Gunnison Country Times, February 22, 2024

NEWS: Gunnison County caucuses on March 9, A8

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VOL. 143 NO. 8 | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | $1.00

Wonderland folds after financial trouble

New nonprofit child care center moves in with help from GVH Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

After years of financial uncertainty, Gunnison child care center Wonderland Nature School is dissolving. To ensure doors stay open, Gunnison Valley Health intervened and brought in a new provider Access Early Education Foundation.

Wonderland, a nature-based early child care center at the west end of Tomichi Avenue, has been renting a building from Gunnison Valley Wonderland A6

AT LAST, A CHAMPION: Gunnison senior wrestler Miles Harris (right) won his first championship title at the 2024 state tournament at Ball Arena in Denver on Feb. 17. The victory comes after a years-long battle with injury, three surgeries and thousands of hours of practice. Co-captain Royce Uhrig joined him on the podium after winning his third-straight state title. For more, see B6.

(Photo by Jacob Spetzler)

Anonymous donor RTA launches TODAY to offer Masonic largest schedule Lodge to Western yet for spring, INSIDE

NEWS: Renewable energy projects delayed, A12

COMMUNITY: Moving to a ‘nowhere’ town, B1

Board approves five-year lease Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

SPORTS: Titans hockey moves into postseason, B6

OBITUARIES A3, A5 OPINION A4 CLASSIFIEDS A15-A18 SPORTS B6 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM

Pending a successful sale and signed agreement, an unnamed donor has offered Western Colorado University the opportunity to lease and eventually own Gunnison’s former Masonic Lodge. The plan will allow the university to have its first-ever physical presence in downtown Gunnison.

The Masonic Lodge, located at 120 North Iowa St., has been on the market since August of 2023. The two-story brick building was most recently listed at $1.3 million dollars, and sits on seven parcels in the city’s

Central Business District.

Late last year, an anonymous donor approached the university and offered to buy the building and surrounding land. The donor’s sole intent is to transfer ownership to the university after a five-year lease term of $1 a month, said Western president Brad Baca at a trustees meeting on Feb. 8. He anticipates the sale will go through by April.

“The bottom line is having this piece of property in the Central Business District positions Western to be a key player in helping to revitalize the downtown of Gunnison,” Baca said.

But the building, which is nearly 70 years old, may be in need of extensive repair.

Masonic lodge A7

summer and fall

New AI that more frequent bus service leads to increased ridership. surveillance Commuter buses in the valley more than 327,000 passystem to boost carried sengers last year, 31% higher than in 2022. Each month broke safety new passenger records, while Bella Biondini Times Editor

St a r t i n g i n e a r l y Ap r i l , the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) will begin running its largest commuter bus schedule to date for the spring, summer and fall seasons.

Numbers from the RTA’s endof-year review for 2023 show

99 AV

the RTA ran its largest winter schedule yet, with 41 round trips daily.

The RTA has continued to expand its bus schedule over the past few years, both during and outside of ski season. For example, during the summer of 2022, the organization only ran 19 round trips (a full lap from Gunnison to Crested Butte)

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A2 • NEWS • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

QUOTE

of the week “Everybody in Gunnison knows how it feels to bike to the whitewater park in the summer. You can’t paint, or write, or even explain.”

— Shaffer Nickel, Gunnison vidoegrapher

See story on B1

BRIEFS Sundays@6 returns this summer The Gunnison Arts Center (GAC) has contracted with Professional High Fivers, Katie Lewinger’s new events business, to bring back Sundays@6.

Free music at Gunnison’s Legion Park will return every Sunday from June 16 to Aug. 18.

Lewinger said she is working to make the event a gathering for the whole family with food trucks and local food vendors, activities for kids and booths for nonprofits. A few Sundays will feature a beer garden.

The redirection of staff time to the GAC’s ongoing renovation project forced the board of directors to cancel the concert series last summer.

Professional High Fivers is currently seeking sponsorships and vendors for Sundays@6. To learn more, email cooltempsco@gmail.com.

GAC executive director resigns Grace Thurlow, who took over as the Gunnison Art Center’s new executive director in May 2023, resigned, according to an announcement she made last week. Elise Park will step in as the GAC’s new director in March. The Times will follow up with a story in next week’s edition.

Catlin announces run for Senate District 5 Republican Marc Catlin, who represents Colorado’s 58th District, announced last week he will run for Senate District 5.

S i n c e b o u n d a r i e s w e re redrawn in 2021, District 5 covers all or parts of Montrose, Delta, Hinsdale, Gunnison, Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties. It is currently represented

by Republican Perry Will.

“Senate District 5 is vitally important to Colorado and the Western Slope, it is the heart of the Colorado River Basin,” Catlin said in a press release.

“All of our industries, ranging from agriculture, natural resources, recreation, to tourism are based on the foundation of water.”

OUR COMMUNITY POLICE Policing in Gunnison is like many other aspects of our valley: unique to our city. What the Gunnison Police Department shares with all other Law Enforcement agencies is their commitment to the community. Often categorized into programs and discernable actions, community policing can be framed within a philosophy of impacting and interacting with the community to reduce harm.

Gunnison’s Police Department is currently authorized at 16 officers, 2 Neighborhood Services Officers, 1 Parking Enforcement Officer, 1 Property Custodian, 1.5 Records Staff, and a multi-jurisdictional Victims Advocate serving all of Gunnison County. All the employees of the Police Department are here to serve and protect you as members of the community. They take pride in their continual efforts to provide safety and build positive relationships with residents through consistent, innovative, and effective problem solving because “the community are the police, and the police are the community”. Our officers and other police department staff all reside in the Gunnison Valley – Gunnison is their home.

The foundation of community policing begins with training at the Police Academy and through the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program before officers begin on patrol. Day-to-day practices of community policing are embedded in Gunnison’s Police Department culture and practiced in both routine tasks and extraordinary circumstances. Consistently thinking about interaction with the community is an important part of the work and an important value of the Police Department.

Officers perform acts of community policing so naturally that one may not even notice them, but they contribute

to an overall sense of community: purchasing and installing a new door lock for a resident having trouble securing their home; seeing the arrival of Girl Scout cookies and stopping to support the local troop; preparing and discussing different traffic stop scenarios at a family education night; supporting local businesses by stopping in for a cup of coffee during their shift; having meaningful follow-up with families and individuals after reports of mental health concerns.

In Gunnison, community policing is also practiced through proactive programs that encourage interactions between residents and officers. Students in schools see and build relationships with the Community Resource Officer assigned to the buildings; officers provide education about bike safety and nighttime visibility when contacting riders and offering free bike lights; the annual Bike Rodeo encourages safety by conducting equipment checks and by teaching safe riding habits for all ages; kids earn a coupon for a free ice cream at Jermaine’s when officers observe them following the rules and riding safely; harm reduction is encouraged through drug takeback events and a drug disposal receptacle located in the police department lobby, providing safe disposal for excess medications; a program is available to help locate community members who may wander due to a medical condition; the Neighborhood Services Division assists the community with a car seat inspection program, assistance with lost and found property, and animal control services for lost and found pets.

In the Gunnison PD, transparency is essential for trust and respect between officers and residents. Trust and respect are earned through responsiveness, accountability, education, and enforcement. The Department is committed to hearing and understanding the interactions that happen in our community. If you have a comment on an officer’s actions, please use the 24-hour phone line available for messages: (970) 641-8298.

If you need information on case records, please contact the GPD Administrative Line at (970) 641-8254 MondayFriday, 8am-5pm or visit the office at 910 W. Bidwell Avenue.

If you want to contact an officer or have a non-emergency need, please contact the Dispatch Center at (970) 641-8200.

In the case of an emergency, always dial 911.

Facebook: facebook.com/CityofGunnison

WANT TO CONTACT US?

Please stop by City Hall at 201 W. Virginia Avenue Call 970.641.8080 || www.gunnisonco.gov Email City Clerk Erica Boucher at eboucher@gunnisonco.gov

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Thursday, February 22, 2024 • NEWS • A3

Gunnison Country Times

OBITUARIES Darla Duran

flowers, an account has been set up at NuVista Federal Credit Union, 2711 Commercial Way, Montrose, Colorado, 81401.

Betty Folks

Darla Duran, 69, of Gunnison and most recently, Montrose, passed away on Feb. 5, 2024.

She was born to Philip and Frances Duran in Gunnison, where she spent most of her life.

Darla was a caretaker at heart. She was always willing to help others and would give you the shirt off her back. She had a love of working and her many different jobs as a caregiver, in hospitality and in customer service allowed her to help even more people. Darla had a special love for animals.

She always had animals of her own and some that were not hers, but she loved them all the same. Her faith and willingness to share her faith with others helped her and her family through many things throughout her life. She had a great sense of humor and was always cracking jokes, making people laugh and being ornery.

Darla is survived by her daughter, Frances Duran, son, Jason Johnson (Jaymi), grandchildren, Adrianna Cole (Torren), Jacob Martinez (Raven), Joseph Bracamonte (Venessa), Isabella Smith, Erik Johnson, Jason Johnson, Jr. and Ethan Johnson and greatgrandchildren, Zoey and Rain Bracamonte, Tatum Schultz and Noah, Wyatt and Tanin Cole. She is also survived by her siblings, Joyce Sanchez, Judy Cabral (Poncho), Teri Caldera (Miguel), Cathy Mendez (Steven), Kenny Duran and Anita Espinoza, her parents, John Espinoza and Mary Duran and many nieces and nephews, who she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her birth parents and brother, Thomas Duran.

A celebration of life was held on Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Montrose Pavilion Conference Center in Montrose. In lieu of

She had a twinkle in her pale green eyes and a smile on her face which persisted until her final earthly day.

Betty Jean Folks was born Oct. 15, 1926 to Fred L. and Ma r y J. Bu n c h i n Ro cky , Oklahoma. She earned her angel wings suddenly at 97 years young on the evening of January 29, 2024 as she was being tucked into bed for the night by her attentive caregiver.

Her exit was swift and peaceful.

She was indeed blessed to fly away to Heaven from her own comfortable bed, her head resting on a pink satin pillowcase, so as not to muss her freshlycoiffed, snow-white hair. Her family loved her dearly and will miss her terribly.

Family would describe our matriarch as sweet, beautiful, kind, loving, elegant, regal and a force of nature. These words are completely apt, but these descriptions emanated most consistently in recent days in condolences from anyone and everyone who had ever met her.

The most-favored characterizations of Betty were that she was simply “classy” and a “picture of grace”. This was completely true. She was also a wonderful friend to those who cherished her. Betty had a shining personality and one would rarely meet a feistier, barely 5-foot tall, 100 pound dynamo. She was not only beautiful but compassionate and generous. She was a doting, wonderful mother to two children and a beloved “Gran” to four grandchildren.

In Aug. 2023, she joyously welcomed her only great-grandchild. It is notable that the family's recollected memories are in

agreement: no one ever could remember her complaining about anything. She was always consistently even-keeled — never too high, never too low, never ruffled.

Betty was senior class valedictorian at Rocky High School and later attended the University of Arkansas, where she was the “outstanding pledge” of her Pi Beta Phi sorority. Her college career was cut short after one year, when she fell in love with her husband-to-be of 70 years. She and Dale Folks were introduced by one of her best friends at a baseball game in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where “this cute sailor, home on leave, with the bushiest eyebrows and bluest eyes I’ve ever seen” stole her heart. “That’s the boy I’m going to marry,” she told family and friends. The romance blossomed, and on Oct. 9, 1948, that prediction came true. They were married at her parent’s home in Rocky. As their blissful marriage aged, Dale enjoyed introducing Betty as “my first wife.”

Wherever they walked, they always, sweetly, held hands.

They were truly devoted to one another.

Betty and Dale had a wonderful life. They started out in Rocky, relocated to Hobart, Oklahoma in 1965, then to Edmond, Oklahoma in 1995.

Betty was a homemaker extraordinaire, devoting herself fully to her family. She was known as an incredible cook and was famous for her pies, especially her specialty, lemon chess pie. She was a gifted decorator, very creative and an artist skilled in many mediums, but especially in oils, specializing in still life. She and Dale traveled the world together, meeting many interesting people on their journeys and always staying in touch with those people. Betty would send dozens of birthday cards, Christmas cards, thank-you notes and letters expressing her joy and enthusiasm for life. She wrote the best letters and note enclosures and her exact, perfect penmanship was a source of pride to her and amazement to others. She savored the change in seasons and decorating for every holiday with a flair

With my deepest gratitude I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone for all the love, hugs, prayers, food, cards, flowers and monetary gifts during this difficult time. We have lost a loving husband, father and friend.

Thank you!

continued on A5

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

ALANWARTESMEDIA

970.641.1414 © 2023 Gunnison

OPINION

Why we should talk about it

Country Times

Publisher/Owner Alan Wartes publisher@gunnisontimes.com Office Manager Bonnie Gollhofer bonnie@gunnisontimes.com Editor Bella Biondini bella@gunnisontimes.com Staff Writer Abby Harrison abby@gunnisontimes.com Photo Editor Mariel Wiley mariel@gunnisontimes.com Sports Editor Alex McCrindle alex@gunnisontimes.com Advertising Manager Steve Nunn steve@gunnisontimes.com Advertising Assistant Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com Production Manager Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly

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Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

I make the five-minute walk from the Times office to the Gunnison County Courthouse many times each week. There, I sit down at the computer outside the court clerk’s office, which holds the county and district’s public judicial records. I enter a precise series of numbers of letters, the DNA of a court case.

The page populates with hundreds of cases, thousands of records: motions and entries detailing people’s divorces, restraining orders, bankruptcies or legal disputes over land.

I click through quickly, now familiar with the court’s jargonladen documents and accounting. It’s here, in this bundle of information, that I learned how our local court and law enforcement systems prolonged and amplified the pain of sexual assault victims.

Over the last six months, I worked on a three-part series about sexual assault cases handled in Gunnison Distrcit Court (The articles ran in the Feb. 1, Feb. 8 and Feb. 15 editions of the Times). The reporting revealed that Gunnison local Celeste Hendry, who alleged sexual assault in the fall of 2021 and Jazmyn Hart, who was sexually assaulted by a trusted family friend in 2018, may have been failed by court and law enforcement systems, tasked with protecting them.

At her assailant’s sentencing hearing, Jazmyn called on the court to recognize how the “system” had contributed to the last five years of her life being a “nightmare.” Celeste’s alleged assailant was given a reduced bond and freed into the community just 24 hours before she took her life.

After inter view ing family members, local victim’s

rights advocates and lawyers, I learned that the Gunnison Valley is in desperate need of greater awareness around sexual assault, accountability for those who work with victims and a distinct effort to prevent sexual assault from happening in the first place.

The work is possible, but only when we shed light on how these well-meaning processes cause additional pain — for everyone involved. I limited my runs to around the neighborhood or out of town, avoiding places that were involved in the story. I pulled over on the side of Hwy. 25, on my way back from meeting Jazmyn in Wyoming, to cry. I started locking my door and pulling the curtain every time I returned home.

By the end, I had to force myself to open the manila folders piled on my desk that contained court and police records.

I knew those pages were filled with violence, that they would fill my mind with violence. With each passing day, in a fight to understand who or what had failed these women, I was losing pieces of myself.

Mostly, I was angry that these processes had failed these women silently, behind closed doors. In interviews at coffee shops, I whispered “sexual assault,” and turned my back to neighboring tables. I soon realized that a similar mechanism was acting on me and my reporting that had taken hold of Celeste and Jazmyn: shame, fear and stigma.

