Gunnison Country Times, August 15, 2024

Demand at food pantry higher than ever

30% increase in visits over last year

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Several times a week, the aisles of the Gunnison Country Food Pantry swell with patrons: a mother and her young son pick through a basket of Roma tomatoes, an elderly woman hoists two half-gallons of milk from the fridge. Around them, volunteers restock shelves with green peppers, corn flakes and bread. This busy scene is now a regular occurrence each week, as both overall visitation and the

A6

NEWS: Jerky Co. arrives on Main Street, A11

COMMUNITY: Tales from high school band camp, B1

SPORTS: Cowboy football trains for opener, B6

A2 OPINION A4

A15-A18 SPORTS B6

Gunnison students will return to new playgrounds

Bridge repairs to stretch until end of 2024

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

The first day of school is rapidly approaching, and soon hundreds of Gunnison Valley students will return to the classroom amid ongoing construction. But many Gunnison Watershed School District students will return to new playgrounds, improved parking lots and outdoor space.

The district’s board received an update on the renovation projects from Artaic project lead Chris Guarnio at the board’s first regular meeting after the summer break on Aug. 12. As the district’s owner’s representative, Artaic is responsible for managing the $120 million project.

The board also received an update on the district’s school bus service from Transportation Director Paul Morgan. And, employees and contractors shared more information on cell phone policies, early release Wednesdays and its first-ever strategic plan. While no big decisions were made, the board could weigh in on these topics this school year.

Schools A3

No overnight closures on Lake Fork Bridge

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Repairs on Blue Mesa Reservoir’s Lake Fork and middle bridges are expected to stretch through the end of 2024, over a month past the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) original deadline. Gunnison County and CDOT’s desire to move the most vehicles through the Hwy. 50 corridor as soon as possible led to the change, officials shared at a

briefing on Aug. 12.

Middle bridge repairs will extend to the end of November, and those on the Lake Fork Bridge — a few miles west — to the end of the year, said Kiewit project manager Jason Proskovec. The extended schedule accounts for time to procure 150 more tons of steel than Kiewit originally expected, and work time lost when CDOT decided to cancel full night time closures on the Lake Fork Bridge. However, the new multiple traffic windows and weight restrictions across both bridges will create scheduling tangles for many moving in and out of Gunnison.

“It's like one of those math puzzles in middle school where Bridge A7

HOT WHEELS: Hazel Kugler glides on light-up rollerblades during a community skate night at the Jorgensen rink on Aug. 8. For more, see A14. (Photo by Mariel Wiley) Pantry

— Keelin MacCarthy Gunnison County Library

Audrey Jean Sweet Miller

A graveside memorial service will be held for Audrey Jean Sweet Miller at the Gunnison Cemetery on Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a contribution to the Gunnison Pioneer Museum in Audrey’s name.

BRIEFS

County starting demo in old Zugelder library

Demolition is about to start in the old Ann Zugelder Library on North Wisconsin Street. Gunnison County Commissioners approved a $66,000 contract with Gunnison Valley-based Black Dragon Development at a regular meeting on Aug. 6. The county-owned building has sat empty since the library moved to Quartz Street.

The work will clear out the building so the county can install new lighting, carpets and move a couple of walls. When the renovations are done, the county plans to move the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority and some Health and Human Services staff into the building.

Sawtooth phase 2 units on-site

All 32 units are on-site for phase two of Sawtooth, Gunnison County’s newest affordable housing project. The construction is expected to be done by the end of the year, with units ready to lease in January 2025.

The apartments are finished on the inside but still need all plumbing, electrical and HVAC connections. Exterior finishes and roofing will start in the next couple of weeks. Local residents are already living in the project’s first phase, which contains 18 prefabricated units.

RTA replacing three bus stops

Next week, the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority will start demolishing and replacing three older, wooden bus stops in Gunnison. The shelters being replaced are at Western Colorado University on Colorado Street, Gunnison Community School on 11th Street and at the intersection of Denver Avenue and Hwy. 135, next to Mocha’s Coffeehouse. The new shelters have arrived and demolition will start the week of Aug. 19. The RTA will leave the benches so riders can sit before the new shelters are installed.

Candi Kay Borah

Candi Kay Borah passed away on Aug. 1, 2024. The family will share more information at a later date.

Mountaineer Athletics wishes to invite the public to a celebration of Candi Borah’s contributions to Western Colorado University. The celebration will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the Aspinall-Wilson Center. Food will be provided by 5 Bs BBQ.

Phoebe Jolene VanLoo

On July 18, 2024 at 10:19 a.m. Phoebe Jolene VanLoo was born to parents Ryan VanLoo and Marilyn Kruc. She weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and measured 20 inches in length.

Afternoon blooms

Late-season flowers lingered beside the 401 Trail near Crested Butte on Aug. 12.

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projects in the coming weeks. In the last year, the board narrowly approved a budget increase from just over $100 million to $120 million.

Renovation update

Despite the active monsoon season this summer, construction across the district has proceeded mostly on schedule, Guarino said. Playground and asphalt installation are scheduled for Gunnison Community School (GCS) and Lake Preschool and Kindergarten, and should be complete when students return in just over a week.

“It’s been an action-packed summer and [will be] a very action-packed next few weeks as we prepare to have a welcoming experience for your families on the first day of school,” Guarino said.

At GCS, the large parking lot off 11th Street has been renovated and now includes a more efficient vehicle and bus drop-off loop. A fenced-in construction area will remain on the south side of the parking lot. The only delay involves the parking lot’s light fixtures, which are now scheduled to arrive in October. Artaic is staggering indoor renovations through 2025.

At the Lake School, crews have improved the front entrance to the parking lot off 14th Street and renovated the playground. Crews broke ground on new classroom “additions” at Crested Butte Community School (CBCS), in hopes of migrating classes there during this school year.

At Pathways, foundations are being poured to tie new additions into the building. The project team discovered a sanitary sewer easement within the proposed Pathways building footprint, but worked with the City of Gunnison to find a quick solution, Guarino said.

The renovation team will put up posters at all the schools, summarizing the coming changes and explaining the construction to students. Artaic representatives and other renovation team members hope to have classroom visits with students and take them on tours of the active construction sites — all in an effort to keep the school community abreast of the three-year project.

Artaic is working on a final renovation budget for all five

“The lack of drivers is going to bite us up and down the valley.”

Paul Morgan Transportation director

This next update will take a deep dive into the project’s possible “alternates,” or components of the design that can now be included with the district’s strong bond returns and receipt of state grants. This goal is to give the budget update at a meeting in September, Guarino said.

Bus driver shortage more severe

The district’s years-long bus driver shortage has worsened this coming school year with the retirement of two full-time drivers. The school district bus route covers hundreds of miles, not only the GunnisonCrested Butte corridor, but in rural Gunnison County as far as Arrowhead, Sargents and the Ohio Creek Valley.

This year, the district is down six bus routes — four in the Gunnison area and two in the North Valley. The district lost two full-time drivers, forcing a couple of substitute drivers to absorb different routes. The changes this year will affect families in Almont and Cranor Hill, and kids’ ability to get around Gunnison on activities buses after school.

“The lack of drivers is going to bite us up and down the valley,” Morgan said in the meeting.

Usually, Gunnison-area families are served by seven and a half bus routes. This coming school year, that fell to just three. Families in Powderhorn, Doyleville and Ohio Creek (some of the bus route’s most distant homes) will continue to have bus service. This year, the

afternoon “mustang” bus that typically takes kids to Gunnison Rec Center, Tenderfoot and Jorgensen Ice Rink will not run. Kids in the neighborhoods surrounding the city — Antelope Hills, Dos Rios and Hartman Rocks will also not have bus service, and neither will those in Almont and Cranor Hill.

What used to be four routes serving the North Valley has fallen to two in the last several years. There continues to be just one bus serving Crested Butte South kids, who all have to gather at the Red Mountain Park to be picked up. Another bus picks up kids from the surrounding neighborhoods of Skyland, Buckhorn and Riverbend.

There continues to be no bus route for Crested Butte or Mt. Crested Butte students, as has been the case since COVID. Crested Butte residents have been understanding about the lack of service, but it’s “just one more inconvenience” they deal with, Morgan said.

Recruiting drivers with the school bus-specific commercial driver’s license (CDL) has continued to be difficult. In recent years, the district gave its drivers a more than 25% raise, and covers the required training. Still, the considerable responsibility that comes with being a bus driver and the valley’s housing shortage have made recruiting drivers even harder.

As a result, bus services for other district activities like sports games and club competitions will also suffer, Morgan said. He continues to work with coaches, teachers, parents and administrators to drive kids to and from these events, which are as close as Montrose or as far as the Four Corners region.

“It's not anything that I'm proud of or enjoy that we have to say,” he said. “We've always offered this service. We want to offer this service.”

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

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Dreams deferred at Country Meadows

William P. Edwards Special to the Times

The website for the Gunnison County Commissioners features the following vision statement:

“Gunnison County cherishes its sense of community and place. We strive to preserve and promote the wellbeing of the County’s citizens, natural environment and rural character. We will deliver services and set standards that reflect our values and preserve our unique quality of life for present and future generations to enjoy.”

The statement begs the question, what are the commissioners’ values and what makes our quality of life unique here in Gunnison? For a certain segment of the population, the range of possible answers to those questions feels rather dark at the moment.

I’m speaking of the mobile home owners of Country Meadows, aka Ski Town Village. For those who don’t know, it is a mobile home park just north of city limits. The situation of these homeowners is not dissimilar to that of many residents in Gunnison County. They are a diverse set of people facing an uncertain future. Many hold down a job or two or three to make ends meet, while some

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are retired, others are disabled. Some have lived in Gunnison their entire lives, while others are recent immigrants, those that Gunnison prides itself in “welcoming.”

All of these homeowners have bought property under the impression that the government would do its most basic job and protect the property of its citizens. They bought a mobile home, and — while perhaps it wasn’t a Rockwellesque two-story Colonial with a white picket fence — it was their American dream, a dream they deserve. But the failings of government have turned the dream they thought they achieved into a dream deferred, if not a nightmare. How long the dream is deferred is anybody’s guess.

The electrical problems facing the community at Country Meadows have been in the paper a couple of times in the past two months, but they existed long before being picked up by the Times . Residents were in contact with their electrical provider, the City of Gunnison (the city provides electricity to the park, even though it is outside city limits), as early as September of 2023. The city’s response then was to admit that there were issues, but state that it couldn’t, or wouldn’t, do anything to fix the electrical issues and neither could the county.

So, local government deferred until the electricity went out completely for a group of homes at Country Meadows in February of this year. Surely, this was a situation in which they would intervene, where

they would “preserve and promote the wellbeing of the County’s citizens.” Instead, they deferred again, and waited for the state government in Denver to take some kind of meaningful action.

Fortunately, perhaps, another opportunity to protect the property owners at Country Meadows arose in late June. The park was offered for sale, triggering the right of the residents to purchase it as a cooperative or assign that right to a local nonprofit or government, albeit on a tight timeline. The residents’ organization and their volunteers jumped at this opportunity, reaching out to nonprofit lenders, state agencies, local nonprofits, and of course, local government. Our group found a nonprofit lender, the Impact Development Fund (IDF), willing to take on the project and possibly extend financing for an acquisition of the park at below-market rates. On July 2, in a meeting with one of our commissioners, IDF asked that as a condition of any loan the county agree not to take adverse action against the park due to the existing infrastructure issues, as long as those issues were being addressed.

Unfortunately, the county does not seem to have any sense of urgency to address this request. The residents have a 120-day deadline to make an offer on the park under Colorado law. While 40 days have ticked off the clock, the county has remained almost silent on providing this small

reassurance to a lender willing to take on a fairly large risk to help the county’s citizens. Meanwhile, organizations from around the state and locally have reached out to the residents offering assistance. Because the IDF funding would make up a crucial part of the funds needed to purchase the park, we are forced to tell them that we are waiting to hear if the county will provide this important piece of the puzzle before we can move forward.

