Gilpin Lady Eagles basketball review
by Patty Unruh
Conference match against Shining Mountain
The Lady Eagles bested Shining Mountain Waldorf 34-23 in an away game February 14. Gilpin led all the way, with 17 points in the first half to Shining Mountain’s five. In the second half, the Eagles dunked 17 points, while (more…)
Gilpin Boys Basketball action Thursday, February 21
By George Snyder
The Gilpin County boys’ basketball team encountered rough going in their final three games of the regular season. The Eagles lost to Nederland 64-25 in a non-conference game, to Jim Elliot 71-35, and Shining Mountain 82-18 in (more…)
Central City citizens turn out in force for Amendment 64 legislation
By David Josselyn
Call to Order
The Central City Council was called to order by Mayor Ron Engels at 7:04pm on Tuesday, February 19h. All council members were present.
Consent Agenda
Items on the consent agenda included the Regular Bills lists of February 7th and 14th and the City Council minutes of February 5th. Alderman Bob Spain moved to approve the consent agenda and Alderman Shirley Voorhies (more…)
Marijuana moratorium, land purchase, standing up for local government
By Lynn Volkens
Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman and City Council members Linda Armbright, Paul Bennett, Diane Cales, Jim Johnson, Greg Moates, and Benito Torres began their meeting of February 13, 2013 by recognizing the lifesaving (more…)
Gregory Street back on two-wheeling route
By Lynn Volkens
Bicyclists riding between Black Hawk and Central City can again sidle up to tour buses, shuttle buses, gaming and local traffic on a .4 mile stretch of Gregory Street that they’ve been banned from riding since 2010. Last week the Colorado Supreme Court overturned both the trial and district court rulings which had upheld the ban, and ruled instead that Black Hawk’s ordinance enacting the ban violated state law. Justice Gregory Hobbs, in delivering the opinion of the court, wrote that state law pre-empted Black Hawk’s municipal law because the municipal ordinance conflicted with specific statutory provision (Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-109 (11) ) “in a matter of mixed state and local concern.” The court found that Black Hawk could not ban bicycles from Gregory Street as it is the only route connecting Central City to Highway 119 and from there to other destinations such as Nederland. Further, Black Hawk was in violation of state law because no alternate route for the cyclists was provided within 450 feet of the banned route, as is required by statute. Because the matter went beyond local impact, the court also found that Black Hawk’s authority as a home-rule city did not apply.
For Black Hawk officials, the matter came down to one of safety and local authority. In 2009, acting on their authority as a home-rule city, the city council passed an ordinance authorizing them to ban bicycles, as well as other on-motorized vehicles, from any city street if it was found their use on those streets was incompatible with safety and the normal movement of traffic. City officials determined that streets in the commercial areas of Black Hawk, Gregory Street being the one with the most impact, were not suited to bicycle traffic because of narrowness and the heavy commercial use of these streets by large buses and delivery trucks. The .4 mile stretch of Gregory Street posted “No Bicycles” is a two-lane road with no room for shoulders. The incompatibility of simultaneous bicycle and commercial traffic was supported by an engineering and traffic study. Black Hawk’s ban, enacted in 2010, forced bicyclists to dismount and walk that stretch along the city’s sidewalks. That year, several cyclists chose to ignore the law and were ticketed by Black Hawk police. Three of them, Jamie Webb, Jeffrey Hermanson, and Michaleen Jeronimus fought the charges, unsuccessfully, through municipal court. They appealed to the district court, again unsuccessfully. These lower courts recognized the engineering and traffic study as a rational basis to promulgate the bicycle ban, and both courts determined that Black Hawk had the authority as a home-rule city to enact it. Then, with pro-bono legal counseling and support provided by Bicycle Colorado, a cycling advocacy group, the ticketed parties took their appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court.
The Colorado Supreme Court takes up a limited number of cases, hearing only one in fourteen cases, according to their website. The seven justices took up this case, Webb v. Black Hawk, in August, 2011 and then heard oral arguments from each party’s attorneys on November 8, 2011. Each attorney was allotted 30 minutes to make his case. The recording of those arguments show Justice Hobbs repeatedly interrupting Black Hawk attorney, Corey Hoffmann, while the opposing attorney, Paul Schwartz makes his argument smoothly. At one point, Hobbs appeared to make Schwartz’s argument for him, saying Black Hawk was making their decision to ban bicycles based on economic reasons rather than safety and topography. As the court routinely takes one to nine months to announce a decision, Black Hawk had not anticipated the ruling for several more months. David Spellman, mayor of Black Hawk, said it seemed to be an emotional ruling. Meanwhile, Bicycle Colorado claimed victory. Hobbs had written “Bicycling has long been a favorite recreational pastime of Colorado residents…” and cited several cycling events held in the state. Noting that “Bicycling is also a popular method of transportation,” Hobbs went on to say that cities in Colorado “have worked hard to accommodate and promote bicycle commuting,” and that bicycling as a mode of transportation is strongly endorsed by the Colorado General Assembly and that statute requires transportation planning to accommodate the needs of bicyclists. Bicycles are included within the state’s definition of “vehicle” and are subject to the same traffic regulations as automobiles. As such the cyclist is also subject to all the duties and penalties applicable to drivers of other vehicles.
When the Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the lower courts, upholding Black Hawk’s ban, the decision was watched not only by bicyclist advocacy groups, but also by numerous other municipalities and governmental agencies throughout Colorado and beyond. Conflicts between drivers of motorized vehicles and bicyclists have been recorded in the mainstream media on a more heightened basis in the past year. Other governmental officials, including Gilpin and Jefferson County commissioners, have heard complaints and considered solutions specifically when dealing with bicyclists on narrow two-lane mountain highways. Cycling advocates were also aware of the controversy. At the time Black Hawk initiated its ban, Bicycle Colorado members expressed concerns that Black Hawk’s ban would set precedent; similar bans could spread to other cities with the undesirable result of further restricting their riding access. That fear was not ungrounded. In 2010, Black Hawk’s city manager reported he’d been contacted by officials of other municipalities asking how to do the same thing (bicycle bans) in their cities. These cities had adopted a “wait and see” attitude, said then Black Hawk City Manager Mike Copp, postponing enacting their own bans to see if Black Hawk’s would be challenged.
Mayor Spellman said Black Hawk is now taking a look at options, but has no plans to build an alternative bicycle route. The confines of Gregory Gulch, with steep canyon walls and a creek flowing through the flume beneath the street, would make it difficult and expensive to widen the .4 mile stretch of Gregory Street at the center of the ban. The geography is also not conducive to creating a bike path within the 450 feet required by law. “Black Hawk has absolutely no plans to make any special accommodations for bicycles,” Spellman said, following the Supreme Court’s announcement. The court’s ruling determined the limits of Black Hawk’s municipal authority, but did nothing to insure the safety of those traveling Gregory Gulch.
Deputy at school, meeting with Dory Lakes officials
By Lynn Volkens
Gilpin County Commissioners Buddy Schmalz, Connie McLain and Gail Watson met February 12, 2013. They took another look at a proposal to employ a full-time deputy at Gilpin County Re-1 School District, and they moved forward with the erection of a radio tower near the Justice Center on Dory Hill Road.
Personnel Policy Amendments
Following up on amendments recommended by Human Resources Director Susie Allen at their last meeting, Commissioners adopted Resolution 13-01, revising the document and changing the document title from “The Gilpin County Personnel Policies and Guidelines” to “The Gilpin County Employee Handbook.” The revisions, discussed at a work session on January 31, 2013, include allowing volunteer emergency responders (mainly firefighters) to continue to draw their County pay while responding to a very limited number of emergencies, as needed (natural disasters such as a wild land fire, and structure fires). Other revisions mentioned, and Allen said there were a lot of them, include marijuana prohibitions and the appeals process for employee disputes. The final Handbook is to be distributed to all employees and meetings will be held to discuss the revisions.
Treasurer’s and Public Trustee’s Reports
Gilpin County Treasurer Alynn Huffman presented her January report showing 0.53% of County Taxes collected as of January 31, 2013. At that time, the County’s coffers contained a grand total of $8,527,889 (compared to $8,028,669 at the same time last year). The breakdown of the ten funds making up that grand total are as follows: General Fund, $6,090,259; Department of Human Services, $779,727; Public Works, $589,896; Solid Waste, $169,365; Retirement, $159,265; Public Health Agency, $155,002; Library Fund, $68,250; Retirement Fund, $61,797; County Abatement, $505; and Capital Improvement Fund, $0.
Huffman also presented the 2012 Fourth Quarter Public Trustee Report showing the Trustee’s beginning balance on September 30, 2012 as $60,953; Income (sales, releases, interest) totaling $36,793; Disbursements (Clerk fees, advertising, redemption/refunds, Kuvera fee, eFees, Public Trustee fund) totaling $38,062; and an Ending Balance on December 31, 2012 of $59,684. Commissioners accepted the report and Huffman disbursed $9,399 I Public Trustee fees and interest collected for this period. She also issued a check to Commissioners of $8,822 from her operating account for deposit to the Public Trustee Salary Fund encompassed in the County’s General Fund, to cover the 2012 fourth quarter salaries and invoices. A third check, issued to the Gilpin County Public Trustee Reserve Account was in the amount of $577 and represented the balance of fees and interest collected which must be put into the Reserve to maintain the amount that was budgeted for 2012.
