Category: Community

  • A “tailing tale” of Hon. Matt (Frantz) France

    A “tailing tale” of Hon. Matt (Frantz) France

    A Colorado Pioneer

    By Maggie Magoffin

    Born September 2, 1830 in Roanoke Count, Virginia, Matt France was one of eight children born to John and Mary (McCullough) Frantz. Matt attended private schools and completed his education at Botetourt Springs Academy in Virginia. (more…)

  • Stills in the Hills 2017

    Stills in the Hills 2017

    Gilpin County Isn’t the Only Thing Aging Around Here…

    By David Josselyn

    The fifth annual Stills in the Hills event rocked Central City on Saturday, June 24, 2017, drawing large crowds of thirsty folks looking to sample alcoholic indulgences. It was a partially sunny day that unusually stayed rain-free, although a cool breeze chilled some without sleeves, making perfect weather to hang out with friends while sipping locally distilled spirits from 29 distilleries. (more…)

  • Meet the candidate finalists

    Meet the candidate finalists

    For position of Gilpin County Manager

    By Jaclyn Morrow

    Meet the proposed candidates for the position of Gilpin County Manager. On April 25, 2017 Rodger Baker retired from his position as County Manager. The vacancy prompted 37 applicants to seek the position, of which eight were considered worthy of interviews for the first round. Only five of those interviewed, bringing Gilpin County the two qualified finalists: Leslie Ann Klusmire and Todd Leopold. (more…)

  • Central City Opera’s production of Così fan tutte

    Central City Opera’s production of Così fan tutte

    Strong ensemble cast featured in Mozart’s comedic opera about love, deceit, and fidelity

    By Janet Braccio

    Central City Opera continues its 2017 summer festival with the opening of a new production of Così fan tutte, Mozart’s comedic opera about love, deceit, and fidelity, which runs in repertory in the Central City Opera House from July 15 through August 4. (more…)

  • Father’s Day Fishing Derby

    Father’s Day Fishing Derby

    Fun for the entire family

    By Randy Beaudette

    What better way to enjoy Father’s Day than to participate in the annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby at the William C. Russel Park and Pond. The event this year was sponsored by Gilpin County Parks and Recreation, The City of Central, and Central City Elks Lodge – providing burgers and hot dogs, along with prizes donated by Cabela’s. (more…)

  • Flat is where it’s at

    Flat is where it’s at

    Water World’s Belly Flop Splashdown

    by Dave Gibson

    “Yes, it hurts for a minute, yet the glory lasts a lifetime!” So says shallow water stunt diver Darren Taylor a.k.a. “Professor Splash” of Colorado who began his career diving at Casa Bonita in Denver. (more…)

  • Timberline Fire Protection District expands its borders

    Timberline Fire Protection District expands its borders

    Board Meeting Business

    by Pam Deck

    The Board Meeting for TFPD was called to order at 7:01 pm by President Chip Smith. It was a positive and full agenda with much good news for the residents of Gilpin and Boulder Counties. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the usual “Moment of Silence” for all fallen firefighters and police officers, and Roll Call, the meeting began. (more…)

  • A “tailing tale” of Oliver & Sarah J. Feay

    A “tailing tale” of Oliver & Sarah J. Feay

    Colorado Pioneers

    By Maggie Magoffin

    Oliver Feay was born February 22, 1838 in Fayette, County, Pennsylvania. His family relocated to Iowa in 1850. In 1859, he set out for Colorado to seek his fortune in the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. After camping along Ralston Creek for a time, he headed for the gold fields of Central City and Black Hawk. For the next year he prospected and mined in California Gulch where he and his partner discovered a rich lode of silver. However, like many others thinking the ore was lead, they discarded their find accordingly. (more…)