How long will the county defer its cooperation? What happens to the dreams of these Gunnison residents in the meantime?

The county never took an enforcement action when it was vital to protect their citizens and the value of their citizens’ property. But now that the same inaction would help preserve affordable housing for the 57 families at Country Meadows, the county drags its feet to offer any assurance of cooperation. Whatever set of values is reflected by this apparent double standard does not feel like a good one.

Welcome to Gunnison, hope you enjoy the unique quality of life.

(William P. Edwards is a Gunnison-based attorney who has represented County Meadows residents since 2021.)

Deep roots in business history

Celeste Helminski

Special

to the Times

Deep-rooted is an adjective that means deeply implanted or established. The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce current board of directors is a lean group of seven hard working, dedicated business community members: Lacey Keane, Treads ‘N’ Threads, president; Cheryl Dillard, Cimarron Wealth Management, vice president; Luke Schumacher, Three Rivers Resort, treasurer; Kendal Rota, Sapinero Village Campground, secretary; Amy Stevens, The Wanderlust Hostel, member at large; Josh Townsend, Clarke Agency Real Estate, member at large; and Chris Layne, Layne Insurance Agency, member at large.

The chamber board intentionally voted to stay at the minimum member count required by the chamber bylaws this

year, 2024, so they could dig deep into the organization of the chamber and craft a new strategic plan before bringing on new board members. This chamber board has been working hard to evaluate where the chamber has been, where the chamber is today and the important hard questions of what does the chamber of tomorrow focus on.

It has been my understanding that the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce formed and incorporated in February 1925. The chamber has a handwritten document hanging in the chamber conference room that states “Incorporated February 27, 1925” and signed by the then Colorado Secretary of State Office.

Looking for the correct genealogy of the chamber, I asked local historian Larry McDonald if he could find history on the Gunnison Chamber of

Commerce. Larry graciously provided the chamber with a treasure trove of information researched from digitized Gunnison newspapers in the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection, going through the way back machine.

I was completely surprised by the rich history shared and our chambers deep roots in our county. The idea of a business association, an organization that collaborates with and supports business, economic thought, growth and vision of our county dates back to 1881.

The Gunnison Daily NewsDemocrat , volume 1, Number 33, July 28, 1881, “A Timely Move in the Right Direction” published this:

“The following petition was circulated through the city (Gunnison) yesterday. It is proposed to organize a Board of Trade which shall lay before the East and eastern capitalists

the advantages of this city and country. We the businessmen of the town petition your honor to call a meeting for the purpose of adopting this measure. And such measure will promote our general welfare.”

From the Gunnison Daily News-Democrat , Volume 1, Number 39, August 4, 1881,

“A Very Strong Organization of Citizens Formed for the Town’s Benefit”:

“And upon motion it was decided to call the association ‘The Board of Trade Gunnison’ the object of which shall be to forward the general improvement, welfare and development of the town and its business interests in the best manner possible.

“That the officers of such association consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary and Treasurer. That

any citizen of Gunnison may become a member by signing the by-laws and paying ________ per year. ” (In the articles that we were given, that final first membership amount was not in the copies, however it was bantered about from $1 to $10 annually.)

This history has expanded my association knowledge and deepened my respect, awareness and pride in the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber is rooted in Gunnison County. From almost the beginning of our town’s existence, business people have gathered in organized associations to promote the area, support one another, be proactive in creating new ideas and opportunities and helping to preserve and share our natural and special environment.

1925 is a year that stands out, and really all we have to go on, as the year this business organization incorporated with the state of Colorado. The Gunnison Chamber Board is taking this year, 2024, to reaffirm the board’s commitment to organization and governance. The board has reviewed the chamber mission, vision and values and set these as their guideline for how to move the organization forward and look toward the next 100 years.

Mission: We empower, support, enhance, and promote the economic vitality of the Gunnison Valley businesses through education, collabora -

tion, advocacy, communication and visitor services.

Vision: The Gunnison Chamber’s vision is to promote the community, work together to build a strong local economy, provide business networking and educational opportunities and to represent our businesses interests.

Values: long-term sustainability, member focus, innovation, productivity and a strategic approach.

1987 is the year that the Gunnison County Chamber of Commerce changed, again at the Secretary of State office, to the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce.

This slight change of name demonstrates the constant evolution of an organization. As this board takes the appropriate time to craft new guidelines, some of the “because we have always done it that way” might become a part of the chamber's history.

What does not change, is the commitment of the business and non-profit community to work on shared mission, vision and values. Together, we are keeping the deeply implanted history strong and following our predecessors on the path to forward the general improvement, welfare and development of the town and its business interests in the best manner possible. (And that goes for the whole of our county.) We appreciate your support of this bold organization.

I appreciate the hard work and dedication of this board to roll up their sleeves and

have the thoughtful conversations around what is today's Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce and craft that map for 2025, looking to celebrate 100 years of incorporation. We would like you to get involved. Join us as a chamber ambassador helping to greet new organizations and celebrate milestones; join as a member; become a chamber leader as a board member. Reach out to the chamber at any time, 970.641.1501 and find information at gunnisonchamber.com

The most important of all. Support all local businesses, nonprofits, services in the best way you can. Look local first, leave a shining review, share out about our community, post to your networks and join in events and gatherings.

(Celeste Helminski is director of the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce.)

frequency of visits have soared since the nonprofit reopened in a new, larger location. The pantry moved to 114 S. 14th St. in October 2023, partially as a result of COVID-heightened food insecurity around the Gunnison Valley. The new space is over four times bigger, allowing staff to display and serve more food, offer a fresh water station and manage the largest number of volunteers in its history.

Through the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado and Feeding America — a national nonprofit network of food banks — the pantry receives tens of thousands of pounds of food each year. City Market, Starbucks, Walmart, Safeway, Natural Grocers and Clark’s all contribute to feed locals.

“There's a lot more variety, and sometimes that's dependent on time of year and growing seasons, but we just have the capacity to have better options that stay quality longer,” said Executive Director Jodi Payne. “Our guests, over the course of a month might not see the same shopping experience every day, but every day they come in to shop, they're getting something different.”

The pantry increased its household guidelines this summer, after workers noticed that pantry shoppers were asking for more food, said manager Angie Krueger, who’s been with the team for eight years. These guidelines dictate how many pounds, or number of items — fresh vegetables, dairy, frozen meat, for example — each household can receive.

When the pantry moved into its new space, it created these guidelines to distribute more equitably, following the model of another pantry, Crossfire Ministries in Colorado Springs. Now, one to two people can get 10 distinct items, three to four people get 14 items, five to six get 18 items, and seven or more are getting 20 items, an increase of about four or five items over last year.

The pantry board purchased the new building in early 2022. The old, 900-square-foot building on the southwest corner of Ohio Street and Main Street could no longer serve the community demand, which doubled after COVID, Krueger said. The pantry can now keep food, multiple walk-in freezers and offices under one roof. An electronic check-in system allows staff to serve patrons more quickly.

“I think the community has been very well receiving of exactly what we do,” Krueger said. “And everybody loves the fact that it’s like a grocery store, and people can come in and shop for choice items that fit their household.”

More space makes it easier to restock food, and keep shelves full and coordinate with volunteers. In the old location, the few volunteers who could fit in the 900-square-foot space were always running over and bumping into one another, she said.

Between 130-150 volunteers serve the pantry each month, up from the around 100 who served in the old space.

Sam Shelafo, data and systems coordinator, tracks pantry visitation to determine who visits the pantry, how often and why. Not only are more people visiting the pantry, but she’s clocked a 30% increase in visit frequency from January to May over the same time last year. The pantry now sees an average of 940 visits a month, up from between 600-700 in the same six month time period last year.

“I'm surprised every single month at how many people we're serving,” Shelafo said. “More often than not, somebody goes, ‘Hey, we hit a record number of families this Wednesday.’ It's getting to a point where we say, ‘We did that two weeks ago, we did that a month ago.’”

Although most of the residents the pantry serves are between the ages of 18 and 69, and the proportion of children is increasing, she said. Currently, shoppers under 18 are about a quarter of the pantry’s overall users.

Over the years, the pantry has served a growing number of the valley’s Hispanic and Cora communities, Krueger said. That's due in no small part to the Spanish and Cora translators, in addition to a number of Spanish-speaking volunteers. Twice a year, the pantry sees an uptick in demand during Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s busy tourist seasons when the resort brings in hundreds of J-1 visa workers.

Demand for the pantry’s fresh water station and refillable plastic jugs, a new amenity, has grown and remains high, Krueger said. She estimates that pantry shoppers are using about 50 gallons of water a week.

“Not a whole lot of people know that there's a whole community here that doesn't have access to fresh water,” she said. “It's such a key component to life and we take it for granted.”

The pantry’s services extend far beyond its physical location on 14th Street. It also runs a mobile food pantry, doles out emergency boxes (shelf-stable items placed in strategic places like police stations, library, churches) hosts “pop-up” and “mini” pantries around the valley and offers Gunni-Packs (prepacked meal kits) yearround to eligible families.

The pop up pantries have brought food distribution to new locations around the valley. In partnership with Oh Be Joyful Church, staff have hosted one in Crested Butte and one in Mt. Crested Butte so far, with plans to do 9 more by the start of 2025. So far, staff have learned that many who work in Crested Butte, but live in Gunnison struggle to make the pantry’s open hours. They also encountered many North Valley workers who were surprised they qualified for the pantry’s income restrictions, Payne said.

Despite the growth in the pantry’s services, Krueger knows there are many valley residents that the pantry is not serving. That could include seniors, col-

lege students, seasonal workers and people making median incomes who don’t qualify for SNAP or Medicaid, but still struggle with weekly food bills.

“The most surprising thing to me is that still we aren't reaching [certain] demographics of people in our community,” she said. “We all are having difficulty at this point in time, living where we live. Things are so expensive … I just want people to understand and know that we are a resource for them.”

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

A pantry shopper chooses from a selection of dairy items that include milk, cheese and butter. (Photos by Abby Harrison)

Shoppers follow household guidelines that determine how many food items each family can select.

Shoppers wait in the checkout line while volunteer David Ramierez helps a customer.

a train leaves Denver at a particular time,” CDOT Region 3 Program Engineer Rob Beck said in the meeting. “Nobody wants to have to do that, but there are some complicated matching up of schedules that we had to do.”

Alternating, daytime traffic for legal-load vehicles will continue on the Lake Fork bridge, but CDOT will no longer close it completely overnight. Starting after Labor Day, Kiewit will allow intermittent traffic over the bridge at night while repair work is done. CDOT moved away from full closures because officials believed it would seriously affect the Sapinero community, which is situated between the two bridges, CDOT stated in a press release.

Kiewit will do repair work on the Lake Fork bridge overnight and allow vehicles over it intermittently from 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., seven days a week. Drivers should expect longer wait times to cross the bridge at night.

The current middle bridge traffic openings were extended another hour in each traffic window starting on Aug. 12. Alternating single-lane traffic will be allowed between 6:309:30 a.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m, seven days a week. A pilot car will lead vehicles across the bridge. Flaggers posted before the bridge will determine which traffic can go over it and which will need to use the County Road 26 detour.

Shortly after Labor Day, CDOT will allow single lane alternating traffic on the middle

bridge from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

By mid-October, the goal is to have all legal-weight vehicles and extend the times to 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. This means by this October deadline, motorists should be able to cross both bridges in alternating one-way traffic, from the early morning

“We take your feedback seriously, and we’ve never forgotten how serious these disruptions are for the community.”

Herman Stockinger CDOT deputy executive director

to late at night.

