Gunnison Country Times Feb. 2, 2023

Mid-dual frenzy

Jacob Spetzler

Left to right: Sadie Lindquist, Brayden Roman and Byrd McCarley cheer on the Mountaineer wrestling team during a dual with Adams State last Friday, Jan. 27. Western ultimately fell 22-18 after a rally in the mid-weight matches came to a halt in the heavier divisions. For more, see B10. Another wrestling triumph happened in Gunnison over the weekend. Two GHS wrestlers, Royce Uhrig and Miles Harris, broke school records in a home dual against North Fork. For more, see B7.

$1.00

Thursday,

Wolves coming soon to Western Slope

CPW hosts draft reintroduction plan hearing in Gunnison

Bella Biondini Times Editor

On Jan. 25, Western’s University Center overflowed with residents seeking to learn more about a draft plan that will

City manager finalist declines offer

NEWS: mega-merger worries locals,

Council to decide next steps this week

Bella Biondini Times Editor

The city’s final candidate withdrew his application for Gunnison’s manager posi-

tion less than a week after city council directed staff to begin the formal hiring process. Th is leaves Gunnison with an empty city manager seat for the foreseeable future. Finance Director Ben Cowan presently serves as interim manager.

Last month, council selected three finalists for the position, which has been vacant since late October following the

resignation of previous manager Russ Forrest. The candidates were invited to a “Meet the Finalists” forum on Jan. 19 at the Gunnison Rec Center, but two of them withdrew their applications the evening before the event for “personal reasons,” according to staff

Brian Berger, the remaining candidate, attended the community event alone. Berger

presently serves as the town administrator, treasurer and clerk for the Town of Poncha Springs, just east of Monarch Pass. After extensive interviews, city council directed staff to work toward negotiating an employment contract with Berger, expressing confidence he had the skill set needed to City manager A7

COMMUNITY: Left on Red brings new sound to Gunnison Valley, B1

SPORTS: GHS wrestlers continue to break records, B7

Frontier Land suddenly pulled from the market

Owner’s plan for mobile home park unclear

OBITUARY A3

OPINION A4-A5

CLASSIFIEDS A16-A18

ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM

Bella Biondini Times Editor

Frontier Land, a small mobile home park just north of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport which had been listed for sale, was suddenly pulled off the market on Wednesday. Local leaders had been scrambling to find a way

to preserve the affordable housing it provides for the community.

CCNB Properties LLC, based in Almont, according to state records, listed the property for $1.3 million last July while the Gunnison Valley’s housing market was still hot. Frontier Land’s 12 trailers are owned by the LLC and are individually leased to tenants. After sitting on the market for months, the price of the park dropped to $890,000 in December — the reduction potentially making the property more enticing to buyers who

may have wanted to increase the rent or remove the homes entirely. It also captured the attention of local organizations trying to protect Gunnison’s existing affordable housing — which is becoming harder to find and stabilize.

On Jan. 30, the listing agent, Gunnison Real Estate and Rentals, informed the Times that the owner had decided to take Frontier Land off the market on Feb. 1 and relinquished its listing agreement with the Frontier Land A8

Frontier Land is located at 912 West Gunnison Avenue, just north of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport.

Bella Biondini

QUOTE of the week

“Some of us live paycheck to paycheck, we have a single mother there and what will she do? ... How will she make the same wages in a town where there’s not a lot of jobs available?”

—

UPDATE ON LAZY K HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

See story on A13

BRIEFS

All Sports Replay begins its move

All Sports Replay closed on Feb. 1 and will keep its doors shut for a few weeks to give the business time to settle into its new location at 200 W. Tomichi Ave.

The outdoor gear consignment shop will begin accepting items again as soon as it reopens.

On Feb. 1, all consignor accounts with balances will have checks written out totalling their credit. Once All Sports reopens, staff will have the checks that have not been picked up prior to the move available in the shop. All store credits will start fresh.

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 the offer: Kirsten Dickey of OffCenter DeSigns purchased the property, while Gunnison paramedic Michael Tobiassen bought the All Sports business.

Upper Gunnison accepting grant applications

The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District has almost $300,000 available for its 2023 grant cycle.

Applications are due on Feb. 15 and must have a 50% match and be ready for implementation in 2023. Project examples include irrigation infrastructure and improvements, riparian habitat restoration or conservation and water education and outreach.

All individuals and groups applying must contact the district at 970.641.6065 or beverly@ ugrwcd.org prior to application submission.

Food Pantry fundraiser

Gunnison High School’s National Honor Society and Student Leadership Club are hosting a volleyball game between GHS and Gunnison Community School staff next week to benefit the Gunnison Country Food Pantry.

The game will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 at GHS. The entry fee is one non-perishable item or $2 that will be donated to the Food Pantry. The event used to be a GHS tradition before the start of the pandemic.

As the Lazy K housing development sets its sights on reaching the end of the second phase, scheduled for the end of the summer, the City of Gunnison would like to share some information and updates. The concept for the Lazy K project since then, especially the overall real estate market. The cornerstone of the project continues to be providing the community with deed-restricted housing units to help support Gunnison local workforce. To date, the development includes 44 deed-restricted high interest rates, combined with other factors like material costs, insurance rates and property taxes, have resulted in high monthly mortgage rates on the project’s

Responding to these factors, City Council recognized the need to make changes to the align with the current real estate market and to ensure the project remains compatible with its intent to create housing for those for whom the housing market in Gunnison has become unattainable – the “missing middle”.

While all of the Lazy K units constructed not sold so quickly. Buyers who qualify in these units due to high interest rates. Rather than waiting for the market to change, the developer and the City have regularly sought out creative solutions for making more units available to the public. For example, at the

Council approved a recent amendment to the construction contract, allowing two to better align with market conditions.

Furthermore, after discussions and collaboration between multiple affordable housing stakeholders, staff, and the developer, Council considered several additional recommendations to address changes in the market. Ultimately, the following amendments were made to the Lazy K units:

by renters with any income or net worth

Gunnison employing person in Gunnison County and/or whose business taxes are

be vacant for more than three months has been removed, which allows an owner to

have a vacant unit available if they choose to utilize the unit as a recruitment tool for their employees.

six-month lease has been removed, with

These relaxed restrictions only apply when a business purchases a unit. The business must also operate in Gunnison and the employees renting the unit must

an individual, the previous deed restrictions are still in place.

The Lazy K housing project has overall been a positive example of a public/private partnership between a developer, the City

with Council that this partnership has recently shared with Council that this publicprivate partnership has gone well.

creative solutions will also continue to be necessary to achieve the strategic goal of providing housing for residents at all income levels and life stages.

more about the purchase of units for rental to your employees, regardless of their income, please reach out to the City of Gunnison by contacting Ben Cowan, Acting gunnisonco.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/CityofGunnison Instagram: instagram.com/cityofgunnison

NEW LISTING

appliances. 106 Miners Ave.; $795,000.

Move-in ready 3 bdrm/2 bath, ranch style home with fully fenced yard, covered porch & attached 2 car garage. Interior was recently painted, house is 1,344sf & the garage is 630sf. The yard features aspens & evergreens. 102 S. 8th St; $495,000.

each home is 2 bdrm/1 bath, tenants pay utilities, $5,400 income per month. Location near the airport and fairgrounds. 314 S. 12th St; $1,200,000.

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. 5498 County Road 771; $1,750,000.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY your chance to purchase R-3 lots & finish the West End Townhomes for a spec option, rental investment or employee housing. City approved site plans allow for two more duplex units. Water & sewer taps are already installed. Centrally located near the schools & RTA bus stop. 817 W. Denver Ave.; $350,000.

NEW LISTING Fantastic opportunity to run your business out of this 2535sf

CALL FOR A SHOWING 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.

MAKE AN OFFER 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 for your horses. Unobstructed views of Carbon Peak & the Anthracites to the north. 174 Tiama Trail; $1,400,000.

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.

Michelle Freitas, 22-year veteran at Safeway

Marilyn Jean (Cook) Katheiser passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Jan. 25, 2023. She was born April 1,1935 to Leo and Gladys Cook in Mullinville, Kansas.

BIRTH

Marilyn graduated from Gunnison High School in 1953. She headed to California to attend college where she met her husband, James (Jim) Bernard Katheiser. The two married July 11, 1954 in Salida, Colorado. Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a great friend to many she met. Marilyn is preceded in death by her son, Thomas Glen Katheiser, her parents, Leo and Gladys Cook and her grandson, Jared Richard Katheiser. Marilyn is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Katheiser, son Michael (Linda) Katheiser, son Greg (Julie) Katheiser, daughter Shelley (Brian) KatheiserKowalski. Grandchildren Justin (Tammy) Katheiser, Jenell (Brandon) McKay, Adam Katheiser, Derrick (Lauren)

Katheiser, Chiyo Katheiser, and several great grandchildren. Marilyn and Jim spent life in Escondido, California where they raised their family and enjoyed the beach and desert with family and friends. Returning to Parlin, Colorado in 1981, Marilyn enjoyed her life back in Gunnison and Taylor Park with her family. A private celebration with family is set for a later date. Our family is grateful for the care Hospice provided to our mother and family and suggest in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Marilyn Katheiser’s name to:

Gunnison Valley Hospice

1498 W Tomichi Ave Suite B Gunnison, CO 81230

Holt Eugene McEwen was born on Jan. 22, 2023 at 8:50 a.m. to parents Hailey Loeffler and Josh McEwen of Gunnison. He weighed 6 lbs. 14 ozs. and measured 19 ¾ inches at birth. He has an older sister named Rowan who is 6. His grandparents are Holt Loeffler and Kelley Dean of Crested Butte, Colorado, Patti Kaech of Paonia, Colorado and Claudia and Andy McEwen of Del Norte, Colorado.

Pausing for a moment

COMMUNITY EDUCATION EVENT

CREATING A CULTURE OF DIGNITY

February 15 | 6-7:30 PM | Virtual

Treating people with dignity matters. But creating a culture of dignity must go beyond slogans, posters and programs that don’t have real-life applications or only exist briefly and then disappear. What is needed is a principle-based approach that gives people structure and flexibility to turn common social challenges that often exacerbate tensions between sense of belonging for everyone. With this as a foundation, adults and young people can learn skills to understand emotions, manage conflicts, create appropriate boundaries, and effectively advocate for themselves. This environment creates strong, supportive relationships where adults, children and communities thrive.

BIBLE GEMS

WARFARE AND PREPARATION

“Put on the whole armor of God...wiles of the devil. Stand therefore...girding your waist with truth...breastplate of righteousness...feet shod with...gospel of peace...taking the shield of faith ...the helmet of salvation...the sword of Spirit ...which is the Word of God.”

Ephesians 6:11,14-17

Selected and provided by Gene Siemer

SUBSTANCE FREE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY!

FEB. 11 4:30 & 6:30PM

WESTERN UNIVERSITY CENTER THEATER

Holt Eugene McEwen

Marilyn Jean (Cook) Katheiser

ALAN WARTES MEDIA 970.641.1414

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OPINION

On wolves in the Gunnison Basin

Editor:

I am a sportsman, business owner and lifelong resident of Gunnison County. My family has owned and operated businesses in Gunnison for close to 50 years. I attended the so-called “Wolf meeting” that was held here on Wednesday, January 25 at Western Colorado University. I do not like writing emails to the Wildlife Commission because I feel like they are, for the most part, ignored. But I did not get a chance to speak at the meeting, so here are a few of my thoughts.

First, I think it was very unfair that you cut the public comments from three minutes to two. This is the only meeting that will be held in Gunnison, and people had been preparing for some time to give three minute statements, which is not long enough even before the reduction.

Most everyone that spoke had to cut important parts out of their remarks, and considering that you are dumping the wolves right on top of us, I don’t care how long it took, you should have listened to everyone and their complete statements. They spent a lot of time preparing and were cut short because the commission was in a hurry to get back over Monarch Pass. You should have listened to everyone, even if it meant spending the night here. I personally have attended many two-day commission meetings here in Gunnison. After all, we the people of Gunnison are the ones who are going to have to live with this forced introduction of a non-native species.

miles north of Gunnison. What else is down on the valley floor and the lower elevations? One of our most fiercely guarded legacies and an irreplaceable heritage of the Gunnison valley — ranchers and all their valuable livestock. And not to mention the majority of our population, all of our homes, families and pets. We don't need another apex predator, which are the wolves, hunting and traveling in packs following everything else down to the basin floor and into our neighborhoods, pastures and killing and harassing our vulnerable big game herds.

I believe the Gunnison basin was a poorly thought out location for ground zero for one of the Wolf introduction sites.

Randy Clark Gunnison

For everyone who calls this place home

Editor:

I’m excited to share with the community that the Hispanic Affairs Project (HAP) was recently presented with a very prestigious statewide award.

The Trailblazer Award is presented annually by the Community Resource Center (CRC) to a nonprofit that does extraordinary work in furthering the well-being of the people of Colorado. HAP is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the social and economic development of immigrant communities in western Colorado.

ment, and we are proud of their presence in our community as they work with government, nonprofits, private businesses and individuals to truly make the Western Slope of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for everyone who calls this place home.

Lauren Kugler Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley

HCCA welcomes Reich as new executive director

Editor: High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) is proud to introduce our new executive director, Chad J. Reich.

Reich has been a familiar face and voice in the Gunnison Valley for almost 20 years. He was introduced to the nonprofit and reporting worlds of the West through his time as program director and then news director for KBUT from 2008 to 2018.

forward to many more successful years protecting our public lands and waters.

Sue Navy High Country Conservation Advocates

Work to protect the health of our watersheds and public lands

Editor:

There is a funding opportunity to improve our beloved forests and rivers in Gunnison County that many may not be aware of. This opportunity is through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Proposals are being solicited by the Greater Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee.

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

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My next comment is in regard to the west of I-25 shed antler season that the CPW proposed, and you voted on and put into law. This was put into effect to stop the harassment of deer, elk and sage grouse on their very critical winter range from December 31 through May 1. Do you think shed antler hunters have a more detrimental effect on the deer and elk on the winter range than the wolves running in packs, preying on their number one food source?

Which brings me to my last comment and what I consider the most important. The Gunnison Basin is one of the geographic places in the state, if not the only, that is a true “basin.” In our typical winters, and especially in a severe heavy snow year (which all of you know we can have on frequent occasions), the deer and elk can only migrate down only so far before they have to start back up in elevation and the snow prevents them from doing so, be it North, South, East or West.

