Gilpin County’s first annual hosting of the game
By Gary King
For the first time Gilpin County High School, Black Hawk was the setting of the Elite All-State 8-man football game, a tradition going back over 50 years. Each elite athlete was a 2021 graduating High (more…)
Shining star of Gilpin’s past, only heaven knows the future – Part 2 of 2
By Don Ireland
The past of the Fritz Peak Observatory is an indelible part of Gilpin County’s history. The short-term future for the 5.8-acre property, however, will remain something of a (more…)
Shooting green laser beams into Gilpin’s night skies – Part 1 of 2
By Don Ireland
If you’ve driven along Route 119 between Rollinsville and Black Hawk, you’ve passed by the Fitz Peak Observatory (FPO). The building has been part of local folklore since the era when green laser beams emanated from the roof into the night skies above Gilpin County. After decades of full-time use, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (more…)
Commissioners implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
By Jaclyn Schrock
Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting opened at 9:06, July 6, 2021, having a slight delay for audio connections for those joining by Zoom. In Gilpin County’s original upstairs courtroom at 203 Eureka Street, Central City our Gilpin County BoCC included; District 1 (more…)
Council approves Hot Rod Hill Climb coming in September
By David Josselyn
Regular Council Meeting
Mayor Fey convened a regular meeting of the City of Central Council at 7:00 pm on (more…)
Family night at the Gibbins house on Bald Mountain
by Brian Gibbins
When we lived in the old Buck House west of Central City back in the 1970s, we observed a Friday night ritual of homemade pizza and episodes of “The Love Boat.” Pizza night was dad’s night to cook; with the help of Chef Boyardee and me. We usually started with the plain pizza kit and then added items available in the kitchen. (more…)
Concerns for Our Wildlife and Habitat
By Nahanni Freeman
I first moved to Gilpin County in 1975, attending Clark Elementary School and living in Black Hawk. After college, I moved back to my hometown 21 years ago, and have embraced the natural habitat that we are able to enjoy in this beautiful community. As noted by many other Gilpin residents, I have been disturbed and angered by the change to our environment that has resulted from the modification of flight patterns initiated by the FAA’s Denver Metroplex plan. In our community, we value the (more…)
Gilpin Historical Society
by David Forsyth, PhD
Charles H. Briggs and his brothers arrived in Black Hawk on May 9, 1860. Like thousands of others, they came to try their hand at mining. The brothers discovered and worked the Briggs Mine, which was on the Gregory Lode near Central City. The mine was repeatedly referred to by newspapers of the time as one of the best mines in Gilpin County. Its ore was regularly displayed at state (more…)
Gilpin County High School to Host
By Gary King
The 2020-21 8-Man Football All-State game was held this Friday, July 9 under the lights on the Gilpin County High School football field located at 10595 Hwy 119, (more…)
The Future of Black Hawk, Part 3
By Don Ireland
(Editor’s note: This is the final installment of a series regarding the ongoing Black Hawk renaissance, including planned developments and attractions.)
When the Gregory Street Plaza officially opens in July, it will offer the opportunity for people to step into the past and experience Black Hawk’s rich history. (more…)
Community comes together in support
By Don Ireland
There is a human connection and shared pain when tragedy strikes a community. Last week, a shooting in Olde Town, Arvada not only stunned the community but it also impacted Black Hawk as well. Black Hawk Police Chief Michelle Moriarty was hosting a meeting with two Arvada police officers last Monday. They were discussing body cameras (more…)
June 23 Council Meeting
By Don Ireland
Black Hawk has received a $46,600 state grant to help reimburse costs for the city’s police department during the Covid-19 pandemic. The city’s Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to accept the grant during last week’s council meeting. The grant was received from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF). It will (more…)
Surviving polio in Central City and loving life
By Jaclyn Schrock
Merna (Obersler) Slater was born in May 1945 to a miner in Central City, Colorado, and has experienced many good family times while living in a historic mining town in the mountains of Colorado. She has also seen her share of challenges, although she seems to become stronger with each trial. This is her story of life and times growing up in Central City and Colorado. Merna’s father’s, Joe Obersler, and his family knew poor conditions for Colorado miners, being in southern (more…)
Denver debutants open the Central City Opera Summer Festival
By Jaclyn Schrock
For 88 years Denver’s finest young women have been introduced to proper society in the garden between the Central City Opera House and the Teller House. About 25 juniors and/or senior high school young ladies are selected each year to be Flower Girls for the opening of the Central City Opera Summer Festival. (more…)
The Future of Black Hawk, Part 2
By Don Ireland
(Editor’s note: This is the second in a series about the ongoing Black Hawk renaissance, including planned developments and attractions.)
Many visitors look at Black Hawk solely as a place to go and gamble, regardless of whether its slot machines, poker, baccarat, blackjack, craps or sports betting. However, that viewpoint of the mountain town may change in the future as the result of Black Hawk’s ongoing renaissance. (more…)
Owners Melissa and Zach are living their dream
By David Josselyn
A new brewery is opening in Rollinsville across the street from the historic Stage Stop called Howlin’ Wind Brewing and Blending. As they furiously prepare to open their doors this Saturday, June 26th, owners Melissa Nicholson and Zach Delashmit took a break from their preparations to answer a few questions about (more…)