Gunnison Times Apr. 6, 2023

Hospital grapples with travelers, volume loss

Staff retention and cost recovery a primary goal moving into 2023

(Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part article on news affecting Gunnison Valley Health. The next will appear in the April 13 edition of the Times.)

Last week, the Gunnison Valley Health Board of Trustees gave county commissioners an update on the hospital’s operations. The meeting comes at a time when the state-wide landscape for healthcare going into 2023 is harder for rural providers than it was just a year ago, as COVID funds dry up, staffing challenges abound and, as result, profit margins sink closer to zero. For GVH, solutions may lie in staff retention and cost recovery, as a strong workforce will keep residents in-valley for service.

GVH A3

TODAY

COMMUNITY: Western Boxing Club celebrates 50th anniversary, B1

Disco coronation

Under an awe-inspiring, shimmering light display and nonstop disco music, valley residents Zach Guy and Isabel Russell were crowned king and queen of KBUT’s annual Disco Inferno event. A number of bell-bottomed disco-lovers competed for the titles, shimmying and shaking all night long on an elevated stage. But in the end, only two could have the crown. For more photos, see A20.

Wilder’s market moves to Almont

Wilder’s Organic Market, a Gunnison staple for unique and healthy snacks in recent years, is preparing for the next phase of business after shut-

tering its space along Main Street just a couple months ago. The shop, now renamed Blue Sky Mercantile, has found a new home 10 miles north of Gunnison, in the Almont Resort.

During the store’s year and a half tenure in Gunnison, owner

Cassia Montgomery helped to support farmers all over the Western Slope, bringing in produce from the Gunnison and the North Fork valleys.

“It was really nice to get to know so many of the local and Wilder’s A7

SPORTS: Cowboy baseball back on track, B9

OBITUARY, BIRTHS A2

OPINION A4-A, A10

CLASSIFIEDS A14-A17

SPORTS B9

school cafeterias

On Monday afternoon, students swarmed into the Gunnison Community School cafeteria for lunchtime, the line running out of the door. Working alongside the school’s kitchen staff were students — filling their fellow classmates’ trays with nachos, cherry tomatoes, fruit and Volunteers A6 Gunnison Community School students line up for lunch on April 3.

Natural grocery store will rebrand for a fresh start up-valley

QUOTE of the week

I

OBITUARY

On April 2, Barbara J. Brown took her seat at Heaven’s bar with her daughter Kathleen Morris, her son William Brown and her beloved parents Eldon and Mable Lowell. Barbara was born on Nov. 23, 1936, she was one of six kids, to Eldon and Mable. Barbara herself had six children. Barbara worked hard, lived hard, loved hard and

BIRTHS

Otis Archer Lackey

BRIEFS

page! A19

Meet the Finalists forum for Gunnison’s next city manager

The City of Gunnison is hosting a “Meet the Finalists” forum on Thursday, April 13, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Gunnison Rec Center.

The event will give community members an opportunity to meet the four candidates vying to fill the vacant city manager position. During the forum, each finalist will present a brief statement and be available to answer questions and meet residents. The feedback solicited from the public will help city council select the community’s next manager.

Former City Manager Russ Forrest left his position in October of 2022. Finance Director Ben Cowan has been serving as the acting city manager since Forrest left the valley.

Election lawsuit dismissed

On Feb. 27, Gunnison District Court Judge J. Steven Patrick dismissed petitions filed last year by Gunnison resident David Justice who challenged the method used to conduct a recount of election results for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District (CD3).

In the complaint, Justice named Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Gunnison County Clerk Kathy Simillion, canvas board members Mandy Roberts and Vikki Archuleta and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.

In the ruling, Patrick found that Justice had “failed to establish a plausible claim upon which relief could be granted” since he was not a candidate for election and therefore lacked “standing.” In addition, Patrick ruled the proper venue for such a challenge is “exclusively in Denver District Court” and that Justice had “failed to name all necessary parties,” which would have included all county clerks within CD3. Finally, the ruling found the issue to be moot since the election has been certified and Rep. Lauren Boebert declared the winner.

On March 12 at 6:22 p.m., Otis Archer Lackey was born to Lizzy Plotkin and Matthew Lackey of Almont, Colorado. He weighed 6 lbs. 9 ozs. and measured 19.5 inches in length. His grandparents are Lori Adelson and Matt Breyer of Indianapolis, Indiana and Sheila and Larry Lackey of Concord, North Carolina.

played hard. She is survived by her sons Jim Morris, Bob Brown and daughters Sherry Morris and Mable Benson. She also had numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, too many to name or count! Barbara loved her time with everyone as was evident by her photos on her living room wall. Barbara was very close these final years with her son Bob and his family and

Gilbert Ballantyne Michaels

At 7:01 a.m. on March 31, Gilbert Ballantyne Michaels was born to Leah Thomas and Bryce Michaels of Gunnison, Colorado. He weighed 8 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 20 inches in length. “Into this wondrous world of many wonders one more wonder came.”

granddaughter Jammie and her family. Bob and Jammie thank everyone that helped her the last few years. Her orneriness, her spirit and love of all things Bronco will be missed.

Police department withdraws summons for driver involved in pedestrian collision

DA reviewing investigation before filing charges

The Gunnison Police Department has withdrawn the court summons it issued to William Rochniak, the driver who collided with a pedestrian in Gunnison in March.

Gunnison resident Joe McDaniel, 35, was struck by a car in the crosswalk at 11th

Street and Tomichi Avenue near Pie-Zan’s Pizzeria on Thursday, March 16. He survived the accident, but suffered from a major brain injury.

Two weeks later, on March 29, the police department released a statement that it was “reclaiming the summons” it had originally issued to allow the Gunnison District Attorney’s Office to conduct a more thorough investigation before a ticket is given.

After receiving additional witness reports, the police department decided to take more measurements at the site of the accident. The incident occurred in a relatively

new crosswalk with bulbouts that protrude into Hwy. 50. Pedestrians can activate signs with flashing lights before they step into the street.

Some of the questions officers are trying to answer are: Did the driver have enough time to adjust their speed and not collide with a pedestrian? Was the pedestrian light activated when McDaniel stepped into the road? How far across the highway was he when he was struck?

“There’s a lot of moving parts to this and we wanted to make sure the district attorney’s office had all of it to make the proper decision,” said

3 bdrm/2.5 bath, 1,348sf

townhome with first floor master bedroom and laundry room. Kitchen has been fully renovated with quartz countertops and lighting. Property has a fully fenced backyard. 50 Bambi Lane; $565,000.

MOTIVATED SELLER 3 bedroom/2 bath home with woodstove, large open kitchen, laundry room & work shed in Pitkin. Built in 2012, great condition, tile entryway, tucked away in the trees. 832 River Street; $449,000.

4 BDRM/2 BATH 1920sf home and a fully remodeled basement with 2 car detached garage conveniently located near the new library & trail system. Includes a cozy great room & bonus room for storage or crafts. Easy to show! 108 Irwin Street; $649,000.

1 ACRE RIVERFRONT PROPERTY on the Ohio Creek. Property has electric to the lot line with central sewer available. Water is serviced by a shared well. 205 Spring Meadows Trail; $349,000.

Gunnison Police Department Captain Chris Wilson.

The traffic accident investigation has been completed and was sent to the District Attorney’s Office for their review of possible charges. Wilson said he expects more information to be available within a couple of weeks.

According to close friends, McDaniel is still in recovery.

“It’s been a tough road,” Logan Uhlenhake said. “We are keeping our heads up and focusing on healing his mind.”

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

PRICE REDUCED 3 bdrm/2 bath, ranch level home with a walkout basement. Open kitchen & dining area with a pellet stove. Property has an attached 3 car garage. Over 1,800sf with great southern views of Sawtooth Mountain & W Mountain. County Road 18; $399,000.

MOVE-IN READY 3 bdrm/2 bath, ranch style home with fully fenced yard, covered porch & attached 2 car garage. Interior was recently painted, house is 1,344sf & the garage is 630sf. The yard features aspens & evergreens. 102 S. 8th St; $495,000.

LAND FOR SALE Very nice lot in the town of White Pine, CO. White Pine has rich Colorado history known for Coal and Silver Mines. This is a great location to park your camper for the summer. 9900 County Road 888; $25,000.

NEW PRICE Fantastic opportunity to run your business out of this 2535sf shop with two 14 foot garage door openings, as well as an 8 foot garage door, ¾ bath & a ½ bath and 665sf of office space. Fully fenced & secure yard for company vehicles, garage doors & new forced air heaters. 555 S. 10th St.; $875,000.

COZY CABIN on 35 acres features 2 bedrooms, an open living room & kitchen with custom made oak cabinets, Upstairs loft includes additional beds for guests & the woodstove keeps the cabin warm. Well in place & solar panels for electricity. Seasonal pond and sold partially furnished. Lot 1 Stratman Subdivision; $425,000.

3 HOMES TOTAL Investment opportunity in town where each home is 2 bdrm/1 bath, tenants pay utilities, $5,400 income per month. Location near the airport and fairgrounds. 314 S. 12th St; $1,200,000.

HOME ON 50 ACRES in Ohio City features an excellent mixture of wildlife, nearby trails, aspen, pines & 300 feet of Gold Creek frontage. 3 bdrm/2 bath house, huge attached garage, large detached barn, touched by Forest Service lands. 5498 County Road 771; $1,750,000.

SPORTSMANS RESORT in Ohio City features a 3 bdrm/1 bath, 1808sf main house with year-round access location, mature trees, all positioned on 1.28 acres. Rustic cabins onsite would make great storage. 116 County Road 771; $499,900.

think the kitchen is the soul of the school, because kids need food to be able to learn — it’s the fuel for learning, and it’s the fuel for education.

— Rainey Wikstrom, Nourish Colorado need

A budget crunch

The hospital’s 2022 budget suffered primarily from a decline in the volume of patient visits and spending more on staff salary and benefits. Net patient revenue came in at $67 million — $7 million under budget. The biggest driver was lower volume, meaning the hospital did not see the patient numbers initially projected for the year. This was primarily due to an “upheaval” in orthopedics and general surgery. Th e latter has a large private payer mix, meaning more claims are made on commercial insurance than Medicare or Medicaid, so when those numbers drop, the bottom line is hit hard.

The overall volume drop saved the hospital money on supplies, and GVH only hired about half of the open positions it had at the start of the year, so it spent about $3 million less than expected on wages. But the dent couldn’t be remedied as GVH paid more on existing salaries and benefits, to the tune of $3 million over budget. The hospital also spent over $4 million more than was budgeted on contract labor, which costs almost twice as much as fulltime employees.

The hospital is holding off on optimism for a rebound in volume numbers, said Chief Financial Officer Mark VanderVeer. Instead, administrators are examining national trends more closely. The 2023 budget forecasts an operating loss of $3.5 million, and takes a cautious approach to revenue projections, to give GVH’s costsaving initiatives time to take hold.

The hospital is also looking at a few revenue-savers down the line. Piggybacking on UC Health supplies purchasing, GVH may see a million dollar reduction in annual supply costs and a new special ambulance area stands to save another million dollars every year.

"The bottom line is improving our revenue recovery, which would make a huge improvement to us,” said CEO Jason Amrich. Turning the 2023 deficit projections into a positive margin projection is all about volume, he said. And volume can be addressed, in part, through recruitment and infrastructure. Providing a wider array of health care services to

valley residents, through a comprehensive staff of specialists, may help keep residents local when they need a health care visit.

The trade-off with travelers

As GVH looks to double down on retaining current employees and recruiting new specialists, the health care industry has continued to shift towards traveling nurses, an employment style that presents a financial challenge to the hospital. Travelers fill critical staffing roles, but use up housing stock and budget for the already resource-strained hospital.

Currently, 6.5% of the hospital’s staff is made of travelers, but they’re using over 50% of the hospital’s housing stock. The hospital took a financial hit as well. In 2022, GVH budgeted just under $2 million on contract labor, but ended up spending $6.3 million. The hospital has an “aggressive” target to reduce travel expenses by $600,000, primarily through staffi ng retention eff orts; more full-time employees, less money spent on travelers.

In this day and age, traveling is more enticing to health care professionals than ever. Apps can optimize the process of getting hired by filtering for the highest-paying positions and traveling nurse agencies can offer non-taxable items like housing stipends to sweeten the deal. Contracting with an agency costs the hospital more than contracting with nurses directly, and in a market where agencies offer stipends and bonuses, the hospital just can’t compete.

“It sometimes feels like we’re rolling uphill,” Amrich said.

While travelers present a

financial dilemma, full-time employees are feeling the heat of a housing crunch. There are more full-time employees coming to GVH admin saying they are going to lose housing, said Vice President of Administrative Services Wade Baker. One employee reportedly moves every year from one housing unit to another, just to stay in the valley.

“We're certainly seeing more of our existing employees that have secured housing are now saying, ‘hey, housing is getting rough. What can you do for me? I'm going to lose my house,’ because the rent is going up or the landlord is selling the unit,” Baker said.

Regardless of travelers, there are not enough graduates in all these health care fields to meet the demand, Amrich said. That amounts to a systemic issue with no immediate solution. Hospitals around the country have responded in a variety of ways, some are using less nurses and more supportive personnel while some keep a full nursing staff

“One of our biggest strategies for the health care system is people first,” Amrich said in the meeting. “Looking at all the things we can do to try to make ourselves attractive from the get go, or try to convert a traveler into a full time employee.”

So far, the hospital has bolstered its tuition reimbursements across the board. GVH will cover $15,000 for associates undertaking a degree program in one of the hospital’s identified critical staffing areas. Those same employees must also commit to GVH for two years of service. All other employees who have completed at least 90 days of service at the hospital are eligible for $5,000 tuition reimbursement annually for a full-time employee and $2,000 for part-time.

The Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, the nonprofi t that develops and supports GVH fi nancially, added $100,000 for employee-focused initiatives in 2023. This could include access to mental health apps or bringing in topical speakers.

“We will always be scrapping and fighting to create an environment where we can retain and attract full-time, non-traveling employees,” Amrich said.

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

SEXTING & CONSENT

A POWERFUL CONVERSATION AROUND THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSENT AND SEXUAL BOUNDARIES FOR TEENS.

We will discuss the current Colorado laws around consent, age of consent, what ongoing/ enthusiastic consent looks like, and how young people can build positive relationships that include healthy sexual boundaries.

Navigating conversations around sex and consent with your teen can be awards, but is becoming increasingly important as our youth venture out into the world and are faced with ever-evolving social issues. This webinar will give you tools for your parenting toolkit to help prepare your teen for future relationships, and how to treat their partners with dignity and respect.

April 25th | 6-7:30pm via zoom: hits://us02web.zoom.us/j/84021084643

BIBLE GEMS

JOSHUA’S COUNSEL: CHOOSE AND SERVE

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served...”

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

“Serve the Lord in sincerity and truth...put away...”

Joshua 24:14-15

Selected and provided by Gene Siemer

SUBSTANCE FREE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY!

APRIL 8 4:30 & 6:30PM

WESTERN UNIVERSITY CENTER THEATER

We will always be scrapping and fighting to create an environment where we can retain and attract full-time, non-traveling employees.

Jason Amrich GVH Chief Executive Officer

ALAN WARTES MEDIA

Congrats and concerns for Gunnison and MEAN

970.641.1414

© 2023 Gunnison Country Times

Publisher/Owner Alan Wartes publisher@gunnisontimes.com

Office Manager Issa Forrest issa@gunnisontimes.com

Editor Bella Biondini bella@gunnisontimes.com

Photo and Sports Editor Jacob Spetzler jacob@gunnisontimes.com

Staff Writer Abby Harrison abby@gunnisontimes.com

Sales Director Bobbie Duft bobbie@gunnisontimes.com

Sales Representative Jack Anderson jack@gunnisontimes.com

Production Manager Michaela Keefe production@gunnisontimes.com

Production/ Social Media Manager Libby Marsden libby@gunnisontimes.com

THE GUNNISON COUNTRY TIMES (ISSN 0892-1113) is published weekly by Alan Wartes Media LLC., 218 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison, Colorado 81230. Periodical postage paid at Gunnison, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Gunnison Country Times, 218 N. Wisconsin, Gunnison, CO 81230-0240

Winter Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Editor:

We would like to congratulate the City of Gunnison for contracting additional wind and hydro-electric energy from its wholesaler provider, the Municipal Energy Association of Nebraska (MEAN).

Gunnison is demonstrating an admirable effort to increase their renewable energy portfolio to provide 100% renewable (actually, emissions free) electricity to their ratepayers. We commend this effort. However, we do have two concerns about this plan.

First, approximately 54% of MEAN’s electrical power generation is from coal. So, is it fundamentally accurate for Gunnison to say that they now are providing 100% emissions free energy by purchasing the green portion of MEAN’s energy portfolio? Or is it cherry picking?

We say cherry-picking.

Gunnison has contracted for 100% clean energy. So have two other of MEAN's other 60+ municipal members, Aspen, and Glenwood Springs. All three now claim that they are 100% emissions free. This should make the issue clearer:

• Three years ago, Tri-State G&T provided electricity as dirty as China's for Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) customers where high percentages of the electricity they delivered to their rate payers was from fossil fuels. This was the unsustainable source of the electricity received by this entire county outside of the city.

• Tri-State could have offered to allocate 100% of their clean energy to GCEA and its customers. But they didn't. Instead, they took responsibility for their portfolio in its entirety.

• Today, Tri-State, under the justification of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Plan, will be providing for 80% lower carbon emissions (relative to 2005) by 2030 for their nearly half a million customers in Colorado.

• By contrast, MEAN's renewable “contractual allocations” work to maintain the status quo. Will MEAN member communities such as Gunnison, Aspen, and Glenwood Springs work to apply any pressure MEAN to transform its entire electrical generation? Likely not.

These contracts of renewable energy are unfortunately just allocations and serve to “quiet” communities concerned about the climate changes. In the meantime, MEAN has little to no plans to transform their electrical generation away from their coal dominated portfolio.

Second, MEAN generates power in the Eastern Energy Grid, which is only minimally connected to Colorado and the Western Energy Grid. The bulk of the power Gunnison has contracted for will not reach Colorado.

Let me explain. There are three major components of the U.S. power grid: the Western

Energy Grid, the Eastern Energy Grid and the Texas Grid. These three components are virtually independent of each other. Very little electricity is moved between them due to limited transfer capacity.

Most of MEAN's emissions free portfolio exists in the Eastern Energy Grid, to which the City of Gunnison also has almost no access to.

