Gunnison Country Times, April 11, 2024

City approves 5% electric rate increase

Cites rising cost of materials, ‘pass through’ costs from supplier

The Gunnison City Council approved a utility rate increase of 5% for electricity, set to go into effect during the May 1 billing cycle. This is the third consecutive year the city has raised electric rates.

Of the 5% increase, originally outlined in the city’s 2024 budget, roughly 4% is a “pass through” from the city’s wholesale power provider, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN). The remaining 1% is due to the inflat-

School board declines to adopt housing action plan

Members concerned about lack of financial clarity

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

After over a year of discussion, the Gunnison Watershed School District did not adopt its draft housing action plan at a board meeting on April 8. Members expressed uncertainty about how the district would pay for it and what the housing would look like.

The school board has been working on a housing plan for the last year to prepare for the

possibility of building or master leasing housing for its teachers and faculty. The district brought on housing consultant Willa Williford to gather data and offer solutions.

Board member Anne Brookhart made a motion for approval, but it failed to receive a second after members had disparate understandings of what the board was committing to. The board will revisit the topic at its work session on April 22.

“I'm concerned about the price of materials and everything else,” said board member Mandy Roberts. “If we started doing it [housing action plan], what are we getting into?”

As housing prices in the

Biden approves Thompson Divide mineral withdrawal

20 years of protection for Crested Butte’s Red Lady

Bella Biondini Times Editor

The first step in permanently protecting Mt. Emmons, known locally as the Red Lady, from the threat of molybdenum mining was finalized last week.

On April 3, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland approved the Thompson Divide mineral withdrawal, preventing new mining claims and oil and gas leases on more than 220,000 acres of Colorado’s pub -

lic lands. The administrative withdrawal will stay in place for 20 years, protecting pieces of Gunnison, Garfield and Pitkin counties, including Mt. Emmons in Crested Butte. Only Congress can issue a permanent withdrawal.

In the Gunnison Valley, the federal action helps ensure the community’s headwaters are not impacted by the development of a large-scale mine.

“The citizens of Gunnison County have never backed away from this challenge and for decades have been persistent in their desire to remove the threat of mining on Red Lady — today we celebrate with every one of them and thank them for their advocacy and dedication to the Red Lady A6

AMAZEMENT: At the Gunnison Community School, Ann Good’s fifth grade reading class took a break to step outside and view the partial solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Grace Henaghan used glasses to get a glimpse of the spectacle. For more, see A9.

(Photo by Jacob Spetzler)

This is a major success that we collectively made happen. It’s time to celebrate.

— Ian Billick, Mayor of Crested Butte

disbursing office in San Diego, California.

See story on A1

Gunnison Police Chief announces retirement

After serving the City of Gunnison for more than four decades, Police Chief Keith Robinson announced this week that he plans to retire in January of 2025.

According to City Manager Amanda Wilson, the city plans to start a national search this summer. A more in-depth story will appear in next week’s edition of the Times. “[Robinson] has been committed to law enforcement and building the incredible team of officers that we have in this community,” Wilson said at a city council meeting on Tuesday, April 9. “It's not going to be easy to fill those shoes.”

Liebl named executive director of CB Center

After 12 years with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Melissa Mason will step down from her role as co-executive director this June.

The Center’s board named Jillian Liebl, currently the coexecutive director, as the new executive director. Additionally, finance director Brett Henderson will be promoted to chief business officer and will work closely with Liebl as part of the Center's executive leadership.

Boat inspections at Blue Mesa

Motorized and trailered watercraft put into Blue Mesa Reservoir must be inspected for aquatic invasive species prior to launching.

Inspection stations are available at the Elk Creek and Lake Fork boat ramps during the spring hours of 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Boaters are encouraged to get an exit inspection to verify their watercraft are clean, drained and dried.

Charles Tutor was born to Joseph William and Marjorie Daw (Hayes) Tutor on Jan. 2, 1935 in Los Angeles, California. He passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on April 4, 2024 at Gunnison Valley Hospital.

Charles spent his early years in West Hollywood until the age of five, then relocated with his family to a Los Angeles suburb near Eagle Rock. He commenced his education at Fletcher Drive Elementary in Jan. 1941, later attending Washington Irving Jr. High, where he joined the boy scouts. Amidst his parents' divorce at twelve, he found stability as both remarried — his mother to Max Stemple and his father to Edith Garrison — prior to his graduation from Eagle Rock High School. Throughout his school days, Charles developed a passion for volunteering, a commitment that endured throughout his life.

Following high school, Charles enrolled at Glendale Community College, where he excelled in track and field but struggled academically, leading to his departure. He cycled through several jobs before securing a role in the mail and supply room at General Insurance of America. His tenure there led to a promotion to Fire Insurance Underwriter, a position he held until it was interrupted with "greetings" from the President of the United States to report to the draft board. On Nov. 1, 1955, Charles was inducted into the U.S. Navy, where, after completing boot camp, he served in the Navy

In May 1956, Charles met his future wife, Joan, which sparked a whirlwind romance lasting 65 years. Charles and Joan married on Oct. 27, 1956. Soon after getting married, Charles's ship left port for duty at sea. His naval duties took him to Pearl Harbor, Midway, Guam, Sasebo and Yokosuka in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and near Okinawa and Saipan, among other significant World War II locations. Charles's ship docked back in San Diego on July 27, 1957, leading to his discharge four days later, on July 31, 1957.

Following his Navy discharge, the new couple settled into Charles's hometown of Eagle Rock, California, where he resumed his career in insurance. It was here that their first two sons, Brad and Kevin, were born. The family later relocated to Palm Springs, California, welcoming their third son, Bryan. In Palm Springs, Charles not only continued his insurance career but also significantly expanded his volunteer activities with the boy scouts, taking on roles such as Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Assistant Cub Commissioner and Co-Ed Explorer Advisor. The entire family immersed themselves in scouting, culminating in a memorable training week at Philmont Scouting Ranch for Charles and Joan as scouting leaders.

In the summer of 1971, Charles and Joan moved to Greeley, Colorado to finish their college degrees at the University of Northern Colorado. They lived in World War II POW barracks, where rent was $50 per month. The boys had the run of the campus while their parents were full-time college students, both using the benefits of the G.I. Bill. Charles completed his B.A. and M.A. in industrial education and technology.

In 1974, Charles embarked on a new chapter as a faculty member at Western State College, teaching industrial arts

and technology for 26 years and leading the department for nine of those years. That same year, Joan launched her career as a certified public accountant. Charles, who cherished his tenure at Western, earned a Doctorate of Education in 1985 and actively participated in the faculty senate and various search committees. Additionally, he contributed to the Colorado Industrial Arts/Technology Association's board, serving as its president for a year.

Throughout his career and into retirement, Charles's enthusiasm for volunteering never waned. Beyond scouting, he was deeply involved with Rotary International, joining the Rotary Club in 1986, serving on its board and coordinating the Gunnison fireworks for several years. He led the Gunnison club as president from 1997-98, was honored as district governor for District 5470 from 2002-03 and received the prestigious Hal Yale Service Above Self Award in 2023. Charles's volunteerism extended to various community activities, including managing the sidelines at Western football games, leading the Gunnison High School Booster Club, keeping stats for the high school football team, designing Jorgenson Park's gazebo, participating in the United Church of Christ in Crested Butte and contributing six years as an ambassador, guide, and docent at the Denver Zoo. Most recently, he supported the Western Colorado University Department of Music as a liaison.

Charles and Joan cherished their travels together, creating lasting memories on trips to Hawaii and Alaska with close friends Sue and Ed Bartsch. Their most memorable journey took them through England, Ireland, Scotland and Belfast, Northern Ireland (Joan's father's birthplace), where they connected with distant family. Their Rotary International involvement opened doors to

Paris, Barcelona and Brisbane, Australia. Family travels were equally treasured, with visits to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, holiday getaways and classic car events enriching their lives.

Charles reveled in the joy of meeting people worldwide, living a life abundant with family, friendships and treasured experiences.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Joan. He is survived by his sister Debbie (Mike), brother, Terry (JudyAnn), sons, Brad (Judy), Kevin (Robyn) and Bryan (Paula), granddaughters, Sarah Taylor (Bryan), Stephanie Leitner (Shawn), Michaela Donahue (Neal) and Alexa Strait (David) and nine greatgrandchildren.

There will be a private family interment service. A celebration of life will be held in the summer, with the details to be announced at a later date. The family wishes to thank the medical staff and caregivers at the Gunnison Valley Hospital for their loving and compassionate care of Charles.

Melody Ann Berry

Melody Berry passed away on April 1, 2024 at her residence. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family. She was 81 years young.

Melody was born on Dec. 20, 1942 in Illinois. Her parents were Mary E. and Russell H. Grisham. She grew up and attended school in Alton, Illinois, where she graduated high school in 1962. She continued her education at Southern Illinois University. She later decided to leave the university and start her family. Melody met and married Sherman R. Berry on May 10, 1963. They celebrated being a loving wife and husband for over 61 years of their lives.

Melody loved her family and enjoyed being a homecontinued on A3

Charles Richard Tutor, EdD

continued from A2

maker. Her hobbies included many things, such as crocheting, cross-stitch, oil painting and other crafts. She loved going camping and fishing and enjoyed being with her family in the outdoors on picnics and various other activities. If you ask her husband, they both enjoyed “living on love”!

Melody is survived by her husband, Sherman R. Berry of Cedaredge, Colorado. They had four children together: their sons, Sherman R. Berry, Jr. (Deanna) of Gunnison, Jeff Berry (Christine) of Buena Vista, Colorado, Mike Berry

(Sandy) of Gunnison and daughter, Missy Gallegos (Tom) of Delta, Colorado. She also had her loving fur baby, Molly. Melody had a beaucoup number of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and fur babies. Melody is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. There will be no services, as she requested. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hopewest of Delta. The address is Hopewest, P. O. Box 24, 195 Stafford Lane, Delta, Colorado 81416. Donations may also be made by phone at 970.874.6823.

