As of this month, over a hundred Gunnison Valley employees now have access to free therapy through their employers. The new employee assistance program (EAP) allows small businesses to provide mental health care options to their staff for just $34 a year per employee. Through the program, employees get up to five free counseling sessions per life event (such as the death of a fam -
Construction is well underway at Gunnison Watershed School District schools. But with a recent influx of over $5 million in state grants for the district-wide renovation project, the board is faced with a decision of how much to increase the project’s budget, and pos-
sibly shift how to spend bond proceeds.
After Gunnison Valley voters narrowly approved a $95 million bond, supported by a property tax increase, the district embarked on the largest renovation project in its history. The district had a stroke of luck selling its bonds on the market, and received more in proceeds than expected. In February of this year, the board approved a larger budget, authorizing the project team to spend $115 million.
“After an incredible bond sale and an incredible swing of the bat at these BEST grants,
Similar to a scaled-down version of Crested Butte’s “Community Compass,” the City of Gunnison has drafted its own set of shared community values it hopes will influence decision making moving forward.
The city, with help from an outside consultant, kicked off the planning stage in February.
The consultant conducted 24 one-on-one interviews with many of the city’s main partners such as Gunnison Valley Health, Western Colorado University, the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce and the Gunnison Watershed School District, as well as city department directors. It also incorporated resident feedback from the city’s recent community survey.
The planning team noted common themes that eventually became a new list of priorities pulled directly from conversations with leaders across the community. The consistency was quite remarkable, said City Manager Amanda Wilson. The city’s five stated priorities, or “imperatives” are: housing
“Our society is aging, and there’s a lot of beauty and opportunity in that.”
— Matt Aronson, Western Colorado University
See story on A14
On June 14, the U.S. Forest Service released a final record of decision for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests revised forest plan — a process that has taken nearly seven years to complete.
The GMUG’s forest plan, designed to guide the management, use and protection of 3.2 million acres of forest well into the future, went without a major revision for 40 years. The plan addresses drought, tree mortality and wildfire risk while amplifying forest restoration and resiliency through local and state partnerships. It’s estimated the plan will support 3,900 jobs and provide $125 million in labor income. It will add 68,000 acres of recommended wilderness.
The agency plans to host a public webinar to introduce the final plan. For more information, visit fs.usda.gov/main/ gmug/.
The story that ran in the June 13 edition of the Times titled “Wickenhauser sentenced to four years in prison” was incorrect. Bryan Wickenhauser was sentenced to four years in Community Corrections, run by the Colorado Department of Corrections.
“Community Corrections provides a sentencing or placement alternative, in lieu of prison incarceration, for felony offenders,” according to the Colorado Community Corrections website.
“Participating in a Community Corrections program requires the offender to change his or her behavior, while allowing some restricted privileges to access the community.”
The Times apologizes for the error.
Ronald Leonard Earl
Ronald Leonard Earl was born to the parentage of Alexander Douglas Earl and Sandra Blume on March 24, 1964 in South Carolina.
After moving to Texas at a young age, Ronnie received his formal education in the DISD school system and graduated with honors from Kimball High School in 1982. After graduation, he attended the University of North Texas and became an outstanding vocalist, participating in many concerts around the world.
Ronnie then lived in Denton, Texas and later moved to Colorado, where he lived for over 30 years. There, he worked
Eluisa Kristina Magrinelli was born to Lillian and Darkson Magrinelli of Gunnison on May 30, 2024. She weighed 8 lb. and measured 20 1/2 in. long at birth. She is welcomed by her grandparents, Kim and Kristi Keith of Spartanburg, South
for many years as a property manager. He was well-loved by his clients and a host of friends who became like family.
Ronnie will be forever cherished for his larger-than-life personality, his wisdom, outstanding vocal talent and warm bear hugs. He never met a stranger. His presence brought joy and laughter into the lives of many. He was the heart of every gathering with his infectious smile and contagious sense of humor. He will forever leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of many.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Blume Thompson and stepfather, John Thompson. He leaves lasting memories to cherish through his brother, Anthony Blume, sisters, Jona Thompson, LaTanya (Tedrick) Woods and LaToya (Ralph) Turner, three nephews, Darion Thompson, Gavin Woods and Ralph Ayden Turner, one niece, Kynlee Woods, three aunts, Jackie (Micheal) West, Kristi (Kenneth) Johnson and Alberta Thompson, Ruby Blume, one great-niece, Skylar Thompson,
Carolina and Silvia Magrinelli of Caxias do Sul, Brazil and greatgrandparents, Judith and Tom McGrath of Spartanburg.
Viviana Elizabeth-Marie Moores
Michelle and Joshua Moores proudly announce the arriv-
two great-nephews, Darion Thompson Jr. and Jaylen Thompson and a host of cousins and friends.
A celebration of life service is being held this Sunday, June 23 from 3-5:30 p.m. at the ballroom at Western Colorado University in Gunnison for the community with Ron's family in attendance. Please come join. Speakers will begin at 3:15 p.m.
Roger Keith Wright
The family of Roger Keith Wright would like to invite friends and family to the Gunnison Cemetery at 11 a.m. on June 29. A celebration of life reception will follow at American Legion Post 54, located at 501 East Virginia Avenue.
Helen Marie Marshall
Helen Marie Marshall, also known as “HB” to a select group, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 27, 2024 due to Alzheimer’s at age 93. Helen was born in 1930 to Alice Ars Calwell and John Jay Caldwell in Demopolis, Alabama. Despite growing up during the Great Depression, Helen had an idyllic childhood riding bikes and swimming at the community pool with her friends. Helen was an accomplished scholar, finishing high school second in her class. She received her BA from Huntington College, a private Methodist College located in
al of their daughter, Viviana Elizabeth-Marie Moores. Born at 6:23 a.m. on June 12, 2024 at Gunnison Valley Hospital, Viviana entered the world weighing 8 lb., 10 oz. and measuring 20.5 in. long. As a sixthgeneration child of Gunnison, she brings a legacy of love and tradition. Her maternal grandparents are David and Ruth Grimes and her paternal grandparents are Allen and Trudy Moores.
Conrad Clifton Burton was born to Courtney and Braden Burton of Gunnison on June 2, 2024 at 3:01 a.m. He weighed 7 lb., 11 oz. and measured 21 in. long at birth. He is welcomed by his big brother, Bohdi, who is 4 years old.
Montgomery, Alabama.
While in college, she met her future husband, Milton, who was attending the University of Alabama and studying mining engineering. After marrying in 1952 in the Methodist Church in Demopolis, they honeymooned by trekking cross-country to a remote mining camp in western Colorado. Starting married life in a trailer, they moved frequently and along the way, their three boys were born. While in Gunnison, Helen enrolled at Western State College, obtaining a master’s degree in education. Milton died in 1966 and Helen decided to stay in Gunnison. She taught
in the local school system for many years as a kindergarten teacher at Lake School. Always up for adventure, she joined a travel club after her time teaching. She managed to visit all seven continents. Yes, even Antarctica. She lived in Gunnison for almost 55 years, but the winters became too much. She moved to a care facility in Savannah, Georgia to be near her son, Wade, and with visits from her sons, she enjoyed her last years there.
Helen is survived by her loving family, including her sons, Wade and his wife, Sarah of Savannah, William of Telluride, Colorado and his daughter,
Ashlyn Marshall and Tom and his wife, Carla Fanciullo. Helen is also survived by her rescue dog, Nikki. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Milton Hope Marshall, who passed away in 1966.
A celebration to honor Helen's life will be held at Gunnison Community Church on July 7, 2024, at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at Palisades Restaurant immediately after the service and all are welcome to attend to enjoy some great food and drinks and share stories and fond memories of Helen.
continued on A8
-If clear and safe, bicyclists may proceed through a stop sign without coming to a full stop.
-Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians.
-When bicyclists approach a red light, they must come to a complete stop. If safe, proceed through the light and intersection, following proper rights of way.
-Always ride with traffic, never against the flow.
-Bicyclists must use hand signals.
-No riding on downtown City sidewalks where posted. Walk your wheels!
-Motorists stay alert! Watch for what's around you!
3
-Vehicles must give 3 feet from all mirrors or extensions when passing bicyclists.
-Vehicles must yield to pedestrians.
-Vehicles do not yield to bicyclists, treat them as other vehicles on the road, unless the bicycle is within a crosswalk.
-Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks. Always look both ways!
-Be safe, be seen! Ride at night? Use lights!
-Helmet hair looks good on everyone! Watch out for others!
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Deeply sorry
Editor:
I would like to relay my sincere apology for my indiscretions last summer. I realized too late that I had a drug and alcohol abuse problem and it severely clouded my judgment and led me down a path I truly regret. I have let down my community, my friends and my family.
Since last summer, I have been in counseling and weekly AA meetings and have been committed to living a clean and honorable lifestyle.
I want to thank the I-Bar staff, the I-Bar property owners, along with sponsors and our family and friends for keeping the I-Bar running strong. I also want to thank the community as a whole for the outpouring of love and support. I know I need to continue to work on making amends, and I will do so with God, humility, a sober life and commitment to my family and community.
I am deeply sorry for any hurt I have caused. I look forward to being reunited with my loving family and back to my I-Bar family in Gunnison.
Bryan Wickenhauser Gunnison
We need to water our roots
Editor:
In Gunnison, we exist in the Suicide Belt. To some extent, suicide coexists with ski areas, but this spring was especially intense. We lost two people in three weeks at Western around the end of March. And we almost lost three in four.
Letters to the editor must be 500 words or less. We favor local topics and discourage argumentative letters addressed to particular people. If you reference data, please include sources for fact-checking.
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Email letters to editor@gunnisontimes.com or send to 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, CO 81230. Include your full name, address and a phone number — for our internal use only.
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are experiencing the same phenomenon. Levels of stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression still haven’t dipped below their pre-pandemic levels. Students are still subject to the stress of school and the factors that characterize the Suicide Belt like long, dark winters and constantly rising overdose rates that illustrate our dependence on substances.
TimelyCare and GVH counseling are valuable tools, but they’re not a social support system, and the pandemic only contributed to the embolisms that disconnect students from the community. Gunnison has very few places where students can interact with people outside of the university, and 2020 further slimmed the selection.
Yes, students can volunteer and work in the community, but they can’t easily hang out. Plus, the only places open late are bars, and we know that alcohol abuse is not only prevalent in western Colorado, but also exacerbates depression and anxiety.
Meanwhile, stigma surrounding mental health care still blocks students from accessing resources, as does the fact that many providers in Gunnison are white and straight. Queer students and students of color already face discrimination and harassment that isolates and marginalizes them, putting them at higher risk of mental health challenges. Having to explain their lived experiences to mental health providers is another embolism.
nothing about the issues from last summer. The I-Bar brand is a long-standing family brand established by the Howard family from Powderhorn and was initially used on the property due to relations with the original operators’ family.
The I-Bar Ranch wants to apologize for any pain or concern it may have caused and is committed to doing right and moving forward. We have a great summer concert series and appreciate the broad outpouring of support from the community.
Jennifer Michel I-Bar Ranch
The right to be heard
Editor:
This letter is to the students mentioned in the article titled, “GHS teacher arrested for sexual assault,” as well as sexual assault victims in general.
This is what I heard you, the students, say in the article: Staff members did not have time for you. Your boundaries and dignity were disrespected. You were scared. You felt no one would listen to you, with the exception of one teacher who spoke up for you. You were frustrated with the language barrier. You were unable to take classes because of fear of the perpetrator.
2014, 4820 cfs in 2015, 4730 cfs in 2017 and 5250 cfs in 2019. Taking the average of the last 30 years into account, the average high flow is 3331 cfs, but that’s only because we had two disastrous years in 2012 (760 cfs) and 2002 (875 cfs).
The long-term (since 1911) average high flow is 3832 cfs, and the record high is 11,400 cfs set in 1918. In second place is the 9320 cfs set in 1957. Since Taylor Dam was built in the late 1930s the average high flow is 3512 cfs.
Bruce Bartleson Gunnison
Editor:
In this week's edition of the Gunnison Times , the “Inside Today” sidebar on the front page reports that Bryan Wickenhauser was sentenced to four years in jail. The main headline on page A8 reports that Bryan Wickenhauser was sentenced to 4 years in prison. Then, your correction email which went out on 6/13 reports that Bryan Wickenhauser was sentenced to four years in Community Corrections. Three different things.
My counselor told me Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) is trying to launch a hybrid front desk and peer support position at the on-campus counseling center to protect people like the student who tried to walk in, found the center unstaffed and left and attempted suicide.
Students have access to more free mental health resources than ever, including virtual counseling through TimelyCare and the GVH behavioral health system, all for free. So why are we still committing suicide at such high rates?
