Gunnison Country Times Mar. 3, 2023

GHS receives false active shooter call

One of numerous hoax threats made at schools across Colorado

Bella Biondini Times Editor

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, schools across Colorado went into lockdown after receiving shooter and bomb threats — all of which were a hoax. Gunnison High School was one of those targeted, joining schools from the Western Slope and the Front Range including Grand Junction, Alamosa, Durango, Carbondale, Aspen, Cañon City and more. The Gunnison Police Department notified school administration about the possibility of a swatting call before the incident occurred.

At approximately 1:57 p.m., the Gunnison Police Department received a fictitious active shooter call at the high school. According to a press release from the Lockdown A7

INSIDE TODAY

NEWS: MetRec drafting new community grant

An apple a day

School district to expand on-campus therapy program in fall 2023

Four out of five positions secured for upcoming school year

SPORTS: Winter seasons draw to a close, B5

OBITUARIES A3

OPINION A4-A5

CLASSIFIEDS A15-A17

SPORTS B5

ONLINE

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Bella Biondini Times Editor

The Gunnison Watershed School District is working to ensure all students have access to free therapy sessions through a partnership with Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) — all without having to leave campus.

Both community-centered

and statewide surveys conducted within the past couple of years identified students’ lack of access to counseling services as a growing problem. In addition to limited availability, obtaining private clinical counseling services for students in the valley often means they are regularly pulled out of school for appointments, putting them behind in the classroom. Parents and guardians are also impacted, losing time and money to bring children to appointments.

trict entered an agreement with GVH to begin offering schoolbased clinical counseling during the 2021-22 school year at Gunnison Elementary School, School-based clinician Evangelyn Willrodt’s office at Gunnison Community School is filled with painting materials and toys for visiting students.

Therapy A6

A ‘cliff effect’ for local families on food stamps

Emergency SNAP allotments end March 1

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

$1.00 NEWS WORTH DEVOURING SINCE 1881 SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM COMMUNITY: Behind the scenes of ‘The Greatest and Best Play in The World,’ B1 VOL. 142. NO 9 | THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 |

Just days ago, pandemicera emergency food assistance came to an end for families around the country. During the pandemic, all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households received

the maximum allowable amount for their household size, regardless of income changes. But an end-of-year federal budget bill mandated an end to the benefit, cutting the food budget for over 1,000 families in Gunnison County alone.

SNAP provides a monthly stipend that helps low-income

families and individuals purchase the food they need. Benefits are calculated using individual income and expenditures, and participants receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer card preloaded with money to use at participating grocery stores.

Erinn Cutright, a member of Mountain Roots Food Project’s food security team, loads boxes of fresh produce into her car on Feb. 28. The food security team has been donating boxes to early childhood educators around the valley for nearly six months. For the full story, see A14.

Bella Biondini

Abby Harrison

QUOTE of the week

A town that can roast itself is a town I want to live in.

— Rachel Alter Branham, SonofaGunn cast member

STEPping Up to the Plate

Ronda Connaway was born in the eastern plains of Colorado, not far from the Kansas border. In her early childhood, her family farm suffered through the swath of challenges brought on by the 1930s – not only the Great Depression, but also the added crises of drought, agricultural depression, grasshopper plagues and day-to-day challenges within the Dust Bowl. But her family, along with some others in the eastern plains of Colorado, were the beneficiaries of then President Franklin Roosevelt’s Resettlement Program – a part of the New Deal – which allowed them to move out of the Dust Bowl and over to Delta, Colorado.

See story on B1

BRIEFS

Drought conditions improve

As of Feb. 21, a large portion of Gunnison County is no longer experiencing drought conditions. This is the first time that no drought has been recorded since 2019.

According to the U.S. drought monitor, 74% of the county shows no signs of drought, while a small section in the southern part of the county is still recording abnormally dry conditions.

Reservoir storage in the entire Gunnison River Basin is 52% full. The reservoirs in the Upper Gunnison Basin — Taylor and Blue Mesa — are at 61% and 36% respectively.

The Bureau of Reclamation is projecting that the unregulated inflow into Blue Mesa between April and July will be approximately 605,000 acre-feet, which is 95% of average. By the end of the water year, the Bureau estimates that Blue Mesa will contain 593,600 acre-feet of storage or 72% of capacity. The reservoir is currently at 36% capacity.

2023 Outdoor Accelerator program finalists announced

Moosejaw, a leading retailer specializing in outdoor gear and apparel, has announced the 10 finalists of its fourth-annual Outdoor Accelerator Program. Public voting for the final companies is open until March 6.

Aimed at boosting startup companies and increasing diversity within the outdoor industry, the company received over 40 submissions. The winners selected will attend the accelerator through remote session and onsite education at the ICELab in Gunnison, which is located on Western Colorado University's campus.

“We love having the opportunity to gain national exposure for Gunnison County as an outdoor industry leader,” said ICELab Manager TJ Taylor. “The Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator is an incredible program and directly supports our mission to create more high paying jobs in Gunnison County.”

To vote, visit moosejaw.com/ content/moosejaw-outdooraccelerator.

Ronda attributes much to the impact that this program had on her family and others she knew on the eastern plains. After moving to and growing up in Delta, she went on to obtain multiple degrees and find lasting success as a social worker and educator – dedicating herself to supporting the development of people in communities across the country. After she retired from her career and moved back to the Gunnison Valley, she continued her commitment to community members here by becoming a STEP advisor with the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV).

STEP is a CFGV program that for over ten years has offered professional guidance and curated resources in order to help local nonprofit organizations become more Sustainable, Tough, Efficient, and Purposeful. Community members, such as Ronda, offer their services as advisors, pro bono, to organizations in the Valley for up to twelve hours annually.

Nonprofits contact CFGV with an identified need, and CFGV staff connects them with an advisor whose skillset and “style” seem to be a good fit. “STEPs” can take many forms, from a stand-alone presentation to a board, to longerterm as-needed mentoring, to a quick look-see to make sure the organization has the right accounting system for its needs, to facilitating a retreat. There are about 40 people on the roster who have skills in planning, accounting, leadership, social media, board development, insurance, cultural communication - you name it!

CFGV Director of Community Impact, Maryo Ewell, was instrumental in the creation and evolution of STEP, and is proud of what has been accomplished thus far. “STEP is invaluable for nonprofits who are able to tap into the amazing expertise of accomplished people who live here. And the advisors themselves reap their own benefits - they are giving back to their community, yes, but it is also professional development for them, as many people learn by teaching. We’ve even had a STEP where an advisor grew so interested in an organization that she asked to join the board!”

While CFGV offers a variety of programs to nonprofits, the STEP Program is particularly impactful in individualizing support and meeting organizations and their people where they are. Ronda has been especially adept at this for some time, as during her career she organized the first off-campus Masters Program at the University of Kentucky in the Appalachian Mountains – knowing that geography can be a substantial barrier to growth and development, she met the people where they were. And throughout her experiences with STEP, she’s been doing the same thing.

Ronda recalled working on a STEP with one group many years ago – before there was an established department within the City of Gunnison to support one of the historically underserved populations in the community. She met with several stakeholders to brainstorm issues they were having in organizing programs and expanding their reach. Navigating limited

resources and a unique structure necessitated creative thinking and a willingness to move forward amid some uncertainty, but Ronda assisted in mobilizing community support and developing strategies that would result in greater impact. Together, they eventually launched the inception of a program that is still thriving for this community today.

More recently, Ronda was matched with a local group who was concerned about a pressing community issue. They sought to establish an organization that could address unmet needs and provide more access and resources for community members here. Again she met with various stakeholders, this time over many months, to help with the initial lift. She strategized with board members, as well as the organization’s eventual Executive Director, on a variety of topics inherent to their success and sustainability as an organization. These included things like developing by-laws, agreeing on how to choose board members, instituting systems and growing infrastructure, and creating a strategic plan to serve as the roadmap for their future. And, as is the case in many organizations, all this was coupled with navigating interpersonal disagreements from those with diverging opinions when it came to philosophy or best practice. Ultimately, the organization was launched on a solid footing and continues to be a fantastic source of support and resources for people in the Gunnison Valley today.

“If you stop and think about the money saved by nonprofits in the community, it is really something…just the hourly rates alone for the STEP advisors they are working with – many organizations likely wouldn’t be able to afford it,” Ronda shared. As a STEP advisor, she has been able to impart to local organizations some of the skills that she developed over decades spent working to better the communities in which she has lived. She’s one of dozens of folks in the Gunnison Valley committed to the vision of Sustainable, Tough, Efficient, and Purposeful organizations, and the way that they can improve the lives of everyone around us.

During 2022, 13 local nonprofit organizations worked with STEP Advisors on specific topics. The STEP roster is updated annually, and we are always looking for recommendations for new STEP advisors and skillsets.

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 & covenants. 851 County Road 18; $435,000.

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.

Fantastic opportunity to run your business out of this 2535sf shop with two 14 foot garage door openings, as well as an 8 foot garage door, ¾ bath & a ½ bath and 665sf of office space. Fully fenced & secure yard for electrical updates, new garage doors & new forced air heaters. 555 S. 10th St.; $900,000.

MINING CLAIM 9.80 acre high alpine mining claim located outside the town of Whitepine. Forest Service Road 7888; $20,000.

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

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.

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

3 BEDROOM/2 BATH home with woodstove, large open kitchen, laundry room & work shed in Pitkin. Built in 2012, great condition, tile entryway, tucked away in the trees. 832 River Street; $479,000.

Ronda with other CFGV STEP Advisors.

William Edwards

William "Bill" Edwards passed away peacefully in Gunnison on January 31, 2023. Please contact his brother, John Edwards, for details on the service at 970.765.5527.

Cindy Marie Yale

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cindy Marie Yale on Feb. 19, 2023. She exchanged her crane wings for angel wings.

Cindy was born April 28, 1960 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A few days after her birth the family moved to Gunnison, Colorado. Growing up she enjoyed playing board games, reading, spending time with friends and a variety of 4-H programs. Her family especially enjoyed the year she took up cake decorating. Her talents led to winning many

BIRTHS

local 4-H competitions and several trips to the state fair.

In Girl Scouts her troop was determined and earned enough money selling cookies to take multiple memorable trips that Cindy recalled throughout her life.

After graduating from Gunnison High School, Class of 1978, Cindy remained in Gunnison to attend Western State College. In 1982 she graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in business administration and history. After graduation Cindy received her “Mrs.” degree and moved to Grand Junction where she welcomed the birth of her first daughter Rebecca in 1985.

The family moved to Arkansas in 1990 and raised all-natural chickens and ran a USDA processing operation.

Cindy welcomed the birth of her second daughter Jennifer in 1998. The family moved to Montana in 2003. While there, she watched Rebecca get married, raised sheep with Jennifer and made beautiful floral arrangements.

The past eight years were a roller coaster of a journey. In 2015 Cindy was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, (GBM brain tumor) and the doctors said she had about six months to live. She courageously lived not only through many medical procedures but well beyond the doctor’s prognosis; making

the most of every day. She encouraged family and friends to fold origami cranes during this journey. They were able to fold 10,000 origami cranes by the first-year diagnosis anniversary. Life led her to Kentucky where she could be near her eldest daughter and two granddaughters. Cindy loved poetry, books, crossstitch, mountains, waterfalls and family games (especially bingo).

Cindy will be remembered for her happiness, childlike ways, laughter, infectious smile and generous spirit. Her determination and positive attitude touched many lives. Cindy could see the blue (her favorite color) sky even on cloudy days.

She is survived by her mother Peg, brothers Gary (Debbie), Ken (Teri), and Andrew (Troy), daughters Rebecca (Glenn) and Jennifer, granddaughters Calleigh and Hayleigh and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father Hal Yale, aunts Mary Lou Partsch and Carole Croft, and uncle Jim Yale. Services will be held later this year in Gunnison, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please honor Cindy by donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) and/or purchase yourself a beautiful orchid, one of Cindy’s many favorite flowers.

BIBLE GEMS

GOD SPOKE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

Blake Wayne Earley

On Feb. 16, 2023 at 2:56 p.m. Blake Wayne Early was born to Crystal and Keenan Earley of Lake City, Colorado. He weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. and measured 19.5 inches in length. His Grandparents are Dana and Jim Gowdy of Lake City.

“God...has spoken by his Son - who was... appointed to be the heir of all things... by whom he made the worlds... was the brightness of His...express image of... by Himself purged our sins”... Hebrews 1:1-3 (in part) Selected and provided by Gene Siemer

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GUEST COMMENTARY

Taylor Park Reservoir — the rest of the story

I would like to elaborate on the article by George Sibley published in the Times two weeks ago about the August 1975 agreement related to the operation of Taylor Park Reservoir. Because it has been nearly 50 years most people are not aware of it. But because of its significance and history, I felt that it would be of interest to local people.

I am aware because, as George noted, I was the attorney for the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District when the agreement was negotiated. Before this agreement, the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users operated Taylor Park Reservoir solely for irrigation purposes. When they needed water for irrigation in the Uncompahgre Valley they released high volumes of water which made conditions for fishermen difficult and did not help the fishery habitat. When they did not need water there was very little water in the river, which was also not good for fisherman or fishery habitat.