But I chose to keep reporting because letting these stories, and the memories of those impacted, exist only in court records felt wrong. There were details in their cases that hinted at a bigger picture, a thread that tied them together despite the fact that they never met each other.

Last July, I sat in Gunnison District Court and watched Jazmyn collapse into her mother when the judge accepted a plea deal for the person who sexually assaulted her. Months before, in the cracked fields of Olathe, I sat with the family of Ana Rascon, absorbing their devastation at the sentence of the man who

took their sister’s life.

The morning after Celeste Hendry died, I was once again at the buzzing computer, tapping on keys, looking for pieces that might explain what went wrong. Were laws broken? Who failed to protect whom?

But after months of interviews and research, I kept coming back to the same problems.

Nothing was black or white.

There was no police body camera footage capturing a murder, no hidden microphone recording a politician's crude secrets.

What emerged was gray area — a heap of data that only a few times pointed to something tangible. A troubling bond decision. A case that sat cold at the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office for months. But the facts became murky with research.

I learned that most of what had happened to these women was all in the course of a lawful investigation. It’s “the system,” I was told in interviews. “The system,” is what strips victims of hope and drains justice from the process.

But “the system” is a scapegoat and I’ve come to hate the word. It’s a shapeless idea that allows the individuals who comprise it to be free of responsibility. It’s simply our neighbors, at each step along the way, doing a job.

And many do their best with shrinking budgets, staggering caseloads and with a responsibility to uphold Colorado law, not act on emotions. It feels like a chance at justice is only possible if every person along the way doesn’t falter. They must press the issue like the survivor is their own sister or child.

S o t h e re m u s t a l s o b e accountability for all involved.

In the district attorney’s office, on the judge’s bench and in law enforcement. Each victim’s case deserves the highest level of scrutiny and effort.

In the course of tens, if not hundreds, of people “doing their job,” the toll on victims becomes imperceptible, cancerous. And for only a few moments, it’s catastrophic. In the July heat, in our local courtroom. In a suicide at a home on North Colorado Street.

I had coffee last week with

prevalence and often hidden impacts of sexual violence in society is certainly a laudable pursuit. Abby’s intelligent and thorough reporting on the subject adds greatly to this needed conversation.

On a practical level, the amount of time, research, trustbuilding and interviewing that went into this series is nothing short of herculean. I can state from 28 years experience in the community journalism field that to pull this series off amidst the day-to-day demands of a

small newspaper with a small staff is simply incredible.

So, thank you Abby and editor Bella Biondini for working so hard and thoughtfully to bring to us Times readers a level of reporting not commonly seen in small town newspapers.

a community member, to talk about the series. He asked me what’s next for Gunnison. How can we prevent this from happening, and can we protect each other in their most vulnerable moments?

The answer must be decided collectively. The community must also trust that its newspaper will write with grit and clear eyes. That we’ll be unflinching in the face of a sensitive news tip or a story about the failure of our public systems to protect us. The Times faces these things because we, as a valley, must face them together.

In an early interview with Celeste’s mother Enid Holden, she said that sexual assault is far closer to death than it is to sex. I know this to be true for all who experience the physical and emotional violence of sexual assault. So we have to do this for our friends and family, who hold the heavy weight of trauma.

I was first bound to these stories by the reporting questions that kept me awake at night.

But I was sustained through the following months by what was revealed about who Jazmyn is, and Celeste was. I held onto Celeste’s bravery in calling the police the morning after, alleging sexual assault. I held onto Jazmyn’s testimony of weathering the rumor mill in Crawford, in picking up my call and welcoming me to her home. We all must have this courage, to not bend to the will of fear and speak plainly in the realm of violence.

For those that hide their secrets to avoid feeling the brutal whip of shame, know that this newsroom is unafraid to face whatever might thrash at your door. Listening, and knowing that pain is a shared body between souls, is where all good work starts.

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

LETTERS Outstanding journalism exhibited in ‘Trauma’ series Editor: I applaud the Gunnison Country Times and specifically staff writer Abby Harrison for the outstanding reporting in the recently published three-part series, “The toll of trauma.”

While the stories of the two women featured in this series are utterly heart-wrenching, furthering awareness of the

Chris Dickey Gunnison

God’s wisdom Editor: It’s tax time. I’m sure we opened our county envelopes with a held breath. What would the government do without the taxpayer?

We support everything from schools to roads. God said to bring the whole tenth of your income (tithes) into the storehouse. He promised the wincontinued on A5

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • NEWS • A5

Gunnison Country Times

OBITUARIES continued from A3 unique only to her.

In the early 1980s, Betty and Dale fell in love with the San Juan range of the Rockies, buying some land and building a cabin on Spring Creek, near Almont. It was one of the greatest things they ever did together for themselves and their family, as the cabin provided endless enjoyment and is still doing so. Betty and Dale spent entire summers there, establishing themselves as movers and shakers in the canyon, organizing jeep trips, parties and picnics that their friends and neighbors enjoyed. They participated in monthly golf scrambles at Dos Rios and absolutely relished this fun and active lifestyle while cementing meaningful, lasting relationships. Scramble teams always wanted Betty in their foursome and she was a dead-eye putter. Aside from golf, she was known to slip on a pair of waders and join Dale in a fly-fishing outing.

Always impeccably attired, Betty was stylish and enjoyed having fun, sometimes donning a plastic tiara when the family referred to her as Queen Betty.

She was sporty, enjoying tennis and golf, and would enthusiastically join in a baseball wiffle

ball game on family picnics. She loved sports — all sports, taking great delight in watching golf, basketball, football, softball and Olympic events. She was a graceful skier. For many seasons, Dale and Betty attended University of Oklahoma football games and she cheered for the Sooners relentlessly.

Betty was an animal lover who could never resist feeding the neighborhood stray cats and whatever animal might show up at her back door. The practice of feeding the strays, however, also attracted not only cats, but opossums, raccoons and even skunks. The family recalls having Christmas brunch together at the Folks’ home when a skunk arrived to celebrate too, on the deck on the other side of the glass door behind Dale.

In his gruff, scratchy voice, he bellowed, “Your mother and her damn critters!” She was just too tender-hearted to discourage any scavenger.

Betty was a 50-year member of P.E.O. and a 75-year member of Pi Beta Phi. She was first a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hobart and, later, a member of The Church of the Ser vant in Oklahoma City, where she and Dale spearheaded construction of the columbarium within the

church, where they both now rest. She modeled kindness and compassion for her family, leaning mightily on her ideal of living by the Golden Rule.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents and by a sister, Janis Swineford, who was a long-time Gunnison resident.

Dale preceded Betty in 2019.

She is survived by her daughter, Jayne Underwood and her husband, Gary, son, David Folks and his wife, Diane, grandchildren, Tyler Underwood, Tanner Underwood and his wife, Ashley, Dr. Garrett Folks, Reagan Folks and newest addition, great-grandson, Marshall Underwood. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held in Betty’s memory at The Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City on Feb. 8, 2024, with a come-and-go reception at Gaillardia Country Club. The video tribute and memorial service webcast may be viewed at crawfordfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Peppers Ranch, a foster community in Guthrie, Oklahoma, or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

in the construction industry.

But for us it’s different.

We too are experiencing cost escalations beyond what was predicted and are struggling to find ways to meet the scope as planned. But because we have had lucky circumstances, we will still be able to deliver the project we promised voters in 2022.

When we built our preliminary, conceptual budget for this project back in 2020, estimates came in at over $100 million.

We surveyed the community in 2021 and learned that we needed to scale back the project and focus only on the essentials. We cut back, working to address only our needs in safety, maintenance, overcrowding and vocational education.

Unfortunately, during this same time, construction rates were climbing sharply (and continue to do so). Even with the cuts we made, we included a 20% inflationary increase to our conceptual estimates which put our budget back at $101 million.

We were able to set the bond amount on the ballot at $95 million because our bond consultant believed we could get a total of $101 million on market day using bond premiums. Well, we did even better on that market day in January of 2023, and had $107 million in revenue. All of those proceeds began earning interest, and although the federal government restricts the amount of interest we can earn during the period of the project to 3.3%, we estimate that we will earn about $8 million in interest.

It’s amazing, really. The taxpayers of the Gunnison Watershed School District will be reaping the benefits of an approximately $115 million

investment in our community for the price of $95 million in bonds, all because of a strong day on the market and interest rates. Without these funds, we would have to make serious cuts to the scope of our project.

Thanks to voters passing this measure. The kids, families, community and future of the Gunnison Valley will benefit for literally generations to come. We will have improved our vocational education in the fields we rely on most -— construction, health care and outdoor industry and tourism.

Our students will have the safe spaces they need for the science-informed instruction in reading, math and more that we provide, and our facilities will be far more efficient and costeffective than ever before.

Taxpayers will not be taxed a penny more than promised on the 2022 ballot measure. I feel the weight of this project deeply, and am working as hard as I can for the best future possible for our beautiful valley.

I assure you that we are on track, fiscally responsible and delivering on the promises we made.

LETTERS continued from A4 dows of heaven would be poured out so much that there would not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10. God only requires 10% and he gives back to bless us.

Are we blessed paying taxes?

How much more than 10% do we pay for the privilege of living here and not receiving what we finance? So many folks are having trouble just paying for necessities, let alone keeping up with high tax bills. If our needs aren’t covered, eventually taxes won’t get paid either. The world we live in does not function the way God intended so we must be astute in watching how our money is used. Needlessly or usefully.

In this letter also, I’d like to thank Pam Randall for her letter to the Times Feb. 8 edition.

She speaks truth and common sense, both of which are in short supply these days.

Jo Laird Gunnison

A $115 million investment in our community Editor: I’m writing to assure you that our bond project is on track, fiscally responsible and delivering on the promises we made to voters in 2022.

When our community passed the $95 million bond measure to improve our school district facilities, I never imagined we would be in the position we find ourselves in today. So many of my colleagues in other districts in Colorado have had to cut the scope of their projects because of incredible price escalations

Leslie Nichols Gunnison Watershed School District

Thank you for One Love event Editor: This is a very loud shout-out to the amazing people in this town who make the Gunnison Valley great. Jermaine Rodney, thank you for hosting One Love to benefit Gunnison Valley continued on A9

bringing dreams home | bbre1.com

A6 • NEWS • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Wonderland from A1 Health (GVH) since 2021. For years, Wonderland Nature School fought to make ends meet, dealing with teacher shortages and, as a result, low enrollment. Pandemic funds ran out in August of 2023, revealing the school’s imperiled financial situation, buoyed only by tuition and waning grant funding. With Wonderland facing certain closure, Gunnison Valley Health suspended rent and utilities for months and gave the child care center a loan in the form of a $20,000 line of credit.

Local infant and toddler child care is in high demand. Most, if not all, of these centers around the valley have lengthy waitlists, sometimes populated with children who aren’t even born yet.

For this reason, losing one of the county’s six centers wasn't an option, said GVH’s Vice Recently-appointed director Julia Marcuzzo and her son, Dakota, play in one of Wonderland’s classrooms. (Photo by Abby Harrison) President of Operations Wade Baker.

Just months after moving would impact the school’s mis- quickly opening, and sustaining to end.

But with no clear financial into the new space, a cascade sion to offer equitable access to large child care centers, GVH “Early childhood is not realpath forward for Wonderland, of challenges emerged. Around education. offered the space to Knott. They ly a business model, but it’s GVH executives started reach- the valley, the pool of certified “We're trying to support are still negotiating the terms of looked at that way,” Athey said. ing out to child care providers early childhood teachers was, our teachers the best we can, the new lease. “ … It's something that is supin the Gunnison Valley and and remains, slim. With teacher with a lack of public support,” Wonderland’s nature-based porting our community's funcbeyond — looking for a way to shortages, the school couldn’t Eckhardt said. “We don't get curriculum will be adjusted tion.” keep it open. Without interven- reach its full capacity of 69 kids public funding. And we can't to bring in “play-based and Five out of the six child care tion from GVH, the valley would and couldn't open all its class- keep raising tuition on parents exploratory curriculum,” Knott centers in Gunnison County have lost a child care center, rooms. Wonderland’s financial and having them shoulder that said. The goal is to achieve are nonprofits, meaning they said Wonderland board treasur- sustainability depended on full burden.” its first rating from Colorado rely on grant funding to stay er Lauren Cooper. enrollment, said former board Shines, the state's quality rat- afloat. And waitlists for infant “ I f G V H h a d n ' t b e e n member Jessica Eckhardt.

A way out ing system for early child care care around the valley remain involved, the school would have She served on the board from I n S e p t e m b e r o f 2 0 2 3 , centers. long. The waitlist at Tenderfoot closed months ago,” Cooper November of 2021 to August of Wonderland was just two weeks Forty eight students are cur- currently has 50 names for a said. “And I wouldn't be going 2023. from not being able to make rently enrolled at Wonderland, 15-child classroom, said finance to work today … It would have Over the next year, the school payroll. In light of the serious though that number fluctu- director Sandy Ayers. At Little had a major trickle effect into closed more than once follow- financial trouble, the hospital ates day-to-day. Knott said Red Schoolhouse in Crested the community of parents not ing a COVID outbreak as well agreed to suspend its monthly she won’t try to reach capac- Butte South, the waitlist has being able to go to their jobs.” as delays with state licensing. lease payments — the second ity unless they have the staff 26 names, and 14 of those are Within a period of months, In response, Gunnison County time it had done so since the to support it, and the space children who are still unborn, hospital executives found granted Wonderland $60,000 in center moved into the space. available as kids age into older director Jessica Rutherford said.

Western Slope-based Access the fall of 2021. That “cushion,” Since Wonderland opened in classrooms. It’s a tenuous bal- Families are often on several Early Education Foundation. alongside the $9,000 a month 2021, GVH has contributed ance between having lower waitlists across the valley, she The Foundation’s executive Wonderland received from state $71,000 in cash and suspended student-to-staff ratios, prefer- said. director Jennifer Knott runs pandemic funding, kept the rent. able for learning, and bringing For Eckhardt and Athey, the centers in Grand Junction, school open, Eckhardt said.

“Knowing that there's a com- in enough tuition to make ends perception of early childhood Glenwood Springs and Rifle.

To re m e d y t h e t e a c h e r munity asset here, we have meet. education as a “private” market Knott met with the Wonderland shortages and low enroll- multiple employees and a lot of “I’ve lived in small towns in is flawed. Historic funding defiboard and agreed to transi- ment, the Wonderland board families involved, GVH pivoted rural Colorado, and so it has cits might be resolved by gartion operations under the new made all the cuts that it pos- to say, ‘Okay, what can we do to a little place in my heart,” she nering public support and tax name, Little Adventures Child sibly could, Eckhardt said. A help?’” Baker said. said. “We want to avoid child dollars.

Care Center. Wonderland’s contracted cleaning service B a k e r s t e p p e d o n t o care centers closing at all costs.

The state has started to board and nonprofit dissolved, was cut back from three times Wonderland’s board to repre- That's never good for the econo- invest money in early child and GVH executives offered the a month to once a month, and sent GVH. To find a path for- my and the families that attend, care in the form of Universal Foundation the lease. teachers picked up the slack. ward, he and other hospital and not in the best interests of Pre-K (UPK), a tuition-free The center will stay open Wonderland’s teachers didn’t executives offered professional children … We feel like we can preschool program that rolled during the transition, and all get many professional develop- consultation to the school’s staff make some tweaks that help.” out in Gunnison last year. But children and staff will be able ment opportunities, echoing and board.