The valley floor is Hwy. 50, for the most part. With the deer and elk coming down to the basin floor, so do the predators — lions and coyotes, following their food source. I know this for a fact, because I had a mountain lion kill a deer in my front yard 50 feet from my deck door last February, and I only live about 5

While HAP is based in Montrose, readers may be most familiar with their local group, Inmigrantes Unidos de Gunnison.

Working with Inmigrantes and HAP, Marketa Zubkova is an Accredited Immigration Legal Representative based in Mt. Crested Butte and assists people on the Western Slope with citizenship issues. It was HAP that told our city, county and Community Foundation about the national Welcoming America project of which Gunnison is now a part of. HAP has also worked with our local elected officials to craft language for their annual Day of the Migrant proclamations.

In short, HAP has been instrumental in building the mutual understanding and trust needed for cultural integration of our newest community members.

“HAP has a passionate and unwavering commitment to the well being of every person in the immigrant community, but they have the skill to engage others in understanding their perspective and working with them,” CRC Executive Director Maria Fabula said during the award ceremony on Jan. 26. “This isn’t something that all community organizers can do well, and they set the bar.”

“Grace” and “intentionality” were other words that she used to describe HAP.

HAP is a nonprofit that also sets a bar for excellent manage-

In 2019, Chad attended graduate school at Ohio University, receiving a Master of Fine Art in Communication Media. His interest focused on stories of extraction, economies and communities. In 2021, he was employed at Western State University as a lecturer and technical director of media. He produced and directed the short documentary, “A Monolithic Folly: Fracking Colorado’s North Fork Valley.” The film won several awards and was aired on Rocky Mountain PBS. He has also spent his time capturing the stories and spirit of Gunnison County with his podcast, “The Gunnison Valley Audio Journal.”

Reich will now call HCCA his new home, working to forge a new future for the 46-year-old organization and being a member of the experienced public lands, water and stewardship team. He will forge both inperson and online relationships in his first few months, creating new connections in the community with his multimedia storytelling skills.

“Environmentalism and conservation are two of my passions,” shared with excitement for his new position.

“Experiences I’ve had on public lands and the outdoors have shaped who I am. Through my work in media production as a radio journalist, writer and filmmaker, I have come closer to understanding the multi-agency and multi-stakeholder complexities involved in protecting air, water and wildlife habitat in Gunnison County and around the U.S.”

An opening reception for Reich’s photographic essay, “Path Dependency” (Or, Appalachia is Not PostIndustrial), will be held at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte on Friday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.

We invite you to meet Reich and enjoy this timely presentation with us. HCCA welcomes Reich to our team, and looks

The funding must be used to directly or indirectly benefit natural resources on National Forest lands. Over half (59%) of Gunnison County is on National Forest lands and many of our key rivers for drinking, agriculture, recreation and the environment begin on National Forest lands surrounding our communities.

Across all of these interests, there are many people and groups working to protect the health of our watersheds and our public lands. This funding opportunity can be a resource for these efforts.

Funding is open to a wide variety of people and entities, including federal agencies, state and local governments, private entities, nonprofits and landowners. Proposed projects should enhance forest ecosystems, improve water quality or improve existing infrastructure.

The deadline is fast approaching and proposals are due on Feb. 15. For more information and to apply, go to fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/ home/?cid=fseprd972168.

Kestrel Kunz Crested Butte

Thanks to those who gave for Ukraine

Editor:

You are sending over 1,500 pounds of warm winter clothing to Ukraine this week! I am again grateful for the generosity of the donors and the spirit and commitment of the dedicated volunteers in Crested Butte and Gunnison. This is one kind and energetic valley. As you will see, the support was substantial.

Once again, Ace Hardware in Crested Butte supported the drive by supplying the now-famous red barrels at the Chamber. The Gunnison Ace joined in for donations at the Gunnison Rec Center. Elizabeth Gillis, seniors program director, provided drop-off space in the Senior wing of the Rec Center. Stuart Schneider arranged this and many other crucial details for Gunnison.

The Chamber at the 4-Way continued on A5

in Crested Butte was again the drop-off site for the North Valley. Dave Eggebratten was, as always, an excellent host.

The Union Congregational Church provided a packing and storage area for our donations. I appreciate the parishioners and mostly Kelly Jo Clark for this space for round two. Robbie Robinson loaned us his garage for the drive and provided a packing table and a pleasant area to work. Mountain Earth Organic Grocers donated the majority of the boxes used in CB. Gunnison Vitamin also set aside boxes for our Gunnison packers.

A special mention goes to Siga Andrew, who drove a very large load from her friends in Boulder to the Chamber. Nancy Candee came from Ouray and filled all four barrels in the Rec Center with her San Juan donations.

Transport of donations from the two local drop-off locations was generously provided by Stuart Schneider, Robbie Robinson, Laurie Gery, Joe Dix, Joy Adams and Donna Walker.

Packing boxes for shipment were Robbie Robinson, Stuart Schneider, Arly Landry, Joe Dix, Julia Wilson, Laurie Gery, Donna Walker and Joy Adams and her houseguests, Amy and John. Landry repaired broken zippers, while Robinson laundered the jackets that required it.

Kate Seeley hustled over to UCC at 4 a.m. on Jan. 24 to photograph the loading of the boxes for transport to the Port of New York. She immediately pitched in, hauling boxes and taking photos and videos as well, in record time.

The media were also crucial to this effort, spreading the word by all means available.

Kate Seeley took this effort seriously by applying her unique and playful talent to her second poster for Ukraine aid. Print, radio & social media gave us fantastic coverage: The Crested Butte News, The Gunnison Country Times, CB Nordic Newsletter and KBUT kept the drive front of mind with articles and PSAs. Thanks to Mark Reaman, Bella Biondini, Jackson Petito, Jennifer Hillebrandt, Reed Betz, Jamie Walton, Dawn Howe, Susan Gellert, Heather Bell and anyone else that took the time to pass the word.

Our valley rocks! Here’s to everyone who gave with open hearts to our besieged Ukrainian fellows. While I cannot claim to know all of you, this sentiment applies to all. Your donations mean the difference between life and death, between warmth and hypothermia and between hope and despair.

Beth Carter Crested Butte

Win back woke

Editor:

The political right wing has co-opted the woke discussion, making wokeness sound misguided, socialistic and even evil, and at least always used with a pejorative slant.

This is Obamacare redux and is part of the right-wing playbook. First Obama’s health care act was the Affordable Care Act, then conservatives derisively labeled it Obamacare, and then through much time and effort this name became the revered final name. It’s time to do the same with woke terminology; revive and resuscitate it.

The evolution of the word woke is interesting (see the Wikipedia article on woke for a detailed discussion of its evolution and meaning). It may have originated in a 1938 song by Lead Belly about the black Scottsboro boys who were falsely accused of raping two white women. He advised black folks by singing “best stay woke” to avoid trouble.

Martin Luther King advanced the meaning of woke. In 1968, the night before he was assassinated, he said that he was glad that people had woken up to work for freedom and economic justice. Woke then evolved further and became part of the black American vernacular, referring to being aware of the problems of prejudice, racism and injustice in our culture. Most recently it has become part of general American expression.

Simply put, woke in current usage means being conscious of and alert to systemic discrimination and the numerous social inequities that result. It means having compassion for other groups of people. As such it encompasses the best characteristics of humanity. Only if one supports hatred and social injustice would a person stipulate the right wing version of woke rather than the original meaning. As Elvis Costello said, “what’s so funny ‘bout peace, love, and understanding.”

This woke issue is not just about words. It is about truth, justice and equality. It is about consciousness of problems in our society.

I say let’s speak of wokeness with pride and optimism.

Laird Cagan

Mary Poole

Crested Butte

My dog Hindi

Editor:

I am a proud volunteer at Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare league which is where I met Hindi in 2017. He had been abused, starved, abandoned and handed around from owner to owner. That's really the extent of what we know about his past.

To give you an idea of what he looks like, picture a 14-pound Doberman.

He lives with my wife, three cats and myself and we all love him about as much as one can love something. I feel my poem explains how he and I have changed each other's lives and how our love for each other has helped us both.

Hindi

Maybe it's time you met my dog

It's been six years

I met him at the Gunnison Rescue I worked there.

When I saw him for the first time, he was terrified.

He'd been tortured, starved, beaten and abandoned and defeated

He weighed nine pounds and was scared of everything.

He snarled, curled up and trembled

I said "why not ?" and gave him some pets

Over the next month, Hindi helped me do my chores there.

He watched me, followed me, and supervised.

Sometimes, because it was winter, I heated blankets for him.

I would wrap him up like a burrito in them.

All I could see was a long nose, big ears and little sweet brown eyes. Always, he watched me.

I would lock him back up at the end of the day.

He looked at me with a broken heart.

He seemed to be saying "take me home."

We did

He met and loved our three magical rescue cats.

He met my wife, and loved her.

We fostered him for one day. Foster failure.

We adopted him after one day. We have had many adventures.

Once, Hindi and I were charged by a huge off-leash pit bull.

I thought we were dead.

The fight lasted three seconds.

Hindi won.

Think about that … three seconds.

At night, when it is dark and Hindi sleeps next to me

I tap his side.

It sounds like a powerful drum

From Nigeria, to Brazil to Mongolia to our Great Plains, drums mean something. Drums stand for pride, humility, strength, faith and love.

You should hear him sing "Born to Run" with me.

He trail runs with me.

He runs like a cheetah or a gazelle or a wolf.

He runs at me, around me and spins around on the ground while we run.

He is like a whirling dervish, or a tornado

He seems to have a smile on his face the whole time.

Both of our hearts soar while we run.

He and I are stronger because of this.

Like me, I feel that he and I have been through the Fire.

He and I know depression, fear, shame, defeat, pain, loss, darkness and self-doubt.

But Hindi allows me to feel the opposite of all of those things.

I do not recognize the terrified Hindi I met six years ago.

I am different and changed as well.

That's my dog.

Hindi

John A. Czernicki Gunnison

allow wolves to roam the open landscapes of the Western Slope — and potentially their own backyards — for the fi rst time in almost 80 years.

Last Wednesday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife hosted an allday hearing at the university to share information and answer questions about the recently released draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. More than 50 members of the public from across the region — from ranchers and ag producers, to county commissioners and conservationists — gathered to share their thoughts on the draft. Many raised questions about the funding available to support successful implementation, lethal control and the overall toll adding wolves to the landscape will take on local ag producers.

CPW has been tasked with reintroducing the gray wolf in positions of the species’ historic range west of the Continental Divide by Dec. 31, 2023. While the agency is required to put the first paws on the ground by the end of the year, it is also responsible for minimizing conflict when people, wolves and livestock overlap. CPW released a first draft at the end of last year, making the developing plan available for public review. The comment window will remain open through Feb. 22.

While wolf management includes both science and social aspects, the agency is “very much” into the social side, said CPW Species Conservation Program Manager Eric Odell.

The draft plan earmarked the Gunnison Valley as a probable location for releases in the coming years due to the amount of suitable habitat available. CPW flagged the Hwy. 50 corridor specifically, encompassing Gunnison, east to Monarch Pass and west to Montrose. Feasibility maps stretch as far south as the Saguache County line and north of Crested Butte — leaving a large chance that wolves, if not released directly in the county, are likely to wander through.

Community members from across the state came to the front of the room to share their feedback with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, a governor-appointed citizen board that sets regulations and policies for the state’s wildlife programs — including wolf reintroduction. Even though the commission trimmed the amount of time each resident had to speak due to the large number of people in attendance, the public comment portion carried well into the afternoon.

‘We can’t afford to keep the wolves away’

Proposition 114, passed by voters in 2020, mandates that CPW helps prevent and resolve conflicts between gray wolves and cattle. In response, the agency has created a “conflict minimization” program that will distribute scare devices such as turbo fladry (electric fencing with brightly colored flags), cracker shells, propane

cannons and lights to livestock owners on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to these hazing methods, CPW plans to address conflicts using a combination of management tools including education, damage payments and lethal take — only permitted in special situations. It has also hired a wolf conflict coordinator to work closely with staff and ranchers in the field.

Durango resident Clint McKnight said conflict minimization, which he believed to be one of the most important sections of the plan, should be expanded. He asked for CPW to describe more of the techniques being used across the greater Northern Rockies region where producers are “successfully working with wildlife agencies and wolf advocacy groups.”

Cross Bar Ranch, just east of Gunnison, is often buried in snow for half the year, ranch manager Paul Mowrey said, making some of the mitigation techniques presented such as turbo fladry a challenge.

“It would be less expensive to go with lethal take sometimes if necessary … We'd like to not see our future, for us, our family and the ranch, go to the wayside because we can't afford to keep the wolves away,” Mowery said.

Delta resident Dick Steele, also a member of the Colorado Wolf Management Working Group, worried about the Southwest region’s elk herds. Many others agreed. He said the elk populations in the surrounding states such as Idaho and Montana have declined since wolves were reintroduced.

“We need to make sure that we have lethal control in the program,” Steele said. “Without that, we're just running without brakes. We're going to run down this mountain and crash.”

When Colorado wolf populations recover and stabilize, the plan states that wolves may be reclassified as a game species, which would permit the regulated hunting of wolves. The draft includes very little information about this phase,

because forecasting the details of the future is “impossible” with the data currently available, the draft reads.

Although she doesn’t like the option of lethal control, Paula Woerner said she’s learned to live with it as a necessary compromise. Woerner is the co-founder of the WolfWood Refuge, an animal refuge near Durango.

“But game hunting is not management, it’s murder,” Woerner said.

How big are the losses?

CPW is required to pay fair compensation to livestock owners for any injury or death of livestock caused by wolves. If a depredation event is supported by evidence, livestock owners can be reimbursed the fair market value of an animal up to a maximum of $8,000. This includes guard or herding dogs, and other livestock such as sheep, pigs, alpaca and goats.

If predation is confirmed, a livestock owner may choose between additional compensation options that may cover missing calves and production losses such as decreased weight gain and conception rates. This will require more documentation. The exact time it will take for producers to get reimbursed is not defined.

CPW presently runs a reimbursement program for livestock damages from black bears and mountain lions. According to game damage coordinator, Luke Hoffman, CPW has paid an average of $390,000 across 127 claims per year over the last five years. Only around 0.01% of the claims submitted are denied due to a lack of evidence annually, he said.

Hinsdale County Commissioner Robert Hurd worried about the timeliness of the payments. Payments for CPW’s current big game program have taken up to five months, he said.

