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Cripple Creek Escapes Legislative Gunfire Unscathed

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Mountain Jackpot
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Head lobbyist reports good session, despite bad behavior from lawmakers

~ by Rick Langenberg ~

Despite all the legislative warfare that ignited between Colorado Republicans and Democrats in the last general assembly session, the city of Cripple Creek escaped the volley of bullets relatively unscathed.

Still, it was a rough and brutal political season filled with many battle casualties and a tough playing field for conservative areas like Teller County.

This was the final analysis of Solomon “Sol” Malick, the head lobbyist for the city of Cripple Creek.

During a presentation before the city council last week, Malick made no pretensions about a dreadful partisan atmosphere between the Democrats, which now control the two chambers and the governor’s office, and leading Republicans. He said many party leaders from both sides of the aisle deserve an F-minus for their behavior

According to Malick, the attitude of Democrats was, “We are now in charge and we are going to do what we want.” And then, the Republicans then replied, “Well, we are going to make the process as difficult as possible for you.”

The end result:  a daily boxing match over such issues as climate change, clean energy regulations, education funding, gun restrictions, and more, with the Dems scoring major knock-out punches, but not before getting their share of black eyes. 

But on the upside, the issues that really matter for Cripple Creek, such as sports betting, got okayed with no obstacles. And better yet, the gaming community escaped with minor regulatory wounds. “All in all, it was a pretty good session for us. We remained pretty unscathed,” said Malick, when describing the 2019 general assembly season. “For Cripple Creek’s priorities, it was a very good year.”

Luckily for the Creek, the lobbyist said they were not part of the showdown over climate change and oil and gas development legislation. The latter legislation, which will give local governments much more say over future oil and gas developments in their communities, emerged as a symbol for the highly partisan environment, according to the Creek lobbyist. This bill, SB 181, was passed following much debate but drew the battle lines between the Democratic majority and nearly all Republican lawmakers.

“It goes to the heart of how this legislative session played out,” said Malick, in describing the partisan process. “It was very disappointing.”

Many lawmakers in the region were bothered about how this legislation got through when Colorado voters killed a similar proposal in the last election.

And although the Dems won the fight over energy and climate issues, Malick believes the new rules aren’t going to have much of an impact. In counties where gas and oil developments are prominent, local leaders there aren’t going to approve staunch restrictions, noted Malick. “We are not a socially liberal state,” said Malick, who like many lobbyists from areas like Teller, believes the Dems went too far in pushing a progressive agenda better suited for Boulder. Instead, he contends that much of Colorado is known for their natural resources and agricultural areas

Cripple Creek Legislative Priorities

As for the big issues impacting Cripple Creek, Malick cited sports betting, the ban for electronic cigarette exceptions, family medical leave rules, and local plumbing regulations.

Out of this list, sports betting emerged as the big winner for Cripple Creek, but still many questions remain. With the strong passage of HB 1327, the stage is set for local casinos to serve as outlets for sports betting on major professional games. But this okay will have to be affirmed by the majority of Colorado voters in the November election. Also, a local ballot issue must be approved in Cripple Creek to allow casinos to become outlets for these bets

Malick stated last week that the local vote could be done almost in a stream-line fashion under the state question placed on the November ballot. However, no matter how the ballot is compiled, City Administrator Mark Campbell made it clear last week that the most local voters must give the okay through a formal ballot issue. Originally, some questions were raised about whether local approval was required with this legislation. “It looks like we are going to have a local ballot issue,” said Campbell, who stated that city officials have researched this issue with their attorney Erin Smith. 

Regardless, the technicalities should get approved, based on preliminary estimates.

“When this bill is approved by state and local voters, the goal is to have everything in place to be able to fully implement by March 2021,” said Malick in a report presented to the council last week.