City of Gunnison residents, please tell your elected officials that you are not elated with the green energy allocations that they have contracted for with MEAN that do not make it to your meters!

Let MEAN know that they need to clean up their entire grid, not just provide a “Green Energy Program” that is allocated to selected municipalities who desire emissions-free electrical energy.

One opinion does not a newspaper make

Editor:

While I wholeheartedly agree with the bulk of last week’s letter writers, in that I do not pick up my hometown newspaper to read opinions about COVID conspiracies or Jan. 6 justifications, I have to add a hearty amen to the fact that I don’t have to.

That’s because the team at the Gunnison Country Times fills the vast majority of its contents with pertinent, timely and informative local items. I have to thank the fine young team at the Times for keeping me informed on ongoing issues related to housing, wolf reintroduction, water matters, education, local business news and much more.

Who would have thought Gunnison would be host to a women’s soccer team from Japan? Wow, what a great feature, stellar pictures and interesting layout.

How about that nice recognition for our local “Hockey heroes in stripes” from a couple weeks ago?

Did you catch their spring special publication on homes and gardens, anchored by the story of Holly and Jesse Rickert’s unbelievable renovation of the old Rocky's Gym?

Where else am I going to read about these awesome, inspiring local happenings? Nowhere, that’s where.

While editor Bella Biondini and reporters Abby Harrison and Jacob Spetzler might be young and relatively inexperienced — and of course there’s always more that could be covered or coverage that could have used one more source or whatnot — it’s obvious to me by the product of their work that they are highly talented reporters, writers and photographers and dedicated to the cause of community journalism. Boy, am I thankful for that.

And don’t forget the all-local

advertisements, corralled by the world’s sweetest advertising rep in Bobbie Corn, that help round out the stories of our community, week in and week out.

How else would I have known about Lee and Polly Spann’s awesome anniversary party or that Charles Tutor is this year’s Hal Yale Service Above Self award winner? (Better get those tickets to the big Rotary shin-dig, by the way, held on April 29.)

Did you check out the big end-o-season sales that Dave Mo at Rock ’N’ Roll Sports and Marshal at Gene Taylor’s were having? I just got a nice discount on an oil change, courtesy of Randy at Standard Tire.

Yup, I learned about all of those things, and so much more, by reading the Times

Stay informed, get engaged and contribute to our community. The Times helps me and everyone else who bothers to pay attention, do all of these things.

That’s an invaluable service, and one for which I am grateful. Keep up the good work.

Van Tuyl

Editor:

nonsense

The portion of the ranch which was purchased for a greenspace was to explicitly protect the Gunnison water supply via the wetlands which are nature's water filter.

Now we have a city council which apparently wants to destroy one of the jewels of Gunnison. Our green spaces are the envy of most cities, but now we have leaders who want to develop every parcel in the valley.

Since that area is an old riverbed, digging out a reservoir will create nothing more than a leaky, inefficient eyesore. And putting in a solar development for what purpose? Create a large eyesore?

Perhaps it is time to elect leadership in both county and city offices whose mantra is not develop, develop, develop.

I’m in a Colorado ‘State’ of Mind

Editor:

Billy Joel’s song “New York State of Mind” resonates when I read the Colorado House and Senate bills that have either become law or are soon to be. The following bills are a government overreach warning to the families and businesses in Gunnison County on how our lives will be impacted.

Bills that are law:

HB19-1120 - The general assembly therefore declares that it is a matter of statewide concern to allow youth who are twelve years of age or older to have legal access to outpatient psychotherapy services that might otherwise be unavailable

without the consent of or notification to the youth's parent or legal guardian.

The intention of this law is to prevent suicide. But why start treatments without notifying parents or gaining consent? It has been verified by the GWSD that the waiver form is available within the school district for students to sign and parents would not be contacted.

HB19-1192 - Preschool through elementary and secondary education adoption of the history and civil government of the United States and of the state of Colorado, which includes the history, culture, and social contributions of minorities, including, but not limited to, the American Indians, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals within these minority groups, and the intersectionality of significant social and cultural features within these communities, and the contributions and persecution of religious minorities, must be taught in all the public schools of the state.

If students, due to religious beliefs, do not concur with these teachings, will they fail the course and not graduate?

HB21-1288 - Concerning measures to improve energy efficiency, and, in connection therewith, requiring owners of larger buildings to collect and report on energy-use benchmarking data and comply with rules regarding performance standards related to energy and greenhouse gas emissions and modifying statutory requirements regarding energy performance contracts.

Certainly, it sounds harmless. But this bill requires all buildings over 50,000 square feet to reduce their 2021 energy consumption by 7%, and 20% by 2030. Heavy fines and civil penalties will be assessed to those who do not comply.

How will City Market, Walmart, Safeway and office buildings accomplish this reduction? Eliminate the frozen food sections, air conditioning and heating? Any capital outlays will dramatically increase the price of goods to us.

How are apartment buildings in the state going to convert from gas heat and hot water to all electric? It’s estimated that each individual apartment conversion will cost $80,000. The main tenants of these apartment buildings are senior citizens, young people and low-income families. How will they pay the higher rent to compensate for conversion?

I can hear in my mind and heart as Billy Joel sings: "It comes down to reality And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide

I don't have any reasons

I've left them all behind I'm in a Colorado state of mind” - Government overreach

LETTERS

Easter’s about the impossible

Editor: This week is Holy Week for Christians, and as an occasional Christian, the crucifix is an important symbol for me.

A crucifix is a gory image of a naked human dying an agonizing death. Like all symbols, that image contains multitudes. It doesn’t mean anything in and of itself.

Symbols never mean themselves. They contain meaning and possibilities far beyond the direct object. They draw people toward something else. They’re not flat representations. Symbols open windows into possibilities.

The direct object, the cross, was a death machine: simple, brutal, obvious to anyone living in the ancient Mediterranean world. It symbolized imperial power to bring peace through destruction of individual lives and whole communities.

Of course, the cross has remained a symbol of power-over throughout history: Constantine’s cross in the sky commanded, “In This Conquer.” Since then, the cross has preceded colonial powers. Contemporary Christian nationalism loves the flag and the cross.

But symbols can also subvert. The once-imperial cross becomes a vision of anti-imperialism, divine weakness, and loss. The cross becomes divine solidarity with human and cosmic suffering.

A crucifix symbolizes not just the dying Christ, but the crucified around us, all marginalized communities and individuals.

Crosses are both an indictment of participation in violent systems and an invitation to enter solidarity with all who suffer — living toward others and away from ego.

Empty crosses nod to resurrection, that hopeless-hope for life-out-of-death, born after the lights have been shut off and the gates locked. Empty crosses highlight what Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the martyred German theologian, claims, “Before God and with God we live without God.”

This Holy Week, I'm trying to unravel congressional AR-15 pins. Are those images of contemporary death machines being subverted to symbolize victims of gun violence? Should they indict my complicity in the loss of human life and drive me toward the margins? Are they reminders of divine solidarity with everyone traumatized and killed by guns?

I don’t think so. I think those lapel pins symbolize powerover and practice indifference to suffering. But they also mean religious devotion to death-tech and fear of losing power and an imagined past.

We should be clear about gun violence. Mass shootings are not the primary way guns end lives in this country, and AR-15’s account for a tiny fraction of gun deaths. Suicide leads

homicide, and homicides are generally singular.

I’m ambivalent about the gun debate. Regulation, registration and education don’t seem out of order. It’s stupid and deadly to deny that.

But I'm not ambivalent about my co-religionists leveraging symbols of death in order to marginalize others. I hate all symbols used to intimidate the powerless, so I hate those lapel pins.

But I wonder if their meaning can somehow be subverted, like crosses occasionally are, and become symbols for victims rather than for oppressors. Easter’s about the impossible.

Candidacy announcement for GCEA

Editor:

I am writing to announce my candidacy for the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) Board of Directors, District 1. I am running because I love living in Gunnison County. I am passionate about helping organizations find costeffective, reliable and clean energy solutions and have the experience to deliver those solutions.

Here are some highlights of my professional experience:

• I have over 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry with a focus on clean energy programs, wholesale energy markets, asset valuation and financial restructuring

• I’ve worked for electric utilities throughout North America

• I have directed an engineering team with 80 staff

• I have managed many multimillion dollar, multi-year projects

• I am a registered professional mechanical engineer in Colorado

• I have an MS in engineering, focus on building energy systems

• I have written over 30 professional publications on technical topics related to utilities

• I have worked with electric cooperatives on issues related to cost-effective supply and financial restructuring

I am a full-time resident in District 1 (Riverbend) and have been a member of GCEA since 2004. I’m married, with two adult children. I frequently attend GCEA board meetings and GCEA climate action coalitions meetings. I have met with CEO Mike McBride on several occasions to discuss GCEA matters.

I have recently retired from my consulting career and intend for my GCEA board membership to be a major focus of my time. I want to be responsive to all GCEA members to provide reliable, cost-effective electricity in these challenging times. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can to learn your concerns.

Ballots are due June 20, 2023.

If you are a GCEA member, your ballot will come in the mail from GCEA. Voting can also be done electronically this year.

Courage to address real issues

Editor:

My what an uproar. Our newspaper editor dared to suggest that the evil we are experiencing in our world might have a spiritual source. That lying, stealing and profiteering for personal gain might have something to do with a malevolent force.

And, the reaction is amazing. One former publisher insisted that spiritual thought, at least of the Judeo/Christian type, should be confined to the church and synagogue, and prohibited from the public forum. That the newspaper should restrict itself to issues of local concern such as housing, solar arrays and avoid the weightier issues affecting all of us, our children and grandchildren. Although such a suggestion is alien to our country’s history. Another appealed to their scientific training. Placing the blame solely on both liars and those who believe them. He felt that bringing “religious overtones” into the discussion would “dull societies critical thinking skills.”

Really? Have we forgotten that it was men and women of faith who helped lead the fight against slavery, established the first hospitals and are at this moment providing much needed recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters, both human-caused and natural.

He mentioned the misled thoughts and actions of “religious fervor.” He’s right. Sometimes there are horrible abuses in the name of “religion.” Of course, the same can be said of “science.” Some of Hitler’s key people had PhDs and medical degrees, yet committed unthinkable atrocities. Heinous crimes that call for a heinous influence beyond “the human level.”

Wartes’ suggestion that the Bible may be right, that there is a greater evil influencing school mass murderers, political liars and social injustice, is correct. It is one that humans have been aware of throughout history. An awareness, not just a scapegoat. As followers of Jesus, we have seen such realities and our faith has made us more sensitive, not dull.

Returning to the New Testament quote from Wolf, the preceding verse gives the answer to defeating this evil entity, “ Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

We applaud Alan Wartes’ courage to address real issues.

snap peas.

As the Gunnison Watershed School District continues to grapple with staff shortages in the kitchen, principals, teachers, parents — and now students — have stepped in to help fill the gaps. This school year, student volunteers and interns at Gunnison Community School and Gunnison High School (GHS) jumped behind the counter for the first time, making sure fresh meals got into the hands and bellies of the rest of the student body.

During the 2021-22 school year, the staffing situation became so dire in Crested Butte that the school wasn’t able to offer students full meals. In Gunnison, schools have scraped by, but positions remain open, and potential applicants are scarce. In addition to learning about food handling, cooking and the inner workings of a kitchen, these students are gaining valuable social skills and taking a small, but noticeable amount of pressure off of staff — keeping the cafeterias up and running despite the ongoing shortages that left the district grappling for a sustainable solution.

“My priority is to feed kids,” said GHS kitchen manager Trina Lull. “And these kids’ priority is to feed their fellow students, and they do it. They do it with smiles on their faces, and they do it with pride.”

Lull has worked in the high school kitchen for 12 years and had begun to consider retirement. Right before the three high school interns started, she was alone in the kitchen and responsible for preparing between 150-200 meals a day between breakfast and lunch — a lot of food for one person, she said.

Now that she has company in the kitchen, she’s ready to go a little longer, Lull said. The interns, who get paid for their work, contribute a total of six hours of help a day.

“It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a huge difference in my world and we can get all kinds of things accomplished,” she said.

The students are also benefiting from the work, Lull said. In addition to learning about local food, cooking and the biology of taste, the interns are introducing new foods to other students and even growing their own microgreens at school. The team also tries to do as much cooking from scratch as possible. One of her interns was struggling with school and suffered from depression and anxiety before he started working in the kitchen two months ago. Since the internship began, the student has had the best attendance since kindergarten, and his anxiety significantly improved, Lull said.

“When he first started withme, he said he felt like he was invisible in the school,” she said. “And he's not invisible any-

more.”

Behind the scenes

Just down the street at Gunnison Community School, student volunteers serve as a support system at the cafeteria’s service counter and even in the dish room. Students who are interested in lending a hand are trained by the kitchen staff and can volunteer during their study skills class — which is generally used to catch up on homework or receive individualized instruction in reading or math.

If they’re all caught up and their grades are good, it’s a great time to volunteer, said Vice Principal Lance Betts. The class is about 30 minutes long, which is just enough time for students to serve lunch and then head

back to class. The opportunity is only open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders, most of whom volunteer once a week.

The cafeteria roars to life between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day, funneling almost 300 students through the lunchroom in the two hour window. Betts said it’s nearly impossible to serve a lunch line with just one person, but pairing two students with a kitchen employee is perfect.

Although students donate a very miniscule amount of their time, it’s having a huge impact, Betts said.

“It's opened up a lot of ideas and possibilities of how we could have our students volunteer in other places … They love being in there,” Betts said.

said. “But once you’re working, it's a lot better to see how it's made and to be able to be more involved.”

‘Fuel for learning’

Starting in August, the district will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students under the “Healthy School Meals for All” program — an initiative passed by Colorado voters in November. But one of the largest obstacles still facing school districts across the state as the program prepares to launch is staffing. As the demand to make more meals rises, who is going to serve them?

“It’s hard to find the labor to do the job, because they can go down the street to McDonald's and get paid more than they can in a school kitchen,” said Rainey Wikstrom, who works for a nonprofit organization called Nourish Colorado. She also sits on a state committee related to food and hunger where recent conversations have centered on the challenges of implementing Healthy School Meals for All. Nourish’s mission focuses on finding ways to bring local food into schools across the state. By working closely with the district’s school nutrition director, Kristen Osborn, she learned about the progress the district has made by welcoming student volunteers into the kitchen.

“I’m super excited about this because back on the state group we’re trying to solve problems and think about how we can help school food operators this fall implement this Healthy Meals for All,” Wikstrom said. “I think that Kristen’s story is a really awesome one to tell.”

The ultimate goal is to ensure meals are available to students who need it within the school system, Wikstrom said.

“I think the kitchen is the soul of the school, because kids need food to be able to learn — it's the fuel for learning, and it's the fuel for education,” Wikstrom said.

Osborn anticipates participation in the school’s breakfast and lunch program will rise by at least 25%, if not more during the 2023-24 school year. At the same time, the Gunnison Community School is still down two full-time kitchen employees.

“They're always smiling. They get to interact with little kids or another grade level. And they're just getting the opportunity to volunteer and help out our community.”

Eighth-grader Emily Eckert started her shift in the dish room and then threw on gloves as the next group of students funneled into the cafeteria. In the beginning, Eckert said she volunteered just because the kitchen needed help. But she enjoyed the work and started putting her name on the list more often.

Eckert said her favorite thing about helping in the kitchen is that she gets to “be a part of behind the scenes.”

“When you're getting lunch, you just think it's made,” she

During the 2020-21 school year, kitchen staff across the entire district served more than 130,000 lunches to students. Osborn said she expects numbers to stay as high as they were two years ago when meals were free under a USDA program launched during the pandemic.

“We really just do whatever it takes to get the meals out,” Osborn said. “It is new this year that we have students helping in the kitchens, and that seems like kind of a great model to deal with times of short staffing. It's almost like taking a problem and then creating a great learning experience [by] opening up the kitchen.”

Wilder’s from A1

regional farmers and ranchers,” she said. “I have enjoyed getting to know all those who care so much about where our food comes from.”

At Wilder’s, Montgomery offered unique goods to the Gunnison community: drinks, crackers and other specialty goods that no one else was carrying. But to fully serve her new population — rafters, fishers or mountain workers alike — the business had to change.

Montgomery said running Wilder’s taught her to stock shelves by listening and responding to community needs, and in Almont, the needs are different, she said.

“We all come from all different kinds of socio economics, some of us can only aff ord conventional carrots, some of us can afford the local carrots,” Montgomery said. “This is what we learned with Wilders — it's really important to go to the source when it comes to the local area because they can give you the best deal.”

Blue Sky will offer Hwy. 135 drivers a pit stop to fuel up on all sorts of things on their commute home or to work, whether it be milk, cereal, cleaning supplies or even other necessities like sunscreen, chapstick and shampoo. The new space will also feature an espresso bar serving Camp4Coffee, graband-go breakfast and lunch items and even a space to pick up CSA shares. Montgomery said she’d like to offer a “locals,” discount to Almont residents.

Those changes, collectively, are intended to be more inclusive and offer more options to the local workforce. The overarching goal is to “help the consumer's pocketbook,” she said.

“When you do want to be part of a community, and people make the effort to stop and see, I have noticed they want to be served,” she said. “They want to know if they can have a cup of coffee or a cup of tea. It's like you're inviting them into your house.”

Almont Resort Manager Dane

Gomez said partnering with Blue Sky allows the Almont to provide better guest services and practical amenities for the immediate community and those up Taylor Canyon. With surrounding employee housing, access to healthy foods at a good price was essential, he said.

“It was sort of a no brainer … I think we found something that's really going to work for the lodge and our guests at the lodge and the community at large,” he said.

Welcoming Blue Sky to the Almont is just one of the things that is changing for the resort. Come summer, an grab-andgo lunch service will be available for river guides. The service will use online ordering so that guides can order sandwiches in advance and pick them up in the morning for themselves and their guests.

“What we've been charged with is preserving the character and the charm of this place. I know everyone's a little nervous about things changing,” he said. “But what we're really doing here is sort of putting a new coat of paint on everything, tightening down all the screws and making everything safe and accessible.”

And music may fill the space behind Montgomery’s new place, as Gomez confirmed the Almont will be continuing in a music partnership with I Bar Ranch this summer, details to come. The idea, all along, has been to increase access to space for all in the community, he said — whether that be through a public park space, free music or the ability to grab a cup of coffee on the go.

For Montgomery, the new start is bittersweet. She recalls items flying off the shelves during the last few days Wilders was open, a reminder that the end of one adventure precedes a new beginning just up the road.

