City to begin economic development plan later this summer
Bella Biondini Times Editor
The health of downtown Gunnison may be waning as buildings sit vacant and businesses are put up for sale. The turnover is making it more challenging to push foot-traffic through the heart of the
NEWS: STOR tables transit to trailhead plans, A5
SPORTS: Waggoner inducted into Hall of Fame, B12 COMMUNITY: For the love of running, B1
A4
Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
Gunnison’s newest employerowned housing project could welcome residents as early as the fall of 2026. Western Colorado University executives hope to break ground on a roughly 30-unit, $12 million housing project on the east edge of campus in the next year.
For years, dwindling rental stock and a runaway housing market has made it difficult for
the valley’s largest employers to hire and retain staff. Faced with turning away prospective professors and other staff, Western has joined entities like Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) and Gunnison County in pursuing subsidized housing for its employees.
The university’s housing project will be located just north of the Aspinall-Wilson building. That parcel currently houses and is owned by the Western Foundation, the university’s fundraising arm. Western is working with the Foundation to figure out how to transfer the property, which could be a sale or donation, Chief Financial Officer Ian Higgins told the Times
Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
Gunnison Valley residents are hankering for the possibility of a pool in Crested Butte, a bowling alley, indoor climbing and field space. And as the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) drafts the valley’s first-ever master recreation plan, all might be on the table.
The district embarked on the process last summer, and has since hired a contractor to gather community input and start drafting the plan. It could
include everything from indoor, outdoor, summer and winter recreation opportunities from Gothic to Gunnison, including areas along the Hwy. 135 corridor. District Manager Derrick Nehrenberg anticipates a final plan by January of 2025.
The Gunnison Valley’s recreation amenities are a patchwork, managed by a variety of private landowners, public lands agencies and local governments. The new plan is meant to inventory existing recreation amenities — like Crested Butte’s Rec Path or the Gunnison Rec Center — and decide where MetRec can step in to fill gaps, while staying connected to public transit and
MetRec A3
“So many of us grew up thinking that running is punishment for your sport, or strictly to lose weight, but it truly can just be a good time.”
— Hannah Cryder, Gunni Girls Run Club
David P. Vader was born on December 15, 1958 to parents Joe and Levon Vader in Gunnison. He passed on June 30, 2024 at his home in
See story on B1
RTA receives $1.5 million grant
This week, the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) received a $1.5 million grant for two new buses to expand its commuter bus fleet.
This announcement was part of nearly $52 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to bus facilities across Colorado. The grant program helps states replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment with a focus on lowering emissions.
CharMar playground upgrade coming soon
The City of Gunnison is planning to replace the playground equipment at CharMar Park this fall. The existing equipment dates back to the early 1990s.
The Parks and Rec Department is spending $46,700 on a playset from WillyGoat Toys & Playgrounds. This cost factors in the size, ADA compatibility and its warranty. Summer camp participants were also able to vote on playground types with a dot exercise. The replacement will not impact the existing climbing tree.
School district receives 75k to combat vaping
The Gunnison Watershed School District received just under $75,000 through the Colorado Department of Education to combat the “youth vaping crisis.” The money will be distributed over the course of three years.
Earlier this month, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced that the state would give $11.4 million to school districts and charter schools. These funds come from the attorney general’s multimilliondollar settlement with e-cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs, Inc., and will support programs focused on education, prevention and treatment of youth vaping.
Gunnison, surrounded by family, from complications of Multiple Myeloma, which he battled for 13 years.
David graduated from Gunnison High School in 1977 and immediately joined the United States Air Force, moving to Victorville, California after basic training. He married Arvena Murdock, the love of his life, on September 15, 1979. He served as an Aircraft Armament System Technician throughout his career. He served in California, England and North Dakota during his career. In his time with the air force, he received several
awards, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon and a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. During their time in England, David and Arvena had their son, Brandon. David retired with honors in 1993 as a staff sergeant from Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. He and his family returned to Gunnison in 1993, where he worked at Monty's Auto Parts until he retired in 2022.
David enjoyed spending time with the kids as a 4-H shooting sports leader. Muscle cars and motorcycles ran in his
veins, and he shared that passion with those around him. Good music, good food and good company followed wherever he went. He was loved and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Arvena, son Brandon, grandson, Luke and siblings Darlene, Margaret, John, Linda and Leo, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on September 28 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Fred Field Center.
Poets and songwriters met at the Cattlemen’s Days Hospitality Tent at the fairgrounds for Cowboy Poetry on July 8. Participants shared their prose and lyrical musings on the Western ways of life.
trailheads.
At a meeting on June 26, the district approved an addition to Norris Design’s contract that will focus on recreation path planning. Norris is leading project management and public outreach.
Nehrenberg also shared feedback from recent community events at both ends of the valley, where MetRec hosted a booth. The district is also currently running a master rec plan survey that will close in the coming week. The survey includes questions like “Do you feel your indoor recreation needs are being met?” and “Which three amenities would be most vital to the community as a whole?”
The district has its largest budget in history this year, following the passage of a voterapproved property tax increase in the North Valley in 2022. MetRec recently awarded over $670,000 in community grants and set aside $200,000 for the master plan process. The master plan will guide the district’s recreation priorities for the next five to 10 years, Norris Design Senior Associate Tori Aidala said in a board meeting earlier this year.
“It's all about future planning, and making sure you know what's coming and being able to be prepared for it,” Aidala said.
MetRec is also working with architect Barker Rinker Seacat (BRS) and recreation consultant Ballard*King & Associates. BRS was hired to look at a possible indoor recreation facility and its programs, and Ballard*King founding partner Ken Ballard said the firm is offering expertise in public sector recreation planning.
Norris gathered GIS and mapping data throughout the valley, and other recreation planning efforts from Gunnison County and each municipality. That includes the City of Gunnison 3-mile plan, the county’s corridor plan or the Town of Crested Butte’s recreation plan. All of these processes will lay out future development in and around the valley’s population centers.
The plan will identify whether
the community wants to expand existing facilities, in addition to determining MetRec’s ability to pay for, build and manage new amenities. Fees attached to any of these new services could help offset MetRec’s capacity to maintain it, Ballard said.
“The focus tends to be, ‘Can we afford to build this?’ in big capital numbers, but in the long run what’s more important is, can you afford to operate and maintain it for the long haul?” he said in a meeting in April.
The board recently approved an additional $30,000 for Norris to do more detailed mapping and analysis for recreational paths. Recent meetings of MetRec’s north and south advisory committees revealed strong support for more recreation paths, Nehrenberg said. This included written support from Gunnison Parks and Recreation Director Dan Vollendorf, STOR coordinator Nick Catmur and Tim Kugler of Gunnison Trails. And in the district’s 2023 rec survey, over half of respondents said they’d like to see recreation paths improved.
The result will be a sense not only of what rec paths already exist, but where locals feel they want more connectivity. The final product won’t lay out exact path alignments, but will give the district a sense of where locals want more paths and who it could partner with to plan for them.
“The plan for including recreation paths would focus on, first of all, connecting communities,” Nehrenberg said in the June meeting. “So CB to CB South and CB to Gunnison. And
then connecting existing fragmented rec paths. This was a strong suggestion from the City of Gunnison because they have disjointed recreation paths.”
MetRec and Norris have started to collect community feedback at both ends of the valley, in order to ensure the district’s plan reflects community wants and needs. MetRec tabled at a recent Sundays@6 in Gunnison and Alpenglow in Crested Butte, asking participants to share their recreation priorities by placing three dots on the amenities that most appealed to them.
Respondents in Gunnison prioritized trails and river access, more space for arts and culture and the popular writein answer of a bowling alley. In Crested Butte at Alpenglow, aquatic activities, like lap swimming, an indoor climbing wall and an amphitheater showed up in respondent’s priorities. MetRec’s survey will close on July 20. For more information, email Nehrenberg at derrick@ gcmetrec.com.
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
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Richard Knight Writers on the Range
Imagine Westerners waking up one morning only to discover that many of their most cherished wetlands have dried up, gone. This is not fiction during these times of determining the true value of water.
Most wetlands in the arid West owe their existence to the “inefficiencies” of unlined irrigation canals and flood irrigation. But when well-intentioned urban folks insist that irrigation companies use water more efficiently by piping their ditches, the result may be more about loss than water “saved” for rivers.
One of the least-known truths in the West is that many of our wetlands are the result of irrigated agriculture. For example, an irrigation company in northern Colorado irrigates about
Editor:
After undergoing emergency surgery and a week-long stay in our local hospital, I would like to share my impressions with your readers.
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24,000 acres, thanks to 146 miles of ditches.
The area served by the irrigation company also has approximately 1,300 acres of wetlands, and it’s no accident that most of those wetlands lie below a leaking ditch. A study done by Colorado State University discovered this connection using heavy isotopes to create hydrographs of groundwater wells, ditch levels and precipitation.
This is a West-wide issue. We all know that climate change has been causing hotter, drier weather, and that reduces the flow of the Colorado River that 40 million Westerners depend on. In the Laramie Basin of Wyoming, 67% of its wetlands are attributed to agriculture. In North Park, Colorado, close to 75% of all wetlands are byproducts of irrigated agriculture.
“There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm,” Aldo Leopold wrote decades ago. “One, you think that heat comes from the furnace and two, you think that breakfast comes from the grocery store.”
May I add a third? We don’t know much about the water we depend on.
Farmers and ranchers produce two “goods,” a private good and a public good. They’re
compensated for the private one by producing food. Their public goods, ecosystem services, are not compensated, though they include wetlands, biodiversity and plants that sequester carbon.
But knowing that rural agriculture uses 79% of the Colorado River’s water, our urban neighbors tell their rural counterparts to conserve water or, better yet, sell it to them. Meanwhile, the environmental community would like rural agriculture to use less water so more could stay in the rivers to help fish and provide recreational opportunities.
Clearly, there are too many demands for the West’s diminishing water supply. Drinking water, ag water, river health. Where do wetlands fit in?
Wetlands cover 1% of the West’s land surface, yet half of our threatened and endangered species rely on them. Wetlands serve a similar function to our kidneys: They filter out impurities from human land uses, making our environment healthier.
From the emergency room to the operating room to recovery, I encountered the most dedicated staff at every point in my treatment and recovery. Every staff member that I interacted with was devoted to the best possible outcome for my treatment. I have never been exposed to such a high level of care in a hospital setting.
From a distance, the hospital appeared to be a small rural facility that could stabilize a patient, then send them to a more complete hospital. I was amazed to discover that our hospital is much more than it might appear. I would urge anyone reading this to have full faith in the abilities of the medical professionals and the support staff that work within this great facility.
To other seniors: Please don't disregard any of your medical conditions as I had for over a decade. Outcomes do not get better with the passing of time or being in denial as I was for years. Utilize the great facilities that are available to you without leaving the valley.
I simply cannot thank the
staff that treated me day and night with the utmost care and patience. You know who you are, and you gave a grouchy, difficult old guy a new lease on life.
Carl Roberts Powderhorn
Editor:
With an increased focus on home electrification to improve energy efficiency and decrease carbon emissions, the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) wishes to remind our members of the many rebates and on-bill repayment programs we offer to help make weatherization and electric appliance upgrades possible.
We recognize that many GCEA members have a desire to reduce emissions through home improvements, but lack the upfront capital required to make these projects a reality. If you are looking to upgrade your windows and doors or install a heat pump or EV charger, these programs help you save money upfront and pay off the balance over time with a line item added to your monthly GCEA electric bill.
Through GCEA’s partnership with Tri-State Generation & Transmission, Colorado Clean
Energy Fund and Zero Homes, we are helping homeowners receive free energy assessments and guidance on what eligible measures meet their budget and energy goals. To learn more, visit gcea.coop/electrifyand-save/ or call 970. 641.3520.