Sowing Good Deeds

Ezra Foster Gillman

Ezra Foster Gillman was born to Amy and Dan Gillman of Parlin on March 28, 2024 at 12:29 a.m. He weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz. and measured 20 1/2 in. long at birth. He is welcomed by his grandparents, Ivan and Martha Mason of Sawyer, Kansas, Abby Gillman of Butler, Pennsylvania and the late Paul and Nancy Gillman, formerly of Butler.

In December of 2023, Cattlemen's Days won the Sowing Good Deeds award at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The Cattlemen’s Days committee received the prize, a tractor, during a ceremony at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds on April 10. “We’re just really proud,” said Brad Tutor, president of the Cattlemen’s Days Committee “It’s a testament to all the people on the committee that have worked so hard these years to give back.” The Sowing Good Deeds award is an honor to PRCAsanctioned rodeos that contribute to local, regional and national charities. Cattlemen’s Days, which has been a finalist since the award’s inception, became the sixth rodeo committee to earn the honor.

(Photo by Bella Biondini)

To all sides: Please calm down

Alan Wartes Times Publisher

Constitutionally protected freedom of speech and freedom of the press are two tenets of American democracy that have truly set us apart from all other countries in the world. As a young man serving in the U.S. Army in Berlin in the 1980s, I didn’t have to take anyone’s word for that — I could see for myself what the alternative looked like across the wall in East Berlin. We cheered in 1989 when the wall came down, not because it meant the end of a competing economic system, but because freedom had won at last.

Fast forward nearly 40 years and the United States is on a very slippery slope, sliding away from these (and other) core values.

Experience has shown that upon hearing that statement many people will immediately agree — and blame the “other guys” for it. So let me be clear at the outset: The accelerating erosion of freedom of speech and freedom of the press in America is not a partisan issue. Both sides in our ongoing family feud have supplied ample evidence to prove that neither is blameless.

The latest in a long list of bipartisan examples occurred last weekend in Pueblo at the Colorado Republican Party

LETTERS

County roads are for everyone

Editor:

I agree that County Road 730, also commonly known as Ohio Creek Road, can be dangerous for cyclists. This is mostly due to a handful of distracted and hurried drivers. However, CR 730 is an incredibly popular and wonderful road to ride on and can take us to beautiful places like Maggie Pass. It’s also a central part of the “Cranor Roubaix,” a great lunch loop or short after work ride.

County roads are for everyone. Drivers are not more important, or more entitled to roadways than cyclists. Instead of insinuating that cyclists are not welcome on CR 730, the writer from last week’s letter could have advocated for widening the road, adding a bike lane or calling for drivers to be aware of other user groups (I often see runners on the road when I’m on a bike ride out there).

Assembly. Veteran, credentialed Colorado Sun politics reporter Sandra Fish was escorted from the premises of the Colorado State Fairgrounds, where the event was taking place, by an officer of the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Department.

Here’s how it went down: In a pre-dawn text on the day of the event, Fish was informed by party officials that her request for press credentials would not be approved, as the party had decided it was not an “open press” event. He added that party chairman Dave Williams had concluded her reporting on party news had been “very unfair.”

The assembly is where Republicans from all over the state gather to approve candidates for public office, select representatives to the Republican National Committee and hammer out the party’s state platform.

Fish decided to go anyway and assert her belief that, “It’s important for the public to see these things, to have these things reported on.”

At the gate, she was issued her press pass by someone who apparently had not gotten the memo from higherups. An hour later, an official approached and asked her to leave. She refused, claiming a right to be there. Not long afterward, a sheriff’s deputy arrived to escort her away.

“You have to be invited here. They don’t want you here. We have to get you out of here,” the deputy told her, as captured on video taken by another journalist. To be clear, no laws were broken. The deputy was correct: Fish did need permission to be present.

To their credit, a num -

So let’s put a bike lane in. Let’s put a “Share the Road” sign in. Or better yet, let’s do both! Let's make sure to give all users some courtesy and respect when on the roads, regardless of mode of transportation. Happy riding.

Sierra Cucinelli Gunnison

The cost of food has increased

Editor: I’m pleased to say that I believe the commentary and editorializing by the Times has recently focused more on real issues affecting our communities.

Editor Bella Biondini’s piece in last week’s paper is a good example. Bella specifically highlights some things that I hear often in our grocery stores and restaurants and have personally experienced. The cost of food has increased in both places.

ber of prominent Colorado Republican leaders have spoken out against the incident. Former party chairperson Kristi Burton Brown posted on X, “This is a dangerous take by the current (Colorado GOP) … removing a journalist who’s widely known to be hard-hitting but fair is quite another. Transparency is necessary for our nation.”

Williams himself was unapologetic. Responding to the Sun’s request for comment, he called Fish a “fake journalist” and said the Colorado Sun is “just an extension of the Democrat Party’s PR efforts.”

To be clear, for all I know Fish’s coverage could have been “unfair” at times — I’m not familiar enough with her work to say. And it’s no secret that the Colorado Sun does lean left, though not far enough to be called anyone’s PR extension.

That said, from a political point of view, the move was kind of dumb. Surely this is not the sort of press that party leaders hoped to get from their assembly. Whatever Fish might have written couldn’t be nearly as damning as all the articles that have now appeared across the country covering the incident.

Bu as an indicator of the state of press freedom in America — and where we might be headed if we don’t pay attention — this incident can’t be so easily dismissed. Nor should we dismiss the many instances where reporters have lost their jobs in recent years for covering stories that didn’t line up with a Democrat-leaning narrative. If you were unaware of that, I suggest a little tenacious time with a search engine.

The truth is, we’ve even seen evidence of a similar shift in

Our family pays about 25% more for groceries than we did a year ago. We seem to see fewer store brands in favor of national brands on grocery store shelves. I’m told that stores must take what “corporate” ships them. For example, in City Market, Kroger regular mouthwash disappeared from shelves to be replaced with Listerine at more than twice the price. Brut deodorant, a name brand that has historically been comparatively inexpensive, disappeared from City Market shelves quite some time ago. It has now disappeared from Walmart and Safeway shelves. Ordering from Walmart, the price has increased from about $2.50 to $7.50.

Increasingly, if one wants to find better prices in-store, many times one must buy “five” to get an advertised special. Sometimes, these deals don’t register upon checkout. Recently, I was using selfcheckout at a local grocery store and the woman next to

attitudes and behavior much closer to home. On numerous recent occasions Gunnison Times reporters have been treated with suspicion bordering on hostility just for covering political events.

So what does it all mean?

Am I justified in calling these things evidence of a slippery slope that could lead to the loss of core freedoms we have taken for granted for a long time? I believe the answer is yes.

In all such behavior, we are witnessing a growing impulse to punish, silence and exclude anyone who doesn’t agree with the “party line” — left or right; to use extreme and polarizing language to dehumanize and delegitimize the “other;” to give up on persuasion as a political tool in favor of dominance by any means; to confuse criticism with a declaration of war; to weaponize information; to exempt oneself and one’s cause from constitutional principles.

Finally, this story and others indicate an appetite for turning journalists into scapegoats and proxies in a much bigger conflict. How far down the slope do we have to slide before we resemble other parts of the world where journalists fear for their lives, not just their livelihood?

No one can claim the high ground here — we’ve all contributed to letting these values slip in one way or another. Conversely, we all have a role to play in stepping up to be sure we don’t keep sliding.

(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)

me commented that she had to ask an attendant to validate her hard-sought $12 savings because they were not reflected on her final bill. Last week, my wife, Katie, had the same experience to the tune of $18.

It used to be a fun stroll up to Main Street for lunch, visiting shops along the way, occasionally buying a few things. We’ve curtailed that practice. We pay $40-50 for a quick meal for two and more than that for a restaurant meal.

Certainly, there are lots of folks on Main Street on weekends, lined up for the restaurants. I recognize a few people, but many of the folks awaiting seating seem to be out-of-towners. I’m all for a vibrant downtown, but I wonder if we’re increasingly catering to visitors and less to local people, even less to those who are food insecure.

Denver’s SAME (So All May Eat) Restaurant’s policy is that everyone who comes in gets something to eat. People pay

what they can. As Bella mentions, locally we have the Gunnison Country Food Pantry and reports it has seen a 20-30% increase in clientele.

I no longer volunteer there. But when I started volunteering at the food pantry more than a decade ago, it was a two-person run organization with maybe a dozen volunteers that was open a couple of half-days staffed by eight to 10 volunteers serving a few dozen people. Now it serves more than a thousand per year. There are evening hours for working people who are still food insecure. Spanish and Cora speakers are available. Do these things make you stop and think?

Thanks again to Times editor Bella Biondini for bravely writing about our lives here in Gunnison and the circumstances that affect them.

Joe Dix Gunnison

The Gunnison County economy is strong

Editor: Bella Biondini's opinion piece in this week's Gunnison Times caused me cognitive dissonance. Obviously, Ms. Biondini did not listen to the president's State of the Union speech.

The American economy is strong, the strongest in the world. Americans are much better off now than they were four years ago. Bidenomics is working, a recent survey touted on CNN that stated that 36% of Americans polled stated that they feel the United States economy is strong.

The Gunnison County economy is also strong. The citizens in this county push elected officials to move residents to more expensive electricity to heat our homes and cook our food and away from less expensive natural gas. Citizens have repeatedly told our electric utility providers to move to more expensive renewable energy and away from less expensive carbonbased power sources.

Gunnison County is a solidly blue county. We would never consider electing a Republican public official.

Ms. Biondini's article appears to be fake news. "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”

Jay Hill Gunnison

Come celebrate with us

Editor:

Last week, I invited you to meet High Country Conservation Advocates’ new advocacy director, Jon Hare, at the Eldo. This was to be an opportunity to meet and chat with Jon and other staff and board members.

A lot has changed in the past week. Now we are hoping you'll join us for an even bigger reason — a celebration of the successful completion of the Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal!

The 20-year withdrawal

includes lands on Red Lady, which will be precluded from mining for the next 20 years. This momentous decision was finalized administratively through the U.S. Department of Interior, with Secretary Deb Haaland signing the all-important document.