UPK offers child care starting at to stay on, Knott said. She does a trend across early childhood But when Loftus resigned ‘A public good’ 3 years old, meaning all of the not anticipate a tuition increase education where teachers are in January of 2024, “it became T h e f i na n c i a l i s s u e s at valley’s infants and toddlers are in the near future. Wonderland asked to “do more with less,” apparent that a long-term solu- Wonderland are not unique, excluded. Instead, they have a will officially become Little she said. tion needed to be identified,” a and instead signal a troubling saturated market for private and Adventures by March 1.

Board members, teachers GVH press release read. There industry-wide trend in early nonprofit child care.

“We're excited to be here and and former executive director are at least six GVH employees’ childhood education, Eckhardt “Accessible, affordable and for this opportunity, and are Gina Loftus filled in the gaps: kids at the center, said hospital said. When the state’s pand- high-quality child care is a pubproud of the center that is cur- writing grants, cleaning and CEO Jason Amrich. And, closing meic-era stimulus funding for lic good that benefits us all by rently established here,” Knott teaching while trying to plan for the center would mean losing a early child care centers ran supporting the well being of said. “We’re grateful for the the future. Cooper recalls field- valuable child care resource. out in 2023, each was forced to kids, their families and society opportunity to build on that.” ing numerous “stress calls” from “Our concern was if there grapple with the financial short- at large,” Eckhardt said. “As a parents who struggled with the was no daycare, then those fall, said Lana Athey, coordi- public good, it needs public A parade of challenges tuition increase and noticed same folks who are critical to nator for Gunnison-Hinsdale funding.”

Wonderland Nature School, the strain on teachers. But by patient care might not be able Early Childhood Council. Some formerly Seasons Schoolhouse, September of 2023, the grant to come to work because there's adjusted, others closed.

(Abby Harrison can be conmoved into the GVH-owned well was nearly dry. no place for their kids. So it was In general, most early child tacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ space on West Tomichi Avenue “It was just a very bleak pic- a hard calculus on whether or care centers cannot cover gunnisontimes.com.) in 2021, a year into the pandem- ture,” Eckhardt said. not, and how much, to step in,” the full cost to run the center ic. The hospital supported the To try and compensate, the Amrich said. purely on tuition payments. At school’s new chapter by fronting board raised tuition twice in GVH first asked local child Wonderland, tuition covered $600,000 into an interior remodel, 2023 — once in May and again care providers if they wanted payroll but it didn't cover rent, a debt that was tacked onto lease in November — but it still to expand into the space, but utilities, licensing fees or profespayments and expected to take barely covered payroll, she no one had capacity. Baker and sional development for teach18-20 years to pay off. In return, said. After the tuition hikes, Amrich then reached out to ers, Eckhardt said. For years, the lease stipulated that 25% of the Wonderland lost several fami- colleagues and were connect- that deficit was offset through school’s slots be reserved for chil- lies. Many on the board were ed with Knott. After hearing of pandemic grants, a funding dren of GVH staff. concerned the rise in cost her near-decade long history of source that was always bound

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • NEWS • A7

Gunnison Country Times

Masonic lodge lease, rather than buying and

donor would require a five-year

from A1 But the building, which is nearly 70 years old, may be in need of extensive repair.

It could cost Western up to $250,000 to maintain it over a five-year period, Baca said. This doesn’t include the eventual cost to renovate the building, which could exceed the property’s value depending on how Western wants to use it. At a recent board meeting, trustees discussed potential uses for the building. They touched on the university’s risk in acquiring the old space, before unanimously approving the lease.

The donor remains anonymous to the university and it’s unclear if they are an alumni.

The donor prefers, but is not requiring, that Western use it to enhance its music and art departments, Baca said. If the university decided to sell the building in the future, the donor would like to see the proceeds go to the scholarships and faculty salaries in those same departments.

If the sale is completed, Western would lease the building for $1 per month until Dec. 31, 2028. The university would be responsible for all costs of maintaining the building — utilities, insurance and custodial work. After that date, Western would assume full ownership of the building.

Board member Millie Hamner questioned why the

donating the building to the university right away. Baca said it appears as though the person has other businesses in the valley, and is looking to sell them over the next five years. So, the building donation might offset their tax liability down the road.

The board, executive administrators and the Western community have not yet decided on how the space should be used.

Baca suggested the university direct a working group to parse out the short- and long-term uses. He urged the board to sign the lease, and offered a variety of possible uses including housing, university retail and student or academic programs.

“It’s an extraordinary location in terms of being just a block away from Main Street,” said board member Kara Buckley.

“There are people around all the time. [It would be] a wonderful presence for Western and a chance to boost that community involvement.”

The building ’s potential long-term benefits outweigh the financial risks, Baca said.

Although renovation costs could exceed the property’s value, the university would pay next to no rent and could sell it after 2028 to recoup costs.

There’s a wide array of possible uses for the lodge, Baca said, even though some will require rezoning or conditional approval from the city.

“This is not something we're accustomed to doing. Myself, as

The Masonic Lodge on North Iowa Street. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

well as the institution, tend to be risk averse … It's not about not taking risks. It's about taking the right risks,” Baca said.

The 7,400 square foot facility has two floors with large open spaces. The lodge was built in 1957, and has had limited renovations or improvements since then. The building doesn’t have an elevator, meaning Western would have to add one for ADA compliance. Asbestos was discovered beneath the floor tiles in the bathroom during a recent inspection, Baca said. There’s not an adequate fire mitigation system, the electrical system is

Discover new opportunities together in a Chevy

outdated and the boiler would need replacement within the decade.

Baca estimates it will cost between $122,000 and $240,000 to maintain the lodge in the nearly five years before the university would own the building.

The high estimate assumes the university will use the facility during the lease, adding more maintenance costs. Western has yet to identify how that maintenance or later renovations could be paid for.

“This could be a significant learning experience across many majors,” said board mem-

ber Cecil Gutierrez. “This is an opportunity to bring in your business school to, say, do an analysis on how we use this space. [To] the music and art department — how do you envision being able to use this space? … I saw this as a huge learning opportunity across the entire university.”

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

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A8 • NEWS • Thursday, February 22, 2024

DO YOU HAVE A TREE YOU WOULD LIKE OUT OF YOUR YARD AND THINK IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE CITY? Must be easily accessed and be approximately 50ft tall.

Contact the City of Gunnison Public Works at 970-641-8020.

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Gunnison Country Times

Local party caucuses scheduled for March 9 Two county commissioner seats open Bella Biondini Times Editor

Election season is quickly approaching and will begin with the presidential primaries on Tuesday, March 5, followed by the Gunnison County caucuses on March 9.

Several states, including Colorado, hold caucasus in the months leading up a presidential election. These meetings are run by local political parties and held at the neighborhood or “precinct” level. Gunnison County is split into 15 distinct precincts, with most of the City of Gunnison residing in precincts 6-15. Precincts 3, 4 and 5 consist primarily of Crested Butte, Crested Butte South and Mt. Crested Butte.

At a caucus, county residents have the opportunity to decide which local candidates they want to appear on the ballot this year. During the meeting, party members can share their preferred candidates for county commissioner, as well as for state contests. In 2024, voters will consider candidates for Colorado House District 58, U.S. Congressional District 3 and Colorado Senate District 5, among others.

Both the Gunnison County Republican and Democratic parties will hold their caucuses on Saturday, March 9. The Republicans (all precincts) will meet at Gunnison’s Fred Field Center at 8:30 a.m. The Democratic caucus (precincts 3, 4 and 5) will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Queen of All Saints Parish Hall, and at the Gunnison County Library (precincts 1, 2 and 6-15) at 11 a.m.

In addition to deciding who will be on the ballot, the Gunnison County Democratic and Republican parties will also elect local delegates to

attend the state convention, and choose election judges and poll watchers. The county relies on community volunteers each election season to fill these positions.

Voters must be a registered member of their party to participate in the caucasus, but all are welcomed to attend. Both will also be accessible by Zoom.

“It's a very important first step for this year's election in November,” said Democratic Party chair Jim Starr. “This is the point where the community can get involved and express their ideas and concerns at the neighborhood level.”

This year, the ter ms in office of Gunnison County Commissioners Jonathan Houck and Liz Smith, both Democrats, will expire. Neither have formally announced if they will run for re-election. Houck has served as a county commissioner since 2013, and Smith since 2020. At this point, there are no opposing Republican c a n d i d a t e s, a c c o rd i n g t o Republican chair Cori Dobson.

Candidates for county commissioner generally gain access to the ballot by going through the caucus and assembly process. Other methods exist, but are seldom-used and subject to a different mix of deadlines.

An assembly will follow both the Republican and Democratic caucuses. Here, local candidates, for positions such as county commissioners, will typically share their intent to run. State candidates, or their spokespeople, are often invited to speak to voters during this time. The parties will share campaign videos, particularly for contested seats, for those unable to attend.

This year, Gunnison resident Kathleen Curry, who is running for House District 58, will speak at the Democratic assembly.

As of this week, the Gunnison County Republicans have not confirmed any speakers.

Ballots for the presidential primaries were sent out on Feb. 12 and voters began receiv-

ing them in the mail last week.

Unaffiliated voters will receive a packet that contains both the Democrat and Republican ballots. Voters should only return one ballot, or it will be voided.

All of Gunnison County’s drop boxes that are under 24-hour surveillance are now open and can be found at the Blackstock Government Center and Western Colorado University in Gunnison, in addition to a few locations in Crested Butte. Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder Kathy Simillion encouraged voters to use the boxes rather than mailing ballots to reduce the chance it gets lost in the mail.

Once the ballot has been certified by the Colorado secretary of state, it remains unchanged, even if a candidate drops from the presidential race. Because of this, voters may notice that their ballots list candidates that are no longer running.

This year, under the list of eight Democratic candidates, is an option labeled “Noncommited delegate.” This choice gives Colorado voters the option of sending unbound representatives to the National Convention who can back any candidate on the floor.

Each presidential candidate, including the noncommitted delegate choice, must receive 15% of the vote statewide or in one of Colorado’s eight Congressional Districts to be awarded delegates. The Colorado Democratic Party’s executive committee voted unanimously to request the noncommitted ballot line late last year.

The Colorado primary election will be held on June 25, and the general election will follow on Nov. 5. For more information about the caucuses or the upcoming election, visit gunnisoncounty.org.

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

Members of the Gunnison County Republican Party gather for the 2022 caucus. (Photo by Jacob Spetzler)

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • NEWS • A9

Gunnison Country Times

LETTERS continued from A5 Mentors and Tough Enough to Wear Pink.

The evening was a joyful celebration of food, poetry (thanks to Heather and Steve), music (thanks to Western Colorado University Jazz Ensemble), dancing and beautiful romantic gestures in an elegant family atmosphere. For all you Valentine’s Day skeptics, join us next year. This event may change your mind!

Danny and Kerry Lefebvre, thank you for your contributions to the event. Everything good that happens in the valley is in huge part because of Mario’s and The Dive. Your value here is immeasurable.

Thank you to the many volunteers who make events possible.

Your hours of labor and love truly matter. Thank you to all the people who attended One Love. Your thorough enjoyment and appreciation of the night embodies the true meaning of community.

Tina McGuinness Gunnison Valley Mentors

Annual Wall to Wall another success Editor: On behalf of the Crested Butte Ski Patrol we want to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support to this year’s Wall to Wall Community fundraiser.

It was awesome to see all the support and the night was another huge success. We are still making our final counts, but we have surpassed last year's totals, raising the most money

in this fundraiser's history!

We want you to know that all proceeds go directly back into the community in the form of grants to assist those in need.

Nominations will stay open until Feb. 23 and recipients will be voted on by ski patrol based on the greatest demonstrated need. Grant recipients will be notified and sent a brief application by March 1.

Many community members have benefited from grants to help with challenges such as serious injury, medical diagnoses requiring ongoing care, family hardships, high medical expenses and much more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of hardship and could benefit from a grant, please apply. To nominate someone you know please stop into the patrol shack below the High Lift to fill out a form, or email CBSPcommunityfund@ gmail.com and copy rwry1@ vailresorts.com with the name of the person you are nominating, a current email or phone number for the person you are nominating and a brief description of how they could benefit from the support.

Thank you to everyone that showed up, donated and supported this event.

This is an event for the community by the community and we could not have done it without you! Thank you all so much for coming out to show your support.

Crested Butte Ski Patrol Community Fund

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS VACANCIES SEARCH NOTICE Gunnison County is currently accepting Letters of Interest for the Vacancies listed below.

Letters of Interest will be accepted for the following: Board/Commission: 7th Judicial District Community Corrections Board Environmental Health Board (alternate) Extension Advisory Committee Gunnison Basin Sage-grouse Strategic Committee: Public At-Large (alternate) Development At-Large (regular & alternate) Recreation At-Large (regular & alternate) Research & Education At-Large (regular & alternate) Historical Preservation Commission Region 10 (Transportation Committee)

Vacancies: 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 5 1

Letters of interest will be accepted until Monday, March 4, 2024 via: Gunnison County Administration Office Mail: 200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison CO 81230 Fax: (970) 641-3061 Email: bocc@gunnisoncounty.org Online: https://gunnisoncounty.org/boardapp Please provide all contact information with your letter, including an email address.

You may request more information by calling (970) 641-7600.

43110 US Highway 50 | Gunnison

TBD W Denver | Gunnison

5 Bed | 4 Bath | 87+/- Acres | $2,900,000

27+ Acres | River Front Development Site | $1,900,000

Treats for world travelers Western Colorado University students Mya Urbina Salinas and Shelby Olson passed out Valentine-themed baked goods at the Rady School of Engineering on Feb. 14 to raise funds for an upcoming “May-mester” trip to Europe. The month-long semester will focus on global technology and design. During the trip, students will go on tours of automotive manufacturing facilities and historic museums in Germany and Italy through the Western-CU Boulder Computer Science and Engineering Partnership Program. Direct donations can be made to help students’ fundraising efforts on the Elevate Western campaign website.

43191 US Highway 50 | Gunnison

811 N Main Street | Gunnison

5 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 20 Acres | 2,400 SF Shop | $1,490,000

Building Only For Sale | 5,400 SF | $1,350,000

518 E Georgia Avenue | Gunnison

810 County Road 17 | Gunnison

Fiveplex | WCU Adjacent | Rental Opportunity | $995,000

40 Acres | No HOA | Riding Arena | Well & Power | $599,000

217 W Rio Grand Avenue | Gunnison

30 Caddis Fly Lane | Gunnison

2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 899 SF + finished basement | $385,000

1.12 Acres | Level Building Site | $265,000

970.275.8022 | bcteam@bbre1.com (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

A10 • NEWS • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

This winter, the RTA has run its largest winter schedule yet with 41 daily round trips. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

RTA from A1

1105 N Pine St., MLS #810392, $845,000. Welcome to your dream home in the picturesque Van Tuyl Village subdivision! This brand-new, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property is a testament to modern design and quality craftsmanship. As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open and inviting kitchen-dining area, adorned with cherry cabinets and equipped with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The tiled shower and bathtub add a touch of luxury to the bathrooms, while the master bedroom boasts its own oasis with a reading nook or small office space. The 2-car detached garage features 8-foot doors and 10-foot ceilings inside, providing ample space for your vehicles and storage needs. The extra space above the garage, accessible via exterior stairs, presents exciting opportunities. Whether you need additional storage or dream of an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the potential is yours to explore with City of Gunnison approval. Don’t miss the chance to make this new construction your forever home. Contact us now to schedule a viewing and witness the epitome of contemporary living!

