Tag: Black Hawk

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.

October 31, 2025
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.

October 31, 2025
$250K, not love, in cozy Black Hawk leter to Central

$250K, not love, in cozy Black Hawk leter to Central

By Don Ireland

Senior Reporter

While Valentine’s Day cards and roses have been
abundant lately, City of Black Hawk leaders are hand-
delivering a “warm and friendly letter” to neighboring
Central City officials this week.

It is expected to convey some goodwill toward
Central and include what some call a generous “sweet-
heart offer” of $250,000 and some free land from the
neighboring city.

For years, Black Hawk has owned and maintained
the Briggs Lot across Gregory Street from Gregory
Point (formerly Mountain City) and very close to
Gregory Plaza. The 3.49-acre lot and surrounding
cliff-rock wall, however, lie within the official bound-
ary line of Central City.

Black Hawk leaders are hoping to spruce up the
mostly unused parking lot this year and use it to ex-
tend its recreational trail system from the Maryland
Mountain/Quartz Valley area into the Briggs Lot. To
avoid having the plans going back and forth between
the two neighboring cities, Black Hawk has an idea:
Ask Central City to formally allow Black Hawk to an-
nex the little parking lot.

Black Hawk wants to give Central City $250,000 to annex the Briggs Lot (at left) into Black
Hawk’s city limits. The lot, which Black Hawk owns, adjoins High Street. It is across from the
Gregory Point Victorian historic homes and a dozen yards uphill from the west end of Gregory
Plaza.

Black Hawk Council and Mayor David Spellman
were scheduled to vote at yesterday’s (Feb. 14) meet-
ing to formally request Central’s okay to annex the lot

Drone photo by Don Ireland

into its jurisdiction. All six aldermen and the
mayor were scheduled to sign the request letter,
hoping Central City leaders would accept it as a
friendship request.

February 15, 2024
Holingsworth faces 2 chalengers for BoC

Holingsworth faces 2 chalengers for BoC

In addition, Black Hawk is offering Central
$250,000 to grant its request to annex the lot.
The money would be “a one-time donation”
from Black Hawk’s historic preservation fund
to a similar historic fund operated in Central
City. “Suggested Central projects the fund could
be used for include – but not limited to – the
Belvidere project, sidewalks along Gregory and
Lawrence Streets in Central, or advancing Cen-
tral’s trail system with the ability to connect to
Black Hawk’s trail system,” according to a copy
of the letter that was in the Black Hawk council
agenda scheduled for a vote yesterday.

write-in candidate for the General Election in
November.

By the WR-C Staff

Two businessmen have announced they will
be challengers for the Gilpin County District 3
commissioner’s race this year, each seeking to
oust incumbent Sandy Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth (D), who won by 85 votes in a
three-way race four years ago, so far is unop-
posed for the Democratic nomination in the
June 25 primary. The deadline for candidates
to petition to run is Tuesday, March 19.

Corey Marshall is running for the GOP nomi-
nation this spring, while Darin Jones will be a

Continued on page 9
Continued on next page

February 15, 2024
Black Hawk ofers $$ to Central City for parking lot

Black Hawk ofers $$ to Central City for parking lot

Continued from previous page

all the council members, a
symbolic expression we do
not often do. After the Black
Hawk Council meeting on
February 14, City Manager
Cole and I will hand-deliver
the letter to Mayor Fey and
City Manager Miera.”

from the City Council of
Central.”

(Editor’s note: The Weekly
Register-Call was unable to
reach Sen. Nicholson for ad-
ditional information regarding
the future of Gilpin Senior Liv-
ing at our deadline on Tues-
day. There was no information
regarding the decision on the
organization’s website.)

Black Hawk also said it
will give a Quit Claim deed
for a 5.75-acre mining claim
near the KOA Campground
and Gold Mountain Vil-
lage Apartments in Central
City. According to the Black
Hawk letter, the lot could
be a potential site for a one
million-gallon water stor-
age tank for Central City’s
municipal water system.
“Based on Black Hawk’s
acquisition of these and
other mining claims, we
believe this land convey-
ance to Central is valued at
approximately $115,000,”
the offer said.

According to the offer,
Black Hawk would relieve
Central from cleaning and
maintaining the grizzly
screen and flume running
for the stream beneath the
Briggs lot. The city also
would agree to Central’s
architectural and light-
ing guidelines should city
leaders allow Black Hawk to
annex the property.

In addition, the lease re-
quired Senior Living to provide
proof that the buildings and the
property were insured and that
no explosive items would be
kept there.

When contacted, Fey said
he was aware of the forth-
coming offer but declined
to comment. “I can’t talk
about it. They haven’t
presented anything to [the]
council yet. Until [the]
council sees it and con-
solidates an opinion, I can’t
talk about it,” according to
Fey. “If I were going to give
an opinion on this [today],
it would disqualify me from
giving one later.”

Nicholson, who has been
pursuing senior citizen hous-

Black Hawk also said it
wouldn’t excavate any of the
land adjoining the Briggs
lot beyond the 8,200-foot
elevation contour line on
the property. The city said
the conversion of the lot to
a trailhead for its Maryland
Mountain/Quartz Valley
would require Black Hawk
to install a 28-foot-long
footbridge and set of stairs
over part of the property to
connect with the forthcom-
ing trail system.