After the Aspinall Unit was constructed, we contacted the Bureau of Reclamation and pointed out that although the Aspinall Unit provided wet water benefits to those downstream of it, it did not provide any such benefits to those in Gunnison County located above it. The Bureau responded that it would consider operating

LETTERS

It is going to change our area dramatically

Editor:

One of the joys of living in Gunnison in the winter is driving in any direction and seeing deer, elk and mountain sheep. Deep snow forces the herds down to their winter grazing areas along our highways. This is about to change.

In the 1980s and 90s I lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. Each year we would go to Yellowstone National Park to fish. The drive up only took a few hours, and we would make several trips each year. In the park near West Yellowstone, each meadow would be filled with herds of elk and buffalo. Photographers were everywhere capturing the splendor.

Last fall we went back to Yellowstone. On our drive through the park we saw two elk and 12 solitary bull buffalo. Gone are the big herds of years past. I have been to Yellowstone several times in the past few years. You do see herds of buffalo, but not like before and elk are a rare sight.

Times

Taylor Park Reservoir to benefit those above the Aspinall Unit, and as a result the 1975 agreement was negotiated among the Upper Gunnison District, Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, the Colorado River District and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The agreement provides that:

(1) Upon request of the Upper Gunnison District, the Association will release water stored in the reservoir and the United States will immediately store a like amount in the Aspinall Unit for the benefit of the Association. (This eliminated a one-day travel time for releases to reach the Uncompahgre Valley and eliminated transit loss.)

(2) The Association will release storage water “at rates which will optimize fishery benefits in and below the reservoir area,” which includes the Gunnison River above Blue Mesa.

(3) Neither the Association or the United States may “sell,

lease, or exchange” water from Taylor Park Reservoir without the written consent of the Upper Gunnison District.

(4) And perhaps most importantly, the parties agree that the Upper Gunnison District may apply for a water right for a second fill of the reservoir. The controlled releases benefitted the fishery habitat, flood control (both winter and spring), irrigation and boating flows.

In 1986, the District applied for a water right for a second filling of the reservoir in the amount of 106,230 acre-feet. That right was decreed in 1990 and made fully absolute in 2016.

The water right decree incorporates the terms of the 1975 agreement and provides further detail and structure for the controlled releases.

A water right to benefit the fishery had never been previously recognized in Colorado. In the decree, the releases for fishery habitat flows were designed by Barry Nehring, then a State Division of Wildlife fishery biologist from Montrose, which mimicked the brown trout life (establish a fixed flow from the middle of October so that the brown trout eggs which were laid would neither freeze, nor be blown out downstream until the following March when the releases are increased gradually so they small fish fry are not blown out, resulting in optimum fish production).

The result was that brown trout increased 90%, both numbers and biomass. The predictable flows are the basis of the boating industry on Taylor River and I feel sure that the recently announced Gold Metal fishery on the Taylor River could not have happened without it. The decree also provides water for supplemental irrigation on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers, and allows releases to respond to a call by a downstream senior water right.

The agreement’s prohibition of sale of reservoir water without the District’s consent, together with the District’s water right, also provides protection from a trans-basin diversion out of Taylor Park, such as the infamous Union Park Project.

The 1975 agreement expires in 2025. John McClow, the current attorney for the Upper Gunnison District, tells me that the parties have applied to the Bureau to update the agreement to reflect current conditions and practices and extend it for another 50 years.

(Dick Bratton graduated from Western State College in 1954 and has lived and worked as an attorney in Gunnison for nearly 75 years. He is currently of counsel to the Grand Junction law firm Hoskin Farina & Kampf where he specializes in water law.)

Wolves are in Colorado now. There have been recent reports of a pair in North Park. Shortly after reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone, a wolf was hit and killed by a car on I-70 near Vail. I have been in the Big Blue Wilderness Area south of Gunnison fishing and seen wolf scat. Another local fly fishing guide reported seeing two wolves in the Big Blue Wilderness while archery hunting. They have traveled that far since their reintroduction.

Currently there are only a few wolves in Colorado and they have not caused much trouble. But the times are changing. When CPW introduces wolves into the Gunnison area, the wolves will have a buffet on the deer and elk driven down to the highways in the winter. In addition, if they could make it from Yellowstone to Vail in just a few years, how long will it take them to cross the Continental Divide to eastern Colorado. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are a magnet for tourists because of the elk that live on the city golf course. That will change.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a huge task managing this project and they better do it right. My comments focus on the effect wolves will have on wildlife. Imagine what is going to happen to our local ranchers. I was at the recent meeting at WCU where the wolf reintroduction was discussed. Most of the presenters were ranchers presenting their concerns.

This is going to be a much bigger issue than most people think. It is going to change our area dramatically in the future.

Jay Hill Gunnison

Inflation is a serious problem

Editor: I read a letter in last week’s paper by Neil Watko, vice chair of the Republican Party. I couldn't agree more with the point that inflation is a serious problem for our society. However, I do take issue with some of the statements regarding the root causes of inflation.

For example, the letter manages to blame the Biden Administration for high inflation and cites the price of eggs and gasoline as examples. But it leaves out the fact that inflation is currently a worldwide problem — the root causes being supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.

I wonder if the author is aware of the fact that the high price of eggs has been caused by the bird flu epidemic, which has devastated the chicken population nationally. The spike in gasoline prices in the state is due to the fact that the only major oil refinery in Colorado is offline, leading to the increased cost of importing products long distances.

The letter then states that the stress caused by inflation is due to the effort of fighting climate change. I fail to see how one makes that connection. Is the letter implying that we should not be concerned with climate change?

Finally, the author implies that supplying aid to Ukraine continued on

Dick Bratton Special to the

for its defense is also a leading cause of inflation. Does he understand that what Russia is doing in Ukraine is not just immoral, but very possibly a prelude to more aggression?

Another point to consider is that Ukraine is one of the biggest suppliers of grain in the world. If Putin is successful in taking over Ukraine, will he be in a position to use food insecurity to hold much of the world hostage?

The letter then goes on to make a statement that we were involved in blowing up the Nord Stream pipeline. I would like to have seen the author cite any credible evidence or proof of such an unlikely claim.

Charles Welch Gunnison

Correlation not always causation

Editor:

We feel obliged to correct the misinformation conveyed in last week’s letters to the editor. The author, who is the vice chair of the Gunnison County Republicans, correctly noted that gas prices in Colorado have been going up over the last two months.

He incorrectly attributed this rise to Gov. Jared Polis and President Joe Biden. While such contentions may serve his political purposes, they don’t bear any resemblance to reality.

The author seems unaware of one of the key principles of logical thought. Correlation does not necessarily imply causation. You scratched your nose this morning and the sun came up. They happened together so that is correlation. That doesn’t mean that scratching your nose caused the sun to come up.

Similarly, just because Polis and Biden are in office when gas prices go up in Colorado doesn’t prove they are responsible. The letter offered no proof of these claims — only the contention that correlation proves causation with no evidence to back it up.

The main cause for the rise in Colorado gas prices is well known and widely reported.

The Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City is the only one in Colorado and normally provides 35% to 40% of all the gas and diesel used in Colorado. It shut down on Dec. 21, 2022 due to maintenance problems and an on-site fire. Gas prices immediately started to rise. Gas trucked in from further away costs more.

AAA of Colorado, who tracks gas prices here, says the recent rise in gas prices is almost entirely attributable to the shut down of the Suncor refinery.

Far from causing this problem, Polis has taken steps trying to mitigate the rise in gas prices caused by corporate mismanagement. He made an emergency declaration that allows the temporary easing of regulations on the loads fuel truck drivers can haul and the hours they can work. The Executive Director of the Colorado &

Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, which represents local gas stations, thinks those actions have helped prevent even higher fuel prices.

The letter also blamed Biden and Polis for the price of eggs, the rise in rents, inflation in general and blowing up the Nord Stream II pipeline. The last is a serious accusation with no evidence to support it. Investigations are ongoing and the culprit in this sabotage is still unknown.

The main person blaming the U.S. for that is Putin who has his own serious credibility issues. Such fallacious misrepresentations are a common tool used by those seeking to deceive us hoping that their audience lacks critical thinking skills or won’t do their own research.

Hopefully the author of that misleading letter is not aspiring to mimic the cynical propagandists on Fox who, despite their knowledge that the complaints about the 2020 elections were a pack of lies, continued to present those lies as truth in order to protect ratings and politically manipulate their trusting audience.

Joe Dix, Laird Cagan, Laurie Gery, Michael Bell and Arden Anderson

The Gunnison County Writing Group

Come relive Crested Butte’s story

Editor:

It's back by popular demand! Red Lady Films will present two encore showings of "High Country" — a timeless story about a community of young people disguised as hippies and ski bums who happened upon a ramshackle immigrant mining town on the fringe of society. Together they fight to conserve and protect it for years to come.

It's Crested Butte's story. Come relive it and learn about this engaging 1970s and 80s piece of our history.

The film explores how our small mountain community has attempted to walk the line between development and conservation, growth and sustainability.

"We are attempting to do our part, not only to conserve a piece of American history, but also to educate and inform future generations to come,” said filmmaker Conor Hagen. A Q&A with Conor will follow the film.

"High Country" will show at the Majestic on March 14 and 15, with proceeds to benefit High Country Conservation Advocates and Coal Creek Watershed Coalition.

Please join us on either night to show support for two organizations working to protect our local environment. Doors are at 6 p.m. and the film at 6:30 p.m. Tickets at cbmajestic.org. Hope to see you there. Bring your friends for a truly engaging evening.

Sue

One Love thank you

Editor:

It's a blessing to live in a community loaded with caring people.

Thank you to the over 250 caring folks who attended the fabulous One Love Jamaican Night event on Valentine's Day this year. Because of you, two local nonprofit organizations, Gunnison Valley Mentors and Tough Enough to Wear Pink, raised critical funds for ongoing, precious services.

One Love is the brainstorm of Jermaine Rodney, owner of Jermaine's, Sportsman's Liquors, and a Western Colorado University employee. Jermaine is always on the lookout for ways to connect our community over food for a good cause. He worked tirelessly on the menu, the refreshments, the gorgeous pineapple table, the fondue, finding volunteers and inviting his hundreds of friends to attend.

Without Jermaine, there would be no One Love! We are enormously grateful that Jermaine has chosen Gunnison as home. Thank you, Jermaine.

Kerry and Danny Lefebvre, owners of Mario's and The Dive, are true community champions. Danny's chef skills were on full display at the One Love buffet, and Kerry's work on the silent auction made it immensely successful. If Kerry and Danny ever move, we should all go wherever they are. They are expert community builders. Thank you, Kerry and Danny.

Thank you to Bryan Wickenhauser, Terry Schliesman Tessa Helmle and Sarah Taramarcaz for your work behind the bar for the evening. The set-up tor the bar was no small task, and your gracious contribution of time and humor were absolutely necessary additions to the energy of the event. MG of Eagle Rock Distributors donated much of the spirits, as well as some highly appreciated and sought after silent auction items

Evelyn Roper's Opal Moon band rounded out the evening beautifully with some lively dance tunes, accompanied by line dancing lessons from Country Kick Up's, Ashley Miller and Keegan Wiles. Thank you, Evelyn, Opal Moon members, Ashley and Keegan.

Lots of love, not just one, to our scores of volunteers who made the event possible from beginning to end. Board members and staff from both Mentors and TETWP provided muscle, brain (thanks Anne and John Coster for silent auction check-out) and planning power for the event. Melody and Dally at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds made use of the space a breeze.

Thank you all. One Love is a place where everyone belongs! If you didn't make it this year, check it out in 2024.

Navy, Shea Earley Crested Butte

Gunnison Valley Mentors and TETWP

Lake Preschool and Crested Butte Secondary School. For the upcoming 2023-24 school year, the district has secured funding for full-time positions at each of the Gunnison Valley’s five schools. Clinical therapists for Gunnison High School and Crested Butte Elementary School have been hired, while recruitment is still ongoing for Gunnison Middle School.

As the employer, GVH will provide the incoming schoolbased clinicians with training and supervision, while also assuming any legal liability for the program. Clinicians follow the same school schedule as the student body and work into the summer months so they stay connected with higher risk students, said Kimberly Behounek, GVH’s director of Behavioral Health.

“Just as educators can see regression over the summer of skills that aren’t practiced, the same sort of thing applies in clinical counseling,” Behounek said.

Crested Butte’s two clinical

positions are funded in perpetuity through the Town of Crested Butte’s nicotine tax.

Grant dollars are presently funding positions in Gunnison, with all of the money set to expire in two years. The school district’s plan is to approach the City of Gunnison about using marijana tax dollars in a similar way as the nicotine tax. This money, a more permanent solution compared to grant dollars, has not yet been secured.

“We don't want to chase money,” Behounek said. “We want to say we have this, and we've secured this for the long term. It's hard to recruit and retain people on rotating grant dollars.”

Securing permanent funding ensures that on-campus therapy sessions are free to students at all grade levels, with no insurance filings, fees or payments — a large difference from private providers. Referrals also don’t require a clinical diagnosis either, which protects younger students from “blaming labels,” Behounek said.

Help that fits the need

At Gunnison Elementary School, school-based clinician

Evangelyn Willrodt meets with the district’s mental health team each week to identify students who present persistent behavioral health needs, or may have experienced a sudden change at home or at school. Students are matched with friendship or social groups and check in with the school’s counselor before they are referred to a clinician. Once referred and guardian approval is received, Willrodt works with students to find a spot on their schedule that least interferes with academics. Regular communication and check-ins with teachers, staff and families follows as needed. Sessions take place in the school’s counselor office, mostly during school hours or sometimes after hours for Pathways students or on Wednesday early release days.