Part of the legislation also could allow the city and Teller County to apply for monies through a “hold harmless fund,” which deals with areas impacted by the sports betting activity. This focuses on a six percent fund of certain sports betting revenue generated, which  could go to areas, such as Cripple Creek and Teller County, that experience demonstrated needs by displaying “harm due to the passage of the referendum.”  Again, this part of the bill has raised more questions than answers. Campbell said when the final legislation is finalized, local officials wants to clarify this issue by making it into more of an overall impact fund for the affected cities and counties.

This sports betting bill is heavily supported by most local leaders and gaming operators. But questions still are circulating about how much actually betting money will be generated through this activity. This legislation is a byproduct of a U.S. Supreme Court decision to do away with sports betting prohibitions, which only permitted these bets to occur in Las Vegas and Nevada. Now, all states can join the sports betting caravan, as long as they establish their own regulations.

As for other big issues, Malick said they mostly tried to lessen the wounds from other bills that posed more restrictions. For example, state lawmakers got rid of the exceptions permitted through the Clean Indoor Act involving electronic cigarettes. But Malick said the gaming communities got a sight grandfathering provision okayed that allows customers to still smoke e-cigarettes in areas close to the main door.

Still, this law could have an extra negative impact on Cripple Creek, which has fought over anti-smoking regulations for years. Councilwoman Melissa Trenary, who works in a local casino, stated that the law would pose a definite impact on the industry. “This is going to make many of our customers unhappy,” said Trenary.

Malick also mentioned a number of other bills that would create more regulations. In most cases, he said they tried to lessen the local impacts, such as one calling for tougher plumbing inspections.

In looking at the big picture, the lobbyist spoke highly of the way Cripple Creek is viewed inside the legislative arena. “Cripple Creek continues to be a leading voice when discussing bills that involve local governments, local regulations, historic preservation funding, and other industry related priority areas that are legislated….Every year, Cripple Creek’s profile continues to grow and continues to galvanizes its place in the legislative arena.”  

His advice to the local council: “Stay vigilant and keep up your guard.”  

New Crackdown Started Against Illegal Campers and Squatters In Teller Rural Areas

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Mountain Jackpot
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photos by Trevor Phipps

~ by Trevor Phipps ~

In recent months, the Teller County commissioners passed a new law that restricts camping on public and private lands, and now the highly controversial enforcement process begins.

The new law went into effect on May 10, following months of public meetings, and with actually little debate.

 The new law limits camping on any land to a short period of 14 days. If people wish to stay on a piece of property for longer than that two week allowance, they must now go to the county and obtain a camping permit. Once the permit is obtained, people will be allowed to stay on the land for 60 days. These restrictions apply to owners of the property and to visitors, and to family members associated with the property owners.

 The new regulations also restrict what type of vehicles can be used for camping, ending the old hippie heyday of sleeping in public places in your small car. The Woodstock celebration has officially ended, folks. 

The new law comes as part of a campaign to rid the area of homeless people and those squatting on vacant lands within the county. Recently, several residents have noticed an increase of “homeless camps” in the area.

 According to Lynda Morgan, the director of Teller County’s Community Development Services agency, said that enforcement of the new law will be conducted in the same way as other code enforcement matters. Currently, all code enforcement issues are complaint driven and the new law will be enforced the same way. In other words, Teller officials won’t be on the prowl for homeless squatters, and instead, will rely on information they receive from local homeowners and residents.

 “If we have a complaint received about camping we do our research and reach out and contact the property owner,” Morgan said. “If it is found that there is a violation, we will reach out to them and try to resolve it. If we cannot find a resolution, and get the property into compliance that is when the ordinance would go into effect and that’s when the sheriff would then issue a summons.”

 According to Morgan, the new ordinance has already come into play. She said that they have been working on some properties in the last week, and that the process is now in place. During the first week the ordinance was active, Morgan met with the Teller sheriff, and the county has started the summoning process on more than one property.