Spellman and City Man-
ager Stephen Cole were
scheduled to present the
letter to Central City Man-
ager Daniel Miera and May-
or Jeremy Fey at a meeting
this morning (Feb. 15).

The Central mayor said he
will know more after receiv-
ing the offer letter from
Black Hawk. “It’s better
than getting a lawsuit,” he
said, with a chuckle in his
voice.

Noted Spellman, “We
have had on-again-off-again
conversations with the City
of Central over the last
several years regarding this
request by the City of Black
Hawk. The Black Hawk
City Council now wants to
advance the proposal in a
meaningful and impactful
fashion, benefiting both
cities and their respective
projects. We firmly believe
we are offering the right
ingredients to make this
a win-win for both cities,
and we look forward to the
City of Central’s thoughtful
response. As a demonstra-
tion of the sincerity of the
Black Hawk Council, we will
include the signatures of

Central City’s aldermen
could consider the Black
Hawk letter, the potential
$250,000 donation, and
the offer to give Central the
5.75 parcel near Lake Gulch
Road as early as their meet-
ing on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

“In the longer term, Black
Hawk may consider con-
structing a parking garage
and, if feasible, a boutique
hotel on the property,”
according to the letter. “In
doing so, as part of any for-
malized agreement between
Central and Black Hawk,
Black Hawk is willing to
enter into a binding agree-
ment and recorded height
limitation of 75 feet on any
building constructed on the
property.”

Call for appointment

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In Black Hawk’s council
packet for its Feb. 14 meet-
ing, the proposed letter
said, “The Black Hawk City
Council believes this is
truly a ‘win-win’ for both
Central and Black Hawk,
both in the short-term and
the long-term, and hopes to
receive a positive response
and acceptance of this offer

(Editor’s note: A story re-
garding Central’s response
to the Black Hawk offer
is planned for next week’s
edition.)

By Peter Droge
President, Belvidere

The active restora-
tion of the Belvidere
Theater has taken a
mid-winter break to
avoid construction
in snowy weather.
However, planning
is underway for con-
struction to begin in
the early spring, focus-
ing on completing
exterior brickwork and
beginning structural
improvements on the
interior.

The big accomplish-
ment over the last few
months has been the
removal of all asbestos
from the interior. It
was a bigger job than
anticipated but has
been completed ac-
cording to the rigorous
standards required for
this type of project by
the state.

Recent progress at the Belvidere Theater includes removing asbestos in the Nevada Street building.

Drone photo by Don Ireland

The restoration of the exterior has so far
required replacing thousands of bricks. When
complete, the exterior brickwork will be sealed
but not painted to maintain the historic charac-
ter of the building.

The Foundation is grateful to the City of
Central and the many community members
who have supported the restoration efforts.
The primary responsibility of the Foundation is
to restore the Belvidere for future generations
of Gilpin County residents. Once the renova-
tion nears completion, the Foundation looks
forward to exploring possible ways to use the
building.

February 15, 2024
2 counties, diferent economies, yet share comon links in terms of history, demographics

2 counties, diferent economies, yet share comon links in terms of history, demographics

the Gilpin Historical Society
and the Gilpin Arts Society
also bring new visitors.

several years on an “ongoing
renaissance” plan to diver-
sify Black Hawk into a resort
destination for visitors, even
if they don’t like gambling.

Continued from previous page

Central City and Black
Hawk faced complex financial
problems after most local
mines closed nearly a century
ago. It wasn’t until 1991 that
Colorado voters threw the
two a lifeline by permitting
limited-stakes gaming in the
struggling old mining com-
munities. In 1992, Central
City, called “The Richest
Square Mile on Earth,” and
Black Hawk, “The City of
Mills,” were given a chance to
bounce back from decades of
misfortune.

Presently, at least five new
potential casinos are being
eyed for some of the shut-
tered storefronts in the Main
Street business district in
Central City. Local leaders are
also discussing a new parking
garage to accommodate the
potential upswing in business.

Black Hawk is continuing
to develop its Gregory Street
area, which includes retail
shops and restaurants. Its
Gregory Plaza is home to a
volunteer firemen’s museum,
and the well-decorated main
plaza is used for the city’s
annual Founders’ Day each
June and a growing number
of local outdoor activities. At
least one new restaurant, the
Copper Kitchen Pizzeria, is
expected to open in the plaza
in 2025. Across the street, the
city plans to spend more than
a million dollars to open a
gold-mining tour for visitors.

Further north in Gilpin
County, small business own-
ers in Rollinsville (along
Highway 119) have opened
a distillery, pizza parlor and
coffee shop to attract younger
visitors who come to the area
to visit the national forests
nearby.

Today, the flashing lights
and noises of slot machines
in Black Hawk and Central
City attract more year-round
tourists to the two small cities
within Gilpin County. Both
cities are part of the national
historic district because of
their roots in the local gold
rush era when prospector
John Gregory discovered gold
in the ravine between the two
communities in 1859.

It is Black Hawk, however,
that primarily accounts for
the largest influx of visitors
to the county. The city boasts
15 casinos, several offering
high-rise towers filled with
guest rooms, restaurants,
swimming pools and spas.
Black Hawk generates more
than 75 percent of all gaming
revenues the state collects
annually and can attract as
many as 20,000 or more visi-
tors weekly, especially during
the warm-weather months.
Property taxes and other
revenues from Black Hawk
also is the primary source of
income for Gilpin County. The
city also donates some of its
sales taxes to help finance the
local school district.

