Gunnison Country Times Mar. 30, 2023

Underground sage-grouse fighting ring busted

Court date set after May 15, witnesses busy lek counting

Jacobius Seltzer Chat GPTimes Writer

The Gunnison community was shocked to learn that the local newspaper, the GPT Times, had been hiding a sagegrouse fighting ring in its basement.

According to sources, the ring had been operating for several years and had attracted participants from across the region. The Gunnison Police Department were alerted to the illegal activity after receiving an anonymous tip and conducted a raid on the newspaper's offices.

During the raid, authorities

Grouse ring 50A

OUTSIDE TOMORROW

City cuts deal, Target to replace 100 homes

Staff heed call for lower housing prices at Hyper Z

SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF sage-grouse meatballs, check out recipe on A2.

We are expecting a mix of sun and clouds throughout the day, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in some areas, unless you’re in one of our many donut holes. In that case, good luck to you.

Temperatures might be in the mid-50’s, depending on where you are. One minute, you may be basking in the sun, and the next, you could be caught in a sudden downpour. That’s just the nature of the weather tomorrow and yesterday... and today.

Make sure to keep an umbrella handy, as well as a light jacket or down coat, in case the temperatures suddenly drop. If you don’t like the weather conditions, just wait five minutes.

SERIOUS NEWS A3

PERSONAL VIEWS A6-A7

BUY AND SELLABLES A18-A21

SWEATY RECREATION B7

Belicimo Bellini Chat GPTimes Writer

Target has announced a new partnership with the City of Gunnison affordable housing board, providing much-needed funding in order to reduce housing costs, in exchange for the rights to develop its new location on the Gunnison Rising subdivision

land. The deal was announced on Monday, marking a significant milestone for both the city and the local community.

Hyper Z has been under a lot of scrutiny over what ‘affordable’ means in terms of purchasing a home. Enter Target Corporation, who saw an opportunity to not only help the Hyper Z residents, but also secure a large tax break by writing off their Hyper Z purchase with the IRS. Target will provide funding for the development, which will help fund the construction of new affordable homes, lowering the housing

WCU on track for new name in 2024

students and the institution’s commitment to fostering a transformative state of mind.

In a bold move, Western Colorado University has announced that it will change its name (again) in 2024 to “Western State,” as a reflection of the increasing amount of Gen Z

The decision was made after a five years-long process of consultation and feedback from the university community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. Although, in an

effort to fund their fourth (or tenth?) name change, the board has decided to partner with Jeff Besos, who will provide robots with advanced AI knowledge to replace all professors and staffs members. A change in state of mind, indeed.

Do you wish you could upgrade your DNA like you upgrade your phone? Say hello to CRISPR, the gene editing technology that can turn your genetic code from basic to brilliant! Try on some new genes today.

Hyper Z 70A

No longer a university, just a state of mind

Harrison Schmoo

Chat GPTimes Writer

Belicimo Bellini

Some In-house Photographer

Local journalists cheer as the final two championship grouse, “Big Chicken” and “One-Eyed Stan,” fight ‘till the end. Large sums of money were bet on the results of the fight, but police eventually seized the money and have since donated it to the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District.

IN LENGTH

City manager position outsource

The city has outsourced the hiring process for a new city manager to Vail Resorts, who has chosen a first-year ski instructor from Vail to fill the role with a $500,000 salary and housing. He will be working remotely, under the mentorship of the former City Manager, Rusty Trees.

The Great Cream Scream

Five new ice cream/smoothie shops simultaneously opened up all over town over the weekend in what officials have called the “Great Cream Scream of

DINNER

2023.” When the Chamber of Commerce was approached for comment on why there’s so much frozen food, but not a normal dive bar within city limits, the agency responded by email “I freaking love ice cream.”

New events for Cattlemen’s Weeks

After 122 years of tradition, the Cattlemen’s Committee has decided to spice this year’s rodeo up with some new events. Some include: Stick horse barrel racing, hula hoop steer wrestling, human calf roping and toilet seat bronc riding.

Gunnison

sagey-grouse

meatballs

Soup and salad ‘bowl’ slated for Gunnison

Vacant property fee forces owners to reimagine space

Sydney Retupmoc ChatGPTimes Writer

A new bowling alley is set to open in downtown Gunnison later this year, after the owners of the property were hit with a significant increase in vacant property fees.

The owners began exploring new uses for the space, and soon hit upon the idea of opening a bowling alley.

According to the owners, the decision was driven by a desire to create a fun and exciting new venue in the heart of downtown

Gunnison, while also providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.

“We saw this as an opportunity to create something special for the community, while also helping to revitalize the downtown area,” said the owners in a statement.

The new bowling alley, which will still be called “Timbers,” is set to open later this year. The owners have already begun renovating the space, which will feature six lanes, a soup and salad bar and a variety of other amenities.

Houseboats to provide affordable housing solution

Ingredients:

1 lb locally harvested, ground Gunnison sage-grouse

2 lbs freshly picked, chopped and cut sage herb

1/2 cup breadcrumbs from locally baked sourdough bread

1/4 cup melted, cooled and re-melted Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro if you cant tell the difference

2 whole bundles elephant head garlic from a vampire lair

1 egg, lightly laid and kept warm for three hours

1 cup salt, or more depending on how salty you’re feeling

1/2 tsp black pepper

Olive oil, for slippin’ and slidin

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground grouse, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

Working in batches, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve the meatballs warm with your favorite dipping sauce, pasta, or rice.

Enjoy your delicious Gunnison sage-grouse meatballs, preferably without moral disturbance!

What in the Gunni?

Blue Mesa to allow seasonal workers to live on water and enjoy scenic views

Sydney Retupmoc ChatGPTimes Writer

In an effort to solve the affordable housing crisis that plagues the Gunnison Valley during peak tourist season, local officials have announced that they will allow houseboats to be moored at Blue Mesa Reservoir.

The initiative aims to provide a new and affordable housing option for seasonal workers, who often struggle to find affordable accommodation in the valley during the busy summer months.

The plan is to allow houseboats to be moored at designated areas of the reservoir during the summer months. The houseboats will be required to meet certain safety and environmental standards, such as proper sewage disposal and adherence to fire codes.

Local officials hope that the addition of houseboats will help alleviate some of the pressure on the local housing market and provide an attractive alternative to traditional housing options.

“Houseboats offer a unique and exciting opportunity for seasonal workers to live on the water and experi-

ence the beauty of our valley from a new perspective,” said Gunnison Mayor Pluto Diega.

“We believe that this initiative will not only help address the housing issue but also contrib-

ute to the overall quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

The move has also been welcomed by local business owners who struggle to find and retain employees due to the high cost of living in the area.

“Finding affordable housing for our employees has been a major challenge for us, and we are thrilled to see the addition of houseboats as a new option,” said restaurant owner. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, and we hope to see more initiatives like this in the future.”

The Gunnison County Commissioners are currently working on finalizing the details of the initiative, including the location of designated mooring areas and the safety and environmental regulations that will be in place.

A new sign, keeping the same name, was just installed and doors are set to open by July.

A rendering showing what it may be like this summer on the lake.

Finding affordable housing for our employees has been a major challenge for us, and we are thrilled to see the addition of houseboats as a new option.

Tom Johnson

Local business owner

Jacobius Seltzer

A different photographer

Gunnison to achieve

100% renewable energy Council approves a 3% electric rate increase, vacancy fee

Gunnison City Council on Tuesday signed an agreement that will make the city one of only three municipalities in Council A9

INSIDE TODAY

COMMUNITY: Sleds and Kegs returns for seventh year, B1

First graders prepare for ag-venture

Vision for development along highway corridors takes shape

Community weighs in on Three Mile Plan

draft maps

SPORTS: Western’s cheer program blossoms, B7

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

City and county officials continue to chip away at updatingthe City of Gunnison’s Three Mile Plan, a document that aims to give planning officials a detailed decision-making framework along two corridors outside the city, Hwy. 135 to

GIDDYUP: GHS climbers compete at state, B10

the north, and Hwy. 50 to the west. Public lands and topography, like the Gunnison River to the north, act as constraints on expansion, so the two subareas represent the city’s most likely development in the future.

Since the late 1980s, Colorado annexation law has limited cities to expanding no more than three miles from their outer boundaries every year, and before any expansion, a Three Mile Plan must be approved. 2023 marks the first time the city is updating the plan in nearly 20 years. The process

Three Mile Plan A8

Gunnison Valley tourism slowing down

OBITUARIES A4

OPINION A6-A7, A10

CLASSIFIEDS A18-A21

SPORTS B7

Airline and lodging bookings taper off

Bella Biondini Times Editor

Alongside other mountain resort destinations, the Gunnison Valley is experienc-

ing a slowdown in tourism. Although the possible culprits are many, local tourism officials credit long-lasting inflation and the instability of the economy.

As Closing Day at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) approaches and the winter season comes to a close, sights are shifting to the arrival of the valley’s busy summer months. But as occupancy rates steadily fall across the Mountain

West, and flight prices remain high, Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP) Executive Director John Norton forecasted a potentially quieter-than-usual summer.

In 2022, lodging rates rose across the region, while occupancy fell. The Gunnison Valley followed a similar trend with summer occupancy down 12% and lodging revenue was up 20% from 2021. Th is trend car-

ried over into the winter.

At a regular Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) meeting on March 24, Norton said TAPP, which is responsible for marketing the Gunnison Valley as a year-round vacation destination, has alerted all of its properties about the slowdown in case they want to tinker with their pricing in an effort to boost occupancy. It has

Gunnison Community School art teacher Liz Wallin demonstrates how to paint a cow with watercolors in preparation for Ag Venture Day — an annual field trip put together by the Gunnison Valley Cattlewomen. The event will take place at the Fred Field Center at the end of May.

Bella Biondini Times Editor

Abby Harrison County resident Gail Sovick chats with another attendee at the Three Mile Plan open house on March 21.

QUOTE of the week

I realize that this was the place I was meant to be my whole life. A small community where you can feel your impact on a huge level.

—Trevor Bona, Co-founder of Sleds and Kegs

See story on B1

BRIEFS

Hospital starts old senior care center renovations

Gunnison Valley Health has broken ground at the old Senior Care Center where it is converting a section into housing for current Senior Care Center staff The old center, directly adjacent to the Wonderland Nature School, is slated to off er seven apartments, about 525 square feet each. The units may be offered to GVH staff for free as a retention tool. The target completion date is July 7.

GVH is looking to increase its housing stock by 11 units in 2023, bringing the total owned by the hospital to 38. Just weeks ago, the hospital secured a fourplex at city-owned housing development Lazy K, and the first staff member moved in this week.

Annual SBEADMR meeting April 6

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will be hosting its annual Spruce Beetle Epidemic and Aspen Decline Management Response (SBEADMR) and Taylor Park Vegetation Management (Taylor Park EA) combined stakeholder meeting Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The event will be hosted by Western Colorado University with an option for virtual attendance via Zoom.

Both projects respond to forest health concerns and hope to increase the forest’s ability to respond to stressors such as climate change, drought, insect attack and disease.

This year’s meeting will include discussion on GMUG insect and disease update, science team monitoring findings and an overview of past and future treatments. A 30-day public comment period for both projects will open after the meeting. For more information, visit cfri.colostate.edu/projects/ sbeadmr/.

Lola Jean Bird

Services will be scheduled at a later date.

Janet Celeste Marilyn Weil

years and during travels including to Russia, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Janet’s love of the outdoors led this city girl to camping, hiking and exploring the mountains of upstate New York and Vermont, then the Western Rockies of the Gunnison Valley. She climbed Half Dome with a women’s hiking group and famously camped back and forth across the country with friends and family.

Gunnison, Colorado passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2023.

She was born in Nephi, Utah to LaMar and Lee Craig Bowles. She was the youngest of four.

Lola moved a lot during her life before settling down in Sandy, Utah with her two children in 1984. She married Rex Bird on June 24, 2004 and moved to Gunnison where they resided until her death.

Lola loved to dance, had a unique sense of style, loved her cats, the outdoors, rockhounding crafting and was a collector of many things. She was loved by her whole family and her friends and will be missed by all. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Pola” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was so very proud to be a Grandma.

She is survived by her husband of 18 years, sister Sue Neukaemper of Oregon, son Shawn Wolf (Kristie) adopted at birth and reunited in life in 2018 of Utah, daughter Patricia Lewis of Colorado, sons Danial Lewis (Melissa), Sam Bird and Ross Bird all of Utah, grandchildren; Heather, Samantha (Jarett), Ryan, Matthew (Mikayla), Nicole, Cody James, Sabrina, Josh and Chanse, great grandchildren; Lydia, Lician, Ryder, Greyson, Dakota and Braxton and many nieces, nephews and sisters and brothers of the heart.

Lola is preceded in death by her parents, her second mother

Janet Weil of Crested Butte, Colorado died peacefully in her sleep at home on March 22, 2023, after living courageously with cancer. Beloved wife of Stan, loving mother of David (Mary Beth), Michael (Adrienne) and Rebecca (Adam). Cherished Nana, aka Nanabird, of seven grandchildren.

The second of three daughters, she was born in Astoria, New York on April 19, 1946, to Catherine and Harry Stanley and raised in Glen Cove, New York with Barbara (Puetzer) and the late Susan (Stanley). At an 8th grade graduation party, she met Stan, her best friend, soulmate and husband of 57 years. Janet and Stan moved to South Salem, New York in 1978 where they raised their three children. After being part-time residents of Crested Butte for 27 years, Janet and Stan have called it home since 2017.

Incredibly creative with a flair for antiques and an eclectic and enviable sense of style, she earned her master’s in interior design and ran a successful decorating business. She made life into a wonderland of her own, decorated with collectibles and artifacts she curated over the

Writing was a deep passion for Janet. Her travel memoir, “Rubber-Tramping Through the Last Frontier” recounts her bold, four-month adventure with Stan into the wilds of Alaska, living out of a beloved camper van they called the LauraLee. She wrote, “This is how I dreamed spending the second part of my life when I was up to my ass in alligators raising three children, having a career and playing the corporate wife. The kids are long gone. I was lucky my desire to be footloose while camping across the country was shared by my husband Stan.” Her short stories about Alaska are also published in Volumes I and III of The North Salem Review.

Janet had many talents and pleasures, including cooking, gardening and hosting wonderful parties. But nothing equaled her love of family and especially her grandchildren Kayleigh, Theo and Meghan Weil, Slater and Hannah Weil, and Noland and two-year-old Hudson Ofstedahl who bravely shared, “Me love Nana. Me so sad Nana died. But me gave her last hug.”

Nanabird was the nickname chosen by her grandchildren, because she was so unique. She had an incredible sense of humor and was always a source of strength. Nana had a way of bringing the imaginary world to life in a way that felt nothing less than magical. Going to Nana and Pop’s house always meant adventures, treats, stories, music and endless laughs. She loved being goofy: “what happens at Nana’s, stays at Nana’s” was the motto for annual Grandparents camp; always ready to play whatever game the kids wanted;

an avid Yankee fan; ice cream for breakfast; ready to play dress up while dancing to tunes from the jukebox. Especially on Halloween, thanks to her expansive costume collection of wigs, tutus, hats, swords and glasses, it was possible to be whatever character she wanted to be. She had a special place in her heart for Alice in Wonderland, she knew every word to the nonsensical “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll, and she painted the lines of his poem, “Life is but a Dream” in her home.

Janet was always on the move: walking, hiking, biking, Nordic skiing, golfing and caring for her family. Janet enjoyed running for miles in the woods. She ran slowly to take in the scenery yet in a race her competitive spirit would see her routinely win her age category. She holds the family record for running the NYC Marathon in 3:48. And Janet and Stan hold the family record for the most consecutive games of Scrabble, having played daily for decades with their morning coffee.

Her guiding principles: pinch of cinnamon in tomato sauce; no dogs in the house, ever; kiss on the lips for everyone when saying hello or goodbye; drive fast and see how far you can get on an empty tank; always say an enthusiastic and playful yes to the grandkids.

A featured writer for the Crested Butte Magazine, Janet recently wrote, “I am aware of how, if I am willing to open my eyes to the fearful feelings, it can free me as I pass through it and into the light. It teaches me humility and respect, showing me I’m no greater or less than any wild creature. We are all connected in some mysterious way.”

Janet was the anchor of the Weil/Ofstedahl clan and will be profoundly missed; there will only be one Nanabird. A celebration of her life will take place later this year. Contributions can be made in Janet’s honor to Gunnison Valley Health or UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation.

Carol Lee, son William Lewis, sister Patricia Bowles, brother Gary Bowles and nephew Bryan Crosier.

Special ambulance area may help GVH recoup costs

Federal rule change allows for better Medicare collections

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Paramedics serve an essential function in any community, acting as fi rst responders to life-threatening situations every day. But nation-wide, rural ambulance services have struggled to make financial ends meet, as both public and private insurance reimbursements rarely cover costs.