As a recent graduate with an outdoor education degree, it reminds me of sudden aspen decline (SAD), and I hope a solution might come from the parallels. SAD, documented in western Colorado since 2004, has killed over a fifth of the state’s aspen stands. The stands share vasculature, and, when drought hits, embolisms (the tree equivalent of blood clots) form in the vasculature connecting the trees. In the moments when individual trees face unprecedentedly stressful dry conditions, they become disconnected from the community that makes them resilient. Western students
SAD can’t be reversed. Aspens’ embolisms are permanent. But ours aren’t. We can intentionally expand the root system that offers students a clone to plug into while surgically targeting embolisms with the creation of third spaces, support for students struggling with substance abuse and more diverse mental health providers.
Western is an aspen stand. Our connection makes us resilient, but we need to water the roots.
Kira Cordova GunnisonEditor:
We are writing this in response to last week’s paper regarding the I-Bar Ranch. Bryan Wickenhauser has been sentenced to a community correctional facility (workrelease rehabilitation house) in Montrose, for up to four years. This is not a prison sentence. I, his wife, along with trusted right-hand woman, Katie Lewinger, will be managing the venue with the help of established I-Bar staff. The owners of the I-Bar property, Gunnison Valley Properties and the Bratton family, have supported the business lease to continue operating as planned.
The property owners knew
Here are some messages I have for you, the students: You do not deserve abuse. It is not your fault. What happened to you is gross and wrong. You do not deserve excuses. You deserve apologies. You are valued. You have the right to be safe. You have the right to be heard and taken seriously. You have the right to learn. You are brave. Your bravery is saving future victims.
I hope you continue to be brave and become the kind of adults that you should have had taking care of you.
Deborah Saunders GunnisonEditor:
The headline on the front page of last week’s Gunnison Times virtually gushed with joy over the highest water levels since 2019. I hate to throw cold water on people’s enthusiasm, but here is the reality.
This year’s high water peaked at 4300 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is indeed good news, but let’s look at the records. First, the official archives list the average high flow for the day (there is a record of peak flows, but it’s tricky to find) and on June 9 that number was 4190 cfs, so we must compare that number to the past official flows.
Here’s the data: We had 4640 cfs in 2011, 4390 cfs in
This reporting is profoundly confusing and borders on negligent. This is a person's life, not just a headline to be pumped out.
The CB News seems to have gotten it right the first time. Not sure why there was such a difference in the handling of this reporting, but man, you guys missed the mark. As a community, we expect better.
Duncan Callahan GunnisonEditor:
We would like to thank the Rotary Club and the Gunnison Valley Education Foundation for supporting local educators with grant money to partially fund a Spanish immersion program this summer.
We, six local educators, who work with students ranging from pre-k to high school, will be heading to Guatemala for two weeks in July in order to develop our Spanish language skills. The tuition includes a family homestay, two weeks of private Spanish lessons (four hours per day), four volunteer sessions at a local school and cultural activities.
As our Spanish speaking student population continues to grow, the strain on our culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) staff also grows. Erin Harrington, CLD program specialist for Gunnison Watershed School District, shared the following numbers with us. At Gunnison Elementary School: 133 out of 540 students (25%)
are multilingual, and at Gunnison Middle School: 74 out of 297 students (25%) are multilingual.
With one fourth of the student population being multilingual — most of whom have a primary language of Spanish — it is critical that educators are developing their own language skills to help students connect with learning materials and safe adults, communicate and feel valued. With only a handful of staff across the district who are bilingual, there is a clear need for more adults who can speak Spanish.
Thank you again!
Lisa Edwards, Katie Jo Tilton, Caitlin Cox, Sierra Cucinelli, Jennifer Kennedy, Lisa Sperl Gunnison Valley
Editor: We wanted to reach out to express our gratitude to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Association of Realtors (GCAR) for their assistance toward buying our home through their Homebuyer Assistance Program. Their gift has been a huge relief during the otherwise taxing, but exciting, life step of buying our first home. We are thrilled to establish our family in the community that we have lived in and have cared about for so long. We truly appreciate the dedication and assistance toward local first-time homebuyers. Thank you again for everything!
Madison Manning and Kevin Doherty Crested Butte South
Editor: In Alan Wartes’ Opinion article in the Gunnison Country Times June 6 edition, entitled “Will We Choose War?” he states: “If there is to be a second American civil war then future historians may circle last week on their calendars to mark its overt beginning.”
Of course, he’s referring to the Trump trial in a New York City courtroom in which he says represents a “dangerous departure from judicial process and constitutional protection.” He further comments on those who support what he considers “questionable charges” and “dubious judicial tactics.” He states that his objective is “not a call to support former president Trump in his bid to return to the White House” yet rationalizes that “neither side can claim the moral high ground.” He concludes with the question “Will we choose war, or work as humanly possible to avoid it?” Wartes’ question to the citizens of this valley is purportedly an effort to appeal to level heads, yet he spends the entire article fanning the flames.
Colleen
McShane Cope GunnisonTwo diamonds in the rough
Editor:
This is regarding all the nicely-written letters concerning Alan Wartes' commentary from June 6. Please ask yourselves this question: Why, after calling Mr. Trump a bunch of derogatory names along with being a "convicted felon," do so many Americans think he has to be a better president than the present one is?
You Democrats might take a serious dive into the disastrous tragedy called the Biden presidency for answers, because it should have been a "walk in the park" for your party to keep the White House against such an allegedly flawed individual. And yet, here we are, with a choice between two "diamonds in the rough," and we do mean rough.
That conservative "propaganda" machine one letter writer brings up has been saying for years that Biden is suffering from dementia. But the liberal propaganda machine shouted to differ, and demanded we believe in a slightly different mental version of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, "The Emperor's New Clothes."
The current president is an unfortunate hollow shell of a man who is being run by others behind the scenes who were not elected by the people, and this is not good for our republic. I choose not to believe the lies of the liberal propagandists concerning this president, because he is sadly not able to individually serve in the capacity which is required of him. I'll assume that the Democratic Party has some talent around with a sound brain still intact to relieve Joe of command before November, so get to it.
Jon Matuszczak Gunnison
A nation divided cannot stand
Editor:
Alan's warning in the June 6 edition is vital. A nation divided against itself cannot stand. Dividing America is the plan of the billionaire’s club Arabella is to fundamentally change this country.
Members Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, George Soros and Hansjorg Wyss, plus a handful of other billionaires, use their wealth by supporting candidates who will do their bidding. Think Biden. We are witnessing radical changes in our country politically and socially that cuts to the core of each and every family unit.
Saul Alinsky’s book, “12 Rules for Radicals,” is dedicated to Satan. Obama and Hillary are admitted admirers of Saul Alinsky. When you read the rules, it will perfectly describe the radical Democratic Party. One rule is to hijack good causes and create class warfare like Black Lives Matter. Another is to accuse the opposition of the very thing you are doing and make them live by their own set
of rules, while you ignore those rules. Think Russian collusion and election interference. Trump is standing in their way and per recent attacks on him, it is evident they are desperate to get rid of him.
Scott Walter author of the book Arabella, pointed out “The choice America faces is between their two visions; Arabella style of big philanthropy ganging up with big government to force the rest of us to live as our betters think we should, or the original American vision where government is decentralized and limited, so that citizens can govern themselves and help each other through their families, neighborhoods and local groups.” The Hollywood elite are all for curtain number one.
We need to recognize what is happening to our once sovereign nation and try to preserve our freedom before it is too late. We are all being played. No equal protection under the law, mass world migration, zero consequences for most crimes, dismantling our form of government and weaponizing it, threatening supreme court justices, rogue prosecutors prosecuting presidential candidates, media control, misleading the American people, the Green New Deal, bioterrorism, over regulations, redistribution of land and wealth, denying God, forcing vaccines and engineering food shortages.
Bill Gates has determined the world is overpopulated and needs to be reduced. When will we wake up? These men are all playing God with the world and our lives. The Chinese would give anything to be out from under Communist rule. Once the cancer is in, it is almost impossible to cure. No one will have incentive to plant crops, raise cattle or run any kind of a business that benefits the population.
And who will rule our lives? The billionaires and their counselors. Check it out for yourself. It is no secret. But you will not hear it on the mainstream media propaganda machine.
Pam Randall GunnisonMoral obligation to take a stand
Editor:
Cori Dobson, chair of Gunnison County Republicans, recently lamented in the pages of this newspaper that someone had stolen a sign from her yard. Last Monday, the state GOP urged its followers, via a post on X, to “Burn All Gay Pride Flags.” FOX31 Morning News-Denver now reports that someone in Arvada is stealing pride flags, banging on widows and yelling obscenities. On Thursday, we read that the Times publisher, Alan Wartes, is concerned that “The temperature of these troubled times has been rising for a while …”
Against this ironic triptych of events and views, the local
is conducting summer road maintenance activities on the Kebler Pass Road and all pull-out and parking areas. No overnight parking will be allowed and all vehicles, including trailers, etc. must be removed from these areas no later than Sunday, June 30, 2024. Trailers not removed will be removed by Gunnison County and the owners will be required to pay towing and storage charges.
If you have questions, call Gunnison County Public Works at 970-641-0044.
we've got the money for your community,” said Artaic Group Principal Chris Guarino. “Like Dr. Nichols said, we have the opportunity to provide facilities that are going to educate your kids for generations.”
In May, the district received two grants from the Colorado Department of Education’s BEST program, which funds school construction and renovation. The funding is slated for HVAC and security improvements. In order to accept this “all or nothing” award, the district must increase its budget to account for certain renovations required by the BEST grant. These pieces of the design were set aside at the start of the year to keep the project at $115 million.
But the board is facing two choices: approve a just over $116 million budget (the minimum needed to accept the grant) and spend a smaller amount of bond money. Or, approve a $120 million budget, spend more bond money now and allow the district to fund more of the project’s “alternates” sooner. Alternates are parts of the design that were lower on the priority list and ultimately removed to keep costs within budget. The board considered the choices at a regular meeting on June 10.
Money now, or money later
Over the last several months, the level of detail in the project’s design has increased from 30% to about 70%, Artaic project manager John Usery told the Times . The most recent budget remained right around $115 million the board approved in early February.
Renovation costs at Crested Butte Community School decreased by around $2 million, as sitework was “less intense” than expected and cost estimates from subcontractors fell, Usery said. The budget at Gunnison’s Pathways increased by over $2 million, due to the heightened expense of spaces like the culinary kitchen, and a larger parking lot.
The grants from the state must
be used on HVAC and security projects. The HVAC grant will pay for building automation software upgrades district-wide, the bulk of which will occur at Gunnison and Crested Butte community schools. Schools district-wide will receive security upgrades, including new vestibules, security cameras, interior push-lock buttons in all classrooms and door latch detection that senses if doors are not fully closed.
“These are going to have a positive impact on our teachers every single day … That they can press a button and the doors lock,” Nichols said. “They don't have to remember, did I lock it, do I pull the magnet? What's going on? Do I have to go in the hallway with my key? Where's my key? What's going on? You just press a button.”
The district-wide HVAC and security upgrades will cost $13
million, so the district has to put in a “match” of just over $8 million — from the bond proceeds — to supplement money from the state. However, the board can choose to scale its spending on how many other improvements, or “alternates,” to do, as long as it meets baseline grant requirements.
“When we say alternate, it's not like we've suddenly dreamt up something new that we're going to add to this project,” said board president Tyler Martineau. “It's something that was conceived of, it was priced, it was put in as a line item, and then it was declined at that time because we couldn't meet the total project budget.”
If the board approves a $116 million budget, it could keep excess bond money for other parts of the project down the line, use it to reduce the tax burden
on Gunnison Valley residents, (amounting to small refunds to taxpayers) or keep it aside for contingencies — money set aside that allows the district to account for the “unknowns” of the design and construction process. But the use of that money is limited by the bond language, and could not be used for things like salary raises.
“You've got a bucket of $4 million and you want to explore how to spend that in three years,” Usery said “The only thing I'll say is, whatever you spend that on in three years, it's going to be more expensive than if you were to spend it now.”
Board member Anne Brookhart hesitated over the approval of a $120 million budget.
“We could bring the project cost back down by $5 million which is closer to what we had
originally planned on doing,” Brookhart said. “And there may be other costs that come up. I don't know why we're all in on every single cent available.” Money leftover (including from contingencies) at the end of the project could be spent on more of the project’s alternates. This could also include maintenance upgrades that the district’s year-to-year capital reserve can’t cover. The board will consider the spending decision at its next meeting on June 24.
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
ily member or changing jobs), among other mental and behavioral health resources. The benefits extend to roommates or family members in the household — meaning the prospect of free therapy branches far beyond a single worker.
“A big part of addressing the challenges that we face as a community cannot be addressed individually,” said Grasp co-coordinator Cole Cooper. Grasp is a community coalition dedicated to the prevention, treatment and recovery of substance use disorder. “Rather, we need support from those around us. I think businesses play a big role in that support.”
The program, in its pilot
year, is a collaboration between the Gunnison County Community Health Coalition, the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley and several residents who pushed to see the valley’s mental health services grow. Twelve businesses, employing between just a few people and nearly 40, have signed up for the program.