Black Hawk also has devel-
oped a recreational area for
hikers and mountain bikers
just north of the downtown
gaming district. The Mary-
land Mountain/Quartz Valley
trail system typically results
in filled-to-capacity parking
lots during warm-weather
months. Within the next two
years, the city plans to extend
the trails to reach Gregory
Street – close to Gregory
Plaza – and extend them to
another developing area on
Gregory Hill (formerly Miners
Mesa). That section of the city
will feature several distilleries
and offer overnight lodging
in geodesic domes or luxury
Airstream trailers for those
who prefer to sleep in a scenic
hilltop area primarily sur-

Lyndsey Valdez president CCEDC, Central City Heritage West
Realty owner Roy Varela joins Central City Mayor Jeremy Fey
at the Idaho Springs Economic Mixer event.

Photo by Bob Sweeney

rounded by mountains and
forests.

did, the formerly sheltered-
in-place patrons helped Black
Hawk shatter any previous
economic performances.

Over the years, external
factors have impacted the
economies of Clear Creek
and Gilpin. Four years ago,
health-related COVID-19
pandemic restrictions forced
many business owners to
close their shops temporar-
ily. While some were able to
reopen later, others weren’t as
fortunate. In Gilpin County,
the state ordered casinos
closed for three months – es-
sentially crippling the gov-
ernment economies. It took
nearly a year before casino
patrons returned. When they

Central City’s historic
opera, the fifth oldest in the
country, and its variety of
Victorian-style homes and
historic storefronts in the
business district help attract
out-of-towners to the city.
Central and several of its
organizations also sponsor
various summer activities –
including the Madam Lou
Bunch bed races along Main
Street, the Great Central City
Beer Festival and Stills in the
Hills, to name a few. Attrac-
tions and events sponsored by

Local elected leaders and
business owners are trying
to figure out the best ways to
improve their economies and
attract new potential jobs to
their areas. As CCEDC Board
Chair Kelly Flenniken com-
mented, “A good quality life
depends on a good quality
job.”

With some creative local
planning and a little luck, the
futures for Gilpin and Clear
Creek counties could be head-
ing for better futures.

However, Black Hawk isn’t
solely interested in being
known as a casino town.
City leaders have worked for

February 15, 2024
DESPERADOS

DESPERADOS

Black Hawk Police Report
Black Hawk Police Report

Black Hawk Police Department (BHPD) is alerting
the public about recent fraudulent phone calls imper-
sonating a Sgt. Matthew Johnson from BHPD.

January 24
Civil problem — Officer B.
Davis responded to the Am-
eristar Casino on a report of a
verbal disturbance. It was deter-
mined no crime occurred, and
parties were identified.

report of damaged property at
the Ameristar Casino. A report
was taken. No suspects have
been identified.

Assisted the division of
gaming — Officers responded
to the Horseshoe Casino on
the report of a male refusing
to leave. It was determined the
male was upset because he was
accused of a gaming violation.
A report was taken to forward
to Dept. of Gaming for investi-
gation.

Here’s how it works:
• A spoofed phone call appears to come from a valid
BHPD number,

January 26
Burglary, theft — BHPD was
notified of a previously unre-
ported burglary at the Ameris-
tar Casino on August 22, 2023.
A report was taken, and a male
and female suspect have been
identified and linked to a Janu-
ary 22, burglary at the same
location.

• The caller claims they have a warrant, legal matter, or
fine that results in payment being demanded over the
phone.

Trespassing — Officers were
dispatched to the Monarch
regarding a trespass. Officers
arrived on the scene and con-
tacted the suspect. The suspect
was cooperative and believed
she was not trespassing. Casino
management requested she
leave the premises and not
return.

• The caller then steals sensitive financial information.

January 28
Criminal traffic violation
— Officers stopped a vehicle
bearing no license plate in the
6000 Block of Highway 119. The
driver had a temporary tag on
the front passenger area and
was given a warning for mount-
ing the plate.

BHPD takes this matter very seriously and wants to
emphasize that they will never call and demand payment
of fines over the phone. BHPD is working diligently to
investigate and has contacted the FBI, which is aware of
other similar scamming calls around the state.

Trespassing — Officers
responded to the Lodge Casino
on the report of a party tres-
passing. A male suspect was
contacted, issued, and released
on a summons for trespassing.

Possession of amphetamine
— Officers were dispatched to
the Lodge Casino in reference
to a small amount of white pow-
der found in room 326. Officers
arrived and took possession
of the white substance. A field
test revealed it was metham-
phetamine. The substance was
logged into BHPD evidence.

Furthermore, BHPD advises If anyone receives a sus-
picious call claiming to be from the Black Hawk Police
Department, demanding payment or personal informa-
tion, to hang up immediately and report it to your local
law enforcement.

Public intoxication — Of-
ficers responded to the
Monarch Casino for a welfare
check. A male was contacted
and checked by paramedics.
Casino staff agreed to let the
male sleep in his vehicle, then
asked for a second contact,
saying they wanted him off the
property. The male was advised
to leave the property, and an FI
report was completed.