Alliy Sahagun GCEA
of their own making
Editor:
This is a follow up to the letter, "Diamonds in the rough,” (Times, 6/20). Now that the June 27 debacle at CNN's Studio in Atlanta, Georgia, is thankfully over, you may find yourself asking where were the mainstream media "journalists" on informing the American people about president Biden's cognitive decline? Which, by the way, conservative media had been forewarning people about for years. To witness the utter shock on the faces of the many DNC sycophants who make up such outlets as MSNBC, ABC, CBS, along with the rest of the alphabet soup after their leader's dismal debate performance was something to behold. Where have they been all these years? Enclosed in a self-inflated blue bubble watching reruns
Will we prioritize water for urban uses, including urban sprawl? Or will we support more water staying in our rivers to create a healthier environment? Will water for food production be considered a necessity? Do green lawns trump healthy rivers and wetlands? With more informed conversations about our region, talks between rural and urban neighbors, perhaps we could pursue a triple bottom line: water for food production, water for urban uses, and, yes, water for our region’s rivers, streams and wetlands.
Wouldn’t we all like that? Let’s figure out how to make that happen.
(Rick Knight is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit that seeks to spur lively conversation about the West. He works at the intersection of land use and land health in the American West.)
Perhaps it’s time for all of us to wise up a little. Many of these wetlands are human created; that is, they were created by farmers and ranchers and are not “natural.” Many will disappear in the pursuit of water conservation. Must it be water conservation and efficiency at all costs?
of "The View," whilst subsisting on a storage room full of canned crow and Gatorade? If the media is willing to lie to us about this president's deteriorating health, what else are they willing to lie for?
Fact. The Democrat gaslighting of the American people has begun in earnest. The "Gish gallop" accusations targeting Trump are in full swing. The liberal media's lies in regards to Biden's well-being are being laid bare for all to see. This is something that not even Joe's press secretary's binder can sweep under the rug as a "cheap fake" video showing her president in an unflattering light. Because of a Gollum-like fixation on keeping their precious power, the Democrats are facing a dilemma of their own making, and time is running out with Aug. 19 just around the corner.
Jon Matuszczak Gunnison
Bella Biondini Times Editor
After years of debate, the Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee decided the Crested Butte’s trail systems are not busy enough to warrant the high cost of a seasonal shuttle service.
“We've been obsessed with this transit solution,” said committee chair Jake Jones at a meeting this spring. “It's great to see numbers and understand the feasibility. Maybe it [a shuttle system] is the future, but it's probably not the present.”
Each summer, tourists flood into Crested Butte and the vast network of trails outside of town.
In June and July, the influx of visitors comes with overflowing parking lots, full campgrounds, congested dirt roads, trampled vegetation and trash. None of Crested Butte’s mountain drainages are immune. Each has its own popular attraction, whether it's Judd Falls up Gothic Road, or Gunsight Bridge along Slate River Road.
“Transit to trailhead” shuttles, used to move visitors from town to busy trailheads, are one of the methods the committee has been considering to reduce congestion and protect the valley’s public lands. These services often require visitors to book parking and shuttle reservations to reach a trailhead. The committee eyed the East River corridor, home to the well-known 401 mountain bike trail and the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), and the Peanut Lake area right outside of downtown Crested Butte, for pilot projects.
But the cost to run a free shuttle service during the summer is high and the planning complex compared to the crowds — which numerous committee members admitted are typically only a problem for three to six weeks and during major holiday weekends.
Launching a transit program would also require restricting access to trails, cutting off roads that are thruways and cooperation from public land managers. At a meeting in May, the group decided to move away from shuttle services, at least in the near-term. Despite this, STOR acknowledged that unmanaged, the growing number of visitors traveling through the North Valley are still a risk to Crested Butte’s public lands. Possible next steps include an inventory of which trailheads could use upgrades to keep up with high visitor counts, and collecting data to determine
how many people visit these trailheads each year.
The idea is to take better care of the trailhead infrastructure that already exists.
Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association Director Dave Ochs said the upcoming expansion of the Brush Creek trailhead and the recent addition of a new bathroom at Tent City are great places to test this concept.
“Let's see what happens with bigger parking spaces and more infrastructure, and if we relieve some of those problems,” Ochs said.
‘Actual or perceived’
One of the committee’s goals, following its recently redrafted strategic plan, was to find possible locations for mass transit from town to Crested Butte’s busier trailheads. Jeremy Herzog of Mountain Express helped analyze the potential structure and cost at the two chosen locations.
“Transit to trailhead has been a passion project of mine,” Herzog said. “It's something I'm excited about, and think has a lot of potential for the Gunnison Valley.”
Even though the valley was seen as “somewhat of an innovator” with its former Gothic shuttle in the mid-2000s, transit to trailhead services have become prolific across the Mountain West, he said. After looking at different models outside of the valley, Herzog believed that frequent service with a 30-minute maximum, and parking and travel restrictions encourage public transit use.
“Transit is never going to be as convenient as someone's single occupancy vehicle, especially when they're trying to carry bikes and equipment and coordinate with friends … If we want transit to be successful, it's got to be able to provide that same convenience,” he said.
A hypothetical model for the Gothic Valley would use three, 15-passenger vans that run from the end of June through early September. The vans would shuttle visitors from the 4-Way Stop in town to Rustler Gulch. The cost presented was roughly $300,000 for a free transit system. If it were a paid service, the price would fall between $30-50 per passenger. Prices were similar at Peanut Lake.
While Crested Butte’s trails often feel crowded during the summer, the group wondered if the full parking lots and trailheads were “actual problems or perceived problems,” said Gunnison County Stewardship Coordinator Nick Catmur. Some of the feedback STOR received from land managers was that visitor numbers in the valley may be less extreme compared to other areas in Colorado such as the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, Hanging Lake and the Quandary Peak trailhead — all
of which recently launched visitation restrictions to stave off crowds and resource damage.
Shortly after the start of the pandemic, parked cars at the Quandary Peak trailhead began to snake through the adjacent neighborhood and stack up onto a major highway, Hoosier Pass, almost everyday. Parking became such a problem that the Town of Breckenridge, with help from Summit County, put a shuttle and reservation system in place.
In 2020, almost 50,000 people visited the popular 14,000-foot peak, according to the Colorado 14ers Initiative. Scaling up, more than 300,000 people visit the Maroon Bells outside of Aspen and the surrounding national forest each year mostly between June and September. Numbers are considerably lower on the Gunnison National Forest.
“We have to start doing a cost benefit analysis of how big a problem this is versus how big the solution has to be to make it work … When we talk about perceived versus actual, it's a question of scale,” said County Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels.
A full transit system also requires control of a number of other variables such as who accesses the road and parking, she said. In addition to the cost, some of the other hurdles are a willingness from the Forest Service to place travel restrictions along the Gothic corridor without an assessment that shows excessive crowding. Parking restrictions would also be complicated at Peanut Lake, which falls on a county road that accesses private property.
Collecting more detailed data may be a feasible step, Catmur said. The committee found it had anecdotal evidence, but lacked hard numbers. Moving forward, the group also plans to meet with public land managers to note areas that could use upgrades such as additional bathrooms or parking.
STOR plans to continue to support projects that promote connectivity in Crested Butte, making it easier to move from town to trailheads on foot or bike. Ochs used the extension of the Crested Butte bike path as an example. It used to dead-end in town, but now winds up through Mt. Crested Butte all the way to the Snodgrass trailhead.
“It's amazing how small small additions and changes do make a massive difference … I love the concept of ‘Your house is your trailhead,’” Ochs said.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
city.
Each empty storefront is like a missing tooth on Main Street, impacting the impression made on visitors, investors and potential business owners. At the same time, service-based businesses, such as insurance companies, health clinics and real estate offices, are slowly soaking up the available storefronts.
By the time tourists hit the third block of Main Street, it’s time to meander back to the parked car or head north. This is the same block sales tax dollars stop flowing — the money the City of Gunnison relies on to serve residents and maintain public infrastructure.
With the launch of an economic health study this August, the city is rethinking its involvement in economic development in Gunnison. According to City Manager Amanda Wilson, the new city council is committed to making changes downtown. She's hopeful the data-based plan will help the city better support its existing business community and incentivize new development. The planning phase will wrap up in spring of 2025. This will be paired with the city’s active revision of its land use codes.
For Wilson, a “healthy” downtown is attractive and encourages travelers to make a pit stop in town before continuing on, even if it wasn’t originally part of the itinerary.
“A downtown is so much about how it makes you feel,” she said. “You want to stay and spend time there. That is the type of space that I think we need … The businesses can't do that alone. They try. They put out flowers, and they make sure their signs look good and their sidewalks are swept. They do their part, and we need to elevate doing ours.”
Gunnison business owners have remained restless, even after the most significant pandemic pressures have faded. A number of businesses have changed hands. Some buildings are up for sale, or sit vacant. Some of it is normal, generational turnover. For example, on Main Street, Firebrand recently transitioned to the Dilly Deli following the owners’ retirement. The same is true for the former French Electric Cleaners, which was passed down for three generations. It has been sitting on the market for years.
Rooted Apothecary recently moved its storefront off of Main. Miller Furniture is for sale and the unit that housed Wilder’s Market transitioned to an insurance company. The Gunnisack has been closed for over a year. The large building that holds the Corner Cupboard sold in April for $1.1 million. El Paraiso recently changed ownership, while Anejos is up for sale — two of Gunnison’s popular Mexican restaurants.
The Tomichi Avenue corridor, which houses the other half of downtown Gunnison, is no better. In the past year, Taco Bell and Subway have shut down, and the windows of the histor-
ic Columbine building, which once contained Timbers, the Barnyard Bar and Grill and D’Luna Mexican Store, remain boarded. The building that rents to the Rocky Mountain Rose, and formerly Gunnison Pizza Company, is also for sale.
It’s an issue that is compounding on itself, said Brian Cooper of Bluebird Real Estate.
“We are losing Main Street … It’s ebb and flow for sure. Over the years, things have come and gone and opened, left, closed and merged,” Cooper said. “But I would say this is probably the worst I've seen it in terms of vibrancy.”
By definition, the word “vibrancy” means the “state of being full of energy and life.” To Cooper, who has worked in private and commercial real estate in the valley nearly a decade, it’s the allure to be downtown. This kind of energy is present when visitors and locals meander through stores and restaurants, and gather for events.
Dark storefronts make it more difficult to entice new businesses to move in, especially when they are faced with high property taxes, and thousands of dollars of renovation work to upgrade the old buildings that characterize a large portion of downtown. Many of the commercial buildings are also priced in a manner that reflects the private housing market — making moving into downtown a hard sell to investors, Cooper said.
The building that now houses Crested Bucha, one of the city’s newest downtown businesses, was originally built in 1950. Owner Todd Girand spent almost half of the building's purchase price on adapting the space for food and drink service. With his background in construction, he avoided hiring a general contractor to save money on the project.
“These are older buildings, and a lot of them are not up to code,” Girand said. “Unless you're doing a simple retail space, you'll probably have to convert it, or renovate it exten-
sively … I’m still reinvesting in the building, so any profits I see go back into the business. That’s been kind of challenging.”
‘The street experience’
While downtown Crested Butte has also experienced considerable changes, the town’s horizontal zoning has preserved the character of Elk Avenue — which serves as a “Main Street” for three separate communities: Mt. Crested Butte, the Town of Crested Butte and Crested Butte South. Horizontal zoning, a town policy that was enacted in the early 2000s, mandates that at least one floor of buildings in Elk Avenue's business district be retailers. The number of real estate offices is also regulated, as well as the location of health clinics.
Over the past year, the town struggled with vacancies after billionaire and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter purchased a handful of properties in downtown Crested Butte. The Forest Queen and the Princess remain under construction, but the strict zoning ensures the buildings will continue to house restaurants and shops.
Since the town receives very little property tax for its own spending (most of which is funneled to entities like the school and fire districts), horizontal zoning has preserved its sales tax base, said Troy Russ. He is the Town of Crested Butte’s community development director.
“We're coming back strong,” Russ said. “I think it was more of a transition of ownership than it was any sign of illness to the economy.”
While things like a large-scale manufacturing facility are not permitted in Gunnison’s central business district, zoning is looser in Gunnison. The result has been encroaching servicebased companies and offices. These types of businesses do not generate sales tax for the city, or attract visitors to downtown.
The health of a downtown
area also depends on its walkability. Elk Avenue is a two-lane road that dead-ends and has an enforced speed limit of 10 mph.
Sixteen-foot sidewalks encourage visitors to bike or walk instead of driving and outdoor patios increase the size of the town’s restaurants during the summertime.
Gunnison residents have continued to push the city to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. The downtown area sits at the intersection of two major highways so it’s not uncommon for 18-wheelers and heavy traffic to rumble through the town center.
