A journey and new beginning
by Julie Ikler
It all started with a broken serving bowl. Not just any serving bowl. A pink and black ceramic serving bowl with black outlines of fish. A family heirloom and the only one of its kind. (more…)
Blog
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Nevadaville in the 1880’s
Part 1 – Formation of the Nevadaville Fire Department
By Mary Peery
This is a new fact-based series based on newspaper articles, and a little fiction, to depict life in Nevadaville during its economic peak. The fire department came about after devastating fires like the one depicted below:
“A Fifteen Thousand Dollar Fire” by the Rocky Mountain News, January 4, 1882 (more…)
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Black Hawk receives annexation protest from Central City
Public Works Reorganization
By Randy Beaudette
Two amendments to Black Hawk’s Pay Plan and the license agreement with the Monarch Growth Inc., and an annexation protest from Central City were the highlights from the Black Hawk City Council regular meeting held on February 26, 2020. (more…)
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Gilpin School Board takes care of business before winter break
Mill levy, revised adopted budget, capital improvementsby Patty Unruh
The Gilpin County Board of Education held its final regular meeting before the winter break, on Tuesday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. Members Craig Holmes and Brook Ramsey were absent, but there were enough members for a quorum. Members Steve Boulter, Kersten Armstrong, and new member Sarah Swanson were present. Also present were Superintendent David MacKenzie and Secretary to the Board Joni Schmidt. (more…)
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RCI Executives Indicted in New York as Central City Ties Raise Questions
The Weekly Register-Call’s latest issue reports that several executives from the company RCI have been indicted by a New York grand jury on charges linked to financial misconduct and fraud. The indictments came after a multi-year investigation into the company’s operations in New York. According to court documents, the executives allegedly misappropriated funds and engaged in fraudulent schemes tied to their casino holdings. What has locals talking is that many of the same executives have been active in Central City’s gaming and real estate scene, raising concern over potential impacts on local development projects. City leaders say they are monitoring the situation closely and will cooperate with any authorities as needed.
A companion analysis column questions how the indictment might affect the company’s ongoing projects and whether it will prompt calls for greater oversight of outside investors. Community members are urged to stay informed as the legal case unfolds.
Another story in the issue examines Gilpin County’s preliminary 2026 budget. Officials report that the proposed budget preserves essential staff positions despite a decline in gaming tax revenue. The slump in gaming collections follows a year of slower tourism and increased competition from neighboring jurisdictions. To offset this decline, the county is exploring cost-saving measures and seeking alternative revenue streams while striving to maintain services.
In the editorial section, columnist Barb-Wire-Bob reflects on the concept of divine providence and resilience in uncertain times, drawing parallels between community perseverance and larger economic forces.
Stay tuned to the Weekly Register-Call for continuing coverage of these stories and other news from Central City, Black Hawk, and Gilpin County.
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Weekly Brief: RCI Indictment Shakes Central City, Gilpin County Budget Outlook & More
RCI executives face indictment in New York, raising questions about their Central City connections and potential impacts on local gaming and real‑estate projects. Our issue brief examines how these charges emerged, what local officials are saying, and what it could mean for the community going forward.
We also look at Gilpin County’s preliminary 2026 budget, which preserves essential staffing levels despite a notable decline in gaming‑tax revenue. The slump follows a year of slower tourism and increased competition, prompting county leaders to explore cost‑saving measures and alternative revenue streams to maintain services.
In our analysis and editorial section, we highlight a thought‑provoking column on the theme of divine providence and resilience in uncertain times. The piece invites readers to consider how communities can draw on shared values and history to navigate economic challenges and social change.
Beyond the major stories, this week’s issue features community announcements, events calendars, public notices and advertising. From upcoming festivals in Central City and Black Hawk to local government notices, there’s plenty to keep readers informed.
For the full scoop on these stories and more, read the complete Weekly Register‑Call issue and stay tuned for future updates.
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Emergency-Warning Systems Coming to Gilpin
Gilpin County is implementing new emergency warning systems to alert residents of emergencies like severe weather, fires, and other public safety threats. The systems will include sirens and text alerts to ensure timely notifications to keep the community safe.
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Gilpin Sheriff’s New Drone on Duty
Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office has deployed a new drone to aid search and rescue and law enforcement operations. The drone has already been used successfully, offering aerial perspectives to locate missing persons and assist fire and rescue teams. The sheriff’s office expects the drone to improve public safety and efficiency.