Criminal traffic violation
— An officer conducted a traffic
stop at the bus turnaround from
the Lodge Casino. The driver
was released on a verbal warn-
ing for defective brake lights.

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers saw a vehicle at 5800
Highway 119 bearing a fictitious
Colorado Temporary Tag. The
vehicle was stopped, and the
driver was cited.

Criminal traffic violation
— Officers received a report of
a possible intoxicated driver.
The vehicle was located at 5800
Highway 119. The driver was
stopped and determined not to
be intoxicated. He was given a
verbal warning for defective tail
lamps.

Gilpin County Parks & Recreation

Gilpin County Community Center

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers conducted a traffic stop
on a vehicle with no license
plate occurring on the 300
block of Main Street. The driver
was given a verbal warning,
and a field interview report was
completed.

Theft, larceny, from vehicle
— Officers responded to the
Lady Luck parking garage on a
theft from a vehicle. The victim’s
suitcase was taken out of the
car, and there is no suspect
information.

250 Norton Drive

Assisted Gilpin County
S.O. — An officer responded
to the 100 block of Selak Street
in Black Hawk to assist Gilpin
County Sheriff’s Office on a
traffic stop. An arrest was made,
and a report was completed.

Pool Hours – WINTER

Criminal traffic violation
— A BHPD officer conducted
a traffic stop on Highway 119
and mile marker 5.8 on a vehicle
with no rear lights. The driver
turned the lights on and was
released on a warning.

*please call to confirm prior to coming
*Now Closed on Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays*
Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., closed
12-4 p.m., 4-7:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

January 27
Death — The Black Hawk
Police Department responded
to the Horseshoe Casino on a re-
port of a female who appeared
to have hanged herself. A report
was taken.

Controlled substance
— Black Hawk Officers were
dispatched to the Horseshoe
casino on a report of found
drugs. The officers arrived and
learned that the suspect was
no longer on the scene. Officers
seized the drugs and booked it
into evidence.

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers observed a vehicle run
a stop sign exiting the Monarch
Garage. The vehicle then was
paced at a high rate of speed
in a 15 mph zone. When the
vehicle was stopped, its tempo-
rary plate was expired February
2022, and the driver’s license
was suspended. A citation was
issued.

Building Hours:
Mon/Wed: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tues/Sun/Thurs.: CLOSED

Domestic problem — BHPD
received a call about a distur-
bance in progress at the Mon-
arch Casino Hotel. Investigation
revealed it was verbal only
between a husband and wife.
No criminal charges were filed.

January 25
Criminal traffic violation —
An officer conducted a traffic
stop on a vehicle for speeding
and plate not visible occurring
at Highway 119 mile marker 6.1.
The driver was given a verbal
warning, and a field interview
report was completed.

Cardio Dance Class — Mon 2/5-4/1 (no class 2/19) | 5:00-
5:55 p.m. Ages 14 and up, $65/session or $9/drop-in for ages
14-59, $50/session or $7/drop-in for ages 60 and up.

Crash and dash — Officers
responded to the Ameristar
Parking Garage for a hit-and-
run report. An investigation is
ongoing.

Spring Swim Lessons for Kids — Six week session on
Saturday mornings Feb. 10 to March 16. Six week session #1 on
Wednesday afternoons Feb. 7 to March 13. Six week session #2 on
Wednesday afternoons April 3-May 8. $50/resident, $60/non-
resident per 6 week session. Multiple skill levels available.

Assisted the division of
gaming — BHPD Officers re-
ported to the Horseshoe Casino
for an assist with the Colorado
Division of Gaming regarding
an underage male gaming on
the casino floor. Upon arrival,
officers took the male’s informa-
tion and pulled a report to relay
to

Public peace — Officer B.
Davis contacted two parties in
a verbal disturbance at Gregory
and Cooper Street.

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers conducted a traffic stop
on a vehicle for careless driving
occurring on Main Street and
Highway 119. The driver was
given a verbal warning, and
a field interview report was
completed.

Parents’ Night Ou t — Friday, March 1, 4:30-8 p.m. Register
by Feb. 22, Ages 5-12, $25/child or $15/child if enrolled in Friday
camp. Dinner provided for all children. Drop your kids with us
and enjoy a Friday evening to relax, have date night, or get chores
done.

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers conducted a traffic stop
on Highway 119 at mile marker
5.8. The driver was given a ver-
bal warning for failing to yield
for a traffic signal. A FI report
was completed.

Spring Taekwondo — Mon./Wed., 6-7 p.m., with 7-7:30
p.m. on Monday for advanced training. Monthly memberships
available for $72/individual, $160/family. Drop-in per class $12.
Ages 4 to adult.

CDOG.
Trespassing — Officers were
dispatched to the Monarch
Casino for an ID check. Of-
ficers learned the suspect was
trespassed from the Monarch. A
report was taken, and a citation
was issued.

Trespassing — Officers con-
tacted a suspect on suspicion
of trespassing at the Lady Luck
Casino. The suspect was issued
a summons, and a report was
completed.