Senators Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper and Rep. Joe Neguse played vital roles in this achievement, with President Joe Biden's support. A permanent withdrawal can be achieved with the passage of the CORE Act, which we, and they, are working toward.

We are so excited to be celebrating this major step in the salvation of the Red Lady and our mountain environs, as we await the completion of a land exchange that will provide additional solid protection into the future.

So, come on out to the Eldo on Thursday, April 11, to meet Jon and everyone who has reason to celebrate with us. We're getting closer!

Sue Navy High Country Conservation Advocates

Yes, this is a political issue

Editor: I just finished reading your opinion article in the recent edition of the Gunnison Times , and it just comes across as complaining.

Why don't you write about why "inflation is eating Gunnison valley residents out of house and home?” It would go much further to solving the problem of inflation if you understand, and then explain to your readers, that continually voting for the people who create the policies that lead to the increase in prices is the real problem.

I realize you don't want to hear that, or don't believe it or are in denial. But can you really deny that the Gunnison Valley, the state and our country overall are in far, far worse financial shape than we were during the previous presidential administration? And yes, this is a political issue.

Republicans may not always be the solution to your problems, but Democrats are definitely the cause of your problems.

Stop voting Democrat. Then see how your life improves.

Terri Stradley Gunnison

Let the school district focus on student education

Editor: Superintendent Leslie Nichols received this letter on March 27, and it was read at the school board meeting on April 8.

I taught at Gunnison High School for 29 years. I still live in the community. I own a home and other properties in the City of Gunnison.

I realize that getting good teachers is a huge problem with

the cost of living here in the Gunnison area. Which teachers get subsidized housing? How about the teacher hired last year. How about support staff, bus drivers, teacher aids, food service etc.?

The cost of administration. It will be an important position to manage the housing properties. How much will that person be paid? Will repair and maintenance be done by the property manager, other RE1J employees or will it be contracted out?

I think that new teachers getting subsidized housing will have a negative impact on morale and unity of the teaching staff and other employees. The school district is already undertaking a massive remodeling and construction project. The real estate owned by the school district is exempt from property taxes. Real estate taxes are the primary source of public school finances. If there is money available to be spent on subsidized housing, let’s use it on salaries for teachers and support staff.

Please, let’s leave housing to private enterprise and employee ingenuity and let the school district focus on student education.

Fred Benson Gunnison

Stolen artwork

Editor:

Recently one of my artworks priced at $200 was stolen from the Quigley Gallery while on display for the annual juried exhibition. While this is an interesting story in itself, the real concern is the lack of security on the Western campus. As far as I know the only cameras on school grounds face the parking lot, which were only installed last year.

Dominick Cardile Gunnison

Critical to our children and future generations

Editor:

I read a short letter in last week’s paper by Neil Watko where he stated that Sen. Bennet claimed that climate change would lead to no snow. He then points out that Eldora Mountain Ski Resort will have the longest season ever this year.

I am confused. Just based on one ski area and one year, is climate change just a hoax? Does the writer believe this in the face of decades of drought, storms, wildfires and floods in the intensity of which we have never seen before, along with melting of the world's ice caps and ocean rise?

I don’t know if he believes that climate is not happening, or is just using this to spin an agenda. If the latter is the case, I am perplexed as to why anyone politically left, right or center would play politics with something so critical to our children and future generations.

Charles Welch Gunnison

Housing plan from A1

Gunnison Valley continue to outpace wages and the prospect of homeownership grows slim for many workers, the school district is joining a number of public entities considering housing for its employees.

Data from one of Williford’s housing surveys revealed that the district is facing a slew of retirements in the coming years, alongside an incoming teacher pool that has little purchasing power in the Gunnison Valley’s expensive housing market. The district will need an estimated 55-70 total units in the next five years, according to Williford’s data.

“It makes it not seem so crazy to get into the housing business if you're in control of the building process and the price setting, as opposed to being subjected to the whims of the open market where you're competing against second homeowners and people with significant wealth,” Williford said.

After the motion failed, Superintendent Leslie Nichols said without direction from the board, she’s stalled and won’t be able to have conversations with other large employers about partnerships.

“This plan is just intended to give me a green light to have those discussions and say, ‘These are our goals. We have done some research.’ I would not go rogue and start building things. You all have to approve that,” Nichols said.

But board members Mark VanderVeer and Jody Coleman said the housing plan needed more thorough financial projections and a clearer sense of what the housing options could actually look like. That could include building apartments or townhomes on district-owned land, or master leasing with other entities.

The draft plan suggested that the district pursue 15-20 new housing units, primarily for rent. It also identified $1.5 million of its current $4 million in capital reserves that could be

Red Lady from A1

place we call home,” Gunnison County Commissioner Jonathan Houck said in a press release last week.

President Joe Biden first announced his plans to preserve the area — well-known for ranching, outdoor recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat — at the designation of the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument in October of 2022. The withdrawal was supported by more than 50,000 comments submitted to the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, the two agencies that manage the public lands in that corridor.

The decision was cause for celebration for many in the valley as decades of work finally neared a conclusion.

Members of the Crested Butte’s High Country Conservation

used for housing. Williford suggested that the district set aside one-time or “unreliable” funding sources for housing, such as investment interest, Rural Schools Funding and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), money the district gets from the U.S. Forest Service to offset lost property tax revenue from public lands.

The plan also included community and public-private partnership. That includes looping students into the process, through the Career and Technical Education and Student Organization Achieving Results for Community (SOAR) programs. And, it suggests partnerships with municipalities or large employers like Gunnison Valley Health and Western Colorado University.

How to pay for housing

Dissenting board members highlighted lack of financial clarity and site-specific details as the primary reason for not approving the plan. VanderVeer supported its direction, but found the plan incomplete.

“My concern is we haven't defined the dollars needed to build now, or three to five years from now,” VanderVeer said. “Unless we know that dollar amount, we don't know what problem we're trying to solve.”

Coleman agreed, and requested more specific cost projections for possible housing projects like tiny homes, trailers or townhomes. Alongside actual dollars that could be spent on housing, Roberts and several residents who made public comments were concerned that funding housing would erode wages and compensation for teachers living paycheck-topaycheck.

But the district’s ability to give teachers raises is primarily dictated by the state, Nichols said, not the spending in its capital fund. Salary money comes from the School Finance Act, the state’s annual calculation for funding Colorado’s school districts. For that reason, she doesn’t see housing and teacher salaries as competing interests.

Advocates (HCCA) have been protesting the development of a large molybdenum deposit at Mt. Emmons since the 1970s.

More recently, Western Slope conservation groups included Crested Butte’s proposal with the Thompson Divide, located just north in the Roaring Fork Valley. In 2022, more than 19,000 acres were added at the request of Gunnison County, the Town of Crested Butte and the Mount Emmons Mining Company (MEMC).

“I never imagined when I first started working at HCCA that we would get to wrap in this kind of five-decade-long battle and tie it to another one of our huge efforts that we've been working on with our partners across the divide,” said Julie Nania, HCCA’s Red Lady program director. She has been leading the program since 2016.

“It's exciting to see it come

“A high priority for this district is to do the absolute best we can to compensate our teachers as best we can. Is it enough? No. Do we have control to get more money for them? No … We could have housing and continue to work to pay our teachers every penny that we possibly can,” she said.

District teacher Sierra Cucinelli said she supported the plan, but pressed the board to focus on raising wages and suggested alternatives like housing stipends. Cucinelli gave comment as a teacher, not on behalf of the district’s union, Gunnison County Education Association,

of which she’s co-president. The district steered away from stipends because the housing stock is so limited, Williford said. And if it did provide subsidies, finding sustainable, yearto-year funding for that program could be challenging.

Former district teacher Fred Benson wrote a letter to the board, imploring administrators to prioritize teachers before housing. Benson worked in the district for almost three decades. He said any extra money available for subsidized housing should go toward salaries.

“Please, let's leave housing to

private enterprise and employee ingenuity and let the school district focus on student education,” Benson wrote.

The board directed Nichols to gather more specific financial details and condense the housing action plan into a single document, to make clear exactly what the board is committing to.

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

Prayer flags can be found at the summit of Mt. Emmons, a popular backcountry skiing area. (Photo by Bella Biondini)

Housing consultant Willa Williford’s data revealed that the district will need upward of 70 units for teachers in the next several years. (Photo by Abby Harrison)

Three parcels of district-owned land surrounding school buildings are most promising for housing. (Courtesy Gunnison Watershed School District)

through in this way.”

Protecting Red Lady has been a valley-wide effort involving generations of community members, activists and politicians, said Crested Butte Mayor Ian Billick. Numerous other Gunnison Valley organizations have been involved, including the Crested Butte Land Trust and the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition.

“This is a major success that we collectively made happen,” Billick said. “It’s time to celebrate.”

The 20-year mineral withdrawal is only one piece of what will be multiple layers of protection for Mt. Emmons, the surrounding public lands and the watershed. Last year, the Mt. Emmons land exchange inched forward. If approved, this will be accompanied by a conservation easement, which is being drafted between the mining company and the Crested Butte Land Trust. The land exchange and conservation easement will protect the ore body, or the “heart of the mine,” Nania said.

The mining company proposed the land exchange in 2021. This project, with “enormous scale, complexity,” has moved at a much faster pace than other land exchanges in western Colorado, said HCCA Executive Director Jon Hare. This is largely due to MEMC’s commitment to move away from any intention of mining in the area, he said.

The Forest Service released a draft decision on the land exchange in April of last year. HCCA is hoping to have a final decision this summer, with signed agreements before the end of 2024.

Conservation groups are also attempting to reach a settle -

ment with MEMC to cancel its conditional water rights from the Slate River and potential reservoir sites on Elk, Mill and Carbon creeks. MEMC holds these water rights exclusively for mining, but does not use any of these sources for reclamation.

“All of these overlapping and compatible protections will lock it [the land] up pretty well.”

Julie Nania HCCA

“All of these overlapping and compatible protections will lock it [the land] up pretty well,” Nania said.