216 Lochleven Lane, MLS #804508, $875,000, 3-Bedroom 2-Bathroom 1,988 sqft, built in 1985, and with1.056 acres with attached car garage. Well built home situated in the beautiful little Homestead Subdivision in Almont. Sit on your large front deck and revel in the views up the East River Valley. Located just 10 min from Gunnison and 20 min from CB, you are centrally located to enjoy the activities the area has to offer from world class fishing, rafting and hiking to snowmobiling and skiing. This 2 story home has its main living area on the top floor with a large open kitchen/ dining living room area with a wood stove that keeps the top floor nice and warm.

This area is a great space to gather and entertain as you take in the views surrounding the property. The property also has a sunroom that can be accessed from the second level or has 2 separate entrances from the exterior. There is a 1 car oversized attached garage and located next to the garage is a very large storage room/closet for all of your storage needs. The home has a lot of deck area on the outside for outdoor entertaining or to casually relax and take in the many different views. Almont is a quaint small town with 2 restaurants/bars located within minutes from the property. There is a free bus that runs up and down the valley from Gunnison to CB with a stop located in Almont.

SOLD!

413 W New York MLS #805945 2125 sqft 1 bathroom Commercial Retail $525,000 Perfect Opportunity to Move a Business and/or a Start a New Business with great past history of tenants using the retail storefront i.e for nail/salon, daycare, mechanical auto body, pet/animal feed and accessories-retail and granite-retail/distribution to name a few. The property consists of about 1500 sqft of retail space with storefront access to New York and a half bathroom that is easily accessible for staff and customers to use. An added bonus is having an attached garage with about 625 sqft with an overhead garage bay. The garage could be a storage facility or part of business operations. The property has 5 parking spaces and close to Safeway and the new location of 5 Bs. A growing and upcoming neighborhood. Don’t miss this opportunity contact the listing agent to schedule a showing.

KELLY

MCKINNIS

970.641.4880

AJ

MANI

129 EAST TOMICHI AVENUE

GUNNISONREALESTATEANDRENTALS.

per day. This year, it will run 33 with the hope of retaining experienced drivers and keeping a more consistent schedule throughout the year. The board approved the change during a regular meeting on Feb. 16.

For 2024, the RTA budgeted 28 round trips for its spring, summer and fall schedule — which usually shrinks once Crested Butte Mountain Resort closes. It ran the same number last year. But Executive Director Scott Truex recommended a 33-trip schedule, a move that would help the organization keep its employee housing full year-round and decrease bus wait times at night.

With the slimmer schedule, evening bus service stretches out into one bus per hour. In the case there is a delay or a bus breaks down, riders could wait for up to two hours. The adjustment would reduce most wait times to 30 minutes.

“The beauty of it in my mind is that half-hour service all day long,” Truex said. “[And] I'll make a prediction that we increase ridership again just because people will feel comfortable in the evenings.”

Although it doesn’t sound like a significant increase in trips, running five extra will cost the RTA an additional $364,000 over the current budget in fuel, repairs and staff time. The money will be sourced from the RTA’s reserves. Boosted by a 2.5% rise in sales tax revenue, the fund is healthy enough to support the expanded schedules for at least five years. Until the RTA purchases more buses, it is unlikely to change the number of trips again, Truex said.

Although Truex presented other options, all board members supported the expansion.

Board member Liz Smith said a more predictable bus schedule is good for the workforce and for the Gunnison Valley’s environmental goals.

“Building a bus culture in the valley requires reliable and frequent service all year round,” Smith said. “If we're in a position where we can support that, I think that will continue to build on itself.”

Surveillance cameras On Friday, the RTA board

also unanimously approved a request for additional surveillance cameras on the commuter buses. Alpine Express owner Landon Ogilvie said he believed the new technology would be beneficial not only for safety, but for training new drivers.

Alpine Express is the company that runs the RTA’s bus service.

RTA buses already have a number of surveillance cameras and microphones inside and outside of the vehicles. The cameras point from the driver to the door — so dispatchers can see riders get on and off the bus — as well as down the aisle.

Video footage is often used to address passenger complaints and to promote safety.

“It's really taken complaint [numbers] down because everybody knows that they're being videoed,” Truex said.

But the footage is stored on a hard drive and downloading footage from the bus can sometimes take up to a week. The new system, called Samsara, is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and can livestream video to dispatch if necessary.

Ogilvie said Alpine Express has already purchased the hardware and will install it on the RTA buses at no cost to the organization.

According to Ogilvie, Samsara uses AI to pick up movement both inside and outside of the buses. If a bus driver runs a stop sign, the system can recognize it and alert dispatch. It can even pick up drowsy eyes, or if a driver is using their cell phone on shift. It does not capture the entirety of the bus and is mainly centered on the “cockpit” area where the driver sits.

Ogilvie said he was resistant to the product at first, but realized it could save the company money on insurance. In the case of a car accident, having quick access to footage has also helped dispatch determine who was at fault.

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

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • NEWS • A11

Gunnison Country Times

Off to the races Competitors aged 5 to 13 showed off their skiing and snowboarding skills in the Oh Be Joyful ski races at Gunnison’s Cranor Hill on Monday, Feb. 19. The 46 racers participated in four different events: modified slalom, downhill, distance jump and freestyle jump.

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(Photos by Bella Biondini)

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A12 • NEWS • Thursday, February 22, 2024

10% - 70%

Gunnison Country Times

OFF

ALL NORDIC, BACKCOUNTRY SKIS, and WINTER CLOTHING!!

GCEA renewable energy projects delayed Hydro and solar aim to be online by end of 2024 Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

608 Tomichi Ave • 970.641.9150 M-F 10am-6pm • Sat 9am-3pm

w w w. gu n n ison t ime s .com

ONLINE ALL THE TIME!

The Gunnison Valley’s newest renewable energy projects — hydroelectric power at Taylor Dam and a solar array south of Crested Butte — have been delayed by supply chain holdups and long permitting wait times.

B o t h p ro j e c t s w i l l p rovide renewable energy to the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA), a ​​nonprofit electric co-op serving most of the county. Co-op managers hope that both projects will be complete by the end of 2024.

Th e hyd ro e l e c t r i c p ro j ect at Taylor Dam, northeast of Almont, is a joint venture between GCEA and the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, which operates the dam and owns the rights to the water that flows through it. The two entities are splitting the construction costs of the over $3.3 million project 50-50. GCEA expects a nineyear payback period, with the help of federal grants and tax credit incentives.

Construction on the hydropower plant started in early June of 2023 — but supply chain delays kept crews idle more than expected, as components either weren’t delivered or were misfabricated. The original goal was to generate power by the end of 2023, but GCEA now plans to have the turbines spin to life by June of this year.

Lisa Lucas, superintendent of Mueller Construction, said the major delay concerned the building that will house the turbine, generator and electric equipment for sending power to the grid. Without a place to put tens of thousands of pounds of equipment while snow piles up outside, the turbine manufacturer, Canyon Hydro, couldn’t ship it ahead of time. The steel building materials are onsite and construction is ongoing, said GCEA Execution Specialist Matt Feier. Once the building is finished, the turbine and generator can be delivered and installed.

“The unknowns and the challenges that we've had are getting less and less,” Feier said.

“The pieces and parts are all there.”

Other equipment issues delayed the timeline further, Lucas said. A “tee” is required to partially divert water from one of two pipes on the Taylor Dam used to release water from the reservoir. That diverted water will flow underground to the turbine and generator. But that piece arrived misfabricated, forcing the crew to drive it back to Texas for repairs. The tee has

Members of the construction crew examine the turbine during a visit to Canyon Hydro. (Courtesy Lisa Lucas)

now been installed and tested.

Crews are still contending with just a few hours of sunshine in the winter, brutal cold and a constant need to plow to keep construction areas clear.

Once the hydroelectric system is done, water will surge from the pipe diversion and travel underground until it reaches the turbine and generator, forcing the wheel to turn and spin a shaft that generates power. From there, a “tailrace” or a concrete channel that carries water away from the turbine, will ensure the water returns to the Taylor River.

The system will run 24 hours a day and produce 3,800 megawatt hours (MWh) on average each year. The American-made turbine and generator headed for Taylor Dam is set to be the largest single-phase set-up in the country, Feier said. Singlephase electricity distributes less power, but it’s more cost-friendly than three-phase, which would cost GCEA approximately $30 a foot for 18 miles of road up the canyon to the dam.

GCEA has already laid empty conduit under some sections of the road in preparation for the chance at three-phase power and a larger generator in the future, Feier said. Each time Gunnison County Public Works repairs sections of road, the utility puts in conduit. If budgets allow, it will install a second turbine at the dam to produce more power for GCEA members.

‘Oh Be Joyful’ solar array Construction at the Baxter Gulch solar array (now called the Oh Be Joyful solar project) was expected to start in 2022, but the Gunnison County per-

mitting process has taken longer than expected, Feier said.

Once it’s live, the array is expected to produce just over 2,600 MWh in its first year, and more than 2,400 MWh per year on average over its lifespan.

Outshine Energy, a Denverbased solar company will own the array, and is contracted to sell GCEA power at a set price for the next 30 years. GCEA’s purchase price from Outshine is higher than its wholesale energy price from Tri-State, but not by much, Feier said. The project should be done by the end of the 2024 building season.

“We didn't feel like we had the capacity to own and operate a solar facility, we just don't want to have that risk,” he said.

GCEA is also working on another project, a community solar garden, right outside the City of Gunnison. The board has approved the purchase of a parcel of land and authorized GCEA Chief Executive Officer Mike McBride to negotiate a power purchase agreement with a developer.

The co-op is still negotiating, so McBride declined to comment on further details of the project. GCEA has one community solar garden at the Crested Butte Wastewater Treatment Plant and one at the utility’s headquarters off Hwy. 50.

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

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • NEWS • A13

Gunnison Country Times

Western announces plan to cover full tuition for low-income students Seth Mensing Special to the Times

T h i s m o nt h, We s t e r n Colorado University president Brad Baca announced a plan to break down one of the biggest financial barriers students face in the pursuit of higher education. Through The Mountaineer Promise, Western students whose annual household income is less than $70,000 can receive grants and scholarships to cover tuition and have standard fees waived starting in the fall of 2024.

As one of Colorado’s leading regional public universities, Western has long been the choice for students seeking a more affordable and accessible college degree. But for many, higher education costs are a barrier to taking that first step.

“At Western, we believe everyone should be able to pursue their dreams and have access to the transformative power of education,” Baca said.

“The Mountaineer Promise

aligns with our strategic plan and reflects our dedication to breaking down financial barriers and providing a pathway for all students to pursue higher education."

The Mountaineer Promise is made possible through a combination of federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships for eligible Colorado residents. And it’s not just a one-time benefit. Students who continue to meet the eligibility criteria will have the cost of their tuition and fees covered throughout their academic journey, ensuring continued support until graduation.

For more information call 970.943.3085 or visit western. edu.

(Seth Mensing is the media and communications manager at Western Colorado University.)

Members of Western’s Crimson Crew cheer on the Mountaineer football team during a game at Katy O. Rady Field. (Courtesy Cassondra Grover/ Western Colorado University)

Hirsch donates thousands for senior services in Gunnison Valley Community Foundation to manage fund Bella Biondini Times Editor

Don Hirsch, a longtime resident of the Gunnison Valley, has created a fund that will serve the valley’s seniors for years to come.

Senior Center Coordinator Elizabeth Gillis announced t h e g i f t, na m e d t h e D o n Hirsch Gunnison Valley Senior Services Fund, during a city council meeting on Feb. 13. The Community Foundation will manage the fund, which will grow over time. It accompanies Hirsch’s $10,000 donation to the Gunnison Senior Center.

“Your gift honors what the city has done in allowing our older adults and senior citizens to have a place to come together for meals and activities, and have a sense of belonging,” said Lauren Kugler, executive director of the Foundation.

After Hirsch dies, the remainder of his assets will go into the fund. The money will be available to Gunnison County Health and Human Services, the Gunnison Senior Center and any nonprofits that serve the valley’s seniors. According to Gillis, the two entities often have to seek grants or donations to fill gaps in their budgets.

For example, the fund will

help the Senior Center provide sponsorships for its weekly senior meals program, and support many of its other activities.

These range from Nordic ski and snowshoe hikes in the winter to fitness classes at the pool.

The center also works with a team of social workers at the county to connect older adults to community resources that can help them age independently. The fund could mean seniors receive help accessing meals from the food pantry, covering rent or finding a more efficient way to heat their home during the winter.

Hirsch, a retired pharmacist, moved to the valley in the late 80s. The 1979 movie, “Wilderness Family Robinson” inspired his first visit and he, like many, fell in love with the area. The movie was filmed in the Gunnison National Forest near Lake Irwin.

Although he’s visited every “nook and cranny” of Colorado, he said he liked Gunnison best.

He’s been involved with the Senior Center for about two years.

“Getting old isn't the most wonderful path down the road to El Dorado, but it's a journey,” Hirsch said. “And if I can help, I'll be more than happy to.”

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

Ricky Glatiotis takes a lap on his cross country skis behind the senior center on Feb. 15. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

A14 • NEWS • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Remembering Eric Freson On Feb. 17, family, friends and colleagues filled Western Colorado University’s UC Ballroom to celebrate the life of Eric Freson. Freson, 36, died in an avalanche accident in the backcountry earlier this month. Photos of him lined the walls and covered the tables as the community shared their favorite memories of him. A formal memorial service will be held later this summer.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Bethany Church 909 N Wisconsin St.

(behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144 Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service gunnisonbethany.com 9 a.m.: Family Service with nursery & children’s church 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 bnaibutte@gmail.com Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com Go to bnaibutte.org for additional details and locations.

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034 A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.

Sunday 10 a.m. / Wednesday 7 p.m. newsonggunnison.net

Faith Directory

Community Church of Gunnison

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925 Pastor Larry Nelson Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Weekend Services 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry Weekly Student Ministry Weekly Adult LifeGroups Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4 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 p.m. - Children's Patch Club Gunnison Bible Institute Thursday 7 p.m. - College & Career Christian Fellowship firstbaptistgunnison.org.

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.

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813 Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860 Children’s Christmas Program Sunday, December 17th at 10 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m.

Christmas Day Service at 10 AM

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church 307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429 Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar First Sunday of each month – 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains Check our websites for location Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday – 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Children’s Sunday school – 2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II 403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte Visit our website for location of 11 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org

Church in the Barn

8007 County Road 887 Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m.

Non Denominational Come as you are.

Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries

1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158 Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School “Remedy” Worship Nights Small Group Ministries mcmchurch.org

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago gunnisoncatholic.org crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.

St. Peter’s - Gunnison Sat 5 p.m. & Sun 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. (Spanish) Mass First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass 11 a.m.

Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30 a.m. Mass St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Mass Service, Sun. at 10 a.m.

Gunnison Congregational Church United Church of Christ 317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203 Open and Affirming Whole Earth · Just Peace Sunday, 10 a.m.

Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

LISTINGS TODAY

40 641.1414 Stop by: Gunnison Country Times 218 North Wisconsin Gunnison, CO 81230 Email: classifieds@ gunnisontimes.com

Classifieds BUSINESS SERVICES WILD, SASHIMI GRADE, CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE, ALASKAN SOCKEYE SALMON AND BLACK COD available for sale. We have fillets, portions and smoked products. To learn more, visit wildbayseafoodco.com/pages/nowdelivering-in-the-gunnison-valley.

