Open for the Summer
by Pam Deck
Overlooking the City of Central and Black Hawk stands a large stone building. At 228 1st High Street (appropriately named) is the Gilpin History Museum. This 3-story building is only open in the summer because when the building was built, originally a school house, there was no indoor heating other than fireplaces. It is now open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm until Labor Day. (more…)
For fresh local food
by Dave Gibson
On every second Sunday of the month, a farmers market is held at the Jeff Guercio Memorial Ball Field in Nederland next to Barker Reservoir. Take advantage of this convenient opportunity to stock up on delicious Colorado-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, eggs, pickles, jams, and homemade baked goods. Amusements for the kids and a live band complete the scene, while there are many options for quenching your thirst with a refreshing natural drink. (more…)
Now Open Every Day from 10-6
by Pam Deck
People from all over the world come to the Visitor Center to see what this area is all about. This year some new “old” photos were added and categorized on its walls. Local resident and historian, Eric Miller, of the Gilpin Historical Society, displays many of his “one of a kind” historical photos and memorabilia. He has created a new “old” look for the Center. (more…)
Sunday, July 9th
By Jaclyn Morrow
The 158th Anniversary and Homecoming Celebration was a joyous occasion for St. James United Methodist Church, 123 Eureka Street in Central City. The traditional yellow roses were in full bloom for the occasion and the festive cake, punch and tables perpetuated that same yellow tradition. The masses of blossoms on the old bushes outside the church are said to have come from Cornwall England. Many transplants and cuttings found throughout homes in the area kept that hopeful color obvious. Many of the attendees in the upstairs sanctuary dressed in Victorian attire in honor of the original members of the church. The St. James United Methodist Church is recognized as the longest continual Protestant Church to still hold regular services in Colorado. (more…)
Movie Review
By David Josselyn
The Spider has come home to Marvel Studios after a long run with Sony Studios, in part due to the absolute disaster of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” So now, Marvel Studios, those putting out box-office smash one after the other, has taken the web and by all signs, created another well-loved movie. (more…)
Flower or weed? It’s not just in the eye of the beholder
by Patty Unruh
I’ve lived in the mountains for 20-plus years, but I still falter when it comes to telling the difference between real wildflowers and weeds. After all, weeds can be pretty, and doesn’t that make them flowers? So I went to the CSU Extension’s class entitled, “Noxious Weeds of Gilpin County and How to Control Them,” presented at the Gilpin County Fair Barn on Saturday, July 8 by Irene Shonle. (more…)
At the Denver Convention Center
by Dave Gibson
For the last six years in Colorado, Halloween comes twice; once on October 31st and again during Denver’s Comic Con at the end of June.
Of the hundred thousand or so guests that attended, many were in costume – or in Comic Con-speak, cosplay (costume play). The characters seen covered the comic book, movie, television, and video gaming worlds while some just made up their own superhero. (more…)
Council meets for special session
By David Josselyn
Work Session
The Central City Council met with Staff on June 29, 2017, for a work session prior to a special council meeting. Mike Garner with Michael Baker International presented the Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Master Plan to the Council for their decision to either go forward to public forum or to rework it before handing it over to a vote. One hundred percent of the funding for the plan came from a grant awarded to the City for this purpose. The plan covers more than 100 “what if” disaster scenarios from economic collapse to wildfires and the City’s response to them in the short, medium, and long terms to ensure the City will survive. (more…)
Black Hawk Acquires Open Space Property; Awards Parking Structure Contract
By Jaclyn Morrow
Once past the construction zone with frequent single lane traffic this summer on Gregory Street, we continued uphill to 211 Church Street, where Black Hawk City Council gathered for their regular meeting, Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Proud City Manager and “Grandpa” Jack Lewis introduced his Army family from NC: Captain Major Nate White, daughter Gracie, Warien, Jeremiah, and infant to the Council members. (more…)
Bizet’s powerful and tragic opera about the seductive gypsy and her lust for love and freedom
By Janet Braccio
Central City Opera opens its 85th summer festival with Georges Bizet’s Carmen, running in repertory from July 8 through August 6, in the historic 550-seat opera house in Central City. (more…)
A Colorado Pioneer
By Maggie Magoffin
Born September 2, 1830 in Roanoke Count, Virginia, Matt France was one of eight children born to John and Mary (McCullough) Frantz. Matt attended private schools and completed his education at Botetourt Springs Academy in Virginia. (more…)
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…)
Fun for the entire family
By Randy Beaudette
What better way to enjoy Father’s Day than to participate in the annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby at the William C. Russel Park and Pond. The event this year was sponsored by Gilpin County Parks and Recreation, The City of Central, and Central City Elks Lodge – providing burgers and hot dogs, along with prizes donated by Cabela’s. (more…)