The Public Trustee 2012 annual report (January 1-December showed a Beginning Balance of $66,741; Income of $149,105; Disbursements at $156,162; and an Ending Balance of $59,684. In total, the Trustee disbursed the Public Trustee fees and interest collected for 2012 in the amount of $26,637; issued checks to the Commissioners in the amount of $26,976 for the Public Trustee Salary Fund and $339 to the Reserve Account.
Huffman provided a summary of foreclosures in Gilpin County for 2012 in its entirety. Foreclosures numbered 56 in 2012 (down from 86 in 2011). Releases were up: 458 in 2012 compared to 345 in 2011.
Pine Ridge Boundary Line Adjustment
Adjacent property owners of Pine Ridge Parcels E (Daniel Marks) and Parcel D (Laura Danley) have come to an agreement that will settle a setback encroachment at 34982 Pine Ridge Lane (off Camp Eden Road). The parties have been working on a resolution since last summer. They’ve agreed to a Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) which will eliminate the need for the variance which Marks had originally requested. Community Planner Ray Rears brought Commissioners up to date on the matter and they approved BLA 12-02, which will be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder.
Mountain Family Health Centers Agreement
Commissioners approved an agreement for Mountain Family Health Centers (MFHC) to provide medical services for Gilpin County residents. Specifically, MFHC will provide flu shots for Gilpin County residents, on a first come-first served basis at a charge of $10 per resident. The County stipulates how many doses it will fund each year and MFHC purchases that number and administers them. Public Health Coordinator Ann Marie Bailey said she had authorized purchase of 200 vaccines for this flu season and that there are still some left. Due to poor attendance at flu “clinics” this year, Bailey said she was discontinuing the clinics and vaccines would be given at MFHC. MFHC also administers Hepatitis B vaccine to county employees, as required. Gilpin reimburses MFHC services at the rate of $35 per hour for the Registered Nurse; $20 per hour for the Medical Assistant; and $00.485 per mile for travel time. The agreement is effective January 1, 2013 until terminated. MFHC is currently looking for a doctor to staff the center in Black Hawk.
School Requests On-site Deputy
Gilpin County Undersheriff Jon Bayne presented a proposal to have a deputy stationed at Gilpin County School on days the school is in session. While at the school, the deputy would respond to calls to service at the school. There were 121 calls for service at the school in 2012 and the Sheriff’s Office reports 345 hours were spent at the school by a deputy doing school checks. While at the school, the deputy would be expected to maintain high visibility to aid in detection and prevention of dangerous incidents and crime at the school, and act as a liaison and resource for school personnel, parents and the Sheriff’s Office. The cost for a deputy, including base pay and benefits at 41%, would be $73,602. During summertime and school breaks, the deputy would be assigned to routine patrol and other duties at the Sheriff’s Office. The proposal shows there will be 151 days in the school year for 2013 and that there would be 57 days when the deputy would not have to be on site. Undersheriff Bayne provided a survey showing how neighboring counties are handling and funding duty school officers. Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) has one School Resource Officer (SRO) who stays mainly at one school, but does travel to others. Deputies do school checks as well. Boulder County funds the SRO. In St. Vrain Valley School District, the school district funds 1 ½ of two SROS and Boulder County funds the additional. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has nine deputies and one sergeant who are SRO’s for the schools in unincorporated areas only and who deal mainly with juvenile problems when not at the schools. JeffCo funds these SROS 100%. Neither Summit nor Grand County have SRO’s. Clear Creek County has one full-time salaried SRO for which the school district pays Clear Creek County $25,000.
Gilpin Commissioners told Bayne to continue with the current school coverage for the remainder of this school year. Commissioners plan to meet with Gilpin School Board members to discuss the school’s current safety plan, the need for an officer and how to fund that officer’s pay and benefits. Gilpin School’s Interim Superintendent, Morris Ververs, told Commissioners the school board has not committed to funding an officer. After meeting with the school board, Commissioners plan to hold a forum for the community regarding putting an officer on duty full-time at the school. Following those meetings, Commissioners hope to have a plan in place before school starts again in the fall. Commissioner Watson stressed that there are children in Gilpin County who attend Boulder Valley School District schools, and she wants to make sure whatever the County does is fair to that district as well.
Dory Hill Radio Tower
Steve Watson, the County’s Emergency Preparedness Director and Communications Supervisor, asked Commissioners to approve additional funding of $9,000 so that he could move forward with erection of a radio tower on the east side of the Justice Center on Dory Hill Road. Commissioners had budgeted $25,000 for the project, but the project cost will be $34,000. Watson said he needed immediate approval as a deadline to meet federal regulations had expired last Friday. Commissioner Watson objected to the last minute presentation, noting as a new commissioner, she was not up to speed on the tower project. She also expressed concerns that the tower job had not been put out for competitive bids. The proposed plan utilizes a tower Sheriff Hartman had acquired from an agency that was scrapping it a few years ago. That tower can be reinforced and rebuilt to serve Gilpin’s needs, thus keeping the cost to $34,000. The bulk of the cost is for the concrete pad to anchor the tower, which is proposed to be 140 feet high and will not require a flashing red light at the top. The main purpose of the tower will be to comply with federal regulations requiring that law enforcement stop using broadband frequencies by January 1, 2013 (Gilpin has a one year waiver). The tower will primarily improve communications for Gilpin law enforcement and allow them to communicate with agencies in nearby counties and the metropolitan area. It is hoped that a cell phone service provider will utilize the tower as well. Commissioners determined that they would be risking less than $10,000 and that, with a performance bond written into the contract, the risk was reduced of erecting a used tower that, for whatever reason, didn’t work. They voted unanimously to proceed with the used tower.
Departmental Reports
The Human Resources January report shows the County was employing a total of 176 people at the end of last month; 112 are full-time employees; 56 are part-time (6 with partial benefits); and 8 Property Tax Work off Program participants. Turnover in 2012 was 25%, up from 11.81 % in 2011 and 16% in 2010. Human Resources Director Susie Allen had compiled turnover statistics via Mountain States Employers Council (MSEC) for the years 2005-2011 which show that “Gilpin appears to have a consistently higher turnover rate than other Colorado governmental agencies.” The average length of service for all current full-time Gilpin County employees is 7 years and 9 months. Based on age-related information, Allen speculated that 24 employees (excluding Property Tax Work Off Program participants and elected officials) will retire over the next five years.
At the Parks and Recreation Department, the January report shows 1,076 individual County residents used the Community Center last month, comprising a total of 4,238 visits. Adding observers, non-residents and class attendees brings the number of individuals up to 1,376 and the corresponding total number of visits up to 5,321. Drop-In Admission fees raised $2,618 in revenues for January, and Membership fees brought in $6,268. Eighty-five children are participating in the youth basketball program, including quite a few from Nederland. There are now a dozen teams. The spring season of Adult COED Volleyball is beginning shortly.
The Sheriff’s Office/Detentions Division January report shows 79 total bookings for last month (61 male). The breakdown of agencies originating the arrests: Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, 42; Black Hawk Police Department, 18; Central City police Department, 12; Colorado State Patrol, 5; and Division of Gaming, 2. Sixty-one of the arrests were gaming-related. Six arrestees were Gilpinites. The average daily population at the County Jail was 47 inmates.
Historic Preservation Commission Application
Commissioners appointed Mike Keeler to fill a vacancy on the County’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Executive Session
County Attorney Jim Petrock requested an Executive Session to discuss the Limited Gaming law with Commissioners.
Dory Lakes Work Session
Dave Hunter and Mike Lobato introduced themselves to Commissioners as the new president and vice president, respectively, of the Dory Lakes Property Owners Association (DLPOA). That board is currently seeking one more member. County Manager Roger Baker and County Attorney Petrock brought the DLPOA officials up to speed on the water storage arrangement, and history, that the County has with DLPOA. Hunter said his top priority is revitalizing the playground/park area in the middle of the subdivision. Commissioner Schmalz commented that there might be a way to work together with the County on that project, at least in restoring the baseball field, as the County needs another place for Little Leaguers and others to practice.
Heads Up
Gilpin County Commissioners meet next on February 26, 2013.
Ladies, there’s nothing like a good meal to win a man
By Linda Jones
She was an ‘old maid’ by the standards of society in her day. He was literally tall, dark, handsome, and single, and she wasted no time in encouraging his interest in her. Their love story winds throughout early Central City and MiddlePark history and is still resonating.
Mary was the first white woman to permanently live in Central City. She was born in Ireland, but had lived for a time in England because her father was a gardener in the Queen’s garden, but as soon as her parents had saved the money for passage, the family sailed to Canada. One parent died aboard ship and the other soon after arriving, leaving the 13-year old Mary to care for her brother, six years younger. Mary brought them both to America and began working as a maid in households where he would be welcome. When the time came for her brother to strike out on his own, she was employed by the McGee family in Baltimore. When Mr. McGee decided to join the gold rush to western Kansas, the couple invited Mary to join them and the spinster, now in her late twenties, accepted.