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Touch-A-Truck Rotary Event
Touch-A-Truck event on Sunday. The every-other-year Rotary event was hosted by Martin Marietta at its Walstrum Quarry, located along U.S. 6, continuing a tradition that began eight years ago when Albert Frei and Sons operated the iconic quarry, easily visible down Floyd Hill. The Rotarians turned out in force to provide a free day of fun for families, adults and children. Of course, they received support from several local organizations, including Kraemer North America (the contractor for the CDOT I-70 Floyd Hill project), Consolidated Electrical Distributors, PMC, Buckley Powder Company, Burke Tyre and Tommyknockers. Clear Creek Fire Authority, Alpine Rescue Team, Friends of Charlie’s Place animal shelter, and several food trucks also participate.
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Black Hawk Moves Ahead with Bates Hill Trail Project
With the construction of the Copper Kitchen Pizza and Gregory Lift elevator behind them, the Black Hawk City Council is moving forward with its latest project to highlight the city’s outdoor recreation areas. The aldermen approved an $84,600 contract to design the Bates Hill Trailhead project during their Sept. 24 meeting. The project, to be designed by PEH, will overhaul the Briggs Lot along Gregory Street, adding more parking spaces to serve as the trailhead for the Bates Hill trails. The design will include new lighting, a walkway across Gregory Street to Gregory Point, and additional historic-looking signage. Visitors will pass beneath a new entrance marker and climb a staircase with small platforms, cross a bridge spanning a valley, and eventually reach connections to the Maryland Mountain-Quartz Valley trails or a new outdoor pavilion. Once the design plans are completed, Black Hawk will seek approval from Central City, since part of the Briggs Lot and Bates Hill are within its boundaries.
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Gaming Revenues Increased in August
Gaming revenues increased in August in Colorado’s three gaming cities, according to a new report from the Colorado Division of Gaming. Black Hawk saw a 3.61 percent increase in August compared to the same month in 2024, resulting in an overall 4.41 percent rise since the fiscal year started on July 1, amounting to $6.531 million. Neighboring Central City saw its long-struggling gaming revenues rise during August. The city’s six casinos reported a 3.03 percent (or $207,135) increase compared to the same month in 2024.
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G3 Gaming Plan Goes Before Council
G3 Gaming plan going before council
Tuesday By Don Ireland Senior Reporter A long and potentially spirited session could be ahead for Central City residents and their elected leaders when the alder- men and Mayor Jeremy Fey hold their
meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in
City Hall. The topic of G3 Gamings proposed Gregory Gulch Gaming Resort (GGGR)
is expected to draw a packed crowd,
many of whom will likely have opinions
on the proposed $600-900 million
luxury casino planned between lower
Lawrence and Gregory Streets, near the
Grand Z Casino and Hotel. The proposed GGGR Planned Unit De- velopment includes a 100,000-square-
foot casino, a 600-room hotel, outdoor
pool and hot tubs, restaurants, retail
shops, a multi-purpose event center, and
a parking garage with space for 2,000
vehicles. will hear the presentation for the GGGR.
However, it was discussed at two public
meetings in July and before the Central
City Planning Commission on Sept. 3
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Moffat Tunnel oil-train decision now at Supreme Court
A controversial plan to haul waxy crude oil on train cars through Colorado including Gilpin County’s Moffat Tunnel is awaiting a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. The highest court in the land is expected to give its ruling sometime during spring 2025.
Many local leaders thought the oil-by-rail plan was derailed after a federal district court in Washington D.C. ruled against the project several months ago, following a lawsuit brought against the project by Eagle County and five environmental groups.
The Gilpin Board of County Commissioners, in July 2022 and March 2023, issued position letters against the proposed hauling of the waxy crude oil in train cars on Colorado’s main east-west railroad. Among the chief arguments of the opponents is that the oil-by-rail cars could lead to potential hazmat and environmental situations for local lands and waterways.
Several state leaders, including Gov. Jared Polis and U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennett, opposed the oil-hauling proposal.
In 2021, federal regulars approved the initial plan allowing the oil to be transported along the 88 mile Uinta Basin Railway before connecting to the national rail network. After passing through parts of Colorado, including Gilpin, the train cars would complete their route to Texas oil refineries.
