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Central sues RCI Central City ﬁles lawsuit against RCI, seking to close Rick’s Cabaret for nudity, violating SOB regulations

Central sues RCI Central City ﬁles lawsuit against RCI, seking to close Rick’s Cabaret for nudity, violating SOB regulations

By Don Ireland

The City of Central has filed a lawsuit against RCI Hospitality
Holdings, asking the Gilpin Country District Court to shut down
the company’s Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse at 130 Main Street
in downtown Central City.

–
ually Oriented Business in Central City,” according to the city’s
lawsuit, which asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction
to shutter the operation until it complies with local regulations
and obtains an SOB license from the city.

–
eral city regulations, including:

January 1, 2026
Central City Hires New York Social Media Consultant to Boost Digital Presence

# Central City Hires New York Social Media Consultant to Boost Digital Presence

**Meta Title:** Central City BID Hires NYC Consultant for Social Media Strategy | Register-Call

**Meta Description:** Central City Business Improvement District contracts Amaya Bankowski from Brooklyn to coordinate social media, events marketing. $60K investment aims to expand digital reach.

**Slug:** central-city-social-media-consultant-amaya-bankowski-bid

**Keywords:** Central City BID, social media marketing Central City, Amaya Bankowski, Jeff Hentschel, Central City events, digital marketing Gilpin County, Great Central City Beerfest

**Author:** Don Ireland, Senior Reporter

**Date:** January 1, 2026

**Category:** Business News, Central City, Marketing, Technology

**Featured Image Alt Text:** Amaya Bankowski LinkedIn profile photo – Central City’s new social media consultant from Brooklyn, New York

—

## Central City BID Invests in Professional Digital Marketing Strategy

Searching online for information about Central City’s upcoming festivals and events has been “challenging and sometimes confusing” in recent years. This year, Central City’s Business Improvement District and city hall plan to collaborate on a new, targeted social-marketing strategy to draw more attention—and, hopefully, additional visitors—to the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.”

### $60,000 Investment in Digital Presence

The BID recently contracted with Amaya Bankowski to serve as its social media consultant in 2026. Bankowski, who will work remotely from her office in Brooklyn, New York, will coordinate Central City’s events website and Facebook and Instagram posts.

**Financial Breakdown:**
– BID contribution: $35,000
– City of Central contribution: $25,000
– **Total investment: $60,000**

### The Problem: Inconsistent Online Presence

In the past, a variety of local residents and volunteers handled social media posts, which local officials said weren’t gaining much attention outside of Gilpin County.

For example, anyone seeking information about the BID’s 2025 “Great Central City Beerfest” or “Stills in the Hills” events could find dedicated pages for each event. However, the pages contained some recycled and out-of-date information. One online page listed Johnny Z’s Casino as a 2025 event sponsor, even though the casino closed in 2022.

### Meet Amaya Bankowski: Professional Marketing Expert

BID President Jeff Hentschel explained the decision to hire professional help:

“Bankowski is an experienced marketer who has worked with many clients to promote their brands. Central City will benefit from her expertise and strategic work to expand the Central City brand into the digital space. She has a deep understanding of how to reach minds and hearts through engaging content, which will work well for our community. We haven’t done much digital marketing before, so we are looking forward to the results of our campaigns, once again promoting Central City as the Richest Square Mile on Earth.”

### Bankowski’s Professional Background

Bankowski holds a **Bachelor of Arts in Advertising** from Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication and has worked in the social media industry for several years.

**Career Experience:**
– Live Nation
– Shabang Music Productions
– Avant Gardner
– Currently serves as Arts Director for Mr. Kills, a New York-based fine arts school

### Previous Marketing Challenges

In 2024, the BID spent nearly $100,000 on radio advertising during the Denver Nuggets’ basketball season. The spending raised questions from several locals, who noted that most of Central City’s largest festivals and events occur during the summer, not during the Nuggets’ regular season from October through April.

### New BID Leadership and Direction

Hentschel, who was elected BID president in August 2025, said the board’s decision to improve Central’s online presence is important.

“The BID intends to spend $35,000 on this project, and the city is going to add an additional $25,000 for her [Bankowski’s] services.”

### How the Consultant Was Selected

BID board members approved hiring Bankowski as its consultant based on a recommendation from Spencer, who had researched potential social-media marketing consultants for several months prior to the board’s Dec. 16 meeting.

Following the decision to retain Bankowski, Spencer remarked, “I came into this group as the thorn [in May]. I don’t want to be a thorn. I want this group to be successful.”

## New BID Board Members for 2026

As the new year begins, the Central City BID will have three first-time members:

**Elected Members (Spring 2025):**
– Chuck Spencer
– Austin Boulter

**Appointed Member (December 2025):**
– Shane Reilly of G3 Gaming (replacing longtime president Tom Robb, who retired)

**Continuing Board Members:**
– Jeff Hentschel (President) – GF Gaming’s Easy Street and Famous Bonanza casinos
– Travis Reese – RCI Hospitality Holdings

## What to Expect: Strategic Digital Marketing

### Planned Improvements:
1. **Unified Social Media Voice**: Consistent messaging across Facebook and Instagram
2. **Updated Events Calendar**: Current information without outdated references
3. **Professional Content**: Engaging posts designed to reach beyond Gilpin County
4. **Strategic Campaigns**: Targeted advertising for specific events
5. **Brand Expansion**: Growing Central City’s digital footprint

### Target Platforms:
– Facebook (primary)
– Instagram (visual content)
– Central City events website (hub for information)

## Central City’s Major Events

The BID coordinates several major annual events that will benefit from improved marketing:

### Summer Events:
– **Great Central City Beerfest** – Craft beer festival
– **Stills in the Hills** – Spirits and distillery showcase
– **Summer concert series**
– **Historic walking tours**

### Year-Round Attractions:
– Historic downtown district
– Gaming and casino entertainment
– Museums and cultural sites
– Victorian architecture
– Mountain recreation access

## Why Professional Social Media Matters

### Benefits of Professional Management:
1. **Consistency**: Regular posting schedule
2. **Quality Content**: Professional photos and copywriting
3. **Engagement**: Responding to comments and messages
4. **Analytics**: Tracking what works and adjusting strategy
5. **Brand Building**: Creating recognizable identity
6. **ROI Measurement**: Quantifying marketing effectiveness

### Challenges of Volunteer Management:
– Inconsistent posting schedules
– Varying quality and tone
– Outdated information not updated promptly
– Limited strategic planning
– No performance metrics
– Competing priorities

## The Bigger Picture: Central City’s Marketing Evolution

This investment represents a shift in how Central City approaches marketing and tourism promotion. Rather than relying solely on traditional advertising (radio, billboards), the BID is embracing digital-first strategies that reach audiences where they spend time online.

### Previous Marketing Approaches:
– Radio advertising (Denver Nuggets broadcasts)
– City-owned billboards along Central City Parkway
– Print advertising
– Word-of-mouth
– Volunteer social media management

### New Digital-First Strategy:
– Professional social media management
– Targeted online campaigns
– Coordinated messaging across platforms
– Data-driven decision making
– Year-round engagement

—

## About the Central City Business Improvement District

The Central City BID is a special taxing district that promotes business and tourism in Central City’s commercial district. The organization:
– Coordinates major events and festivals
– Manages marketing and promotional activities
– Supports local businesses
– Maintains downtown aesthetics
– Collaborates with city government

**2026 Board of Directors:**
– Jeff Hentschel (President)
– Chuck Spencer
– Austin Boulter
– Shane Reilly
– Travis Reese

—

## Expert Opinion: Why This Matters

### The Social Media Landscape in 2026

Professional social media management has become essential for tourism-dependent communities. According to industry research:
– **68% of travelers** use social media to research destinations
– **76% of people** say user-generated content is more trustworthy than branded content
– **Average ROI** of social media marketing is $5.16 for every dollar spent
– **Engagement rates** are 10x higher with professional content management

### Small Town Challenges

Small mountain communities face unique marketing challenges:
– Limited budget compared to major destinations
– Seasonal tourism patterns
– Competition from nearby communities
– Need to reach Front Range audiences
– Building year-round relevance

Professional management addresses these challenges through strategic, data-driven approaches that maximize limited budgets.

—

**Related Stories:**
– [Central City BID 2025 Events Review](#)
– [Great Central City Beerfest Highlights](#)
– [Stills in the Hills: Distillery Showcase](#)
– [Central City Tourism Statistics](#)

**Follow Central City Online:**
– Facebook: [Central City BID page]
– Instagram: [Central City BID account]
– Events Calendar: [Central City website]

**Contact Information:**
– Central City BID: [Contact information]
– Jeff Hentschel, BID President: [Contact information]
– Weekly Register-Call Newsroom: news@weeklyregistercall.com | 303-906-9902

—

*This story was originally published in the Weekly Register-Call print edition, January 1, 2026. The Weekly Register-Call is Colorado’s oldest newspaper, established 1862. 2024 Colorado Press Association News Leader.*

January 1, 2026
Timberline Fire and High Country Auxiliary Jump Into Action During Wind Emergency

# Timberline Fire and High Country Auxiliary Jump Into Action During Wind Emergency

**Meta Title:** Gilpin County Wind Emergency: Timberline Fire Responds to 79 Calls | Register-Call

**Meta Description:** Timberline Fire Protection District and High Country Auxiliary responded to unprecedented wind emergency December 17-22, with 79 calls including 19 fires. Community rallies to support first responders.