"We have so many thank you messages,” she said. “And that means so much to me.”

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

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

In honor of the Resurrection of our Lord

STOR committee updates strategic plan

Goals center on managing increasing rec pressure on valley’s public lands

The Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee is preparing to adopt a new strategic plan that will guide the group until 2025. The committee — which consists of representatives from the city and county as well as from each sector of the recreation industry including water, agriculture and wildlife and many more — will continue to direct its attention to some of the most prominent issues affecting Gunnison Valley’s wealth of outdoor resources.

Over the past two months, the committee has been working to redraft and update its old strategic plan, which expired at the end of 2022. The committee made final edits to the guiding document at a public meeting on March 23 and is scheduled to adopt the strategic plan this month following approval from its board.

As swelling numbers of visitors and residents alike threaten to love the valley’s public lands to death, the committee emphasized its desire to prioritize finding ways to protect Gunnison County’s wildlife populations, address the valley-wide need for more recreation infrastructure and solve management issues such as the steadily rising popularity of e-bikes.

The STOR committee is still trying to pinpoint what it has control over when it comes to the increasing number of e-bike users on the valley’s trail systems. Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association Executive Director Dave Ochs said enforcement is still lacking on trails where e-bikes are not permitted.

“I just don't know how much

quantitative data you could really gather without having somebody that was on the ground literally trying to either enforce it, or monitoring,” he said.

Gunnison Trails Executive Director Tim Kugler emphasized STOR’s responsibility to promote education and prioritize its goals. Five years from now, e-bikes might not be the biggest problem the committee has to face, he said.

“The general public is seeing a lot of other forests get clever with where they're letting e-bikes go, taking studies and just treating new technology — which we're going to see a lot of — as ‘Sorry, it's motorized,’ and that's how we deal with it,” Kugler said. “I don't think that's a proactive management approach.”

‘This is about maintaining the resources’

The 2020-22 strategic plan directed the committee to develop a Gothic corridor travel user management plan — a huge task that would require a large amount of the committee’s energy, time and resources.

The issue goes back almost two decades, with a lot of action, but little coordination and continuity within the community, Ian Billick said during a STOR meeting in February. He is the mayor of Crested Butte and the executive director of Gothic’s Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

Billick said he worried about the possibility of spillover into other drainages if the committee isn’t careful. There may be times where “you squeeze in one spot, and you see impacts show up in another,” he said.

“We need to be looking at trailheads, spur traffic management and infrastructure for all the major drainages … The Gothic corridor might be the place to start. I think it's something that the community would really value if we got there, but I don't underestimate how difficult it will be,” Billick said.

draft in late March, its members highlighting the ongoing need for additional recreation infrastructure and, potentially, transit in Crested Butte’s other busy areas such as the Slate River and Washington Gulch.

Following the successful implementation of designated camping last summer, STOR members also acknowledged that adding usage fees in the future in target areas will be necessary to protect the land from the damages that accompany heavy use.

“It's not just because we're beyond capacity, or because now you have to pay a fee to play,” said Cathie Pagano, assistant county manager for community and economic development. “Th is is about maintaining the resources.”

U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Dayle Funka said the agency has continued to work with its partners at Western Colorado University and the regional office, but there are “more hurdles to overcome.”

Over the next few months, she said she’d like to see STOR explore areas where a fee may be possible — even if it's only at a limited number of trailheads or camping zones.

“Infrastructure is a tool that is needed to charge fees, and fees are another tool to be able to demonstrate that we can support the use on public lands … We just signed our designated dispersed camping order, but that's not the end all, be all,” Funka said.

The former strategic plan only called for additional infrastructure in the North Valley, but Kugler said Hartman Rocks Recreation Area was in need of the same attention. Crested Butte Land Trust Executive Director Jake Jones agreed. The committee drafted a new goal that will push STOR to develop an action plan by the end of 2024.

“We have a ton of pressure in the summer,” Jones said. “And largely when people aren't crushing the North Valley, they're crushing the lower.”

The STOR committee will

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also stay heavily involved in the development of the Crested Butte to Crested Butte South Multimodal Trail, because it represents so many of the community’s diff erent user groups. The project, which is being led by Gunnison County, recently received a notice to proceed from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Although the committee worked to simplify its existing strategic plan, STOR facilitator Joe Lavorini told the Times the overall intent of STOR has not changed.

“We are still trying to find that balance between promoting a tourism-based economy, while also protecting the very culture that makes this place so special, whether that's ranching, recreation or natural resource stewardship … This committee was formed to tackle the big, complex, challenging natural resource and recreation issues in our community. We're not backing down from that,” Lavorini said.

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

ON

We are still trying to find that balance between promoting a tourism-based economy, while also protecting the very culture that makes this place so special.

Joe Lavorini STOR facilitator

LETTERS continued from A5 A10 • NEWS • Thursday, April 6, 2023 Gunnison Country Times

Bauer announces candidacy for MetRec board

Editor:

I am writing to announce my candidacy for the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) board.

With the recent debrucing, and the passage of ballot initiative 6B in the North Valley, additional funding is now available for enhancing recreational opportunities valley-wide. I would like to thank the current and former board of MetRec for bringing us to this point. It’s remarkable for our valley to have access to continual funding at this level for recreation.

I am running for this position because I love and appreciate all our current recreational choices, have non-profit and board experience and would like to help create the best possible recreational opportunities for our residents and guests.

I am aligned with the current MetRec board in that I believe we would benefit tremendously from a comprehensive valleywide strategic recreation plan that would enhance the experience for all of us, as well as leave a legacy for future generations.

I have been a full-time resi-

ARE

dent of the valley since 1995.

I was the executive director of CB Nordic for a dozen years during a time of tremendous growth for the organization. I was also a former board member and president of the Crested Butte Land Trust, and former board member and chair of the Town’s Board of Zoning and Architectural Review. I have three children and three grandchildren and live with my wife, Jodi, in Crested Butte.

If you are registered to vote in Colorado, and live or own property (or are a spouse/civil partner to one who owns), within the special district you are eligible to vote. Voting will take place in-person at the polls on May 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Crested Butte poll is located at the All Saints Church, 401 Sopris Avenue, and the Gunnison poll is located at the Fred Field Center at 275 South Spruce Street.

Absentee voting is also permitted, but the last day to request a ballot is April 25. For questions, or an absentee ballot please reach out to the designated election official, deo@gcmetrec.org, or Sue, at 970.901.6851.

I would be honored to have your support. Happy Trails.

101 N Main Street | Downtown Gunnison

26 Meadowlark Trail $995,000 MLS 792288. Built 2022 4bed 3bath 2471 sqft.

UNDER

302 C Van Tuyl Circle - $392,000 - 2 bed/1.5 bath Townhome located in the Van Tuyl Townhomes. This unit is a well kept, 2 story townhome with all appliances included and completely fenced front yard. Great location that is centrally located in town and close to Van Tuyl trails, grocery store and shops and blocks from the bus stop. Call for a showing today!

Lazy K, Gunnison’s newest subdivision has several units still available for purchase by individuals or institutions/businesses! MORE UNITS COMING THIS SPRING. We have 1 unit at 80% AMI units meaning if you make less than $50k-$70k/year depending on household size, you may qualify to purchase this new 2 bedroom/1.5 bath unit at $268,271! Applications to determine your eligibility can be found at GVRHA.org. To arrange a viewing or questions about the property, please contact Gunnison Real Estate & Rentals.

1207 Van Tuyl Circle, 3 bed 2.5 bath, 1628 sqft $710,000 MLS#798505

This hidden gem, single family home within the Van Tuyl Subdivision consists of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, approximately 1628 sqft. with a detached one car garage with a carport. Updated, move in ready, high ceiling, recessed lights, and open kitchen with an island separating the kitchen from the living room, pellet stove. The abundant natural light from the makes this home appealing and speculator. The other two bedrooms are upstairs with a 3/4 of a bathroom that consists of a walk-in shower with modern touches located in-between inviting, and intriguing home with a master suite downstairs with its own entrance and mini fridge/microwave section. The modern walk-in tiled shower and glass door is an impeccable touch. The storage space in the utility room is fully utilized with shelving and cabinets with front loading washer/dryer easily accessible. It's a must see property that's very inviting worth calling your agent today.

Bingo extravaganza

Drag queen Shirley Delta Blow visited Gunnison over the weekend to host a bingo night and a storytime event — both of which act as fundraisers for the Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival. Delta Blow led a packed auditorium through a night of bingo fun on March 31 at Western Colorado University’s Taylor Hall. On Saturday, April 1, she read a stack of books to a group of kids and their parents in the same location, but with an entirely new hairdo.

TAYLOR LOCAL USERS GROUP PROCESS

Are you a property owner along the Taylor of Gunnison River? Are you interested in serving as a representative for the Taylor Local Users Group?

Each year, the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) seeks input and direction from the Taylor Local Users Group (TLUG) which is composed of appointed local water users of the Taylor River, Taylor Park Reservoir and the main stem of the Gunnison River above Blue Mesa. The UGRWCD Board is seeking to appoint one citizen member, to a two-year term representing: (1) Property interests along the Taylor or Gunnison Rivers. All applicants must be residents within the UGRWCD and experienced and knowledgeable about river conditions along the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers. TLUG typically meets monthly during the months of March through September.

LETTERS OF INTEREST ARE DUE April 21, 2023 TO: schavez@ugrwcd.org or UGRWCD 210 West Spencer Avenue, Suite B Gunnison, CO 81230

For more information on the TLUG Process, Taylor Park Reservoir Operation and Storage Exchange Agreement or application details, please visit our website at ugrwcd.org/tlug or call UGRWCD at (970)641-6065. TLUG Appointments will be made at the April 24, 2023 UGRWCD Board Meeting and all applicants will be contacted.

Western makes headway on

workforce housing Committee passes on STR partnership, moves forward at Lazy K

As Western Colorado University continues to seek solutions to a workforce housing shortage, administrators have found traction at the City of Gunnison’s affordable housing development, Lazy K. Like many public entities around the state, the university is now squarely in the business of providing affordable housing for its employees, adjusting their strategic plan to include long-term solutions to the problem.

“I think it’s the hospital who I've heard say, ‘if we're not in the housing business, we're not in the hospital business,’ right? And it’s reaching that point with the university that if we’re not in the housing business, we're not in the education business,” said Western President Brad Baca.

Western is in the final stages of negotiations for a master lease with Lazy K to secure 15 units, a mix of one, two and three-bedroom townhouses, freestanding and accessory dwellings. Eight of those units will be available by August 1, and an additional seven units after August 1. Priority will be given to new, benefitted — more than halftime — faculty and staff that are relocating to the valley. Any remaining units will be leased to current employees.

“If we don't prioritize incoming faculty, we're not likely to have any incoming faculty, as they are having a hard time finding a place to live,” Baca said. “So it certainly does not reflect or disregard the fact that existing faculty and staff are struggling as well, but we need to make sure that replacing those who are leaving and providing [new staff ] an opportunity to come to Gunnison and have a landing spot.”

The university is subsidizing the cost to bring rent down to $1,500 for the two-bedroom units and $2,100 for three-bedroom units, offering a savings of $600 and $700 respectively.

Depending on occupancy, the total cost to the university is about $280,000 over two years — funds coming from the school’s reserves rather than the operating budget, as the cost is intended as a one-time expense.

The university already has a Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund, meant to provide a small stipend to staff who have housing emergencies. That money is meant to cover the initial financial burden, like a security deposit, of moving into a new place. But the opportunity exists

for even greater assistance, said Vice President of Advancement Mike LaPlante in a board meeting on March 23. Western could increase the $500 cap on the fund or even contribute to a downpayment assistance fund.

Last year, Western’s shortterm housing committee, an ad hoc group of administrators established to identify housing solutions, considered moving forward with a short term rental (STR) incentive program. Modeled after a Summit County program, it would provide STR owners an incentive payment to rent exclusively to Western employees. Ultimately, the committee decided that the financial investment outweighed the potential benefits. The STR agreements were thought to provide a six-month housing cushion, but the committee decided six months wasn’t enough to find stable housing. Instead, the group moved on Lazy K as an alternative.

It’s likely that the Lazy K will fill up, Baca said. Just weeks ago, the university lost a candidate after making an offer. The potential hire, a single mom, declined primarily due to housing concerns.

Western has no intention at this point in time to purchase any of the Lazy K units, Baca said, as the long-term goal is to build housing of their own rather than lease from other entities. Western is considering a partnership with Gunnison Valley Health that may address their collective workforce housing needs. Those plans have identified the current WCU Foundation-owned property — within the fence line in the southeast corner of campus — as a potential spot for building.

Western is still pursuing longterm housing solutions, including a partnership with Gunnison County that would extend the Paintbrush Apartments, an affordable housing development on the northeast edge of the city, onto Western’s property. For now, Lazy K will be a stopgap to help new staff until they find stable housing.

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

It’s reaching that point with the university that if we’re not in the housing business, we’re not in the education business.

Brad Baca President of Western Colorado University

Lights & Sirens

GUNNISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S

REPORT

MARCH 27

CRIMINAL TRESPASS -

MUNICIPAL — 302 VAN TUYL CIR.

THEFT: INTENDS TO PERMANENTLY DEPRIVE —

524 N. 12TH ST.

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

PROPERTY - LOST —

903 N. SPRUCE ST

HARASSMENT: INSULTS,

TAUNTS, CHALLENGES —

N. BOULEVARD ST.

HARASSMENT: STRIKE SHOVE,

KICK — 1500 W. TOMICHI AVE.

PROPERTY - FOUND —

880 N. MAIN ST.

MARCH 28

CRIMINAL TRESPASS: SECOND

DEGREE - COMMON AREA —

701 W. HWY. 50

CRIMINAL TRESPASS -

MUNICIPAL — 701 W. HWY. 50

PROPERTY - FOUND —

910 W. BIDWELL AVE

JUVENILE PROBLEM —

800 W. OHIO AVE

ABANDONED VEHICLE —

500 W. NEW YORK AVE.

ADMIN - UNASSIGNED INCIDENT

— 38000 W. HWY. 50

HARASSMENT: INSULTS, TAUNTS,CHALLENGES —

403 E. TOMICHI AVE.

MARCH 29

ARSON: 4TH DEGREE —

922 W. GUNNISON AVE.

FRAUD - INFORMATION / WIRE —

317 N. SPRUCE ST.

ACCIDENT — 100 E. DENVER AVE.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE —

1313 W. OHIO AVE.

WELFARE ASSIST —

E. TOMICHI AVE.

MARCH 30

ACCIDENT - HIT & RUN —

115 S. 12TH ST.

ACCIDENT — 800 W. OHIO AVE.

WELFARE ASSIST — N. 8TH ST.

ASSAULT: SECOND DEGREE

- OFFICER/FIRE/EMS BODILY

INJURY —

HWY. 50 & NEW YORK AVE.

MARCH 31

DISTURBING THE PEACE —

713 N. 14TH ST.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

- DRUGS —

400 W. NEW YORK AVE.

CIVIL PROBLEM —

417 PAINTBRUSH AVE.

IDENTITY THEFT: USES

PERSONAL IDENTIFYING

INFORMATION —

910 W. BIDWELL AVE.

HARASSMENT —

1099 N. 11TH ST.

PROPERTY - FOUND

APRIL 1

DISTURBING THE PEACE -

ALLOWING OTHERS —

720 N. COLORADO ST.

FRAUD — 412 E. TOMICHI AVE.

MENACING: USE OF A WEAPON

— N. 10TH ST.

ACCIDENT - HIT & RUN —

500 N. MAIN ST.

APRIL 2

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT:

SECOND DEGREE —

1500 W. TOMICHI AVE.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE —

400 E. TOMICHI AVE.

MARCH 28

-Information report regarding Cottonwood pass conditions

-Vin inspection

-Agency assist to Gunnison Police Department- traffic stop / warrant

-Information report on electric bicycles

-Information report -issues with neighbor’s dogs

-Information report- disturbance at Marble Charter School

-Agency assist to GPD with translation of a trespasser

-Paper service

-Harassment report

-Agency assist to GVFD for gas overflowing from a car at a gas station

MARCH 29

-Information report possible criminal activity

-Found property- purple mountain bike

-Agency assist to CSP – injured deer in road- east of Gunnison

-Agency assist CSP for car versus deer and car on fire

-Information report

-Agency assist to Delta Sheriff’s Office- property check- criminal mischief

-Information report on a shared custody concern

-Information report suicide

-Injury car crash

MARCH 30

-Information report – commercial burglar alarm

-Agency assist to GPD – stolen car

-Agency assist to GPD possible trespass in progress

-Information report on a cold trespass

-Information report on concealed carry

-Paper service

-Information report – dog bite

-Information report- hay fire

-Aggravated motor vehicle theft

-Information report – medical call

MARCH 31

-Assisted the Gunnison Police Department trying to find a criminal mischief person

-Assist to the Delta County Sheriff’s office with a 2-vehicle crash

-Assist to the Gunnison Police Department by providing cover as they searched a vehicle

-Agency assist to the Colorado State Patrol to dispatch a deer who had been injured by a vehicle

APRIL 1

-Responded with Emergency Medical Services to a cross country skier with a knee injury

-Issued a summons for driving while revoked - habitual traffic offender

-Welfare check on a resident

-Info report on armed snowmobiler contacted by USFS

-Criminal mischief summons issued to person who broke out the glass at one of the bus stops

-Burglary at a private house rental possible tied to an aggravated motor vehicle theft under investigation

-Welfare check on possibly intoxicated individual laying in the bike path

continued on A19

Classifieds

CARS & TRUCKS

2013 DODGE DART: Vin:

1C3CDFAA4DD100634. H&H Towing 203

W US HWY 50. Gunnison Co, 81230. 970641-2628.

EMPLOYMENT

THE MOUNT CRESTED BUTTE WATER SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time water operator position to be part of a team environment focused on operation of the water plant and distribution system for Mt. Crested Butte. Important qualifications include a combination of construction, field operations and electrical/ mechanical/maintenance repair. A State of Colorado Water and/or Distribution license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators are required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required. Starting salary is $44,500 to $51,500 for entry level. $58,000 to $75,000 salary available for operators with experience and appropriate State licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, vision and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms and a seasonal ski pass. Full job description is available at mcbwsd. com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for dump truck drivers in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience of 3-5 years required. Must be able to assist laborer performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $25-$38 depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to: office@spalloneconstruction. com.

