Gunnison Country Times, August 29, 2024

School district considers a ‘seal

COMMUNITY: Rain or shine gear testing, B1

SPORTS: GHS volleyball opens season with shutout, B10

NEWS: Keep Colorado Wild raises $40 million, A12 OBITUARIES A2, A3 OPINION A4 CLASSIFIEDS A17-A20 SPORTS B8

of biliteracy’

The program, available at schools across state, still awaits

board approval

Bella Biondini Times Editor

A new certification at the Gunnison Watershed School District will designate qualifying students as bilingual, a skill that is attractive to college admissions offices and future employers. The school district may launch a “seal of biliteracy” program

as soon as this year, pending approval from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and the school board. A seal of biliteracy is a credential given by a Colorado school or district recognizing students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. More than 70 schools across the Western Slope and the Front Range already offer the seal. Gunnison High School (GHS) Principal Jim Woytek, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Coordinator Erin Harrington and Spanish teachers Philip Handmaker and Janet WelshCrossley have been crafting the program over the past year. The

Hospital receives rural EMS communications grant

$500K will reduce ‘dead zones’ in response area

Bella Biondini Times Editor

With one of the most remote response areas in the state, the Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) paramedic team doesn’t have to go far to lose cell and radio coverage. But the introduction of new technology, paid for by a federal grant, will help first responders in rural Colorado, and

GCEA can now increase selfgeneration share

New Tri-State program allows for up to 40%

Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer

Utilities around the Mountain West, including the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA), will soon be allowed to increase their share of selfsupplied renewable energy. While the new “Bring Your Own Resource” program does not necessarily offer financial savings, it’s meant to expedite the co-op’s push toward a greener energy portfolio.

recently approved a new program for GCEA’s power supplier — Tri-State Energy Generation and Transmission — that will offer the Gunnison Valley electric utility the chance to produce up to 40% of its own power. Currently, the utility is capped at 5% through its TriState contract, which expires in 2050.

With the hydroelectric project at Taylor Dam slated to come online next month, and various solar projects around the valley, the GCEA will soon reach this cap. GCEA and its board of directors recently modified its strategic plan to increase its proportion of renewable energy from 70%

Energy A10

FRESH FACES: The Gunnison High School freshman Class of 2028 got rowdy during the first pep rally of the school year on Aug. 26. For more, see B7. (Photo by Mariel Wiley) Biliteracy

Paramedics

“[We’re] teaching kids how to grow food and support their communities, instead of just making free throws.”

— Rudy Germany, Mountain Roots

See story on B4

BRIEFS

Expanded middle bridge openings start Friday

Approved vehicles will be able to cross both the Blue Mesa Reservoir middle and Lake Fork bridges from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. from Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2 in a one-way alternating traffic formation. Following the holiday weekend, both will remain fully open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily with pilot car operations and alternating traffic.

The middle bridge will close for repair work from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. starting Sept. 3, and the Lake Fork bridge will have longer traffic holds during those overnight hours. This schedule will continue through at least mid-October.

With several phases of repairs complete and global plating operations continuing on the middle bridge, the operation will allow an expanded list of vehicles across. County Road 26 will remain open with pilot car operations and maintained as a detour for commercial vehicles and semi trucks.

Starting on Aug. 30, the following vehicles can now cross over the middle bridge: smaller pickups with bumper pull trailers (boats, campers, sideby-sides), compact Class C motorhomes and small single rear axle box trucks.

These vehicles are still required to utilize the detour: all Class A motorhomes, larger Class C motorhomes, semitrucks, commercial buses and pickup trucks with a gooseneck trailer, or a 5th-wheel camper or trailer.

Traffic on the Lake Fork bridge continues to be led by pilot cars during the day to keep speeds low while construction crews work on temporary scaffolding decks under the bridge. Beginning Sept. 3, motorists should expect longer wait times to cross the bridge between the hours of 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews will be conducting repair work on the bridge overnight. The Lake Fork bridge is open to all legal loads.

in Reiki and Ortho-Bionomy and furthering her desire to assist others. After a few years, she moved to the welcoming community of Gunnison out of necessity. She formed many wonderful and caring friendships that supported her until the end.

After two weeks in intensive care in Grand Junction, Colorado, our beloved sister, Trudy Yaklich, joined the other beautiful stars in the sky on Aug. 12, 2024. She was a beautiful 79-year-old.

Trudy Ellen Yaklich was born to Fred and Leola Yaklich in August 1944 while Fred served in the U.S. Navy in California during World War II. Shortly after her brother, Fritz, was born, the family returned to Crested Butte, Colorado.

Trudy grew up in Crested Butte during the town’s booms and busts. In her childhood, the town was a bustling mining town. When she graduated from high school, the population was only about 250 people, and her graduating class had five students.

Trudy had an inquiring mind and loved history. In the 1970s, she bravely traveled solo throughout India, Nepal and Afghanistan. Trudy received her degree in education from Western State College and two Master’s degrees, a testament to her intellectual curiosity and dedication. Trudy loved knowledge and had a teaching career that spanned 23 years; she guided many students with her gifts of kindness and love.

Despite her travels to distant lands, Trudy’s heart always remained in Crested Butte. Upon retiring, she returned to her beloved hometown and the mountains that she cherished, a testament to her deep connection to her roots. There, she continued to expand her knowledge, becoming certified

Trudy’s life purpose was to love and care for others, whether people or animals. Her compassion and kindness were evident in the way she cared for the birds, geese and deer she fed every day. In return, she was beloved by many. We will all miss her, including the animals she so dearly loved.

Trudy is survived by her sisters Mari and Cindi, her former sister-in-law Margaret, her nephews Zeb, Ian and Collin, many cousins and her beloved great nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many friends and her Bubby dog, whom she loved so dearly. Wonderful Frank Magri gave Bubby a forever home. Trudy’s parents, Fred and Leola, her brother Fritz, and nephew Zach preceded her in death.

A Celebration of her life will be held at Queen of All Saints Church in Crested Butte on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, we think she would love donations to the Gunnison Animal Valley Welfare League or the Covenant House.

David Charles Winn died peacefully at home in Gunnison, Colorado on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 of ALS. He slipped away in his sleep, with all his

children home. The last child arrived from Scotland the night before, and David shared a last evening with them all telling "Daddy stories."

David spent his first 15 years moving from place to place. He was born the second of seven children, in December 1949 on the U.S. Army base at Presidio, San Francisco. David was an army brat. His father was a career army officer and heart surgeon who served in a M.A.S.H. unit in Korea and then in Aurora, Colorado; Landstuhl, Germany; and San Antonio, Texas before retiring to a practice in the Central Valley of California.

After raising seven kids, his mother became an accomplished pilot who was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame. From his father, David learned to be calm, competent and loving, with a distinct tinge of quirkiness; from his mother, to be adventurous. As a child he filled a dresser drawer with snakes he found in the woods, to his mother's horror. He shot off rockets, worked in a tomato factory and spent 10 summers as a river guide in the Grand Canyon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho, where as teens he and his brother once had to skip the state to avoid arrest for "guiding without a license."

He played accordion, saxophone, recorder and piano, founded a chess team and became valedictorian at his high school. David then went to Yale, sight unseen, where he majored in English and got a black belt and a Yale letter in judo. He made lifelong friends and lost his army-base haircut. Once, after illegally hopping a freight train to get back to college, he walked up to the front to complain to the engineer that they had stopped for too long (he was immediately thrown off the train).

When he was a senior, one day he saw a freshman girl serving Brussel sprouts in the dining hall and went back four

times, although he did not like Brussels sprouts. This was his future wife, Julie, who does not remember this episode.

After graduation, David saved up money each summer from rafting and went to Europe, learning Italian in Siena; German in Berlin, where he got a dangerous job dredging up unexploded World War II bombs; and French in Paris, where he worked as a messenger for Newsweek. After several years overseas, tired of being a starving would-be novelist living in a garret "like a mushroom," he moved to New York City and worked for three days as a taxi driver, a job extremely unsuitable for someone with David's nonexistent sense of direction. He was a literary agent for a year, representing the estate of P.G. Wodehouse, among others.

Next he became a comicbook writer, writing African comic books and at least one Iron Man and a Jimmy Olson. Then, in a twist that stunned his friends, he applied to Harvard and Stanford business schools and got into both. At Harvard, which to his surprise he greatly enjoyed, he sat in "Poets' Corner" at the top of the amphitheater, and legendarily once asked a marketing lecturer why on earth anyone would devote his life to selling peanut butter. After getting his MBA, David went to Yemen to run a wadi (occasional river) with his brother, a photojournalist who had been commissioned to write a piece for National Geographic. After examining the river from the put-in, the young men took a short tour and returned, only to find that in their absence the river had almost completely dried up. They attracted hordes of onlookers as they sometimes rowed, sometimes pushed the raft down the shrinking river. The area was so remote that many of the villagers they encountered did not know that

continued on A3

Trudy Yaklich

David Charles Winn

any language but Arabic existed. Although the photographs were beautiful, the magazine decided not to publish this account.

David continued his eclectic path by starting a movie production company with two Harvard friends, making "literally hundreds of dollars" over its three-year lifespan. Their one success was an association with the hit “Body Heat,” but their minuscule share of the profits did not persuade them that they should stay in the entertainment business, which was "full of screamers and pounders," not at all David's style.

Now married to "Brussels sprouts" Julie, David moved on to a more traditional business career. In the next 20 years, he worked mainly in Europe, where his French, German and Italian finally came in handy at BCG in Munich and in Paris as head of American Express Bank, then head of IBM's marketing there, and later of IBM's PC company for Europe/Middle East/Africa.

Unusually calm under stress, David became a "turnaround specialist" (as he explained, a crashing jet is a "turnaround situation") and worked for an internet startup in London that briefly netted him a paper fortune before the internet bubble burst. He moved on to become CEO of Tenovis, a Frankfurt company owned by U.S. private equity firm KKR,

BIRTHS

Bowen Evan Ayers

and sold it to Avaya; Starwood Hotels in Paris; Masterplan in Los Angeles; and NextiraOne in Paris. He also found time to row the Vogalonga, a 30-kmlong boat marathon in Venice, three times with Venetian friends, compete in the Van Cliburn international amateur piano contest and play Aaron Copeland's Rodeo on Radio France Info.

David and Julie raised four children and moved 32 times, living in New York City, Connecticut, Boston, Los Angeles, Germany, the Netherlands and England, but mainly in Paris, France, where they spent 25 years altogether before David retired in 2017. Selling their Paris apartment, they moved full-time to their dream house, built by the Pike Brothers, in beautiful western Colorado.

David was involved in Gunnison Rotary and the Crested Butte Music Festival, and acted as treasurer of Eagle Ridge Ranch. He was a graceful skier, played hockey with the Never Evers one season despite being the oldest person on the team by more than 30 years, and was a passionate classical pianist, an enthusiastic, but accident-prone mountain-biker and a huge fan of Nordic detective novels. In retirement, David often wore his earbuds to talk for hours to his far-flung friends and family while rolling around the house on a hoverboard.

David was the kind of person everyone called for advice, even

On August 11, 2024 at 2:42 p.m. Bowen Evan Ayers was born to parents Kiley Manning and Evan Ayers of Gunnison. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 21 inches at birth. His grandparents include Sandy Ayers and Brian Ayers of Gunnison and Chris Manning of Arvada, Colorado. His great grandparents are Ingrid Manning and Ray Atkinson of Arvada.

people who barely knew him. He would listen thoughtfully and give them excellent counsel: whether to take a new job, quit an old one, raise prices at their business, marry someone or buy a house. He called all his children every Sunday. Year after year, he put the same wish on his Christmas list:

"What I really want for Christmas is for my children (and grandchildren) to heed my advice to be morally courageous, honest, kind, and nobleminded; to strive unremittingly for generosity of spirit; and to be brimming over with filial piety. That encompasses really all I want for Christmas."

David is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Julie; his children Lucy, Johnny, Christopher and Alice, and their spouses Nathan, Franzi, and Chris; his six grandchildren, Freddie, Dorothy, Edith, Ivy, Ada and Henry; his five younger siblings Michael, Steve, Chris, Robin and Heidi; and many favorite cousins, in-laws and friends. The family would like to thank Jeri Bates and her sister Marcy Bartlett for their kind care.

David will be greatly missed. He leaves you one last message: his chosen epitaph, "I wouldn't worry about it if I were you."

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OPINION

Gratitude, hope and a rising star

If you came by the office of the Gunnison Country Times late last week, you found the place to be unusually quiet. That’s because most of us were off attending the Colorado Press Association annual conference in Denver. We went to refresh relationships with other journalists around the state and to form new ones. We also went in anticipation of a very special award — but I’ll save that part for last.

The moderator of the event challenged attendees on day one to identify what we hoped to gain from the conference and to revisit that goal at the end to see if we’d achieved it. I realized that I had come in search of common cause among other editors and publishers of small, rural newspapers — a demographic that is often underrepresented in big picture discussions about the state of journalism. That is, the actual practice of journalism in places like Gunnison, not just whether small papers are on the verge of extinction.

A lot of what passes for “inno-

LETTERS

Blessed with excellent political leadership

Editor:

What an inspiration Gunnison is to all of us on the Western Slope these days.