 She said that it is hard to tell how often the county will have to enforce this new ordinance. Morgan said that she hopes the complaints will be kept to a minimum, and that there have only been a few cases so far.

 Currently, there have not been any areas that have been labeled “hot spots” for illegal camping activity. But, many people claim that they have seen people camping on various rural, desolate areas of the county.

 Some are concerned that there could be state legislation that prevents the county from enforcing the new ordinance. However, according to Teller County Commissioner Norm Steen, the only law that has been put on the table that would have allowed people to camp on public properties occurred the city of Denver and it was voted down. Steen said that the state legislative session has ended for the year and that there was not any law that has passed that would go against the county’s new camping ordinance.

 This new law comes as good news to many local residents including Florissant resident Bob Kerr, who claims to live next to a “homeless camp.” Kerr said that there are multiple people living on a vacant piece of land located in his neighborhood near Florissant.

 He and one of his neighbors claim that a group of people started squatting on the land in their neighborhood about four years ago. Since then, several dilapidated looking temporary buildings have shown up on the property and the neighbors in the area are concerned for a number of reasons.

 Kerr and his neighbor think that the property is an eyesore, and that it is lowering the property values of neighboring houses significantly. He also believes that since the property has no running water or septic tank on it, that the water table in the area is getting polluted by human waste.

 “The problem is that the county is not doing anything about homeless camps like these,” Kerr said. “And I would be willing to bet that there are several of these camps in the area.”

 But unfortunately, as with many alleged camping violations, this scenario often becomes a ‘he said, she said” conflict. However, the new camping law may actually put these disputes on the public record, with more defined ways to resolve the disputes. 

Ivan Bailey, who owns the property being questioned by his neighbor,s claims that he is not violating any local rules or regulations. He says that he does not live on the property, and that he is in the business of building sheds and tiny homes.

However, Kerr and his neighbors said that they hear a generator running every night and that several people are indeed illegally camping on the property.

These types of disputes are not uncommon and have escalated dramatically in the last few years. This trend is also a byproduct of the huge spike in population and for visitors in the Pikes Peak region, with Teller often viewed as a prime hideaway for those wanting to camp illegally or for an extended period. 

New Dog Park Set For Woodland Park, CO Community

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Mountain Jackpot
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Opening Ceremony with Ribbon Cutting set for 9 a.m. June 1, 2019
WOODLAND PARK, CO – 5/8/2019 – Woodland Park’s first official dog park, Golden Meadows Dog Park, will open on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony sponsored by the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce

and then dog-related activities throughout the day ending at 2:00pm.
The Pet Food Pantry for Teller County will be accepting pet food donations and the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) will have dogs available for adoption.
Golden Meadows Dog Park, located at the Meadow Wood Sports Complex in Woodland Park, is an inspirational, dream project created by Teller County native, Bianca Bryant (pictured above with “friends”), as her Girl Scout Gold Award Project.
Bryant, who is finishing her Junior year at Woodland Park High School and the incoming Student Council President for 2020, said that she started her dream of building a dog park in May, 2017 and finally got formal approval with the City of Woodland Park in December, 2018.
“It’s so exciting!” said Bryant. “This is my Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, the highest award achieved by a Senior Girl Scout. I have been in Girl Scouts since I was six years old and I’ve always loved dogs. This is a leadership award project that will permanently impact our community for the better. I’m so excited to bring my dream to reality for Woodland Park!”
Construction on the dog park will begin in mid-May. Preceded by a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 4:00pm for major contributors and supporters. The construction company prefers to remain anonymous but is honored to be working on this project.
“I want to say a very special thanks to those people, businesses and community groups who have made this dream possible,” said Bryant.
“First of all, I couldn’t have done this without the support of my Mom, Stacey Graham. She has provided so much emotional support and has been my biggest cheerleader when things get complicated. And the leadership team at the Woodland Park High School for their guidance and the student council and members of the Kiwanis Builders Club at the Woodland Park Middle School for their financial donations.”
“I also want to thank Park State Bank and Trust, TCRAS, Woodland Home and Hardware, Foxworth-Galbraith, the Brewing Science Institute (BSI), Image Bearers Cleaning and perini & associates for their financial and in-kind support. The dog park wouldn’t have happened without the support I’ve received from the City of Woodland Park and especially Cindy Keating, Director, Parks and Recreation, the City Council and the Ute Pass-Woodland Park Kiwanis Club, especially Pat Hyslop.”
A requirement of the Girl Scouts Gold Award project it that the must offer a permanent solution to a local, community issue. Golden Meadows Dog Park will be included in a national application called Bring Fido, which allows travelers to locate pet friendly hotels, campgrounds and dog parks nationwide.
Other dog-related activities taking place on Saturday, June 1, 2019 include a K-9 Ninja-themed dog walk, optional dog agility stations, live music and vendor booths.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Registration forms are available at TCRAS, Kaufmann Family Dentistry or the City of Woodland Park’s Park and Recreation office.
More information is available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/1259370004174647/ or by emailing goldenmeadowsdogpark@gmail.com.
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About Girl Scouts of Colorado
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Colorado prepares girls and adults to create unique leadership paths, ignite change, and share a worldwide sisterhood through girl-led traditions and new experiences. Find out more atwww.girlscoutsofcolorado.org.