Trespassing, disorderly
conduct, public order crimes
— Officers responded to the
Lady Luck Hotel on a report of
a party trespassing. The sub-
ject was detained, escorted off
the property, and a report was

We are HIRING for summer youth camp leaders — Pay
is $16.69-22.53/hr, dependent on qualifications and experience.
Summer camp runs June 10 – Aug. 16. Apply at www.gilpincoun-
ty.colorado.gov / careers or contact Jake Rippy with questions at
jrippy@gilpincounty.org.

Burglary, damaged prop-
erty — BHPD responded to a

Youth Camp (Licensed Childcare) — Mon.-Thu., 4-6 p.m., Fri.
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Eagles Teen Program — Mon.-Wed., 4:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Pilates Mat Class — Sat., 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Hatha Yoga — Mon. & Fri., 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Senior Fit — Mon., Wed. & Fri., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Taekwondo — Mon. & Wed., 6 – 7 p.m.

Pickleball — (First 30 minutes is for instruction/practice-
no games at this time), Mon., Wed.: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Fri: 1 -4
p.m., Sat.: 9:30 -11:30 a.m. (family time, all ages can play).

Aquafit — Mon./Wed./Fri., 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Gilpin Stitchers Club — More info coming soon

Master Swim — Mon. and Wed., 6 -7:30 p.m.

Lap Swim — Mon., Wed., Fri., 8 -9:30 a.m.

Friends of the Gilpin County Community Center’s “Heart
of the Community Fund”

Supports residents in need with Family or individual 10-punch
cards for access to the pool, gym, and exercise facilities, as
well as scholarships for youth who need help to cover fees and
equipment for Taekwondo and youth sports (apply on-line) www.
gilpincommunitycenter.org

P.O. Box 93, Black Hawk, CO 80422

DEBBRA ABEYTA
OWNER/AGENT
BART BOCKMAN
OWNER/OPERATIONS
LISA LAYTON
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
LICENSED AGENT

NICHOLE NEMMERS
AGENT

February 15, 2024
Black Hawk gaming revenues, sports bets rose in December

Black Hawk gaming revenues, sports bets rose in December

By Don Ireland

During Armbright’s
childhood, the first floor of
the former church served
as the neighboring school’s
gymnasium, including a
basketball court. Recalled
the councilwoman, “We
were a little naughty. We
weren’t supposed to climb
up the rickety old set of
steps inside, but we did.
We’d go up and play in the
attic – where the church
bell was.”

experienced
a 1.30 per-
cent decline
during the
six months, a
loss of $1.113
million. Com-
bined, the state realized a
.25 percent decline over the
six months from one year
earlier, earning $1.36 mil-
lion less.

Senior Reporter

According to newly-
released reports, gaming
revenues bounced back for
Black Hawk during Decem-
ber.

gered $71,430 million
during the month, a 17.74
percent jump over Novem-
ber, establishing a record
for $608.488 million in
wagers. In December 2022,
those who spent money
on sports betting wagered
$518.089 million.

Black Hawk’s 15 casinos
reported an 8.76 percent –
or $5.875 million rise – in
Adjusted Gross Proceeds
during the final month of
2023 compared to Decem-
ber 2022. AGP, or Adjusted
Gross Proceeds, is the
amount wagered by players
less the winnings paid to
players.

While Black Hawk’s AGP
has shown losses and gains
during the first six months
of Colorado’s fiscal gam-
ing year, the city’s casinos
entered 2024 slightly
ahead of the same period
in 2023. During the month,
Black Hawk provided
85.05 percent of the state’s
casino AGP revenues, while
Cripple Creek contributed
9.73 percent and Central
City 5.22 percent.

Today, the school building
retains its vintage appear-
ance on the exterior, but
changes are evident to those
who step inside. “I think it’s
wonderful. It’s just wonder-
ful. For some reason, there
seems like there’s more
room in it today compared
to the past,” commented Al-
derman Armbright. “When
I was growing up, my mom
and dad had the Gilpin Ho-
tel. I used to think that was
so big, too.”

Colorado collected
$3.682 million in taxes
from sports bets in Decem-
ber, representing a 147.27
percent increase from a
month earlier. It also was
a 42.52 percent increase
from December 2022
($2.584 million).

While Black Hawk fin-
ished the first six months
of the Colorado gaming
revenue with improved re-
sults from the period from
July 1 to Dec. 30 in 2022,
the gaming towns of Cen-
tral City and Cripple Creek
(Teller County) weren’t
quite as fortunate.

During December, NFL
football and NBA hoops
accounted for the most-
bet-upon sports, with 26.9
percent and 23.9 percent,
respectively, waged on
games. However, parlay/
combination bets repre-
sented the largest single
category – 28.5 percent
– of where the month was
played. Behind them, the
other most popular bets
were NCAA football (6.4
percent) and NCAA basket-
ball (4.2 percent).

Black Hawk saw AGP
increase in September,
November and December,
while declines occurred in
July, August and October.
Before July, Black Hawk
experienced an unprec-
edented winning streak, as
AGP set records for 26 of
27 months.