Gunnison County Commissioner Liz Smith wrote a marvelous guest commentary (that both the other two commissioners signed on to) explaining their continuing efforts to help their Country Meadows citizens. It's the kind of behind-the-scenes advocacy that savvy pols know how to do, but constituents all too often miss learning about.

And kudos as well to City of Gunnison Mayor Diego Plata for sharing the Colorado Municipal League's telling message on civility. How lucky it is that Gunnison is blessed with such excellent political leadership in these divisive times.

Art Goodtimes San Miguel County

vation” in our industry these days aims to satisfy shifting cultural and political expectations, or to somehow appease big tech masters so we can be in the club. This manifests as an obsession with diversity as the preeminent journalistic standard; an infatuation with AI, despite numerous common sense reasons to be wary (on behalf of our readers); and chasing after some digital payload like a bunch of Greyhounds at the race track, always one step behind the prize (because the game is rigged).

I was hoping to encounter others willing to talk instead about the fundamentals of journalism — how to report on real world issues with integrity, clarity, accuracy and a ferocious commitment to telling the truth, wherever it leads. How to inspire and train the next generation of journalists to do the mostly tedious and unglamorous work of getting a story right. How to maintain relevance and rebuild public trust by simply being the best journalists we can possibly be, without relying on gimmicks.

I’m grateful to be able to say I found plenty of reasons to be hopeful that I’m not alone. Beneath the flashy trends, there is a strong current of determination among the professionals I met to never forget what the institution of journalism is all about: providing accurate, reliable information so people can confidently and effectively

An issue of ethics, not biology

Editor:

Thank you to Bella Biondini for her excellent story on our ballot measure called Cats Aren’t Trophies. If passed, it will protect mountain lions from trophy hunters who collect their heads, and protect bobcats from fur trappers who want to sell their beautiful spotted coats to the highest bidder to make coats in China.

I wanted to address this “ballot box biology” nonsense coming from the trophy hunters and fur trappers. That holds no water. This is an issue of ethics, not biology. And we’ve done it before with bear baiting, cub orphaning and indiscriminate trapping.

This measure is about cleaning up hunting in Colorado, to ensure we are proud of our hunting heritage to feed families with deer and elk that can fill a freezer. It is why we have so many deer and elk hunters on our side. You can read their essays at catsarenttrophies.org

Lion trophy hunts and bobcat traps have no place in our future. We don’t have to be prisoners of the past, meaning the

engage in self-governance.

As someone pointed out last weekend, ours is the only constitutionally protected industry in America. While many national outlets have begun to betray that trust with overt and aggressive partisanship, the small town publishers I met in Denver are very aware of the moral obligation to keep faith with the founders’ intentions, for their readers, but more importantly, for future citizens.

Honestly, we are in a much better position to do that than our big city media cousins — another reason to be grateful and hopeful. Being in Denver reminded me just how different our lives are in a place like this. I’m referring to the natural environment, of course, but more importantly to the nature of that precious endowment of self-governance that we enjoy.

As I sat in city traffic brought to a standstill by an accident (for the third time in half an hour), I looked around at Denverites trapped in the cars and wondered: where would they go to air a grievance about how their local government works? Do they even know the names of their local elected officials, much less how to contact them in any meaningful way? At election time, for most of them, a yard sign is as close as they will come to interacting with candidates.

Need I say more? The contrast should be obvious between that and what we have here. In this year’s election, per-

1850s, which was a time when predators were maligned and vilified. We know better today from modern science that these cats have an important role in keeping herds healthy as mitigators for reducing the scourge of chronic wasting disease, which is ravaging 60% of our deer, moose and elk herds.

It’s just not the same kind of hunting comparably. We don’t chase deer and elk with dog packs, up into trees, with hightech gadgetry that calls in the shooter when a cat is stuck with nowhere to go and harassed by barking dogs. Those dogs are also put at risk from bloody battles once the lion or bobcat falls off the tree limb. There are plenty of videos online to see for yourself.

I used to work as a public information officer at the Colorado Division of Wildlife. It was a time when citizens decided that baiting bears (as we do with bobcats today) and chasing them with dogs was not a good look for our state and nothing to be proud of. We also banned cruel indiscriminate leghold traps.

As our state bear biologist, a big game hunter of deer and elk, at the time said so well in

haps the most important vote you’ll cast — with the most direct impact on life in the valley — is way down the ballot, for two open county commissioner seats and for representation at the state capitol. Those candidates are people who live and work right here. You’ll recognize them at the grocery store or on the trail. They’ll listen to anyone who bothers to contact them — because they are neighbors and people first, candidates second. Do more than be grateful for that — act on it.

Now, about that special award that was waiting in Denver: I’m extremely proud to tell you that this year’s Colorado Press Association Rising Star Award was given to Times Editor Bella Biondini.

When nominating Bella for this award last spring I submitted a commentary she had written about food insecurity in the valley. The selection committee wrote:

“From Bella's opinion piece it's clear how much she cares about the journalism industry and the passion she has when covering stories out in the community. Great work! Bella is well deserving of this award and we look forward to continuing seeing her grow in her career.” Amen. Am I hopeful about the future of real journalism in our town? Yep.

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

our magazine that I helped to edit, “Most hunting can be ethically defended. Some cannot. Change, where necessary, is our only hope of survival … through our behavior we control what they see.”

It’s well past time to vote yes to Cats Aren’t Trophies.

Still seeking contributions

Editor:

We want to thank all of the valley inhabitants who have sent in contributions for the 12th Gunnison Valley Journal. And we hope to see more this coming week as (good grief, already?) we slide into September. If you are working on something but not finished, please let us know with a message to george@gard-sibley.org.

Maryo Ewell and George Sibley Gunnison

Alan Wartes Times Publisher

Julie Marshall Cats Aren’t Trophies

From pool to pavement

After a burly 500-yard swim event, racers dashed to their bikes behind the Rec Center during the 12th annual Gunnison High Triathlon on Aug. 24. The 23K (14.5-mile) bike course was followed by a 6.4K (4-mile) run around the Van Tuyl trail to the finish line back at the Rec Center. The City of Gunnison organized the event.

(Photos by Abigail Krueger)

potentially across the country, stay connected.

Last winter, Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) paramedics responded to an avalanche burial near Taylor Park. The victim, who had been extracted from the snow, was unconscious and those on scene were already conducting CPR. First responders raced by snowmobile to the patient’s side, mindful that the chance of another avalanche sweeping through the area remained high.

The paramedic team set up a command station in Taylor Park. But the communication from first responders at the accident site was so poor, dispatch only received bits and pieces of information about the patient’s status, said GVH paramedic Marshall Thomson. Some had to snowmobile a quarter of a mile to stand on top of a hill to try and receive radio communications. With inclement weather on the way, it was unclear if rescuers could call for a helicopter evacuation. The stress continued to mount as first responders juggled logistics.

Paramedics are used to making judgment calls on the fly and know what’s safest for the crews and best for the patient, Thomson said. However, spotty communication is a frequent, and frustrating, obstacle.

“Have you ever played that game, telephone? It's never the same when it [the message] gets to the other end,” Thomson said. “That's kind of what happened.”

One of the largest problems medical providers and hospitals on the Western Slope face is a lack of reliable communication systems. Late last year, the GVH paramedics received a $500,000 federal grant to support a “emergency medical communications demonstration project.” The hope is that new technology, which boosts internet connectivity in the backcountry, will improve patient care and first responder safety. If the pilot program is successful, it may change the way rural EMS teams function across the West.

Unlike large metro areas and Colorado’s eastern plains, where the land is mostly flat, signals must travel much farther on the Western Slope, Delta County Emergency Manager Kris Stewart explained in a letter to the grant review commit-

tee. He wrote on behalf of Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, San Miguel and Hinsdale counties. All are composed of small communities with limited budgets and access to broadband. Here, high altitude mountains, deep canyons and forests where no internet infrastructure exists make communication extremely difficult, if not impossible, he wrote.

In the valley, this is paired with a vast response area that is approximately 4,000 square miles. GVH paramedics cover the majority of Gunnison County, a large swath of the neighboring Saguache and Hinsdale counties and a small portion of Montrose County along Hwy. 192. The 40-member team receives roughly 1,600 calls a year, 300 of which involve transporting patients to a higher level of care at hospitals as far as Denver and Grand Junction.

Whether it's the rugged dirt roads just outside of town, or the expansive alpine wilderness the valley is known for, many 911 calls take ambulances out of service for hours because of where people live and recreate. Gunnison County is also home to numerous “micro-communities,” such as Pitkin, Ohio City and Tin Cup, said Gunnison Valley Health EMS Chief CJ Malcolm. Although they are remote, these towns house hundreds of people during the summer months.

Other calls take the EMS team deep into the backcountry with

the Western Mountain Rescue Team, forcing first responders to practice what Malcolm calls “austere” medical care. When off grid, paramedics are trained to make quick, often nail-biting decisions to treat patients. They must not only consider transport to a local hospital, but whether the patient can actually be treated at GVH, and where they might need to be transferred instead.

“We try to hire medics that understand this regional paradigm that we're in,” Malcolm said. “We might as well be in Nome, Alaska. We're a complete island on our own. Our nearest level-one trauma center is two and a half hours away on a good day, and we're making that trip every day.”

But the decision-making that happens on these calls — Should a helicopter be launched? Should the ambulance bring blood? Should the patient be transported back to Gunnison, or to a specialist in Denver? — become more harrowing due to the poor communication network in GVH paramedic’s response zone. In urban communities, many challenging decisions are made with support from medical providers and team leaders. But GVH paramedics rarely have a “phone-afriend” option, Malcolm said.

The team blends different communication systems to try and get word to and from the field, Malcolm said. It primarily relies on 800 megahertz radios

issued from the state with direct lines to the Gunnison Regional 911 Communications Center. Messages go to “repeaters” that are scattered throughout the county and the state, which then are bounced to dispatchers.

But this outdated system has dead zones, especially in rural areas, and repeater sites can cost millions of dollars apiece to install. Many are in need of maintenance. Compared to today’s cell phones, even the best radio networks are subject to weak signals. As a result, nearly half of the GVH response area is void of radio connectivity. It’s a problem that extends much farther than the Gunnison Valley. Unreliable communication systems are a known issue for the EMS teams, wildland firefighters and law enforcement officers that work in remote areas nationwide.

Through the grant program, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), officials want to figure out how to cost-effectively fill in these gaps. With short notice and only 10 days to apply last summer, the GVH team gathered support letters from emergency managers and government officials across the county and the Western Slope region. During the fall of 2023, GVH was notified that it was one of two organizations awarded grant money out of nearly 500 applicants.

The money allowed the paramedic team to install modems that pull from the strongest

cell service or satellite signal. That then creates a bubble of wifi around the ambulance, designed to give first responders virtually seamless communication abilities regardless of their location in the state.

The grant also paid for “HyphaMesh” kits that allow first responders to create wifi corridors in the backcountry. A series of portable receivers or “nodes” act like breadcrumbs. A SAR member can drop one every 1-5 miles to maintain contact and relay messages between first responders and the waiting ambulance. The range can vary based on topography.

While more training is planned, the last of the equipment was installed this month, Malcolm said.

“We're the test piece here in Gunnison County … I think we're going to see a pretty big shift in technology in the next decade in how we're communicating with one another with a rural emergency demonstration project like ours. If this works, word is going to get out that this is a potentially a more affordable way,” Malcolm said.

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

team presented it to the school board during a work session on Monday, Aug. 26. While no formal decisions were made during the session, the board will formally consider the launch of the biliteracy program later this fall.

Over the last several years, the number of non-native English speaking students enrolled in the Gunnison school system has nearly doubled — from 9% of the student body in 2017, to 17% in 2023. The numbers are lower in Crested Butte. Through the biliteracy program, Handmaker

believes these students’ bilingualism should be recognized not as a deficit, but a strength. The seal certification would also be open to students whose primary language is English, challenging them to take the first steps in mastering a new language.

“It gives them, along with their families, pride in being bilingual, and [makes them] feel recognized by the community for that achievement,” Handmaker said. Through the biliteracy program, students who work to build skills in both English and another language would be able to earn a “seal of biliteracy.”

Students who demonstrate pro-

ficiency in two languages would receive a certificate and a cord at graduation, as well as a notation on their high school transcript. While the school district currently only offers language classes in Spanish and French, students can pursue proficiency in up to 25 other languages recognized by the program on their own time.

The program will be open to students who enter the school system with literacy in another language and are learning English, in addition to Englishspeakers who are learning a new world language. District high school students must complete a one-credit language class in

order to graduate. This program would encourage students to take additional, higher level courses. There are multiple routes students can take to achieve proficiency in English including an SAT score of 470 or greater, a score of 3.0 or higher on an AP Literature exam, or passing four years of high school-level English with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. To demonstrate proficiency in a world language, the requirements are similar. Students have the option of passing an AP World Language exam, achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher in

four years of a language class, obtaining a specific score on a language proficiency test called “Stamp” or passing two semesters of concurrent enrollment in a college-level language class during their senior year. As the program develops, the vision is that students could start to build their language skills as early as elementary school in enrichment classes and then continue to learn through middle and high school. Once they enter their senior year, students would then have access to testing during the spring before graduation.