The Health Coalition is working with MINES and Associates, a company that administers EAPs around the world. All MINES services will be available in Spanish and English. MINES is working with local therapists to provide more in-person options, said Nic Mckane, the company’s business development coordinator.
Employees will also receive access to a “peer-to-peer” online chat system, as well as some resources outside of
direct purview of mental health. This includes wellness coaching, legal consultation, help quitting smoking and even lactation services. Employers get these benefits, plus consultation on human resources and business performance. These resources may go further in the Gunnison Valley, where seasonal positions prevail and demand long hours, variable pay and is often just one of several jobs the employee works.
“We wanted to target high stress industries,” said Health Coalition Coordinator Reiley Jones. Jones will act as an intermediary for MINES, and gather data on employee usage. “These businesses belong to the construction industry, the service industry as well as a couple of nonprofits.”
Several local employers already offer EAPs, including
Vail Resorts, Gunnison County, Western Colorado University and Gunnison Valley Health. But EAPs aren’t cheap, so they’re often not an option for smaller businesses with only a few employees.
And in a tourist community, the highs and lows of sales seasons can make it more difficult to offer comprehensive employment benefits. Nonetheless, employers’ interest in the program was immense, said Jodi Payne, who led the Health Coalition subgroup that pushed for the EAP.
“They wanted to be able to help their employees and they just didn't have the resources,” Payne said. “The EAP is a low-cost way for those folks to be able to, when an employee comes to them in crisis, not just have to say good luck with their personnel issues. They can refer
them to a service that can help.”
Confirmed businesses include Kochevar's Saloon, the Gunnison Country Food Pantry, Hargrove & Kidd Construction, and High Alpine Brewing Company, among others. The Health Coalition is finalizing the last few businesses this week.
Payne and Cooper worked with MINES to develop the company’s first ever cooperative ownership model. Usually, MINES’ lowest level of participation is $5,000 a year for 150 employees, for a single organization. To allow the valley’s small businesses to access the benefit, the team developed a model where each business buys into the program by paying per employee. With 150 employees signed up, the cost is
continued from A6
$34 a year per employee.
“With the need for critical mental health services at an alltime high, we are proud to support this wonderful Colorado community,” McKane wrote in a press release.
The team will analyze data from this year to determine how to continue and improve the EAP in coming years, Cooper said. That could mean adding community partners, or expanding the program to welcome more employers. If the
program is successful, the team hopes other resort town communities might buy into the same co-op model, Cooper said.
The program has filled this year, but employers interested in joining a waitlist can email Payne at director@gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org or Cooper at CCooper@gunnisoncounty.org.
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Typical Helen ... in lieu of sending cards or flowers, mom had requested any monetary donations be made to the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League. Donations can be made either in person at 98 Basin Park Dr. or on their website at gvawl.org.
Katherine "Kathy" Haynes passed away peacefully at her home in Centennial, Colorado
party leadership now has a clear chance, and the moral obligation, to take a stand. Condemn the theft of Ms. Dobson’s sign and condemn the call from state leadership to trespass and destroy personal property. And please, no obfuscation, hedging or speechmaking in your answer — a plain yes or no will do for the voters in this county.
David Haedt Gunnison
Editor:
There is one huge omission in the way Coloradans get to vote. If you are registered Democrat, you get a Democratic ballot. If you are registered Republican, you get a Republican ballot. If you are registered independent, you get both ballots that can only vote on one.
I believe that citizens who have thoughtfully changed their voter registration to independent have a more thoughtful mind with regards to the responsibility of voting.
As an example, in this primary, as a resident of the Western Slope I had two people for whom I specifically wished to
on June 7 at the age of 81. She was born on July 11, 1942 in New Rochelle, New York to Joseph and Emily (Prevost) Murray. She was the younger sister of Joseph Murray, Jr. She grew up in New Rochelle and graduated from St. Gabriel’s Catholic High School in 1960. She went on to graduate from a secretarial college in Manhattan, New York and then to work for a PepsiCo distributor.
On St. Patrick's Day, Kathy met Harry Haynes, a handsome Marine, on a blind date arranged by her friend. This date led to their wedding in May 1970, following Harry's return from Vietnam. They welcomed their first daughter, Melissa, a year later. Together, they moved to Gunnison in the spring of 1973. The following year, their son, Joseph was born and Laura, their youngest daughter, joined the family in 1978. In 1981, Kathy and Harry purchased land north of Gunnison and built their forever home
vote, one a Republican and one a Democrat. As an independent registered voter, I could only vote for one as I am not allowed to vote on two different ballots. There should be a third ballot with all those running for office noted so that the independent voter can make a more realistic choice. We register as independents because we are more open minded and nuanced in our thinking.
Actually, to be most correct, all ballots should list all the candidates. Then the people would have a clearer choice, and maybe have to actually think before they vote.
Susan Crawford GunnisonPractice safe bicycle riding
Editor:
Now that we are into our summer break, please practice safe bicycle riding. I will summarize, but keep it brief this year.
1. Please ride on the right side of the road, not the left. Facing traffic is for foot traffic.
2. Please do not go through stop signs without stopping. The last bike fatality was someone on the wrong side of the road where there was no stop sign.
with the help of friends and Harry’s brothers.
Kathy's career spanned from RBW Bolt Company in Port Chester, New York to Gunnison’s KGUC radio station as an advertising coordinator. In 1985, she accepted a position at the Gunnison County Assessor’s Office as a personal property appraiser. She enjoyed her job and loved her co-workers for 19 years, until her retirement.
Kathy was an active member in St. Peter's Catholic Church. She enjoyed volunteering for vacation bible school in the summer and preparing food for funerals hosted by the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a hospice volunteer for many years and loved supporting this organization. Kathy was always up for an adventure, from parasailing in Mexico to helping deliver a calf in her nylons and high heels. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family — she saw the world on several cruises. She loved going to the library, exercising at the
3. Please use a visible light, if riding at night.
4. And, finally, please walk your bikes when on sidewalks or crosswalks.
These four areas are where I've seen vehicle drivers have close calls with bikes.
Keith Koepsel Gunnison
saga continues
Editor:
Last week as I was making my way around the Signal Peak trails system, notably the new South Rim extension, I noticed a new posting: No e-bikes! Pretty shocked at this because my understanding was that all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands that allow mountain bikes, allow e-bikes.
The BLM informed me that the Signal Peak has always been closed to e-bikes, they just did not feel the need to post it.
A couple of things strike me as unusual. If it was always closed to e-bikes, why has it not been posted? They claim that when Secretary Barnhardt’s order of 2020 came out calling for all BLM controlled trails to be open to e-bikes, they had already eliminated e-bikes from the Signal Peak. Why? They don’t have an answer. The order fur-
Gunnison Rec Center, playing bridge, participating in an investment club and shopping Gunnison’s main street to buy gifts.
Yet, Kathy was happiest when all the seats at her dining room table were full. She was known for hosting coffee and muffins in the morning or pulling together a Thanksgiving-like dinner for a crowd in the evening. There was always room at Kathy’s table, and she loved nothing more than having her friends and family around it. She knew her way around a kitchen and we all benefited from her skills and love of being in one. Most of all, she cherished moments with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was the lynchpin of our family, and she has left a hole in our hearts. We know she will simply be missed for her easy-going personality, joyous laugh, positive outlook and practical nature.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harry, her
ther stated that each office had 14 days to implement the order.
To be fair, the order contained a caveat that allowed them flexibility if they felt implementing the order would create a hardship, or would not conform with local usage and trail history. Okay, so I still don’t get it. Where is the data for the decision?
The other reasoning, they say, is because BLM lands border private and Western Colorado University lands that have access points. They wanted to be sensitive to those neighbors. Maybe, but this is still public land and all access points have long since been firmly established.
Now we have a mushrooming demand for mountain e-bikes, but we are limiting their use?
The message I get is pretty clear: Sit down and shut up while we go through our study, process, fact find, input gather and examine the data. By the way, older folks like me, you’re probably SOL (my words not theirs).
These “study” or “process” periods regrettably are often driven by a few insiders or squeaky wheel groups advocating for their cause. In other words, the hard body who got passed by a middle aged pudgy going uphill on his e-bike, or the folks who “have heard” there is a problem, but never
three children, Melissa Pevarnik (Todd), Joseph Haynes (Dawn) and Laura Griffith (Caleb), her five grandchildren, Lillian and Emma Haynes, Hayden and Trevor Pevarnik and Benjamin Griffith, her cousin, Roger Prevost and beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother and cousin, Patty Prevost. A funeral for Kathy will be held in Gunnison at 10 a.m. on July 31 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 400 W. Georgia, Gunnison, CO 81230. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gunnison Library, Hospice of Gunnison, or a charity of your choice.
have actually seen it. Where is the Department of the Interior when we need it?
What I see more in the single track, e-mountain bike crowd are: older, physically handicapped, altitude challenged or tourists wanting to enjoy a nontechnical single track often with mountain bikers that ride faster. What I don’t see are valid reasons why class 1, e-mountain bikes conflict with mountain bikes. I see fast riders needing to get around slow riders; I see out-of-control mountain bikes going 9-0 downhill without regard for slower uphill traffic (again the rider attitude, not the machine); I sometimes see lack of trail etiquette (from all disciplines); I see the all purest hikers roll their eyes at any type of mechanized or motorized user; I see trails being used more than ever, making some trails and various times on the trail seem almost crowded.
But sorry to say, after all the smoke clears, I have yet to see any valid reasoning to disallow e-mountain bikes from mountain bike trails — all of them!
Families and friends gathered at Legion Park for the third annual Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 15. After a doggie fashion show, the crowd danced to music from local DJs and got into spirit with colorful glitter face paint. Lip-sync battle participants performed renditions of Frozen’s “Let it Go” and Chapell Roan’s “Good Luck Babe” to thunderous cheers and applause. The picnic accompanied a string of Pride Month events including a Drag Brunch at the Dive on June 16 and a screening of “To Wong Foo … Thanks for Everything” at the Majestic Theatre.
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affordability, economic growth, investment in public infrastructure, organization performance and public outreach. Each comes with a list of actions that will ensure city staff are addressing the stated needs of residents.
The work concluded when the city council formally adopted the strategic plan or “framework,” — a more detailed document than its visionary comprehensive plan — at a regular meeting at the end of May. It will serve as a written consensus on the things the community believes the city should prioritize in the coming years, Wilson said. The city plans to hand out physical brochures later this summer.
“There are so many needs in this community, and it's easy to get off course if we're not all in alignment about what our purpose is and what our priorities need to be,” Wilson told the Times. “We hear that from the community. You'll hear people say they're focusing on this, and I think they need to be focusing on that.”
For example, the city has had conversations about affordable housing for more than a decade, and recently finished building its first and only development, Lazy K. But the city has never formally decided what its role is in the growing housing business. Many of the valley’s large employers, such as the school district and hospital, have asked themselves the same question.
The city decided it will make sure its electrical, water and sewer systems have the capacity to support new development inside and outside of city limits, and as well as promoting connectivity. The Public Works Department has done this recently with the planned extension of College Avenue to the boundary of Gunnison Rising’s phase 2 — which is set to contain the development’s first residential neighborhood. A deed restriction has already been placed on the property, but homes cannot be built until there is a connection to either the highway or a city street.
“Economic prosperity” is another one of the city’s stated priorities. The community has been vocal about its mixed feelings about growth, Wilson said. But a rising number of commercial properties on Main Street and Tomichi Avenue, Gunnison’s downtown area, are vacant or for sale.
ing space owned by the Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP).
The city plans to issue a request for proposals for this data-based study as soon as next month in addition to looking at other Western Slope communities for direction. Nextdoor communities, such as Montrose and Delta, have created programs to revitalize their central business districts, she said.
“We often hear, ‘Support our local businesses. We don't need new businesses coming in,’” she said. “The fact is, we need both. Why would someone want to develop next to a vacant building? We are looking for ways to stimulate our economy without excessively growing our population, or becoming a community that doesn't resonate with our identity.”
In addition to making progress on the water plant project, and catching up on deferred road maintenance after the passage of the ballot measure in 2023 created a funding stream, the city is redirecting its attention to its aging fire station. This spring, Gunnison Fire Chief Hugo Ferchau received money from the state to study the cost of replacing the station, something the city has been pursuing for years amidst failed ballot initiatives. With the station still at the top of the priority list, the city plans to return to voters with another ask in 2025.
“I don't think we've done a good job explaining to the public that the cost savings are real, that we have volunteers,” Wilson said. “We simply do not have that money.”
Sustainability, following the adoption of GunniCares 2030, and diversity and inclusion are woven throughout the strategic plan. For councilor Marisela Ballesteros, this means not only hiring people who come from multicultural backgrounds, but considering the needs of everyone, including youth, when decisions are made.
