Author: Patrick Henry Sweeney

  • Gilpin is requiring face masks to be worn everywhere by everyone

    Gilpin is requiring face masks to be worn everywhere by everyone

    Commissioners discuss fire ban and Hot Rod Hill Climb

    By Randy Beaudette

    On July 14, 2020 Gilpin Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a regular online meeting that discussed topics such as a mask mandate, Stage 2 Fire Ban, a discussion concerning the likely cancellation of the Hot Rod Hill Climb, and many other interesting (more…)

  • School start-up at Gilpin this fall

    School start-up at Gilpin this fall

    Striving to be free from Coronavirus with in-person learning

    By Esmee Halsted

    The school year is right around the corner. Unlike most years, COVID-19 will affect school learning. There are many different plans circulating around Colorado such as staggered schedules or online learning. In our community, Gilpin County School is planning to resume in-person learning on August 10th with plenty of safety measures. (more…)

  • St. James Methodist church celebrates 162 years

    St. James Methodist church celebrates 162 years

    In a unique outdoor setting held in the Opera House Gardens

    By Jaclyn Schrock

    St. James Methodist Church in Central City has met as a congregation, encouraging their community to be united in fellowship with believers in Jesus the Christ, since July 1859. July 12, 2020 celebrating the joyous occasion on their 162 Year Heritage Sunday, they were welcomed to the outdoor setting in the Opera House Gardens, across the street from the church. (more…)

  • Community & poetry in the time of the coronavirus

    Community & poetry in the time of the coronavirus

    Local poets highlight their work online

    By Michael Carlson

    Every year the Library showcases the works of local poets. This year through the magic of Zoom we can still bring the community together once again. Join Stith Bennett, Gurattan Helgeson, Burt Rashbaum, Ray Phillips, and master of ceremonies Christine Weeber, as she introduces us to some old favorites and new creations from her fellow artists. An open mic will be available the second half of the night for other artists to share their work. (more…)

  • Gilpin Sheriff pleads case for not de-funding police

    Gilpin Sheriff pleads case for not de-funding police

    Commissioners discuss ability to transfer property development rights

    By Randy Beaudette

    On July 7, 2020 Gilpin Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a special online meeting that featured topics such as an emotional plea from Sheriff Kevin Armstrong to reconsider cuts from the Sheriff’s budget and a lengthy discussion on zoning issues. (more…)

  • Central City to exchange some properties with Black Hawk

    Central City to exchange some properties with Black Hawk

    Council finds that casinos are doing great with the state health rules

    By David Josselyn

    Work Session

    Council met with Staff prior to the regular meeting for a Work Session to have a discussion with casino operators regarding limited gaming, betting limits, and new games; also, to hear a plan for economic resiliency for Main Street. (more…)

  • David Zancanella remembered

    David Zancanella remembered

    March 22, 1930 – June 28, 2020

    David Russell Zancanella passed away on Sunday June 28, 2020. He was born on March 22, 1930 to Tony and Jennie Zancanella in Russell Gulch, Colorado.

    Dave enjoyed growing up in Black Hawk, Co. with his brothers and sisters. After graduating from High School, Dave worked for the Rio-Grande Railroad before going into the Army in 1951 where he served as a diesel mechanic in Italy (more…)

  • The Abduction at Mountain City or Where is Millie?

    The Abduction at Mountain City or Where is Millie?

    Belvidere Players performances in July

    By Patrice LeBlanc

    While most theaters have shut down in Colorado, residents in Central City have found a way to provide entertainment while maintaining the health guidelines set by the County. The Belvidere Players will perform a social distance melodrama, The Abduction at Mountain City or Where is Millie? on July 11, 18 and 25, 6:00 p.m. at the Teller House (more…)

  • Camouflaged T-Mobile cell tower debate

    Camouflaged T-Mobile cell tower debate

    Black Hawk Council plans development of Miner’s Mesa

    By Randy Beaudette

    Highlights of the Black Hawk City Council Regular online meeting includes an Inter-governmental Agreement concerning the distribution of CARES funds, matters that concern the Miner’s Mesa T-Mobile cell tower, and the planning contract to construct the road over Miner’s Mesa that will connect Black Hawk to Lake Gulch/ Whiskey Resort. (more…)

  • Fourth of July in the 1890’s

    Fourth of July in the 1890’s

    Celebrating from Central City to Georgetown

    By Mary Peery

    1890 was a good year for the mining towns. Populations increased. Shops and saloons were busy. This resulted in more fees paid to the town’s coffers, giving town leaders the ability to fund large Fourth of July (more…)

  • Gilpin County reorganization and workforce reductions

    Gilpin County reorganization and workforce reductions

    Commissioners terminate 79 positions to try to balance the budget

    By Randy Beaudette

    An emotional reorganization and reduction in work force discussion was the highlight (or lowlight) of the June 30, 2020 meeting of the Gilpin County Board of (more…)

  • Russell Gulch Fourth of July 1859

    Russell Gulch Fourth of July 1859

    Looking back to the origins of this mining community

    By Mary Peery

    The miners of Russell Gulch and Gregory Gulch observed the Fourth of July, which occurred weeks after gold was discovered and the mining districts were formed. According to the late editor and proprietor of the Colorado Mining Journal, Ovando J. Hollister, in his 1867 book The Mines of Colorado: “In the first days of June (1859) Green Russell had discovered and commenced operations in the gulch that bears his name, a tributary of north Clear Creek, a little south (more…)

  • Thomas Gish remembered

    Thomas Gish remembered

    February 27, 1961 – June 17, 2020

    Thomas James Gish, 59, of Black Hawk, passed away suddenly on June 17, 2020, at home. Tommy had lived in Black Hawk and Gilpin County for over 30 years. Tommy loved life and flamboyantly charged through it without remorse. Tommy was always capturing hearts along the way with his easy laughter and fast wit. He saw beauty in everything he encountered and loved to spend time during the summer in his garden filled with flowers. (more…)

  • What happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence?

    What happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence?

    This is the Price They Paid

    By Michael W Smith

    Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. They signed and they pledged their (more…)

  • Creating a vision for Gilpin County’s future

    Creating a vision for Gilpin County’s future

    Casino restaurants, bars, pools, and health clubs can now open

    By Randy Beaudette

    On June 23, 2020 the Gilpin Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a special online meeting that featured topics such as an update on the Land Use Comprehensive Plan, Cares Act IGA and submission, and Public Health order amendment. (more…)

  • Black Hawk and Central City agree on new growth areas in Gilpin County

    Black Hawk and Central City agree on new growth areas in Gilpin County

    Proxima Distillers to compensate Central for increased traffic impacts

    By Randy Beaudette

    On June 17, an amendment to the 1999 growth area Intergovernmental Agreement (more…)