Careflight lands in a remote wilderness region of Gunnison as GVH paramedics transfer a critically ill patient. (Courtesy Gunnison Valley Health)

graduation.

“Once we start to value bilingualism in the district, that can circle back and help us think about how we can support even higher proficiency,” Handmaker said.

The team determined it could operate on an annual budget of no more than $1,000 to cover testing and supplies. Woytek said GHS could cover the cost through its general supplies budget, and expected the same for Crested Butte High School. Language teachers and counselors would help students move through the program and prepare for testing.

“It's manageable, and it's a low cost, high reward,” he said. But over time, the program

will generate a need for more language teachers, widening the budget greatly. For example, Crested Butte Middle School offers Spanish classes, but Gunnison does not. No programming exists in elementary school, although English language development classes are available for Spanish-speaking students throughout their time at school.

With the intent of launching the program as soon as this school year, board member Jody Coleman asked Woytek how much “encouragement and support” he thought students would need to get involved in the program.

“The best advertisement for it would be the students who walk across in May 2025 with the cords and that recognition,” Woytek said.

While the district must still work through the details, Superintendent Leslie Nichols said she gave the team permission to fill out the CDE application. If it is approved, the school officials will begin to see where the biliteracy program fits in with its graduation guidelines and district policy. The school board would still have the final say before the program is launched.

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

Gunnison High School students gather at assembly on the first day of school on Aug. 26. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)

SNOW & ICE CONFERENCE VENDOR DAY

Gunnison County Public Works Department hosts the American Public Works Association West Slope Snow & Ice Conference every year. During this conference on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. we will “open up” to the public and local companies that may want to speak with the many vendors that attend this conference. These companies deal in equipment, supplies, materials, and resources related to dirt work, safety, compliance, and construction activities. There will be a $10 per company fee to attend which can be paid at time of arrival, no pre-registration needed and no limitation on the number of staff you can bring. This is a great opportunity to network and speak to several vendors in one place. For further information please contact Gunnison County Public Works Department at 970-641-0044.

To celebrate Women’s Equality Day, the League of Women Voters (LWV) of the Gunnison Valley invited the community to a gathering at IOOF Park on Aug. 26. The LWV is a national, non-partisan nonprofit organization that educates voters about the importance of participating in elections. Passerby stopped by the LWV voter information table to learn about the importance of voting and the history of voting rights. Women’s Equality day marks the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was signed into law 104 years ago. Some states, particularly in the West, gave women the right to vote before the amendment, including Colorado in 1893. Since its inception in 1920, the LWV has supported equal voting rights for citizens regardless of race, ethnicity or sex, which has been an “ongoing battle,” said Gunnison LWV member Brenda Freeburn. Today, the LWV supports bills establishing reproductive rights, as well as the decades-long debate for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. “There’s unfinished business,” Freeburn said. “A lot of these rights are at risk … We want people to be aware and to vote.”

Meet the candidates

The Gunnison County Republicans hosted a meet and greet with county commissioner candidates Lisa Henry and Steve Bathje at the ICELab on Aug. 21. Residents stopped by to get to know the candidates and update their voter registration during the event.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

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

114 Camino Del Rio #26 MLS# 817094 $599,000 Do you love to fish and golf right from your front door? Then this property is a perfect home for you! Spacious 3 bedroom/2.5 bath with a large loft area and storage closet with an attached heated 2 car garage. This project sits along the Gunnison River so all of the owners get to enjoy private fishing rights. It is also situated next to the Dos Rios Golf Club which makes it easy to drive your cart right to the greens. Complex has new metal roofs as of 2022 and they just replaced the water lines in the complex and the assessment has already be paid by seller. Property has a nice open floor plan in the main living area with new flooring and a newer gas fireplace to keep you nice and cozy. The bedrooms are carpeted and good sized and the main suite also has access right out to the back patio. Both the front and back areas are fenced and property is pet friendly. Seller is extremely motivated and all offers will be considered!!!

TBD W Denver Ave. MLS# 816647 $625,000 Spectacular 2.5 acre level lot located in Gunnison’s new subdivision Elk Ranch. This parcel is located just outside City limits on the west side of town and seller has it set up to be built on immediately. Lot has a well permit already in place along with the required approval for well from the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District which can be transferred at closing. Buyer of lot may also pay for tap fees to hook into the City water and sewer main that will be extended north by City this fall. There is a shared road/driveway into the subdivision and it will be completed by this fall as well. Lot has been surveyed and a building envelope has been established for a single family residence but other dwellings such as barns/sheds etc. will be allowed. Come enjoy some country living with incredible views of mountains up Ohio Valley and the Palisades while being so close to town.

16 Irwin St. $625,000 6 bedroom/3 bath updated brick home located in Palisades subdivision. This home has 2 kitchens and separate living spaces and the downstairs has its own entrance from the back of house. The breezeway from the house to the 2 car oversized garage is fully enclosed and is great space for entertaining or storage. Close to schools and new Gunnison Library. This is great starter home that can produce supplemental income!

Energy from A1

to 80% by 2030. The decision now requires the co-op to be more “aggressive” in additional renewable energy to supplement Tri-State’s portfolio, said GCEA chief executive officer Mike McBride.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), an agency that regulates the transmission and wholesale sale of electricity and natural gas, recently approved the new Tri-State program. It allows its members to own or contract (self-supply) for up to 40% of their overall power. The decision follows years of negotiation from Tri-State members for more control over their power supply options.

The program is not simply an expansion of the self-supply cap, as the new projects do not have to be local and GCEA is not responsible for the transmission cost. GCEA has the option to either own the projects, or enter into a power purchase agreement with the owner. The projects will likely not be in the Gunnison Valley, McBride said, where topography and weather limits buildable land and cost-effective solar arrays.

Tri-State contracts and have no “buy down” payment (a provision of older agreements that required utilities to pay a fee in order to self-generate).

“Our members’ ownership of Tri-State is delivering more value than ever before, and we’re just getting started,” Duane Highley, Tri-State chief executive officer, said in a June 7 press release. “Working together, we’re competitively positioned to serve rural communities reliable, affordable and responsible power and services for the decades to come.”

Every participating member must have these contracts evaluated by a third-party, who will rank the proposed projects. The projects must also connect into Tri-State’s transmission infrastructure, McBride said. For the first year of the program, members will be capped at 350 megawatts per “round” and each round is two years. GCEA has already reached out to potential developers, McBride said.

2 Ridge Lane $330,000

2 bedroom/2 bath home with 1 car attached garage located in Antelope Hills. Cozy home with all appliances included, huge fenced yard and great views from the top floor! Good value in our market!

“We're not going to be throwing caution to the wind, developing these at any cost,” McBride said. “And we don't have any numbers right now, but we're definitely exploring the options that would probably be out of the valley.”

These decades-long power supply contracts, which are common for Colorado’s major power suppliers, limit how much power utilities can generate on their own. Critics see these as predatory agreements that suppress local control of power creation. Others champion the economies of scale, which allow smaller utilities, like GCEA, to buy renewable energy at an affordable price and keep prices low for customers.

Under the new program, members can develop new projects — intended to be mostly renewables — from which Tri-State purchases power through a supply agreement. That power is then integrated into Tri-State’s larger system and members are credited for those sales, including any renewable energy attributes. Unlike members’ previous attempts to negotiate more self-generation, under this program they remain in complete

The impetus for the program, for Tri-State members, is primarily the environmental benefits, McBride said. It’s possible that members could develop, find and contract a new project that generates power at a lower cost than what they sell to TriState, offering a financial benefit, but it’s unlikely, he said.

“We would certainly take advantage of that [financial benefit] if it’s available,” McBride said. “But to be realistic, if Tri-State built a 200-megawatt solar array, I think it's going to be hard for the member co-ops who compete on price and beat that.”

In the last six months, two of Colorado’s largest energy co-ops (serving Front Range customers) left Tri-State and investor-owned utility Xcel. The utilities cited, among others, the propagation of inexpensive and large-scale solar, and more local control as a reason for the departure. According to McBride, the new program gives GCEA additional options to explore and possibly increase the amount of clean energy in its portfolio.

“Tri-State’s goals of 70% renewable energy and 89% carbon reduction by 2030 provide a solid base from which to build and we currently see that as our best option for the bulk of our power supply,” he said.

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

The existing community solar garden on the GCEA headquarters vehicle maintenance building. (Courtesy GCEA)

More flights available out of GUC starting this fall

RTA considering future service to Chicago

Bella Biondini Times Editor

More passengers are choosing to fly in and out of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) than ever, persuading United Airlines to add more flight service into the valley this coming fall and winter.

This summer, passenger counts hit new highs at the airport. The momentum is carrying over into the fall, with bookings for October and November well ahead of 2023. To respond to the increasing demand, United Airlines has doubled its capacity from one daily flight from Denver to two starting on Sept. 22. United will add a third daily winter flight from Denver starting on Dec. 19. For the first time, the airline has plans to possibly stretch this service through the end of ski season. Daily winter flights on United from Houston and on American from Dallas-Fort Worth will resume Dec. 19.

The hope is to market the growing number of options available at GUC to a mixture of locals and visitors. The Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP), the local organization tasked with attracting tourists to the valley, is now focused on marketing the fall colors to try and bring more visitors into Gunnison and Crested Butte during shoulder season, said Jeff Moffett, TAPP’s airline consultant.

While flights out of GUC have often been expensive and unreliable in years past, the airport’s reputation is shifting, he said. The result is more service this winter.

“We’re getting the word out, but a lot of people have habits and connotations … It may take a little while to change the mindset, but we're well on the way,” he said during a Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) meeting on Aug. 9.

Once plagued by frequent flight cancellations, GUC is United’s third most profitable route amongst similar ski town markets — even when compared to out-of-state airports such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Sun Valley, Idaho. In Colorado, GUC only falls behind Aspen and Eagle. This followed the recent introduction of advanced navigation technology at GUC, making it easier for planes to touch down when the weather is poor.

After a strong summer season, United continues to add more airplane seats with a second daily flight in the fall and a third daily flight through February. The added winter time, which departs in the late afternoon, will align with

more connecting flights out of Denver. For the first time, visitors who are on a ski vacation will be able to ski a half day and still comfortably make the new 3:30 p.m. flight out of Gunnison, said Bill Tomcich, the RTA’s airline consultant.

“It's a great addition to the schedules,” Tomcich said.

“There are a lot of reasons why I think we can promote it and why I strongly feel it's going to be successful.”

Chicago service may return

While some airlines fly into the valley on their own accord, some only offer service because of subsidies called “minimum revenue guarantees” or MRGs. This is when the RTA guarantees that an airline will make a certain amount of money, whether seats fill or not. The organization is then responsible for making up the difference, up to a set amount or “cap.” While the amount of money paid in MRGs has fluctuated over the last decade, the RTA only needed to offer incentives for one route last year: winter service on United from Houston. Earlier this year, board members inquired about the efficacy of the Houston service after the RTA hit its cap, requiring a $500,000 payment to United. Although passenger numbers were strong over the winter, that did not make up for the airline’s substantial increase in pilot pay.

MRG payments over the past 14 years for Houston have been sporadic. Moving forward, the board wanted to know if the high cost was worth the airline service.

According to a report from Executive Director Scott Truex, in the winter of 2023-24 approximately 5,300 round-trip travelers arrived in the valley on the non-stop Houston flight. According to a recent survey, roughly 74% of these visitors averaged five days per visit and spent an average $258 per person per day. The flights also catered to a number of second homeowners who stay longer. Therefore the MRG payment increased spending in the valley by more than 10 times, Truex wrote. This is money that went to local businesses and restaurants, and created jobs, multiplying the economic impact. Truex’s estimate was as high as $9.6 million.

But a third daily flight coming in from Denver this winter brings a 25% capacity increase on United, which may actually compete with its winter Houston service to the valley.

Tomcich said he was in discussions with the airline about possibly reducing the number of weekly Houston flights to lower the RTA’s cap.

During a planning retreat this spring, the board also expressed interest in winter service to Chicago. According to Tomcich, because of its proximity to Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort,

there are a number of Epic Pass holders in the greater Chicago area. With the addition of Crested Butte Mountain Resort to the Epic Pass, the amount of skier traffic from Chicago to the valley is growing. Yet Gunnison remains the only ski town airport that United serves during the winter that doesn’t offer non-stop service to Chicago.

There’s a strong case to be presented for Chicago, Tomcich said, even if the flight program starts off small. GUC has offered Chicago service in the past, but it was not very successful. The new service would require another MRG. Beforehand, Crested Butte Mayor Ian Billick asked RTA staff to explore what other projects the organization could spend money on before pursuing another contract.

“I’m supportive of the Houston MRG, but if we're talking about moving money to Chicago, for me the question is, ‘What [is] the opportunity cost?’” Billick said.

When MRGs are in place, the end goal is for the airlines to eventually decide that the Gunnison market is lucrative enough to provide consistent service without a payout from the RTA. But this process can take decades and GUC has continued to compete against other rural airports for airline service.