“Even before council, I've been mentioning public engagement and trying to make sure that there's a voice for younger generations,” she said. “But [I’m] also trying to be an example. We don't have to wait till we get older to start voicing what our generation's needs and wants are and how we envision Gunnison to be for the future.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Attendees will have the chance to win a badfish inflatable paddle board and jewlery from a
The city lacks a formal economic development department, whereas larger cities, such as Fort Collins, have a team of full-time employees that help shape its downtown area. The closest it has is a community development department, consisting of planning, building and fire officials.
While capacity is a problem, Wilson hopes a new economic health study will help the city understand what kind of role it should play in the future alongside other organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the ICELab, an economic development hub and cowork-
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The second annual Touch a Truck Day gave kids from Tenderfoot Child Development Center an opportunity to hop in the driver’s seat of different construction vehicles on June 13. Spallone Construction employees answered questions and showed kids how to honk each truck’s horn.
Organizations at both ends of the Gunnison Valley are benefitting from just over $673,000 in grants from the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec). The money will pay for trail maintenance, summer camps, avalanche forecasting and more.
This year was MetRec’s most competitive grant cycle yet, board member Earl Marshall said at a May 29 meeting in which the board approved funding recommendations. The district received 39 grant applications and awarded 28. There was a “good showing” from the south subdistrict this year, including two first-time Gunnison awardees: Gunnison Valley Mentors and the Gunnison Community School Ski for P.E. program.
“I am super thankful that MetRec is in a position to support the countless organizations that are working daily to enhance our community,” said board member Cassia Cadenhead.
MetRec’s overall budget, including that of its grant program, ballooned when north subdistrict voters passed ballot 6B in 2022. The measure increased their property tax revenue to fund recreation projects. Last year, MetRec awarded $472,000, which at that point, was also its highest award amount.
An independent grant review committee scored and rankordered the applications. Those priorities were eventually used to provide a recommendation to the board. The grants are split up into capital, nonprofit operation support and community
grants. Organizations can also apply for multi-year funding, a new offering that started last year.
The district didn’t spend its total budget for grants this year, which was just over $727,000. This is because it only received one application in its capital project category, so it spent only about a quarter of its capital budget. The unspent money will be pushed into MetRec’s general reserves in preparation for the master recreation plan process, now underway.
“We love that it’s funding from this community that goes back to the things that are priorities on the community’s list, like trails and maintenance.”
Dave Ochs CBMBA Executive Director
“We have a huge master plan coming down the pike,” Marshall said. “And every dollar we can reserve now is going to go to projects that are well thought out in the future.”
The money flowing into Gunnison will support outdoor recreation programs for seniors, well-groomed and affordable cross-country ski trails, replace Gunnison Parks and Rec equipment and support summer camp for kindergarten to eighth graders.
At the City of Gunnison's Parks and Rec Department, $8,000 will pay for new gymnastics mats, football helmets and soccer balls and goals.
The department would have upgraded some of these items no matter what, said Recreation Supervisor Ginny Baylor. But, the grant acts as a subsidy and keeps fees lower for the city’s sports programs.
“People prioritize and value recreation in the Gunnison Valley,” Baylor said. “There's no doubt about that. So this funding is helping all sorts of organizations continue to throw their mission out there and [to be able to] provide these opportunities is wildly valuable.”
The Gunnison Senior Center received its fifth year of consecutive funding. The $10,000 will continue to fund its outdoor recreation program and keep it affordable for participants. Through the program, seniors can take guided hikes all summer long, and then strap on snowshoes or Nordic skis in the winter.
“At the Senior Center, we really try to make all of our programming as affordable as possible because we recognize that most older adults have limited income,” said Senior Center Coordinator Elizabeth Gillis.
An award of $300,000, split over three years in a multi-year grant, went to the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) for its continued work to maintain and enhance local trails and recreational infrastructure. This year, the CBMBA crew is bigger than ever with six full-time crew members, tasked with maintaining over 400 miles of trail in Crested Butte’s major drainages. This includes a backcountry outreach team stationed in the Gunnison National Forest to help with education.
“We love that it's funding from this community that goes back to the things that are priorities on the community's list like trails and maintenance,” said CBMBA Executive Director Dave Ochs. “That’s exciting.”
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Much of the recent mental health awareness movement in the Gunnison Valley has been centered on young people. But a recent report shows that aging adults, a number of whom have experienced mental health decline since the pandemic, may have been unintentionally left out of the conversation.
Over the past two years, Maddie Gregurek, a graduate student in Western Colorado University’s Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health program, has been conducting research about the post-pandemic mental health of seniors in Gunnison County. The Next Fifty Initiative, a Coloradobased foundation dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers, funded the project.
The research included a survey, as well as one-on-one interviews, with individuals ages 55 to almost 100 from across the county, living as close as Gunnison to as far as Pitkin and Somerset. The study concluded this spring with a presentation to the Gunnison County Health Coalition, a consortium of health professionals that work in the valley and Hinsdale County.
Seniors often stated that their mental health was still “good” since March 2020, but more indepth questions revealed that a large percentage reported worsening anxiety and depression. The statistics alarmed the team, said Elizabeth Gillis, especially as suicide rates remained high within the community. Gillis is the Gunnison Senior Center coordinator and served as a mentor and partner during the study.
So far this year, eight members of the community have died by suicide, as many as all of 2023. According to Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes, five out of the eight were adults over the age of 50.
“It’s almost like an explosion, because this year all of the sudden older adults are at the top of the list,” Gillis said.
While rural communities are filled with “dense” social connections that may be harder to find in large cities, resources, whether it’s money or manpower, tend to be more limited, said Matthew Aronson, a sociology professor at Western and one of the lead faculty on the project. Those who want to retire and age in place have to pit their fixed incomes against the rising cost of living, while their medi-
cal needs often increase — all things that can put a strain on an individual’s mental health.
Then came the coronavirus. National trends showed that older adults were among the groups most impacted, not only by the disease itself, but by the loss that came with it, Gregurek said. Many were at high risk, became sick or knew someone who had died. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health, 93% of the state’s roughly 14,000 known Covidrelated deaths were attributed to patients 50 years of age or older.
“We tend to talk a lot about older adults’ physical health, but mental health has largely been ignored.”
Jessica Eckhardt Western Colorado University
But when asked to rate their present mental health, over 60% of the participants characterized it as “excellent” or “very good” — a statistic the team found to be misleading as the study progressed. This became clearer when seniors were asked more detailed questions about how their wellbeing had changed since the pandemic.
For example, since March of 2020, more than one third of participants reported worsening anxiety and depression. The group also noted an increasing number of days during a twomonth period where they felt nervous, hopeless or had “little interest in or pleasure doing things.”
“If you ask them how they're doing at face value, you'll get a decent number that says, ‘Oh, my mental health is fine’ … They have no idea what those interventions would even look like,” Gregurek said. “It's never really been offered to them in a way that's successful.”
During interviews, Gregurek also wanted to understand how the perception of mental health and treatment tend to differ between generations. Over half of the seniors surveyed said they were “somewhat comfortable” discussing their mental health. According to the report, a significant portion of the group mentioned their “need to withhold some information when discussing their mental health, particularly that which could cause alarm among their family members.”
In these cases, older adults frequently noted they’d rather discuss serious mental health concerns with a primary care
provider. But 45% had never seen a mental health professional in adulthood, if ever.
For older generations, mental health was not talked about in the same way it has been today, Gregurek said, and some may have a false perception that declining wellbeing is a part of life.
“They think it might be normal to not feel like getting out of bed several times a month, normal to have such severe, anxious thoughts that they can't leave the house for the day and normal to feel isolated once you lose most of the people in your life and you're over 80,” she said. “And it really doesn't have to be that way.”
The pandemic called attention to a number of underlying programs that already existed and pushed more resources into mental health, said Jessica Eckhardt, another one of the lead Western faculty members on the research project. Her background is in public health and medical behavior trends. But sadly, it also exacerbated them, she said.
“We tend to talk a lot about older adult’s physical health, but mental health has largely been ignored,” she said. “As our population ages, and we're having fewer kids, this is a significant issue to address. How are we going to support this population?”
Mental health care awareness is exceedingly marketed to younger adults. The report highlights a need for more specialized mental health care options designed for seniors, as well as respite care for caregivers. Similar to the pressure not having access to daycare puts on the parents of young children, providing 24/7 care to an aging spouse or family member is one of the most stressful and underrated jobs a loved one can do, Eckhardt said.
Since it has been released and shared, the report’s creators hope it is used to implement change and serve what is one of Gunnison’s largest demographics. When the team first started talking about the project, there hadn't been a survey done to their knowledge regarding senior’s mental health. Now the community has baseline data to work with.
“Our society is aging, and there's a lot of beauty and opportunity in that,” Aronson said. “It's up to us to arrange our communities in ways that can support people so they can age with grace, comfort and security, wherever they land.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Last month, Gunnison Middle Schoolers nominated fellow classmates that exemplified optimism to be Students of the Month. The nominees were Logan Boscaro and Maddie Zaabidick (sixth grade), Kinley Dziekan and John Dempsey (seventh grade) and Kaysha Brunsting and Wes Sudderth (eighth grade). The group received their awards on May 31, the last day of school.
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest Gunnison Ranger District, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), is temporarily closing the area surrounding the historic Alpine Tunnel Road and Palisade Wall for ongoing construction.
Work will begin on Tuesday, June 18 and continue through the summer and fall as weather allows. Approximately 500 acres will be closed in the Alpine Tunnel region. Visitors who take alternative routes should be prepared for significantly longer travel times and no available services.
The closure region includes:
• National Forest System Road #839 or Alpine Tunnel Road
• National Forest System Trail #298
– Williams Pass Jeep Trail
• Lands above and below National Forest System Road #839, progressing south along the closed corridor surrounding #839 and continuing south to trail #888
• National Forest System Road #767.1B (also known as 7767.1B)
• National Forest System Road #888
• National Forest System Road #539
• St. Elmo to Pitkin — Alternate routes include traveling via Hancock Pass to Tomichi Pass to Black Sage Pass to Waunita Pass, or via Tin Cup Pass to Cumberland Pass. Both alternate routes will add additional hours of drive time, so please plan accordingly.
Rock masonry crews will reconstruct the approximate 100-foot section of the Palisade Wall and Alpine Tunnel road that received extensive damage from an avalanche in 2016. This project is made possible by funding prioritized for deferred maintenance projects through the Great American Outdoors Act.
"The Alpine Tunnel Historic District holds great significance in Colorado's history," said Gunnison District Ranger Dayle Funka. "It is vital that we acknowledge its importance and preserve it for the coming generations.”
(Source: U.S. Forest Service.)
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The next meeting of the Gunnison Valley Transportation Authority (RTA) will be June 28, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners’ Room in the Gunnison County Courthouse – 200 E. Virginia Ave., Gunnison, CO. For copies of the Board of Directors meeting packet, please go to www.gunnisonvalleyrta.com/meetings or call Scott Truex at 970-275-0111. Two or more County Commissioners may attend these meetings.
Each year, Gunnison 4-H members raise a menagerie of farm animals that will eventually be sold at the junior livestock auction at the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo. Animal projects not only require a great deal of time, but also space to raise them — something that can deter members from choosing these types of projects if their families don’t have land.
But starting next year, 4-H members will have access to a community barn at the Colorado State Forest Service Field Office just outside of city limits at 1141 Hwy. 135. A shared space agreement with the Gunnison County CSU Extension was finalized this month, giving students space to raise pigs, sheep and goats. Director Hannah CranorKersting hopes to open the adjacent field to cows in the coming years.
“Not only is it easy to access, but it opens it to an underserved group that hasn't maybe been able to participate in the livestock projects before,” Cranor-Kersting said.
CSU purchased the 15-acre property, formerly owned by Don and SueAnne Wilson, in 2018. The barn behind the main ranch house, which previously held West Elk Terriers, sat empty. The Colorado State Forest Service officially moved into the new field office last summer, and sought to put the barn to good use with 4-H in mind.
“It’s been the goal of all of us for a long time to get a 4-H logo on the barn, serve some of the youth in the community and provide the space to promote good conservation and stewardship practices for the next generation,” said Supervisory
Forester Mike Tarantino.
The Colorado State Forest Service, separate from the federal U.S. Forest Service, is an education extension of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU) — similar to the Gunnison County extension. Both organizations are working in tandem to renovate the barn this fall after Cattlemen’s Days.
The extension office will begin offering barn stalls to 4-H members in March of 2025. It will be open to pigs, sheep and goats through August. It is still unclear how much leasing a stall will cost, and the fee may be adjusted after the first year to account for the cost of running the community barn. If kids sell their animals at the auction at the end of the year, they will have the option to pull money from their check to cover the cost of the barn, CranorKersting said.
The barn has six stalls, most of which have enough space to hold multiple animals. There is also field space outside that 4-H members can use to walk and exercise their animals so they build muscle. The Forest Service also has plans to plant a pollinator garden at the front of the property this summer.