Central City’s AGP de-
clined by 0.34 percent, a
loss of $21,296, compared
to Dec. 2022, while Crip-
ple Creek showed a 5.89
percent rise, or $755,598.
For the final six months of
2023, Black Hawk expe-
rienced a .041 percent
increase (representing a
$1.759 million gain). At
the same time, Central’s
revenues stumbled by 4.77
percent, a loss of $2.009
million. Cripple Creek

Mayor David Spellman
grew up in Black Hawk
and – as an avid historian
of his city – recounted
the history of the build-
ing. “Construction on the
Black Hawk Schoolhouse
commenced on July 20,
1869, and was completed
by Dec. 24, 1869. The first
classes began on Feb. 28,
1870. The total cost of the
schoolhouse, including
furniture, was $14,538. It

“The Black Hawk School-
house missed its centennial
anniversary of operating
as an educational building
by 10 years as the school-
house closed its doors and
the last students left the
classrooms in the spring of
1960,” said Spellman.

Sports betting
Colorado saw record-set-
ting sports betting income
for the second consecutive
month in December.

(See related story on
how the old school is used
by the Black Hawk Police
Department today.)

According to state fig-
ures, sports bettors wa-

February 8, 2024
Black Hawk Police Report

Black Hawk Police Report

January 18
Criminal traffic violation —
Officers conducted a traffic stop
in the 100 block of Gregory
Street in Black Hawk. The ve-
hicle did not have visible plates.
Officers contacted the driver
of the vehicle and learned that
it was a rental vehicle and did
have paperwork attached to
the front and back windows of
the vehicle. Officers gave the
driver a verbal warning along
with a business card.

Theft — A wallet was stolen
from Bally’s North Casino. A
male party was seen picking
the wallet off the floor and put-
ting it in his pants. Surveillance
is reviewing camera footage
and player card info. Charges
pending identification of the
suspect.

Damaged property — BHPD
Officers responded to the
Monarch Casino on the report
of a guest breaking everything.
Upon investigations, Officers
discovered that two parties
were having a verbal argument,
and no property was damaged.
Parties were cooperative and
were separated for the night,
and no one was charged.

Criminal traffic violation
— A BHPD Officer conducted
a traffic stop on the 400 block
of Main Street. The driver was
released with a warning for
excessive speed.

ing a fictitious plate at 488 Main
Street. The plate was seized,
and the driver was summoned
to court.

Trespassing, flight to avoid
prosecution — Officers re-
sponded to the Monarch on the
report of a trespassed individu-
al. The party was contacted and
had warrants for their arrest.
The party was arrested for the
warrants and issued a summons
for trespass.

Found property — An of-
ficer responded to the Monarch
Casino on a report of a blue
container containing white pills.
There was no owner informa-
tion. The pills were booked into
evidence for destruction.

Trespassing — Officers were
dispatched to the Lady Luck
Casino on a report of a trespass.
Officers contacted a male party
well-known to the police de-
partment. Officers did not cite
the male as he had not been
given any formal paperwork.
The casino gave the male the
formal paperwork, and he was
escorted off the property.

Flight to avoid prosecution,
disorderly conduct — Officers
responded to the Ameristar
Casino on the reports of two
males about to fight. One male
separated and left; the other
male was yelling at staff. The
male was contacted and was ar-
rested on an unrelated warrant.

Flight, avoid prosecution
— Officers were dispatched to
the Monarch Casino Parking
Garage regarding a trespassed
party. The party was contacted
and arrested on their warrants.
There was another female party
who was in the vehicle related
to the trespassed party. She was
contacted and identified, and
officers learned she also had
warrants out for her arrest. She
was placed under arrest for one
of her warrants. A report was
taken.

Trespassing — Officers were
dispatched to the Monarch
Casino regarding a trespassed
party. A summons was issued
and a report was taken.

Mental subject — Officers
were called to check the welfare
of a subject at the Horseshoe
Casino. The subject was trans-
ported to the hospital.

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers received a report of an
intoxicated party entering a ve-
hicle at 245 Main St. The vehicle
was stopped for a tinted license
plate cover, and the driver was
not the party in question and
was released with a warning as
there were no visual signs of
impairment.

Disorderly conduct— Of-
ficer B. Davis responded to the
area of Highway 119 and Rich-
man Street on a report of two
people fighting. The two parties
had separated and left the area
before Officer B. Davis’ arrival.

Welfare check, public order
crimes — Officers contacted an
intoxicated party at the Lodge
Casino. The party was issued
a verbal warning for urination
in public and given a courtesy
ride. A field interview report
was completed.

Suspicious activity — Of-
ficer Lopez was dispatched to
the Ameristar Casino on a sto-
len vehicle report. The vehicle
was eventually located some-
where else and was not stolen
from the casino garage.

Assault — A woman called
the Black Hawk Police Depart-
ment to report an assault that
occurred at the Ameristar
Casino on Oct. 20, 2023.

Found property — Officer
Adler responded to the Lodge
Casino for found property.

January 20
Criminal traffic violation —
BHPD conducted a traffic stop
on a vehicle that was speeding.
The Officer later released the
driver with a verbal warning.

Gilpin County Parks & Recreation

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers conducted a traffic stop
on a vehicle that was observed
not having its headlights on
at the intersection of Highway
119 and Miners Road. The driver
was given a warning.

Gilpin County Community Center

Flight to avoid prosecution
— Officers responded to the
Monarch Casino on the report
of two intoxicated parties.
The parties were located and
contacted inside the parking
garage. One of the involved
parties was later taken into cus-
tody for an unrelated outstand-
ing warrant and transported to
jail without incident.