“It is not necessarily [Crested Butte’s] land use policies, as much as it is the quality of the street experience as a pedestrian,” Russ said.
Unlike larger communities, Gunnison lacks a formal economic development department. Although it is far from blind to the problem, the city’s contributions to economic growth have been sporadic. It has often tried to balance attracting start-ups with supporting the existing business community. The city does this by giving money to the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce and the ICELab, Gunnison’s coworking and business resource center.
In 2021, city council approved a $75,000 grant to a small startup called SheFly (now called Gnara). In return, the company moved its headquarters to Gunnison. The local businesses community cited a lack of fairness, and packed city council chambers in protest. Outside of pandemic relief funds, the city hasn’t given out its own money in the form of a large, one-time grant for a forprofit business since SheFly. It has, however, sought money from the state to support businesses through the Department of Local Affairs’ REDI grant program.
In the past, economic growth is something that has been fre-
quently talked about, but has not necessarily been a priority, Wilson said. In 2018, the City of Gunnison, along with a group of business owners, came together to draft the “Gunnison Vibrancy Initiative” report — a plan to reinvigorate the downtown, using other Colorado mountain towns as examples.
The report contained ways to improve pedestrian street crossings and the downtown bike network, and encouraged downtown residences with mixed use buildings. While many of these ideas were added into the city’s long-range plans, much of the work halted with the arrival of the pandemic and the departure of the former city manager.
Since the pandemic, the city’s annual gains in sales tax revenue have slowed down. In 2021, sales tax collections had increased by 18%. In 2023, they only increased by 2%. But sales tax revenue has stayed at the forefront of the minds of city leaders, especially as it prepares to pay for a new fire station and continues to add capacity to its utility systems to support growth.
Having a plan in place, and concrete data, will help the city have stronger grant applications for federal and state funding, Wilson said. Designed to capture a holistic view of the economy, the plan will also take into consideration the worker and affordable housing shortage, rising real estate prices and any other barriers to doing business in Gunnison.
“I could pull 12 people off the street, and ask ‘What's the number one business we need in this town?’” Wilson said. “All 12 would have a different answer, from a bowling alley to a bar, hotel or pharmacy. We need the data to be able to determine which of those answers is right. And then we have got to go sell it to people who were building somewhere else.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Western already offers limited housing to its employees, namely a 16-unit lease agreement at the City of Gunnison’s Lazy K affordable housing development. But those leases will expire by the summer of 2027, hindering Western’s ability to coordinate housing for incoming employees. Higgins and President Brad Baca updated the Western Board of Trustees at a meeting on June 27.
The university has to accomplish a series of steps before it can break ground. The senior cabinet has to acquire the land, hire a developer, get approval from the Western board and various state agencies, such as the Colorado Department of Higher Education, all before issuing upward of $12 million in bonds. The university plans to issue those bonds sometime in 2025.
Western also needs to increase the capacity of its electric grid, a project that could cost $1.4 million. The university’s electric system is at maximum capacity, so the City of Gunnison will not allow any new development until it’s expanded. The university currently has a request in with the state to finance that improvement.
“It’s certainly an accelerated timeline and we would be extremely happy to have the project completed by the fall of 2026,” Higgins told the Times. The university has yet to hire a contractor, but is looking at the possibility of one, two and three bedroom apartments, townhomes or modular units.
Baca brought up the county’s affordable housing project Sawtooth, a manufactured housing project that welcomed the first batch of residents last fall. A benefit of modular housing projects is that multiple processes can happen concurrently: while the homes are being manufactured in a factory, the university could start site work.
While the state has, in recent years, invested more money and created numerous programs to support affordable housing, not much of it is available to universities, Baca said. The administration’s best shot at additional funding might be grants targeted at energy efficiency, for solar or geothermal power, or grants from the
federal government’s leftover Inflation Reduction Act funds.
The housing project has shrunk by nearly 20 units since Higgins presented the plan to the Western board in March, primarily to reduce the amount of potential debt the university will carry, Higgins said. Initially, the university expected the project to offer 52 units and cost $18 million, but more recent cost estimates show 30 units with a price closer to $12 million. Half of those units will be master leased to Gunnison Valley Health.
The 35-year debt service attached to the 52 units in the original plan was “unacceptable” Baca said in the meeting, referring to the university’s overall debt load. The university has a current outstanding debt of just over $74 million. If that debt gets too high relative to its income, it could risk Western’s ability to borrow in the future. However, as a public university, Western is eligible to issue bonds using the state’s higher credit rating — which could reduce its overall debt service over time.
“The thing that gives me confidence in a project like this is that it’s a revenue generating facility,” Baca said in the meeting. “We've had other things that we borrow debt for, like the field house, which really isn't a revenue generating facility. The fact that we have income coming in is going to be looked favorably by the [credit] rating agencies.”
Baca said the university’s financial advisors have said Western is “no longer the outlier,” in debt burdens. Schools like Colorado Mesa University and the Colorado School of Mines have similar ratios of annual debt service to state funding, according to Colorado Treasurer Dave Young’s 2022/23 annual report for institutions of higher ed.
The cabinet’s goal is to have the parcel deeded to the university in the next few months, and then receive state approval and award a construction contract by this fall.
(Abby Harrison can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or abby@ gunnisontimes.com.)
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Case 590 Super L 4x4 Extend
Hoe Runs Great Bill Of Sale, Napco Crab Loader 4x4 Been
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Wrecked John Deere 770 B-H
Grader, 1981 Green Pitman
Pole Cat Work Truck With Title Runs Needs Motor
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Van With Title Runs Great, 1973 Cadillac FleetWood
Gold With Title Runs Has Coolant And Trany Leaks, 1980’s Heald Hauler UTV Has Cab, Year Unknown Yamaha
Street Bike, Old Mini Bike, Small Boat.
50 Ton Chain Fall, Torch Set, Arch Welder, Champion 60 gal Air Compressors, Cart Battery Charger, Building Hardware, Ex-Cords, Table Saw, Mixed Wire, Yard Tools, Tool Boxes, Shop Smith Lathe, LOTS Of Chains, Salamander Heater, Two Shop Sinks.
12 Different Kinds Of Trailers Of All Sizes Most Have Titles, 20ft Conex, Antique Horse Drawn Feed Slay, One FULL Size Rio Grande Rail Box, 4 Cut In Half Rio Grande Box Tops( Made To Be Sheds), 3 Simi Box Trailers, 2 Simi Boxes, Small Cooler Box, 20Ft Older Stock Trailer.
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Your health is important; don't take a chance on mold. Valley Restoration will remove harmful mold from any surface. Our certification in Applied Microbial Remediation means that we will do all that we can to make sure the contaminated area has the right amount of remediation to meet our high standards. We can even add vapor barriers to your crawlspace to ensure mold won't return!
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All units are currently leased on 1 year lease terms. Great location and great opportunity for a rental investment!
Crested Butte’s Red Lady is one step closer to being permanently protected from the threat of mining.
On July 8, the U.S. Forest Service signed the decision memo for the Mt. Emmons Land Exchange, authorizing the exchange of more than 1,000 acres of private and federal lands in Gunnison and Saguache counties.
“After nearly 50 years of committed work by High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA), numerous Red Ladies and engaged citizens, the land exchange is a critical step in the community fully realizing our community’s intention to transition from mining to tourism and recreation,” said Crested Butte Mayor Ian Billick.
will be included in the national forest moving forward.
“We can all take ownership of this monumental victory,” said Julie Nania, the Red Lady Director for HCCA. “We would have never reached this point without the decades of steadfast, Gunnison Valley messaging that we don't want a large-scale mine at the headwaters of our community. At closing this fall we’ll finally be able to celebrate a protected Red Lady!”
The land exchange decision lists three pages of public benefits from the land exchange: limiting federal liability for mining infrastructure; acquiring Gunnison sage-grouse and critical big game habitat as future public lands; acquiring 42 acres of high-quality wetlands; adding legal public access point for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and other existing National Forest roads and trails; and improved management of all public lands by removing inholdings of private property.
1105 N Pine St., MLS #810392, $845,000. Welcome to your dream home in the picturesque Van Tuyl Village subdivision! This brand-new, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property is a testament to modern design and quality craftsmanship. As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open and inviting kitchen-dining area, adorned with cherry cabinets and equipped with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The tiled shower and bathtub add a touch of luxury to the bathrooms, while the master bedroom boasts its own oasis with a reading nook or small office space. The 2-car detached garage features 8-foot doors and 10-foot ceilings inside, providing ample space for your vehicles and storage needs. The extra space above the garage, accessible via exterior stairs, presents exciting opportunities. Whether you need additional storage or dream of an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the potential is yours to explore with City of Gunnison approval. Don’t miss the chance to make this new construction your forever home. Contact us now
The decision comes just a few months after President Joe Biden approved the Thompson Divide mineral withdrawal, preventing new mining claims and oil and gas leases on more than 100,000 acres of public lands in Gunnison County. The withdrawal edges up to Mt. Emmons — known locally as Red Lady — but doesn’t actually encompass the bulk of the mountain as the lands covering the ore body are owned by the Mt. Emmons Mining Company (MEMC).
The land exchange swaps four undeveloped parcels of private land owned by the mining company in exchange for 550 acres of mining impacted land on Mt. Emmons. Once the exchange documents are signed, MEMC will receive ownership of lands that have been impacted by past mining. This will streamline MEMC’s ability to operate, repair and replace a water treatment plant, as well as reclaim areas that were once federal land.
MEMC activities will still be permitted by the state for water quality controls with additional oversight by the Town of Crested Butte and Gunnison County. In exchange, the Forest Service will obtain properties with valuable resources such as wetlands, trails and wildlife habitat. These federal parcels
The decision also includes requirements for conservation easements through the Crested Butte Land Trust (CBLT), which will prevent future mining or development on the private land on Mt. Emmons. It simultaneously provides legal recreational access to traditional ski and hiking routes that cross the mine-owned private lands.
“Though many of us have summited Red Lady, the conservation easements that are included in the land exchange will finally allow all of us to hike and ski the peak on traditional routes without fear of trespass,” said HCCA Advocacy Director Jon Hare.
The third significant piece of the Mt. Emmons land exchange is that MEMC will sign a mineral extinguishment agreement with CBLT for the permanent relinquishment and extinguishment of mineral rights on their private land on Mt. Emmons. MEMC has also agreed to relinquish over 1,200 unpatented mining claims on federal lands in Gunnison County upon completion of the exchange.
The final conservation easements and mineral extinguishment agreement are expected in early September 2024.
(Source:
Young riders displayed their finest riding skills during the annual 4-H horse show at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds on July 5. The equestrians led their animals through a series of different steps and obstacles. Each maneuver highlighted the rider’s ability to communicate with and guide their horse. This was followed by the 4-H dog show and general projects award ceremony at the Fred Field Center on July 8.
barn has insulated hot and cool sides, a separate shop and large 3 bay open-faced shed for tractors, hay or supplies and outstanding pipe horse pens with a center alley way for easy access to all pens for watering, feeding or sorting. Call Matt to see this fine country home and acreage. $925,000
Ohio Creek Valley Home on nearly a full acre with views galore. The roomy floorplan features a ground floor bedroom and bath, living and dining rooms, utility room large country kitchen, fireplace, and fabulous game or family room with south facing deck entrance. The upstairs features 3 more bedrooms and a bath and ample storage. Comes with a nice attached 2 car garage, 2 wells, some deeded water rights, and a brand-new engineered septic tank and leach field. Plenty of room for your pets or extra outbuildings for toys, horses or 4-H animals. Modest covenants and NO HOA fees. $849,000.
Tomichi Creek Properties Several sites with beautiful locations in a quiet neighborhood. Panoramic mountain and valley views, Tomichi Creek meandering through, ponds, open space, and nature’s bounty. Recreation opportunities galore with golfing, hiking, biking, and cross-country and downhill skiing, and prime fishing less than an hour from your property. A wonderful place for you and your custom home amid your slice of paradise. Priced from $299,000 to $429,000.
Cassie
970.596.5516 cgates@livsothebysrealty.com livcrestedbutte.com
After over a decade of planning, Monarch Mountain announced last week that it had received official approval from the U.S. Forest Service to begin an expansion into No Name Basin.