Rather than working in an outpatient office, meeting with students on campus gives clinicians a window into student’s social environment, Willrodt said. She offers sessions at Gunnison Elementary and is present for kindergarteners and preschoolers one day a week at Lake School.

“I can just connect right away

with the system that that child is functioning in to see if there might be other things going on,” Willrodt. “Because as we know, mental health doesn't happen in a little bubble.”

Since Willrodt began her position in October of 2021, she has seen 22-28 students weekly for therapy. Taking into account school breaks and absences, it averages out to about 100 therapy sessions each month.

Sessions are 45 minutes long and scheduled once a week.

Referrals work differently at Crested Butte Community School (CBCS) Secondary, which serves sixth through 12th graders. Although they can still come from the team or from school counselors, older students have the ability to refer themselves. In 2019, Colorado passed House Bill 191120, which permits youth 12 and older to consent to their own individual mental health therapy following an uptick in youth suicides.

Clinicians at CBCS often work with students to figure out the right way and proper time to involve parents if they are hesitant. Since school-based clinician Betty Sue Gurk started her

role, she has only seen one student without notifying parents.

Treasurer Dave Taylor asked if the team has been able to navigate the language barriers present within the school district — which has continued to see a rising number of Spanishspeaking students enter the system.

Behounek said she’s been unsuccessful in recruiting Spanish-speaking providers. Instead, the district is employing interpretation services through GVH and dualtranslating earbuds provided by Gunnison County Juvenile Services.

Board member LeeAnn Mick said when she was still teaching in the school district, little to no counseling was available to students.

“I know that what we do can make a difference with kids,” Mick said.

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

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

All Coloradans who receive SNAP started seeing reduced benefits on March 1, as emergency allotments came to a close. The federal budget or “Omnibus” bill decoupled a variety of public health initiatives — like Medicaid auto-enrollment and emergency SNAP allotments — from the public health emergency, so even if the Biden Administration extends the health emergency past the stated end of May 11, the emergency allotments will not be renewed.

In Gunnison County, over 650 households, or more than 1,000 people, receive SNAP benefits every month. The state estimates that allotments will decrease about $80 per person, amounting to nearly $10,000 less going onto benefit cards each month county-wide.

The state’s SNAP program is run by the Colorado Department of Human Services, but Gunnison County Health and Human Services is responsible for administering the program locally. Like most state-funded social services programs, eligibility is determined by income level. Households with income less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify.

“[SNAP] is one of the most effective tools for helping hardworking families, individuals and those who have disabilities — anybody who is in a vulnerable situation — to achieve basic health outcomes,” said Karla Maraccini, division director of food and energy assistance at the state. “It is really just an exceptional tool to help people access more nutritious foods.”

The county has been

anticipating the end of maximum SNAP allotments for over a year, said Health and Human Services Deputy Director Brad Wheaton. During food assistance interviews required for the program, county officials have been warning people that the allotment they will receive is not “a forever thing.” Staff also started notifying participants in January, sending letters with information about newlycalculated benefits.

The end of emergency allotments may have a significant effect on the Gunnison community, Wheaton said. A good number of families came on food assistance during the pandemic, he said, and they've never known anything but that emergency allowance, so getting a calculated benefit will

have “a pretty drastic impact.”

“It’s not going to be a cliff effect for Medicaid,” Wheaton said in a Feb. 21 Gunnison County Commissioners meeting. “But for food, it will be.”

This week, county staff will meet with the Gunnison Country Food Pantry and Western Colorado University — which recently opened its own food pantry — to strategize how they can manage increased demand.

“It's just going to come down to connecting people with additional resources in the community,” Wheaton said.

Maraccini said budgets will take a hit.

“I think that's a difficult loss for anyone,” she said.

“[Individuals] have to then try to decide, ‘am I putting food on the table or am I paying rent?’

Because with a limited income, you're going to have to make some really tough decisions and that's one of the things I just find really sad about this change.”

To try and fill the $55 million gap in Colorado, the legislature approved more funding for the Department of Human Services last week in a senate bill amendment. The bill, SB23119, will tack on $14 million to hunger relief organizations, like food banks and pantries, across the state. But it’s not enough, Maraccini said.

“I can't imagine that any state is really able to make up that kind of a loss or a decrease in revenue,” she said. “Fourteen million is a small BandAid on a gushing wound.”

Looking at three-year health outcomes for the 30 states that have continuously issued the maximum allotment may provide clarity about what the true need is, Maraccini said.

“Maybe this is an opportunity, at a federal level, to consider what if maximum allotment was the norm as opposed to only during the public health emergency?” she said. “There's an opportunity there for some advocacy on this program.”

Wheaton said SNAP participants need to read the mailers from the state to understand what their new benefit will be. Recipients can also call the state’s new hotline for information: 800.816.4451, or access notices via the Colorado PEAK website, peak-coloradopeak.force.com.

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

The end of emergency SNAP allotments is set to cut into family's food budgets nearly $80 per person.

Abby Harrison

I think that’s a difficult loss for anyone. [Individuals] have to then try to decide, am I putting food on the table or am I paying rent?

Karla Maraccini Colorado Department of Human Services

Lockdown

from A1

Gunnison Police Department, the caller reported he was walking in the front entrance of Gunnison High School with an assault rifle.

Police officers arrived at the campus minutes later, and the school entered lockdown so officers could search the interior of the building. No weapons or real threat was found and the lockdown was lifted less than an hour later. Crested Butte Community School was not in session last week, and no threats were detected at Gunnison Community School or Lake Preschool.

Th is occurrence, which happened at numerous Colorado schools statewide last week, is often referred to as “swatting,” which is the act of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to dispatch a large number of law enforcement officers to a particular location. The incident is still under investigation.

The morning of the incident at GHS, the local police department communicated with the principals about the possibility of a fake call — confirming the school’s pre-planned response if a threat was received, said Superintendent Leslie Nichols.

Although she was out of town when the incident occurred, Nichols was also made aware of false threats at other schools across the state. She immediately alerted Gunnison Middle School Principal Andy Hanks who shared the information with teachers and staff at the Gunnison schools, so in the case the school did receive a call, it wasn’t a surprise.

The Gunnison Police Department received an active shooter call later that afternoon, sending the high school into lockdown. Nichols alerted parents of the incident right after the lockdown was lifted.

GHS was halfway through Wednesday early release, an abbreviated school day that releases students from classes two hours early. A handful of student clubs were still in ses-

sion, but Assistant Principal Robin Wilkinson estimated only 20 students were in the building during lockdown.

Because a procedure was already in place, the operation went smoothly, she said.

“We take all threats seriously,” Wilkinson said. “We handled it as though it was real, and law enforcement did the same. I was really pleased with the overall outcome.”

Maria Kattnig, a science teacher at GHS, was hosting a practice for the Science Olympiad team, when the school went into lockdown. The door was locked and lights were turned off as the students moved out of the hallway window’s line of sight — part of a drill that has been practiced many times, she said.

Although it was stressful, Kattnig also considered it a good opportunity to initiate difficult conversations with students about “our reality,” and ways to stay safe both inside and outside of the classroom.

“For the younger teachers, those are really hard conversations because they're grappling with … they [students] shouldn't have to worry about that,” she said. “But it is the world that we're in.”

The Denver FBI was made aware of the series of school incidents across Colorado.

“While we have no information at this time to indicate a specific and credible threat, we continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention,” FBI Public Affairs Officer Vikki Migoya said in a media statement shared with the Times . "It is important to note that law enforcement will use all available resources to investigate a threat until we determine whether it is real or not. Investigating hoax threats drains law enforcement resources and diverts officers from responding to an actual crisis.”

contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)

(Bella Biondini can

be

Gunnison High School is the only school in the valley that received a swatting call on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Bella Biondini

The crEstEd ButTe

STOR awards recipients of 2023 Stewardship Fund

2023 Recreation Grant Program Public Work Session

restoration and avalanche outreach among projects selected

Bella Biondini Times Editor

On Feb. 23, the Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee selected its next round of Gunnison County Stewardship Fund recipients — giving six applicants the money they need to help them sustain, manage and better the county’s vast system of public and conserved lands.

said Executive Director Dave Ochs.

“Boots on the ground is what we're requesting funding for,” Ochs said.

The Town of Crested Butte requested money for a restoration project at the Town Ranch near the Slate River. The town will use the fund for the installation of 15-30 man-made beaver dams to restore wetlands on the property — offering a flood relief zone to nearby residents and habitat for big game that migrate through the area in the spring and fall. Staff plans to engage the community with several collaborative volunteer days.

under concessionaire contracts throughout the North Valley, Gunnison and the Taylor Park corridor. According to District Ranger Dayle Funka, the use and demand of toilet facilities have increased in recent years, as well as the number of toilets dispersed throughout the area.

With over 130 toilets in the district, the goal was to take the district’s workforce, which is very limited, and use their expertise to complete other projects on the forest such as enforcing the recent shift to designated camping, Funka said.

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

N SPRUCE, GUNNISON

The money made available annually from the stewardship fund is generated through a partnership between the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and local businesses and organizations. This year the committee received six project proposals with a total request of $165,000. The funding was distributed to the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA), Gunnison Trails, the Nature Connection, the U.S. Forest Service Gunnison Ranger District, the Town of Crested Butte and the Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBAC).

In the past, the amount of funding requested has been greater than the amount the committee could offer to each selected applicant — requiring committee members to carefully allocate the money as they saw fit. But this year, each project received the full amount.

The committee awarded $45,000 to CBMBA for the Crested Butte Conservation Corps, the organization’s seasonal trail work crew. The crew usually consists of five to six members and provides support to the Gunnison Ranger District, the Bureau of Land Management, as well as local municipalities.

Approximately 75% of

Gunnison Trails received $45,000 to help run its own fiveperson trail crew. Th e majority of the work completed by the crew is maintenance, although Gunnison Trails has a two-mile stretch of trail it is hoping to build on Signal Peak this fall, said Executive Director Tim Kugler.

Kugler said the organization has been fortunate in recent years to have new trail development included in its workflow each summer. But now that the Signal Peak project is coming to a close, Gunnison Trails is transitioning to just maintenance work on the valley’s trails for the foreseeable future.

The Nature Connection, which began working with the STOR committee for the first time in 2022, returned with another request this year. The organization supports a high school trail crew in collaboration with the Paonia Forest Service Ranger District.

Students on the crew will work on wilderness and backcountry trails along the Kebler Pass corridor, 100% of which are within Gunnison County. Many are experiencing new levels of use as the Gunnison-Crested Butte “bubble” continues to expand, said Nature Connection Director of Strategic Partnerships Ben Graves.

The Gunnison Ranger District requested $40,000 to help manage toilet facilities that are not

“We need to kind of have that hard look instead of just throwing a picnic table out there — look at drainage issues, engineering and long-term sustainability,” she said. “Toilets are 90% of what we're doing with our program.”

The committee distributed $5,000 to CBAC so the organization can continue to extend its avalanche messaging beyond typical backcountry recreationalists such as skiers and snowboarders following a recent uptick in winter recreation.

This winter season, CBAC hosted 10 trailhead days, six fireside chats and has worked with Crested Butte Nordic, students at the Crested Butte Community School and the Gunnison Senior Center.

NFF Program Manager Joe Lavorini said his goal is to continue to grow the fund and attract new partners as long as the need is there. Since its launch in 2018, local businesses and organizations have contributed almost $250,000 to the fund, which has been matched and leveraged to over $1 million in “on-the-ground” conservation, he said.

“A lot of the businesses here recognize the value in stewardship,” Lavorini told the Times “We're just much stronger, bringing all these partners together. They're giving much more than what they would have been able to do on their own.”

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

The Gunnison Trails crew clears a fallen tree during the 2022 season. Courtesy

The best films and videos from the Banff Mountain Film Festival will thrill and inspire you with big-screen stories and adventures on March 10th & 11th, at 7 pm at the Center for the Arts. Different showings each night.

support your Search & Rescue Team with your tax deductible donation of $20 per night, and get ready to enjoy some of the best films from around the world.

Open for business

All Sports Replay reopened the doors at its new location at 200 W. Tomichi Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 — a week earlier than expected. The outdoor gear consignment shop traded places with Off Center DeSigns last month. All Sports is accepting some winter items, but will mostly begin prepping for the spring and summer months.

PRICE REDUCED 1,150,000

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 kitchen with 9 ft ceilings throughout the main level.

302 C Van Tuyl Circle - $392,000 - 2 bed/1.5 bath Townhome located in the Van Tuyl Townhomes. This unit is a well kept, 2 story townhome with all appliances included and completely fenced front yard. Great location that is centrally located in town and close to Van Tuyl trails, grocery store and shops and blocks from the bus stop. Call for a showing today!

Lazy K, Gunnison’s newest subdivision has several units still available for purchase by individuals or institutions/businesses! MORE UNITS COMING THIS SPRING. We have 2 units at 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! Applications to determine your eligibility can be found at GVRHA.org. To arrange a viewing or questions about the property, please contact Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals.

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.