Property Values In Teller County Escalate Dramatically

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Mountain Jackpot
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Hot Real Estate Market Cited as Major Culprit For Huge Tax Hikes

~ by Bob Volpe ~
Hundreds of property owners in Teller County are grappling with a massive rise in their property values as a result of the 2019 revaluation, completed by the assessor’ office.

With this hike in values, residents can expect a big increase in their property taxes. Colorado state law directs all 64 counties in the state to revalue property in every odd-numbered year.

The county assessor bases the revaluation on mostly sales data. This year Teller County property owners saw a rise in their property values ranging from 23 percent to over 50 percent from the previous assessment.

According to Teller County Assessor Colt Simmons, some of the factors that determine a rise (or fall) in property values are: square footage of living space, basement area, upper floor area, quality grade, land
acreage square footage, design type, effective year built bathrooms, garages and carports, condition, location adjustments, and roof type.

The major factor driving the increase in property values is location and part of Colorado’s burgeoning market.

Over the last several years, the Front Range of Colorado has seen a massive influx of people moving to the area. According to several studies, the Denver/Colorado Springs area has been rated among the top
three places to live in the country. These studies are the driving market force behind the increase in property sales prices, which continue to skyrocket. Simply put, it’s a matter of supply and demand. As the supply of homes and property are limited, and the demand to purchase homes and property increases, prices rise. An article in The (Colorado Springs) Gazette, dated December 6, 2018, stated, “The Springs has made the Realtor.com ‘hottest markets’ list several times in recent months, as the area’s surging economy and job growth have heightened the demand for housing. That has led to strong home sales and rising  prices.”

Simmons explained that in June of 2018, the median sale price of a property in Teller County was $320,000, but this varied by area. In Woodland Park, the median sale price was estimated at $365,000. By comparisons, in Cripple Creek it was $152,449, in Victor it was $123,500, and in unincorporated areas of the county, the price hovered around the $292,418 mark.

Simmons supplied data on sale prices on some of the areas. In Woodland Park’s Sunnywood subdivision, the median sale price in June of 2016 was $288,919, but by June of 2018, it rose to $379,964. This compared to data from previous years, represented a rise in the value of 30.68 percent. In Cripple Creek, the numbers were somewhat less. The median sale price in June of 2016 was $112,500, but jumped to $147,775 in 2018, representing an increase of 26 percent. The biggest increase in value from the numbers supplied by Simmons was in the Florissant area’s Crystal Peak subdivision.