Many larger vehicles will still need to use the CR 26 detour to avoid crossing the middle bridge, which has more traffic restrictions. This includes campers, motorhomes, trucks pulling trailers, semi trucks and buses. School buses are being allowed across to accommodate the start of the school year.

Drivers can continue to use the controlled traffic windows across CR 26. County Road 25 remains for residents only, and closed to through traffic. Gunnison County Public Works is not planning to open more windows across CR 26 to con -

tinue to allow Kiewit crews to repair the damage on the road, said Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt.

The 410 tons of steel Kiewit crews are bolting to both bridges have come in from across the country. Raw steel sourced from North Carolina traveled to shops in North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas and Colorado to be cut into final shapes. Tens of thousands of bolts arrived from Oregon and Ohio.

Within two months of the initial closure, CDOT freed up $110 million to make almost immediate repairs. The agency was not initially eligible for federal grant money because the bridge closure was not the result of a natural disaster and was already under construction, said CDOT Deputy Executive Director Herman Stockinger. But the last week, CDOT received a “letter of no prejudice” from the Federal Highway Administration, which gives the agency special authority to apply for federal grants despite the fact that construction is underway.

“A lot of updates I've made reference to are the result of a lot of hard work and internal conversations over the last few weeks,” Stockinger said. “We take your feedback seriously, and we've never forgotten how serious these disruptions are for the community.”

For more information about the closures, visit codot.gov/ projects/us50bluemesa/access or call the project’s hotline at 970.648.4423.

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

The City Center

Introducing the City of Gunnison’s new community information ad!

Have questions? Call us! (970) 641-8080.

Look for our ad each week in the Times and the Shopper to read about ongoing City news.

City Council Meetings gunnisonco.gov/CouncilMeetings

2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month.

City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Ave., 5:30pm. Meetings typically last 2.5 hours, stay as long or as little as you like.

All people and languages are welcome.

Agendas available the Friday before meetings.

Upcoming Roadway Impacts around Town:

Road resurfacing and crack/slurry sealing will be in progress the week of August 19-23

Traffic may be impacted by closures or alternates

Resurfacing on:

14th St., Tomichi to Spencer

North 3rd St.

Andrew Lane

Elsa Court

South Colorado St., Tomichi to San Juan

South Taylor St., Tomichi to San Juan

South Iowa St., Tomichi to San Juan

West New York Ave., Main St. to South 3rd St.

‘Dems do good’ over dinner

The Gunnison County Democratic Party hosted its annual Unity Dinner and Fundraiser event at the I Bar Ranch on Aug. 11. Guests enjoyed live music by Chris Coady and an Italian dinner from Mario’s. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and other local and regional party candidates delivered speeches throughout the night.

Speedy skaters

Families laced up their rollerblades for a community skate night beneath colored lights at Jorgensen on Aug. 8. Skates and scooters were available to borrow for anyone without their own set of wheels. Gunnison County’s Choice Pass, Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP) and the City of Gunnison hosted the event, and will return with a free roller night at the Crested Butte skate park on Aug. 15.

(Photo by Mariel Wiley)

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

EPA rejects West Elk Mine permit

Revisions due by Aug. 22

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

The federal government ruled this summer that one of Colorado’s last coal mines, West Elk, doesn’t have a sufficient air pollution permit. The ruling follows years of legal dispute between the mine, environmental groups and state regulators about just how much pollution the mine is allowed to release into the atmosphere.

West Elk sits on about 20 square miles of northern Gunnison County, near Somerset. It’s owned by Mountain Coal Company LLC, a subsidiary of Arch Coal. The mine has been operating since 1982.

West Elk is considered a major source of two types of air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous particulate matter. Mining — drilling ventilation shafts and venting wells — frees these substances, which are released into the atmosphere and contribute to ground-level ozone pollution. They can also cause respiratory issues.

In January of this year, the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians filed a legal petition urging the EPA to reject the West Elk mine’s recently issued Title V permit, claiming it failed to require adequate air pollution monitoring.

Title V permits account for various parts of the Clean Air Act to make sure large, complex facilities comply with the late-60s-era federal law. The federal government has delegated authority to each state to issue these permits, but requires that the EPA has a chance to review them. They are issued by the state’s Air Pollution Control Division, part of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

In May, in response to the petition, the EPA partially granted, and partially denied, the group’s claims — just six months after the federal agency reviewed the permit and approved it. The EPA granted the groups’ claims that the permit failed to include proper monitoring for VOCs. But it denied several other claims related to the pollutant limits and enforcement requirements the mine is subject to.

The ruling is a result of years of legal dispute in district court. In late 2019, WildEarth and other environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the mine claiming it lacked a required Title V permit. Soon after, West Elk applied for the permit with the state, but the state failed to issue it in a required timeframe. In the meantime, West Elk agreed to set up flaring equipment to burn off escaping methane from the mine’s ventilation bore holes until it obtained the permit.

Forcing the state’s regulatory hand with legal action is not uncommon, said WildEarth attorney Kate Merlin.

“It's a wonderful thing when the state is able to work on compliance measures and be successful.” Merlin said. “Sometimes that does require outside groups like [WildEarth] Guardians and other organizations to bring some pressure just to even the playing field between state regulators and these large, powerful corporations.”

Colorado regulators have also failed to meet required timelines for issuing air pollution permits in other locations, Merlin said. Over the last several years, WildEarth has filed up to 12 lawsuits (many of which are now settled, or never made it to court) against the CDPHE for not issuing permits quickly enough. Title V permits are required to be updated every five years.

In mid-2022, WildEarth was one of four environmental groups who filed this type of lawsuit against the state for West Elk. The agency eventually issued the permit, but not until it was ordered to by former 7th Judicial District judge J. Steven Patrick in August of 2023.

A pattern of delay

When WildEarth and its fellow interest groups started filing these lawsuits years ago, the list of CDPHE’s overdue permits totaled more than 100, Merlin said. Many of these overdue permits were from the state’s largest and most complicated polluters, like West Elk, Suncor Refinery in Denver and numerous U.S. Air Force bases and bottling plants. The oldest permit was for the Holcim Portland Cement Plant in Florence, Colorado. Its air pollution permit was 25 years overdue, Merlin said.

Years later, Merlin said the state has made an effort to improve the timeliness of issuing these permits. However, since the EPA reclassified the Denver metro-north Front Range area as a “severe” nonattainment area in 2022, more companies have been required to apply for a Title V permit — clogging the permit queue once again. A nonattainment area is where air pollution levels persistently exceed the national air quality standards.

“With these many new facilities coming in, I think it is a struggle for CDPHE to stay on top of the new permits in addition to going after old permits,” she said.

Colorado officials have 90 days to respond to the EPA’s ruling, revise the flawed air-pollution permit and submit changes back to the EPA by Aug. 22.

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

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

BIZ CENTS

Gunnison Jerky Co. coming to Main Street

New boutique to offer Colorado-made goods

Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

Each summer, visitors converge on the Gunnison Valley in pursuit of world-class outdoor recreation and flower-covered fields. For year-round residents, the warmer months offer another eagerly-anticipated experience: weekly farmers markets. For many, these markets are a fleeting opportunity to browse food grown and harvested locally.

A new store on Main Street will soon be a new space to shop local long after the farmers markets end for the season.

Carolyn and Tim Malone will open their first brick and mortar for their business, Gunnison Jerky Co., in the next few weeks. Their shop at 235 North Main St. is in the building that formerly housed the Peace Museum, between Pawsitively Native and Capillus Salon.

The Malones found Gunnison for the first time over a decade ago when their daughter enrolled at Western Colorado University. At the time, they lived just outside of Ridgway. For the past four years, the couple split their time between Ridgway and Gunnison, but looked for a reason to make a permanent move to the town they’d fallen in love with.

With encouragement from family and friends, Carolyn and Tim decided to leave their decades-long careers in engineering and homebuilding behind to create their business. Gunnison Jerky Co. gave them an opportunity to slow down and chase more creative pursuits and family time, Carolyn said. It was also the perfect excuse to live in Gunnison full time.

After selling their tried-andtrue jerky recipes online for just over a year, the new location will offer a variety of Coloradomade food and home products in addition to their jerky, year round. Some of their bestselling flavors like Palisade Peach and Moab Heat have been available at Powerstop, Western Lumber, Sportsman’s Liquor and Treasury Liquors for about a year.

Cooking has always been an important part of life for Carolyn and Tim, who grew up amongst large families in

Louisiana and Texas.

Carolyn’s childhood in rural Louisiana strongly influenced the evolution of Gunnison Jerky Co., she said. Her town had no nearby grocery stores or farmers markets, so the community came together to provide.

She has many memories of her mother, grandmother and aunts spending long afternoons canning fruits and vegetables, making jam and freezing handpicked berries. Her father and his friends fished the bayous and rivers near their home, always ready to share their bountiful catch with neighbors.

“I’m in love with the concept of people living in harmony and community and taking care of each other,” Carolyn said.

This readiness to share and trade inspired Gunnison Jerky Co.’s transition to a general store offering more than the Malones’ jerky. The shop will also showcase products from Colorado makers who don’t have their own brick and mortar shops.

Some of the items available include Crested Butte-based Happy Wraps, honey from Paonia, and pickled goods from Gunnison makers. Chocolate from Durango’s Animus Chocolate Company and popcorn from Denver-based businesses will join the roster of snacks available in the store.

Artisanal jams from Naked Goat Farms will offer a sweet topping option, while a host of Colorado-made hot sauces will bring the heat.

All of the products on the shelves of Gunnison Jerky Co. are “Colorado Proud” certified, meaning that they are produced in Colorado with local Colorado ingredients or components. All of the jerky is made with Colorado beef, including a sourcing partnership with Gunnison-based Parker Pastures for several jerky flavors.

Another requirement for the products for sale at Gunnison Jerky Co. is that they’re not being sold on Amazon. This ensures that each item on the shelves is something special that customers can discover in person, Carolyn said.

“These people work hard,” Carolyn said. “You put your heart and soul into your product, and we don’t want it diminished by being on Amazon. It’s special to Colorado, and that makes it special to us.”

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)

crp63@proton.me

Tim and Carolyn Malone. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

County considers price hike for Kebler parking

Public Works recommends no trailer lot

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Gunnison County Commissioners will consider a price increase to $300 for the annual overnight winter parking permits at the Kebler Pass trailhead. Public Works staff also recommended removing the trailer parking lot.

The parking area, on the slope of Mt. Emmons along County Road 12, is the only trailhead where the county provides overnight parking on a plowed lot. There is a 56-spot section for overnight vehicles, and space for day-use vehicles, snowmobiles and Forest Service commercial permittees. It is the county’s “highest used” winter trailhead, and will soon become county-owned land through the anticipated Mt. Emmons land exchange.

The overnight lot is intended for Irwin homeowners to access their properties throughout the year. In the winter when CR 12 closes, property owners need a place to park their vehicles and snowmobiles for visits into town. But the burgeoning popularity of the Kebler Pass has historically created conflict between day and overnight users, and hindered Public Works’ ability to plow the lot, Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt said in an Aug. 13 commissioners meeting.

Last year, permits were $200. Public Works staff recommended two permits per residential property until no parking spots are left, the same as last year. These properties must have a permitted septic system, a metric that shows the property is safe and liveable. This year, each property would get five snowmobile tags. Commissioners will revisit these options at a

meeting in September before making a decision.

At times, Irwin residents were crowded out by recreational users, and unable to park overnight and access their homes. The county overhauled the permit system in 2020 to better serve residents who live on Kebler Pass, but in the future people looking to buy or build homes up in Irwin might not be guaranteed year-round access to the property, said County Manager Matthew Birnie.

“This is not exclusive to Gunnison County,” said County Commissioner Jonathan Houck.