IfyouareinterestedinparticipatinginCARE orotherGV-HEATprogramspleasecontact GesaMichel(she/her) 9702345613 info@gvrha.org

202EGeorgiaAve Gunnison,CO81230

DERMATOLOGY APPOINTMENTS

• Medical dermatology • Skin Cancer detection, prevention and treatment

• Medical dermatology • Skin cancer detection, prevention, and treatment

• Mohs micrographic surgery

• Mohs micrographic surgery available weekly

"GV-HEATprovides betterindependence forseniors"

Gunnison resident announces 2024 CD3 run

Burnett looks to solve ‘local’ issues

Local veterinarian and physical therapist Debby Burnett recently announced her intent to run in the 2024 midterm elections for Colorado’s Third Congressional District (CD3). The Times spoke with Burnett about what inspired the early announcement and what she may do differently next election season.

Why did you choose to run again for the Democratic nomination for CD3?

I realized that nothing has changed from when I [ran] the first time. Lauren Boebert is still our representative, and I don't believe she has our best interests at heart. That's kind of the driving factor right there. A very close second is that because of that we are still not discussing the things that I think we need to be paying attention to, like climate change and the deepening water crisis and the way that rural Colorado exists — which is very different from urbancentric policies. How can we, as Democrats, take those same policies, which are designed to make life better for people, and deliver them in a way that rural Colorado understands. Policy that's good for Denver is not good for out here, and we need to make sure that we address that.

Why did you announce your candidacy so soon?

For a couple of reasons. One, I'm leaving next week for Alaska to work the Iditarod [Trail Sled Dog Race] as a trail veterinarian. So I'll be gone for a while. Two, at the Gunnison County Democrats meeting in December or January, some of the comments were, ‘Lauren Boebert is saying all these crazy things and we have no way to respond.’ Do we all start a letter writing campaign? I mean, how are we going to respond to that? So part of it was giving people a voice, maybe some hope, that there is a plan that we're listening. Yes, we just got out of an election cycle but if you think about it, our politics shouldn't

just be when it's election time, because the democracy part of our country doesn't stop. I know people get tired of these election cycles that seem to go on forever and ever, but it takes buy-in from all of us every day to make sure that our democracy continues to work.

What did you learn from your 2022 campaign? What can you take away that may change how you campaign and communicate with the public?

I think people want to be listened to. People have opinions that may not be the same as the next guy, but I think that, really, people just want their issues to be heard. Especially in this massive district, voters want to know that the people that live in Montezuma County are just as important as the voters who live in Pueblo County. It doesn't matter how many voters are in each county or the size of the population, everybody wants to be listened to. That is a challenge, in the third, because it is so large, but I think it’s the most beautiful district in the United States. So, if anything, I learned that people want to be listened to, and then valued.

Why do you believe that you're the right person to represent the folks here in CD3?

A representative should understand the issues that people live, and as a rural working class woman in this district, I lay awake at night worried about how we are going to make those payments on the baling equipment, and will the price of diesel keep going up — which then cuts into my husband's trucking costs and income. I lay awake wondering about how we're going to access health care. I worry about Medicare and Social Security and how my parents and my inlaws will manage if those things are shredded. So, why am I the best person? I live with the same issues that I believe affect so many of us across this vast district. I do think it's important that a representative has an understanding of the challenges that the majority of the people in the district live with. That's what I can bring to the table.

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

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Times File

Debby Burnett

Fridays are for fried fish, friends and family

St. Peter’s Catholic Church held a fish fry last Friday, Feb. 24, at Parish Hall on West Georgia Avenue. Churchgoers and members of the Knights of Columbus gathered to enjoy jalapeno hush puppies, cole slaw and battered fish. Proceeds were donated to the Knights for their community service work.

GUNNISON GALLERY

FIRST FRIDAY’S Art walk & music

Winter Blast returns

Gunnison Trails hosted its eighth annual Winter Blast fundraiser on Friday evening, Feb. 24, packing Western’s University Center Ballroom to the brim with community members. For the price of a ticket, the fundraiser featured dinner, libations and a silent auction.

Friday, Mar. 3rd 5-8pm

“Extreme Athlete with Extraordinary Art” created by ART BURROWS from Snowmass Village. Enjoy Live Old Time Violin Music by JENNY HILL

124 N. Main St. • (970) 641-6111

www.gunnisongallery.net

FIRST FRIDAY art walk & music

MAR. 3, 2023 • 5-7P.M.

GUNNISON GALLERY

Featuring “Extreme Athlete with Extraordinary Art” created by ART BURROWS from Snowmass Village. Enjoy Live Old Time Violin Music by JENNY HILL and homemade appetizers.

124 N. Main St. 970.641.6111

Two shows by Anders Johnson, entitled “Landscape Mode” and “Portrait Mode” in the Main and Tredway Galleries respectively, and “The Majestic Rockies” by Cheryl Pettigrew in the Cafe Gallery. 102 S. Main St. • 970.641.4029

High Alpine Brewing Company • 111 N. Main

Mario's Pizza & Pasta • 213 W. Tomichi

The Dive Pub • 213 W. Tomichi

Gunnison Pizza Company • 303 E. Tomichi

n

COME JOIN US AT THE GUNNISON ARTS CENTER TO OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CARLIE KENTON!

MARCH 4 4-6 PM

Gunnison Arts Center changes leadership

We are preparing for a changing landscape.

As we look to provide our members with the best posssibble l service now and in the future, we are preparing for and must plan to accoomm m odat a e the changing landscape in which we provide electricity and services

In the future, it will no longer be sufficient for HCE E to o simmply provide low-cost commoddity y el e ectriccity; we must t also maintain a world-class ellectriciity delivery syystem m that enables all members to generate, exchange and connssume power when they want it and d how they y want t it. This means s investing g in and maintaining our u electric c grid infrasstructu t re e to o serve you u regardless of where youur electricity comes from: your r r roof, your community, , or many miles away

In ordder r to maintain sufficient re r veenuue e to o perform our vittal a functions now and in n the future, we e need to aliign g our r rat a es with h our r costs s of o service To do o soo, we have created a more equitab a le rate e structuure foor ou o r entire e membership. p This new structure will ask each membe b r to pay ay onl n y for the energy and parts of thhe system they use each month

On Feb. 23, the Gunnison Arts Center (GAC) board announced that after 12 years at the GAC, including nine years as the lead staff member, Executive Director Carlie Kenton has decided to focus her career in another direction.

“Carlie has done a terrific job of overseeing Arts Center programs, staff, fundraising and our unique facility,” said 202122 Board President Gail Sovick. “She has brought such tremendous passion to this organization. We wish her all the best as she applies her considerable skills to new pursuits.”

Anticipating this move and planning for a smooth transition, the GAC board of directors elevated former Events and Facilities Manager Marci Rice to director of operations and former Program Manager Karolina Szumilas to program director. Additionally, Grace Thurlow has been hired as director of devel-

opment. The team will continue to cultivate a robust selection of arts programming and events in the historic building to inspire individuals and connect with the Gunnison community.

Carlie plans to stay in the area, and she and GAC leadership assure the many supporters of the current Framing Our Future capital project and campaign that she will remain as a principal in that effort.

“I’m passionate about the future of the GAC and am excited to work with the Framing Our Future committee towards the successful completion of the construction’s fi nal phase,” Kenton said.

A farewell reception will be held on March 4 from 4-6 p.m. at the Gunnison Arts Center’s Main Gallery.

After thoroughly reviewing our financial outlook and undergoing a cos o t-of-service model analysis, the Holy Cross Energy Board of Directors approved a multi-year rate strategy that will be implemented on September 1, 2023 By aligning our rates wiith our costs now, we will be able to stave off a significant increase in the future. Through careful and thoughtful cost management, we can keep our rate increase below what we are all experiencing in other areas of our lives. . This new rate deesign is structured to bring in an additional 2% of annuaal reevvenue. Our rates e will continue to be in the bottom third of all Coloraado utility bills

What is changing?

Starting September 1, for your October bill, we will be implementing a new rate structure.

Our current Energy Charge will be split into an Energy Charge and a Delivery Charge.

We are reducing our Energy Charge to more accurately reflect the cost of electricity we purchase for our members.

The new separate Delivery Charge will more accurately reflect the cost of the lines, poles, and equipment necessary to deliver electricity to our members.

Additionally, a new Peak Demand Charge will more accurately reflect the costs of maintaining a system large enough to meet our maximum electricity demands.

On average, our rates will only increase by 2% in Sept. Based on your individual usage patterns, you may see an increase or decrease, above or below 2%.

To learn more about the upcoming rate changes, please visit us at

WWW. HOLYCROSS . COM/RATES

Kelsey Loftis

(Source: Gunnison Arts Center.)

Courtesy

MetRec grant pot bigger than ever before

Kids 10+ will learn to make fresh and delicious meals from scratch this Spring with our Kids Cook! 6-week course!

March 22nd - May 3rd

Crested Butte Wednesdays from 2:15-4:15 p.m.

New ballot issue will increase budget for recreation spending

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

As the Gunnison Valley continues to grow as a recreation hub, organizations and districts at both ends of the valley are figuring out how to keep up with demand. This year, as a part of the solution, Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) will offer taxpayers over half a million dollars in grant funding for recreation, a pot bolstered by the recent passage of ballot measure 6B. The grant language, still in draft form, will be finalized in the coming weeks, after public input.

This year, the district consolidated the grant programs into a single cycle and is piloting two new grants aimed at longterm support. The program is especially vital, said District Manager Derrick Nehrenberg, as MetRec can help various organizations secure a sustainable funding future, filling public service gaps along the way.

“It will be an exciting time, because MetRec is in the position to have some positive impacts in the community,” Nehrenberg said at a board meeting on Feb. 15. “This is why MetRec districts were created and we’re now getting there.”

The district consolidated various funding opportunities into three buckets: capital, nonprofit operations and community collaboration. Each grant pool has its own eligibility requirements, to be finalized in the coming months. The language of 6B limits the percentages of the new tax revenue that can be spent in each bucket, and although the board is given guidance on funding levels, it will look to maintain some flexibility, Nehrenberg said.

MetRec has offered grant opportunities in the past, but there was never a lot of money up for grabs, he said, which discouraged applicants who needed real support. The board learned over time, eventually using those lessons to write the 6B ballot issue and open up a new stream of funding. The pool available is just over $550,000, budgeted from both districtwide and North Subdistrict tax collections — over $250,000 more than was available just last year.

MetRec’s boundaries capture most of Gunnison County, but it is subdivided into a North Subdistrict and South Subdistrict. Last November, voters passed ballot measure 6B, which added an additional two mills for property owners in the North Subdistrict. Th ose funds can only be used for recreation purposes, not administration or translator services.

“I think we’ll be able to make some direct impacts with the 6B money,” he said. “It may not seem like a lot, but it will have meaningful impacts.”

MetRec’s 2019 Recreation Needs Assessment Survey revealed a need for better recreation infrastructure especially in the North Valley — trails, a recreation center, hockey and soccer fields. But now, the district is drafting up a new survey to be distributed in the first half of the year. The reason, Nehrenberg said, is to recapture community priorities post-COVID, especially after the recent influx of funding from 6B. The survey will also serve as a touchstone for the organization’s future strategic planning. The grants will not be awarded before this survey has been completed.

MetRec has been engaging stakeholders on both ends of the valley for months, through north and south advisory committees. Grants will be open for applications April 3, and an independent grant review committee — composed of members unaffiliated with any applicants — will take three months to select the recipients. The

district is currently looking to recruit five to seven of these independent grant reviewers.

“It's still very much a living document,” he said.

Met Rec is also piloting two additional multi-year grant programs in 2023, operations and collaboration grants. These grants are meant to address a central issue that has plagued recreation interests all over the state for years: how to secure consistent funding that won’t dr y up come a new fiscal year.

“We're trying to do multiyear planning,” Nehrenberg told the Times . “It'd be really helpful to know what our spending is going to look like years out. The needs have remained fairly consistent over the years and the stakeholders are writing the same grants every year for about the same amount of money.”

Applicants going for the multi-year grants will have to present a three-year strategic plan, which fulfills part of the district’s interest to incentivize organizations to think longterm, paving the way to larger capital projects down the line.

These larger questions about how MetRec will operate in the future may be answered by a regional recreation plan. The district is tentatively holding capital funds in reserve — budgeting only $565,000 of the projected $1.2 million in 2023 tax collections — in order to save resources for projects in a coming regional strategic recreation plan. Nehrenberg is eyeing 2024 as a potential start date for this type of strategic planning.

The district is holding a public work session for the draft grant program on March 15 at 5 p.m., giving the public — and potential grantees — the opportunity to weigh in before the final grant application is published April 3. Grant applications are due in May and will be announced the following July.

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

March 20th - April 24th

Gunnison Mondays from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Choice pass discount and scholarships available

mountainrootsfoodproject.org/kids-cook

ACC MOUNTAIN WEST IS HIRING HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS AND CDL DRIVERS FOR THE US 50 LITTLE BLUE CREEK CANYON PROJECT.

ACC MW is a drug free (including marijuana) Equal more information, email your interest/resume to

ASLAN CONSTRUCTION is building a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ouray.

In search of team members who enjoy developing a wide variety of skills. ALL EXPERIENCE NEEDED. $25/hour

APPLY ONLINE WWW.ASLANCONSTRUCTION.COM.