A solution may lie in an almost imperceptible language change in federal rules that has opened the opportunity for ambulance services to recoup a significant portion of their expenses. The change stands to help Gunnison Valley Health cover an average annual loss of $1 million on GVH Paramedics (GVHP) operations.

“It's a huge diff erence,” said GVH Chief Executive Officer Jason Amrich. “Especially in today's day and age with health care reimbursement. It allows us to at least break even.”

The federal rule change allows Gunnison County to amend its ambulance licensing regulations, and create a Special Ambulance Service Area. This administrative update could address the revenue gap by putting the hospital on a better ambulance fee schedule with Medicare — a significant opportunity, as about 40% of all of the hospital’s claims are sent to the federal insurance program.

“For the last 20 years, it has been beholden to the health system to make up for that loss,” said GVHP Chief Paramedic CJ Malcolm. “But what do you do with that loss? If your health system is big enough, they eat it.”

The change in the Federal Register meant that ambu-

lance-based critical access hospitals would be eligible for a better fee schedule if they were the only legally-authorized provider to transport individuals to or from their location.

A simple article change from “and” to “or” opened the possibility for better cost recuperation.

“When you read the arguments of the Federal Register, they specifically recognize rural critical access hospital ambulance-based services are suffering and the spirit of Medicare was not to not reimburse them appropriately,” Malcolm said. “That was not the spirit, the spirit is to ensure that these EMS systems thrive.”

The wording change means the hospital could create a new ambulance service area. The area exempts the hospital from the revenue-stunting 35-mile rule, which dictates that if another ambulancebased critical access hospital operates within 35 miles — in this case, the Crested Butte Fire Protection District — both receive lower reimbursements from Medicare.

The language in the new resolution states that Gunnison Valley Health paramedics are the only legally authorized ambulance service to transport patients from Gunnison Valley Health. With the new area, the hospital will receive better Medicare cost-reimbursement when paramedics do inter-facility transfers (IFT), done when a patient is taken to a larger hospital because they need a higher level of care.

The special area designation will not affect the public or Crested Butte Fire. If GVH paramedics need help, a mutual aid agreement allows other EMS services to transport patients from the hospital.

Cost recovery challenges

The hospital has been losing money on paramedics for years. Fees paid by insurance companies — Medicaid, Medicare and even commercial companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna — don’t cover

costs. In 2022, GVHP’s total operating expense was $2.7 million, but the hospital only collected $1.7 million, leaving them nearly a million dollars in the hole.

Medicare collections are severely impacted by the 35-mile rule. Crested Butte Fire lies 28.6 miles north of the hospital, meaning just seven miles stands in the way of the “cost-plus” recovery model, or increased reimbursement for ambulance services. Malcolm and Sean Caffrey, chief administrative officer at Crested Butte Fire, even tried moving the station’s mailing addresses to squeeze in the extra miles, but federal statute requires that the address be linked to the EMS station.

EMS services are not considered as “essential service” like police and fire, often leaving taxpayers to fi ll the gap. In the face of poor cost recovery and a desire to avoid going to voters, the next step would be to cut costs, Malcolm said. But that would mean removing a paramedic crew or lowering wages, both of which are “not options.”

Last year, the hospital applied for the Public Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Supplemental Payment to help close the Medicaid gap, and received $70,000, but the boon was still hundreds of thousands shy of the nearly half a million they spent on Medicaid claims in 2021. In 2022, the Colorado Joint Budget Committee (JBC) doubled Medicaid reimbursement rates from 40% to 80%, but even better rates and supplement payments don’t quite close the gap.

“For me, the progression is revenue, we've got to improve our revenue … Before we went to the taxpayers, we were empowered to figure out is there a way to improve our billing?” Malcolm said.

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

ALAN WARTES MEDIA

OPINION

970.641.1414

© 2023 Gunnison Country Times

Publisher/Owner Alan Wartes publisher@gunnisontimes.com

Office Manager Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com

Editor Bella Biondini bella@gunnisontimes.com

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Staff Writer Abby Harrison abby@gunnisontimes.com

Sales Director Bobbie Duft bobbie@gunnisontimes.com

Sales Representative Jack Anderson jack@gunnisontimes.com

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LETTERS

An uphill battle to develop VanTuyl Ranch

Editor: Thank you for reporting on city employees’ wishes to develop the VanTuyl Ranch and trail system into a solar array, treatment facility and so much more.

I hope they are aware that the property was purchased and annexed by the City of Gunnison because it is the primary recharge area for the aquifer that provides Gunnison’s drinking water. Preservation of the land for open space, agricultural, recreational and hydrological reasons are the focus of the area’s collaborative management plan.

To the city’s credit, this has been an incredibly successful management plan as implemented over the last decade. The newly constructed library, trails, fishing access and the views of the Palisade cliffs and West Elks lend to this area being one of the local gems in this valley.

However, the current city council and engineer have bigger dreams. Your article highlighted some comments from the city council regarding the de-prioritization of recreation, agriculture and groundwater filtration on the ranch. Those statements show a complete disconnect from the reason the property was purchased over 20 years ago, and why it has become a cornerstone of Gunnison.

Last Thursday’s front page provided multiple examples: Gunnison County Electric Association is raising utility rates. Okay. Your reporter gave us what the GCEA manager said. Basically, “We have to do it.” GCEA probably does have to do it, to make its profit margins. But could it wait a year, or … ? We could use a little more information, a little leadership.

What else? Local ranchers are against being paid to have their water allotments cut. No surprise there either. “Not one drop!” is and has been the ranchers’ — and most of the rest of the valley population’s — battle cry for generations. This question will someday have to be answered. Help us all come to a workable solution.

The third story aimed for our hearts. The city is thinking of building a surface water treatment plant and solar array on the Van Tuyl property, which, as one council member noted, is “sacred,” but, he said, basically, “We have to do it,” and he gave his reasons — good reasons, too, but Van Tuyl?

That property is the heartbeat of the community. How will a solar array, water treatment plant, surface reservoir, all the equipment required to build and manage it. Come on, not Van Tuyl! But wait?

City staff are looking for community input? Yes! Let’s figure this thing out. With expert direction from our newspaper.

change decrease our willingness to address it. Fox hosts lie to maintain ratings and manipulate audiences. Trump logged more than 30,000 easily disproved lies in his speeches and Tweets while in office.

Why are lies so prevalent in our society? Alan postulates that some greater power of evil may be at work. I have a simpler explanation. Lies abound because some in our society have found they are effective at manipulating people’s thoughts and behavior.

Blame rests with those immoral enough to lie to achieve financial or political gain. Blame also rests with those who listen to lies and fail to exercise reasonable critical thinking skills to determine if they are being told the truth.

Those who blindly accept what liars say allow themselves to be manipulated and reinforce the liar’s motivation for using them. Failure to hold people accountable when they’re caught lying magnifies the problem.

I trained as a scientist so I heavily rely on what can be proven through careful inquiry, examination and research. What I feel, hope or want to be true doesn’t matter as much as what critical examination shows is true. Sometimes the results of inquiry aren’t clearcut and it’s necessary to sift through competing views to draw conclusions.

garded in the heat of religious fervor. In Salem, people were conditioned to fear non-existent witches rather than fear the men who burned people alive without credible proof of crimes.

I hope we learn enough from the past that we can avoid repeating similar mistakes.

Arden Anderson Gunnison

We look to our papers to investigate local issues

Editor:

As a supporter of our local newspapers, it is with a heavy heart that I’m writing this. After a week of thoughtful contemplation — I’m considering canceling my subscription to the Gunnison Country Times

While it’s clearly within the paper’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech and the free press to print whatever it wants, that doesn’t mean that I have to support it or continue to read it.

We are so fortunate in our little valley to have, not one but, two local papers. There have been other times that I disagreed with the paper, but last week's editorial was a bridge too far for me for these reasons:

THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Gunnison Country Times, 218 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, CO 81230-0240

Winter Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

I implore city council members to read and heed the management plan that the people of this valley spent years developing in consultation with professional engineers and hydrologists. Before hatching a $20 million dollar uphill battle to develop the VanTuyl Ranch and wetlands, the city could look at building the solar array east of town at “Gunnison Rising.” There are a bunch of vacant lots over there, and the city has already put in the infrastructure to drain that wetland.

Aaron Drendel Gunnison

A small-town newspaper’s responsibility

Editor:

Full disclosure: We owned and published small-town newspapers for many years, including the Gunnison Country Times, and because of that history we write this week to urge current GCT owner-publisher Alan Wartes to avoid a trap that lies in wait for all those of us who buy our ink by the barrel: Direct the opinions you publish toward increasing readers’ knowledge of matters that may now or sometime later affect them, your intent being to reach, together with your reporters and readers, the right decisions.

Your responsibility is awesome. Do this hard thing you do right or don’t do it at all. The opportunities show up every Thursday.

What our newspaper should not do is wander, wonder, ponder “great questions,” or publish opinions based on other opinions published in the official publication of a Libertarian think tank: “Is it time for intellectuals to turn to God?”

Let’s let all the intellectuals in the community figure that one out in church on Sunday, while the rest of us, during working hours — and together with our newspaper — do the heavy lifting required to come up with the best approach to go forward with confidence into what, for all intents and purposes, is our only future. We readers want to support the GCT, not lose it. Wait. Did we say “our” newspaper? Yes, with our publisher’s sure hand on the tiller and all our minds in the game. It's a heck of a responsibility, but an even greater honor, to own a thriving newspaper.

Newspapers have been dropping like flies at first frost for years now. We’re lucky. Let’s not blow it.

Mike and Susan Ritchey Gunnison

Searching for Truth

Editor:

In last week’s opinion piece, Times publisher Alan Wartes bemoaned the lies permeating our society. On that we can agree.

Lies about vote rigging in the 2020 election created conflict and sparked violence. Lies about the validity of climate

Sometimes more research is necessary to decide. If I’m convinced of something from a previous inquiry, but better research proves that isn’t accurate, then I’m willing to change my mind.

Alan refers to Fox’s obviously biased editing of thousands of hours of Jan. 6 video to select a few minutes where the invaders weren’t actively rioting as proof that we were being misled about whether something wrong happened that day.

He ignores the thousands of hours of video showing insurrectionists assaulting police officers and destroying property. He ignores hundreds of rioters convicted of crimes in court. He ignores the $2.7 million in taxpayer dollars needed to repair the damage to the Capitol. Such selective attention suggests less than rigorous critical thinking skills that aren’t admirable in someone responsible for informing the public with his newspaper.

As to Alan’s concern that greater evil is at play, with its religious undertones, I am reluctant to walk with him down that path. I fear such talk will tend to dull society’s critical thinking skills rather than sharpen them. From the Inquisition and Salem Witch Trials to the many wars fought over religion our imperfect interpretations of what we think God wants have led to many tragic consequences.

Religious leaders convinced themselves and their followers they were combating evil. Critical thinking was disre-

• “So many lies.” It’s the former president and MAGA supporters who have been pushing the Big Lie that not a single court (out of about 60) found to be true

• Implying that the few minutes of Jan. 6 tape shown on Fox ‘News’ negates the hours of violent footage we all saw in real time (the calm before the storm does not negate the storm).

• What appears to be promoting Christian Nationalism (reading between the lines). The First Amendment starts with “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” I’m no history buff, but I do recall that in addition to “taxation without representation,” leaving the Church of England was a big part of our revolutionary war. How, where, and when we choose to exercise our faith is and should remain a very personal thing. It saddens me that it has come to this when there are so many local issues that the GCT could be covering and digging into in depth like:

• Why the city can’t find the money for our streets

• Why pedestrians are getting hit by cars,

• Why the city can’t do anything about vacant and deteriorating prime real estate like the old Columbine Hotel (Timbers) building or the old City Market parking lot on Spruce, or

• Why the city refused to allow the “Peace Pole” to be erected near the IOOF Park where the “Honk for

LETTERS

Peace” rally has been going on faithfully every Friday at noon for 20 years.

We look to our local papers to investigate (by asking the tough questions) local issues that directly impact us on a daily basis — of which there are plenty and that are reported nowhere else. Cable news and the internet have the rest covered.

Brenda Freeburn Gunnison

Truth need be no handmaiden to opinion

Editor:

Alan Wartes’ latest opinion piece introduces a reasonable philosophical argument — lies are a sign of evil — but then takes a turn toward fabulism that at first reading I took to be a misprint. “Horrifying” to watch Jan. 6 video footage and realize that reports of death and destruction were half-truths?

The accepted definition of a lie requires that the teller be aware of its untruthfulness. As we watch Fox News executives scramble to recast their reporting about Dominion Voting Systems as “opinion,” one can only conclude that this condition precedent — awareness on the part of the liar — is now the only distinction that sets journalism apart from commentary. If this be the current condition of the fourth estate, we should not be surprised that Tucker Carlson’s bowdlerized account of the insurrection at our nation’s capital has convinced Mr. Wartes that truth need be no handmaiden to opinion.

David Haedt Gunnison

In response to ‘So Many Lies a Sign of Evil’

Editor:

I’d like to respond to the opinion article in last week’s paper entitled, “So Many Lies a Sign of Evil” on March 23. Your article is based on your agreement with a Naomi Wolf article entitled “Is it Time for Intellectuals to Talk about God? It’s a New Dark Age. Evil abounds.”

In your article and hers, you agree with the prevalence of pathological lies everywhere we turn in political issues. On the political left — you refer to examples of the "Democratic lies of “nonsupported version of events” during the insurrection of Jan 6. Other such “lies” you suggest that were told at the highest levels during COVID (re: vaccinations, safety precautions, lockdowns) and the “lies” of Russia’s collusion in the 2020 election. Then, you reach back in history to refer to the big “Republican lie” (no, it’s not the one your readers may have thought of first) — that of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction in 2003.

You conclude that it’s time to add spiritual faith to this

arsenal of defenses that seems hell-bent on our destruction. However, your article gives us the best example of the spiritual faith question, “Are we willing to put our faith filter ahead of our political filter?” Are we willing to be faith followers first, and Republicans and Democrats and Libertarians and whatever else you might be, second?

Well, we're required to if we’re faith followers, and it’s very, very difficult to do. So, your premise of including spiritual faith in these troubled times is needed, I agree.

However, both articles lacked the most important essence of spiritual practice, which is respect. What you are pointing to on the Democratic side and calling lies regarding both COVID protocols and the insurrection, are what many people would label as truth and the battle with science, or an 18-month investigation.

If you wanted to point to Republican lies, you could have just as well come up with something that may have been on everyone else’s mind before thinking of 2003 Iraq. The tone of your article was not consistent with your higher goal of including spirit in our conversations. Better not to have not used examples of political parties because there’s always going to be disagreement when it comes to policy, platform and legislation.

And that's okay as long as we are mature enough not to allow it to divide us. Because, if we talk about spiritual faith it’s not just holding up a Bible or spiritual book, it’s treating others how we would like to be treated, with love and respect … regardless. And if we can write articles discussing disagreements when it comes to policy in that way, we will all be better for it.

Colleen McShane Cope Gunnison

Local government outreach is instrumental

Editor:

I would like to express my appreciation to the Gunnison City Council and the Gunnison Board of County Commissioners for holding the March 23 public event regarding plans for future growth in Gunnison.

It was well organized and attended. Information was made available concerning land areas under consideration, infrastructure and transportation needs and impacts on natural and open spaces. City council members, county commissioners and many other people involved in the planning of possible expansion projects were there to answer questions and listen to ideas and feedback. The organizers provided a variety of ways to communicate thoughts and concerns.

This kind of local government outreach and interfacing with the community is instrumental in making Gunnison a great place to live.

Laurie Gery Gunnison

Whetstone sketch plan is just the beginning

Editor:

After nearly two years of planning, engagement and careful design, the sketch plan for the Whetstone Community Housing project was unanimously approved by the Gunnison County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 7, 2023. The project team wants to express our deepest gratitude for all community members, stakeholders and agencies who participated in the process and shaped the plan so that it reflects community values of community vitality, affordability, environmental sustainability and connection.

As a reminder, the site includes the opportunity for 231 townhomes, apartments, live-work units and accessory dwellings. The county has committed to 80% of the project being deed restricted for local workforce, and we have the goal of 100% deed restricted, pending financial feasibility.

The project was launched by Gunnison County in 2019 when it purchased the 13-acre Whetstone parcel with the intent of developing an affordable and workforce housing neighborhood for local community members. The team conducted extensive outreach and technical exploration to create the sketch plan. As the name implies, the sketch plan is just the beginning. Our team is beginning work on several important next steps:

February-June 2023: The county will issue a request for qualifications/proposals (RFQ/P) to select an affordable housing developer to partner with the county in developing detailed design and engineering plans. This will be a competitive process and the RFQ/P will be posted to the project website once released.

June-December 2023: Development of a preliminary plan - This will take the sketch plan and begin to refine many elements and bring a higher level of technical detail including architecture and civil engineering.

2023/24: Project financing

- The county has applied for a $10 million Transformational Housing Grant from the state. Our application is currently under review. We will continue to seek funding opportunities to address the gap between what it costs to build and what our local workforce can afford to ensure this project is financially feasible.