“I hope we can shave that reimbursement time down to a 60-day window or something,

if it's all clear … As a county board, we want those payments, we hope, to our constituents to be made timely. That's their livelihood,” Hurd said.

Jason Peterson, who represented the Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association, said the organization was nervous about the extra costs wolves may place on producers.

“Our profit margins are tiny to begin with, so any undue burden on cost of placing mitigation measures, adding riders, altering our operations, will inevitably come closer to putting us out of business,” Peterson said.

Tom Harrington, a member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Board, noted the remoteness of the landscapes, not only in the Roaring Fork, where he resides, but of the entire Western Slope. He asked commissioners to consider a training to help producers document incidents of livestock injuries and deaths.

“The animals are not going to be able to be seen as often as needed to document the depredations that are going to occur,” Harrington said. “We know that CPW is going to be way, way overwhelmed with this, way understaffed and just getting there in a timely manner won't happen.”

Funding for the future

Another concern was how CPW plans to fund wolf reintroduction. According to the draft, CPW’s funding program for wolf-livestock damages will come from sources other than the sale of hunting and fishing licenses or from associated federal grants. Looking at the implementation of the plan as a whole, it acknowledges significant “logistical and financial challenges.”

“The Plan proposes programs th a t do not currently exist, both to monitor wolf and prey populations, and to mitigate impacts of wolf depredation on livestock,” the draft reads. “Successful implementation of

the Plan will require additional staff, financial resources, environmental reviews, and possibly legislative and regulatory updates to support those programs.”

Shannon Roy, a board member of the Gunnison Wildlife Association, asked for transparency regarding the “financial liability wolves bring to the table.” Without additional staff and funding, existing wildlife conservation priorities may receive less attention over time, she said.

“Whatever bells and whistles, whatever line item pieces, rulings, regulations come out of the plan that's before you I implore everybody on this commission and staff to lean into the numbers, and find out what they are,” said Jenny Burbey, president of the Colorado Outfitters Association. She also served on the stakeholder advisory group, who’s members helped create the draft.

“We don't have a cost estimate for animals on the ground,” she said.

Share a comment

The commission will present the draft plan again in Rifle on Feb. 7, virtually on Feb. 16 and in-person in Denver on Feb. 22. Commissioners will approve the final plan and regulations in Glenwood Springs on May 3 and 4, 2023.

To view the draft plan or submit a comment before the Feb. 22 deadline, scan the QR code below.

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

Tom Harrington speaks during a public hearing on CPW’s draft wolf reintroduction plan at Western’s University Center on Jan. 25 Jacob Spetzler

City manager

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS NOTICE

GUNNISON COUNTY IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING LETTERS OF INTEREST FOR THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW:

Letters of interest will be accepted until Tuesday, February 21st at 5:00 pm , via:

Email: bocc@gunnisoncounty.org

Online Form: https://gunnisoncounty.org/boardapp

Fax: (970) 641-3061

Mail: 200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison CO 81230

Berger’s withdrawal forces the city to start from scratch after a three-month-long search process. Council is scheduled to meet during a closed session on Feb. 3 to decide whether to pull more candidates from the initial pool or reopen the job listing for a second time.

Staff will continue to work with headhunter Andrew Gorgey to locate a new manager. Gorgey runs a recruitment service called Columbia Ltd that serves local governments primarily in the western U.S. This service cost the city approximately $24,000. Cowan said the cost of mailing and advertising associated with extending the search will add to the expense.

The national search to replace Forrest began in November. Along with the attractive qualities of the Gunnison Valley, the job description also stressed the challenges of moving to the area — the winter weather, isolated location and rising cost of living.

“It's not a travel brochure,” Gorgey said. “We want to portray Gunnison in its best light, but we also want to be honest with anyone who would come here to be the manager about what all the challenges are before they get here.”

Gorgey said having two out of three candidates withdraw

the night before final interviews began has never happened during his career. But he also acknowledged a difficult hiring environment for local government positions — fueled by a tight labor market.

Within the past six months, Jefferson County announced only a single finalist for its vacant manager position, who was ultimately hired. Glenwood Springs conducted a city manager recruitment twice.

“It's harder than it used to be, and certain positions are harder to fill than others,” Gorgey said.

“You also see that reflected in wages. Executive compensation for local governments is substantially higher today than it was even 18 or 24 months ago.”

“You may not identify the ideal candidate on the first pass,” he said. “Everybody wants that of course, but sometimes that doesn't happen. And it shouldn't be viewed as a major anomaly … you just keep looking until you find the right person.”

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

EXPLORING MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR OLDER ADULTS

JOINT PRESENTATIONS BY THE Gunnison Senior Center & Gunnison County Libraries

Gunnnison Library: Feb. 15 @ 4pm

Crested Butte Library: March 1 @ 4pm

Presentation by Madison Gregurek, Western Master’s student in Behavioral Science - Rural Community Health & Grad Student

Assistant for Senior Health & Wellness - Gunnison Senior Center.

Join us to share your experiences, and to learn about a special project that will help inform positive systems of support for older adults in the Gunnison Valley.

More info: egillis@gunnisonco.gov or taylor@gunnisoncountylibraries.org.

Please provide all contact information with your application, including an email address. You may request more information by calling (970) 641-7600.

Environmental Health Board...............................................2 alternates

Extension Advisory Board...........................................................2

Gunnison Basin Sage-grouse Strategic Committee..........1 alternate Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority............................1

Gunnison Watershed Weed Commission....................................2

Stop by the senior resource office every Wednesday for assistance in applying for SNAP, Medicare, LEAP, Health First Colorado and other community programs.

Also introducing to the community is Mom’s Meals, a a meal delivery program that supports low income individuals 60 years and older who may struggle to buy groceries or cook. Mom’s Meals can deliver up to 10 nutritious meals every two weeks!

For more information or to sign up, contact the Senior Resource Office at 970-641-3244 or stop in between 9-12:00pm, every Wednesday.

220 N SPRUCE, GUNNISON

Gunnison’s city manager finalist Brian Berger introduces himself at a community forum on Jan. 19.

Bella Biondini

Mix and Match between Men's, Women's and Kid's

TENDERFOOT'S PRESCHOOL PROGRAM IS GROWING!

We opened a new classroom that is enrolling preschoolers now

Children aged 4 by 8/1/2023

Immediate full and part-time spots

Universal PreK availability for the 2023-24 school year

Call 970.642.1949 for more information

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Frontier Land

from A1

company. The owner’s intention was unknown as of press time, because multiple requests for comment went unanswered.

Frontier Land houses approximately 40 low-income residents, many of whom are Spanish-speakers or part of the Cora community, an indigenous group from Mexico. Rent increased in October, a few months after the park went up for sale.

Many of the residents are afraid they will have nowhere affordable to live in the valley if rents rise again. Even though it was removed from the market, Frontier Land joins numerous other mobile home communities, local and across the state, that are under threat.

Just north of town, the future of the Country Meadows mobile home park has been unclear since it went up for sale almost two years ago. Its residents faced the possibility of significant rent increases under new ownership and are entangled in a lawsuit to seek relief.

Frontier Land resident Paula Altamirano feared a similar outcome.

“Where are we going to go after this?” Altamirano said. “Everyone that lives here right now has been here living for years and years. We don't want to move, because it's way too expensive.”

were built in the late 60s and early 70s, and are plagued by maintenance issues. Because of their age, moving many of them may be diffi cult and violate state safety regulations. Disposing of and replacing older mobile homes can also be a complicated and costly process.

Due to the deteriorating condition of many of the trailers, the expected rate of return for a new owner is relatively low compared to a standard investment property. Updating or replacing homes may further reduce a buyer's initial return. But for residents, newer trailers could mean even higher rents.

Most of the units are two bedrooms, with rent set at around $600 per month — still a relatively affordable rate as home and rental prices continue to soar throughout the Gunnison Valley. When Frontier Land hit the market, it grabbed the attention of the City of Gunnison and the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority — both organizations seeking to preserve affordable housing stock already present in the area.

Mobile home parks generally serve an income threshold city staff have found through experience they cannot build for without massive subsidies, said Community Development Director Anton Sinkewich.

“In our experience, just naturally occurring affordable housing is really no longer a thing in the valley,” Sinkewich said.

Authority Executive Director Andy Kadlec. Moving quickly, the pair pieced together an application before the deadline. They hoped the grant would secure funds for the Housing Authority to purchase the park, and keep rents low.

“It seemed like a great opportunity where the money was there, there wasn't any sort of rent increase or change for the residents, and it could immediately create funds that we could push back into the community to improve the infrastructure, and repair and maybe replace homes,” Kadlec said. “There were a lot of options we were thinking of, but clearly the first step was preservation.”

Their application received initial interest from the Department of Local Affairs. But after closer inspection, and further research, Kadlec realized the proposal didn’t line up with all of the grant requirements. Despite this, the Housing Authority continued to explore other options and hoped to have a new plan in place by the end of February.

But now that Frontier Land is off the market, the path forward is more difficult to discern. Looking at other parks throughout the county, Kadlec said there isn’t a sustainable preservation model in place to protect residents.

However, the city lacked the money needed to purchase the property itself.

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Although the listing generated a significant amount of interest from potential buyers, it also came with a lot of questions, said former listing agent AJ Mani. One buyer wanted to remove all of the trailers for a new development, while another wanted to make it into a boutique trailer park for short-term rentals. But neither of these ideas were accepted by the seller, who “wants to keep the trailer park the way it is,” Mani said.

The trailers at Frontier Land

Staff shared their worry with the Housing Authority, acknowledging that if the property sold, there was a high probability the mobile home community would not remain, he said.

In early January, Sinkewich came across a “Transformation Affordable Housing” grant program off ered through the state and passed it onto Housing

“There's going to be a reckoning of sorts for these parks and these homes in the future, where we need to find solutions for keeping them safe and keeping the residents housed,” Kadlec said. “It's a big part of our valley’s aff ordable housing stock that is very susceptible to displacement or redevelopment, even if it is no longer on the open market. We are going to continue to look at options to preserve Frontier Land, and the many other parks in Gunnison.”

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

Vella Molina, a single mother, and her daughter sit in their kitchen at Frontier Land on Jan. 25.

Bella Biondini

Western students tackle real-world problems

Masters program part of statewide effort to improve rural health care

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Western Colorado University’s newest graduate program is not yet two years old but has already begun to serve the Gunnison community.

The Masters of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health requires students to complete hands-on projects in the community, partnering so far with the Gunnison Senior Center and Gunnison County Juvenile Services. A recent influx of state funding has allowed the program to offer scholarships to a portion of its students, further supporting development of a local healthcare workforce.

The Colorado Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative, passed by the Colorado legislature in 2022, set aside $1.2 million from the state’s general fund to increase the number of medical practitioners in rural regions. The defi nition of “healthcare practitioner” was broadly defined so funding was not limited for more traditionally conceived roles like medical doctors, but to support behavioral health personnel, addiction specialists, and even peer support counselors.

The money helps develop rural healthcare tracks in university health-care education programs, and at least 40% of the funds given to each institution must be used for scholarships.

The initiative is aimed at retention, as students who receive scholarship money must commit to two years working in a rural county after graduation. Because many of the students in Western’s program live and work in the valley already, there’s a good chance many will stay after graduating, said Jessica Eckhardt, lecturer in the rural community health program.

Western’s program was one of 11 schools to receive funding in 2022. The program received $65,000 this fall, which supported five of the seven students in the cohort through scholarships. The money enables students, most of whom work part-time or full-time jobs outside school, to spend more time on their research and less worrying about paying rent, Eckhardt said.

“That scholarship money has really enabled students to get

their feet wet in the community, trying to make Gunnison a healthier place,” she said.

For example, Madison Gregurek partnered with the Gunnison Senior Center to research and assess postCOVID mental and behavioral health trends among seniors in the valley. Th e research is not only about identifying trends in mental wellness, she said, but about identifying opportunities for intervention.

Elizabeth Gillis, coordinator at the Gunnison Senior Center, said Gregurek's research fi lled a much-needed gap for senior research, following the work of another graduate assistant in 2021.

“COVID sparked a big uptick in both mental health and early dementia issues for older adults because of the isolation, the uncertainty and just feeling nervous about their health,” Gillis said. “We wanted another graduate student who could take on these other things that we didn't really get to address.”

Gregurek isn’t from Gunnison, but grew up in rural towns in other states. She said time spent in geographically isolated places in Pennsylvania and Iowa motivated her to study rural health care.

“A lot of the services that these people need, who are passionate about the place they live and have a great sense of community, just really are not available outside metro population centers,” she said. “For me, it’s an opportunity to get back to areas that have given me so much throughout my life.”

The grant, covered a large portion of her housing costs.

“That extra money was honestly the make or break point for what made it affordable and financially realistic to come out here in a way where I could still give back and focus on the things we are learning in the program,” she said.

Other student projects include suicide prevention training for Western faculty, students and staff, a mental and behavioral health screening that matches incoming students with care providers around the valley and a community assessment report on the potential for sober living spaces, which are homes for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Eckhardt said she hopes more funding will be identified during the 2023 legislative session, as the program is primed to receive it and put it to good use for both scholarship and curriculum development. Increased funding could eventually cover full tuition, Eckert said.

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

The many ways to cook game

The Gunnison County CSU Extension Office hosted a wild game taste testing fair at the Fred Field Center on Jan. 26. The event focused on specialty recipes that incorporated deer and elk meat. Fresh dishes included a Thai-style rice bowl with deer, a “hunter’s casserole,” Texas Twinkies (jalapeño poppers), elk bratwurst with mango and jalapeños, elk meatballs and chili with deer meat, among others. All of the

TALK: COLORECTAL CANCER

Honor Roll includes full time students earning a 3.5 or higher for the fall semester

Dr. Augustine Lee, Dr. Andrew Salim & Dr. Kenneth Anderson

Jacob Spetzler

A local producer lays out homemade beef jerky.

Sometimes money wisdom shows up in unlikely places

(Editor’s note: This is the first in a monthly series of columns on the topic of financial literacy.)

I learned this holiday break that my son likes to play poker. He is in college presently and tells me he is playing four or five times a week and that he loves the elements of math and probability combined with reading people. He was quick to share with us, too, that he wins.

My son was particularly interested to hear that poker runs in the family when my dad shared the story of my grandfather’s 50+ year poker game. My grandfather — born in the 1890s — played with the same six guys every week for over 50 years. My dad shared that he once asked my grandfather if he ever lost money playing poker.

“The year I lose money playing poker is the year that I quit playing poker,” he said.