  • Mount Evans Highway now opened to the peak

    Mount Evans Highway now opened to the peak

    Highest Paved Road in North America

    By Stacia Sellers

    The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that Mount Evans Highway (CO 5) is officially open up to the summit of Mount Evans (14,264 feet). CDOT crews have been working diligently to have the road clear and safe for motorists in time for summer. (more…)

  • Colorado’s oldest Opera House

    Colorado’s oldest Opera House

    Prepares for a Special Summer Season in Central City

    by Pam Deck

    Built in 1878, Central City’s Opera House is by far the oldest and most treasured Opera House in Colorado.  Almost 140 years ago, the citizens of Central City raised $12,000 to hire an architect from Denver, Robert Roeschlaub. With the finest natural stone available, he created this masterpiece which proudly stands at 124 Eureka Street. It is still the heart of Central City, Colorado. (more…)

  • A “tailing tale” of J. W. Fassett

    A “tailing tale” of J. W. Fassett

    A Colorado Pioneer

    By Maggie Magoffin

    Born, reared and educated in Bureau County, Illinois, at the early age of 23 years, in the spring of 1859, J.W. Fassett struck out for the gold fields of Colorado. Driving a covered wagon with three yoke of oxen he crossed the Mississippi at Rock Island, passed through Iowa City and Des Moines to reach Council Bluffs, Iowa. Following a brief visit there, he crossed the plains via the Platte route with a party of several other Argonauts. (more…)

  • Golden Gate Canyon State Park site for top 50K footrace

    Golden Gate Canyon State Park site for top 50K footrace

    Proceeds from the Dirty 30 benefit Gilpin school teams

    by Patty Unruh

    The trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park saw plenty of traffic on Saturday, June 3, as nearly 600 trail racers ran in the ninth annual Dirty 30. The footrace hosted runners of all ages for fun and competition in 50-kilometer and 12-mile races. Proceeds from the race will be donated to the athletic teams of Gilpin County High School.

    Two Gilpin students – Jack Ball and Samantha Smith – ran in the 12M and both finished first in their age group. (more…)

  • Central City neutral in Free-Play Gaming tax issue

    Central City neutral in Free-Play Gaming tax issue

    Too many concerns prevent Council from supporting controversial proposal

    By David Josselyn

    Work Session

    The Central City Council met with Staff on May 16, 2017 at 6:04 pm for a work session prior to the regular council meeting. The topics of conversation were the Free-Play Gaming Tax Proposal and extending the marijuana licensing moratorium. (more…)

  • Gilpin Arts Juried Show spectacular

    Gilpin Arts Juried Show spectacular

    Heroes Among Artists

    By David Josselyn

    2017 marks the 70th anniversary of Colorado’s longest running continuous juried arts show located right here in Central City’s Washington Hall; the State’s longest continuously used public building. A juried show is open to all artists submitting art for jurors to choose which pieces are deserving to be in the show. From the chosen pieces, a judge then awards prizes to the best of the best. The Gilpin County Arts Association (GCAA) packed the house for the grand opening ceremonies on Saturday, June 3, artists and art enthusiasts. (more…)

  • Gilpin School board debates track and field concerns

    Gilpin School board debates track and field concerns

    Members consider seat belts for buses

    by Patty Unruh

    The Gilpin County Board of Education met on Tuesday, June 6. Craig Holmes, Kersten Armstrong, and Steve Boulter were the Board members present. Member Charlotte Taylor participated by telephone, and Brook Ramsey was absent. Superintendent David MacKenzie and Secretary to the Board Joni Schmidt were present. (more…)

  • Timberline Fire Protection District Inclusion Election

    Timberline Fire Protection District Inclusion Election

    Frequently Asked Questions

    By Paul Ondr, Fire Chief

    I would like to thank all who have attended one of Timberline’s public forums for Gilpin County residents to discuss the upcoming election on June 13, 2017. We truly appreciate your interest in your community! For those of you who couldn’t attend, please review the FAQs and feel free to contact us with any other questions. We want you to be as informed as possible. (more…)