There the median sale price in June of 2016 was $175,845, but soared to $263,277 in June of 2018, representing an increase of 49.72 percent. On a county-wide basis, Simmons told the commissioners last week that the rise in values has escalated by an average rate of 32 percent, compared to the previous revaluation two years ago. This increase is basically a state-wide trend, according to Simmons.

These increases shocked many property owners in the county. Simmons’ office has received hundreds of appeals due to the rise in assessments, and he expects that number to increase before the June 1, 2019 deadline to file an appeal. Those who wish to appeal their property valuation can do so online,
(http://www.co.teller.co.us/Assessor/default.aspx), in person at the assessor’s office at 101 W. Bennett Ave. Cripple Creek, or by mail at Teller County Assessor, PO Box 1008, Cripple Creek, CO 80813. The
deadline for appeal is June 1, 2019.

Simmons told the commissioners last week that he expects more than 2,500 protests to be filed by the deadline.

Additional Options for Seniors and Veterans

Another way to lower your property tax burden is available to seniors and disabled veterans who meet certain qualifications. For seniors, an exemption of up to 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value
can be had. To qualify you must be 65 years of age on January 1 of the year in which you apply; you must have owned the property for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1, and you must occupy
the property as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1. The caveat to this exemption is that the state legislature must fund the exemption every year.

The disabled veteran exemption is available to veterans of up to 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of the applicant’s primary residence. To qualify you must have; sustained a service
related disability while on active duty serving in the United States armed forces; have an honorable discharge; have a 100 percent permanent disability; and the veteran must own the property since
January 1st of the year applying.

These exemptions can be found and applied for on the assessor’s web site at, http://www.co.teller.co.us/Assessor/default.aspx or in person at the assessor’s office in Cripple Creek.

Simmons encourages anyone who disputes their reevaluation to come
forth and appeal to the findings. He stated he is always open to having the public visit with any issues they want to discuss with the assessor’s office.

Green Mountain Falls Selects Another Town Boss Finalist

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Mountain Jackpot
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WP Manager Denies Raiding Local Talent Pool

~ by Rick Langenberg ~

Will the third time become the charm for the town of Green Mountain Falls in its lengthy search for a head municipal boss?

Last week, a quest that has experienced its share of bumps in the road may have hit a patch of smooth terrain as GMF officials announced a finalist for the town manager position. Karen Gerrity, the current administrator for Nederland, Colorado in the southwest corner of Boulder County, is the sole finalist for the position that has become the talk of the town for months.

She was picked, following recent preliminary interviews with four other top candidates.

According to a GMF press release, Gerrity’s experience there (in Nederland) is “relevant to Green Mountain Falls’ current and long-term leadership needs. In addition to the proven local government knowledge she brings to the table, other specific skills Gerry has emphasized include grant writing/management, as well as finance, human resources, community development, project management, strategic planning and community engagement experience.” Town officials say that prior to her current role in Nederland, Gerrity led various non-profit organizations.  

She will be introduced to the community on Tuesday, May 28 during a reception scheduled at the town hall at 5 p.m. This follows a day-long tour of the town, capped by meetings with the staff and interviews with the trustees, and an overview of the community’s comprehensive plan project.

The trustees will then meet behind closed doors and discuss a possible offer for the position. Mayor Jane Newberry stated that the town has not yet hired a new town manager, but has selected what the trustees believe is a superb finalist candidate. 

Hopefully, the final result will have a better ending than GMF’s previous meet and greet manager session. On April 30, the town appeared to approach the “ninth inning” of a lengthy search for a town manager and publicly announced two finalists. These were Emily Katsimpalis, the assistant town administrator for Buena Vista; and Kyle Coleman, the assistant manager for the village of Estero, Florida in the southwest part of the state.

The two finalists were well-received by local residents and town leaders and encountered an earful regarding such issues as road conditions, short-term rentals, special events and infrastructure challenges. They both had their assets, with Coleman gaining praise for his knowledge and expertise in handling public works matters and Katsimpalis receiving laurels for her Colorado roots and work in key tourist areas. 