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 1- Nov.1. 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 Colorado Workforce at 970-641-0031 at 109 E. Georgia or email cdle_gunnison_ wfc@state.co.us.

BLIND FAITH CUSTOM WINDOW

FASHIONS is looking for an incredible showroom teammate and installer to join our team. This is a full-time (4.5 days) position. We will need this person to be able to install manual, motorized and wireless shades and blinds in high end residential homes and condos, accurately measure windows and doors for future installation and be able to load/unload products. Excellent customer service, follow through on customer service situations, the ability to use a computer, communicate via email and make phone calls is a must. This team member will also need to have: a Valid Colorado Driver’s License, flexibility (adjust on the fly according to schedule and appointments), respect for co-workers and clients while being dependable and punctual. This is an hourly, plus commission position and a company paid ski pass is provided. Please send a resume or request for an interview to admin@blindfaithcb.com or call Kelly 850-855-8838.

NO EXPERIENCE? NO WORRIES: We provide on-the-job training. The Town of Crested Butte is looking for a Public Works maintenance worker/heavy equipment operator to fill an open position.

Qualifications: Colorado Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of the date of employment. This is a full-time position with benefits.

Starting pay is $40,000 – $57,000 DOQ. Benefits include fully subsidized medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents. Paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, disability insurance, life insurance and retirement are also position benefits. The full job description is available on the Town’s website at townofcrestedbutte. com. Please submit an application to the Town of Crested Butte via email at jobs@ crestedbutte-co.gov. The position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (1/20/135).

GUNNISON FAMILY DENTISTRY is seeking a registered dental hygienist. Our practice is dedicated to quality patient care and we promote an environment of fun and professionalism for our patients and team. The ideal candidate would approach their duties with enthusiasm, kindness, and the confidence that comes with being a strong clinician. We are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. no weekends. This position is 3-4 days per week. We offer competitive pay and a benefits package, including:

Health insurance

Dental discount

Retirement account

Paid time off

We require our hygienists to have an active RDH license, a current CPR certification, laser certification, and the ability to administer local anesthesia. Any other skills we require will be taught in-office. If you’d like to join our dynamic practice, please send along your cover letter and resume to gunnisondds@gmail.com.

GRASSY CREEK/ELEVEN MUSIC is seeking an admin. specialist position in Crested Butte. 50% of the responsibilities will be focused on the Public House Live Music Venue and the remaining 50% is remote assistance with the Floki Studios and the Record Label, The Eleven Record club and more. The role will include managing show day artist management, media storage, talent booking, contract negotiations, social media content, website maintenance, accounting tasks, managing album advances, marketing budgets and liaising with distributors and publicists. Strong organizational skills experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud are required. The salary range is between $45,000-$55,000. Please submit resume to jobs@elevenexperience.com.

SIGN ON BONUS WITH ROCKY

MOUNTAIN TREES AND LANDSCAPING:

Now hiring all positions for the 2023 summer season. Come join a great team. To apply and see what positions we have visit rockymountaintrees.com/employment/ or give us a call at 970-349-6361.

CRESTED BUTTE DENTAL is looking for an organized person to join our team as a sterile tech. No experience necessary, we are happy to train the right person. Position will be M-F with a minimum of 30 hours per week starting mid-May through summer, with the possibility of continuing on as a team member. Pay starting at $20/hr. Please submit cover letter and resume to amy@crestedbuttedentist.com.

WONDERING WHAT YOU ARE GOING

TO DO STARTING OFF-SEASON? Little Red Schoolhouse is hiring a year round full time teacher, and a couple aides for the summer. This is a wonderful opportunity to secure a stable, rewarding and fun job with opportunity for growth. Pay depending on experience, and benefits are stellar. We have the best kids and families, and a great group of teachers to boot! Come join the team. Please send resume and interest email to lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com.

PROJECT HOPE OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY is hiring an experienced leader to fill the executive director position. Position is a full-time salaried role, with annual COLA increases, plus PTO, paid sick leave, and a health stipend. Full job description and application instructions available at hope4gv. org/employment. Email info@hope4gv.org with questions and to apply.

GUNNISON SAVINGS AND LOAN IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT: We have served the Gunnison Valley for over 110 years and are looking for an individual who wants a career in banking. This position requires a solid working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and strong financial analysis skills. An outstanding senior accountant should also possess strong Excel skills, be detailoriented, highly organized, and able to work with little to no supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

-Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

-Strong organizational skills.

-Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly with Excel.

Responsibilities:

-Daily accounting operations of the Association including cash management, correspondent banking, wire transfers, processing rejected in-clearings and rejected ACH payments.

-Preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, maintaining work papers

-Periodic reporting including preparation of monthly financial reports, payroll tax reports, quarterly FDIC reporting, liquidity projections, interest rate risk reports, CECL reporting, public funds, qualifying collateral,

and qualified thrift lender reports.

-Preparing revenue projections and forecasting expenditures.

-Preparing accounting work papers for audits and examinations.

Benefits:

-Competitive Salary (entry level skills

$40,0000 - $50,000; higher with experience)

-401(k) retirement plan

-Group life and health insurance plans

-Paid vacation (after 90-day probationary period).

-48 hours of paid sick leave per year

-HSA employer contributions

-Paid Federal Holidays

-Free checking account

Work Environment:

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m-5 p.m.

Dress: Business Casual

Please submit your resume, reference, and letter of application to Maureen Eden, Executive Vice President/ Chief Operations Officer 303 N. Main Street, Gunnison, CO 81230 maureene@gunnisonsl.com 970-641-2179.

CRESTED BUTTE DENTAL is looking for an outgoing, organized, customer service oriented person to join our team. This is a great way to get connected to the community. We are happy to train someone with a great attitude and willingness to learn. Competitive hourly wages and benefits as well as profit-sharing bonuses for all team members. Please submit cover letter and resume to amy@crestedbuttedentist.com.

LEGACY FAMILY MINISTRIES a faith based non-profit is seeking an executive director responsible for client advocacy, administration, community relations and the day-to-day operations of the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center. 24 hours per week, $22-24/hour DOE. Email Wendy Solheim legacyceo.LFM@gmail.com to apply. Check out our website for more information: lighthousegunnison.org.

FULLMER’S ACE HARDWARE is hiring for multiple positions with seasonal, parttime and full-time availabilities. Seasonal positions- Garden Tent (May 8-Mid July) and Loaders (May 15-Mid August). Pay $15.80-$16.50 DOE. Hiring for full-time positions ASAP. Must have open availability. Pay $16.00-$17.00 DOE. Stop by the store 820 W. Tomichi Ave for application or visit elevationace.com/about-us/employment/.

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH

Gunnison Valley Health is hiring.

Please note This is not a complete list of all our open jobs - you can view all open positions at our website, jobs.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org

Self Pay/Customer Service SpecialistFT $18.00 - $21.55/hr DOE

Unit Coordinator, Emergency DepartmentFT $19.10 - $22.91/DOE

HousekeeperFT $17.00 – $19.40/hour DOE

Medical Assistant (non-certified)FT $18.17 - $21.81/hr DOE

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

Please visit our website for more indepth position descriptions, specific qualification requirements and to apply online gunnisonvalleyhealth. org/careers/, or call HR for questions 970-641-1456. (PRN = as needed). All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a negative 10 panel drug screen test, criminal background check, reference checks, infection prevention procedures (TB test, Flu Shot, immunization records, etc.), physical capacity profile and acknowledgement of policies.

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

*Housing is held for Gunnison County employees and may be available for you to rent*

Fairgrounds Manager Fairgrounds: 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $5,238 to $6,537 plus full benefits.

Data Analyst I Assessor: 30 hours/ week, monthly salary range from $3,330 to $3,791.25 plus full benefits.

Title Administrator I Assessor: 30 hours/week, monthly salary range from $2,688.75 to $3,060.75 plus full benefits.

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-time, 40 hours/week, monthly salary range from $4,989 to $7,057 plus full benefits.

Public Health Nurse II: Child Care Health Consultant HHS: Part-time, 6 hours/week, hourly rate range from $32.03 to $45.31.

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

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DAY WORK WEEK

M-TH (4x10)

AUTOMOTIVE MASTER TECHNICIAN. If you are curious about how your current job compares to Precision Automotive? EMAIL your resume to precisionauto4040@hotmail.com, call or text Steve at 970-596-9999 ALL INQUIRIES ARE STRICKLY CONFIDENTIAL! Benefits include: PAID VACATION, PAID HOLIDAYS, MEDICAL, DENTAL, MATCHING IRA.

AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICE Do you love cars? Get your start in the well paid and exciting world of Automotive Repair that could turn into your life passion. Work along side your mentor a Master Certified Technician while completing online modules such as: Electrical, Engine mechanical, Transmission, Drive train, Suspension & Steering, Heating & A/C, Engine Performance and Brakes.

CAR WASH/DETAILER/SHOP MAINTENANCE. Call or text 970-596-9999 for interview. PRECISIONAUTO.NET

CONSTRUCTION OPERATOR/

SERVICE TECHNICIAN/DISTRIBUTION

OPERATOR: Are you looking for a career opportunity in Gunnison Colorado?

Atmos Energy Corporation, one of the largest natural-gas-only distributors in the US, is looking to add a technician to our Gunnison, CO team. This position is responsible for distribution system construction and maintenance as well as customer service field activities. Atmos Energy requires attendance in several high quality training programs that requires travel (paid for by Atmos Energy). Due to our extensive training program, consideration will be given to all applicants regardless of previous experience.

The successful candidate must have a HS Diploma/GED and a valid driver’s license (CDL preferred). Candidate must be computer literate and willing to participate in random drug testing, per DOT regulations. This position requires standby and call-out for after-hours emergencies on a shared rotation typically every fourth week for a week at a time. Atmos Energy offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, 401k and paid time off. To apply, go to www. atmosenergy.com and click “Careers” no later than end of business day on 4/15/2023.

EOE M/F/D/V

THE TOWN OF MT CRESTED BUTTE IS HIRING FOR A FULL-TIME YEAR-ROUND

PLANNER II POSITION: The position of Planner II requires professional planning work in planning tasks associated with various aspects of the Town’s Community Development Department, such as processing advanced land use applications, maintaining and creating maps and other planning related graphical information, informing the public of planning regulations and procedures, conducting research and analysis for a variety of planning activities, and drafting town code amendments and regulations.

Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s degree in economic development, urban planning, marketing, business administration, public administration, real estate finance, or related field and three (3) years related experience.

-An equivalent combination of formal

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY

is seeking applicants for the following State of Colorado Classified positions.

Western’s benefit package includes Colorado PERA retirement, low-cost insurance plans (with generous employer contributions to medical/dental/vision), employee and dependent tuition benefits, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. All classified employees receive basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage at no cost.

Employee wellness programs and professional development trainings are available for FREE.

Administrative Assistant III (fulltime): This benefitted position is located in the Office of Academic Affairs. Responsibilities include clerical office support, receptionist duties, purchasing, travel and event planning, and student worker hiring/supervision. This position provides training and guidance to administrative assistants in various academic departments on campus.

Human Resources Assistant/ Administrative Assistant II (part-time): This is a benefitted, part-time position (average 20 hours/week) in the Office of Human Resources. Flexible work schedule negotiable. Responsibilities include administrative and clerical support to HR staff, departmental purchasing, record maintenance, information request processing, data tracking, report preparation and office receptionist duties (for visitors, phone, mail, email).

Security I (full-time): This benefitted position is scheduled for night shifts (8 p.m.-6 a.m.) and is paid an additional 14% per hour on weeknights and 20% more per hour on weekends. Responsibilities include patrolling campus, responding to violations and safety hazards, documenting incidents, conducting crowd/traffic control during campus events, working with local law enforcement to respond to criminal activity (as needed).

To view the full job announcement(s) and apply, visit western.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/western. AA/EOE

education and related work experience, which produces the knowledge, skill and ability required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.

-Preferred applicants will have experience in rural resort communities.

-Preferred applicants will have experience with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) platforms, including but not limited to ArcGis or ArcGis Pro.

-AICP certification preferred, or ability to obtain certification within one year of start date.

Starting salary range is $62,015 to $84,754, depending on qualifications and experience. Housing is available if needed. The town offers an amazing benefits package, including paid health, vision and dental insurance for you and your dependents, paid life insurance and long term disability insurance, 13 paid holidays a year, vacation time, sick time, and 401(a) retirement account. Applicant must have a seven year clean driving record. Applications will be accepted until a qualified pool of candidates is established, but preference will be given to applicants who apply before April 15, 2023. For the full job description please go to mtcb. colorado.gov. If you have any questions, please email or call Neal Starkebaum at nstarkebaum@mtcb.colorado.gov or 970349-6632 ext 117. To apply please email your cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov.

ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER SUMMER

INSTRUCTOR: The Adaptive Sports Center is seeking qualified adaptive instructors to facilitate exceptional adaptive sport and recreation activities for the 2023 Summer Season. Pay ranges from $20-$29/hour based on experience. Benefits for full time seasonal staff include pro-forms, certification and membership dues, exam reimbursement, paid sick days, 5-day stipend and a 401(k) match. More information and winter application is at www.adaptivesports. org – about us – careers.

DOS RIOS GRILL AND BAR está contratando cocineros de línea a tiempo completo y parcial AM y PM. Envie mensaje de texto al 979-530-3801 para programar un horario para hablar.

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR I – IV(LEAD):

The Town of Crested Butte Water Division is seeking a dedicated and customer service orientated individual for the full-time position of Water System Operator I – IV (LEAD).

*Entry Level applicants are encouraged to apply. Sponsorship for licensing and certification through CDPHE will be provided by the Town of Crested Butte. Placement in the Water System Operator position is based on organizational needs and candidate qualifications. (See general placement information).

Water System Operator IV (LEAD) placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class B Water Certification, Colorado Class

2 Distribution Certification, current backflow prevention certification and a minimum of 3+ years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Water System Operator III placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class B Water Certification, Colorado Class

2 Distribution Certification, and a minimum of 2+ years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Water System Operator II placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class C Water Certification, Colorado Class 1 Distribution Certification, and a minimum of 1+ years related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Water System Operator I placement requires possession of a current Colorado Class D Water Certification, Colorado Class 1 Distribution Certification, and a minimum of 6 months to 1 year of related experience or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary Water System Operator I – $50,529.96$61,146.98 ($24.29 - $29.40)

Water System Operator II - $50,957.64$61,885.54 ($24.50 - $29.75)

Water System Operator III - $55,297.08 -

$67,653.82 ($26.58 - $32.52)

Water System Operator IV (LEAD) -

$67,088.52 – $80,319.38 ($32.25 - $38.61)

Enjoy Industry Leading Benefits

Liberal paid vacation starting at time of hire, paid sick leave, 13 paid holidays per year.

100% medical, dental, vision, employer paid premiums for employee, and dependents.

Employer paid Health Reimbursement

Account (HRA) to offset medical, dental, and vision out of pocket costs.

Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability, and on-call premium pay.

Competitive employer matching contributions to 401(a) retirement plans, in addition to individual 457b retirement plan.

Full job description is available on the Town’s website townofcrestedbutte.com. Please email application to jobs@crestedbutte-co. gov or mail to the Town of Crested Butte, Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 39, Crested Butte, CO 81224. Position open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AA/EOE.

HYDROPONIC FARM MANAGER: Full time production of herbs and vegetables in a 200-tower indoor operation. Trains and supervises 2-3 employees, expands market for product with chefs and other wholesale buyers, conducts community outreach. Experience essential. $50K with benefits. More info at mountainrootsfoodproject.org.

THE TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE seeks applicants for a building inspector and efficiency coordinator position to join the Community Development team. The building inspector and efficiency coordinator performs a variety of commercial, industrial, and residential building and safety inspections of new and existing properties for compliance with Town adopted regulations and building codes and coordinates building efficiency and renewable energy programs for the Community Development Department’s responsibilities to the Town of Crested Butte’s Climate Action Plan. This yearround position includes an excellent benefits package with 100% employer paid employee and dependent health, dental, vision, life insurance and matching contributions to a retirement plan after one year of employment.

Starting salary is $50,958 – $60,585 DOQ. Full job description is available on the Town’s website at townofcrestedbutte. com. Please submit an application, cover letter and resume via email to HR at jobs@ crestedbutte-co.gov. The position is open until filled. The Town of Crested Butte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HELP THE ARTS and make good money. The Center for the Arts is hiring bartenders, event staff, and security staff positions. Join our team of creative professionals working to bring arts, culture and the community together. All levels of experience and availability invited to apply. $15-$23/hour DOE + tips. EOE. Email resume to melissa@ crestedbuttearts.org. Visit crestedbuttearts. org/about/employment/ for more information.

TODDLER PROGRAM TEAM MEMBERS:

Tenderfoot Child and Family Development Center is seeking early childhood qualified teachers to work with children aged 1-3 years old. Positions include both a Toddler Program Supervisor ($45,614/annually) and/or a part-time ($19.16/hr) or full-time ($21.16/hr) Toddler Lead Teacher. Our new toddler team will be offered consistent administrative and external support to transition the program to new leadership while maintaining quality programming for children and families. Benefits include paid time off, child care and continuing education. Email tfootdirector@gmail.com or call 970642-1949 for more information. EOE

THE TOWN OF MT CRESTED BUTTE is

excited to announce that we will be firing a summer horticulture internship. This opportunity is aimed at providing a student with field experience and education in park development, installation and maintenance of various garden projects with an emphasis on xeric, native plant species and conservation.

The second focus of the internship is to develop and implement a public education program to share the important role of native plants, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens in conserving natural ecosystems. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Interns will be required to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 weeks at $25/hour.

-Projects will include primarily outdoor field work in variable mountain and inclement weather conditions.

-Interns will have the opportunity to choose a project from a suggested list or special interest projects approved by the Parks Supervisor.

-Interns must be currently enrolled in a college institution.

-Intern work will be supervised by the Parks Supervisor and other staff.

Primary Tasks:

-Maintenance and selection of drought tolerant and xeric plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses, and bulbs.

-Perform seasonal landscape work including pruning, mowing, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing and transplanting, and leaf removal. -Scout and identify pests, disease, and invasive species.

-Participate in trash removal procedures, as needed.

For the full job description please go to mtcb. colorado.gov. If you have any questions, please email or call Tim Roybal at troybal@ mtcb.colorado.gov or 970-349-6632, ext 115.

To apply please email your cover letter and resume to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@ mtcb.colorado.gov.