Because the Thompson Divide mineral withdrawal will expire after 20 years, the community is still pushing for the passage of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act. If signed into law, this would permanently withdraw mineral rights from thousands of acres of federal lands in the Thompson Divide in the county’s northwest corner, as well as from the land around Mt. Emmons. The bill has yet to pass.

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

ed costs of construction, materials and equipment the city uses to maintain its power grid. City council approved the rate increase during a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 9.

In a written report, Electric Superintendent Will Dowis stated that the cost to produce electricity is increasing nationwide. This is the first price increase from MEAN in three years. The city has raised its electric rates twice in the last two years, following an increase in the cost of renewable energy and a reduction in its hydropower allocation due to drought.

The rate adjustment is expected to cost the average customer an extra $3 per month, according to Finance Director Ben Cowan. Over the past decade, the cost of city utilities (if water, sewer, trash and electricity are all in use) has doubled, rising from an average of roughly $98 per month to $197. This was preceded by a period where rates remained relatively flat.

“We have to consider this a business,” Dowis said during a city council meeting on March 26.

“But we have to take into effect the pain this is putting on our customers.”

Even with the rate increase, Gunnison’s residential electric rate was the third lowest among 46 other Colorado utility providers, according to a 2023 Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities’ rate survey.

Over the course of the last three years, the city's material costs have increased significantly, Dowis said. The price of some items, such as transformers, power poles, wire and PVC pipes, has inflated by as much as three to five times. For example, power poles used to be $600. Today they cost more than $2,000. Coupled with higher prices and longer lead times, the city has been making larger orders to keep up.

By adjusting rates, the city hopes to avoid “large and drastic” increases in the future to catch up with inflation, he wrote.

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

A closing day to remember

Skiers and snowboarders rode unseasonably perfect snow for closing day at Crested Butte Mountain Resort on Sunday, April 7. Those who made it to the end of the day gathered at the hill overlooking Uley's Cabin to celebrate the newly-crowned Flauschink king and queen.

(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)

Marble road gets

OHV

extension through 2024

Forest Service and county working on Daniels Hill parking

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Gunnison County

Commissioners gave the green light last week for off-highway (OHV), all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles to use a busy section of County Road 3, a road outside Marble.

The section of CR3 is a gateway to the White River National Forest, and the popular Lead King Loop and Crystal Mill. Each summer, the road overflows with visitors and hikers making their way up to the popular outdoor recreation areas.

“We know there’s not a clean, silver bullet answer to any of this.”

Jonathan

Houck

Gunnison County Commissioner

The exemption expires each year and commissioners revisit it to account for any new recreation infrastructure, like parking lots or trailheads. Commissioners chose to extend the exemption until the end of 2024 at a meeting on April 2. They intend to finalize the decision by signing a resolution at the next meeting.

In the last several years, trailers used to tow OHVs congested the roadway and made it difficult to drive around the area. And, OHVs use along the road has increased air and noise pollution.

Up until the end of 2023, the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office didn’t have deputies stationed in the northern part of the county, so emergency response times were significant. The decision had been one of significant interest for Marble residents for years. Reducing road crowding and noise and air pollution for residents while allowing outdoor-enthusiasts to reach the national forest is a multi-agency effort. The Town of Marble, Gunnison County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Forest Service all manage land in the area, whether it be for recreation, roads or wildlife.

“We know there's not a clean, silver bullet answer to any of this,” said County Commissioner Jonathan Houck.

In 2023, the county worked on a vehicle turn-around and a series of on-road, temporary parking spaces for cars and trucks in its right-of-way at the base of Daniels Hill. That project is in progress.

On most Colorado county roads, OHVs are prohibited. But state statute allows county commissioners to issue exemptions for areas of road as they see fit. As COVID-era visitation soared around the state and in Marble, residents’ concern about parking enforcement and crowding on that portion of the road increased.

Gunnison County and the Forest Service have also considered building a larger parking area on adjacent Forest Service land, but that could require full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, which would examine the environ -

continued on A10

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• Meet our partnership students

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continued from A9

mental impact of the project.

Marble is also working to increase parking within town limits, said Town Administrator Ron Leach. And, there’s a summertime parking attendant tasked with educating visitors about nearby parking and trail options.

“We have noticed a general improvement on the OHV issues around town … I'm seeing the fruits of the Lead King Loop committee finally yielding positive results,” Leach said.

The White River is gearing up for a revision on its forest management plan, so the timing is right to consider CR3 access more comprehensively, said County Commissioner Liz Smith. And, several commissioners expressed interest in reconvening the Lead King Loop stakeholder group, which provided management recommendations for the area in past years.

DISCOVER THE IMPACTFUL WAYS WE SUPPORT BOTH OUR STUDENTS AND THE GUNNISON VALLEY COMMUNITY! 970.641.4880

777 E. GEORGIA AVE., GUNNISON, CO. SCAN TO RSVP

Since 2023, OHVs have caused less disturbance and there’s less congestion at the base of Daniels Hill, said Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt. He said the office received fewer calls about it in 2023 than previous years.

Look up

PAUL M. RADY SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

FOOD & DRINK PROVIDED!

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!

1105 N. Pine OPEN HOUSE!

Come check out this newly built home in the Van Tuyl neighborhood. Snacks and beverages will be provided and you can enter to win a $50 gift certificate from Natural Grocer. There will be 2 open houses: Thursday April 11th 3- 6 PM and Saturday April 13th 11-2 PM. See you there!

413 W New York MLS #805945 2125 sqft 1 bathroom

“I'm sure as everybody probably feels it's frustrating to have such slow progress,” Smith said. “But the fact that we are making progress is heartening.”

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

Gunnison Valley residents paused on Monday, April 8 to gaze at the solar eclipse. Although the path of totality did not pass over Colorado, the percentage of the sun eclipsed hovered around 60% on the Western Slope.

(Photos by Jacob Spetzler and Barbara Sibley)

Snowpack healthy headed into melt season

Blue Mesa Reservoir projected to fill to 85%

Thanks to a wet March, snowpack conditions across most of the Upper Colorado River Basin are near to above normal with levels ranging from 95-150%.

Although temperatures this spring have been warmer than usual, snowstorms continued to move through the valley throughout March — making up for a slow start to the winter season. On April 1, the snowpack in the Gunnison Basin was 105% of normal, which is based on the percent of average from 1991 to 2020. Much of the snow in Gunnison has melted out, but the high country is still holding onto an above-average snowpack, improving the local water supply forecast headed into runoff season.

The active storm cycle in March marked the third consecutive month the region experienced near- to above-normal precipitation levels, hydrologist Cody Moser said during a Colorado Basin River Forecast Center water supply briefing on April 5. Precipitation in the Gunnison Basin was 119% of average for the water year (October through March). The Dolores was slightly ahead at 123%, and the San Juan at 127%.

“It was another good active weather month in March,” Moser said.

The moisture has improved drought conditions across Gunnison County. As of April 4, just over half of the county was drought free, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The remainder was labeled as “abnormally dry,” the lowest rating on the monitor’s scale. More than 80% of the county was experiencing some form of drought at the end of December.

Snowpack or snow-water equivalent (SWE) — the amount of water present in the snow — also increased in March. The Gunnison Basin, SWE rose from 95% of normal at the end of February to 105% by April 1. The SNOTEL sites stationed in the mountain drainages above Blue Mesa Reservoir are reading near to or above normal.

Normal peak snowpack in the basin typically occurs at the beginning of April, marking the beginning of the melt or “runoff” season. Following a wet March, water supply forecasts have remained steady and even improved across much of the Upper Colorado River Basin. The best forecasts are in areas with better snowpack and soil

moisture conditions. So far, the northern portion of the state is faring better than southwest Colorado.

After the snow melts in the Upper Basin, it will eventually flow downstream and refill Lake Powell and Lake Mead — a critical part of inflow forecasts. Since January, the snowpack above Lake Powell nearly doubled, rising from 60% to 113% by April 1. Water supply predictions show inflows of 89% of normal for Lake Powell this summer. Lake Powell is currently 32% full.

In Gunnison, Blue Mesa Reservoir is forecasted to receive an inflow of 600,000 acre-feet of water between April and July, which is 94% of normal. These forecasts are based on the snow conditions in the drainages above Blue Mesa, which are pacing slightly behind this time last year.

Blue Mesa is currently 65% full, up 37 feet from one year ago. Although temperatures in the valley are slowly warming, the reservoir’s water levels have not yet started to climb.

Projections from the Bureau of Reclamation, the federal agency that manages water releases from the Aspinall Unit of which Blue Mesa is a part of, show that the reservoir is expected to fill to 85% this summer. This is roughly 14 feet short of a full reservoir.

An El Niño pattern existed this winter in the Pacific Ocean, which typically means wetter conditions across Arizona and much of the Lower Colorado River Basin area. According to data from the Climate Prediction Center, there is a roughly 60% chance of La Niña developing over the summer. A La Niña climate pattern tends to produce warmer temperatures and below normal precipitation in the southern portion of Colorado, with wetter and colder conditions to the north. Because of Gunnison’s geographic location in between these regions, it’s often difficult for meteorologists to make accurate predictions for the valley.

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

(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)

County to offer free model home plans

Meant to offset the valley’s soaring cost to build

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

To help ease the Gunnison Valley’s soaring cost to build, Gunnison County will offer model home plans for anyone looking to put up a home. The county issued a bid for the project last week.

The plans will be free, and have various pre-approvals from the Gunnison County Community Development Department for the county’s layered code requirements. The model home plans will lay out a three-bed, two-bath home with an option for an attached garage or “mirrored unit” as a townhome. However, builders still need to plan for site-specific details in order to customize it for their parcel of land.

The plans are funded by just over $60,000 from the Colorado State Energy Office. The money will support staff training and the purchase of materials like code books. The county is also working with the City of Gunnison, Mt. Crested Butte and the Town of Crested Butte as the Gunnison Valley Code Collaborative, a newly-convened working group aimed to support contractors and architects.

Builders have had to contend with two sweeping code updates in the last two years: the 2021 International Wildland Urban Interface Code followed by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC) at the end of last year.

