Author: Patrick Henry Sweeney

  • David Wienbarg remembered

    David Wienbarg remembered

    January 14, 1956 – April 26, 2019

    David Wienbarg was born in Denver, Co January 14, 1956, and passed away unexpectedly April 26, 2019, at home. Dave loved his life in Central City and was often seen taking his dog, Mel, on long walks around town.

    He will lovingly be remembered by his son Jacob and grandson Jamison, as well as his aunt Mary Summers and many cousins and friends.

    Dave had a quick smile and believed helping and caring (more…)

  • James Erdman remembered

    James Erdman remembered

    March 21, 1964 – April 24, 2019

    James Frederick Erdman was born March 21, 1964 in Durango, Colorado to James Allen Erdman and Margaret (Mardi) Ann Erdman (Bredemeier). He died on April 24th in his apartment in Golden, Colorado with his beloved cat, Boo, beside him.

    James died of natural causes—organ failure due to the effects of his life-long struggle with alcoholism. James would move a mountain for a complete stranger. He’d give his last penny to a beggar. He loved animals and (more…)

  • National Day of Prayer 2019

    National Day of Prayer 2019

    Gilpinites join in praying for America

    by Patty Unruh

    America’s annual National Day of Prayer was held on Thursday, May 2. Coloradans joined millions of Americans of all faiths at thousands of gatherings large and small, including a two-hour program set for the steps of the state Capitol in Denver. (more…)

  • The Educational Enhancement Tax Program

    The Educational Enhancement Tax Program

    A win-win business model of how governments can work with schools

    Colorful student artwork and national awards line the hallways inside the Gilpin County RE-1 School District complex. The proud, welcoming environment appears as though it has always been this way, but just ten years ago serious financial problems were threatening to send the local school district into the Colorado history books.   The Great Recession of 2007-2009 and state budget shortfalls led the legislature to (more…)

  • Base Camp – pursuing a life-long dream

    Base Camp – pursuing a life-long dream

    Five Years Later

    By Cary Ihme

    “Wow, five years.  It’s hard to believe.” This is what I said to myself as I realized our fifth anniversary as business owners was fast approaching. “How did we get here?” I thought to myself. (more…)

  • Gilpin shines bright at Prom

    Gilpin shines bright at Prom

    A night to remember beneath the city lights

    By Trystin Swan

    Gilpin County juniors and seniors danced the night away at Prom on Friday, April 26th. Prom was held in the Historic Daniels & Fisher Tower, “The Clock Tower” in downtown Denver. Prom overlooked the beautiful downtown skyline and was perfect for sunset pictures and of course to show off (more…)

  • Eagles’ baseball defeats Denver Academy 5-4

    Eagles’ baseball defeats Denver Academy 5-4

    Track squad participates in Ram Charger meet

    by Patty Unruh

    Baseball Action

    Gilpin High School’s baseball team prevailed 5-4 over the Mustangs of Denver Academy (DA) in a conference game on April 23. The game was played at Denver Academy, with Gilpin listed as the home team. The Eagles have improved their record to 2-6, both wins coming in league play. Denver Academy holds a 2-5 tally for league games. DA’s overall record is 6-8, so Gilpin’s victory over the stronger team was especially satisfying for the Eagles. (more…)

  • Phase 2 of Gregory Street Project is underway

    Phase 2 of Gregory Street Project is underway

    Black Hawk Council Approves Bobtail Street Project

    By Randy Beaudette

    Newly hired Black Hawk Communications Officer Ellie Younger rang the bell promptly at 3:00 p.m. to announce the Black Hawk City Council regular meeting on April 24, 2019. (more…)

  • Gilpin Tae Kwon Do tournament

    Gilpin Tae Kwon Do tournament

    Mountain Academy of Martial Arts

    By Imy Rich

    The Mountain Academy of Martial Arts hosted our semi-annual Tae Kwon Do tournament at the Gilpin County Community Center on Saturday, April 27th. There was a large turn out with over 80 people watching, participating and volunteering. (more…)

  • Avengers: Endgame

    Avengers: Endgame

    Setting box office records around the world

    By David Josselyn

    The end is here. “Avengers: Endgame” is truly the end of a 22-movie volume spanning the last eleven years beginning with “Iron Man” in 2008. Director Joe and Anthony Russo left no stone unturned in wrapping up the saga in a most satisfying way for fans of the Marvel Movie Cinematic Universe (MCU). (more…)

  • Planning for affordable housing for seniors

    Planning for affordable housing for seniors

    Group meets with Gilpin County officials

    by Patty Unruh

    After having their past two monthly meetings canceled by inclement weather, members of the Gilpin County Senior Living Board (GCSL) finally met on Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Gilpin County School. (more…)

  • 2019 Gilpin valedictorian to attend Colorado School of Mines

    2019 Gilpin valedictorian to attend Colorado School of Mines

    Building for the future with Chad Holmes

    by Patty Unruh

    “Work hard and keep a balance between having fun and studying. Place a precedence on education, because it sets you up for post-high school and for the rest of your life.”

    Sage advice from Gilpin High School’s valedictorian for the Class of 2019, Chad Holmes. This reporter met recently with Chad and learned about his high school career, extra-curricular activities, and plans for the future. (more…)

  • Renewing energy with Anna Yocom

    Renewing energy with Anna Yocom

    Gilpin H.S. salutatorian passionate about math and science

    by Patty Unruh

    Anna Yocom, Gilpin High School’s salutatorian for the Class of 2019, is a soft-spoken young woman with wide-ranging interests. She recently shared her experiences, preferences, and viewpoints. Anna’s parents are Jerry and Katie Yocom and her sister is Halle, a freshman at Gilpin. The family includes two dogs, Labrador retrievers Apollo and Whistler, named for Olympic speed skater (more…)

  • Nairobi National Park

    Nairobi National Park

    Kenyan rhino sanctuary

    by Dave Gibson

    This article is the first installment of a 5-part series on Kenya.

    Nairobi National Park was established in 1946 as Kenya’s first national park and is its smallest, measuring 45 square miles. Located just four miles from Nairobi’s centralbusiness district, it is home to a host of African animals including Cape buffalo, (more…)

  • “Special delivery” a satisfying career for local postmaster

    “Special delivery” a satisfying career for local postmaster

    Patti Sprague to retire after 14 years at the Central City Post Office

    by Patty Unruh

    “I’ve had a great career!” says Central City Postmaster Patti Sprague, who will be retiring on May 24 after a 14-year stint serving at the 80427 zip code. Patti’s customers feel the same about her and will miss seeing her smiling face. The regulars enjoy talking with her, sharing their news, and using the post office as a social hub. (more…)

  • Easter with the Lady Elks

    Easter with the Lady Elks

    Dozens of eggs — dozens of kids!

    by Patty Unruh

    Gilpin County kids were eggs-cited to engage in the annual egg dying and hunt at William C. Russell Park, hosted by the Lady Elks last week.   Children dipped 60 dozen eggs in hues of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple at the Elks Lodge in Central (more…)