The expansion will add 377 acres of skiable terrain on the west side of the Continental Divide. This terrain is currently used by Monarch Cat Skiing operations and will offer access to traditionally cleared trails and gladed terrain for primarily intermediate to advanced skiers.
The approval comes after three years of review from both the San Isabel and Gunnison national forests. The consulted organizations found no significant impact, with special consideration given to sensitive cul-
tural resources and wetlands in the area.
"That process has been rewarding,” said Monarch Mountain COO and General Manager Randy Stroud. “So, now on with the crux of the matter ... More room for skiing and riding. Time to get to work."
Monarch plans to begin construction in mid to late July. The ski resort’s main goal this year is to build the access road, extend the powerline and begin cutting runs. The Monarch team then plans to install a three-person 2,700-feet-long fixed grip lift with a warming hut and restroom facility in the summer of 2025. The project is also expected to improve forest health and reduce the amount of hazard -
ous fuels present by removing timber that has been affected by the spruce beetle epidemic. For more information, visit skimonarch.com or call 719.530.5000.
(Source: Monarch Mountain Ski Resort.)
During the 1st and 3rd weeks of June, July, and August, come ask questions, share thoughts, and have conversation with officials from your City government! Rain or shine, see you there! Pueden conversar también en español.
Mayor Mondays at Mochas 12:00-1:30pm | July 1st & July 15th
Grab your own coffee or lunch and sit down with Mayor Plata for conversation at Mochas Coffeehouse.
Wednesday Walks with Wilson 12:00-1:30pm | July 3rd & July 17th
Meet City Manager Wilson for a lunchtime walk & talk at the Canal Trail across from Kelley Hall lot on Western’s campus.
Thursday Thoughts at IOOF 4:30-6:00pm | July 18th
Engage with City officials to discuss various projects, ask questions, or share your perspectives.
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
CBCS - Assistant Building Manager
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
CBES - 3rd grade Teacher Leave of Absence (Aug. 19-Nov. 15)
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
TOMICHI MATERIALS, LLC is seeking concrete ready-mix delivery truck drivers.
CDL-B license and pre-employment drug screening required. $30/hour and above DOE. Company-match IRA, health and dental insurance, paid holidays and sick time, vacation earned after 1 year, job attached status available during off-season. Call 970-641-4038 or email jamespfrymoyer@ gmail.com to express interest and obtain an application.
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.
COME JOIN THE HARMELS TEAM IN
ALMONT: We are still needing to fill a few full-time positions as soon as possible: Cooks and housekeepers starting at $18/ hour and servers starting at $14.50+ tips, housekeepers starting at $18/hour. We are looking for experienced persons with great attitudes. Onsite housing possible. Call 970641-1740 or email resume to jointheteam@ harmels.com.
LAKE CITY AREA MEDICAL CENTER is hiring a part-time administrative assistant and receptionist, $15-$20 per hour. Please submit questions and resumes to lcmedcenter@lcamc.net or call 970-9442331. EOE. ICLEAN IN CRESTED BUTTE is looking for
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.
Heavy Equipment Operator I: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly rate 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.
Juvenile Services Facilitator II
Juvenile Services: Full-time, 40 hours/week, hourly range from $30.36-$34.57 depending on experience plus full benefits. Bilingual, English and Spanishspeaking (required).
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
WE ARE HIRING DELIVERY DRIVERS!
WEDNESDAY SHOPPER ROUTES:
North car route Wednesday starting at noon.
1-2 hrs.
$60 plus $15 for fuel.
South car route Wednesday starting at noon.
2-3 hrs.
$75 plus $25 for fuel.
THURSDAY TIMES ROUTE: Deliver the Times to Crested Butte!
Delivery starting time varies between 10pm-12am.
3-4 hrs.
$125 plus $25 for fuel.
For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.
cleaners. Pay DOE. Please call 970-3312417. Buscamos limpiadores. Por favor, comuníquese con IClean al 970-3312417. Para trabajar en Crested Butte.
ÚNASE AL EQUIPO DE HARMELS EN ALMONT: Todavía necesitamos cubrir dos puestos de tiempo completo lo antes posible: Cocineros a partir de $18 por hora y camareros a partir de $14,50 + propinas. Buscamos personas con experiencia y grandes actitudes. Llame al 970-641-1740 o envíe su currículum por correo electrónico a jointheteam@harmels.com.
LAKE CITY AREA MEDICAL CENTER is hiring a full-time or part-time RN or LPN, 1632 hrs/week, $25-30/hr with benefits (FT). Email your CV to lcmedcenter@lcamc.net. EOE.
THE GUNNISON BANK AND TRUST is seeking applications for an assistant to the CFO. This is a full-time position that will
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.
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.
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.
Water/Wastewater Operator Full-time
Starting Salary Ranges:
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.
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.
is seeking applicants for the following fully-benefitted positions.
Western’s benefit package includes Colorado PERA retirement, low-cost insurance plans (with generous employer contributions to medical/dental/vision), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Employees receive basic life insurance and disability insurance at no cost.
Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for FREE.
Custodian I: Full-time (40 hours/ week). Starting pay rate $18.78/hour.
Security I: Full-time (40 hours/ week). Starting pay rate
$17.04/hour. This position is scheduled for night shifts (8 p.m.-6 a.m.) and is paid an additional 14% ($19.42/hour) for weeknights and 20% ($20.45/hour) for weekends.
To view the full job announcement and apply, visit western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers” (AA/EOE).
be responsible for supporting the financial department of the bank. This includes, but is not limited to, the handling of transactions, month-end closing tasks, financial statement preparation, internal/external audit preparations, year-end close-outs, budget preparations, risk calculating and reporting and other job-related duties as assigned. This position will support general accounting, accounts payable and payroll. Applicant should have a thorough understanding of accounting principles. Essential duties and responsibilities: monitors and maintains the general ledger, performs account analysis
and reconciliation of balance sheet accounts and all subsidiary ledgers at month end, compiling and analyzing financial information for month-end reporting, including welldocumented journal entries for approval to ensure financial records are accurate, resolving accounting discrepancies, yearend closing tasks, fixed asset accounting; investment accounting, monitoring cash balances daily. Assist other departments and bank officers as needed. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees and/or customers. High level of oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines, be an effective team member. Ability to plan, initiate and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction. Comprehensive knowledge of use of financial, worksheet and word-processing software, including Excel and Word. Recognition as a CPA is a highly desirable qualification, with a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in accounting. Competitive and comprehensive benefits package includes 401(k), medical insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and disability insurance (ST and LT), paid time off, holiday pay and wellness benefits. Monthly salary range: $4,875-$6,250 DOE. Please email resume to apply@gunnison.bank.
IS HIRING
ID
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):
fabricators and shipping departments as needed.
per
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.
IRWIN GUIDE IS SEEKING OFFICE/SALES
ASSOCIATES: Seasonal, part-time. The position will be responsible for assisting the Irwin Guides administrator with day-to-day operations included but not limited to data entry, completing and filing paperwork, interacting with guests face-to-face or via phone/email, booking trips and assisting with walk-in traffic and retail inquires/purchases.
A strong candidate will have knowledge of the outdoor industry and local activities, strong administrative skills, effective communication, both oral and written, is detail-oriented, responsive to delegation and comfortable working independently and in a fast-paced team environment. During the operational seasons, this position will be required to work some early mornings and late afternoons, at least one weekend day per week, and some holidays as necessary. This is a seasonal position starting at $19-$22 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/ careers.
GUNNISON LIQUOR (The Ghost) is currently looking for part-time help. Nights and weekends a must. Pay DOE. Stop by with a resume. 603 W. Tomichi Ave., Gunnison.
THE GUNNISON VALLEY REGIONAL
HOUSING AUTHORITY (GVRHA) is hiring a property administrator to support the property management function of our affordable housing portfolio. Join our awesome team and contribute to a great cause. $20-$24 per hour DOE with benefits. Priority given to local and bilingual Spanishspeaking candidates. See full job description and how to apply here: gvrha.org/join-ourteam.
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.
LAKE CITY AREA MEDICAL CENTER is hiring a full-time advanced practice provider. 3-4 days in clinic plus 3-4 nights after hours triage service. Benefit package includes health, dental, vision and life, retirement, tenure-tiered
PTO program, conference/CE allowance, health savings account, use of an on-site apartment if needed. $95,000-$105,000/yr.
EOE. Send CVs to lcmedcenter@lcamc.net or request job descriptions.
THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a part-time, year-round front desk attendant for $17 to $22/hr. DOE. Saturday availability required. Must be willing to pick up extra shifts as needed. Employee benefits include complimentary golf and employee discounts. For more information or to submit a resume, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com or email jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.
COOK WANTED: Full and part-time. Apply in person. No experience necessary. 820 N. Main St., Gunnison. 970-641-9223.
ASSISTANT OPERATIONS MANAGER for PR Property Management. Full-time, yearround, starting now. Insurance reimbursement, IRA, ski pass. $28/hour DOE. Valid driver’s license and experience required. Please email prpropertyoffice@gmail.com or call 970-3496281.
HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS: The parent/ guardian of a resident student who is to be educated in a home schooling program for the 2024-25 school year must submit to the superintendent in writing, the name, age, place of residence and hour of instruction 14 days before beginning the program the first year and each year thereafter. Home school packets may be picked up at the Lake School Administration office. 800 N. Blvd., Gunnison.
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.
GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT TOOL AND MOWER SALE:
Sheet metal tools: Di-Acro Spartan Shear # 12, minimum bid $1,000. Di-Acro Spartan box and pan # 12, minimum bid $1,000. Di-Acro Spartan Roller #12, minimum bid $1,000. Di- Acro Spartan notcher #1, minimum bid $1,000. 2005 John Deere 997 Z Trak Mower, 2975 hours, minimum bid $5,000. More info, call Paul Morgan. 970596-0450.
THE CRESTED BUTTE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING BIDS on our decommissioned 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4x4 6.0l ambulance. Equipped with a power inverter and a new turbo charger with less than 500 miles. Body is in very good shape and has approximately 98k miles. Minimum bid is $8,000. Please provide your sealed bid via mail, email or in person by 4 p.m., July 15, 2024, to Jeff Duke, jduke@ cbfpd.org, P.O. Box 1009, 306 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte, CO 81224. If bidding by email, use subject line “Ambulance Bid.” Highest bid wins.
FOR RENT RESIDENTIAL: Gunnison 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath available immediately. S. 7th Street, backyard and small front deck. $2,800 plus utilities. Pets ok with deposit. 847-769-7800. liskorinternational@gmail. com
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.
FOR RENT COMMERCIAL: 235 N. Main. Rear section fully built out office and conference area with private bathroom available. 2,000 sq. ft. $2,500 monthly. 847-769-7800 or liskorinternational@gmail. com.
To the following parties that have their personal property stored at #2-600 Rio Grande Storage, Gunnison, CO 81230. All property will be sold or disposed of unless claimed and/or all rents and fees are paid prior to July 20th, 2024.
Unit #2 Renee Gullisen
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of July 4, 11, 2024
13913
To the following parties that have their personal property stored at Plotts Mini Storage, LLC, 312 W. Hwy 50, Gunnison, CO, 81230:
All property will be sold or disposed of, unless claimed and/or all rent and fees paid prior to July 20, 2024.
Unit 221 – Max Ryan
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of July 11, 18, 2024 14058
NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS CREATING A VESTED RIGHT GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Gunnison County has approved the following Land Use Change permits with site-specific development plans(s) within unincorporated Gunnison County, which creates a threeyear vested property right pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, Article 68 of Title 24 C.R.S., as amended.
A “vested property right” gives the following applicant(s) the right to undertake the development subject to the condition(s) of approval of the site-specific development plan(s).
to expand its existing USFS Special Use Permit boundary, once a final decision is issued by the USFS for the Draft Decision Notice updated on February 22, 2024, by approximately 377 acres to develop 139 acres of new terrain. The ski area also proposes a new 2,700-foot-long chairlift, a warming hut, restroom, and access road, and more specifically: 377 acres of new lift-accessed terrain in No Name Basin.
Construct a new 2,700-feet-long fixed grip chairlift, with a carrier size of up to four people.