Collectively, the updates made building materials and methods more restricted, and increased energy efficiency requirements. When commissioners adopted the IECC codes at the end of last year, they said

the county would explore ways to reduce the cost. They made that pledge in a room full of contractors who shared fears over the rising price of all materials.

“We're trying to show that there’s more than one way to comply with our energy and wildland urban interface code,” said Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability John Cattles.

“We're hoping to give people ideas and resources that can help them save time and money.”

The model home plans will include details for floors, a foundation (that assume certain conditions) and have options for framing, electrical and mechanical. The goal is to have one base set of plans with options for modifications for the floors. The floor plan could then connect with various roof designs or housing configurations, Cattles said.

The plan would essentially offer people a free architectural mock-up of a home. Each builder would still need sitespecific details planned out, like the foundation snow storage or driveway compliance.

“I don't want people to think that you have this plan, and you get a permit,” Cattles said. “There's site conditions that people will still have to draw up and meet the conditions for. But this is a big step, getting them a long way toward an approved plan for building.”

The collaborative also received $90,000 from the Energy Office for scholarships that will help train contractors and architects on the new code, and help people get certified as energy raters, professionals who give homes an “efficiency” score for how they use energy. County staff hope that by incentivizing training, more professionals will enter the market — which is currently slim in the Gunnison Valley.

“This is our first step,” Cattles said. “But I don't think it's our last.”

Local architect Ben White said the model home plans could give people a sense of security around their construction budget.

In 2023, the county received 49 building permits for singlefamily residences. The average valuation for single-family residences and duplexes in 2023 was just over $1.2 million, according to data from county planning technician Jena Greene. That does not include townhomes or multi-family units.

White said he doesn’t think his business will be impacted greatly.

“I would think that folks that will utilize a set of plans like that would not be in a position where an architect would be something that's in their budget,” he said.

But the one-size-fits-all approach could present challenges to people looking to build in subdivisions, or those subject to homeowners association (HOA) regulations, he said. For this reason, the models might be more applicable in specific areas, like rural Gunnison County. But land in the outskirts of town tends to have more complicated topography, said architect Jody Reeser.

“The lots that we have available around the county aren't typically not just open easy lots,” Reeser said. “You usually have to customize those because the land is challenging.”

County staff hope that developing the plans will also identify parts in the new code that drive costs upward, Cattles said. And, through collaboration with the city on the 3-mile plan, county officials hope to see certain kinds of development on the outskirts of the city move more quickly than the county’s land use resolution (LUR) — its rule book for builders —currently allows.

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

Construction on a home in Skyland, just a few minutes south of the Town of Crested Butte. (Courtesy Mary Hakala/ Bluebird Real Estate)

Showcasing a year of hard work

Gunnison High School opened its year-end art show at the Gunnison Arts Center during the First Friday Art Walk on April 5. The show features the work of juniors and seniors and will stay up in the Tredway and Cafe galleries through the end of the month.

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.org

Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado

Spiritual Leader Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com bnaibutte@gmail.com

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 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.

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

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

Senior Pastor Robert Carabotta

Assoc. Pastor Jacob With Childrens Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.

Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.

Divine Service of the Word – Sunday 10 a.m.

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.

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.

(Photos by Jacob Spetzler)

PALISADES AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY BE YOUR OWN BOSS:

Campground looking for someone to run a camp store. You bring the stock, you keep the cash. Looking for summer season 2024, May-Sept. or Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Call Lori for details. 970-784-6190.

PALISADES AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITYBLUE MESA RECREATIONAL RANCH

is looking for housekeepers. If you would like to stay on-property with your RV, rent is only $150/month and includes all utilities. $16-$18/ hr. depending on experience. Fulltime work, then enjoy this beautiful area on your days off.

Call 970-784-6190 if interested.

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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: Bus Drivers

Food Service

Lead Custodian - Lake School Substitute Teachers Special Education EASignificant Needs

PROFESSIONAL

OPPORTUNITIES:

School Psychologist - District Newcomer Teacher and Integration

Specialist - GHS

CBSS Science

CBSS Spanish (one year only)

CBSS Language Arts (one year only)

GHS Special Education Teacher

CBES Kindergarten Teacher

CBES 4th Grade Teacher

COACHING:

GHS - Speech and Debate

GHS - Assistant Girls

Basketball Coach

CBHS - Volleyball Coach

CBHS - Head Basketball Coach

CBMS - Assistant Track and Field Coach

Please contact:

Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760

jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.

West Central Public Health Partnership (WCPHP)

Capacity Coordinator:

Part-time, 10-20 hour per week, hourly rate range from $28.64$32.62 plus partial benefits.

Heavy Equipment Operator I: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate from $22.91-$26.08 plus full benefits.

Seasonal Weed Program Technician:

40 hours/week for 6 months. This seasonal position is set to start in May and end in Oct., hourly range from $22.91-$26.08 plus partial benefits.

Permit and Right-Of-Way Manager: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,857-$7,120 plus full benefits.

Landfill Foreman: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate from $31.88-$36.29 plus full benefits.

Accountant IAccounts Receivable: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,684-$5,333 plus full benefits.

Administrative Generalist Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate range $22.91-$26.08 plus full benefits.

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

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

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

BARISTAS: Hiring for the summer season. Mochas Coffeehouse and Bakery in Gunnison is seeking baristas to join our team. Must be able to complete all aspects of the job as an equal member of the team in a positive and fun work environment. Hourly pay plus tips and shift meals. Drop your resume off or fill out an application at Mochas, 710 N. Main St.

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. Excellent pay plus a company car, health

Performs advanced professional work planning, coordinating, developing and overseeing all aspects of the city’s formal and informal procurement and contracting activities related to the acquisition of goods, materials, supplies, equipment, construction and services. This position also performs advanced professional work applying for and administering grants, including providing technical assistance and compliance to all city divisions, departments and personnel for grants considered and/or received by the city.

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 to maintaining the security of the city, protecting constitutional guarantees of all persons, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and order, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, facilitating the safe movement of people and vehicles and other emergency services as needed. POST Certification not required. The city will pay for the police academy if needed and pay a cadet wage 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.

Part-Time Openings

Special Events/Project Assistant -up to $24.23/hr

Water/Wastewater Temp. Laborer -up to $28.22/hr

The City of Gunnison offers a competitive benefit package, including 75% of medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents, 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan, 3 weeks of vacation (increasing based on the years of service), 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. Procurement, Contracts, & Grants Administrator Full-time, $69,500-$93,900/yr

and only want the

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.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TREES AND LANDSCAPING now hiring for our 40th summer season. Come join a team that’s deeply rooted in the Gunnison Valley. Visit rockymountaintrees.com/employment/ to view available positions.

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS SHOP TECHNICIAN: JOIN OUR TEAM. Mountain Express is looking to recruit a shop technician for immediately available shifts. Applicant required to hold a CDL class BP-2 with no air brake restrictions, or we will pay for you to obtain one. Starting wage is $22.60/hr. Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit. Shop technicians are responsible for daily fueling and cleaning of fleet vehicles and other related tasks at the direction of the shop supervisor. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp.org to apply. For a complete job description, visit mtnexp.org. EOE.

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE is seeking a long-term, full-time, qualified early childhood teacher to join our fantastic team. Very competitive pay, benefits and perks offered all the time. This is a super rewarding career and a fabulous group of families and teachers. Please email interest letter and resumé to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@ gmail.com.

RAFTING AND FISHING GUIDES: Have your best summer on the rivers with 3 Rivers Outfitting in Almont. Get certified to raft or float fish guide. Raft guide course begins May 20. The fly fishing guide school offers training to become a professional fly fishing guide, May 13-17. Family owned and operated since 1983. For more info: 3riversresort.com/employment. Email operations@3riversresort.com.

TWO TWELVE, THE NEWEST ELEVATED

DINING EXPERIENCE coming to Elk Avenue, is now accepting applications for bar manager, assistant manager, servers, bartenders, food runners, bussers and hosts. Dinners only. Servers must have 1-3 years fine dining experience, wine knowledge, a dedication to excellence in high-end food and beverage, a commitment to thoughtful hospitality and want to work in a professional environment. two twelve is centered around a custom-built hearth that will bring warmth and energy to the dining room and be the centerpiece of our kitchen. Serving locallysourced, globally inspired cuisine. If you are passionate about providing exceptional service and are excited to be part of a highend, beautiful restaurant, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume to GM@twotwelve.comand Kyleenacb@gmail.com.

WATER TREATMENT FACILITY

FOREMAN: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a full-time Water Treatment Facility Foreman position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the water plant and distribution system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of treatment operations, employee supervision, construction and electrical/mechanical/ maintenance repair. A State of Colorado Water B and Distribution 3 license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators are required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $74,200-$91,000 DOQ. Excellent benefits

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 job requires motor grader and heavy equipment operation. Training is available for the right applicant. 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. 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.

CLEAN LINES

PAINTING, REFINISHING

AND CARPENTRY is looking for a painter and/or carpenter. Experience preferred but not necessary. Busy summer season ahead. $22-$30/hour. Reliable transportation needed. Please text Adam at 970-275-7724.

WATER OPERATOR: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a full-time Water Operator position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the water plant and distribution system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of construction, field operations and electrical/mechanical/maintenance repair. A State of Colorado water and/or distribution license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators are required to take on-call responsibility, including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $53,100-$59,500 for entry level. $58,000-$75,000 salary available for operators with experience and appropriate state licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer-provided uniforms and a seasonal ski pass. Full job description is available at mcbwsd.com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, P.O. Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

GUNNISON LIQUOR

(The Ghost) is currently looking for part-time help. Nights and weekends a must. Pay DOE. Stop by with a resume. 603 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time and full-time seasonal positions for summer 2024: Line cook $2125/hr. + gratuity, market attendant, $16/hr. + gratuity, assistant market manager, $1819/hr. + gratuity, server/bartender $16/hr. + gratuity, lead bartender, $18-22/hr. + gratuity,

host/hostess, $16/hr. + gratuity, dishwasher, $20/hr. + gratuity, facility maintenance technician, $21-24/hr., housekeeper, $2123/hr., front desk attendant, $16-20/hr. (weekends required), clubhouse attendant, $16-18/hr. Employee benefits include complimentary golf and employee discounts. For more information or to submit a resume, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

DESIGN-ORIENTED GARDENING

BUSINESS is looking for a full-time seasonal operations manager. Experience in perennial garden design, greenhouse care and crew management necessary. Please email resumes to horizonfinegardens@ gmail.com or 970-275-1020.