My grandpa grew up in corn country, served in World War I and raised a family during the Great Depression. From those life experiences, and a love of poker with his buddies, he gathered a few nuggets of financial wisdom along the way. Here are some that as useful now as ever.

Operate in the black. As a business owner, Grandpa hauled livestock to markets for local farmers. Grandpa understood the importance of being “in the black” — that is, the business has to operate at a net profit every year to be justified. While he loved poker, it took on a different level of importance in the lean years of the Depression, when poker income put food on the table for many months when the family business was so tight due to the extreme economic conditions.

Measure your results. My Grandpa was taught at a young age the importance of measuring and tracking your income and expenses. In grade school, Grandpa dropped out of formal schooling to help his father run their family business, because his reading skills would help his father with the accounting and billing functions necessary for any business.

Play the hand you’re dealt. A lot of things are out of your control. You won’t win every hand or every day. Poker is like baseball. You cannot possibly get a hit in every at bat. There is some frequency with which you

need a winning hand to succeed. I don’t know that number in poker, but in baseball if you get a hit a third of the time, they will put you in the hall of fame.

Even famed investor Warren Buffett, attributes most of his wealth to less than 10% of his investment selections over time.

Play the long game. You’ve got to show up. Every week. For a long time. A 50-year poker game may seem extreme, but most of us will spend that portion of our lives working. We’ve tried to teach our kids the importance of always saving a bit from everything they earn. A little bit saved over a long period of time builds discipline, consistency and a safety net in the short term. Over the long term, our simplest act of monthly saving and investing is the key ingredient to building a nest egg. Warren Buffett will be the first to point to time and consistent commitment as the keys to his fortune.

Legendary baseball manager

Connie Mack won more games and lost more games than any coach in major league baseball history. His famous words, “You can’t win them all!” are as true today as they were then.

Whether we are talking baseball, poker or managing your money, we all will have some losing seasons. During tough times, Connie Mack, Grandpa and Buffet would all tell us to stick to our roadmap, be disciplined and consistent with our commitments. And show up again tomorrow!

(Boyd Pederson and his wife, Sharalee, share a passion for financial literacy and have been blessed to raise three children in the Gunnison Valley over the last two decades.)

kitchen with 9 ft ceilings throughout the main level.

1208 W Tomichi Ave Unit 5 Gunnison CO 81230, MLS # 797554 $355,000 1261 sqft.

3 bedroom/2 bathroom, one level unit with fenced back yard and access to the city ditch for area, and storage shed included. Unit has been a rental for the last several years to a long term tenant and is currently rented at $1600/month plus utilities and lease ends October 31, 2022.

Lazy K, Gunnison’s newest subdivision has several units still available for purchase by individuals or institutions/businesses! We have 2.80% AMI units meaning if you make less than $50k-$70k/year depending on household size, you may qualify to purchase this new 2 bedroom/1.5 bath unit at $268,271! We also have 4 units at 120% AMI meaning if you make less than $86k-$122k/year depending on household size, you may qualify to purchase a 2bed unit at $407,473 or a 3 bed unit at $417,683. Applications to determine your eligibility can be found at GVRHA.org. To arrange a viewing or questions about the property, please contact us.

1205 Van Tuyl Circle, .15 acre of lot $160,000 MLS#798496

Only vacant lot in Van Tuyl subdivision close to newly constructed bike trail park with pavilion on site. Char Park and Van Tuyl Trails are walking distance. Van Tuyl subdivision consist of single family homes, townhomes close to a niche community of renters, home owners and second home owners with options to build your dream home or an investment. R1 zoning for residential development on a .14 of an acre, the seller has plans and drawings that this property.

1207 Van Tuyl Circle, 3 bed 2.5 bath, 1628 sqft $710,000 MLS#798505

This hidden gem, single family home within the Van Tuyl Subdivision consists of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, approximately 1628 sqft. with a detached one car garage with a carport. Updated, move in ready, high ceiling, recessed lights, and open kitchen with an island separating the kitchen from the living room, pellet stove. The abundant natural light from the makes this home appealing and speculator. The other two bedrooms are upstairs with a 3/4 of a bathroom that consists of a walk-in shower with modern touches located in-between inviting, and intriguing home with a master suite downstairs with its own entrance and mini fridge/microwave section. The modern walk-in tiled shower and glass door is an impeccable touch. The storage space in the utility room is fully utilized with shelving and cabinets with front loading washer/dryer easily accessible. It's a must see property that's very inviting worth calling your agent today.

26 Meadowlark Trail $1,150,000 MLS 792288. Built 2022 4bed 3bath 2471 sqft.

26 Meadowlark Trail is the newest home within highly coveted North Elk Meadows subdivision. This custom home is meticulously built and designed from solid cedar including the exterior siding with rock accent. Large foyer with vaulted 18 feet ceilings, a large 8 x 24 back deck, solid wood front door, abundant windows throughout the home giving natural light and views of Carbon Peak, Red Mountain, Flat Top and SignalPeak. This property has an open

Boyd Pederson Special to the Times

TETWP hits the hockey rink

Pink in the Rink, a Tough Enough to Wear Pink women’s hockey tournament fundraiser, took place over the weekend at the Jorgensen Ice Rink on Jan. 27 and 28. All proceeds were donated to the Friends of Pink Program, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Mackenzie Bode

Mackenzie Bode

National grocery merger creates local uncertainty

Attorney General visits

Gunnison for listening session

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

A proposed merger between the two largest grocery corporations in the country, Albertsons and Kroger, has called into question the future of Gunnison’s only two large milk-and-eggs retailers. Last fall, Kroger, which owns City Market, announced plans to buy Albertsons, which owns Safeway, for a hefty $24.6 billion — earning the moniker, “megamerger.” The deal is proposed during a prolonged period of national inflation, creating an uncertain future for valley grocery workers and consumers, who worry about closures and job security.

According to Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s office, there are 148 Krogeroperated stores in Colorado and 105 stores operated by Albertsons. In many parts of the state, like Gunnison, the two companies provide the largest, or perhaps only, grocery stores in the community.

If the merger passes federal and state antitrust tests, nearly 5,000 stores will be under a single banner and, according to consumer-sourced market research firm Numerator, Kroger will reach two out of three shoppers in the U.S. The two companies live in the topfive spots for standalone grocers, trailing only Walmart in total market share. Combined, the two companies could close the gap with Walmart.

Weiser’s offi ce is involved in a multi-state investigation into the merger, to discern if the sale could harm Coloradoans through higher prices and lower wages for workers. In November, company leaders made their case to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights, arguing that the merger would allow companies to reduce prices and improve the customer experience.

To decide if the merger violates antitrust laws, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will look primarily at market share, said Christopher J. (CJ) Clugston, assistant professor of business administration and law at Western Colorado University. The language in the statutes asks regulators to decide if a merger will “more likely than not” reduce competition and have a negative effect on market concentration.

“Underlying all that language, and what they're mainly concerned with, is are we going to give market power to a company and are they going to be able to raise prices for consumers by getting rid of the competition?” he said.

The the FTC is considering two factors, Clugston said. Th e first is how to define the market, examining goods and services viewed as close substitutes. The other is how likely it is that the merger will leave sufficient space in the market for potential competition. In a public statement, the company stated it would look to divest between 100 and 375 stores.

Weiser said he doubts the ability of those divestitures to create true competition, citing a case nearly a decade ago when Albertsons bought Safeway, but the divested stores were ultimately reabsorbed by the company after a competitor, who bought the stores, went bankrupt.

A broader market definition, to include online retailer Amazon and superstores Walmart and Costco, will benefit Kroger’s case, as the merger would eat up less of that market share.

“They want a really broad definition of the market, so that this doesn't look like concentration of market, and it doesn't look like market power is being created,” Clugston said.

Making a case with community input

Weiser held a listening session at Western on Sunday, Jan. 29, to gather community feedback about the proposed merger. During his remarks, Weiser focused on a need for job security, resilience in rural food networks and said he’s not afraid to “take any monopoly on.”

“Everyone is buying groceries and paying more now because of inflation — so now you have people's attention,” he said. “What is unique about the Kroger-Albertsons merger is that you all have expertise in this issue, you have lived experiences and you have stories to tell.”

Michelle Freitas, a 22-year veteran at Safeway and union steward for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 (UFCW), said she’s worried a merger could put the hard-fought unionization of the store at risk. Over the years, the union has negotiated better health care and wages for workers.

Freitas said she’s worried that if Safeway was shuttered, grocery store workers would be left with the non-union option of City Market.

“Some of us live paycheckto-paycheck, we have a single mother there and what will she do?” Freitas said at the listening session. “How will she make the wages that the union has negotiated for us? How will she make the same wages in a town where there’s not a lot of jobs available?”

For years, Safeway has been the go-to stop for residents in Lake City and Saguache, shesaid. Store closures would put untenable demand on the City Market, which she said has “shelves that are not always stocked.”

Mathew Shechter, general counsel for the union, added

that even if Kroger continues to honor pension requirements from former Safeway employees, job loss across the nation would cut into those payments because benefits are paid out by current employees. As the workforce shrinks, the pension fund could become insolvent.

Pension fallout could affect people like Mary Kay Fry, who worked at Safeway for 12 years, even serving as a union steward. She said the lack of clarity around what will happen to pensions is concerning.

Gunnison Mayor Diego Plata highlighted the fact that City Market has one of two pharmacies in town, so a closure could send shockwaves through the community, limiting people’s ability to access essential medication.

Longtime locals John Tarr, Steve Schechter and Phil Bennett brought up questions about how corporate expan-

Potential closures may squeeze an already-volatile food supply even more, exacerbating shortages during tourism son,

Schechter said. “We live at the Community members can visit qrco.de/grocerymerger to share their thoughts about the

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

Attorney General Phil Weiser poses for a photo with Safeway employees Michelle Freitas and Nancy Barnett and former employee Mary Kay Fry.

Abby Harrison

Community members are troubled by what might happen to union-shop Safeway if the merger goes through.

Union representatives from the Local 7 chapter of United Food and Commercial Workers Union passed out protest signs at a listening session on Jan. 29.

Faith Directory County seeks solution to broadband holdup

BETHANY CHURCH

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

Two services at 9 & 10:30 am

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

B'NAI BUTTE CONGREGATION

www.bnaibutte.org

Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 bnaibutte@gmail.com

Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula; available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com (305) 803-3648

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

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

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,

Regional development hinges on a fiber ‘backbone’

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

A region-wide effort to bolster broadband access for valley residents has seen movement in the last few weeks.

On Monday, Jan. 30, organizations from across the state gathered in Crested Butte to discuss the future of broadband development in the region. The event came just weeks after Gunnison County Commissioners signed onto a letter to Gov. Jared Polis imploring state agencies to remove roadblocks hindering fi ber development in rural areas.

Fiber can provide gigabytelevel connections, improving internet speed and function for all those connected. Th e need for redundant, aff ordable fi ber in the valley has been evident for over a decade, but came to a head in 2020 when a construction error severed the only fiber line serving Gunnison, plummeting the town into a blackout. The incident lasted nearly 10 hours and took with it access to most emergency services.

“When that line gets cut or damaged, all services go out. And when I say all services, I mean 911 phone calls out of the valley, cells and internet,” said Mike Lee, IT director for the City of Gunnison.

The path to universal broadband has been in the works for nearly a decade under the guidance of Region 10, a state and federally-supported nonprofi t that advances economic activity in member counties. Region 10 works with local governments and internet service providers (ISP) to lower barriers of entry for broadband development. Since 2015, partnerships across the region have enabled over 600 miles of new fiber infrastructure, and the nonprofit is on track to triple that number, said Region 10 Regional Broadband Director Corey Bryndal.

Broadband is a “defi ciency” in many rural areas, he said, which is what led Region 10 to invest in “the middle mile” of broadband development, bringing broadband from urban centers to more rural communities like Gunnison. That meant lowering the barriers of entry for rural cities to expand their network by identifying space to lay equipment or adding ISPs and carrier-neutral locations (CNLs), which function as “wholesale” data centers for many providers.

As of now, fi ve intergovernmental economic regions in Western Colorado — includ-

ing Region 10 — are working in sync to form a fiber optic backbone in the shape of a giant ring. The “ring” would run along I-70 into Grand Junction then down to Durango, and back to Walsenburg before finally heading up to Denver on the I-25 corridor. The resulting infrastructure is expected to improve reliability, increase capacity and reduce the cost of wholesale bandwidth.

Caught

in fine-print

The development of broadband on the Western Slope has been stymied by hold-ups with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Bryndal said. CDOT is bound by “stipulations” in their contracts with private companies, like fi ber infrastructure-builder Arcadian Infracom, that severely restrict or prohibit broadband use.

CDOT’s restrictions with private partners have prevented communities from accessing taxpayer-funded infrastructure in public right-of-way, Bryndal said. Restrictions mean local governments would have to purchase right-of-way from those private companies, rather than access it through the state. Millions of dollars worth of fiber CDOT has laid are unavailable for broadband, he said.

“Th e entire Western Slope is kind of in this hostage situation where we've invested tens of millions of dollars and developed this network with the understanding that we would have access to see that fiber,” he said.

“If we had a two lane highway out here right now, once we get access to the fiber and put in our equipment, we'd have a 40 lane highway,” Bryndal said. “And that means the costs go down, and we can bring an amazing amount of capacity.”

Communities along the route, or “the last mile,” are building fiber to reach the backbone and installing small CNLs that will house broadband equipment; Gunnison already has an existing broadband facility. Region 10 is in negotiations with WAPA to access fiber built along their power lines, an agreement that would provide the valley with east-west broadband redundancy and connection to the larger fiber backbone. Region 10 is also looking at northsouth redundancy from Del Norte to Leadville, and is considering a proposal to put fiber along Hwy. 135 and over Kebler Pass to bring it to Crested Butte.

The time is now, he said, as both the state and federal government have signaled “unprecedented” support for the initiative. Last spring, Polis signaled his support for rural broadband development, by signing an executive order seeking to connect 99% of Colorado homes to high-speed internet by 2027.

That commitment comes with a funding mechanism, as over $160 million in federal funding is headed for the Colorado Broadband Office next month, alongside the nearly $800 million the state could be eligible for down the road.

The two critical highways for Western Slope broadband development are the I-70 corridor and Wolf Creek Pass on Hwy. 160, which connects the southwest and south-central parts of the state. Without access to state highways, the fiber cannot be connected.