NEW “OFF GRID” HOME W/4,000+ sq ft ON 35 AC @ 7810 ASPEN GLEN LANE

Huge beautiful kit/din/fam main level w/pine bettle kill T&G Vaulted Ceiling! Dual Zone Central Heat W/16 Panel solar plus backup16-20KW Generator! Prewired for Satellite, 600 sq ft attached garage, plus huge detached metal barn.

FOR VIRTUAL TOUR:

Call Gerald Lain 970-209-0077

MetRec has been a multi-year supporter of the Gunnison High School soccer team. The district used a collaboration grant to help them get from probationary to non-probationary status, with the leadership of Head Coach Susan Powers.

Jacob Spetzler

Early childhood

gifted fresh produce County

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Since October 2022, early childhood educators valleywide have been receiving monthly food boxes chock full of meat, fresh produce and cheese. Th ese boxes, compiled by local nonprofit Mountain Roots Food Project, are meant to ease some of the hardships these educators face by providing donations that fill their stomachs and ease their budgets.

The boxes are a part of a larger fabric of solutions that the Gunnison County Early Childhood Council has pursued the last few years in response to pandemic-era hardships early childhood educators. As restrictions tightened, teachers struggled as demands of the job changed, said Little Red Schoolhouse Director Jessica Rutherford.

“It really ramped up during COVID, with all the extra cleaning and protocols and just being in an environment which is very prone to germs,” she said. “It’s already a very hands-on job where you're on most of the time and pay doesn't reflect the work.”

Early childhood educators tend to make considerably less than K-12 teachers, said Lana Athey, Gunnison County early childhood services supervisor, so the same slate of issues all valley residents face — housing and food security — take a bigger toll. Community providers who offer these programs can’t always afford to offer benefit packages, making it harder for professionals to see the job as a

support and promote wellness by having healthy, organic and locally sourced food boxes available to them.

Lana Athey Gunnison County Early Childhood Services Supervisor

long-term career path. The food boxes are just one of the ways the county is hoping to bridge the gap.

For months, nearly 80 teachers at Tenderfoot Child and Family Development Center, The Lake School, Wonderland Nature School, Little Red Schoolhouse, Paradise Preschool and Stepping Stones Children’s Center — alongside home childcare providers — have been receiving the boxes. The project is funded by Community Innovation and Resilience for Care and Learning Equity Grant, a program that will provide nearly $23 million to Colorado child care providers and other community partners to pursue solutions to challenges worsened by the pandemic. The same grant supported additional projects the council was pursuing for valley educators, including paid sick leave and an early childhood stipend program that gives teachers stipends based on their credential level. The council is also working with Crested Butte State of Mind to offer teachers three free counseling sessions.

“We were trying to come

up with another thing that we thought would support teachers and provide them a little bit of more flexibility with their household income,” Athey said. "Th e idea was to open up support and promote wellness by having healthy, organic and locally sourced food boxes available to them.”

Rutherford said the food in the donation boxes has been heartening, and the teachers have enjoyed seeing them grow over time to include local meat and cheese. The produce is so varied that the staff doesn’t always know what they’re looking at, she said. Boxes full of unique greens, onions, beets, lettuce, apples and potatoes have been delivered to their doorstep.

"In general, everyone's kind of blown away by the appreciation that the valley is showing towards early childhood professionals,” she said. “I do a lot to show appreciation to my teachers, but it's nice when it's coming from the county.”

Athey said the food boxes are meant as an auxiliary support to the paid sick leave and credential stipend. The council considered asking for food stipends for teachers, but state grant funding can be unreliable, so the food boxes were a better fit, she said. Mountain Roots will continue to provide the boxes through June, when the grant funding dries up. Supporting valley teachers with food boxes was as much about morale as it was about helping reduce grocery bills.

“A big piece of it was what could we do that innovative and different, that also opened our household for them to use for other expenses, besides like basic necessities?” Athey said. “And also, how do we show our appreciation for them and all that they do in a meaningful way?”

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

Lights & Sirens

FAILURE TO APPEAR-OTHER JURISDICTION — PAINTBRUSH AVE. DISTURBING THE PEACE — 215 N. PINE ST.

FEBRUARY 25

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL AGENCY ASSIST — 910 E. TOMICHI AVE. WELFARE ASSIST — N. PITKIN ST.

24

ANIMAL - VICIOUS / DANGEROUS - MUNICIPAL — 102 S. 2ND ST.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTION DEVICE: UNAUTHORIZED USE

FEBRUARY 26

ANIMAL - VICIOUS / DANGEROUS - MUNICIPAL — 600 N. COLORADO ST.

The idea was to open up

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

for projects in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen. Top pay & Benefits.

Send resumes to info@ec-electric. com or call 970-641-0195 www.ec-electric.com/careers

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.

THE MOUNT CRESTED BUTTE WATER SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time water operator position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the water plant and distribution system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of construction, field operations and electrical/mechanical/maintenance repair. A State of Colorado Water and/or Distribution license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators are required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $44,500 to $51,500 for entry level. $58,000 to $75,000 salary available for operators with experience and appropriate State licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms and a seasonal ski pass. Full job description is available at mcbwsd.com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

Seasonal Noxious Weed Program Technician Public Works: Seasonal, 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $21.72 to $30.72.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REQUEST FOR CLEANING SERVICE

PROPOSALS: Please provide cleaning services proposals based on the attached list of cleaning duties and to include the following:

-Pricing for cleaning services shown in either a per visit or per month format.

-Ability to commit to a one-year contract for cleaning services.

-Ability to perform cleaning services on weekends.

-Preferences in utilizing GCEA supplied cleaning supplies.

-Office cleaning experience.

-Professional references.

WEEKEND CLEAN: Contractors (4 to 5 hours per week)

-Empty all trash receptacles and wastebaskets in all common areas, replace liners.

-Contractor not responsible for emptying common area recycling bins.

-Vacuum all carpeted flooring in downstairs common areas throughout the building and vacuum the lobby stairwell.

-Sweep and mop all tile and laminate flooring throughout all downstairs common areas, including the back stairwell near the east doorway.

-Restock paper supplies in all bathrooms except upstairs.

-Clean all 8 bathrooms throughout the downstairs of the building, warehouse, and hindquarters.

-Wipe down baseboards in common areas as needed.

-Dust picture frames, tables, bookcases, furniture, etc., in common areas as needed.

-Clean downstairs Member Services Specialist’s windows and countertops.

-Dust/wipe down lobby table, surfaces, and couches.

-Clean and sanitize downstairs water fountain.

-Clean downstairs showers.

Dust/wipe down exposed baseboards in downstairs hallways as needed.

-Clean glass doors in foyer and interior entrance door and the glass doors to each side of the hallway entrances.

-Clean the outside of the interior glass windows by office doors.

-Spot clean downstairs walls and doors, removing marks as needed. Wipe down downstairs door frames as needed.

-Clean front and back stairwell rails with disinfectant.

-Dust and refill hand sanitizer dispenser’s downstairs.

Contractors may occasionally be asked to alter cleaning schedule dependent on events held at headquarters. Contactor is expected to utilize GCEA provided cleaning supplies and to notify GCEA point of contact when new cleaning supplies may need to be ordered.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensure that Safety Data Sheets are provided for all cleaning products used. If any supplies are transferred into other containers, contractors must ensure that said containers are properly labeled, per OSHA.

All proposals should be submitted to me via email (mfeier@gcea.coop) by March 13 at 5 p.m. Questions should be sent to mfeier@ gcea.coop.

VAQUERA HOUSE a new luxury hotel in Crested Butte is hiring a housekeeper. Great work environment in a beautiful setting. Position includes cleaning guest rooms, public areas and laundry. Please apply by calling Erinn at 970-713-0403.

GUNNISON LIQUOR (The Ghost) is currently looking for part time help. Nights and weekends a must. Stop by with a resume! 603 West Tomichi Ave., Gunnison.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER POSITION:

Gunnison County Electric Association, Inc. is currently seeking applications for an electrical engineer position. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison Headquarters location. This position is responsible for the design, coordination, overcurrent protection, voltage regulation, load balancing, planning and troubleshooting of the cooperative’s electric power distribution system. This position will assist other departments using, configuring, and maintaining AMI, SCADA, GIS, OMS, and Billing systems. The wage for an electrical engineer is between $87,568$116,750 annually. Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level. Applicable overtime pay may apply occasionally or when needed. Upon meeting eligibility requirements this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays.

To see the complete job description and to learn how to apply please visit our website at gcea.coop, About tab, Careers. Job will remain opened until filled.

ALL WEATHER EARTHWORKS is looking for laborers and operators. General knowledge of construction preferred. Must be a hard worker. Will train the right people. Pay will be discussed in interview. Please send resume to awearthworkskyle@outlook. com.

HARMELS ON THE TAYLOR se prepara para otra gran temporada. Estamos buscando contratar mantenimiento, calificados y no calificados. Los puestos pueden ser a tiempo completo o parcial y estacionales o permanentes. Salario: $15 o más. Puede llamar a 970-641-1740 o envié un correo electrónico a stay@harmels.com

K.R. WELDING AND FABRICATION is looking for fabricators. Knowledge of general construction preferred. Welding experience preferred. Quick learner, hard worker a must. Pay will be discussed in interview. Please send resume to krobbins2011@hotmail.com.

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.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring Prep/line cooks: part-time/full-time positions available. Starting pay is $20-$25/hr. plus gratuities. Employee benefits include complimentary golf rounds, employee discounts and ski storage at the base area. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

WAREHOUSE/STOREKEEPER:

Gunnison County Electric Association, Inc. is currently seeking applications for a warehouse/storekeeper. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison Headquarters location. This position is responsible for maintaining warehouse to ensure proper and adequate distribution equipment is available to meet association’s needs for construction and maintenance of distribution equipment. Complete purchasing, receiving and record keeping needed to run the warehouse effectively and efficiently. The wage for a warehouse/ storekeeper is between $61,318 - $81,765 annually. Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level. Applicable overtime pay may apply occasionally or when needed. Upon meeting eligibility requirements this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the complete job description and to learn how to apply please visit our website at www.gcea. coop, About tab, Careers. Job will remain open until filled.

HARMELS ON THE TAYLOR is gearing up for another great season. We are seeking maintenance personnel, both skilled and unskilled. Positions can be full or part time and can be seasonal or permanent. Salary starts at $14/hour, DOE. Call 970-641-1740 or email resume to stay@harmels.com.

THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER is hiring an office coordinator (OC). The OC is responsible for providing administrative support for the ASC. Key duties include managing office communications, ordering supplies, other administrative support and customer service tasks. The OC position is also responsible for managing key systems within the ASC such as its email, phone, POS/Square, locker room, and emergency action plan. See our website for more details adaptivesports.org. This position is full time, year round. Starting pay is $18 - $20 an hour plus approx. $4/hr. in benefits which include PTO, paid holidays, sick, 401(k), and health benefits. ASC has been rated Outside Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Work many years in a row, come join a great team. Please email cover letter and resume to chensley@adaptivesports.org

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

City Manager

Full-time: $190,000-$225,000/yr.

Working at the direction of the City Council, the City Manager is the city’s chief administrative officer, responsible for day-to-day administration and all her or his duties set forth in the City Charter. Transitional housing is available.

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: Tree Dump Gatekeeper - up to $23.24/hr.

Special Events/Project Assistant - up to $23.24/hr.

Parking Attendant - 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

CONSTRUCTION OPERATOR/

SERVICE TECHNICIAN/DISTRIBUTION

OPERATOR: Are you looking for a career opportunity in Gunnison Colorado?

Atmos Energy Corporation, one of the largest natural-gas-only distributors in the US, is looking to add a Technician to our Gunnison, CO team. This position is responsible for distribution system construction and maintenance as well as customer service field activities.

Atmos Energy requires attendance in several high quality training programs that requires travel (paid for by Atmos Energy). Due to our extensive training program, consideration will be given to all applicants regardless of previous experience.

The successful candidate must have a HS Diploma/GED and a valid driver’s license (CDL preferred). Candidate must be computer literate and willing to participate in random drug testing, per DOT regulations. This position requires standby and callout for after-hours emergencies on a shared rotation typically every fourth week for a week at a time. Atmos Energy offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, including

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

C.N.A. Class - FT or PT $18.50/hour

Cook - Senior Services or Hospital, FT $18 - $23.40/DOE

HousekeeperFT $17.00 – $19.40/hour 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 jobs@ gunnisonvalleyhealth.org for more in-depth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online 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.

medical, dental, 401k and Paid Time Off. To apply, go to www.atmosenergy.com and click “Careers” no later than end of business day on 3-15-2023. EOE M/F/D/V

CRESTED BUTTE BURGER COMPANY is hiring cooks and cashiers. Flexible schedule available. Starting pay is $16-$18/ hr. plus gratuities. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: crestedbutteburgerco@gmail.com.

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.