FINISH CARPENTRY: High volume, professional general contractor seeks full-time, detail-oriented carpenters for a variety of carpentry needs, including back out framing, finish trim work, custom millwork and potential for other custom work. Competitive salary DOE, fuel stipend, vacation pay, health insurance, ski pass among top benefits. Please submit resume to david@davidgrossgc.com or call 970901-1798.

LOOKING TO GET ROOTED THIS

SUMMER? Connect with nature, planting and caring for perennial gardens throughout the valley. Laborer/gardener positions available May 1-Oct. 31. Experience preferred but we can teach, too. Small company, pay starts at $26/hr. horizonfinegardens@gmail.com or 970-275-1020.

PR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT is looking for a full-time housekeeper who is willing to do work inside and outside private residences. Available beginning of May. Wage is dependent on experience. Insurance reimbursement, IRA, ski pass and other benefits included. Please email resume to pr-prop@crestedbutte.net.

CLERK OF COURT 1 (.3 FTE): The Hinsdale Combined Court, located in Lake City, Colorado, is seeking applications to fill a .3 FTE (12 hours per week) position of a Clerk of Court I. This is an in-person position that provides technical, administrative and supervisory work in the operation of a Clerk’s office of the Colorado Judicial Branch. Application shall be filed electronically. To apply, go to courts.state.co.us under the Careers/Career Opportunities tab and follow the instructions to apply for this position.

PR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT is looking for a full-time, year-round maintenance tech. Available starting at the beginning of May. Wage dependent on experience. Benefits include insurance reimbursement, IRA, ski pass and more. Please email resume to pr-prop@crestedbutte.net.

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.

THE TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a full-time, year-round accounting clerk position. The position of accounting clerk is responsible for overseeing cash receipting, sales tax management and utility accounts for the town. This position involves meticulous attention to detail in handling financial transactions, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and contributing to the overall efficiency of the finance department.

applicants will have knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. Preferred applicants will have experience in accounts payable and payroll practices.

Starting salary range is $51,555-$58,012 depending on qualifications and experience. The town offers an amazing benefits package including paid health, vision and dental insurance for you and your dependents, paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance, 13 paid holidays a year, vacation time, sick time, and PERA retirement package. Applicant must have a seven-year clean driving record. Applications will be accepted until a qualified pool of candidates is established, but preference will be given to applicants who apply before April 15, 2024.

For the full job description, please go to mtcb. colorado.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Karl Trujillo at ktrujiilo@mtcb. colorado.gov or 970-349-6632, ext. 104. To apply, please email your cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb. colorado.gov.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER AT 3 RIVERS RESORT IN ALMONT: We are hiring cabin cleaners for summer and fall seasons. Housing for qualified, full-time candidates, pay starting at $20/hr plus tips, bonus and raise opportunities, discounts, free rafting, fun workplace. Family owned and operated since 1983. Complete online application at 3riversresort.com/employment. Email operations@3riversresort.com.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH BENEFITS? The Crested Butte Bank, a branch of the Gunnison Bank and Trust Company, has an opening for a full-time teller to join the operations side of our growing bank. Applicants should have strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and a willingness to learn. GB&T fosters a learning environment where you will gain exposure to multiple areas of the bank with a strong foundation in operations. Pay starting at $18. Robust benefits package includes 401(k), medical insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and disability insurance (ST and LT). Pooled transportation is available. Send resume to abrown@crestedbuttebank. com or lbeda@gunnisonbank.com.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH BENEFITS? The Gunnison Bank and Trust, has an opening for a full-time teller to join the operations side of our growing bank. Applicants should have strong customer service skills, the ability to multi-task and a willingness to learn. GB&T fosters a learning environment where you will gain exposure to multiple areas of the bank, with a strong foundation in operations. Pay starting at $18/ hr. DOE. Robust benefits package includes 401(k), medical insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and disability insurance (ST and LT). Send resume to LBeda@ gunnisonbank.com.

Qualifications: At least two years of customer service experience in an office setting, high school diploma, Colorado notary or the ability to obtain a notary public license within 90 days of hire, valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to obtain one. Preferred applicants will have a college degree. Preferred

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.

file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

2. All such claims shall be filed with the Authority for College, Institution, Department or Agency.

3. Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve the State of Colorado from any and all liability for such claim.

Authorized Facility Manager or Authorized Individual Name: Sherry Ford, AVP of Campus

The Saguache County Board of County Commissioners are accepting scholarship applications for graduating seniors who will be graduating high school in 2024.

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

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

Applications are due by Wednesday, May 1, 2024 and are available through our website at www.saguachecounty.colorado.gov to download the application or by contacting Wendi Maez at 719-655-2231 or by email at wmaez@saguachecounty-co.gov.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of April 11, 18, 25, 2024 12863

NOTICE OF MEETING

MEETING NOTICE

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District

Board of Directors Meeting Monday, April 22, 2024 5:30 PM

The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular board meeting on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the UGRWCD Offices, 210 W. Spencer Ave., St. B, Gunnison, CO 81230 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing. Please call the District Office at 970-6416065 for the Zoom login information or for questions. A meeting agenda will be posted at the District Office prior to the meeting.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of April 11, 2024 12842

NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PREQUALIFICATIONS

Prequalification

Lights & Sirens

APRIL 3

-VIN check performed

-Fraud report taken in Marble

JUVENILE PROBLEM — 1099 N. 11TH ST. PROPERTY - FOUND — 800 N.

ASSIST — N. TELLER ST.

VEHICLE WHILE LICENSE REVOKED HTO — 500 W. NEW YORK AVE.

APRIL 2

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICIPAL — 107 S. 12TH ST.

HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — 303 E. TOMICHI AVE.

ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL — 200 E. SPENCER

HARASSMENT: STRIKE, SHOVE, KICK — 1099 N. 11TH ST.

FRAUD - INFORMATION / WIRE — W. HWY. 50

ANIMAL - NUISANCE ABATEMENT - MUNICIPAL — 1215 W. NEW YORK AVE.

APRIL 3

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICIPAL — 201 E. TOMICHI AVE.

SEXUAL ASSAULT: ON A CHILD CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESSION — E. GEORGIA AVE.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: FIGHTING IN PUBLIC — 608 W. NEW YORK AVE.

WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JURISDICTION — 608 W. NEW YORK AVE.

APRIL 4

ANIMAL - AT LARGE — 124 E. VIR-

GINIA AVE.

TOBACCO VIOLATION - UNLAWFUL POSSESSION RE1J — 800 W. OHIO AVE.

ANIMAL - AT LARGE — 902 N. COLORADO ST. ACCIDENT — 820 N. MAIN ST.

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 600 N. COLORADO ST. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — N. SPRUCE ST. CRIMINAL ATTEMPT — 315 REED

APRIL 5

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE: POSS./CONSUMPTION 2 OZ. OR LESS MARIJUANA UNDER 21 —

800 W. OHIO AVE.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE:

POSS./CONSUMPTION 2 OZ. OR LESS MARIJUANA UNDER 21 —

800 W. OHIO AVE.

JUVENILE PROBLEM — DIAMOND

LN.

APRIL 7

ALCOHOL VIOLATION - UNDERAGE POSS./CONSUMPTION — 520 ESCALANTE DR.

DEATH INVESTIGATION — S. 7TH

-Underage consumption of alcohol where four people were issued summonses

-Harassment report in Somerset under investigation

-Agency assist to the United States Forest Service with finding someone parked at the Almont triangle, which is currently closed

-Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police Department with a possible domestic in progress

-Lost handgun reported and entered into the system

APRIL 4

-Report taken on a scam where a person identifies himself as a Gunnison County deputy and needs money for two warrants - tells you not to talk to anyone and not to hang up until he transfers money in a bitcoin transaction. This imposter also provided a fake Federal Bureau of Investigation district warrant. This scammer had a southern accent.

-Deputies took another scam call where the scammer said they were an attorney representing this person’s son who was in an accident and now in jail

-Deputies took another scam call where a fake “Lieutenant Smith” said an officer had gone to their residence and someone at the residence had signed a document stating they would be there for jury duty on a double homicide case

APRIL 5

-Deputies took one person into custody for speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol

-Trespass call - deputies had to tell one person they could not stay on a hotel’s property for an extended period of time without a reservation

-Deputies arrested one person for driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal consumption of alcohol by an underaged person, driving without a valid license or permit and failing to obey a traffic signal

APRIL 6

-Two dogs were taken to the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League. These dogs were found at large on someone’s property

-Information report on some possible domestic issues

APRIL 7

-Criminal mischief - rock thrown through someone’s back window

-Somerset deputies issued a state citation for speeding and possession of an open marijuana container in vehicle

-Deputies assisted the GPD with an unattended death

SPRING CONSTRUCTION SEASON KICKOFF MEETING

Please join the Gunnison County Community & Economic Development Department for an open-house event to learn about and keep current with the permitting, approval and inspection process and recent changes to the requirements, including the State Model Electric and Solar Ready code, so that you can achieve your development goals as quickly as possible.

Topics will also include: New scholarship program for energy efficiency professionals and upcoming free energy code classes!