But for various reasons, final deals could not be secured with either of the finalists.

Did Woodland Park Steal Away a Possible GMF Town Manager?

The rejection decision by Katsimpalis has raised more questions, as she recently accepted a lucrative position as the director of finance for the city of Woodland Park. She will start her new job with Woodland Park on June 24.

Due to her ties in Colorado, she was regarded by insiders as the front-runner for the GMF manager spot.

TMJ News has recently received concerns about whether the city of Woodland Park may have possibly raided the managerial pool of GMF, actions that represent a breaching of professional ethics. In other words, did Woodland use inside information to hire a top recruit away from GMF. Or, maybe it just comes down to a case of bad timing.    

Woodland Park City Manager Darrin Tangeman was a member of a committee, formed by Interim GMF Town Manager Jason Wells, to review the applications submitted for the GMF job, in an attempt to narrow the field.

But Tangeman, in a phone interview late last week, stressed that no effort was made to snag Katimpalis away from the GMF town manager slot. “I am very sensitive about things like this. We want to have good relations with Green Mountain Falls,” said Tangeman

Tangeman said he actually was hoping Katsimpalis would take the GMF town manager job.  “I have known Emily for a number of years and have been a mentor to her.  I have always believed that she would be a good city manager.”

According to the Woodland Park city boss, WP officials did not offer or approach Katsimpalis about the head finance director position until she turned down the Green Mountain Falls job offer.  Woodland Park recently lost their head finance chief, Mike Farina, who took another job in the Castle Pines area. And filling jobs like this are difficult in today’s municipal market in Colorado.

When she rejected the GMF town manager spot, Tangeman thought Katimpalis would be a good fit for the finance director slot. 

GMF leaders haven’t really commented on the situation that has stirred some questions in local municipal circles. Some just attribute the latest turn of events to bad timing. “For whatever reason, it just didn’t work out,” said Newberry, in discussing the latest rejection of the GMF town manager contract.

Coleman, the other finalist, also rejected the GMF town manager job.  

GMF has been searching for a head boss since February. And for the last year and a half, the town has operated with a part-time, interim manager, under the reign of Wells. Wells was the former city administrator for Manitou Springs. He originally was only hired for a several month contract.

But his arrangement with GMF got extended due to considerable staff turnover and as a result of the floods of last summer. 

One possible hurdle in GMF, according to sources, is the lack of guaranteed funding for the position. The state has partially funded the position for several years through a DOLA grant. But this money expires in the middle of next year, meaning the town will have to foot the bill for a permanent town manager position.

Views are somewhat mixed about the position, with some locals questioning the need for a town manager and want to invest more monies into road improvements, instead. Also, the town’s previous experiment in selecting a full-time town manager ended on a failing note, when town leaders parted ways with Verla Bruner, GMF’s first permanent town boss, after only six months on the job. Bruner is now the town clerk of Palmer Lake. 

Regardless, GMF leaders still want to move full-speed ahead in pursuing a town manager style of government.  

Almanac Week of 05.28.2019

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Mountain Jackpot
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Tuesday, May 28

The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees will host a meet and greet with the finalist for the new town manager position on May 28. The meeting will be held at the GMF Town Hall at 5 p.m. (see related story in this week’s TMJ).   

Wednesday, May 29

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   . 

Thursday, May 30

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.

Summer Camp. May is the last month of school, and has a full week of the Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation’s KRU Summer Camp! Our trip this month, first trip of summer will be on THURSDAY May 30th, to the Cripple Creek & Victor train, and then down to Woodland Park to swim! Activity fee $5, plus the daily fee of $15 for the first child, and $12 each for additional siblings. Please note: Summer continues our full day sign up sheets, where we need at least 10 kids to open, but can take no more than 30 kids. If you sign up, we are saving your child’s spot, and if they are a no call/no show, you will still be charged a daily fee. If you’ve signed your child up for a day they will no longer be attending, please call us as soon as possible so we can open up the spot. For more information, call 719-689-3514.