IRWIN BACK COUNTRY GUIDES LLC is seeking a full-time, year-round global human resources administrator. This position will manage and maintain on-boarding, offboarding, payroll, benefits, HRIS processing, and perform additional administrative tasks for multiple global entities while embodying company values and holding strong ethical standards. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to handle high-pressure demands and competing priorities, and 1-2 years of professional experience in global payroll/benefits and/or broad HR management experience. The starting salary is $50,000-$65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualification, and includes full benefits. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/ careers/.

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring the following position: Housekeeping: flexible schedule available, starting pay $20-$25/hr. Employee benefits include complimentary golf rounds, employee discounts, and ski storage at the base area. For more information or to submit a resume, please email: jobs@clubatcrestedbutte.com.

LOOKING TO GET ROOTED THIS SUMMER? Connect with nature, planting and caring for perennial gardens throughout the valley. Laborer/Gardener positions available May 1-Oct. 31. Experience preferred but will train. Small company, good wages. Horizonfinegardens@gmail.com or 970-275-1020.

THE TAYLOR RIVER RANCH is looking to hire its summer staff. The positions are from May 15-Sept. 15. We are looking for a couple of cleaning, wait staff and flower gardening people. A yard, firewood and maintenance person. Must have valid drivers license. We pay a good wage and gas allowance. Possible housing. For more info call Rory or Becky 970-641-2606 or email rorynbirdsey@gmail.com.

EC ELECTRIC IS SEEKING

Journeyman & Residential Wireman for projects in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen. Top pay & Benefits.

Send resumes to info@ec-electric.com or call 970-641-0195 www.ec-electric.com/careers

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. And 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!”

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Intermediate Classroom Teacher -3rd and 4th grade (1 year only)

CBES

Primary Classroom Teacher -Kindergarten and 2nd grade (1 year only) CBES

Half-time Kindergarten-job share (1 year only)-CBES

GES ELL Teacher

Secondary Music Teacher-CBSS

Secondary Art Teacher-CBSS

.5 SPED/.5 RtI and InterventionCBES Counselor-CBES Counselor-GES-(1 year only)

Elementary Teacher-GES

English Language Arts Teacher -CBSS

Newcomer Teacher and Integration Specialist

Math Intervention Teacher-CBSS

CLASSIFIED OPPORTUNITIES

Food Service-CBCS and GCS

Building Manager-CBCS

Assistant Building Manager-CBCS

Lead Custodian-Lake School

Supervision EA-CBCS

Special Education EA- CBSS

Permanent Substitute-CBSS

Bus Drivers Substitute Teachers

Coaching: GHS-Speech and Debate

Please contact:

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

ALAN WARTES MEDIA IS HIRING:

We are looking for a creative and motivated person to join the Gunnison Country Times and Gunnison Country Shopper team.

Advertising Manager:

Duties:

• facilitate marketing for existing clientele

• foster relationships with new advertisers

• develop and implement creative marketing strategies

• work closely with production team

Skills:

• marketing experience preferred

• proficient in digital workflow

• preferred experience in CRM, Wordpress, Analytics, Trello, Google Drive

• effective self-starter with minimal supervision

• growth oriented

Compensation:

• minimum $50K per year, including commission

• two weeks paid time off

• flexible hours

• retirement benefits

• excellent team-oriented working environment

Send a resume with references to publisher@gunnisontimes.com.

IRWIN GUIDES is seeking a part-time seasonal office/sales assistant. The position will be responsible for assisting the Irwin Guides administrator with day-to-day operations included but not limited to data entry, completing and filing paperwork, interacting with guests face-to-face or via phone/email, booking trips and assisting with walk-in traffic and retail inquires/purchases.

A strong candidate will have knowledge of the outdoor industry and local activities, strong administrative skills, effective communication, both oral and written, is detail-oriented, responsive to delegation, and comfortable working independently and in a fast paced team environment. During the operational seasons this position will be required to work some early mornings and late afternoons, at least one weekend day per week, and some holidays as necessary. Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@ elevenexperience.com. This is a winter seasonal position starting at $18 - $20 a hour depending on experience and qualifications.

IRWIN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDES LLC is seeking a full-time, year-round human resources payroll administrator. This position will manage and maintain U.S. payroll, benefits, HRIS processing, and perform additional administrative tasks for multiple entities while embodying company values and holding strong ethical standards. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to handle high-pressure demands and competing priorities, a background in accounting, and 1-2 years of professional experience in payroll/benefits and/or broad HR management experience. The starting salary is $50,000-$65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualification, and includes full benefits. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers/.

ARE YOU TIRED OF WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS TO MAKE IT IN THE VALLEY? Iron Horse is looking for the right individual to join our expanding property care team. This individual is responsible for property inspections, inventories, and the overall quality and presentation of vacation rentals in our luxury inventory. You will work hand in hand with our maintenance, housekeeping and reservation teams to ensure that our guests experience vacation perfection. Pay starts at $22 per hour plus a company car, health insurance, on-call pay, paid vacation, ski or health and wellness pass, 5 day work week and more. If you are detail oriented, organized, punctual and only want the best, then submit your resume to steve@ ironhorsecb.com and qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Clean driving record is required. No phone calls please.

ELEVEN EXPERIENCE is seeking licensed massage therapists for our Colorado properties. Qualified applicants will possess current Colorado licensure and relevant experience to provide high-end massage and body treatments; yoga teacher certification is a plus. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, pays attention to detail, the ability to uphold a premium standard of service and guest interaction, and assists in promoting a supportive and cooperative team environment. This is a seasonal position for Summer 2023, starts May 15th, and is based in the Gunnison ValleyPlease submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@ elevenexperience.com.

LOADER OPERATORS NEEDED ASAP

IN CB: Very high pay for qualified people. Willing to train the right person. Ski pass and end of season bonus. Call Jean at 970-2758731.

ELEVEN EXPERIENCE is seeking hospitality and culinary/chef professionals for our Colorado properties, Scarp Ridge Lodge and Taylor River Lodge. Based in Crested Butte, we are a global adventure travel company that provides unparalleled experiences for our guests as well as an exciting work culture for staff. We currently have openings on both the culinary team and lodge staff team. Full-time, part-time, seasonal and year-round positions available. Applicants must be dedicated team players who thrive in a fast-paced work environment, have strong communication skills and are eager to contribute to a growing company.

Pay starting at $20/hour or more based on experience. Benefits include a generous tip pool, end of season ski pass bonus and retail discounts. Housing options available for the 2023 summer season. For more information on current openings and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers/. ** $500 sign-on bonus will be given to lodge staff positions that come on board for the summer season**

GARAGE / YARD SALES

CALLING ALL ANGLERS AND FLY

FISHERMEN: Large sale of fly fishing equipment, bags and inflatable boats, one is a North Fork outdoors 950 W Kershaw. Unit A Ogden. 601 N Taylor St. April 8, 10 a.m.12.30 p.m.

REAL ESTATE

GARAGE IN GUNNISON: $1,200 per month plus utilities 1000 s.f. Call 847-7697800.

OFFICE BUILDING FOR RENT: Available immediately at 210 W. Spencer. 3600 sq. ft. 8 individual offices, conference room, breakroom with microwave and refrigerator, copy room and separate manager’s office. 12 parking spaces, 1 handicapped. Rent and utilities negotiable depending upon length of lease. Snow removal and lawn care included. Contact Dan at 970-922-9910.

PRIME OFFICE SPACE on Main St. Five private offices. Client waiting/conference room, reception desk, 12 paved parking spaces. Call or text 970-596-9999 for more info.

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE: Almont co. complete remodel, 1 big bed, 1 big bath, still working on it, available to move in July

1. $75,000 lot fee $700 monthly. email kreesmas@yahoo.com or call 970-4040218.

FOR RENT: South 7 th Street Gunnison. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Pets ok small backyard $2500 plus utilities 847-769-7800 or liskorinternational@gmail.com.

WANTED

WANTED: Any vintage, modern or antique license plates. Cash paid based on age, rarity, condition, etc. Call/text Colin at 970367-7594.

Henaghan,Teacher

VI. Administrative Action Summaries

A. Superintendent Summary - Dr. Nichols

1. Successful Students

2. Strong Employees

3. Engaged Community

4. Healthy Finances

5. Functional Facilities-Bond Program Update

VII. Action Items

A. Consent Grouping

Note: Items under the consent grouping are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will not be separate discussion of these items prior to the time the board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be clarified or even removed from the grouping for separate consideration.

The Superintendent recommends approval of the following:

1. Board of Education Minutes

a. March 6, 2023 Regular meeting

2. Finance

Approve for payment, as presented by the Business Manager, warrants as indicated:

a. General Account # 42234-42385

b. Payroll Direct Deposit # 5555455941

3. Personnel* Bryon Roberts-Bus Driver-Transportation Justin Mills-Food Service-CBCS and GCS Greta Durbin-Permanent Substitute-CBES Laurel Cammack-requesting LOA for the 2023-24 school year Bob Piccaro-Resignation-Physical Education/Health-CBSS

Adrienne Edmunds Weil-Resignation-SPED teacher-CBES Brian Sutphin-Resignation-Industrial Arts teacher-GMS Kimberly Seefried-Resignation-SPED teacher-CBSS

4. Correspondence

B. New Business ACTION ITEMS 1-5

1. Administrator contract renewals

2. Special Services Providers contract renewals

3. Probationary Teacher contract renewals

4. Probationary Teacher contract nonrenewals

5. Consider Architect contract approval

6. First reading of policy:

a. JKA-Use of Physical Intervention and Restraint

C. Old Business

1. Consider approval of the 2023-24 Board of Education meeting dates- ACTION ITEM

2. Consider Architect Contract approval-ACTION ITEM

3. Second reading of policy: ACTION ITEM

a. DJB-Federal Procurement

3. Discuss Strategic Plan

4. Discuss Superintendent’s Evaluation Timeline

VIII. Comments from the public *Visitors who wish to address the Board, please make known via Zoom or if in-person, please complete the public participation form.

IX. Items introduced by Board Members a.

8498

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Gunnison Friends of the Library Annual Meeting

2023

Gunnison Friends of the Library’s Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm. The meeting will include the FOL board president’s summary of past year’s activities and plans for the future. The treasurer’s financial report from 2022 will be reviewed as well as the budget for the 2023 year. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Gunnison Public Library 1 Quartz St. in Gunnison

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado

Publication dates of March 30 and April 6, 2023

8378

NOTICE OF ELECTION

AVISO DE ELECCIÓN

SITIO ELECTORAL

A QUIENES CORRESPONDA, y, en particular, a los electores del Distrito Metropolitano de Recreación del Condado de Gunnison en el Condado de Gunnison y una porción de la esquina noroeste del Condado de Saguache, Colorado:

SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que las elecciones se llevarán a cabo el día 2 de mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 7:00 p.m. La Mesa Directiva del Distrito ha designado los siguientes lugares de votación:

1. Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, 401 Sopris Avenue, Crested butte, and

2. Fred Field Western Heritage Center, 275 South Spruce Street, Gunnison. En dicha elección, los electores del Distrito votarán por los Directores que servirán los siguientes términos en la Junta Directiva del Distrito.

Los nombres de las personas nominadas como director para un período de CUATRO

AÑOS son:

Brendan McClarney

Mary Haskell

Cassia Cadenhead

Liz Jordan

Ethan Mueller

Keith Bauer

March 3, 2023__________

Sue Wallace- Funcionario Electoral

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of April 6, 2023 8410

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOTICE OF ELECTION POLLING PLACE §1-13.5-502, C.R.S.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District in Gunnison County and a portion of the northwest corner of Saguache County, Colorado:

DOS RIOS GOLF CLUB RESAURANT AND BAR: Now hiring for AM/PM line cooks. Starting pay $21 per hour. Rate increase after two months. Please call 979-530-3801 to set up an interview. Free golf.

Restaurant opens April 1.

DO YOU HAVE MAINTENANCE SKILLS?

Are you looking for a full time year around position in the valley with great pay, health insurance, on-call pay, company vehicle, company phone, paid vacation, ski or health and wellness pass, 5 day work week, and more? Iron Horse Property Management is adding another position to our maintenance team and we are looking for the right individual to help maintain our luxury homes. We are looking for someone who has a great work ethic, maintenance skills, is punctual, and wants to quit having multiple jobs to make it in the valley. If this sounds like you, and you have a clean driving record, then please send your resume to steve@ ironhorsecb.com and qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please. Pay DOE.

NORTH FORK POOL PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR: Part-time, $30/hr, financial oversight, grant management, facilities oversight, 3 part-time employees. In Hotchkiss. Deadline April 21. https:// northforkrecreation.com/work-with-us/

SPALLONE CONSTRUCTION has immediate openings for laborers in the Gunnison, Crested Butte area. Experience required not required, but preferred. Must be able to assist laborer performing physical tasks involved in construction activities. Must have a valid drivers license, references required. $22/hr or higher depending on experience, benefits available after one year of employment. Please submit resume to: office@spalloneconstruction.com.

THE CLUB A CRESTED BUTTE is hiring an executive chef. This is a full-time yearround position with medical, retirement and vacation benefits. Salary range is $65,000$70,000/year. For more information or to submit a resume, please email jobs@ clubatcrestedbutte.com.

Legals AGENDA

Regular Meeting April 10, 2023

Lake School Conference Room

This meeting will be conducted in person and by distance using the video conferencing platform ZOOM Webinar. Please check the GWSD website for further instructions.

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Approval of Agenda ACTION

ITEM

V. Commendations, recognition of visitors, and public comment

*Visitors who wish to address the Board, please make known at the beginning of the meeting via Zoom or if in-person, please complete the public participation form.

1. Wrestling program discussion-Bob Williams

2. Achievement Center PresentationRobert Speer, SPED Director and Leia

X. Board Committee assignments for the 2022-23 school year District Accountability CommitteeMrs. Roberts School Accountability CommitteesMr. Martineau, Mrs. Mick, Mrs. Brookhart Gunnison County Education Association Negotiations- Mr. Taylor Gunnison County Education Association 3X3- Mr. Martineau Fund 26- Mrs. Mick Gunnison Valley Community Foundation- Mrs. Mick Gunnison Memorial ScholarshipMrs. Roberts Health Insurance Committee- Mr. Taylor

XI. Forthcoming Agendas/ Meeting Dates and Times

Monday, April 24, 2023 Work Session @5:30pm CBCS Library

Monday, May 8, 2023 Regular meeting@5:30 Gunnison/Lake School

Monday, May 22, 2023 Regular meeting/ Proposed Budget@5:30 CBCS Library

Monday, June 5, 2023 Regular meeting/ Budget Hearing Gunnison/Lake School

Monday, June 26, 2023 Regular meeting/Budget Adoption Gunnison/Lake School

GECA/GWSD Negotiations schedule

Wednesday, May 3rd 3:00pm –6:15pm

Public by ZOOM only

Thursday, May 11th 8:00am - 4:00pm

Public by ZOOM only

XII. Adjournment

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Board of Directors of the District have designated the following polling places:

Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, 401 Sopris Avenue, Crested Butte, and Fred Field Western Heritage Center, 275 South Spruce Street, Gunnison

At said election, the electors of the District shall vote for Directors to serve the following terms of office on the Board of Directors of the District.

The names of persons nominated as Director for a FOUR-Year Term are:

Brendan McClarney

Mary Haskell

Cassia Cadenhead

Liz Jordan

Ethan Mueller

Keith Bauer

March 3, 2023

Sue Wallace-Designated Election Official

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, CO

Publication date of April 6, 2023

8411

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE:

To the following parties that have their personal property stored at Plott’s Mini Storage, LLC. 312 W. Hwy 50 Gunnison, CO 81230.

All property will be sold or disposed of, unless claimed and/or all rent and fees paid prior to April 15, 2023

#55 Ephifania Lopez

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of March 30 and April 6, 2023

8352

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Melanie Lisa Janakas, Deceased

Case Number 23 PR 30008

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Gunnison County, Colorado on or before July 24, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

John J. Janakas, Personal Representative

c/o Kathleen L. Fogo, P.C.

Attorney for Personal Representative

P.O. Box 7200, Gunnison, CO 81230

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of March 23, 30 and April

6, 2023

8264

ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 4, SERIES 2023:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GUNNISON, COLORADO, AMENDING THE CITY OF GUNNISON LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTIONS

13 AND 16 TO CLARIFY AND IMPROVE INCENTIVES AND DEFINITIONS FOR WORKFORCE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Bethany Church

A full copy of the ordinance can be found on the City of Gunnison’s website at www. gunnisonco.gov in the City Council e-packet information or at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 201 West Virginia Avenue in Gunnison or by calling 970.641.8140.

Gunnison Country Times

Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of April 6, 2023

8438

PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF GUNNISON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, pursuant to Sections 6.5 and 10.3 of the Land Development Code of the City of Gunnison, Colorado, a public hearing will be held at the hour of 7:20 p.m. on the 26th day of April, 2023 in the City Council Chambers, Gunnison Municipal Building, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado on the merits of Major Change to a PUD application

ZA 23-4 submitted by the City of Gunnison to modify the VanTuyl Ranch PUD Standards regarding uses within the PUD Agricultural zone district. The real property is legally described as:

Parcels of land within the S1/2SE1/4SE1/4

Section 23, S1/2SW1/4SW1/4 Section 25, NE1/4, SE1/4, E1/2SW1/4, E1/2NW1/4

Section 26, NW1/4NE1/4, NE1/4NW1/4

Section 35, Township 50 North, Range 1 West, N.M.P.M, Gunnison County, Colorado

A complete legal description is available at the Community Development Department, 201 West Virginia, Gunnison, CO.

AT WHICH TIME AND PLACE you may attend and give testimony, if you so desire.

The public may attend Public Hearings and Regular and Special Sessions in person or remotely. To attend the meeting remotely go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82470461636

?pwd=RDBIdWhWSFQ4Rzc1RnZuZUJWW

C9WZz09

City of Gunnison, Colorado

Planning and Zoning Commission

/s/ Andie Ruggera, Senior Planner Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of April 6, 2023

909 N Wisconsin St. (behind Powerstop) • 970-641-2144

Two services at 9 & 10:30 am gunnisonbethany.com

9 am: Family Service with nursery & children’s church

10:30 am: Western Student Service with FREE lunch for college students following 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

Thursday, April 6, 5:30 PM, Second night Community Passover Seder potluck.@ Fred Field Center in Gunnison 298-278 S Spruce St, Gunnison.

Friday, April 7 ,7:15PM, Friday Shabbat Service, Oneg & Desert to follow @ The Elfenbeins home, 149 Zeligman, CB South.

