Motivated by resounding opposition from the community, the City of Gunnison formally opposed the construction of a new transit center in front of the Rec Center this week.
In February, the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) announced the Rec Center as its chosen and preferred location for a transit
COMMUNITY: A new era for Parker Pastures, B1
Bella Biondini Times Editor
After the position sat empty for nearly six months, Gunnison
SPORTS: Ruggera wins big at National Junior Olympics, B8
City Council has appointed Amanda Wilson as the next city manager.
Wilson presently serves as the director of infrastructure and development for the City of Sandpoint, Idaho — a small community situated 60 miles south of the Canadian border. With a population of approximately 9,000, the city is only
slightly larger than Gunnison, and also houses a nearby ski resort. Previously, she served as a program manager, founder and principal for Windward Project Solutions LLC.
Former City Manager Russ Forrest left the job in October of last year to serve as Vail’s town manager. Finance Director Ben Cowan has been serving as the
interim since that time.
City council approved a formal employment contract with Wilson during a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 25 pending additional reference and background checks. Th e agreement includes a salary of $200,000 as well as temporary, transitional housing at the city’s new afford-
Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
National health food chain Natural Grocers is staking a claim in the Gunnison Valley. The move was confirmed to the Times by Katie Macarelli, Natural Grocers’ manager of public relations. The store is slated to open in September this year at the former Darnell’s
True Value space off Spencer Avenue, between the Six Points Thrift Store and Walmart.
Natural Grocers, formally Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, is a national health food chain founded by two Coloradans in 1955. In nearly 70 years, the chain has grown to 162 stores in over 20 states.
The grocer accepts Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, a program that helps low-income, qualified families access healthy food. Th e space will also include a Nutrition Education Center, a “community-type” room that can be used for cooking and nutrition Natural Grocers A6
I’ve realized there’s this power that happens in agriculture and ranching. It is the deep connection to land, to the animals, to the food. It’s a connection that not very many people get to experience.
—Cloe Parker, CEO, Parker PasturesSee
The Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District will be holding its inperson election next week on May 2 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The candidates include Brendan McClarney, Mary Haskell, Cassia Cadenhead, Ethan Mueller and Keith Bauer.
Voting will be held at Queen of All Saints Parish Hall in Crested Butte and the Fred Field Western Heritage Center in Gunnison.
Gunnison County Electric Association is also holding an election for three board seats in Districts 1, 4 and 5 which includes Crested Butte, areas west of Gunnison and Lake City. Greg Wiggins and Frank Stern are vying for District 1 and incumbent Michelle Lehmann and Tom Carl are running unopposed in Districts 4 and 5. GCEA members can cast their vote in person at GCEA’s annual meeting on June 20 at 6 p.m., at 37250 W. Hwy. 50 in Gunnison. Ballots will be mailed out to all members by May 22 and must be received by the annual meeting. Results are expected by June 22.
The environmental assessment for Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association’s North Valley Trails Project has been released by the Forest Service for public comment, with a deadline of May 1.
The Forest Service is proposing to build approximately 14 miles of new or rerouted trails, decommission up to 5.8 miles of system trail, and construct three trailhead parking or day use area expansions and enhancements across the northern half of the Gunnison Valley. No proposed trails are in designated wilderness or in proposed wildlife management areas in the ongoing Forest Plan Revision.
To learn more or comment on the project, visit fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=61177.
Colette Doherty, beloved wife, sister and friend, died at her home in Gunnison on April 4, 2023.
She is survived by Joe Doherty, her husband of nearly 34 years, brother, Mark Keith, aunt and uncle, Vonnie and Dale Atkins, and cousins Paul, Shaunna and Robin.
Colette was born in Colorado Springs on March 9, 1966. At the age of 3, her family moved to Almont, the place she called home and where she grew to love the mountain life, including hiking, backpacking and riding horses. She graduated of Gunnison High School in 1986. Colette met Joe, the love of her life, and they committed to each other in marriage on May 13, 1989. For 34 years, were lifelong companions who were rarely found apart. Together, they enjoyed camping, hiking, four-wheeling and performing volunteer work in
Gunnison and the surrounding community.
A truly caring and thoughtful person, Colette always had a kind word, a warm hug or a listening ear to support and reassure anyone who needed a lift. Her smile and laugh were contagious and she easily made friends. Despite personal health challenges and chronic pain, Colette selflessly put the needs of others before her own. She radiated joy, love and respect toward all.
Colette was known for her faith and integrity. She dedicated her life to serve Jehovah God.
She was active in the local Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and regularly participated in the public Bible education work in order to help others learn about God, the Bible and God’s Kingdom. Colette was happiest when she was with her husband ministering to others and sharing the wonderful hopes and promises found in the Bible.
Colette often shared this favorite scripture with others who needed hope and comfort: “God will wipe out every tear from the eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said: Look! I am making all things new … these words are faithful and true.” Revelation 21:4, 5
Lila Bear Valladolid Lila Bear Valladolid was born on April 19, 2023 at 9:48 a.m. to parents Kenzie and David Valladolid of Gunnison. She weighed 8 lbs. and measured 19 inches in length. Her grandparents are Laura Perkins of San Antonio, Texas, David and Evelyn Valladolid of Shreveport, Louisiana and Clara and Steven Madrid of Lakewood, Colorado. Greatgrandparents are Amalia Romero of Lakewood,
Colette’s gentle, happy spirit and deep love and consideration will be missed by her family and many friends.
A memorial service will be held on May 13, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 655 County Road 13 in Gunnison.
She was involved in many volunteer organizations, such as the Lioness Club, as president of the Parent-Student Organization, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and social clubs such as the Red Hats. She was a parishioner of St. Maximilian Roman Catholic Church in Berkeley Township and later St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gunnison. Some of her hobbies included painting, sewing and needle crafts. She was the life of the party and loved telling jokes and especially telling the punchline first. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She grew up with three older sisters and a younger brother. Her father migrated from Sicily, circa 1917.
COME
HOME ON 50 ACRES in Ohio City features an excellent mixture of wildlife, nearby trails, aspen, pines & 300 feet of Gold Creek frontage. 3 bdrm/2 bath house, huge attached garage, large detached barn, touched by Forest Service lands. 5498 County Road 771; $1,750,000.
Josephine Ann Busse (nee Cammarata), 84, of Gunnison, formerly of Toms River, New Jersey, passed away April 22, 2023 peacefully at Willows Assisted Living in Gunnison, Colorado.
Josephine was born in Caldwell, New Jersey and later lived in Waldwick, and Mahwah, New Jersey. She moved to Gunnison in 2015 to be closer to three of her five children. She and her husband owned and operated Brenwall Plumbing and Heating in Mahwah for many years. She also worked as an administrative assistant for Meldisco, Inc. in Mahwah.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Busse Sr., her sisters Mary Cammarata Gazdalski, Ann Cammarata Rusell and her brother Michael Cammarata. She is survived by her five children Joseph Busse Jr. of Colorado, Maria BusseMadsen of New York, Michael Busse of Colorado, Jennifer Busse-Kennedy of Colorado and Patrick Busse of North Carolina. She is also survived by her sister, Beatrice D’Elia, of Florida, eight grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gunnison on April 26, 2023 at 12 p.m. Flowers can be sent to St. Peter’s Church 301 North Wisconsin Street, Gunnison 81230.
Colorado and Ruth and Don Butler of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Poppy Rae Debbie King was born to parents Holly and Scott King of Gunnison on April 15, 2023 at 4:48 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs. 14.5 ozs. and measured 20 inches. She has an older brother, Huck King,
3 bdrm/2 ½ bath nearly 1,700sf home with additional family room & attached 2 car garage features a fully fenced backyard on just over half an acre. 430 Fairway Lane; $699,000.
who is 3 years old. Her grandparents are Connie and Gary Rogers of Pitkin, Colorado and Gene King of Warm Springs, Virginia. Her great-grandmother is Anne King of Hot Springs, Virginia.
NEW LISTING Adorable and affordable 2 bdrm/2 bath, nearly 800sf home with cherry cabinets, granite counters, fenced dog run, and a carport with an additional storage box.
1310 W. Tomichi Ave. #21; $380,000.
COZY CABIN on 35 acres features 2 bedrooms, an open living room & kitchen with custom made oak cabinets, Upstairs loft includes additional beds for guests & the woodstove keeps the cabin warm. Well in place & solar panels for electricity. Seasonal pond and sold partially furnished. Lot 1 Stratman Subdivision; $425,000.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
NEW LISTING 3 bdrm/2.5 bath, 1,348 sf townhome with first floor master bedroom and laundry room. Kitchen has been fully renovated with quartz countertops and lighting. Property has a fully fenced backyard. 50 Bambi Lane; $565,000.
1 ACRE RIVERFRONT PROPERTY on the Ohio Creek. Property has electric to the lot line with central sewer available. Water is serviced by a shared well. 205 Spring Meadows Trail; $349,000.
4 BDRM/2 BATH 1920sf home and a fully remodeled basement with 2 car detached garage conveniently located near the new library & trail system. Includes a cozy great room & bonus room for storage or crafts. 108 Irwin Street; $639,000.
chance to purchase R-3 lots & finish the West End Townhomes for a spec option, rental investment or employee housing. City approved site plans allow for two more duplex units. Water & sewer taps are already installed. Centrally located near the schools & RTA bus stop. 817 W. Denver Ave.; $350,000.
OHIO CITY Opportunity knocks at Sportsmans Resort! Year-round access location, mature trees, positioned on 1.28 acres, would make a great retreat or base camp. Ride Cumberland Pass over to Taylor Reservoir for the day. 116 County Road 771; $499,900.
40 ACRE PARCEL close to the city limits of Gunnison. Features include two permitted commercial wells, southern exposure making for possible solar arrays and green energy with endless development possibilities. Crest View Drive; $3,000,000.
FANTASTIC 3 bedroom/2 bath home with woodstove, large open kitchen,laundry room & work shed in Pitkin. Built in 2012, great condition, tile entryway, tucked away in the trees. 832 River Street; $449,000.
AND VISIT 3 bdrm/2 bath, ranch level home with a walkout basement. Open kitchen & dining area with a pellet stove. Property has an attached oversized 2 car garage. Over 1,800sf with great southern views of Sawtooth Mountain & W Mountain. No HOA or covenants. 851 County Road 18; $399,000.
Under a search warrant, members of the Gunnison Police Department, Gunnison Sher iff ’s Office and 7th Judicial Task Force found and seized drugs suspected to be methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl pills at a residence on West Rio Grande Avenue on April 14.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Florentina Zeferino Garcia and Antelmo Baz Lopez, according to an April 24 press release from the Gunnison Police Department. Following the search, both have been charged with “conspiring with one or more people to distribute narcotics,” which is a class 1 felony, “unlawful distribution of schedule II controlled substance 14-225 grams,” a class 2 felony and “child abuse-threat of injury or illness,” a class 2 misdemeanor.
As of April 26, no arrests have been made, and parts of the case are still under investigation. The exact quantities of the drugs that were confiscated are still being determined by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in Grand Junction.
This is far from the first search warrant or arrest the police department has made for charges related to fentanyl. According to Officer James Beda, fentanyl, along with meth, is “popular” in Gunnison. And law enforcement has been seeing the number of these cases steadily rise.
“It seems like once you take one or two off the street, a couple more pop up … There's so much out there,” said Police Captain Chris Wilson.
Local officers have worked diligently to control the problem, but it can be difficult to
get ahead of it, Wilson said. The drugs can pass through multiple hands before they are consumed, while investigations can take months to complete.
The police department runs into narcotics users on almost a daily basis during traffic stops or service calls for criminal mischief, vandalism, welfare checks or landlord-tenant disputes. But similar drug busts only occur approximately five times a year, and the number can vary.
Fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs such as cocaine and meth, making them more addictive. Officers have even come across marijuana that has had trace amounts of fentanyl in it, Beda said. Although minute amounts can be found in other kinds of drugs, fentanyl pills are often light blue in color and inscribed with “M 30” — which mimics and can easily be mistaken for the perscribable medication oxycodone.
“You're just rolling the dice when you’re taking fentanyl … You just have no idea how they're making it, or what they are mixing it with,” Wilson said. “Absolutely none.”
It only takes two grains of sand’s worth of fentanyl to overdose. Wilson said almost every officer at the police department has had close calls using Narcan — a “wonder drug” that can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose.
“It’s scary for officers,
because it's so touch and go when you're delivering that Narcan,” Wilson said. “You just don't know if you got there quick enough.”
Gunnison County’s GRASP Consortium, a group dedicated to the prevention, treatment and recovery of substance use, along with Health and Human Services, distributes Narcan to community members for free. According to GRASP Consortium Coordinator Kyle Tibbett, group members are also willing to provide Narcan training. As an opioid antagonist, Narcan blocks the effects of opiates on the brain and restores breathing, he said.
“This is especially important because even though LE [law enforcement] response times are generally quick in the Gunnison Valley, it only takes a few minutes of respiratory failure to lead to brain damage or even death,” Tibbett said.
Narcan is available at the Gunnison County Health and Human Services (HHS) entryway. Free fentanyl test strips can be obtained at the University Center on Western Colorado University’s campus and the front desk at HHS.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
CHRIST TEACHES PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER
“Christ spoke a parable to them, that man ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
“...a judge who did not fear God or regard man...”
“...a widow...my adversary”...”Avenge me!”
“God will avenge His elect...cry out day and night...”
Luke 18:1-8
Selected and provided by Gene Siemer
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Although I’ve lived in a small western town for 30 years now, I have never known much about one of its fundamental institutions: the service club.
Many small-town residents still center their lives on Lions, Elks, Rotary or similar organizations. Not me: I’m not a joiner. Yet as our national culture moves farther away from such settings for broad discussions, I worry that I’m part of the problem.
A while ago when I was asked to speak at our local Rotary Club, I hesitated, picturing white guys networking with each other and complaining about newcomers. But I had published a book, and publishers instruct authors to market wherever you can.
Upon arrival, I cataloged the changes since my last Rotary visit decades ago: The president was a 20-something woman, we ordered off a menu and people seemed less guarded.
Our local Rotary, I learned, was known as relatively liberal, and some of the older men seemed pretty vigorous. The faces reflected the town’s lily-white complexion, but I noticed that the room contained Republicans and Democrats, evangelicals and atheists, entrepreneurs and socialist-leaning nonprofit workers, feminists and fans of traditional gender roles.
Of course we didn’t talk
Editor:
One of the many problems with being subjected to one political party rule is that no one from "your side" of an issue is in power to seriously question the agenda or motives of those in power.
2023
Letters to the editor must be 500 words or less. We favor local topics and discourage argumentative letters addressed to particular people. If you reference data, please include sources for fact-checking.
Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include your full name, address and a phone number — for our internal use only.
The deadline is Tuesday at 12 p.m. Letters may be edited for grammar, clarity or length.
An extreme example could be, say, a democrat in Florida. The other extreme might be anyone outside of the mindset of the democrats running Gunnison.
Take that as you will, but I for one am signing the petition which says "stop" to the planned transit building and its buses taking up space and clogging the pedestrian byways along with the single-family neighborhoods on the map between our Rec Center and Walmart. It also appears that a kid's soccer field will be turned into a parking lot of all things if this goes through. Trading a soccer field for a parking lot doesn't sound very appealing nor healthy to me for the kids.
I really don't care whose idea it was to pick this particular site to jam up with buses and such, but I am concerned about the danger this exposes our children to who use the Rec Center on a daily basis. I hope that the city leaders have the heart to look into this, but we'll see. Wouldn't a much better area
about any of that. As one man said, the point of the club was to avoid ideology in order to focus on projects that help people. Perhaps that’s why they’d invited an author — to be supportive of local literature.