**Slug:** gilpin-county-wind-emergency-timberline-fire-high-country-auxiliary

**Keywords:** Timberline Fire Protection District, High Country Auxiliary, Gilpin County wind emergency, power outages Gilpin County, Paul Onder, Terri Miller, JKQ BBQ, Peak to Peak Market

**Author:** Don Ireland, Senior Reporter

**Date:** January 1, 2026

**Category:** Emergency Services, Community News, Gilpin County, Weather

**Featured Image Alt Text:** Timberline Fire Protection District Chief Paul Onder in uniform

—

## Historic Wind Event Triggers Major Emergency Response

Most Decembers, Gilpin County’s first responders are busy responding to snowstorms and stranded vehicles as winter arrives in the region.

However, unusually powerful winds caused the most problems this year in the county. Between Wednesday, Dec. 17, and Monday, Dec. 22, parts of the region were hit by near-hurricane-force winds of 100 miles per hour that toppled trees, knocked down power lines, and caused other problems.

### The Scope of the Emergency

For example, some mid-county residents lost power to their homes on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and didn’t get service back until Sunday, Dec. 21. Several Central City and Black Hawk residents and small businesses also experienced intermittent power outages.

**Impact on Residents:**
– Food spoiled in non-running refrigerators and freezers
– Cellphone service didn’t work for days in some areas
– Trees blocked driveways, trapping residents at home
– No electricity meant no heat in freezing temperatures

### Emergency Response by the Numbers

Timberline Fire Protection District Chief Paul Onder told the Weekly Register-Call that the wind problems led to an increase in calls for assistance.

“We are still writing reports and getting caught up, but preliminary numbers from Dec. 17 to Dec. 22, [2025], are **79 calls**, including:
– **19 fires** (on utility poles, trees, wildland fires, camping sites, etc.)
– **30 power or phone line issues** (no fire)
– The rest were medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, carbon-monoxide reports, cut gas lines, etc.”

### Community Warming Shelters

The wind-related issues led the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office to open a warming shelter in the Gilpin County School complex. The Black Hawk Fire Department also opened its building to several people who wanted to charge their phones and other electronic devices because power was out at home.

## High Country Auxiliary Mobilizes Support

News of Gilpin’s wind-related issues also quickly reached Terri Miller, president of the High Country Auxiliary, the nonprofit that supports TPFD and Gilpin’s other first responders. Miller and her husband, Eddie, were in Mississippi when they learned of the developing problems.

### Coordinating from 1,000 Miles Away

As a result, Miller began calling HCA members and others—whose phone service or power wasn’t out—to organize what could be done to help the first responders.

“As president of HCA, I’m the first person that Timberline calls if they need our assistance,” said Miller. “Fortunately, we didn’t have any problems with our cellphone service down here. I was able to scramble and make phone calls—while a lot of our volunteers had no service, including cellphones or electricity.”

### Peak to Peak Market Steps Up

One of the calls Miller made was to Nicholas Spencer, who owns the Peak to Peak Market in Black Hawk. When Miller asked if Spencer had any premade sandwiches available, Spencer said his inventory had been quickly depleted by Gilpinites who came to the store after losing their refrigerator food.

However, he offered to donate some of the bottled water, chips and snacks he had remaining to the HCA.

“We had sold out our sandwiches probably within the first five or six hours after the wind situation started,” recalled Spencer. “We told Terri to call JKQ BBQ! Eddie Miller got in contact with Larry Bradley, their chef. He made a bunch of pulled-pork sandwiches and other food. So, we got those, plus the cases of water and chips, up to the fire department.”

### JKQ BBQ Provides Hot Meals

At the time, JKQ and several other local businesses were closed due to the power failure. However, Bradley was able to cook the sandwiches on a gas stove.

Kara Tinucci, who owns JKQ BBQ with her husband, Joe, estimated they supplied food for 25 first responders. Bradley, his family, and Spencer were among those who delivered the food to Timberline Fire Station 5 on Highway 119 in mid-county.

### Why Food Support Was Critical

Recalled Onder, “We contacted HCA because the crews had been running call to call for 15 hours with no opportunity to cook or eat. HCA, in collaboration with JKQ Barbecue, provided food to all the crews as they continued responding, but they were able to throw down a few bites between calls.”

The next day, Larry Koppelman (HCA’s vice president) brought burritos to the station. “This was awesome, as the crews were still extremely busy,” Onder added.

### Community Gratitude

Added Miller, “We rallied and got them fed. Those guys at JKQ are just the best. Clare Stone [HCA’s vice president] was able to deliver some of the food to Station No. 5, and the guys were very, very happy.”

## A Record-Breaking Year for Timberline

Chief Onder provided additional context for the emergency response:

“As of Dec. 26, we have responded to **148 calls in December**. We typically average 50-60 per month. Currently, we are at **803 calls in 2025**. Before that, our busiest year was 2017, with 756 calls.”

This represents a significant increase in emergency response activity, with December 2025 alone accounting for nearly 20% of the year’s total calls.

### What Made This Emergency Different

The wind emergency was particularly challenging because:
1. **Duration**: Five continuous days of high winds
2. **Widespread impact**: Affected entire county simultaneously
3. **Multiple hazards**: Fires, downed power lines, blocked roads
4. **Limited resources**: Crews couldn’t rest between calls
5. **Infrastructure damage**: Made response more difficult

## About the Organizations

### Timberline Fire Protection District

Timberline Fire Protection District serves Gilpin County with multiple stations and provides:
– Fire suppression
– Emergency medical services
– Rescue operations
– Hazardous materials response
– Community education

**Leadership:**
– Chief Paul Onder (2023 Gilpin County Citizen of the Year)

### High Country Auxiliary

The High Country Auxiliary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Gilpin County’s first responders. The organization:
– Provides meals during extended emergencies
– Supplies equipment and resources
– Organizes community support
– Fundraises for fire and EMS needs

**Leadership:**
– President: Terri Miller
– Vice President: Larry Koppelman
– Vice President: Clare Stone

## Community Partners

### JKQ BBQ & Grill
– Owners: Kara and Joe Tinucci
– Chef: Larry Bradley
– Location: Gregory Street, Black Hawk
– Provided: 25+ pulled-pork sandwiches and meals

### Peak to Peak Market & Liquors
– Owner: Nicholas Spencer
– Location: Black Hawk
– Donated: Bottled water, chips, and snacks

—

## Weather Safety Tips for Gilpin County Residents

### Before High Wind Events:
– Secure outdoor furniture and equipment
– Trim dead tree branches
– Charge all electronic devices
– Stock emergency supplies (food, water, flashlights)
– Have alternate heating source ready
– Fill vehicle gas tanks

### During Wind Emergencies:
– Stay indoors when possible
– Avoid downed power lines (assume they’re live)
– Report fires and hazards immediately
– Conserve phone battery
– Check on neighbors safely
– Listen to emergency broadcasts

### After the Storm:
– Inspect property for damage
– Document damage with photos
– Report utility issues to providers
– Avoid debris and damaged trees
– Thank first responders and volunteers

—

## How to Support First Responders

### Donate to High Country Auxiliary
The HCA accepts donations to support Gilpin County’s emergency services.

### Volunteer Opportunities
Contact local fire stations about volunteer firefighter programs and community support opportunities.

### Show Appreciation
Thank first responders when you see them—they work tirelessly to keep our community safe.

—

**Related Stories:**
– [Paul Onder Named 2023 Gilpin County Citizen of the Year](#)
– [Gilpin County Emergency Preparedness Guide](#)
– [Power Outage Updates: Xcel Energy Response](#)
– [Peak to Peak Rotary: 2023 Organization of the Year](#)

**Emergency Contacts:**
– Gilpin County Emergency: 911
– Timberline Fire (non-emergency): [Contact info]
– Gilpin County Sheriff: [Contact info]
– High Country Auxiliary: [Contact info]

**Contact Information:**
– Weekly Register-Call Newsroom: news@weeklyregistercall.com | 303-906-9902
– Report news tips: news.don.ireland@gmail.com

—

*This story was originally published in the Weekly Register-Call print edition, January 1, 2026. The Weekly Register-Call is Colorado’s oldest newspaper, established 1862. 2024 Colorado Press Association News Leader. Winner of 27 CPA awards in three years.*

January 1, 2026
Federal Drone Ban Will Impact Gilpin County First Responders and Local Pilots

# Federal Drone Ban Will Impact Gilpin County First Responders and Local Pilots

**Meta Title:** Chinese Drone Ban Affects Gilpin County Emergency Services | Register-Call

**Meta Description:** New FCC restrictions on DJI and Autel drones impact Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, Black Hawk Police, and local pilots. 77-90% of US drones affected by December 23 ban.

**Slug:** federal-drone-ban-gilpin-county-first-responders-dji-autel

**Keywords:** drone ban 2025, DJI ban, Autel ban, Gilpin County Sheriff drones, Black Hawk Police drones, FCC drone restrictions, Chinese drones, first responder drones

**Author:** Don Ireland, Senior Reporter, FAA Certified Part 107 Drone Pilot

**Date:** January 1, 2026

**Category:** Age of Drones, Technology, Public Safety, Gilpin County

**Featured Image Alt Text:** DJI Mini 4 Pro drone, one of the models still legal to operate in the United States after December 23, 2025

—

## New Federal Restrictions Create Challenges for Emergency Services

What if you woke up one morning and learned you couldn’t buy a new TV, a cellphone, or car parts because they were made in China?