Construct an up to 8,600-feet-long permanent access road from the existing SUP area to the bottom terminal of the proposed chairlift. 139 acres of developed terrain: approximately 62 acres of traditionally cleared terrain and 75 acres of gladed terrain, including low intermediate, intermediate, and advancedintermediate terrain.
Build a warming hut and restroom adjacent to the bottom terminal of the proposed chairlift.
Adjust 700 feet of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
/s/ Hillary I. Seminick, AICP Planning Director Gunnison County Community Development Department
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication date of July 11, 2024 14095
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 November 12, 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 July 11, 18, 25 2024
13810
Estate of MAURA ELLEN BAILEY, Deceased Case Number 2024PR300200
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of GUNNISON County, Colorado on or before October 24, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.
and Rio Grande National Forest
As the Deciding Official, Chad Stewart, Forest Supervisor, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, made a decision to exchange 539.49 acres of Federal land in Gunnison County for 625.18 acres of land owned by the Mt. Emmons Mining Company, a Delaware corporation, in Gunnison and Saguache Counties, Colorado.
The decision is not subject to appeal and will be implemented immediately.
The Decision Memo is available upon request from the Forest Supervisor, GMUG National Forests, 2250 South Main Street, Delta, CO 81416. For further information, contact Denise Kusnir, Forest Lands Program Manager, mary. kusnir@usda.gov or (970) 394-4792.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of July 11, 2024 14091
Gunnison County Public Works Department will be listing several vehicles and pieces of equipment for sale at JJKaneAuctions. com. These listings will be on the JJ Kane Auctions website ONLY, https://www.jjkane. com/promotions/gunnison-county-govequipment-auctions/. The auction will run from July 16, 2024 to July 24, 2024.
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of July 4, 11, 2024 13933
DISTRICT COURT, GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO
Address: 200 East Virginia Avenue Gunnison, Colorado 81230 (970) 642-8300
Plaintiff: PEARLS MANAGEMENT, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, v. Defendants: TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO, a home rule municipality; CRESTED BUTTE LTD., a Colorado limited liability company; and ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ACTION
Attorneys for Plaintiffs: HUCKSTEP LAW, LLC Aaron J. Huckstep, Atty Reg No. 39898 426 Belleview Ave, Unit 303 P.O. Box 2958 Crested Butte, CO 81224 Telephone: (970) 349-2009 Facsimile: (970) 797-1023
E-mail: huck@hucksteplaw.com
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
The Community Development Department has approved an Administrative Land Use Change Permit for Powder Monarch, LLC (aka Monarch Mountain), representing the property owner, the US Forest Service (USFS), for Land Use Change Permit No. LUC-24-00031 for an expansion of a commercial use in the No Name Basin area of the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, west of the Continental Divide and existing Monarch Ski area; and legally described as portion of Sections 29-33, and part of Sections 6, 7, 17-21, 27, 28 & 34, Township 49N, Range 6E, County of Gunnison, State of Colorado.
The approval will allow Monarch Mountain
AARON J. HUCKSTEP, ATTY. REG # 39898 ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANT PO BOX 2958 CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224
Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of June 27, July 4, 11, 2024 13923
Notice of Decision Mt. Emmons Land Exchange Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
TO THE DEFENDANTS NAMED ABOVE: You are summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.
If you fail to file your Answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against
This is an action to quiet the title of the Plaintiff in and to the real property situate in Gunnison County, Colorado, more particularly described on Exhibit A, attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof
Dated: June 21, 2024
/s/ Aaron J. Huckstep
Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison, Colorado
Publication dates of June 27, July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024
13924
Bethany Church
909 N Wisconsin St.
(behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144
Two services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
FREE lunch for college students following the 10:30 a.m. service gunnisonbethany.com
9 a.m.: Family Service with nursery & children’s church
Check out our website for updates! Or download our app on the App Store by searching, Gunnison Bethany.
B'nai Butte Congregation
PO Box 2537 Crested, Butte CO 81224 305-803-3648 bnaibutte@gmail.com
Serving the Jewish communities of Crested Butte, Gunnison and the East River Valley in Colorado 7/12, Shabbatluck service, 6 p.m. - pls bring a dish/drink to share. 7/13, 10:30 a.m., Kibbitz with the Rabbi at Rumors Coffee in CB. 7/13, 5:30 p.m., Havdalah service - pls bring an appetizer to share. 7/14, 11 a.m., Torah study/discussion on anti-semitism on college campuses.
Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com
Go to website for location and more details. bnaibutte.org
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.
• Designate your favorite local charity* when you open your GB&T Donation Matching CD.
• Choose the term of your CD—1 year to 5 years.
• Interest earned will be automatically donated quarterly to your designated charity with the addition of a 25% match donation from GB&T.
*Charity must have an account open with GB&T.
Gunnison Valley Mentors Program pictured here.
JULY 2
-Deputies responded to an unattended death at Country Meadows
-Somerset/Marble deputies took a hit and run report on C.R. 12
-Deputies took a violation of protection order report that is under investigation
-Deputies took a trespass in progress report in Taylor Park
-Information report - welfare check
JULY 2
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: FIRST DEGREE - RESIDENCE — 404 S. WISCONSIN ST. ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL — 520 N. MAIN ST.
THEFT - COMMITS TWO OR MORE THEFTS AGAINST THE SAME PERSON X3 — 900 N. MAIN ST.
JULY 3
PROPERTY - FOUND — 600 E.
TOMICHI AVE.
ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL — 520 N. MAIN ST. WELFARE ASSIST — S. 3RD ST. VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 275 S. SPRUCE ST.
JULY 4
VIOLATION OF PROTECTION
ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 880 N. MAIN ST.
ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGEMUNICIPAL — 302 REED ST.
ASSAULT: THIRD DEGREE - BODILY INJURY — 608 W. NEW YORK AVE.
JULY 5
PROPERTY - FOUND — 510 E. TOMICHI AVE.
PROPERTY - FOUND — 501 E. TOMICHI AVE.
PROPERTY - FOUND — 500 E. TOMICHI AVE.
THEFT - UNDER $100 MUNICIPAL — 314 S. 12TH ST.
PROPERTY - FOUND — 977 W. NEW YORK AVE.
PROPERTY - FOUND — 501 E. TOMICHI AVE.
INFORMATION — 221 N. WISCONSIN ST.
ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE - MUNICIPAL — 901 W. BIDWELL AVE.
FIREWORKS - UNLAWFUL — 508 N. 14TH ST.
JULY 6
WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JURISDICTION — 206 N. COLORADO ST.
PROPERTY - FOUND — 910 W. BIDWELL AVE.
ANIMAL - RUNNING AT LARGE - MUNICIPAL — 213 W. TOMICHI AVE.
DISTURBING THE PEACE — 16 IRWIN ST.
JULY 7
THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 314 S. 12TH ST. MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — W. TOMICHI AVE.
ANIMAL - VICIOUS/DANGEROUS
- MUNICIPAL — 707 N. IOWA ST. WELFARE ASSIST — N. LOVELAND ST.
-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a one-vehicle accident
JULY 3
-Driving under the influence of alcohol arrest
-Theft of a bike rack from C.R. 730 and Hwy. 135 reported
-Deputies posted civil papers previously tried with no answer at the residence
JULY 4
-Deputies picked up a found firearm, took it into evidence and contacted the owner to arrange for pick-up
-Search and rescue (SAR) call up Forest Service Road 586 with injuries
-Deputies assisted the Gunnison Police Department as cover for a follow-up investigation
JULY 5
-Somerset/Marble deputies along with West Elk SAR responded to a SAR mission near the North Fork Crystal River Trail. The person was located and found safe.
-Information report in Somersetdomestic disturbance
JULY 6
-Somerset deputies took a criminal mischief report - someone shot up the windshield of another person’s motorhome - under investigation
-Deputies assisted the CSP with a one-vehicle accident
-Information - welfare check after a 911 hang up
-Information - deputies and Western SAR searched for two overdue people on dirt bikes - they were found safe
JULY 7
-Information report - possible bear sighting
-Information report - lost cell phone
-Possible trespass on Cove Roadunder investigation
JULY 8
-Harassment report involving social media
-Information report - possible missing person - under investigation
-Harassment report at Taylor Park under investigation
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GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024
Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor
Every Wednesday evening, a group of women gather in a shady corner of Meadows Park. They tighten the laces of their neon-soled shoes, preparing to run. The group launches into a jog as one, moving at a leisurely pace. Despite the runners’ different ages and athletic abilities, they stick together, chatting about their days spent at summer camp or work.
The Gunni Girls Run Club invites women of all back -
grounds to join together for a 2- to 3-mile run each week.
The cherry on top? The group shares a sweet treat after every run. The club is the brainchild of Western Colorado University students and roommates Hannah Cryder, Emma Thomas and Zoe Camp, who wanted to create a space where women could run in a community setting.
“We wanted people to feel confident in their running no matter what pace they’re going or how far they run,” Thomas said. “That’s all that matters.” Thomas moved to Gunnison in 2020 to run cross country for Western’s NCAA team.
Although she enjoyed the camaraderie fostered by the team, the intense pressure of competitive running made her love for the sport dwindle, she said. Thomas decided to leave the collegiate athletic scene and strike out on her own the
following year.
Not long after, she met Cryder and Camp while attending Young Life church services. The trio soon became roommates and running buddies, offering a “refreshing” return to the sport that Thomas loved, she said.
“We had lots of friends who’d say ‘I wish I had more girls to run with, but I don’t know who to run with or where to start,’” Cryder said. “In January, I texted Zoe and Emma with the pitch: when the snow melts, we start a run club.”
Cryder created an Instagram account for the club to spread the word about where and when to meet, and the three brainstormed ideas about what kind of environment they wanted to create. The idea to offer a dessert item after each run turned out to be a
In addition to catching up with friends and making new ones, members often share training tips and their favorite gear recommendations.
key recruitment factor, Cryder said.
“Nothing is better than finishing a run, no matter the distance, and having a little treat afterward,” Cryder said. “And almost everyone I talked to said ‘I’d love to come run, but I’m just not in shape.’ So I said, ‘I have brownies.’ And they’d be there.”
We wanted people to feel confident in their running no matter what pace they’re going or how far they run. That’s all that matters.
Emma Thomas Run club co-founder
truly can just be a good time,” Cryder said. “It doesn’t have to have all these conditions to it. And a sweet treat also makes your body feel good.”
Only the trio and a few close friends attended the club's first meet up earlier this summer. But Cryder, Thomas and Camp were pleasantly surprised when a gaggle of high school students arrived at the club’s second meeting. In the following weeks, the age range of runners in attendance continued to expand. The hope is to eventually attract older women and young girls who aren’t as active on social media.
They plan to add morning run sessions in addition to their regular Wednesday evening jaunts, and have their sights set on hosting free yoga in the park later in the summer — events that will help spread awareness of the group offline.
The promise of a treat after each run hits a deeper chord for both Cryder and Thomas, who started their running careers in environments that positioned food as a reward that you had to earn through intense exercise.
But the Gunni Girls Run Club offers homemade delicacies to members whether they ran that day or not, Cryder said. Members will sometimes show up after scheduled runs just to catch up with friends and enjoy dessert.
“So many of us grew up thinking that running is punishment for your sport or strictly to lose weight, but it
At first, Cryder worried the large difference in ages might make socializing difficult. But the opposite proved to be true: younger members were always ready with updates on the latest drama from school dances, and older members were happy to have a safe space to vent about long work days and married life.
The club has become more than just a running-oriented group, and is now a space where girls and women feel safe hanging out and can even look to others for mentorship and advice, Cryder said.
“I was really missing that team atmosphere more than the competitiveness of racing,” Thomas said. “It’s been fun to get that vibe again when we all run together and stay in a pack.”
(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@gunnisontimes.com.)
Bella Biondini Times Editor
Mary Pat Ettinger began experimenting with a new medium in her early 20s, making a difficult switch from the rich color and feel of oil paints to “brash” acrylic. But she quickly made a discovery that would recreate her style and consume the remainder of her decades-long career as an artist.
Ettinger stretched her canvases by hand like many artists during that time, and then applied gesso, a white primer that smoothes and seals the surface of raw canvas. Then she was ready to paint. But one day she found the container empty. Desperate to create, she began anyway.