So we talked about something close to my heart, and as it turned out, to theirs. My book, “Natural Rivals,” chronicles a 1890s collaboration between Sierra Club founder John Muir and U.S. Forest Service founder Gifford Pinchot. The two men are often seen as enemies: Muir’s preservation philosophy dictated a hands-off policy to nature, while Pinchot advocated aggressive management of natural resources to provide for human needs.
So when Muir and Pinchot camped together in 1896, alongside Montana’s Lake McDonald in what would later become Glacier National Park, did they argue about whether to cut trees or dam valleys? No. They
for a transit stop be just east of town in the so-called Gunnison Rising development? Or is this too much to ask from our elected city and county officials?
The petition to put a hold on this madness may be found at our Rec Center. Take a look at the map with the building, buses and parking lots and do what's right within you.
Jon Matuszczak GunnisonEditor:
People believe what they want to believe. But when reality hits, it happens abruptly.
First it was the cost of a gallon of gas, next groceries and now the real estate taxes on homes. The Gunnison Times and William Spicer from the County Assessor’s Office alerted us last week to expect the appraised values in Gunnison County to go up 40-70% this year as a basis to compute your taxes. Add the new school bond payments on top of the new appraisals and expect a huge increase in your tax bill next January. (Full disclosure: my property taxes increased 57% between 2017 and 2023.)
If you rent, expect your landlord to increase your rent by an equal amount or greater.
set aside their ideological differences to focus on a bigger threat.
The then-new idea of public lands — national parks, national forests and other lands held collectively and managed with public involvement by our democratic government — was controversial. While disagreeing about the priorities for those lands, Muir and Pinchot were united in believing that public lands mattered.
The Rotarians I met immediately connected with this message. That’s what lively small town folk do — set aside differences to get things done.
By contrast, in metropolitan areas, I’ve found that people resist the message about collaborating on common goals, especially when I suggest it could work today. Surely the 1890s were different, they say. Ideologies were different, or personalities were different, or the stakes were not as high.
To me, the difference is that today we cluster in like-minded neighborhoods. Our stores, restaurants and media are all ideologically segregated. We wrap our identity in ideology. And we forget how to find common ground.
I say “we” because I do it, too. My attempted justification is the one I mentioned: I’m not a joiner.
But John Muir wasn’t a joiner either. The individualistic
Looking to buy a new home? To qualify, you must prove to the bank that you can afford a mortgage rate of 6.5%, the higher real estate taxes and utilities that have increased 10% this past year.
Starting May 1, a home buyer who diligently earned credit scores over 740, by paying their bills on time, will pay $40 more a month in mortgage payments for a $400,000 loan. That’s $14,000 extra over the term of the loan.
Why? Joe Biden’s Federal Housing Finance agency LLPA rule mandates you to fund bad credit buyers with your contribution. Credit scores under 620 will get a 1.75% discount. It’s like making the people who obey the speed limit pay the tickets of the violators.
Isn’t that reminiscent of the 2008 housing bubble, where the federal government promoted buyers who could not afford the loans to begin with?
Can I say this loud enough? Government overreach is controlling more of your life every day. Did you vote for this? Will you vote for this again?
It all starts so slowly, then abruptly, we get hit with it all at once.
Neil Watko Gunnisonmountaineer wasn’t even an official member of the blueribbon commission visiting Montana’s Lake McDonald. He just decided to tag along so that he could converse with — and listen to — people who disagreed with him.
In the dramatic results of those conversations, Muir’s essays and interviews of 1896 and 1897 merged his ideas with Pinchot’s to help persuade citizens of the value of public lands.
If we still think of today’s Rotarians as old-fashioned, maybe it’s because they attract members of all stripes who embrace idealistic values about helping people help themselves. I learned, for example, that they work to end the scourge of polio internationally while providing scholarships to high school kids. And they don’t have a political test for pitching in.
They just pick their causes, and then they fight for them.
(John Clayton is a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonprofit that promotes lively dialog about the West. He lives in Montana and is the author of several books including Natural Rivals: John Muir, Gifford Pinchot, and the Creation of America’s Public Lands.)
A thank you from GVAWL
Editor: Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League would like to send a special shout out to Ms. Renee Brekke’s middle school students! We thank you for your hard work putting together fundraisers which allowed you to donate a significant amount to our shelter.
The homemade dog biscuits are a hit with our pups and they thank you very much. We are proud of your students and their commitment to help homeless pets in our community shelter.
Tamara Spezze GVAWLIt was nice of you all to think of me
Editor:
Dear people of Gunnison County and all over the place, it was nice of you all to think of me. It helped out a lot with things. I love people that think of others and that care. I am so happy to be blessed by people. I miss my brother and mother so much. God bless you all that care. Love always.
John Mazzuca Gunnison John Clayton Writers on the Range$95 million boondoggle?
Editor: The April 13 paper reported the school board approved a $4.5 million contract with a Denver-based architecture firm for "design services.”
The school board asked for $95 million without plans? When does the public get to see the estimates for these projects and actual expenditures? Without public disclosure, it looks more and more like some, or much, of the $95 million will just vaporize without explanation.
The expenditure of $95 million should be plainly explained in a public forum, like the Gunnison Country Times, rath-
er than kept a top-secret school board line item. A list of the projects and the budget for each project would be a great start.
I never saw a detailed explanation how the $95 million would be spent last fall. It appears the school board just slapped $95 million on the wall to see if it would pass.
Jim Gazzoli GunnisonJoin me in supporting Bauer
Editor:
Please join me in voting for Keith Bauer for the upcoming MetRec board election. I have known Bauer for many years and believe he has the passion
and skill set to make a positive impact.
He loves the outdoors and values helping others experience recreation and discover their own passions. As the previous director and a past board member of the Crested Butte Nordic Center, Bauer helped shape the programs, terrain and facilities that we appreciate today. Bauer will work hard to make logical decisions and guide MetRec into its new future. Bauer has lots of experience, but most importantly, he cares about the Gunnison Valley. Join me in supporting him on May 2.
Dave Holt GunnisonThe fight to protect Red Lady advanced last week when the U.S. Forest Service released the first draft of its decision memo about the proposed Mt. Emmons land exchange. The memo lays out details of the proposed exchange, and although it is just one part of the review process, the document offers stakeholders “real reassurance” of the agency’s commitment, said Julie Nania, water program director for High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA).
“It's going to go a long way in assuring stakeholders in the valley — but also outside the valley — who might be monitoring this process, that this is indeed in the public's best interest,” she said.
The people of Gunnison County have fought to protect Red Lady for nearly 50 years. The deal would be a significant step forward for local leaders, residents and conservation groups who wish to see mineral development prohibited on Mt. Emmons in perpetuity.
The early release of the decision memo was negotiated by stakeholders in acknowledgment that the categorical exclusion phase of review does not include a great deal of public input. The categorical exclusion is a part of the exchange and allows the Forest Service to bypass a time-consuming National Environmental Policy Act analysis, which is a federal assessment of the overall
environmental impacts of the exchange. To maximize the public’s ability to weigh in on the issue, the Forest Service shared the memo early.
The deal would see the Forest Service exchange 550 acres of public lands nearly three miles west of Crested Butte for more than 625 acres of Mount Emmons Mining Company (MEMC)-owned land in Gunnison and Saguache counties. Through the exchange, MEMC will acquire land that it needs for remediation, enabling the company to mitigate hazardous mine waste and operate its water treatment plant without Forest Service oversight, a trade that the memo identifi es as “less onerous and more efficient.”
Although the Forest Service will have no regulatory oversight of the traded plots after the exchange, the state — through permits issued by the Colorado Water Quality Control Division — will retain regulatory control over the water treatment plant. Gunnison County and the Town of Crested Butte will also retain oversight through the county’s Land Use Resolution and the Town’s watershed protection district regulations.
“MEMC continues to support the land-exchange transaction and is pleased with the draft decision from the U.S. Forest Service,” wrote MEMC spokesperson James Telle in statement to the Times
But because mineral rights would be transferred in the exchange, extra measures are required. To ensure valley stakeholders see Red Lady protections codified, the exchange will be accompanied by a conservation easement and mineral rights extinguishment agreement that MEMC has publicly committed to with the Crested Butte Land Trust. The easement would prevent mining, commercial and residential development on the mountain while maintaining recreational access, and the extinguish-
ment agreement would prohibit MEMC from developing additional mining claims.
The easement and mineral extinguishment are inextricable from the overarching goals, Nania said, and the draft memo, signed by Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Supervisor Chad Stewart, essentially “doubles down” on Forest Service support for those actions.
“The Decision Memo takes us one step closer to that goal, but we aren’t over the finish line yet,” wrote Crested Butte Open Space and Trails Supervisor Joey Carpenter in a statement to the Times . “For the Town of Crested Butte, it is imperative that we see the completion of all the planned steps regarding the conservation easement and associated materials.”
Th e mining company is slated to pay the Forest Service a $600,000 equalization fee to even out the appraised value of the land being exchanged. The value of the federal parcels is $2,540,000 and the value of the non-federal parcels is $1,940,000. Additionally, any mining infrastructure that remains on lands the Forest Service receives will be the legal responsibility of the mining company, keeping the reclamation efforts squarely in the MEMC’s court.
The Forest Service will hold a final outreach event on this process on May 3, in the Elk and Florets Conference Rooms at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square in Mt. Crested Butte. The presentation starts at 4 p.m. and the open house will go from 4:30-6 p.m. This will be the final opportunity for the public to share their thoughts on the exchange with the Forest Service in person, but the event is not a formal comment opportunity.
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
classes, and may include an inhouse coach to help with personalized shopping.
“That's part of what we do. We want a healthy lifestyle to be accessible to everybody and be affordable. And education, we believe, is a big part of that,” Macarelli said.
The building was sold to a Texas-based real estate investment firm, Moran Capital LLC, in January of 2022. The firm, which maintains ownership of the property under a separate LLC, entered a long-term lease with Natural Grocers late last year. The new grocery store will occupy the entire 16,000 square foot space and offer about 9,300 square feet of sales floor.
Despite community rumors, Moran partner Robb Parks confirmed to the Times that the firm is not doing business for billionaire Mark Walter, who has been buying up property in the north end of the valley for years.
Parks has been visiting
Crested Butte for nearly 30 years. The idea for a grocery store came to the partners when a Crested Butte local, who knew former True Value owner Mike Darnell, let Parks know that Darnell was looking to sell. With City Market just next door, Parks said the firm wanted to provide a grocery business that would offer valley residents something different.
“I'm not so sure [another grocery store] would be able to compete with City Market. We wanted to go after someone that was different and unique, and Natural Grocers fills that void,” he said. “They're not just a classic, staple-type grocery store, they sell a lot of different things.”
Parks said he is optimistic that the store will not only capture a Gunnison market, but those headed to Crested Butte as well. Typically, a national chain like Natural Grocers would focus on larger populations, the “Grand Junctions of the world,” he said. But the summer and winter resort flows in and out of the valley made Gunnison a perfect spot, and the Spencer Avenue location ideal for its proximity to
Western Colorado University and the Gunnison Rec Center.
“Obviously, having ties to [to Crested Butte] — I’ve been up there for years — I want something to succeed and everybody be happy and proud of us. I'm hoping that the residents will be as excited as the city was when we told them about natural grocers,” he said.
Denver-based firm Rogue Architecture submitted preliminary designs for the space on March 31. City staff will review the plans and provide suggestions for Rogue to implement. The Public Works department still needs to verify the building’s electrical loads, and the owners need to submit a traffic study to make sure the proposed volume of cars in and around the lot are going to be sustainable for that intersection. Once changes are made, a permit can be submitted for building to begin.
A differentiated market?
While Natural Grocers breaks ground in Gunnison, a larger grocery battle is raging at the national level. Last fall, the two largest grocery corporations in the country, Albertsons
and Kroger, announced plans to merge. Kroger, which owns City Market, announced plans to buy Albertsons, which owns Safeway, for $24.6 billion. If the merger passes federal antitrust tests, hundreds of stores may be forced to close as a part of Kroger’s required divestiture.
A new grocery store in town may offer some relief to locals who have worried that prices will soar if the valley is left with only one large commercial grocery store. Others have concerns that union jobs would be lost — Safeway is represented by the Local 7 chapter of United Foods and Commercial Workers. While Natural Grocers provides another food retailer to the valley, disrupting a potential grocery monopoly, the new spot may not benefit workers if the merger goes through, wrote UFCW Local 7 president Kim Cordova in a statement to the Times
“From the labor point of view, the addition of a Natural Grocers store in Gunnison doesn’t change the merger’s negative impact, because this store is a specialty type of store, meaning it doesn’t have the wide selection of products of a
major grocery store … It is also more expensive than major grocery stores which offer consumers more product variety at often lower prices,” she wrote.
Natural Grocers employees do not have union representation, but the company offers a number of competitive benefits, Macarelli said. Jobs for the Gunnison store have been listed starting at $22 an hour, and according to the Natural Grocers website, the company offers health insurance, paid short-term disability insurance and a 401k, among others.
But benefits are not enough to mitigate the potential effects of the mega-merger, Cordova wrote.
“If this store is non-union … the displaced workers from a closed or a non-union divested store in Gunnison will not get the wages, healthcare benefits or pensions that a labor union provides through collective bargaining. [The merger] is a loselose for everyone.”
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
center. The $3.5 million center would serve as a central hub and connection point for other bus service lines such as the Bustang. The building was to be no larger than 2,000 square feet and house a lobby for riders waiting to catch a bus, restrooms and an information center.
City council heard the proposal for the first time at a regular meeting earlier this month. During the session, staff handed out feedback forms for residents to fill out and opened an online portal for comments. Since April 11, the city received more than 130 written comments on the RTA’s proposal — the majority of which were in strong opposition to the placement of a transit facility at the Rec Center. This was the first formal public comment period for the proposal.
According to Finance Director and Interim City Manager Ben Cowan, some of the recurring themes within the comments included safety worries for seniors and children due to increased traffic congestion, loss of green space and soccer fields, limited parking, conveying the land without a public vote and the potential for increased crime near the Rec Center.
During a regular council meeting on Tuesday night, approximately 20 community members gathered at City Hall to share more of their concerns about the chosen location. Many others gathered online on Zoom. After collecting more feedback, staff did not accept any of the RTA’s proposals on the property, but agreed to work with the organization to find a more suitable location.
“Without the public support behind this, there really is no reason to make that heavy lift on the staff and city side to make this happen,” said Councilor
Mallory Logan. “But I do think a transit center in Gunnison will be crucial in the future, especially as our population grows.”
The RTA’s search for a transit center location began in 2019, but the arrival of the pandemic temporarily placed the project on hold. Staff surveyed the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, the northeast corner of New York Avenue and Pine Street, Teller and Hwy. 50 near the visitor center and the Gunnison Rec Center. Criteria used to evaluate each site included its proximity to affordable housing, Western Colorado University and groceries, as well as ease of access for cyclists and pedestrians and proximity to Hwy. 50 and 135.
The RTA’s preferred transit center location sits on the southeast side of the city-owned Gunnison Rec Center property near the existing bus stop on Spencer Avenue. If built as planned, it would fall on top of one of the Rec Center’s two U-9 soccer fields and require new parking lots. The southwestern side of the property was selected as the second alternative. It would spare the soccer fields, but RTA staff noted some drainage issues on the parcel that
could make construction more of a challenge.
According to Cowan, the construction of a transit center on that parcel is not allowed under the city’s existing zoning regulations. At the same time, drafting a zoning amendment usually only occurs with broad community support and a clear directive from council, which was not present for this particular proposal, he said.
“To override zoning regulations, I think is ill advised,”
Cowan said.
If the project were to move forward, Cowan also noted numerous operational impacts to the city. These include the relocation of electric and communication utilities, significant changes in traffic patterns and the loss of heavily-used field space.
The creation of a transit center would likely also require a decent amount of parking space for riders. Donita Bishop, who lives right across the street from the Rec Center, said that taking the grass and turning it into asphalt is not the “greatest idea.”