“I think it behooves us to ask ourselves if that strategy is working, and if it's not, are we just a subsidy for the airlines?” said County Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels. “And if so, that's okay. We can decide that we're alright with being a subsidy for the airlines because we get this money back.”

After reviewing its options, the board plans to sign a contract with United Airlines for the Houston winter 2024-25 service at its next meeting in September. Tomcich told the Times it is possible that United will introduce limited service to Chicago as soon as 2025. More discussion will follow this fall.

This year marked JetSuiteX’s (JSX) third year flying into the Gunnison Valley. The boutique air carrier does well during the summer, but it has struggled to attract passengers during the winter season, Tomcich told the Times . Crested Butte was the only Colorado ski resort destination JSX serviced.

As a result, JSX last week informed the RTA that it planned to suspend flights into Gunnison over the winter. No more information was available by press time. JSX will resume service during the summer months.

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

cool storage side. There is a separate shop and large 3 bay open-faced shed for tractors, hay or supplies. The current owner added pipe corral pens with a center alley for easy access for watering, feeding or sorting.

7

Keep Colorado Wild raises

$2,700,000

6 beds • 4 baths • 3,971 sq. ft.

Meticulously maintained legacy home near the Almont Resort

More than 1.5 million Coloradans opted to buy a Keep Colorado Wild Pass during its first full year on sale, generating $39.7 million to support state parks and outdoor first responders.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched the new $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass in January 2023. The first fiscal year pass sales ended this summer. CPW presented the final numbers at the Aug. 24 Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting in Colorado Springs.

Roughly $32.5 million will go toward state park maintenance and development, $2.5 million to search and rescue teams and $1 million to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). The remaining money will support wildlife projects and outdoor educational programs.

“We’re excited to report on the Keep Colorado Wild Pass’s success during its first year of operations,” said CPW Chief Financial Officer Justin Rutter. “This is a substantial increase in revenue for our agency compared to previous years, which means our state parks, wildlife, search and rescue volunteers, and avalanche forecasters will get a boost in funding in the coming year too.”

The Keep Colorado Wild Pass offers residents a 60% discount off a traditional $80 annual state park pass and provides car, bike and foot entry into all state parks. Residents can purchase or opt out of the pass annually when registering a passenger vehicle, light truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle with the DMV. When a resident buys a pass, the DMV will print a CPW logo on the vehicle registration card, which can be presented at state park entrance stations.

CPW plans to use a portion of the money to improve existing parks by adding new campsites, updating facilities like bathrooms and visitor centers, parking lots and roads, updating signage, building new picnic areas and more. Funding will also be allocated for park operating budgets and used to hire new full-time positions. The agency will funnel rest of the revenue to Colorado backcountry search and rescue (BSAR) and the CAIC.

Search and rescue funding

On average, BSAR organizations respond to more than 3,600 search and rescue incidents annually — more than any other state. A backcountry search and rescue study released in 2022 showed that BSAR volunteers spend an average of $1,587 annually out-ofpocket on equipment, fuel and other expenses to respond to incidents.

Revenue from pass sales will allocate $2.5 million for local backcountry search and rescue teams to help fund rescuer training, mental health programs and team equipment. CPW also plans to divide $1.5 million into county allocations, which are grants for eligible counties to be used over a 2-year period to purchase items for a county-designed project. The intent for this funding is to be a semi-fixed funding source.

Support for the CAIC Funding from the Keep Colorado Wild will also enable CAIC to provide better avalanche safety information to the public. The money will support the new CAIC website — launched during the 2022-23 season — with dynamic forecast zones that provide more detailed avalanche information, a new avalanche-awareness curriculum and the development of basic avalanche-education materials in Spanish. This funding also allowed CAIC to convert temporary jobs to permanent positions to help the organization attract and retain the most qualified avalanche forecasters and base them in mountain communities.

“Whether you use the pass to visit state parks or to show support for our outdoor first responders and avalanche forecasters, your contribution plays an integral role in giving back to the outdoor spaces and programs our local communities treasure,” said CPW Deputy Director Heather Disney Dugan. For more information on the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, visit cpw.state.co.us/keep-coloradowild-pass.

(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.)

CPW will allocate $1 million to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center from pass sales. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Movin’ and groovin’

of

homebuyers purchasing their primary residence! Eligibility requirements

are available on our

Somatics

Grocers

Western Colorado University’s campus on Sep. 4.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

CELEBRATE LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN GUNNISON!

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Enjoy the Gunnison Farmer’s Market while you stroll the business district.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

FREE music of Coal Creek Connection playing on the stage of IOOF Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with “Lunch in the Park”

Bring your picnic from one of our great restaurants, visit CC’S Burgers set up on Virginia Ave., face painting available with Elise, other vendors on the street and kids games in the park.

Gunnison

to

ing

Lacy Henry — Financial Advisor

and paddles. $990 OBO. Contact Scott at 720-320-7304. EMPLOYMENT

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

GHS - Permanent Substitute

Special Education EASignificant Needs Bus Drivers

Food Service

CBCS - Assistant Building Manager Substitute teachers

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

District School Psychologist

CBSS - Gifted & Talented (.57 FTE)

GHS - Special Education Teacher

CBSS - PE/Health Teacher

GHS - Special Education Teacher Achievement Center SPED Teacher

COACHING

CBMS - Assistant MS Girls’ Basketball Coach

GHS - Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach

GHS - Rock Climbing

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

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

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

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

THE PAPER CLIP is seeking a customer service and detail oriented individual to work in the Copy Center. It is a full-time position, 8:30-5 M-Thursday and 8:30-noon on

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.

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.

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.

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).

Fridays. Training available, but must have a moderate understanding of computers, cell phones, and tablets. Pay DOE, hourly plus commissions and benefits. Drop off resume to 107 N. Wisconsin or email jenny@ thepaperclip.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

email your application to jobs@crestedbutteco.gov. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

HOME HEALTH ASSISTANCE NEEDED for 72 y/o female cancer patient living in Crested Butte. Primary care giver needs someone to provide 10-20 hours a week of assistance with bathing, bathroom, moving from room to room and general support. Looking for mature, compassionate individual with patience. Must be non-smoker. Willing to pay premium salary plus travel for the right individual. Please text 970-306-1098 if interested.

DIAMOND BLUE POOL AND SPA is hiring a full-time, year-round maintenance technician in CB. 35-40 hrs a week. We offer flexibility, benefits, a vehicle, training and a great place to work. Competitive wages and a fun atmosphere. Come be a part of a great team. Send resume or email of interest to mark@diamondbluespa.com.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE IS HIRING AN EXECUTIVE CHEF: This is a full-time year-round position with medical, retirement, and vacation benefits and a competitive salary. For more information or to apply please visit theclubatcrestedbutte. com.

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.

HIRING BAKER: Mochas is looking for a part time Baker. Flexible hours. Starting at $18/ hour. Drop your resume off or fill out an application at Mochas, 710 N Main St. Or email mochasbarista@gmail.com.

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 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,

THE TOWN OF MT CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a full time year around maintenance worker. Typical job duties will vary from season to season and will include but are not limited to: snow shoveling, plowing of the Mt. Crested Butte roads and various parking lots, maintaining town equipment and vehicles, emptying trash cans, repairing fence lines, building maintenance, road maintenance including sweeping, flagging, filling potholes, maintaining the town’s ditches and culverts. Schedule is 4 – 10 hour days with one weekend day in the winter being required. Overtime is expected during snow cycles. Minimum qualifications include the ability to obtain a class B commercial driver’s license, clean seven year driving record, ability to obtain their flagger certification, safely lift 80 pounds, good customer service, communication and team work skills, ability to walk on uneven surfaces, ability to work outdoors for an extended period in the summer and winter, basic knowledge of heavy quipment and snow plowing experience. Preferred qualifications include having a class B commercial driver’s license, flagger certification knowledge of heavy equipment operations, loader, backhoe and snowplow experience, knowledge of vehicle and heavy equipment maintenance (mechanic) welding experience and building maintenance and upkeep experience. Starting pay range is $47,599 to $60,951 depending on experience. The Town offers an amazing benefit package with paid health, vision and dental insurance for you and your family, 401(1) or pension plan, 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, wellness program and more. Please visit mtcb.colorado.gov for the full job description. Contact Bobby Block at bblock@ mtcb.colorado.gov with any questions. To apply email your resume, cover letter and three references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov

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. HOT TUB TECHNICIAN: Year round position with growth opportunities. Part time or Full time. Pay starts at $25/hour plus incentives. Prior experience, weekend shifts and skilled repair work pays more. AWD work van, work clothing and ongoing support provided. We respect and value our employees. Call CB Hot Tub at 970-275-5700.

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS DRIVERS NEEDED: JOIN OUR TEAM OF DRIVERS WHO DRIVE THE PAINTED BUSES! – PAID CDL TRAINING and

Inquire for more

is

Health

based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit. Drivers are responsible for the safe transport and friendly assistance of passengers on our bus route. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp.org to apply and for a complete Job Description visit mtnexp.org. Application deadline is August 30, 2024.EOE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

is hiring in CB. Potential for housing and ski pass reimbursement. Seeking a conscientious, responsible, motivated person. Year round position of 15-25 flexible hours weekly. Duties include landscaping, snow removal, handy man type projects, property inspections, etc. Excellent pay. Please call or text 970-596-9333.

TEMPORARY FLEXIBLE PART-TIME

POSITION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

AT GUNNISON CEMETERY: This person will assist with grounds maintenance, including lawn mowing, trimming, burials, etc. UNTIL NOVEMBER 1ST, 2024. Valid Colorado Driver’s License is required. For further information, please call 6421152 or email guncemetery@yahoo.com.

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, 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.

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 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.

ID SCULPTURE IS HIRING

Interested in making the world’s best playgrounds, climbing boulders and interactive art? ID Sculpture designs and

manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures and fine art sculptures for parks, schools and public spaces across the country. We use a combination of technology and traditional methods to create unique interactive environments.

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

We are currently seeking:

Production Assistant(s): Ideal candidates possess a positive attitude, good work ethic and are eager to learn. Applicants must have physical strength, hand-eye coordination, and endurance. Initial responsibilities are to provide general labor and assist artists, fabricators and shipping departments as needed. Compensation is $20-$25 per hr. depending on prior construction experience and/or aptitude.

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

Project Sculptor(s): The ideal candidate for this position has a passion for creating works of art, ability to work well with a team, fastidious attention to detail, a positive attitude, experience sculpting concrete, rock climbing, course setting and construction trades experience. Initial responsibilities are hands on sculpting of foam, concrete, and epoxy. Compensation is $24.50-$55.00 per hr. depending on familiarity with IDS process, prior experience, employment references and body of work. To apply for this unique opportunity, please provide a resumé, cover letter and references to hello@idsculpture.com with the position of interest in the subject line, or drop off your resume at 591 S. Boulevard St. Gunnison, CO 81230. Learn more about what we do at idsculpture. com.

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.

THE GUNNISON VALLEY REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (GVRHA) is hiring! Join our team and help us make a difference! We are hiring an Office / Accounting Administrator - can be PT or FT. Quickbooks Online experience required. $24-$26/DOE. Please email resume to hiring@gvrha.org for more information.

NOTICE

BAND INSTRUMENTS WANTED: School is starting up and beginning band students will be looking for band instruments. So, if you have a used instrument that you would like to sell, please contact Mr. Koepsel at 970-6415904. Let him know the type of instrument, the brand name, playing condition and your asking price.

THE MOST CURIOUS SALE OF THE YEAR IS HERE! Jack’s Cabin Antiques Labor Day Sale. Experience our diverse selection of unique finds, antique furniture and quality

decor. 15624 N. Hwy. 135, yellow house at the Jack’s Cabin cutoff. Sat-Mon., Aug. 31Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

REAL ESTATE

1 Bedroom Cabin for Rent. 20 miles East of Gunnison. $1,000/month. Contact Greg at (303) 902-6337

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE

IMMEDIATELY: 405 Elk Ave. Upstairs in GVO clinic. 1 room with small kitchen area Rent: $600/month. If interested email: drbeim38@gmail.com.

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.

1,658 sq-ft Professional Office Space Available at 210 W Spencer Ave, Suite B, Gunnison. $3,600/ mo. plus utilities. Includes large lobby area; executive office; 3 other private offices and 3 additional spaces for offices and/or storage; kitchen with full-size fridge and sink, 2 restrooms; off-street parking and ability to reserve adjoining large conference room with A/V equipment.

Call 970-641-6065 for more information.

Legals

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO § 15-10-401, C.R.S.

District Court, Gunnison County, Colorado Court Address: 200 W. Virginia Avenue In the Interest of:

Andre Swanson

will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:

Time: Sept. 18, 2024 Time: 4:30 p.m.

Courtroom or Division: B Address: 200 W. Virginia Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230

The hearing will take approximately 30 minutes.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 29 and September 5, 12, 2024 14665

NOTICE OF LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPROVALS

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-24-00026: Moore/Redick has been approved for the construction of a barn that, in conjunction with the existing residence, exceeds 7,000 sq. ft. maximum aggregate square footage.