“As we talk to our colleagues in rural remote counties like ours, lots of folks are moving to rural places and expecting a level of service or the type of access that they've had from maybe more urban or populated areas.”

The price of these parking permits has steadily risen since 2018, as the county attempted to account for the true cost of plowing and maintaining the lot, Schmidt said. Public Works has spent just under $330 per spot per year to maintain that overnight lot over the last six years. This includes plowing, building the trailhead, signage and drainage work.

Todd Colvin has lived in Floresta, up Ohio Pass Road, for more than 40 years. He agreed that the county should cover its costs to maintain the lot, but requested they consider progressive pricing for the permit system, setting the price lower for the first, and more for the second. This could help homeowners afford the first pass.

“There's some people in the Irwin basin that are a little bit financially strapped, so maybe [you] could even consider a case-by-case thing where they get an exemption or discount,” he said.

During the meeting, the county also recommended not issuing trailer tags this season because that lot isn’t on county property. This would reduce Public Works’ plowing and maintenance work in the

area, mitigating future permit fee increases, Schmidt said. It would also reduce the county’s legal liability. From 2022-23, the county issued 30 trailer permits. Last year, it issued 15.

As a result of the anticipated Mt. Emmons land exchange this winter, a 200-foot wide swath of land, including the winter trailhead, will become countyowned land. The parking area is currently on Forest Service land. The agency typically does not allow permitted parking on public land, but worked with the county years ago to build the lot as winter use increased.

Once the exchange is finalized, the county would have more oversight over the lots and will have the option to add more, and possibly paid, day use parking and turnarounds, Schmidt wrote in a memo. At this time, the county does not have plans to expand the parking lot, which is relatively constricted by surrounding drainages. There have also been multiple avalanche slides in the area over the years.

“I think innovative administrative options are still probably a less expensive option than expanding a parking lot,” he said. “Eventually it'll be a Walmart parking lot. The demand up there is high. The day use up there on the weekends is every spot is taken, people are jamming in everywhere they can.”

Permits will only be issued for the specific area from the winter trailhead, heading west to the Bracken Creek drainage. It also includes the Coal Creek drainage.

Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis starting Oct. 29, 2024 at 8 a.m. Ticketing and towing will begin on Dec. 2, 2024.

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

Western professor Haneishi named teacher of the year

Seth Mensing Special to the Times

Just two years after coming to Colorado to teach students the pedagogy of physical education, Western Colorado University associate professor Kanae Haneishi received the state’s top honor for physical educators.

In July, Haneishi learned that the Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Colorado had chosen her for the 2024 University Teacher of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of health and physical education in Colorado.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to many individuals who have supported me in achieving this milestone … Their encouragement to foster innovative and up-to-date pedagogy has been instrumental in my growth as an educator,” Haneishi said. Prior to joining the faculty at Western in 2022, Haneishi was an associate professor of kinesiology and human performance, and the program coordinator for physical education and teacher education in North Dakota. She also spent 13 years at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, where she was a senior lecturer of physical education and the head women’s soccer coach.

Soccer has been an important part of Haneishi’s life. She won the silver medal at the World University Games with the Japanese national team and an NCAA Division II national championship. She also captained a semi-pro team in New York City for eight years. Today, in addition to her teaching role at Western, Haneishi is the secretary general for WomenSport International, and is a board member for Teaching Games for Understanding, and the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education.

Haneishi is also active in advocating for the interests of physical education at the state

Yard of the Week

level. Last year, nine undergraduate students and one graduate student from Western attended and presented at the SHAPE Colorado convention and were active participants in the preconvention workshop.

“Kanae is a caring teacher that provides fantastic field teaching for future educators,” said Lillian Parrino, a junior in Western’s Physical Education program. “She cares about each student individually and sees our strengths. She is a fantastic role model and mentor.”

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

Top O’ the World Garden Club awarded Marvin and Neva Parker of 614 West Denver Ave. with Yard of the Week. The couple enjoys being outdoors and working in their yard, Marvin said. They previously attempted to establish a lawn on the southeast corner of their property, but this effort was thwarted by snow removal impacts and harsh sunlight. Last year, they decided to try something new. The Parkers switched to a mixture of Karl Foerster and blue fescue grasses, and planted annual and perennial wildflower seeds to fill in any gaps. This different approach was successful, and the yard is now frequented by bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The Parkers plan to expand their combination of flowers and grasses to other parts of the yard this fall.

Psalm 103

Forgives our iniquities, heals diseases. Redeems our life from destruction. Crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies. Satisfies us with good things so our youth is renewed. Executes righteousness and judgement for the oppressed. Merciful and gracious, slow to anger, plenteous in mercy. Does not keep his anger forever. Has great mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west he has removed our transgressions from us.

GOD IS COOL! WHO ELSE THINKS THIS OF US, THE PEOPLE!

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

(Courtesy Nancy Dean/Top O’ the World Garden Club)

Kanae Haneishi (Courtesy Seth Mensing/Western Colorado University)

To bike, or not to bike?

A band of bikers rolled between Buckel Family Wine, Crested Bucha and The Dive during the first annual Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival play crawl on Aug. 10. The audience sampled snacks and drinks before settling in to watch a series of short plays at each location.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

18’ SOURIS RIVER PORTAGE CANOE with Minkoto electric trolling motor, outriggers and paddles. $990 OBO. Contact Scott at 720-320-7304.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

is seeking applicants for the following fully-benefitted position.

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.

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).

EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Local Crested Butte-born, residential construction company, growing regional, excellent pay. Text/call 970-5961131.

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a Deputy Marshal. This role involves a full range of law enforcement duties, including ensuring public safety, protecting life and property, and enforcing laws and ordinances while upholding integrity, exemplary service, and professionalism in partnership with the community. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, successful completion of Police Academy training, and one year of experience in law enforcement or security. A valid Colorado Driver’s License is required within 30 days of employment. Compensation is $60,000$65,000 without POST certification, with negotiable rates for POST-certified officers. We offer 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents. For the full job description, benefits, and application, visit our website at www.townofcrestedbutte.com. To apply, email your application to jobs@crestedbutteco.gov. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KALOW ELECTRIC is looking for a reliable electricial apprentice to join our team. The apprentice’s responsibilities include completing all tasks assigned by the master electrician, which may include assisting with installations, troubleshooting, repairs, and calibrations of electrical systems and equipment.

Please contact Bill Kalow 970.596.6832 or email resume to Kalowelectric@gmail.com.

ID SCULPTURE IS HIRING

Interested in making the world’s best playgrounds, climbing boulders and interactive art? ID Sculpture designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures and fine art sculptures for parks, schools and public spaces across the country. We use a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments.

IDS provides secure, year-round indoor and outdoor work in a unique fabrication environment with opportunity for travel and room for advancement. We offer benefits including PTO, healthcare and retirement. ID Sculpture is an equal opportunity employer.

We are currently seeking:

Production Assistant(s): Ideal candidates possess a positive attitude, good work ethic and are eager to learn. Applicants must have physical strength, hand-eye coordination,

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Health Nurse II –

Substance Abuse Prevention

HHS: 20 hours/week, hourly pay range from $33.79 to $41.08 plus partial benefits.

Patrol Deputy

Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $70,288 to $99,422 plus full benefits.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly range from $22.91 to $30.77 plus full benefits.

Building & Environmental Health Inspector and/or Building & Environmental Health Inspector/ Plans Examiner

Community Development: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $63,162 to $99,422 depending on experience plus full benefits.

Juvenile Services

Facilitator I & II

Juvenile Services: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, hourly pay range is $27.03 - $30.36, plus full benefits. Bilingual - English and Spanish Speaking (Required)

Family Support Manager

Juvenile Services: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, monthly pay rate is $6,581.00 plus full benefits.

Fairgrounds Facilities Maintenance Assistant

Fairgrounds: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, annual salary range is from $50,511.00 to $61,406.00, depending on experience plus full benefits.

Recycle Technician

Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/ week, hourly pay range is from $22.91 to $26.08, depending on experience plus full benefits.

Family Support Partner

Juvenile Services: Part-Time, 20 hours/week, starting hourly pay rate is $21.82 plus partial benefits.

GUC Airport Internship Airport: Part-Time, 16-30 hours/ week, hourly pay rate is $20.58, plus partial benefits.

Planner Technician & Planner I Community Development: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $56,215 to $76,786 plus full benefits.

Permit & Right of Way Manager

Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the monthly salary range from $5,857.00 to $7,120.00 depending on experience plus full benefits.

Data Analyst II

Assessor: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $63,162.00 to $71,912.00, depending on experience plus full benefits.

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

and endurance. Initial responsibilities are to provide general labor and assist artists, fabricators and shipping departments as needed. Compensation is $20-$25 per hr. depending on prior construction experience and/or aptitude.

Project Fabricator(s): The ideal candidate for this position has construction trades experience, welding experience, the ability to work well with a team and a positive attitude. Initial responsibilities are to fabricate various components for standard and custom products. Compensation is $23-$30 per hr. depending on prior construction experience and/or aptitude.

Project Sculptor(s): The ideal candidate for this position has a passion for creating works of art, ability to work well with a team, fastidious attention to detail, a positive attitude, experience sculpting concrete, rock climbing, course setting and construction trades experience. Initial responsibilities are hands on sculpting of foam, concrete, and epoxy. Compensation is $24.50-$55.00 per hr. depending on familiarity with IDS process, prior experience, employment references and body of work.

To apply for this unique opportunity, please provide a resumé, cover letter and references to hello@idsculpture.com with the position of interest in the subject line, or drop off your resume at 591 S. Boulevard St. Gunnison, CO 81230.

Learn more about what we do at idsculpture. com.

SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for dump truck drivers in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience of 1-3 years required. Must be able to assist laborers performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $28-38/hr depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to office@spalloneconstruction.com.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Drought Outreach and Public Communications Plan The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District seeks a qualified communications consultant to assist in the development of a Drought Outreach and Public Communications Plan. This

WE ARE HIRING DELIVERY DRIVERS!

THURSDAY TIMES ROUTE: Deliver the Times to Crested Butte! Delivery starting time varies between 10 p.m.-12 a.m. 3-4 hrs. $125 plus $25 for fuel.

initiative is part of the Upper Gunnison Drought Contingency Plan, funded by a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART grant. The project aims to enhance community resilience to drought through effective communication strategies. Proposals are due by August 20, 2024. For complete details, please visit: www.ugrwcd.org

POLICE OFFICER: Town of Mt. Crested Butte Police Dept. Full-time $69,876$90,828/yr. - Performs general law enforcement duties to protect the lives and property of the residents and visitors of the Town of Mt. Crested Butte by enforcing laws and ordinances, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, assisting with emergency services and maintaining peace and order. POST Certification preferred but not required. Opportunity for financial aid for housing. Employer paid health, vision and dental for employee and dependents. For more info go to www.mtcb.colorado.gov/ employement or call 970-349-6516.

THE CRESTED BUTTE HERITAGE

MUSEUM is hiring a full time year round Executive Director to further our mission and strategic plan by leading the Museum’s operations, fiscal management, human resources, fundraising, membership, community relations, programming and marketing. We are seeking a highly organized, creative team player who enjoys wearing many hats. Required qualifications: a relevant bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years’ work in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, demonstrating ability required to support a non-profit organization and manage a small museum and museum store. This is a full time, salaried position, salary range $50,000-$65,000 DOE, and requires some weekend and evening hours. View the full job description at www. crestedbuttemuseum.com. Please email your cover letter, resume and any questions to cbmuseumjobs@gmail. com. Application deadline is August 30, 2024.