The blank canvas soaked up the colors, giving the illusion the painting had been created with watercolor. When she was done painting, Ettinger coated the canvas with a gel medium, sealing the soft, almost transparent colors. She’s been refining the technique for the past 53 years.
“It’s magical,” she said. “I love it and it's still a learning process for me. I couldn't take any classes in it because nobody, especially back then, had done it.”
Ettinger’s show, “Romancing the Rocky Mountains,” is on display at the Gunnison Arts Center’s Cafe Gallery through August. She plans to swap out some of the paintings to highlight the valley’s vibrant wildflower blooms for the August segment of the show. She will also teach a painting class at the
GAC on Saturday, July 27.
Ettinger grew up in a small town in rural California, just down the street from Disneyland where her father worked. Orange groves and ranchland characterized the landscapes of her childhood. Her mother’s family was from Colorado, so Ettinger eventually moved to the Rocky Mountains in her 30s, before the area developed.
“One time we were driving to the beach, and as we [passed] through all the open lands, my dad said, ‘Someday this is going to all be houses.’ And we were like, ‘Oh, Dad.’ We just didn't believe him.”
As a child, Ettinger was taught how to paint with oils. With seven siblings, her parents had their hands full, but still found ways to support her craft. When she was 13, her father opened a charge account at the local hardware store, which had a small art section.
“Whenever I needed something, I could charge it and keep the supplies,” she said. “That charge account didn't last very long. I had a great time. I had no concept of money.”
Ettinger now resides in Montrose. At the age of 74, painting still remains an obsession, she said. She’s often in her studio early in the morning and spends sometimes 60 hours a week with a paintbrush in hand. She uses soft, yet vibrant colors to depict the mountain and desert landscapes where she has spent most of her life.
Ettinger typically only uses sketches as references, not photographs. She keeps a sketchbook in each one of her cars, along with a pencil and pencil sharpener because she never knows when a scene is going to capture her attention, she said.
Ettinger works quickly, and can outline a scene in as little as five minutes.
“When I sketch, it comes
inside of me, and then I go back to the studio and remember the colors and why I was so excited,” she said. “I remember the shadows and I can feel the air temperature. “
Throughout her career, Ettinger said her viewers have often said her paintings evoke the feeling of peace. That feeling has drawn people to her work over the years, along with the familiarity of the scenes she paints: the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park; an aspen grove; or a house with flowers in the front yard that looks like it belonged to their grandmother.
“That speaks strongly to people, especially now, when the world seems so bizarre and fraught with unknowns,” she said.
Ettinger’s work is displayed in galleries across the West, from Montrose, Ouray and Grand Junction to Taos, New Mexico and Pasadena, California.
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@ gunnisontimes.com.)
JULY
Teams saddled up their horses for the Cattlemen’s Days ranch rodeo at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds on July 6. During the competition, riders worked together to single out a specific steer while holding the rest of the herd in place. The Tough Enough to Wear Pink rodeo will bring riders back to the ring on July 11.
The Top O’ the World Garden Club awarded J.P. and Lynna Frymoyer of 1003 North 12th Street with Yard of the Week. Over the past nine years, J.P. has filled up rock beds, built fences and raised garden beds.
Storytime and book signings
Local author Colton Hoots will read and sign copies of his children’s story “Lola and the Big Heart” on June 11 at the Gunnison Library from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Monkey Goats from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and the Gunnison Rec Center from 2-4 p.m. Each family will receive one free copy.
Marching band volunteers
March with the GHS band for the Cattlemen's parade. One practice will be held on July 12 at the high school from 1-3 p.m. On July 13, meet at Legion Park near the Chamber of Commerce building at 9 a.m. Wear blue pants or jeans and a white shirt. Cowboy hats and bandanas are optional. If you need music or an instrument, Mr. Koepsel can provide it. Contact kkoepsel@gunnisonschools.net or call 970.641.5904 for more information.
Elks hamburger fundraiser
Enjoy hamburgers at the Elks Lodge on July 13 after the Cattlemen’s parade. Elks' ladies will be raising funds for their local projects, including scholarships, the food pantry and children in need.
Teacher reunion lunch
The RE1J Gunnison Class of 2004 invites all teachers who blessed them with their patience and knowledge to their 20th Reunion Lunch Celebration on July 13 in Legion Park after the parade at 11:30 a.m.-ish. They would love to see you!
‘The Odd Couple’
Crested Butte Mountain Theatre presents Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” from July
11-13 and 18-20 at 7 p.m. and July 14 and 21 at 2:30 p.m. Find tickets and more information at cbmountaintheatre.org.
Sage-grouse committee meeting
The Gunnison Basin SageGrouse Strategic Committee will meet on July 17 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the planning commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more information, please visit gunnisoncounty. org.
Seeking short play submissions
The Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival is seeking new 5-10 minute plays for its first annual play crawl on August 10. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 1. Plays will be performed at venues around Gunnison. Visit westerntheatrecompany. squarespace.com/gunnisonvalley-theatre-festival for submission guidelines and more information.
Meadow restoration volunteers
Join Backcountry Hunters and Anglers on July 20 to volunteer for their annual Wet Meadow Restoration Project. Meet at the Centennial SWA lot, east entrance, at 9 a.m. to carpool up to the worksites. Work from approximately 9:30 a.m-2 p.m, with lunch and refreshments to follow. Please preregister at backcountryhunters. org/co_upcoming_events.
Film festival screening
The Crested Butte Film Festival presents a screening of the film “Los Frikis” ("The Freaks") on July 24 at the CB Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25 with a VIP meet-and-greet option available. A book sign -
ing with director Ed Zwick will take place on July 28 at Townie Books. Find more details at cbfilmfest.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.
CB Museum events
The Crested Butte History Museum will hold a Second Street-themed walking tour on July 27 at 10 a.m. History walking tours happen every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. Learn more at crestedbuttemuseum. com.
Gunnison Tough’s Songwriter Shuffle Concert and Auction will be held at the Almont Resort on July 16. Enjoy performances by Nashville singer-songwriters, with dinner and drinks provided by local chefs. This is a fundraiser for Gunnison Tough. Find tickets and more information at gunnisontetwp.com.
Pioneer Museum open
The Gunnison Pioneer Museum features many artifacts depicting Cattlemen’s Days history and western heritage. Visitors and locals alike are invited to take a stroll through their extensive collections. The museum is open daily and admission is $15 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for 5 and under. Follow their Facebook page/check out gunnisonpioneermuseum.com for updated information.
gunnisonfarmersmarket.org
“Yip!
Submitted
by
Larry McDonald
“Yip! Cowboys in town! All set for the big celebration!” was how the article in the July 13, 1923, edition of the Gunnison News-Champion began describing the upcoming Cattlemen’s Days, and it was the following week’s paper reporting on the first two days of festivities with, “All Cowboys and Cowgirls Having a Fine Time. Contests Interesting. Much Rain.” Adding to the excitement of the 22nd annual event was the filming of “Where the Gunnison River Flows”, the first movie depicting our “Western phase of life” and featuring over two dozen locals in both leading and supporting roles.
Following a showing of the movie at the Unique Theatre in early August, the NewsChampion reported that it is was a “decided success, both in its display of local actors and scenery”, and that “though deficient in plot, had a real heart gripping appeal.”
Montrose Press describing his impressions of day one of the celebration, stating, “The parade started at La Veta hotel and slowly meandered its way up thru the business district. There were 22 wagons in line, all covered with the old boxes and wagon sheets as in the old days, and 76 automobiles followed.” He wrote that the “familiar figure of Alonzo Hartman” was seated next to John Outcalt on the lead wagon, representing two of the earliest settlers and longest residents of Gunnison Country. Riding in one of the latest automobiles were the only living representatives of early county government, with Mrs. Alonzo Hartman, who was then Miss Lou Haigler, who served as our first deputy county clerk, and “Doc” C. W. Shores as sheriff, seated next to her.
The article stated that the scene filmed in front of the Palisades where the prairie schooners made camp for the night was particularly interesting, with many old-timers lending “much color to the story”, and the “close up” of the same folks at Dos Rios Ranch was both amusing and the best scene of the 20-minute silent movie. And although the theatre was “crowded to the doors” for every showing, and the hope expressed that the picture would be shown all over the West advertising our many opportunities here, it seems to have disappeared from the face of the Earth, as recent efforts to find a copy have come up empty.
Former Gunnison resident Charley Adams wrote a follow up article in the
And while a sudden downpour hampered the afternoon events on the first day of the rodeo, attendees enjoyed the many traditional and non-traditional scheduled contests, with the package race on day two being one of the most amusing. The riders were forced to get a package, open it, don the contents, and ride back to the finish line. Earl Carpenter took home top honors and $15, while Jack Yost came in second and C. Tombling third. Spectators also enjoyed the bucking horse contests and always popular Quadrille (square dancing on horseback) performance, and all the while, “the moving picture man kept his camera going.”
Our extensive campus and museum collections include many artifacts depicting Cattlemen’s Days history and our intriguing Western heritage, and we cordially invite this year’s attendees to plan a visit during Gunnison’s longest running annual celebration!
Wendy Videlock Special to the Times
As the orchards here in Palisade begin to swell with the promise of summer harvest, I find myself thinking about the many ways poets across time have written on the subject of food — fruit in particular.
T.S. Eliot, in his poem which embodies the voice of the morbidly repressed J. Alfred Prufrock, exclaims:
I grow old … I grow old … I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.
Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
Does he dare indeed! This is one of the most famous passages in contemporary poetry, being both hilarious and tragic all at once. There’s nothing like a peach as a fun metaphor for just about anything sensual, explicit or just plain messy and delicious.
Mary Oliver has no such hesitations in her lines about the plum:
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and which you were probably saving for breakfast Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold
This little utterance is maddening in its self-centeredness and charming for its sideways confessional grin — as though the narrator’s way of asking for forgiveness is as cold and sweet as the stolen plums. Paisley Rekdal has a few lovely observations about the pear.
It is not a sin to eat one, though you may think of a woman's body as you do it, the bell-shaped swell of it rich in your hand, and for this reason it was sacred to Venus, Juno, all women celebrated or dismissed in its shape, that mealy sweetness tunneling from its center, a gold that sinks back into itself with age.
Grapes, too, have gotten lots of attention from the poets. Here are the opening lines of an Anne Spencer ode to the grape:
Snugly you rest, sweet globes, aged essence of the sun; copper of the platter like that you lie upon.
… Joy is a taste before it’s anything else, and the body can lounge for hours devouring the important moments. Listen, the only way to tempt happiness into your mind is by taking it into the body first, like small wild plums.
And speaking of plums, here’s William Carlos Williams, who puts the plum at the center of what appears to be a note he has left behind.
This is Just to Say I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox
One of Pablo Neruda’s most well known poems praises the lemon:
Out of lemon flowers loosed on the moonlight, love’s lashed and insatiable essences, sodden with fragrance, the lemon tree’s yellow emerges the lemons move down from the tree’s planetarium. (Translation Edith Grossman)
But of all the fruit, perhaps the apple, with its endless cultural, mythological and religious associations, might just be the apple
of the poet’s eye. Here is C.W. Bryan’s haiku on the subject:
Moralize away, But I will break the pink skin
With my two front teeth.
Christina Rosetti gives us a little cautionary tale in verse:
I plucked pink blossoms from my apple tree
And wore them all that evening in my hair
Then in due season when I went to see
I had no apples there.
Robert Frost, in the voice of an exhausted apple-picker, gives us:
And I keep hearing from the cellar bin
The rumbling sound Of load on load of apples coming in.
For I have had too much Of apple-picking; I am overtired Of the great harvest I myself desired.
There were ten thousand fruit to touch,
Cherish in hand, lift down, and not let fall.
And finally, we have a passage from Dorianne Laux, from her sharply written poem, “The History of the Apple:”
…The apple endures. Born of the wild rose, of crab ancestors.
The first pip raised in Kazakhstan.
Snow White with poison on her lips.
The buried blades of Halloween. Budding and grafting. John Chapman in his tin pot hat. Oh Westward Expansion. Apple pie. American as. Hard cider. Winter banana. Melt-in-the-mouth made sweet by hives of Britain's honeybees: white man's flies. O eat. O eat.
(Wendy Videlock is poet laureate of the Western Slope. Her books are available wherever books are sold. Reach her at westernslopeword@gmail.com.)