But the defenseless woman overheard a chilling conversation one evening while she was strolling along Clear Creek after cleaning up from the evening supper. When Mrs. McGee asked her husband what his financial plan might be since he wasn’t cut out for common labor, he replied that there would be thousands of lonely men in the gold camps and few women and he planned to sell Mary’s services. Hearing this, the proper young woman immediately fled. Fortunately for history, the next camp along the creek was that of William Greene Russell, discoverer of gold in Denver and an honorable Southern gentleman. Russell offered Mary a job cooking for his large group of men and promised that not one of them would harm a hair of her head or they’d answer to him! He also promised that before he and his men left the gold diggings in the fall, they would construct a boarding house for her to run for a living.
In 1860 a stranger looking for clean lodging knocked on the door of her boarding house. When she opened it and saw William Zane Cozens, Mary seized the opportunity. She told him that what he had heard was true, she did keep the cleanest lodging in the area, but she had no rooms to let. However, she added that she also set the tastiest table in the area and would expect him back for supper at 6 p.m. and then shut the door before he could refuse. He came that evening – and every evening after that.
Billy had been born the same year as Mary, 1830, but he hailed from upstate New York, where he had trained as a carpenter. Knowing his skills would be in high demand on the frontier, he came west by stage. Arriving in The Richest Square Mile on Earth, the young carpenter immediately found a job bartending for Jack Kehler. Soon Kehler was hired as the first lawman in this part of western Kansas Territory and he deputized Billy.
Mary’s pluck and cooking kept the newcomer returning for supper night after night. When Billy heard Father Machebeuf would be coming for a special Mass in the new town in December 1860, he asked Mary to be his wife. Everyone rejoiced at this first wedding in the booming community because it signified permanence for the town, and the arrival of their oldest son was the first birth in Central City.
When Gilpin County was created on February 28, 1861, Kehler and Billy were selected as the Sheriff and Deputy. Kehler soon resigned and Cozens became the Sheriff, a lawman whose common sense and courage are the basis of many books and campfire tales. Mary’s brave sheriff-husband created the “line in the sand” incident that led to Colorado’s first legal execution. William Van Horn murdered Josiah Copeland on October 17, 1863. Fearing the killer would be let off with no punishment, the usual outcome of crimes in those early Territorial years, Copeland’s friends crowded Eureka Street around the new Gilpin County Courthouse – built by Billy – and demanded the keys to the jail. Sheriff Cozens refused, actually drawing a line in the street with his toe and vowing he would kill the first man to cross it. No one doubted him. No one crossed it. In 1873 Billy was named a U.S. Marshall for the Second Judicial District.
Billy was an accomplished carpenter and three of his frame structures are listed today on the National Register of Historic Sites. Two are in Central City. Washington Hall, the original Gilpin County Courthouse (1862), is the oldest public building in Colorado. The house he built behind it for Mary and their children, William, Mary and Sarah, still stands and is owned by the City of Central. (A fourth baby, Alexis, is buried in the Central City Masonic Cemetery.) The third of Billy’s surviving buildings is near Fraser.
The Cozens family moved to Middle Park in 1876, supposedly because Mary considered Central City too wicked a place to bring up children anymore. Billy built the first guest ranch in that area and also the original Fraser Post Office; their homestead in Middle Park is now a museum. Billy died first, in 1904, and Mary, in 1909; they are buried along with their three children in the cemetery now called the Maryville Cemetery which they created on their ranch land.
2013 Gilpin County Spelling Bee results
by Patty Unruh
Congratulations are in order for fifth-grader Bailey Hobson-Kroll, winner of the 2013 Gilpin County Spelling Bee, held February 7. Bailey won when she correctly spelled “comportment,” a noun meaning “bearing or demeanor.” She persevered through seven rounds to triumph over a field of about 60 intense competitors in fifth through eighth grade, winning the $150 first prize.
There were two other finalists, seventh-grader Carly Johnson and sixth-grader Olivia Randall. Carly, who earned second place, won $100, and the third-place winner, Olivia, won $50. Additionally, all students, including the three finalists, won one dollar for each correctly spelled word. The awards will be given at the academic awards banquet scheduled at the school in May.
Carol Murray, secondary school secretary, advised that this was the second year in a row that a fifth-grader had won the spelling bee. Had Bailey been in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade, she would have been eligible to advance to the state competition if she chose to do so, but fifth graders are only eligible to compete locally. The state spelling bee will be held March 15 and 16 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The national spelling bee is scheduled for May 28 through 30 near Washington, DC.
The purpose for the spelling bee, as noted on the Scripps National Spelling Bee website, is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. A week or two before the spelling bee, students who chose to participate were provided with a Scripps list of words to study.
Secondary language arts instructor Jeff Scheussler was the pronouncer, or the one who gave the students the words. He began by explaining the rules to the contestants and instructed them to warm up with a practice round, where each contestant stepped up to the microphone one by one and spelled his or her name. That gave spelling bee officials a chance to make sure that the sound system worked well and that each contestant faced the judges and spoke loudly and clearly.
The judges were Interim Superintendent Morris Ververs, Deb Benitez, and Suzanne Paulman. Their role was to uphold the rules and determine whether or not words were spelled correctly. They had complete control of the competition and had the final decision on any questions.
Scheussler gave each contestant a different word. “Magnificent”…“monumental”…“superstar.” One after another, the competitors hoped to have those terms applied to them as they tackled tricky nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
The first round began with moderately difficult words, such as “wasp,” “cloudy,” “prove,” and “landmark.” Each contestant followed the procedure of pronouncing the word, spelling it, then pronouncing it again. Scheussler would tell the student whether the spelling was correct or incorrect. Those spelling incorrectly were disqualified. The others proceeded to the next round.
Round two words included some that occasioned a few giggles from the audience, such as “amigo,” “Martian,” and “snarky.” Contestants in the third round sweated through such posers as “ferocious,” “covetous,” and “reign.” There were eight students remaining at the beginning of round four. No one was “demonstrably” “flirtatious;” rather, they were “prominently” “intuitive” in their spelling. For the final three rounds, only three students were left. Bailey Hobson-Kroll, Olivia Randall, and Carly Johnson battled it out for the honor of spelling bee champ.
In the seventh and final round, Bailey correctly spelled the word “recyclable.” Olivia faltered on “subsequent,” and Carly was eliminated on “fallibility” (no, it doesn’t mean “able to fall”). Everyone held their breath while Bailey enunciated the letters of the anticipated championship word: “comportment.” The spelling was pronounced correct.
Then cheers erupted for the 2013 champion of the Gilpin County Spelling Bee!
The spelling bee was conducted according to Scripps’ Rules for Local Spelling Bees. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary was the final authority for the spelling of all words appearing on that list.
If a word had one or more homonyms, the pronouncer indicated which word was to be spelled by defining the word. A speller was allowed to ask the pronouncer to repeat a word, define it, give it in a sentence, tell what part of speech the word was, give its language of origin, or provide an alternate pronunciation. If it was apparent that a speller misunderstood a word, another word was given.
The spelling finalists followed a clearly defined procedure for the end of the bee. Only one finalist spelled her word correctly in the fifth round. She was then given the anticipated championship word, but misspelled it. A new one-word round began with all three girls, spelling in their original order. The same thing happened in the sixth round. Finally, in the seventh round, two finalists were eliminated and Bailey won as she correctly spelled the championship word.
Noah Webster, one of America’s founders and author in 1806 of the first truly American dictionary, urged altering many words to eliminate what he called “needless confusion,” such as changing “tongue” to “tung” and “women” to “wimmen.” Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, and others opined, “Pity a man who can only spell a word one way.” Maybe we’ll have to take those thoughts into account for next year’s spelling bee.
Central City’s Knights of Pythias Cemetery
By Linda Jones
Fred Rowe was buried in the Knights of Pythias Cemetery above Central City in 1914 with an elegant stone memorial to mark his grave, but Fred’s stone traveled to the ‘big city.’ Thanks to an alert recycler, the errant tombstone has been returned to Central City, and the Gilpin Historical Society will return it to its rightful location next summer.
John Hatfield picks up asphalt, wood and concrete to be recycled by Oxford Recycling. On that eventful day he had already dumped two loads without checking their contents, but on his third trip, he felt compelled to check on the load before he drove “up the hill” and dumped it, where it would be immediately crushed. When he looked in the load, he spied the corner of the tombstone. Hatfield has always been a collector who values the rich history of our state, so he talked a friend into helping him move the 250 pound stone to his pickup.
After the stone was safely stored in his yard, John called his friend Art Hill, who located information on Fred Rowe on the internet and learned where the stone belonged. He then called Colleen Stewart, Gilpin County Clerk & Recorder, and told her they planned to leave the stone at the entrance gate to the Pythias Cemetery. She thought that the stone left unprotected through the winter would probably ‘walk’ again and a meeting and transfer was arranged for Sunday, February 10, at Washington Hall, where the Gilpin Historical Society can safeguard it until it is relocated.
Dave Main is a close friend of John and Art – in fact, the three graduated together from Littleton High School – and they are all descendants of pioneer Colorado families; they all proudly sport ‘Pioneer’ plates on their vehicles. They met a welcoming committee of six in front of Washington Hall: Maggie Demers, the guide at Washington Hall that day, Gail and Mike Keeler, Colleen and Jimmy Stewart and this author. All the locals were awed by the pristine condition of the stone. Other than a chip off each top corner, the stone looks untouched by weather or humans. The carvings on this lovely tombstone are more readable than any of the other stones a century old in the county, which leads to a theory that this stone was ‘robbed’ from the gravesite about the middle of the 20th century. The stone gives Fred’s birth year as 1869, although the internet site ‘USGenWeb Archives’ gives it as 1860. The stone gives his death year as 1914, which would make him 44 years old, and apparently he was a single miner.