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Friday, May 31

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.

Saturday, June 1

Golden Meadows Dog Park Grand Opening. Woodland Park’s first dog park will officially open on June 1 at the Meadow Wood Sports Complex, 200 Evergreen Heights Drive in Woodland Park (just past the fire station). A ribbon cutting will occur at 9 a.m. with a “Ninja” themed casual dog walk from 9 to 11 a.m. In addition, a variety of festivities, with food, fun and live music will take place throughout the day. For more information, call 719-687-5225.

Manitou Springs Wine Festival. Scheduled for June 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spend your day in Manitou Springs enjoying generous tastings from 30 Colorado wineries. Stroll through Memoria Park in historic Manitou Springs listening to live music, while enjoying food and gift vendors. Gates close at 4 p.m. Ticket price includes admission to wine tasting and a Manitou Springs Wine Festival glass. For more information, contact the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development, or call 719-685-5089 or visitwww.manitousprings.org.

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. In addition, the Fossil Beds will now 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 websitecpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller or call ahead for conditions (719) 687-2366.

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.

Registration for MADD (Music, Art, Drama and Dance) will occur from April 28 through June 2. The actual camp dates are June 10-14, 9 a.m. to noon; Mondays through Thursdays 9-4 and after services on Sundays at the Impact Christian Church, 27400 N. Hwy. 67. For questions and more information, call 719-235-7144.

Golfing for a good cause. A Spring Break-out Golf Tournament will be held at the Shining Mountain Golf Course on Monday, June 3, starting at 9 a.m. The fourth annual tournament will benefit the Little Chapel Food Pantry, which provides over 600,000 pounds of food to needy families on an annual basis. The Food Pantry is operated by many volunteers in the area. The popular tourney will feature a 4-person scramble format, and will include a golf cart and lunch. In addition, a silent auction will occur and door prizes will be given away. Get “teed off” for a good cause. For more information and to register, call Joe Joe Baumgardner at 405-488-5954.   

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

Teller County Region Bustles With Abundance of Hiking and Mountain Biking Adventures

By
Mountain Jackpot
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~ by Trevor Phipps ~

One of the biggest draws of the Teller County area is the region’s proximity to National Forest open space. From the city of Woodland Park, an abundance of hiking trails can be found within a short drive.

 During the summer, many locals and visitors enjoy taking a stroll in the high mountain country and experiencing miles of mountain trails that are located within the county and other counties nearby. Cyclists, meanwhile, like to enjoy many of these trails on their mountain bikes as most of the local mountain paths are accessible for outdoor enthusiasts on two wheels. The following is a list of some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails the area has to offer.

 Rampart Reservoir

 Located just to the east of Woodland Park is the beautiful Rampart Reservoir that is nestled in the mountains above the city. The lake has a boat ramp along with several other camping and picnic areas.

 However, for those who do not wish to drive into the park and pay the fee to get in, there is a trail located off of Rampart Range road just before the official entrance to the lake. The Rampart Reservoir Trail is rated as moderate and is a 13.2 mile loop that takes adventurers on a route around the entire reservoir.

 The trailhead starts on Rampart Range Road and follows along a river that flows out of the ground from other reservoirs in the western part of the state. The trail from the road to the reservoir is about two miles and it is a nice trip alongside a quickly flowing stream. Once trekkers reach the reservoir they then have the choice of which way they want to take around the lake.

This trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikers and it offer exquisite views of the gorgeous lake and picturesque sightings of Pikes Peak.

Lovell Gulch Trail

 Another popular trail in the area starts off of Rampart Range Road just north of town. The trailhead is located near the city’s maintenance yard where the city’s old dog pound used to be.