Free delivery for orders over $100. Let us know if you have any questions at 206-962-1636.

EMPLOYMENT

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

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

Top pay & Benefits.

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

gunnisontimes.com SCAN TO PLACE AN AD

HAS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR AN OFFICE POSITION AND SERVICE WRITER POSITION.

Competitive pay, 401K, insurance, paid vacations. 40 hour work week.

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT REAL ESTATE RENTALS

LEGALS

A15 A16 A16

NOTICES

A17

CROSSWORD

A16

COMMUNITY

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

HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES: SPED-Educational Assistant - GMS Bus Drivers Food Service - CBCS ELL Educational Assistant - CBCS Assistant Building Manager - CBCS Lead Custodian - Lake School Substitute Teachers PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Secondary Principal - CBSS School Psychologist - District Counselor - CBES Newcomer Teacher and Integration Specialist

Ad policy & Rates:

• $7 for 20 words or less, 20¢ each additional word.

• Display Classified rate is $9.40 per column inch.

• Deadline is NOON SHARP TUESDAY.

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Apply at John Roberts Motor Works.

MARBLE CHARTER SCHOOL: Marble Charter School Director (See posting on GWSD website) COACHING: GHS - Speech and Debate GHS - Assistant Girls Basketball Coach GHS - Assistant Track coach Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

212 WEST HIGHWAY 50 GUNNISON, CO 81230 THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a Public Works Maintenance Worker/ Heavy Equipment Operator. Experience in driving loaders, rollers, backhoes and other heavy equipment required. Duties vary by season and include, but are not limited to, snow removal and operating a variety of construction vehicles and equipment. This is a full-time position with an excellent benefits package including 100% employer-paid employee and dependent health, dental, vision, life and matching contributions to a retirement plan after one year of employment. Starting pay is $22.61-32.59 DOQ with shift differential pay opportunities.

Full job description is available on the town’s website at townofcrestedbutte.com. Please apply via email to jobs@crestedbutte-co. gov. Position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER SUMMER INSTRUCTOR: The Adaptive Sports Center is seeking adaptive instructors to facilitate exceptional adaptive sport and recreation activities for the 2024 Summer Season.

Pay ranges from $20-$29/hour based on experience. Benefits for full-time, seasonal staff include pro-forms, certification and membership dues, exam reimbursement, paid sick days, 5-day stipend and a 401(k) match. More information and summer application is at adaptivesports.org – about us – careers. Applications are due Mar. 15.

MECHANIC NEEDED FOR BUSY LOCAL BIKE SHOP: Pay DOE and we’re willing to train the right person. Flexible hours and accommodating around you having a life.

Drop off a resume with your availability to Dan at Double Shot Cyclery, 222 N. Main St. Gunnison. 970-642-5411.

HOT TUB TECHNICIAN: Year-round position with real growth opportunities. Train at $22/hour. Pay starts at $25/hour plus incentives. Weekend shifts and skilled repair work pays more. AWD work van, clothing

and ongoing support provided. Call Graeme at CB Hot Tub, 970-275-5700.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal position: Front desk attendant, $16-$20/ hr. Employee benefits include employee discounts and ski storage at the base area.

For more information or to submit a resume, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

JOB OPPORTUNITY, ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN II (STAKING ENGINEER): Gunnison County Electric Association is currently seeking applications for an Engineering Technician II (Staking Engineer) position. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison headquarters/ Crested Butte outpost. This position plans for the construction of electric services including line design and preparing staking sheets.

This is an hourly or non-exempt position, and the pay range is between $85,862$114,483 annually. Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring range based upon experience, education and/or skill level. Applicable overtime pay may apply occasionally or when needed. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the complete job description and to learn how to apply, please visit our website at gcea.coop, About tab, Careers. Job will remain open until Feb. 27, 2024.

GUNNISON H&R BLOCK OFFICE has two open positions. Tax preparer, will train, full or part-time for 2024 tax season. Receptionist, full or part-time for 2024 tax season. Contact Gunnison office at 970-648-4121 or Lisa at 970-731-1080.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a communication coordinator. This is a full-time, year-round position with medical, retirement and vacation benefits. Pay range

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Maintenance Technician II Facilities and Grounds: 40 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $4,684-$5,333 plus full benefits.

Motor Vehicle/Recording Technician Clerk and Recorder: 40 hours/ week, hourly rate range from $21.82-$24.85 plus full benefits.

Case Management Aide HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,966-$6,037 plus full benefits.

Caseworker I HHS: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$6,399 plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II – Substance Abuse Prevention Juvenile Services: 20 hours/week, hourly rate range from $33.79-$41.08 plus partial benefits.

Seasonal Public Works: Guaranteed 40 hours/week, hourly rate range from $20.58-$23.43 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.

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,857-$6,669 plus full benefits.

Detention Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,263-$5,992 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. is $25-30/hr. DOE. Previous experience in graphic design and business writing preferred. For more information please email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com. To submit a resume, please visit: theclubatcrestedbutte. com.

PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS is seeking a FT medical assistant to join our team. Duties include clinical documentation, x-rays, medical supply inventory management and casting/splinting. Good organization and computer skills while working in a fastpaced environment are important. On-site training is provided. Position is for both our Crested Butte and Gunnison offices. $24/ hr DOE. Please send resume to office@ pinnacleorthocolorado.com.

LEGAL SERVICES AND VICTIM SERVICES POSITION is available immediately in the Gunnison District Attorney’s office. Legal services: This position requires excellent data entry and word processing skills (Microsoft Word), a professional demeanor and an ability to enjoy working with the public. Duties include Legal filings and case data entry, telephones, electronic filing, greeting visitors and coordination with court and law enforcement personnel. Legal or criminal justice background is preferred but not required. Victim assistance: You will be responsible for assisting victims through the criminal justice system as it relates to the DA’s office. Full-time, 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Salary: $19-26 per hour (DOE). Benefit package.

Please mail your resume with employment references to the following address: Office of the District Attorney, Attention: Administrator, 1140 N. Grand Avenue, Ste. 200, Montrose, CO 81401, Or submit via email to mail@ co7da.org. This position will remain open until filled.

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Chief Water Operator Full-time, $72,800-$85,500/yr Leads Water department staff and performs a variety of skilled technical duties and skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the city’s nine (9) potable water wells, water distribution system, wastewater collections system, irrigation ditches, etc.

Construction Project Manager Full-time, $83,200-$112,400/yr This is a temporary, full-time position that is anticipated to be renewed annually for technical oversight for a 5-7 year long, $50 million, multi-phased design and construction program for the city’s water system improvements project.

Police Officer Full-time, $68,900-$93,100/yr $33.13-$44.76/hr Performs technical, professional, and administrative duties related tomaintaining the security of the city, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order,preventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The city will pay for the police academy if needed and pay a cadet wage of $50,900 while attending the academy. Includes a $15,000 signing bonus. Increased wages over above-listed salary available for working nights. Personal liability insurance paid by the City of Gunnison. Housing is available.

The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 13 paid holidays, and 12 days of sick leave per year.

For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR 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-inhand with our maintenance, housekeeping and reservation teams to ensure that our guests experience vacation perfection. Pay is DOE 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.

EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT TEACHERS: Tenderfoot Child and Family Development Center is seeking assistant teachers to join our early childhood team with children 2 1/2-5 years old. Must be at least 16 years of age. Full ($17.42/hr) or part-time ($15.42/hr) mornings. Background checks and paid, pre-service training required. Sick/ vacation benefits, possible free child care.

Paid professional development and a great opportunity to grow as an educator. Call 970642-1949 or email tfootdirector@gmail.com for more information. EOE.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • CLASSIFIEDS • A16

Gunnison Country Times

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

ICLEAN IN CRESTED BUTTE is looking for cleaners. Pay DOE. Please call 970-3312417. Buscamos limpiadores. Por favor, comuníquese con IClean al 970-3312417.

Para trabajar en Crested Butte.

seeks applicants for a full-time (40 hours/week) Equipment Mechanic II. This State of Colorado classified position provides maintenance, diagnosis and repair for all Western Colorado University vehicles and equipment, as well as for vehicles of other state agencies.

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 shortterm disability coverage at no cost. Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for FREE. To view the full job announcement and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (AA/EOE).

DOS RIOS GOLF CLUB in Gunnison is hiring for the position of golf course equipment technician (mechanic). This is a full-time, year-round position. Pay range is $55-60,000/year DOE. Please visit turfnet. com/jobs/j55009-turf-equipment-technician/ for a more detailed job description. Send resume and/or questions to groundsuper@ dosriosgolfclub.org.

WANT TO WORK 32 HOURS AND GET PAID FOR 40 HOURS? CB South Metro District is hiring for a full-time Road Manager and Heavy Equipment Operator.

This position would be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all activities and staff related to the district’s roads and maintenance. Duties include road maintenance, snow removal, drinking water operations, wastewater operations and other day-to-day tasks of running a utility. This job requires the applicant to have motor grader and heavy equipment experience. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid Colorado driver’s license. The successful applicant is eligible to receive an elite, full benefit package. Full job description, requirements, pay ranges and benefits are available on the district’s website at cbsouthmetro.net. Email resume to info@cbsouthmetro.net or drop off at 280 Cement Creek Road.

EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Growing regional, local, Crested Butte-born, residential construction company. Excellent pay and benefits. Text 970-596-1131.

COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is currently seeking candidates to fill an assistant banking center manager position in our Gunnison banking center. Great opportunity with excellent benefits package.

For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com. NBH Bank is an equal opportunity employer.

TUTORS WANTED: We are growing our brilliant team. Tutors for all age groups and subject areas are needed. Please call 970417-0656. ElevatedLearningTutors.com.

COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is seeking qualified candidates to fill both a relationship banker and an associate banker position in our Gunnison banking center. Full-time with benefits. Excellent opportunities to start your career in banking.

For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com. NBH Bank is an equal opportunity employer.

SAGUACHE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEEKS SAGUACHE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS:

HIGH-VOLUME, PROFESSIONAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR seeks fulltime, experienced controller with 5+ years experience. Duties include overseeing general ledger and accounting functions, balance sheet reconciliation, maintaining accounting systems access controls and oversight of accounting managers including accounts receivable, accounts payable, billings functions and payroll preparation.

Successful candidates will be detail-oriented and proactive in our fast-paced environment, with proficiency in Quickbooks and experience in ProCore a bonus. Competitive base salary and benefits. Please submit resume to david@davidgrossgc.com or call 970-901-1798.

FULL OR PART-TIME MAINTENANCE POSITION: Alpine Getaways is seeking a full or part-time maintenance tech to perform basic duties. Full-time employees may receive health benefits. $25-$30 per hour DOE. Please contact Erik at erik@ alpinegetaways.com or call 970-349-0539.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Home of Iowa State University 5. __-fi (slang) 8. Mottled green and yellow fruit 12. Capable of thinking and expressing oneself clearly 14. Sports broadcaster Eagle 15. Midday 16. Kinsmen 18. Cable network 19. Simpleton 20. Brunch beverage 21. Fed 22. European capital 23. Native inhabitants 26. Mechanical device 30. Rare geese native to Hawaii 31. Bedroom furnishing 32. The products of human creativity 33. Mass transit option 34. Made a mistake 39. Sacred sound symbol 42. Large N. American reindeer 44. Dull and flat 46. Partner to huffing

NOTICE

If you are interested, please send a brief letter of interest stating qualifications and interest to: Saguache County Land Use, Attn: Amber Wilson, PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 prior to Thursday, February 29th, 2024. All applicants will be interviewed by the Board of County Commissioners. Should you have any questions please call Amber Wilson at 719-655-2321.

REAL ESTATE FOR LEASE: Approximately 2,000 sq. ft. shop/office located on S. 11th close to the airport. Commercial zoning. Call 970-2093676 for information.

ELK AVENUE OFFICE SPACE: Looking for the ideal office space that combines convenience and charm? Look no further.

With a variety of sizes to suit your unique needs, our spaces are conveniently located and affordably priced. Contact Kezia for details. kezia@toadpropertymanagement. com. 970-349-2773.

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT: No pets, no smoking, $1,800. Utilities included. 970-312-5767.

PALISADES AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY

Palisades Apartments is currently accepting applications for our waiting list. Our 2 bedroom, low income apartment community is income-based.

You must meet restrictions.

Our newly renovated 2 bedroom apartments are a must see.

Apply in-person at 600 N. Colorado in Gunnison.

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

La Garita/Center area - member and alternate Town of Center and surrounding area alternate Moffat and surrounding area - alternate Hooper and surrounding area - member and alternate At Large for All of Saguache County alternate Crestone and surrounding area - alternate

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Saguache County Planning Commission members and alternates are paid $100 for every regular meeting they attend, plus mileage reimbursement.

CLUES DOWN

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

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

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Please consider supporting quality journalism by subscribing to the Gunnison Country Times.

We are a no smoking property.

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

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A17 • LEGALS • Thursday, February 22, 2024 Legals

Find your local number: https://us06web. zoom.us/u/kbpNCflXLW

AGENDA

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.

Work Session February 26, 2024 5:30pm Lake School Conference Room This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar.

Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.

Work Session discussion item: a. Comprehensive Health Education discussion Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of February 22, 2024 12250

Gunnison County Environmental Health Board Agenda: March 21, 2024 In Person at the Blackstock Government Center Meeting Room at 221 N. Wisconsin Street in Gunnison, across the street from the Post Office and by Zoom (see Teleconference Information below) 1:15 p.m. Call to order; determine quorum Organizational business-approval of officers Approval of Minutes- February 15, 2024 Unscheduled citizens 1:30 p.m. Joseph Baker, Continued Public Hearing for a variance to the Gunnison County OWTS Regulations for an OWTS on a parcel less than one-acre at 20 Paul Pl, OWTS-23-00146 Adjourn Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84089666867?p wd=kyQr2WeJYCeLbq2sjNIvZSqKNt2Kng.1 Meeting ID: 840 8966 6867 Passcode: 859826 Dial by your location +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of February 22, 2024 12285

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JUDITH EBAUGH, Deceased Case Number 2024PR3 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Personal Representative: Hayley Mallett 266 C.R. 233 Durango, CO 81301 Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of February 15, 22, 29, 2024 12208

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS E. Martin Hatcher, Deceased

Case Number 2024PR30003 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 June 24, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mark C. Hatcher Personal Representative

Local news on any device.

Gunnison Country Times 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 February 8, 15, 22, 2024 12115

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Cancellation of Regular Municipal Election The Town of Pitkin The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed by the Town of Pitkin Board of Trustees via Resolution 2024-6 to cancel the Town of Pitkin regular municipal election scheduled for April 2, 2024 per C.R.S. § 31-10-507, there being an equal number of candidates and vacancies for Trustees and Mayor and there being no ballot issues to be decided at said election.

The following candidates are declared elected to the Board of Trustees and shall serve a two-year term. Candidates shall be sworn in after April 2, 2024.

Trustee: Jerra Garetson, Tom Gibb, Ed Pianalto, Ramon Reed Mayor: Eddy Balch Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of February 22, 2024 12286

REQUEST FOR BIDS City of Gunnison (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: CRANOR HILL GARAGE FACILITY Project ID: 24-08 Bids for the construction of the Project will be received electronically at the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (“RMEPS”): portal at https://www. bidnetdirect.com/colorado. Submittals must be received in the RMEPS submission portal on or before, March 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. MT. Hardcopy submittals will not be accepted. It

is the Respondent’s sole responsibility to ensure all required documents are submitted through RMEPS by the submission deadline.