/s/ Sean Pope Land Use Planner Gunnison County Community Development

Department

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of August 29, 2024 14606

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of EARL ELLIS PARTCH aka EARL E. PARTCH, aka EARL PARTCH

Deceased Case Number 2024PR30024

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.

Francis Parch, Personal Reresentative Personal Representative c/o Hoskin, Farina & Kampf, P.C. Post Office Box 40 Grand Junction , CO 81502

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado Publication dates of August 29 and September 5, 12, 2024 14607

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

Attorney or Party Without Attorney: Tabitha Rich Joshua Hoppstadter 508 S. 12th St. Ste. A. Gunnison, CO 81230 706-455-4000 tabithat2014@gmail.com

Case Number: 23PR9

To: Cheree Swanson

Last Known Address, if any: Unknown

A hearing on guardianship of a minor, full and permanant guardianship of Andre Swanson,

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

LAW P.C.

CANTAFIO

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Candi Kay Borah

a/k/a Candi K. Borah, Deceased

Case Number 2024PR30027

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 December 30, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Julie Head as personal representative of the Estate of Candi Kay Borah

a/k/a Candi K. Borah 12650 S.W. 119th St. Mustang, Oklahoma, 73064

Please contact through counsel: Jacob A. With, Atty. #:40546 Law of the Rockies 525 N. Main Street Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-1903 ex. 2

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of August 29 and September 5, 12, 2024 14678

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP – Town of Mt. Crested Butte – Exterior Repairs to Mt. Crested Butte Town Hall Building. The Town of Mt. Crested Butte (Town) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide exterior repairs to the Mt. Crested Butte Town Hall Buildings. The Town Hall buildings are located at 911 Gothic Road, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225. This Project involves exterior repairs to two separate Town buildings, including the Town Hall Administration Building and the Town Garage Building. The purpose of this Project is to provide exterior building siding and roof repairs in 2025 and potentially beyond. The improvements may involve a combination of refurbishment, repairs and replacement. Project phasing and costs are a major consideration for the Town. The Town’s primary objectives for this Project are: Task 1: Assess the need and timing of exterior repairs – per building and type of repair. Task 2: Identify a phased means and method for accomplishing exterior repairs –per building. Task 3: Identify the repair costs proposed for 2025 – per building and type of repair. The Proposal deadline is Friday, November 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time). The Bid Documents and any addendums can be found on the Town’s website at https://mtcb.colorado.gov/ request-for-proposals. For more information please email Jeff Smith at jsmith@mtcb. colorado.gov or call him at 970-349-6632 ext 108.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado Publication date of August 29 and September 5, 12, 2024 14684

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.

Sept. 6 from 6-8 p.m.: Shabbatluck dinner, pls bring a dish/drink to share.

Sept. 7 from 4-5:30 p.m.: Kibbitz with the Rabbi/Havdalah at Rumors in CB

Sept. 8 from 9:30-11 a.m.: Torah Study in Gunnison

Sept. 8 from noon-4 p.m.-MITZVAH DAY –TIKUN OLAM w/ Habitat for Humanity

Sept. 15 from 3-6 p.m., Welcome Week event Spiritual Leader: Rabbi Mark Kula is available for you at RabbiMarkKula@gmail.com

For more details and locations go to bnaibutte.org

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034

A Christ Centered Gospel Sharing Community where we want to be part of a community who encourage and support one another in our spiritual journey.

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

Community Church of Gunnison

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925

Pastor Larry Nelson

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Weekend Services 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry

Weekly Student Ministry

Weekly Adult LifeGroups

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-4

For more info: ccgunnison.com or email info@ccgunnison.com

Join us in-person, listen to our broadcast on 98.3 FM, or view online stream on YouTube

Transforming Lives • Building Community

First Baptist Church

120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240

Pastor Jonathan Jones

SUNDAY

Sunday School at 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship at 11 a.m.

Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m. (during school year)

WEDNESDAY (during school year)

Truth Trackers Kids Club at 6:30 p.m.

Youth Group for Teens at 7:30 p.m. firstbaptistgunnison.org.

Gunnison

Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203

Open and Affirming

Whole Earth · Just Peace Sunday, 10 a.m. Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship gunnisonucc.org

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813

Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study 8 a.m. trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860

Senior Pastor Robert Carabotta

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

Adult Sunday School – Sunday 9 a.m.

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

The Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429

Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar First Sunday of each month –11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Alternating at Good Samaritan and All Saints in the Mountains

Check our websites for location Second Sunday-Fifth Sunday –9 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Children’s Sunday school –2nd and 4th Sundays, monthly Office hours: M-TH 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Taize – 1st Wednesday, monthly - 7 p.m. goodsamaritangunnison.org

Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Meeting Second-Fifth Sundays at 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II

403 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte

Visit our website for location of 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, First Sunday of each month allsaintsinthemountains.org

Church in the Barn 8007 County Road 887 Waunita Hot Springs Ranch • 970-641-8741 Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Non Denominational Come as you are.

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

CITY OF GUNNISON POLICE REPORT

AUGUST 19

INFORMATION — 910 W. BIDWELL

AVE.

AGENCY ASSIST — TOMICHI LN.

WELFARE ASSIST — PAINTBRUSH AVE.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF — 420 PAINTBRUSH AVE.

AUGUST 20

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: URINATING/DEFECATING IN PUBLIC — 303 N. MAIN ST.

ASSAULT: THIRD DEGREE - OFFICER/FIRE/EMS — 38000 W. HWY 50

AUGUST 21

HARASSMENT: STRIKE SHOVE, KICK — CHIPETA CT.

VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: CRIMINAL ORDER — 309

E. NEW YORK AVE.

ACCIDENT — 232 W. TOMICHI AVE.

FRAUD - COUNTERFEIT — 200 W. TOMICHI AVE.

JUVENILE PROBLEM - RUNAWAY — N. 14TH ST.

AUGUST 22

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: UTTERANCE/GESTURE/DISPLAY — 909 N. MAIN ST.

ACCIDENT - HIT & RUN — 880 N. MAIN ST.

AUGUST 23

THEFT - COMMITS TWO OR MORE THEFTS AGAINST THE SAME PERSON — 900 N. MAIN ST. ADMIN - UNASSIGNED INCIDENT — 900 N. MAIN ST.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - MUNICIPAL — 411 E. TOMICHI AVE.

AUGUST 24

ALCOHOL VIOLATION - UNDERAGE POSS/CONSUMPTION — 500 E. GOTHIC AVE.

HARASSMENT:INSULTS, TAUNTS, CHALLENGES — 301 S. 12TH ST.

PARKING VIOLATION — 100 E. VIRGINIA AVE.

CIVIL PROBLEM — 317 N. IOWA ST. INFORMATION — W. TOMICHI AVE.

ASSAULT: SECOND DEGREE -

STRANGULATION — W. HWY. 50

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE — 201 E. TOMICHI AVE.

DISTURBING THE PEACE - ALLOWING OTHERS — 512 N. 12TH ST.

AUGUST 25

DISTURBING THE PEACE — 1010 W. VIRGINIA AVE.

ACCIDENT — 200 W. HWY. 50

NUISANCE CODE VIOLATION — 905 N. MAIN ST.

CIVIL PROBLEM — 1125 N. MAIN ST.

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

AUGUST 20

-Information report

-Agency assist to the Gunnison Police Department with an intoxicated subject

-Fraud and receipt report

AUGUST 21

-Dog at large complaint – ongoing problem in Cimarron

-Lost property report

-In county warrant arrest x 3

AUGUST 22

-Information report on a possible assault

-Theft report

-Accident report

-In county warrant arrest -Fraud report

-Agency assist report for the Colorado State Patrol rollover crash

-Trespassing report in Marble

AUGUST 23

-Motor vehicle theft report

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol single motorcycle accident

-Identity theft report

-Child abuse report in Somerset

AUGUST 24

-Found property report- credit card -Traffic infraction

-Trespassing report

-Menacing report

-Traffic infraction

-Lost property – key fob

Gunnison County Republicans Annual Fundraiser

Lincoln Day Dinner -

Music, Dinner, Live and Silent Auction

Candidate Speakers: Marc Catlin, Larry Don Suckla, Lisa Henry and Steve Bathje

WHERE: Three Rivers Resort 130 County Road 742 Almont, Colorado

WHEN: September 7th from 4-8

Tickets Available at: www.gunnisoncountyrepublicans.org

To donate for the auction please send an email to crp63@proton.me

Cast masters

Fly fishing reels hummed in the late summer air during a ladies fly casting class at the Almont Resort on Aug. 25. Instructors David Cowden and John Kesler of the Gunnison River Fly Shop, and guide Ralph Pike led a workshop on casting techniques and equipment basics. The Gunnison Valley Women’s Network organized the event.

The soundtrack of summer

Sunshine broke through gloomy afternoon skies for an afternoon of live music at IOOF Park on Aug. 21. The audience lounged in lawn chairs and danced barefoot to 90s Americana hits from the local band, Hit It Honey. The final Mid Week on Main Street concert of the summer will feature the Western Colorado University drumline at IOOF on Sep. 4.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

(Photos by Abigail Krueger)

(Photos by Abigail Krueger)

Thank you!!

The Students, Faculty and Staff of Western Colorado University Department of Music

We are grateful for you, and our loyal community of supporters. Your donations, attendance and encouragement is greatly appreciated

Music is About People

We love making music and Our music is about You.

Thank you for your past contributions. Now we have started a new year of music. Please consider being a member in our music community for the 2024-2025 school year or sponsor one of our concerts. Corporate or individual sponsorships are welcome.

For the Love of Music

For information on how to support the Department of Music, please email panderson@western.edu

Western Music Partners 2023-2024

Gold Baton

Anonymous – For the Love of Music

Kincaid Legacy

Gunnison Bank

Western Lumber

Prodigy

Sodexo Dining

Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department

Encore

Teresa Anderson-Berkshire Hathaway

Cecil Gutierrez

Galen & Nancy Houston

Joanne Schilling

Boyd & Sharalee Pederson Summit Financial

Fed Ex – Lisa Swartz

Joe and Penny Carrithers

Fanfare

Catherine Wilkens

Mountaineers

Black Swamp Percussion

Denver Percussion

Kendall Burgemeister – Law of the Rockies

Gary Love

Westerner

Nancy Ruehle

ACE Hardware

Michelle Phelps – Academy Mortgage

George and Ann Stowell

Karen Clement – Original Water Colors

Virginia Walton

Partner

Kathleen Seitz

Kathleen Kinkema Rogene McKiernan

Anne Michel – Gunnison Gallery

Brad and Judy Tutor – Turquoise Junction

Julia Thackaberry – Corner Cupboard

Alyssa Atzenbeck – Cake Me Away

Tractor Supply

Western Colorado University Bookstore

Tributary Coffee Roasters

Dos Rios Golf Club

Three Rivers Resort

Ol’ Miner Steakhouse

Tango Clothing and Jewelery Boutique

Rachel Coleman – Basecamp Bakery

Sarah’s Violin Bags- Sarah Cranor

Ellen Harriman

Crested Butte Aspen – Tommy Rozman

George Sibley Maryo Ewell

Roberta Harper

Leta Haverly

Spencer’s Ice Cream Stand

Jon Fullmer

Dave Reddish

Program Sponsors

Teresa Anderson – Berkshire Hathaway

Gunnison Automotive and Performance

Gunnison County Abstract

Gunnison Savings and Loan

Paper-Clip

Summit Financial – Boyd & Sharalee Pederson

Western Lumber

Pete Klingsmith State Farm Agency

Thank you for your Support

Expert Care. Designed for you.

Care designed for ... STUDENTS

From kindergarten to college, we have services you need to keep your students healthy and at their best.

CAMPUS HEALTH CLINIC

The Western Colorado University Campus Health Clinic provides convenient treatment of illness and injury. SICK VISITS | ROUTINE MEDICAL CARE | PRESCRIPTIONS & FOLLOW UPS

WCU | 970-943-2707

104 TOMICHI HALL | GUNNISON

CAMPUS COUNSELING CENTER

Offering individual counseling for Western students and staff free of charge.

WCU | 970-648-7128

CRYSTAL HALL 104 | GUNNISON

PEDIATRICS

Our pediatrician is here to care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional well-being, in both sickness and health. SICK VISITS | REGULAR WELLNESS VISITS | IMMUNIZATIONS

GUNNISON | 970-642-8413

707 N. IOWA | GUNNISON

PEDIATRIC THERAPY

CRESTED BUTTE | 970-642-8413

305 S. 6TH | CRESTED BUTTE

Child-centered treatment with an emphasis on collaboration with the influential people in your child’s life. SPEECH THERAPY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

HOSPITAL | 970-641-7268

711 N. TAYLOR | GUNNISON

CRESTED BUTTE | 970-349-5684

214 6TH AVE. | CRESTED BUTTE

WEATHER: The rainiest month in history, B6

Back to school in Gunnison, B7, B12

Get outdo rain or shine ors,

SPORTS: Cowboy soccer optimistic about opening games, B8

COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024

Blister Labs expands horizons with outdoor apparel testing

Wiley

Over the past few weeks, a series of storm fronts unleashed heavy downpours across the Gunnison Valley. For outdoor recreators with reliable, weatherproof gear, a rainy forecast doesn’t have to dampen adventure plans. But after seasons of use, most gear will eventually fail and let the elements in.