The Knights of Pythias Lodge was established in America in 1864 and is an international, non-sectarian organization. Their principles are Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, thus explaining the large letters F, C and B on the engraved stone, which also has flowers and a lovely gate etched into it.
The Central City community thanks the three men for their stewardship of this gravestone. The cemeteries surrounding the early gold towns in Gilpin County have suffered from countless acts of destruction through the years, and everyone involved is grateful that John, Art and Dave chose to do the right thing.
Photo: (L-R) Art Hill, John Hatfield, rescuer of the stone, and Dave Main.
30 Years Ago – February 18, 1983
A volcano, a steam engine, an automatic dog feeder and “Herman,” a large poster displaying the human skeleton, were just a few of the projects displayed at the Re-1 Science Fair last week.
Sometime between midnight Thursday and early Monday morning, the second floor offices of the Weekly Register-Call (the old print shop) were burglarized. Janet Davis, editor, discovered the break-in about 9:30 Monday morning and reported the incident to the publisher, William C. Russell, Jr. and the Central City Police Department. Russell compiled a list of missing items for the police department and has offered a $500 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprits.
A Boulder man was killed February 12 in a plane crash on the Grand County side of Rollins Pass, about a mile south of the major trestle. The man’s 14-year-old son was found wandering around about a mile from the crash site by the sheriff’s Search and Rescue Department and volunteers from the Winter Park ski area. He sustained minor injuries.
The results of the survey concerning the possibility of a four-day school week during the 1983-84 school year at Gilpin County School were released this week. 104 questionnaires were completed and returned. Under the preference of schedule, 24 favored the Tuesday through Friday week, 65 favored the Monday through Thursday week and 15 were in favor of keeping the 5-day week.
The crew putting in the city water line placed a fire hydrant at the west corner of the museum building on East Third High Street the week past. They placed two posts in position to protect the hydrant and on the tops, the year on one and on the other, their initials, K.W., E.M. and R.J. for Ken Wolfe, Ernie Marquez and Robert Judd.
The lady conducting tours at the Teller House is Char Kidd.
Deputy Steve Foellmer investigated a report of shots being fired and striking the ground near three horseback riders in Lake Gulch.
Queen Marnie Collins and King Rich Ihme reigned at the Gilpin County School homecoming dance which was held February 12 at the Central City Elks Lodge.
This is the time of year when Christmas is over every shoulder and summer way off on the distant horizon.
60 Years Ago – February 13, 1953
A dozen or so injections of Penicillin in the warm, pink and pure flesh of his basement, is making it necessary for Rae Laird to sleep on his stomach and write his articles standing up. But he’s back, a little weak in the pins, a tremble of the hands, and a voice like a rasp filing over a piece of steel.
The Central Hotel, owned and operated by Mr. Earl Person, has been renovated, cleaned and each room newly papered and decorated. New mattresses, springs and beds have been installed, and it is now one of the finest small hotels in Colorado.
Barbara Galbraith, County Clerk & Recorder, states that all Automobile license plate numbers uncalled for will be sold after February 10th.
Funeral services were held here Wednesday afternoon from the Methodist church for Dr. Aych Becker, who died last week in Boulder. Dr. Becker has been a resident of Central City for the past ten years, after retiring from his profession in Denver. He was 79 years of age, and is survived by his wife and one son. Interment was in Bald Mountain cemetery.
Joe Ress, of Russell Gulch, writes that his ship U.S.S. Heed will stop at Gibraltar, the first stopping place on the Mediterranean cruise. They have encountered considerable rough weather, so the voyage is a lively one.
Work is to begin as quickly as possible on the erection of the Central City Milling and Mining Corporation’s 50 ton selective flotation process mill to handle the ore from the Essex extension of the Eureka vein.
The 6 cent per gallon state gas tax can be deducted by Colorado motorists when they file their federal income tax returns, the Rocky Mountain AAA Club announces.
Wanted: Builder to remodel the old Morgan house on Spring Street.
The recent importation of Spanish red-legged partridges from Spain by the Colorado Game and Fish department through the assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has resulted in a language problem for the department. All information concerning the capture and shipment of the birds was in Castilian Spanish, which varies from the Spanish generally spoken here. The department has obtained a translator and 100 of the birds were released in Las Animas county while others are being cared for at the department bird farm in Colorado Springs.
House for Sale in Black Hawk: 1-story, frame, 4 rooms, full basement, 1-car garage. Ten years old. All utilities included. Full price, $3,600, $400 down. Or make offer.
If we don’t print the scandals, people tell us our paper is minus features and interesting up-to-date news, and call us lazy. If we print the scandals (and by the way, there is sure plenty of it), people tell us we are vile and untruthful. If business is bad, it’s because the editor wants too much money for his advertising space. If business is good, advertising hasn’t anything to do with it, but conditions are right. If we print what pleases people, that is our duty and we deserve no credit. If we print what is displeasing, we are a grouch and a crepehanger and don’t deserve the patronage of the public. If we print the news as it is actually, people call us over the phone and tell us to stop their paper. If we print the mining news, people tell us that we have no business with their affairs and to leave these things alone until they give us permission. If we don’t print the mining news, people tell us we are dead and don’t know how to run a newspaper to boost the camp. If subscribers want to bawl out anybody – the editor’s the goat. Oh, editing a newspaper is sure a pleasant business, is it not?
90 Years Ago – February 16, 1923
At the regular monthly meeting of the Central City council, City Marshal and street and water commissioner reported the fixing of basketball room, other city matters in good shape, and a plentiful supply of water.
Complaints having been made that the Rocky Mountain Mine building was in bad shape, it was generally discussed and the Central City council condemned its condition. The owner will be notified to repair or remove it within 90 days.
The Cold Spring, one of the most famous of the tungsten mines of the Nederland District, is to be opened in March. Manager William Loach of the Wolfe Tongue Company, which owns the mine is now in the east.
The powder puff is a mighty weapon when two women are at war with each other.
Charles Ray in “Midnight Bell,” in six reels, will be the picture at the opera house on Saturday evening.
About six inches of snow fell in Apex on Monday and the wind of Tuesday drifted the snow in the county road. Mr. Robbins had to leave his auto about two miles below Apex, and carry the mail to its destination.
News from Russell Gulch is that Frank Vivian and partner are shipping ore from their lease on the Two Forty mine to Idaho Springs this week. Chris Plint and two Pallaro boys have a lease on the Morning Star mine and started work on Wednesday. The Crown Point Mine is equipped with electrical machinery and work will commence shortly.
Five years have been added to our expectation of life since 1901, according to the life-tables for 1920 which have just been compiled. A child born in 1901 was likely to live to be only 49.2 years old, a child born in 1910 could expect to live to be 51.5. Today the newborn baby will probably live to be at least 54.3 years old.
Honest people should welcome an investigating committee. It removes any doubt that might lurk in their own minds.
Hereafter, if the City of Central supplies water to the City of Black Hawk, the same shall be paid for in cash, instead of registered warrants.
The practice of running water at night to prevent freezing was condemned by the Central City council.
The dance given by the Neighbors of Woodcraft on Saturday evening in Black Hawk was the event of the season and everybody in attendance enjoyed themselves to the limit.
Tuesday morning at the recess hour at the Black Hawk School, Mr. McNeil’s boy and a son of Mrs. Cassagranda, lads about 10 years of age, were fighting on the school grounds, and Professor St. John, the principal of the school, was called to quell the disturbance. He took the lads in the school building, and with a small switch gave them a mild punishment, and they were sent home. Reports are that when the Cassagranda lad arrived home his mother boxed his ears for fighting and made him go back to school. When the McNeil lad arrived home and told his father that the professor had licked him, Mr. McNeil mounted his fiery Pegasus and lost no time in getting to the school room. When he entered the Professor’s room, Mr. St. John was filling several ink bottles from a quart bottle, and with a remark by McNeil of whether “this was a slaughter house,” he grabbed St. John, and in the tussle which followed the contents of the ink bottle were scattered over both contestants, many of the scholars, and desks and floor. Mr. St. John was thrown down between the seats with McNeil on top of him. The children were frightened and ran from the room to the street asking for help. Marshal Klais responded and placed McNeil under arrest. Justice Kruse found McNeil guilty of the charge of assault and battery and fined him $20 and costs.
120 Years Ago – February 17, 1893
Last Monday night between 10 and 11 o’clock, Frank Mativi, an Austrian miner about 20 years of age, was seriously injured while working in one of the back-stopes of the Fiske Mine. It seems that he had drilled a hole and was in the act of charging it with high explosives, and was using a tamping-bar to seat the charge in the bottom of the hole. All of a sudden there was an explosion, Mativi receiving a large portion of the charge in his face and on his hands and arms. He was taken to the shaft put in a bucket and raised to the surface. Dr. Davidson was summoned, who found his face badly lacerated, both eyes and his hands injured. Although he could distinguish objects, his vision was somewhat dimmed. The doctor thinks he will be able to save his eyesight. The injured man is being cared for by his brother who resides in Chase Gulch. There is no blame attached to anyone for the accident, except Mativi.