Unthinkable? For most of the estimated 480,000 drone pilots in this country, the situation became similar on December 23, 2025. That day was the final one for federal regulators to decide whether to allow new models of Chinese-made drones, primarily from DJI and Autel Robotics, to be sold in the U.S.

Regulators didn’t act, so the “new drone ban” went into effect.

### What the Ban Means

As a result, the FCC will no longer issue approvals for drones from foreign-made entities, primarily because they aren’t exempt from the government’s “covered list”—a list of countries that manufacture drones that can be legally sold in this country, moving forward.

On December 23, 2025, the FCC reiterated a longstanding concern among U.S. officials—that Chinese-made drones pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”

The government decision came after hearing unconfirmed reports that foreign-made drones could contain technology that the Chinese government might use to spy on the U.S. whenever a drone is in the air. Thousands of U.S. drone pilots sent protests to their government leaders opposing such a ban. However, their protests were ignored.

### What’s Still Legal

While the legal aspects of what happened on December 23, 2025, are rather technical, the decision made by federal regulators boils down to several key points that affect anyone who owns or flies drones made by Autel or DJI—which manufacture 77 to 90 percent of all drones purchased in the U.S.

**Key Points:**

1. **Existing drones remain legal**: If you own or fly a drone manufactured by DJI or Autel, it’s still perfectly legal to own and operate it in the U.S., provided you comply with existing FAA regulations.

2. **Retailers can sell approved models**: U.S. retailers can continue to sell DJI and Autel models, provided they received FCC approval before Dec. 23. It’s perfectly legal to purchase several of DJI’s most recent releases, including:
– Mini 5 Pro
– Mini 4 Pro
– Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro
– Avata 2
– Air 3S
– Neo 2
– DJI Flip
– Matrice 350 RTK enterprise drone

3. **Supply chain challenges**: However, it’s difficult to find a retailer or online store with any of the above-mentioned models in stock, due to stringent import restrictions currently in place by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agency.

4. **Parts and accessories restricted**: The “covered list” will also make it difficult to purchase drone add-on supplies such as new propellers, batteries, and other Chinese-made parts for those models still considered legal in this country.

5. **No new models allowed**: If DJI releases any new models, such as a DJI Mini 6 Pro or Mavic 5, they won’t be allowed to be sold or flown in the U.S. However, they will be available elsewhere in the world, as no other countries have restricted Chinese-made drones.

### Impact on Gilpin County First Responders

The U.S. “ban” prohibiting the sale of new DJI and Autel models poses challenges for individuals and agencies that rely on them as part of their jobs.

**Local Agencies Affected:**
– Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office
– Black Hawk Police Department
– Black Hawk Fire Department

All three agencies own legally compliant drone models. However, purchasing accessories for them could be difficult in the future. Plus, if one of their drones were to crash or break, it may be difficult to find a repair shop that has the necessary parts in stock.

### Industry Warning to Homeland Security

“More than 80 percent of the nation’s 1,800+ state and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies that operate drone programs use DJI technology; these programs will be at immediate risk if they no longer have access to the most cost-effective and efficient drone technology available,” DJI wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in early December.

### Impact on Professional Pilots

As a professional drone pilot who shoots photos and videos for clients, I also face the same challenges as first responders in Gilpin County. If any of my four DJI drones needs repair, I might find myself up a creek without a paddle.

However, while I make a small part of my living flying drones, it pales in comparison to what Gilpin’s law enforcement officers and firefighters are doing with their drones. They fly drones to help protect the public and assist officers in avoiding the potential perils of their jobs.

### Business Impact Survey Results

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pilot Institute, which trains drone pilots to pass the FAA Part 107 Certification test, surveyed about 8,000 pilots about the FCC’s ban.

**Survey Results:**
– 43% said they expect an “extremely negative” or “potentially business-ending impact” on their operations
– More than 8 in 10 predicted they would be out of business within two years
– Many U.S. pilots had been hoarding Chinese-made equipment in anticipation of the ban

### The Silver Lining?

On the other hand, many people believe that banning the sale of future foreign-made drone models in the U.S. could help spark the development of new drone-manufacturing companies in this country.

While the majority of new drone start-ups will focus on larger, enterprise models for use by those in construction, mapping, agriculture, infrastructure inspection and law enforcement, the “little guy” who wants a small, inexpensive drone for themselves or their kids may be left out in the woods for a while.

### Looking to the Future

In the meantime, U.S. drone pilots have their fingers crossed, hoping a homegrown drone manufacturer will evolve quickly and match the level of technological sophistication—and affordable prices—they’ve seen over the past decade from China.

So, if you woke up tomorrow and had to buy a new TV or cellphone—but it couldn’t come from places like China—what would you do? It’s a question worth pondering.

—

## About the Author

**Don Ireland** is a FAA Certified Part 107 drone pilot and member of the National Press Photographers Association. His “Age of Drones” column has won the Colorado Press Association’s “Better Newspaper Award” three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024).

For drone photography services: Don’s Drones of Denver
– Phone: 720-217-1310
– Website: www.donsdronesofdenver.com

—

## Understanding the Technical Details

### What is the FCC’s “Covered List”?

The covered list is a designation by the Federal Communications Commission identifying foreign entities deemed to pose national security risks. Drones from companies on this list cannot receive new FCC equipment authorizations.

### Which Drones Are Affected?

**Affected Brands:**
– DJI (77-90% of U.S. consumer drone market)
– Autel Robotics

**Unaffected Brands:**
– Skydio (U.S.-made)
– Parrot (French)
– Other non-Chinese manufacturers

### What Can Current Drone Owners Do?

1. **Continue flying existing drones** – They remain legal
2. **Stock up on spare parts** – While still available
3. **Maintain equipment carefully** – Repairs may become difficult
4. **Consider U.S. alternatives** – For future purchases
5. **Stay informed** – Regulations may evolve

—

**Related Stories:**
– [Timberline Fire Responds to 148 Calls in December](#)
– [Black Hawk Police Department Technology Updates](#)
– [Colorado Drone Regulations: What You Need to Know](#)

**Resources:**
– FAA Drone Registration: www.faa.gov/uas
– Colorado Drone Laws: [State Aviation Resources]
– Pilot Institute: Training and certification information

**Contact Information:**
– Weekly Register-Call Newsroom: news@weeklyregistercall.com | 303-906-9902
– Don Ireland: news.don.ireland@gmail.com

—

*This story was originally published in the Weekly Register-Call print edition, January 1, 2026. The Weekly Register-Call is Colorado’s oldest newspaper, established 1862. Winner of 27 Colorado Press Association awards in three years.*

January 1, 2026
Bigfoot Casino Opening Delayed: Months of Work Ahead for Black Hawk’s Newest Gaming Venue

# Bigfoot Casino Opening Delayed: Months of Work Ahead for Black Hawk’s Newest Gaming Venue

**Meta Title:** Bigfoot Casino Opening Delayed by Months in Black Hawk | Register-Call

**Meta Description:** Ed Smith’s Bigfoot Casino won’t open for months as technical challenges with slot machines and rebranding work continue. Exclusive interview with the casino owner.

**Slug:** bigfoot-casino-black-hawk-opening-delayed-ed-smith

**Keywords:** Bigfoot Casino Black Hawk, Ed Smith casino, Z Casino purchase, Maverick Gaming bankruptcy, Black Hawk casinos, Sasquatch Casino, Gregory Street gaming

**Author:** Don Ireland, Senior Reporter

**Date:** January 1, 2026

**Category:** Gaming News, Black Hawk, Business

**Featured Image Alt Text:** Ed Smith standing in front of “Harry” statue at Sasquatch Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado

—

## Technical Challenges Push Back Bigfoot Casino Launch

Anxiously waiting for the new Bigfoot Casino to open in the existing Z Casino building at 101 Gregory Street in downtown Black Hawk? So is Ed Smith, the new casino’s owner.

Just as someone hiding in the woods hopes to catch a photo of a Sasquatch, it’s going to take time and require a lot of patience. The new casino isn’t likely to open for several months, 35 years after Colorado voters approved limited-stakes casino gaming in the former mountain gold-mining communities of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.

### Exclusive Interview: The Challenges Ahead

In an exclusive interview with the Weekly Register-Call, Smith said he and his staff have plenty of work to complete before the first Bigfoot Casino patrons can play at the new establishment.

“We’ve just got a lot of stuff to do before that,” Smith explained, detailing the complex technical and logistical challenges facing the $25 million acquisition.

### The Slot Machine Computer System Challenge

One of the key tasks concerns the slot machines currently at the Z Casino, which was owned by Maverick Gaming (also known as RunItOneTime LLC). Maverick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a federal court in Texas in July 2024. The bankruptcy proceedings included several Maverick gaming properties in Colorado and other states.

According to court documents, Z Casino has 313 slot machines across its three floors. The machines are part of a Maverick computer network that also connects to the company’s gaming devices at the Grand Z Casino and Hotel and the Dragon Tiger Casinos in neighboring Central City.

#### The Network Dilemma

“They put all of the slot monitoring and surveillance systems [from the three casinos] into one big computer network up at Grand Z,” Smith explained. “In order for us to get going, we have to order [computer] servers from China. Then we’ve got to get them programmed. It could take a long time to get the stuff from China.”

### Machine Replacement and Updates

Once the computer infrastructure is completed, slot machine manufacturers—such as Aristocrat, IGT, Oasis, Konami, Light and Wonder—will come to the Bigfoot Casino to update any machines Smith decides to keep.