VALLEY HOUSING FUND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: Are you passionate about local affordable housing in the Gunnison Valley? Put your communication and marketing skills to work and become part of the solution. The Valley Housing Fund seeks a development director to assist in planning and executing VHF’s annual and multi-year fundraising, communication and marketing strategy, as well as to serve as a strategic thought partner to assist in growing the nonprofit to serve the needs of our community. Candidates must have working knowledge of technology including graphic and website design, be comfortable with donor outreach and brand development, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be available to plan and attend events and fundraising activities throughout the year. Salary $55,000-$65,000 DOE, $5,000

Annual Benefit Stipend, Merit-based Bonus Structure, 15 personal days + 10 federal

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”

Newcomer Teacher and Integration

Specialist

Library EA-GCS

Math Intervention Teacher-CBSS

Supervision EA-CBCS

Special Education EA- CBSS Permanent Substitute-CBSS 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

manual, motorized and wireless shades and blinds in high end residential homes and condos, accurately measure windows and doors for future installation and be able to load/unload products. Excellent customer service, follow through on customer service situations, the ability to use a computer, communicate via email and make phone calls is a must. This team member will also need to have: a Valid Colorado

Driver’s License, flexibility (adjust on the fly according to schedule and appointments), respect for co-workers and clients while being dependable and punctual. This is an hourly, plus commission position and a company paid ski pass is provided. Please send a resume or request for an interview to admin@blindfaithcb.com or call Kelly 850-855-8838.

LEAD CARPENTER WANTED: KD Custom Builders. PAY D.O.E. Call 975-275-6969.

REAL ESTATE

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

Legals AGENDA

Regular Meeting March 6, 2023

5:30pm Crested Butte Community School Library

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

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Approval of Agenda ACTION ITEM

holidays of PTO. For a full list of qualifications and requirements, visit vhfund.org/jobs.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT is seeking a camp director for their state-licensed Junior Mountaineers Summer Camp. This camp takes place on Western’s campus, is designed for youth ages 5-12, and focuses on athletics/physical activities and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math). This summer seasonal position runs from May 22-August 16 (dates could be flexible for the right candidate). Starting pay is $25 per hour. Full job description can be found online at western.edu/jobs. Questions? Call 970-943-2109 or email bhare@western.edu.

NO EXPERIENCE? NO WORRIES: We provide on-the-job training. The Town of Crested Butte is looking for a Public Works maintenance worker/heavy equipment operator to 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, 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).

BLIND FAITH CUSTOM WINDOW FASHIONS is looking for an incredible showroom teammate and installer to join our team. This is a full-time (4.5 days) position. We will need this person to be able to install

V. Commendations, recognition of visitors, and public comment

*Visitors who wish to address the Board, please make known at the beginning of the meeting via Zoom or if in-person, please complete the public participation form.

1.

VI. Administrative Action Summaries

A. Superintendent Summary - Dr. Nichols

1. Successful Students

2. Strong Employees

3. Engaged Community

4. Healthy Finances

5. Functional Facilities Bond Program update-Dr. Nichols

VII. Action Items

A. Consent Grouping

Note: Items under the consent grouping are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will not be separate discussion of these items prior to the time the board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be clarified or even removed from the grouping for separate consideration.

The Superintendent recommends approval of the following:

1. Board of Education Minutes a. February 13, 2023 Regular Meeting

2. Finance Approve for payment, as presented by the Business Manager, warrants as indicated:

a. General Account # 42146-42232

b. Payroll

55553

3. Personnel*

1. Christine Carney requesting LOA for the 2023-24 school year

2. Tyler Hammer requesting LOA for the 2023-24 school year

3. Susan Barrett requesting 2nd year LOA for the 2023-24 school year

4. Andy Hanks-Transitional employment for the 2023-24 school year

5. Stacey Petersen - Resignation - Elementary Counselor-CBES (end of 2022-23)

4. Correspondence

B. New Business

1. First reading of policies

1. DJB-Federal Procurement

2. GBI-Criminal History Record Information

C. Old Business

1.

VIII. Comments from the public

*Visitors who wish to address the Board, please make known via Zoom or if in-person, please complete the public participation form.

IX. Items introduced by Board Members a.

X. Board Committee assignments for the 2022-23 school year District Accountability CommitteeMrs. Roberts School Accountability CommitteesMr. Martineau, Mrs. Mick, Mrs. Brookhart Gunnison County Education Association Negotiations- Mr. Taylor Gunnison County Education Association 3X3- Mr. Martineau Fund 26- Mrs. Mick Gunnison Valley Community Foundation- Mrs. Mick Gunnison Memorial Scholarship- Mrs. Roberts Health Insurance Committee- Mr. Taylor

XI. Forthcoming Agendas/ Meeting Dates and Times

Monday, March 27, 2023 Work Session@5:50pm Gunnison

Monday, April 10, 2023 Regular meeting@5:30pm Gunnison

Monday, April 24, 2023 Work Session@5:30pm CB

Monday, May 8, 2023 Regular meeting@5:30pm Gunnison

Monday, May 22, 2023 Regular meeting/ Proposed Budget@5:30pm CB

Monday, June 12, 2023 Regular meeting/Budget Hearing@5:30pm Gunnison

Monday, June 26, 2023 Regular meeting/Budget Adoption@5:30pm Gunnison

XII. Adjournment Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication date of March 2, 2023

7993

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-23-00003 Kevin Vierling approved to construct an attached second residence on a parcel legally described as Lot 5, Block 1, River Rim Subdivision, County of Gunnison, State of Co.

LUC-23-00004 Kari Duame and Joel Rayes approved to cluster lots 73 and 75 Marble Ski Area, Filing No. 3, County of Gunnison, State of CO

/s/ Beth Baker

Community Development Services Manager

Gunnison County Community Development Department

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of March 2, 2023

7923

NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Public Notice is given on February 24, 2023 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Minor Child has been filed with the Gunnison County, Colorado Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Celine Baz be changed to Celine Baz Zeferino

Cirenda S. Fry Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk /s/ Cirenda S. Fry

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of March 2, 9 and 16, 2023

7937

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.

Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office located in City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, CO; mailed to the City Clerk at PO Box 239, Gunnison, CO 81230; or emailed to eboucher@ gunnisonco.gov until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

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/webinar/register/ WN_y-KrRIEbQRO5ETsvyIAYqw

CITY OF GUNNISON CITY COUNCIL

/s/ Erica Boucher, City Clerk

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of March 2, 2023

7936

PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Gunnison County will hold a postaward hearing in relation to Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) Project #20-064. The purpose of this hearing is required under the obligations of the CBDG monitoring process as defined by the Colorado Division of Housing (DOH). The funding from DOH was to benefit persons with low and moderate incomes by increasing the availability of affordable housing in Gunnison County.

The public hearing will take place on March 21, 2023 at 9:20 am, at the Board of County Commissioners Boardroom, 2nd floor of the Gunnison County Courthouse, 200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230. If reasonable accommodations are needed for persons attending the public meeting, please contact the Clerk to the Board at (970) 641-7600.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of March 2, 2023

8002

PUBLIC NOTICE

ATTENTION GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

The Saguache County Board of County Commissioners are accepting scholarship applications for graduating seniors who will be graduating high school in 2023.

Commissioners will be awarding graduating seniors’ college scholarships that will be paid through the Marijuana Excise Tax funds.

Scholarships may be used at a trade school, college or university but you must reside in Saguache County to apply and possibly receive scholarship funds.

Applications are due by April 14, 2023 and are available through our website at www. saguachecounty.colorado.gov to download the application or by contacting Wendi Maez at 719-655-2231 or by email at wmaez@ saguachecounty-co.gov.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 13, 2023.

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PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF GUNNISON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

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 5:30 PM on the 28th day of March, 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

REQUEST FOR BIDS

INVITATION

Separate sealed BIDS for the Crestone Safe Routes to School Project will be received by Saguache County, Colorado at the office of Davis Engineering Service, Inc. located at 1314 Eleventh Street, P.O. Box 1840, Alamosa, Colorado 81101, until 2:00 P.M. local time on March 23, 2023, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

The project consists of the following: constructing ±3,196 linear feet of concrete multi-use pathway with associated curb, gutter, curb ramps, asphalt paving, asphalt patching, Aggregate Base Course Class 6 placement, excavation, embankment, removal work, traffic control, traffic signage, public information services, pavement markings, surface drainage, ditching, best management practices of erosion control measures, and trail side landscaping including topsoil, conditioning, seeding, and mulching.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) sets the goals for Underutilized Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (UDBEs) in participation for a part of the work of this Contract. The goal for participation in this Contract by certified DBEs who have been determined to be underutilized has been established at 4%. The On-The-Job Training (OJT) goal for the project is 0 hours

CDOT Form 606 – Anti-Collusion Affidavit and CDOT Form 1414 – Anticipated DBE Participation Plan (all included in Appendix A) must be submitted by all bidders with their bids. If these forms are not submitted, the bid is considered non responsive and shall be rejected. CDOT Form 85 – Contractor’s Proposal, (also in Appendix A) shall be submitted with the bidder indicating whether the fuel cost adjustment shall apply to the contract. If the bidder fails to indicate a choice or fails to submit Form 85, the fuel cost adjustment will not apply to the Contract.

Please refer to SECTION II, Information to Bidders of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS for more information on the required Bid Documents.

The provisions of Form Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 1273 apply to all work performed under the CONTRACT and are to be included in all subcontracts. Please refer to APPENDIX D: Colorado Department of Transportation Standard Special Provisions of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS for more information. This project includes funding by CDOT administered FHWA grants; therefore, the Davis Bacon Wages will apply.

Saguache County, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any Contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. An EEO-1 Report must be submitted to the Joint Reporting Committee if the Contractor and subcontractors meet the eligibility requirements (29 CFR 1602.7). For additional information regarding these federal requirements, please refer to: http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/eeo1survey/ faq.cfm

Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS and PLANS may be obtained on or after February 27, 2023, at the office of Davis Engineering Service, Inc. located at the address mentioned above, upon payment of $85.00 for each set. No refund will be made for returned copies.

A mandatory pre-bid conference and inspection trip for prospective Bidders will be held at the Crestone Charter School, 330 East Lime Avenue, Crestone, CO 81131, at 2:00 P.M. local time on March 13, 2023. For questions contact Davis Engineering Service, Inc. at (970)-264-5055 ext. 105.

Date: February 23, 2023

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication dates of February 23 and March 2, 9, 16, 2023

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Faith Directory

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

Friday 3/3/23, 4pm- 5:30pm: Hebrew School with Ofra and Rabbi Mark Kula (RSVP needed)

Friday 3/3/23, 6:30pm: Purim Shabbatluck dinner at the home of Joel Benisch

Saturday 3/4/23, 10:30am: Coffee with Rabbi Mark at Rumors

Saturday 3/4/23, 4:30pm-6pm: Come bake with B’nai Butte! Hamantaschen baking at Janet Farmer’s. RSVPs needed- please RSVP to Bnaibuttegmail.com

Sunday 3/5/23, 11am: Torah Study, Hosted by the Rolfes 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 www.firstbaptistgunnison.org.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH

307 W. Virginia Ave. • 641-0429

Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar

Sunday Morning Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9 a.m.

Children's Sunday school 9 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. | Office Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.goodsamaritangunnison.com

Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Sunday 5 p.m. Union Congregational Church, 407 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte.

GUNNISON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

United Church of Christ

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

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

GRACE COVENANT CHURCH GUNNISON

Meeting at the Historic 8th St School House

101 N. 8th St. Gunnison

Reformed, Confessional & committed to Expository preaching Sundays 10:00 a.m. Thursdays 1:00 p.m. Women's Bible Study gracegunnison.com

MT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

711 N. Main • 641-1860

Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays

Church Service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays

Pastor Robert Carabotta, Pastor Jacob With

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

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

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30am

Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School “Remedy” Worship Nights

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

ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

300 N. Wisconsin • 641-0808 • Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago (www.gunnisoncatholic.org | www.crestedbuttecatholic.org) or call the Parish Office. St. Peter's - Gunnison Sat 8:30 am, 5 pm & Sun 10:30 am, 12:00 pm (Spanish) Mass

First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass at 11am

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

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

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

523 N. Pine St. • 641-1813

Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM www.trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

continued from A14

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — 100 W. ELIZABETH AVE. DISTURBING THE PEACEALLOWING OTHERS — 108 WILDROSE LN.