Maggie Reid Times Intern
Just a mile west of town lies a hidden treasure: the Island Acres Resort Motel. The vintage motel’s ability to embrace the styles of the past has made it attractive to weary travelers for decades.
In June, Tim and Pam hosted a small neighborhood gettogether to celebrate Island Acres’ 70th anniversary. Friends, neighbors and guests gathered for a small barbeque on the motel’s event patio. It was a celebration of years past and many more to come.
Elmo Bevington, a businessman from Omaha, Nebraska, built Island Acres in 1954. He and his wife, Elva, came to Gunnison to look at properties, and settled on an old 3.5acre farm just outside of town. Bevington purchased pre-manufactured homes from the company, Gunnison Homes, to construct his motel. Its motto was “Have your home delivered on Tuesday and be cooking dinner by Friday,” and construction concluded quickly.
The pair settled on the name Island Acres because the property sat between the Gunnison
River and a set of cliffs. The Bevingtons owned and operated Island Acres until they died.
Tim and Pam Williams bought the motel soon after. In 2006, the pair moved to Gunnison after their youngest daughter was recruited to run track at Western Colorado University. A realtor showed them the Island Acres property, and they fell in love. The couple had no previous experience in the lodging industry, but wanted to try something new.
Because the 17-room motel was in poor shape, the appraiser gave them a deduction and told them to tear Island Acres down. Despite this, Tim and Pam decided that they wanted to give the motel business a shot. Pam, an avid antiquer, loved the idea of keeping the original vintage theme alive.
For the past 19 years, she’s curated a large collection of 1950s furniture and decor. Each unit is unique, with authentic 50’s chrome and formica tables and chairs, vintage curtains, old refrigerators and stoves and pieces from various businesses in Gunnison. Pam has connections across the valley, and people often donate antiques they think would fit in the motel, such as the banquet dishes from the old Odd Fellows Lodge and dining chairs from Rippling River Ranch.
Pam said she believes that every piece tells a story and wants every unit at Island Acres to have its own history.
“Now (retro motels) have become a big thing,” Pam said. “It’s almost like I’m the grandmother of hipster hotels.”
Owning a motel hasn’t been easy, though. Tim and Pam have been renovating the hotel almost nonstop since they purchased it. Island Acres is only open during the summer season, allowing extra time for renovations during the winter. However, staying open for four months out of the year isn’t as profitable as year-round hotels. And with the rise in popularity of vacation rental companies such as AirBNB and Vrbo, business hasn’t been the same.
“No one saw AirBNB coming,” Pam said. “I started noticing it 20 years ago when I would get calls from clients telling me they found a house to stay in.”
While Island Acres doesn’t attract a large number of new customers, over the years families have passed down the experience to their children, friends and coworkers. One customer has been visiting Island Acres and staying in the same room since he was a child, Pam said.
“We have a lot of personal relationships with people,” she said. “We let people host things like graduation parties or memorial services here.”
(Maggie Reid can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or intern@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Gems from the BiBle DO YOU LONG FOR FREEDOM?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Cor 5:17
… our old man was crucified with Him (Jesus),… that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Romans 6:6
Selected by Renee Balch & Leta Haverly
Gunnison residents and visitors made their way to Legion and Jorgensen parks for live music, games and food on the Fourth of July. South Carolina-band Stoplight Observations performed modern renditions of patriotic, classic rock songs. After sunset, the crowd turned toward W Mountain for a fireworks display.
Joelle Ashley Special to the Times
Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) orthopedic surgeon Gloria Beim has been appointed as the head team physician for Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
The appointment highlights Beim’s expertise in sports medicine and her commitment to the health and performance of athletes. As head team physician, Beim will lead a team of medical professionals that will provide medical care, injury prevention and rehabilitation services to ensure that the athletes are in peak condition for competition.
“This appointment is another example of how our Gunnison Valley Orthopedics physicians support elite athletes at the national level,” said hospital CEO Jason Amrich. “It is incredible to know that through Dr. Beim and Dr. Clifton everyone in the valley has access to the same orthopedic care as Team USA and the US Ski and Snowboard Team.”
Beim has served in various medical roles at international sporting events since 1997. This
will be her fourth time at the Olympics. She served as the chief medical officer for Team USA at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, and as the chief medical officer or head team physician in four Paralympic Games. Her extensive experience and dedication to athlete care have earned her a stellar reputation in the field of sports medicine.
“Supporting our athletes in achieving their dreams is a privilege, and I am dedicated to providing the highest standard of medical care to help them succeed,” Beim said.
Led by GVH Medical Director for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Blake Clifton, Gunnison Valley Orthopedics offers a comprehensive range of care options for both pediatric and adult patients. Clinics provide orthopedic care in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Telluride.
(Joelle Ashley is the marketing and communications director for Gunnison Valley Health.)
The Gunnison Rotary Club recognized this year’s scholarship and grant recipients during an awards ceremony and luncheon at the I Bar Ranch on June 26. Each year, the Rotary Club awards four scholarships to Gunnison High School graduating seniors, as well as grants to a variety of youth-centered programs throughout the valley. This year’s scholarship recipients are Spencer Hays, Allie Schwartz, Miles Harris and Ryann Nordberg.
GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024
Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
The Gunnison Clarke Agency U10 baseball team faced off against rival Crested Butte in a heated matchup at Jorgensen Park on July 9. Despite a neckand-neck contest in the early innings, Crested Butte ran away in the third to secure the win. It marked the second time this season Crested Butte got the better of its southern foes.
After a scoreless first inning, Crested Butte opened the gates in the top of the second with a leadoff triple to right field. The Gunnison pitcher remained calm with a runner in scoring position, and struck out the next two hitters. The next two batters walked to load the bases, and another pair of walks brought home two runs. Crested Butte held the 2-0 lead into the bottom of the second.
Gunnison clawed its way back into the contest in the second. Despite two early strikeouts, the home side found success with a walk, and stolen base to put a runner in scoring position. A wild pitch brought home the first run for Gunnison. But the boys were unable to capitalize after loading the bases on walks. The game held 2-1 into the third.
sure to the pitcher on the mound.
Crested Butte found momentum in the top of the third. The away rally began with an RBI single to go up 3-1. Smart baserunning from the away team, and a few fortunate walks added pres-
An RBI double snaked under the Gunnison shortstop to move the score to 7-1. Gunnison’s center fielder Abraham Jauregui cut the inning short with a vital snag in the outfield.
Gunnison remained hungry at the plate in the bottom of the third. A hit-by-pitch put a runner on the bases, and back-to-back wild pitches brought home two Gunnison runs. Still, the offensive effort proved futile, and the game ended as a win for Crested Butte.
(Photo by Alex McCrindle)
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@ gunnisontimes.com.)
Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
Greg Waggoner, Western Colorado University’s longest serving athletic director (AD), was awarded Hall of Fame status by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) last month in Las Vegas, Nevada. He led the Mountaineers to 11 NCAA team championships and 71 individual national championships. Over the 20 years he served as Western’s AD, he was pivotal in growing Mountaineer athletics to its current status.
Looking back, Waggoner said he’s most proud of Western athletes’ character, rather than national recognition.
“If you’re a true collegiate competitor, you are fiercely trying to find ways to win national championships,” Waggoner said. “With that said, my goal was for success to not be at the expense of our kids, or their academics and integrity. I am proud that our athletes graduated, and left Western better people.”
On June 10, NACDA inducted eight candidates from across the United States into its 2024 Hall of Fame class. It is the highest award for AD’s in the nation. Waggoner was recognized for his two decade tenure as Western’s AD, the Mountaineers’ on-field success Waggoner B13
and record-setting fundraising under his watch.
Waggoner was recruited to Western’s wrestling program in 1975 by lifetime mentor and legendary coach Tracy Borah.
After reaching All-American status and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1980, Waggoner left the Gunnison Valley for a coaching position in Montrose. It took only one year for Borah to reel Waggoner back to Gunnison, coercing him with a graduate assistant coaching position. The two coached together for four years.
“Tracy was the fondest part of my time wrestling at Western,” Waggoner said. “He was an amazing man, and I owe so much to his mentorship in my life.”
In 1984, Borah hung up his whistle after 29 years at Western and handpicked Waggoner to fill his shoes.
Waggoner stepped in as a Western professor, the head wrestling coach and assistant football coach. He fundraised for the wrestling program and earned a doctorate in sports administration from Northern Colorado University. The wheels were turning, and Waggoner was piecing together his tool belt for a future in the front office.
The career breakthrough came in 1994, when Waggoner
was offered the position as AD. He accepted, as long he could coach for another three years. The seasons of ‘95, ‘96 and ‘97 were his last, after which he transitioned into the full-time administrative role.
Mountaineer athletics grew exponentially under his watch. Waggoner and his team raised $20 million for the athletics department. He led the Paul Wright Gymnasium renovation, the construction of the Mountaineer Field House and schemed about a future renovation of the Mountaineer Bowl. Now, 10 years later, that renovation is nearing completion.
“It took a lot of staff members, coaches, local businesses and corporate partners to build this program,” Waggoner said. “For our small population, the amount of support we gained in those years was a team effort. I look back at what we accomplished, and I’m very fortunate to have been a part of it.”
After announcing his retirement in 2019, Waggoner received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Division II Athletic Directors Association. Now, he can add a spot in NACDA’s Hall of Fame to his list of career achievements.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor
With the Fourth of July holiday buzz slowly wearing off, Gunnison baseball returned to action in a fiery, intrasquad scrimmage. The two teams faced off at Jorgensen Park on July 8, with a mix of 13- and 14-year-old, recreational and tournament players split between a red team and a black team.
Despite a competitive opening inning, the red team dominated in the second to win 21-6. The scrimmage gave recreational players more game time. It also prepared tournament players for their final summer tournament on July 13 and 14 this weekend.
The red team jumped to an early, 7-0 lead in the first after consistent hitting, fortunate errors and wild pitches. The black team rallied, tacking on four runs to keep a steady pace.
In the second, the red team blew the barn doors off and marched 12 runs home. The rally started with a leadoff pop-fly single, and then an RBI grounder under the second baseman’s legs. Red continued to put barrel to ball, forcing black to make pitching changes. After the dust settled, the black team finally returned
to the dugout and the score stood at 19-4.
The black team licked its wounds and returned to the plate where the team found little success. The game ended 21-6 for the red team.
This week marks the end of the summer season for the recreational team. The tournament team will play its final games in Monte Vista from July 13-14 to wrap up the summer baseball season.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
Crested Butte Mountain Resort hosted its second summer mountain bike race on July 5. Riders flew down one of the quickest tracks on the resort, Teaser, and will return on July 12 to race down Twisted Trees. The CBMR summer race series will continue every Friday through the remainder of July.
Dorian Gomez Special to the Times
Cicatrizando heridas y cumpliendo sueños (primera parte)
Las guerras siempre dejan daños colaterales que perduran el tiempo y dejan profundas heridas físicas y emocionales en los que ven de frente la muerte. Después de la segunda guerra mundial la antigua Unión Soviética quería expandir el modelo comunista a nivel mundial, mientras Estados Unidos y Gran Bretaña defendían el modelo capitalista y la democracia. Este documento no tiene como objetivo ofrecer una clase magistral de historia, sino hacer un breve recuento de las grandes repercusiones sociales que ocasionadas por la larga y devastadora “guerra fría” y su impacto en todos los hemisferios, pero nos enfocaremos en Latinoamérica, de la cual se desprenderá una historia vivencial y cruda de Zizue, seudónimo que usaremos para reemplazar su nombre verdadero, y que proviene
del nickname del famoso jugador francés Zinedine Zidane, del cual nuestro protagonista de esta historia siempre sintió una profunda admiración. Zizue un salvadoreño que vivió en su niñez la guerra fratricida en su país, que llevo a su familia a migrar a Estados Unidos para salvar sus vidas. Los grandes movimientos revolucionarios y subversivos en centro y sur América fueron influenciados por la antigua Unión Soviética, que apoyó a Cuba y su revolución, la cual fue el caldo de cultivo perfecto usados por los laboratorios comunistas y partidos políticos de izquierda en Latinoamérica, los cuales vieron en el comunismo la solución a los problemas de corrupción, falta de justicia, desigualdad social, con el discurso marxista-leninista que tenía como objetivo político la eliminación de la clase burguesa. En Latinoamérica se generaron guerras internas, desapariciones forzadas, dictaduras, secuestros, masacres, y el nacimiento de las guerrillas que luchaban en armas en contra de los gobiernos que ellos acusaban de capitalistas y burgueses. El Salvador no fue ajena a esa revolución en los años ochenta, lo cual generó más de 75.000 muertos y desaparecidos principalmente civiles según lo registra un artículo de la BBC de Londres del 8 de septiembre de
2022, denominado “El Salvador procesa a un escuadrón de la muerte por primera vez en la historia por delitos de lesa humanidad durante la guerra civil”.