“I do hope that we can find as a community, as a city, as a county, as the RTA, somewhere else that's more suitable that can get people across the state in a sustainable way,” Bishop said.
Local resident Heather Zeilman said she would like the RTA to reexamine the sites that were initially thrown out because they didn’t meet all of the organization’s criteria for a possible transit center.
“I would like to take another look at the RTA matrix and see if perhaps some of the no’s that excluded some of the other options could potential-
ly be turned into yes, and what opportunities might be there,” she said. “Perhaps [we can] find a location that's better than the existing proposal,” she said.
At the city’s April 11 meeting, RTA representative Leia Morrison said there were quite a few opportunities to garner federal funding to cover a portion of the project’s cost. But it can be difficult to apply for grants without first settling on a location — fueling the organization’s quick push to decide on the site.
“That's why time is pretty much of essence,” Morrison said.
But no public forums were held prior to the RTA’s decision. According to Gunnison Parks and Rec staff, they were presented with the proposal at one meeting at the beginning of the year, but were not consulted with the final decision on the chosen site.
“My concern with the whole thing was there was so little notice to the public about this proposal … Nobody knew about it until it was word of mouth,” said local resident Linda Pitt.
Mayor Diego Plata said he was in full support of a transit center, which could be a “valuable component” of the community as Bustang services continue to expand. The Bustang presently makes daily connections from Crested Butte and Gunnison to Denver, and will likely add a route from Montrose in the future.
"This is their (RTA’s) mission, and it's going to help us so we can certainly help,” Plata said. “But I do think RTA needs to drive the bus a little more as it pertains to the public input and messaging around this.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
The RTA’s preferred transit center location sits on the southeast side of the Gunnison Rec Center near the existing bus stop on Spencer Avenue. Jacob SpetzlerWithout the public support behind this, there really is no reason to make that heavy lift on the staff and city side to make this happen.
Mallory Logan Gunnison City Council
from
able housing development, Lazy K. Wilson’s start date is set for June 26.
The city reopened the job listing in early February, restarting the search after the fi rst round of finalists withdrew. After some adjustments to the listing — including a higher salary range and transitional housing — the executive recruitment firm the city hired for the search, Columbia Ltd., received 51 applications during the second round. Approximately 37% of the applicants were located in Colorado, while the rest were from out of state.
The final four were invited to Gunnison to participate in extensive interviews with department heads and employees, community representatives and city council. The process
also included a community open house so residents could meet the candidates and provide feedback.
Although Wilson has been living in Idaho, she said Colorado was once her home and she had a strong desire to return.
“Initially, like most, we were attracted to Gunnison’s rural charm, endless recreation, and the vibrancy of Western Colorado University,” she wrote in an email to the Times . “All three factors remain important but ultimately, we chose Gunnison because of the people. The city’s elected officials and professional staff are dedicated and forward-thinking, and I am genuinely grateful for the privilege to serve with them.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Newly appointed city manager Amanda Wilson introduces herself during the public forum at the Gunnison Rec Center on April 13
This school year, the Gunnison Watershed School District launched a new program called “Climb” to help students with behavioral needs integrate back into the classroom — creating a safe and welcoming space for all students to learn.
District staff implemented the program to offer more intensive services to students with disabilities, each with a completely different learning style than others. According to Climb teachers, the program has created a space for students with a history of social and emotional disabilities to get the support they need to succeed alongside their peers. The school board received a presentation about the program’s progress over the course of year during a regular meeting on April 10.
During the 2016-17 school year, the district created the Achievement Center in
response to the rising number of students with a disability that needed additional help at school. These are students that may not be able to communicate verbally, are wheelchair bound or may be impacted by
Down syndrome and autism. Others needed help in the areas of cognition, communication and movement or were determined “medically fragile.”
Achievement Center staff off ered these students a learn-
Within the next two years, staff expect the number to rise 11.
So far, the Achievement Center has been a “great success,” with a handful of students moving to the district specifically to join the program, said Special Services Director Robert Speer. But over the past few years, the district’s special education department began to notice a growing need to aid students who showed signs of emotional and behavioral deficits at school — preserving their access to learning and the safety of their teachers and classmates.
To staff, it made sense to split available programming in two. While some special education teachers are experts in working with students who need feeding tubes, diapering or help traveling to outings at the ski hill or library, it may not be the best fit for all educators, Speer said.
City of Gunnison
City of Gunnison Parks and Recreation
Colorado Backcountry
Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Crested Butte PTA
Daniel’s Fund
Gene Taylor
Irwin Guides
Town of Crested Butte Parks and Recreation
Town of Crested Butte
Town of Mt. Crested Butte
60% OF 6TH-12TH GRADE YOUTH
ACE Hardware CB
Alpineer CB Sports
Coffee Lab
Core Fitness
Cranor Hill
ing system tailored specifi cally to their ability level. Presently, six students in grades one through 12 and beyond (special education students can stay in school until they are 21 years old) are receiving services.
“Those who do that work, absolutely love it,” Speer said. “But some of those same people don't necessarily like working on the behavior side, where you might have a kid who's threatening you, or can become physically or verbally aggressive.”
These same students also fre-
continued on A9
Nordic Center
Ol’ Miner Steakhouse
Paradox Footwear
Powerstop
Retail Therapy
Crested Butte Clay Studio
CrossFit Gunnison
Double Shot
Gas Café
Gunnison Rec Center
Heights Physical Therapy
Ice Rink- Gunnison
Jermaine’s
Majestic Theater
Mario’s
Milky Way
Mocha’s
Mountaineer Movie Theater
Mountain Roots
Niky’s Mini Donuts
IN THE GUNNISON VALLEY ARE CHOICE PASS HOLDERS. If you would like to be a business that recognizes youth, please reach out for more information on becoming a Choice Pass Partner. Recognizing youth for making healthy choices helps connect youth to their community and trusted adults which helps lower substance use rates and raises resiliency. If your business would like a training on Positive Youth Development contact choicepass@gunnisoncounty.org.
Rumors
San Juan Soda Company
Secret Stash
Shades and Mountain Tops
Talewinds School of Music
T Bar Tea House
Teocalli Tamale
The Store and Deli Mt. CB.
Third Bowl
Treads and Threads
Tributary Coffee
Thrive Yoga
True Value – Gunnison
Wheelies and Waves
Special education teacher Leia Henaghan opens the door of the “Climb Store.” Students involved in the Climb program can earn good behavior bucks they can spend on snacks and school supplies. Bella Biondiniwould like to thank our partners for celebrating our youth’s healthy choices and providing opportunities in the community for positive development.
The ICELab hosted an elevator pitch presentation night on Friday, April 21. The event was the culmination of a business development workshop for Hispanic entrepreneurs, offered through the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute. Other collaborators included the City of Gunnison, the Gunnison County Chamber of Commerce, Gunnison County Multicultural Services, the Hispanic Affairs Project, Inmigrantes Unidos and Skyeler Smith, an aspiring MBA candidate at Western Colorado University.
continued from A8
quently have a history of learning disabilities and attention and social deficits. Before the Climb program began, students that struggled with behavioral problems could be pulled out of the classroom for extended periods of time due to their impact on the rest of the school community.
“But now we're finding opportunities to get the students back into the classroom,” said special education teacher Leia Henaghan. She is one of the founders of Climb. This year, six students are receiving services under Climb in grades one through eight. Henaghan said she anticipated up to five additional students in the fall.
At the beginning of the school year, the elementary students participating in the Climb program could not focus on academic tasks for more than minutes at a time or follow a set schedule. Now they are able to maintain attention until a task is complete, work with classmates and adapt to schedule changes. At Gunnison Middle School, staff have noticed a significant reduction in discipline referrals.
According to Speer, administration has had to pause all classes several times because staff members did not feel safe with some of the students in the building, worried they could become a threat to themselves or others. But oftentimes, this behavior is due to a disability, Speer said.
“These are not students that we would look at and just say that's a behavioral misconduct infraction, and we're going to continue to suspend or expel you … If we know that behavior is due to a disability, we
should not be suspending the student. We should be building programming and putting the interventions in place to help support them so they can be
theFuture
HClark,PEngh,IEnglish,GKonet
WheretheWildThingsAre: ConservingColorado's EndangeredandSensitiveSpecies
JDonohue,MJernakoff,B Skebetz,CRyan
TheSlowBurnto Resilience:Applying CommunityGuidancefor EmbracingRapidChange
DClark,CCordova,SKohler, LSchaller
Protectedand Misunderstood:Two SpeciesConservingand RestoringWestern Landscapes
AAulenbach,KBenson,PKieras, EYoungquist
BringingAdaptation Home:Strategiesforthe BuiltEnvironment
PKern,CLantzer,VMuharsky, SMurphy
PhasesofRe-wetting GunnisonBasin Sustainable Developmentandthe FutureofEneergy
SAdkins,BBloyd,A Mandeville,YRotimi,P Maness
Fish,Forests,andFire: ChangingEcological Conditionsand ManagementResponses
HCaitlin,SKolinski,SProkosch, DSamson-Mckenna,AWorsham
GameCamsandRangelands: WaterandWildlifeResource Managementin Powderhorn,Colorado
Roots:EnhancingSoil andWatershedHealth throughCommunity Engagement
LCristadoro,MEshed,JFreiha, TLighfoot
GreenGuides:Toolsfor ImprovingourBuilt Environment
XCritikos,JHernandez, MNorris
RBriesmoore,CFlora,BJordan, MMacNeill
Although the basin’s lingering snowpack has made access more difficult for this year’s Gunnison sage-grouse lek counters, the numbers reported so far have been heartening.
Each spring, the community works together to organize early-morning lek counts during the grouse’s breeding season. Leks, which are sites where males gather to court prospective mates, are revisited annually by the birds. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) monitors approximately 82 leks across the area with help from all of the local federal agencies including U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, as well as local students and volunteers.
On April 24, the snowpack for the Gunnison River Basin sat at nearly 170% of normal. Because the snow is sticking around, about half of the leks still haven’t gotten a decent count, said CPW Wildlife Conservation Biologist Nate Seward.
“I don't have a great picture of what the populations are doing so far this spring,” Seward said. “But we've had some really encouraging observations.”
According to Seward, CPW has recorded more than 200 birds at three separate leks this spring. He said he believes large winter flocks of sage grouse gathered in those areas because more sagebrush and open ground were exposed as the snow slowly began to melt.
“A lot of the ranchers will say the breeding season hasn't started until grouse can get their feet muddy,” Seward said.
Over the past couple of years, Seward said the basin’s persisting drought conditions made him nervous about the sage grouse’s population numbers.
When the bird doesn’t have access to a high-quality forbs, insects become more difficult to find, as well as hiding cover and nesting habitat.
After some decline in 2019, lek counts in 2022 revealed that the basin’s population numbers had increased by almost 25% — a jump likely due to a healthy monsoon season in 2021. Seward said he expects to see another population boost in 2023, thanks to the persistent moisture.
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.
304 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
Although harsh winters can reduce sage-grouse survival, the snowpack conditions this year have been favorable, he said. While melt-freeze events can form dense crusts, making it difficult for the birds to burrow down into the snow, it stayed mostly soft throughout most of the winter season.
The lek counts officially began on April 1 and will continue through May 10. Local Gunnison rancher Sandy Guerrieri said it has already been an impressive year.
“I knew once the snow started to melt off they would come in numbers,” Guerrieri said.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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.
A lot of the ranchers will say the breeding season hasn’t started until grouse can get their feet muddy.
Nate Seward
CPW Wildlife Conservation Biologist
Some believe spring officially begins on the equinox, but in Gunnison, the season starts at Mountain Roots Food Project’s annual plant sale. Community members perused the greenery and warmed up beside a fire during the event, which took place on Saturday, April 22.
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In 2022 Coldharbour Institute and Habitat for Humanity worked together to create a Feasibility Study to determine from multiple angles if something like a Building Materials Reuse Center would be possible! This center would take excess construction materials and house them at a storage location in Gunnison County to be sold or recycled properly. If you're interested in learning more contact Hannah Schaefer Tibbett at Director@ColdharbourInstitute.org
In 2023 Coldharbour Institute and Habitat for Humanity worked together to create a Master Plan to determine if something like a Design Build School would be possible. The vision for this school is for it to be a place where folks of varying interests and experience levels are provided hands on courses to learn about skills ranging from cabinetry design to whole home construction. If you're interested in learning more contact Hannah Schaefer Tibbett at Director@ColdharbourInstitute.org
A rendition of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” opened last weekend, and was performed by the Western Theatre Company on April 20-22 at the university’s Black Box Theatre. The play follows the residents of a fictional small American town called Grover’s Corner in the early 1900s. The play will run four more times this upcoming weekend, with matinees on April 26 and 27 at 1 p.m. and 1:15 p.m., respectively. The final two evening performances on April 28 and 29 will take place at 7:30
641.1414
GUNNISON SAVINGS AND LOAN IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT: We have served the Gunnison Valley for over 110 years and are looking for an individual who wants a career in banking. This position requires a solid working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and strong financial analysis skills. An outstanding senior accountant should also possess strong Excel skills, be detailoriented, highly organized, and able to work with little to no supervision.
Preferred Qualifications:
-Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
-Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
-Strong organizational skills.
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly with Excel.
Responsibilities:
-Daily accounting operations of the Association including cash management, correspondent banking, wire transfers, processing rejected in-clearings and rejected ACH payments.
-Preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, maintaining work papers
-Periodic reporting including preparation of monthly financial reports, payroll tax reports, quarterly FDIC reporting, liquidity projections, interest rate risk reports, CECL reporting, public funds, qualifying collateral, and qualified thrift lender reports.
-Preparing revenue projections and forecasting expenditures.
-Preparing accounting work papers for audits and examinations.
Benefits:
-Competitive Salary (entry level skills
$40,0000 - $50,000; higher with experience)
-401(k) retirement plan
-Group life and health insurance plans
-Paid vacation (after 90-day probationary period).
-48 hours of paid sick leave per year
-HSA employer contributions
-Paid Federal Holidays -Free checking account
Work Environment:
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m-5 p.m.
Dress: Business Casual
Please submit your resume, reference, and letter of application to Maureen Eden, Executive Vice President/ Chief Operations Officer 303 N. Main Street, Gunnison, CO 81230 maureene@gunnisonsl.com 970-6412179.
CALL FOR ARTISTS! Looking for a talented artist to design a logo for the Cheatgrass Subcommittee to the Gunnison-SageGrouse Strategic Planning Committee. This group consists of a diverse suite of stakeholders working to mitigate the spread of noxious weeds for the protection of the Gunnison Basin. Education is a large service to our cause and we need a logo to be able to brand ourselves. If your artwork is chosen, you will have the clout of seeing it on educational and promotional material for conservation projects all over town. For the logo, we are looking for something simple that incapsulates our cause and our community, which can include the Gunnison sage-grouse, sagebrush, recreation, and livestock. Get creative! We are excited to see what you create. Please email entries to Petar Simic, HappyHabitatsGunnison@ gmail.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.
HELP THE ARTS and make good money. The Center for the Arts is hiring bartenders, event staff, and security staff positions. Join our team of creative professionals working to bring arts, culture and the community together. All levels of experience and availability invited to apply. $15-$23/hour DOE + tips. EOE. Email resume to melissa@ crestedbuttearts.org. Visit crestedbuttearts. org/about/employment/ for more information.
INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN REAL
ESTATE BUT NOT SURE HOW TO GET STARTED? Coldwell Banker is seeking a broker support specialist to join our team. This position a perfect way to learn the business and get paid to do it! We are looking for an individual who works well with all types of people, has a strong attention to detail, will creatively help with marketing and is capable of implementing systems. The job requires strong computer knowledge for work on a PC in Excel, Word and many web based programs. This is a full time, year round position. Email resume to molly@ cbmp.com or call 970-209-4234.
