainder of the second ticked by without a puck in either net.

Thomas Mclean of CB Electric scored the first goal of the third, sinking it in with just under six minutes left. The pressure was on, and the clock was ticking when, in the last minute and a half, Steven Curtis tied it up with a massive one-timer. It went in with a satisfying clink as it ricocheted off the top right goalpost.

Neither team was successful during the five-minute overtime, moving the game into a shootout. In the fourth round, Carroll sunk the puck into the goal — securing the B-league win for CB Electric.

(John Mark Sibley can be contacted at 970.641.1414)

Year-end victory on the basketball court

Mountaineers mark New Year’s Eve with a win

Brandon Warr Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University women’s basketball defeated the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) in a home game on the final day of 2022. The Mountaineers stepped up its defense and halted the Mountain Lions’ lategame comeback attempt, giving Western a close 57-53 victory.

Colorado Springs took a brief 5-2 lead early in the game after an early 3-pointer.

The Mountaineers responded quickly with a 7-0 run with four points from Hayley Valencia and three from Rachel Cockman. Up 9-5, the Mountain Lions scored the team’s final points of the quarter with 4:29 left on the clock — cutting Western's lead to 9-7. The Mountaineers closed the first quarter with two free throws from Cockman.

Both teams picked up the pace in the second quarter. Western managed to maintain a lead for the entire quarter. Following two successful free throws from the Mountain Lions, the Mountaineers’ offense hit the gas and went

on a 10-0 run. Cockman took over the game, scoring seven of the 10 points, while Emmery Wagstaff scored the other three.

Colorado Springs closed the second quarter on a strong note — completing a 7-2 run that moved the score to 28-21 at halftime.

Going into the second half, Western held a brief 12-point lead thanks to a layup from Wagstaff and a 3-pointer from Cockman. The Mountain Lions battled back, trimming the lead to as little as four points with less than four minutes left in the third.

The Mountaineers responded with a three from Kylie Krise, which increased the team’s lead to seven points. The lead grew as large as 10 points with 38 seconds left in the quarter after a layup from Wagstaff. Before the quarter ended, UCCS drew a foul and knocked down both free throws, moving Western's lead to 45-37.

In the fourth quarter, the Mountaineers continued to hold on to the lead for the majority of the quarter. However, the Mountain Lions made a late push with 2:23 left to play.

Down 54-49, the Mountain Lions went on a 4-0 run, cutting the Mountaineers’ lead to 54-53 with 51 seconds remaining on the clock. Western fell into foul trouble giving UCCS an opportunity to pull ahead with 30 seconds to go but the shooter missed both free throws. Then,

Wagstaff went to the line and knocked down a free throw, giving Western a two-point lead.

The Mountain Lions attempted to tie the game during the team’s final possessions, but were unable to knock down a 10-foot shot — leading to another foul against Wagstaff by knocking down both free throws.

Next up, the Mountaineers face the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets on Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m. and the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers on Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. at home.

Ricky Glatiotis inducted into Hall of Fame

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

Morgan Raspanti

Morgan Raspanti

Last week, Ricky Glatiotis was inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame at Six Points’ yearend celebration. His sister, Heather Glatiotis, bestowed the medal.

Western men’s basketball falls to Mountain Lions

Brandon Warr Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University fell to the University of Colorado Springs Mountain Lions on New Year’s Eve, 79-63. Despite the loss, the Mountaineer’s Avery Rembao and Robel Desta led the team with a combined 42 points.

At 17-7, Western fell into a double-digit hole a little more than five minutes into the game. The Mountaineers later trailed by 20 before trimming down the deficit to 15 by the halftime break.

The tone of the game changed in the opening moments after the recess. The Mountaineers started the half with an 8-0 run to pull within seven, 46-39. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Kade Juelfs and Desta initiated the run,

while Rembao dropped in a layup to finish off the unanswered string.

The Mountain Lions responded with a 6-0 run of their own to regain the double-digit gap, 52-39. Then, for four minutes, neither team was able to put the ball through the hoop, a streak finally ended on a pair of Gino Corridori free throws. Western clawed back to within seven again but it would prove insufficient. UCCS outscored the Mountaineers 26-17 the rest of the way to stave off any other Western rallies.

Rembao and Desta were a little cold from long range, combining for just a pair of threes on nine attempts. But they were solid from inside the arc while also finishing nearly perfect from the foul line. Desta was 9-of-10 and Rembao was 9-of-11 from the charity stripe.

The Mountaineers will return to the court on Jan. 6 and 7 to contest RMAC opponents Black Hills State and South Dakota Mines at the Paul Wright Gym.

Morgan Raspanti

ELDER BEAT

p.m.): Tech Time Workshop - Digital Photos. Brush up on your digital photos skills in the workshop led by Taylor from the Gunnison County Libraries. Please RSVP!

• Jan. 17: Snowshoe Hike - Woods Walk in CB. Rated Easy. RSVP required. Snowshoes & hiking poles available at no cost with registration! Senior or Rec Center membership required. $5.00 transportation fee.

• Jan. 18 (12:45 p.m.): 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. Guest presenter is Woo Bandel, Community Engagement Manager/Western Colorado, Alzheimer’s Association. Families & caregivers welcome! RSVP requested.

• Tech Time Individual Appointments: Call to make an appointment for tech questions about your phone, laptop or tablet. 970-641-8272. Times vary.

FITNESS at THE REC CENTER -

Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym

Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30 a.m.

Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15 a.m.

Tuesdays & Thursdays in the Senior Center - Silver Sneakers Boom Move @ 9 a.m.

SENIOR MEALS -

NEXT WEEK’S MENU:

• Mon., Jan. 9: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, cottage cheese, homemade rolls

• Weds., Jan. 11: Hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, chips, Jello

• Fri., Jan. 13: Beef stew, biscuits, fruit

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays – 11:30 a.m. arrival.