GUNNISON CEMETERY DISTRICT is now accepting applications for Assistant Cemeterian. This person will assist the Cemeterian with grounds maintenance, which includes lawn mowing, trimming, burials, etc. and maintaining equipment and tools. The position is 40 hour/week

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH IS HIRING:

SHOPPER ROUTE: South car route: Wednesday starting at noon. 2-3 hrs. $75 plus $25 for fuel. To apply please email publisher@gunnisontimes.com call 970-641-1414 or come in the office at 218 N. Wisconsin St. EVS Tech/Housekeeper –FT $17 - $20/hour DOE

Patient Access Representative –FT $18 - $21.60/hour DOE Cook, Senior Care Center –FT $18 - $23.40/hour DOE

Benefits Eligibility: Medical, dental, vision, health care FSA, and dependent care FSA: All active employees working 40 or more hours per pay period are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following date of hire. PRN staff are not initially eligible for benefits.

Please visit our website for more in-depth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online at gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/careers or call HR for questions 970-6411456. (PRN = as needed). All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a negative 10 panel drug screen test, criminal background check, reference checks, infection prevention procedures (TB test, Flu Shot, immunization records, etc.), physical capacity profile and acknowledgement of policies.

with some weekend hours from April 1st thru October 31st. From November 1st thru March 31st this person would be on call as needed to assist with snow removal and burials. Starting wage will be $18.50 an hour. Valid Colorado Driver’s License is required. Position will remain open until filled. For more information and to apply contact guncemetery@yahoo.com or 970-642-1152.

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE IN CB SOUTH is hiring a full time infant/toddler teacher to start at the beginning of the school year! This is a great opportunity for a full time year round stable job with great pay and benefits! It is rewarding and fun, and there is a lot of potential for growth in this career. Please submit resume to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com

COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO is currently seeking candidates to fill both a relationship banker ($20/hour) and an associate banker ($18/hour) position in our Gunnison banking center. These are excellent opportunities with a generous benefit package. For position details and to apply, please visit cobnks.com. NBH Bank is an equal opportunity employer.

CAPITAL PROJECTS SUPERVISOR JOB POSTING: The Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a capital projects supervisor. Under the general direction of the district manager, this full-time position is responsible for professional level oversight on all phases of capital expenditure construction projects for the district. Desired skills and experience include a successful record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget, strong project management skills,

CITY OF GUNNISON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Water/Wastewater Operator

Full-time

Starting Salary Ranges:

Worker $49,700-$55,400

Class “D” $49,700-$58,367

Class “C” $54,600-$64,200

Class “B” $60,100-$70,600

Class “A” $66,100-$77,700

Responsible for the operation of the water supply, distribution and storage systems. They also perform maintenance, repairs and construction of water distribution, sewer collection, irrigation and storm drain systems, installations, repairs and testing on all water meters.

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.

Electric Lineman

Full-Time: $77,300-$90,800/yr. Performs technical and manual work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution systems for the City.

Streets/Refuse Foreman

Full-Time: $77,300-$76,900/yr. Serves as lead worker over an assigned group of workers in the Streets and Refuse Division of the Public Works Department. Operates a variety of City-owned heavy equipment, vehicles, equipment and tools in the construction and maintenance of City streets and alleys, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, traffic/street signage, refuse collection, recycle program, 50/50 concrete program, tree program and other City infrastructure.

Part-Time Openings:

Ice Rink Concessions Manager -up to $32.21/hr. Zamboni Drivers -up to $24.63/hr.

Ice Rink Concessions Workers -up to $24.23/hr.

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

For more information, including complete job descriptions, benefit packages, required job qualifications and application instructions, please visit GunnisonCO.gov/HR.

effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and a passion for water and wastewater construction projects. Important qualifications include a combination of experience and education with a desired Bachelor of Science degree in construction management, a PMP certification and/or a PE license in the state of Colorado. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $90,000-$130,000 DOQ. Excellent benefits package, including 100% employerpaid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, two weeks paid vacation, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms and a wellness benefit/ski pass. Full job description is available at mcbwsd. com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, P.O. Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

EXPERIENCED LEAD CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Local Crested Butte-born, residential construction company, growing regional, excellent pay. Text/call 512-947-7797.

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT

See GWSD website for details gunnisonschools.net

Gunnison Watershed School District believes that students thrive when they are connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why we create learning experiences that spark curiosity, helping students discover who they are and how to make a difference in the world around them. As they excel in academics, athletics and the arts, students find the confidence to pursue any opportunity in life. Our team is “Driven to be the Difference!”

HOURLY OPPORTUNITIES

CBES - Permanent Substitute

CBES - General Educational Assistant

CBES - Half-time SPED

Educational Assistant

CBCS - Health Aide

Special Education EASignificant Needs

Marble Charter School - Teacher

Assistant/Office Manager Bus Drivers Food Service

CBCS - Assistant Building Manager

Substitute teachers

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

District School Psychologist

GHS - Special Education Teacher

GMS - 8th grade Math Teacher

GES - Elementary Math Intervention Teacher (one year only)

GES - 5th grade Teacher

GCS SPED - Teacher/ Achievement Center

CBSS - PE/Health Teacher

COACHING

CBMS - Assistant MS Girls’ Basketball Coach

GHS - Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach

GMS - Volleyball coach

Please contact: Superintendent’s Office JoAnn Klingsmith 800 N. Boulevard 970-641-7760 jklingsmith@ gunnisonschools.net

to the right individual. Call 970-209-6062.

LOCALL OWNED AND OPERATED

GUNNISON BUSINESS OFFICE seeks Office Admin. Are you looking for a steady position in which you can be involved in an expanding business working with a small group of trained professionals? The right person will be detail oriented, reliable, a people person, hard-working and well organized. Office and Marketing experience is helpful. The part time weekly schedule will be finalized in conjunction with our evolving business plan and the applicant’s personal schedule. Please send a cover letter introducing yourself, along with a resume to: RE/MAX Community Brokers, 131 N Main St, Gunnison, CO 81230 or email to: gunnisonforsale@gmail.com.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following part-time seasonal positions; Dishwasher $20-22/hr. + gratuity; Server $16/hr. + gratuity; Front Desk Attendant $17$22/hr.+ gratuity. Must be willing to work weekends and evenings. 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.

THE MT CRESTED BUTTE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time Wastewater Operator to be part of a team environment focused on the operations of the wastewater plant and collection system for Mt. Crested Butte. Qualifications for the position include construction experience, the ability to work outdoors, prepare and analyze lab responsibilities, and experience with electrical, mechanical and maintenance repairs. A State of Colorado Collections and/or Wastewater license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators will be required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at hiring or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is required. Starting salary is $53,100 to $59,500 for entry level. $58,000 to $75,000 salary available for operators/electricians with experience and appropriate state licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms, and a wellness benefit/ski pass. Full job description is available at www.mcbwsd. com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225, or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT is looking for a Full-time, year-round, maintenance person. Insurance reimbursement, retirement, ski pass. Wage DOE. Please email prpropertyoffice@gmail.com or call 970-349-6281.

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS DRIVERS NEEDED: JOIN OUR TEAM OF DRIVERS WHO DRIVE THE PAINTED BUSES! – PAID CDL TRAINING and LICENSING COSTS! Mountain Express is looking to recruit drivers for immediately available shifts as well as for the upcoming 2024/2025 winter season. We will offer a FREE in-house CDL workshop for one week beginning Sept. 23.The training period will be paid at a trainee’s wage of $15/hr. and once training is completed and your CDL is attained, the starting wage will be $22.60/hr. along with a sign-on bonus of 1k after your first 10 shifts worked with MX as a CDL’d driver. We are also hiring already CDL’d drivers – this also includes a the 1k sign-on bonus after the 10th shift worked at MX -

REAL ESTATE

TWO HOME BUILDING SITES:405 Sequoia Drive. Each over one acre, stupendous views. Electric, sewer/water available. $112,500 each. Call/text Mindy Costanzo, Bluebird Real Estate, 970-2092300. Mindy-Land.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.

SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for heavy equipment operators in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience of 1-3 years required. Must be able to assist laborers performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $30-40/hr depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to office@spalloneconstruction.com

TEMPORARY FULL-TIME POSITION

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY AT GUNNISON

POLICE OFFICER: Town of Mt. Crested Butte Police Dept. Full-time $69,876$90,828/yr. - Performs general law enforcement duties to protect the lives and property of the residents and visitors of the Town of Mt. Crested Butte by enforcing laws and ordinances, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, assisting with emergency services and maintaining peace and order. POST Certification preferred but not required. Opportunity for financial aid for housing. Employer paid health, vision and dental for employee and dependents. For more info go to www.mtcb.colorado.gov/ employement or call 970-349-6516

PCI - PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS INC. is seeking motivated construction workers. Pay Starting at $25 and up, depending on experience. 6 paid holidays and potentially a percentage of IRA Matching

CEMETERY: This position will assist with grounds maintenance, including lawn mowing, trimming, burials, etc. UNTIL NOV. 1st, 2024. For further information contact guncemetery@yahoo.com or 970-642-1152.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE:

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 August 30, 2024.

Unit 329 – Margret Perry

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of August 15, 22, 2024 14506

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Audrey Jean Miller Deceased

Case Number 2024PR30022

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of GUNNISON County, Colorado on or before December 13, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.

Michelle Lincoln

2175 Meadow Court Grand Junction, Colorado 81407

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of August 15, 22, 29, 2024 14499

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of DONALD THOMAS

HOLLINGSWORTH, JR.. a/k/a Donald Hollingsworth, Jr, a/k/a Donald T. Hollingsworth, Jr. a/k/a Donald Hollingsworth a/k/a Donald T. Hollingsworth a/k/a Tom Hollingsworth, Deceased

Case Number 2023PR030030

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 November 14, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.

RALPH A. CANTAFIO, ATTY. REG # 16280

CANTAFIO LAW P.C. 1927 Market St., Unit 1A Denver, Colorado 80202 Phone: 970-819-2371 ralph@myralphlaw.com

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of August 15, 22 and 29, 2024 14531

PUBLIC NOTICE

Gunnison County Public Works Department will be listing a 2011 Subaru Outback 4 door station wagon for sale at JJKaneAuctions. com. This listing will be on the JJ Kane Auctions website ONLY, https://www.jjkane. com/promotions/gunnison-county-govequipment-auctions/. This auction will be a quick one and will only run August 20th and 21st, 2024.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of August 15, 2024 14464

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Invitation to Bid Crested Butte Community School Additions & Renovations

FCI Constructors, Inc. is requesting bids from subcontractors & suppliers for the Crested Butte Community School Additions & Renovations project located in Crested Butte, CO.

Bids are due to FCI prior to August 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Bids must be emailed or faxed to:

Mike Potter mpotter@fciol.com or 970-434-7583

Please contact Mike Potter at 970-434-9093 or mpotter@fciol.com to obtain documents.

FCI Constructors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WBE/MBE/DBE/ SBE firms are encouraged to participate.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 8 and 15, 2024 14413

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Request For Proposal (RFP) Hangar Renovation Project

Saguache County is looking for a person or contractor for demolition and removal of hangars and rubbish on Leach Airport property.

There are several hangar structures at Leach Airport that need to be demolished. Saguache County seeks to have all non-viable hangers demolished and all associated rubbish on the property removed. See attached map–T Hangar C to be torn down, T Hangar E to be torn down, T Hangar F to be torn down, Hangar F3 torn down. Total of Hangars to be torn down–4. A map will be available at www. saguachecounty.c11olorado.gov to identify targeted structures for this demolition proposal. Saguache County reserves the right to start accepting proposals on Monday, August 12, 2024, with the understanding RFP process will remain open until September 6, 2024, at 3pm.

If you are interested in the removal of the items at Leach Airport please send a letter of interest to Wendi Maez, PO Box 100, Saguache, CO 81149 or you may email your letter of interest to wmaez@ saguachecounty-co.gov. For additional information please contact either Wendi Maez at 719-655-2231 or Jed Ellithorpe at 719-850-1928.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison Colorado Publication dates of August 15, 22 and 29, 2024 14486

Faith Directory

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

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).