Not all technical outdoor clothing is created equal, and the task of choosing between thousands of options can be daunting. But ongoing research at Blister Labs, a collaboration between Western Colorado University’s Rady School of Engineering and Crested Buttebased gear review company Blister, arms consumers with the information they need to

purchase the best gear for their goals. The students’ research also offers small startup companies with data that helps them improve their products.

Founded in 2022, Blister Labs is funded by a Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP) initiative that supports outdoor industry engineering. The Gunnison Valley, with its thriving community of extreme sports athletes and gearheads, offers the perfect location to test the limits of weatherproof garments, as well as mountain bike and ski equipment.

The project enlists the help of Western engineering students to develop and carry out rigorous gear testing procedures. Insights from the students’ tests can then be combined with the experiences of Blister’s review writers, who test the same gear in the field.

The lab results provide quantitative data that can be blended with the reviewers’ qualitative observations, resulting in a wellrounded understanding of each garment’s performance, said Blister founder and Editor in Chief Jonathan Ellsworth.

“We’re trying to get to a point

where we can help customers understand how similar-looking jackets actually separate themselves from others on the market,” Ellsworth said.

For the past two summers, the students have been developing testing procedures to analyze the water resistance and durability of different fabrics treated with durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Studies on the efficiency of different mountain bike wheelsets, or the components that make up bike wheel systems, and ski boot flexibility are currently in the early stages of development.

The apparel study began with an investigation of the current landscape for water resistance testing. Students discovered that most standard waterproofness tests did not capture the full spectrum of stressors that outdoor apparel is placed under. In the real world, these garments are exposed to harsh sunlight and beating snow, hail and rain in the course of regular use. Durability is also important. Skiers and snowboarders take frequent tumbles, and hikers often brush against rocks or branches on trails.

PHOTOS:

GUNNISON

Mariel

Times Photo Editor

Blister co-founder and Editor in Chief Jonathan Ellsworth put his rain gear to the test during a hike to and from Aspen on Aug. 24. (Courtesy Jonathan Ellsworth)

Students are currently developing testing procedures to compare the efficiency of different mountain bike wheelsets, or the components that come together to create the bike’s wheel system.

Blister from

The students cut square swatches from rain and ski jackets, which are usually coated with waterproof chemicals commonly known by the brand names GORE-TEX and Pertex Shield. Each swatch is then placed on a waterproofness testing machine. Pressurized water beneath the swatch is forced against the fabric until three droplets come through to the dry side. The three droplets signify the point at which the waterproofing chemicals failed.

After an initial waterproofness test, each fabric swatch is exposed to UV light in a “sunlight simulator” and an abrasion test for several hours by rubbing the fabric pieces against each other before being tested for waterproofness again. This allows the researchers to measure exactly how much exposure to the elements and the fabric’s durability play a role in its effectiveness over time.

So far, a key finding in the students’ research is that regular retreatment using DWR products significantly extends the lifespan of each garment. By far the greatest impact to a fabric’s performance is UV exposure, the data shows.

The UV’s protective chemical coating is analogous to wearing sunscreen to ward off skin cancer, in a sense that once the damage is done, it’s irreversible, said student researcher Aidan Grant. Regular re-treatment with commercially available DWR products — such as Nikwax — protects the fabric from UV light and extends the garment’s lifespan.

The data collected through the students’ research is valuable not only to consumers, but to gear brands as well. Many smaller or startup apparel companies don’t have the resources to test their own products, but data provided by the studies at Blister Labs can help them improve their prod-

ucts before they hit the market. Even slightly larger brands, like Black Diamond, who don’t have access to the resources of a corporate parent company, could benefit from product testing carried out at Blister Labs, said former Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program Dean Jenifer Blacklock.

“We’ve had companies from all across the world reach out and ask for help with product development or product testing,” Blacklock said. “We have expensive products, a huge industry and a big need, especially in Colorado where we have extreme elements. You want something that’s going to last.”

The project is open-ended, intentionally avoiding a strict end date that could limit the possible research avenues the team might decide to take as the study evolves. Now that the groundwork is in place, the researchers could expand their area of study to compare different fabric types or DWR chemical compositions. Mountain bike wheels and ski flex testing will also expand over the course of the next year. Despite having no end in sight, the students’ data will be available to consumers and brands on a continuous basis.

Blister’s Gear 30 podcast will release a new installment of its Blister Labs update series this fall with the latest findings on fabric waterproofing, mountain bike wheelset and ski flex testing. Blister’s reviewers will also soon blend the data from the studies with their lived experiences using different apparel brands in detailed product reviews and comparisons.

“These things take time if you actually care about real-world applicability,” Ellsworth said. “We’re obsessed with that.”

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

Elise Picard Face Painting Gunnison Arts Center Board of Directors Special Thanks to Elise Park

The waterproofness testing machine suspends a swatch of waterproof fabric over a pressurized tank of water until water droplets are forced through the fabric. (Courtesy Aiden Grant)

Cranes in the sky

Instructor Yukiko Ogawa taught the ancient art of origami during a workshop at Gunnison Vitamin and Health on Aug. 16. Origami is the traditional Japanese practice of folding paper into various decorative forms such as cranes and stars. During the workshop, participants strung their paper creations together to create a garland.

A mural in the making

Painters began the process of turning a blank wall on the side of Tacos La Esquina into a colorful masterpiece during a community paint day on Aug. 24. Designed by local artist Luke Schroeder, the mural celebrates the Gunnison Valley’s Hispanic immigrant community. Two more community paint days are scheduled for Aug. 31 and Sept. 7. Once completed, the vibrant vista will be visible to visitors entering town from the west on Hwy. 50.

Visit garlicmikes.com/garlic-mikesspring-2025-italy-tour/ for details. or email mike@garlicmikes.com

2674 State Highway 135 Just over 2 miles north of Gunnison city limits.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

(Courtesy Ricardo Esqueda and Luke Schroeder)

Mountain Roots farm-toschool program returns to the classroom

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

Second graders buzzed around the classroom, flapping their arms like flying bumble bees. In an environmental activity at the Gunnison Elementary School in spring of 2024, the 7-year olds dipped their fingers into a sticky, yellow substance, mimicking pollen, and passed it around to nearby flowers. The interactive lesson, led by the Mountain Roots Food Project, taught students about the pollination cycle, and how bees and butterflies help wildflowers grow bigger and more beautiful every spring. It was the first lesson taught by the nonprofit in Gunnison classrooms in over three years.

Before the pandemic, Mountain Roots was a frequent visitor to the Gunnison Watershed School District through its farm-to-school program. The nonprofit, which works to build resilient and equitable food systems in the valley, taught lessons to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and hosted “Kids Cook” after school classes and a 10-week long summer camp. Now, almost four years since the pandemic, the nonprofit plans to return to the classroom to teach kids all about food sustainability.

Mountain Roots Development Director and former youth sports coach Rudy Germany compared the future of food security with athletics.

“In the school system, kids are already heavily involved with sports, but we can encourage the same with food,” Germany said. “In football, I coached the fundamentals: pass the ball, block, tackle, catch, share the ball. It’s similar to till the soil, pull the weeds, harvest the food and give back to the community.”

Germany’s passion for education sparked at an early age. His mother was a teacher in Denver public schools for 35 years, and wrote the city’s busing plan for Brown v. Board of Education, a Supreme Court decision leading to the desegregation of American schools.

Inspired by his mother’s legacy, and armed with skills in marketing and fundraising, Germany began coaching and substitute teaching in school systems across the United States. He worked in Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, Miami and Atlanta to gain an understanding of regional differences across school districts. A love for athletics, matched with his career in after-school activities, made him an attractive candidate for the farm-to-school

Feeding the future

program at Mountain Roots. He began his position in January 2024.

Germany’s passion quickly switched from urban school reformation to rural food security. He said he uses his love for athletics as a metaphor for the future of gardening and cooking.

“As a coach, my goal was always for my athletes to be better people at the end of the day,” Germany said. “So at Mountain Roots, we’re teaching skills like dedication, communication, work ethic, while also teaching kids how to grow food and support their communities, instead of just making free throws.”

Mountain Roots’ farm-toschool program is split into three tiers. The first introduces students to environmental science in the classroom. Last year, the nonprofit tested two lessons for the official relaunch this fall.

In the first, second-graders pretended to be carbon dioxide, water and sunshine, and frollicked around the room, simulating the cycle of photosynthesis. In another lesson, the kids dressed up as bumble bees and butterflies, and spread “pollen” around the classroom.

“It’s important to align all of our lessons to the current science standards,” said Mountain Roots Director of Youth Education Kristen Aaltonen.

“All of our lessons include hands-on, exploratory aspects that are really fun for the kids.”

Outside of the classroom, Mountain Roots is reestablishing its “Kids Cook” after school program after a brief hiatus last year. The nonprofit will host a six-week course at the Gunnison Mentors building, starting Sep. 9. Kids between the ages of 11 and 18 are invited to learn how to cook locallysourced meals from scratch.

The final tier of Mountain Roots’ farm-to-school program wrapped for the season in early August. The nonprofit hosted a 10-week summer camp, which taught everything from biology, to water conservation and culinary history in a tripbased adventure program. Kids explored the geology of Crested Butte, tasted flavors from the local Hispanic and Cora communities and investigated local wildlife on day hikes.

Now transitioning back into the classroom, Aaltonen and Germany will begin reconnecting with the school district, and planning ahead to cultivate a future generation of gardeners, chefs and scientists.

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

Students work in the garden during the 2024 Mountain Roots summer camp. (Courtesy Mountain Roots Food Project)

A Mountain Roots student holds in garden-grown mint.

Campers explore waterways in Crested Butte.

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. 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

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.

Military history at the Pioneer Museum

Exhibits displaying local military history and memorabilia can be found on the campus of the Pioneer Museum. 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.

Trail Work Tuesday postponed

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

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.

Elvis at the Mallardi

The Mallardi Theatre in Crested Butte will present “Elvis Has Left the Building,” a laughout-loud tribute to the King of rock and roll. The show runs Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 29-Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at cbmountaintheatre.org.

Paragon People’s Fair

The Paragon People's Fair is a non-juried arts and crafts festival that helps regional Colorado artists showcase their artwork. The free, two-day event will be held on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

Band instrument drive

School is starting up, and beginning band students will be looking for band instruments.

CB CENTER FOR THE ARTS BRIEFS

Stand With Me Luncheon

On Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m. we are bringing together 200 engaged community members to stand up, stand with, and stand for the women, children, and men in our community experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault. The goal of this luncheon is to create a strong fabric of support within the Crested Butte and Gunnison communities to stand with local victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The cost is $125.

Lauren + Richard Eisen Reception

As the leaves in Crested Butte decay around us, Lauren and Richard Eisen bring the natural forces of nature to the walls of the KPG on Sept. 12 from 5-7 p.m. Richard Eisen, a photographer, uses a photographic image construction that represents the rebirth from decay. Lauren Eisen, a graphite and pencil artist, focuses on memory and place, exploring the relationships between landscape, architecture, agriculture, horticulture and other aspects of industry that affect native plant and animal life.

Anyone with a used instrument to sell can contact Keith Koepsel at 970.641.5904. Let him know the type of instrument, the brand name, playing condition and your asking price.

History slideshow

Join Duane Vandenbusche for an exciting slideshow on the Quartz Creek-Taylor Park region at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 in the beautiful and newly renovated Pitkin Hotel in Pitkin, Colorado. Topics covered will include Ohio City, Pitkin, the Alpine Tunnel, Tin Cup, Taylor Park and the Taylor Dam. The event is free and open to the public.

Walking bus

Due to the school bus shortage and to help kids get to afterschool programs at the Rec Center, the Gunnison PTA is looking for volunteers to organize a Walking Bus. Please contact Donita at gunnisonvalleypta@ gmail.com or go online for the sign up link which can be found on the “Gunnison PTA” Facebook page.

Restoration volunteers needed

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers will host a wet meadows and habitat restoration project over Labor Day weekend on Black Sage Pass and Gold Basin Road to help restore water levels in various drainages to improve habitat for the Gunnison sage grouse, as well as other birds and game animals. For details and to sign up visit wlrv.volunteerhub. com or email morgan@wrv.org.

Colorado West Performing Arts Company

Join Colorado West Performing Arts Company (CWPAC) on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. for a mixed repertoire performance. Showcasing the versatility of our dancers, this performance celebrates excerpts from classic and romantic ballets as well as displaying original contemporary works. The cost is $35+.

Crested Butte Film Festival

Crested Butte Film Festival is an international film festival in beautiful Crested Butte, Colorado showcasing the greatest, boldest and most exciting works that cinema has to offer. It runs from Sept. 18-22 and the cost is $35$100.

Rocky Mountain Burlesque Festival

The Inaugural Rocky Mountain Burlesque Festival is a three day experience on Sept. 28 starting at 7 p.m that features performances and classes from some of burlesque’s brightest and best performers in the Southwest. The crown jewel of the festival is a performance at the Center for the Arts. The cost is $35-$100.