250 Norton Drive

Public peace — BHPD
responded to the Ameristar
Casino on a report of a distur-
bance. It was determined no
criminal charges occurred.

Suspicious Vehicle — Of-
ficers conducted a routine area
check of Avenue of Allstars
when a suspicious vehicle was
found. The vehicle and party in-
side the vehicle were contacted.
The party stated they were just
up there sending a texting mes-
sage. They were explained that
the area was private property.
The vehicle left the area.

Pool Hours – WINTER

*please call to confirm prior to coming
*Now Closed on Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays*
Mon/Wed: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., closed
12-4 p.m., 4-7:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Theft — Dispatch received a
report of a theft at the Monarch
Casino. A phone report was
taken, and the investigation is
ongoing.

Criminal traffic violation —
Officers conducted a traffic stop
on a vehicle in the 400 block of
Main Street. Officers contacted
the female driver and released
her on a verbal warning for
failure to display registration.

Assisted the division of
gaming — Officers responded
to the Monarch Casino for an ID
check. The female suspect was
contacted and was released
pending charges.

Building Hours:
Mon/Wed: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tues/Sun/Thurs.: CLOSED

Criminal traffic violation
— Officers were dispatched to
Bally’s Parking garage regarding
a REDDI report. Upon contact,
the Officers observed the party
involved in the back seat of the
sedan. Officers told them if they
had been drinking not to drive.
A business card was given.

Property crimes — Officers
responded to the Horseshoe
Casino on a report of criminal
tampering. Officers contacted
the owner of the property at
took a statement. The case is
inactive as there is no suspect
information.

Criminal traffic violation —
BHPD conducted a traffic stop
on a vehicle that failed to use its
turn signal on multiple occa-
sions. The Officer later released
the driver with a verbal warn-
ing.

Cardio Dance Class — Mon 2/5-4/1 (no class 2/19) | 5:00-
5:55 p.m. Ages 14 and up, $65/session or $9/drop-in for ages
14-59, $50/session or $7/drop-in for ages 60 and up.

Dad and Daughter Dance — Sat. Feb. 10, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Registration coming soon: $30/pair, $10/additional child. Join us
for a 50s sock hop dance with food and crafts.

Criminal traffic violation
— A vehicle was observed on
Gregory Street that fail to make
a complete stop at a red light
and turn right onto High-
way 119. The officer stopped
the vehicle heading east on
Highway 119 at approximately
mile marker 6.5. The driver was
released on a warning.

Theft (from a building),
trespassing, theft (from a
vehicle) — A male party with
a male accomplice stole a
backpack inside the Ameris-
tar Casino and subsequently
entered the victim’s vehicle and
stole items from there. Security
was able to identify suspects.
Warrant arrests to be issued.

January 22
Trespassing — Officers were
dispatched to the Ameristar
Casino regarding an unwanted
party. Officers arrived, made
contact, and the unwanted
party left the general area and
headed towards the elevators
for the parking garage.

Spring Swim Lessons for Kids — Six week session on
Saturday mornings Feb. 10 to March 16. Six week session #1 on
Wednesday afternoons Feb. 7 to March 13. Six week session #2 on
Wednesday afternoons April 3-May 8. $50/resident, $60/non-
resident per 6 week session. Multiple skill levels available.

Parents’ Night Ou t — Friday, March 1, 4:30-8 p.m. Register
by Feb. 22, Ages 5-12, $25/child or $15/child if enrolled in Friday
camp. Dinner provided for all children. Drop your kids with us
and enjoy a Friday evening to relax, have date night, or get chores
done.

Lost property — Officers
took a report for lost property
that occurred at the Monarch
Casino. The item of interest had
not been located.

Theft— A male party stole a
coat that was on a slot machine
at the Gilpin Casino. The male
party was identified and con-
tacted to return the coat. Theft
charges are pending.

Family disturbance — BHPD
Officers responded to the
Ameristar Casino on the report
of a disturbance. Upon investi-
gations, Officers did not have
enough to make an arrest and
later released the parties.

Spring Taekwondo — Mon./Wed., 6-7 p.m., with 7-7:30
p.m. on Monday for advanced training. Monthly memberships
available for $72/individual, $160/family. Drop-in per class $12.
Ages 4 to adult.

Miscellaneous — Officers re-
sponded to the Bally’s parking
garage on a license plate theft.
After a review of the video foot-
age, it was discovered the ve-
hicle did not have a plate when
entering the parking garage.

January 19
Criminal traffic violation
— An officer conducted a traffic
stop on a vehicle for no head-
lights occurring at Highway
119 and Main Street. The driver
was given a verbal warning,
and a field interview report was
completed.

Damaged property — An of-
ficer took a report of damaged
property at Bally’s West Casino.
A report was completed, and an
investigation is ongoing.

Youth Camp (Licensed Childcare) — Mon.-Thu., 4-6 p.m., Fri.
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Eagles Teen Program — Mon.-Wed., 4:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Pilates Mat Class — Sat., 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Trespassing — Officers were
dispatched to the Monarch
Casino regarding a trespassed
party. The party left the Mon-
arch property and went on the
Horseshoe Casino property
and then was seen at the Lady
Casino property. Officers were
able to contact the trespassed
party at the Lodge Casino, and
a summons was issued.