 The first mile of the trail is level and it brings you to a loop that is over three miles long. Most adventurers turn right at the loop and take the steep trail that goes along a mountain stream uphill. Once people make their way to the top of the ridge, beautiful views of Pikes Peak can be enjoyed.

The trail then cuts west across the ridge before it drops back down into the valley and returns trekkers to the trailhead. This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. According to the National Forest Service’s website, the trail is very popular with horseback riders as well as hikers and mountain bikers.

Catamount Ranch Trail

 This trail is a little bit less well-known but it offers a nice trek through Teller County wilderness. The trailhead is located just west of Woodland Park off of Edlowe Road. The parking lot is located at the end of the road and it gives you an option of two different trails to take.

 Hikers can use this trail to link up with other trails including the Catamount Falls Trail and the Ring the Peak trail. This trail’s most prominent feature is the fact that hikers can get to the Catamount Reservoirs that are located at the foot of Pikes Peak. The venture downhill brings trekkers through beautiful forests. Then, the trails take adventurers to the back side of the Upper Catamount Reservoir where they can see a side of the lake they have never witnessed before.

 Mule Creek Trail

 This trail is located off of Hwy. 67 just north of Woodland Park and has been a popular hiking and mountain biking trail for locals for several years. The trailhead is accessed by turning off of Highway 67 and heading towards the Lion’s Camp.

 The trailhead sits just before the camp and takes adventurers on a trip along Mule and Trout Creek. The pathway starts off by crossing Mule Creek several times. Then further up on the trail it breaks away from Mule Creek and starts to follow Trout Creek to the west.

 After a ways many turn back but those who wish to keep going can follow the 717 trail system further west into National forest areas all the way to the northern part of Divide.

 Horsethief Falls

 This Teller County trail offer views of waterfalls as well as options to hike around the mountains. The trailhead to these high mountain falls is located off of Highway 67 in between Cripple Creek and Divide just after the old railroad tunnel that is blocked off. The start of the trail gives hikers many options of trails that traverse the foot of Pikes Peak on its western edge.

 The trail starts by leading explorers up a steep climb up the side of a mountain. After about 0.8 miles, the trail levels out into a pleasant valley and the trail comes to a tee with a sign leading to either Pancake Rocks or the falls. Heading north will take hikers on the Pancake Rock trail, whereas continuing to travel straight east will bring them to the beautiful, high mountain waterfalls. The falls are only a short half mile journey from the sign in the valley.

 Anne Marie Falls

 The Anne Marie Falls trail is a hidden gem that is also located in between Divide and Cripple Creek. However, instead of going all the way to the tunnel, visitors turn off near the Mueller State Park entrance towards the Crags Campground east of Highway 67. To view this waterfall ,hikers must park at the parking lot at the end of the road that leads to the campground.

 Then, the adventurers must take the Ring The Peak Trail for a short distance past three river crossings. Just as the trail ascends again there is an old forest service road bed labeled with a sign that says, “704” that veers off at the first right hand switchback. Once to the road bed the journey to the waterfall is not a long one. The trail ends at the creek where it falls down from higher elevations. The total trip to the Anne Marie Falls is less than three miles there and back.

Catamount Falls

 Another gem is the trail that leads from the small, cozy town of Green Mountain Falls all the way up to the Catamount Reservoirs that sit at the bottom of Pikes Peak. To get to the trail the hikers must park near a community park in Green Mountain Falls and then walk up Hondo Ave. in order to get to the trailhead.

 Once hikers walk up the road inside town, the bottom of the waterfalls can be seen. The trail then leads up the water falls that come down from the mountains. The trip all the way up to the reservoirs is a steep one and is several miles in length.

 From the trail, exquisite views can be enjoyed from the top to the bottom. The further up on the trail someone hikes, the views of the falls and the Ute Pass get even better.

Colorado Springs American Legion honors first Post Commande

By
Mountain Jackpot
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