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“Death Stalked the Grand Reconnaissance”

Submitted by Larry McDonald

It was 171 years ago this week when the GunnisonBeckwith Expedition finally entered our valley after two and a half months of arduous travel from Fort Leavenworth in Kansas Territory. The government transcontinental railroad survey party was one of four seeking to find the best route to connect the eastern part of the United States with the rapidly growing West and consisted of 18 heavy wagons, along with an ambulance wagon and another carrying their scientific equipment. Besides the eight official members of the survey party, they were accompanied by a military escort of 32 mounted calvary, approximately 20 teamsters to handle the wagons, over 100 mules, and at least 40 horses and additional necessary livestock.

Monsoons back in full force

Bruce ‘Barometer’ Bartleson Special to the Times

Okay, how about this? August, 1999 had 22 days of rain and two days with a trace for a total of 3.07 inches of rain. The wettest August in history was in 1971 with 3.61 inches of rain, while raining 14 days and two days with a trace.

the Pacific Ocean streaming to the east over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Newcomers to our valley may well be puzzled by all the rain lately, even at night, with thunder and lightning. Isn’t this supposed to be an arid climate with afternoon thundershowers in the summer months?

On September 5, 1853, the party had conquered the challenges of Cochetopa Pass and they camped for the night on Tomichi Creek, just west of where Parlin is located today. The following day they travelled through our valley with the familiar fall weather conditions that we’re experiencing these days with Captain Gunnison reporting, “And while I am writing this evening it is snowing on the higher peaks in sight, and a slight shower of rain, accompanied by violent thunder, is falling on the lower ranges.”

After travelling approximately 15 miles, they made their camp just west of present-day Gunnison, near where the Mesa RV Park and Campground is today. It would take nearly a week to navigate the rugged Black Canon region and, “Captain Gunnison, after examining it, thought it, perhaps, not impossible, to bridge it.”

With the most difficult portion of the survey now behind them, the party closely followed the route of today’s Highway 50 into

Utah Territory and on October 17, near present day Salina, Captain Gunnison declared, “… the great mountains have been passed, and a new wagon road open across the continent – a work which was almost unanimously pronounced impossible, by the men who know the mountains and this route over them.” He also stated, “It is demonstrated that, for a railroad route, it is far inferior to the Middle Central, by Medicine Bow River, and Laramie plains. It passes some thousands of feet higher, also lower, and is much longer from St. Louis.” And it was this “Middle Central” route which was ultimately chosen for the transcontinental railroad. With winter weather rapidly approaching, Captain Gunnison decided to split his party into two groups, hoping to wrap up the survey before it hindered their work further, and it was over breakfast on the chilly morning of October 26, that he and his small force of twelve men met their fate. A large band of Ute Indians, encouraged by two brothers whose father had been killed recently while attempting to trade with an immigrant wagon train, sought revenge on the next white men they encountered and Captain Gunnison and seven of his party were brutally massacred while four soldiers managed to escape the carnage. Those who perished alongside Captain Gunnison included expedition artist, Richard Kern, botanist Frederick Creuzfeldt, camp roustabout John Bellows, Morman guide William Potter and U. S. Army Privates Mehrtens, Caulfield and Liptrott.

The heroic legacy of Captain John Williams Gunnison and the Gunnison-Beckwith Expedition lives on in our valley today, and also in our extensive collections at the museum. We encourage you to visit and pay tribute to the memory of Captain Gunnison and the expedition of 1853 before our seasonal closing at the end of September!

MUSEUM OPEN DAILY 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

FROM MAY 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30.

Admission $15 ages 13+, $5 for ages 6-12, Free for 5 and under. Follow us on Facebook for current information and amazing local history!

Up until Aug. 26, 2024, we have had 17 days of measurable rain amounting to 2.96 inches for the month of August (long-term average is 1.44 inches) according to the West Ruby Avenue Wunderground weather station here in town. This is a little more than other stations, with Alantha Garrison of the official station at the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) facility west of town reporting 2.33 inches of rain so far in August. A a community collaborative rain, hail and snow network station just a few blocks from the West Ruby station is reporting 2.65 inches for the same period. The state champion this year is Ouray with 5.2 inches of rain for August.

But, we all know how spotty rain can be around here. Is this some kind of record? Readers of this column know the answer to that one.

July of 1911 has the alltime Gunnison record for one month’s precipitation with 4.21 inches of rain. That includes the moisture in winter month’s snow. It rained 18 days and two days with a trace of rain that year.

All right, you might say, that’s cheating going back over 100 years to find a record.

In case you’re wondering, July 2024 was dry with only 0.64 inches of rain (long-term average is 1.46 inches) as reported by the official GCEA site. But that nasty heat dome prevented us from getting our usual monsoonal weather. Now, the monsoons are back in full force, and moist maritime air is streaming in from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico through Arizona and New Mexico and into much of Colorado.

By the way, the heat dome has moved over to the Midwest and is causing trouble over there with high temperatures and possible tornadoes. Otherwise, July temperatures in Gunnison were close to long-term normal with an average temperature of 61.50 versus a long-term average of 61.70.

Why are we getting so many of our rainstorms at night rather than in the afternoon, like we usually do? It all boils down to physics and a meteorological phenomenon called dew point. The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated or "full" of moisture and can no longer hold all the water vapor present, leading to condensation, or rain.

Whatever mechanism that cools the "blobs" of air enough to reach the dew point temperature will result in precipitation. Some possibilities that air can undergo to arrive at the dew point are a cloud that is forced to rise over mountains, air that rises due to heat convection during the day or air that is cooled by lowering in regional temperature, day or night. Think of moist air from

As the cloud rises, it cools, and when it reaches the dew point, it starts to precipitate. That’s why the west flank of the Sierras is moist and lush, and the east side is the desert of Death Valley. While afternoon storms are common due to daytime heating convection, several factors can cause a shift to more nighttime precipitation.

The main point is that if the energy and moisture during the day isn’t fully released by the nighttime, the lower temperature can result in late evening or overnight storms, which has been our case.

Since we are getting more and more 100-degree days in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Grand Junction, thus causing a stronger gradient for a monsoon, we should expect to see more monsoonal rain. This is a bit of an oversimplification, since other meteorological factors come into play (like a heat dome, the position of the jet stream, etc.), but it should be true over a longer period (like 30 years, so it’s climate, not weather).

Our long-term annual precipitation is 10.3 inches, but in the past 30 years it has risen to 10.8 inches, an increase that almost all towns in western Colorado have shown. When I wrote this on Monday the monsoon was coming right into our area. It’s still streaming, but it has shifted to the east and is bypassing us temporarily. Some of the largest monsoon storms have been in September or even October.

(Bruce Bartleson is a retired emeritus professor of geology at Western Colorado University. He spends most of his time now watching the weather.)

Storm clouds gather over the Ohio Creek Valley on Aug. 21. (Photo by Bella Biondini)

High spirits

day of

on Aug. 26.

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Gunnison High School students and faculty poured into the gymnasium for a pep rally to finish the first

school

The Cowboys showed off their school spirit with cheers, chants and the alma mater.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: GHS wins first place in Leadville, B14

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: All Stars win big in Colorado Springs, B14

GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES • THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024

Soccer stays optimistic after opening losses

Cowboys defeated by top opponents

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The Cowboy soccer team was hit with a difficult start to the season, falling 3-1 to Mead on Aug. 24, and 2-0 to Manitou Springs on Aug. 27. The backto-back defeats moved GHS to an 0-2 record to start the season.

The losses knocked the wind out of the team, but Head Coach Susan Powers said she was optimistic about the cohesive play from her squad.

“We played really well advancing the ball out of the back and holding possession in midfield,” Coach Powers said. “I am so pleased with the way we played as a team. We don’t have an easy game on our schedule all year, but we’re working hard.”

On Saturday, the Cowboys faced a mighty challenge against Mead High School. The Mavericks, based in Longmont, boasted a 9-4-4 overall record last season. They finished fifth

in the 5A Northern Colorado League and also made a run into the semifinals. It was a grueling opening scenario for the Cowboys. Still, GHS battled with the larger program, and

fell 3-1 after a goal from junior Cesar Marmolejo.

Still, Coach Powers said the performance was one of her proudest moments as the Cowboys head coach.

“This was the best team effort I have ever coached,” Coach Powers said at practice on Aug. 26. “In the past, I have had individual talent shine, but I think our level of play across

the whole team was as strong as I have ever seen.”

GHS returned to action at home on Tuesday, taking on the equally difficult Manitou

Dawson Eastep dribbles through the Mead midfield. (Photos by Abigail Krueger)

Eli Coop fights for possession during Saturday’s loss to the Mavericks.

Springs Mustangs, who sent the Cowboys packing 3-0 last season. In the opening minutes, GHS overcame last season’s beatdown by holding possession in the midfield.

Owen Powers and Eli Coop led the home side in the midfield, directing traffic and winning duels. Still, the Mustangs slipped through to take a 1-0 lead before halftime.

The frantic second half began with both sides vying for possession. Manitou Springs found space in the final third,

and created a number of chances with streaking runs down the left wing. Slowly, the Cowboys found a rhythm, and began connecting passes.

Just as GHS began to grow into the second half, the Mustangs galloped down the field on a counterattack, scoring on an outside the box screamer. The 2-0 score gave Manitou a needed cushion against a kickstarted Cowboy attack.

Despite the second-half blow, GHS continued to hold possession and find joy on the wing. A late Cowboy cross skipped across the goal line, and was miraculously cleared

by the Mustangs. Coop continued to take snap shots at the opposing goalkeeper, but still, the Cowboy efforts proved fruitless. Manitou escaped with a clean sheet, securing the 2-0 win over the Cowboys.

GHS will return to the field on Saturday, Aug. 31 to take on Cañon City at home. The Cowboys will play Ridgway away in their first league game of the season on Sep. 11.

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

Girls in the game

Western Colorado University Associate Professor of Exercise and Sport Science and Secretary General for WomenSport International, Kanae Haneishi was invited to participate in CBS Colorado’s inaugural Girls in the Game event. Held at the University of Denver on Aug. 17, the event was designed to encourage, inspire and empower girls to consider a career in sports on and off the field.

Tildan Martinez holds possession in defense.

(Courtesy Kanae Haneishi/Western Colorado University)

Cowboys conquer Mustangs in opening game

Girls volleyball wins 3-0 shutout

Alex McCrindle Times Sports Editor

The GHS volleyball squad blew the gates off their season opener with a 3-0 victory at Sanford on Aug. 24. The win was a perfect start for Head Coach Lindsay Hart’s third season and the Cowboys strong core of rising seniors.

“The girls did really well,” Hart said. “The first game is always daunting, because we don’t always know what to expect. They settled into themselves in sets two and three, and it was a great learning experience.”

The Cowboys came, saw and conquered on Saturday. Despite often losing opening sets last season, the girls played strong after an almost threehour drive. It was smooth sailing in the second and third, and the Cowboys earned an early drive home after the three-set sweep.

Hart named Junior Rose Kowal player of the match. She earned four kills, three total blocks and a perfect serving percentage. Sienna Gomez

entered her senior season in a stunning fashion. She notched a team-high of 10 kills and five total blocks to dominate the Mustangs at the net. Junior Aubriel Loken led the Cowboys as the setter, recording a teamhigh 14 assists, and Aubrey Welfelt notched eight kills to seal the game in three sets.

“[Rose] came up with a couple big blocks, and transitioned to the back row to play some strong defense,” Hart said. “Sienna had a great game, making smart plays and gametime decisions. Aubriel has also been working so hard to transition into a setter position, they’ve all been doing a great job playing in their roles.”

The Cowboys will open their home campaign at 1 p.m. on Aug. 31 against league rival Coal Ridge.

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

Sienna Gomez leaps over the net at practice on Aug. 27. (Photo by Alex McCrindle)

The competition is heating up in the Gunni Grinder race series at the Jorgensen Park pump track. With four weeks down and one to go, the final race of the summer is set for Aug. 29.

Donate today to help Michael Blunck raise $100,000 as he rides his townie bike from Craig Hospital to Crested Butte!

(Photos by Mariel Wiley)

Students swing, slide and spin back to school

The Gunnison Community School brimmed with activity on Aug. 26 as students returned to the classroom after summer break. Pupils reunited with friends and explored their brand new playground before settling in for their first day of school.

(Photos by Bella Biondini)

GHS mountain biking takes first in Leadville

Marlo Frazier Special to the Times

The Cowboy mountain bike team made a powerful statement at the Cloud City Challenge in Leadville on Aug. 24, kicking off the season with a team victory. Competing against some of the best high school cyclists in the region, GHS riders earned their first Crystal Region Division 2 firstplace finish.

The JV boys set the tone for the day with standout performances. Senior and team cocaptain Porter Houck finished ninth out of 103 riders, shaving 11 minutes and 10 seconds off his 2023 race time. Another standout from the JV Boys team, sophomore Owen Frazier, raced to a third-place finish.

In the sophomore boys category, Kyle Mason secured a ninth place finish. However, the most thrilling moment of the day came from Caleb Woodward during his first high school mountain bike race. Starting in 62nd position, Woodward powered through the pack, overtaking more than 50 riders. His time of 1:07:57 on

the 12.4-mile course — which included a demanding 620 feet of elevation gain per lap — earned him a 12th place finish out of 65 riders.