OPEN TO: EVERYONE, Including General Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanical Specialists, Energy Efficiency Professionals, Property Owners, HOAs/POAs, Architects, Engineers, Realtors, Material Suppliers, OWTS/SepFc Professionals, Business Owners, Landscapers, Students, Property Maintenance

APRIL 24, 2024 | 8:00AM

Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room | Gunnison County Courthouse | 200 E. Virginia St., Gunnison and also ONLINE go to https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/144/Communityand-Economic-Development for meeting link

Questions please call 970-641-0360

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

Friday, April 12, 6 p.m. — Quigley Hall

Western Colorado University

Mountaineer Jazz Band

Calypso Steel Band under the direction of Dr. Darkson Magrinelli

GUNNISON COUNTY

APRIL 2

-Deputies served civil papers

-Vicious dog complaint - warning given

-Deputies took one person into custody for driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving, passing on the right when not permitted, driving under suspension, operating an uninsured and unregistered vehicle and displaying fictitious plates

APRIL 8

-Welfare check

-Civil papers served at sheriff’s office

-Deputies assisted the GPD

Expert Care. Designed for you.

Care designed for ... MOVEMENT

At Gunnison Valley Health we provide the care and services you need to keep moving!

REHABILITATION & ATHLETIC MEDICINE

We offer a diverse range of cutting-edge services to keep you active and well.

PHYSICAL THERAPY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY | CONCUSSION REHABILITATION

HOSPITAL | 970-641-7268

711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

HOME MEDICAL SERVICES

GUNNISON | 970-641-2001

322 N. MAIN ST. | GUNNISON

CRESTED BUTTE | 970-349-5684

214 6TH AVE. | CRESTED BUTTE

A comprehensive continuum of skilled care designed to promote, maintain and restore health and independence.

SURGERY RECOVERY | MEDICATION EDUCATION | WOUND CARE

GUNNISON | 970-642-4254

1428 W TOMICHI AVE, STE B | GUNNISON

Our orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Blake Clifton and Dr. Gloria Beim, provide shoulder, hip and knee replacement surgeries to keep you active and doing the things you love.

Our total joint program utilizes Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA® Knee System. The ROSA® Knee System seamlessly blends advanced robotic technology with top-notch knee implants to empower our surgeons in personalizing total joint surgical procedures for our patients.

WE WORK HARD TO KEEP YOU PLAYING HARDER

GUNNISON | 970-641-8899

112 SPENCER AVE, STE A | GUNNISON

CRESTED BUTTE | 970-349-5103

405 ELK AVE | CRESTED BUTTE

TELLURIDE | 970-641-8899

500 W. PACIFIC AVE | TELLURIDE

cWhere the pups run wild Where the pups run wild

Dog Cabin Resort hosts hounds of Gunnison

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

On April 5, almost 40 dogs filled the yard at the Dog Cabin Resort. Kiki, an especially fluffy Alaskan malamute was the center of attention, while Ozzie Osbourne, a red poodle, pranced around with friends.

Some dogs darted across the yard, chasing toys or satisfying their zoomies. Others rested on sofas and dog beds. At the head of the group were human “pack leaders” Cassandra Naugle and Caroline Pozo. The two kept an eye out for doggy drama, keeping angry disputes to a minimum so tails could wag all afternoon.

When the people of Gunnison are away, their dogs go to play. At least that’s the case at Dog Cabin Resort, tucked away on the south end of Gunnison. For the past six years, Dog Cabin has served the tail-waggers of the Gunnison Valley, providing doggy daycare and overnight boarding. Each day, up to 45 hounds of

Payten, Leo and Ruby Tuesday lounge on a sofa together. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Dog Cabin founder Mark Higgens bathes a dog. Dog Cabin B2

all shapes and sizes, breeds and ages, prance in its gated yards and indoor spaces.

“The dogs make us laugh everyday, they make it really easy to work here,” Naugle said. “I’ve been obsessed with dogs since I was a kid. Now, I’m always learning how to cope with different personalities, care for dogs with medical needs and provide a safe place for them to play.”

Whether the dogs stay for multiple nights, or just play for an afternoon, the grounds at Dog Cabin are always vibrant with energy. Founders Karen and Mark Higgens established Dog Cabin in 2018 with the idea that it is less anxiety-inducing for dogs to interact in a group or pack, rather than in kennels, or on leash.

For over two years, the Higgens family operated an animal shelter in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. During that time, the pair learned the importance of socializing, exercise and training for dogs — and how they operate best in a pack setting. Karen and Mark shifted their focus from rescuing dogs to correcting behavioral issues. Now they have combined pack training within their boarding programs at Dog Cabin.

“I’ve found that many dogs get stressed out in kennel boarding, so my philosophy is to keep dogs as stress-free as possible through socialization,” Karen said. “Dogs are instinctually very pack oriented, and love spending time with large groups at a time.”

Naugle and Pozo watch over the frollicking herd everyday in the astroturf-lined yards. The two staff members emulate the behavior of a canine alpha: keeping a close watch over the group, and showing limited affection to individual dogs. Instead of rolling around and playing with the dogs, they watch for aggressive behavior,

and separate dogs when needed.

“I’ve learned to be observant, and to understand body language among the dogs,” Pozo said. “I’ve seen doggy daycare help my dog become more social with other dogs. Dogs tend to play better in a pack. It is stimulating, and is a form of enrichment for their minds.”

Naugle grew up begging for her own dog as a little girl, and finally adopted one as a college student. It was a great pyrenees named Siska and, despite her sassy attitude and knotty upbringing, the two have been inseparable ever since. In 2020, Naugle began working at Dog Cabin, partly to learn more about how to train her dog at home.

“Siska was 130 pounds, and difficult at first,” Naugle said. “Working at Dog Cabin taught me so much about behavior issues, and dog training. Now I have three dogs of my own.”

Nowadays, the howls of huskies and hounds echo across to the airport, terriers yap and shepherds dash around the gated property. At the end of the day, the pups return to their families, often snoozing all the way home.

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

Kiki, the Alaskan malamute, knows she’s a favorite.

Blue, Rollie and Lucy enjoy quality time together atop an agility bridge.

Brushes, scissors and other grooming instruments are stored on the wall.

Free clothing

Western Colorado University’s Honors 200 class will be giving away free clothing on April 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mountaineer Field House. All are welcome.

People’s Fair applications

The Paragon Art Gallery People’s Fair is now accepting artist applications. The People’s Fair runs from Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Free booth spaces are available for the first eight local nonprofits to apply. This non-juried show is first come, first served, so please mail in your application promptly. Find the application from and more information at paragonartgallery.com.

Gunnison County Republicans meeting

The Gunnison County Republican Party will hold their monthly meeting on April 13 at Palisades Restaurant (enter through the patio doors) at 8:30 a.m. Guests will be Sheriff Adam Murdie and Ron Hanks. For more information, visit gunnisoncountyrepublicans.org.

Firebird Theatre auditions

Firebird Theatre will hold combined auditions for their June production of the murder mystery comedy, Murder Well Done, and their August production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth on April 14 at Queen of All Saints’ Parish Hall in Crested Butte from 5-8 p.m., and April 15 in Room 101 of Western University’s Leslie J. Savage Library in Gunnison from 5-8 p.m. Choose to audition for either or both. To reserve your audition time and for more information, visit firebirdcb.com/ auditions.

Rady School Industry Night

The community is invited to join Western Colorado University for the Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering's Industry Night on April 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meet partnership

Paint with ‘Bob Ross’

Join Bob Ross on a painting adventure through the spring fields and take home an original 11x17 inch acrylic painting made by you on April 13 from 6-9 p.m. at the Gunnison Arts Center. One free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink is included with each registration. Tickets are $35 for the public and $30 for GAC members. Register at gunnisonartscenter.org.

African dance classes

Learn African dance techniques with guest instructor Maputo Mensah from Ghana on April 16 at the GAC. The kids class for ages 5-14 is $15 and takes place from 4:15-5:30 p.m. Adult class is $20 and runs from 5:306:45 p.m. Register at gunnisonartscenter.org.

students, faculty and alumni, explore programs and engage with student projects. Find more information on the Rady School at western.edu.

Garden club plant sale

Top O’ the World Garden Club is now taking pre-orders for their annual plant sale. Visit the club’s Facebook page and enter the number of plants you’d like to order in the comment area. Plants are $6.50 each plus tax. The public plant sale will take place on May 18 from 9 a.m to noon at the Gunnison Fairgrounds covered parking area.

Rotary grants

The Rotary Club of Gunnison invites proposals from local charitable organizations for grant support, specifically those that serve children from birth to high school graduation. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or other type of charitable organization. The application deadline is June 3 at noon. Email Pam Montgomery at pgmflower@gunnison.com or call 970.901.9950 for more information and to apply.

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.

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meets on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at The Last Resort, 114 Wisconsin St. in downtown Gunnison. This is an open meeting.

Ongoing Senior Services

Special Volunteers Needed! We are looking for volunteers age 55 or older who could pick up seniors and bring them to the Senior Center for our Senior Meals program. Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement and liability insurance coverage through the RSVP program! Contact: egillis@gunnisonco.gov.

Delivery Assistance Hotline: (970) 641-7959 - assistance with ordering, pick-up and delivery of groceries and prescription medications

SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS

This includes deliveries from the Food Bank

• April 17: Input Session with Gunnison County – 135 Corridor Safety. Come share your experiences & ideas about how to improve the safety of the 135 corridor in and around Gunnison. Your voice is very important! Light refreshments provided. RSVP requested!

Senior Meals: (970) 641-8272 for advance orders OR (970) 641-2107 for same-day service Pick-up or delivery only! Meals served Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays Please note: all meals, all days are $4 during this time Order in advance if possible! Upcoming menu:

• April 19 (4pm): Community Meal & Social Hour! Program on the Great Sand Dunes National Park. RSVPs required! $5 for members/$10 for non-members –payable at the door.

• May 1 (1pm): Book Club. May’s book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

• March 27: Lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread, dessert

• March 30: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, fruit, dessert

Regular Activities: Mondays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Tuesdays – Canasta @ 1pm; Wednesdays

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

– Book Club @ 1 pm on 1st Weds. of month; Thursdays – Bridge @ 1 pm; Fridays – Art Club @ 12:30 pm & Mahjong @ 1 pm

All RSVPs and more info on Senior Center programs: egillis@gunnisonco.gov or 970-6418272.