However, Eagle County and the environmental groups argue that the approval violated several provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, which President Richard Nixon signed into law in 1970. The act requires federal agencies to scrutinize the environmental risks of major regulatory decisions. While a trio of federal appellate judges agreed with Eagle County earlier this year, the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, a group of Utah county governments that backed the hauling plan proposal, filed an appeal. The U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments earlier this month.
Before the arguments, U.S. Justice Neil Gorsuch announced he wouldn’t participate in the case due to his ties to Philip Anschutz, who owns oil wells in the Uinta Basin.
Gorsuch also represented Anschutz before being named to the bench. The company Anschutz owns, Anschutz Exploration Corporation, filed a legal brief supporting the side of the Utah groups.
While the nation’s highest court isn’t expected to give its decision until spring, it isn’t unknown if the decision would affect related lower court rulings in the Court of Appeals or the D.C. Circuit.
That federal court ordered regulators to correct plans related to the Endangered Species Act and federal interstate commerce law. -
Moffat Tunnel lease approved; Gilpin officials continue pressure for train stop in Rollinsville
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced during a press briefing last week that the state has agreed with Union Pacific Railroad for a 25-year lease and a Memorandum of Understanding for the Moffat Tunnel.
The lease and access agreement, scheduled to be signed on May 1, will enable the state to use Union Pacific’s tracks to develop a state-sponsored Mountain Rail passenger service. The proposed expanded passenger rail would extend beyond the current end of the line in Grand County and open up potential stops as far away as Steamboat Springs.Gilpin County Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth, whose district includes the eastern end of the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel, said the new agreement keeps the possibility for a rail stop to be developed around Rollinsville. Hollingsworth told the Weekly Register-Call, “Yes, Rollinsville is still a potential future stop. I’m attending the periodic meetings, which will resume quarterly in 2025. The possibilities are economic development, commuter and recreation transport from Denver with stops along the way as far as Steamboat. The Hayden area is a coal transition community with possibilities for new businesses and freight trains.
For Gilpin, it could enhance economic opportunities, including increasing Eldora skiers, reducing single car travel, increasing shuttles for visitors, and more patrons of local small businesses.”
During the past few years, Hollingsworth, BoCC Chair Susan Berumen and County Manager Ray Rears have attended several Colorado Mountain Rail Coalition meetings, hoping to provide input and promote a potential rail stop near Rollinsville.
In December, officials from the neighboring community of Nederland, Boulder County, expressed interest in building business partnerships and contacted Polis about the possibility of state funding to help acquire the Eldora Mountain ski area. However, critics say the hopes for Nederland, a town of about 1,500, is a “moonshot” regarding its hopes to purchase Eldora for at least $105 million.
The small ski resort is about five miles west of Nederland and 8.6 miles from Rollinsville. Gilpin officials hope a train stop in Rollinsville would help bolster local business and provide transportation from the station to Eldora.
Gilpin’s representatives have emphasized a new Rollinsville rail stop could help ignite positive regional benefits for people and businesses and potential development for the area. The county also plans to study infrastructure needs and address possibilities during a $250,000 study slated to get underway during the new year.
During his remarks on the new lease, Polis said, “Today marks a major milestone in negotiations between the State of Colorado and Union Pacific for a new modern 25-year lease of the Moffat Tunnel and a 25-year access agreement. This is a big step forward in making Mountain Rail from Denver to Craig a reality. Passenger Rail on this corridor will relieve traffic to one of Colorado’s iconic mountain communities and provide safe, reliable, affordable transportation options for tourists and skiers as well as workers traveling along the corridor. This historic agreement is an important step to
protect continuous freight operations and finally deliver on the promise of passenger rail to Coloradans, and I thank Union Pacific for its partnership,” said Polis.The 100-year-old Moffat Tunnel cuts through the Continental Divide at 9,239 feet above sea level. Created to provide a crucial east-to-west connection from Denver to the West coast for commerce, the Moffat Tunnel helped Denver become a center of commerce and growth in the Rockies.
Today, in addition to its storied history, the Moffat Tunnel represents a lynchpin of the Mountain Rail Project to connect Coloradans and visitors from Denver Union Station through Rollinsville to Winter Park, Granby, Steamboat Springs, Craig, and Hayden.