Despite the cold rain and treacherous mud, the varsity and JV girls showed tremendous determination. Their efforts contributed significantly to the team's overall points tally, with each rider pushing through the challenging conditions. Freshman riders Laney Olmstead, Emmett Apsey and Waylon Laughlin also displayed great promise in the time trials, setting themselves up for success in the upcoming Haymaker Classic in Eagle.

This record-breaking start is a testament not only to the hard work and dedication of the riders and coaches, but also to the team's potential for the season. Energized and ready, the GHS riders are poised to make a lasting mark this season.

(Marlo Frazier is a parent on the GHS mountain bike team.)

All Stars win big at Special Olympics

The Six Points All Stars flew around the Air Force Academy cycling track at the Summer Special Olympics in Colorado Springs on Aug. 17. Ricky

and Angela Lee won gold medals in the 250-meter and 500-meter race on their tricycles. Crested Butte students Hayden Dunn and Jade Hanna also had successful races. Hanna finished second in the women's 1K race, and Dunn took gold in the men’s 1K.

Glatiotis

Team captains Atalaya Hausdoerffer and Porter Houck with the first place trophy. (Courtesy Marlo Frazier)

Ricky Glatiotis celebrates with his gold medal.

Jade Hanna lines up at the starting gate. (Courtesy Brian Smith)

Go all-electric — and help change the world

Auden Schendler Writers on the Range

The company I work for recently built a new ticket office at the base of Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colorado. Environmentally, we killed it: argon-gas-filled windows, super-thick insulation and comprehensive air sealing and 100% electrification using heat pumps instead of gas boilers. All within budget.

Yet one of the first comments we received was from a famous energy guru: “Nice building. But why do you have a heating system at all?” Or more simply put: “Why didn’t you build a perfect building, instead of just a really good one?”

Solving climate change could depend on how we answer that question. My answer: Society needs the Prius of buildings, not the Tesla X. The green building movement didn’t originate only from a desire to protect the environment. It often had elements of the bizarre ego gratification that trumped practicality.

Recall “Earthships” that used old tires and aluminum cans in the walls. Geodesic domes were interesting looking, but produced inordinate waste to build. They also leaked. Rudolf Steiner’s weirdly wonderful Goetheanum was an allconcrete structure designed to unite “what is spiritual in the human being to what is spiritual in the universe.”

If we’re going to solve climate change … new structures will have to re-conceive what we consider efficient and beautiful. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Auden Schendler

Writers on the Range

Early practitioners such as Steiner, Buckminster Fuller and Bill McDonough, among oth -

ers, were often building monuments, whose ultimate goal became the concept of “net zero.” Net zero was a building that released no carbon dioxide emissions at all.

Designers achieved that goal by constructing well-sealed, heavily insulated, properly oriented and controlled buildings — but then they did something wasteful. They added solar panels to make up for carbon dioxide emissions from heating with natural gas. The approach zeroed out emissions, but at extraordinary cost that came in the form of added labor, expense and lost opportunity.

While net zero wasn’t a good idea even when most buildings were heated with natural gas, the rapid decarbonization of utility grids — happening almost everywhere — and advances in electrification make the idea downright pointless.

Instead, all you need to build an eventual net zero building is to go all-electric. It won’t be net zero today, but it will be net zero when the grid reaches 100% carbon-free power. So, all that really matters is that building codes require 100% electrification.

Yet many communities remain focused on that sexy goal of net zero, and therefore include requirements for solar

panels, or “solar ready” wiring. Even apart from the issue of cost, many utilities don’t need rooftop solar because they increasingly have access to huge solar arrays, giving them more electricity than they need in peak times.

What utilities really need is energy storage and smart management. That means home batteries and grid integration that allows utilities to “talk” to buildings and turn off appliances during peak times. The problem is that environmentalists haven’t evolved. Just like we can’t retire our tie-dyes, we think “green” means rooftop solar panels.

My company’s Buttermilk building passes the only test that matters. If everyone built this kind of structure, would it solve the built environment’s portion of the climate problem? The answer for our building is “yes.”

Still, aspirational monuments matter. We need the Lincoln Memorial, and the Empire State Building. But if we’re going to solve climate change in buildings, which is about a third of the total problem, new structures will have to re-conceive what we consider efficient and beautiful. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Electrification, for example, is getting cheaper every

year. Years ago, I served on an environmental board for the Town of Carbondale in western Colorado. The overwhelming interest there was ending dandelion spraying in the town park. But at one point, we worked on a building.

After a long conversation about the technical tricks and feats we could pull off, a Rudolf Steiner disciple named Farmer Jack Reed said: “We should also plant bulbs in the fall so colorful flowers blossom in the spring.”

“Why?” I asked, stuck in my own technocratic hole. He said: “Because flowers are beautiful and they make people happy.”

So, too, are realistic solutions as we adapt to climate change.

(Auden Schendler is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is senior vice president of sustainability at Aspen One. His book, Terrible Beauty: Reckoning with Climate Complicity and Rediscovering our Soul, comes out in November.)

Simple tips for more flavorful grilling

Grilling is sometimes described as an art form. Many skilled grillmasters are a testament to that assertion, and it’s apparent to anyone who enjoys grilled foods that some who man the grill have a knack for producing flavorful dishes.

Though grilling requires a little trial and error on the path to becoming a go-to grillmaster, there are some simple strategies anyone can employ to produce more flavorful finished products.

• Dry rub foods before putting them on the grill. Grilling enthusiasts may debate if a dry rub or a marinade is best for grilled foods, and that backand-forth may never produce a definitive answer. The choice of dry rub or marinade is ultimately up to the cook, but a dry rub can be more convenient because it can be applied shortly before foods are placed on the grill without sacrificing flavor. Many recipes call for foods to marinate for several hours or even overnight. Both dry rubs and marinades can improve the flavor profile, but the former can do so without too much planning ahead of time. Dry rubs also tend to be made with ingredients such as salt, pepper and brown sugar that many

people already have at home, adding to the convenience of this approach that can enhance flavor without too much effort.

• Oil the grates before cooking. Similar to utilizing a dry rub when cooking, oiling the grill grates can add flavor and make grilling more convenient. Various online grilling experts and forums advise using a silicone brush to apply an oil with a high smoke point (the smoke point is the temperature at which the oil will begin to smoke). The online grilling resource 4thegrill.com notes that corn (smoke point 450 F) and peanut oil (440 F) are better than extra virgin olive oil (410 F) when oiling a grill grate. The oil applied to the grate can add some additional flavor, and also create a nonstick surface that ensures food is not torn apart while it cooks over an open flame.

• Bring meat to room temperature. One of the keys to successful grilling is to ensure foods cook evenly. Prior to grilling meat, take the meat out of the refrigerator roughly 20 to 30 minutes before you intend to put it over a flame. This allows the meat to reach room temperature, which in turn increases

the likelihood it will cook evenly.

• Cook with wood. The culinary experts at WilliamsSonoma note that wood can be used to add flavor to grilled foods. Williams-Sonoma rec -

ommends soaking wood chips, herbs, or grapevine cuttings for 30 minutes and then draining before using with a charcoal grill. Avoid soaking wood or aromatics when grilling on a gas grill, as doing so can make it dif-

ficult to ignite the grill. Grilling is a skill that anyone can develop over time. But even novices can employ a few strategies to increase the flavor profile of their next meal cooked over an open flame.

(Metro Creative)

Crested Butte Film Festival coming soon

14th annual event puts local and global stories on silver screen

Mariel Wiley Times Photo Editor

The Crested Butte Film Festival will return to the Majestic Theater and Crested Butte Center for the Arts late next month. For its 14th year, the program will offer audiences 80 films to pick from ranging in length from three minutes to two hours. Both local and global stories will grace the silver screens during the five-day festival, set for Sept. 18-22.

The festival will begin with the local film showcase on Sept. 18. The three films included are made by and feature Gunnison Valley residents that are making an impact on the people and places around them. These include a Matchstick Productions ski film, and documentaries about the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and longtime Crested Butte resident and world-class skier Wendy Fisher. The goal of the local showcase is to “plant the seed” in creatives’ minds to document the life stories and life’s work of the people around them, said festival co-founder Michael Brody.

“It’s a way to salute the peo-

ple that live here,” Brody said.

“Our community is making films, and there are people in our community worth making films about.”

This year’s festival includes films from a wide range of genres and formats, such as documentaries, foreign language films and art house films. A ski film set in Afghanistan draws parallels between the popular annual Al Johnson ski race in Crested Butte, telling the story of the racers trudging uphill and racing back down on handmade skis.

Brody and the film festival team suggested a list of five films not to be missed.

• Documentary “399: Queen of the Tetons” features a mother Grizzly bear running around with her four “darling” cubs, Brody said.

• “Grand Theft Hamlet” follows the escapades of two British theater actors who decided to stage a complete rendition of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” within the video game world of Grand Theft Auto.

• “Kneecap,” a documentary about an Irish band of the same name, tells the musicians’ story preserving Irish culture and the Gaelic language through song.

• In “A New Kind of Wilderness,” a couple in Norway decide to raise their children off-grid, and are met with countless tests along the way.

• Finally, the first narrative feature film from Delaney Buffett — daughter of the late Jimmy Buffett — depicts the

growing pains of evolving friendships in adulthood.

For the first time this year, festival organizers added additional screenings of films created by filmmakers who traveled long distances to attend. This offers more opportunities for audiences to view the films. Afterward, there will be opportunities to engage with the filmmakers at Q&As and social gatherings.

“You’ll see somebody’s film, and then 20 minutes later, they’re walking down Elk Avenue,” Brody said. “We want to encourage the community to meet these visiting filmmakers.”

A free bike parade on the afternoon of Sept. 19 will bring the filmmakers and audience members together for a tour of town. The group will be joined by one of the film’s subjects, a professional BMX biker, who will perform tricks for the crowd. The biker, who goes by the moniker Mr. Cato, is also an elementary school teacher. The film “Mr. Cato” shares his mission to teach BMX biking to elementary school students while vying for a spot in the Summer Olympics.

While this event and the panels are free and open to the public, tickets for afterparties and film screenings often sell out in advance. More information and tickets can be found at cbfilmfest.org.

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

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. God wants his believing people to stand strong against the evil that exists all around us. Proverbs 3:6

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

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Jesus changes everything Scan the QR Code to chat with someone who understands.

“399: Queen of the Tetons” tells a tale of a mother Grizzly bear and her cubs fighting for survival in Wyoming. (Courtesy Michael Brody/Crested Butte Film Festival)

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.

Black Canyon hosts AstroFest Sept. 5-7

Residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate the starry night skies at the region’s annual astronomy festival, known as AstroFest. The event is designed to create a stronger connection between participants and the dark skies that characterize much of the Western Slope.

Thursday, Sept. 5 - Montrose

7:30-8:30 p.m. - Evening astronomy program at the Montrose Public Safety Complex Community Room.

8:30-10 p.m. - Evening stargazing with telescopes at the Flat Top Bureau of Land Management, north of Montrose. Maps and directions are on the park website.

Friday, Sept. 6 - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

3-5 p.m. - Daytime astronomy, solar telescope viewing, and Junior Ranger Night Sky Explorer activities at the South Rim Visitor Center.

7:30-10 p.m. - Evening program at the South Rim Campground Amphitheater. Join a park ranger for a talk on nocturnal wildlife, followed by a constellation tour.

Saturday, Sept. 7 - Curecanti National Recreation Area

6:30-7:30 p.m. - Junior Ranger Night Sky Explorer activities at the Elk Creek Campground.

7:30-8:30 p.m. - Evening Ranger Program at the Elk Creek Campground Amphitheater.

8:30 pm to 10:00 pm.Evening stargazing with telescopes at the Elk Creek Campground.

Dress warm for outdoor evening events and please use a red flashlight or headlamp, not white, to preserve night vision. Park only in designated areas, never on vegetation.

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, both managed by the National Park Service, are beautiful dark sky locations. Black Canyon and Curecanti are designated as International Dark Sky Parks. They are dedicated to preserving and protecting the Western Slope’s beautiful night sky resources. Learn more at darksky.org.

Visit the park website at nps. gov/blca/planyourvisit/astrofest.htm for more information and details about the 2024 AstroFest.

(Source: National Park Service.)

Yard of the Week

Top O’ the World Garden Club awarded Jan and Tom Rickert of 321 North Taylor with Yard of the Week. Jan and Tom have worked in this yard for the past 15 years. They created a neatlytrimmed lawn and a beautiful complement of bushes and flowers. The historic house, formerly owned by professor Paul Wright, was built in 1920 and has been restored to its original condition. Yellow Heliopolis are in full color in the front of the house. Large cottonwoods border the house to the north. In the back, hundreds of hollyhocks are in bloom. Some of the flowers came from seeds in Monet’s garden in Giverny, France. Hop vines cover the fence in the back alley. An additional lot was purchased to the south of the house that was at one time an ice rink. That history is preserved in the berm that can still be seen in the grass.

The Milky Way arches over park rangers at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. (Courtesy Joyce Tanihara/National Park Service)

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