Best practices from Colorado Parks and Wildlife
By Bridget Kochel
Colorado is home to a large population of black bears, with numbers estimated at 17,000-20,000 in the state. As humans venture into Colorado’s great outdoors to spend quality time in nature, it is important to remember that bears and humans can and do live in harmony in our (more…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)