LUC-24-00022 – LFSH CO, LLC – A Lot Cluster approval has been issued to the Applicant for the clustering of Lots 6 And 7, Block 1, The Homestead Subdivision, According To The Plat Recorded Under Reception No. 260760.

/s/ Sean Pope Land Use Planner

Gunnison County Community Development Department

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication date of August 15, 2024 14472

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.

Lights & Sirens

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

AUGUST 5

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — 1011 W. RIO GRANDE AVE.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — W. NEW YORK AVE.

PROPERTY - LOST

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 413 W. NEW YORK AVE.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS: THIRD DEGREE — 900 N. MAIN ST. INFORMATION — 711 N. 11TH ST.

ADMIN - UNASSIGNED INCIDENT

WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JURISDICTION — 100 S. MAIN ST.

AUGUST 6

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 501 E. TOMICHI AVE.

WARRANT SERVICE - OTHER JU-

RISDICTION — CR 49

WELFARE ASSIST — W. RIO GRANDE AVE.

AUGUST 7

TRAFFIC - DUS — N. 12TH ST. ANIMAL TREATMENT:CONFINED IN VEHICLE — 880 N. MAIN ST.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICIPAL — 1 QUARTZ ST.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — 100 N. MAIN ST. WARRANT SERVICE - GUNNISON POLICE — 400 N. 11TH ST.

AUGUST 8

WELFARE ASSIST — SUNNY SLOPE DR. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — 600 N. COLORADO ST.

AUGUST 9

ACCIDENT — N. MAIN ST. PROPERTY - FOUND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE — 1313 W. OHIO AVE.

WELFARE ASSIST — 880 N. MAIN ST.

AUGUST 10

CIVIL PROBLEM — 226 N. MAIN ST. WELFARE ASSIST — S. 12TH ST. INFORMATION — 912 W. GUNNISON AVE.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 900 N. MAIN ST.

ACCIDENT — 1140 N. MAIN ST. ACCIDENT — 307 JOSEPH LN.

AUGUST 11

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION — 100 N. COLORADO ST. TRAFFIC - RECKLESS DRIVING — N. 11TH ST.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICIPAL — 519 W. TOMICHI AVE.

DISTURBING THE PEACE — 808 N. COLORADO ST.

ACCIDENT — W. BIDWELL AVE.

AUGUST 6

-Warrant arrest on two outstanding in-county warrants.

-Deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol with an intoxicated subject with a warrant.

AUGUST 7

-Violation of a protection order by an inmate.

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol on a traffic stop.

-Suspicious activity reported in Marble.

-Dog at large- owners located.

-Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department with a domestic in progress.

AUGUST 8

-Possible fraud reported- under investigation.

-Civil matter (disagreement) reported.

-Information report on harassment and trespassing in Marble.

-Agency assist to the Gunnison Police department with a trespass reported at Gunnison Valley Health associated with previous civil report taken.

-Fraud report in Marble- under investigation.

-Found property- firearm in the Silver Jack Area.

AUGUST 9

-Overdue hiker reported – but checked in before search and rescue were dispatched.

-Unattended death.

-Somerset/ Marble deputIes assisted the Colorado State Patrol with a single vehicle accident in Marble.

-Welfare check.

AUGUST 10

-Speeding citation issued.

-Agency assist to Paonia Police department by Somerset / Marble deputies.

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a single car rollover.

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a dirt bike versus a truck.

-Welfare check at Hartman’s.

AUGUST 11

-Unattended death in Somerset.

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol with a vehicle slide off.

AUGUST 12

-OHV accident at Mirror Lake.

-Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department for a T-bone accident in town.

NEED HELP?

Summer Brunch

Sunday, August 18

Noon to 3 pm

Summer Brunch

Sunday, August 18

Noon to 3 pm

Garlic Mike’s Outdoor Piazza 2674 Highway 135 Gunnison, Colorado

Garlic Mike’s Outdoor Piazza 2674 Highway 135

Gunnison, Colorado

Garlic Mike’s Outdoor Piazza 2674 Highway 135 Gunnison, Colorado

Featuring live music by Amra Tomsic, artists at work, and a silent auction including art and gift baskets.

Featuring live music by Amra Tomsic, artists at work, and a silent auction including art and gift baskets.

Featuring live music by Amra Tomsic artists at work, and a silent auction including art and gift baskets.

$100 per person with proceeds benefiting the Seconds Save Lives campaign for a new station for GVH Paramedics. Help us raise the final funds needed for this vital project!

$100 per person with proceeds benefiting the Seconds Save Lives campaign for a new station for GVH Paramedics. Help us raise the final funds needed for this vital project!

$100 per person with proceeds benefiting the Seconds Save Lives campaign for a new station for GVH Paramedics. Help us raise the final funds needed for this vital project!

Seating is limited. Get your tickets early. contact: Tammy Scott |

Seating is limited. Get your tickets early. contact: Tammy Scott | tscott@gvh-colorado.org | 970.642.8406

Seating is limited. Get your tickets early. contact:

Expert Care. Designed for you.

Care designed for ... CANCER TREATMENT

No matter your cancer stage or phase of recovery, Gunnison Valley Health can help you access the care and support you need.

ONCOLOGY

Lead by board-certified oncologist, Dr. Paulette Blanchet, our skilled oncology team provide personalized treatment in a calm, supportive and comfortable setting - right here in Gunnison County.

ONCOLOGY | HEMATOLOGY | INFUSION THERAPY

CANCER CARE CENTER | 970-642-4773

711 N. TAYLOR ST. | GUNNISON

ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATION

An oncology nurse navigator is a professional registered nurse with oncology-specific clinical knowledge. We offer individualized assistance to patients, families and caregivers to help navigate treatment.

SUPPORT FOR THIS PROGRAM PROVIDED BY CATTLEMEN’S DAYS TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK

CANCER CARE CENTER | 970-642-4773

711 N. TAYLOR ST. | GUNNISON

CANCER REHABILITATION

We specialize in helping patients and survivors cope with a wide variety of symptoms and concerns. Our therapists will support and empower you on your journey back to optimal health, activity and well-being.

PHYSICAL THERAPY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY | SPEECH THERAPY

HOSPITAL | 970-641-7268

711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

Banding together

Gunnison High School marching band camp returns

Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

Throughout the summer months, the Gunnison High School grounds lie mostly dormant. No sounds echoed down the building’s long hallways, and only the breeze raced over the grassy sports fields. But as August waned, a burst of sound from the band room brought life back to the once-quiet grounds.

On Aug. 8, a stream of students toting woodwind, brass and percussion instruments spilled onto the football field. Energetic conversation merged with random musical riffs, surrounding the group in a dissonant bubble of sound. As each student reached their mark on the field, they fell silent, awaiting the signal to march and play as one.

Every August, the GHS marching band comes together for two weeks of band camp, a time for bonding and musical learning. The first week of “newbie” camp brings middle school students up to speed on marching basics. During week two, they join the

rest of their peers to learn the music and marching choreography for their annual show. This second week is the group’s last chance to learn and practice the choreography and music of their show before the mayhem of the school year sets in.

This year, the group will perform a medley of Disney classics, including familiar tunes from “Mary Poppins” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” during halftime at home football games and marching competitions later in the fall.

With just 25 members, the GHS marching band is small compared to many high school bands across the state. When the students travel to competitions, they are sometimes pitted against bands nearly three times their size. This is because competitive brackets are determined by the total enrollment of each school, rather than by band size.

The GHS marching band recruits middle school students to fill out its ranks, creating a group that spans ages 13 to 18. Because they join before starting high school, some students end up staying with the band for up to seven years by the time they graduate.

While larger bands have a bigger presence in terms of decibel output, smaller bands like Gunnison’s enable a more tightBand camp B2

GUNNISON

The woodwind and brass sections find their marks for the first set of the show. (Photos by Mariel Wiley)

The band’s small woodwind section consists of two clarinets and three flutes.

Band camp from B1

knit connection between students. This camaraderie comes across on the field, where bandmates work closely together to create music as one.

For the middle schoolers and underclassmen, their older peers are a source of inspiration and guidance, said sophomore flute player Gavin Vasquez.

“They really take charge and lead the band,” Vasquez said. “That makes it easier to get to know them.”

By the end of band camp, any pre-existing cliques based on age have dissolved. Students of all ages share memories and inside jokes from the past week, banding together. Those friendships carry over into the school year, transcending the band room. For younger students, their first time wandering the halls of GHS is made easier by the presence of familiar faces.

For upperclassmen, the admiration goes both ways, said senior drummer Rylee Berry.

“Some of these younger kids impress me a lot,” Berry said. “It’s awesome to see so many kids want to participate and perform for other people.”

One theme rings true for many members of the band, regardless of age: music offers a welcome escape from the turbulence of teenage life. Music has the power

to amplify every emotion, offering an outlet to feel things deeply and work it all out, Vasquez said. But perhaps the most profound aspect of being in the band is coming together as a whole to create a harmonious sound.

Some of these younger kids impress me a lot. It’s awesome to see so many kids want to participate.

Rylee Berry

GHS senior

“It feels almost magical,” Vasquez said. “Music is just such a good thing. If there’s more of it in the world, everything would just be a little bit better.”

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@ gunnisontimes.com.)

Members of the colorguard perform choreography with flags and other themed props throughout the show.

Reinventing the wheel

MIT students bring science education to Gunnison on cross-country bike trip

Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

On an afternoon in mid-July, a shrill tone emanated from a conference room in the Gunnison County Library, where a group of elementary students huddled around the sound’s source. On the table before them rested a metal plate covered in sand. As the sound changed pitch, the grains of sand vibrated into different geometric patterns. The students gasped and leaned closer to witness the scientific wonder before them.

developed a workshop in which kids use household materials to extract DNA from strawberries.

The Spokes team brought plenty of activities to Gunnison.

JD Hagood led a demonstration that displayed the physics of sound through fractals made of sand. Sophia Wang and Hank Stennes helped older kids create structures using a computer aided design (CAD) software, which they were able to materialize using the 3D printer. A “crispy concrete” activity led by Rebecca Lizarde used Rice Krispie treats to teach kids how concrete works.

Spokes works closely with libraries and schools along the route to plan activities tailored to the interests of local kids, Aluru said. A previous team visited Gunnison a few years ago, and this year’s team was eager to rekindle that connection.

It felt very homey... It’s rare that we get to experience these small towns for more than an hour. So it was nice to stay in Gunnison for a few days.

Amulya Aluru

Spokes member

This demonstration was just one part of a science education day hosted by students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s MIT Spokes science education biking team. The eight college students and recent grads stopped in Gunnison on their more than 4,000-mile, coast-to-coast bike tour to share their love of science with kids and teens in rural areas.

Spokes, founded nine years ago by MIT students, is on a crowd-funded mission to bring hands-on science to kids. Each year, the team loads up their bicycles to make the road trip, followed closely by a support van carrying microscopes, 3D printers and other gadgets borrowed from the school’s research labs.

The team’s mission is twofold, said Spokes member Amulya Aluru.

“The first and most daunting part is the mental and physical challenge of biking across the country, which shows that scientists and engineers can be athletic, too.”

Additionally, each team member spends months prior to the trip translating the knowledge they acquired in their MIT classrooms into activities for kids of all ages. Aluru, who recently graduated with degrees in computer science and biology,

The feeling was mutual for library staff, who had been hoping to add more free science programming for kids to their summer schedule. The inquiry from the Spokes team was a “stroke of luck,” said library Coordinator of Youth and Family Services Keelin MacCarthy.

“This was a rarity and really exciting for us,” MacCarthy said. “It’s a way to get [the kids] exposure to things they might not see every day in our community, but that they might want to do when they grow up. We try to provide the inspiration, the spark and the little ‘aha’ moments.”