“Colorado built the Moffat Tunnel almost 100 years ago to connect people and freight on the West Slope and Front Range. Through this Agreement, we are making sure the Moffat Tunnel moves passengers and goods into the future. We need alternatives to I-70 and the high mountain passes, and [the] Moffat Tunnel and Union Pacific’s line provides that whether you’re traveling with kids or freight,” said John Putnam, the Governor’s chief negotiator for Moffat Tunnel.
The tunnel was named after Colorado railroad pioneer David Moffat, who tried to raise funds to build the tunnel before he died in 1911. However, various government leaders in Denver and others were able to finance the construction of the tunnel, which opened in February 1928.
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A Timeless Legacy in Central City
Peter Gottesleben was born on Dec. 31, 1834, in the Rhine Province, Germany. Today, 190 years later, his legacy endures in the Teller House lobby in Central City, where an impressive eight-foot George A. Jones Walnut Parlor Clock stands. The clock, inscribed with “Hense Gottesleben,” tells a rich historical and roman- tic story.
The “Hense” refers to Peter’s brother-in-law. After im- migrating to Quincy, Ill., and living there for two years, Peter and his wife, Elizabeth Hense, traveled to Denver in 1857 by covered wagon pulled by an ox team. Upon ar- rival, they opened a jewelry store on Larimer Street near the original May Company building that was constructed by Frank Kirchhof, another German immigrant who was influential in Denver’s early development. He built landmark structures like the Albany and Oxford Hotels and founded the Kirchhof Lumber Company, amassing considerable wealth.
While there is no direct evidence that Gottesleben and Kirchhof knew each other, they likely crossed paths through church or Denver’s growing business networks. Their connection is further underscored by Kirchhof pur- chasing the walnut parlor clock in the mid to late 1860s from Hense Gottesleben’s jewelry store on Larimer Street. The clock was likely a centerpiece in Kirchhof’s opulent home.
Manufactured by the George A. Jones & Company in New York during the early 1860s, the Teller House clock is one of the finest of its era. In a time when most clocks were imported from England, owning a precision-made American clock was a symbol of status. The George A. Jones & Company also imported the finest clocks and bronzes from France, Germany, Prussia and England and was renowned in New York City for its quality.
Legacy in timekeeping at Teller House
Members of the National Association of Watch and Collectors Chapter 21 from Denver recently balanced the Teller House clock. The Teller House clock is particularly special because of the engraving on its pendulum, which identifies both George A. Jones as the manufacturer and Hense Gottesleben as the retailer. Another fascinating feature is the pendulum’s mercury component.
Mercury was used in clocks of this period to improve timekeeping accuracy by compensating for temperature-induced changes in the pendulum’s length. As temperature rises and the pendulum rod expands, the mercury in the bob also expands, adjusting the clock’s center of mass to maintain consistent time- keeping.
As we welcome 2025 in, we honor pioneers like Peter Gottesleben and Frank Kirchhof, along with generations of entrepreneurs who contrib- uted to the growth of Colorado. Frank Kirchhof’s daughter, Bernadine Kirchhof, donated the valuable clock to the Teller House in the 1930s and stands proudly in the first-floor lobby. Its inscrip- tion commemo- rates the long journey to Denver by a covered wagon pulled by the ox team—a tribute to the Gottesleben- Hense family’s 1857 Westward migration.
Today, the clock continues to tick 165 years later, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Eric Chinn, Central City Op- era’s director of Historic Proper- ties, who winds it regularly, and the volunteers from Denver Chapter 21 of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. Special thanks go to Chapter 21’s Randy Schnei- der, Charles Daldry, Mike Korn, Jane and Steve Stap, David Gies, and others who help maintain and adjust historic clocks, including the tower clocks at two high schools in Denver. The Chapter also maintains a list of clock repair professionals on its website for anyone needing repairs at nawcc21.com/business-directory
Central City Teller House was donated by Frank Kirchhof’s daughter, Bernadine Kirchhof in the 1930s. 
The engraving on its pendulum, that identifies George A. Jones as the manufacturer and Hense Gottesle- ben as the retailer. -
Three new politicians to take office this month
One new Gilpin County commissioner and two new Central City aldermen will take their respective oaths of office and step into their newly elected roles during the next two weeks. Jeff Aiken, a nine-year Central Council member, will become the new District 1 representative on the Gilpin Board of County Commissioners when he takes office on Tuesday, Jan. 14, in the county’s historic courthouse adminis-trative offices.