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

FEBRUARY 21

-Deputies took a lost license plate report

-Deputies and the Mobile Crisis team took a report on a possible suicidal subject

FEBRUARY 22

-Deputies received a found wallet and later located the owner for return

-Deputies took a suspicious person/activity report

-Deputies responded to a residential burglary call- alarm was set off accidentally

-Deputies responded to a 911 open line call

-Deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol by responding to a motorist assist to a stuck semi on Monarch Pass

-Deputies responded to the Gunnison School after receiving a call regarding a possible threatthese threats were part of a series hoax calls police were receiving that day across Colorado

-Deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol and Saguache County Sheriff’s office with a single vehicle accident

-Deputies took one person into

custody for violation of a protection order and theft

-Deputies responded for a noise complaint

-Deputies responded to a possible domestic violence incident

FEBRUARY 23

-Deputies assisted Emergency Medical Services with a medical call

-Deputies responded with Gunnison Fire & Rescue to a house fire

-Deputies followed up on an accidental activation of an automated alert

-Deputies issued a warning for dog at large

-Deputies responded to a welfare check

-Deputies and Emergency Medical Services responded for a suicidal subject

FEBRUARY 24

-Missing/runaway juvenile report

-Deputies contacted a vehicle owner to move their car so Public Works would be able to plow

-Deputies arrested an individual for 5 misdemeanor in county warrants and 3 felony in county warrants

-Deputies took a report involving child custody

-Deputies conducted a courtesy transport to a person whose vehicle broke down where AAA would not be available for 2 hours

-Deputies gave a courtesy transport for a person with a flat tire

FEBRUARY 25

-Deputies responded for a welfare check involving a custody exchange

-Harassment report from the north end

-Deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol for a rock slide

-Deputies responded for a welfare check on a vehicle where drivers were waiting for a tow after they hit some of the rocks in the rock slide

-Deputies were notified of a property watch request for a vacant residence with a lot of unexplained foot traffic

-Deputies took one person into custody for driving under the influence

-Deputies assisted a vehicle that had slid of the road waiting for a tow

-Deputies took a missing person’s report on a juvenile later located

FEBRUARY 26

-Deputies took a harassment possible fraud report

-Deputies assisted the Crested Butte Marshal's Office at the detention center with a combative inmate they were bringing in on an arrest

FEBRUARY 27

-Deputies took an information report on a suspicious person on private property

-Deputies did a welfare check on an ill person possibly needing assistance

-Deputies assisted an RTA bus having some mechanical concerns

-Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police department with a blackmail/ fraud report

-Deputies took a trespass into a vehicle report

NEWLY LISTED — INDOOR GROW FACILITY

This 6,080 sq. ft. building was custom built as a state of the art Cannabis growing facility and produced premier products for the past 8 years. It would also make an incredible organic year-round vegetable, floral or other growing facility. Other uses are allowed per the rules and regs of Gold Basin Industrial Park. Incredible HVAC system for heat, ventilation and cooling allows you to regulate temperatures. High quality commercial electrical and plumbing. operation with monitoring system and it is also plumbed for CO2. Electrical has 2600 amps and is in commercial conduit. Building has 4 large growing rooms equipped with electrical, water and drainage vault area, airlock entry to a kitchen and bathroom area with a private can be set up and growing in a matter of a few days. Very reasonable land lease with Gunnison County and the 2.1 acres has lots of room to expand. Lease has another 10 plus years left on it and Lessee may extend the lease term for an additional 20 years. Call

Behind the scenes with

‘The Greatest and Best Play in The World’ SonofaGunn says

goodbye to the Black Box Theater

Morgan Raspanti

Special to the Times

On Thursday, Feb. 23, the 34th annual SonofaGunn production debuted “Th e Greatest and Best Play in The World” to a sold out crowd at the Gunnison Arts Center (GAC).

After more than three decades of SonofaGunn in the Black Box Theater, this year’s production is the last before the historical building is renovated.

The local theater tradition will be back at the Gunnison Arts Center in 2025.

“We're super thankful for everything [the old space] has

done for the art center, but it's time to have a new, flexible space,” said Marci Rice, GAC director of operations.

For people who are SonofaGunn regulars and the people who were in the production 20 years ago, the Black Box Theater holds many memories, Rice said.

“A few of them are in the audience tonight,” she said.

Paul Giberson, the play's director and one of its four writers said they tried to do a nice send off to the theater in this closing year's show.

Behind the scenes B2

Morgan Raspanti

Behind the scenes

“It's been the home of this production for so long, it's going to be wild to have a totally diff erent environment in the future,” Giberson said. “But I think we're ready.”

Th e writers agreed to send off the Black Box Theater the best way they knew how: “by poking fun at it,” Giberson said.

Born from abandoned sketches that couldn’t fit into a typical show structure, the original production of “The Greatest and Best Play in The World” is a community theater play about creating a community theater play.

“The screen rises, the lights slowly come up, and we find our four heroes sitting around the writers table ready to pump out another masterfully crafted SonofaGunn script,” Giberson said.

Four years ago, Giberson, Craig Beebe and Erik Kjosness were at a closing night performance of what was supposed to be the final SonofaGunn, ever. At the end of the show, they agreed to not let it die.

Joined by Julie Robinson last year, the writing group's initiative stems not from a deep love of theater, but from a deep love of the community.

With additional contributions from Lisa Anders, the writing team crafted a satirical script that brings 25 locals to the stage, eight of whom are kids. The opening scene sets the two-hour show's premise.

“What do we want this

play to be about?” asked Writer 3, played by Lindsay Durant. “What is the core of SonofaGunn? What is its essence?”

“SonofaGunn is perfect parody, it’s stunning satire, it’s wretched writing and atrocious acting,” Writer 1 said.

In addition to SonofaGunn being a major fundraiser for GAC, it’s an important reminder for our community to laugh, Giberson said, taking all of the amazing things that happen here and putting them on stage.

“I think that’s why people like it. It’s the poking fun, but it’s also that shared experience.”

While getting ready backstage shortly before Saturday's curtain call, Rachel Alter Branham, who has too many character roles to list, summarized what makes SonofaGunn special to the whole community.

“A town that can roast itself is a town I want to live in,” she said.

Three more performances are scheduled for the upcoming weekend, March 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 on Thursday and $25 on Friday and Saturday.

(Morgan Raspanti can be contacted at 970.641.1414 .)

from B1

Morgan Raspanti

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS

Eating disorder recovery support group

We welcome all adults (18+) in recovery from an eating disorder. Join us the first Tuesday of each month from 5:45-6:45 p.m. at the Gunnison County Library. Our goal is to provide support and encouragement during ED recovery. For questions contact Katherine Melland, edrecoverygunni@ gmail.com.

Catch It Early: Cancer Screenings

Local nonprofit organizations, Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink and Living Journeys are partnering with Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) to provide you a behind the scenes look at the cancer-related services, technology and expertise available locally. Catch It Early: Cancer Screenings Save Lives, is happening on March 2 at GVH beginning at 5:30 p.m. In addition to tours and time with the clinical teams, the free event will feature information from Tough Enough to Wear Pink and Living Journeys, drawings for door prizes and delicious appetizers.

Easy Jim

Celebrate the live Grateful Dead experience with two sets from Easy Jim at the Crested Butte Public House on March 5 at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and they can be purchased at publichousecb.com.

Gunnison Valley Pet Expo

The Annual Gunnison Valley Pet Expo will be held at Fred Field on March 4 from 10 a.m-2 p.m. Come on by and meet your local pet vendors: veterinarians, in-home care providers, photographers, retail, dog walkers and more. Providers for cats, dogs and horses will be present to answer any questions you may have and low-cost services will

be provided such as nail trims and ear cleaning. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome and bring the kids along to meet a donkey. To be a vendor please email kaycebarnett@gmail. com.

Dementia caregiver support group

The Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association will be holding a caregiver support group the first Wednesday of every month at the Gunnison County Library. The support group will help develop a support system and learn about community resources as well as exchange practical information on challenges and solutions. For more information contact Mary Mahoney at 970.596.5667 or taktser8@ gmail.com.

Alzheimer’s and dementia education series

Join us on March 22 from 12:45-1:45 at the Gunnison Senior Center for “Effective Communication Strategies” brought to you by the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter. For more information or to register contact Elizabeth Gillis at 970.641.8272 or egillis@gunnisonco.gov. These classes are free to the public.

Band Bingo

Band Bingo is back after a three-year hiatus. It will be held on March 3 at the Gunnison Elks Lodge on South Main Street. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the bingo games will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, a bake sale and hot dogs for sale. Contact any middle or high school band student for tickets or call Mr. Koepsel at 970.641.5904.

“Silent Sky” at the CB Mountain Theatre

This play explores a woman's place in society during a time of immense scientific discovery. A wonderful mix of math and music, Silent Sky and its characters change the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

Show Dates are March 2, 3, 4 10, 11 and 12. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the show at 7 p.m. Contact the CB Mountain Theatre for more information and tickets.

Book Club celebration

Join us at the Gunnison County Library March 11 from 3-4 p.m. to celebrate reading and literacy. Brought to you by Six Points. All ages are welcome. For more information contact the Gunnison County Library at 970-641-3485.

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.

Sacred Feminine Circle

Please join us March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Back room of Union Congregational Church at 403 Maroon in Crested Butte for our gathering this month featuring guest Marcie Telander, the founder and matriarchal elder of Vinotok. We'll discuss our kinship with Mother Earth and how to embrace our sovereignty in her image and service. For Questions contact Kelly Jo Clark at 970.209.1613. (All women are welcome.)

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

Beginners cooking course with Danny

In this five-week course, Feb. 28- March 28 from 5:30-7 p.m., you will learn the process of creating a complete dish taught by Chef Danny, owner of Mario’s and the Dive Pub. Starting with knife skills and cooking techniques, you will be taught something new in each class. The final class will bring together all the skills to create a wonderful dinner for all the students. Brush up on your cooking skills or take this as your proper introduction to the

world of cooking. The cost is $375 per student or $227 per member.

Daytime throwing

On March 7-28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. students will be taught centering, wheel throwing and trimming techniques. All ability ranges welcome.

The instructor is Abra Karbin and the cost is $230 for non-members and $192 for members.

Date Night

On March 10 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., learn a new skill with a partner or friend. Date nights will focus on an introduction to wheel throwing where students will learn how to center, pull and shape their own masterpiece.

The instructor is Kit Witkowski and the cost is $72 for non-members and $62 for members.

ELDER BEAT

Upcoming eventS

• March 3 (RSVP Required): Community Meal & Special Presentation by Arden Anderson on “The Wilds of Ethiopia”. Join Arden to hear his tales of wild Ethiopia and enjoy his amazing photos. Social Hour & Presentation: 3:30 p.m. - Dinner: 5:15 p.m. Costs: Sliding scale of $10 & up, give what you can to support our Senior Meals program!

• March 7 (RSVP Required): Snowshoe Hike - Gothic. Rated Intermediate +.

• Tuesdays @ 10 a.m. - Splash Class is back! Be in the Leisure Pool, ready to enjoy Gwen’s teaching for the month of March!

• 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 -

SIGN UP AT THE REC CENTER FRONT DESK!

Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym

Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9 a.m. - for active adults Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15 p.m. - all levels

Tuesdays in the Leisure Pool: 10 a.m. Splash Class in March

SENIOR MEALS -

NEXT WEEK’S MENU:

• Mon., Mar. 6: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, peas, carrot & raisin salad, homemade rolls

• Weds., Mar. 8: Baked chicken, cheesy potatoes, spinach, homemade bread

• Fri., Mar. 10: Chef’s salad, bread sticks, fruit

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

Pick-ups from 11 – 11:15 a.m. $5 per meal. Advance orders encouraged: 970-641-8272. Homemade desserts with every meal!

Weekly Happenings

Monday

• Computer Use (9 a.m.)

• Bridge (1 p.m.)

Wednesday

• Book Club (1st Wednesday)

Thursday

• Bridge (1 p.m.)

Friday

• Art Club (12:30 p.m.)

• Mahjong (1 p.m.)

Comfort and safety tips for older drivers

Times Staff Report

It’s not uncommon for aging individuals to feel less comfortable driving as they approach their golden years. Whether it’s glare from LED lights, aches and pains that often accompany aging or agerelated vision issues, older drivers’ comfort behind the wheel can be compromised by a host of variables.

Though older drivers cannot reverse the aging process, they can try various strategies to make themselves more comfortable behind the wheel.

• Share driving duties on long trips . The National Institute on Aging notes that stiffening joints and weakened muscles are a common byproduct of aging. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation notes that more than one in two men and two in three women over age 65 have arthritis, which also can make driving less comfortable. Age-related aches and pains and arthritis can make it very

uncomfortable to drive for lengthy periods of time when drivers are sitting in roughly the same position for the duration of their trip. In such instances, drivers can share driving duties to make long trips more manageable.

• Upgrade to a vehicle with modern amenities. Various amenities in modern vehicles make driving more comfortable for everyone, especially individuals with age-related aches and pains. Heated seats and in-car climate control can help reduce discomfort and ensure drivers and passengers can tailor the temperature in the vehicle to their own preferences.

• Protect your eyesight. Much of the discomfort older drivers experience behind the wheel has to do with eyesight.

The NIA urges individuals 65 and older to see their eye doctor every year. Such visits can ensure prescriptions are current and that can make drivers more confident in their ability to see everything on the

road. Drivers also can speak to their eye doctors about night driving glasses, which are designed to help nighttime drivers overcome glare from headlights and street lamps.

• Drive more defensively. A greater emphasis on defensive driving also can help aging drivers feel more comfortable behind the wheel. The NIA notes that reflexes naturally slow down as a person ages, which adversely affects older drivers’ reaction times. Drivers can counter this by leaving more space between their vehicles and the one in front of them. Braking earlier and avoiding driving during times marked by heavy traffic, such as rush hour, also can help drivers feel more comfortable.

It’s natural for aging drivers to feel less comfortable behind the wheel than they did when they were young. But drivers can take various steps to increase their comfort levels so they can stay on the road.

Be

Never Evers take on the vets

Cowboys fall to Grand Valley and Olathe

First regional playoff set for Friday at St. Mary’s

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Intern

The GHS girls basketball team fell to Grand Valley 56-43, and Olathe 34-27 in its final two district playoff games. Despite these losses, the girls are still set to compete at regionals and travel to St. Mary’s Academy to play the first game of the single elimination tournament on March 3.

The game against Grand Valley began with a strong offensive performance from the Cardinals, with Gunnison dropping to a 10-point deficit. However, the Cowboys stayed in the game with a solid defensive effort and key plays from Kylee McDougal and Ava Stewart.

Although the girls continued to narrow the gap, the Cardinals’ lead proved to be

too steep. The game ended with a final score of 56-43 for the Cardinals. Head Coach Chad Terry was left optimistic and applauded his team's determination and hard-work.