A musician never knows how much his playing is not appreciated until the folks in the next house complain of it.
Tuesday morning between 1 and 2 o’clock, a bright flame was seen issuing from the shaft-house of the Ivanhoe mine, Nevada District. Mr. Charles E. Stevens, the general manager, was among the first on the ground, but the fire had got such headway before being discovered that it was impossible to quench the flames. It is the impression of Mr. Stevens that the fire caught from the inside, without anybody’s aid, from unknown causes. The building was entirely destroyed and the machinery injured. The loss entailed is $3,000, upon which there was an insurance of $1,500.
Last Thursday evening General Eugene K. Stimson’s case which was on trial in Denver on a charge of forgery, closed, the jury brining in a verdict of “not guilty,” after being out less than five hours. The General’s many friends in Gilpin County extend congratulations to him. There was a little spite work in this case.
Cholera and crinoline appear to be the evils of which the world is most afraid. It is difficult to choose between them.
Denver dealers are claiming that the high price of lard is affecting the price of butter. There is nothing said about the scarcity of water affecting the price of milk.
The grand masquerade ball of the Black Hawk Silver Cornet Band, given at Sons of America Hall in the Quartz Mill city, was one of the most successful affairs, both socially and financially, that has occurred in that city for many a day. In the grand march there were over fifty couples en masque, and it was with great difficulty that the prompter, Mr. John Cronin, could keep the maskers in proper line. The grand parade en masque through the streets of Black Hawk, Central and Nevadaville, was a great event and drew crowds of spectators along the streets paraded. The Jerusalem ponies ridden by the maskers caught the attention of the school boys and girls.
A 20-stamp custom mill formerly run at Idaho Springs has been taken down and removed to the head of Cumberland gulch on the southerly slope of Yankee Hill and will be erected at once. This was the great detriment of the mine owners of that section. Heretofore they have been dependent upon the Black Hawk and Idaho Springs custom mills. The cost of transportation of ore was great, that of from $30 to $40 per cord, which proved a serious drawback in opening up the recently discovered gold-bearing veins. The site of the new mill could not have been better, as it is a downhill haul to it from a large proportion of the veins that have been opened.
Died: In Black Hawk, February 13, 1893, Thomas Osborne, aged 67 years.
Died: In Russell Gulch, William, son of William Mellow, Sr., aged 10 years.
A big strike of smelting ore has been made in the Gold Rock Company’s Springdale Mine in Russell District. Mr. J. Ben Lewis, superintendent of the mine, reports “We have struck it at last in the 360 foot level east. Have driven through rock harder than the rock of ages for a long distance, and now have over 3 feet of smelting ore; the biggest body of ore I have ever seen in the Springdale.”
135 Years Ago – February 9, 1878
The First National Bank today ships a gold brick weighing 1,205.75 ounces, valued at $24,000, from the Boston & Colorado Company’s works.
John Morrissey is reported out of danger. His wife cured him by administering to him a decoction of watermelon seeds.
Matches with Belleview Christian and Cornerstone Christian
by Patty Unruh
It was a mixed bag for the girls’ basketball team last week, with one win and one loss. The Lady Eagles’ record now stands at 12-3.
Against Cornerstone Christian
The Lady Eagles blasted the Cornerstone Christian Bulldogs 45-14 in a league battle January 29 on the Bulldogs’ home court.
Stephanie Siegrist played with the team again after being sidelined with an injury to her ankle in the Eagles’ match against Vanguard on January 19. The team has been hampered by other injuries this season, also. Andi Ramsey, who injured the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee during the game against Vanguard, intends to return to play soon. Ramsey does not plan to have surgery, but instead intends to wear a brace and play when the knee is stronger.
Samantha Peterson led the Eagles in scoring against Cornerstone with 14 points, followed by Khristine Barr with nine, Katura Sales with seven, and Ashlen Cortez with five. Most of the Eagles players managed to get points on the board.
Peterson and Barr both shot four two-point field goals and Sales shot three. Cortez and Delainey Lepro also contributed two apiece and Maria Garcia put in one. Peterson also dunked in one three-point shot.
Several of the team members sank free throws as well. Peterson had three free throws and Alyssa Chareunsouk had two. Barr, Sales, Cortez, Garcia, and Stephanie Siegrist each made one, for a total of ten.
The ladies got an amazing 22 defensive and ten offensive rebounds. Peterson had six steals, and Sales and Cortez each had three. Garcia and Barr snatched two steals apiece, and Lepro and Siegrist each grabbed one.
In the game with Cornerstone Christian, the junior varsity Lady Eagles got nudged 31-36.
Battle with Belleview Christian
The Lady Eagles were disappointed in their bout with Belleview Christian at home on February 1. The final score was 40-29, with Belleview leading all the way. Gilpin managed to battle within a two-point striking distance in the third quarter, but the Bruins rallied and widened the gap dramatically in the final period.
Ashlen Cortez was top scorer for the Eagles with nine points. Khristine Barr followed her with six points. Katura Sales added five points and Samantha Peterson three.
Two-point field goals were shot by Barr, Sales, and Alyssa Chareunsouk. Cortez also plunked in a three-pointer. Sales added three free throws, with Garcia shooting two, and Lepro and Siegrist one apiece.
Gilpin did well on rebounds, grabbing a total of 28, plus ten steals, with Peterson nabbing five of those.
The Bruins simply outshot the Eagles, with a field goal percentage of 36 percent for the Bruins compared to 23 percent for the Eagles. Top scorers for the Bruins were MacKenzie Woods and Sydney Ahaneku with 12 points each. They grabbed 20 defensive rebounds from the Eagles and stole the ball 15 times.
The junior varsity won their game against Belleview 22-19, forging ahead in the fourth quarter to win. Prior to that, Belleview had been ahead all the way.
Council now eligible for city employee insurance
By David Josselyn
Call to Order
The Central City Council was called to order by Mayor Ron Engels at 7:12 pm on Tuesday, February 5th. All council members were present.
Consent Agenda
Items on the consent agenda included the Regular Bills lists of January 17, 24, and 31 and the City Council minutes of January 15. Council Member Glo Gaines raised an objection to the passage of regular bills on account of blank spots on debit card purchases. It was agreed that future purchases must include a description to be included on the regular bills list for approval. Passage of the consent agenda was approved unanimously.
Public Forum/Audience Participation
Central City resident Ricky Richards got up to address the council on the issue of Ordinance No. 13-02 regarding marijuana and marijuana accessories. Mr. Richards was informed by Mayor Engels that a public forum is scheduled to be held on February 19th and could address the issue at that time. The mayor also informed Mr. Richards that he was welcome to address the council tonight, but no decisions would be made until after the public hearing. Mr. Richards decided to wait until the public hearing and gave up the floor.
A Resolution for Central City Employee Insurance
Finance Director Shannon Flowers presented Resolution 13-04 to the council. Resolution 13-04 would allow council members to participate in the city’s employee insurance plans as long as they agreed to pay 100% of the premium costs. After brief discussion regarding a mandatory 30 day waiting period, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Spain moved to adopt the resolution. Council Member Shirley Voorhies seconded the motion and the resolution was passed unanimously.
A Resolution for Posting Ordinances and Meetings
City Manager Alan Lanning presented Ordinance 13-01 which would limit posting of new ordinances and meetings of the Council to the post office and city hall. Council Member Kathy Heider supported the idea of posting in the post office since there are people that go to the post office every day, but do not go by City Hall on a regular basis. Council Member Gaines moved that the ordinance be adopted and Council Member Voorhies seconded the motion. The ordinance was passed unanimously
Marijuana put on the back burner
Two Ordinances on the agenda were opened, but postponed due to the absence of Deputy City Attorney Marcus McAskin. The ordinances, Nos. 13-02 and 13-03, are regarding marijuana, marijuana accessories, and the regulation of cultivation in residential structures. Mayor Pro-Tem Spain moved to open and continue the public hearing on these ordinances to February 19th. Both motions were seconded by Council Member Voorhies and unanimously passed.
High Praise for Publics Works’ update
Council Member Glo Gaines complimented Public Works Department Director Kent Kisselman and his updates as they looked like “newsletters and people like newsletters.” The Council Member asked if it were possible to distribute the updates in the same or similar format to the public via the monthly water bills. Mayor Engles inquired about the added cost and asked for an estimate before spending other people’s money.
Veterans from the U.S.S. Enterprise to visit Central City
Vice Chairman James Voorhies, a veteran of the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN-65) addressed the council regarding the visit of the Navy Veterans Association Reunion this September. The reunion consists of veterans that served upon the longest serving combat vessel within the U. S. Navy, the U.S.S. Enterprise. The reunion is scheduled for September 4th-8th of this year and includes Colorado Springs, Golden, and Central City. While here, the veterans will be accommodated by The Reserve Casino. Vice Chairman Voorhies asked for a proclamation from the City of Central to offer to the servicemen and inquired if a banner could be hung welcoming the vets to Central City.
CDOT to help Central City?
Joe Behm, executive director of the Central City Business Improvement District, addressed the council regarding the pending closure of the eastbound off-ramp from I-70 at Hidden Valley. Mr. Behm suggested that the City is in the unique position of being able to make “lemonade out of some lemons” and ask the Colorado Department of Transportation for favors including the use of variable message signs advertising Central City and the Parkway.
