Gilpin County Isn’t the Only Thing Aging Around Here…
By David Josselyn
The fifth annual Stills in the Hills event rocked Central City on Saturday, June 24, 2017, drawing large crowds of thirsty folks looking to sample alcoholic indulgences. It was a partially sunny day that unusually stayed rain-free, although a cool breeze chilled some without sleeves, making perfect weather to hang out with friends while sipping locally distilled spirits from 29 distilleries. (more…)
For position of Gilpin County Manager
By Jaclyn Morrow
Meet the proposed candidates for the position of Gilpin County Manager. On April 25, 2017 Rodger Baker retired from his position as County Manager. The vacancy prompted 37 applicants to seek the position, of which eight were considered worthy of interviews for the first round. Only five of those interviewed, bringing Gilpin County the two qualified finalists: Leslie Ann Klusmire and Todd Leopold. (more…)
Strong ensemble cast featured in Mozart’s comedic opera about love, deceit, and fidelity
By Janet Braccio
Central City Opera continues its 2017 summer festival with the opening of a new production of Così fan tutte, Mozart’s comedic opera about love, deceit, and fidelity, which runs in repertory in the Central City Opera House from July 15 through August 4. (more…)
Brass bed races draw hundreds of spectators
by Patty Unruh
The sweetest set of wheels in town last Saturday was a flashy little red job. No, not a Corvette or a T-Bird. This racy two-seater boasted a set of springs that really handled those cobblestones and a comfy mattress that absorbed every bounce. The vehicle was totally open to the fresh air and came fully equipped with sturdy handles for pushing. No gas required. (more…)
Water World’s Belly Flop Splashdown
by Dave Gibson
“Yes, it hurts for a minute, yet the glory lasts a lifetime!” So says shallow water stunt diver Darren Taylor a.k.a. “Professor Splash” of Colorado who began his career diving at Casa Bonita in Denver. (more…)
Board Meeting Business
by Pam Deck
The Board Meeting for TFPD was called to order at 7:01 pm by President Chip Smith. It was a positive and full agenda with much good news for the residents of Gilpin and Boulder Counties. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the usual “Moment of Silence” for all fallen firefighters and police officers, and Roll Call, the meeting began. (more…)
Colorado Pioneers
By Maggie Magoffin
Oliver Feay was born February 22, 1838 in Fayette, County, Pennsylvania. His family relocated to Iowa in 1850. In 1859, he set out for Colorado to seek his fortune in the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. After camping along Ralston Creek for a time, he headed for the gold fields of Central City and Black Hawk. For the next year he prospected and mined in California Gulch where he and his partner discovered a rich lode of silver. However, like many others thinking the ore was lead, they discarded their find accordingly. (more…)
Highest Paved Road in North America
By Stacia Sellers
The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that Mount Evans Highway (CO 5) is officially open up to the summit of Mount Evans (14,264 feet). CDOT crews have been working diligently to have the road clear and safe for motorists in time for summer. (more…)
Prepares for a Special Summer Season in Central City
by Pam Deck
Built in 1878, Central City’s Opera House is by far the oldest and most treasured Opera House in Colorado. Almost 140 years ago, the citizens of Central City raised $12,000 to hire an architect from Denver, Robert Roeschlaub. With the finest natural stone available, he created this masterpiece which proudly stands at 124 Eureka Street. It is still the heart of Central City, Colorado. (more…)
A Colorado Pioneer
By Maggie Magoffin
Born, reared and educated in Bureau County, Illinois, at the early age of 23 years, in the spring of 1859, J.W. Fassett struck out for the gold fields of Colorado. Driving a covered wagon with three yoke of oxen he crossed the Mississippi at Rock Island, passed through Iowa City and Des Moines to reach Council Bluffs, Iowa. Following a brief visit there, he crossed the plains via the Platte route with a party of several other Argonauts. (more…)
Proceeds from the Dirty 30 benefit Gilpin school teams
by Patty Unruh
The trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park saw plenty of traffic on Saturday, June 3, as nearly 600 trail racers ran in the ninth annual Dirty 30. The footrace hosted runners of all ages for fun and competition in 50-kilometer and 12-mile races. Proceeds from the race will be donated to the athletic teams of Gilpin County High School.
Two Gilpin students – Jack Ball and Samantha Smith – ran in the 12M and both finished first in their age group. (more…)
Too many concerns prevent Council from supporting controversial proposal
By David Josselyn
Work Session
The Central City Council met with Staff on May 16, 2017 at 6:04 pm for a work session prior to the regular council meeting. The topics of conversation were the Free-Play Gaming Tax Proposal and extending the marijuana licensing moratorium. (more…)
Heroes Among Artists
By David Josselyn
2017 marks the 70th anniversary of Colorado’s longest running continuous juried arts show located right here in Central City’s Washington Hall; the State’s longest continuously used public building. A juried show is open to all artists submitting art for jurors to choose which pieces are deserving to be in the show. From the chosen pieces, a judge then awards prizes to the best of the best. The Gilpin County Arts Association (GCAA) packed the house for the grand opening ceremonies on Saturday, June 3, artists and art enthusiasts. (more…)
Members consider seat belts for buses
by Patty Unruh
The Gilpin County Board of Education met on Tuesday, June 6. Craig Holmes, Kersten Armstrong, and Steve Boulter were the Board members present. Member Charlotte Taylor participated by telephone, and Brook Ramsey was absent. Superintendent David MacKenzie and Secretary to the Board Joni Schmidt were present. (more…)
Gilpin County VFW members honored those who gave the ultimate sacrifice
by Patty Unruh
Memorial Day seems to be a time to celebrate a day off from work, with parades, barbecues, and sales. However, it is more important to observe the day’s true meaning – an occasion to pay tribute to the military veterans of the United States of America who gave the ultimate sacrifice. (more…)
Runners pay tribute to fallen soldiers
by Dave Gibson
Mamita Daska of Ethiopia took first place in the Women’s Elite 10K with a time of 32:44.84. Ethiopia also placed second. Gabriel Geay from Tanzania won the Men’s Elite 10K coming in at 29:02.19, just .62 seconds ahead of Leonard Korir of the U.S.A. As predictable as East Africa sweeping the pro races was the zaniness that surrounds the Memorial Day event. (more…)