RMEPS does not allow for uploading of documents after the submittal due date and time has closed.

Instructions to Bidders.

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

Bids (as hereinafter defined) received after the above specified due date and time, or which are not prepared and filed in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Request for Bids (“RFB”), may not be considered for evaluation.

END OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Project includes the following Work:

12248

The Project is located in Gunnison County, approximately three (3) miles north of Gunnison city limits. The Work shall be performed in accordance with the Contract and generally includes earthwork, concrete footings and slab, framing, metal roofing, metal siding, thermal/moisture protection, electrical, windows, doors, finishes, and other appurtenances. The Contract provides a list of applicable plans, specifications, and permits. The 2015 International Building Code is the governing code. The building type is a V-B with an S-2 Low Hazard Storage Occupancy.

Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found only at the following designated Bidding Documents Website: Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (“RMEPS”): portal at https://www. bidnetdirect.com/colorado .

Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated Bidding Documents Website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the Bidding Documents Website in either electronic or paper format. The Bidding Documents Website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project.

All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the Bidding Documents Website. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Bidding Documents Website.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of February, 22, 29, March 7, 2024

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Request For Proposal (RFP) Trash and Rubbish Removal In response to the Saguache County Nuisance Ordinance, Saguache County is seeking contractors for the removal of and disposal of trash, rubbish, debris and assorted waste materials from land located in Saguache County. This shall include, but not be limited to, the removal and disposal of vehicles, trailers, building materials, trash, debris, and various materials that require removal. This position shall be on call or as needed. Bids should include, but not be limited to, hourly rates, and the rate for special material removal that may not be allowed for disposal in a land fill or conventional waste facility. Salvageable materials (excluding vehicles) may be kept by the contractor.

Any salvaged vehicles must be taken to the designated vehicle area that will be located at the Saguache County Landfill. If hazardous materials are located, it will be up to the County to contract for that service.

For questions, please email Amber Wilson at atorrez@saguachecounty-co.gov or call 719655-2321. Proposal may be emailed, mailed or hand delivered. Email RFP to atorrez@ saguachecounty-co.gov, mail to PO Box 326, Saguache, CO 81149 or hand deliver to 505 3rd Street, Saguache, CO 81149.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2024 12057

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NEED HELP? • SEXUAL ASSAULT • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE • HUMAN TRAFFICKING • STALKING 24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE: 970.275.1193

BUSINESS DIRECTORY RENTALS

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GUNNISON + CRESTED BUTTE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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gunnirents@gmail.com 918 W. San Juan Avenue Gunnison, Colorado 970.707.4271

REAL ESTATE

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inancial ServiceS & inSurance

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REAL ESTATE

Life • Health • Disability Long-term Care Retirement Plan Design Employment Benefit Design

Ryan Jordi

970.596.1906 ryan@tavarealestate.com

Serving the Gunnison area since 1994.

114 N. Boulevard, Suite 102 641-4700

CONSTRUCTION

OFFICE SUPPLIES

CRAFTSMAN CONSTRUCTION

ERIN WELFELT

BROKER ASSOCIATE 970-208-7136 Erin@signaturepropertiescb.com www.signaturepropertiescb.com

Thanks Everyone for keeping me busy the past 3 1/2 years after my 19 year absence!

24th year here…

Frank Patin 715.892.1673

SIGNS & SCREENPRINTING OFFICE SUPPLIES

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Cleaning Supplies • Breakroom Supplies Color Copies • Engineering Copies

• Over 20 years home building experience

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• High quality homes that enhance the natural beauty of the Gunnison Valley

PAINTING & REFINISHING

Don Weaver • 970-291-1407

DonaldWeaver@DFWConstruction.biz

Painting • Refinishing • Carpentry

GIFT WRAPPING

Carleen White 970-209-9119 www.cleanlines.biz

Professional, creative gift wrapping

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Interior, Exterior Painting, Cabinets, Decks, Remodels

Need your special gift wrapped? don’t want to do it yourself?

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Materials provided or provide your own.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Please inquire for rates.

Diana Dixon - 720-939-5851

600 E. Virginia • 641-1588

ELECTRICAL

DOORS & WINDOWS

TAX PREPARATION Tax Preparation

Randy Stafford EA • 35 years experience •

970-641-0497

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.

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YOUR LOCAL CHOICE for windows, doors and blinds

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WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS? Contact Advertising Manager, Steve

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STARTING AT $10/INCH PER WEEK.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • NEWS • A19

Gunnison Country Times

Lights & Sirens CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

FEB. 12

FEB. 13

ABANDONED VEHICLE — 1125 N. MAIN ST. WELFARE ASSIST — N. 14TH ST. ANIMAL - VICIOUS/DANGEROUS - MUNICIPAL — C.R. 14 HARASSMENT: INSULTS, TAUNTS, CHALLENGES — 600 N. MAIN ST. TRAFFIC - DUS — 600 W. NEW YORK AVE.

-Possible fraud report - under investigation

FEB. 14

ACCIDENT - HIT AND RUN — 910 W. BIDWELL AVE. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT: FIRST DEGREE — 100 E. VIRGINIA AVE. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 311 REED ST. SEXUAL ASSAULT: VICTIM INCAPABLE

-Paper service in Somerset -Possible vicious dog in Somerset - pending follow-up -Cyber fraud report - banking/computer protection scheme -Found wallet -Agency assist to the Mt. Crested Butte Police Department with a possible vehicle fire -Agency assist to the National Park Service for a vehicle camping in an undesignated spot with a campfire made outside of an established fire ring -Deputies took one person into custody for three in-county warrants

FEB. 14

FEB. 15

FEB. 13

ABANDONED VEHICLE — 900 N. 12TH ST. THEFT - UNDER $100 MUNICIPAL — 1099 N. 11TH ST. CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF FORGED INSTRUMENT — 201 E. TOMICHI AVE. DRIVER'S LICENSE - UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF — 500 W. HWY. 50 ABANDONED VEHICLE — 100 S. COLORADO ST. THEFT — 402 N. PINE ST PROPERTY - FOUND THEFT-LESS THAN $100: SHOPLIFTING — 900 N. MAIN ST THEFT-LESS THAN $100: SHOPLIFTING — 900 N. MAIN ST.

FEB. 15 WELFARE ASSIST — S. 7TH ST. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - ALCOHOL — W. US HWY. 50, M.M. 156 ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE MUNICIPAL — 1010 N. 11TH ST. INFORMATION — 1099 N. 11TH ST.

FEB. 16 ACCIDENT - HIT AND RUN — 711 W. RIO GRANDE AVE. PROPERTY - FOUND — 910 W. BIDWELL AVE. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: POSS./CONSUMPTION 2 OZ. OR LESS MARIJUANA - UNDER 21 — 1099 N. 11TH ST.

FEB. 17 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — 301 S. 2ND ST.

FEB. 18

-Civil standby -Gunnison County resolution 201830 - dog at large - found on the highway between Gunnison and Montrose - taken to the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League and owner was notified

FEB. 16 -Deputies took one person into custody for a warrant and issued a citation for speeding and for driving when license revoked as a habitual traffic offender -Habitual runaway reported – contacted and returned home

FEB. 17 -Deputies issued a citation for no proof of insurance, vehicle had no license plates, operating an unregistered vehicle, following too closely and driving vehicle without a valid driver’s license, which is required by law -Gunnison County Resolution 2018-30 - dog at large - a white husky was found in the area of Homestead road - this dog is at the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League and was given food and water

FEB. 18 -Welfare check requested on a toddler -Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department with a suspicious person – possible trespassing in progress - upon contact had a warrant

GCEA MEMBER

MEETING

GCEA is excited to offer a rare opportunity to meet Tri-State's CEO Duane Highley on Thursday, February 29th for a meet and greet member meeting.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 29, 2024 TIME 5:00 - MEET & GREET 5:30 - 6:30 - MEMBER MEETING LOCATION GCEA HEADQUARTERS 37250 W HWY 50 GUNNISON, CO 81230

To sign up for the meeting, please scan the QR code or visit gcea.coop.

DUANE HIGHLEY TRI-STATE CEO

Members are encouraged to submit a question for the Q&A session with Duane Highley.

Refreshments will be provided during the meet and greet.

Gunnison Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Every injury is different and having an experienced team who can make the right decisions about your care is key to recovery. From robotic-assisted total joint replacements to care of fractures to surgical and non-surgical treatment of sprains and strains, the providers at GVO have the expertise and skill you need to get back to the things you love.

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ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE MUNICIPAL - 720 N. COLORADO ST. WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JURISDICTION — 104 CHIPETA CT. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 1410 BLAZE TRAIL RD.

FEB. 19 JUVENILE PROBLEM - RUNAWAY — S. REED ST.

GUNNISON | 970-641-8899 CRESTED BUTTE | 970-349-5103

A20 • NEWS • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

2024 Rec Grant Program Applications Due March 15, 2024 • Capital • Operations • Community

gcmetrec.com

COMMUNITY: The art of broth, B5

PHOTOS: A night at the GHS Winter Ball, B3

SPORTS: Cowboy basketball celebrates seniors, B7

Capturing Gunnison’s golden age

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

A shot of a figure walking on the ice of Blue Mesa Reservoir, from one of Nickel’s films. (Courtesy Shaffer Nickel)

Videographer creates short films about life on Western Slope Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

Using the Gunnison community as his medium, Shaffer Nickel uses videography to document not why people come to the valley, but why they choose to stay.

Staged in the Gunnison Valley, from its rugged expanse of wilderness to the heart of downtown, Nickel’s stories explore the profound connection between people and place.

His short films plunge under the surface of daily life in a small, “nowhere” town through the eyes of the people who live there.

Today Nickel boasts almost 40,000 subscribers on YouTube, with some videos raking in

over 1 million views. Unlike the picturesque marketing videos or extreme sport edits used to attract visitors to the valley, Nickel uses snapshots from his own life to tell more authentic stories about the Gunnison Valley.

Instead of portraying an idyllic paradise, Nickel documents the strong community, bound together by a shared appreciation for experience. It is the community, the “summer camp lifestyle” of living alongside best friends, that has absorbed him into what he calls the “golden age of Gunnison.”

“Ever ybody in Gunnison knows how it feels to bike to the whitewater park in the summer,” Nickel said. “You can’t paint, or write or even explain how that feels — but I’m trying to tap into that experience.”

The Gunnison Valley flows in and out of Nickel’s short films.

Sometimes in only a brief clip of skateboarding on Western Colorado University’s campus, and in others, a six-minute clip from the perspective of valley locals. He draws on experi-

ences hiking in the Rockies or spending an evening playing Settlers of Catan with friends while townie bikes are scattered across the front lawn.

His films cut across genres.

In one video, he asks locals why they choose to live, and ultimately stay in, what Nickel calls a “limiting town.” Some are journal-style reflections from the backcountry. He also uses satire and a goofy sense of humor to poke fun at consumerism in the outdoor industry and the van life craze.

“Life in this small town is extraordinarily special,” Nickel said. “I recognize I’m in a long line of talented creatives who have documented this place throughout history. I strive to be a part of that heritage.”

A l t h ou g h Ni cke l’s f i l m s are inspired by his time in Gunnison, he rarely calls the town or any locations by name.

This leads to creative nicknames for local favorites such as “Cool Rocks,” referring to Hartman Rocks. The disguised names are Nickel’s way of shielding Gunnison from “geotag-

Nickel shoots with his 16-millimeter film camera at Hartman Rocks.

ging,” a controversial habit of influencers and Youtubers that pin locations on social media.

Geotagging can lead to a dramatic increase in visitor numbers, sometimes spoiling places once considered off the beaten

path.

For Nickel, the goal is to intimately describe Gunnison — the feeling of skateboarding on a late summer day, or the exhilaration of cresting a ridge in the Shaffer B2

B2 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Shaffer from B1 West Elks — without exploiting it.

“I know so many folks in the North Valley that talk about the golden age of Crested Butte,” Nickel said. “I feel like I’m living through that version, that golden age of Gunnison now. It’s this magical little world where everybody knows each other, and at their best, supports each other. I try to portray the importance of community.”

For someone who vividly describes life in a nowhere town, Nickel wasn’t always at home in Gunnison. Growing up in Bailey, Colorado, he was a world-class unicyclist and juggler, who filmed himself occasionally. His love for cameras and storytelling grew, and he moved to Gunnison to study at Western. Today, Nickel has tried, and failed, to move away twice, and he doesn’t seem too upset about it.

The Gunnison Country is home to numerous videographers, and many who can photograph a patch of wildflowers, or capture a pillow of powder dust a skier's face. But for Nickel, documenting natural

beauty is only part of a project.

It’s his skill for narrative that sets his art apart. He begins every film with an experience.

Sometimes, he goes on a mountain bike trip to Moab, Utah, and in others, a brief walk to Tributary Coffee Roasters on Main Street. What results are thought-provoking reflections.

In his videos, he talks about the humbling feeling of standing on a summit or the ties that pull him back to Gunnison.

Ba i l e y Ni cke l , Sha f f e r ’s younger sister, was his first “camera girl” and still has a large role in the writing and production side of the short films.

“The underlying messages in his videos are not about skiing and mountain biking,” Bailey said. “He puts much more of his soul into them, and creates a sense of place to communicate those feelings.”

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Nickel was named a platinum award for creative breakthrough by music publishing company Musicbed. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

The granite at Hartman Rocks is transformed into a production set, as Nickel adjusts lighting equipment.

Gunnison Country Times

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B3

Waltzing through winter Gunnison High School students strutted down a red carpet on their way to the Winter Ball on Saturday, Feb. 17. Teens hit the dance floor with friends while others lounged nearby and snacked on free pizza. Pop hits from the early 2010s filled the air courtesy of Udev Vijay, who returned to DJ his second GHS dance.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

B4 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS Petition meeting

GUNNISON VALLEY SENIORS CALENDAR SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS

Ongoing Senior Services

Celebrate Your Love for This Community by volunteering or donating to the Senior Meals program! These meals feed many older adults each week. Volunteers are needed to host meals and deliver them to those that cannot attend in person. Contact: egillis@ Delivery Assistance Hotline: (970) 641-7959 - assistance with ordering, gunnisonco.gov or 970-641-8272.

pick-up and delivery of groceries and prescription medications.

• Feb. 29: Nordic Ski Excursion – Crested Butte Nordic Trails. All levels welcome!

This includes deliveries from the Registration required

by Saturday, Feb. Food 23rd. Bank.

• Join us for a meal on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays! (see below for more info) • Want Meals: to smile (970) a lot, maybe gigglefor a little and meet some OR new(970) folks? 641-2107 Come to onefor of Senior 641-8272 advance orders our regular activities – Canasta, Mahjong, Book Club, Art Club or Bridge. (see below for same-day service. Pick-up or delivery only! Meals served Mondays, times)

Wednesdays, & Fridays. Please note: all meals, all days are $4 during this time.

Regular Activities: Mondays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Tuesdays – Canasta @ 2pm; Wednesdays – Order in advance if 1st possible! menu:– Bridge @ 1 pm; Fridays – Art Club @ Book Club @ 1 pm on Weds. ofUpcoming month; Thursdays 12:30 pm & Mahjong @ 1 pm • March 27: Lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread, dessert RSVPs and more info on Senior Center programs: egillis@gunnisonco.gov or 970-641•All March 30: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, fruit, dessert 8272.