Throughout these processes the project team will continue to use our vision to guide our work. Whetstone is envisioned as a significant development of affordable housing for a diverse mix of local individuals and families to live and work in the Gunnison Valley.

To create a neighborhood at Whetstone, the county imagines amenities such as a park, community garden, trail connections, and pleasant streets where neighbors can cultivate

Three Mile Plan

from A3

began in September, but just last week, county and city staff held a joint work session and public open house to discuss the plan.

The county and city are close partners on the project, which is expected to take 12-14 months to complete. The county contracted with Chicago-based urban planning firm Houseal Lavigne to complete the design, the same firm that completed the city’s 2020 comprehensive plan, a layout for the future of housing, sustainability and land use.

“We're drilling down a little closer, providing some more detailed recommendations … These two areas are facing more development pressure and more scrutiny for long term growth,” said Houseal Lavigne Senior Planner Josh Koonce in the work session.

The “North Subarea” runs along Hwy. 135 from city limits — just south of Clark Boulevard — to the Gunnison River. The “West Subarea” includes a portion of the Hwy. 50 corridor to the west of town, from Airport Road to the edge of the Dos Rios golf course at County Road 18. As the Three Mile Plan stands now, staff are recommending a more dense development pattern and potentially more commercial activity in these areas, which could boost city sales tax collections. This area has received significant inter-

est from developers in the past, more so than the Hwy. 50 eastwest corridor.

Gail Sovick said she’d like to see town entrances be more inviting, and have mechanisms to slow traffic as vehicles enter city limits. She’s also interested in housing developments that have a connected, community feel.

“I think that it would be nice if housing development were the type of development that made people feel like they lived in a town, not just a detached suburb,” she said.

Public planning on private land

The Three Mile Plan does not necessarily include annexation of additional land into the city or new municipal boundaries. In fact, the 2020 comprehensive plan recommended the city pursue infill — developing vacant or under-utilized parcels within municipal boundaries — before expanding existing boundaries. Similarly, Gunnison County’s strategic plan, last updated in 2019, indicated the county’s desire to direct industrial and commercial development to existing zones.

“Conversations within the county among citizens have been pretty consistent and in line with the idea that people in this community want the corridor, the main part of the

(OVPP), both designed as more “visionary” roadmaps for future development.

“The Three Mile Plan will operationalize those, so it will develop a set of regulatory standards and processes that may be different from what we have today,” Cathie Pagano, assistant county manager for community and economic development, told the Times

The OVPP and 2020 comprehensive plan also captured a public interest in more residential opportunities outside city limits. The new plan may streamline this type of development.

“The process for a residential subdivision or a residential development can be fairly lengthy through the county,” Pagano said. “So we're looking for opportunities to enable and streamline processes for development that the community has described that they want to see happen in those places.”

A streamlined process could attract more commercial interest, acting as an “incentive structure” for developers, said County Attorney Matt Hoyt in the work session.

“When they apply, they're not going through a major impact process … They’re following a set of special area regulations that streamline that process based on pre-planning for the future use of the site,” he said. “This can create an incentive

as the final step of the process is amending the county’s Land Use Resolution. County Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels asked about public communication, concerned that private landowners may not like the changes.

“If I’m the owner of [a site] and we, and all these people, sat in this room and made all these ideas about what should happen with my land and didn't talk to me about it, I would feel a little usurped … Do we feel like people are going to be okay with us playing SimCity with their land?” Puckett Daniels asked.

But the county has continued

sprawl, like you see on Hwy. 550 in Montrose County,” he said. “If you don't want to see that, then you have to say yes, and the yes is development close to where you can extend utilities and do it in a way that keeps people close to you services, shopping, schools, all that they need in daily life.”

Scan the QR code below to contribute feedback and review proposed maps.

dropped across the Mountain West anywhere between 10-20%, which is a “pretty big decrease,” he said. Rate increases have not made up for it.

“We’re holding a little better here,” Norton said. “We’re close to even with a slight drop in occupancy and slight increase in prices.”

After an especially strong start to the calendar year in 2022, Bill Tomcich, an air service consultant for the RTA, said he was also starting to see the initial signs of a slowdown within the valley’s airline bookings.

January and February turned out to be record months — moving the highest number of passengers through the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional airport since 2009. In January, the airport was just shy of 13,000 passengers, Tomcich said. For February, the numbers were higher, at about 15,400, with the total of passengers up 5% from 2022.

But passenger numbers and sold seats were down in March, he said. To the north, Aspen Snowmass publicly reported its market bookings last week, which revealed it was pacing down 5.5%. DestiMetrics, the company TAPP uses to monitor and compare the Gunnison Valley’s occupancy and rate data to similar mountain communities, also published its

overall outlook for the entire mountain industry for March alone, which is down 5%.

“We're seeing that trend across the board … If you look further ahead, things are looking a little scarier yet, even as John had alluded to,” Tomcich said. “The fact that we're slightly soft is concerning. But it shouldn't be surprising, we're kind of in there with the rest of the industry.”

But the Gunnison Valley is still faring better than other mountain destinations. Despite slight drops in the occupancy, the number of visitors to Gunnison County is still well above pre-pandemic levels, TAPP Marketing Director Andrew Sandstrom told the Times . In 2019, TAPP collected

$2.2 million in local marketing district tax (LMD) revenues. Last year, it hovered around $3.6 million.

Rate gains alone early on in 2022 resulted in higher LMD collections. Sandstrom estimated the valley experienced about 10% fewer visitors in 2022.

“Generally for us, our rate gains have held relatively steady to keep us breakeven, whereas other destinations are starting to see some declines,” he said.

Last week, CBMR reported that it had received over 300 inches of snow so far for the season — and only the fifth time since the resort started recording totals in 1989. But heavy snow totals can be a mixed bag for winter travelers, Sandstrom said.

Right ahead of spring break, one of busiest weeks of the ski season, the arrival of another large snowstorm meant numerous flight cancellations and poor road conditions — making it harder for visitors to travel to the valley. This is paired with inflation and larger shifts in the economy, he said.

“Leisure and destination travel is usually one of the first things people cut out of their budget when they have to pinch pennies,” Sandstrom said.

Spring flight schedule begins at GUC

The airport began its transition to a spring schedule last week. Service to Denver will be reduced to one flight daily through April and May.

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

American Airlines will fly to Dallas-Fort Worth for

one more week.

Air service will ramp up again at the beginning of June with two flights daily from Denver and two flights a week from Houston. JetSuiteX or “JSX” is expected to fly four times a week from Dallas Love Field. The airport recently opened up a new market by offering services with the boutique air carrier. In August, RTA consultants reported that the summer trial program had been overly successful and pushed for nonstop fl ights between Gunnison and Austin this winter. The RTA board offered $180,000 for JSX to service nonstop fl ights from Gunnison to Austin, on top of flights to and from Dallas.

While JSX was “absolutely thrilled” with how Gunnison performed last summer, it was disappointed with how this winter turned out, Tomcich said. He expects Dallas to end the winter season with a 60% load factor, which is the percentage of seats the air carrier has been able to sell on its flights. Austin sat at approximately 45%.

“We're definitely gonna have some difficult conversations with them when it comes to renewing for next winter, but those conversations are already underway,” Tomcich said.

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

from A3

Travelers kill time while waiting for a delayed flight at the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport on Tuesday, March 28.

Jacob Spetzler

A community member reviews a map at the public open house at the Gunnison County Library on Tuesday, March 21.

Abby Harrison

Colorado to receive 100% of its electricity from renewable sources — reaching a goal outlined in the sustainability plan council adopted in 2022.

The “Green Energy Program” is offered by the city’s power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) — an electricity cooperative that provides energy to municipalities across four states including Colorado. By signing on to the program, the city calls for an increase in the amount of renewables — wind, landfill gas, solar and hydropower — sold to the city each year to meet Gunnison’s 100% carbon-free goal.

Following a public hearing during a regular meeting on March 28, city council also approved a 3% rate increase on electricity in the city. Of the total increase, approximately half will cover the cost to receive carbon-free energy from the city’s power supplier, The remaining 1.4% will offset significant material cost increases such as transformers, poles and wire, according to Public Works Department staff. The rate increase will go into effect on the May 10 billing cycle.

The city’s 2023 budget included a projected rate increase of 5%, but after some adjustments with MEAN, staff were able to reduce the percentage, said Finance Director and Interim City Manager Ben Cowan.

According to staff, the Public Works Department has been working with MEAN for almost five years to achieve the goal of 100% renewable energy. It is an opportunity that might not be readily available again, as the demand for renewable energy sources rises, said Electric Superintendent Will Dowis.

Roughly half of MEAN’s existing electricity portfolio is produced by renewables, while the rest is produced by coal and natural gas. The city’s entry into the new green program would allocate a portion of MEAN’s limited pool of carbon-free sources for Gunnison.

The city’s recently adopted sustainability plan states that by 2024, Gunnison hopes to purchase 100% carbon-free electricity from MEAN, supplying residents and businesses with energy that does not use fossil fuels and is non-carbon emitting. In 2021, 57% of Gunnison’s energy was sourced from renewables. The percentage had dropped from 78% the year prior when the city lost wind and some of its hydropower allocation due to low flows along the Colorado River.

Because signing on for green power accounts for approximately half the rate increase, Council member Mallory Logan said it feels like a disincentive to buy into green programming. She said she felt a little hesitation about signing onto the Green Energy Program, even though it’s something Gunnison has been working toward for a long time.

“How green is it?” Logan asked “How renewable is it? How much of an impact is it

really [having] in the climate of sustainability? Are we just charging this extra 1% as a feather in our hats?”

The climate of the economy has changed drastically in the last couple of years, she continued.

“I'd be more gung ho about it if MEAN was saying nobody wants this power except Gunnison … But I don't think that's the case right now,” Logan said.

According to Public Works Director David Gardner, a large demand exists for renewables. As cities like Gunnison get in line for it, it gives MEAN the incentive to try and meet that demand, he said.

“There’s many towns behind us that will sweep this up if we don’t take it,” Gardner said.

Given the rate of building new solar and wind farms, declining the program would move Gunnison to the “bottom of the list,” said councilor Jim Gelwicks. Gunnison fell behind Glenwood Springs, which transitioned to 100% renewables in 2019.

“You're probably saying that you're not going to be 100% renewable for a decade,” Gelwicks said. “That's just the reality of the cost of building it and getting it done. It's limited.”

Despite the rate increase, Gunnison’s residential rate was the fourth lowest in Colorado among the 46 utilities that participated in a statewide survey in 2022. Cowan estimated that the rate increase will cost customers on average an extra $2 per month.

Buying into wind and solar are long-term investments, Cowan said. Although it wouldn’t have an immediate impact on MEAN if Gunnison weren’t to participate, municipalities’ push for more renewables puts pressure on the co-op to pursue green contracts, rather than coal.

“If everyone didn't participate, then over time those resources would not be invested in,” Cowan said.

A new cost for vacant property

After months of discussion, city council also unanimously passed an “availability of service” or vacant property fee — a new fee for properties that are tapped into, but not actively using, the city’s water, electric and sewer utilities.

The development of the ordinance stemmed from the council’s desire to find a way to manage abandoned properties within city limits while pressuring owners to renovate, occupy or sell the property.

The fee will apply to unoccupied homes or structures with existing service lines, as well as empty short-term rentals. The cost of having access to all city utilities would amount to approximately $113 per month, but would vary depending on the services available to the property. The fee will not go into effect until Sept. 1. Cowan estimated that the fee would only impact approximately 30 to 35 customers.

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

continued from A7

a sense of community.

If you wish to receive updates about these coming processes, please sign up to receive newsletters on the project website at whetstonehousing.weebly. com/. We hope you will continue to be deeply engaged in making Whetstone a great neighborhood.

Please reach out to Marine at marine@trestlestrategy.com if

you have any feedback. Thank you so much for your engagement and support.

John Cattles, Gunnison County

Willa Williford, Williford LLC

jv Desousa, DeSousa Architecture

Danica Powell, Marine Siohan, Trestle Strategy Group

HCCA staff travel to DC to protect old-growth forests

The vast majority of High Country Conservation Advocates’ (HCCA) work takes place in and around the Gunnison Country and Colorado’s Western Slope. But occasionally, the organization is able to travel to the U.S. Capital to advocate for public lands conservation. On March 13, HCCA’s Public Lands Director Matt Reed joined forest protection advocates from across the country to meet with elected officials and agency staff in support of protecting mature and old-growth forests on federal public lands — including those in Gunnison County.

Country Meadows gets chance at mediation

Residents advocate for policy change at state capitol

Bella Biondini Times Editor

Two Country Meadows residents joined a crowd of more than 300 to speak up for their rights during the 17th Annual Latino Advocacy Day (LAD) summit March 18-20 at the Colorado Capitol in Denver. With support from the Hispanic Affairs Project, Rolando Fernandez and Gregorio Luna attended the event to urge Colorado lawmakers to support legislation that would repeal the prohibition on local residential rent control and protect water quality at mobile home parks throughout the state — two issues that have continuously impacted the quality of life within Gunnison’s mobile home community.

Fernandez and Luna represented the County Meadows homeowners’ association, Organización de Nuevas Esperanzas (ONE) board, which has continued to educate residents about their rights since the park, located just north of Gunnison, went up for sale in 2021. The new owner, Ski Town Village, LLC, tried to raise rents by 70%, but ONE fi led a request for a temporary restraining order in July to block the rent increase and a complaint for failure to maintain the property and alleviate a lack of running water.

The board won a preliminary injunction, resulting in the temporary suspension of the rent increase, as well as late fees. Th e trial is scheduled for this summer, but ONE is preparing for mediation, which will take place in Denver on April 12. According to County Meadow’s attorney William Edwards, the mediation is a chance for Ski Town Village and the residents to reach a settlement before going to trial.

The problems the mobile home park was experiencing before the lawsuit began are still ongoing. As the snow begins to melt, the runoff is turning the road, which is already filled with large potholes, into mud. Portions of the park also suffered from water outages without communication from the owner.

“We're just continuing to do what we're doing — trying to move forward and be positive about as much as we can be,” said Elizabeth McGee, vice president of ONE.

‘Th e same kind of struggles’ Fernandez, secretary of the ONE board, has lived at Country Meadows for a decade. He said the summit was a way for the community to face its state representatives and ask for help.

“We found people with the same kind of struggles, not really like this, but close,” Fernandez said. “This is a great opportunity to let the people here know to please call your representatives and let them know we are trying to get those bills passed. They need to support us.”

Lawmakers in attendance included Colorado Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, Gov. Jared Polis, as well as numerous representatives from around the state. LAD participants urged their support for House Bill 1115, which would repeal existing provisions that prohibit local governments from enacting rent control on a private residential property. This kind of bill would have prevented the drastic rent increase Country Meadows residents are fighting.

The participants also pushed for a better way to protect water quality at mobile home parks. According to Voces Unidas de las Montañas, one of the organizations present at the summit, residents across the state have voiced concerns over their water quality. In some communities, issues such as foul taste, odor and color have gone unsolved for years.

The bill being drafted would authorize the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment to develop a water testing program for the state’s mobile home parks. It would also make the test results available to the public in multiple languages and require remediation for all drinking water below federal standards.

“I’ve been fortunate to participate in LAD Denver since its inception, and I’ve witnessed its impact as more and more of our community sees a place for themselves, their families, and their voice in politics,” said Alex Sánchez, President and CEO of Voces Unidas de las Montañas in a blog post on the organization’s website. The Latino-led nonprofit is based in the central mountains of Colorado.

“Through organizing, increased awareness, and involvement in the process, we have shifted the narrative to a point where Latinos have become leaders in civic engagement and integral participants in the decisions that impact our state,” he said.

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

High

John 3:16

Brady & Katie Harper (970) 596-8350 office@deercreekblinds.com

26 Meadowlark Trail $995,000 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 1 unit 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.

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.

970.641.4880 129

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

AND PROUDLY SERVING CRESTED BUTTE, GUNNISON, AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

School District seeks new strategic plan

READY FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP? YOU’RE INVITED!

JOIN US FOR A FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER’S CLASS!

If you are interested in new property offerings and loans available for First Time Home Buyers, attend our FREE Homebuyers Class! We will discuss how you start, qualify for and the loan programs available. Snacks will be provided.

There will be two sessions located at the new Gunnison Library in the conference rooms on:

Tuesday, April 4 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 8 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Please RSVP to Andi Alexander at Community Banks of Colorado at 970.708.2505 or aalexander@cobnks.com

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH PATIENT & FAMILY

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Gunnison Valley Health is seeking community members to join its Patient and Family Advisory Council. The group serves in an advisory capacity for the health system, providing ongoing feedback to support the continual improvement of patient safety, quality of care and patient experience across the health system.

To be eligible to apply for council membership, you need to have been a patient at Gunnison Valley Health or have a family member who was a patient at Gunnison Valley Health; commit to participation in council meetings which occur every other month over the lunch hour; and commit to a one-year term on the council.