Senior Shopping Hours:

• City Market – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (7AM – 8AM)

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

• Safeway – Tuesdays & Thursdays (7AM – 9AM)

Firebrand soup class

Learn how to make two iconic Firebrand soups, Hungarian mushroom and vegan mushroom, with Heidi Magnus on April 20 from 3-5 p.m. Registration is $60 for the public and $50 for GAC members at gunnisonartscenter.org.

• Walmart – Tuesdays (6AM – 7AM)

• Gunnison Vitamin & Health Food Store – Monday - Saturday (8AM – 9AM)

• Clark’s Market (Crested Butte) – Every day (8AM – 9AM)

SENIOR MEALS

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. If you have symptoms but are otherwise OK, please fill out the form. If you cannot fill out the form, call the Call Center (970) 641-7660.

ORDER MEALS: 970-641-8272

Menu: (all meals come with dessert!)

• Mon., April 15: BBQ Chicken, potato salad, spinach, homemade rolls

• Weds., April 17: Pork Tenderloin, roasted fingerling potatoes & veggies, homemade bread, cottage cheese

Call Center: (970) 641-7660. If you are having symptoms, cannot fill out the online form, or your symptoms are worsening, call the Call Center. DO NOT go to your doctor ’s or the hospital. If it is an emergency, call 911.

• Fri., April 19: Chili, cornbread, salad

Walk-in & visitors welcome! Homebound adults ages 55 & up eligible for delivery.

If you need a ride, call GVH Senior Bus @ 970-596-6700 (call in advance) or call the Senior Center 970-641-8272.

Please practice social isolation. Remain 6 feet or more from others when needing to be out, but staying at home if at all possible

The Gunnison Senior Center & Community Recreation Center is closed until April 30th

Titans lacrosse secures comeback

Goals in the fourth propel Crested Butte past Demons

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

After a rocky start to the season, the Crested Butte lacrosse team bounced back this week.

On April 2, the boys won a dominant game over Montrose, and an intense comeback victory at Durango on April 6. The two league wins moved the Titans to a 4-6 overall record, and 4-4 in the 4A Mountain League.

Now the boys are preparing for back-to-back midseason tests, first against Grand Junction on April 11, and then Fruita Monument on April 23. Both games will be at Gunnison Middle School and start at 4 p.m.

“The win against Durango Lacrosse B6

GHS golfers improve at Cobble Creek

Allie Schwartz leads Cowboys in Montrose

Alex McCrindle

Times Sports Editor

The Cowboy girls golf team shed strokes at Cobble Creek Golf Course in Montrose on April 8. Senior captain Allie Schwartz shot her best round of the season, finishing 18 holes with a team high score of 103. Sophomore Aiden Tomlin was hot on her tail with a 104.

“Everybody is getting a little bit better at one part of their game or another,” said Head Coach Kevin Mickelson. “We’re seeing improvement. Scores are still a bit high, which is usual for the spring, but we’re getting better.”

The Cowboys will next travel to Adobe Creek in Fruita on

April 15 and River Valley Ranch in Aspen on April 17 to continue the fast and furious spring season. The girls will play at home on May 6 at Dos Rios Golf Course.

On Monday, April 8, with an eclipsed sun casting shadows and bringing cool temperatures to the course, the Cowboys made significant improvements in their swings. Schwartz —who qualified for state her sophomore year, but missed out her junior year — spent the off season reworking her tempo. The hard work started to pay off on Monday when Schwartz led the Cowboys and finished 17th overall.

Tomlin, a 2023 state qualifier, also scored well, finishing just a single stroke behind her teammate. Freshman Althea Stansbery, playing in her third varsity tournament, shed a whopping 36 strokes off her score from late March. She

shot 116 and took 33rd overall. Senior Stephanie Harvey wrapped up the scoring for the Cowboys and shot a 144. Sophomore Faith Pederson missed out on the tournament due to a minor ski injury.

“We’re right on pace at this point in the season,” Mickelson said. “Golf is a fickle game for all amateurs, so we’re trying to put our girls in the best position come May.”

The girls will work on building their confidence and dropping scores ahead of the regional tournament in Alamosa on May 14. The top 21 golfers from regionals will qualify for the state competition in Berthoud May 20 and 21.

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

Luke Walton fends off a Montrose defender. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Allie Schwartz and Aiden Tomlin. (Courtesy Kevin Mickelson)

Mountaineers set school records at Mesa Invite

Aldrich sits first in nation

Petcoff Special to the Times

The Mountaineers broke three track and field program records on April 7 at the Maverick Invite, hosted by Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Ali Aldrich secured a personal best in the shot put and bested her own program record with a mark of 15.77 meters. With Sunday's throw, she sits first in the nation. The women's 4x100-meter relay, consisting of Jada Hynds, Sakara Harrison, Kaiya Firor and Myia Dantzler broke the school record with a first-place time of 46.17 seconds.

Sakara Harrison broke the program's outdoor 200-meter record, set just two weeks ago

by Firor. In a dominant fashion, Harrison broke the tape in a time of 24.18 seconds. Not only did she secure a win and a provisional mark, but a spot in Western's record books.

In addition to rewriting the record books, the Mountaineers sported several wins and topthree finishes. Logan Butterfield captured a win in the hammer throw with a toss of 55.73 meters. He now sits second alltime in the event at Western. Alongside him, pole vaulters Laura Brignoli, Nora Harsin and Sophie Varela took first, second and third with marks of 3.76, 3.31 and 3.16 meters.

Triple jumper Eireann Donohoe clenched another win on the season with a leap of 12.09 meters. In the men’s 800, Jeremy Killoy earned a win and a PR, moving up the conference performance list with a time of 1:53.10. To top it off, Jayda Nix won the steeplechase — in only her second try at the event —

with a time of 11:27.37 seconds.

In the 100 hurdles, athletes Regan Thorne and Kelia Portis took first and second in 14.54 and 15.06. Thorne tied the facility record that she had set last year at this meet. Landon Gary, Connor Prost and Bryce Kizewski secured second-, third- and fourth-place finishes in the men's 400.

Distance runners Garrett Watts, Jacob Tyburski and Robert Scott swept the 10,000 meter field placing first, second and third.

The Mountaineers also emerged victorious against Colorado Mesa in the men's 4x400 relay with a time of 3:18.75. The squad consisted of Prost, Killoy, Bryce Kizewski and Gary.

(Gregg Petcoff is the assistant athletics director for communications at Western Colorado University and can be reached at gpetcoff@western.edu.)

Cowboy baseball loses steam against Titans

The GHS baseball team fell in back-to-back away games to Coal Ridge, 12-1 and 4-3 on April 9.

The losses moved the Cowboys to a 4-4 overall record, and 1-1 in the 3A Western Slope League.

The boys will take on the Centauri Falcons next in an away doubleheader on April 12. The team will return home on April 16 for a doubleheader against Delta. The games are scheduled to start at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at GHS.

BLM HAS CLOSED SEVERAL GATES IN THE GUNNISON BASIN TO PREVENT ROAD DAMAGE

The BLM Gunnison Field Office is closing gates on BLM roads in the Gunnison Basin as part of the annual closure from March 15-May 15 to protect Gunnison sage-grouse during their mating and nesting season. The closures are in coordination with Gunnison County, Gunnison Ranger District, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The gates will reopen on May 15.

For specific information on closures on BLM lands, contact the Gunnison Field Office at (970) 642-4940.

Kelia Ports (left) finished second to teammate Regan Thorne (center). (Courtesy Christopher Day/Colorado Mesa Sports Information)

Gregg

Oliver Parker takes a cut in last week’s home victory against Alamosa. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

Lacrosse from B4

shows the resilience, and the character that this team possesses,” said Head Coach Carter Brock. “Our midfield played lockdown defense, and our offense found the back of the net in the fourth quarter. It says a lot about this team.”

On Saturday, April 6, the Titans faced the 1-5 Durango Demons away. Earlier in the season, the Titans notched a 10-7 win over the Demons in a league matchup, and were eager to maintain their midseason momentum on the road.

The Demons took an early advantage, and held the lead late in the game. In the fourth quarter Durango led 5-2, and was poised to seal the victory. Crested Butte goalie Gavin Fischer kept the Titans within reach, making crucial saves and standing on his head. The Titans rallied late, and scored four goals in 15 minutes to win 6-5.

“We’d like to build on the win, focus on a few key details with the offense and hopefully come away with a win against Junction,” Brock said.

Armed with the electricity from a last-gasp comeback, the Titans will face their greatest test this season against Grand Junction and Fruita Monument. Both league rivals defeated Crested Butte in March by the slim margin of 11-7 and 6-5.

the team will need to win both matchups. Scores were not available by press time.

If the Titans are to finish with a winning record this season,

“We have a possibility to finish with a winning record, which is the goal the boys set

Cowboy track accelerates in Pueblo

at the beginning of the season,” Brock said. “I’m proud of this team as it is, and we will keep working hard to achieve our goals.”

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

The Cowboy track and field team brought fast times and high scores to the Steel City Fast Track Invitational in Pueblo on April 5. Senior sprinter Bodin Bichon claimed two podium finishes. He took first in the 200-meter dash with a blazing time of 51.09 seconds, and second in the 400. Girls distance runners Madelyn Stice and Catalina Schwab also shined. Stice took first place in the 1600 at 5:20.85, while Schwab placed second in the 800 with a time of 2:40.34. Angela Hindes also stood atop the podium, taking first in the high jump. Sienna Gomez took third in the long jump, Caroline Sudderth placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles and Kathryn Frey took fourth in the discus.

GHS senior Jack Pierson attacks the net.

Megan VanderVeer and Catalina Schwab compete in the 400. Cooper Mickelson races in the 300-meter hurdles. (Courtesy Julian Ryter)

Chemical wizards

The Western Colorado University Chemistry Club hosted its annual magic show on Friday, April 5. The club put on a magnetic show filled with explosions and excitement — all powered by chemistry. The colorful display wowed the crowd that packed into the University Ballroom.

(Photos by Jacob Spetzler and Cassondra Grover)

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