• April 1: Stew, carrot/raisin salad, Mandarin oranges, rolls, dessert

The League of Women Voters of the Gunnison Valley will be at Rumors Coffee and Tea House, 414 Elk Ave. in Crested Butte, from 3-5 p.m. on Feb. 22. with the petition in support of Initiative 89, Colorado abortion rights.

History pub crawl Join the Crested Butte Museum on Feb. 26 for a history pub crawl in Crested Butte, featuring local authors at each location.

George Sibley, Polly Oberosler and Duane Vandenbusche will speak about writing their respective books. Tickets include a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and history at each stop. Space is limited. Get tickets at crestedbuttemuseum.com or at the museum, open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

FITNESS @ THE REC CENTER – Sign up at the Rec Center front desk!

Coffee with Barbara Bynum

Senior Shopping Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30am • City Market – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (7AM – 8AM) - Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15am • Safeway – Tuesdays & Thursdays (7AM – 9AM) •Tuesdays Walmart@–10AM Tuesdays (6AM –Pool 7AM) in the Leisure •-Silver Gunnison Vitamin Health Food Store – Monday - Saturday (8AM – 9AM) Sneakers Splash & Class (all levels) •SENIOR Clark’sMEALS Market (Crested Butte) – Every day (8AM – 9AM)

The Gunnison County Democratic Party will host coffee with Colorado State Senate candidate Barbara Bynum on Feb. 27 from 1-3 p.m. at Rumors Coffee in Crested Butte and March 1 from 1-3 p.m. at Coffee Trader in Gunnison.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 11:30 am. $5 per meal. Advanced orders appreciate (24 hours). Pick-ups between 11 – 11:15 am (advanced orders only).

Self-reporting Form: www.gunnisoncounty.org/covid19.

ORDER MEALS: 970-641-8272

If you have symptoms but are otherwise OK, please fill out the form. (all fill meals dessert!)

If youMenu: cannot outcome the with form, call the Call Center (970) 641-7660.

• Mon., Feb. 26: Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, veggies, homemade bread, salad • Weds., Feb. 28: Ham, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, homemade rolls, cottage cheese, Call Center: (970) 641-7660. If you are having symptoms, cannot fill out the fruit • Fri., March 1: Brats & Garden Burgers, baked beans, salad, chips, Jello with fruit online form, or your symptoms are worsening, callpotato the Call Center.

DO NOT go & visitors welcome!

Homebound 55 & up eligible delivery. If you need toWalk-in your doctor’s or the hospital.

If itadults is anages emergency, callfor 911.

a ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970-596-6700 (call in advance) or call the Senior Center 970-6418272.

Please practice social isolation.

Remain SERVICES 6 feet or more from others when ONGOING needing to be Food out, Pantry but staying at(1home if Wednesdays at all possible.

Gunnison Country – Mondays – 4 pm), (1 – 7 pm), Thursdays for 60+ (10 am – 2 pm). Contact: 970-641-4156, Located on the SW Corner of Main St. & Ohio Ave. GVH Senior Bus: 7 days a week, 9 am – 4 pm. Call in advance! 970-596-6700.

The Gunnison Senior Center & –Community Recreation Center Crested Butte Senior Bus: Monday thru Friday, 9 am 4 pm Services Montrose & Grand Junction for medical appointments. Call at least 1is week in advance, or more.

970-275-4768. closed until April 30th.

Gunnison County HHS Senior Resource Office: Call for appointments. 970-641-3244.

Theater fundraiser Enjoy a live theater performance, support the Gunnison Valley Theater Festival and eat ramen at Buckel Family Wine in Gunnison on March 2 from 7-9

34th annual ‘SonofaGunn’ The Gunnison Arts Center presents “SonofaGunn: ClueLess” from Feb. 22-24 and Feb. 29-March 1-2 in Taylor Auditorium at Western Colorado University. The show is a play on the board game, “Clue” and 90s movie, “Clueless.” Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Find tickets at gunnisonartscenter.org.

Hand-build a cute, natureinspired mug paired with a mudslide cocktail at the GAC clay

Early Bird Discount - until March 15th, $120 off Whole Diet Share

Call for artists

SUMMER 2024

w w w. g unni s on t i m e s . c o m

ONLINE ALL THE TIME!

Firebird Theater Company presents a locally-written adaptation of “Peter Pan” for all ages at Queen of All Saints’ Parish Hall, 403 Sopris Avenue in Crested Butte from March 2-3 and 9-10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for kids and $10 for adults and may be purchased in advance at firebirdcb. com/peter-pan.

‘Spay-ghetti and No Balls’ dinner The Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League will host their annual “Spay-ghetti and No Balls” fundraiser dinner on March 5 from 5-7 p.m at Palisades Restaurant in Gunnison. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and may be purchased in advance at Pat’s Screen Printing or the GVAWL shelter. Find more information at gvawl.org.

Youth nicotine anonymous Nicotine Anonymous for Young Adults meets every Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. at 601 6th St. in Crested Butte and from 4-5 p.m. at the Fred Field McDonough Room in Gunnison.

This is a mutual support group with no religious affiliation.

Contact ajohnson@gunnisoncounty.org with questions.

studio on Feb. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

One free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink is included with each registration. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased at gunnisonartscenter.org.

Ladies night dance party Join the GAC at their first-ever ladies night dance party on Feb. 23 from 6-9 p.m. This is a 21-plus event. Enjoy a mix of early 2000s music, dancing, light snacks and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $13 for members or $15 for the community at gunnisonartscenter.org.

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS

Shares include: Farm Fresh Vegetables Share, Orchard Fruit Share, Local Egg Share, Artisan Bread Share, and Whole Diet Share From June 27th to October 10th

Children’s theater

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

‘Moss, Mugs and Mudslides’

On Sale Now!

p.m. Tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, visit buckelfamilywine.com/events.

The Crested Butte Center for the Arts has an open call for artists of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Gunnison Valley for the month of June. Please submit examples of your personal work that you are willing to list for sale during the show. Apply through the Center for Arts website via the “Kinder Padon Gallery” tab, or by emailing amanda@crestedbuttearts.org. Applications must be submitted by 12 a.m. on Feb. 28.

Late applications will not be considered.

West African dance performance Be transported and amazed at this original Kissidugu African

Arts Theater show, “Liberté,” choreographed by world-renowned West African artist Fara Tolno at the CBCA on March 2 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$50 and may be purchased at crestedbuttearts.org.

Dance and drumming classes West African dance and drumming classes for kids and adults will take place on March 3 in the Steddy Theater at the CBCA, with drum class from 10-11:30 a.m., break dance for kids from 12-1:15 p.m. and adult dance from 1:30-3 p.m. All ages, abilities and levels are welcome. Drums will be provided. Register at the Center on the day of the classes.

Gunnison Country Times

The art of broth Monthly food workshops at Gunnison Vitamin Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Three solitar y chicken feet, crammed into a glass jar, peeked out over the small crowd of Gunnison Valley locals. Soon enough, these tacky poultry limbs would be simmered into a tasty bone broth, created by attendees at a workshop held on Feb. 3.

The group convened around a plastic table, gripping stout blue ceramic mugs. In them was a fragrant bone broth garnished with lemon and jalapeno. The attendees sipped and listened carefully to Ashley Dennis, a Gunnison Vitamin and Health Food employee and holistic chef.

The class was the second of Dennis’ monthly workshop series, held on the second floor of the health food store. The workshops give attendees the chance to learn about holistic cooking techniques, while sharing memories about food. The next class, focused on cooking with kids, is scheduled for March 23.

Dennis moved to the

G u n n i s o n Va l l e y f r o m California five years ago. The oldest of four girls, she took to cooking early on — starting when her mother broke her arm and had trouble handling pots and pans. So, Dennis stepped in to help and by the third grade, she’d learned the fundamentals of cooking and was on “dinner duty” most nights.

“I grew up on food stamps and fast food,” she said. “My whole life, I always knew and felt like there is an easier way to eat healthy, and it doesn't have to be fast and cheap.”

As she grew up, culinary school felt like a far-off dream, Dennis said. But after the pandemic hit, she found an online program that specializes in holistic nutrition and culinary arts. Bauman College offered classic culinary courses on knife skills and prep work, but also included fermentation, baking with healthy alternatives and butchery.

Dennis frequented Gunnison Vitamin while she was in culinary school. It was the only place she could find the offbeat ingredients needed for her homework: obscure sauces or a hardy ginger root. On one routine visit for groceries, she saw a help wanted sign and, within weeks, was hired.

She also volunteered with Mountain Ro ots’ Co oking Matters series, which offers free classes for locals to learn how

to prepare lower-cost, healthy meals. Her experience with the program inspired her to build her own class.

“A lot of times I hear people say, ’Oh, it's so expensive to eat healthy.’ And I feel like that's not always true,” Dennis said.

“I want to give people the comfortability and knowledge to be able to eat whole meals, with whatever budget they're working with.”

Her first class focused on fermentation. The second, a bone broth course, drew a small crowd keen to learn the art of roasting bones and imparting flavor from flyaway onion skins and wilted celery.

Under Dennis’ watchful eye, the attendees carefully wrapped parsley, bay leaves and rosemary into a bouquet.

Meanwhile, she read from a page crammed with notes, detailing the history of bone broth and its many medicinal uses. Participants walked away with a Ziploc bag of bones, herbs and access to Dennis’ plentiful online recipe folder.

The next class is on March 23 from 2-4 p.m. Email Dennis at dennisashley4@gmail.com for more information.

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

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B5 HERE IS WHAT'S

FREE MOVIE NIGHT!

PAGE SCREEN SERIES

Celebrating books that have inspired on-screen adaptations

THE GREAT GATSBY

film directed by Baz Luhrmann 2013 - Rated PG - 2h 23m

Friday, February 23, 2024 5:30pm at the Gunnison Library GunnisonCountyLibraries.org

Women’s Calving Clinic Monday, February 26 12 pm - 3 pm

Gunnison County Fairgrounds Free lunch with RSVP

Presented by:

Dystocia management, dealing with calving stress, calf management and nutrition.

To RSVP call 970-641-1260 or scan QR code

An equal access and equal opportunity University. col.st/ll0t3

2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER Colorado’s best small community weekly newspaper (Photos by Abby Harrison)

take time to read the

Times

BECAUSE CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY IS WORTH IT.

970.641.1414 • gunnisontimes.com

BASKETBALL: GHS girls finish regular season, B8

TRACK: Western coach inducted into hall of fame, B9

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Three Cowboy wrestlers charge into state finals Harris and Royce Uhrig crowned champions Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The Cowboy wrestling team fulfilled the lofty expectations on its shoulders at the state tournament in Denver on Feb. 16 and 17. Royce Uhrig cemented himself into GHS history, winning his third consecutive state title. Alongside him, cocaptain Miles Harris reached the summit of high school wrestling and was crowned as a state champion.

Four other Cowboys wrestlers reached the podium. Damyon Funk finished second, while Romie and Roxie Uhrig took Wrestling B9

Royce Uhrig holds up three fingers after being crowned a three-time state champion. (Photos by Jacob Spetzler)

Titans secure playoffs with dramatic win Dietrich and Spann fire Crested Butte clear of Steamboat Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The Crested Butte hockey team bounced out of a five game losing streak to defeat the No. 2 Steamboat Springs Sailors 4-1 at Jorgensen on Feb. 17. The win guaranteed the Titans a playoff seed and they will take on the Liberty Lancers away on Feb. 27.

The Titans concluded the regular season in third place in the 4A Mountain League with a 5-6 league record and 9-8-1 overall.

Head Coach Joey Otsuka said the victory was perfectly timed.

“It was a galvanizing win for these boys,” Otsuka said. “We knew we needed to get a win

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against a top team, and we thrived under the pressure.”

After being hit by the flu, the Titans’ impressive start to the season began to crumble in late January. Consecutive losses clouded the chance the team would qualify for the playoffs, while the regular season was scheduled to end with a matchup against a red-hot Sailors team in back-to-back home games. On Feb. 16, the Titans were shut out 3-0 by Steamboat in the first match, forcing a must-win scenario for game two.

On Saturday, the Titans and Sailors faced off again in the final game of the regular season. In the first period, both sides traded blows, but neither found the back of the net. The Titans failed to capitalize on the power play, and the game entered the first intermission deadlocked at 0-0.

Early in the second, Steamboat delivered a gutpunching, 1-0 strike to take the lead. The Titans battled back,

pushing the Sailors out of the defensive zone and creating counter attacking chances. With four minutes remaining in the second, Grady Dietrich, the Titan’s all star senior captain, stole the puck in the attacking zone and carved up the Sailor goalie to tie the game 1-1. The shorthanded goal lit a fire in the Titans players and wrapped up the second period as a stalemate.

The Titans returned to the ice with renewed energy. Early in the third, Marshall Spann twisted through the Sailor defense and slotted a shot past the goalie to take the first Titans lead of the day, 2-1.

Steamboat returned to the attack, probing around the Crested Butte defensive zone.

But the Titans did not budge. A late penalty for the Sailors gave the Titans a chance to breathe, and Spann exploited the opportunity. He fired a looping shot over the defense that nestled into the top shelf to go 3-1 up.

Two minutes later, Dietrich

2/24 10:30 WEST ELK WOLVERINES GIRLS HOCKEY @ JORGENSEN

Grady Dietrich checks into a Sailor defenseman. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

cemented the victory with an empty net goal to go 4-1.

The win secured a playoff spot for the Titans, and awarded a much-needed bye week.

Crested Butte will return to the ice to take on the 15-4 Liberty Lancers away from home on

Feb. 27 in the first round of the playoffs.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)

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Thursday, February 22, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B7

Gunnison Country Times

A senior celebration The Gunnison Cowboy basketball team recognized its seniors at the final home game of the season against Olathe. On top of the festivities, the boys defeated the Pirates 72-48 in an important league matchup. The victory moved the Cowboys to a 3-16 overall record, and 3-9 in the 3A Western Slope League.

The boys were honored with a celebratory tunnel from the Cowboy faithful. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Burk O’Rourke drives through the Olathe defense.

Hunter Vincent completes a reverse layup against the Pirates.

Friends and family line the court to recognize the seniors.

WESTERN SPORTS BRIEFS Track and field shines at home meet

Men’s basketball streak ends at Fort Lewis

The Mountaineers hosted the Western Colorado Open on Feb. 16 and registered a trio of NCAA Division II provisional marks.

Laura Brignoli set another provisional mark in the women’s pole vault with a jump of 3.78 meters (12 feet, 4.81 inches). She set a school record the previous weekend with a height of 3.83 meters (12 feet, 4.86) at the University of New Mexico’s Don Kirby Invite. Sammie Bretz competed in the women’s high jump and cleared a provisional height of 1.68 meters. Finally, Eireann Donohoe leaped to a provisional mark in the women’s triple jump with a mark of 11.85 meters.

For the first time since the 2019-20 season, the Mountaineers won three consecutive games after a 73-72 win at Adams State on Friday, Feb. 16. Kade Juelfs led Western with 19 points, while Trevin Lieck and Andrew Reichart also scored in double figures. The Mountaineers’ streak ended on Saturday night with a 95-71 loss against No. 3 Fort Lewis College.

Women’s basketball endures tough road trip The women’s basketball team went 0-2 during its latest road trip to Adams State and Fort Lewis. Alyssa Eckroth

led the Mountaineers against Adams State with 16 points and chipped in with 12 points on Feb. 17. Erika Lane scored in the double digits both nights, scoring 11-points Friday and 16 on Saturday.