“We played really well on Friday,” Terry said. “Grand Valley jumped to a big lead but the girls fought back. “We basically played the second half to a tie and I was really proud,

they did a great job.”

On Feb. 25, the Cowboys suited up against Olathe for its second game in less than 24 hours. Although the team held the opposition to 34 points

with an impressive defensive display, the Cowboys struggled to put points on the board.

Lily Wild and Sienna Gomez aided an offensive resurgence, but missed free throws and layups cost the Cowboys and began to separate the two teams. The game ended with another loss for Gunnison, 34-27.

“We played a fantastic defensive game, but missed our shots,” Terry said. “We did not do what we should do offensively to win the basketball game.”

The Cowboys will travel to St. Mary’s Academy in Colorado Springs on Friday, March 3 for the team’s first regional playoff game. Regionals is structured with a 32-team, single elimination format beginning on March 3, with the final 16 playing in semifinals on March 4. The remaining eight teams will travel to Denver for state matchups on March 10 and 11 to determine the final four, and then champions.

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2023

The Never Ever hockey league wrapped up its practice season with a scrimmage against the C League players on Sunday evening, Feb. 26. The C League barely scraped the win, tucking one in halfway through the third period to take the game 1-0.

Jacob Spetzler

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)

Jacob Spetzler

Head Coach Chad Terry talks to the Cowboys at a timeout during a home game two weeks ago.

Titans fall in quarterfinals

Tough second period put Mustangs too far ahead to catch

Jacob Spetzler Photo and Sports Editor.

The Crested Butte Titans 2023 hockey season came to a premature end on Tuesday night, Feb. 28, with a 3-1 away game loss to the Colorado Academy Mustangs in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

Crested Butte received a bye in the first round so the game marked the team’s first postseason competition. Seeded No. 5 after a string of losses towards the end of the season, it was certain to be a competitive game against No. 4 Colorado Academy. The Mustangs won the last time the two teams faced off two months ago. Crested Butte finished its season with a 12-7-1 overall record, and 5-5 for the 4A Mountain Division.

Neither team managed to score during the first period. The Titans kept the Colorado Academy goalie busy with numerous shots on net, but nothing trickled in.

The Mustangs caught the puck at center ice and scored on a sniped shot through traffic halfway through the second on a power play. The goal opened up the scoreboard and, with the period in its final

moments, Colorado Academy scored two more times for a 3-0 lead at the break.

Nobody moved the needle for the majority of the third. With about 2:30 left on the clock, Head Coach Billy Watson signaled for goalie Jack Perkins to trade out for another attacker. Right as he reached the bench, Grady Buckhanan managed to knock in a rebound.

Without celebration, the Titans won the faceoff, took into the offensive zone and put a few more shots on goal, but the Mustangs goalie stayed sturdy. Watson again pulled Perkins in a last ditch effort. The end of the game was a tense few minutes of 6-5 hockey which was spent mostly in the Titans’ offensive zone but, ultimately, Crested Butte was unable to find the back of the net. The game ended 3-1.

The Titans will graduate a string of seniors — Perkins, Colm Piccaro, Brendan Hartigan, Sam Dukeman, Cael Medina, Rocky Marchitelli, Duke Sloan, Blue Gardner and Cody D’Aquilla. The junior class segment of the roster is short with only four names. This means next year’s team will be young, but the roster runs deep with eleven current sophomore — some of whom received varsity experience this year due to injuries among the upperclassmen.

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

Half-rink action

The Western Women’s Club Hockey team hosted its inaugural Mad Jack Madness 3-on-3 tournament on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the outdoor Jorgensen Ice Rink. Eight teams competed on half ice. The Dekes of Hazard claimed the championship, while the Ice Wizards won the “best team name competition.”

Morgan Raspanti

Cowboy boys basketball closes out season

Gunnison falls to Meeker in final game

Jacob Spetzler Photo and Sports Editor

The GHS boys basketball season came to an end on Feb. 21 after a 60-40 loss to Meeker. The Gunnison Cowboys finished with a 4-15 season record, and 2-10 for the league.

The game remained close for half of the game, but slow scoring in the first and slow quarters from the Gunnison Cowboys gave Meeker an insurmountable lead.

Mike and Jacob Riser and Wyatt Howery consistently found the net throughout the game. Jacob Riser and Howery tied for the highest points for the game, each contributing 11. Mike Riser put up two 3-pointers in the second half, while Justus Williams and Rylin Richter each added a couple baskets.

Head Coach Cristian Aguilar said his team came out hungry, but a few mistakes early on put them on the wrong foot — giving Meeker an opening. Despite the final loss, Aguilar said the Cowboys began to put things together during the last games of the season. Gunnison won its two previous games — 64-53 against Roaring Fork on Feb. 11, and 52-35 over Olathe on Feb. 17.

“They have a lot of trust in each other,” Aguilar said. “They played team basketball, sometimes giving up a good shot for a better shot.”

The Meeker game marks the end of seniors Mike Riser, Howery, Richter and Williams high school basketball careers. All four have been on the starting lineup all season. Aguilar said he was proud of the work they have put in.

“It wasn’t the storybook ending they wanted, but they went out and laid everything out on the basketball court,” Aguilar said. “They played with passion, but we just ran into a really tough, wellcoached team.”

Looking ahead, Aguilar said he’s already noticing a few names will rise up to fill the holes the seniors will leave. Jacob Riser emerged this season as a reliable scorer and, as he’s only a sophomore, the momentum he has established should carry into the upcoming season.

The C and the junior varsity teams also show quite a bit of promise, Aguilar said.

“I’m thrilled and excited for the student athletes that are coming up,” he said. “The C team had some success and the JV squad played great team basketball. As a coach that makes me happy because the future certainly looks bright.”

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

Jacob Spetzler

Top left: top right: Rylin Richter. bottom left: Michael Riser. bottom right: Wyatt Howery.

Four mountaineer grapplers qualify for national tournament

Noble earns regional title

Gregg

Petcoff

Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University’s Dean Noble captured the 141-pound regional championship title on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Chadron, Nebraska at the NCAA Division II Regional VI Wrestling Championships.

The first, second and third place wrestlers within 10 weight classes — and from all six regions — earn bids to the DII championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 10-11. Four more Mountaineers qualified alongside Noble — Patrick Allis (125), Jason Hanenberg (149), Hunter Mullin (165) and Cole Hernandez (174).

Hernandez (174) punched his ticket to nationals early, the first Mountaineer of the evening. He advanced into the semifinal after a 12-3 major decision in the quarterfinal, but was relegated to the consolation bracket after a first-period fall. He came back through two more matches to capture third and Western’s first berth into the national meet.

Allis — whose opening match 16-0 tech fall in two minutes, 10 seconds was the fastest of the entire tournament — earned a spot in the 125 final with a

7-4 decision over Kevin Honas of Fort Hays. Ranked No. 10 nationally, Allis went against No. 3 Brendon Garcia of Adams State in the final.

Leading 1-0 after two periods, Allis surrendered an escape to Garcia 30 seconds into the final period, and then a matchclinching takedown to Garcia with only 15 seconds rem aining in the period. Allis’s second place finish secured him a spot in Iowa.

Noble began his day with an 8-2 decision, then exacted some revenge on No. 6 Nick James of Nebraska-Kearney, who pinned Noble in a match in January. Noble dominated the rematch with a 12-4 major to move forward into the semi-

final. He went on to win his first regional championship by major decision.

Hanenberg 141, ranked No. 4 nationally and seeded second in the region, seemed destined from the beginning to to meet Adams State’s Josiah Rider, the 2nd-ranked and No. 1 seed. Hanenberg won the quarterfinal by a 6-0 decision, and the semifinal by a 6-1 decision. That put him in the expected championship match against Rider.

Next week, Western's qualifiers will head to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to compete in the national championships from March 10-11.

Spay-ghetti

Dinner and NO Balls

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Palisades Restaurant

Arrive any time between 5:00 & 7:00pm

Adults: $20, Children (under age 10): $10

Each ticket includes: spaghetti with meatballs or without, salad, garlic bread, soft drink and an entry for the door prize! Desserts will be available by donations. Cash bar.

Tickets may be purchased in advance through the QR code or at the door.

A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors: Palisades Restaurant, Dog Cabin Resort, Buff’s Collision Specialists, Sportsman’s Liquor, Gunnison Vitamin, Gunnison Country Times, Turquoise Junction, Western Lumber

Proceeds support Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League The

Western wrestling coaches confer during a home dual several weeks ago.

Jacob Spetzler

How to narrow your list of potential colleges

Times Staff Report

College requires a significant commitment of time and money. High school seniors are expected to have an idea of what they want to do with the rest of their lives and then find schools that can help them achieve their career goals.

By the time many high school students reach their junior year, colleges have undoubtedly already sent them brochures highlighting their programs. Applying to college is much simpler than it once was, thanks in part to various software that centralizes and streamlines applications. But the process can still be complex and even expen-

sive. To simplify things and reduce costs, students will eventually need to decide which schools to apply to. The following strategies can help students narrow down their lists.

• Employ the “match, reach and safety” formula. A match school is one you’re likely to get into. A reach school is one that is more selective and where acceptance could be a bit of a stretch. A safety school is one where acceptance is likely guaranteed. A wellrounded college list includes a mix of these types of schools. College application fees range from $20 to $90, so set a reasonable limit for applications. Choosing around three to four

matches, two safeties and at least one reach is a good cutoff.

• Decide where you don’t want to go. Turn the criteria around and narrow down prospects by recognizing what doesn’t appeal to you. Maybe you don’t like the hot weather, so certain southern schools may be out. If you do not like large lecture halls, schools with a huge student population and large classes can be eliminated. Weed out what you don’t like to help narrow your options.

• Consider cost. Before applying to schools, thoroughly research all costs. According to CreditKarma, in 2022 the average tuition at public col-

leges in the U.S. was $10,577 per year, while private college tuition cost $33,230. Additional costs include room and board, meal plans, books and any technology or additional fees. Discuss these costs with your family. Compare them to what the expected family contribution will be, and approximately how much aid money can be expected from each school (this information is typically included on the school’s website or through college comparison tools). Cost alone could weed out many options.

• Course of study is a major consideration. Eliminate schools that do not offer all the courses you desire.

Courtesy

• Rate the campus. Visit as many schools as you can in person. A school that looks one way on the internet may not come across the same when you schedule a tour and see the facilities up close. First-hand impressions are important, considering this is where you’ll be spending time for the next four years.

When narrowing down colleges, some additional considerations are: distance from home, campus life, potential internship opportunities and other qualities that are important to you.

Gunnison kids know a lot about horses

The Gunnison Lost Miner Pony Club sent two teams to the 2023 Rocky Mountain Region Pony Club Quiz Rally at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden on Feb. 18 and 19. The participants were tested both individually and as a team on their knowledge and use of horse-related items, the care of horses, safety and more. The Novice D team, composed of Victoria Kinard, Zeke With, Keira Smith and Layla Huff, took second overall in their division. Individually, Victoria Kinard won the overall highest score for the division and Zeke With won an award for outstanding sportsmanship. The Junior D team, composed of Ollie With, Jaycee Herrera and Ella Mae McKee, took second place in their division, as well as taking the team sportsmanship award. Ollie With had the highest overall score in the Junior D Division A.

Scouts learn about avalanche safety

On Monday night, Shawn Williams, long-time search and rescue team member and ski patrolman, shared his avalanche expertise with Boy Scout Troop 476. Scouts Spencer Hays, Shan Hays, Josh Pierce, Lincoln Hemmert and Kade Jones paid close attention as Shawn Williams explained how to use an avalanche beacon.

TALK:

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

Gaelan McKee

Margaret Cranor/Scout Troop 476

(left to right) Victoria Kinard, EllahMae McKee, Jaycee Herrera, Zeke With, Shawn Olsen (coach), Layla Huff, Keira Smith, Ollie With

FAMILY BIRTH CENTER AT GUNNISON VALLEY

HEALTH

FAMILIES COME IN EVERY SHAPE AND SIZE, WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU IN EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY!

We offer a variety of specialties and services:

•Childbirth and new parent classes

• Expert clinical care during pregnancy and delivery

•Support through the Mountain Mama’s Cafe

•Doula services

Short skis

Featuring:

• Breast milk bank

•Coping and pain management for labor, including our bathtub, aromatherapy and traditional medicines

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 970-641-7221

Festival Coordinator: Lillian Magrinelli

Conductor for Treble Choir: Dr. Welborn Young

Conductor for Mixed Choir: Dr. John Simons

Conductor for Directors Choir: Jeff Hodur

WATCH CONCERTS LIVE AND CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA!

THURSDAY MARCH 2 • 7:30PM

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT GUNNISON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT BY DONATION

WESTERN MUSIC SHOWCASE CHOIR CONCERT

SATURDAY MARCH 4 • 2:00PM

WESTERN SLOPE CHORAL FESTIVAL HONOR CHOIR

ALL PERFORMANCES IN KINCAID CONCERT HALL AT QUIGLEY HALL, WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

THE TRADITION CONTINUES 2023 WESTERN SLOPE CHORAL FESTIVAL HONOR CHOIR 71 ST ANNUAL GUNNISON FIRE DEPARTMENT BENEFIT AND + 180 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER COLORADO!

Each winter, the Gunnison Parks and Recreation Department offers a parent-tot nordic ski program, which concluded on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Western Colorado University practice field.

Ginny Baylor