Gunnison County’s 4-H program has traditionally been centered on agriculture, with a focus on teaching youth how to care for farm animals and the land. While the program
still teaches leadership skills through hands-on projects, today kids can choose from a variety of topics such as how to raise a cow, build a rocket or sew a quilt.
But animal projects still remain popular. This year, 90 members are pursuing animal projects with species that include cattle, swine, sheep, goat, rabbits and chickens. The work will conclude at the junior livestock auction at Cattlemen’s Days on July 13.
The extension office is in search of volunteer barn managers that will help oversee the space and care for the animals on site next year. 4-H members will be permitted to keep animals at the barn from March through August. Volunteers, who could commit to weeks or months of work at a time, would be responsible for checking on animals multiple times a day. They would go through a vetting process before the spring.
In the meantime, the organization plans to repaint and update the old barn this fall. Applications will open shortly afterward. For more information, call the Gunnison County CSU Extension at 970.641.1260.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
The Gunnison Arts Center’s Sundays@6 free community concert series returned for the summer season at Legion Park on June 16. Attendees relaxed on picnic blankets and lawn chairs after browsing through vendor booths and food trucks. The Times’ own Alan Wartes and Issa Forrest provided an acoustic duet of original charts and classic folk hits. Sundays@6, organized by Professional High Fivers, will run every Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Legion Park through August 18.
On June 11, vice mayor Marisela Ballesteros read a proclamation in both English and Spanish recognizing June 2024 as Immigrant Heritage Month. “We affirm and draw strength from that enduring identity and celebrate the history and achievements of immigrant communities … Immigration enhances Gunnison’s cultural diversity, as foreign-born individuals add to the varieties of languages, customs and cuisines enjoyed in the city,” the proclamation reads.
SATURDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 19TH
Public Health Nurse II –Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Services: 20 hours/week, hourly rate range from $33.79$41.08 plus partial benefits.
Patrol Deputy
Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $70,288-$99,422 plus full benefits.
Detention Deputy
Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $63,162-$89,344 plus full benefits.
Heavy Equipment Operator I: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate from $22.91-$26.08 plus full benefits.
Landfill Operator
Public Works: 40 hours/week, hourly pay range from $22.91$26.08 plus full benefits.
Building & Environmental Health Inspector and/or
Building & Environmental Health Inspector/Plans Examiner
Community Development: Fulltime, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $63,162$99,422 depending on experience, plus full benefits.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
Supply Chain Support Specialist - FT $25.08-$28.84 DOE
Facilities Maintenance Technician - FT $21.53-$24.76/hour DOE Receptionist/Senior Transportation Dispatch-$17-$20.70/hour
Benefits Eligibility: Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA, and dependent care FSA: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following date of hire. PRN staff are not initially eligible for benefits.
Please visit our website for more in-depth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online at gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/careers or call HR for questions 970-6411456. (PRN = as needed). All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a negative 10 panel drug screen test, criminal background check, reference checks, infection prevention procedures (TB test, Flu Shot, immunization records, etc.), physical capacity profile and acknowledgement of policies.
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
CBES - Permanent Substitute
CBES - General Educational Assistant
CBES - Half-time SPED
Educational Assistant Bus Drivers Food Service
Assistant Building Manager - CBCS Substitute Teachers
Special Education EA - Significant Needs Lake - Educational Assistants
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
District School Psychologist
CBSS - Language Arts (one-year only)
GHS - Special Education Teacher
GES - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Teacher
Lake School - Kindergarten
GHS - Secondary Math Teacher
COACHING
CBMS - Assistant MS Girls’ Basketball Coach
GHS - Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach
Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@ gunnisonschools.net
year-round position with great pay and benefits. Please submit resume and cover letter to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@ gmail.com.
THE CRESTED BUTTE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT is looking for a fleet and facilities manager to ensure our emergency equipment, vehicles, stations and housing units are maintained and ready to serve our community. If you have automotive repair, general maintenance, communications and organizational skills, we want you on our team. Starting pay is $29.28-$34.86 per hour DOQ. Benefits include health, vision and dental insurance, 457-retirement plan with employer match, sick, vacation, family leave programs and annual ski pass. Visit cbfpd.org and click “Join Us” for additional information and application materials.
ASSISTANT OPERATIONS MANAGER for PR Property Management. Full-time, year-round, starting now. Insurance reimbursement, IRA, ski pass. $28/hour DOE. Valid driver’s license and experience required. Please email prpropertyoffice@ gmail.com or call 970-349-6281.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
SUPERVISOR: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a Wastewater Treatment Facility Supervisor. Under the general direction of the district manager, this fulltime position is responsible for directing the wastewater and collection operations for the district and serves as the operator in responsible charge for both systems. This position has overall responsibility for the dayto-day operations and managing all aspects of the wastewater department. Important qualifications include a combination of treatment operations, employee supervision, construction and regulatory compliance. A State of Colorado Wastewater class “B” or “A” and/or Collection class “3” or “4” license or the ability to obtain such
Public Works Director
Full-time, $135,000-$155,000/yr
$64.90-$74.52/hr
This position oversees engineering, electric, fleet, facilities, refuse and recycling, streets and alleys, wastewater collection and treatment, water treatment and distribution, and stormwater all managed by experienced, capable superintendents, including a utilities manager.
Utilities Manager
Full-time, $109,200-$134,667/yr
$52.50-$64.74/hr
Responsible for all phases of the operation, maintenance, repair and security of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collections system and water distribution system including equipment, vehicles, grounds and the laboratory.
Construction Project Manager
Full-time, $149,100/yr Up to 71.86/hr
This is a temporary, full-time position that is anticipated to be renewed annually for technical oversight for a 5 to 7 year-long, $50 million multi-phased design and construction program for the city’s water system improvements project.
Emergency Communications Specialist
Full-time, $54,000-$63,400/yr
$25.96-$30.48/hr
Performs public contact and communications duties necessary for the dispatching of all law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services and fire departments for emergency and non-emergency situations.
Water/Wastewater Operator
Full-time
Starting Salary Ranges:
Worker $49,700-$55,400
Class “D” $49,700-$58,367
Class “C” $54,600-$64,200
Class “B” $60,100-$70,600
Class “A” $66,100-$77,700
Responsible for the operation of the water supply, distribution and storage systems. They also perform maintenance, repairs and construction of water distribution, sewer collection, irrigation and storm drain systems, installations, repairs and testing on all water meters.
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 4th of July Workers - $29.90/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.
within one (1) year is expected (training for certifications provided). A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $90,000-$130,000 DOQ. Excellent benefits package, including 100% employer-paid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms and a wellness benefit/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.
FACILITIES MANAGER: Crested Yeti
Property Management is hiring for a facilities manager/maintenance manager. Full-time, year-round salaried position. Benefits include IRA match, ski pass, PTO and paid fuel. Duties include driving a bobcat for snow removal and general maintenance and minor repairs. Send resume to Hop@CrestedYeti. com.
ROOFERS/LABORERS WANTED: No experience necessary. All safety gear provided. Starts at $27/hour. Call or text Curtis. 970-452-1476.
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.
PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE
TECHNICIANS WANTED TO JOIN THE SEALCO TEAM: $33+ hourly - $1,800+ weekly potential with performance and safety bonuses. Seeking motivated, hardworking and dependable individuals. No experience necessary. On the job training working outdoors. Paid weekly. Must be capable of lifting 60 pounds. Email resumes to Aaron@sealcoincorporated.com or call 970-641-4260.
MOUNTAIN EXPRESS DRIVER: JOIN OUR TEAM. PAID CDL TRAINING. Mountain Express is looking to recruit drivers for immediately available shifts. We will offer CDL training at an outside CDL training agency, as well as a sign-on bonus. Starting wage is $22.60/hr. Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit. Drivers are responsible for safe transport and friendly assistance of passengers on our bus route. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp.org to apply and for a complete job description, visit mtnexp.org. EOE.
OFFICE MANAGER: $25/hour plus benefits. Full-time, year-round. Please send resume to PR Property Management, prpropertyoffice@gmail.com or call 970-3496281.
THE TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE IS HIRING FOR A SUMMER PARKS POSITION: Hours will be between 30-40 hours per week. Minimum age requirement is 15 years old. Responsibilities include planting flowers, watering, weeding flower beds, mowing, cleaning up after events in the pavilion and garden, cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash containers and more. Candidates should be expected to work outdoors in variable mountain and inclement weather conditions. They should be able to stoop,
range is $22-$25 per hour. For the full job description, please go to mtcb.colorado.gov. If you have any questions, please email or call Addison Ives at aives@mtcb.colorado. gov or 970-349-6632, ext 115. To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb. colorado.gov.
WET GROCER IS HIRING SUMMERTIME HELP: Apply at the store. 970-641-5054.
GUNNISON VALLEY MENTORS IS HIRING BILINGUAL PLUS MENTORS IN GUNNISON AND CRESTED BUTTE:
Qualifications: Spanish and English language proficiency, strong interpersonal and academic skills, experience working alongside youth ages 6-17, strong organizational and youth advocacy skills. Innovative approaches to problem solving. Ability to collaborate with community youth and family serving agencies and organizations. Ability to make a two-year commitment, exhibits a growth mind-set. Responsibilities: Works one-on-one with up to 12 referred youth, providing social-emotional and academic support in school and/or community settings. Benefits: Employee wellness stipend, liberal PTO, retirement plan, awesome team, some flexibility in scheduling, although considerable time will be spent in school during the school day. Benefits: Employee wellness stipend, liberal PTO, retirement plan, awesome team and a superb opportunity to elevate young folks into healthy and hope-filled futures. Contact Johnna Bernholtz, CB Senior Case Manager, for job description and additional information at jbernholtz@gvmentors.org.
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 package, including 100% employer-paid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms and a wellness benefit/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.
GET PAID to help with the annual 4th of July parade and block party on Elk Ave. Contact director@cbchamber.com.
DO YOU LIKE VARIETY? HELPING PEOPLE? WORKING WITH AN AWESOME TEAM? Join our caring and supportive practice as a dental assistant. No experience preferred. Happy to train anyone open to learning new skills and who enjoys helping people. Full time, year round, competitive pay and benefits, lots of room for growth. Shoot us an email with your cover letter and resume to amy@ crestedbuttedentist.com.
EXPERIENCED BOOKKEEPERS
NEEDED in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Part and full-time. Requires extensive knowledge of QB Desktop and/or Online.
Hourly rate $30hr+ DOE. Please email gunnisonvalleybookkeeper@gmail.com.
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.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY in Crested Butte is seeking a store manager. Previous restaurant or retail management experience preferred. Will train. Manage all aspects of operations to include supervising, customer service, daily books, inventory control, ordering and cost control/profitability. Send resume to rmc. cb@hotmail.com.
ID SCULPTURE IS HIRING
Interested in making the world’s best playgrounds, climbing boulders and interactive art? ID Sculpture designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures and fine art sculptures for parks, schools and public spaces across the country. We use a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments.
IDS provides secure, year-round indoor and outdoor work in a unique fabrication environment with opportunity for travel and room for advancement. We offer benefits including PTO, healthcare and retirement. ID Sculpture is an equal opportunity employer.
We are currently seeking:
Production Assistant(s): Ideal candidates possess a positive attitude, good work ethic and are eager to learn. Applicants must have physical strength, hand-eye coordination, and endurance. Initial responsibilities are to provide general labor and assist artists, fabricators and shipping departments as needed. Compensation is $20-$25 per hr. depending on prior construction experience and/or aptitude.
Project Fabricator(s): The ideal candidate for this position has construction trades experience, welding experience, the ability to work well with a team and a positive attitude. Initial responsibilities are to fabricate various components for standard and custom products. Compensation is $23$30 per hr. depending on prior construction experience and/or aptitude.
Project Sculptor(s): The ideal candidate for this position has a passion for creating works of art, ability to work well with a team, fastidious attention to detail, a positive attitude, experience sculpting concrete, rock climbing, course setting and construction trades experience. Initial responsibilities are hands on sculpting of foam, concrete, and epoxy. Compensation is $24.50-$55.00 per hr. depending on familiarity with IDS process, prior experience, employment references and body of work.
To apply for this unique opportunity, please provide a resumé, cover letter and references to hello@idsculpture.com with the position of interest in the subject line, or drop off your resume at 591 S. Boulevard St. Gunnison, CO 81230.
Learn more about what we do at idsculpture. com.
CENTRAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY is hiring a contract merchandiser. Beverage merchandising position hiring ASAP. Monthly pay. For more information/to apply, please call Lindsey at 970-243-0024.
GUNNISON COUNTY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. is currently seeking applications for a System Locator/Inspector position. This is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Gunnison Headquarters location. This position will be responsible for accurately detecting and marking existing underground electric lines in a timely
manner. During summer months the number of locates per day required is high and requires working in a fast-paced environment while still detecting lines accurately and safely. Diligence is required to complete the high number of locates in a timely manner. Other duties include inspection, GPS and documenting overhead and underground facilities. The pay range for this position is $55,078-$73,445 per year and is paid on an hourly basis. Starting compensation will be based upon work experience, education and/or skill level. In emergency and highdemand times, applicable overtime pay will apply. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, this position offers health care benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off and paid scheduled holidays. To see the complete list of duties and qualifications and to learn how to apply, visit our website at gcea.coop/ about tab/careers tab. Application deadline July 10.