Saturday, April 8,10:30AM, Coffee and Schmooze with Rabbi Mark Kula @ T-Bar Tea House 229 Elk Ave, Crested Butte. 5PM, Nordic/snowshoe followed by Havdallah. Meet at the Gronk parking lot.

Sunday, April 9 ,11AM, Torah Study hosted by Amy & Roger Rolfe at their home @ 42 Sydney Court, Gunnison

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.

PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF GUNNISON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, pursuant to Sections 6.5 and 10.3 of the Land Development Code of the City of Gunnison, Colorado, a public hearing will be held at the hour of 7:00 p.m. on the 26th day of April, 2023 in the City Council Chambers, Gunnison Municipal Building, 201 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado on the merits of Zoning Map Amendment application ZA 23-3 submitted by the City of Gunnison to rezone a property from Industrial to R3 - Multifamily Residential. The property is legally described as:

A portion of Parcel 2, Replat of Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, Reception Number 567008, City of Gunnison, Gunnison County, State of Colorado.

AT WHICH TIME AND PLACE you may attend and give testimony, if you so desire.

The public may attend Public Hearings and Regular and Special Sessions in person or remotely. To attend the meeting remotely go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82470461636 ?pwd=RDBIdWhWSFQ4Rzc1RnZuZUJWW C9WZz09

City of Gunnison, Colorado Planning and Zoning Commission

/s/ Andie Ruggera, Senior Planner

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of April 6, 2023

8412

PUBLIC NOTICE

MEETING NOTICE

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District Board of Directors Meeting Monday, April 24, 2023 5:30 PM

The Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (UGRWCD) will conduct a regular board meeting on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 5:30 PM at the UGRWCD Offices, 210 W.

Community Church of Gunnison

Spencer Ave., St. B, Gunnison, CO 81230 and via Zoom video/teleconferencing.

If you plan to attend the meeting via Zoom video/teleconferencing, please contact the District Office at (970)641-6065 for login information. A meeting agenda will be posted at the District Office prior to the meeting.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of April 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ATTENTION GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

The Saguache County Board of County Commissioners are accepting scholarship applications for graduating seniors who will be graduating high school in 2023.

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

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

Applications are due by April 14, 2023 and are available through our website at www. saguachecounty.colorado.gov to download the application or by contacting Wendi Maez at 719-655-2231 or by email at wmaez@ saguachecounty-co.gov.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication dates of February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 13, 2023.

7719

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that persons who are interested in seeking appointment to the board of directors of the undersigned District may submit their application to the Montrose County District Court 1200 No. Grand Ave. Bin A, Montrose, CO. 814013146, Case 94 CV 106 on or before May 11, 2023. The Court will then be requested to select six directors, two who are from Division I, two who are from Division II, and two who are from Division III of said District. A description of the geographical boundaries of said Divisions I, II, and III may be obtained from the District’s Office. Each applicant must be from the specific Division applied for, must have resided within the District for a period of one year, must be the owner of

Faith Directory

Gunnison Congregational Church

real property within the District, and must be knowledgeable in water matters. Application may be obtained from the District. Bostwick Park Water Conservancy District. 400 S. 3rd St. Montrose, CO 81401; Telephone: 970.249.8707; Facsimile: 970.252.7168

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of April 6, 2023

8506

REQUEST FOR BIDS

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The City of Gunnison is requesting bids from qualified contractors to clean the city irrigation ditches. The contractor will be responsible for digging out and cleaning ditches throughout the city. Contractor must supply the equipment and labor for the work. The equipment must include a mini excavator and a dump truck. The contract consists of approximately 80-100 hours of work to begin on or about April 14, 2023 or as weather permits. All work must be completed no later than May 12, 2023. For additional information please contact Mike Rogers at 970-641-8381, mrogers@gunnisonco.gov . Please submit sealed bids, clearly marked “2023 Ditch Cleaning Bid” on the outside of the envelope, to the City of Gunnison, Public Works Department, 1100 W. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230. Bids are due and at 1:30 p.m. on April 10, 2023. Late bids will not be accepted.

Copies of RFB documents are located and only available on BidNetDirect.com. These RFB documents can be accessed from the City of Gunnison’s Solicitation section on the Finance department webpage at the following web address. www.gunnisonco. gov/rfp.

The City of Gunnison has a local preference policy. For details, please refer to section 20.20.170 of the City of Gunnison Purchase Policy in the web link below. http://cms5.revize.com/revize/gunnisonco/ docs/Finance/Purchasing%20Policy%20 Rewrite%2018.10.09.pdf

The City of Gunnison will select the bid deemed to be in the best interest of the City. The City reserves the right not to proceed with the project if necessary.

Gunnison Country Times Gunnison, Colorado.

Publication date of April 6, 2023 8424

107 N. Iowa • 970-641- 0925

Pastor Larry Nelson

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Nursery & Age-Graded Ministry

Weekly Student Ministry

Weekly Adult LifeGroups

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9:00-4:00

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

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

Transforming Lives • Building Community

First Baptist Church

120 N. Pine St. • 970-641-2240

Pastor Jonathan Jones

9:30 A.M. Share & Prayer Fellowship

10 A.M. Sunday School Classes

11 A.M. Morning Worship Service

6 P.M. Evening Service

Wednesday 7 PM - Children's Patch Club

Gunnison Bible Institute

Thursday 7 PM - College & Career Christian Fellowship www.firstbaptistgunnison.org.

THE Good Samaritan

Episcopal Church

307 W. Virginia Ave. • 970-641-0429

Rev. Laura Osborne, Vicar

Sunday Morning Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9 a.m.

Children's Sunday school 9 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.

Office Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

www.goodsamaritangunnison.com

Visit our partnership church: All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Sunday 5 p.m. Union Congregational Church, 407 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte.

United Church of Christ

317 N. Main St. • 970-641-3203

Open and Affirming

Whole Earth · Just Peace

Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

Casual, Relaxed, “Come As You Are” Worship www.gunnisonucc.org

Grace Covenant Church Gunnison

101 N. 8th St. Gunnison

Meeting at the Historic 8th St School House

Reformed, Confessional & committed to Expository preaching

Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Thursdays 1:00 p.m.

Women's Bible Study gracegunnison.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

711 N. Main • 970-641-1860

Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays Church Service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays

Pastor Robert Carabotta, Pastor Jacob With

New Song Christian Fellowship

77 Ute Lane • 970-641-5034

A Christ Centered

Gospel Sharing Community

Sunday 10am / Wednesday 7pm www.newsonggunnison.net

Rocky Mountain Christian Ministries

1040 Highway 135 (1/4 mile N. of Spencer Ave.) • 970-641-0158

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30am

Nursery and Children’s ministry through Middle School “Remedy” Worship Nights Small Group Ministries www.rmcmchurch.org

St. Peter’s Catholic Church 300 N. Wisconsin • 970-641-0808 Fr. Andres Ayala-Santiago www.gunnisoncatholic.org www.crestedbuttecatholic.org or call the Parish Office.

St. Peter's - Gunnison Sat 8:30 am, 5 pm & Sun 10:30 am, 12:00 pm (Spanish) Mass

First Sunday of every month bilingual Mass at 11am Queen of All Saints - Crested Butte, 401 Sopris Sun 8:30am Mass

St. Rose of Lima - Lake City Communion Service, Sat 4:00pm

Trinity Baptist Church

523 N. Pine St. • 970-641-1813

Senior Pastor - Joe Ricks

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM www.trinitybaptistsgunnison.com

Don't SELL them. Tell them a great STORY.

-Death notification assist from out of state

-Agency assist to the Mt. Crested Butte Police department with searching a vehicle belonging to a

MetRec finalizes 2023 grant program

District bringing on new grant review board and piloting multi-year funding

The Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) held a public meeting on March 15 to field community input about its upcoming grant program, offering a biggerthan-ever pot of funding for the Gunnison Valley. Board members discussed the grant review process and fielded questions about the application, before finalizing language and rolling the application out for the community on April 3.

The total pool available is just over $550,000, budgeted from both district-wide and North Subdistrict tax collections. The over half a million dollars in grant funding is aimed at recreation, bolstered by the recent passage of ballot measure 6B, which approved an additional two mills for property owners in the North Subdistrict. MetRec consolidated various funding opportunities into three buckets: capital improvements, nonprofit operations and community collaboration.

The grant review process is changing this year. For the first time, MetRec will have an independent grant review board, who will score the grants and then rank order them. A MetRec subcommittee will use those rankings to provide funding recommendations to the board, newly elected this spring, which will ultimately choose recipients.

Meeting attendee Jana Barrett asked what would happen if grant requests fell short of the over half a million dollar budget. There’s no clear plan if that were to happen, said MetRec District Manager Derrick Nehrenberg, but “it would blow my mind if we didn't spend that money.”

There will be only one grant funding round. South Subdistrict applicants — including Gunnison residents — are only eligible for the regional pot, but North Subdistrict residents are eligible for both the regional and the North Subdistrict pot, as voters chose to tax themselves an extra two mills through 6B. Barrett brought up the question of equitable access to the funding, probing the district’s allocation process for both the region-

wide funds and those specific to the North Subdistrict.

She wondered how money would be allocated if one contingent of the valley had access to both “pots,” while the other did not, questioning the possibility of region-wide funds flowing preferentially to the North or South subdistrict.

Nehrenberg said her question had been discussed internally and with stakeholders at length. The grant review process is not formulaic for a reason, he said. Ultimately, the board is responsible for making funding decisions and he is trying not to create unnecessary rules that may limit the ability of the board to do its job.

"I want to be careful about inventing rules,” he said. “I really want to make sure we're being very open and transparent that we want to see the best quality applications from anybody who wants to submit them and we're going to fund them to the best of our ability.”

The City of Gunnison already has a recreation tax and a recreation department and has historically not applied for recreation funding as frequently as their Crested Butte counterparts. Nehrenberg estimated that even with the increased funding this year, that pattern may remain the same.

But down-valley money has gone a long way in previous years. The Gunnison High School boys soccer team needed to raise nearly $20,000 to move the team from probationary to non-probationary status within the Colorado High School Activities Association. Starting in 2020, MetRec joined the cause, granting $3,200 the first year, and then $4,000 and $4,200 the following years.

“MetRec was super instrumental and just so generous in terms of helping us out with that,” said Head Coach Susan Powers. “Just believing in the value of the program and what it offered to the community.”

In past years, MetRec has funded the Gunnison Senior Center, the Gunnison Arts Center and the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. The nearly $17,000 to the fairgrounds in 2021 facilitated the installation of solar-powered lights that help dog-walkers and horseback riders enjoy the space later in the evening.

Fairground Manager Melody Roper said the money has made the space safer for community members, providing a quiet walking area off the main drag.

“There’s always things on your wish list of things,” she said. “It's just really nice to have an oppor-

This 6,080 sq. ft. building was custom built as a state of the art Cannabis growing facility and produced premier products for the past 8 years. It would also make an incredible organic year-round vegetable, floral or other growing facility. Other uses are allowed per the rules and regs of Gold Basin Industrial Park. Incredible HVAC system for heat, ventilation and cooling allows you to regulate temperatures. High quality commercial electrical and plumbing. operation with monitoring system and it is also plumbed for CO2. Electrical has 2600 amps and is in commercial conduit. Building has 4 large growing rooms equipped with electrical, water and drainage vault area, airlock entry to a kitchen and bathroom area with a private can be set up and growing in a matter of a few days. Very reasonable land lease with Gunnison County and the 2.1 acres has lots of room to expand. Lease has another 10 plus years left on it and Lessee may extend the lease term for an additional 20 years.

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tunity to apply for grant funding [from MetRec], especially for recreation, so I'm very appreciative of them.”

The district is also piloting two additional multi-year grant programs in 2023 for operations and collaboration. These grants may offer a long-term funding solution for organizations in the valley who apply for the same money year-after-year, or that have projects limited by inconsistent annual funding.

A stipulation in the multiyear grants, which are capped at $100,000 annually, is that the organization has applied for funding with MetRec before. The board discussed that rule at length, Nehrenberg said, but ultimately decided to keep it.

“It's a bigger commitment on the part of MetRec, on the part of the taxpayer dollars,” Nehrenberg told the Times. “So we just want to be more careful and the best way to get experience with somebody is to work with them before you make a big commitment.”

The multi-year operations grants need clearly defined budgets, laying out exactly how the organization is providing a “vital” service to the community.

“MetRec’s mission is to promote vital recreation opportunities,” he said. “So it spills down into our funding aims, as well as: ‘What is it about our funding that's vital to your organization? How was it gonna make a difference? How was it meeting a vital need?’”

Grant applications are due May 26. The board will vote on and award the grants at its board meeting on July 19.

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

I really want to make sure we’re being very open and transparent, that we want to see the best quality applications from anybody who wants to submit them.

Derrick Nehrenberg MetRec District Manager

End of season boogie

Disco music boomed from the Crested Butte Center for the Arts last Friday night, March 31, as partygoers got down at KBUT’s annual fundraising party, Disco Inferno.

FIRST

FRIDAY

art walk & music

APR 7, 2023 • 5-8P.M.

GUNNISON GALLERY

We need your vote for the 17th Annual Cat & Dog Art Show for GVAWL with the CATegory “Feline Groovy” and the DOGegory “Wonder Dog”. It is a $5 donation for GVAWL to vote for Best of Show. Also Facepainting by Patricia and Live Guitar Music by MATTHEW GRANT. Public vote continues until April 27th.

124 N. Main St. • 970.641.6111

In the Main Gallery, Gunnison High School Students will be showing their Senior Exhibition. In the upstairs Treadway Gallery, Lisa Stoorza will be showing “Gunnison, in the Round.” Julian Young will be playing live music as well! 102 S. Main St. • 970.641.4029

GUNNISON PIZZA

Julian Young: keys & vocals. GAC: 5pm-8pm. GPC: 9pm-12am. Late Night Food Menu: starts 9pm. Full Sports Bar: 11am-close. Closing time is business dependent so bring the party & We’ll keep our doors open & drinks flowing until 2am! GunnisonPizza.com | @gunnisonpizza 303 E. Tomichi Ave. • 970.641.1110

JURIED ART SHOW

Works Juried By: Ivy Kim Food, drinks, art. 5:00 - 8:00pm Route begins at Quigley Gallery.

High Alpine Brewing Company • 111 N. Main Mario's Pizza & Pasta • 213 W. Tomichi

The Dive Pub • 213 W. Tomichi

WESTERN BOXING EXCELS AT NATIONALS

Legendary coach Tom Barber recounts 50 years running the club

Determined smiles lined the faces of the Western Colorado University boxing club team on April 4 as the athletes suited up for practice in the corner of the Mountaineer Field House. This year, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary with an electric performance at the national tournament, resulting in three podium finishes.

Head Coach Tom Barber led Monday’s training session, just as he has for the majority of the past five decades. The athletes who earned those podium fi nishes — club president Daniel McCord, junior William Bradley and senior Christian Gerster — were already back to work after only a week of rest.

A timer buzzed as boxers between the ages 6 and 23 worked the bags, jumped rope and sparred in the ring. Barber’s booming voice critiqued speed bag technique and complemented a younger boxer on his jabs and hooks.

Barber is often seen hollering across the gym, ordering boxers to enter the ring, or directing the kids' training drills. Steeped in decades of coaching, he often puts his arm around athletes and tells long-winded stories of legendary boxers in the 70s and

80s. Occasionally he punctuates his stories with a shadow boxing demonstration, illustrating a specific move or style of fighting.

On March 23, the boxing club competed at the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Tournament at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. Over the course of three days, four Western fighters battled against 20 other colleges, including some of the largest in the country.

Despite Western’s modest size, the Mountaineers made quite the statement. McCord, who was the 2022 national champion, excelled at the tournament and finished runnerup in the 154 pound national championship. Bradley, who’s only been boxing for six months, finished second in the 188 pound national champion bracket, and Gerster walked away with a third-place finish in the 175 pound tournament.

Bradley said the tournament went much better than he expected, considering his relatively minimal experience as a boxer.

“This was the first time I was competing, and I got everything I could have asked for,” he said.

“I had my first fight that wasn’t

Boxing B2

super hard, and then a second that was a real battle, and then I got to lose, so all the bases were covered.”

Barber said he was proud of his four boxers, and highlighted the slight margins that determined the champions.

“In the finals we had a couple split-decisions, where three judges voted for one guy and two for the other, we had a few really close matches — but that’s okay, that’s boxing,” Barber said. “We did well and had a great time. It was a great experience for these guys.”

With gear stashed in a plastic closet, and a ring tucked away in the corner of the Western track, Western boxers have been turning heads for 50 years due in large part to Barber, the club's passionate curator.

Barber’s involvement with not just the Western boxing club team but the sport in general spans decades, state lines, levels of competition and age groups. It began in 1972 when, as a student gridiron player at Western State College, a knee injury forced him off the football field.

Looking for a next step, he founded the club himself. In its early years, the club toured beginner fighters around the state, competing in “smokers,”

un-sanctioned, single ghts. Eventually the athletes made the jump to sanctioned amateur competition, finishing out at the Colorado Golden Glove tournament. The success came early. In 1974, Western won the team state championship ahead of the Army and Air Force teams. But it wasn’t just a team victory, Barber himself won the middleweight state champion in 1974, and open division heavyweight champion in 1975.

Upon graduation, Barber left Gunnison to pursue graduate school in Denver where he began training with famed boxers George Foreman, Ron Lyle

and Bobby Lewis: the head of the 1972 Olympic boxing squad. This hands-on training from professionals directly impacted Barber’s success.

He won the 1976 Rocky Mountain Olympic Trials Gold Medal, and the Silver Medal in the western U.S. Olympic trials. Barber returned to Gunnison in 1984 and restarted the boxing club. He has continued to coach the club while also running a therapeutic home for Reactive Attachment Disorder (R.A.D.) kids in the Gunnison Valley.

By combining his passion for boxing and youth therapy, Barber trains foster kids alongside the

Western boxing clubs. He said he finds the discipline taught through boxing is beneficial for those struggling with childhood trauma.

“I believe that with college and younger kids, part of your positive self concept is to get pretty good at something — and to be able to work at something, and see yourself improve,” he said. “Boxing, along with music, art, sports, is so helpful for the kids we work with.”

In the corner of the Mountaineer Field House, local middle school athletes and young ones from Barber’s foster program mix with the college-age

boxers. On paper, the two programs are separate. The college athletes are officially a part of the Western club team while everyone else is under the umbrella of the ‘Gunnison Boxing Club’. Barber’s attention and training is the same regardless. He’s just as patient and clear with a six year old as a Golden Gloves Champ. On Tuesday, while the collegiate fighters warmed up on speed bags, the younger kids ran laps around the track before suiting up with gloves and mouthguards. Barber pits the college boxers against each other in brief sparring sessions. Then he switches it up and sends Carter Jones, a 6 year old, into the ring to spar with McCord. The height difference had everyone laughing.

McCord, who won the national title and Golden Gloves in 2022, said the legendary coach is a predominant reason he is attending Western.

“I’d like to mention how much Tom has impacted this club. He is the reason I’m at this school and have continued to box and succeed for so long. He’s helped me develop into the fighter that I am,” McCord said.

Barber, standing nearby, said, “Dan, I told you I’m not gonna pay you for the good press!”

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

A look back at March’s not-so-exceptional weather

HIGH ALTITUDE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY MASTER OF SCIENCE

THESIS DEFENSE SCHEDULE – SPRING 2023

Macey Arseculeratne: Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning on Inflammatory Markers in Female College Soccer Players

Friday, April 7, 1:00pm

Gym 203

Nicole Lewis: The Effect of High Intensity Functional Training on Framingham 10-year Risk of Heart Attack

Monday April 10th, 3:00pm

Kieran Nay: The Effects of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Altitude Performance in Cyclists Acclimated to 2,348

Meters

Tuesday, April 25, 4:30pm

Gym 205

Kai Emmsley: Importance of Reactive Strength Index in NCAA Athletes and Correlation to Injury and Performance

Jacob Stroup: The Effects of a Supplemental Grip Strength Training Protocol on Bench Press One Repetition Max Performance in Collegiate Track and Field Athletes

Monday, May 1, 2:00pm

Gym 205

Yes, March 2023 weather has been unusual, but it isn’t that exceptional. First, some data and then I’ll compare it to other years.

The average high temperature was 33.9 degrees compared to the long-term average of 41.9. The average low temperature was 8 compared to the long-term average of 11.6. The average temperature for the whole month of March was 20.9, compared to the long-term average of 26.8. Okay, that’s impressive.

We also tied the long-term low record of 8 below on March 28. And the snowfall was 16.8 inches compared to 6.7 inches average. Yes, it was much colder and snowier than what we’re used to in recent years, but let’s look at some other years not too long ago.

The average temperature for the month was 20.9 degrees, but it was 16.8 in 2008, 19 in 1984 and way above the record of 15 set in 1914. That temperature of 20.9 comes in as the 15th coldest in our long-term hit parade. Our average low temperature of 8 degrees looks pretty balmy compared to the record of 3.4 below zero of 1914. The graph attached from Alantha Garrison from the Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) puts it into perspective.

The snowfall of 16.8 inches stands up better to the past, but have you forgotten March of 1995

when we had 17.4 inches? The record is 25 inches set in March, 1924, however, that 17.4 inches pushes us up closer to a near normal long-term snowfall of 50 inches.

We now have 41.7 inches of snow for the season starting in September, and we’re due for some more. In the last 30 years we’ve been averaging only 40 inches of snow.

Finally, how about the snowpack on the ground? Officially, Alantha shows 7 inches at the end of March (I get between 8 and 9 inches in my backyard), and 14 inches for the maximum for the month. But, that’s not as great as you might think. There was 19 inches in March of 2019, 33 inches in March of 2008 and 25 inches in March of 1984.

PS — It’s looking better for Blue Mesa Reservoir. Crested Butte is above average with 212 inches of snowfall, (seems like more than that, walking around town) and Gothic comes in at 330 inches for the 2022-23 season. Latest prediction is to get 73% of a full reservoir — but there’s still a long way to go.

“It would take something like six years in a row like this year to refill these reservoirs, and no one thinks that’s very likely,” said Brad Udall, senior water and climate scientist at the Colorado State University Colorado Water Center. “I don’t think we’re ever going to see these reservoirs fill fully again, based on what we’ve seen in the last 23 years and based on what climate science tells us we’re in for in the future.”

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

Gym 205

Allison Dages: The Dose Response Relationship with Insulin Resistance and High Intensity Functional Training in a Metabolic Syndrome Population

Monday April 10th, at 4:30

Gym 205

Daniel Vargas:strate Utilization Patterns Using Ventilatory Thresholds as Markers of Exercise Intensity.

Wednesday, April 12, 11:00am

Gym 203

Emma Cantril: The Effects of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning on Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and C-Reactive Protein in Female Collegiate Soccer Players

Monday, April 17, 2:00pm

Gym 205

Wednesday, April 26, 5:00pm

Gym 205

Adam Orynczak: The Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia on Cognitive Function and Motor Coordination at Altitude

Thursday, April 27th, 4:30 pm

Gym 205

Alex Mason: Protection from Endothelial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Post-menopausal Women Using Remote Ischemic Preconditioning

Friday, April 28th at 1:30pm

Gym 204

Hannah Mae Gigstad: The Effects of Heat Acclimation on Vascular Function in Post-Menopausal Women

Friday, April 28th at 4:00 PM

Gym 205

Gillian Cullen: The Effect of a Single Session of High Intensity Functional Training on Endothelial Function

Monday, May 1, 4:00pm

Gym 205

Benjamin Juckett: A Proof-ofConcept Investigating Lactate Administration on Endothelial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Wednesday, May 3, 2:00pm Gym 205

Gabriel Sams: Impact of Ischemic Preconditioning on Maximal Accumulated Oxygenners at High Altitude

Friday, May 5, 2: 00pm Gym 205

FEES: $2.00 PER GALLON/POUND ($2.00 MINIMUM)

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AND MUCH MORE WILL BE ACCEPTED:

PEOPLE & HAPPENINGS

Easter egg hunt

The American Legion Auxiliary will hold its annual Easter egg hunt for kids ages 1-9 in Jorgensen Park on Sunday, April 9. Music, hot dogs and a bouncy house will be provided by The Rising Church.

1971 GHS Football Memorial Foundation Scholarship

Applications for the 2023

NOTICE OF GUNNISON COUNTY, BLM, AND USFS

Gunnison County, the BLM, and the U.S. Forest Service will be closing roads to all motor vehicles to protect Gunnison sage-grouse during their mating season and to prevent road damage during the wet spring conditions. The cooperation of the public is required to successfully implement these road closures.

Gunnison County, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U. S. Forest Service (USFS) have temporarily closed a number of roads to all motor vehicles to protect Gunnison sage-grouse during their mating season and to prevent road damage during wet spring conditions.

These roads are closed March 15 and will reopen on May 15, 2023. The U.S. Forest Service closures in the Flat Top Mountain area north of Gunnison extends through June 15 to protect nesting Gunnison sage-grouse, and an area closure prohibiting all human uses in the Almont Triangle between Hwy 135, County Road 742, and County Road 813.

These include Henkel Road and Smokey Bear access roads.

BLM roads across the basin are subject to the motorized closures except for Hartman Rocks north of the Powerline Road.

Roads and trails in the north end of Hartman’s are subject to closure based on winter and mud conditions but those will open when roads and trails dry out.

Signal Peak roads and trails on BLM lands remain closed to motorized use from January 1 to May 15 to protect wintering wildlife.

Mechanized use on Signal Peak is allowed east of the Signal Peak Rd beginning May 1 after 10 am.

There is a human use closure on Signal Peak from March 15 to May 15; affected trails include: The Ridge, Rasta Gulch, and Chicken Wing.

Copies of the closure list and maps are available at Gunnison County Public Works, 195 Basin Park Drive; Gunnison

Virginia Ave; Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Gunnison, Colorado.

These closures apply to all motorized vehicles. Do not park at the closures in a manner that blocks access through the closure gates. All non-motorized trail users are also requested to use Gunnison Basin roads/trails only after 9 a.m. during this period to help reduce disturbance to sage-grouse. For additional information call Gunnison County Public Works at 641-0044; BLM at 642-4940; or the U.S. Forest Service at 641-0471.

GUNNISON COUNTY LANDFILL SATURDAY HOURS

Please be advised that the Gunnison County Landfill will RE-OPEN ON SATURDAYS effective April 8, 2023. We are currently still within the sage grouse restriction period so hours of operation will be 9:00a.m. to 3:30p.m. until May 15, 2023 then will change to 8:00a.m. to 3:30p.m. If you have any questions please contact Gunnison County Public Works Department at 970-641-0044 or Gunnison County Landfill at 970-641-5522.

GUNNISON COUNTY LANDFILL SAGE GROUSE • HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This change in hours is to reduce disturbance to Gunnison

the Record of Decision issued by the Bureau of Land Management. If you have any questions please contact

1971 GHS Football Memorial Foundation Scholarships are now open. All GHS graduates of any age are eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients may use the scholarship at universities, JC or community colleges or trade schools. Deadline to apply is April 28. Apply online at 1971ghsfootballmemorial. org/scholarships or call Matt Robbin at 970.596.0715 or Roxie Rule at 970.275.5326.

Time travel dance party

Celebrate the return of Spring by having fun with your friends and family — all while supporting the Gunnison Arts Center. Join us on April 15 from 7-10 p.m. for live music, raffle prizes, costumes, cocktails, free food and more. Tickets are $35.

Cat and Dog Art Show

The 17th annual Cat and Dog Art Show at the Gunnison Gallery to benefit Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League will be held April 1-29. Enter one cat photograph or painting with the theme “Feline Groovy,” and enter one dog with the theme “Wonder Dog.” All photos should be 8.5 x 11 inches, and the entry fee is $5 per picture. Public voting for $5 begins April 7 during the First Friday’s ArtWalk and ends on April 27. Call 970.641.6111 for more information.

CBMT presents poignant play

“She Kills Monsters” is a story about a woman struggling to lead a normal life as she embarks on an adventure through a Dungeons & Dragons module created by her dead sister as a way to connect with her. This comedic drama deals with the problems of young adulthood and how they so often follow us through life. Show dates are April 7 and 8 p.m. at the Mallardi Cabaret Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 for the show at 7 p.m. For tickets visit cbmountiantheatre.org

Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee

The next meeting of the Gunnison Basin Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee will be held April 19 at 10 a.m. via Zoom or in the Planning Commission meeting room at the Blackstock Government Center. For more updated information, including the most recent agenda and access to the virtual meeting, please visit gunnisoncounty.org.

Easy Jim

Celebrate the live Grateful Dead experience with Easy Jim at the Almont Resort on April 8 for the finale concert of the 2022/2023 Winter Snow Dance Concert Series put on by the I Bar Ranch. Doors open at 7 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Find tickets at thealmontresort.com.

Auditions for “Tigers Be Still”

Join us at the Mallardi for a cold read audition for “Tigers Be Still.” The play is a sardonic comedy about the tedium of modern life and relationships. Auditions will be held April 910 from 5-8 p.m. The roles we need to fill are Sherry (female lead, 20s), Zack (male lead, teen), Joseph Moore (male supporting, 50s) and Grace (female supporting, 20s). Rehearsals will be Mon-Wed from 6-8 p.m. for the show May 25-27 and June 1-3.

“Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire” screening

On April 11, Crested Butte’s Majestic Theatre will screen “Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire” at 6:30 p.m. Filmed in Oregon and narrated by David Oyelowo, Elemental takes viewers on a journey with the top experts in the nation to better understand fire. The film starts with the harrowing escape from Paradise, California as the town ignited from wind-driven embers and burned within a few hours of the fire's start and then continues to recent record shattering fires. Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire includes the voices of climate experts, Indigenous people and fire survivors, and asks us to reimagine our relationship with wildfire as we prepare for an increasingly hotter future.

GUNNISON ARTS CENTER BRIEFS

Pastels & Palomas

Let’s pop some bubbly and have fun drawing your favorite landscapes with chalk pastels on April 20 from 6-9 p.m. Pastels allow for so many different styles. This will be the perfect space for artists of all skill levels to come and play

with a new medium and help find their own style within their landscape drawings. Landscape reference photos will be provided but feel free to bring your own photographs. The instructor is Katie Briggs and the cost is $45 per person and $140 for a group of four.

Tips for tax time

Understanding

2023 changes can help avoid surprises

‘Tis the season once again for W2s and 1040s. In English, that is tax refund season. But not so fast. I am already hearing stories about refunds being smaller than last year. A few pandemic era trends and tax law changes are probably at fault. Check out these possible causes:

Multiple employers. More people have multiple paychecks these days. The causes are many, including inflation, stage of life and cost of living. We recently talked with my wife’s cousin who has lived in Hawaii for almost 20 years. Hawaii is very progressive with its employee benefit laws. For example, employers provide health and short term disability benefits for any employees that work half time (20 hours/week) or more. He then shared with us that the unintended consequence of the law is that many workers in Hawaii have two or three jobs where they work less than 20 hours per week.

The tax surprise with multiple paychecks comes at the end of the year when we find that none of our employers withhold enough tax. This happens because our employer’s payroll software doesn’t know that you have income from another job and assumes that your 20-hour a week job is your only income. Because our tax rates increase as your income increases, the income from the second job may be taxed at a higher rate, but your withholding isn’t being increased to reflect that.

The side gig. The ‘gig economy’ was in motion long before the pandemic, but it has amplified the popularity of the side hustle. Uber, Lyft, Turo and AirBnB are early examples that are now household names. My son— in addition to his W2 job — drives for DoorDash while going to college. DoorDash is 1099 income — meaning no taxes are withheld, and it is considered self-employment income. Self-employment has its own set of taxes in addition to income tax, which is often a surprise when people first venture into the self-employment arena.

Working spouses. Spousal income can create the same phenomenon as above whether you are filing jointly or separately. Tax rates and brackets (and many other elements of the income tax calculation) are based on your household income. Only you know your full household income picture. If you owed taxes last year and want to change that, divide the amount owed by the number of pay periods you have left in the year, and have your employer(s) increase your paycheck withholding by that amount.

Child Tax credits. During the pandemic, the Child Tax Credit was increased to $3,000 or $3,500 and has now come back down to

$2,000 in 2022. With a kid turning 17 last year, we lose one of our child tax credits, so our income tax bill is higher by $2,000 than it would be if he were still 16. In addition to the decrease in child tax credit, some taxpayers have been receiving their credits monthly throughout the year rather than with their tax filing at year end. If this credit has been a refund source in years past, it may not be this year.

Education tax credits – do your homework. In helping our college student file his taxes last year, we found that there are a few education deductions and credits available. It took some reading and research to figure which one was the best benefit. Your student’s net tuition cost, your household income and college savings accounts will all impact which education tax benefit is best for your family. We found that our tax software struggled with finding the best answer, too, so check with a tax preparer if anything seems amiss or too good to be true.

If you are looking to increase your refund, you may still be eligible for a retirement or health savings account contribution. That means spending money to get a larger refund. More on that in a future column. For now, understanding how these changes affect our personal economy, and how we adjust, may be the money wisdom that allows us to take advantage of bigger opportunities in the years ahead.

(Boyd along with his wife, Sharalee, share a passion for financial literacy, and have been blessed to raise three children in the Gunnison Valley over the last two decades.)

Western students win awards at wildlife conference

Western Colorado University’s student chapter of the Wildlife Society brought home several awards for research and presentations at the Colorado chapter of the Wildlife Society’s annual meeting in Grand Junction in March. Alyssa Rawinski, Brandon Skerbetz, Lauren Hirsch and Mia MacNeil all received honors. Rawinksi received the Allen Anderson Award for the Outstanding Wildlife Student. Skerbetz earned an award for a presentation on his master’s thesis work locating and determining whether Mexican spotted owls reside in the state. Hirsch brought home a $1,500 scholarship for the resume, transcript, letters of reference and an essay she submitted. MacNeil won the best ‘Ignite Talk’ — a rapid-fire, five-minute presentation in which the speaker presents alongside slides that change every 30 seconds.

Dos Rios Golf Club Restaurant & Bar

Now hiring for AM/PM Line cooks • Starting pay $21.00 per hour Rate increase after 2 months, FREE GOLF. Please call 979-530-3801 to set up an interview.

ALSO HIRING FOR MAINTENANCE & GROUNDS CREW ON SITE INTERVIEWS WEDNESDAY THRU SATURDAY 3PM-6PM AT 501 CAMINO DEL RIO PLEASE CALL 979-530-3801 WITH QUESTIONS

ThePartnershipoftheEpiscopalChurchinGunnisonValley

HOLYWEEK& EASTERWORSHIPTIMES

JoinusforHoly Weekservices.

Experiencethe passion,death,and resurrectionof Jesus

Throughsong, prayer,action& reflection.

MaundyThursday,April6th

6:30PMFootwashing&HolyEucharist

8:00PM-Dawn-Watchwithme"Vigil EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

GoodFriday,April7th

1:00PMVenerationoftheCross&Communion

AllSaintsintheMountains,CrestedButte

6:30PMVenerationoftheCross&Communion

EpiscopalChurchoftheGoodSamaritan, Gunnison

EasterSunday,April9th

9:00AMFestiveHolyEucharist EggHunt&Brunch

EpiscopalChurchoftheGood Samaritan,Gunnison

AllSaintsintheMountains-meetingattheUCC 403MaroonAve,CrestedButte

FAMILY, COUPLES AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Wet and wild

Crested Butte Mountain Resort ended a historic ski season with a bang over the weekend. With over 300 inches of snow, not a patch of end-of-season dirt was visible and all of the lifts and t-bars still spun. On Saturday, April 1, the resort hosted the annual Pond Skim at the base. On Closing Day, a costumed crowd gathered on the hill overlooking Uley’s cabin to celebrate the Flauschink King and Queen, and community members took their last resort laps of the 2022-23 season.

Stop by the senior resource office every Wednesday for assistance in applying for SNAP, Medicare, LEAP, Health First Colorado and other community programs.

Also introducing to the community is Mom’s Meals, a a meal delivery program that supports low income individuals 60 years and older who may struggle to buy groceries or cook. Mom’s Meals can deliver up to 10 nutritious meals every two weeks!

For more information or to sign up, contact the Senior Resource Office at 970-641-3244 or stop in between 9-12:00pm, every Wednesday

220 N SPRUCE, GUNNISON

SPRING RUN-OFF

There is potential for flooding. If you are a property owner in an area prone to high water or flooding, please consider the following: Is your property flood insurance in force and up to date? What is covered by your flood insurance? Have you taken steps to prepare your property for flooding (berms, sandbags, etc.)? Are there items that could be moved to higher points on your property or in your home in the event of a flood? Have you and your family identified where you would go and what you would take with you should you need to evacuate?