TO APPLY, VISIT WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH ORG/PFAC

Board weighs potential partnership with Colorado Education Initiative

Bella Biondini Times Editor

With school board elections approaching and a bond recently passed, the Gunnison Watershed School District is hopeful to have a new strategic plan in place to guide its faculty and students into the future.

The school board is considering whether to enlist the help of the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI), a nonprofit that promotes improvement and equity in K-12 education, to create the plan — a process that is expected to take approximately six months. During a work session on March 27, the board received an overview of the time and resources needed for the project that would help the district meet some of its longterm goals.

No final decisions were made on Monday evening. With a busy year ahead, board members did not agree on the proposed timeline of drafting a strategic plan, but all agreed it was needed. The board plans to have further discussion at its upcoming public meeting on April 10, with input from the community.

CEI has worked with schools across Colorado, from Grand Junction and Alamosa to Steamboat Springs. The total cost of hiring the organization as a facilitator is approximately $35,000 for the semester-long project — which will be all hands on deck.

Following the board’s approval, CEI will organize groups of teachers, students and parents to do intensive work in a “committee setting,” said Paul Beck, the director of implementation and partnership at CEI. A team of educational experts such as principals and district leaders will work alongside the committee, while the school board would be responsible for finalizing and approving the plan.

According Beck, community context is also crucial to the planning process. The team would work closely with the local community to understand the “state of the district” as well as the needs of its students.

“While the school district is obviously the owner of the plan, what we find is that opening up an opportunity for the whole community to be involved in the success of the school district is really key to not only the ownership in the community of it, but also the eventual success and understanding of that plan,” Beck said.

Time is also spent building a “graduate profile,” which outlines the skills a school district hopes each student graduates with — from mastered academics to what the community thinks students need to be successful, no matter where they are headed, he said.

One of the goals found within Steamboat Springs’ graduate profile was to “prepare for a powder day.” Through community listening sessions, the CEI team heard that perseverance, resilience and critical thinking were some of the necessary skills they wanted students to have upon graduation.

“They said, ‘What is it in our community? What does it really look like?’ … They said, ‘It's like ready for anything, ready to get out there in the world, take risks, try things and fail and

Danielle Treadway teaches a second grade class about reading comprehension at the Gunnison Community School on March 28.

Jacob Spetzler

Sponsored by: Community Banks of Colorado, Gunnison Real Estate, GVRHA, Lazy K Development and City of Gunnison.

grow from those things. They said, ‘For us, that means being ready for a powder day,’” Beck said.

In 2022, the Colorado Department of Education released its annual report cards that display how school districts and their students are performing for the first time since the arrival of COVID. Some of the challenges Gunnison Valley schools hope to overcome are finding ways to raise the academic achievement of its student body, addressing low student testing participation rates and the need for professional development opportunities for staff — all problems the board could begin tackling with help from a strategic plan.

Board member Anne Brookhart asked about the success rate of the strategic plans CEI has developed in the past. Although he didn’t have an exact percentage, Beck said the organization can also be available to help with the implementation side of strategic plans — meeting with districts monthly to talk about what progress has been made and reporting back to the community.

“We find great success in that

because we're right by their side, helping them keep the plan front and center in their work,” Beck said.

If the school board agrees to partner with CEI, Beck said he would not be able to kick off the planning process until the summer months with a final plan expected by December. The school district will welcome two new principals at the start of the 2023-24 school year and hold a school board election with the possibility of three open seats.

Treasurer Dave Taylor said he wasn’t sure drafting a new strategic plan right before the arrival of a new board made sense.

“My concern is if the potential old guard is developing a strategic plan for a new board, it doesn't feel right,” Taylor said.

Beck said the district he worked with in Grand Junction faced a similar problem. CEI worked with the new board to make small adjustments as the planning process neared completion. But because it was community-driven, it resonated with the new members, who were the ones who adopted the final plan, he said.

Although Superintendent Leslie Nichols saw benefits to waiting on the plan as well as jumping right into the project, it could be a solid structure the incoming board could use to understand what the community wants to see in its school system.

“The bond was very narrowly passed,” Nichols said. “A lot of people woke up the day after the election and said, ‘Gosh, I didn't want that to happen.’ Really hearing, inviting, recruiting and engaging those voices to be part of this as much as we can could be a real way to build trust with a community that had such a split vote.”

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

Katie Tilton reads a book with her second grade class on March 28.

Students play soccer during recess.

Jacob Spetzler

Really hearing, inviting, recruiting and engaging those voices to be part of this as much as we can could be a real way to build trust with a community that had such a split vote.

Leslie Nichols Superintendent

Farmers (and poets) only

On Saturday, March 25, the Gunnison Arts Center hosted a community farm and garden poetry slam event with proceeds going to the Gunnison Valley Producers’ Guild. The best-dressed farmer won a prize. Thrid place was claimed by Jason Amrich, while first was shared by Anna Coburn and Sue Wyman.

Alexis Taylor

Local shed antler restriction continues until mid-May

The collection of shed antlers on all public lands west of Interstate 25 in Colorado is prohibited from Jan. 1 through April 30. This restriction is in place to help protect wintering big-game animals and sage grouse from human disturbance during the critical winter and early spring months.

Colorado’s cervids (members of the deer family) drop or cast their antlers at different times in the winter. When that happens is variable based on the age and condition of the animal, as well as winter severity. Deer in Colorado are known to shed their antlers from mid-January through March. Elk may start in February, running through April, and moose typically drop their palmate antlers November through January.

“There continues to be a lot of discussion and debate about the impacts of shed antler hunting across the West,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Gunnison Area Wildlife Manager Brandon Diamond. “Comparing shed antler hunting to other forms of recreation isn’t necessarily an apples to apples comparison. Shed hunters specifically target our best winter-range habitats where animals are or have been, and the activity is more popular than ever, leading to an increasingly competitive environment. As conservationminded, big-game enthusiasts, it’s one place where we can collectively minimize potential impacts to wintering wildlife.”

Though spring is soon to arrive and warmer temperatures are ahead, winter-depleted wildlife remain in basic survival mode during this time

when food is scarce and before the nutritional quality of forage improves later in spring. After already getting through the brunt of deep winter, these animals need every last calorie to survive the final push to spring green-up.

In addition to the statewide restrictions in place since 2018, additional special regulations are also in place for the Gunnison Basin. In Game Management Units 54, 55, 66, 67 and 551, it is illegal to search for or possess antlers and horns on public lands between legal sunset and 10 a.m. from May 1 through May 15.

“These regulations will be most effective, and have the greatest positive impact on our wintering wildlife, when we work together within our communities to monitor and enforce them,” Diamond said. “Don’t tolerate the behavior of those that would cheat. Let’s make sure we are all doing what’s best for wildlife and help give them a break during their toughest time of year.”

Violators of these regulations may face a $137 fine and five license suspension points per violation, in addition to separate fines and points for the illegal possession of each shed antler collected outside of the established season.

CPW encourages people with information about illegal shed collection to call their local CPW office or the Operation Game Thief hotline at 877.265.6648. Tips may earn monetary rewards, and individuals who call may remain anonymous.

(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)

LAZY K LOTTERY

OPEN HOUSES ON OURAY LANE

Saturday, April 1st 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Thursday, April 6th 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Six units available

Four priced at $268,271 and two at $425,000 Mix of two-three bedrooms and all with one car garage

Applications due to GVRHA on April 27th Lottery on the evening on May 4th.

Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals 129 E. Tomichi Ave, Gunnison 970.641.4880

Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority 202 E. Georgia Ave, Gunnison 970.641.7900

HOLYWEEK& EASTERWORSHIPTIMES

PalmSunday,April2nd

10:45AMProcession&HolyEucharist

AllSaintsintheMountains,CrestedButte

County enters legal status with state oil and gas commission for sensitive habitat maps

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

JoinusforHoly Weekservices.

SpyWednesday,April5th

7:00PMLentenTaizeService

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

MaundyThursday,April6th

6:30PMFootwashing&HolyEucharist

8:00PM-Dawn-Watchwithme"Vigil

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

GoodFriday,April7th

1:00PMVenerationoftheCross&Communion

AllSaintsintheMountains,CrestedButte

6:30PMVenerationoftheCross&Communion

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

EasterSunday,April9th

9:00AMFestiveHolyEucharist

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

Last week, Gunnison County Commissioners doubled down on their stated interest to protect the Gunnison sage-grouse. Commissioners requested, and later received, party status with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, a legal designation that gives commissioners more input as the state considers proposed rules around High Priority Habitat (HPH) maps. These maps identify areas where land development should minimize impacts on wildlife resources. The Commission is considering updated HPH maps that reflect current known distributions of wildlife. The 2023 maps, if accepted by the Commission, will add over half a million acres to high-priority habitat around the state. This year, changes in the Gunnison Basin were minimal, said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southwest Energy Liaison Brian Magee, but there was some acreage added to Gunnison sage-grouse leks and associated production areas.

The Gunnison Basin contains nearly 87% of the world’s remaining Gunnison sagegrouse population. With less than 3,500 individuals left — and a complicated fabric of environmental issues like drought and fire threatening habitat — protecting the bird is more pressing than ever.

HPH maps help protect sage grouse, raptor species and other wildlife from losing breeding and habitat ground, as they lay out several categories of development restrictions, like limiting surface development: roads, well pads and more. These types of regulations matter, as over 5,000 wells have been

drilled in sensitive wildlife habitat since 2009, according to CPW data.

Oil and gas development poses no immediate threat to sage grouse in the Gunnison Basin, said County Commissioner Jonathan Houck, but leasing in satellite populations in Dry Creek Basin and Dove Creek could have a “connected impact” on the county.

Party status gives the county the opportunity to receive all filings in the rule making and submit written comments and participate in rulemaking hearings, with the chance to argue in favor of or opposed to any particular rule. This step is important for two reasons, Houck said.

“One, when it comes to issues around Gunnison sagegrouse, Gunnison County, with the other counties involved, are considered a leader in conservation efforts,” he said. “[Second], oil and gas leasing in these satellite populations could have a connected impact in Gunnison County, so it’s important for us to at least seek this party status and have the ability when — and if — necessary to comment on these rules as they're being developed … It’s a legal way of saying we have a dog in the fight”

The rule-makings are the result of a 2018 piece of legislation that effectively overhauled the function of the Commission.

Senate Bill 181 changed the mission of the COGCC from one that “fostered” oil and gas development to one that “regulated” it to protect public health, safety, the environment and wildlife resources. Already, rules mandate that drilling must avoid the state’s most critical habitats through preparation of an alternative location analysis and consultations with CPW.

Although CPW has no regulatory authority over energy development on public lands, staff can provide input and recommendations to regulators as rules are updated. But these rule makings are not the first time oil and gas regulators have considered wildlife.

The Commission has been collaborating with CPW on wildlife conservation since 2009, under

on A23

Experiencethe passion,death,and resurrectionof Jesus Throughsong, prayer,action& reflection.

ThePartnershipoftheEpiscopalChurchinGunnisonValley

Courtesy Mike Danzenbaker/ Colorado Parks and Wildlife

A Gunnison sage-grouse.

Lights & Sirens

CITY

OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT

MARCH 20

ABANDONED VEHICLE —

100 E. SPENCER AVE.

ALARM — 102 S. MAIN ST.

FRAUD — N. MAIN ST.

MARCH 21

FRAUD — N. MAIN ST.

WELFARE ASSIST —

W. TOMICHI AVE.

MARCH 22

FRAUD - INFORMATION / WIRE —

N. MAIN ST.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE

- MUNICIPAL — 404 W. RIO

GRANDE AVE.

THEFT: INTENDS TO

PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE —

508 S. 12TH ST.

MARCH 23

TRAFFIC - DUS HABITUAL

TRAFFIC OFFENDER —

37760 W. HWY. 50

MARCH 24

WELFARE ASSIST — N.

BOULEVARD ST.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - DAMAGE

TO PROPERTY — 511 TAYLOR ST.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF —

300 E. TOMICHI AVE.

PROPERTY WATCH

WELFARE ASSIST — S. 2ND ST.

MARCH 25

JUVENILE PROBLEM —

N. COLORADO ST.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE —

W. TOMICHI AVE.

ACCIDENT - HIT & RUN —

880 N. MAIN ST.

DISTURBING THE PEACE —

201 N. LOVELAND ST.

ALCOHOL VIOLATION

- UNDERAGE POSS/ CONSUMPTION —

ESCALANTE DR.

MARCH 26

WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER

JURISDICTION —

720 N. COLORADO ST.

VIOLATION OF PROTECTION

ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER —

E. RUBY AVE.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE -

MUNICIPAL — N. 11TH ST.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE —

W. NEW YORK AVE.

INFORMATION — N. TAYLOR ST.

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

MARCH 21

Deputies:

- responded to a welfare check and had Emergency Medical Services respond to transport one patient needing medical attention

- contacted a motorist on a welfare check

MARCH 22

Deputies:

- took a suspicious person report

- responded to a family dispute

- assisted Emergencies Medical Services with a medical call

- took a report of a disagreement concerning tenant and landlord issues

- took a criminal mischief / damaged property report

- attempted to assist a motorist

whose vehicle quit working

- contacted a stranded person whose was able to arrange a ride home

MARCH 23

Deputies:

- helped arrange a residential property return

- responded to the courthouse and arrested a person with five outstanding warrants

- responded to a private car seller and buyer disagreement

- responded to the courthouse for a possible issue with a person in court

- contacted the owner of a dog with ongoing barking issues

- issued a citation for driving when license is revoked

MARCH 24

Deputies:

- assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a vehicle on the side of the highway with front end damage

- assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a car versus a deer west of town

- deputies took a complaint regarding road debris being moved

- took a lost property reportwallet

- made a warrant arrest

- took a found property reportsnowshoes

- assisted the Gunnison Police Department with a reckless endangerment call where someone was shooting a bb gun at a vehicle

- did a welfare check on a vehicle parked a few days at Hartman Rocks

- took a possible missing juveniles report- both parties were located safe

MARCH 25

Deputies:

- arrested one person for driving under the influence and violation of protection orders x 2

MARCH 26

Deputies:

- responded for a loud noise complaint

- assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a car versus deer accident east of town

- assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a car versus deer accident east of town

- responded to a burglar alarm, the alarm company verified it was a false alarm

- assisted the Colorado State Patrol with another car versus deer east of town

- found and returned a dog who had tags that had its owner’s information on them

-responded for a welfare check on a person whose family members could not get in contact with

- assisted the Salida Police Department with a cold assault

MARCH 27

Deputies:

- took a theft report

- assisted a person trying to catch a dog at large and returned the dog to the owner

- Information tow assist

- took a harassment report

WHERE

April

Holy Week Mass Schedule for

Mass

Queen of All Saints – 5:30pm Mass

April 6th Holy Thursday

Queen of All Saints – 5:30pm Holy Thursday (Last Supper)

St. Peter - 7:30pm Holy Thursday (Last Supper) (Bilingual)

April 7th Good Friday

St. Rose of Lima — 5:00 p.m. (Stations)

Queen of All Saints – 5:00 pm - Holy

Friday (Passion of the Lord)

St. Peter - 7:30pm Holy Friday (Passion of the Lord) (Bilingual)

April 8th Easter Vigil

St. Peter – 3:00pm Blessing of the Baskets

St. Peter - 8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass (Bilingual)

April 9th Easter Sunday

St. Peter - 6:30am Easter Sunday Sunrise Mass

Queen of All Saints – 8:30am Easter Sunday Mass

St. Peter - 10:30am Easter Sunday Mass

St. Peter - 12:00noon Easter Sunday (Spanish Mass)

St. Rose of Lima - 3:30pm Easter Sunday Mass

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT

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.

DOS RIOS GRILL AND BAR está contratando cocineros de línea a tiempo completo y parcial AM y PM. Envie mensaje de texto al 979-530-3801 para programar un horario para hablar.

GUNNISON FAMILY DENTISTRY is seeking a registered dental hygienist. Our practice is dedicated to quality patient care and we promote an environment of fun and professionalism for our patients and team. The ideal candidate would approach their duties with enthusiasm, kindness, and the confidence that comes with being a strong clinician. We are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. no weekends. This position is 3-4 days per week. We offer competitive pay and a benefits package, including:

Health Insurance

Dental discount

Retirement account

Paid time off

We require our hygienists to have an active RDH license, a current CPR certification, laser certification, and the ability to

administer local anesthesia. Any other skills we require will be taught in-office. If you’d like to join our dynamic practice, please send along your cover letter and resume to gunnisondds@gmail.com.

GUNNISON CEMETERY DISTRICT is now accepting applications for assistant cemeterian. This person will assist the cemeterian with grounds maintenance, which includes lawn mowing, trimming, burials, etc. and maintaining equipment and tools. The position is 40 hour/week with some weekend hours from April 1- Nov.1. Starting wage will be $18.50 an hour. Valid Colorado Driver’s License is required. Position will remain open until filled. For more information and to apply contact Colorado Workforce at 970-641-0031 at 109 E. Georgia or email cdle_gunnison_wfc@state.co.us.