PUBLIC HOUSE IS SEEKING A
MOTIVATED LINE COOK to join the team. This role is directly responsible for all kitchen functions including food, preparation and maintenance of quality standards, sanitation and cleanliness, preparation, plate presentation, portion and cost control. This position will work closely with managers and co-workers to provide excellent service to customers. This position requires 2-plus years cooking experience in a full-service restaurant, problem solving abilities, self motivation and organization. This position also requires knowledge of ingredients for flavor profiles and basic cooking techniques. The ideal candidate will have a culinary certificate and/or degree and knowledge of cuisine and familiarity with wine pairings. This full-time, seasonal position starts at $25-30/hour plus tips, depending on experience and qualifications. The season runs May-Nov. We also offer opportunities for career growth within our organization. If you are passionate about cooking and thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience. com/careers.
CBMR IS HIRING FRONT OFFICE
MANAGER: Seeking an experienced manager for the Lodge at Mountaineer Square. Managing a team with hotel experience is key. Salary $55-60k. Housekeeping supervisor: Inspect and help clean units for outer properties across Mt. Crested Butte and ensure proper procedures are followed. $22-24/hr. Front desk agent: Lodge at Mountaineer Square is seeking full-time front desk agents for the summer season. $20/hr. Please contact Michael Laird, 970-349-4044 or mlaird@vailresorts. com with inquiries.
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.
of up to 25 school and community-based mentoring partnerships, plan, implement and evaluate mentoring partnerships, arrange and attend workshops, conferences and other professional development opportunities as related to the position, work directly with mentors, mentees and families to build youth resiliency skills.
Benefits: Employee wellness stipend, liberal PTO, retirement plan, awesome team, hybrid work option with flexible scheduling.
Contact Johnna Bernholtz, CB Senior Case Manager, for job description and additional information at: jbernholtz@gvmentors.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS WANTED:
Mountain Roots seeks dedicated people to shape the future of the organization and advance local food systems. A variety of skills are needed: events, finance/business, advocacy/organizing, leadership, strategic planning and more. Diverse community members, part-time residents, valley-wide encouraged to apply. (Mostly) monthly meetings, abundant fresh food and amazing group of dedicated people. More info at mountainrootsfoodproject.org.
DENTAL PATIENT RECORD
DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Community Dental Health Clinic / PIC Place at 87 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO 81401 and the dentists mentioned below will be destroying dental records for their adult patients which are older than 05/2017 and records of pediatric patients which are older than 05/1999 per Colorado Dental Board regulations. If you do not want your records destroyed and wish to retrieve your dental records, please contact us at 970-252-8896 and press option 2. There will be no charge for your records.
Rahul Salunke, Andrew Loomis, Todd Southhall, Christopher Burchette, Tim Howard, Robert Saunders, Terry Butler, Sabrina Butler, Amiee Rawlings, Richelle Richmond, Tyler Morgan, Leo Galvez, James Gerweck, Corg Best, Brent Johnson, Joshua Eastman, Ryan Helgerson, Daniel Hatch, William J Barminski.
C-KARS AUTO AND TRUCK REPAIR IS FOR SALE: Owner wants to retire. 970-6414060.
GUNNISON RIVER RETIREMENT COMMUNITY CONDO FOR SALE: Two bedrooms on the river. Furnished. Unit C #1. Available for showing July 1. Asking $365,000. 713-594-4675.
1,500 SQ. FT. RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE
AVAILABLE in the Gunnison Meadows Mall next to City Market. Address: 722 N. Main. $22/ft. NNN = $2,750/month. For more information, call Jordon Ringel, 817-7336947 or visit GunnisonMeadows.com.
WANTED: Colorado Unit67 Elk Voucher cow 2nd season (2 each). Contact George, 713-201-7916.
GUNNISON VALLEY MENTORS IS HIRING A BILINGUAL CASE MANAGER IN CRESTED BUTTE: Qualifications: Spanish and English fluency. BS degree or higher in human services, education, social sciences or related fields desired, although lived experience will be considered. Desire to work with young folks in school and community environments. Strong organizational and youth advocacy skills. Innovative approaches to problem solving. Ability to collaborate with community youth and family serving agencies and organizations. Ability to make a two-year commitment. Responsibilities: Recruit, screen and process potential mentors for referred youth, intake youth and families, organize and attend monthly group recreational activities, provide professional case management services to a caseload
Regular Meeting/Budget Approval
Agenda June 24, 2024
5:30pm Lake School Conference Room
This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.
• Call to order
• Roll call
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Approval of agenda (ACTION, All)
• Commendations and celebrations (Information, Successful Students, Strong Employees)
Public comment (Information, Engaged Community)
Please use the public participation form, or use the Q&A feature in Zoom, and indicate your name, address, and topic for comment.
Consent agenda (ACTION, All)
Items in the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will not be separate discussion of these items prior to the time the board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be removed from the grouping for separate consideration.
Board of Education Minutes
June 10, 2024 Regular meeting
Finance: Approve for payment, as presented by the Director of Finance, warrants as indicated:
General Account # last update
6/10/2024
Payroll Direct Deposit # last update 6/10/2024
Personnel Laurel Cammack-Newcomer TeacherGHS
Caitlyn Cox-6th grade English-GMS
Stacie Dowis-Behavioral SpecialistGCS
• Stephanie Gerber-Kindergarten-CBES
• Jordyn Johnson-4th grade-CBES
• Heidi Pankratz-Kindergarten-Lake
• Zoe Rome-7th grade Science-GMS
• Breanne Platt-Assistant Principal-GES
Alicia Belgiovanne-Elementary MusicGES
Temple Cox-Math InterventionistCBSS
Mary Wilson-General EA-GES
Larry Dunbar-Resignation-Bus DriverTransportation
• Items for information, discussion, and action
• Consider Authorization of Bond Program Executive Committee to Continue with Design Development Cost Estimates as presented (ACTION, Functional Facilities)
Artaic Group
FY25 Budget Approval Presentation (Discussion, Healthy Finances)
Mrs. Tia Mills, Director of Finance
Consider approval of FY24-25 Budget (ACTION, Healthy Finances) Consider approval of FY24-25 Appropriation Resolution (ACTION, Healthy Finances)
• Consider approval of Use of Beginning Fund Balance Resolution (ACTION, Healthy Finances)
• Consider approval of Red Lady Ave. and Hwy 135 Intersection Engineering Cost Sharing Agreement with the Town of Crested Butte (ACTION, Strong Employees)
Consider approval of the Marble Charter School contract (ACTION, All)
Other Administrative Report Items(Discussion, All)
Dr. Leslie Nichols
Items introduced by Board Members (Discussion, All)
Board committee reports (Information, All)
• Board/Student Engagement - Dr. Coleman and Mrs. Roberts
• School Board Policy - Mrs. Brookhart and Dr. Coleman
• Executive Committee for Bond Project
- Mr. Martineau
Superintendent Evaluation- Mrs. Brookhart and Dr. Coleman
District Accountability Committee (DAC) - Mrs. Roberts
School Accountability Committees (SAC)
GHS - Dr. Coleman
GCS - Mrs. Brookhart
CBCS - Mr. Martineau
• Gunnison County Education
Association Negotiations - Mr. VanderVeer
• Gunnison County Education
Association 3x3 - Mr. VanderVeer
• Fund 26 - Dr. Coleman
Gunnison Memorial Scholarship - Mrs. Roberts
Health Insurance Committee - Mr. VanderVeer
Housing Advisory Committee-Mr. VanderVeer
Gunnison Valley Education Foundation-Dr. Coleman
• Upcoming agenda items and meeting
schedule (Information, Engaged Community)
• August 12, 2024 – Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m.-GUN
August 26, 2024 - First Day of School!
August 26, 2024 - Work Session 5:30 p.m. - GUN
Adjournment
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of June 20, 2024 13829
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Roberta K. Lohr, aka Roberta K. DeMuth, Deceased Case Number 2024PR30018
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before October 21, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Cathleen G. DeMuth P.O. Box 36 Crested Butte, CO 81224
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of June 20, 27, July 4, 2024 13810
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
District Court, County of Gunnison, State of Colorado Court Address: 200 East Virginia Avenue Gunnison, CO 81230
In the Matter of the Estate of:
FRANK DAVID LUCKY, Deceased
Attorney or Party Without an Attorney: M. Kent Olsen Atty. Reg.#: 6431 Olsen & Mahoney, LLP 650 South Cherry Street, Suite 100 Glendale, CO 80246
Phone Number: (303) 329-4670 FAX Number: E-mail: mkolsen@olsenmahoney.com
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO §15-12801, C.R.S.
Estate of Frank David Lucky, Deceased Case Number 2024PR30012
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before October 6, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Cecily Ann Miller 6526 37th Street Lubbock, TX 79407
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of June 6, 13, 20, 2024 13589
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
Go to website for location and more details.
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
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
SUNDAY
Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year)
WEDNESDAY (during school year)
Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. 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 6:30 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, Sat. at 4 p.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.
No matter your cancer stage or phase of recovery, Gunnison Valley Health can help you access the care and support you need.
Lead by board-certified oncologist, Dr. Paulette Blanchet, our skilled oncology team provide personalized treatment in a calm, supportive and comfortable setting - right here in Gunnison County.
ONCOLOGY | HEMATOLOGY | INFUSION THERAPY
CANCER CARE CENTER | 970-642-4773
711 N. TAYLOR ST. | GUNNISON
An oncology nurse navigator is a professional registered nurse with oncology-specific clinical knowledge. We offer individualized assistance to patients, families and caregivers to help navigate treatment.
SUPPORT FOR THIS PROGRAM PROVIDED BY CATTLEMEN’S DAYS TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK
CANCER CARE CENTER | 970-642-4773
711 N. TAYLOR ST. | GUNNISON
We specialize in helping patients and survivors cope with a wide variety of symptoms and concerns. Our therapists will support and empower you on your journey back to optimal health, activity and well-being.
PHYSICAL THERAPY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY | SPEECH THERAPY
HOSPITAL | 970-641-7268
711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON
CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT
JUNE 10
INFORMATION — W. DENVER AVE.
JUNE 11
ACCIDENT — 411 E. TOMICHI AVE.
NUISANCE CODE VIOLATION — 314 N. 14TH ST.
ANIMAL TREATMENT - CRUELTY - MUNICIPAL — 420 PAINTBRUSH AVE.
PROPERTY - FOUND — 400 S. 9TH ST.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: THIRD DEGREE — 600 N. COLORADO ST.
JUNE 12
ABANDONED VEHICLE — 800 W. BIDWELL AVE.
ACCIDENT — 108 S. 12TH ST.
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE X2 — 880 N. MAIN ST.
ACCIDENT - HIT AND RUN — 880 N. MAIN ST.
HARASSMENT: STRIKE, SHOVE, KICK — W. DENVER AVE.
JUNE 13
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 880 N.
MAIN ST. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 114 S. 14TH ST.
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE X5 — 900 N. MAIN ST. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — PAINTBRUSH AVE.
JUNE 14
PROPERTY - FOUND — 302 S.
MAIN ST. ANIMAL - NUISANCE ABATEMENT - MUNICIPAL — 304 VAN TUYL CIR.
MENACING: NO WEAPON INVOLVED — 220 N. SPRUCE ST. PROPERTY - LOST — 800 N. MAIN
ST. THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 900 N. MAIN
ST. HARASSMENT: STRIKE, SHOVE, KICK — 500 E. TOMICHI AVE.
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 410 S. 11TH ST.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: THIRD DEGREE — 900 N. MAIN ST.
JUNE 15
PROPERTY - FOUND — 711 N. TAYLOR ST. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1006 W. TOMICHI AVE.
PROPERTY - FOUND — 104 N. MAIN ST.
HARASSMENT: COMMUNICATIONS — 910 W. BIDWELL AVE. INFORMATION — W. RIO GRANDE
AVE.
GUNNISON COUNTY
JUNE 11
-Somerset/Marble deputies took a harassment complaint from a summer camp
-Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police Department with an inprogress trespass which resulted in one warrant arrest
-Deputies responded to a possible assault and took one person into custody for domestic violence and menacing
JUNE 12
-Somerset/Marble deputies took a report of a found iPhone and were able to contact the owner
-Deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a warrant arrest
-Deputies took a barking dog complaint
JUNE 14
-Somerset deputies issued a citation for driving an uninsured motor vehicle, speeding and no valid registration
-Deputies took one person into custody for sexual assault
-Somerset deputies and the Paonia Fire Department responded to the Oxbow Mine for a fire possibly caused by the high wind or lightning
-Deputies arrested one person for harassment - domestic violence
-Deputies responded to a vehicle and trailer crash next to a residence, possibly medically caused
-Somerset deputies issued a summons for driving while license is suspended and vehicle only having one number plate attached
JUNE 15
-Deputies took a sex assault report - under investigation
-Marble/Somerset deputies issued two people summons for trespassing on the Bear Ranch
JUNE 16
-Deputies assisted the CSP and National Park Rangers with a twovehicle crash
JUNE 17
-Deputies responded to a theft of firewood call, but the parties had worked everything out
-Somerset deputies responded to a medical traffic call on Hwy. 133, M.M. 28
-Deputies took a harassment complaint that is under investigation
-Somerset/Marble deputies took a missing person report x2. Both parties were found safe.