“There are over 300 machines in there now. We’re not going to replace all of them. We might get some new machines because some of them in there now are pretty old,” Smith noted.

### Signage and Rebranding

In addition to technical challenges, Smith will need to order new indoor and outdoor signage for the building as it rebrands from the Z to the Bigfoot Casino. The signage will require approval from Black Hawk’s Community Development Department.

Smith said he doesn’t expect any issues with the new signs. “We’ve got a sophisticated welding shop over in Idaho Springs that most sign people don’t have.”

### Liquor License Requirements

Smith’s Bigfoot Casino will also need to obtain a liquor license from the City of Black Hawk—a process that takes a few months and includes:
– Public hearing
– Approval by the city’s Board of Aldermen

### Physical Connection to Sasquatch Casino

Another item on Smith’s checklist is creating a doorway connecting the Bigfoot and Sasquatch casinos, allowing patrons to freely walk between them.

“I’d like to get a set of stairs built like Bullwhackers had [to connect the casinos]. Bullwhackers had a set of stairs, and I’d like to get them put back in,” said Smith.

### What the Purchase Includes

The businessman’s $25 million purchase of the Z Casino included:
– **Parking lot**: Something the Sasquatch Casino lacks
– **Gray metal building**: Across the back driveway from the casino, including office space, a conference room, and a maintenance shop

Smith doesn’t yet know how he will use the metal building, though he joked that he plans to remove any “No Sasquatch Parking” signs he finds on the Z Casino property.

“I have a little John Deere tractor. I was thinking of going over there and making a video of us crushing that sign,” he mused.

### Maverick Gaming’s Continued Operations

For the time being, Maverick Gaming continues to operate the Z, Grand Z, and Dragon Tiger casinos until Smith takes over the Z Casino and Marnell Companies announces its plans to take over the two Central City Maverick casinos it acquired through the bankruptcy proceedings.

### Timeline Uncertainty

Decisions about staffing, hours, and operations will also face the new owner. Does Smith have a date for when he will receive the keys to the Z Casino?

“No, I don’t at this point,” he commented. “We’ve just got a lot of stuff to do before that, such as upgrading the computer system.”

### A Veteran Casino Owner’s Perspective

On the opening day for casinos in October 1991, Smith was throwing dollar bills from the roof of his Sasquatch Casino at 125 Gregory St., hoping to attract new patrons to the casino he and his late wife, Shirley, had just opened. The couple later opened their second casino, the Wild Card, a few doors away at 120 Main Street.

Now, 35 years later, Smith is embarking on another casino venture with the same patience and determination that made him successful the first time around.

### Editor’s Note on Marnell Companies

Marnell Companies didn’t respond to the Weekly Register-Call’s request for an interview or information about its plans for the Grand Z or Dragon Tiger casinos in Central City, which were acquired as part of the Maverick Gaming bankruptcy case.

—

## Z Casino: A Brief History

The Z Casino building has a rich gaming history:
– Previously called **Bullwhackers Casino** during the early years of gaming in Black Hawk
– Purchased by Maverick Gaming and rebranded as Z Casino
– Features 313 slot machines across three floors
– Located at prime Gregory Street location (101 Gregory Street)

## About Ed Smith

Ed Smith is a Black Hawk gaming pioneer who:
– Opened Sasquatch Casino with his late wife Shirley in October 1991
– Operated Wild Card Casino at 120 Main Street
– Known for innovative marketing (threw dollar bills from roof on opening day)
– Purchased Z Casino for $25 million from Maverick Gaming bankruptcy estate

—

**Related Stories:**
– [Maverick Gaming Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy](#)
– [Black Hawk Casino History: 35 Years of Gaming](#)
– [Marnell Companies Acquires Central City Casinos](#)

**Contact Information:**
– Weekly Register-Call Newsroom: news@weeklyregistercall.com | 303-906-9902
– For advertising: 303-773-8313

—

*This story was originally published in the Weekly Register-Call print edition, January 1, 2026. Don Ireland is the Senior Reporter and Drone Photographer for the Weekly Register-Call, Colorado’s oldest newspaper, established 1862.*

January 1, 2026
Central City Files Lawsuit Against RCI, Seeks Closure of Rick’s Cabaret

# Central City Files Lawsuit Against RCI, Seeks Closure of Rick’s Cabaret

**Meta Title:** Central City Sues RCI Over Rick’s Cabaret SOB Violations | Register-Call

**Meta Description:** Central City files lawsuit seeking to close Rick’s Cabaret for nudity violations and operating without proper SOB licensing. Exclusive coverage of the legal battle.

**Slug:** central-city-lawsuit-rci-ricks-cabaret-sob-violations

**Keywords:** Central City lawsuit, RCI Hospitality Holdings, Rick’s Cabaret Central City, sexually oriented business, SOB regulations, Eric Langan, Travis Reese, Gilpin County news

**Author:** Don Ireland, Senior Reporter

**Date:** January 1, 2026

**Category:** Local Government, Legal News, Central City

**Featured Image Alt Text:** Rick’s Cabaret & Steakhouse at 130 Main Street in downtown Central City, Colorado

—

## Central City Takes Legal Action Against Adult Entertainment Venue

The City of Central has filed a lawsuit against RCI Hospitality Holdings, asking the Gilpin County District Court to shut down the company’s Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse at 130 Main Street in downtown Central City.

### Key Allegations in the Lawsuit

“Rick’s Cabaret unlawfully opened and illegally operates a Sexually Oriented Business in Central City,” according to the city’s lawsuit filed December 23, 2025. The complaint requests a preliminary injunction to shutter the operation until it complies with local regulations and obtains an SOB license from the city.

The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of Central City regulations:

– **Nudity violations**: Allowing entertainers to appear nude or expose specified anatomical areas while not on a permanent and non-movable stage
– **Sexual activity violations**: Allowing entertainers to engage in specified sexual activities
– **Licensing violations**: Operating a Sexually Oriented Business without a city-issued SOB license
– **Hours violations**: Operating between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m., past Central’s 2 a.m. closing time for SOBs

### Named Defendants

The civil case names RCI Hospitality Holdings, RCI Dining Services (Central City), RCI Holdings Inc., former CEO & President Eric Langan, and Vice President Travis Reese.

Langan, who stepped down from his CEO role in November 2024 but remained on the board, is described in the lawsuit as “the long-time and current public face” of Rick’s Cabaret. RCI’s Board of Directors appointed Reese as interim president following Langan’s departure.

### City’s Legal Demands

Central City Attorney Marcus McAskin and associate Christine Fitch filed the complaint seeking court orders to:

1. Stop RCI from operating as a Sexually Oriented Business without city-approved licensing
2. Cease operations between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m.
3. Close Rick’s Cabaret for allowing nudity violations and specified sexual activities

According to the lawsuit, “Ricks Cabaret is an adult theater, one kind of sexually oriented business, that regularly violates the licensing requirement, the hours regulation, and conduct restrictions.”

### Background: From Casino Plans to Adult Entertainment

The controversy dates back to December 2022, when Central City’s elected leaders voted to sell the former casino property at 130 Main Street to RCI Hospitality Holdings for $2.4 million.

Initially, Langan announced plans to open a casino with a nightclub and steakhouse. However, in June 2024, he withdrew his application for a casino license with the Colorado Division of Revenue, pivoting to the adult entertainment business model instead.

### Previous Legal Battles

RCI has faced multiple legal challenges:

– **August 2024**: RCI sued Central City in federal court after the council upheld an administrator’s decision regarding the building, but dropped the lawsuit a year later when Rick’s Cabaret opened
– **September 2025**: New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit indicting Langan and four other RCI executives for an alleged “multimillion-dollar criminal tax fraud and bribery scheme” to avoid paying over $8 million in sales taxes between 2010 and 2024

The New York indictment is believed to have prompted Langan’s resignation as CEO in November 2024.

### Community Opposition and Referendum

Throughout 2024 and into 2025, several Central City residents and council members opposed Rick’s Cabaret, citing concerns about:

– Zoning compliance issues
– Community morality standards
– Public safety concerns
– Type of clientele the business would attract

In September 2024, Mayor Jeremy Fey succeeded in winning a 3-2 council vote to place a referendum on the November 4 ballot, asking voters whether the council should change city code to allow Sexually Oriented Businesses to operate on Main Street.

Central voters delivered a clear message on November 4, voting 153-113 to keep existing regulations in place that prohibit SOBs on Main Street.

### Legal Timeline and Next Steps

RCI and its named executives have 21 days to respond if they are in Colorado, or 35 days if they are out of state. A court date will be scheduled after the defendants respond to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed one week after council’s final meeting of 2025 on December 16.

### City’s Official Statement

Following the lawsuit filing, Central City issued a statement:

“Today, pursuant to the direction and prior vote of the City Council, Central City has filed an action to enforce the city’s Sexually Oriented Business Licensing Ordinance that [the council adopted in September 2024]. The lawsuit contends that Rick’s Cabaret opened unlawfully and has been operating illegally, in violation of the ordinance’s licensing, hours of operation and conduct regulations. Because litigation on the matter is still pending, the city will have no further statements other than those contained in the court filings.”

### Business Continues Operations

Despite the lawsuit, Rick’s Cabaret continued to advertise its Christmas Day hours and New Year’s Eve events on its website and Facebook pages. The business describes itself as “Central City’s top-rated gentlemen’s club,” open from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

The establishment also advertises on three city-owned billboards along the Central City Parkway.

