Author: Patrick Henry Sweeney

  • Comic books, LEGOs, and relationships

    Comic books, LEGOs, and relationships

    The LEGO Batman Movie review

    By David Josselyn

    The overwhelming success of “The LEGO Movie” in 2014 that pleased adults and kids alike, naturally leads to more LEGO movies in the box. “The LEGO Batman Movie” is the first to be released, but does it hold up to the quality of the soon-to-be LEGO franchise? (more…)

  • Gilpin’s librarian Michael Carlson focuses on patrons

    Gilpin’s librarian Michael Carlson focuses on patrons

    New director is “off the shelf” about both people and publications

    by Patty Unruh

    Henry Ward Beecher realized that “a library is not a luxury, but a necessity.” (more…)

  • Gilpin basketball wraps up regular season

    Gilpin basketball wraps up regular season

    Senior Matthew Immordino reaches the 1,000-point pinnacle

    by Patty Unruh

    The Gilpin Eagles boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams concluded their regular seasons this week. Both teams have had their share of struggles but have really improved throughout the season. The boys’ and girls’ teams both hold 7-12 overall records; the boys have a 5-6 league record, and the girls have a 4-7 league performance. (more…)

  • Monarch Casino Black Hawk breaks ground this week

    Monarch Casino Black Hawk breaks ground this week

    At site of planned 23-story hotel, luxury spa

    By Diane Mulligan

    On Wednesday, February 8, at 10:30 a.m., CEO of Monarch Casino Resort John Farahi, and Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman, cut the ribbon and broke ground for the new Monarch Casino 23-story resort and world-class spa. (more…)

  • Bill Spellman remembered

    Bill Spellman remembered

    June 8, 1929 – February 5, 2017

    William David Spellman known to his friends and loved ones as “Bill,” and to his beloved children as “Dad,” born June 8, 1929 passing into God’s light February 5, 2017 at the age of 87. (more…)

  • Lynn Castillo remembered…

    Lynn Castillo remembered…

    October 11, 1959 – February 5, 2017

    Lynn M. Castillo, age 57, died Sunday, February 5, 2017. She passed away at HopeWest in Grand Junction, Colorado with family by her side.  Lynn was born on October 11, 1959 in Denver, Colorado to Robert and Beth Elston who now reside in Fruita, Colorado. She had been residing in Fruita, Colorado for the last 14 years. (more…)

  • Dads and daughters have a ball at the Sweetheart Dance

    Dads and daughters have a ball at the Sweetheart Dance

    Enchanting tradition draws near-record crowd

    by Patty Unruh

    Love was in the air at the thirteenth annual Sweetheart Ball held at the Gilpin Community Center on Saturday evening, February 11. A near-record 76 princesses were signed up with their dads to enjoy an evening together in the “magical kingdom” themed ballroom. (more…)

  • Gilpin wrestler Trujillo goes to state tournament

    Gilpin wrestler Trujillo goes to state tournament

    Wenholz seeded 7th in Sterling Regionals

    by Patty Unruh

    The Gilpin High School wrestlers did themselves proud at the regional tournament in Sterling this past Friday and Saturday, February 10-11. Eagles’ junior Josh Trujillo is in the top ten in Colorado and will be participating in the state tournament at the Pepsi Center as you read this article. (more…)

  • Gilpin Eagles celebrate a winning week in home games

    Gilpin Eagles celebrate a winning week in home games

    Both boys’ and girls’ varsity soar over rival Nederland Panthers

    by Patty Unruh

    The Gilpin Eagles varsity teams boosted their season record last week with several wins, including victories on the home court over the Nederland Panthers, Denver Academy Mustangs, and South Park (Fairplay) Burros. The boys won over all three of their opponents; the girls took a loss to South Park and did not play Denver Academy. (more…)

  • Don’t be grouchy about the Oscars

    Don’t be grouchy about the Oscars

    The Nuts and Bolts of Nominations

    By David Josselyn

    On Tuesday, 1/24/2017, the nominations for the Academy Awards were announced. I bet you were thinking, as you probably do every year, “Why wasn’t (fill in the blank) nominated?” It is a matter of frustration for the consumers of Hollywood goods when the Hollywood elite acknowledge the movies, performances, and work that don’t reflect the box office receipts. (more…)

  • Central City considers cannabis controls

    Central City considers cannabis controls

    Council examines water meter and line maintenance fees

    By David Josselyn

    The City of Central Council met for a work session on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, to talk about two separate issues; how and to what extent do they want to control the marijuana industry inside the City, and water meter ownership issues. (more…)

  • Gilpin School District only six points away from highest CDE rating

    Gilpin School District only six points away from highest CDE rating

    Cub Scout Pack 251 donates a deluxe wooden birdhouse to the school

    by Patty Unruh

    The Gilpin County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. Board members present were Craig Holmes, Brook Ramsey, Kersten Armstrong, and Steve Boulter. Member Charlotte Taylor was absent. Superintendent David MacKenzie and Secretary to the Board Gretchen Sechler were present. (more…)

  • A “tailing” tale of the Beverly brothers

    A “tailing” tale of the Beverly brothers

    Colorado Pioneers

    By Maggie Magoffin

    J.R. Beverly was what one might refer to as a rolling stone, moving from place to place and opportunity to opportunity. In 1837, the Beverly’s lived in Thornville, Ohio, where on June 28th of that year his wife gave birth to a son they named William H. Beverly. In 1843, the Beverly’s welcomed J. M. Beverly into this world in Culpepper County, Virginia. Later that same year, the Beverly’s relocated to Edgar County, Illinois. By 1844, the Beverly family lived in Clark County, Ohio. (more…)

  • Gilpin Eagles defeated by teams from Greeley, Ault

    Gilpin Eagles defeated by teams from Greeley, Ault

    Union Colony Timberwolves take a side trip on Pickle Gulch

    by Patty Unruh

    The basketball teams from Union Colony Prep of Greeley (UC) had a little side trip as they came to visit the Gilpin High School Eagles for league games on Tuesday, January 24. Junior varsity teams were to start at 4:00 that afternoon, followed by the girls’ varsity at 5:30 and the boys’ varsity at 7:00. Due to a little pardonable confusion, the Timberwolves were late. (more…)

  • Golden Eagle romantic getaway in Boulder Canyon

    Golden Eagle romantic getaway in Boulder Canyon

    Seasonal closure in Boulder Canyon protects nesting birds of prey

    By Reid Armstrong

    To protect nesting golden eagles, the U.S. Forest Service will be implementing annual area closures in Boulder Canyon beginning Feb. 1, 2017. The closures include rock climbing spots at Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress and Security Risk in Boulder Canyon. These areas are located along Colorado Highway 119, approximately 1.5 miles east of Boulder Falls. (more…)

  • Trujillo heads to State Wrestling Regionals

    Trujillo heads to State Wrestling Regionals

    Gilpin HS and Youth Wrestling Team Highlights

    By Pete Morgan

    High School Wrestlers

    The regular season has officially come to an end and Gilpin County’s own Josh Trujillo (24-7) finds himself ranked 13th in the State of Colorado at 145lbs. Trujillo has absolutely dominated since winter break and is heading into Regionals with a lot of momentum having won 15 of his last 17 matches. (more…)