At a regular meeting on Jan. 10, commissioners signed onto a letter, alongside other Western Slope counties, asking Polis to “remove roadblocks and resolve delays” with CDOT.

“There's a lot of places now where they're starting to focus on the last mile, but there's a good chunk of us that are middle mile folks going, ‘hold on, you haven't actually connected everyone,’”County Commissioner Jonathan Houck said in the meeting.

CenturyLink currently owns the two fiber connections in and out of the valley. In 2021, the company finished building a backup fiber line along Cottonwood Pass, connecting the Gunnison Valley to Buena Vista. That line provides redundancy for valley services, but is still expensive to access and is not guaranteed redundancy for all valley users, Bryndal said.

If the Montrose line gets cut, users paying may fl ip onto the Cottonwood line, but everyone else is left in the dark, he said.

“I think there was this misnomer that once that was there, everything would be fi xed. But the reality is it's only fixed if you pay the toll,” Bryndal said.

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

When that line gets cut or damaged, all services go out. And when I say all services, I mean 911 phone calls out of the valley, cells and internet.

Mike Lee IT Director for the City of Gunnison

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT

PART-TIME INTERVIEWERS WANTED AT GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE REGIONAL

AIRPORT: We are looking for a few qualified candidates to distribute research surveys to departing passengers at Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport from now through March, possibly until early April. The pay rate is $23/hr + bonus potential for strong performance. The shifts are somewhat flexible and are based on flight departure schedules. You don’t need to be available for every shift to apply. We have early morning, mid-morning and afternoon shifts. Looking for weekday and/or weekend coverage. The anticipated number of hours to work would be 20 hours or less per week. No sales involved. Must be energetic, outgoing, able to easily approach others and have strong organizational skills and attention to detail. If interested, please send a summary of your relevant experiences/qualifications and your availability to Sue@rrcassociates.com RRC

Associates is a consumer research and consulting firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry.

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 growing Bank. Applicants should have strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask, 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.

ARE YOU TIRED OF WORKING MULTIPLE

JOBS TO MAKE IT IN THE VALLEY?

Iron Horse is looking for the right individual to join our expanding property care team. This individual is responsible for property inspections, inventories, and the overall quality and presentation of vacation rentals in our luxury inventory. You will work hand in hand with our maintenance, housekeeping and reservation teams to ensure that our guests experience vacation perfection. Pay starts at $22 per hour plus a company car,

health insurance, on-call pay, paid vacation, ski or health and wellness pass, 5 day work week and more. If you are detail oriented, organized, punctual and only want the best, then submit your resume to steve@ ironhorsecb.com and qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Clean driving record is required. No phone calls please.

BIG AL’S BICYCLE HEAVEN IS HIRING FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER

SEASON: Experienced bike mechanic. Must have shop experience and a positive attitude. FT and PT. Mechanics Apprentice Want to learn? Get your foot in the door as a bike assembler / rental mechanic. FT and PT. Sales Staff. Love bike stuff, Crested Butte and know how to talk to people? Join our team of sales super stars. FT & PT All positions start as soon as March 6. Must start by June 1 and commit through Sept.

5. Competitive pay, seasonal bonuses, employee discounts and a fun place to work. Email resume to info@bigalsbicycleheaven. com or apply on-line at bigalsbicycleheaven. com.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring front desk attendants: part-time/full-time positions available, starting pay $16-$18/ hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and ski storage at the base area. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

DAVID GROSS GENERAL CONTRACTORS is seeking finish carpenters at top pay. We offer ski passes, 401k, profit sharing, paid vacation and potential health insurance benefits. No subcontractors please. Call DG at 970-901-1798.

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 hybrid-cloud 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.

LOCAL EXCAVATION COMPANY looking for laborers and operators. General knowledge of construction preferred. Must be a hard worker. Will train the right people. Please send resume to awearthworkskyle@ outlook.com.

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.

CRESTED BUTTE LAND TITLE

GUARANTEE COMPANY is currently seeking candidates who want to learn about the real estate market and start or change their careers. Our customer experience officer must be detail-oriented and have a solid knowledge of email and Microsoft

Office Suite. This role would be a great entry point for someone looking to make a career change or launch a career with a phenomenal company. Competitive compensation. Full time. Visit us at ltgc.com/careers/.

LOCAL WELDING AND FABRICATION SHOP looking for fabricators. Knowledge of general construction preferred. Welding experience preferred. Quick learner, hard worker a must. Please send resume to krobbins2011@hotmail.com.

CRESTED BUTTE BURGER COMPANY

is hiring cooks and cashiers for the winter season: flexible schedule available, starting pay $16-$18/hr. + gratuity. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: crestedbutteburgerco@gmail.com.

ROOF SHOVELERS: Local snow removal company looking for roof shovelers for the remainder of winter. Pay DOE $30-50. Willing to train the right person. Call or email. 970787-0702 ben@whiteoutcb.com.

SPECTRUM IS HIRING FEILD

TECHNICIANS IN GUNNISON:

As a field technician you will resolve cable and internet issues, and install Spectrum’s high-performing cable, TV, Internet and Voice products throughout your community. As you drive from location to location, you will build relationships with a diverse-base of customers and deliver technical solutions. This is a career that grows with you and the knowledge you gain will take you far.

Job Perks: Receive a company vehicle, tools, professional uniform and personal protective equipment to do your best and stay safe.

Dynamic Growth: Progress through a defined career path, or move into roles like supervisor, manager or director.

Competitive Pay: Generous starting salary, plus pay increases as you advance.

If you’re looking for a hands-on career opportunity that allows you to work face-toface with the people directly impacted by your work, consider joining our team. For the complete job description, visit us at jobs. spectrum.com Field Technician – Gunnison, CO.

LOADER OPERATORS NEEDED ASAP

IN CB: Very high pay for qualified people. Willing to train the right person. Ski pass and end of season bonus. Call Jean at 970-2758731.

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS

INSTRUCTORS: Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory is seeking enthusiastic nature and science educators to teach summer day camps for K-2nd and 3rd-5th grade students in Gothic and the surrounding region. Position is full-time from June 7 to Aug. 11, 2023 with the possibility of part-time work through mid-October. Pay is $16-$20/hour DOE. To apply visit: rmbl.org/about-us-2/jobs/

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a HR administrative assistant. This is a

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

*Housing is held for Gunnison County employees and may be available for you to rent*

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

Payroll Specialist Finance: Fulltime, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,440 to $6,281 plus full benefits.

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,989 to $7,057 plus full benefits.

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.

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

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

IT System Administrator: Full-time, 40 hours/week, starting monthly salary range from $6,238 to $8,824 plus full benefits.

Law Enforcement Victim Advocate Full-time:

$49,400-$58,000/yr

$23.75-$27.88/hr. Provides Law Enforcement Victim Advocate Services for Gunnison County as a cooperative effort between the Gunnison Police Department, Gunnison Sheriff’s Department, Crested Butte Marshals Office and Mt Crested Butte Police Department. These services include direct contact with persons covered by the Colorado Victim’s Rights Act to include written communications, phone contact and personal contact either in an office setting or at the scene.

Electric Lineman Full-time:

$74,800-$87,900/yr

$35.96-$42.26/hr. Performs technical and manual work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution systems for the City.

Police Officer Full-time:

$62,200-$84,000/yr

$29.90-$40.38/hr. Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related to maintaining the security of the City, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles, and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The City will pay for the Police Academy if needed and pay a cadet wage while attending the Academy. Includes a $5,000 signing bonus.

Part-Time Openings: Cranor Hill Ski Patrolup to $23.53/hr.

Law Enforcement Victim Advocate --up to $25.44/hr.

The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 12 paid holidays and 12 days of sick leave per year.

For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR

PRECISION AUTOMOTIVE IS HIRING

Are you a skilled automotive technician who is compassionate about quality service and want to work for an employer that values your skills. Precision Automotive is interviewing for master and apprentice positions.

Give Steve a call at 970-641-4040 for pay and benefits info, all inquiries confidential.

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”

Library EA-GCS

Teacher Librarian/Media Specialist/

Instructional Support-CBCS

Math Intervention Teacher-CBSS

Supervision EA-CBCS

Special Education EA- CBSS

Permanent Substitutes Food Service-CBCS and GCS Bus Drivers Substitute Teachers

Coaching: CBHS Assistant Track Coach CBHS Asst. Lacrosse coach

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

Driver - Senior Services: PT or FT $16.00 - $18.40/hour DOE

Certified Nurse Aide (C.N.A.): FT or PT $17.50 - $22.50/hour DOE

IS Computer Technician: FT $22.61 - $27.13/hr DOE

Care Associate II – GVO Clinic/ Family Medicine: FT $17.87 – $22.10/hr DOE

Medical Assistant (non-certified): FT $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.

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.

dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents. Paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, disability insurance, life insurance and retirement are also position benefits. The full job description is available on the Town’s website at townofcrestedbutte. com. Please submit an application to the Town of Crested Butte via email at jobs@ crestedbutte-co.gov. The position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (1/20/135).

GUNNISON REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY is looking for our next property manager to oversee our portfolio of rental properties in the Gunnison Valley. This is an active and engaging job that is a great mix of in-office and field work and is an essential role in maintaining and providing essential housing to our community members. Hiring range between $60-65k/year. Please visit gvrha.orgto see full job description, or email akadlec@gvrha.org for more info.

YOU ARE NEEDED: Find your niche at Six Points helping adults with disabilities with personal care, cleaning, transportation and community activities. No experience needed; clean driving record preferred and background check. Part- and fulltime available. 50% off everything in the store, plus intangible benefits of building meaningful relationships with clients. $15/hr. Contact Margaret.schneider@ sixpointsgunnison.org.

UP AND COMING ELECTRICAL SERVICES COMPANY is seeking motivated individuals to join our team. Stonefly Electric is now hiring. Education and experience in the trade helps, but we are eager to train the right person. Journeymen, residential wiremen and master electricians are welcome to apply, and pay will be reflected accordingly. A positive attitude, professional demeanor and the ability to work with others is a must. Please send resume with cover letter to StoneflyElectric@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

POSITION: The Town of Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado is hiring a community development director. The community cevelopment cirector is responsible for organizing, directing, and coordinating activities and operations of the functions of the Community Development Department, including building, zoning and planning.

Direction is given to staff of technical and professional employees. Performs a variety of supervisory, administrative, technical and professional work related to the development and implementation of land use and related short- and long-range plans and policies. A qualified candidate for this role is a strong teammate who is organized and well-versed in development planning and partnerships. The Town staff is small and nimble, wearing multiple hats and working closely together on special projects. The ability to work effectively with a team and across departments is essential.

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework, a degree in land-use planning, urban planning, public administration, landscape architecture, or a closely related field.

used in analyzing local economic trends and industry trends. Knowledge of Federal, State, and County resources for economic development and business assistance. Knowledge of local land use development practices, zoning, and policies. Ability to supervise the work of professional consultants.

Starting salary range is $110,364 to $132,436, based on qualifications and experience. Housing or housing stipend may be part of the compensation package.

The Town also offers an amazing benefits package, including paid health, vision and dental insurance for you and your family, 12 paid holidays a year, sick time, vacation time, 401(a) retirement account, and more. Applications will be accepted until a qualified pool of candidates is established, but preference will be given to complete applications received by February 6, 2023. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

For the full job description please go to mtcb. colorado.gov. If you have any questions, please email or call Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov or 970-3496632. To apply please email your cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov.

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.

CLUES

ACROSS

1. Shed tears

5. Luxury jewelry designer 10. Goddess of wisdom

12. Convert into a particular form

14. Working-class people

16. It borders Canada (abbr.)

18. A princess can detect its presence

19. Red-brown sea bream

20. Defunct retail empire

22. Vase 23. Demeter’s equivalent 25. Monetary unit of the Maldives 26. French and Belgian river 27. Small amount 28. High schoolers’ test

Animal’s foot

fill an open position.

Qualifications: Colorado Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of the date of employment. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Starting pay is $40,000 – $57,000 DOQ. Benefits include fully subsidized medical,

31. Some is red 33. Per __: each 35. Swedish jazz pop duo

37. Plate for Eucharist 38. Train line 40. Russian pop duo 41. Stake 42. Plant by scattering 44. Female sibling 45. City of Angels hoopsters (abbr.)

48. Popular cookie brand

50. Group of NigerCongo languages

52. A team’s best pitcher

53. Vomits 55. 19th letter of Greek alphabet

56. Men’s fashion accessory

57. Its capital is Pierre (abbr.)

58. Expensive cut of steak

knowledge gleaned from deduction

66. Kids’ snow toys

67. Flip side to yin

CLUES DOWN

1. Global public health agency

2. Snake-like fish

3. Midway between northeast and east

4. Dabbed

5. TV show

6. Folk singer DiFranco

7. Canadian flyers

8. Of the dowry

9. Commercial

10. The act of imitating

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE seeks applicants for a building inspector and efficiency coordinator position to join the Community Development team. The building inspector and efficiency coordinator performs a variety of commercial, industrial, and residential building and safety inspections of new and existing properties for compliance with Town adopted regulations and building codes and coordinates building efficiency and renewable energy programs for the Community Development Department’s responsibilities to the Town of Crested Butte’s Climate Action Plan. This yearround position includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer paid employee and dependent health, dental, vision, life insurance and matching contributions to a retirement plan after one year of employment. Starting salary is $50,958 – $60,585 DOQ. Full job description is available on the Town’s website at townofcrestedbutte. com. Please submit an application, cover letter and resume via email to HR at jobs@ crestedbutte-co.gov. The position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

surrenders under agreed conditions

Garfield is one

A baglike structure in a plant or animal 27. Small boats used in the Black Sea 29. Small savory Spanish dishes 32. Body part 34. Touch lightly 35. Popular grilled foods on a stick 36. __ Hess: oil company

39. Antelope with a reddish coat 40. Pharaoh of Lower Egypt

43. Pink Floyd’s Roger 44. Short and thick 46. Small, sac-like

Seven years’ experience in rural or municipal planning. Any equivalent combination of education and experience that the Town deems appropriate to perform the duties of the position.

Member of the American Planning Association and AICP certification (or identified date for securing certification).

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Requirements:

Must have a clean driving record and valid Driver’s license. Innovative, selfmotivated, and able to problem-solve for a variety of situations. Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented with a keen attention to detail. Ability to work well in group and individual situations. Exceptional communication skills. Ability to use independent judgement and assume responsibility for decisions and actions.