-Deputies performed a welfare check
Gunnison Valley RTA Strategic Plan and Gunnison Valley Safety Action Plan \\ Plan Estratégico de la RTA de Gunnison Valley y Plan de Acción de Seguridad de Gunnison Valley
Come learn about and provide feedback on two transportation projects: Venga a informarse y a dar su opinión sobre dos proyectos de transporte:
Gunnison Valley RTA Strategic Operating and Capital Plan // Plan Estratégico de Operaciones y Capital de Gunnison Valley RTA
How should Gunnison Valley RTA improve bus services?
¿Cómo debería mejorar la RTA de Gunnison Valley los servicios de autobús?
Monday, June 24 // Lunes 24 de junio 9:00am – 11:00am
Crested Butte Town Offices 507 Maroon Ave
Thursday, June 27 // Jueves 27 de junio 6:00pm-8:00pm Crested Butte Town Offices 507 Maroon Ave
Gunnison Valley Safety Action Plan // Plan de Acción de Seguridad de Gunnison Valley
What roadway safety improvements should be made to CO 135?
¿Qué mejoras de seguridad vial deberían introducirse en la CO 135?
Monday, June 24 // Lunes 24 de junio 5:00pm – 7:00pm Gunnison Recreation Center 200 Spencer Ave
Friday, June 28 // Viernes 28 de junio 9:30am-11:30am Gunnison Library 1 Quartz St
Your input is vital in shaping the future of recreation in our region.
EVENTS:
June 23rd: Sunday @ 6
6:00 PM - Legion Park, Gunnison
June 24th: Alpenglow
5:30PM - Town Park, Crested Butte
Join us and make your voice heard!
JUNE 20 - JULY 20
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024
In 1961, a high school student from Kansas named Charlie Brickler made his way to Gunnison to attend a summer music camp at Western Colorado University. He drove west along Hwy. 50, passing by the Gunnison Cemetery on his way into town. Unbeknownst to him, his great-great grandfather and Black Civil War veteran, William Clark, had been laid to rest beneath its grass-covered ground. Charlie wouldn’t return to Gunnison again for more than 60 years. But a cascade of discoveries over the past year would summon him back to town to reconnect with his lost ancestor. Last week, Charlie
and his wife, Bev, visited Clark’s gravesite for the first time.
The couple were accompanied by a brigade of local historians and high school students who’d helped to reconnect the threads of Charlie’s lineage. Charlie and Bev’s clasped hands hung above Clark’s glossy marble headstone, listening raptly as the group shared the history they’d reconstructed.
“This really brings it all home,” Charlie said after the outing.
Last fall, Gunnison High School students in the American Legion Club stumbled upon a sunken headstone during a cemetery clean-up.
The students unearthed the heavy stone, and upon cleaning it, discovered that it belonged to one William Clark, a First Sergeant of an American Civil War Colored Infantry Unit. A smaller, nondescript grave marker, just to the right of Clark’s headstone presumably belonged to his wife, Rachel.
In an effort to honor the fallen military man who’d served his country centuries before, the students labored to restore
CO
6PM - 9PM | RAIN OR SHINE
6PM - 9PM NO BYOB - BEER GARDEN
the gravesite. Despite their efforts, the headstones still lacked something — or someone — important: known relatives to visit and pay their respects.
Knowing nothing more than Clark’s name and his involvement in the Civil War, the group recruited genealogist Loretta McDonald to dig deeper into Clark’s life story. McDonald, who lived in Gunnison for years before relocating to California, has been studying genealogy for decades. She hoped that her research would not only weave together the tapestry of a former Gunnison resident’s life, but that she might find living relatives to share that complete picture with.
McDonald input the limited information she had into Ancestry.com. To her delight, she got an immediate hit. Through the platform, she was able to get in touch with Clark’s great-great-granddaughter, Christina Wells, a Maryland resident who’d uploaded the few details she had of her family tree to the website.
McDonald of the Pioneer Museum, and former Colorado Lt. Governor and Gunnison playwright Michael Callihan. The group invited any of Clark’s known descendants to visit his grave plot on Flag Day, and Charlie, Wells’ uncle, made the trek to Gunnison.
During the cemetery visit, the group shared the timeline of events of Clark’s life leading up to his final resting place. Callihan had pulled together census data and documents outlining the story of the Colored Infantry that Clark once led. During the Civil War, Black soldiers served in segregated military units, often in exchange for their emancipation.
Clark enlisted to the Union Army forces in Missouri in exchange for his freedom from slavery. He served in the military from 1862 to 1867, eventually rose to the rank of First Sergeant and made his way out to Kansas. After completing his service, Clark married Adeline Rachel Farby. Over the next three decades, the couple had seven children and relocated to Gunnison. Clark ran a shoe store — aptly named Clark’s — in town for years before his death in 1907.
“She [Wells] was intrigued right off the bat because her grandmother had been orphaned at age 6,” McDonald said. “So she knew absolutely nothing about her family. That still gives me shivers.”
Wells’ grandmother, Leila, was relocated from Gunnison to an orphanage in Denver following her parents’ deaths. With McDonald’s help, Wells was able to piece together a missing link: Leila was the granddaughter of William and Rachel Clark.
McDonald shared the discovery with the crew who had initiated the search, including the Legion Club students, GHS teacher Mark High, Larry
Clark, known fondly around town as “Uncle Billy,” was a beloved member of the Gunnison community, High said. An obituary for Clark in the local newspaper reflected the impact he’d had on the town and the people in it.
“Our history here is incomparable, but a lot of it is still buried,” Larry said during the cemetery visit. “Hopefully we get the chance to uncover more stories like William Clark’s.”
(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Each day at the Dog Cabin Resort begins with the same routine, fostering a comfortable environment for its canine customers. Groomers organize their arsenal of hair trimmers and pet-friendly shampoos.
The graveyard shift prepares a kibble breakfast feast for dogs boarded overnight. Managers Casandra Naugle and Matt Marks flip the open sign, welcoming a steady stream of fourlegged patrons to their home away from home.
We’re actively keeping the dogs safe and making sure they interact well. It’s rewarding to be able to see dogs come out of their shells.
Casandra Naugle
Dog Cabin Resort
When Naugle and Marks were presented with the opportunity to purchase the business and step up to the role of owners, they knew that a smooth transition would help maintain the routine the dogs were accustomed to.
“We have customers that have been here since the Dog Cabin started six years ago — they know what to do and how everything works,” Marks said. “It’s kind of like a little ballet we do at the beginning of each day to make sure everyone’s on the same page.”
The pair officially celebrated their new positions with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 7, but their path to this point began years before. Naugle started working at Dog Cabin in 2020. She wanted a flexible job that complimented her class schedule and gave her an excuse to hang out with dogs all day. By 2021, she’d been promoted to a manager position.
Marks joined the team the following year shortly after graduation, starting out in dog daycare. He quickly tran -
sitioned into working nights, keeping a watchful eye on the boarded dogs until sunrise.
Both studied at Western Colorado University. Marks graduated in 2022, and Naugle has since transferred to finish her degree online at Colorado State University. Neither Marks nor Naugle planned to get into the dog boarding and grooming business. But when the opportunity to purchase Dog Cabin arose, the duo saw it as a chance to solidify their presence in the town they both love, Naugle said.
For Naugle and Marks, the opportunity to improve dogs’ lives is the biggest perk of the job. Throughout their years working at the Dog Cabin, they’ve learned how to develop solutions for dogs struggling with aggressive or anxious behavior. The benefits extend to dog owners, too, especially those who work long hours or are physically unable to take their pups out for long adventures.
“It’s great being able to provide dogs with this service,” Naugle said. “It’s so good for them in so many different ways — it’s enrichment, socialization and exercise … We’re actively keeping the dogs safe and making sure they interact well. It’s rewarding to be able to see dogs come out of their shells.”
Last year, former Dog Cabin owners and founders Karen and Mark Higgins started a separate local dog rescue, Dog Cabin Ranch Sanctuary. Caring for the rescued dogs — many of which required intensive care
— quickly usurped most of their time, and Marks and Naugle picked up extra responsibilities at Dog Cabin to lighten their load.
Eventually, the Higgins’ decided to follow their passion for rescue full-time and move on from the boarding and grooming aspect of dog care. They didn’t have to look far to find someone to pick up where they left off with Dog Cabin: Marks and Naugle were the perfect fit.
Their new roles as business owners was a natural progression from their managerial experience, Naugle said. The pair were already familiar with the ins and outs of running the Dog Cabin, and a reliable staff helped make for a smooth transition.
Besides doing a bit of spring cleaning and redecorating, Naugle and Marks plan to keep operations similar to the Higgins’ for the benefit of their customers — human and hound. Any changes will come in the form of added enrichment activities, improving safety standards and more play time for the dogs.
“We just want to keep that momentum and keep expanding,” Naugle said. “We want the Dog Cabin to continue being a safe, happy place for the dogs to come.”
(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)
The Gunnison Arts Center took over Main Street with live music and art activities during the Summer Solstice Block Party on June 15. Kids decorated the city streets during a sidewalk chalk contest, while others joined in sun-themed movement and art classes. Wheelies and Waves sponsored the event to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Crested Butte Mountain Runners will run the Lupine Loop trail starting at Gunsight Pass Trailhead on June 21 at 6 p.m. For trail maps and further information, please visit cbmountainrunners.org.
The Crested Butte Film Festival will screen “The Zone Of Interest'' on June 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Majestic Theater. Find tickets at cbfilmfest.org.
Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival will offer a Low-flying Trapeze Workshop on June 22 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Taylor Hall Studio Theatre. No experience is necessary. Purchase tickets at westerntheatrecompany. squarespace.com.
The Gunnison County Democratic Party will hold its annual Hwy. 135 clean-up on June 23 from 9-11 a.m. Meet at the Almont Resort at 8:45 a.m. Lunch will follow.
High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) invites you to join its HCCA Hikes every Wednesday beginning on June 26. View the full season schedule, reserve your spot and find more information at hccacb.org.
Harmels on the Taylor will offer free fly fishing lessons on select dates throughout the summer. Visit harmels.com or call 708.710.4427 for more information.
The Six Points Community Picnic happens on June 27 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the thrift store, 1160 N. Main St. in Gunnison. Enjoy free food, drinks and activities for all.
Gunnison Valley Climate Crisis Coalition (GVC3) announces the 2024 Western Slope Climate Forum: Empowering Action in Rural Communities on June 28 from 1-6 p.m. at Elevation Hotel and Spa in Mt. Crested Butte. This free forum brings together experts, community leaders and the public to discuss climate challenges unique to rural areas. Email gunnisonvalleyclimate@ gmail.com for more information.
P.E.O. will hold an interactive art heist mystery theater fundraiser on June 29 from 12:30-4 p.m. at Queen of All Saints Parish Hall, 401 Sopris Ave. in Crested Butte. Part mystery and part scavenger hunt, the event will help fund women’s pursuits of higher education. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. For more information, email mrijks@ mac.com.
Weekly intermediate/ advanced tennis happens in Crested Butte on Thursday evenings at 5 p.m. Just show up at the tennis courts located across from the visitor center. Arrive early to warm up. No partner is needed and everyone is welcome. The cost is $5 per night or $20 for the season and fees go toward tennis balls. For more information, call Don at 970.497.0123.
The Gunnison Pioneer Museum is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. through September, offering visitors a wide variety of displays of western heritage in over 40 buildings and structures. Museum admission is $15 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for 5 and under. Annual memberships are $25. Follow their Facebook page and visit gunnisonpioneermuseum.com for updated information.
Mountain Roots is seeking dedicated board members. Skills needed include event planning, finance/business, advocacy/organizing, leadership, strategic planning and more. Experience in nonprofit
Join the Gunnison Arts Center for Pottery Pop-up Friends Night Out. Bring your pals and get your hands in the mud on June 21 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the clay studio. Registration includes all materials, a beverage of your choice and light snacks. For more information and to register, visit gunnisonartscenter.org.
governance or business management, fundraising, community organizing and a commitment to our mission are preferred. All are encouraged to apply. Please send a resume and brief statement of interest to director@mountainrootsfoodproject.org.
Join the Mountain Roots team for weekly gardening hours on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at 310 N. 14th St. Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. at the living classrooms at Gunnison Community School and Fridays from 10 a.m.12 p.m. at 200 E. Spencer Ave. All are welcome. Visit mountainrootsfoodproject.org/volunteer to sign up.