No further items were discussed and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Heads up
The next Central City Council Meeting is on Tuesday, February 19th.
Temperatures rising over pending off-ramp closure
By David Josselyn
Work Session begins with a petition to join coalition
I-70 Coalition Board Member Mary Jane Loevlie addressed the Central City Council during its work session, Tuesday, February 5th. The I-70 Coalition is a group whose mission is to enhance public accessibility and mobility in the I-70 Central Mountain Corridor and adjoining dependent counties and municipalities through the implementation of joint public and private transportation management efforts. The Coalition serves as an advocate for the interests of the communities along the I-70 corridor from Clear Creek to Garfield counties. “The main thing we have accomplished is CDOT listens to us,” emphasized Ms. Loevlie. She gave a brief history of the Coalition to the council and then made an appeal for Central City to join saying, “working together we can get things done, and we can get things done better.” One of the ways the I-70 Coalition has made an impact locally is that the mountain communities have agreed to put off their own pet projects in favor of the Twin Tunnels project, Mary Jane Loevlie stated. The Central City Council agreed to discuss joining the coalition.
Temperatures rise as CDOT makes an apology
Jim Bemelen, I-70 Mountain Corridor Manager and representative from CDOT, addressed the Council by beginning with an apology. He stated that no excuses can be made and he would take the responsibility. Bemelen was referring to the Twin Tunnels Project which will widen the eastbound lanes through the tunnel creating three lanes from Idaho Spring to Floyd Hill. During the project, the eastbound off-ramp from I-70 to Hidden Valley, the Central City Parkway, will be closed starting Monday, February 11th for about one month. City Manager Alan Lanning was informed of this closure less than seven days before the work session. The apology from Jim Bemelen was met with resistance from the members due to the short notice, inconvenience and financial impact the lane closure will have on the city. Manager Lanning estimates that there will be a loss of $195,000 in revenues and taxes for the City during the period of ramp closure. He also declared that this does not include the additional loss of future revenues from people who decide not to come back because of the hassle. Jim Bemelen, true to his word, made no excuses, but offered no solutions. Mayor Engels demanded that CDOT put together an explanation of why the closure is necessary and offer solutions for a work-around. The mayor requested this be done before Monday, February 11th, the day of the closure. Mr. Bemelen asked when would be a good time for the council to meet and Mayor Engels responded that they would open their schedules to be available to CDOT as soon as CDOT is ready with their presentation.
Gilpin School Board hears teachers’ presentation; considers proposal for panic button system
by Patty Unruh
The Gilpin County School Board held a meeting February 4. Those present were President Craig Holmes and other members Brook Ramsey, Kersten Armstrong, and Rusty Hardy, as well as Interim Superintendent Morris Ververs. Member Charlotte Taylor was absent.
FLIP Classroom Presentation
Secondary science teacher Barb Bedwell addressed the board about her implementation of a new classroom technique called the FLIP classroom. The technique in effect “flips” the traditional order, where the teacher gives a classroom lecture while the students take notes and then do homework. Instead, Bedwell videotapes her ten-minute lectures and posts them on YouTube. The students watch the lectures as homework, then use time in the classroom to address questions, discuss the material, and do projects. Bedwell has begun using the method with her chemistry, biology, and honors biology classes. She explained that the method was invented by someone in Colorado and did not originate with her.
Today’s tech-savvy kids can pull out their phone, Kindle, computer, or i-pad to watch the lectures. They can watch the videos at home or on the bus as they travel to a sporting event. They can access the videos as many times as necessary to gain understanding and can work more at their own pace.
With the traditional classroom model, Bedwell said, “you’ll have some students who are very engaged and loving it, some who are lost, and some who are bored.” She added, “Homework is often a complete waste of time,” explaining that a student may get stuck on a concept and not complete the work, do all of the homework incorrectly, lack time to get it done because of other obligations, or forget to do it. “With FLIP, it’s the opposite. They go home and watch the lecture and do the homework at school.” She added that the videos are intended as a vehicle to aid what goes on in the classroom.
There are many advantages to this method, Bedwell asserted. “I can help a student who is lost. If someone works fast and is bored, they can move ahead. We can do discussions and projects in class.”
Bedwell, whose enthusiasm for the technique was infectious, said that her favorite advantage was that FLIP is self-paced. A student can rewind the lectures if they need to hear them again, or fast forward if they already understand the material. Another advantage is that it is flexible; it can be done at any time or any place. If a student is absent, they have access to the lecture at home so they don’t miss it.
Parents and kids can watch the videos and learn together. The parents can hear information about assignments. Fast learners, as well as learners with lower-end skills, can all benefit. Bedwell told the board that classroom management problems are gone. The young people are working together on science now, she advised, rather than visiting and passing notes.
She said that the method discourages students from copying others’ notes. Everyone is accountable for their own learning. The students have a responsibility to watch the lectures with understanding in mind. They are to bring questions to class, and she will address all questions.
Bedwell stated that the new method is “just one part of a culture change. It is a shift to a standards-based classroom. The student can’t move along until they demonstrate understanding.” The students have to articulate what they are supposed to be learning and use “I can” statements to tell what they know.
Bedwell admits it has been a huge amount of work to implement the FLIP method. “I’m about to shoot myself for going this big,” she said, “but I wanted all three classes to get the benefit.” She was pleased about the recent test scores for one chemistry class. She said the lowest score was 84 percent, where previously several of the students had failing grades. “Kids are now saying, ‘I know how to do this.’ Even kids who thought of themselves as failures are getting it. I get goose bumps because they are doing so well.” She has received mostly positive feedback from her students.
She added that math teacher Rachel White is also using the technique in her classroom.
Bedwell did say that most of the young people have access to the necessary technology. If they do not, they can learn the subject in a more traditional way.
Instructor Sunshine Vincent accompanied Bedwell, demonstrating smart board and clicker technology. She gave the board a demonstration quiz. The quiz was projected from her computer onto a smart board, with true-false, multiple choice, or similar questions. She gave board members some clickers, so they could respond as a student would. The clicker is a remote device on which students select an answer by pressing a corresponding button. The teacher does not know how each individual student answers, but he or she can see the overall results. The results can be displayed on a chart, or the chart can be hidden so the students don’t see the results. The students are also able to send text answers to certain questions.
Vincent is enthusiastic about the technology, because “it gives everybody a voice,” she said, “even the shy kids who don’t want to raise their hands.” The kids are trying to “one up” one another to see who can give the best answer.
The board members all agreed that it was an exciting presentation. When asked the cost of a smart board, Vincent estimated that it was about $2,700. She said a response receiver was about $400. Board member Hardy said the district should get more receivers and not wait until next year, but Holmes stated that the issue should be tabled until the next meeting, to have time to figure a cost and how many units to purchase.
Ververs brought up the fact that the school’s technical committee had met recently about what to work into next year’s budget. “We don’t have a plan or anything that ties into student outcomes,” he stated. We need to make sure that every dollar spent on technology affects student achievement, and we need to make sure that new technology is compatible with the rest of what we have.” His observation was that often school districts will go for the latest trend and do not consider how it will affect the students.
Panic Button
Since the Newtown, Connecticut school shootings in late 2012, the Gilpin school board has been working on a plan to beef up security by keeping a full-time deputy at the school. The board has also decided to cut down on emergency response time by installing panic buttons for several “front-line” staff members. An alarm would go directly into the sheriff’s department. Ververs presented a cost estimate for the installation of a panic button system, which he had obtained from SecureTech Systems, Inc. of Irving, Texas. The cost of a WAVE wireless instant notification system was quoted at $9,350, not including tax, and would include one control panel with an e-mail/texting module, four single button duress alarms, one repeater if needed, and on-site set-up and training. SecureTech’s proposal listed such features as a wireless receiver, the ability to add virtual buttons to computers within the network for transmittal of panic alarms, radios to transmit alarm notifications, and a backup battery that will keep the system functioning in case of power failure.
Ververs also met with County Commissioner Gail Watson about a full-time armed deputy and stated his intention to be at the Commissioners’ meeting on February 12 to discuss the issue. Ververs told the board that Watson suggested a Community Forum on Student Safety for February 20.
New Superintendent Search
At a special meeting of the board held January 28, member Hardy announced the four superintendent finalists. Board President Holmes stated he would notify each finalist. The next step in the search is training for the interview committees on February 13. Interviews will take place February 15 and 16, with final selection scheduled for February 19.
District Policies
The board approved on second reading several policies that they had been carefully reviewing for the past few months, including some policies that the board had referred to legal counsel.
Among these was the District’s policy on Parking Lot Searches, which states, “The privilege of bringing a student-operated motor vehicle onto school premises is conditioned on consent by the student driver to allow search of the vehicle when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will yield evidence of contraband.” The policy also states that if a student, parent/guardian, or owner of the vehicle refuses to allow such a search, that refusal may result in the motor vehicle privilege being terminated, as well as disciplinary action and notification of law enforcement officials.