Excellent listening and communication skills and a positive attitude. Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to ever-changing situations effectively and efficiently. Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet assigned deadlines, and collaborate across a variety of teams, departments, and organizations. Knowledge of business attraction and retention programs. Knowledge of methods

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

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

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 Self-Nomination 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 date of February 2, 2023

7634

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

§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 North Fork Ambulance Health Service District of Delta, Montrose and Gunnison Counties, Colorado.

Deborah Ferchau 417 S. 10th Street Gunnison, CO 81230 970-417-0687 debferchau@hotmail.com

The Office of the DEO is open on the following days: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form is close of business, 5:00 p.m. on February 24, 2023.

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 the Tuesday preceding the election, April 25, 2023.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 26 and February 2, 2023

7569

legally described as the SW1/4 of Section 27, T14S, R85W AKA 220 Cement Creek Rd. LUC-22-00061 Kenneth Briggs approved to relocate building envelope on parcel legally described as Lot 5, Green Mesa Ranch Subdivision.

LUC-22-00062 Joey Chiaf approved to construct an attached second residence on a parcel legally described as Lot 1 and Outlot B, Hidden Mine Ranch.

/s/ Beth Baker

Community Development Services Manager

Gunnison County Community Development Department

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of February 2, 2023

7609

INTENT TO DISPOSE

Notice is hereby given to the following party that their personal items stored at Discount Self Storage, 1825 N. Hwy 135, Gunnison, CO will be sold or disposed of unless claimed prior to February 9, 2023.

Unit 39 – Jacob Neil

NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Public Notice is given on January 17, 2023

that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Gunnison County, Colorado Court.

81149 or atorrez@saguachecounty-co. gov, or by calling 719-655-2321 or you may view the changes on our website at www. saguachecounty.colorado.gov.

Written comments will be accepted until Friday, February 3rd, 2023 at 3pm, and may be sent to Saguache County Land Use Department at PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or email to atorrez@saguachecountyco.gov.

By: Tom McCracken, Chairman Chairman, Saguache County Board of Commissioners

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 26 and February 2, 2023

7573

PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF GUNNISON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

BRAND NEW MOVIE-IN READY HOME IN

CRESTED BUTTE: 3 Bedroom, 2 bath with shed. $2,400/Month - Pets ok - Local Workforce Requirement but no income limits – Minimum 2 qualified occupants For more information on qualification requirements, unit details and to apply, please contact GVRHA at housing@gvrha. org or call us at 970-641-7900.

LOCATION FOR LEASE: North main street office, retail, brewery or restaurant. 1600 to 2200 sq. ft. Call 970-596-9999.

Legals

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

§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 –

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, 2 directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms. Eligible electors of the North Fork Ambulance Health Service District interested in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District Designated Election Official (DEO): Kathy Steckel, DEO 110 East Hotchkiss Ave., Hotchkiss, CO 81419 970-872-9111

The Office of the DEO is open by appointment by calling 970-872-9111.

The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance is close of business on February 24, 2023.

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.

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 the Tuesday preceding the election, April 25, 2023.

Kathy Steckel Designated Election Official Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of February 2 and 9, 2023

7466

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Gunnison County Fire Protection District of Gunnison County, 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, 3 directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms. Eligible electors of the Gunnison County Fire Protection District interested in serving on the Board of Directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District Designated Election Official:

Notice is hereby given to the following party that their personal items stored at Discount Self Storage, 246 Buckley, Crested Butte, CO will be sold or disposed of unless claimed prior to February 9, 2023.

UP 59 - Jacob Neil

Notice is hereby given to the following party that their personal items stored at Discount Self Storage, 500 S. Blvd, Gunnison, CO will be sold or disposed of unless claimed prior to February 9, 2023.

E34 - Peter Holm

D46 - Raymond Hellinger

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 26 and February 2, 2023

7579

LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS

NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS

CREATING A VESTED RIGHT GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO

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

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

LUC-22-00050 TAPTC LLC approved to construct a second residence on a parcel of property legally described as Lot 1, the McCormick Ranch Subdivision.

LUC-22-00054 Hunter Family Real Estate LTD approved to extract construction materials on the 11-7 Ranch , parcel legally described as 157 acres in Section 34, T14S, R85W, Parcel #325734000044.

LUC-22-00055 Crested Butte So. Metropolitan District approved to expand the headworks structure on a parcel of property

The Petition requests that the name of Kaden Brady Koksma be changed to Kaden Brady Light Clerk of Court Cirenda Fry

/s/ Susan K. Piloni Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of January 26 and February 2, 9, 2023

7477

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Harold Francis Yale Deceased

Case Number 2023PR30000

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of GUNNISON County, Colorado on or before MAY 20, 2023 or the claims may be forever barred.

Gary Yale 4559 Cedarmere Dr. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of January 19, 26 and February 2, 2023

7451

PUBLIC HEARING

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing at the Saguache County Courthouse located at 501 – 4th Street, Saguache, Colorado, on the following date:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, 2023 AT 1:00PM

to consider public comment on possibly adopting a Saguache County Nuisance Ordinance.

To view the proposed changes, you may contact the Saguache County Land Use Department – PO Box 326, Saguache, CO

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, pursuant to Section 6.7 and 10.3 of the City of Gunnison Land Development Code, a public hearing will be held at the hour of 7:00 PM on the 22nd day of February, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, Gunnison Municipal Building, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado on the merits of Text

Amendment application, ZA 23-2, proposing to amend Section 13. Incentives, and Section 16. Definitions, within the City of Gunnison Land Development Code.

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 remotely or in person. The meeting can be accessed at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87698857112?

pwd=WkpIYVR0ZkNrQnlvUE9rTmt5bGE2

Zz09

CITY OF GUNNISON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

/s/ Anton Sinkewich, Community Development Director

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of February 2, 2023

7574

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

THE PEACE —

720 N. COLORADO ST.

ACCIDENT — 305 VAN TUYL CIR.

FRAUD - INFORMATION / WIRE —

911 N. MAIN ST.

PARKING VIOLATION —

JOSEPH LN.

ANIMAL - VICIOUS / DANGEROUS

- MUNICIPAL — 707 N. IOWA ST.

ACCIDENT —

300 E. GEORGIA AVE.

JANUARY 29

DISTURBING THE PEACE —

800 N. COLORADO ST.

ANIMAL - NUISANCE

ABATEMENT - MUNICIPAL —

400 W. DENVER AVE.

INFORMATION —

E. TOMICHI AVE.

ANIMAL:VICIOUS —

912 N. PINE ST.

ALLOWED PERSONS UNDER 21

TO CONSUME MARIJUANA ON PRIVATE PROPERTY —

JOSEPH LN.

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

JANUARY 24

-Deputies arrested one individual for violation of protection order, harassment threatening bodily injury and harassment interfering with the use and enjoyment of another’s home

-Information report regarding the sale of a car and leaving current plates on it causing the seller to receive toll bills the new owner incurred

-Fraud report

-Citation issued for operating a motor vehicle with expired plates over 60 days

-Cold report of issues with neighbors’ dog

-Barking dog report

-Suspicious person/ activity report

JANUARY 25

-Deputies responded to a two vehicle slide off Vehicle slide off with no injuries or damage

-Welfare check report / possible abandoned vehicle

-Possible driving under the influence stop

JANUARY 26

-Barking dog complaint

-Verbal warning given for a possible vicious dog

-Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police Department with a trespass in progress

JANUARY 27

-Deputies started to take a person in custody on a warrant from court but after further research, released due to subject being arrested out of county on same warrant

-Deputies were assisted by the Delta County Sheriff’s office with an arrest for domestic violence, protection order violation and 3rd degrees criminal trespass

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a car versus deer accident

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a single vehicle roll over accident with no injuries

JANUARY 28

-Welfare check

-Possible trespass report

-Welfare check on a subject in a vehicle with notes posted on it, but did not want our help

JANUARY 29

-Violation of protection order arrest

JANUARY 30

-Accidental 911 call

-Suspicious person report

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a three-vehicle accident

In pursuit of the perfect kraut

Join

Sunday,

Center for the Arts 606 6th Street

Crested Butte, CO 81224

SALIDA DERMATOLOGY IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE WE WILL BEGIN SEEING PATIENTS AT THE GUNNISON HOSPITAL THE FIRST MONDAY AND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH STARTING FEBRUARY 2023.

TO

CALL

AT

WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG

Jeff Dautrich, a local fermentation enthusiast, taught a “Science of Fermentation” class at the Gunnison Arts Center on Jan. 28. Participants cut cabbage and prepared it to ferment into sauerkraut.

Jacob Spetzler

Left on Red blends genres to make unique sounds

Jacob Spetzler

Photo and Sports Editor

Each time the door of the Gunnison Pizza Company swung open late Saturday evening on Jan. 16, the sound of crashing cymbals, relentless bass and the exploratory electric guitar from local band Left on Red tumbled out into the dark.

The three-piece band — composed of drummer Jeff Walker, bassist Mike Sharan and guitarist Alden Burt — was born from the members’ appreciation for heavy, complex music in a valley of jam bands and bluegrass. Playing an amalgamation of genres, the group cites acts like

the Melvins, Primus, Mr. Bungle and Faith No More as its primary influences.

“You could call it math rock, you could call it prog rock,” Walker said. “Some folks call us punk rock. We are a heavy, loud and in-your-face band. Sprinkle

that with lots of odd time signatures, starts and stops and you are getting close. We write complex song structures with the intent of sounding nothing like any other band in the valley.”

The band was slow to form

because it took a while for the three to find each other. Walker moved to the valley in 2019 to snowboard and got a job at the Secret Stash. He was looking for like-minded musicians when the bar manager at the restaurant introduced him to Sharan.

“Once Mike and I jammed, we pretty much clicked,” Walker said. “We had progressive ideas that have been able to develop into our songs.”

The two spent almost a year as a drum and bass duo before meeting Burt at the Blue Mesa Music Store open mic, where he worked the soundboards.

Burt, who is 19, was born and raised in Gunnison. As a kid, he learned piano from a local teacher in Gunnison. From piano he jumped to trumpet, before discovering Elliott Smith and jumping headlong into guitar.

Jacob Spetzler

SKIING: 100 consecutive months of ski turns, B2 SPORTS: Local skiers compete at Lake Placid, B7

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023

Left on Red B2

Left on Red

At 36, Sharan is over a decade older than Burt. He’s a roofer who first moved to the valley in 2007. He’s also in a bluegrass band called The Secondhand String Band and has been playing music since he was 18. Eight years ago, his future wife bought him a bass. He said he clicked with it immediately and began experimenting.

Walker clocks in at 49 years old, and has lived many lives, he said. His history with music and touring bands runs deep. He first took up drumming as a freshman in high school, trying to mimic the sounds of Metallica and Slayer.

After high school, he attended Chico State in Northern California and, in his senior year, helped to form a band called Headspace which toured extensively, opening for bigger acts like Sublime and Goldfinger. When tragedy struck and the lead singer died of a drug overdose, Walker quit music for a time, moving to Tahoe to snowboard.

Eventually he ended up in Portland, Oregon where he played in a slew of genrediverse bands: the noisy, complex Facepilot, grungy GALL and a two-piece band called Huger, which he said was named after the fact that “we

were so loud just the two of us … we were ‘huger’ than your five-piece band.”

Walker said Left on Red is a combination of all of those bands, with an emphasis on complex time signatures and a heavy, thundering wall of sound. For Sharan, the creativity in the Left on Red songs is what keeps him so engaged.

Left on Red has another gig set at Gunnison Pizza Company on Feb. 10. In the meantime, the band is continuing to write songs and practice twice a week in a garage which doubles as a concert venue and a practice space on Virginia Street.

“We’ve got a brand new song we're going to play for the first time, and it's probably one of our most complex songs we've written so far,” Walker said.

Looking ahead, the band hopes to record an EP in the near future while continuing to gig in Gunnison and beyond. As far as the Feb. 10 show, they said anyone who plans to attend should come prepared.

“Bring a couple extra faces,” Burt said before Walker chimed in, “because we’re going to melt your f--- face off.”

(Jacob Spetzler can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)

Winter and summer alike: 100 consecutive months on skis

Local teenager completes challenge

Bella Biondini Times Editor

Atalaya Hausdoerffer skied for the 100th consecutive month on Feb. 1, concluding an eightyear-long challenge she began when she was only 7. Atalaya is a member of the Crested Butte Mountain Sports Team and a freshman at Gunnison High School.

When her father, John Hausdoerffer, said he skied 12 months of the year when he was a student at Western State College, Atalaya wanted to try it out for herself. The endeavor began during the 2014 ski season, and the year that followed flew by. Suddenly, it was ski season again.

John promised her that if she made it to 100, he would take her to ski anywhere in the world.

After finally meeting her goal, Atalaya is headed with her father to Chamonix, France this summer for some glacier skiing.

“I’m really proud of her, it took a lot of perseverance,” John said. He joined her for the 100th month journey.

It wasn’t always easy to

find snow in the heat of summer. Month 47 took them into the Raggeds Wilderness above Crested Butte in search of a reliable snowfield. But the previous winter had been dry, and a recent rockslide made the snowfield impossible to ski.

Disheartened, they started back to the truck, but spotted white on a mountainside across the valley. After a closer inspection, it turned out to be an outcropping of dolomite rock. It was the last day of September, and they were running out of time. Maybe the challenge would end there, and John asked Atalaya if she wanted to get ice cream.

“Forty-seven is amazing,

right?” he asked her.

But she refused, and said she saw snow hidden between some rocks way back at Yule Pass. After some back and forth, they ended up hiking 12 miles to ski 12 turns through rock. She was only 10 years old.

“We knew the rest would be easy from there, and we learned to never do it on the last day of the month,” John said.

Atalaya learned to look for snow in unlikely places — sometimes Snow Stake Bowl on Monarch Pass gave them fresh snow in September and the terrain above their cabin in Pitkin provided an exceptional June ski. Wolf Creek never let

them down, once providing an 18-inch powder day in October. Her mother, Karen, also pitched in when schedules grew busy so that a month was never missed.

John said the experience has helped Atalaya not only build a sense of place in the valley, but also taught her lessons about the impermanence of life. One year, there may be a snowfield and the next it may be gone, he said.

“What happened to that snow?” John said. “Wasn't there more of it on that snowfield five years ago? … They become very active citizens when it comes to thinking about things like climate change, but what's driving them is their love of skiing, not

a bunch of depressing statistics.” Her 11-year-old sister, Sol, has joined in on the challenge, and is entering her 53rd month. When asked if she planned to keep her streak going, Atalaya said she already knows she will at least ski through June.