GARDENER: Housing Available. Need housing in CB? Join the Town of Crested Butte gardening crew and live in the heart of town at the beautiful Ruby communal housing residence. Spend your summer on Elk Ave. and among the Town’s beautiful garden beds. A flexible work schedule is available May through Sept. Experience with planting and maintenance of flowers, trees and shrubs is preferred but not required. Candidates must be able to work outdoors and lift 50100 lbs. and possess a valid driver’s license. Full job description and application available online at townofcrestedbutte.com click on “Careers”. Pay $20-21/hr. DOQ. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.

MAIL CENTER MANAGER: Western Colorado University invites applications for he full-time position of mail center manager. The position reports to the Associate Vice President of Campus Operations and Construction.

Responsibilities: The Mail Center Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth and orderly flow of mail during the processing and delivery of all incoming and outgoing mail for Western Colorado University. The Mail Center processes mail 5 days a week

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

Fairgrounds Manager Fairgrounds: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,238 to $6,537 plus full benefits.

Data Analyst I Assessor: 30 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $3,330 to $3,791.25 plus full benefits.

Title Administrator I Assessor: 30 hours/week, monthly salary range from $2,688.75 to $3,060.75 plus full benefits.

Parents As Teachers (PAT) –Reflective Supervisor Juvenile Services: 19 hours/week flexible scheduling required, hourly rate range from $30.22 to $42.74.

Caseworker I – Education

Juvenile Services: 30 hours/week with varied hours during the academic year and summer, hourly rate range from $28.78 to $40.71 plus full benefits.

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,989 to $7,057 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. For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.

year round for Western Colorado University. Mail includes all US Postal, Federal Express, United Parcel, UPS, along with all inter-office letters and packages.

The Mail Center Manger is responsible for the creation and implementation of policies and procedures to facilitate a smooth running mail service for all of campus. The manager is responsible for ensuring outgoing mail is in compliance with USPS regulations and maintains a secure environment for processing and storage of all mail and packages. This includes recording, tracking of all accountable mail and preparing all bulk mail packages for university departments. This position is responsible for supervision, hiring, training, daily work assignments, safety and preparing work schedules for the Mail Center work study students.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Computing skills, including Windows, Word, Excel, E-mail, Workday and Internet browsers. Ability to plan and evaluate. Excellent Communication, and leadership skills required.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior work experience in mail services a plus, communications and higher education work environment experience preferred.

Compensation: $47,000 – $50,000 annual base salary depending on qualifications. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Application Procedure: Apply online at Western.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include letter of application addressed to Sherry Ford, AVP of Campus Operations and Construction, resume, transcripts and contact information for three references. Contact the AVP of Campus Operations and Construction with position questions at sford@western.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a successful candidate is hired.

Note: If a degree is required, official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire; copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and

our DEI Committee charge.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community.

K-12 students are served by the awardwinning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults and continued personal growth and learning opportunities.

At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping all within minutes of the campus

Visit western.edu to learn more about the university.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

IRWIN BACK COUNTRY GUIDES LLC is seeking a full-time, year-round Global Human Resources Administrator. This position will manage and maintain on-boarding, offboarding, payroll, benefits, HRIS processing, and perform additional administrative tasks for multiple global entities while embodying company values and holding strong ethical standards. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to handle high-pressure demands and competing priorities, and 1-2 years of professional experience in global payroll/benefits and/or broad HR management experience. The starting salary is $50,000-$65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualification, and includes full benefits. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/ careers/.

SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for laborers in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience required not required, but preferred. Must be able to assist laborer performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $22/hr or higher depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to: office@spalloneconstruction.com.

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

Journeyman & Residential Wireman for projects in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen. Top pay & Benefits. Send resumes to info@ec-electric.com or call 970-641-0195

www.ec-electric.com/careers

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

is seeking applicants for the following State of Colorado Classified positions.

Western’s benefit package includes Colorado PERA retirement, low-cost insurance plans (with generous employer contributions to medical/dental/vision), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.

All classified employees receive basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage at no cost.

Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for FREE.

Human Resources Assistant/ Administrative Assistant II (part-time): This is a benefitted, part-time position (average 20 hours/week) in the Office of Human Resources. Flexible work schedule negotiable. Responsibilities include administrative and clerical support to HR staff, departmental purchasing, record maintenance, information request processing, data tracking, report preparation and office receptionist duties (for visitors, phone, mail, email).

Security I (full-time): This benefitted position is scheduled for night shifts (8 p.m.-6 a.m.) and is paid an additional 14% per hour on weeknights and 20% more per hour on weekends. Responsibilities include patrolling campus, responding to violations and safety hazards, documenting incidents, conducting crowd/traffic control during campus events, working with local law enforcement to respond to criminal activity (as needed).

Colorado

only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net

Administrative Assistant III (fulltime): This benefitted position is located in the Office of Academic Affairs. Responsibilities include clerical office support, receptionist duties, purchasing, travel and event planning, and student worker hiring/supervision. This position provides training and guidance to administrative assistants in various academic departments on campus.

To view the full job announcement(s) and apply, visit western.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/western. AA/EOE

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net

Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. 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!”

Intermediate Classroom Teacher -3rd and 4th grade (1 year only) CBES

Primary Classroom Teacher -Kindergarten and 2nd grade (1 year only) CBES

GES ELL Teacher

Secondary Music Teacher-CBSS

Secondary Art Teacher-CBSS .5 SPED/.5 RtI and InterventionCBES

Counselor-CBES

Counselor-GES-(1 year only)

Elementary Teacher-GES

English Language Arts TeacherCBSS

Newcomer Teacher and Integration Specialist

Building Manager-CBCS

Assistant Building Manager-CBCS

Lead Custodian-Lake School

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

GHS-Speech and Debate

Please contact:

Superintendent’s Office

JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH

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

experience.

Water System Operator III placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class B Water Certification, Colorado Class

2 Distribution Certification, and a minimum of 2+ years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Water System Operator II placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class C Water Certification, Colorado Class

4 DAY WORK WEEK M-TH

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

Home Health, C.N.A.FT $18.00 - $23.40/hr. DOE

Unit Coordinator, Emergency DepartmentFT $19.10 - $22.91/hr. DOE

HousekeeperFT $17.00 – $19.40/hr. DOE

Medical Assistant (non-certified)FT $18.17 - $21.81/hr. DOE

Benefits Eligibility: Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA, and dependent care FSA: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following date of hire. PRN staff are not initially eligible for benefits, and GVH follows all Affordable Health Care Act Eligibility guidelines. Please visit our website for more indepth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online gunnisonvalleyhealth. org/careers/, 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.

AUTOMOTIVE MASTER TECHNICIAN. If you are curious about how your current job compares to Precision Automotive? EMAIL your resume to precisionauto4040@hotmail.com, call or text Steve at 970-596-9999 ALL INQUIRIES ARE STRICKLY CONFIDENTIAL! Benefits include: PAID VACATION, PAID HOLIDAYS, MEDICAL, DENTAL, MATCHING IRA.

AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICE

Do you love cars? Get your start in the well paid and exciting world of Automotive Repair that could turn into your life passion. Work along side your mentor a Master Certified Technician while completing online modules such as: Electrical, Engine mechanical, Transmission, Drive train, Suspension & Steering, Heating & A/C, Engine Performance and Brakes.

CAR WASH/DETAILER/SHOP MAINTENANCE. Call or text 970-596-9999 for interview. PRECISIONAUTO.NET

remote assistance with the Floki Studios and the Record Label, The Eleven Record club and more. The role will include managing show day artist management, media storage, talent booking, contract negotiations, social media content, website maintenance, accounting tasks, managing album advances, marketing budgets and liaising with distributors and publicists. Strong organizational skills experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud are required. The salary range is between $45,000-$55,000. Please submit resume to jobs@elevenexperience.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.

LOOKING TO GET ROOTED THIS

SUMMER? Connect with nature, planting and caring for perennial gardens throughout the valley. Laborer/Gardener positions available May 1-Oct. 31. Experience preferred but will train. Small company, good wages. Horizonfinegardens@gmail.com or 970-275-1020.

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR I – IV(LEAD):

The Town of Crested Butte Water Division is seeking a dedicated and customer service orientated individual for the full-time position of Water System Operator I – IV (LEAD).

*Entry Level applicants are encouraged to apply. Sponsorship for licensing and certification through CDPHE will be provided by the Town of Crested Butte.

Placement in the Water System Operator position is based on organizational needs and candidate qualifications. (See general placement information).

Water System Operator IV (LEAD) placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class B Water Certification, Colorado Class

2 Distribution Certification, current backflow prevention certification and a minimum of 3+ years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and

CLUES ACROSS

1. Millisecond

5. Narcotic drug

11. Accident

14. Formal submissions

15. Popular 70s rock band

18. Discourage from doing

19. More socially elite

21. Arid

23. A way to look

24. Heroes

28. A surfer rides it

29. Potato state

30. Insect repellent

32. Cool!

33. Have already done 35. Collegiate women’s fraternity 36. To the __ degree

1 Distribution Certification, and a minimum of 1+ years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience. Water System Operator I placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class D Water Certification, Colorado Class 1 Distribution Certification, and a minimum of 6 months to 1 year of related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary Water System Operator I – $50,529.96$61,146.98 ($24.29 - $29.40) Water System Operator II - $50,957.64$61,885.54 ($24.50 - $29.75) Water System Operator III - $55,297.08$67,653.82 ($26.58 - $32.52) Water System Operator IV (LEAD)$67,088.52 – $80,319.38 ($32.25 - $38.61)

Enjoy Industry Leading Benefits Liberal paid vacation starting at time of hire, paid sick leave, 13 paid holidays per year.

100% medical, dental, vision, employer paid premiums for employee, and dependents.

Employer paid Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to offset medical, dental, and

39. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 41. Blood type 42. Looked over 44. Language of Cameroon and Chad 46. Species of armadillo 47. Touch softly 49. Part of your upper body 52. Large, stocky lizards 56. Lack of social or ethical standards 58. Congressman

CLUES DOWN

1. Woman (French)

2. Province of Pakistan

3. This (Spanish)

4. Transportation device

5. Greater in importance or priority

6. The human foot

7. Within

8. Consumed

9. Respectful Malaysian term

10. Therefore

12. Ceased to exist

13. Type of macaroni

16. English composer

17. Wooded tract

20. Tall, slenderleaved plant

22. 36 inches

25. Take too much

vision out of pocket costs. Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability, and on-call premium pay. Competitive employer matching contributions to 401(a) retirement plans, in addition to individual 457b retirement plan. Full job description is available on the Town’s website townofcrestedbutte.com. Please email application to jobs@crestedbutte-co. gov or mail to the Town of Crested Butte, Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 39, Crested Butte, CO 81224. Position open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AA/EOE.

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).

(abbr.)

26. Allow

27. Individually

29. Journalist Tarbell

31. Bar bill

34. Hong Kong food stall:__ pai dong

36. Not messy

37. Species that includes reedmace

ELEVEN EXPERIENCE is seeking licensed massage therapists for our Colorado properties. Qualified applicants will possess current Colorado licensure and relevant experience to provide high-end massage and body treatments; yoga teacher certification is a plus. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, pays attention to detail, the ability to uphold a premium standard of service and guest interaction, and assists in promoting a supportive and cooperative team environment. This is a seasonal position for Summer 2023, starts May 15th, and is based in the Gunnison ValleyPlease submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@ elevenexperience.com.

CRESTED BUTTE DENTAL is looking for an organized person to join our team as a sterile tech. No experience necessary, we are happy to train the right person. Position will be M-F with a minimum of 30 hours per week starting mid-May through summer, with the possibility of continuing on as a team member. Pay starting at $20/hr. Please submit cover letter and resume to amy@crestedbuttedentist.com.

THE CLUB A CRESTED BUTTE is hiring an executive chef. This is a full-time yearround position with medical, retirement and vacation benefits. Salary range is $65,000$70,000/year. For more information or to submit a resume, please email jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.

GRASSY CREEK/ELEVENMUSIC is seeking an admin. specialist position in Crested Butte. 50% of the responsibilities will be focused on the Public House Live Music Venue and the remaining 50% is

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 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.

HYDROPONIC FARM MANAGER: Full time production of herbs and vegetables in a 200-tower indoor operation. Trains and supervises 2-3 employees, expands market for product with chefs and other wholesale buyers, conducts community outreach. Experience essential. $50K with benefits. More info at mountainrootsfoodproject.org.

CROSSWORD

ANSWERS FOR PREVIOUS WEEK

IRWIN GUIDES is seeking a part-time seasonal office/sales assistant. The position will be responsible for assisting the Irwin Guides administrator with day-to-day operations included but not limited to data entry, completing and filing paperwork, interacting with guests face-to-face or via phone/email, booking trips and assisting with walk-in traffic and retail inquires/purchases.

A strong candidate will have knowledge of the outdoor industry and local activities, strong administrative skills, effective communication, both oral and written, is detail-oriented, responsive to delegation, and comfortable working independently and in a fast paced team environment. During the operational seasons this position will be required to work some early mornings and late afternoons, at least one weekend day per week, and some holidays as necessary. Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@ elevenexperience.com. This is a winter seasonal position starting at $18 - $20 a hour depending on experience and qualifications.

NORTH FORK POOL PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT

ADMINISTRATOR: Part-time, $30/hr, financial oversight, grant management, facilities oversight, 3 part-time employees.

In Hotchkiss. Deadline April 21. https:// northforkrecreation.com/work-with-us/

TEMPORARY LABORERS NEEDED:

Need some cash this off season? The Town of Crested Butte Parks and Recreation Department is hiring temporary laborers for spring prep/cleanup season. Work will begin once the snow is gone from the majority of parks and public areas. Duties include raking, power washing, painting and general cleanup and repairs. Full job description and application available online at townofcrestedbutte.com click on “Careers”. Pay $19/hour. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER named one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work for seven year is seeking a marketing manager to help the organization continue to grow and thrive. Join a passionate, missiondriven team at its new facility in the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area and help to empower people with disabilities through therapeutic outdoor recreation.

The marketing manager is responsible for planning, fiscal management, administration and coordination of all of the marketing needs of the Adaptive Sports Center. The marketing manager will be an active member of the ASC staff and lead the program and development departments in their respective marketing strategies that will assist in meeting the department’s annual goals. The marketing manager promotes ASC programs and its mission in order to increase participation by clients, donors and volunteers.

Ideal candidates will be results-driven, independent and have the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, professional environment. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Business or other closely related field is preferred, along with a minimum of two years of marketing experience. Must have experience executing marketing campaigns, including digital advertising and experience working with local and national media. Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office 365 is required and experience with video production and photography is preferred. To read the complete job description, visit adaptivesports.org/marketing-manager.

Starting salary range is $50,000- $60,000, plus a competitive benefits package.

Please submit a resume, cover letter and portfolio to Allison Butcher at Allison@ adaptivesports.org. Prior to interview, all applicants will be required to complete a marketing exercise to assess skills. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

DO YOU HAVE MAINTENANCE SKILLS?

Are you looking for a full time year around position in the valley with great pay, health insurance, on-call pay, company vehicle, company phone, paid vacation, ski or health and wellness pass, 5 day work week, and more? Iron Horse Property Management is adding another position to our maintenance team and we are looking for the right

individual to help maintain our luxury homes. We are looking for someone who has a great work ethic, maintenance skills, is punctual, and wants to quit having multiple jobs to make it in the valley. If this sounds like you, and you have a clean driving record, then please send your resume to steve@ ironhorsecb.com and qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please. Pay DOE.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following position: Housekeeping: flexible schedule available, starting pay $20-$25/hr. 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.

PRECISE PAINTING IS HIRING PAINTERS: Seasonal or year-round full-time. Must be willing to commit for at least Spring/Summer/ Fall. Pay starts at $22/hr. for inexperienced candidates, more with experience. 4 or 4.5 day work week, earn PTO, raises come quickly, opportunity for benefits. Happy to train the right people. Call Rob at 970-5090851.

SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for dump truck drivers in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience of 3-5 years required. Must be able to assist laborer performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $25-$38 depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to: office@spalloneconstruction.com.

DOS RIOS GOLF CLUB: Opening April 1. Now hiring for the following positions. AM/PM bartenders, servers, line cooks and outside services. Doing on site interviews every Thursday-Saturday from 3-6 p.m. Official start date March 28.

ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER SUMMER

INSTRUCTOR: The Adaptive Sports Center is seeking qualified adaptive instructors to facilitate exceptional adaptive sport and recreation activities for the 2023 Summer Season. Pay ranges from $20-$29/hour based on experience. Benefits for full time seasonal staff include pro-forms, certification and membership dues, exam reimbursement, paid sick days, 5-day stipend and a 401(k) match. More information and winter application is at www.adaptivesports. org – about us – careers.

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.