Women’s swimming and diving finishes fifth The Mountaineers finished in fifth place out of nine at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Swimming and Diving Championships Feb. 13-17.

The high-point finisher for the team was freshman Morgan Nielsen. She set three school records, placing eighth in the 500-yard freestyle, fourth in the 1,000 freestyle and third in the

1,650 freestyle. Teammate and sophomore Makenna Lambert also swam past the provisional time standard with her seventhplace finish in the 200 freestyle.

Wrestling falls to Mesa rivals Mountaineer wrestling battled back against visiting Colorado Mesa University on Feb. 13, but the Mavericks rallied to steal a 26-21 victory.

Dean Noble started the comeback with a 15-0 technical fall in his match at 149 pounds. Then a first-period pin by Ryan Wilson at 157 and a Walker Heckendorf 8-5 decision at 165 gave the Mountaineers momentum.

No. 3 Cole Hernandez kept the string rolling with a 20-5 tech-

nical fall at 174.Cole Gray’s 9-7 decision at 184 over the nation’s No. 7 wrestler gave Western its first lead of the match. But Colorado Mesa earned a decision and a pin in the last two weight classes to steal back the lead and earn the match victory.

B8 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Cowboys fall to Pirates The GHS girls basketball team lost 47-19 in its final regular season game on Feb. 16 to the Olathe Pirates. The loss moves the Cowboys to a 6-14 overall record, and 3-11 in the 3A Western Slope League. The girls played in the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday, Feb. 20 in a rematch against the Pirates.

Results were not available by press time. from the sidelines.

SonofaGunn Presents:

PERFORMANCES: Feb. 22, 23, 24, 29 Mar. 1, 2, 2024 Doors @ 7 p.m., Curtain @ 7:30 p.m.

Brooke Terry drives to the rim. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Buy Tickets https://www.gunnisonartscenter.org/

**This years performance will take place at Western’s Taylor Hall Auditorium

Putting arts and culture in the

Sienna Gomez powers through a Pirate defender.

spotlight.

www.gunnisontimes.com

The Cowboy cheer team encourages the basketball players from the sidelines.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B9

Gunnison Country Times

Wrestling from B6 fourth and Cody Casebolt, fifth.

The grapplers’ collective effort earned GHS a sixth-place team finish.

For the first time in recent memory, 12 Cowboy wrestlers qualified for state. Caroline Sudderth, Evelyne Cope and Romie and Roxie Uhrig took on the girls side, while Royce Uhrig, Harris, Casebolt, Funk, Kleber Flores, Brock Fry, Zach Benson and Preston Gomez competed for the boys.

“I’m so proud of this entire team,” said Head Coach Dave Uhrig. “It takes serious courage to go out and battle in front of thousands of people at Ball Arena. To finish in the top-10 as a team is gigantic.”

Heading into the season finale, all eyes were on the GHS power duo Harris and Royce Uhrig. After winning state titles his sophomore and junior year, Royce had a three-peat on the forefront of his mind. For Harris, a third-place finish in 2023 and a high school career marred by injury fueled his hunger for a state title. The two did not disappoint.

In the 150-pound tournament, Royce opened with dominant performances in the quarterfinal and semifinal, pinning his opponents in both bouts. In the first-place match, he met Pueblo Central’s David Sanchez for the title. Royce made no mistake, and pinned his opponent in 1:27 to take his third championship back home to Gunnison.

“It felt like a dream,” Royce Uhrig said. “On top of that, having my whole family there and watching my sisters finish on the podium made it a really special weekend.”

Harris was deadly in the 144-pound bracket. He carved through the opening matches, pinning opponents left

and right. In the semifinal, he won by an 8-3 decision and moved on to face Holy Family’s Brayden Bach in the finale. The championship also came down to a decision, but Harris was the clear victor, winning 12-6 to be crowned a state champion.

“I’ve had to endure three surgeries in high school, and had a long time to dream about winning a state championship,” Harris said. “The coaching staff has invested so much time with me, and it made it all worth it.”

In the 113-pound tournament, junior Damyon Funk also made a deep run in the tournament. In the quarterfinal, Funk eliminated one of the state’s top wrestlers by a tiebreaker. He pinned his opponent in the semifinal, but lost by major decision to Enrique Soto of Jefferson High School in the championship. Funk took home a second-place finish, and will return to the mats in 2025 for his senior season.

Sophomore Cody Casebolt concluded the Cowboys’ strong performance. He pinned his opponent in the first round, but lost by decision in the quarterfinal. Casebolt fought back in the consolation matches to secure a fifth-place, podium finish.

In the girls tournament, Romie and Roxie Uhrig were the standout grapplers. In their first state appearance, the sisters finished on the podium. Roxie battled through the 135-pound bracket, pinning her opponent in the quarterfinal to advance.

She fell in the semifinal, but made a late push in the consolation matches to take fourth.

Romie had a similar route in the 145-pound tournament.

She took down Mehrab Arabi of George Washington in the first round, but fell in the quarterfinals. Romie went on a strong run, taking down three straight opponents to reach the thirdplace match. She lost by an 8-4 decision and was named fourth in the state.

Roxie Uhrig took home a fourth-place finish her freshman year.

Miles Harris and Coach Uhrig celebrate his first state title.

The finale was bittersweet for the Cowboy seniors, as perennial stars Harris and Royce Uhrig will trade in the GHS colors for rival universities. Royce will wrestle for Adams State University in 2025, while Harris will wear the Western Colorado

University crimson and slate.

They will pass the baton to a strong group of underclassmen, hungry to follow in their footsteps.

(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Michel inducted into collegiate hall of fame Western coach recognized for career achievement Brenna Barkley Special to the Times

L e g e n d a r y Mou nt a i n e e r track athlete and coach Jennifer Michel was inducted into the the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame on Feb. 15.

“To be recognized for what I did before coaching is always a nice honor and to have Western represented is important for our sport,” Michel said.

Inducted into the Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, Michel earned three NC AA D-II national titles throughout her career at Western Colorado University.

Her first national title came in

the outdoor 3000-meter run.

She followed that achievement with a title in the indoor mile in 2001. She won her third title in the inaugural 3000-meter steeplechase in 2001 with a time of 10 minutes, 22.06 seconds. The time would remain a national championship record up until 2008.

She still holds the program record with a time of 10:17.80 in the steeplechase. Her name is also still in the Mountaineers’ outdoor record books for her times in the 800, 1500, 3000 and 5000, and indoor records for the mile, 800 and 3000. Throughout her career, she earned eight AllAmerican titles and was a sixtime Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) champion between cross country and track and field.

Michel has held her reign as head men’s and women’s crosscountry coach for 17 seasons.

She is also an assistant coach for the Mountaineer track and field program. A two-time

National Coach of the Year, Michel has also been named RMAC Coach of the Year five times.

She made history in 2007 when she was the first woman in any sport at any NCAA level to earn a National Coach of the Year honor for a men’s sport.

She then became the first woman to repeat the honor in 2011.

Michel has been able to take her knowledge from her illustrious collegiate career and instill it into her athletes today.

“Nothing in distance running comes overnight,” reflected Michel. “That’s what I instill in my athletes because it took a long time for me to get to where I was as I came in hanging on in workouts. When I left I was able to lead and win races, but it took a long five years to get to the point.”

Sixty athletes have been coached to 232 All-American honors between cross count r y a n d i n d o o r a n d o u t-

Michel speaks with the women’s cross country team at practice.

(Courtesy Western Colorado University)

door track and field under Michel. This also includes the 6 All-American titles the Mountaineers’ earned this past cross-country season.

(Brenna Barkley is the assistant athletics communications director at Western, and can be reached at bbarkley@western. edu.)

B10 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

VETERANS’VOICE

Stories, news and resources for those who have served.

‘American Legion Chapter to be Organized Here’ Veterans remember storied history of Gunnison Post 54 John Nelson Special to the Times

On Feb. 29, Post 54 will celebrate the 96th anniversary of the completion of the organization’s club house. The Post’s modest log cabin, located on the northern corner of Legion Park, has a storied history that its current members continue to build on to this day.

“American Legion Chapter to be Organized Here,” from the Gunnison News-Champion, Oct. 3, 1919.

The first organizational meeting of the American Legion in Gunnison was held on Oct. 30th, 1919 at the County Courthouse. Judge C. H. Stone was temporary Chairman. Plans were made to apply for a charter and a committee was appointed to select a name for the post.

The Gunnison Post was named Bruce-Frew, in honor of Clarence Bruce and Hugh Frew, who both made the supreme sacrifice for his country.

Clarence Bruce was originally from Marble. As the train pulled out from Gunnison, he waved his hat to some friends and said, “Well, girls, I'll die fighting.”

On the morning of Sep. 12th, 1918, during the St. Mihiel drive, Corporal Bruce was killed by a burst of German shrapnel, along with three other young men of Company H, 355th Infantry.

Over 4,000 American soldiers are buried at the Saint Mihiel American Cemetery in France. Hugh Frew left Gunnison in Oct. 1917, at 22 years of age. Sometime in June 1918 his Company was sent to France, and he was transferred

to Company D, 163rd Infantry.

Private Frew was reported missing on Aug. 6th, when he failed to answer at roll call.

It wasn’t until September he was confirmed killed in action at Chateau-Thierry on Aug. 5th, 1918. He rests in the OiseAisne American Cemetery in France, one of 6013 Americans there. The Gunnison NewsChampion wrote of him as “one of Gunnison County’s splendid young men, having been Born at Baldwin and raised in our midst.”

Dec. 12th, 1919, it was announced that the Bruce-Frew Post organization was complete, electing the following officers: Commander Oscar S. Causey, Assistant Commander Claude Clay, Finance Officer Alex Campbell, Chaplain Charles Bain and Historian Carlton Sills.

“American Legion Club House to be Erected in Park,” from Western’s Top O’ The World newspaper, Feb. 16, 1927.

Commander C. H. Rising announced construction to begin as soon as weather permits, on a 20x30 foot log structure, to be built in a vertical fashion, thus being different from other cabins in the vicinity. The logs will be 7 inches in diameter, and the space warmed by a wide, comfortable stone fireplace.

“Public Is Invited to Dedication of Legion Club House Tonight,” from Top O’The World, Feb. 29, 1928. “ Ev e r yo n e i n Gu n n i s o n was invited to the reception and house warming by the American L egion and Legion Auxiliary this evening.

According to Commander Cyril McDowell, two or three Legion men who are carpenters, deserve much of the credit for the work they did, spending many hours on the building.”

Over the years, several changes have been made to the Post home. The roof was replaced, an office was added, and horizontal T&G siding was installed.

The windows were also upgrad-

ed for efficiency.

Most recently, important modifications have been made to allow ADA access and use of the building for our senior veterans and the disabled. In 2022, thanks to the efforts of a Troop 476 Eagle Scout, an impressive new concrete deck with handicap ramp was constructed.

L a s t y e a r, t h e C i t y o f Gunnison poured a sidewalk to connect to the ramp, with a handicap parking spot on Teller Street. Finally, also in 2023, the two small bathrooms were combined to create a spacious ADA bathroom. On one bathroom wall we framed in the “Window to the Past,” which shows a portion of the original log wall, covered by tempered glass, to forever remind us of the building’s roots.

This could not have been accomplished without the financial support of generous grants from the Gunnison Home Association, the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley and the Gunnison Car Club. Western Lumber contributed a significant amount of construction materials and donations were received via GoFundMe. Gunnison County Veteran Services is instrumental to Post operations and improvements which welcome veterans with a comfortable meeting place.

The members of Post 54 are extremely grateful for such community support.

(Courtesy American Legion Post 54)

(John P. Nelson was in the US Navy from '82-'88 as a Nuclear Machinist's Mate, and served on the USS Truxtun CGN-35. He is the commander of American Legion Post 54.)

PROUD TO SUPPORT GUNNISON VALLEY VETERANS VETERAN EVENTS & LOCAL INFORMATION SAT. MAR. 2ND, VETERAN BREAKFAST, AT THE AMERICAN LEGION, 9AM TO 11AM. ALL VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS PLEASE COME IN! SAT. MAR. 2ND, 10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE CART AT SAFEWAY! AS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN LEFT THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE HOUSE AFTER THE FINAL MEETING OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION ON SEP. 17TH, 1787, HE WAS APPROACHED

BY THE WIFE OF THE MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA. SHE WAS CURIOUS AS TO WHAT THE NEW GOVERNMENT WOULD BE. FRANKLIN REPLIED, “A REPUBLIC, MADAM, IF YOU CAN KEEP IT!”

SPONSORED BY:

RYAN JORDI • 970-596-1906

Veteran Services Steve Otero 970.641.7919

-DO YOU OR A VETERAN YOU KNOW NEED HELP? PLEASE CALL THE VETERANS CRISIS LINE, DIAL 988 THEN PRESS 1, TEXT 838255, OR GO TO VETERANSCRISISLINE.NET

Interested in sponsoring this page? Contact Steve to learn more, steve@gunnisontimes.com or 970.641.1414

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • ROUNDUP • B11

Gunnison Country Times

One man’s trash is another’s treasure The smell of hot glue and burning wood filled the first floor of the Gunnison Arts Center on Feb. 10 as a group crowded around a table scattered with scraps. In the ceramic studio nearby, kids clad in gloves and safety goggles gleefully ripped apart an old television to source building materials for their peers. The two-part Builders Club series focuses on upcycling used electronics into stationary robots. The second class took place on Feb. 17 at the Arts Center.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

The 72nd Annual Gunnison Fire Department Benefit

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Featuring:

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WESTERN SLOPE CHORAL FESTIVAL AND

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LILLIAN MAGRINELLI MM

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Festival Coordinator: Lillian Magrinelli, MM— Director of Choirs and Voice Studio, Western Colorado University SUSAN KINNISCHTZKE MM

Conductor for Treble Choir: Susan Kinnischtzke, MM

ADMISSION

BY DONATION

220 voi ce

O I N T I C O NT I N U E D A R T E TH S!

THURSDAY, FEB. 29 7:30 p.m. Western Music Showcase Choir Concert SATURDAY, MAR. 2 2 p.m. Western Slope Choral Festival Honor Choir ALL PERFORMANCES AT WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY, QUIGLEY HALL. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT GUNNISON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Conductor for Mixed Choir: Dr. Kyle Fleming DR. KYLE FLEMING

Featuring the Western Choirs Thursday Feb. 29

WATCH CONCERTS LIVE AND CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA! @ MUSIC AT WCU

B12 • ROUNDUP • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Gunnison Country Times

Expert Care.

Designed for you.

Care designed for ...

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SLEEP CENTER

Offering at-home and hospital-based sleep studies which are utilized to diagnose sleep disorders.

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If you are having difficulty sleeping, your primary care provider can help you assess your treatment options.

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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Behavioral health conditions can cause sleep disruptions, our experienced clinicians can help you create an individualized care plan to address your needs.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

IN GUNNISON & CRESTED BUTTE | 970-648-7128

WWW.GUNNISONVALLEYHEALTH.ORG

WELCOME DR. MAIJA SWANSON!

DR. SWANSON SPECIALIZES IN FAMILY PRACTICE OBSTETRICS AND IS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE FULL SPECTRUM PRENATAL, LABOR AND DELIVERY AND POSTPARTUM CARE. FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC | 970-642-8413 707 N. IOWA ST., GUNNISON