The board also approved the policy on Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests. This policy states that if a school official has reasonable grounds to suspect a violation of school rules or federal, state, or local laws, or to suspect the presence of something harmful, the principal or designee may search a student or student’s property, while on school premises. The official may seize any property deemed detrimental to the safety of students and staff. A search of the student shall be limited to the student’s pockets and any object in the student’s possession, and a “pat down” of the exterior of the student’s clothing. The search shall be respectful of privacy considerations. Anything found which violates the law, school board policy, or school rules or which presents an immediate danger of physical harm may be seized and offered as evidence in any suspension or expulsion proceeding or returned to the student or the parent/guardian, as appropriate. The student is allowed to appeal the search decision to the superintendent, whose decision will be final. The policy also addresses circumstances when a law enforcement officer should be involved.
The board approved the policy on Staff Leave of Absences, which states that leave days will be granted according to the terms of the employees’ contracts and will be earned monthly. An important feature of the policy is that any individuals wishing to donate days to another staff member may do so at the administration’s discretion.
Also approved was the policy on extracurricular activity transportation. This policy provides that students participating in a school-sponsored activity that requires travel outside the school district must ride to the activity with the group on transportation provided by the school. Students may have this requirement waived, provided that prior arrangements have been made with the activity sponsor and the proper consent forms signed. In that case, they may ride to the activity with their parent or other responsible adult designated by the parent or guardian. Following an activity requiring outside travel, with the agreement of the activity sponsor, a student may be released to his parent or other responsible adult. The proper form must be signed, and the parent must show the sponsor that the student is in his or her custody before the school-provided transportation leaves the vicinity.
Summit for Innovative Education
Ververs attended a Summit for Innovative Education held this week and gave a brief report to the board. The Summit’s focus was on pathways followed by top-performing schools in order to rise rapidly from poor to good, good to great, and great to excellent. Ververs stated that the topic was timely for Gilpin staff, which is working hard this year on improving student learning outcomes.
He also said that one of the main messages of the summit was that legislators and governors are concerned about America losing its economic advantage, and that test scores and student achievement is tied into our gross national project. One speaker had told the summit attendees that businesses have made changes to adjust to the world, but many schools still have not done so.
Meeting with County Commissioners takes priority
By Lynn Volkens
Timberline fire Protection District’s Board of Directors met the evening of January 30, 2013 to discuss their goals for this year and develop plans to accomplish them. President Rick Wenzel and Board members Jim Crawford, Kay Johnson, Paul Ondr and Chris Samuelson were present. As the intent of the meeting was to deal specifically with Board goals, the fire chief and administrators were not in attendance.
Ondr got the work session off to a start by stating that he had three items on his list of goals: Board Policy; Station Locations and Conditions (specifically the potential of a ninth station, to be located in Rollinsville, and the existing Station 1 near Pinecliffe); and TFPD’s Relationship with Gilpin County.
Wenzel’s two-item list concurred with Ondr’s: Board Policy/Procedure; and the proposed Station 9.
Johnson also wanted to address Board Policy. She added Systems Issues to the list, saying that she’d like to see a system of monitoring and tracking the maintenance on vehicles and other maintenance issues plus a system to insure that there is follow through on maintenance needs. Noting “This may be a Chief’s thing,” she said that people have to be able to track information from the Chief and see a resolution. Johnson raised concerns about how many firefighters are really responding, if it’s always the same people and, if so, why. She asked if the new trainees are being monitored and how long it takes them to move from trainee status to that of firefighter.
The first item Samuelson mentioned was Performance Goals, Improvement and Tracking. He said TFPD needs to be able to show the public the direct benefits to taxpayers of the investments made. He also asked about firefighters “graduating up” to various certifications. “Are we making it valuable and worthwhile for cadets?” he asked.
“We have fundamental communication problems all the way from the top down,” Crawford commented. Communicating Better with the Community was the first item on his list. TFPD’s next Board election will be in May of 2014 and Crawford said he hoped TFPD could generate some interest in it, as well as building community awareness of best practices in fire mitigation, safety and being proactive about personal healthcare. “The best quality service is if the trucks don’t have to go out the door,” he stated. Next on Crawford’s list was Review and Update the By-Laws; Define the Process of Electing Officers; and Funding Avenues. Regarding the last item, he said TFPD needs to determine “how much do we need and what for” and then consider funding opportunities, including payment for wild land deployments, grants, and initiating fees to have the Fire Marshal review plans for new commercial construction to make sure it complies with the current fire codes. Crawford pointed out that should TFPD want to pursue a mill levy (tax) increase, that process could take several years. Developing a fee schedule for responding to calls in no-man’s lands (stipulated as non- U.S. or Colorado Forest areas that are not paying for fire protection services) was also discussed.
Samuelson asked “What denotes a ‘good’ district from a ‘bad’ district?” The Board discussed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, response time, station location, and Insurance Services Operation (ISO) rating. Ondr suggested the Board could ask the chief to come up with some metrics to use as measurements. Samuelson countered that he’d like a third party to do that, stating “Asking the chief, ‘What (criteria) do you want or think we should meet?’ – we’d be shirking our duty.”
By 9 p.m., the Board members had combined and honed their lists to three areas they plan to address first: Governing Documents (Policy and By-Laws); Station Location; and TFPD’s Relationship with Gilpin County. They agreed to move forward immediately in building the relationship with the County. To that end, the Board planned to request a work session meeting with Gilpin County Commissioners.
The Timberline Fire Protection Board of Directors has scheduled their next regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at Station 7 (14908 Highway 119).
30 Years Ago – February 4, 1983
Gilpin County has again made national news – in the Wall Street Journal, no less – but this time it isn’t a gold mine, or an opera, or Lou Bunch Day, or the tourists that have caused the attention. It’s Gilpin’s own residents. According to the article in the January 25, 1983 edition, Gilpin County has the third highest incidence of alcohol-related deaths in the nation. The information was taken from a study done by researchers at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Researchers looked at death certificates and averaged the information over a three-year period. The age group involved was limited to 15-74 year-olds and place of residence was used vs. the location where an individual died.
Gilpin RE-1 School Board’s Four-Day School Week committee visited Strasburg and Westcliff in January and found that both schools showed improved attendance for both students and teachers, and both schools showed an annual savings of over $10,000. The longer school days cut the time working parents were forced to have their kids at a sitter and older students were available for sitting services on the day the school was not in session. Certain school clubs used the day for field trips. School Board Chairman Jim Peyrouse stressed that the main purpose of the proposal is to save money – mainly from having less transportation costs since busing would be for one less day a week. The committee recommended handing out a questionnaire about the four-day week at the upcoming Science Fair.
Fire totally destroyed the home of Bob and Virginia Callister and their children, Tuesday, leaving only a charred foundation in its wake. Despite the fact that the response time for the nearby Colorado Sierra Volunteer Fire Department was only 11 minutes, the firemen were unable to save the house. It was completely engulfed in flames when they arrived. About ten people from Colorado Sierra, three people from Central City and three from High Country fire departments helped out. They had several problems with the fire. Colorado Sierra fire chief, Steve Hogan, said they were able to get an outside propane tank covered with snow and water, but there were two large oxygen cylinder tanks in Mrs. Callister’s workroom, which she used to blow glass, that exploded. The explosions were not dramatic, Hogan said. Also, about two dozen shotgun and .22 rifle shells went off in one corner of the house while the firemen were cleaning up. No one was hurt.
Gilpin County Search and Rescue, High Country Fire Department and the Flight-for-Life helicopter were all called out Sunday, January 23, to remove an injured cross country skier from Jenny Lind Gulch. The victim, a Denver man, had fallen about 30 feet down off the trail into the woods and had broken his thigh bone. The injury occurred about three and a half miles in from Tolland, over a 1,000 foot rise in elevation. A friend had made his way to Rollinsville and called for help. Bill Ward, vice commander of Search and Rescue and training officer, Peter Downie, started up the trail on skis pulling a covered fiberglass toboggan, but were later pulled by a snowmobile driven by Roger Durham, the chief of High Country FPD. About 12 people on skis assisted in bringing the man down the trail to Tolland and the waiting ambulance. From Rollinsville, he was transported by helicopter to St. Anthony’s Central Hospital in Denver.
Gilpin RE-1 School District’s funds come from several sources, including on the local level, $510,265 from property taxes, $30,615 from specific ownership taxes and $65,000 from sources such as interest on investments. $522,811 comes in from state sources. Federal money is channeled through the state. The largest expenditure in the 1983 budget is $639,172 for salaries. An additional $146,523 will be spent on benefits. The starting salary for teachers with a degree, but no experience, is $12,800 per year. The superintendent’s salary is $29,920 per year and the principal’s salary is $25,316. Statewide, the average superintendent salary is $32,000 per year and $23,000 is the average annual salary for principals.
The Fifth Annual Lace House Ball was held last Saturday, January 29, in the Grand Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel of Denver. About 150 couples attended the period event held to make money for the ongoing restoration and upkeep of the Lace House in Black Hawk. About 20 of the people were from Gilpin. It is estimated that they raised $7,000-$10,000 from the combined ticket sales and auction.
Betty Sienko has sold out the Gilded Garter to Bob Brusco and Jay Katz of the Glory Hole.
Even though the weather has not been severe, the constant cold and almost daily light snow has made driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Work continues on the Golden Rose, Bank Building and Teller House, the first receiving insulation, while at the latter, a plusher style of chair was being considered for the Little Kingdom Lounge.
Alterations are occurring at Chicago’s Restaurant, including refurbishment and a change of name to reflect its operation by Gene Carelli.