“I'm considering keeping going just because then it's not that many more months I would have to do,” she said. “But at the same time, I might want to just be done.”

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

Courtesy

Jacob Spetzler

Atalaya and Sol Hausdoerffer

Atalaya Hausdoerffer skis down a snow field.

Gunnison High School Leadership fundraiser

Sixty-five percent of teenagers and young girls in the Dominican Republic have experienced sexual violence. Mariposa DR is a nonprofit organization that creates sustainable solutions to end generational poverty, impact gender inequality and promote women’s rights in the Dominican Republic by educating and empowering girls. Our goal as high school students in Leadership 101 is to raise as much money as possible. Please donate to this link. Thank you for your support. mariposadrfoundation.org/support-aprogram. For more information contact Atalaya Hausdoerffer at 970-596-1584 or skiatalaya@ gmail.com.

Mountain Express Town Shuttle closures

Th e Mountain Express Town Shuttle will alter its route and experience stop closures in the Town of Crested Butte on Feb. 3-4 for the Alley Loop Ski Race.

The Town Shuttle will not be serving the following downtown Crested Butte bus stops: Old Town Hall, the Nordic Center and Whiterock Avenue at 3rd and 4th Streets. Closures will start with the first bus of the day on Feb. 3 until Elk Avenue is reopened.

The Town Shuttle will stop at the 4-Way Stop, Teocalli, Whiterock and 5th (on demand), and 6th and Belleview. The closure will impact the Town Shuttle until the snow is removed on the evening of Feb. 4.

If you have any questions, visit the website at mtnexp.org, or contact Mountain Express at 970. 349.5616.

Sacred Feminine Circle

Join us in the back room at (UCC), 403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

Our gathering this month will be focused on "the embodiment of Love." Not the sugary, sappy love from a consumer holiday, but rather the real, lived experiences that we all have that bring us to our knees, in either sorrow or joy. Many spiritual traditions use the imagery of romantic love to convey the powerful relationship between an individual and the Divine. (Rumi, Krishna, Song of Songs, Buddha, to name a few.)

Author Mirabai Starr describes it like this: "We remember that our source is Love. We suffer from the illusion of having been pulled up from our soul roots. We long to go home. We engage every practice we can get our hands on to restore our birthright of belonging. And when we attain those fleeting moments of union, we realize we were never two to begin with. We were always one and

always will be one.

Cheatgrass treatment workshop

Learn how to identify cheatgrass, why cheatgrass is ecologically important and how to treat cheatgrass. This workshop will be full of information, local examples of treatments and collaboration and resources for landowners who want to restore their lands. Please join us from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 1 at the Fred Field Center “cement room.” Please RSVP to Petar Simic at happyhabitatsgunnison@gmail.com, 248.881.6982 or https://forms. gle/2k2Y6hdevE4Apcbj7. Lunch will be provided to registered participants.

Gunnison Basin SageGrouse Strategic Committee

The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee will be Feb. 15. at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the Planning Commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. Following the Gunnison Basin SageGrouse Strategic Committee meeting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be hosting a Gunnison Sage-Grouse Recovery Implementation Strategy Workshop from 1-3 p.m. at the Gunnison Public Library (1 Quartz Street), also available virtually. For more updated information, including the most recent agenda and access to the virtual meeting, please visit gunnisoncounty. org/187/Gunnison-Basin-SageGrouse-Strategic-Com.

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.

Crested Butte Center for the Arts fundraiser

Please save the date, Feb. 18, for this year’s CBSP Community Fundraiser at the Center for the Arts, in Crested Butte. Will it be a “Wall to Wall” party or will we need to adjust some attitudes? Only time will tell ... But one thing we do know is that this is a great thing for the community and it will be a fun night you won’t want to miss.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Join us for the fifth annual Daddy Daughter Dance hosted by Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) and Moms Next on Feb. 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Webster Hall 107 N. Iowa St. in Gunnison. Tickets are $20 for father and daughter and $5 for each additional daughter. Price includes DJ, desserts, refreshments and photos.

Peace Heroes Museum

The Peace Heroes Museum on 235 N. Main Street, Gunnison, is now featuring Colombian peace heroes that have bravely changed the world through civil protests and acts of pacifism amidst violence, guerrilla warfare and political instability. Please attend February’s First Friday Art Walk, Feb. 3 from 5-8 p.m. to learn more about Colombian peace heroes.

Move the Butte 2023

Move the Butte 2023 returns on Feb. 23-25. The CB Dance Collective’s wildly creative signature production showcases over 100 local adult choreographers and dancers of all levels. This year’s show will happen at the CB Center for the Arts and will feature a stunning variety of dance modalities including tap, lyrical, contemporary, acro, pop, hip hop, ballet, aerial dance and more. Tickets go on sale Feb. 6 on the CB School of Dance website: dancecrestedbutte.org.

Gunnison Nordic Club

The next Moonlight Ski will be Feb. 4 at Van Tuyl starting at our wonderful new library.

All of the grooming and club activities are done by volunteers who devote about 3,000 hours per year to keep rails skiable, provide nordic lessons and outings for skiers of all ages. Trail grooming reports, membership information and events can be found at gunnisonnordic. com. Contact Gunnison Nordic at gunnisonnordic@gmail. com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Fifteenth Air Force

y of sacrifice alive

Hughes Glantzberg Special to the Times

( Gunnison resident Hughes Glantzberg is the son of Frederic Glantzberg, who was the commanding officer of the 461st Bombardment Group (Heavy) during World War II. He is an Air Force veteran.)

Most World War II veterans are gone now. Their stories should not disappear with them. We need to know their stories. What they experienced is a part of our history. The only way we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past is to learn what they were and how they happened. WWII cannot be a one-hour lecture in a history course or even a one-week study. This war must be studied in depth and the lessons learned and remembered.

The Fifteenth Air Force was a vital part of WWII in Europe. Along with the Eighth Air Force, which was based in England, the Fifteenth helped to put an end to the Nazi aggression, and it was headquartered in Bari, Italy, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. From this location, the Fifteenth had easy access to some of the more important targets in eastern Europe that the Eighth could not reach due to the distances involved.

Targets existed in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Greece. Ploesti, Romania, was a prime target with its many oil refineries. Blechhammer, Germany, was also an important target where the Germans were working on synthetic oil. Vienna, Austria, had many dif-

ferent facilities that were important to the Axis war effort.

Targets throughout southern and eastern Europe were extremely important because of the many manufacturing facilities, refineries, communication facilities, and railroad depots.

The Fifteenth Air Force, established on November 1, 1943, was part of the U.S. Army Air Forces in the World War II Mediterranean Theater of Operations, functioned as a strategic air force that commenced combat operations the day after it was formed. As an instrument used by the Allies to carry the strategic air off ensive to Axis-occupied Europe and Germany, existing until the end of the war in Europe in May

1945.

As a large organization, the Fifteenth consisted of many different organizations. There were bombers, and fighters, of course, but there were many more organizations — weather recon, photo recon — that supported the air war. One part of this huge organization was the heavy bombers used to strike at the many targets across Europe.

The Fifteenth Air Force had five bomb wings: the 5th Bomb Wing flying B-17 Fortresses; the 47th Bomb Wing, the 49th Bomb Wing, the 55th Bomb Wing, and the 304th Bomb Wing all flying B-24 Liberators. The 5th Bomb Wing had six bomb groups, each with roughly 20 B-17s. That means the

5th Bomb Wing could potentially send 120 B-17 Fortresses against Nazi targets on any given day. The other four bomb wings had a total of 15 bomb groups, each having roughly 20 B-24s. That means it was possible to send some 300 B-24 Liberators against Nazi targets on any given day.

The Fifteenth dropped 303,842 tons of bombs on enemy targets, and it lost 3,364 aircraft and 21,671 personnel killed, wounded, missing or taken prisoner. Targets included enemy oil, air force, communications, transportation, manufacturing, and ground forces.

One of the main targets of the Fifteenth was Ploesti, Romania, that contributed 30 percent of

Courtesy

the entire Axis oil supply. World War II was fought in many places around the world. The Fifteenth did its part during this global conflict and did not function by itself. To win the war, cooperation with other organizations both in Europe and in the Pacific was necessary. The Fifteenth Air Force and the many other organizations that made up the U.S. military might during World War II are well worth studying.

The WWII veterans are almost gone now, but the war’s history and their stories are very important. If you know a WWII veteran’s story, share that story. It’s our duty to remember. Freedom is not free!

ELDER BEAT

Upcoming eventS

• Feb. 1 (1 p.m.): Book Club. February book “A Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier. More info, call: 973-584-4987.

• Feb. 7 (RSVP Required): Snowshoe Hike - Lottis Creek. Rated Easy. This is your chance to try out a new snow sport in a safe environment!

• Feb. 8 (11 a.m.): The 5 Wishes with Dawn Stewart, MSW, LSW. This is a special discussion time with Dawn to learn about this tool for end-of-life decision-making. Meet in the Senior Center program room.

• Feb. 14 (RSVP Required): Snowshoe Hike - Location TBD. Rated Easy + to Intermediate.

• Feb. 15 (4 p.m.): Gunnison Library Presentation - Exploring Mental & Behavioral Health for Older Adults. Join us at the Gunnison Library to learn about a special research project and ways you can participate in creating positive systems of support for older adults in the Gunnnison Valley.

• 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 -

Ask how to include all Senior & Adult Fitness classes with your membership!

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.

Coming on Feb. 21 - SPLASH Class! 10 a.m. in the Leisure Pool. All levels welcome.

SENIOR MEALS -

NEXT WEEK’S MENU:

• Mon., Feb. 6: Spaghetti, homemade bread sticks, broccoli

• Weds., Feb. 8: Pork Tenderloin, corn, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes

• Fri., Feb. 10: Sloppy Joes, tater tots, salad

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!

AT THE SENIOR CENTER 200 E. SPENCER AVE. ALL SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM INFO & RSVPS: EGILLIS@GUNNISONCO.GOV OR 970-641-8272.

Foods

Weekly Happenings

Monday

Friday

that promote a healthy heart

Times Staff Report

A healthy diet can help people lower their risk for various conditions, including heart disease. That’s a significant benefit, as the World Health Organization estimates that 32% of deaths across the globe can be attributed to cardiovascular disease, which is an umbrella term used to refer to a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

Individuals who want to change their diets are urged to speak with their physicians for insight regarding specific changes that can address any pre-existing issues they may have. But it never hurts to consider hearthealthy foods, and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adding these heart-healthy foods to your shopping list.

Fruits and vegetables

Variety is the spice of life, and the good news is that an assortment of fruits and vegetables promote heart health. That means individuals can eat a heart-healthy diet without eating the same foods every day. The ODPHP notes that fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables can all promote a healthy heart.

• Fresh vegetables: Tomatoes, cabbage and carrots

• Fresh fruits: Apples, oranges,

bananas, pears and peaches

• Leafy greens: Spinach, Romaine lettuce and kale

• Canned vegetables: Look for low-sodium canned veggies

• Frozen vegetables: Look for products without added butter or sauces

• Canned, frozen or dried fruit: Look for varieties with no added sugars

Dairy The ODPHP recommends fatfree or low-fat dairy. Such products include:

• Fat-free or low-fat milk

• Fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt

• Fat-free or low-fat cheese or cottage cheese

• Soy milk with added calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D

Whole grains

Various products may be promoted as “whole grain,” but the ODPHP notes that whole wheat or another whole grain should be listed first in the ingredient list. Products that are “100% whole grain” also should be chosen over the alternatives.

• Whole-grain bread, bagels, English muffins and tortillas

• Whole-grain hot or cold breakfast cereals with no added sugar, such as oatmeal or shredded wheat

• Whole grains like brown or wild rice, quinoa or oats

• Whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta and couscous

Proteins

Heart-healthy proteins can add variety to a diet, which can make it easier to enjoy different flavors and dishes.

• Seafood, such as fish and shellfish

• Poultry: Chicken or turkey breast without skin, or lean ground chicken or turkey (at least 93% lean)

• Lean meats: Pork shoulder, beef sirloin or lean ground beef (at least 93% lean)

• Beans, peas and lentils: Black beans and chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

• Eggs

• Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut butters, such as almond or peanut butter

• Tofu

Healthy fats and oils

When cooking with fat and oil, cooks are urged to replace saturated fat with healthier unsaturated fats.

• Avoid cooking with butter and instead cook with oil, including canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean or sunflower oils

• Choose oil-based salad dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette or Italian, instead of creamy dressings like ranch

A heart-healthy diet is full of flavor and can help people reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Andy Hanks December Students of the Month: (From back left) Blaine Hubbard, Zair Daniel Altamirano, Mirabelle Bodin, Althea Stansbery, Eli Coop, Keaton Mickelson, Brooke Terry (From front left) Sam Sawyer, Joseph Stoeber, Dakota Bennet, Brooke Spann, Ray Nielson

Please contact Christina Buchanan, Ph.D. at chbuchanan@western.edu or 970-209-0240 (call or text) if you are interested or have questions. Thanks!

Gunnison wrestlers make history

Cowboys take top spots in Cañon City

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Intern

The GHS boys wrestling team competed twice last week. On Thursday, Jan. 26, the Cowboys won a home duel against North Fork 41- 33. Then two days later, on Saturday Jan. 28, the team traveled to Cañon City for the Duff Seaney Invitational where individual wrestlers secured a series of podium appearances.

Record-breaking performances from juniors and co-captains Royce Uhrig and Miles Harris filled the bout against North Fork. Uhrig continued his streak by breaking the high school’s record for most pins in a season after pinning his opponent in 1:49. In the match that followed, Harris completed four takedowns and a pin after 1:16 to break the GHS career takedown record, set by Jed Widner in the ‘76’77 season.

Harris said it wouldn’t have been possible without the support he has received.

“My teammates and the community have been encouraging me,” Harris said. “It was really special to see Royce break his record too. He’s been working so hard, and it’s great to see him achieve his goals.”

Kenny Gonzales opened the scoring for the Cowboys with a 4-0 victory in the 157-lb division. Then Preston Gomez pinned his opponent after a hard-found match lasting 3:31 in the 190-lb weight

class.

Assistant Coach Mike Dawson said the win came down to strong performances from the team’s younger wrestlers.

“Kleber Flores was really impressive,” he said, “As a freshman, he beat a No. 9 ranked wrestler and that really sealed the deal for us.”

