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…)
Water World’s Belly Flop Splashdown
by Dave Gibson
“Yes, it hurts for a minute, yet the glory lasts a lifetime!” So says shallow water stunt diver Darren Taylor a.k.a. “Professor Splash” of Colorado who began his career diving at Casa Bonita in Denver. (more…)
Board Meeting Business
by Pam Deck
The Board Meeting for TFPD was called to order at 7:01 pm by President Chip Smith. It was a positive and full agenda with much good news for the residents of Gilpin and Boulder Counties. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the usual “Moment of Silence” for all fallen firefighters and police officers, and Roll Call, the meeting began. (more…)
Colorado Pioneers
By Maggie Magoffin
Oliver Feay was born February 22, 1838 in Fayette, County, Pennsylvania. His family relocated to Iowa in 1850. In 1859, he set out for Colorado to seek his fortune in the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. After camping along Ralston Creek for a time, he headed for the gold fields of Central City and Black Hawk. For the next year he prospected and mined in California Gulch where he and his partner discovered a rich lode of silver. However, like many others thinking the ore was lead, they discarded their find accordingly. (more…)
Highest Paved Road in North America
By Stacia Sellers
The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that Mount Evans Highway (CO 5) is officially open up to the summit of Mount Evans (14,264 feet). CDOT crews have been working diligently to have the road clear and safe for motorists in time for summer. (more…)