Jeff Aiken In addition, incum- bent Sandy Hol- lingsworth will begin her second four-year term that day. Once Hollingsworth and Aiken take their seats alongside Susan Beru-
men, they will select a commission chair vfor 2025. It is widelyexpected that Holling sworth will be nominated since Berumen held the spot last year, and the newly elected Aiken has no experience in such a leadership role.
Aiken, to prepare for his new role and familiarize himself with the duties and responsibilities of a county commissioner, has been attending training workshops in Denver hosted by
Colorado Counties Inc., a non-profit governmental-related organization that assists commissioners in the 64 counties in the Centennial State.Aiken, Spencer and Plsek to take offices this month
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be conducted by Judge Timothy Lane at 8 a.m., which will be followed by the commissioners’ first meeting of 2025 at 9 a.m. The newly-sworn-in commissioners are scheduled to be paid $93,397 annually, based on state-approved salaries Two new council members will be sworn into office in Central City on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Judge Jack Berryhill will preside over the ceremony. Residents Chuck Spencer and Zane Plsek were elected to four-year terms on Nov. 5. They will take the seats previously held by local businesswoman Kara Tinucci, who didn’t seek re-election, and Aiken, who was term limited. Each council member will be paid $965 per month for their work.
Spencer and Plzek told the Weekly Register-Call they’ve been trying to get a feel for the pulse of the city. They’ve been meeting with casino operators, business people and residents to hear their opinions on what they’d like for Central City’s future.
Said Plzek, “I’ve also sat down with [Central City Manager] Daniel Miera for three meetings and one with Mayor Jeremy Fey. They
were productive. I met with RCI Hospitality Holdings and that was eye-opening. I also spent about two hours last week with Jeff Hentschel of GF Gaming [owners of the Bonanza and Easy Street casinos] as well, too. I told Jeff that I’d like to meet with all the casino operators at least once monthly to get their opinions. Chuck and I also have sat down together to discuss
various topics.”
Zane Plsek 
Chuck Spencer “I’m not a politician or held public office before, so I want to know how the city functions. I want to know what the various departments do and how the city operates,”
continued Plsek. “I ran on the premise of listening to residents and business owners. That’s what I want to do. Added Spencer, “I’ve tried to talk with as many local business owners and residents
that I have been able to. I’ve tried to listen to what they’ve said and have been trying to educate myself on the subjects they’re brought up – and their concerns. I haven’t met with any city officials yet. I want to understand the direction they think the city should take and what they want to see. I don’t have an agenda, but I want to get all of the input I can. Of course, I’ve also talked with Zane because he’s talked with a lot of business owners that I haven’t.”Spencer owns and has operated the Denver West-Central City KOA Holiday Campground on Lake Gulch Road with his family for 15 years. He has also been a member of the Central City Downtown Development Authority since last year. Plsek, who is retired, has been active with the Central City Elks Lodge No. 557 and the Black Hawk-Central City Sanitation District Board of Directors. He also was an alternate on the Gilpin Historical Society, although he recently left the post because of his upcoming council responsibilities.
Politics in 2025
Politics in Gilpin County, Central City and Black Hawk are expected to be relatively uneventful in the new year compared to 2024. There won’t be any council or county commissioner seats up for election this year. The only races will be in the fall when voters in the southern portion of Gilpin select two people to serve on the Gilpin County School District RE-1 school board.Terms for Kirsten Goodlett, the board’s secretary/treasurer, and Board President Sarah Swanson will expire at the end of this year. Swanson is termlimited from seeking re-election since she’s served on the board for two consecutive, fouryear terms. Single election This year, the only election planned will be the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. It will include the Gilpin RE-1 school board for the southern part of the county.
There won’t be any race for the Boulder Valley RE-2 School District board seat, District C, which includes northern Gilpin County. The Nov. 4 ballot also could include any ballot questions, should any be brought before Colorado voters.
During 2024, there were three municipal elections, including the March presidential primary, the June 25 general primary and the Nov. 5 general election, in which voters cast ballots for the U.S. President, one Colorado U.S. Senator, congressional and state legislative and senate candidates.