January 21
Trespassing — Officers re-
sponded to the Monarch Casino
on the report of a male on the
property who was trespassed.
The male was issued a munici-
pal summons and escorted off
the property.

Hatha Yoga — Mon. & Fri., 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Public intoxication, ob-
struct of justice — Officer B.
Davis responded to the Mon-
arch Casino on a report of an
intoxicated party. The party
was contacted and later issued
a summons for violation of a
protection order.

Senior Fit — Mon., Wed. & Fri., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Taekwondo — Mon. & Wed., 6 – 7 p.m.

Pickleball — (First 30 minutes is for instruction/practice-
no games at this time), Mon., Wed.: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Fri: 1 -4
p.m., Sat.: 9:30 -11:30 a.m. (family time, all ages can play).

Welfare check, flight to
avoid prosecution — Officers
responded to Bally’s North
Casino to check the welfare of
an individual. The subject was
determined to have active war-
rants for their arrest, but they
were released on a jail refusal. A
report was completed.

Criminal traffic violation
— Officers received a call of a
possible drunk driver at 5800
Highway 119 NB. The driver was
located parked and was not
displaying any signs of intoxi-
cation; — BHPD talked with a
party describing having mental
health issues but not a mental
health crisis at 488 Main Street
and directed them to the right
resources.

Aquafit — Mon./Wed./Fri., 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Trespassing — BHPD re-
sponded to a report of a male
party trespassing on Z Casino
Property. The male party was
contacted in the 400 Block of
Gregory Street and advised
not to return to the properties
owned by the Z Casino.

Gilpin Stitchers Club — More info coming soon

Master Swim — Mon. and Wed., 6 -7:30 p.m.

Lap Swim — Mon., Wed., Fri., 8 -9:30 a.m.

Friends of the Gilpin County Community Center’s “Heart
of the Community Fund”

Detox — Officers responded
to a welfare check at the
Monarch Casino for an intoxi-
cated female. The female was
intoxicated and unable to care
for herself. She was transported
to St. Anthony’s for an alcohol
evaluation.

Supports residents in need with Family or individual 10-punch
cards for access to the pool, gym, and exercise facilities, as
well as scholarships for youth who need help to cover fees and
equipment for Taekwondo and youth sports (apply on-line) www.
gilpincommunitycenter.org

Detox — Officer B. Davis re-
sponded to the Monarch Casino
on a report of an intoxicated
party. The party was taken to
detox and then transported to
the hospital.

January 23
Criminal traffic violation —
Officers stopped a vehicle bear-

DEBBRA ABEYTA
OWNER/AGENT
BART BOCKMAN
OWNER/OPERATIONS
LISA LAYTON
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
LICENSED AGENT

NICHOLE NEMMERS
AGENT

February 8, 2024
Bed racing on Central City’s Main Street

47th Annual Madam Lou Bunch Day

By Jaclyn Schrock

With festivities returning to our Central City, we all cheer the arrival of Madam Lou Bunch Day. Thank you to all the volunteers and dedicated workers who made the 2021 Madam Lou Bunch Day such a success! Central City has had many lives and historical events remembered and forgotten. (more…)

August 19, 2021
Take a load off and sit a spell in Black Hawk

New park benches for Gregory Plaza and other city locations

By Don Ireland

Dozens of new park benches will be coming to Gregory Plaza and other locations around Black Hawk in the near future. Black Hawk City Council approved spending $60,617 (more…)

August 19, 2021
Locked Central City Council forces special election

Alderwoman Tinucci Refuses to Recuse

By David Josselyn

Mayor Fey convened the regular meeting of the Central City Council at 6:32 pm on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in City Hall Council Chambers. Council members Jeff Aiken, Judy Laratta, and Mayor Jeremy Fey were present. Council immediately entered Executive (more…)

August 19, 2021
Black Hawk approves ballot question

$1 million in new gaming fees will be decided by Black Hawk voters in November

By Don Ireland

This fall, Black Hawk voters will decide if the city should grab a slice of the sports-betting pie. If they approve, the city will gobble up an estimated $1,050,000 in new taxes from sports betting and other types of gaming that were approved by Colorado voters two years ago. Sports betting has proven to (more…)

August 19, 2021
Fran Etzkorn remembered

May 28, 1940 – August 6, 2021

Frances Magdalen (Melchiors) Etzkorn died Friday, August 6, 2021 after a long-term illness. She was born May 28, 1940 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Her family moved several times, eventually ending up in Wayzata, Minnesota where she graduated from Wayzata High School in 1958. Around 1960, Fran moved to Denver, Colorado and went to work for Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of (more…)

August 19, 2021
Gilpin School says goodbye to Lee Ramsey

School Resource Officer for eight years

By Curt Halsted

Gilpin County School students and staff gave School Resource Officer (SRO) Lee Ramsey a fine farewell with an assembly on the football field behind the school. Officer Ramsey, or just “Lee” as many comfortably refer to him, was originally a student of Gilpin. Maybe it was growing up in the high (more…)

August 19, 2021
Drones, beer and guns aren’t a stellar combination

Age of Drones

By Don Ireland

Hoping that a drone will deliver flowers or a silky negligee to your special sweetheart somewhere in Gilpin County? Sorry, it’s (more…)

August 12, 2021