Lori and Kevin Wright, of Black Hawk, are the proud parents of a baby girl, Lindsey Rebecca, born January 28, 1983.
Fr. Reginald Rodman has left St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Central City. Bishop William Frey has appointed Fr. Cyril Coverley as supply priest for the present time.
Ad: Volunteers Needed: Contact GILPIN MILITIA – “in vino veritas.”
60 Years Ago – February 6, 1953
Editing a newspaper is a pleasing business – if you can stand it.
Looks like Ike intends to fight fire with fire, by withdrawing the 7th Fleet from the Formosa Strait.
Funny world. Prices sky-high and we gripe, we moan, but we pay. Prices decline slightly, like meat prices at the moment, and we begin to worry. Is this the recession the experts have predicted?
During Editor Rae Laird’s absence from duties here, the Register-Call still went to press under the guiding hand of George McClure, who has less than two years’ experience in make-up and cylinder feeding. Extended in this column is a vote of thanks for his ingenuity and ability. He has those many essentials that he has graduated now from a “Printer’s Devil” to a real full-fledged printer.
From beginning to end, President Eisenhower’s inaugural address expressed strong and courageous views and was a stirring message and an historic one. Its tone and content clearly showed that the U.S. is ready to take her rightful place in world affairs.
You can’t eat taxes. But you must pay more for taxes than you do for food and clothing combined! We have reached the point where the tax burden is the largest single item of expense to millions of American families. It is generally believed that the danger point to a nation’s strength and vigor is reached when taxes accounting for 25 percent of the national income goes for taxes.
Dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from auto exhausts, home space heaters, or defective chimney connections are back again with winter.
A Day’s Work – ever since I graduated from the 4th grade in school, I have noticed that each year I have had to work harder and got less than the year before. Now I have found out the cause of this hard- work- for- less, as follows:
Population of the U.S. ……………………. 150,000,000
People 65 years or older……………….….. 52,000,000
Balance left to work…………………………..98,000,000
People 21 years or younger……………….54,000,000
People working for the government.…21,000,000
Balance left to work……………………….23,000,000
People in armed forces…………………….10,000,000
Balance left to work………………………….13,000,000
People in state and city government…12,800,000
Balance left to work……………………………….200,000
People in hospitals, asylums, etc……………..26,000
Balance left to work…………………………………74,000
Bums and others refusing to work……………62,000
Balance left to work…………………………………12,000
Persons in jail……………………………………….….11,908
Balance left to work………………………………….……..2
Two? Just two. You and I – and you’d better get a wiggle on – I’m tired of doing all the work alone.
90 Years Ago – February 2, 1923
Rubye De Remer in “Pilgrims of the Night,” in six reels will be the picture at the opera house on Saturday evening.
Matrimony is presumed to pay good dividends, but often it doesn’t even cough up the interest.
If German marks keep on going down they will soon make an awful hole in the ground – or perhaps strike oil.
Mining appears to be picking up all over the country, due to increase in prices of copper, lead and zinc, and it looks as though the turning point has been reached for better times.
Get busy and provide yourself with a good income for 1923. The income tax collector wants it, and you should not disappoint him.
The county road from Apex to Elk Park has been shoveled out, and now teams can go through to American City. This is the first time the road has been open since November 4, 1922.
Died: In Central City, January 29, 1923, William Dickerson, aged 61 years.
Carload shipments of ore were made this week by leasers on the Druid Mine to the smelter at Leadville, loaded on the cars at Central City, a car from the Jupiter-St. Clair Mine, loaded at Black Hawk, for shipment to the same place, a car from the Wain Mine to the concentrator at Idaho Springs, and a carload from the Rara Avis property, also loaded at Black Hawk, for the smelter at Leadville.
Several members of the Thomas family, residing in Chase Gulch, are down with pneumonia.
In the two games of basketball, played last Saturday evening at the school gymnasium, between the local team and a team from Idaho Springs and the corresponding teams of the Gilpin County and the Idaho Springs high schools, both games were won by the Gilpin County teams.
Four inches of snow fell last Friday in Apex and the high wind of Saturday drifted the road so that it had be shoveled out. On Monday and Tuesday, the mail came through by auto.
120 Years Ago-February 3, 1893
Silver = 83 7/8; Lead = $3.80
A few days ago the water in the main shaft of the Buell Mine was lowered to a point below the 400 foot level and the debris at that level is now being removed.
January is invariably considered the dullest month of the year not only with the business men but also with the mill men. A trip through the stamp mills made this week convinced the reporter that the mining industry is far from being on the wane. The mills running all seemed to be pretty well supplied with ore, the only complaint met with being that of scarcity of water.
Last week, Mr. A. G. Elliott reached the 110 foot levels in the Harkaway Mine. The east level which is in 80 feet was badly caved in places, and it will require considerable time and outlay of money to clean it of the debris and retimber it. The level opposite is in the 110 feet level and shows a strong body of mill dirt and ore that is said to have yielded 3 ounces gold per cord when worked by the Valley View Mining Company.
The Corydon is turning out enough stamp mill ore daily to keep 25 stamps dropping. From Mr. Daniel Procunier, one of the oldest and most continuous residents of Hawkeye District, who was in from Wide Awake on Saturday, we learn that he has interested a number of Denver gentlemen with him in the Procunier Lode, which in an early day was known as the Wide Awake Lode, and relocated by him several years ago.
Mr. Sisty and a pool of men have a lease and bond on the Dew Drop and Mountain Chief mines on Tip Top Mountain. Development work on both properties will henceforth go forward more rapidly than ever.
Next to a funeral the saddest sight is to see an Italian eating macaroni, and ill-bred women eating grapes at a table d’hote.
The people of Clear Creek County have taken action on the proposed forest reserve, and have circulated petitions protesting against the establishment of such a reserve as proposed by Mr. Edgar T. Ensign.
Senator Henry C. Bolsinger came up from Denver Saturday evening and spent Sunday with his family in Nevadaville, returning in time to take his seat in the senate on Monday.
A Washington press dispatch under date of January 28, says: The small Colorado colony in Washington has been temporarily increased by the presence in the city of Mr. Hal Sayr, a prominent Denver mining man. Mr. Sayr’s wife is in very bad health. She has been under the care of Dr. Hammond at his sanitarium for some weeks and it is that draws Mr. Sayr to the capital. The doctor has notified Mr. Sayre that his wife must be removed to a different climate and so he has made all arrangements to spend the remainder of the winter in Cuba. Just when he will sail has not been determined.
Old time cut-and-dried parlor proposals are out of date. An Eurkea Street maid tells how she received and accepted a proposal a short time ago while whirling around in the maze of a “two-step” waltz at a social dance.
Now is the time to begin cleaning up the alleys. Spring will soon be here and the city should be placed in proper condition. Much sickness during the coming summer can in this way be averted. It is cheaper than doctor’s bills.
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” This truism is most aptly illustrated as you watch the old bachelor run a nail through his lace fringe on the upper border of his every-day overalls to hold up his lonely suspender.
The residence of Mr. John Chapman, near Casey Avenue, just below the Truan dwelling was quarantined last Sunday morning by order of the health office of the city, against scarlet fever.
The standing price for trimming Van Dyke beards has been fixed by the barbers at 25 cents.
Steve Cronin, having served out his sentence passed upon him by Judge Becker for assault, that of fifteen days in the county jail, was let out last Sunday. Sunday night he made himself quite obnoxious to the female inmates of one of the temples of illicit love on Pine Street. He was again arrested by Marshal Kelleher on Monday and fined $10 and costs. Not having any money, he was committed to the city cooler for 17 days.
Born: In Central City, February 1, 1893, to the wife of John Kruse, a son.
Born: In Russell Gulch, January 30, 1893, to the wife of John Clemmons, a daughter.
Born: In Nevadaville, January 31, 1893, to the wife of James Taylor, a daughter.
Born In Central City, January 18, 1893, to the wife of John Hoskin, a daughter.
Deacon John Ballard has sent a challenge to city clerk Robert Haight of Central City, to skate a five-mile race at the rink on Gregory Street.
The grammar and high school departments of the school have organized into two divisions for rhetorical exercises.
The tourist rate to Colorado common points will be $25 during the World’s Fair.
Thirty-two head of beef cattle – two cars – arrived in Black Hawk this morning, consigned to William Harvey and Henry Dennis of this city. The beeves were in good condition.
There was a perfect jam at the ice skating rink last Saturday evening, 85 skaters being engaged in skating at one time.
The anchor ice is raising old Ned along North Clear Creek. On Monday men were at work in cutting a water-way in the ice just above the Polar Star Stamp Mill. The overflow of water at that point promised to inundate the track of the railroad and tramway companies.
It is preposterous to look for sentiment in people who regard buckwheat cakes a breakfast.
135 Years Ago – January 26, 1893
We learn that this morning about 9:30 o’clock, the Humestown House at Idaho Springs, which changed hands yesterday, caught fire in the third story and was soon entirely destroyed. The fire also spread to Gaw’s Brewery and the dwellings adjoining, which were quickly consumed. There was no insurance as far as we could learn on any of the property.
Electric candles are the sensation in Paris. They emit no heat or smoke whatsoever, while in brilliancy they hold the same ration to gas and oil lamps as sun to moonlight, and the cost only one-fifteenth as much as gas. It is hailed as one of the greatest discoveries of the century.