### Mayor Fey’s Involvement

Mayor Jeremy Fey is the only remaining city alderman in office who voted to sell the building to RCI in December 2022. He later came under public scrutiny after accepting a free trip with Langan aboard RCI’s jet to the company’s headquarters in Houston, including attending an NFL game between the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos in RCI’s private box.

Langan also provided Fey with a sales-based lease for a storefront purchased by RCI at 127 Main Street.

Following initial public complaints in 2024, Fey recused himself from all council discussions related to RCI. However, in 2025, Fey changed his position and began participating in RCI-related discussions again.

### Broader Context: City Code Changes

In the summer of 2024, the council approved changes to its Land Use Code, creating Industrial-zone land along the Central City Parkway and requiring that any SOBs be located in such zoning classifications.

The council also approved Ordinance No. 24-02, which established licensing requirements for any Sexually Oriented Business wanting to operate in the city.

Additionally, the city retained special attorney Scott Bergthold of Chattanooga, Tennessee, whose firm specializes in helping municipalities oppose adult-oriented businesses. The council voted unanimously to hire Bergthold to work with McAskin on potential litigation related to the RCI situation.

—

**Editor’s Note:** RCI Interim President Travis Reese did not respond to the Weekly Register-Call’s request for comment or a response to the lawsuit.

**Related Stories:**
– [Voters Reject SOB Zoning Change in Central City](#)
– [Central City Land Use Code Changes Approved](#)
– [Eric Langan Steps Down as RCI CEO](#)

**Contact Information:**
– Central City Attorney Marcus McAskin: [City Hall contact]
– Weekly Register-Call Newsroom: news@weeklyregistercall.com | 303-906-9902

—

*This story was originally published in the Weekly Register-Call print edition, January 1, 2026. Don Ireland is the Senior Reporter and Drone Photographer for the Weekly Register-Call, Colorado’s oldest newspaper, established 1862.*

January 1, 2026
Keep the High Country Clean: Your Complete Guide to Waste Management with Timberline Disposal
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December 23, 2025
When the Lights Go Out: Why Power Outages Are Becoming Part of Daily Life

Three times last month, Sarah Mitchell’s refrigerator went dark. Not from a storm—just Tuesday afternoons in suburban Denver when the grid couldn’t keep up. Her neighbor installed a generator. She’s considering the same.

This isn’t an isolated story anymore.

Power outages that once felt like rare disruptions are becoming regular occurrences across the United States. The numbers tell part of the story: the average American experienced over eight hours of power interruptions in 2023, double what it was a decade ago. But statistics don’t capture the frustration of resetting clocks, tossing spoiled groceries, or working by flashlight.

Several factors are colliding to create this new reality. Our electrical infrastructure, built largely in the 1960s and 70s, wasn’t designed for today’s demands. Air conditioning runs longer and harder as summers heat up. Electric vehicles charge overnight. Data centers multiply to handle our cloud-dependent lives. The system is being asked to do more than it was ever meant to handle.

Weather patterns have shifted too. Severe storms hit harder and more often. Heat waves stress the grid when everyone cranks up cooling simultaneously. Wildfires force utilities to shut off power preemptively—a choice between controlled outages and catastrophic blazes sparked by damaged lines.

The Real Estate Perspective

“Unfortunately, power outages are going to be the new norm,” says Bart Brockman of Keller Williams. “We’re seeing this impact property values and buyer decisions in real ways. Homes with backup generators or solar-plus-battery systems are commanding premium prices. Buyers are asking about grid reliability during showings. It’s become a major consideration in the home-buying process.”

The transition to renewable energy, while necessary, adds complexity. Solar and wind provide clean power but not always when demand peaks. Battery storage technology is improving but still can’t fill all the gaps. Managing this mix requires a more sophisticated grid than we currently have.

Utilities Caught in the Middle

Utilities are caught between competing pressures. Upgrading infrastructure costs billions—money that ultimately comes from ratepayers already struggling with rising electricity bills. Regulators want reliability but resist rate increases. Investors expect returns. Something has to give, and increasingly, it’s the power itself.

Communities are adapting in different ways. Some neighborhoods pool resources for backup systems. Others pressure local officials to prioritize grid improvements. Battery sales are booming. Whole-home generators, once considered extreme, now seem prudent.

The federal infrastructure bill allocated $65 billion for grid improvements, but experts say we need three times that amount. Meanwhile, the build-out proceeds slowly, tangled in permitting processes and local opposition to new transmission lines.

What This Means for Colorado

Colorado faces unique challenges. The state’s aggressive renewable energy targets and mandated closure of coal-fired plants create transition risks. When Xcel Energy’s Comanche units shut down and Craig Station closes in 2028, the state loses reliable baseload power. The replacements—natural gas plants with hydrogen blending capability and battery storage—are cleaner but introduce new reliability questions.

At the very moment electricity demand grows, regulators have mandated the closure of coal-fired power plants. The state’s regulatory focus isn’t on hardening the grid against wildfire and wind—it’s on electrification. Electric vehicles and trucks, electric homes and heat appliances. No more gas stoves to cook your soup when the power’s out for days.

The Path Forward

What’s clear is that the grid of tomorrow won’t look like the one we have today. It will need to be smarter, more distributed, more resilient. Whether we get there before the outages become truly intolerable remains an open question.

For now, families like the Mitchells are learning to plan around uncertainty. Charging devices stays on the mental checklist. Flashlights live in easy-to-find spots. The novelty of candlelit dinners has worn off entirely.

The lights will keep going out. The only question is how often we’re willing to accept it.

December 23, 2025
Craig Station’s Final Chapter: Can Federal Intervention Save Moffat County’s Economic Lifeline?
The clock is ticking on Craig Unit 1. By the end of this year, the 446-megawatt coal-fired power plant that’s anchored Moffat County’s economy since 1980 is scheduled to go dark. But in a twist that’s become familiar in America’s coal country, the federal government may force it to stay online—at least temporarily.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, which operates Craig Station, says it has a “high degree of confidence” the U.S. Department of Energy will issue an emergency order before year’s end to extend Unit 1’s life. The Trump administration has made clear it intends to keep coal plants running, committing $625 million to “reinvigorate and expand” the industry, including $350 million specifically for recommissioning and retrofitting old coal-fired plants.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has framed these interventions as necessary for grid reliability and energy security. The administration has already used Section 202(c) emergency orders to keep coal plants operating in other states, citing concerns about power supply stability.

The Economics Don’t Add Up

But here’s the uncomfortable reality federal orders can’t change: Craig Unit 1 is scheduled to close not just because of Colorado Air Quality Control Commission regulations requiring it to shut down for regional haze reduction—it’s closing because it no longer makes economic sense.

Keeping the three-unit Craig Station running rather than closing it on schedule would cost an additional $79 million annually, according to analysis by Grid Strategies. Tri-State itself has publicly stated it has excess generating capacity and doesn’t need Craig Unit 1 to ensure reliability.

The utility’s preferred plan, filed with Colorado regulators, reflects previously announced retirements driven primarily by economics. When Craig Station fully closes in 2028, Tri-State plans to replace it with a 307-megawatt natural gas plant capable of blending up to 30% hydrogen into the fuel, plus 200 megawatts of battery storage—all located in Moffat County.

That’s cold comfort for a community where power plant and coal operations account for more than half of the property tax income. About 2,800 jobs were projected to be in danger when the mine and power plant closures were first announced in 2020. The Craig and Hayden plants together employ about 200 people directly.

A Community Already Moving On

Walk through Craig today and you’ll see a town that isn’t waiting for Washington to save it.

The Cooper family—longtime coal industry workers—started High Altitude Geothermal, installing geothermal heat pumps that use the Earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool buildings. Wade Gerber is opening Bad Alibi Distillery. A cocktail bar is going up next door. After closure announcements, some business owners opened additional ventures like commercial print shops, seeing diversification as practical when high-paying jobs disappear.

Tri-State’s education subsidies are being tapped for everything from distilling classes to vehicle repair and gunsmithing courses—skills for new careers in a post-coal economy.

The city and Moffat County received a $3.3 million federal grant to create river-based amenities that could transform Craig into a tourism destination. The whitewater park and other projects are part of the Yampa River Corridor Project and the broader Moffat County Vision 2025 Transition Plan. More than two dozen projects are underway, from affordable housing developments in downtown Craig to commercial solar arrays.

There’s even interest in developing a hydrogen hub at Craig Station’s site. Tri-State and partners applied for federal funds to pursue a green hydrogen pilot project.

The Last-Ditch Playbook

So what could actually save Craig Station? Any realistic plan would need to address three fundamental challenges:

1. Make the Economics Work

The $79 million annual cost premium isn’t going away. A save-the-plant effort would need:
- Federal subsidies covering the operational cost gap (potentially through DOE emergency funding or new coal support programs)
- Modernization investments to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs
- Market restructuring or guaranteed power purchase agreements at premium rates
- Carbon capture retrofitting (though this adds billions in capital costs)
2. Navigate Colorado’s Air Quality Regulations

Craig Unit 1 must close under state regulations for regional haze reduction. Keeping it running requires either:
- Federal preemption of state authority (legally murky territory)
- Renegotiating Colorado’s regional haze implementation plan
- Installing pollution controls expensive enough to question whether saving the plant makes sense
- Securing exemptions that could face immediate legal challenges from environmental groups
3. Address the Reliability Question

If Tri-State genuinely has excess capacity, DOE emergency orders become harder to justify legally. The Federal Power Act’s Section 202(c) allows DOE to mandate operations only for emergency reliability needs. A successful save would need to demonstrate:
- Unexpected capacity shortages
- Grid stability issues without Craig Unit 1
- Delays in planned replacement generation coming online
- Regional transmission constraints creating localized need
The Political Reality

Even with Trump administration support, the headwinds are substantial. DOE can issue emergency orders, but they’re typically temporary—90 days initially, potentially extended to one year. They don’t change the underlying economics or state regulatory requirements.