ELEVEN EXPERIENCE is seeking hospitality and culinary/chef professionals for our Colorado properties, Scarp Ridge Lodge and Taylor River Lodge. Based in Crested Butte, we are a global adventure travel company that provides unparalleled

experiences for our guests as well as an exciting work culture for staff. We currently have openings on both the culinary team and lodge staff team. Full-time, part-time, seasonal and year-round positions available. Applicants must be dedicated team players who thrive in a fast-paced work environment, have strong communication skills and are eager to contribute to a growing company.

Pay starting at $20/hour or more based on experience. Benefits include a generous tip pool, end of season ski pass bonus and retail discounts. Housing options available for the 2023 summer season. For more information on current openings and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers/. ** $500 sign-on bonus will be given to lodge staff positions that come on board for the summer season**

CRESTED BUTTE DENTAL is looking for an outgoing, organized, customer service oriented person to join our team. This is a great way to get connected to the community. We are happy to train someone with a great attitude and willingness to learn. Competitive hourly wages and benefits as well as profit-sharing bonuses for all team members. Please submit cover letter and resume to amy@crestedbuttedentist.com.

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

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.

PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY is hiring an experienced leader to fill the executive director position. Position is a full-time salaried role, with annual COLA increases, plus PTO, paid sick leave, and a health stipend. Full job description and application instructions available at hope4gv. org/employment. Email info@hope4gv.org with questions and to apply.

LEGACY FAMILY MINISTRIES a faith based non-profit is seeking an executive director responsible for client advocacy, administration, community relations and the day-to-day operations of the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center. 24 hours per week, $22-24/hour DOE. Email Wendy Solheim legacyceo.LFM@gmail.com to apply. Check out our website for more information: lighthousegunnison.org.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TREES AND LANDSCAPING: Now hiring all positions for the 2023 summer season. Come join a great crew. To apply and see what positions we have visit rockymountaintrees.com/ employment/ or give us a call at 970-3496361.

IRWIN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDES LLC is seeking a full-time, year-round Human Resources Payroll Administrator. This position will manage and maintain U.S. payroll, benefits, HRIS processing, and perform additional administrative tasks for multiple entities while embodying company values and holding strong ethical standards. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to handle high-pressure demands and competing priorities, a background in accounting, and 1-2 years of professional experience in payroll/benefits and/or broad HR management experience. The starting salary is $50,000-$65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualification, and includes full benefits. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers/.

WONDERING WHAT YOU ARE GOING

TO DO STARTING OFF-SEASON? Little Red Schoolhouse is hiring a year round full time teacher, and a couple aides for the summer. This is a wonderful opportunity to secure a stable, rewarding and fun job with opportunity for growth. Pay depending on experience, and benefits are stellar. We have the best kids and families, and a great group of teachers to boot! Come join the team. Please send resume and interest email to lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com

BOOKKEEPER NEEDED for a seasonal garden center in Crested butte. Must

be familiar with Quickbooks. Pay based on experience. Busy summers but moderate winter hours. Flexible schedules accommodated. Fun and social work environment! Call 970-349-0252 or email garden@alpengardener.com

DOS RIOS GOLF CLUB RESAURANT

AND BAR: Now hiring for AM/PM line cooks. Starting pay $21.00 per hour. Rate increase after two months. Please call 979-530-3801 to set up an interview. Free golf. Restaurant opens April 1.

SUMMER PARKS CREW: Housing

Available. Need housing in CB? Join the Town of Crested Butte parks crew and live in the heart of town at the beautiful Ruby communal housing residence. Enjoy a flexible schedule and be at the center of summer fun in CB. Work is available in April through late fall with a $1/hour-worked bonus for those who complete the season. Landscaping, field maintenance, irrigation and equipment experience preferred but not required. Candidates must be able to work outdoors and lift 50-100 lbs. and possess a valid driver’s license. Full job description and application available online at townofcrestedbutte.com click on “Careers”. Pay $20-21/hr. DOQ. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

RANCHING

BULLS FOR SALE: Black Gelbvieh yearling bulls ready to work for you! Range raised, low birth wt, easy fleshing, Polled and low PAP scores. John Hawks 970-596-4292.

REAL ESTATE

GARAGE IN GUNNISON: $1,200 per month plus utilities 1000 s.f. Call 847-7697800.

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UNIT FOR RENT: Located in Riverland Industrial Park, 3 miles south of Crested Butte. 1,200 square feet, 10’ high garage door, with small office and bathroom. $1,750/month plus utilities. Call or text Chris at 970-596-4787 for details.

OFFICE BUILDING FOR RENT: Available immediately at 210 W. Spencer. 3600 sq. ft. 8 individual offices, conference room, breakroom with microwave and refrigerator, copy room and separate manager’s office. 12 parking spaces, 1 handicapped. Rent and utilities negotiable depending upon length of lease. Snow removal and lawn care included. Contact Dan at 970-922-9910.

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

FOR RENT: South 7 th Street Gunnison. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Pets ok small backyard $2500 plus utilities 847-769-7800 or liskorinternational@gmail.com.

OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE between 5/1-6/1/23. 121 W Virginia, Gunnison. 600 renovated sq. ft. with street parking. $15.50 sq. ft. rent plus utilities. Great exposure for your business. Inquires 970-209-6687.

WANTED

WANTED: Any vintage, modern or antique license plates. Cash paid based on age, rarity, condition, etc. Call/text Colin at 970367-7594.

Legals

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Gunnison Friends of the Library Annual Meeting 2023

Gunnison Friends of the Library’s Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm. The meeting will include the FOL board president’s summary of past

year’s activities and plans for the future. The treasurer’s financial report from 2022 will be reviewed as well as the budget for the 2023 year. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Gunnison Public Library 1 Quartz St. in Gunnison

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of March 30 and April 6, 2023

8378

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE:

To the following parties that have their personal property stored at Plott’s Mini Storage, LLC. 312 W. Hwy 50 Gunnison, CO 81230.

All property will be sold or disposed of, unless claimed and/or all rent and fees paid prior to April 15, 2023

#55 Ephifania Lopez

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of March 30 and April 6, 2023

8352

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of GARY WAYNE CHRISTOPHER a/k/a GARY W. CHRISTOPHER, Deceased

Case Number 2023PR30005

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before July 17, 2023 or the claims may be forever barred.

Cynda Wright as personal representative of the Estate of Gary Wayne Christopher a/k/a Gary W. Christopher 3402 Sandy Hollow Drive Hutchinson, Kansas 67502

Please contact through:

Jacob A. With, Atty. #:40546 Law of the Rockies 525 N. Main Street Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-1903 ex. 2

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of March 16, 23 and 30, 2023

8133

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Melanie Lisa Janakas, Deceased

Case Number 23 PR 30008

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before July 24, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

John J. Janakas, Personal Representative c/o Kathleen L. Fogo, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative P.O. Box 7200, Gunnison, CO 81230 Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of March 23, 30 and April 6, 2023 8264

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.

7719

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT

North Valley Trails Environmental

Assessment

USDA Forest Service

Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Gunnison Ranger District

Gunnison County, Colorado

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG), Gunnison Ranger District, in partnership with Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) is inviting comments on the North Valley Trails Environmental Assessment (EA) for CBMBA’s proposal and Forest Service alignment alternative options to construct up to 14.3 miles of new or rerouted single-track trails, decommission up to 5.8 of system trail, and construct three trailhead parking or day use area expansions and enhancements across the northern half of the Gunnison Valley. Trail construction and decommission mileages are dependent on the trail alternative options being considered in the analysis.

No proposed trails analyzed in the EA are in Designated Wilderness or in proposed wildlife management areas in the ongoing Forest Plan Revision. However, some portions of specific trail options do cross into Colorado Roadless Areas (i.e., 0.3 miles of the Deer Creek to Tent City Connection Option 1, 0.4 miles of the Upper Cement Creek to Crystal Connection Option 1, and 1.1 miles of construction and 3.2 miles of decommissioning of the Dr. Park trails Option 1).

Approximately 18.7 acres of disturbance are proposed for expansion of existing parking areas and enhancement of the infrastructure

at the Brush Creek Trailhead, Tent City Day Use and Designated Camping Area, and Walrod Trailhead. These disturbance acres include both the existing hardened parking areas and expansion areas.

The project area resides in the northern half of the Gunnison Valley near Crested Butte, Colorado within the Ruby Anthracite Creek, Coal Creek, Middle East River, Lower East River, Brush Creek, Cement Creek, Bear Creek-Spring Creek, and Outlet Taylor River watersheds.

The EA is posted on the Forest’s website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=61177 The Gunnison District Ranger is the Responsible Official.

Submitting Comments

This will be the last public opportunity to comment on this proposal per 36 CFR

220.4(e) to obtain objection standing per 36

CFR 218 Subparts A and B for the Forest Service decision. To be most helpful, your comments should be 1) within the scope of the proposed action, 2) have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and 3) must include supporting reasons for the responsible official to consider. To establish standing for the Forest Service objection process, all specific written comments (36 CFR Subpart B 218.25) must be postmarked within 30 days from publication of the legal notice in the Gunnison Country Times or by close of business on May 1st, 2023, whichever is later.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of March 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2023

8115

BETHANY CHURCH

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

Two services at 9 & 10:30 am

Visit our website for more information - gunnisonbethany.com

9 am: Family Service with nursery & children’s church

10:30 am: Western Student Service with FREE lunch for college students following Check out our website for updates!

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

B'NAI BUTTE CONGREGATION

www.bnaibutte.org

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

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

600 E. Virginia • 641-1588

Your comments should include:

1) your name and postal address, 2) the project title (North Valley Trails), and 3) your signature or other verification of identity upon request.

Comments received from individual members of an organized group through a clearinghouse or group-generated mail will be considered as the views of the group (pursuant to 36 CFR Subpart B 218.25(a) (3)(v)).

Please submit comments electronically: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//

CommentInput?Project=61177 or hardcopy

to: Dayle Funka, Gunnison District, 216 N Colorado St, Gunnison, CO 81230. Please be advised that your entire comment, will be publicly available at any time.

Additional Information For additional information contact Niccole Mortenson, NEPA Specialist, at niccole. mortenson@usda.gov or 970-874-6693.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of March 30, 2023

8344

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Gunnison Watershed School District RE1-J is seeking Request For Proposals for Contracted Services for a Food Service Management Company for all its kitchens in the District (Crested Butte, Gunnison Community School and Gunnison High School). Proposals must be for all sites.

Please call Kristen Osborn at 970-6417770 for project details. Proposals are due to the Administrative Office, Lake School 800 North Boulevard Street by 4:00PM on April 17, 2023 where they will be publically read. Contract will begin July

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

Don't SELL them. Tell them a great STORY.

House Bill 1298. Although language in that bill spurred the Commission to consider wildlife impacts for the first time, there was no requirement to update sensitive habitat maps, so they quickly became outdated.

“They didn't accurately reflect the current species distribution. So for things like raptor nests, and grouse leks, that's very problematic,” Magee said. “If your operator looks at an old map and says, ‘Oh, I don’t think we're going to have conflicts

here with wildlife out here,’ and then you start talking to them and we say, ‘Oh no, there's a lek there, … it just causes conflict.”

HPH maps get continually updated as wildlife distributions change and more accurate information, like collar, flight and ground survey data, becomes available. Last summer, CPW staff around the state updated the maps based on data from aerial photographs, topographic maps, landowner reports, wildlife surveys and more. If the Commission — through the rulemakings —

accepts the new maps, it will lay groundwork for more accurate data reporting for years to come.

The commission will hold a public hearing on June 14, 2023 at 9 a.m. to discuss the proposed changes. Interested parties can access the zoom link on the Commission’s website, cogcc.state.co.us under the “Hearings” tab.

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

Fried fish for friends and family

St. Peter’s Catholic Church held a fish fry last Friday, March 24 at the Parish Hall. The church will continue to hold fish fries every Friday evening until Easter which falls on April 9 this year.

Jacob Spetzler

continued from A16

Courtesy Bob Gress/ Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Gunnison sage-grouse males strut.

para trabajadores en Crested Butt

En con High MountainConcepts,el programa SOAR, y GVRHA,la ciudadde Crested Butteestáconstruyendo 13 casas adosadasenParadise Park que tendránescritura yse venderánamiembrosde tiempo completodelafuerzalaborallocal.

¿Quieremásinformación?

¡Regístresepara recibir actualizacionesdel proyecto!

https://gvrha.org/ownership-interested-list/

Interested in purchasing workforce housing in Crested Butte?

In partnership with High Mountain Concepts, the SOAR Program & GVRHA, the Town of Crested Butte is building 13 townhomes in Paradise Park that will be deed restricted and sold to full-time members of the local workforce.

Want to learn more? Sign up for project updates!

https://gvrha.org/ownership-interested-list/

Sleds and Kegs celebrates its seventh year

Last Saturday, March 25, the sound of electronic music, whoops, screams and general unhinged revelry at 1 Maroon Ave. signaled the seventh annual return of Sleds and Kegs, as the event motto touts “the most Colorado celebration of the season”

The major fundraiser, which features a massive, luge-style sled track carved into the Crested Butte snowpack, copious kegs of local beer, and colorful, costumeadorned party goers scattered along the sloping terrain, has blossomed into something greater than just a good time. This year, the event hosted more than 400 partygoers and raised a total of $25,000 for local charities — shining a light for local mental

Sleds and Kegs B2

Alex McCrindle Times Intern

Jacob Spetzler Photo and Sports Editor

Crested Butte Party represents more than just a wild time

Jacob Spetzler

Partygoers do the limbo on the dance floor.

Hungry sledders dig into a bonafide crawfish boil produced by Deshawn McLemore and Jonathan Civitelli.

Taylor Ahearn slings beers from behind an ice bar.

COMMUNITY: Book club focuses on valley’s pressing issues, B3

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023

FAMILY, COUPLES AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

GAY GARNER LPCC, LMFTC

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

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

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

220 N SPRUCE, GUNNISON

FLOOD INSURANCE:

In the event of a flood, are you and your family adequately prepared? There is a 30-day waiting period for new flood insurance policies to take effect once they are purchased. Floodplain residents should consider buying flood insurance if you think your home is potentially vulnerable. Historically, about one-third of all flood insurance claims occur outside of the mapped regulatory floodplain area (for 100 year floods). Generally, a less expensive preferred risk policy is available for these properties.

For more information about flood insurance, contact your insurance agent. You can also visit www.floodsmart.gov or the Colorado Water Conservation Board Flood Information & Resources cwcb.colorado.gov/focus-areas/hazards/flood-information-resources.

For local information, please contact the Community Development Office of the jurisdiction in which you reside.

CITY OF GUNNISON FLOODPLAIN MANAGER

Eric Jansen | 970-641-8151 | ejansen@gunnisonco.gov

GUNNISON COUNTY FLOODPLAIN MANAGER

Hillary Seminick | 970-641-7930 | HSeminick@gunnisoncounty.org

TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE FLOODPLAIN MANAGER

Troy Russ 970-349-5338 | truss@crestedbutte-co.gov

TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | 970-349-6632 wwww.gunnisoncounty.org/851/Flood-Info | 970-641-2481 smorrill@gunnisoncounty.org or eclay@gunnisoncounty.org

health organizations and dog rescues.

The birth of Sleds and Kegs is the story of friendship. Founders Trevor Bona and Neil Opalinski had batted around the idea of building a sledding course for a while as a joke. But when Opalinksi’s dog, Mac, tragically passed away seven years ago, Bona sprung into action to turn the joke into reality.

“He was in a rough spot, and I was trying to cheer him up, and asked if he wanted to build that sled course,” said Bona. “We decided to call it Sleds and Kegs. We’ll get a keg, build the sled course, I’ll fly a drone — and that was my vision for the celebration.”

The event has grown exponentially, and fundamentally transformed in 2018 — the first year Sleds and Kegs donated all proceeds to local North Valley nonprofits. It began with an obvious partnership with Oh Be Dogful, a rescue and sanctuary that supports homeless dogs.

Soon after, Bona began partnering with the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition to support the mission of maintaining clean water and a healthy watershed ecosystem. Alongside those partnerships, Bona said he is particularly proud of the portion of the funds that go toward the Paden Castles Kelley scholarship, which memorializes Kelley, a Crested Butte local and ski instructor who passed away in 2019. The scholarship helps put children in ski school at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

The nonprofit side to the monster party of Sleds and Kegs was visible through tents and tables from event partners, with representatives from Coal Creek, Oh Be Dogful and the event’s recent partners: Mental Madness and CB State of Mind.

“I made the decision to bring CB State of Mind into the picture last year,” said Bona. “I’ve been here for 10 years and have had good friends and acquaintances take their own lives or be in a very depressed state. And that was really tough. There are not always obvious signs when people are hurting, so when CB State of Mind came to fruition, we wanted to partner with them and support mental health with our party and all this fun.”

CB State of Mind Executive Director Meghan Dougherty said the organization was born out of “concerned citizens” who didn’t want to watch their neighbors struggle any longer.

“We aim to be integrated into community events like Sleds and Kegs,” she said. “Really showing up at places where it’s not typical to talk about mental health is something I’m really proud of.”