LEGAL/VICTIM SERVICES: 3 Positions available immediately in the Gunnison, San Miguel and Montrose District Attorney’s Office. Legal Services Portion-Requires excellent word processing skills (M/S Word), professional demeanor, and must enjoy working with the public. Duties include Legal filings and case handling, telephones, electronic filing, greeting visitors and coordination with court and law enforcement personnel. Legal or criminal justice background preferred but not required.
Victim Services Portion-Responsible for assisting victims through the criminal justice system, as it relates to the DA’s Office. Full-time 40 hours a week. Salary $18-$24 DOE, benefit package. Please submit your resume with employment references to: Administrator, Office of District Attorney, 1140 N. Grand Avenue, Ste. 200, Montrose CO 81401, by email to mail@co7da.org. Positions opened until filled.
SPECTRUM IS HIRING FIELD AND MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS IN
GUNNISON: As a field technician you will resolve cable and internet issues, and install Spectrum’s high-performing cable, TV, internet, and Voice products throughout your community. As you drive from location to location, you will build relationships with a diverse base of customers and deliver technical solutions. This is a career that grows with you, and the knowledge you gain will take you far.
Job Perks: Receive a company vehicle, tools, professional uniform, and personal protective equipment to do your best and stay safe
Dynamic Growth: Progress through a defined career path, or move into roles like supervisor, manager, or director
Competitive Pay: Generous starting salary, plus pay increases as you advance
Paid Training:
If you’re looking for a hands-on career opportunity that allows you to work face-toface with the people directly impacted by your work, consider joining our team. For the complete job description, visit us at jobs. spectrum.com Field Technician – Gunnison, CO.
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**
NATURAL GROCERS is opening a new store in Gunnison, CO! Now hiring manager positions. Join our crew and learn about our great perks and benefits. Text “GROW” to 97211 to Apply Today.
SIGN ON BONUS WITH ROCKY
MOUNTAIN TREES AND LANDSCAPING:
Now hiring all positions for the 2023 summer season. Come join a great team. To apply and see what positions we have visit rockymountaintrees.com/employment/ or give us a call at 970-349-6361.
TODDLER PROGRAM TEAM MEMBERS:
Tenderfoot Child and Family Development Center is seeking early childhood qualified teachers to work with children aged 1-3 years old. Positions include both a toddler program supervisor ($45,614/annually) and/or a part-time ($19.16/hr) or full-time ($21.16/hr) toddler lead teacher. Our new toddler team will be offered consistent administrative and external support to transition the program to new leadership while maintaining quality programming for children and families. Benefits include paid time off, child care and continuing education. Email tfootdirector@ gmail.com or call 970-642-1949 for more information. EOE
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.
HIRING CASHIERS AND COOKS: Full and part time pay based on experience.
But expect $22+ after tips. Drop resumes at Powerstop.
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.
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
Colorado Statewide Network
To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net
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AMERIGLIDE
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PORTABLE OXYGEN
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COLORADO STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK
To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net
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.
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.
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).
To view the full job announcement(s) and apply, visit western.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/western. AA/EOE
*Housing is held for Gunnison County employees and may be available for you to rent*
Public Works: Guaranteed 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $15.75 to $22.28 depending on experience, plus partial benefits.
Outdoor work that includes, traffic control, fencing, tree and brush removal, trail work, recycling, equipment training and much more, all in a 4 day work week
Health Coalition Coordinator HHS: Part-time, 25 hours/week, hourly rate range from $27.15 to $38.41 plus partial benefits.
Facilities Maintenance Custodian
Facilities: Full-ime, 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $21.72 to $30.72 plus full benefits.
Fairgrounds Manager
Fairgrounds: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,238 to $6,537 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.
Detention Deputy Sheriff: Fulltime, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,229 to $5,982 plus full benefits. Only work 14 days a month.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
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!”
Food Service-CBCS and GCS
ELL Educational Assistant-GMS
Building Manager-CBCS
Assistant Building Manager-CBCS
Lead Custodian-Lake School
Special Education EA- CBSS
Permanent Substitute-CBSS Bus Drivers
Substitute Teachers
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
GHS Assistant Principal
GMS Assistant Principal
Elementary STEM Teacher - .8 FTE
District Technology Director
.5 SPED/.5 Intervention-CBES
Counselor-GES-(1 year only)
ELL Teachers-GES and GMS
PE & Health Teacher-GMS
Industrial Arts Teacher-GMS
Special Education Teachers -CBCS and GMS
Secondary Music Teacher-CBSS
Secondary Art Teacher-CBSS
Counselor-CBES
English Language Arts Teacher -CBSS
Newcomer Teacher and Integration Specialist
Math Intervention Teacher-CBSS
Coaching: GHS-Speech and Debate
Please contact:
Superintendent’s Office
JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760
jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net
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
Facilities TechnicianFT $21.53 - $24.76/hr DOE
Housekeeper, Senior Care CenterFT $17 - $20.80/hr DOE
Unit Coordinator, Emergency DepartmentFT $19.10 - $22.91/DOE
Cook, HospitalFT $18 - $20.50/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.
$51,002 - $67,995 per year and is paid on an hourly basis. Starting compensation will be based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level. In emergency and high demand times applicable overtime pay will apply. Upon meeting eligibility requirements this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the complete list of duties and qualifications and to learn how to apply visit our website at gcea.coop/about tab/careers tab. Application deadline May 3.
BLIND FAITH CUSTOM WINDOW
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
Product plus service discounts are included with the positions. If you are looking to work in a fun, fast-paced, positive environment please send a resume to hello@ nativenectarbotanicals.com.
KDCB IS LOOKING FOR LEAD CARPENTERS AND CARPENTERS. Call 970-275-6969.
LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE is seeking a part-time aide for the summer and beyond to work M-F 8-1:30 (or any combo of days) with opportunities for afternoon subbing. This is a great opportunity to enter the field of early childhood education and get to spend your days with amazing little people. Pay starting at $19/hr with tons of room for paid education, raises, benefits and much more. This has potential to be a stable year round full time job, which is hard to come by in this valley. Please inquire with Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com.
GRADUATING? RETIRED? SKI SEASON ENDED? Come play with us in the dirt! We provide all training to get your early childhood education career started with us, the only nature-based preschool in the Valley. Hiring assistant teachers ($16/hr.) and lead teachers ($18-20/hr.) for our toddler and preschool classes. Flexible full to part-time positions available and benefits provided. Supportive, friendly work environment. Visit wonderlandnatureschool.org or email us at admin@wonderlandnatureschool.org.
a couple of cleaning, wait staff and flower gardening people. A yard, firewood and maintenance person. Must have valid drivers license. We pay a good wage and gas allowance. Possible housing. For more info call Rory or Becky 970-641-2606 or email rorynbirdsey@gmail.com.
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.
WILDER ON THE TAYLOR is hiring for the summer season. Join our small crew of dedicated employees and work at a beautiful property on the middle Taylor River. Seeking hard working individuals for help mowing lawns, clearing trails and other landscaping/ranch duties. Experience not required. $20/hr, 40 hrs/wk. Must have reliable transportation. Tank of gas provided after 40 hours worked each week. Season is May 15-Nov. 1. Bonus for working until end of season. Contact Mark at 708-336-1203 for more info.
GUNNISON COUNTY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. is currently seeking applications for a system locator/inspector position. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison headquarters location. This position will be responsible for accurately detecting and marking existing underground electric lines in a timely manner. During Summer months the number of locates per day required is high and requires working in a fast-paced environment while still detecting lines accurately and safely. Diligence is required to complete the high number of locates in a timely manner. Other duties include inspection, GPS and documenting overhead and underground facilities. The pay range for this position is
CLUES ACROSS
1. It’s all over the beach
5. A cirque
8. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
11. Influential report author
13. Satisfaction
14. Recurring only at long intervals
15. Islamic calendar month
16. Neither 17. Gelatinous substance
producer
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.
64. Dark brown CLUES DOWN
1. Soviet Socialist Republic
2. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire
3. Venomous snake genus
4. Uninteresting
5. Straightforwardness
6. Expression of wild excitement
7. Arrange in order
8. East Indian cereal grass
9. Hillsides
10. Bird beak covering
12. Baseball stat
14. Edge of a surfboard 19. Wrapping accessory
LABORERS AND CARPENTERS
WANTED: Pay starting at $22 an hour and up depending on experience. 3% matching IRA per year after 6 months of work. Some paid holidays. PCI - Professional Contractors Inc. 970-209-6062.
NATIVE NECTAR BOTANICALS IN CRESTED BUTTE IS HIRING FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
Retail specialist $18/hr. (cashier/sales/ spa receptionist) full and part-time positions available:
-Must have a positive attitude
-Strong work ethic
-Excellent customer service skills
-Have a vested interest in skincare
-Must be willing to learn about all Native Nectar products
-Discussion and engagement with customers about skincare products required
-Spa check-in/check-out responsibilities
-Retail sales experience is not required but welcomed
Spa/retail store manager full-time $25/hr plus PTO (retail sales and management/spa liaison):
-Positive attitude with good communication skills
-Excellent customer service skills
-Experience with spa management or management of people (1-year minimum)
-Booking clients, client interaction, client check-in/check-out responsibilities
-Running the retail store and managing retail employees
-Inventory of merchandise
-Open communication with the production manager
Massage therapist and esthetician (full and part-time positions available) Commission on services and products sold plus tips):
-Arrive early for appointment prep
-Responsible for post-appointment clean up including proper sanitation, laundry, and room turn-over.
-Working knowledge of Native Nectar products used in treatments.
Born of
SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR: The Town of Crested Butte seeks applicants for a sustainability coordinator position. The sustainability coordinator performs a variety of professional, technical, innovative and analytical work to advance the Town’s Climate Action Plan both internally and externally. The sustainability coordinator provides leadership and coordination of complex projects and is responsible for tracking and reporting on progress toward the achievement of the Town’s sustainability goals. This position is highly visible, working closely with citizens, community non-profits, governmental partners and employee groups to achieve specific sustainability goals Identifies and analyzes sustainability options to the town, its employees and the general public. Works closely with the town manager and department heads to provide guidance and consultation regarding sustainability programs, costs, timelines and other related activities. Makes public presentations to the Town Council. This year-round position includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employerpaid employee and dependent health, dental, vision, life insurance and matching contributions to a retirement plan after one year of employment. Starting salary is $67,000 - $80,000 DOQ. The 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 first review of applications will be on April 26. The position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions: Housekeeping flexible schedule available, $20-$25/hr.; swim instructors for both private and small groups, must be CPR/First Aid certified, starting pay $25/hr.; front desk attendants, $16-$18/hr.; general facility maintenance $18-$20/hr.; line cooks and dishwasher $20-$25/hr. + gratuity; market attendants $15/hr. + gratuity; market manager $22-$25/hr. + gratuity; golf shop attendants, $18-$20/hr. Employee benefits include complimentary golf rounds and employee discounts. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.
THE TAYLOR RIVER RANCH is looking to hire its summer staff. The positions are from May 15-Sept. 15. We are looking for
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.
MOUNTAIN EXPRESS DRIVER: Join our free paid cdl training workshop - license and training costs also fully paid. Mountain Express is looking to recruit drivers. Drivers are responsible for safe transport and friendly assistance of passengers as a bus driver on a fixed route and demand response service. Sign On Bonus of 1k after your 10th shift with MX. The Workshop Training starts May 16-June 2. $15/hr. during training. Once your CDL is obtained, the starting wage is $21.85/hr. Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@ mtnexp.org to apply and for a complete job description visit mtnexp.org. EOE
GUNNIRENTS is seeking a full time shop technician to perform basic maintenance, cleaning/detailing and occasional repairs to construction equipment. Experience with diesel engines and hydraulics are preferred. Pay $20-25/Hour DOE.Contact Colby 970412-9956.
IRON HORSE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT is looking for a driven and detail oriented individual to join our team as an operations manager. This role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our maintenance, property care and housekeeping departments to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. We need someone who is not only precise and accurate but also quick and multi-focused in their approach. As an assertive leader, you will be coaching, streamlining and optimizing teams and processes to drive performance. Your ability to manage and motivate team members while maintaining a professional social demeanor is key in this role. If you are highly organized, have excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, are computer literate, have a proactive nature and if you are looking for more, then we want to talk with you. This is a full time position that offers full health benefits, paid vacation, 401K, paid holidays, ski or health pass, 5 day work week and more. Pay is DOE and there is room for growth. If interested please forward your resume to steve@ironhorsecb.com and qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Atmos Energy Corporation (“Atmos Energy”)
1555 Blake Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
You are hereby notified that Atmos Energy has filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado (“PUC”), in compliance with the Public Utilities Law, an application for permission to file certain changes in tariffs, affecting all residential, commercial, interruptible and other consumers in its Colorado divisions to become effective May 1, 2023, if the application is granted by the PUC.
The purpose for this filing is to change rates by revising the Company’s existing gas cost adjustment tariff to reflect changes in the rates charged Atmos Energy by its suppliers for natural gas purchases. The present and proposed natural gas rates are as follows:
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.
BRAND NEW 3 BR 2.5 BATH in Gunnison for $3,000 a month with garage. Available Aug. 1. Send inquiries to info@davidgrossgc. com.
PRIME OFFICE SPACE on Main St. Five private offices. Client waiting/conference room, reception desk, 12 paved parking spaces. Call or text 970-596-9999 for more info.
NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS CREATING A VESTED RIGHT GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Gunnison County has approved the following Land Use Change permits with site-specific development plans(s) within unincorporated Gunnison County, which creates a threeyear vested property right pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, Article 68 of Title 24 C.R.S., as amended. A “vested property right” gives the following applicant(s) the right to undertake the development subject to the condition(s) of approval of the site-specific development plan(s).
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CONCERNING LUC-23-00014
A LOCATION AND EXTENT APPLICATION
PURSUANT TO C.R.S. § 30-28-110, COMMONLY KNOWN AS A LOCATION AND EXTENT REFERRAL, FOR A NEW CRESTED BUTTE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, SEARCH AND RESCUE FACILITY, TRAINING TOWER, AND HELIPAD ON TWO PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED NORTH OF THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE TOWN BOUNDARY AND ADJACENT TO THE SLATE RIVER ON THE EAST SIDE OF GOTHIC ROAD, PARCEL NO. 3177-350-03-018 AND PARCEL NO. 3177-350-03-019, AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A, County of Gunnison, State of colorado.
HEARING DATE, TIME AND LOCATION: The Gunnison County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on May 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the meeting room upstairs in the Blackstock Government Center, 221 N. Wisconsin St. in Gunnison and/or by ZOOM meeting. If attending by Zoom please go to the online meetings tab at https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/144/ Community-and-Economic-Development for the ZOOM meeting link to hear public comments concerning this Location and Extent review.
APPLICANT: Crested Butte Fire Protection District, Represented by Mauriello Planning Group at 970-376-3318.
PROJECT LOCATION AND LEGAL
The proposed and present rates and tariffs are available for examination at the business office of Atmos Energy Corporation located at 1555 Blake Street, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado, or at the Public Utilities Commission at 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, Colorado, 80202.
Anyone who desires may either file written objection or seek to intervene as a party in this filing. If you only wish to object to the proposed action, you may file a written objection with the Commission. The filing of a written objection by itself will not allow you to participate as a party in any proceeding on the proposed action. If you wish to participate as a party in this matter, you must file written intervention documents under the Commission’s rules.
Anyone who desires to file written objection or written intervention documents to the proposed action shall file them with the PUC, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, Colorado, 80202 at least one day before the proposed effective date. The Commission’s e-mail address is dora_puc_website@state.co.us.
Members of the public may attend any hearing and may make a statement under oath about the proposed change whether or not a written objection or request to intervene has been filed. Atmos Energy Corporation previously filed a separate gas purchase report in accordance with Rule 4607 of the Commission’s Rules Regulating Gas Utilities to begin the initial prudence review evaluation for the gas purchase year ended June 30, 2022..