Zizue vivía en el área rural de San Miguel en medio de la guerra entre el Frente subversivo Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional (FMLN) y la fuerza Armada de El Salvador (FAES). En el tiempo en que un niño en los Estados Unidos asiste a la escuela primaria, juega, aprende, Zizue como miles de niños en El Salvador caminaban aterrorizados por las calles, viendo muertos que dejaban los combates entre la guerrilla y el ejército, muertos que se pudrían en los caminos veredales, en medio de olores nauseabundos bajo el inclemente clima tropical de más de 100 grados Fahrenheit.
Zizue y su familia bajaban al pueblo para avisar a las autoridades para recogieran los muertos, que se encontraban a las orillas de las carretera en muchos casos con el armamento aun colgado en sus fallecidos cuerpos. Uno de los máximos temores de Zizue era pisar una mina que eran sembradas por la guerrilla en los caminos por donde pasaban los militares y el objetivo era que explotaran cuando las pisaran, pero muchas veces esas minas explosivas mataban o dejaban muti-
lados más a la sociedad civil que a los miliares. Una vez recuerda Zizue que encontró tres granadas que el revisó antes de recogerlas porque recordaba lo que le decían sus tíos militares “ si encuentras una granada que no tenga el seguro no la toques” pero estas granadas tenían el seguro y Zizue en medio de la inocencia propia de un pequeño niño de menos de diez años las quiso guardar como si fueran juguetes. Las llevó a su casa y las escondió por cinco días en su casa en las vigas de madera que soportaban el techo, sin saber en ese momento que iba hacer con esas peligrosas granadas. Zizue iba a recoger agua al rio, dos veces en la mañana y dos veces en la tarde, y en uno de sus viajes llevó una de las granadas al rio con el fin de explotarla en estanque que había en el rio donde habían peces, porque en su lógica infantil pensaba que con eso podría sacar muchos peces para alimentar a su familia. Zizue ya tenía un plan organizado y por eso llevó bolsas plásticas para recoger los peces. Después de mucho pensarlo quitó el seguro de la granada, sabía que solo tenía tres segundos para esconderse y así lo hizo, entre una gran roca y un árbol se cubrió mientras la granada explotaba en el estanque. Su
plan funcionó, muchos cangrejos y peces negros y lisos llamados en El Salvador “Juilines”, salieron a flote del estanque. Zizue los llevó a su casa lleno de orgullo sin saber que su madre y padrastro lo castigarían fuertemente al enterarse de que esos cangrejos y peces habían sido atrapados con una peligrosa granada que hubiera podido matar al pequeño Zizue. Tan diferentes situaciones viven los niños del primer y tercer mundo, que mientras en el primer mundo los niños solo deben ser niños, estudiar y divertirse en medio de zonas seguras, los niños del tercer mundo cruzan ríos, van en muchos casos descalzos al colegio y en muchas veces sin una buena alimentación a estudiar, en medio del miedo constante que significa vivir en un país en guerra. En la segunda parte de esta historia, seguiremos conociendo las apasionantes vivencias de Zizue en el Salvador, los sufrimientos, los miedos, las angustias, los desafíos de ser niño en medio de una guerra, los sueños por una mejor vida y la transformación del terror en alegría hasta que pudo migrar con su familia a Estados Unidos en los años 90’.
(Dorian Gómez es residente de Gunnison. Es un periodista que emigró a Estados Unidos desde Colombia.)
Dorian Gomez Special to the Times
(Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series.)
Wars always leave collateral damage that lasts over time and leaves deep physical and emotional wounds in those who face death. After World War II, the former Soviet Union wanted to expand the communist model worldwide, while the United States and Great Britain defended the capitalist model and democracy.
This article does not aim to offer a master class in history, but rather to make a brief account of the great social repercussions caused by the long and devastating Cold War and its impact on all hemispheres. It will focus on Latin America and tell the experiential and raw story of Zizue (not his real name), a resident of Crested Butte, Colorado. This comes from the nickname of the famous French soccer player Zinedine Zidane, whom the subject of this story always deeply admired.
“Zizue” is a Salvadoran who lived through the fratricidal war in his country during his childhood, which led his family to migrate to the United States to save his life. The great revolutionary and subversive movements in Central and South America were influenced by the former Soviet Union, which supported Cuba and its revolution, the perfect breeding ground used by Communist laboratories and leftist political parties in Latin America.
They saw in communism the solution to the problems of corruption, lack of justice and social inequality, with the MarxistLeninist discourse that had as its political objective the elimination of the bourgeois class. In Latin America, internal wars, forced disappearances, dictatorships, kidnappings, massacres and the birth of guerrillas that fought with arms against the
governments that they accused of being capitalist and bourgeois arose. El Salvador was not immune to that revolution in the 80s. The conflict there generated more than 75,000 deaths and disappearances.
Zizue lived in the rural area of San Miguel in the middle of the war between the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) and the Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES). At the time when a child in the United States was attending primary school, playing and learning, Zizue, like thousands of children in El Salvador, walked terrified through the streets, seeing dead people left by the fighting between the guerrillas and the army. They rotted on the sidewalks in the 100-degree tropical heat.
Zizue and his family went to the town to notify the authorities to collect the dead, who were found on the sides of the roads, in many cases with weapons still hanging on their deceased bodies. One of Zizue's greatest fears was stepping on a mine that was planted by the guerrillas on the roads where the military passed. The objective was that they would explode when soldiers stepped on them, but many times these explosive mines killed or maimed more civilians than soldiers.
When he was 10 years old, Zizue found three grenades that he checked before picking them up, because he remembered what his military uncles told him: "If you find a grenade that doesn't have the pin, don't touch it." But these grenades still had pins and Zizue was young and innocent. He wanted to keep them as if they were toys. He took them to his house and hid them for five days in the wooden beams that supported the roof, not knowing at that time what he was going to do with those dangerous grenades.
Zizue went to collect water from the river, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, and on one of his trips he
took one of the grenades to the river in order to explode it in a pond in the river where there were fish. In his childish logic he thought with the grenades he could catch many fish to feed his family. Zizue already had an organized plan and that's why he brought plastic bags to collect the fish. After much thought he removed the pin of the grenade, he knew that he only had three seconds to hide and so he did, he took cover between a large rock and a tree while the grenade exploded in the pond.
His plan worked: many crabs and smooth black fish called “juilines” floated out of the pond. Zizue took them to his house full of pride without knowing that his mother and stepfather would severely punish him when they found out that those crabs and fish had been caught with a dangerous grenade that could have killed little Zizue.
The children of the first and third world live in such different situations. While in the first world the children can just be children, study and have fun in safe areas, children in the third world cross rivers, in many cases they go to school barefoot and are often without good nutrition to study, in the midst of the constant fear that comes from living in a country at war.
In the second part of this story, we will continue learning about Zizue's exciting experiences in El Salvador, the suffering, the fears, the anxieties, the challenges of being a child in the middle of a war, the dreams for a better life and the transformation of terror into joy until he was able to migrate with his family to the United States in the 90s.
(This article was translated into English using Google translate.)
(Dorian Gomez is a resident of Gunnison. He is a journalist who immigrated to the United States from Colombia.)
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Summer is a time of year when people can enjoy their pick of fresh fruit at farm stands, supermarkets and other retailers. Many fruit trees, plants and bushes are ready for harvest in the spring and summer, meaning there’s no limit to the number of delicious recipes one can whip up with these sweet offerings.
Peaches are a favorite ingredient in many different types of desserts, from cobblers to pies. But in this recipe for “Fresh Peach Crumble Bar,” peaches are presented as a cross between a cake and cookie. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of Saving Room for Dessert, as adapted from AllRecipes.com.
Fresh peach crumble bars Yields 20
Crust/Crumb topping:
1 cup granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinna -
mon
1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Peach layer:
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 large peaches, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract 1 tablespoon milk (more or less for desired consistency)
1. Preheat oven to 350 F if using a glass pan or dark metal pan, or 375 F for a light metal pan. Lightly grease or spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 3 cups of flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter, blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until the dough starts to hold together, but is still crumbly. Gently press a little more than half the dough into the prepared pan. (Optional: Use a food processor to process these ingredients.)
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Add the diced peaches and toss to combine. Drizzle the lemon juice over the peaches and toss to coat. Pour the peach mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
4. Using your hands, press together handfuls of the remaining crumb topping to create
clumps. Scatter the clumps and remaining crumbled topping over the fruit layer, leaving some peaches showing through.
5. If using a glass pan, bake at 350 F for 50 to 55 minutes or until lightly browned. If using a metal pan, bake at 375 F for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool completely, then chill before cutting and icing.
6. Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract and milk. Drizzle on the bars just before serving.
Ice cream aficionados enjoy it in many different forms — from cups to cones — but sundaes truly can be the ultimate treats. The impressive and often enormous “banana split” may be the king of all sundaes, with ice cream shops scooping them out in record numbers when the weather warms. Because banana splits are so large, they’re often the perfect desserts to share on date night.
When taking a spoonful of banana split, some people may ponder where this sweet reward came from. As with many food origin stories, various people lay claim as the inventor of the banana split. A trusted historical account points to Latrobe, PA. as the home of the first banana split. Legend has it that Latrobe pharmacy owner David Strickler sliced a banana in two, added scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, three kinds of flavored toppings, and whipped cream in 1904. Strickler also enlisted the help of a glassmaker to create the first “banana boat” vessel to house his newfangled dessert.
Other cities, including Boston, Massachusetts and Wilmington, Ohio, also
claim to be birthplaces of this beloved dessert. In fact, Wilmington holds fast to its banana split creation story and even hosts its annual Banana Split Festival.
Even though these dessert giants battled it out as banana split inventors, Walgreens pharmacy ultimately is credited with helping to make banana splits popular across the country after adopting the dish as the pharmacy’s signature dessert.
There’s never a wrong time to enjoy a banana split, but they’re especially tempting in summer. Dig into these other fun banana split and ice cream facts.
• (Scientifically), The banana is classified as a berry because a berry must contain seeds inside the flesh and not outside.
• Around 0.074 pounds of bananas per person per day are consumed in the United States.
• The first banana split cost 10 cents. That may seem like a bargain, but it was double the cost of other sundaes.
• Romans purportedly sent people into the mountains to collect snow that they flavored with fruits and juices to create an early version of ice cream.
• Around 50% of the volume of ice cream is air, which gives the dessert its light and creamy texture.
• You’ll want to make your banana split with a ripe, yellow banana. A green banana starts out very starchy. As the fruit yellows, the starch turns into sugars.
• A traditional recipe for a banana split contains around
Banana splits are delectable desserts that may have originated in Pennsylvania, but are now known across the globe. (Metro Creative)
1,000 calories. Dairy Queen lists their banana split at 510 calories per serving.
Local Author Colten Hoots Will be reading & signing his book!
Thursday July 11, 2024 Gunnison Library Story Time Guest 10 - 12 pm
Goats Children’s Boutique 12:30 – 1:30 pm
We are thrilled to be able to offer financial assistance to local homebuyers purchasing their primary residence! Eligibility requirements application, and more information on the program are available on our website
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WE’RE EXPANDING CARE WITH NEW EAR, NOSE AND THROAT (ENT) SERVICES!!
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brandon Bentz, who will be offering ENT services in our specialty clinic beginning on July 26. Our ENT services will provide comprehensive care for a variety of conditions affecting these vital areas. From routine check-ups to surgical procedures, Dr. Bentz and his team are equipped to handle a wide range of issues to improve your overall health and quality of life.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our specialty clinic at 970-641-3927.