Pick-ups from 11 – 11:15 a.m. $5 per meal.

Advance orders encouraged: 970-641-8272. Homemade desserts with every meal!

What seniors can do to safeguard mental health

Times Staff Report

No one is immune to issues that can adversely affect their mental health, including men and women nearing retirement age and those who are already retired. Though the term “golden years” suggests life in retirement is one sunny day after another, many individuals 60 and older are dealing with mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the world’s adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. What makes that statistic even more troubling is that the WHO acknowledges it likely doesn’t paint the most accurate picture of seniors and mental health, as depression is often undiagnosed among older men and women and untreated because it co-occurs with other issues affecting seniors.

In the past, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has acknowledged that late-life anxiety was not readily understood. However, much progress has been made in recent years thanks to a heightened awareness of the problem of seniors and mental health.

Recognizing warning signs

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes

that recognizing the signs of mental health issues is the first step to getting treatment. Mental health issues vary, and individuals with anxiety will likely experience different symptoms than those with depression. But the NIMH notes that the following are some of the warning signs of mental health issues.

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

• Increased worry or feeling stressed

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

• Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain

• Misuse of alcohol or drugs

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts

• Engaging in high-risk activities

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior

• Engaging in thinking or behavior that is concerning to others

• Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel Seeking help

As noted, a growing aware-

ness of mental health issues and how they affect seniors has translated to more available resources for aging men and women who need help. For information about available resources in the Gunnison Valley, call Gunnison County Adult and Senior Services at 970.641.3244. For immediate assistance in a crisis, call 844.493.8255, or text TALK to 38255.

Behaviors that can be beneficial

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that most cases of depression cannot be prevented. However, the NIA also notes that healthy lifestyle changes can have long-term benefits of seniors’ mental health. Such changes include:

• Being physically active

• Eating a healthy diet that can reduce risk for diseases that can bring on disability and depression

• Getting adequate sleep, which for seniors is between seven to nine hours per night

• Remaining socially active, including regular contact with friends and family

• Participating in activities you enjoy

• Sharing mental issues or concerns with friends, family members and your physician.

The Times Literacy Initiative

SPONSORED BY: Proud to support students and teachers.

How to help kids build a growth mindset

Times Staff Report

A new year is a perfect time to consider the habits you want to keep and the ones you'd like to develop. One resolution to consider is helping your children develop a growth mindset this year.

"We know one of the greatest boosts to parents' confidence over the past year came from knowing their children's whole selves are being nurtured, and we want to see that trend continue," said Carter Peters from KinderCare Learning Center's education team. “A growth mindset helps children try new things despite fear of failure. It's the kind of thinking that allows inventors and creative thinkers to get excited about trying something new and ensures they have the cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills to work through hurdles."

Adults can often easily spot when children are engaged in creative thinking and prideful of their work, but that confidence may be lost as failures turn into insecurities. By nurturing a growth mindset and showing children they can learn and develop new skills in any area, it better sets them up for longterm success.

Consider these three tips to help children build a growth mindset:

Praise effort. It's easy to fall into the habit of praising successes. However, praising effort encourages children to try new things without the fear of failing. It also teaches children personal growth and achievement are possible, even if their overall effort wasn't a success.

"Young children often get excited to try something new," Peters said. "By praising effort and showing children they'll still be loved and valued despite the outcome, you can reframe how they approach challenges and teach them that difficult doesn't mean impossible."

Encourage the process. People often withhold praise until there's a result, which leads children to hurriedly scribble a picture to hold up for a "good job" instead of taking time to focus on their efforts. When children know adults will encourage them during the process, instead of only upon the achievement, they're more likely to try new things or master a new skill. For example, try providing encouragement such as, "I can see you're focused on drawing that tree. It looks so lifelike because you're putting so much thought into what you're doing." Once their project is finished, continue the encouragement by hanging up their artwork or school projects in a prominent place.

Model a growth mindset. You can model a growth mindset for children by narrating your

actions when you are facing a challenge: "I am having a difficult time putting this shelf together, but it's OK. I'll take a break then read the instructions again." Remove negative words from your vocabulary, such as "I can't" or "I'm stupid." Even when you are joking, children may not be able to tell the difference. You can also ask your children to join you in problemsolving. Take time to hear their ideas and try them even if you think they won't work. This not only supports the development of their growth mindset, but the quality time and encouragement reinforces their sense of self-worth and builds confidence.

For more tips to help children develop a growth mindset, visit kindercare.com.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESOLUTIONS TO PURSUE TOGETHER

There are plenty of resolutions that families can enjoy together. Undertaking goals as a family unit can create an accountability that keeps everyone on track. Here are some resolutions to think about making right now.

• Eating healthier meals together can move everyone’s personal health in the right direction. Start by adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal and try whole grains or a new grain, like quinoa. Small changes can add up to big gains and healthy results.

• Transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. The family can keep gratitude journals, highlighting things in their lives they are grateful for or actions that make each person proud.

• Collectively aim to get more sleep each night. This may be achieved by turning electronics off earlier each night and spending the hour or two before bed engaged in lighthearted conversation or stress-busting activities like reading books.

• Plan for screen-free family time each day so that everyone can engage without the distractions of social media, work, friends, and other digital activities.

Jacob Spetzler

Gunnison Rec Center celebrated the close of the Christmas season in late December with caroling and a visit from Santa Claus. On Dec. 16, the Gunnison High School choir performed at the Senior Center’s weekly meal while fresh cookies were served. The following day, residents gathered to eat a big pancake breakfast with

Jacob Spetzler & Abby Harrison