By: Bart W. Armstrong PresidentTHE ELEVATION HOTEL AND SPA AND JOSÉ CRESTED BUTTE are hiring for the summer season and beyond. Full time team members are eligible for full benefits including medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k, gym membership, room night discounts and housing. The following roles are available to high quality candidates: Night auditor $21/hour, bellperson $17/hour + tips, front desk agent $20.25/hour, bartender $17/ hour + tips, barback $16/hour + tips, server $15/hour + tips, Host $18/hour, cook $19/ hour, dishwasher/Steward $17/hour, room attendant $18/hour, engineer 1 $21/hour, engineer 2 $22.50/hour, engineer 3 $24/ hour, assistant chief engineer $55-65k/ year, banquet captain $20/hour + tips, food and beverage manager $65-70k/year. For details and to apply, please visit highgate. com/careers.
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.
ACC IS HIRING HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS AND CDL DRIVERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS for the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project. Great benefits and Davis Bacon Wages. ACC is a drug free work environment (including marijuana) We are and Equal Opportunity Employer and
participate in E-Verify. Call 303-795-2582 for more information, email your interest/ resume to littleblue@accbuilt.com.
GUNNIRENTS is seeking a full time delivery driver to deliver equipment throughout the Gunnison valley. Experience driving and backing up with a trailer is necessary and a class A CDL is preferred. Pay $20-25/Hour DOE. Contact Colby 970-412-9956.
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.
Experience driving loaders, rollers, backhoes and other heavy equipment preferred but not necessary. This is a fulltime 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).
PUBLIC HOUSE is seeking a general manager in Crested Butte. Public House celebrates local food, drinks and the community of live music. The general manager is responsible for the efficient operations, growth and overall leadership of Public House Pub and Tap Room. This position is an integral contributor to daily operations. We are seeking a reliable leader with previous experience in restaurant management and supervisory of a large staff. This is a full-time year-round position with benefits. The salary range is $60,000$90,000/year. For a detailed job description and to apply please visit elevenexperience. com/careers.
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.
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.
LIQUIDATION SALE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF ANTHONY ROBBINS: 1986 Skyland 14x60 mobile home, 1999 Gulf Stream 32’ RV, 1992 Jeep, 1987 boat and trailer, 1976 Dodge SIG RV, 1978 shed on wheels, 1995 Shed on wheels. All listed transaction deadline May 31. As is offers all considered. Drive by 329 Reed St, Gunnison. Call for showing 970-209-8880.
LUC-23-00012- Erica and Chad Holtzinger approved to construct a detached second residence on a parcel legally described as Tract 1, Crested butte Meadows, County of Gunnison, State of CO. AKA 228 Champagne Lane, Crested Butte, CO
LUC-23-00006- Gunnison County Electric Association/ Taylor River Hydro approved for the expansion of industrial use by installing a 500 KW Hydroelectric Turbine and Generator at the base of the existing Taylor River Dam. This property is owned by United States Bureau of Reclamation is legally described as Section 1-18, 20-22, 24,25,2733 &36 & part of Sections 19, 23, 26, 34 & 35, T14S, R83W, 22,950+ acres. AKA 18947 County Rd. 742, Taylor Park CO.
/s/ Beth Baker
Community Development Services Manager
Gunnison County Community Development
Department
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.
Publication date of April 27, 2023
8776
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR
CHANGE OF NAME
Public Notice is given on APRIL 10, 2023 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Gunnison County, Colorado Court.
The Petition requests that the name of ELIZABETH NADINE MENSE be changed to ELIZABETH NADINE ANDERSON
Betty Warren Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk
/s/ Betty Warren
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of April 13, 20 and 27,
2023
8590
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Marilyn J. Katheiser, Deceased
Case Number 2023PR30013
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 September 4, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.
James Greg Katheiser
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 April 20, 27 and May 4,
2023
8676
DESCRIPTION: The project is located north of the Town of Crested Butte town boundary and adjacent to the Slate River on the east side of Gothic Road (TBD Gothic Road, Crested Butte, CO 81224), Parcel No. 3177250-03-018 and Parcel No. 3177-250-03019. The property is legally described in Exhibit A.
PROPOSAL: The Crested Butte Fire Protection District (CBFPD) is proposing the CBFPD headquarters building (HQ) and a Search and Rescue facility (SAR) on a site of approximately 7.407 acres. The proposed CBFPD HQ has a gross floor area of approximately 22,000 sq. ft. The proposed building contains apparatus bays, administrative offices, fire fighter sleeping quarters, kitchen and lounge areas for staff, staff fitness areas, staff training areas, meeting room also available for public use, storage, and similar facilities. The building is two stories, with a maximum height of 40 ft.
The CBFPD is also proposing to construct a SAR building. This building is approximately 6,000 sq. ft. and includes vehicle storage (four bays), meeting room areas for staff and volunteers, staff offices, equipment storage areas, and restrooms. The building is one story with the highest roof peak at approximately 28 ft.
The plans also show the location of a future training tower proposed on the site as well. At a maximum, the training tower could be up to approximately 4 stories. A helipad is proposed on the site.
The site is not currently served by water or sewer service. CBFPD is securing the appropriate water rights and plans to serve the facility with a commercial well and an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS). LUC-23-00014.
LOCATION AND EXTENT PROCESS
SUMMARY:
The CBFPD, represented by Mauriello Planning Group (MPG), applied for review of a new headquarters, search and rescue facility, and training tower pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-28-110, commonly known as a “Location and Extent” application, on April 17, 2023.
A public structure shall not be constructed within unincorporated Gunnison County unless the proposed location and extent has been submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission. The County Planning Commission may reply to CBFPD within 30 days of receipt of the referral. Failure to provide a response is deemed approval of the proposed project (C.R.S. § 30-28-110(1) (e)). The Applicant has agreed to extend this referral period to 31 days to accommodate the regular Planning Commission meeting schedule. No additional hearings will be held regarding the application.
The County does not have an established review process for a Location and Extent application. The proposed development is similar to a Minor Impact review; therefore, CBFPD completed a Minor Impact review application form. The Location and Extent process is vague without specific submittal requirements. The statute does not exempt the CBFPD from submitting a building permit; therefore, Staff recommended the Application address how the proposal meets Land Use Resolution Standards listed in Section 1-105: Sections Necessary for Immediate Preservation of Public Health, Safety, Welfare, and the Environmental and Wildlife Resources.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The public is invited to submit oral or written comments during the online ZOOM meeting, or to submit written comments by email: planning@
gunnisoncounty.org; or letter (Community Development, 221 N. Wisconsin, Suite D, Gunnison, CO 81230), so long as they are received by 5 p.m. the afternoon before the date of the meeting so that they may be submitted for the public record during the hearing.
HOW TO VIEW THE APPLICATION:
A copy of the application is available online at: https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/436/PermitDatabase. Select “projects” and type LUC23-00014 in the application number field. If you have questions or issues accessing the files, contact the Community Development Department at (970) 641-0360.
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Anyone needing special accommodations as determined by the American Disabilities Act may contact the Community Development Department prior to the day of the hearing.
EXHIBIT A: LEGAL DESCRIPTION
CBFPD PARCEL DESCRIPTION
A PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATED ENTIRELY WITHIN PARCEL 22, AS DESCRIBED IN CIVIL ACTION NO. 6647, RECORDED IN BOOK 552 AT PAGE 53
ON JULY 10TH, 1980 IN THE OFFICE OF THE GUNNISON COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER, ALSO LYING FOR REFERENCE IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP
13 SOUTH, RANGE 86 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN. THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCEL CONTAINS
1.891 ACRES (82,369 SQUARE FEET), MORE OR LESS. SPANN PARCEL DESCRIPTION
A PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATED ENTIRELY WITHIN PARCEL 22, AS DESCRIBED IN CIVIL ACTION NO. 6647, RECORDED IN BOOK 552 AT PAGE 53 ON JULY 10TH, 1980 IN THE OFFICE OF THE GUNNISON COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER, ALSO LYING FOR REFERENCE IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP
13 SOUTH, RANGE 86 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCEL CONTAINS
5.516 ACRES (240,259 SQUARE FEET), MORE OR LESS.
s/ Hillary Seminick, AICP Planning Director, Gunnison County Community Development Department
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.
Publication date of April 27, 2023
8775
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Colorado law requires the county assessor to hear objections to real property classification and valuation beginning May 1, 2023. Objections to real property valuations must be emailed, postmarked or delivered in person no later than June 8, 2023. The Assessor’s front counter is open between 9am and 4pm during the appeal period.
Colorado law requires the county assessor to begin hearing objections to personal property valuations no later than June 15, 2023. Objections to personal property valuations must be emailed, postmarked, or delivered in person no later than June 30, 2023.
In 2023, the Assessor and Board of County Commissioners have elected to use the extended appeal period in accordance with §39-5-122.7, C.R.S. The Assessor will mail Notices of Determination to those who have appealed on or before August 15, 2023. The County Board of Equalization will convene September 15 - October 31, 2023.
Contact the Gunnison County Assessor’s office for more information.
Gunnison County Assessor 221 N. Wisconsin St., Suite A Gunnison, CO 81230 (970) 641-1085 assessor@gunnisoncounty.org www.gunnisoncounty.org
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of April 20, 27, 2023
8425
Construction Management and Testing Services for a Project funded through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) with federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Funds (MMOF).
The Local Agency is soliciting SOIs from a minimum of three (3) firms with audited and approved indirect costs and rates to establish a Contract per C.R.S. 24-30-1401, C.R.S. 24-30-1403, C.R.S. 24-30-1404, C.R.S. 2430-1405 et seq.
This project will be designed and constructed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) requirements, as well as any other applicable standards, including CDOT design, construction standards, policies, and clearance requirements.
The Local Agency will evaluate and rank each proposal received using the criteria set forth herein and will select what it determines to be the most qualified firm to complete the work. If contract terms cannot be agreed upon between the selected firm and the Local Agency, the Local Agency may then select the next most qualified firm or may contact and solicit proposals from other firms. The Local Agency reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any and all formalities, to negotiate contract terms with the selected firm, and to disregard all nonconforming, non-responsive or conditional proposals.
II. Scope of Work:
The Local Agency is seeking a consultant engineering firm to provide all labor and provisions necessary to (a) complete the Preliminary and Final Design and Engineering; and (b) should the project proceed, and as determined exclusively at the County’s discretion, perform the Construction Management and Testing Services for the project:
Project: The project is identified by CDOT as 25304 Saguache CO/Crestone Ph2 MMOF. Saguache County is the recipient of this MMOF award to enable students to walk, bike, and walk-with-a-parent, to the Crestone Charter School from the adjoining Baca Grande Subdivision.
• This Phase 2 Project includes a segment of approximately 0.75 miles (see Figure 1 below and Section VIII. ATTACHMENTS
- File: “CDOT 25304 Saguache CO/ Crestone Ph2 MMOF”) that will commence at the northeast corner of the intersection of Camino Baca Grande and Baca Grant Way, and extend along the east side of the Saguache County Camino Baca Grande Right of Way (ROW), on a separated pedestrian/bicycle pathway; terminating at the northeast corner of the intersection of Camino Baca Grande and Palomino Way. The completed project will lie entirely within the Local Agency Right of Way (ROW).
Although not anticipated, any ROW acquisitions which may be required for this project must be acquired in compliance with CDOT procedures (as stated in CDOT’s Right of Way and Local Public Agency Manuals), state statutes, and federal regulations (e.g. the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, A.K.A. the Uniform Act).
All Permanent Easement (PE) acquisitions must be negotiated by ROW professionals or consultants that have been pre-approved by CDOT. If ROW acquisitions are necessary, it will be added to the scope of work with a change order.
The project will consist of construction of a 10’ wide shared use path, drainage improvements, and ADA ramps. Some of the challenges include traffic control, terrain and existing drainageways, limited material supply around Crestone CO, limiting ROW constraints, and the tight tolerances of ADA construction. The general duties required by the consultant selected are outlined below.
1. Preliminary Design and Final Engineering
The project will require preliminary and final engineering design including, but not limited to, the following:
a) Project Scoping with meeting on site
b) Site surveying and analysis
c) Geotechnical analysis
d) Drainage Analysis and Design
2. Construction Management and Testing Services
Should the project proceed to construction, and as determined exclusively at the County’s discretion, the selected consultant may be asked to provide Construction Management and Testing Services. This would be accomplished with a new contract.
Potential tasks including, but not limited to, the following:
a) Project Preconstruction Meeting in person, location TBD
b) Ensuring the work is completed in conformance with the project contract documents
c) Construction Observation Services, including but not limited to:
i. Minimum weekly site visits and for all major construction activities
ii. Issuing field reports
iii. Issue resolution during construction between the Contractor, the County, and CDOT
iv. Change Order writing and receiving approval from the County and CDOT
v. Overseeing compliance with the stormwater management plan (SWMP).
Attend Monthly SWMP Audit Inspections with CDOT and Contractor.
vi. Understanding decisions affecting public safety ensuring the contractor maintains a safe work zone
vii. Monitoring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and CDOT Public Rightof-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).
Measuring the slopes and grades of shared use path, sidewalk, and curb ramps to ensure these requirements are met.
viii. Identifying and rejecting work that does not meet contract requirements.
ix. Verifying pay quantities using the CDOT Form 266 and reviewing and approving Contractor pay requests
x. Performing project acceptance walk through and evaluating project closeout. Preparing Certificate of Final Completion and appended punch list.
xi. Compile and submit Project Final Documentation Package to CDOT for review and acceptance
d) Project Owner Acceptance (OA) Material Testing, including but not limited to:
i. Perform all OA testing per the OA Frequency Schedule Guide in the CDOT FMM
ii. Notify Contractor and construction management team of passing and failing test results.
iii. Document and compile all material testing
iv. Perform Independent Assurance Testing per the CDOT Form 379
v. Collect, review, and file all Certificates of Compliance (COC) and Certified Test Reports (CTR) for all materials permanently incorporated in the project.
vi. Compile and submit Project Final Documentation Package to CDOT for review and acceptance
3. Federal guidelines. The selected Consultant should understand the federal reimbursement guidelines including that all work may be audited by CDOT and/or the federal government and that all invoiced payments by the Local Agency must be tracked through the Consultant’s accounting department and fully documented until ‘proof of deposit’ with the Consultant and each individual’s bank account so that the Local Agency may be fully reimbursed by CDOT. Invoices for services performed (including work by sub consultants) must meet the requirements of CDOT’s procedures for consultant billing.
4. Environmental and Historical Requirements. The Consultant will be responsible for preparing documents in accordance with requirements of the current federal and state environmental and historical regulations including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The project will likely qualify for Categorical Exclusion for NEPA documentation. The Consultant will present documents to the Local Agency and CDOT for review. In some cases, the documents will be submitted to the appropriate state or federal agency for clearances as applicable.
The contracted firm must comply with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders, including the American Rescue Plan Act, and any interpretive guidance by other responsible parties relating to these funds. The contracted firm shall also ensure that its subcontractors and vendors do the same.
REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST
COUNTY OF SAGUACHE, COLORADO
REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS of INTEREST
PROJECT 25304 Saguache CO/Crestone
Ph2 MMOF April 6, 2023
I. General Information:
The COUNTY OF SAGUACHE, COLORADO, hereinafter referred to as the Local Agency, is seeking Statements of Interest (SOIs) from consultant engineering firms for (a) Preliminary and Final Design and Engineering Services; and (b) should the project proceed, and as determined exclusively at the County’s discretion,
e) Cross sections
f) Right of Way clearance
g) Utilities clearance
h) Environmental, Historical, Cultural clearances
i) Construction plans that meet CDOT requirements for federally funded projects
j) Detailed and itemized cost estimates
k) Field Inspection Review (FIR) Plans (30% complete) with full day meeting in
the Local Agency
l) Final Office Review (FOR) Plans and specifications (90% complete) with full day meeting at location to be determined
m) Advertisement Plans and Specifications
n) Pre-bid meeting and responding to bidder questions and inquiries.
o) Bid review, tabulation, and recommendation of low bidder.