The event converted a hillside slope at the end of Maroon Avenue into a snow-packed dance floor. By 2 p.m. the hill was dotted with sasquatch costumes, vintage ski suits, colorful wigs, while members of the community danced and cruised through the sled course.

As time passed, beers were imbibed and the party took on a life of its own. A southern style crawfish feast was gobbled as quickly as it could be prepared.

As the temperature dropped, the party reached its peak and the crowd heaved to the pounding electronic beats. Skiers and snowboarders simultaneously hurled themselves off jumps.

Once darkness overtook the hill, the wobbly crowd headed off through the streets to the Crested Butte bars. The party was the biggest yet and looks to be a staple end of season bash right alongside the Al Johnson, Flauschink and Disco Inferno. Bona said the opportunity to create a perennial event that gives back to important causes has been highly rewarding.

“I realize that this was the place I was meant to be my whole life,” he said. “A small community where you can feel your impact on a huge level. It’s an honor to have created this and share such a staple event with this amazing community.”

But it’s not just Bona who feels that way. Logan Uhlenhake who, as owner of the Log Dog Weiner Wagon, slung almost 400 hotdogs during the event, said it was an obvious choice to participate.

“Trevor Bona is one of my favorite people, hands-down,” he said. “I was here last year, we had an absolute blast, so when Trevor asked me to serve hotdogs again this year, I was absolutely stoked. This is the greatest party of the year.”

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)

Sleds and Kegs from B1

Jacob Spetzler

Book club focuses on Gunnison Valley’s pressing issues

Themes include affordable housing, gender identity

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Every couple of months, a small group of readers gathers in a corner of the local Coffee Trader. The crew may pass as any friend group catching up over a cup of coffee, but in reality, they are equipped with the latest page-turner and primed for discussions on topics ranging from affordable housing to gender identity.

For just over a year, the Equity Book Club has brought together community members from both ends of the valley to share books that touch on the valley’s most pressing, and relevant challenges. The club is hosted by GCSAPP, a community coalition that focuses on substance use prevention primarily for sixth through 12th graders, and meets once every couple months to unpack the book.

Although the club is not aimed at young people, the goal of the discussions, according to GCSAPP Youth Coordinator Emily Mirza, is to help participants understand how to better support young people in the community.

"If we're doing work for youth and families, we definitely haven't had all the experiences that young people or adults we're working with are

facing,” she said. “So how do we explore others’ experiences and see how that relates to us and how we show up in the community?”

The club allows coalition members to bring forward a wider variety of topics, themes and interests. Books are chosen not solely by what’s happening in the valley, but what coalition members feel are relevant or important.

“We understand that everybody comes from a different place and background and has different experiences,” she said. “And so we have to make adjustments within the work we do in order to serve youth and families.”

The book club launched last March as a result of the coalition's building focus on equity, Mirza said. Although equity has been a part of the group’s function for years, the book club allows staff to focus it on more concretely.

For example, in Justin Farrell’s “Billionaire Wilderness,” participants read about how exorbitant wealth shapes natural landscapes, a story all too familiar for Gunnison Valley residents squeezed in an affordable housing crisis. In Nadine Burke Harris’“The Deepest Well,” participants absorbed the stories of young people forever changed by toxic stress and abuse.

The club is open to all in the community and meets once every few months to give participants time to read and digest the material. Readers then gather at Coffee Trader and have a discussion about

the book — reactions, notable themes or even ways the stories remind them of their own experiences in the valley.

GCSAPP Community

Advocate Ali Jeppe-Johnson has been involved with the book club from day one, and said it has pushed her to live with a more “empathetic lens.” The catalog of reads has varied widely, some catching her attention more than others, including Billionaire Wilderness.

“I think it was pretty spot on as to a lot of what's happening particularly in Crested Butte with billionaires coming in and buying up property up and down,” she said. “It was so spot on, it was kind of eerie, almost.”

Currently, the group is reading “As Woman” by Paula Stone Williams, which details Williams’ life as a trans woman in Boulder. The book exposed parts about a changing identity that JeppeJohnson had not considered before, as Williams explained how she was treated differently in her church as a woman than she was a man.

“I think it can open our eyes to what's happening outside of our little bubble community here,” she said. “It can allow us to be empathetic and see how other communities deal with similar situations.”

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

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.

Cows carry on through a snowy afternoon

Snow continued to fall on March 24, blanketing Hartman Rocks and the cows in surrounding fields. Spring was still nowhere to be seen.

Mariel Wiley

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS

Western music concert

The Western Colorado University Department of Music will present a special guest and faculty recital of chamber music for clarinet, violin, viola, piano and vibraphone on April 1 (no fooling) at 3 p.m. in Quigley’s Kincaid Concert Hall. The concert features music from the Americas and Europe and there is no charge. The ensemble will also be holding an open rehearsal in Kincaid Concert Hall on March 31 from 2-4 p.m. and welcome all who would enjoy listening to the musicians in an informal rehearsal setting.

1971 GHS Football Memorial Foundation Scholarship

MAJESTICTHEATRE SHOWTIMES

FRIMAR31-THURSAPRIL6

JOHNWICK4(R)

EVERYDAY:3:45&7:15PM

DUNGEONS&DRAGONS: HONORAMONGTHIEVES

EVERYDAY:4:00&7:00PM

REELROCK17

SATURDAYAPRIL8|6:30PM

RENTAL&SPECIALEVENTINFOAT

CBMAJESTIC.ORG

HOLYWEEK& EASTERWORSHIPTIMES

PalmSunday,April2nd

10:45AMProcession&HolyEucharist

AllSaintsintheMountains,CrestedButte

JoinusforHoly Weekservices.

Experiencethe passion,death,and resurrectionof Jesus

Throughsong, prayer,action& reflection.

SpyWednesday,April5th

7:00PMLentenTaizeService

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

MaundyThursday,April6th

6:30PMFootwashing&HolyEucharist

8:00PM-Dawn-Watchwithme"Vigil

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

GoodFriday,April7th

1:00PMVenerationoftheCross&Communion

AllSaintsintheMountains,CrestedButte

6:30PMVenerationoftheCross&Communion

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

EasterSunday,April9th

9:00AMFestiveHolyEucharist

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

Applications for the 2023 1971 GHS Football Memorial Foundation Scholarships are now open. All GHS graduates of any age are eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients may use the scholarship at universities, JC or community colleges or Trade Schools. Deadline to apply is April 28. Apply online at 1971ghsfootballmemorial. org/scholarships. If you cannot apply online call Matt Robbin at 970.596.0715 or Roxie Rule at 970.275.5326.

Time travel dance party

Celebrate the return of Spring by having fun with your friends and family — all while supporting the Gunnison Arts Center.

Join us on April 15 from 7-10 p.m. for live music, raffle prizes, costumes, cocktails, free food and more. Tickets are $35.

Cat and dog art show

The 17th annual Cat and Dog Art Show at the Gunnison Gallery to benefit Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League will be held April 1-29. Enter one cat photograph or painting with the theme “Feline Groovy” and enter one dog with the theme “Wonder Dog.” All photos should be 8.5 x 11 inches, and the entry fee is $5 per picture. Public voting for $5 begins April 7 during the First Friday’s Artwalk and ends on April 27. Call 970.641.6111 for more information.

CBMT presents poignant play

“She Kills Monsters” is a story about a woman struggling to lead a normal life as she embarks on an adventure through a Dungeons & Dragons module created by her dead sister as a way to connect with her. This comedic drama deals with the problems of young adulthood and how they so often follow us through life. Show dates are March 31 and April 1,7 and 8 at the Mallardi Cabaret Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the show at 7 p.m. For tickets visit cbmountiantheatre.org

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

Daytime throwing

On Mondays, April 3-24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., students will be taught centering, wheel throwing and trimming techniques. All ability ranges are welcome. The instructor is Abra Karbin and the cost is $230 for non-members and $192 for members.

Charcoal portrait

This course is best suited for those who have a little experience with drawing and want to explore a different medium or venture into portraiture. The class will run Mondays from 5-7 p.m., April 3-May 8. The instructor is Katie Briggs and the cost is $195 per person and $165.75 per member.

Create a teapot

Enhance your wheel throwing skills in this three-class intensive, Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. April 4-18. Students will create a teapot by exploring various wheel throwing and hand building techniques. Prior wheel throwing experience required. The instructor is Kristin Gruenberger and the cost is $230 for non-members and $192 for members.

Adult wheel throwing

On Wednesdays, April 5-26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., students will be taught centering, wheel throwing and trimming techniques. All ability ranges are welcome. The instructor is Abra

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS

Magic Beans

The Magic Beans are a touring band from Nederland, Colorado. Their diverse songs move your mind, while their tight grooves move your booty. Drawing from a wide range of influences, The Magic Beans leave nothing off the table as they combine funk, rock, bluegrass and electronica into one sound and sometimes even one composition. The show is April 1 and the doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. The cost is $20-50.

Sacred Feminine Circle

Join us April 4 at 7 p.m. in the back room of UCC at 403 Maroon Ave. in Crested Butte for the Sacred Feminine Circle. This month’s theme will delve into the women scientists who are leading the way toward the understanding that the knowledge we gain from science and the cosmos has a deep relationship to spirituality. Local aerospace engineer, Heather Swenson, will discuss how feminine energy intuitively creates a path to this perspective and how it brings about connection, compassion and healing.

Outdoor Adventure shorts

The Crested Butte Film Festival presents a “Best of Adventure Films” collection of films from its ever-popular Outdoor Adventure program. The films will be shown at the Taylor Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on April 5. Tickets are $5. 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.

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

Kids hip hop

On Wednesdays, April 5-May 10 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., students will learn various beginning hip hop dance moves in a fun filled encouraging group environment while building self-confidence. Each day the students will learn a different choreography. Drop ins open once the minimum registration number is met. The instructor is Sakara Sullivan and the cost is $78 per person and $66.30 per member.

Dead Head Ed’s end of season party

Join us tonight, March 30, for a benefit for the CB Community School Enrichment Program with Dead Head Ed and music by Easy Jim and DadGrass. The doors open at 6 p.m for the 7 p.m. show. The cost is $35-55.

Jade Witzel’s “Unraveling”

Please join us April 13 from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate Western alumna Jade Witzel’s opening reception. Participants will be immersed in her unique, touching, and important exhibit along-

side the valley’s mental health organizations to create a safe space to discuss hard topics and build community advocacy and awareness.

Crested Butte Community School AP Art Showcase Opening

The Crested Butte Community School’s Advanced Placement Art and Design students will be featured in an exhibition of their final portfolios April 24 through May 4 in the Center’s Kinder Padon Gallery before they are submitted to the College Board for review.

ThePartnershipoftheEpiscopalChurchinGunnisonValley

ELDER BEAT

Upcoming eventS

• April 5 (1 p.m.): Book Club. April’s book “These Precious Days” by Ann Patchett. More info, call Judy: 973-584-4987.

• April 26 (12:45 p.m.): Alzheimer’s & Dementia Community Forum. Join the Alzheimer’s Association, Gunnison Senior Center and Gunnison County Health & Human Services to learn and discuss how our wonderful Gunnison Valley community can come together to improve support for our loved ones and families living with theses diseases. Professionals and all community members welcome! For more info, contact: egillis@ gunnisonco.gov or 970-641-8272.

• NEW Survey for Older Adults in the Gunnison Valley - available in English and Spanish. We want to hear from you about your mental and behavioral health experiences and needs. Surveys can be returned to the Rec Center front desk, or on M/W/F mornings in the Senior Center lunch room. More info: 970-641-8272 or egillis@gunnisonco.gov or madison.gregurek@western.edu.

• 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 @ 9:30 a.m. – active adults

Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15 a.m. – all levels

Tuesdays in the Leisure Pool

Silver Sneaker Splash @ 10 a.m. – all levels

SENIOR MEALS -

NEXT WEEK’S MENU:

• Mon., April 3: Beef Stew, homemade bread, cottage cheese, fruit

• Weds., April 5: Baked Fish, rice, broccoli, salad, homemade rolls

• Fri., April 7: Ham, scalloped potatoes, Jello with fruit, green beans, Easter cake

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.) AT

Tips for improving financial literacy

Times Staff Report

Financial planning is a key component of successful money management. When fi nancial plans are established and put in place, individuals are in much better position to achieve both short-term goals, like financing a dream vacation, and long-term aspirations, like retiring with enough money to live your golden years without worry.

No one is born knowing how to handle and manage money. Financial literacy is an acquired skill, which means anyone can learn how to manage money eff ectively. Th e following are a handful of ways individuals from all walks of life can improve their financial literacy.

Crack the books (and magazines) . A wealth of resources are available to anyone looking to become better at managing money, and many of those resources are books and magazines. Printed works are available for people with varying levels of fi nancial literacy, so it’s unlikely that any single

text or magazine will benefit everyone equally. Find a text that speaks to your level of literacy and build from there.

Pay attention to financial news. Th e days when fi nancial news was limited to industry insiders or a handful of industry publications are long gone. Various online entities and cable television channels are now exclusively devoted to financial news. Anyone can benefit from paying attention to financial news, which can shed light on investments, real estate and financial industry trends that can help people better understand their portfolios and assets.

Read your emails. Adults who already have retirement accounts and other investments may also have an invaluable resource right inside their email inboxes. Investment management firms routinely host online information sessions and discussions for investors that are promoted through email and other lines of communication with account holders. When promotional emails announcing these

sessions are announced, take note and resolve to participate. Many don’t require active participation, but they often provide insight into financial products, markets and strategies to successful investing.

Ask questions. It seems simple, but one of the most effective ways to gain greater financial literacy is to ask questions. If you work with a financial planner or are interviewing professionals to help you manage your money, ask that person to explain their financial strategy and the strategy espoused by their fi rms. When a new short- or even long-term goal pops up on your radar, ask your financial advisor to explain ways in which you can achieve that goal. Such discussions can reveal strategies that even well-informed individuals may be unaware of.

Financial literacy can help people achieve their life’s goals. Various strategies can help people from all walks of life improve their financial knowledge and take greater control of their finances and futures.

Seagulls spotted in Gunnison

The Finnish band Steve’N’Seagulls played the Almont Resort last Friday, March 24, as part of the I Bar’s Snowdance Winter Concert Series. The local Second Hand String Band opened. The next installment of the concert series is set for this Friday, March 31 with headliner Buffalo Commons.

Restaurant & Bar opening April 1st • 8am

NOW SERVING FULL BREAKFAST MENU WED. - SUN. 8AM-12PM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN

2023-24 Registration Opens April 1st!!

To Apply VISIT: lake.gunnisonschools.net

LAKE SCHOOL ROUND-UP!

Thursday, April 6 • 4-6:30 pm at Lake School

Come tour Lake School and Meet the teachers!

¡REUNIÓN DE LA ESCUELA LAKE!

jueves, 6 de abril • 4-6:30 pm en la Escuela Lake ¡Venga a recorrer Lake School y conozca a los maestros!

El apoyo técnico y de traducción estará disponible para aquellos que necesiten asistencia para registrarse en la escuela y UPK.

For questions call Director Jennifer Kennedy at 970-641-7704 For questions in Spanish call 970-641-7724

PARKINSON’S DISEASE THERAPY AT GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH

LSVT is an evidence-based therapy program comprised of two treatments that are customized to each person’s specific needs and can help regardless of the stage or severity of your condition.

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 4PM-6PM

Mother’s Day Brunch

May 14th

An intensive speech therapy program designed for people with with Parkinson’s Disease

Reseach shows Parkinson’s patients significantly improve areas such as vocal loudness, facial expressions, and articulation through LSVT LOUD

An intensive physical and occupational therapy for treating individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Reseach shows Parkinson’s patients significantly improve areas such as faster walking, balance, and daily mobility through LSVT BIG

Katie Lewinger

Ben Cowan

LSVT BIG

LSVT LOUD

Mountaineer cheer blossoms

Team led by head coach with a vision of success

Jacob Spetzler

(Editor’s note: This article mentions suicide.)

All last week, March 20-24, the gymnastics room at the Gunnison

Rec Center was filled with giggles and gap-toothed smiles, as the Western Colorado University cheerleading team and their relatively new Head Coach Stacy Fuller led a youth camp through the basics of cheer.

On Saturday, March 25, the Mountaineers moved back onto home turf where athletes led a high school clinic in the Paul Wright Gym. This time around, fewer giggles were heard, as practice started off with intense athletic feats like standing backflips and pyramid stunts. Both clinics are

brand new, part of an ongoing effort to expand and fortify the Western cheer program through a combination of fundraising and community outreach.

There are certainly obstacles. The NCAA doesn’t even recognize cheerleading, relegating the program to a varsity sport, which means the team has to raise much of its own money to fund competition travel.

Leading the charge in the proliferation of cheer through a combina-

Photo and Sports Editor

Junior Brayden Kammers leads the team in warmup touch jumps.

Head Coach Stacy Fuller talks with incoming freshman and other teammates.

Kat Lott (right), an incoming freshman recruit, prepares to practice a standing backflip with current freshman Binta Barry (left).

Athletes performing as the “base” of the pyramid grip the ankles of the “flyer” — the person held up on top.