Colorado has mandated aggressive renewable energy targets and greenhouse emission reductions. The state recently issued its decision requiring Xcel Energy to pay $203 million to coal communities for lost property taxes from closures—a tacit acknowledgment the closures are happening.

In November, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission sparked controversy by granting Xcel’s Comanche 3 plant a one-year extension. Environmental groups charged officials with retreating in the coal fight. But even that concession came because the plant needed repairs, not as a permanent reversal.

What Happens Next

The expected DOE emergency order for Craig Unit 1 will likely arrive before December 31st. It might keep the lights on for a few more months, perhaps longer. But unless someone solves the $79 million annual question and navigates Colorado’s regulatory framework, it’s a stay of execution, not a pardon.

The bigger question is whether Craig needs saving at all. While federal intervention might preserve jobs temporarily, it does nothing to build the sustainable economy Moffat County needs for 2030 and beyond. The $625 million the Trump administration is throwing at coal might buy time, but it won’t buy certainty.

Craig’s families are already making their own calculations. Some are retraining. Others are starting businesses. A few are leaving. They’re not waiting for a last-ditch miracle—they’re building what comes next.

The coal plant that powered this community for 45 years is dying of old age and economics. No amount of political will changes that fundamental reality. The only real question left is whether federal intervention delays the inevitable long enough to matter—or just makes the eventual transition that much harder.
December 23, 2025
Victor Scott Chayet (1966–2025): A Life Shaped by Words, Love, and Quiet Strength

The memorial service for Victor Scott Chayet, held at Temple Emanuel, was marked by reverence, honesty, and an overwhelming sense of love. Family, friends, colleagues, and community members gathered to honor a man whose life was shaped by words—and whose words, in turn, shaped countless lives.

From the opening prayers to the final blessings, the service reflected who Victor was: thoughtful, deeply principled, intellectually curious, and profoundly devoted to the people he loved. Jewish tradition, poetry, music, and personal reflection were woven together to tell the story of a life lived with intention.

A Communicator at Heart

Victor was remembered repeatedly as a natural communicator—someone who believed not only in the power of words, but in the responsibility that comes with using them well. He listened carefully, spoke deliberately, and wrote with purpose. Family members described him as the person others turned to when they needed clarity, reassurance, or simply the right way to say what was in their hearts.

His brother Marco described Victor as “the great communicator, the dictionary, the poet, the orator of our family,” noting that Victor was often the quiet editor behind important letters, speeches, and moments of personal expression for those closest to him. That gift for language was matched by empathy, humor, and generosity—qualities that made people feel seen and understood.

Family, Memory, and Community

The service traced Victor’s life through childhood memories, shared music, travel, and lifelong bonds. Stories of growing up alongside his brothers, discovering music and literature, and building friendships that lasted decades painted a portrait of a man grounded in connection.

Victor was not simply present in the lives of others—he was steady. Family members spoke of him as an anchor, someone who brought calm to difficult moments and strength to uncertain times. His presence was described as reassuring, his guidance steady, and his loyalty unwavering.

A Devoted Husband and Father

At the heart of the memorial was Victor’s devotion to his wife, Susan, and his son, Devin. Speakers emphasized that, above all else, Victor treasured his role as a husband and a father. His love for his family was not abstract or symbolic—it was daily, intentional, and deeply felt.

One of the most moving moments of the service came with the reading of Victor’s wedding vows to Susan, written nearly three decades earlier. The words—thoughtful, poetic, and precise—spoke of partnership, admiration, and enduring love. In them, Victor described love not as something completed, but as something continually discovered, shaped by listening, trust, and shared growth.

Those vows became, in the words of the officiants, a final and lasting gift.

Lessons That Endure

Victor’s son Devin spoke powerfully about the values his father lived by and passed on. He shared three core lessons that Victor emphasized throughout his life:
• Tell the truth
• Love completely
• Do the right thing

These were not abstract ideals, but principles Victor practiced daily. He believed that honesty was foundational to real connection, that love required full commitment, and that doing the right thing often meant choosing the harder path.

Victor was also remembered as a lifelong learner. Books, music, writing, and curiosity filled his world. He approached learning not as accumulation, but as engagement—seeking to understand others, ideas, and the complexities of life with humility and openness.

A Legacy That Lives On

The memorial concluded with prayers for peace, rest, and comfort, and with a reminder that grief and gratitude often walk side by side. While Victor is no longer physically present, speakers emphasized that his legacy remains alive—in words spoken carefully, in love given freely, and in the values carried forward by those he shaped.

As the congregation rose for the final prayers, one truth resonated clearly: Victor Chayet’s life was not defined by its ending, but by the depth, integrity, and compassion with which it was lived.

May his memory be for a blessing.

⸻

Memorial Donations

In keeping with the wishes of the family, memorial contributions in honor of Victor Scott Chayet may be made to the following organizations:
• The Stuart Collection at UC San Diego
Supporting public art and cultural enrichment
🔗 https://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu
• Von’s Vision Foundation
Supporting research and awareness for vision-related disorders
🔗 https://vonsvision.org

December 17, 2025
Central City Has Never Been Afraid of Big Moments. Until Now.

EDITORIAL

Central City Has Never Been Afraid of Big Moments. Until Now.

A unanimous vote by the county’s three sitting commissioners turns away an $8 million opportunity—and raises hard questions about leadership, legacy, and the town’s future.

Central City, Colorado — where constitutional history was written and economic futures are now rejected. [Photo credit TK]

The desk on which Colorado’s Constitution was drafted still sits in Central City.

That matters, because this town has never been a footnote. It has always been a starting point.

Central City exists because John H. Gregory struck gold in Gregory Gulch in 1859 and ignited a chain reaction of risk, investment, and ambition that built the Rocky Mountains’ first great boomtown. This place was not preserved into existence. It was built—forcefully, deliberately, and at great personal cost.

Last week, that legacy was set aside.

In a unanimous vote by the three current sitting county commissioners, a development proposal was rejected that would have increased local economic activity from roughly $1 million annually to an estimated $8 million, while restoring Central City’s standing as the only authentic mountain gaming town in the region.

That decision will linger.

This was not speculative growth. It was a targeted reinvestment aligned with the town’s identity, its economic reality, and its history. Gaming is not incidental here; it is the modern continuation of the same risk-based enterprise that built Central City in the first place.

Instead, the vote ensured that the mountain gaming spotlight remains fixed on outside corporate ownership groups operating elsewhere—Monarch, Ameristar—entities with capital and scale, but no roots in the canyon and no connection to the town’s founding values.

They did not build Central City.
They did not carve Gregory Gulch.
They did not rebuild after fire reduced the town to ash—twice.

Yet through caution and inaction, they have been left as the stewards of Colorado’s mountain gaming identity, while the town that created that identity is asked to accept permanent second-tier status.

That is not preservation. It is abdication.

The Economic Math

The economic math alone should have settled the matter. An $8 million impact in a town this size is not upside—it is oxygen. Jobs, infrastructure, secondary business activity, tax base, visibility. These are not luxuries for Central City. They are the difference between circulation and stagnation.

Central City is not a museum accidentally left outdoors. It is a living town that has reinvented itself repeatedly—from mining camp, to cultural center, to gaming town—each time through investment, not retreat.

Every historic building standing today was once a controversial new development. The opera house was audacious. The grand hotels were excessive. Ambition offended those who preferred smaller horizons. And yet those choices are exactly why Central City mattered then—and why it still should.

“The commissioners failed to grasp a basic mountain truth: when opportunity is blocked upstream, consequences flow downhill.”

Businesses close. Workers leave. Identity erodes.

A Call for Accountability

This vote stands as one of the most consequential political miscalculations in recent memory—not because it was bold, but because it was unnecessary. It turned away growth that honored the town’s past by extending it forward.

Leadership is stewardship, not paralysis. When elected officials fail to act in defense of a town’s survival, accountability follows.

This paper stands opposed to the commissioners’ decision and calls for new leadership—leaders who understand that Central City’s future is not something to defer, and that history is respected by building, not by standing still.

The creek keeps flowing.
History keeps moving.
Central City should too.

SIDEBAR | Central City: Built by Risk, Sustained by Investment

1859 — Gregory Gulch
John H. Gregory’s discovery ignites the Colorado Gold Rush.

1860s–1870s — Boomtown
Opera houses, mills, hotels, and civic buildings rise in extreme terrain.

1874 & 1877 — The Great Fires
The town burns—twice—and rebuilds each time with greater ambition.

Early 1900s — Decline and Endurance
Mining slows, but Central City survives through adaptation.

1990s — Limited-Stakes Gaming
Gaming restores economic life and preserves historic structures through use.

Today — A Crossroads
A decisive investment is rejected, placing the town’s future in question.