III. Schedule
The following chart represents the schedule for this SOI. Any change in the scheduled dates for the Proposal Submission Deadline will be transmitted in the form of an addendum to this request. The schedule for the evaluation process and other future dates may be adjusted without notice.
Upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed by CDOT, the Consultant will be responsible for meeting the estimated timeframes for Work Tasks listed below. These projections apply to Consultant services only, and do not include periods required by CDOT for reviews and approvals. These timeframes shall be a condition of the contract, and requests for changes in this Schedule must be submitted in writing and approved by Saguache County.
Preliminary and Final Design and Engineering Task Date Complete / Weeks Projected
SOI Available ___ April 6, 2023 Proposal Submission Deadline May 8, 2023 Local Agency Selects Consultant May 16, 2023
20,
IV. Proposal Requirements: Proposals should be formatted to correspond exactly to the following information requirements.
Clear and concise responses are appreciated. The total page limit is 20 pages, single sided (8.5x11).
1. PROJECT TEAM EXPERIENCE
a. Identify (a) the proposed design/ engineering team and (b) the construction management and testing team, including the project engineers/inspectors, material testers and any subconsultants.
b. Present a brief description of the respondent’s qualifications and experience working with the proposed team and subconsultants on similar projects.
2. FIRM CAPABILITIES/ PAST PERFORMANCE/ EXPERIENCE
a. Confirm the respondent’s firm has audited and approved indirect cost rates or can obtain the same prior to contract execution per the schedule above. Please do not include rate sheets or cost estimates for consultant work at this time. The evaluation will be determined on a qualifications-based process only. Firms that include rate or cost information will be disqualified from consideration.
b. List five (5) similar projects by respondent’s firm, which have been completed within the past (five) 5 years with other municipalities on state or federally funded design and engineering and construction projects. This information should be included for all members of the team. This information should include project name, owner, size, completion date, estimated budget, actual project cost and summary of work performed on the project.
c. Provide a narrative description to show the respondent’s familiarity with CDOT design requirements and specifications.
d. Provide a narrative description
Bethany Church
demonstrating the respondent’s familiarity and experience with CDOT funded projects.
e. Provide a statement concerning any pending litigation for the respondent’s team members concerning projects within the last 5 years.
3. PROJECT APPROACH AND PLAN
a. Describe the respondent firm’s understanding of the project and its approach to comprehensively address all (a) design and engineering requirements; and (b) all construction management and testing requirements.
b. Describe the staffing plan and devotion to the project by the consulting firms.
4. REFERENCES
a. Provide three (3) client references for whom the respondent’s firm has performed similar work from the project list in Section 2a. Include project name, total project cost, owner, and contact information. If the original contact is not available, please provide an alternate contact that had direct involvement with the project.
5. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
a. Contract terms The Local Agency anticipates the design and engineering work will be initiated as enumerated in III.1. Estimated Schedule of Activities
– Preliminary and Final Design and Engineering
The Local Agency will require that the selected firm shall maintain general liability, automobile, workers’ compensations, and errors and omissions insurance. Certificates of insurance will be required at the time of contract signing following selection to serve as the Design and Engineering Consultant(s). Confirm that your firm meets the following insurance requirements:
▪ Worker’s Compensation — Meet the minimum requirements of Colorado’s Labor & Employment criteria for worker’s compensation insurance.
▪ General Liability — Maintain general business liability insurance in the amounts of $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate.
▪ Automobile Liability - Maintain automobile liability insurance in the amounts of $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate.
▪ Protected Information - Liability insurance covering all loss of State Confidential Information, such as PU, PHI, PCI, Tax Information, and CJI, and claims based on alleged violations of privacy rights through improper use or disclosure of protected information with minimum limits as follows:
a. $1,000,000 each occurrence; and b. $2,000,000 general aggregate.
909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144
Two services at 9 & 10:30 am 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
PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 305-803-3648
Thursday, April 6, 5:30 PM, Second night Community Passover Seder potluck.@ Fred Field Center in Gunnison 298-278 S Spruce St, Gunnison.
Friday, April 7 ,7:15PM, Friday Shabbat Service, Oneg & Desert to follow @ The Elfenbeins home, 149 Zeligman, CB South.
Saturday, April 8,10:30AM, Coffee and Schmooze with Rabbi Mark Kula @ T-Bar Tea House 229 Elk Ave, Crested Butte. 5PM, Nordic/snowshoe followed by Havdallah. Meet at the Gronk parking lot.
Sunday, April 9 ,11AM, Torah Study hosted by Amy & Roger Rolfe at their home @ 42 Sydney Court, Gunnison
Church of Christ
600 E. Virginia • 970-641-1588
Sunday Morning Bible Class: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening Worship: 6 p.m.
Wednesday Night Bible Class: 7 p.m.
▪ Professional Liability — Maintain professional errors and omissions liability insurance in the amounts of $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate.
▪ Crime insurance including employee dishonesty coverage with minimum limits as follows: a. $1,000,000 each occurrence; and b. $1,000,000 general aggregate.
▪ Additional Insured - The State shall be named as additional insured on all commercial general liability policies (leases and construction contracts require additional insured coverage for completed operations) required of Local Agency and Subcontractors. In the event of cancellation of any commercial general liability policy, the carrier shall provide at least 10 days’ prior written notice to CDOT.
V. Selection Process and Criteria: Respondents will be evaluated not only on their past experience for the type of work involved, but also on their ability to successfully complete the project. The Local Agency shall review all proposals for quality and thoroughness. The final consultant selection will be determined solely by the information provided in the respondent’s Statement of Interest.
Selection will be based on the following evaluation factors:
• Qualifications
• Approach to work
• Ability to furnish professional services
• Anticipated design concept
• Ability of their personnel
• Demonstrating that Firm can meet the DBE goal
• Past performance
• Willingness to meet time and budget requirements
• Location
• Current and projected work load, and
• Volume of previously awarded projects
The Local Agency reserves the right to withdraw this invitation at any time without prior notice and to reject any and all proposals without cause or reason. All responses shall be treated confidentially but will become property of the Local Agency and will be retained or disposed of accordingly.
The Local Agency shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by any respondent including, but not limited to, costs and expenses incurred responding to this solicitation.
The type of compensation on this contract will be the Cost-Plus Fixed Fee / Specific Rate of Pay method of compensation.
VI. Project Inquiries Do not contact any other Local Agency
Community Church of Gunnison
employee or department regarding this project. For questions contact the following:
Wendi Maez, Saguache County Administrator 501 Fourth Street P.O. Box 100 Saguache, CO 81149
Email: wmaez@saguachecounty-co.gov
Phone: 719-655-2231, ext. 244
Questions must be submitted in writing no later than April 18, 2023
VII. Proposal To be considered, respondents must submit a proposal addressing all of the requested information. The proposal shall be submitted via EMAIL to:
Wendi Maez, Saguache County Administrator 501 Fourth Street P.O. Box 100 Saguache, CO 81149
Email: wmaez@saguachecounty-co.gov
Phone: 719-655-2231, ext. 244
Proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., May 2, 2023, to be considered. Proposals received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
VIII. Attachments
• File: “A.25304 Saguache Co Crestone Clearance Letter FINAL”
• File: “B.CDOT 25304 Saguache CO/ Crestone Ph2 MMOF” Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado. Publication dates of April 13, 20 and 27, 2023 8524
DISTRICT COURT, GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 200 E. Virginia Avenue Gunnison, CO 81230 (970) 642-8300
Plaintiff: LAND JACK LLC, a New Mexico limited liability company v.
Gunnison
Congregational Church
Defendants: JAMES N. CLARK; CHRISTINE M. CLARK; MIRIAM BETULA LEPORE; NICOLE C. CLARK; RACHEL GRACE LAPORE A/K/A RACHEL G. LAPORE A/K/A APRIL GRACE ASTA A/K/A APRIL G. ASTA A/K/A APRIL G. ASTA-HORNER; WILLIAM G. HORLBECK, P.C.; ABRIL MEADOWS HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION; THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF GUNNISON; and ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO CLAIM UNDER OR THROUGH THE NAMED DEFENDANTS AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ACTION
Attorneys for Plaintiffs: Zachary A. Grey, Atty. Reg. 49269 Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein P.C. 4750 Table Mesa Drive Boulder, CO 80305
Telephone: 303-494-3000
Facsimile: 303-494-6309
Email: zac@frascona.com
case number: 2023CV030011
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT(S):
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 21 or 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.
If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 21 or 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.
Dated: April 27, 2023
Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, P.C.
/s/Zachary A. Grey
Attorney for Plaintiff
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.
Publication dates of April 27 and May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023
8718
107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925
Pastor Larry Nelson
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.
Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry
Weekly Student Ministry
Weekly Adult LifeGroups
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9:00-4:00
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
120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240
Pastor Jonathan Jones
9:30 A.M. Share & Prayer Fellowship
10 A.M. Sunday School Classes
11 A.M. Morning Worship Service
6 P.M. Evening Service
Wednesday 7 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. • 970-641-0429
Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar
Sunday Morning Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9 a.m.
Children's Sunday school 9 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
Office Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.goodsamaritangunnison.com
Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Sunday 5 p.m. Union Congregational Church, 407 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte.
United Church of Christ
317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203
Open and Affirming Whole Earth · Just Peace
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship www.gunnisonucc.org
Grace Covenant Church Gunnison
101 N. 8th St. Gunnison
Meeting at the Historic 8th St School House
Reformed, Confessional & committed to Expository preaching
Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Thursdays 1:00 p.m.
Women's Bible Study gracegunnison.com
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
711 N. Main • 970-641-1860
Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays
Church Service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays
Pastor Robert Carabotta, Pastor Jacob With New Song
Christian Fellowship
77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034
A Christ Centered
Gospel Sharing Community
Sunday 10am / Wednesday 7pm www.newsonggunnison.net
Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries
1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30am
Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School
“Remedy” Worship Nights
Small Group Ministries www.rmcmchurch.org
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808
Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago
www.gunnisoncatholic.org www.crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.
St. Peter's - Gunnison Sat 8:30 am, 5 pm & Sun 10:30 am, 12:00 pm (Spanish) Mass
First Sunday of every month
bilingual Mass at 11am
Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30am Mass
St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Communion Service, Sat 4:00pm
Trinity Baptist Church
523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813
Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks
Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM
www.trinitybaptistsgunnison.com
Don't SELL them. Tell them a great STORY.
APRIL 17
THEFT: INTENDS TO
PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE —
800 E. TOMICHI AVE.
JUVENILE PROBLEM —
N. COLORADO ST.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF —
720 N. COLORADO ST.
ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE
- MUNICIPAL —
800 W. DENVER AVE.
HARASSMENT — W. DENVER AVE.
APRIL 18
THEFT: INTENDS TO
PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE —
1100 N. MAIN ST.
ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE -
MUNICIPAL — QUARTZ ST.
APRIL 19
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST
DEGREE - RESIDENCE —
1313 W. OHIO AVE.
ANIMAL - VICIOUS / DANGEROUS
- MUNICIPAL — VAN TUYL TRAIL
ABANDONED VEHICLE —
700 W. OHIO AVE.
PROPERTY - FOUND —
200 N. IOWA ST.
APRIL 20
JUVENILE PROBLEM —
N. COLORADO ST.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - DAMAGE
TO PROPERTY — 303 N. MAIN ST.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF —
601 W. HWY. 50
APRIL 21
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE:
UNLAWFUL DISTRIBUTION,
MANUFACTURE, SALE- EXCEPT
MARIJUANA — 400 E. RUBY AVE.
TRAFFIC - DUS — 100 S. 10TH ST.
ABANDONED VEHICLE —
600 E. GEORGIA AVE.
THEFT: INTENDS TO
PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE —
601 N. 14TH ST.
FRAUD — SYDNEY ST.
FRAUD — E. TOMICHI AVE.
APRIL 22
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST
DEGREE - VEHICLE —
101 N. 10TH ST.
THEFT: INTENDS TO
PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE —
900 N. MAIN ST.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST
DEGREE - VEHICLE —
101 N. 10TH ST.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST
DEGREE - VEHICLE —
308 S. 11TH ST.
HARASSMENT —
201 E. TOMICHI AVE.
APRIL 23
VIOLATION OF PROTECTION
ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 411 PAINTBRUSH AVE.
WELFARE ASSIST — FLORESTA ST.
INFORMATION — N. COLORADO ST.
ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE
- MUNICIPAL — 1300 W. TOMICHI AVE.
GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT
APRIL 18
-Vin inspection
-Out of county warrant arrest
-Lost cell phone report
-Report – manufacture of a control substance- schedule 1- under investigation
-Information report on a barking dog issue
APRIL 19
-Paper service
-Two dogs at large- unable to locate
-Information report on a tenant/ landlord issue- civil
-Information report
APRIL 20
-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a car versus deer non-injury accident
APRIL 21
-911 hang up call
-Citation issued for driving without a valid driver’s license
-Aggravated motor vehicle theft –under investigation
-Burglary under investigation
-Information report
-Possible criminal mischief report
-Paper service
-Information report
APRIL 22
-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol for three vehicles involved in an accident
-Civil tenant / renter information report
-Information report
-Information report/ courtesy transport
APRIL 23
-Information report hospital coverage for an inmate
-Warning for a parking violation
-Welfare check
-Citation issued for dog at large
-Child welfare report
APRIL 24
-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a car versus elk accident
-Information report / easement questions
-Out of county warrant arrest
-Deputies responded with Gunnison Fire/ Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services for an unoccupied house that had exploded and was on fire, no injuries
WE EARNED CERTIFICATION FROM THE JOINT COMMISSION AS AN ACUTE STROKE READY HOSPITAL
This means that this hospital: •Provides the next generation of stroke care
•Has met and seeks to maintain The Joint Commission’s high standards in providing stroke care
Whenever you need us, we’re here to provide emergency care for you and your loved ones.
The fire department started sending local firefighters on national dispatch nearly a decade ago, its volunteers traveling across the country to fight fires when needed. Last year, Gunnison firefighters went on eight assignments across the West, from Wyoming and Oregon to California and New Mexico. But the firefighters’ accommodations with the old wildland engine or “brush truck” were often less than ideal. These trucks are smaller and more maneuverable than regular engines and are designed to provide access to water and other equipment.
“When we’re out, we have very little resources … We have to bring everything with us because we could be spiked out in the middle of nowhere for a significant amount of time,” said Assistant Chief Tom McDonough. “This truck accommodates those needs.”
Volunteers can be dispatched for weeks at a time and have to endure freezing mornings and scolding hot afternoons, McDonough said. The upgraded truck has more compartments so firefighters can easily store sleeping bags, tents, clothes, food, equipment and more. It also provides greater interoperability on national calls, allowing the truck to easily tie in with other engines that are responding to the fire.
While members of the fire department get paid on national dispatch, so does the engine that accompanies them. The truck cost approximately $250,000 and should pay for itself in three to four years, according to Gunnison Fire Marshal Hugo Ferchau.
“The guys that have spent a lot of time on the line with these trucks are stoked,” McDonough said. “It's all the little things like having compartment lighting where when it's 2 in the morning, and you're looking for baby wipes, you can actually see what you're looking for, whereas before we’re holding a flashlight in our teeth. After 14 days of hiking and digging lines, small things matter.”
Open to the Public 9am-1pm
Last seating at 12:30pm
Reservations Required
FREE MIMOSAS FOR ALL MOTHERS (2) Roasted Potatoes, Corned Beef hash, Hash Browns, Banana Foster, Fresh Fruit, Bacon, Sausage, Smoke Salmon, Assorted Breads & pastries. Waffles and much more.