Aubrey Geesman is held up by three Mountaineer cheerleaders.

Western cheer B8

BASEBALL: Cowboys fall to Buena Vista, B8

SOCCER: Western club team hosts community tournament, B9

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023

tion of fundraising, community outreach and pure force of will is Coach Fuller. Through clinics that bolster enthusiasm for the sport, she hopes to build out a larger cheerleading community in Gunnison, bringing more spectators to events and establishing a pipeline of youth athletes to the university program.

Fuller started in the job in 2019 with a goal of building out what was, at the time, a club sport into a full-fledged varsity competition program. Over the past school year, the team performed at everything from football games, to the lighting of the W to the President’s Gala. They have also competed at the national level twice in the past two years at the United Spirit Association (USA) competition, trouncing every other Division II school by huge margins. The team placed low within their actual bracket, which consisted mainly of D-I schools, but the stage has still been set.

Fuller comes from a storied cheer background. She earned a spot as an undergrad on the University of Alabama squad before going on to assistant coach at the University of Florida — both nationally-recognized schools for cheerleading. Later, in 2017, she followed wife Jami Fuller, who works in the IT department at Gunnison Valley Hospital, to the valley.

Coach Fuller initially started an exercise science business, but a yoga client let her know that Western was hiring a new cheer coach. She considered the opportunity, but knew it would be an uphill battle without an established program or the resources given to NCAA designated sports. While batting the idea around, she called her best friend, Ashley Rice, who she had cheered with at Alabama University.

“She was like, ‘oh my gosh, I'd love to come out, you know, to help you start the program,’” Fuller said.

But, tragically, Rice died by suicide before their plans came to fruition. Fuller said Rice’s memory has fueled her passion to create a lasting cheerleading program at Western.

“I literally came to my inter-

view the day after it happened,” Fuller said. “So it was just, I don't know, a sign from the universe. It was something that she and I did our whole lives. And we connected through that.”

In her memory, Fuller established a fund called the Ashley Rice - Lusane Memorial Cheer Scholarship which funds a fulltime incoming freshman from a minority group who maintains 3.0 GPA.

Fuller’s dedication was met and mirrored by the athletes in the program. Now, three years in, she has upperclassmen with a wealth of experience who are setting the tone for younger athletes, including during the youth clinics.

“Those kids are not just playing around,” she said. “I mean, we work hard. And they're tough and they're athletic.”

A major component of the team’s culture has to do with the decision to appoint committees rather than team captains, Fuller said, as it keeps everyone involved and committed as leaders. One committee acts as a sort of human resources, keeping an eye on morale and holding their teammates accountable. Another group, the High Team are the cheerleaders of the cheerleading team.

“They keep positive energy, make sure everybody’s still having fun,” Fuller said. “The high team is the voice of the program.”

There’s also the Secure Team, in charge of mental health and

general physical and mental care ,while the Legacy Team promotes the program. Freshman participate for the first year without belonging to a committee and then are voted on as incoming sophomores.

Looking ahead, Fuller said her goals are twofold. One is to switch the team from the USA Competition where they competed for the last two years against primarily D-I teams to the Universal Cheer Association Competition, which is exclusively for D-II and community colleges.

The other piece is public relations — convincing the rest of the athletic community of the legitimacy of cheer. While the NCAA doesn’t recognize cheerleading the Olympics will incorporate cheer for the first time in the 2028 Summer Games. The youth clinics are one part of Fuller’s personal strategy to galvanize support. The team also attends every Western athletic event to put on halftime shows.

Fuller functions as a perfect evangelist for cheerleading. Aside from the Western program, she loves everything about the sport and has the personality to push it to the fore.

“It's just something that I've always loved to do,” she said. “I mean, I love to tumble, I love to jump, I love to get thrown up in the air. I love the competitiveness of it ... It’s something that I've always loved and anything that I’ve ever done I either do it 100%

or I don’t do it at all.”

To find out more about the cheer team or the memorial cheer scholarship email Fuller at

sfuller@western.edu.

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

Cowboys fall to Buena Vista

Coach Percival outlines a path to improvement

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Intern

The GHS baseball team fell to Buena Vista 12-2 on Tuesday, March 21 in a non-league game on the road. The recent defeat means the Cowboys fall to a 1-4 record overall, having not yet played a 3A Western Slope League game.

Despite the consecutive losses, Head Coach Tom Percival says the team has a lot

to improve upon in upcoming months.

“We’re just trying to increase our baseball IQ,” he said. “So we can get smarter, and focus more on the mental part of the game. Being able to know every situation before it happens and be ready for it when it does happen.”

In the game against the Buena Vista Demons, the Cowboys endured a difficult first inning. Grady Buckhanan was walked at his first at-bat, but was then caught stealing second, resulting in the third out. The Demons took advantage and brought home three batters in a productive inning,

setting the score 3-0 at the top of the second.

Hunter Vincent and Rocky Marchitelli attempted to dig the Cowboys back, with a hitby-pitch and walk, putting the two players on base. Three wild pitches and a walk from Kellen Yoder brought Vincent and Marchitelli to home plate, raising the score to 3-2.

The Cowboys stood firm defensively in the second with a ground-out, fly-out, and lineout from the first three Buena Vista batters. Mason Williams recorded the only Gunnison hit of the night, with a poke over the shortstop at the top of the third. However, the Cowboys

struggled to gain momentum and the Demons continued to put runs on the board. Buena Vista scored three in the bottom of the third, and steadily maintained an advantage through the game, resulting in a 12-2 win for the Demons.

Following the defeat, Percival highlighted positives from the game, and underlined areas of improvement he plans to focus on in upcoming practices.

“In the Buena Vista game we just got into a hole early, and that's been our main problem this season — getting into a hole and having to fight out of it, and against good teams it's so hard to do that,” he said.

“But Kellen [Yoder] has done a great job on the mound, Mason [Williams] has been swinging the bat really well, and our outfielders, Vincent, Marchitelli and Buckhanan are playing really well.”

Next, the Cowboys travel to Salida on March 28 for a nonleague game, before a doubleheader on Saturday, April 1 against Centauri High School. Scores for the Salida game were not available by press time. Due to the weather, it is hard to predict when the Cowboys will return to playing home games.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)

Bella Degani, a possible senior recruit considering transferring to Western for cheer, does a backflip at the beginning of the Saturday clinic.

Western cheer team athletes demonstrate a pyramid stunt at the beginning of Saturday’s clinic.

Jacob Spetzler

A cheerleader sports a “Mountaineers” bow in her hair.

SPORTS BRIEFS

Titans fall to Telluride

The Crested Butte Titans varsity lacrosse team lost 12-2 to the Telluride Miners last Thursday, March 23. Jack Pierson scored both of Crested Butte’s two goals with help from Brendan Hartigan. The Titans were scheduled to play a second game against the Montrose Red Hawks on Saturday, March 25, but the competition was canceled due to winter driving conditions. On Tuesday afternoon, March 28, Crested Butte played Durango, but results were not available by press time. The Titans will face Telluride on the road in a rematch on Friday, March 31.

Early season GHS track and field competitions canceled

Treacherous road conditions prevented the GHS track and field team from attending what would have been the season’s first meet at North Fork High School on Saturday, March 25. Weather permitting, the Cowboys are slated to compete this Saturday, April 1, at Sangre De Cristo High School.

Mountaineer track and field puts up top performances against RMAC competition

Western Colorado University faced stiff Division I competition at the CSU Pueblo Spank Blasing Invite. However, the team held its own against the rest of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) competition. The Mountaineers recorded 24 top-five finishes, three provisional qualifying marks and two top-10, all-time performances. The list of NCAA provisional qualifiers included Ismael Demeble in the men’s triple jump, Allison Beasley in the women’s 15,000-meter run and Lauren Smith in the pole vault. Ali Aldrich earned a top10 all-time mark in the women’s shot put with a heave of 12.95 meters. Three individuals and one team podiumed at the meet — Jacob Hernandez came in second in the men’s 5,000meter run, Leah Taylor notched third in the women’s 800-meter run and Caden Church finished third in the men’s high jump. The women’s 4x100 meter relay team, consisting of Mikayla Hutchison, Jada Hynds, Cora Olson and Myia Dantzler came in third.

NOTICE OF GUNNISON COUNTY, BLM, AND USFS 2023 SPRING SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES

Gunnison County, the BLM, and the U.S. Forest Service will be closing roads to all motor vehicles to protect Gunnison sage-grouse during their mating season and to prevent road damage during the wet spring conditions. The cooperation of the public is required to successfully implement these road closures.

Gunnison County, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U. S. Forest Service (USFS) have temporarily closed a number of roads to all motor vehicles to protect Gunnison sage-grouse during their mating season and to prevent road damage during wet spring conditions.

These roads are closed March 15 and will reopen on May 15, 2023. The U.S. Forest Service closures in the Flat Top Mountain area north of Gunnison extends through June 15 to protect nesting Gunnison sage-grouse, and an area closure prohibiting all human uses in the Almont Triangle between Hwy 135, County Road 742, and County Road 813. These include Henkel Road and Smokey Bear access roads.

BLM roads across the basin are subject to the motorized closures except for Hartman Rocks north of the Powerline Road.

Roads and trails in the north end of Hartman’s are subject to closure based on winter and mud conditions but those will open when roads and trails dry out.

Signal Peak roads and trails on BLM lands remain closed to motorized use from January 1 to May 15 to protect wintering wildlife.

Mechanized use on Signal Peak is allowed east of the Signal Peak Rd beginning May 1 after 10 am.

There is a human use closure on Signal Peak from March 15 to May 15; affected trails include: The Ridge, Rasta Gulch, and Chicken Wing.

Copies of the closure list and maps are available at Gunnison County Public Works, 195 Basin Park Drive; Gunnison

Virginia Ave; Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Gunnison, Colorado.

These closures apply to all motorized vehicles. Do not park at the closures in a manner that blocks access through the closure gates. All non-motorized trail users are also requested to use Gunnison Basin roads/trails only after 9 a.m. during this period to help reduce disturbance to sage-grouse. For additional information call Gunnison County Public Works at 641-0044; BLM at 642-4940; or the U.S. Forest Service at 641-0471.

FC Coras 2.0 champions of club tournament

The Western Colorado University club soccer team hosted an early season fundraiser tournament at the Mountaineer Field House on Saturday, March 25. The team FC Coras 2.0 emerged victorious after a 4-2 win over Latinos FC in the championship game. The 3 Hack Whackers finished third and Beans and Rice came in fourth.

Jacob Spetzler

GIDDYUP

Creativity road trip

Bioethics debate teaches nuance of science

Isis Thiede Giddyup Staff Writer

Sophomores at Gunnison High School finished the current biology unit with a bioethics debate. Bioethics is the study of the ethics of medical and biological science. GHS began this project in 1997 as a way to prepare students for future jobs, public speaking and life skills.

“My goal is to show that there are always two sides to an issue, and there is always research to find an answer,” GHS teacher Krystal Brown said. “It’s really important for students who are about to be adults to be able to back up their points with data as well as see the other side.”

Students debated a variety of controversial topics — for example, whether scientists should release a strain of the flu

into 40 airports across the country, if doing so could potentially cure cancer. Another topic was, if a parent has a child with a rare disease called Tay-Sachs that greatly affects children, should she abort a second, unborn child, knowing that the child will also have the rare disease?

Brown has used the same topics since she began teaching at GHS.

“I tend to pick topics that I think will be interesting depending on the students,” she said. “I sit down and design the teams based on how I think they work together and if they have expressed opinions on a certain thing.”

Students were graded on a number of things, including confidence, cross examination questions, appearance, attitude, timing and the literature and

sources cited. In addition, students will be expected to write a six paragraph essay describing their thoughts on the assignment and will be graded on research, debate process, personal feelings, debate as a tool and a bibliography of sources.

“It was fun, it was something to do, and I think everyone liked it,” debate participant Anselmo Ballesteros said. “Our group was struggling at first, but once we got it it went really well.” Kathryn Frey said the experience was a good learning opportunity and gave her greater public speaking confidence.

“It was fun to debate about something we’ve been researching. Arguing with the other side's opinion and hearing their side was also really great," she said.

The music of Jaime Perez

Emma Ingrum Giddyup Staff Writer

On March 2, four students from the Gunnison High School creative writing class took a two-day trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to gather a sense of inspiration from their surroundings.

“As any type of artist, we are a collection of everything we experience,” GHS creative writing teacher Amy Jo O’Dubhaigh said. “The more we can fill that space with unique and awesome things, the more we have to pull from as we’re creating and writing.”

The group traveled to mul-

tiple artistic locations, including the Meow Wolf installation and a walking tour of Old Santa Fe, which has buildings frozen in time from the late 1600s. Students visited an old cathedral and multiple art galleries, including one called “Site Santa Fe,” a contemporary art museum. The students’ hotel was in the middle of Old Santa Fe, within walking distance of all the attractions.

“We all wished we could stay, I would do it again in a heartbeat,” O’Dubhaigh said. “We could have spent a lot more time just with these other experiences in Santa Fe, there’s just so much art.”

Abby Vitinio Giddyup Staff Writer

Jaime Perez is building his way up to his dream career as a musician. Perez has played in the school band for over seven years, and in other bands and events outside school.

Since elementary school, he took every opportunity to play instruments like pianos and recorders and knew he loved music. Originally, he wanted to play the flute but quickly realized that it wasn’t for him. After trying other instruments, he found the trumpet and knew he had found a home. He also plays the French horn and the euphonium.

GHS climbers compete at state

Greg Blanco Giddyup Staff Writer

At the recent regionals meet in Eagle, Colorado, four members of the GHS rock climbing team — two boys and two girls — qualified to compete at the American Scholastic Climbing League (ASCL) held in Broomfield, Colorado. All four posted solid results. Isabella Harzell finished in 23rd place, Poppie Pleak in 22nd, Robert Brackett in 47th and Jonathan Pierce placed 50th.

The Gunnison High School (GHS) rock climbing team had

an outstanding season, having eight regular season meets overall, including competitions in Grand Junction, Montrose and Eagle, and several home meets at Western Colorado University. Th e team placed in the top 80 in each meet.

Ten boys and six girls climbed either top rope — where the climber is securely attached to a rope that runs through a fixed anchor at the top of the climbing route — or bouldering. That is a form of free climbing that is performed on small rock formations or artificial rock walls

without ropes or harnesses.

“The way they score each rock climber is by having 20 rope routes and 20 bouldering routes where one is the easiest route and 20 being the hardest route giving you more points,” Head Coach Maria Kattnig said.

“Usually you win or lose as a team, but for special events like regionals and state you win or lose individually,” GHS climber Spencer Hays said.

Perez plans to continue with music after he graduates and hopes to attend Western Colorado University, where he currently plays in the concert band. While playing in the

college band, he has made good friends and feels he fits in.

Along with having his family's support, Jaime also has many supporters from the community and from his band teacher, Keith Koepsel, at Gunnison High school.

“I am really proud of Jaime for working hard and for growing as a musician,” Koepsel said.

Jaime’s next journey is attending all-state in Greeley, Colorado, where he will play in the concert band.

Students from the GHS creative writing class stand in front of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Emma Ingrum

Jaime Perez

The GHS rock climbing team and coaches. Maria Kattnig

SkillsUSA puts service first

Lee Brunsting Giddyup Staff Writer

Th is past October, Gunnison High School launched a chapter of the national vocational leadership organization, SkillsUSA club. The club is run by Wyatt Phipps, the school's woodshop teacher.

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit career and technical student organization partnership of students, teachers and industry to help the youth of America become skilled workers. This national educational organization is available for middle school to college level students who are looking into careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA was

founded in 1965 and continues to serve more than 331,000 students and mentors annually.

As of this year, four GHS students are a part of SkillsUSA — Grace Ricks, Stephanie Harvey, Kailyn Japuntich and Taylor Grosse, all of whom are juniors. The club meets every Wednesday at lunch.

In a project last month, club members decided to assist the Gunnison Country Food Pantry by making wooden food crates, since the previous inventory consisted of plastic tubs. The Pantry was very grateful, since they are also in the process of moving locations. This act of service helped to build the students' community relationship, as well as putting their skills

that they've learned so far in action.

In another project, the club hosted a fundraiser at the Sugar Plum Festival in November, selling candle holders, cutting boards and coasters all made by the club. The sale raised $1,060.

On April 3-5, the club will go to state competitions based on community service.

SkillsUSA Club feedback has been positive from students and members of the community. With support from coworkers and students at GHS, Phipps plans to continue this club in the future.

GHS SkillsUSA Club members (left to right) Stephanie Harvey, Kailyn Japuntich, Taylor Grosse and Grace Ricks.

Lee Brunsting

SPRING, SUMMER, FALL 2023

YOUR PUBLICLY FUNDED BUS SYSTEM

RTA FREE BUS – The 28 round-trip Schedule starts on April 3rd

FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE, INCLUDING ALL OF OUR BUS STOPS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYRTA.COM

The bus leaves from these selected stops at these times: