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Green Mountain Falls Nears Finish Line With $100,000 Master Plan

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Mountain Jackpot
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~ by Rick Langenberg ~

A major $100,000 master plan project for the town of Green Mountain Falls is nearing the finish line.

Later this month, town leaders will receive the final product that could give GMF officials, residents, trustees and future elected leaders a road map for the community’s potential future for the next 10 years or so. More importantly, the blueprint will outline specific strategic steps for ways to grapple with such issues as hazard mitigation and wildfires, economic sustainability, infrastructure challenges, environmental and health concerns, road woes, development and even holding onto traditional roots.

June 25 is slated as a final presentation of the plan before elected leaders, prior to adoption, according to Kristy Bruce, an environmental planner for Logan Simpson, the Fort Collins-based contractor for the project. The comprehensive plan project began in May 2018, and featured a number of public meetings, and even had a group of school kids partake in the work. Also, the plan contractors did interviews with many  community stakeholders.

The timing of the project is ideal, as elected leaders are gearing up to select a new town manager and address a slew of key issues on their plate.    

Last week, the final input session was held during an all-day, open house gathering, orchestrated by Logan Simpson. A handful of residents outlined their special priorities among a laundry list of strategic action plans for the town’s future, with maps and huge reams of paper stretched across the council chambers at town hall. Most strategic steps also identified funding sources, a big issue of concern for the trustees.

Past plans have often given a pie in the sky outlook, with little prospects for realistic funding opportunities. However, the consultants have wanted to give the town more tangible steps to take.

Planning Commission member and long-time resident Dick Bratton, who is the project coordinator, lauded the contractors and the overall comprehensive plan. He cited their efforts in establishing a strong level of community engagement

“The contractors did a magnificent job,” said Bratton. “They did a lot of creative thinking and really thought ‘outside the box,’” said Bratton.  “There was a lot of community input.”

As for improvements from past master plans, Bratton cited the subject of hazard mitigation as a  big focal point. “That was something we didn’t have before,” said Bratton. This is a subject that was barely touched during the previous plan, done more than 10 years ago prior to the Waldo Canyon fires. This blaze led to the evacuation of the community for nearly two weeks and has sparked many memories and fears. 

Bratton also cited land use as topic that commanded much attention in this go-around, similar to past comp plans. 

This plan project also addressed such areas as infrastructure, traditional roots, health and environment, economic sustainability, tourism, development, and of course, wildfire protection.

At last week’s al l-day open house gathering, residents viewed a huge list of future enhancement for the community and rated their favorites.  Some of the top favorites  included *marketing the current fire station as an attractive new use; *studying the feasibility of funding a shuttle for tourists and hikers to access key trail area;*initiating a study for developing a better downtown area; developing locations for spillover parking; *having better signage to attract visitors from the highway; *updating the current codes to allow for higher downtown density to possibly encourage more apartment units; *establishing a recycling program; *pursuing more grant funding and having more information on resources available; *developing an activity area for children and youth; *developing a sewer system; having a better sidewalk and multi-use trail system for cyclists and pedestrians; *developing more wildfire education efforts; *setting up a better waste disposal site; *conducting hazard assessments for homeowners; *installing and maintaining roadside fire dangers and directional road signs, *establishing more defined evacuation points during disasters;*adding sediments and other material to improve lake water quality; and exploring a variety of road improvement options and contracting out services.

This is just a brief snap shot of priorities addressed by residents attending the comp plan open house last week.  

Residents will soon be able to view the plan on the city’s website.  They can also visit the contractors at www.logansimpson.com.

The meeting in late June will mark the last real opportunity for residents to comment on the document, prior to the adoption by the trustees. Funding for the project has occurred through the state Department of Local Affairs and by the Kirkpatrick Foundation.  Not surprisingly, these entities are cited as a prime funding source for many of the above-mentioned priorities. 

Teller County Turning Into Disc Golf Paradise

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Mountain Jackpot
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~ by Trevor Phipps ~

Think you can’t handle regular golf, and its so-called pseudo stuffy atmosphere, or tired of all the Tiger Woods worship stories; fret not, and try your hand at a little Frisbee links action. 

New disc golf courses have sprung up in Teller County to accommodate the growing popularity of the sport. There are now several local options where disc golf enthusiasts can spend their summer days.

 Now that the Memorial Day weekend has passed, summertime in Teller County has semi-officially begun. Outdoor sports and summer in the mountains have always gone hand in hand and many locals have taken up disc golf as a sport and hobby.

 According to the United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC), the popularity of the sports is on the rise. Their website claims that more and more people are testing their skills on local courses each year. “All signs point to continued long term growth for disc golf. Not only are more courses going in, but they are better funded. More professionally designed courses are being installed with stronger relationships between the disc golf community and the park and recreation folks,” Innova Disc Golf Sales Manager Ryan Baker said on the USDGC website.

 According to Salon.com, the amount of disc golf courses in the United States has been increasing by almost 500 new courses per year.

That’s a much different trend from the downward state of constructing traditional golf courses in the U.S., as the golf industry is  still besieged by many course closures. 

During 2011 and 2016 the number of disc courses nearly doubled to over 5,000. An article on the website claims that it is possible that disc golf could become more popular in the next decade or so than traditional links.

 In 2019, the disc or Frisbee golf season is just now getting into full swing. Last year, the city of Cripple Creek opened their new adventure park that included an 18-hole disc golf course. The city has tournaments lined up for the summer season and it is currently open for free play.

 A few years ago, the Shining Mountain Golf Course set up disc golf baskets on parts of their regular course. In fact, it reigned as one of the only disc layouts in Colorado that ran along a regular traditional 18-hole course.

They have offered disc golf play on the regular course, called “The Beast” in the afternoons after 3 p.m. This is when regular golf play at Shining Mountain’s traditional course is relatively low. 

But Shining Mountain has also opened up two disc golf only courses set in a wooded area located behind the main back nine, to the west called Serenity Pines and Whispering Pines. This way you don’t have to worry about interfering with the play of regular linksters.

 The two new courses offer challenging physical features for disc golfers. In order to play on any of their three disc golf courses, Shining Mountain charges a small $10 dollar fee along with an option of having a golf cart to expedite the experience when golfers choose to spend their afternoons playing on “The Beast.”

 Other Disc Golf Options and Special Events

Another popular disc golf course, called Nick Naples’ Soaring Eagles, is located on the property of the Woodland Park Middle School. A while back, the nine-hole golf course was created by Nick Naples as a part of earning the Eagle Scout award.

 Shortly after he created the course, Naples died in a car accident on I-25 in Northern Colorado during a boy scout trip. On July 5th, the course is holding a disc golf competition and disc golf open that welcomes all skill levels of players. And, now that school has taken its summer vacation, play on the course is now open all day, every day.

On June 5, a group of locals are holding the Chops Memorial Disc Golf Tournament at the Shining Mountain Golf Course. The event is dedicated to the well-known local Richard (Porkchop or Chops) Sarmiento who died in a car accident last year.

 According to event organizer Bobby Snare, the tournament is being put on by him and Sarmiento’s brother Tony Sarmiento on the one year anniversary of Chops’ death. They wanted to hold the event as a dedication to the fallen local legend Chops because disc golf was one of his most favorite past times.

 “We wanted to do something on the day that Chops died as a memorial and we all wanted to participate in what was one of his favorite things to do,” Snare said. “Disc golf was one of the things that we kind of built our friendship on because I got him into it about seven years ago. We would go out sometimes three times a week. He got lucky one time and got an ace (or a hole in one) and I still haven’t got my first ace yet.”

 Snare also said that he expects there to be more than 20 disc golfers present on June 5 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the death of the beloved friend of several Teller County residents.

Shining Mountain also hosts some of the premier disc golf tourneys in the state. For more information, call 719-687-7587

Anti-Teller County Bill Signed by Governor Polis

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Mountain Jackpot
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Battle lines getting drawn over enforcement of illegal immigration policies

~ by Rick Langenberg ~

Well, the gloves are off when it comes to illegal immigration across Colorado, with Governor Jared Polis drawing the bloodlines between rural and urban areas.

Last week, Polis put on his John Hancock autograph hat, when it came to Senate Bill 139. The bill would add immigration license outlets to a number of Division of Vehicle offices in such areas as Pueblo, Alamosa, Glenwood Springs, Lamar, and Montrose. This legislation has received much bipartisan support. 

But at the same time, he signed House Bill 1124, known as “Protect Colorado Residents From Federal Government Overreach,” or as the anti-Teller County bill, in some quarters. This legislation would bar federal agents from using local jails to hold suspected undocumented residents longer than their sentence requires. This would clash with a slew of recent cases at the jail in Divide. 

Moreover, it appears to strike into the heart of a victory Teller obtained in its battle with the American Civil Liberties Union in supporting ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) prison hold requests. The court ruled in favor of the Teller County Sheriff’s Department’s cooperation agreement with ICE officials in honoring their detainer requests.

This case hinged on the predicament of a particular inmate, who is no longer in the Teller County jail. 

The way the state law was newly amended,  jail officials would only be permitted to inform ICE if a prisoner, who may be an illegal immigrant, is released. In the initial version and one endorsed by Polis, the law would not have even permitted local jail and law enforcement personnel to speak to ICE officials, period.

It also would nullify a 287g program that allows sheriff deputies to act as federal immigration officials in processing inmates at the jail.

Teller sheriff officials, though, are downplaying the new law, and believe they will experience some impacts initially.  But overall, they contend they won’t experience any substantial negative problems, especially in the movement to nullify the 287g program. This program was proposed originally as part of President Trump’s effort to crack down on illegal immigration on a national basis.

Greg Couch, the commander of the Teller County Sheriff’s Department, recently announced that more details will be released this week regarding the local impacts of the new immigration laws approved by state lawmakers and signed into law. “We have had a lot of requests from media outlets on this,” said Couch.

Couch, in a previous interview with TMJ, indicated that because Teller County already signed a contract with ICE, it would not be barred from partaking in the crackdown against illegal immigrants at the jail. This program sets the stage for training, with several members of the department, acting as federal immigration officers.

“What the bill does is prohibit a law enforcement officer from arresting or detaining an individual solely on the basis of a civil immigration detainer,” said Couch in a previous interview. “The reason it’s not going to affect us is that we are actually having three deputies federally deputized to act as federal agents in detaining people on federal immigration detainers. When we have our 287g program in place, our deputies are not acting as law enforcement officers, they are acting as federal agents.”

But as a result of the state legislation, no other counties in Colorado could partake in the 287g program. Teller County was the only county in the state that signed onto this program and agreed to do the training. A contract was signed at the end of last year.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell initially expressed an interest in the federal program in 2018, as their agency embarked on an aggressive effort to crack down on illegal drug cartels. They saw this another opportunity to achieve this goal by keeping tabs on illegal immigrants with criminal connections.

The new law has stirred mixed opinions across the state. Supporters of the measure say it will “prevent deceptive and illegal ICE enforcement tactics while restoring the trust of victims and immigrant communities in local law enforcement and our state court systems.”

Despite the big partisan fight over illegal immigration policies, Teller County has not exactly become a hotbed for these types of aliens. In recent years, Teller officials have cited only a handful of illegal immigrants annually.

Dog park open

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Mountain Jackpot
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~ By Bob Volpe ~
Woodland Park high school student Bianca Bryant’s dream of creating a
dog park in Woodland Park, has become a reality, Woodland Park’s first
official dog park, Golden Meadows Dog Park, is now open as of
Saturday, June 1, 2019. At 9:00 a.m. last Saturday, the ribbon cutting
ceremony, sponsored by the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce
and a host of local dignitaries took place with a large crowd of dog
enthusiasts and, of course, dogs.
Bryant is a senior girl scout in troop 3649, working on her girl scout
gold award project. She is a 16-year-old junior at Woodland Park High
School and has been working hard to fulfill her ambitious undertaking
for two years.
Bryant has weathered and overcome many obstacles to see her dream come
true. She has appeared before both the DDA (Downtown Development
Authority), and city council.
Bryant’s original proposal would have created the dog park at Fountain
Creek Greenway behind Safeway, but that plan was scraped due to local
resident’s objections.
Undeterred, Bryant went on with enthusiasm and determination. She
received a great deal of support from everyone from local politicians
to the chamber of commerce, and at long last the site at Meadow Wood
Sports Complex was chosen and construction began. It  took six months
of hard work by a number of volunteers to complete the project.
President of Park State Bank, Tony Perry, spoke before the official
ribbon cutting. He said, “Bianca kept smiling when she had to overcome
the roadblocks and barriers of a project like this. Every time she got
turned down, she just smiled bigger.”
Perry lauded Bryant’s persistence. He said, “She represents what true
leadership and persistence of vision can accomplish.”
Bryant then spoke, thanking everyone who helped her in her quest.
Anxious to get on with the ribbon cutting, Bryant said, “If I were to
mention everyone who helped with this project we would be here for
hours. It’s really a community project, I can’t stress that enough. I
couldn’t have done it without all of you guys.” She continued, “It’s
taught me a lot as a person and it’s helped me grow. It’s taught me
how to problem solve, how to manage money, my time, how to be patient
and persistent.”
After the ribbon cutting scores of dog owners made their way through
the gate to be the first to play with their dogs.
A special event fund raiser took place at the ribbon cutting called
the “ninja casual dog walk. Proceeds from the fund raiser will go to
maintenance of the park.
The event drew around 100 people who came with and without dogs to
celebrate the opening. There were several vendors on hand providing
snacks and informative booths on everything dog. Local musicians,
Sleepy Dave Marshall and Dan Carlisle supplied the musical
entertainment.

A Case for Changing Local Marijuana Policies

By
Mountain Jackpot
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~ by Rick Langenberg ~

If you can’t beat them, then join them, or at least entertain a viable compromise

Well, this age-old cliché certainly won’t work in our local burg when it comes to Second Amendment gun rights, with leaders joining their counterparts in other rural areas, in challenging state lawmakers over the red flag law and now the anti-Teller County bill or anti-illegal immigration detainer measure. No question that fight, as the state boys and girls are out of line here.

Kudos to our local leaders for drawing a line in the stand regarding these important issues.

But when it comes to marijuana policies, the same anti-Dem stance just won’t work.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis last week signed six pro-marijuana bills, including a cannabis hospitality measure. Jared is definitely becoming the pro-cannabis governor.

While the media loved taunting former governor and now presidential candidate John Hickenlooper on his familiar gaffes about pot and munchies, he was actually a staunch opponent of the recreational marijuana movement, until the outcome of the Amendment 64 ballot issue.

Hick kind of masks that stand now in appearances on the presidential campaign trail, as he desperately needs to court more progressive votes. Forget it Hick, the party is over. Your run for president just isn’t going anywhere. There are just way too many candidates. Go home, light up with some weed and eat some Cheetos.   

Our new governor, on the other hand, has made no pretensions about where he stands regarding dealing with legal marijuana.

Moreover, he believes the industry is here and may even boost tourism. He contends that steps should be taken to make the industry work and to give adult visitors a place to consume cannabis products in a more hospital environment. Some of these include rules allowing dispensaries and other business entrepreneurs to apply for licenses, setting up a limited consumption area. In addition, the door is now open for regulated delivery of marijuana, primarily to medical cannabis patients. Plus, the avenue is increasing for capital investment in public-licensed marijuana companies.

This is a big change from several years ago, with the motto: Yes, you can buy your pot here, but don’t let us see you smoking it. 

Local municipal and county leaders can cringe all they want. The sheriff’s department has taken a pro-active stand in the law enforcement arena, with both their crackdown of cartels and illegal marijuana grow operations, the formation of task forces and involvement in the 287g ICE program. Great moves.

However, from a revenue side, Teller and Ute Pass towns are definitely missing out on the pro-cannabis caravan in Colorado, and one that appears to be gaining ground on a national level.

More specifically, it’s time to review the current prohibition policies and rake in some needed revenue. The cities of Cripple Creek, Woodland Park, Victor and Green Mountain Falls have shut the door to any type of retail marijuana businesses, or even medicinal pot shops, along with the Teller County government.

In some cases, the votes were close and the no tallies occurred after some lively debates.

I can even remember a lively debate on this issue years ago at the Telle County Republican Assembly in Divide, with many delegates contending that anti-marijuana prohibition efforts represented a stance against the free enterprise system. And this was prior to any state proposals for allowing rec marijuana. Maybe this was a signal of changing times. 

In the last few years, marijuana opponents made some good arguments, but with more regulations ensuing, it is not a free-for-all industry anymore. Definite rules are in place and these regulations are expanding.

However, the reality of the state political scene is that the Dems are going to be in power for a bit.

Instead of rehashing old arguments of a lost cause, maybe the time is ripe for reviewing these current prohibitions and making adjustments to give the retail pot a try on a very limited basis.  Manitou Springs could serve as a good example in the way they permit just two retail cannabis operations. Learn from their mistakes, and yes, let’s rake in the money. This could even mean more money for law enforcement and officer salaries. 

Manitou Springs is definitely bustling with business these days. With more pot revenue, the door is even open for more grants, and who knows, maybe more of an opening for dream projects, such as a highway bypass.

This sure would open the door for some much-needed revenue for downtown improvements, roads, special events, recreation programs, school enhancements, and much more.

Don’t be afraid to tax these new enterprises at a maximum level and apply definite rules.

Otherwise, our local entities are going to be losing out on much-needed money. We will face the familiar saga of doing study after study, with great ideas, but no prospects for any of these projects to occur. 

Sure, fight the Dems all you want on guns and illegal immigration.  But it may be time to say a partial nod to retail cannabis.   

Almanac Week of 06.04.2019

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Mountain Jackpot
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Tuesday, June 4

The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees will meet on June 4 at 7 p.m. in the GMF Town Hall.     

Wednesday, June 5

The Ute Pass-Woodland Park Kiwanis Club will meet on Wednesdays at 6:45 a.m. in the Crystola Roadhouse in Crystola.   

TSC (Teller Senior Coalition) Transit is excited to announce our bus service on Wednesdays and Fridays in Woodland Park and the lower Ute Pass area. TSC also offers a joint venture with Cripple Creek Transit on Wednesdays to provide much needed transportation service between Cripple Creek and Woodland Park. TSC Transit will be picking up from the Senior Center and will be making stops at Pikes Peak Family Medicine, Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, City Market, Safeway, Walgreens, Walmart and the Department of Social Services upon request. In addition, new ride services are available on a limited basis to Green Mountain Falls, Cascade and Manitou Springs. Call 719-687-0256 for more details or visit the TSC website at www.tellerseniorcoalition.org. for a full schedule of pick up and drop off time   . 

The Cripple City Council will meet on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.

Thursday, June 6

Tops, Take Off Pounds Sensibly. The original nonprofit weight-loss group is an educational support group providing weekly weigh-ins and programs to help members to make positive changes in the role food plays in their lives. The local chapter meets every Thursday at 9 a.m. in Green Mountain Falls at the Church in the Wildwood. Call Evelyn at 719-748-8383 for more information.

Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation Special Events (Call 719-689-3514 for more information on any of these events.) Dog Training Classes for 7 weeks starting Thursday June 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. call for details.  Archery Tournaments: Woodland Park June 5 indoor, Cripple Creek June 8 outdoor 2D, and Cripple Creek June 22 indoor BIG DEUCE Tournament with the 88th Annual “Donkey Derby Days” event.  Each tournament only $10, call for details.  VAST 21 (Victor Academy for Space Technology) is a class to learn about drones, robotics, 3D Printing, and space related products & activities.  Classes and Labs are on Saturdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. for just $5 per day.  Pet Vaccination Clinic on Sunday, June 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in the park, call 689-2655 to RSVP. 

The Woodland Park City Council will meet on June 6 at 7 p.m. in the WP Council Chambers, next to city hall. 

 

Friday, June 7

Shining Mountain Opening. The Shining Mountain Golf Course and Bella Vista Bar and Grill is now open for the 2019 season. Happy hours at the bar will usually occur from 3 to 6 p.m. with drink specials. Live music occurs on most Friday evenings. The course is open for play and is in great condition for this time of year. For more information, call 719-687-7587.

Deathtrap. The Butte Theater in Cripple Creek has kicked off their professional season on the even with a performance of Deathtrap, a thrilling and hysterical murder mystery. This will start the beginning of an active season of seven shows, showcasing a variety of genres. Deathtrap will play at the Butte from May 24 to June 16. For more information, visit www.buttetheater.com.

Teller County Honors Veterans. Information, inspiration and camaraderie for all vets of all wars, living in and around Teller County. The public is invited to join in the festivities, scheduled for Friday, June 7 from 11:30am-3:00pm at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center, 9283 S. Hwy. 67, Cripple Creek. Lunch will be provided by Wildwood Casino and Triple Crown Casinos.

Golfing with the Sheriff (So no cheating). The seventh annual Teller County Sheriff’s Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association, will be held the morning of June 7, with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. The festivities also include a lunch and ceremony, following the tourney. For more information, call 719-304-5706.

Saturday, June 8

Fossil Beds Activities.  The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant is open year-round. The Monument is now open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There also are a number of special programs, guided hikes and educational opportunities during the weekend.

Throughout the day, a variety of ranger-guided activities will be offered including interpretive talks, ranger-guided talks, tours of the Hornbek Homestead, and Fossil Learning lab.  Please call (719) 748-3253 ext. 202 for times. Here are some highlights of future programs: *Friday, June 7, Night Sky Program, 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM.  Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the visitor center. *Science Open House and Junior Ranger Day Saturday, June 29, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Learn about the ongoing research taking place at Florissant Fossil Beds including geology, paleontology, biology, hydrology, botany, astronomy and much more. Get a behind the scenes tour of different science projects.  Kids (and former kids) can earn a Junior Ranger badge by visiting the science stations. In addition, the Fossil Beds will have many daily programs, including *Ranger Guided Walk at 11 a.m. along a 1 mile guided hike on the Petrified Forest Trail. *Fossil Learning Lab, Every Day 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.Learn how scientists discover and research fossils in the Yurt*Hornbek Homestead, Saturdays and Sundays,  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Take a tour of an 1878 homestead. *Interpretive Talk, Saturdays and Sundays,  10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thirty minute interpretive presentation in the amphitheater.

  

Mueller Hikes and Activities. The smell of a campfire and the echoing song of a hermit thrush await visitors at Mueller State Park in summer. Naturalists and volunteers at Mueller love to share the wonder and science of all the living things at the park.  Programs in June will highlight local wildlife, favorite flowers, unique features and local history at the park. Choose from the many types of programs offered including guided hikes, children’s programs, evening amphitheater programs, bird watching, fly-fishing, archery and much more!  Of special interest is our Thursday night series of history of the Pikes Peak region with Paul Thies.  Each Thursday, will be a new program on a different time and people including Native Americans, early explorers, military, fur traders, mining and railroads – all in the Pikes Peak region! Outdoor Skills Day, a favorite annual event set for June 22, is great fun for the whole family!  Thirty different activities designed to give visitors a taste of various kinds of outdoor recreation including fishing, target shooting with shotguns, 22, and archery, bird watching, outdoor cooking, Bear Aware and so much more!  Receive expert instruction from Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff, Hunter Education instructors and conservation organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Pheasants Forever. We are very grateful to all our partners who help provide a great, fun and safe family event. We also have regular guided hikes, mostly on the weekends. Check our website cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller or call ahead for conditions (719) 687-2366.

Ute Pass Historical Society offers FREE guided tours of History Park and the Walking Tour of downtown Woodland Park every Saturday this summer, beginning June 8ththrough August 31st. The 90-minute Walking Tour of Downtown Woodland Park begins at 9:30 a.m., so please arrive at the UPHS Museum Center by 9:20 a.m. The Museum Center is located at 231 E. Henrietta Avenue, next to the Woodland Park Public Library. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a light sweater. After the downtown walking tour, walk through the bygone days with Ute Pass Historical Society. The tour of the five buildings comprising History Park is at 11 a.m. Exhibits and contents have recently been refashioned. While at History Park, visit the Old Curiosity Gift Shop, which offers an extensive selection of books and unique gift items. The Gift Shop is located in the Museum Center and is open year-round, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call UPHS at 719.686.7512 or check out the Website at UtePassHistoricalSociety.org.

Upcoming

Assessor Office Update. The Teller County Assessor’s website has been updated to assist citizens and property owners with ease of access.  Please go to  http://www.co.teller.co.us/Assessor/default.aspx  The website consists of updated links, videos, and appeal process information.  If you have questions / comments, please call 719-689-2941 or visit the office at 101 W. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813.”

Ute Pass-Woodland Park Kiwanis Bingo. Join the fun at the Crystola Roadhouse during the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Twenty dollars buys a packet for 10 games, 6 cards for each game It’s a great opportunity to have fun and socialize with your friends and neighbors. Come early and have dinner! Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the games!  This event is sponsored by the Ute Pass-Woodland Park Kiwanis club.  The proceeds benefit the children of Teller County.

Woodland Park Community Singers. Come Sing With Us!!  Rehearsals are every Monday from 6:30-8:30 pm at 1310 Evergreen Heights Dr., WP (Faith Lutheran Church).  No auditions, no age limit, over 18 anyhow!!  All you need is a love of singing and music! WPCSingers is a non-profit group composed of various ages of folks who LOVE to sing!  We perform all around Teller, Park and El Paso Counties.  For more information, call Melissa Mellen at 620-482-2017.

 

A Concert of Heavenly Stories and Songs. Come and be inspired by a truly unique and beautiful concert experience, “Encounters with Heaven,” presented by Heavenly Harp music ministry The free concert s scheduled for June 10 at 7 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church Sanctuary at 1515 North Cascade Avenue, in Colorado Springs. Harpist/vocalist/storyteller Karin Gunderson and vocalist Amanda Pace take their audience on a journey that deeply touches hearts, as they interweave elegant harp music and vocal harmonies with true stories.  

Karin and Amanda’s repertoire includes beautiful renditions of peaceful Christian music, beloved hymns, and popular favorites like “What a Wonderful World” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” For more information, call 719-447-6068.  

Gem and Mineral Show. The annual Gem & Mineral Show sponsored by the Southern Teller County Focus Group (STCFG) in Victor, Colorado will be held June 14-16. The event will be held in downtown historic Victor and is open and free to the public.The show will include vendors from across the state selling Colorado dug minerals. Items for sale will include polished gems, hand-crafted jewelry, rough slabs, specimens, cabochons, geode breaking, Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District gold ore specimens, Cripple Creek turquoise, and more. There will also be gold and gem panning at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum. Show hours are from 9 to 5 each day.  This year a geologist from Newmont Mining Corporation will make a presentation on the geology of the gold mining district. This free presentation will be held Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m. at the Victor Elks Lodge. For more information on the STCFG or this event, visit VictorColorado.com, email info@stcfg.com, or call 719-689-2675.

A Walk Through Time.The Southern Teller County Focus Group (STCFG) will be hosting a second round of its May historic mine tour, A Walk Through Time, on Saturday, July 13. The hike will feature a walking tour of the Vindicator Valley Trail just north of Victor. The cost is $15 per person with proceeds benefiting the non-profit STCFG.Victorite Gary Horton will provide history and tales of the underground mines of the 1890s, starting the Vindicator Mine and ending at the Theresa Mine. This is a walking tour (in the downhill direction). Participants will carpool to the upper mine site, walk to the Theresa and carpool back up or hike back up to the Vindicator Mine. For the tour, meet at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum at 3rd and Victor Avenue in Victor no later than 12:30 on May 18. All participants will be required to sign waivers. This tour is very popular and advance, pre-paid reservations are recommended online at STCFG.com. The morning of July 13 at 10 a.m. the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum will host a walking tour the Sunnyside Cemetery. See VictorColorado.com for information and reservations for that tour. For more information on the STCFG or this event, visit VictorColorado.com, email stcfg@victorcolorado.com, or call 719-689-2675

Green Mountain Falls May Announce New Town Boss This Week

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Wells to take Reins of Manitou Springs Bar and Live Music Institution

Getting citizen input. Karen Gerrity the current town administrator for Nederland, Colorado, and a finalist for the top town boss job in GMF, received an earful from a handful of local residents during a town hall gathering last week. Photo by Rick Langenberg

~ by Rick Langenberg ~

Green Mountain Falls’ leaders could make an announcement this week regarding the selection of a new town boss

And the big question:  Will the third time become the charm for local leaders who have encountered a somewhat rocky road in their quest for a new, municipal manager?

Last week, officials hosted another meet and greet for the latest finalist, Karen Gerrity, who serves as the current administrator for Nederland, Colorado, in Boulder County.

Gerrity had an interview with the trustees, met the staff and listened to concerns from a group of local residents, as part of an all-day tour. Gerrity is the third finalist to emerge for the position in the last month, a search has attracted many candidates from Colorado and across the country.

Town leaders couldn’t reach a contract agreement with the initial top finalists. These finalists were Emily Katsimpalis, the former assistant town administrator for Buena Vista; and Kyle Coleman, the assistant manager for the village of Estero, Florida.  Katsimpalis actually declined the position and then eventually accepted a  position as the new finance director for the city of Woodland Park.  

Both initial finalists partook in a meet and greet with residents on April 30, but opted out of the position. This forced the trustees to evaluate other applicants and they did preliminary interviews with four candidates, with Gerrity getting the top nod.  

Karen Gerrity, a finalist for the town manager job in GMF, and her husband, Orrin Snider, mingled with town residents last week during a meet and greet forum at the town hall. The two are quite familiar with the Ute Pass area. Photo by Rick Langenberg

In a brief interview with TMJ News last week, Gerrity expressed much elation about the potential opportunity. Gerrity said she and her husband, Orrin Snider, are looking at simplifying their lives and downsizing, and see this job an ideal chance to achieve that goal. They are both quite familiar with the area and actually once held a big family reunion in Manitou Springs

They both love the outdoors and view GMF as a good fit.

On a professional level, Gerrity stated that she sees many comparisons with the challenges she has dealt with in Nederland and those in Green Mountain Falls.

“Both towns have big issues with a lack of money and mountain roads,” said Gerrity.  But at the same time, she said both communities are confronted with “an opportunity for economic strength.’

In addition, she cited growth as a big touchy subject in both locales. Neaderlan is located in a section of Colorado that is bombarded with an explosion in growth. El Paso County has had a similar predicament.  

However, Gerrity realizes the political climate is different. Nederland, for example, is a community that has opened the door for recreational marijuana shops, something viewed as a no-no by most GMF trustees.  Green Mountain Falls, similar to most communities in the Pikes Peak region, has shut the door for cannabis retail shops. But this idea got somewhat of a friendly response during one of the initial master plan community forums,, and continues to generate mixed sentiments.  

The one-time reefer boom in Nederland has slowed down dramatically. “I will just say one thing on that subject. It is a mixed bag,” said the Nederland administrator.

Gerrity has served as the administrator for Nederland for two years, and also had extensive government experience in the Boomfield area, north of Denver, serving in a variety of roles, including one stint as a cultural affairs director. Gerrity has extensive experience with grant writing, government management, finance, human resources, community development and project management.

Like other finalists for the job, Gerrity received an earful regarding some of the top issues. She also conversed with residents during the final review of the comprehensive master plan project, with huge maps and displays covering town hall. 

If a contract can be finalized, Gerrity could become the next town manager.

Town trustees, though, remained tight-lipped about the timing.

Wells Stepping Down As GMF Manager

However, the clock is ticking for GMF in the selection of a top boss. The town has operated under the reign of part-time, interim town manager Jason Wells for the last year and a half.

But Wells, who served as the administrator for Manitou Springs, is hanging up his cleats soon as town manager and pursuing a new venture as a business entrepreneur. He will soon become the owner/operator of the Ancient Mariner establishment in Manitou Springs, a local bar/eatery and entertainment institution for years. It is described by the chamber of commerce as a “flagship bar venue in historic Manitou Springs” and great place for live music.

As a result, Wells said he can’t spend as much time manning the managerial ropes in Green Mountain Falls.

In fact, Wells’ new business role attracted almost as much attention last week as the pick for a new GMF town manager, with many locals wishing him good luck with his new venture. Wells said the new owners plan to rename the Ancient Mariner as the Armadillo Ranch.

He expects all the licensing and permit work to be completed shortly.    

Teller County Sheriff open house 2019

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The weather cooperated as local families enjoyed the annual Teller County Open House on Saturday 6/1.  Those who attended were treated to friendly faces, educational exhibits, games, prizes and food. Photos by Cindy Valade

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