After a long day of working with kids, the team explored downtown Gunnison. They popped into Double Shot Cyclery for refreshments, and enjoyed live music during the Mid-Week on Main Street concert in IOOF Park. Here, they witnessed West Elk Equine arrive in style on horses and cattle, complete with a baby goat in tow.

“It felt very homey,” Aluru said. “Since we’re traveling a lot, it’s rare that we get to experience these small towns for more than an hour. So it was nice to stay in Gunnison for a few days.”

The following day, the group packed up their gear to hit the road again, rolling ever closer to their final destination of San Francisco. The group made their way out of town over Kebler Pass, with a sea of wildflowers in peak bloom to complete the scenic view for their ride.

Although they travel thousands of miles to spark scientific inspiration in kids’ minds, the trip is also a learning experience for the bikers themselves.

“I’ve learned just how kind people are,” Aluru said. “If you give something to the world, you’ll get kindness in return. It makes me want to give back to the community in the same way that so many people have helped us on our trip.”

(Mariel Wiley can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or mariel@gunnisontimes.com.)

The team hold their bikes overhead after riding over the Continental Divide on their way into the Gunnison Valley. (Courtesy MIT Spokes)

Preschool and kindergarten students watch closely as Hagood demonstrates the power of sound to create shapes out of sand.

Spokes members Hank Stennes and JD Hagood input code into a programming software, manipulating the 3D shape projected on the screen behind them.

8

All proceeds benefit the Adaptive Sports Center and provide adaptive recreation for people with disabilities

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS

GOP Lincoln Day Dinner

Gunnison County Republicans will host the annual Lincoln Day Dinner and fundraiser Sept. 7 from 4-8 p.m. at Three Rivers Resort in Almont, Colorado. The event will feature music, dinner, candidate speakers and a silent auction. Tickets are available at gunnisoncountyrepublicans.org.

Macbeth

The Firebird Theatre will present Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at the Crested Butte Depot on Aug. 24, 25, 31 and Sept. 1. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m. sharp. The play is appropriate for viewers age 8 and up. Service animals are allowed, but please leave other pets at home.

Back to school supply drive

offered for preschoolers through adults. Block 1 runs from Aug. 26-Oct. 27, 2024. Most youth classes will have the opportunity to perform in Nutcracker Dec. 13-14. Scholarships are available for youth and adult ground and aerial classes. The application deadline is Monday, Aug. 19. For more information and to register visit dancecrestedbutte.org.

EMBA potluck

The Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance (EMBA) annual meeting and potluck will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024 at the Crested Butte Depot from 5-8 p.m. The GMUG forest plan has recently been signed, and the Forest Service is starting to plan for winter travel management. Learn about the latest developments. We’ll provide music, libations, BBQ, and camaraderie. You can help us out by bringing a dish to share.

AdaptiveSports.org/bridges

Commit to raise $100 by Sept 8 and registration is FREE! $24 Adults | $12 Kids (17 & under) | $10 Event t-shirt

The PTA is holding a back to school supply drive with items from the supply lists provided by the school. You can find the list of items with the boxes at Walmart and the Gunnison County Library. Please feel free to drop your donations off at either location.

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous meets on Thursdays at 5 p.m. at The Last Resort, 114 Wisconsin St. in downtown Gunnison. This is an open meeting.

Automotive history at the Pioneer Museum

The Gunnison Pioneer Museum collections include nearly 90 vintage vehicles on display in the Andy Mallet Auto Barn. Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through September, with admission $15 for ages 13+, $5 for those 6-12, and free for 5 and under.

GVAWL yard sale

Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League will hold its annual yard sale on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 508 N. 7th St. in Gunnison. This event is huge and all donations from it go to supporting GVAWL.

Cooking Matters

Mountain Roots is having upcoming Cooking Matters workshops! On Aug. 28 come join us at the Gunnison County Library from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. To enroll, email uma@mountainrootsfoodproject.org.

Trail Work Tuesday postponed

Due to wet weather, the Gunnison Trails work day schedule has been altered as follows: South Rim, Aug. 27, 4-8 p.m.; Northwoods, Sept. 3, 4-8 p.m.; Northwoods (big fall workday), Sept. 14, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

CB School of Dance

Registration opens today, Aug. 15, for more than 45 classes

‘Heaven is for Real’ screening

A free screening of ‘Heaven is for Real’ will be presented by members of WeCareGunny, WeCareCB and Heavenlive! at the Majestic Theatre in Crested Butte on Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. The film tells the story of Colton Burpo, a young boy who underwent emergency surgery and miraculously survived — and then told his parents about his experience in heaven during the ordeal. The screening is open to the public.

HCCA hikes

High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) invites you to join its HCCA Hikes every Wednesday. View the full season schedule, reserve your spot and find more information at hccacb.org.

Fly fishing lessons

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.

‘Circling Europe’ wine tastings

Crested Butte Friends of the Library is hosting wine tastings on Aug. 22 and Sept. 5. Participants will sip wines from Austria on Aug. 22 and Portugal on Sept. 5. The tastings begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at Queen of All Saints Parish Hall, 401 Sopris Ave. The cost is $50 per person and includes light snacks. Tickets can be purchased by cash or check at the Old Rock Library front desk or email cblibraryfriends@gmail.com. All proceeds from the wine tastings support Old Rock Library.

The secret behind every word

Wendy Videlock Special to the Times

Words seem to have an uncanny way of lodging themselves into our memories. I vividly recall my father teaching me the meaning of the word “geometry,” my sister teaching me how to spell “stupid” (not stoopid), my brother demonstrating how to pronounce “open” (not om-pen), my mother repeating (in as deep a timbre as her voice could muster), the word “shame” at our various dogs when they misbehaved.

Dear World, Is there such a thing as passive verb, the first word, or separating heart from wild, signed a very small child.

But did you know there’s a secret inside every word? It’s called etymology. Etymology is the study of the origins or ancestry of words. Etymon comes from the Greek word for truth, in particular, things as they are. You might have noticed that the word “welcome” has begun its transformation — more and more we’re apt to hear, welcome in when entering a home, dining establishment or place of business. There are many theories as to why the shift is underway, all of which reflect an ever changing society.

Wonder and wisdom and strength are words that for some, are gentle and easy on the tongue. Perhaps you too aspire to be one of them.

English is especially interesting to study because it’s essentially the kitchen sink of languages. We

have inherited, begged, borrowed and stolen from dozens of living, dead and ancient languages, and thus English is considered not just the most pragmatic and useful, but the most expressive of all mother tongues. When we look to the origins of words and how their meanings and implications change over time, there is much to be learned about our cultural conditioning.

Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me? No. Sticks and stones can break my bones and words can burn right through me.

For instance, the word “courage” today tends to conjure images of a warrior on a great horse, armed up and charging onto a battlefield. But the word originates from the Greek, “car,” or “cardiac,” which means of the heart. The earliest recorded use of the word defined it as “to tell one’s story honestly from the heart.”

The Question Always on my tongue, whether flustered or in love, whether hawk or mourning dove, is what are you so afraid of

If you think about it, living honestly and from the heart is probably more difficult for most people today than arming up and riding into battle. Conversely, the word “coward,” from the Old French “coart, ” or “cuard,” which means “tail.” It seems to be a reference to an animal turning tail, or tucking its tail between its legs. Another interesting case is the word “vulnerable,” which today is defined as “to be in a position where one is susceptible to harm.” Remarkably, though, the word comes from the Latin “vulne,” which means to carry a wound gracefully. This transformation is especially curious as the word seems to have left behind its inherent wisdom.

This morning in the shower the water was not a means to an end or a place where over and over

and over again one worries and plans and frets, but rather the water was water and I earth, and water’s daughter.

Another favorite of mine is the word “poetry,” which comes to us by way of the Latin, “carmen,” which translates to the verb: to enchant, to chant, to sing, to make meaningful and sacred sounds.

Whether one experiences laughter, tears, stoic resistance, or the hairs on the back of one’s neck standing up, these physical responses that poetry gives us arrive by way of language, by way of words — whether spoken, chanted or through simple marks on a page. And that’s some pretty powerful magic!

What You Thought You Lost

What you thought you lost along the way hangs in the air like a prayer

May you find your way home may the doors swing open wide from the out and the in side under a wide open sky May you lose may you find, may you know in the core of your weathered soul your old and your new sign

May every stranger on the path become the one who stopped to hang something you thought you lost in the air by a thread like an ancient pagan prayer like some kind of elder warm-eyed guardian was standing there.

(Wendy Videlock lives in Palisade where she teaches and advocates for the arts. She currently serves as Poet Laureate of the Western Slope. You can reach her at westernslopeword@gmail. com.)

Thursday, August 22 – 10am to 2pm at the West End of the Big Mine Ice Arena

and Equipment

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church is beginning its Wednesday afternoon children’s learning and activity day for K-6th grades on Sept. 4th!

Learning activities include: Bible lessons, arts and crafts, and vocational and recreational skills, each Wednesday from 1:45 PM to 6 PM. Registration forms and our Parent Handbook are available at our website mountcalvarygunnison.com

Please contact Pastor Carabotta at 970-2097275 with any questions you may have.

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church 711 N. Main St, Gunnison, CO 81230 (parking lot in back)

(Photo by Mariel Wiley)

Cowboys train to ‘play like a fist’

GHS football prepares for home opener at Mountaineer Bowl

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The GHS Cowboy football team returned to the gridiron last week, fighting through wind and rain in preparation for the upcoming fall season.

The boys will compete in a Red vs. Black intersquad scrimmage at home on Saturday, Aug. 17. The home campaign will start under the lights at the newly renovated Mountaineer Bowl at Western Colorado University on Sept. 13.

Optimism was high at the Cowboy camp ahead of the season’s opening scrimmage. A core group of battle-tested seniors, many who started together during their sophomore years, will attempt to rebound off of last year’s playoff run. All-star running back Grady Buckhanan is set to lead the Cowboy backfield. Tate Taramarcaz will bring experience as a tight end and defensive end, and Talon Kibler will return to the wide receiver and cornerback positions. Center Holden Vickers and guard Kellen Yoder add seniority to the offensive line.

“We’re looking at a really talented senior class,” said Head Coach Paul Vickers. “It’s a very good group, from the seniors all the way down to the freshmen.”

A lineup of juniors, many

with varsity experience, will also contribute this season. Cody Casebolt will help fill the shoes of former running back Royce Uhrig, while Nolan Frymoyer will step into a starting role as wide receiver. Ethan Pierce is poised to lead the offense under center. He has been named the starting quarterback as a junior, and will return to the pocket after a brief outing last season. This week, the Cowboys suffered through intense condition-

ing. Coach Vickers said he plans to run an up-tempo offense this season, making fitness a priority.

“I hold out my hand every year, and tell them, ‘We can’t play like an open hand, we need to play like a fist,’” Coach Vickers said. “A team is a fist, it sticks together and hits hard. Now we’re going to condition the heck out of them so we’ll be in shape and ready to go.”

The Cowboys took a break from the grind on Aug. 10, and

opened up its training facility for the first ‘Cowboy Roundup’ football camp. The Cowboy players coached over 50 third through eighth graders in drills and scrimmages. Coach Vickers said he hopes the camp becomes an annual way to bridge the gap between his team and the community.

“Gunnison has a deep football heritage, and it’s important to bring local football families together,” he said.

After the blockbuster home opener at the Mountaineer Bowl, the Cowboys will return to GHS for a home bout against Montezuma-Cortez on Oct. 4, the first league game of the season.

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

Billings named Western head track and field coach

Gregg Petcoff Special to the Times

Western Colorado University Athletics has announced Austin Billings as the new head coach of the Mountaineers' men's and women's track and field program.

"I am beyond excited to start my time at Western,” Billings said. “I hope to create a program that cultivates a challenging and competitive team atmosphere, taking them to new heights to bring home conference titles. I am proud to usher in a new era of Mountaineer track and field."