Prepare early – don’t wait until the last minute. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or the Colorado Water Conservation Board Flood Information & Resources cwcb.colorado.gov/focus-areas/hazards/flood-information-resources for information on the National Flood Insurance Program and other flood information.

For local information, please contact the Community Development Office of the jurisdiction in which you reside.

CITY OF GUNNISON FLOODPLAIN MANAGER

Eric Jansen | 970-641-8151 | ejansen@gunnisonco.gov

GUNNISON COUNTY FLOODPLAIN MANAGER Hillary Seminick | 970-641-7930 | HSeminick@gunnisoncounty.org

TOWN OF CRESTED BUTTE FLOODPLAIN MANAGER

Troy Russ 970-349-5338 | truss@crestedbutte-co.gov

TOWN OF MT. CRESTED BUTTE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | 970-349-6632 wwww.gunnisoncounty.org/851/Flood-Info | 970-641-2481 smorrill@gunnisoncounty.org or eclay@gunnisoncounty.org

Crested Butte Nordic hosts 25th annual Grand Traverse

On April 1-2, racers, competing in teams of two, climbed over 6,000 feet and traveled 40 miles across the Elk Mountains from Crested Butte to Aspen. Logan Greydanus and Adam Loomis, a duo from Crested Butte, earned the overall fastest time in the male bracket, finishing in 6:45:53.9. On the women’s side, Aspen’s Kristin Layne and Crested Butte’s Stevie Kremer took first, finishing in 8:20:30.1. Nikki and Brad LaRochelle from Breckenridge won the co-ed bracket with a final time of 7:58:55.0. Gunnison Mayor Diego Plata and Interim Mayor Mallory Logan also completed the Traverse.

Titans overcome Durango Demons Defense

holds strong, giving offense opportunities

The Crested Butte Titans lacrosse team got back on track last week after a 6-4 victory on the road against the

Durango Demons on March 29. The game puts the team at a 1-3 overall record and 1-2 in the 4A Mountain Division.

The team still hasn’t had a game at home due to tumultuous weather.

Brenden Hartigan had a huge day, scoring four goals over the course of the game. He scored a hat trick before halftime before adding another in the fourth quarter. He also helped with assists on the other two goals scored

during the game — one from Blue Gardner in the second quarter, and the other from Finn Ramsey in the fourth.

Head Coach Buck Seling also pointed out Gavin Fischer’s performance in net as making a major difference in the outcome of the game. Fischer stopped 10 shots throughout the game. Otto Billingsley, Weston Miller and Ty Pulliam put together helped Fischer on defense.

“They were solid through-

out the contest and allowed our offense to score enough goals to win the game,” Seling said.

The Titans were scheduled for a competition against Fruita on Tuesday, April 4, but the game was postponed until April 28. Despite this, the team has a heavy schedule this coming week.

On Thursday, April 6, Crested Butte is scheduled to play against the Montrose Red Hawks at Columbine

Middle School before traveling to Colorado Springs on Saturday, April 8, to compete against the Vanguard School. Next Tuesday, April 11, the Titans are scheduled for a rematch against Durango which will take place on the road.

(Jacob Spetzler can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or jacob@gunnisontimes.com.)

Girls track and field dominate in Mosca

Cowboys take top spots throughout all events

The Cowboy track and field team put together an early season show of force at the Wayne Thomas Memorial Invitational in Mosca last Friday, March 31 — the opening meet of the season. The girls team crushed its competition, taking the first-place spot by more than 60 points. Overall, the Cowboys earned podium spots across the board.

The girls team took first

place with a score of 104.33, topping Monte Vista and Custer County which tied for second with 34.33. The Cowboys’ outsized score stems from a series of top individual races.

Madelyn Stice took first in the 1600-meter run, while Catalina Schwab came in close behind in second. Caroline Sudderth took third in 100meter hurdles. Both the 4x100 and 4x800 meter relay teams also took first.. The 4x200 team finished third.

But the success wasn’t confined to the running races. The podiums were also filled with Cowboy names in the field events. Sienna Gomez took first in both the triple jump and the long jump. Eden Williams joined Gomez, taking second in the same two

events. Aubrey Welfelt contributed a third place spot in the long jump, while Angela Hindes finished fourth.

On the throwing side, Kathryn Frey earned fourth in both discus and shot put.

The boys team earned several top-five spots in a competitive field. Rowen Downum notched the highest placement with third in the 1600meter run. Cael Medina took fourth in the 100-meter dash and Cooper Boardman finished fifth in the high jump. Shan Mensing represented the top placing throwers, taking sixth and seventh in discus and shot put, respectively.

Head Coach Stacy Mickelson put the success in further context when she noted how little outdoor training the team due to so much

recent snow in Gunnison. The weather wasn’t friendly in Mosca, either, with cold temperatures and high winds.

“The kids did a great job competing with the weather that they were given,” she said.

“It was very cold and windy.”

The Cowboys will compete this Saturday, April 8, in a varsity meet at CSU Pueblo at 9 a.m.

Cowboys bounce back against Salida

Pitchers lead the way on the diamond

On March 28, the Cowboy baseball squad returned to action with a 10-4 victory against Salida in a non-league game. The win boosts the GHS record to 2-4, with the team’s

first conference game scheduled for April 11.

Head Coach Tom Percival said he was happy to see a noticeable improvement from the boys following several consecutive defeats.

“Defensively we played better, we still have a ways to go,” he said. “But we made some plays that we haven’t made in the past, so we’re getting there.”

When facing the Salida Spartans, Percival shuffled up the batting order and placed Rocky Marchitelli as the lead-

off batter. Th e senior made an immediate impact, registering three hits, and rallying the team from the batter's box.

“I changed up Rocky’s spot in the order, and he acted as a spark for us,” Percival said. “His three hits really got us going offensively.”

The Cowboy pitchers smothered any chance of a comeback even as the Spartans began to gain traction. Talon Kibler threw five innings, followed by two from Jacob Riser. In total, the GHS pitchers threw 107

pitches — 70 of them strikes.

“Our team performance started on the bump, our pitchers threw really well,” Percival said.

Th e team’s performance was capitalized with an outfield shot from Grady Buckhanan, resulting in a triple. Th e game ended as a 10-4 victory for the Cowboys.

GHS continued to adapt to variable weather conditions, traveling to Alamosa for an away game on April 4. Scores were not available by press

time. The team is scheduled to host its first home doubleheader on April 11 against Coal Ridge.

Games are slated for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Gunnison High School. Th e Cowboys will then play against Olathe on April 13 in another home game.

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

Tiny skis, bigger terrain

The 17th annual Snowblade Extremes competition was held at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s Headwall on Saturday afternoon. Talented skiers traded traditional skis for blades — jumping, turning and often falling head-first down the steep terrain. The duo of Abby Phillbrick and Amanda White dressed like BayWatch lifeguards and, going by the team name Blade Watch, took first. Ben Blackwood, former seven-time winner and 17-time competitor, took second. Montana Wiggins took third. Current organizer Mark Shumacher said the event was a success due, in no small part, to the complete absence of injuries. He also said the event stayed strong thanks to a series of committed sponsors such as Montucky Cold Snacks, Pit Viper, J Skis, Banana Blades, and Snowfeet.

“Seemed like everyone had a great time as always,” he said. “We always expected this comp to be a one-and-done kind of thing. Yet each year not only do some of the original competitors show up, but more young blood show up to throw down.”

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Gunnison County Agricultural Heritage Honors Awards 2023

The Gunnison County historical Preservation Commission would like to honor our agricultural heritage through the annual award of recognition to a historical ranch or significant rather(s). Candidates criteria: Property that has been engaged in agricultural operations for over 100 years, even with ownership changes; a ranch that has maintained their historical structures; or a person that has developed a significant agricultural practice or piece of equipment. Please send us your nomination and a brief description to HPC@gunnisoncounty.org. HPC will accept nominations April-May and announce nominees in June. Honorees will be celebrated with public acknowledgment and a special plaque in July.

Easter egg coloring tips

Coloring Easter eggs is a time-honored tradition dating back more than 2,500 years. There is evidence that people living in the ancient settlement of Trypillia dyed eggs. Ancient Persians also were believed to paint eggs for Nowruz (Persian New Year).

Christians adopted similar traditions to symbolize aspects of the Easter story. Originally, Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross, according to Chase Oaks Church. Good Housekeeping reports early Christian missionaries adapted the dying tradition to include more egg colors to represent different aspects of the Easter story. Yellow represented the resurrection, blue represented love and red remained a symbol of Christ’s blood.

Whether families dye eggs to symbolize the Easter miracle or simply for fun, the following are some coloring tips to enhance the process.

Prevent cracked eggs. Most colored eggs are hard-boiled. To prevent cracking during the boiling process, add a teaspoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Additional anti-cracking measures include rubbing half a lemon on each shell before boiling.

Boil eggs and cool completely. It takes roughly 10 minutes to hard-boil an egg. Fill a pot with enough water to submerge the eggs, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Gently lower the eggs into the water with a slotted spoon. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10

minutes. Drain the eggs and cool in a bowl of water or run under cold tap water.

Don’t forget the vinegar. Whether you use colored dye tablets or drops of food coloring from the pantry, use a mix of water and vinegar in the coloring solution. Food coloring is an acid dye and bonds using hydrogen. This chemical process only works in an acidic environment. Vinegar is added to water to make it more acidic and help the dyes adhere more strongly to the eggs and produce brighter colors.

Stick to white eggs . Stores sell both brown and white eggs. The species of chicken determines whether the eggs will be white or brown. When coloring eggs, it might be better to purchase white eggs, as the dyes will show up more vividly on the white shells.

Create distinctive designs . By covering portions of the bare eggs before dipping into color, you can create unique designs. Things like masking tape, rubber bands, wax (or crayons) and even twine can be used. The dye will only take on the uncovered areas, leaving white behind.

Dyes are not the only way to color eggs . Everything from watercolor paint to acrylics to decoupage can be used to cover eggs in vivid colors. Egg decorators also can use colored yarns, fabric or stickers. Search for creative materials to set Easter eggs apart this year.

Coloring eggs is a popular Easter tradition, and there are many ways to ensure this beloved activity produces beautiful results.

VETERANS’ VOICE

Shore leave and a close shave

There are few things that can get a U.S. Navy sailor into more trouble (outside of breaking the law) than “missing a ship's movement.” The punishment is certain courtmartial. This is exactly the predicament Gunnison resident Bud Smith nearly found himself in 1952 while serving in the Navy.

His ship, an amphibious personnel destroyer, the USS Liddle, was docked at the Chelsea Navy Yard in Boston. The crew was given liberty from Thursday until the following Monday morning, but

was warned not to go more than 60 miles away. Smith thought he could get away with going a little farther, not knowing the ship was departing Monday morning. He had his dad pick him up and take him home to Redding, Pennsylvania. That part of the plan worked well. The return trip was a little less smooth. Smith’s father dropped him off at Penn Station on Sunday night as planned, but he quickly learned there was no way he would make his connecting train at Grand Central Station, as they were too close in time. He shared his situation with the conductor of the first train and received some

surprising advice — he was to jump from the moving train when instructed and grab the first cab he could find. That’s what he did and almost fell head over heels in his dress blues, the iconic Navy uniform. He ran to the first cab he could find, told the driver his situation and asked to be taken to Grand Central Station as fast as possible. The ensuing cab ride was the type you only see in movies, with a white-knuckled Smith hanging on for dear life the whole way there. On arrival a short time later, Smith tried to pay the driver who just said, “No, run!” He complied

and made it to his train with just five minutes to spare.

Upon arriving at the pier, Smith could hear the boilers of his ship running. He knew what that meant better than anyone, since he was a boiler tech — the ship was about to get underway! Sprinting down the pier in his dress blues, he made it on board as the gangplank was being lifted. He found his section mustering topside and fell in line, the only sailor still wearing his blues.

“Where the hell you been, boy?” Smith’s chief said.

The young sailor didn’t say a word, but only shook his head. The chief ordered him

to get changed, as he would have the first watch.

Smith recalls with gratitude the help he received from the conductor, taxi driver and several others during his adventure back to his ship that Monday morning — and attributes it to the different attitude people had toward veterans after WWII.

(Nathan Kubes is a longtime resident of the Gunnison Valley, U.S. Navy veteran and member of the Roger A. Watters American Legion Post 54 in Gunnison.)

The

ELDER BEAT

Upcoming eventS

• April 5 (1 p.m.): Book Club. April’s book “These Precious Days” by Ann Patchett. More info, call Judy: 973-584-4987.

• April 26 (12:45 p.m.): Alzheimer’s & Dementia Community Forum. Join the Alzheimer’s Association, Gunnison Senior Center and Gunnison County Health & Human Services to learn and discuss how our wonderful Gunnison Valley community can come together to improve support for our loved ones and families living with theses diseases. Professionals and all community members welcome! For more info, contact: egillis@ gunnisonco.gov or 970-641-8272.

• NEW Survey for Older Adults in the Gunnison Valley - available in English and Spanish. We want to hear from you about your mental and behavioral health experiences and needs. Surveys can be returned to the Rec Center front desk, or on M/W/F mornings in the Senior Center lunch room. More info: 970-641-8272 or egillis@gunnisonco.gov or madison.gregurek@western.edu.

• Tech Time Individual Appointments: Call to make an appointment for tech questions about your phone, laptop or tablet. 970-641-8272. Times vary.

FITNESS at THE REC CENTER -

SIGN UP AT THE REC CENTER FRONT DESK!

Mondays & Wednesdays in the Gym

Silver Sneakers Boom Muscle @ 9:30 a.m. – active adults

Silver Sneakers Classic @ 10:15 a.m. – all levels

Tuesdays in the Leisure Pool

Silver Sneaker Splash @ 10 a.m. – all levels

SENIOR MEALS -

NEXT WEEK’S MENU:

• Mon., April 3: Beef Stew, homemade bread, cottage cheese, fruit

• Weds., April 5: Baked Fish, rice, broccoli, salad, homemade rolls

• Fri., April 7: Ham, scalloped potatoes, Jello with fruit, green beans, Easter cake

Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays – 11:30 a.m. arrival.

Pick-ups from 11 – 11:15 a.m. $5 per meal.

Advance orders encouraged: 970-641-8272. Homemade desserts with every meal!

AT THE SENIOR CENTER 200 E. SPENCER AVE. ALL SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM INFO & RSVPS: EGILLIS@GUNNISONCO.GOV OR 970-641-8272.

Traveling with

—

Jim Miller Special to the Times

Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are interested in taking our two grandkids on a big trip this summer and are looking for some good ideas. Can you recommend some travel companies that offer special travel packages for grandparents and grandkids?

Doting Grandmother

Dear Doting,

Grandparents traveling with just their grandchildren has become a growing segment of the multigenerational travel industry. Not only is this type of travel fun, it’s also a terrific way to strengthen generational bonds and create some lasting memories.

To help you with your traveling aspirations, there are a number of travel companies today that offer specialized trip packages. Here are some to check into that will take you and your grandkids on a fun, well-planned vacation.

Road Scholar: This wellestablished not-for-profit organization has offered educational travel to older adults since 1975. They currently offer 83 different programs geared to grandparents and grandchildren. Some of the many popular trip destinations include the U.S. National

Weekly Happenings

Monday

grandchildren

tips and tours

Parks, Washington D.C., Canada, France, Italy, Iceland, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands.

Intrepid: An adventure travel tour operator that offers “grandparent holiday” tours that bring together the young and the young at heart. They offer 35 different one- and two-week tours in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, as well as in Alaska and Wyoming.

Tauck: This is a large tour operator that offers 19 foreign and domestic multigenerational trips called Tauck Bridges Family Tours. Some of their most popular trips are Costa Rica, the European riverboat cruises, and the Cowboy Country, which tours you through Wyoming and South Dakota.

Smithsonian Journeys: They offer 10 different family journey trips to Iceland, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, Japan, Ireland, Costa Rica, South Africa, Yellowstone and a Rhine River cruise.

Journeys International: This company offers customized multigenerational trips primarily to Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific.

Grandkids travel documents Depending on where you go and your mode of transportation, you’ll need to gather some doc-

uments for your grandchildren to make sure everything goes smoothly. In general, most travel experts recommend you bring a notarized travel consent form (letter of permission from the parents) and a medical consent form in case any emergencies or problems arise. Also bring copies of insurance cards.

If you’re traveling domestically, you should know that airlines and trains don’t require any form of ID for children under 18. But if you’re traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or other areas of the Caribbean by land or sea, grandchildren 15 and under will need certified copies of their birth certificates. And if your grandkids are 16 or older, or you’re traveling to these locations via air, passports will be required.

If you’re traveling overseas, all children, even infants, must have a passport. Some countries also require a visa for entry, and vaccinations may be required in some cases. Before booking a trip, check the U.S. Department of State’s website at Travel.State.gov for country-specific information.

(Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.)

‘She Kills Monsters’ returns for second weekend

The Crested Butte Mountain Theatre is hosting a second weekend of the play “She Kills Monsters,” an emotional roller coaster that touches on the struggle of holding on to those who are no longer with us.

The play opened on March 31 and has been performed in front of nearly sold out audiences. The success of the play speaks to the significance and longevity of its message.

Written by Qui Nguyen, the play reflects the writer's own upbringing in the southern U.S. A son of two Vietnamese immigrants, Nguyen spent his childhood as an outsider. It wasn't until his best friend introduced him to the game Dungeons and Dragons (DND) — replacing fantasy villains with his bullies — that he started to find his love of storytelling that would lead to his career as a playwright.

In 2011, “She Kills Monsters” ran as a tribute to Nguyen’s friend, who passed away from leukemia a few years before. But soon thereafter its popularity exploded. It wasn't long before this play had circulated across the entire country.

The story revolves around a girl who is coping with the loss of her sister. She takes up DND with a group of friends and in the process covers subjects of sexual identity, mental health and tragic loss.

The play’s cast and crew consists of local middle and high school students. Having put the entire play together from the ground up, there isn't a single aspect of it that isn't made and run by the kids.

“The audience understands how real and important these issues are for people at that young adult age,” said Mountain Theatre Executive Director Alec Lindeman. “Seeing these kids and their leadership dynamic is interesting to watch.”

The play is directed by student Oliver Van Tiel, with Ren Lange as the assistant director and Sam Tippie as the stage manager.

The final two showings are scheduled for April 7 and 8. General admission is $25 for adults, and $15 for students. Tickets can be purchased at crestedbuttemountaintheatre. org.