Patrick Henry Sweeney is Publisher and Editor of the Weekly Register-Call, Colorado’s oldest newspaper (est. 1862), and operates under the Robert F. Sweeney Foundation for Excellence in Journalism. The Register-Call has won 27 Colorado Press Association awards in three years. Contact: admin@registercall.com

December 12, 2025

Colorado’s Quiet Watch: How Real ID, License-Plate Cameras, and Ring Doorbells Are Building a Shadow Surveillance State—and What Citizens Can Still Do to Opt Out

Sources

Colorado is expanding powerful identification and tracking systems at the same time that private cameras spread on every block. This extended feature looks at how Real ID, license plate readers, and doorbell cameras fit together, what Colorado law says about filming in public, and what ordinary people can still do to push back and opt out.

Real ID’s deeper dangers

Real ID turns a driver’s license into a strong, standardized identity token that government agencies and private systems can easily recognize and link to large databases. Even if the card looks familiar, the program encourages states to collect more documents, verify them against other systems, and store the results in ways that make records easier to search and share across agencies and state lines. Once this infrastructure is in place, the main risks are “mission creep” and data breaches: information gathered originally to fight fraud or terrorism becomes tempting for unrelated uses like routine policing, background checks, or mass identity verification, while attackers have a larger, more valuable pool of data to target.

The combination of Real ID with growing camera networks makes physical movement easier to link to identity. License plate scans, traffic-camera footage, and even commercial face recognition systems can be cross-referenced with DMV and other government records, turning a single traffic stop into an entry point for far more detailed profiling. People who must drive—commuters, gig workers, rural residents—are hardest to avoid this system, which means the burden falls unevenly on those with fewer alternatives.

License plate readers in Colorado communities

Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) like Flock cameras are being deployed by police departments, homeowner associations, and even private businesses across Colorado, creating a dense net of vehicle tracking points. These systems do more than check for stolen cars: they create logs of where cars were, down to minute-level timestamps, which can then be searched to reconstruct a person’s travel history, visits to clinics or houses of worship, participation in protests, and social or political connections. Investigations in Colorado and elsewhere have shown that ALPR data is often retained far longer than the public assumes, and can be shared widely with other law enforcement agencies—even those far outside the community where the cameras are installed.

Denver’s move to stop sharing Flock data with federal agencies underscores how quickly local control can slip away once a third-party vendor sits between the community and the data. When out-of-state officers can query scans generated in Colorado, decisions made by one city council effectively alter the privacy environment for people across an entire metro region. This raises questions that go well beyond crime rates: who decides what counts as “suspicious,” how long that suspicion lingers in a database, and what happens when systems flag the wrong person because of a misread plate or shared vehicle.

Collateral and chilling effects

People who attend protests, union meetings, or community gatherings in their cars may be silently logged, creating indirect records of political activity.
A single “hot list” mistake can subject the wrong driver to repeated stops, searches, or suspicion, with little transparency about how to correct the underlying data.

Colorado law on filming in public

Colorado’s legal framework largely recognizes that people have a right to document what happens in public spaces, particularly when it involves government officials or matters of public concern.[1][2] The state’s wiretapping law focuses on situations where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as private conversations in homes or concealed recording in intimate spaces; by contrast, recording open conversations and events in streets, parks, and other public forums is generally lawful as long as the person recording is not interfering with official duties.[1][3] Courts in the region have upheld the idea that recording police in public is an extension of the First Amendment, which protects gathering information about public officials as a prerequisite to meaningful speech and oversight.[1][2]

At the same time, local governments sometimes experiment with restrictions around specific facilities. The Englewood policy limiting nonconsensual recording within a short distance of certain city building entrances reflects a tension between agency comfort and public rights: rules like these can be framed as safety measures but, if written broadly, may discourage residents from documenting how services are delivered or how security staff behave.[4] People who film in Colorado should know that they generally may: stand on public sidewalks, record what they can see and hear, decline to surrender their devices, and continue recording as long as they are not obstructing access, ignoring lawful orders to move for safety reasons, or entering restricted areas.[1][3][2]

Practical recording guidance

Maintain a reasonable distance and avoid physically blocking officers or government staff while recording, especially near entrances to public buildings.[4][2]
Clearly state that you are recording and that you do not consent to deletion or confiscation, and move to a safer spot if ordered for specific safety or crime-scene reasons rather than for vague “respect” demands.[1][3][2]

Ring cameras, neighborhoods, and power

Doorbell cameras like Ring shift surveillance from city poles to private doorframes, but the social and political effects can be similar—or even more intense. In many cities, police departments have lined up partnerships or portals that let officers request or, in some circumstances, receive footage from individual Ring owners, effectively turning private devices into an informal extension of the public surveillance network. Unlike city camera programs, these private arrangements often escape public hearings, procurement debates, or data-use impact assessments, because they grow through marketing and one-on-one homeowner decisions instead of visible budget lines.

The impact on neighborhood life is subtle but profound. When every doorstep is a camera, people walking dogs, delivering packages, canvassing for elections, or kids playing on sidewalks can all end up in corporate cloud archives tied to specific addresses. Neighborhood apps that aggregate this footage can intensify fear: mundane incidents—a car slowly driving past, a person checking their phone—can be framed as potential crimes, and biases about race, age, or clothing can shape who gets labeled “suspicious.” Over time, this encourages people to treat public space outside their front door as something to be monitored and defended rather than shared, which can worsen divisions and erode trust.

Social consequences of doorbell surveillance

Workers (mail carriers, gig drivers, maintenance staff) may feel constantly watched and rated, with little say in how their images are stored, shared, or interpreted.
People experiencing homelessness, youth, and others on the margins are more likely to be filmed repeatedly, reported in neighborhood apps, and visited by police based on subjective fear.

How these systems reinforce each other

Real ID, ALPRs, and doorbell cameras are often discussed separately, but they interact in ways that magnify their individual risks. A Real ID-compliant license tied to a DMV database means that when a plate reader logs a car outside a certain address at a certain time, that record can be linked back to an identified person, and potentially to other government systems that store their address history, employment records, or benefits use. Ring footage showing a particular vehicle or person can be cross-referenced with plate data or existing police photos, making it easier to track an individual across different contexts.

The result is an environment where “being in public” no longer means being relatively unobserved and forgettable. Instead, each movement leaves a trail: the plate captured at the subdivision gate, the face caught by the neighbor’s doorbell, the ID swiped at a building entrance. Even when each system is justified individually—security at a school, theft prevention at a store, traffic enforcement at an intersection—the combined effect starts to resemble continuous location tracking and pervasive monitoring. The danger is not just concrete harms like stalking or doxxing, but the quieter chilling effect when people begin to avoid sensitive places, controversial meetings, or even speaking with neighbors for fear those interactions will be recorded and stored.

What Colorado residents can still do

Despite the scale of these systems, residents retain real power—through daily choices, local organizing, and statewide policy. On the personal level, people can choose devices and settings that reduce unnecessary surveillance: declining to install networked doorbell cameras; using local-only storage instead of cloud services; disabling always-on audio; and angling cameras so they cover only one’s own entryway instead of sidewalks, neighbors’ windows, or shared yards. When police or companies request footage, residents can ask for written legal requests and, unless required by law, decline voluntary sharing—especially for broad “neighborhood sweep” requests that are not tied to a specific incident.

Collectively, residents can press for laws and policies that put real limits on data collection, retention, and sharing. That includes local ordinances requiring city approval before adopting new ALPR or camera systems; mandatory public reports about where cameras are located, what vendors are used, and how long data is kept; warrants or strong legal standards before officers may search license plate databases for patterns of movement; and outright bans on sharing local ALPR data with federal immigration enforcement or other distant agencies without judicial oversight.[5][6][7][8] Community groups can also advocate for clear opt-out mechanisms in neighborhoods: HOA rules that restrict the orientation of cameras to avoid common areas, or voluntary neighborhood compacts where residents agree not to post footage of passersby on social media unless there is a clear, serious safety concern.

Concrete opt-out and advocacy steps

When renewing identification, ask detailed questions about data retention, sharing policies, and whether alternatives (such as non-Real ID IDs for some uses) remain available, and share those answers publicly at community meetings.
Urge city councils and county commissions to adopt surveillance ordinances that require: public hearings before any new camera deployment, short default retention (like 30 days or less) for ALPR and camera data unless tied to specific investigations, independent audits of vendor systems, and clear penalties for misuse by officers or contractors.[5][6][7][8]
In your own home, favor non-networked or privacy-focused cameras, turn off unnecessary features like audio and facial recognition, and talk with neighbors about informal norms—such as not filming children’s play areas or frequently posting footage of strangers—that respect privacy while still allowing reasonable security.

Colorado public recording and private surveillance at a glance

Issue	Public’s general right	Main risks today	Example local responses
Filming in public (people, police)	Broad right to record in public spaces if not interfering with officials; police generally cannot force deletion.[1][3][2]	Intimidation, unlawful orders to stop recording, local building rules that may narrow where close-range filming is allowed.[4][1][2]	Rights-education efforts, legal challenges, and policies that reaffirm the right to record law enforcement.[1][3][2]
License plate readers (ALPR)	No practical way to avoid plate capture when driving; rules depend on local policy and state law.[5][6][7]	Long retention, broad data sharing, tracking of movement and associations, potential for misuse by officers or outside agencies.[5][6][7][8]	Denver limiting data sharing with federal agencies; proposed state bills to tighten access and require stronger legal standards.[5][6][7][8]
Ring/doorbell cameras	Homeowners decide whether and how to install; visitors and passersby rarely have meaningful choice.	Continuous doorstep surveillance, biased reporting in neighborhood apps, police access to private footage, corporate storage and analysis.	Public pressure on companies to change law-enforcement partnerships, local conversations and HOA rules about camera placement and norms.