Habitat for Humanity Gunnison is seeking volunteers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. at 211 S. 6th St. in Gunnison. Help with painting, landscaping and basic construction tasks. No experience is necessary. Volunteers get a free t-shirt and lunch on Saturdays. Call 970.641.1245 or visit hfhgunnisonvalley.org for more details.
Crested Butte Friends of the Library will host “Circling Europe” wine tastings on July 11, Aug. 22 and Sept. 5. The cost is $50 per person and includes light snacks. Tickets can be purchased at the Old Rock Library front desk or email cblibraryfriends@gmail. com for online instructions. All proceeds support Old Rock Library.
Gunnison High School’s 60-year class reunion will be held on July 12, with dinner at 5B’s BBQ at 5 p.m. For more information, call Bob at 970.596.1556.
Overeaters Anonymous meets on Thursdays at 5 p.m. at The Last Resort, 114 Wisconsin St. in downtown Gunnison. This is an open meeting.
Qigong is a gentle practice of flowing movements that improves balance, strength, mobility and calm. Beginners and advanced practitioners of all ages can practice in a fun group atmosphere on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. in the GAC dance studio. For more information and to register, visit gunnisonartscenter.org.
Easy Jim performs at Legion Park at 6 p.m. on June 23. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy food trucks, vendors, a beverage garden and more.
Friday, JUNE 21 | 6PM
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024
The Gunnison U14 softball team went undefeated before falling in the championship game at the Diamonds in the Rockies Tournament at Jorgensen Park June 14 to 16. With the bridge closure, multiple teams dropped out of the tournament leaving a total of 22 statewide teams spread across three different age-based brackets. Gunnison could only form a U14 and U12 team due to other sport commitments and family vacations. The remaining Gunnison U18 players played with the Montrose Warhawks and Grand Junction Blue Jays at the tournament.
The U14 girls started the campaign with a dominant win over High Maintenance Cortez, blowing them out 13-3 to set a positive tone for their next games. On Saturday, Gunnison faced the Grand Junction Mavs
twice, and showed signs of greatness in both games.
The first game was decided in the bottom of the first as Gunnison scored 15 runs compared to two from the Mavs. Grand Junction teased a comeback in the top of the second, bringing six runs home. But Gunnison escaped with two more runs, winning 17-8.
The second game started strong for the Mavs. The away team scored three, while Gunnison only put two on the board. With the score at 3-2, The Mavs maintained their pace in the second, notching another three runs.
Gunnison rose to the occasion in the bottom of the second. Penelope Kuehlhorn led the way with a two-RBI triple to wake up the Gunnison bench. She sparked an incredible 10-run inning to steal the lead. The girls shut the Mavs down in the top of the third to finish the game 12-6, securing Gunnison's third win in the tournament.
The hosts’ last game of the day was another match-up against High Maintenance Cortez. Gunnison started the game with two runs from a Mckayla Singer RBI single followed by an RBI single from Reese Japuntich.
Paul Vickers Special to the Times
Once again I challenged our Gunnison High School football team to "Operation True Grit.” Most head coaches opt for a football camp. Well, not me. I think the players learn more about themselves and each other by getting off their mobile devices and doing something like "Football Camp: Coach Vickers Style.”
It's really easy. Take a bunch of freshmen and put them together with upperclassmen. Put them in a hard-working situation. Teach them to work together as a team by cutting, splitting and stacking firewood for local patrons. Take them into the woods to go fishing, eat s’mores, tell stories around the campfire and then do something collectively as a team that no one else (to my knowledge)
is doing. The result? Building the foundation for a team.
The first-day challenge was to "Deliver the wood.” Cut 10 cords of firewood, deliver it to various donating homeowners, split the wood and stack it — all in under seven hours.
The second-day challenge was a “grit test.” Test their ability to endure and persevere through a "simple" task. The boys work together as a team to roll tires up the backside of Station 11 Mountain. However, they can’t use anything other than their ingenuity and teamwork.
Then, the fun part is rolling the tires down the mountain (obviously without the risk of harm and on private property) and doing some simple math to calculate the speed of the tire. Wow, they love it.
So you might ask "How fast does a giant front-end loader tire travel?” My estimates are north of 150 mph, in some cases with big air as the tire bounces over a cliff. And finally, the ultimate demise of the tire is a sudden thrashing into a group of aspen trees. It’s a crowd-pleaser and something
The NAPA No Hits faced off against the Alspach Refrigeration Schleppers in a heated Adult league softball game on June 13. The matchup ended in a 10-6 Schlepper victory.
The game opened up with a hard-hit ground ball past the NAPA shortstop to bring home two RBI’s. With the score at 2-0, the team was unresponsive at the plate and ended the inning without a single run.
The Schleppers showed no mercy in the second, putting up two more runs to bring its lead to a firm 4-0. The No Hits slowly began to gain momentum in the bottom of the second. A line drive hit into center allowed one No Hit runner to move the score to 4-1.
The Schleppers went into the third with unrivaled confidence. With the help of a few errors and multiple hard-hit balls, Alspach Refrigeration finished the top of the third up 7-1. The Schleppers completed its last dominant offensive inning in the fourth, scoring three more runs highlighted by an RBI double to left field. The score stood at a whopping 10-1.
The No Hits’ comeback began with a no-doubt home run slapped over the leftfield fence.
The Schleppers went both cold and scoreless in the fifth, and NAPA capitalized by bringing two runners home. The once dominant lead became fragile as the score moved to 10-4.
Despite the narrow comeback attempt from the No Hits, the game finished with a ground out to third, sealing the Schlepper win 10-6.
(Evan Bjornstad can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)
The Gunnison gymnastics team opened up its summer season in style at the Carbon Valley Girls Meet in Frederick on June 14 and 15. Fifteen Gunnison athletes qualified for the state meet set for July 26-28 in Westminster. Luisa Leonard and Lucinda Faulkner led the way for Gunnison, finishing fifth and sixth overall. Emma Bogart, Tesla Weske and Brita Eberly notched second-place scores in the vault, beam and floor. Jamie Moran and Cecilia Marquis each scored third place in floor, while Lili Davis and Lillian McElyea placed in three events each. The girls will return to action in Silverthorne on June 21 and 22.
from B6
they have never done and will never forget!
This year, as a special memorial to honor our country, veterans, service men and women and Flag Day, the players’ final challenge was to haul materials to the top of Station 11 and put up a flagpole. If you look sharp from the Lake City Town Park (east), you can see our American flag waving in the wind.
Take them into the woods to go fishing, eat s’mores, tell stories around the campfire and then do something collectively as a team that no one else is doing. The result ... building a foundation for a team.
Paul Vickers
GHS Football Coach
I was reminded by one of my senior athletes that a group of high school football players had to forgo their senior year in
high school to serve our country. They were the ones responsible for the momentous flagraising on Mt. Surabachi on the island of Iwo Jima during WWII. How ironic, incredible and special for these young men to be reminded of the sacrifice. There are so many people I can say thank you to but the most important were those who helped me with this challenge: Josh Pierce, Jason Kibler, Matt Frey, Joe Schultheis, Larry Vickers, Paulette Vickers and my wife, Mindy, who has to put up with these challenges and keep me (or attempt to) organized.
I would be remiss to not mention the families who trust their boys to me on these challenges. I can promise you that those who participate become tougher mentally and physically, giving, harder working, selfless and better teammates. Most of all, my hope is they will be better men later in life. And finally, a sincere thank you to the people who donate to our GHS football team.
Moving forward and looking ahead, the first home game for the 2024 campaign for your Gunnison Cowboys is Sept. 13 and is the first-ever high school football game under the lights at the Mountaineer Bowl. I would like to challenge all of you who read this to mark your calendar for this special game. It would be great to sell out the bowl! Gunnison Cowboys vs. Meeker Cowboys. It should be a barn burner.
(Paul Vickers is the head football coach at Gunnison High School.)
once in the first, but its offense looked delicate compared to Gunnison's consistency. The Gunnison bats came to life in the third. The girls scored nine electric runs, while High Maintenance put up two — bringing the score to 11-4. Gunnison went cold at the plate in the fourth, but held High Maintenance to four runs to win 11-8, and remain undefeated.
The championship matchup on day three presented a familiar foe as Gunnison once again faced the Grand Junction Mavs. The Mavs opened up the game by scoring three runs to start with a measurable lead over Gunnison. The home team started slow at the plate, only bringing one run home in the first, to trail 3-1.
The Mavs came out of the dugout like a completely new team in the second. Grand Junction put together strong at-bats and scored three more
pitches on day two of the tournament.
to take a significant advantage. Gunnison loaded the bases in the bottom of the second, but only delivered two runs. The score stood 6-4.
The Mavs put up five more runs in the third, moving the score to 11-4. The Mavs extended their lead to 14-4 in the fourth, and Gunnison’s come -
back efforts proved futile. Japuntich hit a two-RBI double, but still, Gunnison fell 14-7 to end its undefeated streak and championship hopes.
(Evan Bjornstad can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)
Avery O’Loughlin and Clementine Kean sharpened their tennis skills on June 13 at CharMar Park.
Coach KT Murtaugh and assistant Teagan O’Loughlin helped the girls with their forehand and backhand shots during a lesson as part of the Gunnison Rec Center’s summer tennis program.
someone’s shoulder when waking them. You may have a fist coming your way!
On June 12, 1970, there was a sapper and mortar attack on the Cam Ranh Bay naval base in Vietnam. Five sappers (members of elite North Vietnamese combat units) made it through the main gate and dropped a satchel charge in the hangar. The blast bulged out the walls. Simultaneous attacks happened at the ammunition and petroleum dump about a half mile away. The sappers exited the hangar. Two were killed during the firefight. I was on watch during this attack. It was a moonless night. Many think that if you join the Navy you won’t see ground action. I did. I graduated from Gunnison High School in 1964. I then attended Western State College and studied psychology and English. I graduated in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1968. I was sent to boot camp in Great Lakes, Michigan. After attending aviation structural mechanics school (hydraulics) in Tennessee, I was transferred to Patrol Squadron 48 and went to school in San Francisco at Moffett Field. I studied the systems of the P-3 aircraft — a patrol aircraft used primarily for anti-submarine warfare. At the time, we tracked primarily Soviet submarines. The P-3 had a wingspan of 99 feet and 8 inches. The length was about 130 feet. It had four turbo-prop engines that developed 2700 shaft horsepower per engine at sea level. The maximum take off weight was 135,000 pounds. After training, I was assigned to mess cook duty. I was assigned 30 mess cooks and had to wake them at “zero dark thirty.” They were not happy. Here’s a pro tip for you. Don’t shake
My first deployment was to Sangley Point in the Philippines with a detachment in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. I worked in the line division as a plane captain (aka a “glorified janitor” and plane mover). I was put on limited flightcrew status as a “second mech.” The second mech was on the flight deck to relieve the flight engineer. The mission of the P-3s in Vietnam was to check shipping into Haiphong Harbor in North Vietnam. We were normally outside the territorial waters of North Vietnam, but we were completely defenseless if the enemy sent fighters (MIGs) our way.
In the next two years, I was deployed twice. Once to Utapao, Thailand and to Cubic Point Air Station in the Philippines. We still had the same mission in Vietnam.
The second deployment was to Guam, Adak, Alaska and Moffett Field.
Adak was an interesting base. It was a rock and a runway with one tree. It was cold most of the time and the wind blew constantly. So I experienced the heat of Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, but also the bitter cold of Adak.
I had a great experience in the Navy which gave me everything I asked for. I was able to fly as a crewmember, see several parts of the world and use the G.I. Bill for graduate school.
(Pat Wren is a graduate of Gunnison High School. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1968 - 1972, he returned to Gunnison where he taught English at GHS for 27 years.)
VETERAN EVENTS & LOCAL INFORMATION
• SAT. JULY 6TH, 9 TO 11 AM, VETERAN BREAKFAST AT THE AMERICAN LEGION! ALL VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME!
• WED. JULY 17TH, AMERICAN LEGION MONTHLY MEETING, DINNER AT 5PM, MEETING STARTS AT 6PM.
• THE AMERICAN FLAGS ON OUR STREETS ARE PROVIDED BY AMERICAN LEGION POST 54, MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS DONATIONS OF YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES! PLEASE THANK THEM WITH YOUR SUPPORT!
• ALL VETERANS ARE INVITED TO RIDE THE VETERAN FLOAT IN THE CATTLEMEN’S DAYS PARADE ON SAT. JULY 13TH! MEET AT THE POST BY 9:30AM. BBQ AFTERWARD!
• DO YOU OR A VETERAN YOU KNOW NEED HELP? PLEASE CALL THE VETERANS CRISIS LINE, DIAL 988 THEN PRESS 1, TEXT 838255, OR GO TO VETERANSCRISISLINE.NET
SATURDAY, JUNE 22ND, 2:00PM