In addition to Flores’ three points, Brock Fry took home four in the 126-lb division and rounded off an impressive team display. The duel ended in a 41-33 victory

for the Cowboys.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the varsity wrestlers traveled to Cañon City for the Duff Seaney Invitational. Dawson expressed how impactful the win against North Fork proved to be in their tournament weekend — leading to a Saturday filled with multiple podium appearances.

Talon Kibler, who placed fourth in the 120-lb weight class, scored 13 team points.

“Talon went 3-2 after coming off a shoulder injury that had him down for a bit,” Dawson said. “His

growth has been really exciting, and finishing fourth will be a real boost for him.”

Cody Casebolt, Damyon Funk, and Brock Fry finished third in the 113, 106 and 126 weight classes — providing 49.5 team points in total, and representing GHS on the podium. The Cowboys made a strong impression at the Duff Seaney Invitational, with Royce Uhrig and Miles Harris finishing first in the 132- and 138-lb divisions. Overall, five wrestlers finished on the podium.

“They’re young, but they’re fighters … and that’s what we need,” Dawson said. “If they stay healthy the future sure looks bright.”

The Cowboys are back in action on Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. in Cañon City, before traveling on to Cedaredge on Feb. 2. The JV squad will host a tournament at GHS this Saturday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)

Local skiers reach for glory at World University Games

Butts competes in cross country, Perkins races downhill

Jacob Spetzler Photo and Sports Editor

Tanner Perkins and Garrett Butts, two college athletes originally from the Gunnison Valley, competed last week at the highest level of collegiate ski racing — the

World University Games in Lake Placid, New York.

Games are structured as an Olympics-style competition for college athletes, with skiers traveling from across the world to participate. Butts races cross country and attends the Alaska

Pacific University in Anchorage, while Perkins competes in downhill and lives in Bozeman, Montana.

The duo got to know each other when they played on the same youth soccer team in Crested Butte. Perkins eventually

moved to Aspen in high school to train, while Butts was able to stay in the valley and train his parents. His mom, Ingrid Butts, is a threetime cross country Olympian and his dad, Kendel Butts, is a for-

Local Skiers B10

Jacob Spetzler

Miles Harris completes a take-down to break the school record.

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023

GHS swim and dive earns top spots in Alamosa

The Gunnison High School swim and dive team traveled to Alamosa on Saturday, Jan. 8, to compete at the Farmer Invite. The team took third with a combined 108.5 points. On the individual level, the Cowboys earned a swath of podium placements. Leading the charge were Jemma Petrie and Sam Jones, who took first and second in the 100-yard breast and 200-yard IM. June Ebott took third in the 200-yard free, while Catalina Schwab took third in the 100-yard back. Morgan Greenhalg took fourth in the 100-yard fly. The relay teams also put on a performance. The 200-yard free relay team, consisting of Emily Cattles, Morgan Greenhalg, Petrie and Schwab, took third. The Cowboys are headed to the regional meet this weekend which will take place in Grand Junction on Feb. 3 and 4. The state meet is the following weekend in Thornton, Feb. 11 and 12.

Two wins on home ice

Titans maintain winning streak

Jacob Spetzler Photo and Sports Editor

The Crested Butte Titans were triumphant in two home games last weekend, bringing the team’s current win rally to four.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, Crested Butte beat the visiting Summit Tigers 2-1. Then, on Monday, Jan. 30, in an afternoon matinee, the Titans won again with another score of 2-1 over the Durango Demons.

The two games moved the Titans to a 11-2-1 record, which keeps them ranked first in the 4A Mountain Division.

In Saturday’s game against Summit, the scoreboard remained blank through the first period. Early in the second, the Tigers broke open the scoreboard. The Titans didn’t answer

until early in the third when Grady Dietrich slipped one in with the help of Sam Dukeman.

The score remained tied until the game’s final seconds.

Dukeman scored on an empty net while also on the power play, with Grady Buckhanan and Dietrich on the assist.

It was an even match up on all accounts. Crested Butte only narrowly outshot Summit 31-39.

That was a stark contrast to Monday’s game. Titans’ goalie Jack Perkins stood on his head, blocking 39 of 40 shots the Demons put on goal. The Titans put 24 shots on net over the course of the three periods.

The first shot to go in came from Dukeman early in the first. The Demons tied it up early in the second period. But Dukeman took advantage of a power play with help from Brenden Hartigan to score the game winner with 38 seconds left in the period.

Both the second and third

were penalty bonanzas, primarily for Durango. The Demons spent 10 minutes of the period in the box during the second and 11 in the third — a little less than half of which came from a checking from behind 5 minute major which resulted in a game

misconduct. The Titans kept cool for the most part, spending only 10 minutes of the two periods on the penalty kill.

The Titans will get back on the road this weekend for two games. On Saturday, Feb. 4, the team will travel to Colorado

Jacob Spetzler

Springs to take on the Rampart Rams. Crested Butte will have a rematch against Durango next Wednesday, Feb. 8.

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

Lady Wolverines dominate at home

The Cowboys compete in a home meet two weeks ago. Jacob Spetzler

Jacob Spetzler

JV Cowboys impress in home competition against Aspen

High energy leads to excellent scoring

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Intern

The GHS junior varsity girls basketball team put on a performance at home against Aspen on Friday, Jan. 27, taking the win.

Led by a young team of junior varsity and varsity swing players, the ladies started the first quarter with an immediate impact. Head Coach Jadyn Kanzler said there is a lot to be proud of after the team’s victory.

“We came out so strong and with a lot of energy,” she said. “Compared with previous away games, I was so proud to see the amount of excitement from my girls.”

Junior guard Alex Engle showcased her leadership with an energetic first quarter, completing defensive plays and attacking the rim. Yaslin Hernandez and Eden Williams both put on strong displays at starting posts. Hernandez finished the game with 11 points.

“Both Yaslin and Eden have been so tough down

there,” Kanzler said. “But our rotation has been great too. Kaylee [Vincent] and Ashlee [Cowen] have been rebounding machines.”

The Cowboys increased the team’s lead in the third quarter with a string of baskets and defensive stops. Kaylee Vincent scored two mid-range jump shots from the corner to capitalize on offense. Then Alex Engle completed a defensive steal in transition. A dominant third widened the gap between GHS and Aspen, allowing Dayna Castro to finish the game with two 3-point baskets in the fourth.

Kanzler expressed her excitement about the team’s overall performance in her post-game team talk.

“That’s my team,” she said. “That’s what we have been working towards in practice, and the kind of performance we are capable of.”

The JV team will play away at 3 p.m. at North Fork High School on Feb. 3, before heading to Grand Valley for a 1 p.m. tip-off on Feb. 4. The Cowboys will finally return home on Feb. 7 for a home competition against Cedaredge at 4 p.m.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)

Cowboy basketball crushes Aspen

Jacob Spetzler

The Cowboys girls varsity basketball team played twice over the weekend, winning one and losing one. On Friday, Jan. 27, Gunnison beat Aspen 42-17. Then, on Saturday Jan. 28, the team traveled to Cedaredge where the Bruins took the game, 51-33. The two games moved the Cowboys’ season record to 6-7 overall, and 3-5 for the league.

mer cross country Olympic and NCAA coach.

Perkins notched his highest spot of the games on Jan. 14 in the Super G, taking fifth overall with a time of 59.07. He was only 0.72 seconds behind first-place finisher Jan Zabystran from the Czech Republic.

On the cross country side, Butts came in hot after a third place spot in the SuperTour Seeley Hills Classic 30k two weeks prior in Cable, Wisconsin. He competed in two events at Lake Placid. On Jan. 20, he took fifth in the 7.5K, and then sixth overall in the 30K on Jan. 22. In the 30K, Butts stayed the lead for the first three quarters of the race.

He said he started off with confidence, the memory of his third place finish the week before still fresh in his mind. Butts was ranked No. 20, putting him in the seventh row at the starting line.

He said he hoped to get to the front quickly, and put a good lead between himself and the rest of the pack.

“[Being up front] helps you stay out of trouble and you don’t have to surge as much,” he said. “I had quite a bit of work to do but I got to the front in about a kilometer.”

Butts lengthened his lead during the climbs and straightaways, but the gap between himself and the rest of the skiers closed during the downhills, he said. So he tucked in, managing to stay in the top five.

During the fifth lap, an American teammate put in an attack with a Japanese athlete close on his heels. At that moment, a sudden change of inclination in the hill they were climbing meant Butts’s quads began to cramp. He recovered on the downhills, but wasn’t able to recoup the time lost during those painful climbs. He finished in sixth.

Though he said he’s disappointed with his placement,

Middle-weight wins prove insufficient to win duals

The Western Colorado University wrestling fell in two duals last week. The first, against No. 8 ranked Adams State, took place at home on Friday, Jan. 28, with a final score of 22-18. On Saturday, the Mountaineers traveled to Golden where the team fell to the Miners, 22-20. In both competitions, a string of Mountaineer middle-weight victories would tie the dual before the opposing team would pull ahead again in heavier weight matches.

SPORTS BRIEFS

Cowboys basketball falls to Bruins

The Cowboys boys varsity team lost to the Cedaredge Bruins on the road on Saturday, Jan. 28. The final score of the conference game was 64-50. Cedaredge led each quarter by a few points aside from the third when both teams put up 11.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Cowboys played at home against the Millard Eagles from Fillmore, Utah, but the results were not available by press time.

This weekend, Gunnison will travel to Hotchkiss to face North Fork on Friday and Grand Valley on Saturday. On Feb. 7, the Cowboys will compete in a rematch against the Bruins, this time at home.

Tuesday’s game will start at 7 p.m.

Seymour hits buzzer beater to defeat Mavericks

Every second mattered during Western Colorado University’s Jan. 28 game against Colorado Mesa University. Brooklyn Seymour made the fi nal one count with a buzzer-beater layup to defeat the Mavericks 61-60.

Mountaineer divers led charge against Grizzlies

Mountaineer divers

Meredith Clabaugh and Alexandra Wallis each surpassed the first of two required

there’s a few silver linings. Cross country rankings are calculated by International Ski Federation (FIS) points. The fifth-place spot earned him 33 points, which is enough to be tapped to the B team for the U.S. Ski Team for the upcoming season.

Both Butts and Perkins are now back in school for the rest of the semester. They expressed gratitude to their hometown communities, in particular the coaches and mentors that inspired them to compete at such a high level.

Perkins noted his former high school English teacher Pat O’Neill and his Mountain Sports ski instructor Connor Lynch for their profound impacts on him

growing up. Butts said it almost all came down to his parents who functioned both as supportive family members and coaches intrinsic to his athletic performance. “All my friends played hockey and I asked my mom if I could go play hockey,” he said. “She looked

at me and said ‘Garrett, we are a ski family. And that was the end of that.”

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

qualifying marks for the national championship meet during Saturday's 186-63 home victory over visiting Adams State.

Along with diving sweeps of the 6-dive and 11-dive 1-meter events, Western Colorado University swimmers won seven of 10 individual events — capturing both the opening 200-yard medley relay and 200-freestyle relay.

Western track earns seven NCAA provisional qualifying marks

Western Colorado University men’s and women’s mile athletes shone during a meet in Alamost on Jan. 28, producing five NCAA provisional qualifying marks. In total, the

Mountaineers had seven provisional qualifying marks and four athletes moved up on the top-10 all-time list.

Sammie Bretz kicked it off when she came in first place in the women's high jump, clearing a height of 1.71m (five feet, seven-and-a-quarterinch). Th en Tyler Nord earned a provisional qualifying time of 4:03.40 in the men’s one mile. Not too far behind, Ryan Outler came in third place in the same event — also earning a provisional qualifying time.

The women's one mile produced three provisional qualifying times. Allison Beasley took home her fi rst, fi rst-place finish of the season, recording a provisional qualifying time. Katie Doucette earned her provisional qualifying time in third. Leah Taylor also fin-

ished with a fast enough time to qualify.

The final provisional qualifying time came from Michael Grabowski, who earned a second-place finish in the men's 3000-meter.

Mavericks top the Mountaineers on the court

Western Colorado University men’s basketball hoped for a comeback going into the third quarter during their game against the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks on Jan. 29. But Western fell 82-46 after a strong second-half showing from the Mavericks.

Garrett Butts

Tanner Perkins Courtesy

Jacob Spetzler

The Times Literacy Initiative

Powered by dogs

Participants in the local homeschooling online hub DidaskoPods visited Taylor Park on Jan. 11 to learn about mushing with dog handler Abigayil Crowder, who owns a sled crew called The Mushing Mutts. Before the kids got to mush, Crowder talked about racing, and included interesting factoids about the dogs, which need to consume up to 10,000 calories a day when they’re in season. The 14 lucky participants got to do a 9-mile run on two different dog sled teams.

Board Election and Annual Meeting Date

The ELECTION FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS and the 84th Annual Member Meeting for Gunnison County Electric Association, Inc. (GCEA) will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 6 p.m. at 37250 W US Highway 50, Gunnison, CO 81230.

Board Districts up for Election: GCEA’s Board of Director positions at the end of each three-year term that are eligible for election are as follows:

District No. 1 – (Incumbent Greg Wiggins) area of GCEA, including the Town of Crested State Highway 135 to approximately one-half mile north of the Jack’s Cabin cut-off, excluding are accessed by Cement Creek Road.

District No. 4 –(Incumbent Michelle Lehmann)

Gunnison, Curecanti recreation area, to the West Elk Wilderness area on the north and

District No. 5 – (Incumbent Tom Carl)

The Lake Fork of the Gunnison drainage from Lake City and Lake San Cristobal within the

How to Become a Candidate: In order to become nominated as a candidate for the GCEA’s Board of Directors Election, an interested as a director and must timely submit a nomination

petition signed by at least 15 members of GCEA. Additionally, GCEA strongly encourages any schedule an information/ orientation meeting with CEO Mike McBride.

Petitions will be available February 15, 2023.

GCEA, reside within the district for which you are

DEADLINE: Completed petitions must be returned to GCEA by the end of the business day at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Ballot Mailing Deadline: In case of a contested election, ballots will be posted for mailing to members on Monday, May 22, 2023. Ballots are mailed to members of record as determined 60 days prior to the election date and sent to the completed per instructions and returned by the close of registration at the Annual Meeting held

Electronic Voting: Due to changes in Colorado electronically in case of a contested election. Election Results: In case of a contested election, results will be announced approximately 5 business days following the June 20 annual meeting.

For more information: For complete information concerning the nomination process, please 3520 or email directorelections@gcea.coop.

Ben Autrey