$30
Breakfast served daily Wednesday thru Sunday 8am-12pm
970.641.1482
DOSRIOSGOLF.NET
501 CAMINO DEL RIO
“Antes de las mejoras no pudimos calentar todas las habitaciones. Nos acostumbramos usar muchas sabanas y en le manana podíamos ver nuestra respiración. Después del trabajo realizado por GV-HEAT, la casa ya no esta fría y se siente mas cómodo.”
Materials Accepted: Organic yard waste ( grass, leaves, and tree limbs)
Para mayor información comuníquese con: Andy Kadlec 970-641-7900
akadlec@gvrha.org 202 E Georgia Ave Gunnison, CO 81230
Wood (no plywood, wood with nails/screws/ metal, railroad ties, or landscape timbers)
Asphalt Concrete (may not contain rebar or wire mesh)
Jacob Spetzler
It’s no secret that familyowned ranches around the West are grappling with an uncertain future. Water is dwindling in the Colorado River Basin and politicians are sparring over who gets a share of the precious commodity. All the while, generations of ranchers are parsing what the coming years will bring. As these conversations wear on, a crucial question lingers: do the children of ranchers and farmers want to stick around to con-
front an ambiguous future?
For at least one ranch in Gunnison, the answer is yes.
Just months ago, Cloe Parker, daughter of Bill and Kelli Parker, was named chief executive officer and co-owner of Parker Pastures, alongside her parents. While Bill and Kelli continue to work in production, Cloe has taken over the meat company. The family practices a holistic and regenerative approach to raising cattle, which means timing grazing to maximize carbon sequestration and increase biodiversity. The belief is that healthy soil translates to healthy meat, Cloe said.
Bill is also the child of a
rancher. He watched his father lose the family farms in Delta and Lake City in the late 80s during an economic turndown, so seeing his daughter move into the business is a “blessing.”
“Cloe has lived in [ag] her whole life, and thank God she
didn't run away from it. She was always a part of it,” he said.
For Cloe, taking over the farm is the culmination of a million small moments: building electric fences, gathering eggs, spending late nights crafting marketing emails or moving cattle through the fields on horseback. Each is a notch in her belt that has prepared the 20-year old to lead the business. The moment to leap came last fall, when family circumstances brought her home and overnight, she inherited huge responsibilities on the farm.
“[I said], wait a minute, I actually really, really like this. And
I've known I've wanted to be in ag all my life, but I just have never been sure of how all the parts would fall together,” she said.
Every Gunnison resident who uses the well-known Van Tuyl Loop, on the northwest corner of town, is familiar with Parker Pastures — the beloved trail meanders through the family's cattle grazing fields. For 18 years, the farm has provided the Gunnison Valley with local, grass-fed meat.
Bill and Kelli, inspired by the possibilities in humanely raised livestock and holistic land practices, started leasing 400 acres from the city in 2006 to bring their vision to life. What began small as raising pork, chicken
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and lamb would grow into an operation shipping meat around the country and managing thousands of acres of land, far beyond city limits. But growth has not deterred the vision, Cloe said, and her focus remains on improving the land while producing nutrient dense meat as a byproduct of holistic land management practices.
“My calling has always been ranching,” she said. “I've realized there's this power that happens in agriculture and ranching. It is the deep connection to land, to the animals, to the food. It’s a connection that not very many people get to experience but I'm blessed to experience that and it's impacted my life a lot.”
Running a cattle ranch, let alone one with such a specific mission, is not a task for the faint of heart. But she was built tough, Bill said.
“Cloe is pretty self-driven and always has been since the day she was born. She's not satisfied working for somebody or being told what to do,” he said.
Through middle school and high school, she built up an entire sheep herd from just a few sheep her parents let her keep when she was young. Years later, she started selling grass fed lamb. Bill credits Cloe with helping the business grow an impressive online and social media presence.
Chances are valley residents have seen Cloe in Facebook video advertisements, where she’s standing on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte, expounding on the benefits of grass-fed beef. A quick visit to the website reflects this care — the “About Us” section is practically a love letter to the land, where Cloe writes that she finds authentic connection “on the back of a horse with the sun on my back, the cattle mellowly walking to fresh pasture, and the sound of birds singing filling the air … The joy and laughter that sparkles in the air when my brothers make a joke.”
Facing the future means holding fast to the vision her parents seeded 18 years ago, that regenerative agriculture breeds resiliency.
“Agriculture just has this huge potential, and I think that's what's going to make it resilient is us
like remaining in those things that will never change. A calf will always be born and green grass will always hopefully come up in the spring,” she said. “What's good will always remain good.”
• MUSIC CAMP
• ART WORKSHOPS
• COOKING CLASSES
• THEATER PROGRAMS
• SCIENCE PROGRAMS
• NATURE FIELD STUDIES
• SUMMER READING CLUB
• GARDENING WORKSHOPS
Photos by Julia Sams and Jacob Spetzler
“Say YES! To Adventure” with Mountain Roots’ outdoor, trip-based adventure camps. Kids explore rivers, forests, mountains, meadows, animal habitats, farms and other outstanding natural places around the Gunnison Valley. We weave in arts and crafts, outdoor cooperative games, survival skills, earth science, botany, gardening, cooking and more. Small groups, enthusiastic outdoor educators and fantastic destinations — right in our own backyard — make our summer camps a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Create and Go! — Gunnison (grades 3-5) Tuesday and Thursday, June 20-Aug. 22 from 12-4 p.m.
Big, Wide World — Crested Butte (grades 3-5) Monday and Wednesday, June 19-Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dig, Plant, Grow — Gunnison (grades K-2), Tuesday and Thursday, June 20-Aug. 24 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Dig, Plant, Grow — Crested Butte (grades K-2), Monday and Wednesday, June 19-Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Scholarships are available. For more information and registration visit mountainrootsfoodproject.org.
Six weeks, six engineering adventures! Sessions will be held in the Western Colorado University Rady Computer Science and Engineering Building.
Week 1: June 20-22 — Mechanical engineering
Week 2: June 27-29 — Coding and robotics
Week 3: July 11-13 — Fluids and flow
Week 4: July 18-20 — Biomedical engineering
Week 5: July 25-27 — Circuits and electronics
Week 6: August 1-3 — Outdoor survival engineering Students entering sixth and ninth grade are welcome.
The program will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.
We will maintain small instructor to student ratios (1:5) to ensure high-quality, hand-on learning, engagement and safety.
Students can register for one week, six weeks or anything in between.
Tuition is $200/week, which includes all supplies and takehome projects.
Partial need-based scholarships are available.
For more info, email program director Lauren Cooper at Lauren.cooper@colorado. edu.
Save the date for Summer Reading Program 2023 — All Together Now!
Weekly:
• Storytime, Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m.
• Summertime Craft Club every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
Bi-Weekly:
• Teen events on alternate Fridays at 2 p.m.
• Teen Gamers Guild, alternate Fridays at 5 p.m.
continued on B5
The best mountain biking crew in the valley, girls only! Weekly trips to Crested Butte Mentoring/Mountain Biking/Mindfulness
Ages 7-12 years old
Dates: June 6-August 10 (week of July 4 off)
More Info: thegoinitiative.org
Julia Sams
Special Family Events
• Summer Sustainability Symposium in Crested Butte on June 3
• Polka Party in Gunnison on July 21 at 2 p.m.
• Bubble Bonanza, Aug. 12 in Crested Butte and Aug. 19 in Gunnison
Check out the library’s website for even more great family events this summer.
New this year: Reader Raffle. For every completed reading log, participants earn one entry to the raffle. Fabulous prizes include Squishmallows for kids and an inflatable couch for teens. For more information, visit GunnisonCountyLibraries.org.
Gunnison Arts Center
Missoula Children’s Theater Camp: (ages 6-18) — “The Secret Garden”
Rehearsals: Monday- Friday, Aug. 7-12 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Performances: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Join us this summer for the Missoula Children’s Theater weeklong theater camp. Approximately 45 roles are available for students. The show will be rehearsed throughout the week and culminate in three performances for the community. Every student registered for the camp is guaranteed a character role. Auditions will be held to set up those roles. Pre-registration is required, and scholarships are available. Camp tuition is $120 per student.
Builder’s Club Camp: (ages 8-14) Monday through Friday, July 17-21 from 3-5:30 p.m.
This is a week-long summer camp where builders will create their own robo-buddy using upcycled materials from old electronic devices. The week starts with a field trip to South Main Gunnison, Industrial Park for Good, where builders can pick from a variety of materials to start the project.
Builders will get to use glue guns, drills, hammers and screwdrivers. The sky's the limit to how creative and big these robo-buddys can be.
Instructor: Brian Sutphin. $187 for members, $220 for non-members.
Documentary photography workshop: First and last class meets on Saturday, June 3 and July 1. Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. June 8-29.
This workshop for high school upperclassmen will teach the fundamentals of documentary photography and culminate with a group exhibition at the GAC. No experience necessary. All photo equipment will be provided. Underclassmen may be considered with a letter of recommendation. $50 sliding scale workshop fee. Space is limited. For any questions email jacobspetzler@gmail. com.
Instructors: Jacob Spetzler ( Gunnison Country Times ), Morgan Raspanti (CB Film Festival), Abby Harrison ( Gunnison Country Times ).
Art & Movement: (ages 2-5)
Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m.
Session 1: May 11-25
Session 2: June 8-22
Session 3: July 6-20
Discover, move and create in these fun Thursday morning classes for your toddler
continued on B6
Jacob Spetzlerand you. Each class will consist of an engaging art project followed by energetic time in the dance studio. Parents are encouraged to join and participate. Instructor: Kit Wijkowski. $51 for members, $60 for non-members.
DIY Stringed Instruments : Saturday, July 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Builders will create a stringed instrument using reused material, such as soup cans, tissue boxes, wood scraps and more. After we build it, students will learn to play a song with instruction from a local musician. Instructor: Brian Sutphin. $40.80 for members, and $48 for non-members.
Acro-breakdance: (ages 6+)
Tuesday, July 11, 1-2:30 p.m.
In this workshop, kids will learn the basics of breakdance while incorporating some acrobatic moves for fun and confident choreography. Encourage movement and
expression through this single day course. Instructor: Sakara Sullivan. $20 for members, and $24 for non-members.
Kids Clay Camp: (ages 10-15) Monday through Thursday 12-3 p.m.
Session 1: June 5-8
Session 2: June 12-15
Session 3: June 19-22
Session 4: June 26-29
Session 5: July 3-6
Session 6: July 17-20
Session 7: July 24-27
Students will learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, hand building, coil building and slip and scoring to make fun masterpieces. Each day they will make a new project. All ability ranges are welcome. Instructors: Rachel Cottingham (Mondays) Cat Avila (Tuesdays) Cat Avila (Wednesdays) Kit Wijkowski (Thursdays). Cost is $149 for members, and $175 for nonmembers and $44 for daily drop ins.
Kids hand building camp: (ages 6-9) Monday through Friday, July 10-14 from 9-11 a.m.
Students will learn the fundamentals of hand building, slab building, coil building and slip and scoring. All ability ranges are welcome. Instructor: Malina Gambocarto. $142 for members, $166 for non-members and $33 for daily drop ins.
Kids wheel throwing camp: (ages 10-15) Monday through Friday, July 10-14 from 12-3 p.m.
Students will learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing to make fun projects to use around the house. All ability ranges are welcome. Instructor: Malina Gambocarto. $182 for members, $214 for non-members and $43 for daily drop ins.
Teen Tuesdays: (ages 12-18) Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m.
Session 1: June 6-27
Session 2: July 4-25
Students will be taught centering, wheel throwing and trimming techniques. All ability ranges are welcome. Instructor: Kit Wijkowski. $149
continued on B6
GunnisonArtsCenter
Summer2023Activities
Tuesday-Friday 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.
Saturdays 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
102S.MainSt.GunnisonCO81230 gunnisonartscenter.org (970)641-4029
Sundays@6 FreeConcertsatLegionPark
MissoulaChildren's Theater
August7-12
ArtWalk&Music
EveryFirstFridayofthemonth ClassesandWorkshops
Forkidsandadults
MonthlyANDSeries
PaintYourOwnPottery
SIX WEEKS - SIX ENGINEERING ADVENTURES
Week 1: June 20-22
Week 2: June 27-29
Week 3: July 11-13
Week 4: July 18-20
Week 5: July 25-27
Mechanical Engineering
Coding and Rebotics
Fluids and Flow
Biomedical Engineering
Circuits & Electronics
Week 6: August 1-3
Outdoor Survival Engineering
• Students who are entering 6th - 9th grade are welcome!
• The program will run from 9am - 3pm Tue, Wed and Thur each week
• We will maintain small instructor to student ratios (1-5) to ensure high-quality, hand-on learning, engagement and safety
• Students can register for one week, size weeks, or anything in between!
• Tuition is $200/week, which includes all supplies and take-home projects
• Partial need-based scholarships are available
For questions or more info: email Lauren Cooper (program director) Lauren.cooper@colorado.edu PROGRAM BEING HELD IN THE RADY ENGINEERING BUILDING ON THE WESTERN CAMPUS Ready to register? scan this QR code to go to registration site.
Registration $200
continued from B4for members, $175 for nonmembers.
Strider & Stacyc Races at the Jorgensen Park BMX Track: (ages 2-5) May 25, June 1, July 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Fishing Derby: June 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Jorgensen Park
Summer Slam Baseball Tournament: June 9-10
Diamonds in the Rockies: June 16-18 at the Jorgensen Park Softball Complex
Resiliency Project Live Music Cruise : June 20 and July 18
Gunnison Showdown Baseball Tournament: July 1-2
Kids Triathlon Training : TBD at the Gunnison Rec Center
Gunnison Triathlon: Aug. 26, kids, 8:30 a.m. and adults 10 a.m. at the Rec Center.
Fourth of July Celebration: Tuesday, July 4 from 4-10 p.m. at Jorgensen Park. Featuring games, food, live music and fireworks.
The best mountain biking crew in the valley, girls only (ages 7-12): Mentoring, mountain biking and mindfulness June 6 through Aug.10 (week of July 4 off)
For more information visit thegoinitiative.org.
Swim lessons : Come learn from the best! Mountaineer private and group swim lessons taught by Western collegiate swimmers. All ages and abilities are welcome and morning and afternoon lessons are available.
High altitude training, summer swim and dive camps : Stay on campus at Western for five days of training, all meals included. Enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting in the Gunnison Valley.
Work on four competitive strokes, starts, turns, underwater stroke analysis, guest speakers and more.
Contact Vickie Fellows: 970.943.2310 or vfellows@ western.edu for more information.
Register online at commerce.cashnet.com/westernswimteampay.
Youtheatre Camp: (ages 8-14) July 10-21, performance for family and friends on Friday, July 21 at 4 p.m.
Join us for two weeks of fun, creativity, and opportunity to learn new skills! The program introduces students to theatre basics including respect for one another, and for the performance space, working together, preparedness for a role, and how one rehearses and performs a play. Activities will include introduction to being on the stage, and behind the scenes; everything from skits, music, and improv games, to makeup, masks, and sound and lights.
The Crested Butte varsity lacrosse team battled through wintery weather on Tuesday afternoon, April 25, in a home game against the Grand Junction Tigers. The team ultimately came up short, losing 8-7. The score remained tight throughout the matchup. The Titans pulled ahead early with Brenden Hartigan and Luke Wilson each scoring once in the first quarter. In the second, Wilson scored three more for a total of four. Hartigan also added another, and the scoreboard read 6-4 at the half. The Tigers readjusted during the break and came back in the third to score three more and pulled ahead by one goal going into the final chapter. The Tigers added another halfway through the fourth for a two-goal lead. Jack Pierson scored once for the Titans with two minutes remaining, but it would prove insufficient to close the gap. The game evens out the Titan’s record — 4-4 overall, and 3-3 in the 4A Mountain Conference. The Titans played on Wednesday, April 26, against Fruita Monument in a neutral competition in Grand Junction, but results were not available by press time. This Friday, April 28, Crested Butte will host a rematch against Fruita at Gunnison Middle School with game time slated for 4 p.m. The JV teams will play immediately following. The Titans will face Montrose at home on Saturday at 10 a.m. See more photos on B10.