Billings joined the Mountaineers following two seasons as head coach at Black Hills State University where he

helped athletes earn a series of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) honors and awards. He led recruiting efforts alongside coaching sprints, hurdles, throws and combined group events.

Before Black Hills State, Billings served as an assistant coach at the University of Montevallo in Alabama from 2018-2021. There, he oversaw the training for jumpers, vaulters, sprinters and hurdlers. In 2021 he was named NCAA Division II South Region Indoor Assistant Coach of the Year due to his work with exceptional student-athlete Da'Shaun Morgan. Morgan earned two-time NCAA DII South Region Athlete of the Year, three-time Gulf South

Conference Athlete of the Year and three All-American selections.

In August 2021, Billings was hired as the assistant coach at Nicholls State University in Louisiana. He spent three seasons recruiting at Nicholls.

Prior to joining Nicholls athletics, he handled workout routines for student-athletes at his alma mater, Samford University in Alabama.

He started his collegiate track and field career at East Tennessee State University in 2013-14. Billings went on to compete at Samford from 2015-2017. In his final outdoor season, he hit personal bests in five events: heptathlon, long jump, high jump, 500-meter dash and 60-meter dash.

"Austin's previous experience in the RMAC and extensive background coaching, training and recruiting conveys how prepared he is to take the reins of our Mountaineer program," Director of Athletics Miles Van Hee said. "He impresses with his all-around knowledge, and incredible reach of connections and relationships within the track and field world, enabling him to attract talented student-athletes to Western."

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

The Cowboys catch their breath at practice on Aug. 5. (Photo by Alex McCrindle)

(Courtesy Western Colorado University)

Lightfoot named to elite 100 watch list

Gregg Petcoff Special to the Times

Western Colorado University linebacker Kendall Lightfoot earned a spot in the 2024 D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List. The graduate student was voted to the second-team defense ahead of the upcoming fall season.

The Elite 100 Watch List is selected by D2Football.com staff with input from several head coaches as well as professional football scouting veteran Josh Buchanan.

Lightfoot closed out the 2023 season with 86 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 3 interceptions. Those numbers helped land postseason awards from the D2 Conference Commissioner's Association (second team defense), the National Football Foundation — Colorado Chapter (first team defense) and second team defense on the All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference squad.

Entering his final year with the Mountaineers this fall, Lightfoot has accumulated 137 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in his previous four seasons with the program.

The Mountaineers open the 2024 season with a home game on Sept. 7 against Midwestern State University. It will be the first night game at the Rady Family Sports Complex in the program's history.

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

Rally for a cause

A small group of tennis players gathered at CharMar Park this weekend for a round-robin tournament to raise money for local tennis courts.

(Courtesy Katy Murtaugh)

Kendall Lightfoot (right) lines up against Colorado Mesa at a home game last season. (Courtesy Western Colorado University)

Tykes on trikes

installment of

Lionel Gray

Eddy Riedel

Lily Long

Beau Baseler

Nolan Nere

Jaxon Stucki

Rowan Roberts

William Willrodt

Raeley Nienhueser

Fritz Hefftner

Miles Johnson

Jack Curtiss

Huck Riedel

Asher Shonk

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

VETERANS’ VOICE

Making ‘civilian pukes’ into Marines

David Gonzales Special to the Times

I was bored of my civilian life. I was working at a grocery store when it suddenly dawned on me that I didn’t want to do this anymore. One night I saw a movie called “The D.I.” It starred Jack Webb and was about the United States Marine Corps boot camp. I decided at that time (1966) to join the Marines. In November, I went to Los Angeles to get my orders.

Twenty-one women were typing orders for all the guys in the room. That took all day. We then boarded a Greyhound bus for San Diego where we were dropped off at a very dark bus terminal. After about 40 minutes, a green bus showed up. We were told to look straight ahead during our trip. The green bus took us to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego.

When we arrived, the screaming drill instructors (D.I.) yelled at us to get on the famous yellow footprints. We then had our hair cut and we received our first uniform issue. Our civilian clothes were mailed to our families. We were then marched to quonset huts. It was 0200 (2 a.m. for civilians). At 0500 we were lovingly awakened with the sound of a metal trash can kicked down the squadbay.

We then formed up in our first formation and went to chow. We were then lectured by the lead D.I. He told us that we “civilian pukes” were going to be made into Marines. Boot camp entailed marching, lectures on history of the Marine Corps, weapons, the law, etc. I did really well at the rifle range with an M-14.

At the end of boot camp, we were assigned our Military Occupational Specialties. I was assigned to electronics school at MCRD for nine months. All of our electronics were vacuum tube based. At the end of

my training, the Marine Corps switched to transistor based electronics.

I was then assigned to my first and only duty station at Camp Pendleton, California in the Electronic Maintenance Company. Since I was owned by the U.S. government, my first job was to serve milk to all the Marines in the housing complex. This lasted for 30 days from 0400 to midnight. Everyone was so tired that they could sleep on a dime. There was also lots of sitting around and waiting, which shouldn’t surprise anyone

who has served in the armed forces. Finally, my company commander wrote a stronglyworded letter that released me from chow hall hell. I returned to the squad bay. I was then assigned as a driver. I got the mail. I drove the company commander where he needed to go. I also went to driver’s school and became a truck driver to transport personnel to the shop. My routine for the next three years was driving every day. I was sent on numerous errands. The only real event that happened during my Marine Corps career was in 1968. Just before

the Tet Offensive, we were sent on a mission at the beach to replace the communication systems on all of the West Coast tanks, flamethrower tanks and amphibious tractors. This was a huge priority. We were sleeping in the tank area. Our group of seven called ourselves “the Mod Squad” after a TV show of the time. The nice thing about this duty was we were able to swim at the beach during lunch time. I left the Marine Corps in September 1970 due to an early-out program. I really didn’t like my time in the service, but I did learn self-responsibility

and motivation. The skills and values I learned in the Marine Corps helped me be successful in college and life.

(David Gonzales is a Gunnison resident. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970.)

AUG.

• DO

A U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, circa 1970. (Courtesy Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island)

GUNNISON WATERSHED 2024 BUS SCHEDULE

Stops and times are subject to change over the next two weeks.

Please arrive at your stop 5 minutes before your scheduled pick up time.

Please reach out to Paul Morgan with the transportation department at 970-596-0450 with any questions. We are also currently accepting applications for full time bus driver positions in both Gunnison and Crested Butte and hope to be able to once again offer all bus routes. Interested applicants can reach out to Haleigh Simmons at hsimmons@gunnisonschools.net for more information.

Bus #3 Ohio Creek/ Castle Mountain

Driver- Rob Whiting

CR 730+737 Turn

Turnaround: 7:10 a.m.

CR 730 + 818: 7:30 a.m.

CR 730 + 8: 7:31 a.m.

CR 730 + 405: 7:35 a.m.

Sandpiper Tr.: 7:36 a.m.

North Elk Meadows Bus Shelter: 7:37 a.m.

Chippewa Way: 7:40 a.m.

Pashuta Dr.: 7:42 a.m.

Mailboxes on Seneca Dr.:

7:45 a.m.

1085 Seneca Dr: 7:46 a.m.

950 Seneca Dr.: 7:48 a.m.

West Elk Lane: 7:51 a.m.

233 CR. 48: 7:54 a.m.

CR 48 + 48E: 7:55 a.m.

Black Foot Tr. #1:

7:57 a.m.

Black Foot Tr. #2:

7:58 a.m.

Blackfoot & Apache: 8 a.m.

Apache & Highway 135

8:03 a.m.

Country Meadows

8:04 a.m.

Lake School: 8:10 a.m.

GHS: 8:12 a.m.

GCS: 8:15 a.m.

Bus #4 Doyleville

Driver- Russ Halpern

Needle Creek

Turnaround: 7:20 a.m.

Doyleville: 7:24 a.m.

Waunita Hot Springs: 7:25 a.m.

MM 171.5: 7:28 a.m.

Parlin QT Store: 7:34 a.m.

Esty Ranch: 7:37 a.m.

Lost Miner Trailer Ct.:

7:42 a.m.

McDermott: 7:47 a.m.

Tomichi Heights #1:

7:50 a.m.

Tomichi Heights #2:

7:51 a.m.

N. Colorado & East

Virginia Ave (Sherpa Inn):

7:55 a.m.

E. Virginia Ave & N.

Taylor St (Courthouse): 7:56 a.m.

N. Colorado & East Ruby Ave (Palisades Apts):

7:58 a.m.

E. Denver & N. Iowa St:

8 a.m.

GHS: 8:05 a.m.

Lake School: 8:10 a.m.

GCS: 8:15 a.m.

Bus #5 Powderhorn

Driver- Paul Morgan Powderhorn Turnaround:

7:15 a.m.

Chisholm Trail: 7:27 a.m.

27800 St. Highway 149:

7:28 a.m.

Lake City Bridge: 7:40 a.m.

Neversink: 7:45 a.m.

South Frontage Rd.:

7:50 a.m.

Rio Grande & 11th St.:

7:52 a.m.

Rio Grande & 12th St.:

7:52 a.m.

Rio Grande & Blvd. St.:

7:53 a.m.

Rio Grande Trailers: 7:54 a.m.

Gold Basin Condos: 7:55 a.m.

San Juan & Colorado St.:

7:58 a.m.

New York & Colorado St.:

7:59 a.m.

New York & Taylor St.:

8 a.m.

New York & Iowa St.:

8:01 a.m.

New York (Between Wisconsin & Pine): 8:02 a.m.

New York & Spruce (Safeway) 8:03 a.m.

GHS: 8:06 a.m.

GCS: 8:10 a.m.

Lake School: 8:15 a.m.

*Please note, this bus will NOT be stopping at Jorgenson Park AM or PM.

At this time, we no longer have the ability to offer the following routes: Mustang (Rec. Center, Tenderfoot, Jorgensen Park) bus, Bus #2 Almont/Cranor Hill, Bus #6 Gold Basin, Bus #7 Antelope Hills, and the Sapinero/ Arrowhead mini bus. In order to prevent bus overcrowding we will be prioritizing young students (all lake school students through elementary) and those who live far away from school. Please plan ahead, middle schoolers and high schoolers who live near school or an RTA bus route will be asked to give up their seats or will not be able to board the school bus if it is already at capacity.

A

look back in time

University of Oklahoma (OU) archaeologist Noah Powell returned to town for a second “artifact roadshow” at the Gunnison County Library on Aug. 10. Attendees brought in collections of stone projectile points and tools to learn more about the pieces they’d found or inherited. Earlier this year, Powell and fellow OU archaeologist Bonnie Pitblado visited the Gunnison Valley to research a group of people called the Clovis, who may have lived in the Upper Gunnison Basin over 10,000 years ago. Valley residents brought in ancient projectile points for identification last spring, two of which ended up being identified as Clovis spear points, providing promising evidence in support of Powell’s hypothesis. Archaeologists used to believe that ancient peoples avoided making their homes in mountainous regions like the Upper Gunnison Basin due to the harsh climate. But emerging evidence — including the two Clovis points brought to the roadshow in May — suggests that ancient peoples may have come to this region to trade and make a life in the mountains.

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(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

(Courtesy Noah Powell)

Join us for Here for Good, our annual celebration of the dozens of community-building organizations who enrich the Gunnison Valley and you, the community members who support them.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

2024 GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT

NONPROFIT FAIR: WHO IS DOING WHAT TO BUILD A STRONGER VALLEY

DRAWING TO AWARD $1,000 GRANT TO NONPROFIT OF CHOICE

COMPLIMENTARY LIGHT BITES & CASH BAR

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL

August 21 | 3:30- 6 p.m. Center for the Arts

606 6th St, Crested Butte