Together, these systems are reshaping what it means to move, gather, and speak in Colorado. Residents who understand how the pieces fit—Real ID, plate readers, doorbell networks, and recording rights—are better positioned to insist that security measures remain tools, not the silent architects of daily life.

Sources
[1] Colorado | The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press https://www.rcfp.org/reporters-recording-guide/colorado/
[2] Public Recording of Law Enforcement Activity | Colorado … https://cdor.colorado.gov/public-recording-of-law-enforcement-activity
[3] Can the Police Stop the Public Recording of Their Actions? https://www.hmichaelsteinberg.com/articles/the-colorado-criminal-justice-system-what-are-my-rights/can-the-police-stop-the-public-recording-of-their-actions/
[4] Video Recording Without Consent | City of Englewood, Colorado https://www.englewoodco.gov/our-city/policies/video-recording-without-consent
[5] Colorado lawmaker considers regulation to prevent abuses and … https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/license-plate-reading-cameras-colorado-regulation-misuse/
[6] Denver bans sharing of Flock camera data with the federal … https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/denver/denver-bans-sharing-of-license-plate-reader-data-with-the-feds-as-part-of-five-month-flock-contract-extension
[7] Listen: Out-of-state cops had access to Denver license plate data for … https://www.cpr.org/2025/07/02/listen-denver-flock-surveillance-cameras-data/
[8] A new bill would stop police from searching license plate databases … https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news/posts/a-new-bill-would-stop-police-from-searching-license-plate-databases-without-a-wa/858091196836210/

December 11, 2025

8th Annual Dirty 30 Race

Mountain runners traverse beautiful Golden Gate Canyon State Park

By Randy Beaudette

Trail runners in the Eighth Annual Dirty 30 enjoyed clear weather and breathtaking scenery on Saturday, June 4 to challenge themselves, compete for prizes, and to benefit (more…)

November 16, 2025
“Thank-you” meal for first responders heart-warming in more ways than one

Gilpin’s Lady Eagles basketball team a class act on and off the court

by Patty Unruh

Members of Gilpin’s emergency services do so much for this community, much of it behind the scenes. Every day, they put others first. As a way to say “thank you,” the Gilpin High School girls’ basketball team ladled up a warm holiday meal to local law enforcement, firefighters, and ambulance personnel in the school cafeteria on Friday, December 16.

The young ladies had invited members of the Black Hawk Fire Department, Black Hawk Police Department, Central City Fire Department, Colorado Sierra Fire Department, Timberline Fire Department, Gilpin Ambulance Authority, and Gilpin County Sheriff.

Bright holiday music and large messages of appreciation provided just the right atmosphere.

“Thank you for your service!” “Thank you for all you do!” read the signs, bearing the name of each agency and the autographs of the athletes.

Every first responder who was available showed up for tasty chili with all the fixings. Crockpots brimmed with gluten-free turkey, beef, chicken, and veggie chili. Members of the varsity and junior varsity basketball squads also served an impressive choice of cookies, pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and cupcakes frosted in red and green or topped with cheery plastic penguins. There were even candy canes with sweet notes attached.

Jenny Lepro, mother of junior varsity player Cicely Lepro, came up with the idea for the lunch. Lepro works for the City of Golden Police Department in animal and code enforcement, and also works part time for dispatch. She said that Golden puts on a thank-you meal for the responders there, and she wanted to pay it forward by doing the same for Gilpin’s responders. Many of them are parents of athletes and perform ambulance, police, or paramedic duty at the games.

“They do so much behind the scenes to keep us safe,” Lepro said. “We wanted to thank them and also teach the girls to show appreciation.”

Before the meal, the girls had basketball practice from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. After their practice, the girls decorated the cafeteria and made the thank-you signs.

They had played Rocky Mountain Lutheran in the Gilpin gym the previous evening and were going to Lake County the next day for another game. Since the girls were so busy with sports and school, parents prepared the chili and desserts.

Lepro advised that any leftovers would be sent back to those in the various departments who were not able to come.

The gesture warmed up Gilpin’s responders on a cold day and meant a lot to those who do so much.

Gilpin Ambulance paramedic Dan Wall said, “I have been in this business for 27 years, and no one has ever invited me to anything like this until now. It’s very special.”

“This is awesome. It brings everyone together,” agreed Shelby Nation of Central City Fire Rescue.

“It’s greatly appreciated,” said Deputy Kevin Armstrong of the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office.

The Lady Eagles continued to serve others during winter vacation. On Monday and Tuesday this week, they taught basketball skills at a hoops camp for both girls and boys from early elementary through middle school.

Girls’ Head Coach and Gilpin’s Athletic Director Jeff Schuessler said this camp has been a fixture at Gilpin for many years, and some of the high school players participated in the camp themselves as young children.

Schuessler was proud of his team for the way they have served others. “It’s indicative of the type of group they are. Their priorities are in the right place.”

November 16, 2025
Black Hawk Public Works to upgrade equipment

Council Amends Manufactured Homes Municipal Code

By Randy Beaudette

The bell was rung by Brett Hahnenkamp from Peak Value LLC to announce the regular meeting of the Black Hawk City Council. The meeting was called to order on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 3 pm by Mayor David Spellman. (more…)

November 16, 2025
Central City Mayor Kathy Heider
Running for Additional Four-Year Term

PRESS RELEASE – I am Central City Mayor Kathy Heider and I am running for an additional four-year term as mayor in the November election.

A long-time resident, I served on the City Council for four years before being chosen by the City Council to fill the two years left in Mayor Engels term when he was elected county commissioner.

I am a candidate for mayor because I want to continue the improvements we have been implementing during my tenure.

I have 30 years of experience in local government, retiring from Jefferson County after 15 years as the Public Information Director and previously working as public information officer for the City of Arvada and assistant county administrator for Eagle County.
In addition, I worked six years for the Weekly Register-Call as managing editor and reporter. My combined work history makes me the most experienced mayoral candidate.

When I was first elected to City Council, the city was in desperate condition. It needed a short-term loan just to make payroll in January until revenues could catch up to expenditures later in the year. The city budget had to include late fees for credit cards, and the water fund wasn’t covering its costs.

I can proudly report that over the past six years I’ve served on council and as mayor, we’ve improved our General Fund’s bottom-line by more than 226%.

And, based on current projections, our financial performance is stronger than previously projected and reported in the adopted 2018 Budget. We are on track to end 2018 with a General Fund cash position that is approximately 280% greater than that same position back in 2013. The city’s adopted budgets can be found on the city website.

These changes were due to hard work, controlled spending, creative solutions to ensure improved city services, and good leadership.

I was instrumental in recruiting and hiring a qualified City Manager with a strong financial background, who works with council to identify problems and come up with new, creative solutions.

The last six years have also seen the only substantial improvements to city streets, sidewalks, and our water system since the 1990s.

I am proud that we were able to add a new exit onto the parkway to make it easier for residents of the apartments and campground guests; and the fencing added around the cemeteries has reduced vandalism, trash, and noise. We’ve added new shelters for school bus stops and we are resurfacing our roads mile by mile as funds allow.

I wish to continue to maintain Central City’s status as a National Historic Landmark District. I bought my home on the Casey in 1975 and I am very proud to live in a city surrounded by history and natural beauty.

We very much need economic development to fill empty storefronts and keep them from deteriorating further. But our economic development must be thoughtful and respectful, so we can maintain our historic designation, Victorian charm, and residential quality of life. I would love to see a large grocery store built along the parkway.

While the increases in our budget over the last six years have been very significant, we still need to pinch every penny. It takes a lot to run a city like Central. If elected mayor, I will work with the City Council, City Manager, Staff and Citizens to:
- Continue to spend city funds wisely
- Develop incentives to fill empty storefronts and attract new businesses
- Work with existing casinos and businesses to help them prosper
- Restore the Belvidere Theatre as a cornerstone for economic development. We’ve received three grants and are applying for more.
- Attract a developer to build a hotel/parking garage on the city owned Big-T parking lot.
Together we can do many things that will improve the quality of life for our residents, improve our aging infrastructure, attract new businesses, and maintain our designation as a National Historic Landmark District.

Continue the momentum. Vote for Kathy Heider as Mayor of Central City.
November 16, 2025

Blog

Central sues RCI Central City ﬁles lawsuit against RCI, seking to close Rick’s Cabaret for nudity, violating SOB regulations

Waste & Debris Removal Made Simple

Roll-Off Dumpsters: The Right Size for Every Project

Flexible Collection Schedules

Maximize Recyclability: Preparation Tips

Plastics:

Paper Products:

Glass:

Metals:

General Tips:

Electronic Waste Recycling Options

Why Choose Timberline?

Contact Timberline Disposal & Recycling

The Real Estate Perspective

Utilities Caught in the Middle

What This Means for Colorado

The Path Forward

The Economics Don’t Add Up

A Community Already Moving On

The Last-Ditch Playbook

1. Make the Economics Work

2. Navigate Colorado’s Air Quality Regulations

3. Address the Reliability Question

The Political Reality

What Happens Next

Central City Has Never Been Afraid of Big Moments. Until Now.

The Economic Math

A Call for Accountability

SIDEBAR | Central City: Built by Risk, Sustained by Investment