In the team’s second tournament of the season, GHS girls golf competed at the Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez on April 18.
Despite blustery winds and poor weather, the girls improved their previous scores. Senior Blue Noble led the team, shooting a 108, followed by senior Elaina Dillard who bested her previous score by 15 strokes. Additionally,
The GHS track and field team traveled to New Castle on Saturday, April 21, to compete at the Coal Ridge Invitational, performing well both individu-
ally and as a team.
It was the only meet of the weekend to take place on the western side of Colorado, which meant every school within driving distance attended, everywhere from small 2A schools like Crested Butte to large 5A schools from Grand Junction. The sheer number of athletes at the meet meant an elevated level of competition. Still, both Cowboy teams managed to notch a series of solid individual spots.
The girls team jumpers
continued to carry the same momentum from the last few meets. Sienna Gomez earned the highest placement of the day out of either team — second out of 20 in the triple jump. Angela Hindes podiumed, taking third in the long jump. Freshman Aubrey Welfelt also put on a show, taking sixth place and earning a personal record in the triple jump with a 31-07.75.
The girls distance runners
Track and Field B10 Golf B10
The Western Colorado University football team played the last of three intrasquad scrimmages on Saturday, April 22. The scrimmages take place each spring and pit the Mountaineer offense and defense against each other. For the next three months, the Mountaineers will focus primarily on weight training in preparation for the 2023 football season which will kick off Sept. 2 with a home game against West Texas A&M.
care, treatment and rehabilitation plans for professional athletes, recreational athletes and everyone in between.
“Nowhere else I would rather go.”
sophomore Madison Vollendorf cut 12 strokes off her best this season, finishing third out of the five competing GHS golfers. The team scored eighth overall, and third in the 3A division.
The girls improved their swing tempo, ball striking and looked more composed around the green with chipping and putting, said Head Coach Kevin Mickelson.
from B7
also had a strong showing on Saturday. Maddie Stice topped out in third place in the 1600meter run with a personal record 5:23.40. She earned
“It's hard to gauge on a day when it's chilly and windy. I don’t put a lot of stock into whether we had massive improvements, I was just looking for them to be more comfortable on the course,” he said.
The Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez contains a mixture of hazardous par 3 holes, and long par 5s, oftentimes reaching over 500 yards. Although the Cowboys golfers play from a closer tee-box, the course is still exceptionally long. The first five holes include
fourth in the 800-meter run. She was joined in the race by Jemma Petrie, Izabella Hartzell and Justine Mowery, who took seventh through ninth, respectively. In the 1600, Petrie took sixth, Mowery took eighth and Hartzell, ninth.
Head Coach Stacey Mickelson also said the distance
a 500-yard straightaway par 5, followed by a 200-yard par 3, in which the golfer must drive the ball over a large water hazard.
Given the natural difficulty and less-than-ideal weather, Mickelson was impressed with the growth of his team and spotlighted a few of his key players.
“Blue Noble has been our best in the last two tournaments, they hit the ball better, and were a little more effective around the greens,” he said.
“Allie Schwartz is our only other
runners had a good day and, more importantly, continue to improve.
“Th ey raced really well,” she said.
On the boys side, Mickelson said there was a lot to be proud of and the lack of podium placements was deceptive. She highlighted Shane Mensing
state returner. She hasn’t hit last year's numbers yet, but has had a great attitude, and I’m confident she’ll get her game in order.”
The Dos Rios Golf Course opened for the season on April 17, allowing the team to utilize its driving range and putting green, and play 9-hole practice rounds after school. Th is week the Cowboys have already completed three practice sessions, and Mickelson said this has led to noticeable improvements in his players' games.
who took 10th overall in the shot put, but earned a personal record of 41-02.00.
For the boys runners, Cael Medina earned the highest spot of the day with a ninthplace finish and personal record of 23.92 in the 200meter dash.
“Even though our boys didn’t
Following a week of practice rounds at Dos Rios, the team sent four players to compete at a varsity tournament at the Salida Golf Course on April 27. These results were not available by press time.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
place, their times came down,” she said.
Next up, the Cowboys will travel to Colorado Springs on Saturday, April 29 to compete at Harrison High School.
(Jacob Spetzler can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or jacob@gunnisontimes.com.)
from B7
Despite the gloomy weather, local golfers took advantage of the open driving range at the Dos Rios Golf Course on Friday, April 28. The rest of the course opened in stages over the last week.
Mariel Wiley
Jacob Spetzler
Saturday, May 13, 2023 | 5:00pm - 10:00 pm
Fred Fields Heritage Center Gunnison Rodeo Grounds
For tickets contact Kathaleen Dixon (970) 784-6528
rmefwrc@gmail.com
events.rmef.org/shop/worldrecord
Please take notice that term expirations present the opportunity to apply for appointment to the following seats on the Board of Directors of Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District:
The Cowboy baseball team fell to Basalt 8-1 in a league matchup on the road on April 22. The loss drops the team’s overall record to 5-10, 1-3 in the league.
Despite a rocky patch of games, Head Coach Tom Percival said the team continues to mesh — increasing their baseball IQ and adjusting its collective mindset.
“In the Basalt game, we got into a 4-0 hole early, and just couldn’t get out,” he said. “I think we’ve been in the habit of playing not to lose, versus playing to win. We’re working on our approach: laying it on the line, not worrying about mistakes and making things happen.”
On Saturday, the Cowboys struggled to bring home a run until the third inning. Early on, Hunter Vincent and Duke Sloan attempted to start a rally with singles each, followed by a line-drive double from Justus Williams. In the top of the third,
the Cowboys found the breakthrough. Sparked by a ground rule double from Jacob Riser, Wade Johnson hit deep into right center, bringing a runner home.
Unfortunately, the third inning rally failed to initiate a come-back, and the Cowboys fell to Basalt 8-1. Following the defeat, Percival highlighted a few key players.
“Besides the result, Justus [Williams] hit the ball really well, Mason [Williams] swung the bat better than he has all year and Jacob Riser started pitching, and got a hit as well,” he said.
Following a rain delay on April 25, the Cowboys home doubleheader against North Fork was rescheduled to April 26. Scores for these games were not available by press time.
Alongside the varsity team, the junior varsity squad, led by Head Coach Dylan Miller, fell to Basalt 9-1 on April 22. The JV record sits at 1-2-1, following a victory against Salida and 5-5 draw to Olathe.
The JV boys are scheduled to host North Fork at 4 p.m. on April 26 at the GHS baseball field.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Applications for appointment as director will be accepted until 5:00pm, Friday, May 26th, 2023. To apply, please send a letter of interest for the board seat you are seeking, along with any letters of recommendation, to the Honorable J. Steven Patrick, Chief District Judge, Gunnison County Courthouse, 200 E. Virginia, Gunnison, Colorado 81230, who will make the appointment.
A description of the geographical boundaries of the divisions listed above may obtained from the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, 210 West Spencer, Suite B, Gunnison, Colorado, 81230, (970)641-6065, sue@ugrwcd.com or from the District’s website: www.ugrwcd.org.
Applications must specify that the applicant has resided within the District for a period of one year and resides in and is the owner of real property within the Division for which he or she seeks appointment. Applicants shall be knowledgeable in water matters.
Last month, three members Western Colorado University’s Club Boxing team earned three podium finishes at the US Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Championships. Daniel McCord and William Bradley each took second in their respective weight classes and Christian Gerster finished third.
McCord, who is Boxing Club president and a junior accounting major from Littleton, Colorado, came away from the competition as the runner-up in the 154-pound weight class after his final bout came down to the judges’ decision. Bradley
won two fights, but lost his last bout in a decision — finishing his season as a runnerup among the 188-pounders. Gerster finished in third place in the 175-pound bracket.
“The national tournament is an awesome experience and a great way for collegiate boxers to test themselves,” McCord said. “We all had a great time competing and helping each other train to get ready for the tournament.”
Western’s boxing team has made it to just about every major competition in the country at some point since Barber founded the club in 1972. After
the team started competing in 1974, its impact was felt almost immediately, with two individual Golden Gloves state champions and a team championship during the first year.
Since then, the team had an incredible, unbroken run of top finishes at Golden Gloves tournaments, Olympic trials, state and regional tournaments, USIBA National Championships and has even received a world amateur title. In total, Barber has 22 national or state boxing championships to his credit.
(Source: Western Colorado University Athletics.)
Local athlete Landon Ruggera returned from the USA National Junior Olympic paralympic shooting competition, which took place April 12-15, with a trunk full of gold metals. He won all three of the events in which he competed — the 10-meter prone, the 10-meter standing and the 22-meter long rifle. Now, as a part of the USA Paralympic Shooting Futures Team, he will compete at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Changwon, South Korea in May. Afterward, he will quickly return to the U.S. to compete at the Nationals and Selections match in Fort Benning, Georgia. Ruggera said he’s looking forward to the experience of traveling and competing in South Korea. The trip isn’t cheap, though, and several groups have come together to fundraise through a GoFundMe to sponsor his equipment and travel. The Gunnison Sportsmen's Association raised and recently donated $1,000 toward the cause.
On April 18, the GHS League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) club presented an assembly for students at Lake School at the request of school administrators. LULAC is an organization that teaches and celebrates the Latin American community and focuses on what members can do for their community.
The young students loved the presentation of dances and culture. Following the event, Lake School administrators invited LULAC to plan and present another assembly for the Lake School for students in preschool and kindergarten. After the presentation, GHS students read to the Lake School kids. Last fall, LULAC presented an assembly at Gunnison High School
(GHS). The event included music by Brasil Musical, traditional dresses, a dance and a video about Semana Santa, also known as Holy Week.
The dance included Zapateado, which is a Latin dance marked by a rhythmic stomping or tapping of the feet, Bachata, Wepa, Norteno and La Cumbia Tribal. Presenters also showed dresses from Nayarit, Jesus Maria and Oaxaca, regions that many GHS students come
from or often visit to see family. Semana Santa is the Holy Week for Spaniards and is celebrated the week before Easter.
It is the catholic’s annual tribute to the passion of Jesus Christ and it refers to the week of crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Bible.
Arno Mortensen Giddyup Staff Writer
On April 1, after months of dedicated work, the GHS Science Olympiad team traveled to the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs to compete at the state competition. The team performed very well and placed 16th against schools of all sizes from every corner of Colorado. Even though many students had to pick up an extra event due to this year’s small team size, they worked hard to make sure they were prepared for regionals and eventually state.
“Science O” is not only a club for students who want to show their love of science, but is also
a tight-knit group of friends who enjoy being around each other and doing activities together outside of school. In Colorado Springs, in addition to competing, they went out for brunch, went bowling and played laser tag — all while wearing their traditional matching bowling shirts.
On April 7, 2023, approximately 300 people attended the opening of the GHS Senior Art Show at the Gunnison Arts Center (GAC). At this annual event, seniors who have been art students for three or four years are given the opportunity to showcase their growth and talent. Over the past few years, many junior artists — who are in their third year of art — have been invited to participate in order to gain experience ahead of their show the following year.
GAC sponsors the event by making the space available free of charge and helping to promote it. GHS Art Teacher Erin Vokoun has been hosting the show for about 20 years.
“I cannot thank them enough for their continued support over the years,” Vokoun said.
This year, 24 student artists showcased their work — 17 seniors and seven juniors. The show will be on display through the end of April.
Kylee McDougal Giddyup Staff Writer
On April 6, the GHS chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) inducted nine new members. NHS is an organization for students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Once inducted, students must give eight or more hours per school quarter for service projects.
Qualifi ed students can apply for NHS membership by submitting a resume and application. These are then reviewed by a committee to see if each
student meets the proper requirements. Once accepted, the induction process is simple. There is a ceremony where members go over the four pillars of NHS — scholarships, leadership, service and character.
By committing to these pillars, students agree to pursue academic excellence, to lead others to reach their goals, to serve those who need it most and to build character along the way, something that is “earned, not received.”
• Take the Mental Health Survey! The Gunnison Senior Center is partnering with Western’s Behavioral Health program to assess mental health needs and experiences of older adults in Gunnison County. This survey will help shape programs and services – your voice is needed to make it a success!! Surveys available in English & Spanish @ the Rec Center, the Gunnison Library and online.
• May 16 (RSVP Required): Senior Center Hike – Rasta Gulch. Rated Easy. Sign up for the Senior Center News for all current hike info!
• Tech Time Individual Appointments: Call to make an appointment for tech questions about your phone, laptop or tablet. 970-641-8272. Times vary.
Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym
Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30 a.m.
Tuesdays in the Leisure Pool Silver Sneakers Splash @ 10:00 a.m.
a positive impact in the lives of older adults in the Gunnison Valley, please contact: 970-641-8272. Or apply online via the City of Gunnison website.
NEXT WEEK’S MENU:
Mon., Apr. 24: Mac & cheese & hot dogs, spinach, homemade rolls, salad
Weds., Apr. 26: Salisbury steak, roasted potatoes, peas, homemade bread, salad Fri., Apr. 28:
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!
Times Staff Report
The eyes are amazing organs that utilize various parts working in conjunction with one another. When working correctly, eyes enable crisp vision and process a vast array of vivid hues. When the eyes are compromised by illness or other conditions, various impairments may be the culprit.
Cataracts often affect aging individuals. A cataract forms when the natural lens in the eye, which is responsible for refracting light rays that come in the eye to help a person see, becomes cloudy. As a result, vision can be compromised and seem like a person is looking through a foggy or dirty car windshield.
The National Eye Institute advises that cataracts are a common occurrence as people get older. More than half of Americans age 80 years or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts. Cataracts may initially produce mild symptoms of blurry or hazy vision, or surroundings may seem less colorful. Over time, cataracts can
lead to vision loss if not treated. The following are some common symptoms of cataracts:
• Cloudy or blurry vision that still occurs despite the usage of corrective prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Colors look faded
• Compromised night vision
• Halos appearing around lights
• Oncoming headlights, lamps, or sunlight seem too bright
• Double vision
• Frequent changes to prescriptions
Researchers have identified certain things that may contribute to the changes that occur in the lenses that lead to the formation of cataracts. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or other sources is a main risk factor. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications and other factors come into play as well. Cataracts can be broken down into various types, and some are much more common than others.
• Nuclear . These cataracts are the most common and
form in the center of the lens, gradually worsening.
• Cortical. Cortical cataracts generally start as spoke-like opaque areas at the edges of the lens that grow inward. They tend to be responsible for more night glare.
• Congenital. Some people are born with cataracts.
• Trauma-induced. These cataracts form anywhere and often develop into a rosette shape.
• Post subcapsular. Initially developing at the central back surface of the lens, these cataracts often develop faster than other types. Vision around bright light and colors is affected. Eye doctors generally diagnose cataracts during dilated eye exams. Anyone age 60 or older should get dilated eye exams every one to two years. Surgery may be recommended only at the point when cataracts start to severely interfere with daily activities. Until then, people can mitigate cataracts by updating eyeglass prescriptions, turning lights up when possible and wearing anti-glare sunglasses.
The next meeting of the Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (RTA) will be May 5, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners’ Room in the Gunnison County Courthouse – 200 E. Virginia Ave., Gunnison, CO. For copies of the Board of Directors meeting packet, please go to www.gunnisonvalleyrta.com/meetings or call Scott Truex at 970-275-0111. Two or more County Commissioners may attend these meetings. Call
