Construction progress on 23-story hotel and spa
By Diane Mulligan
Things are changing fast at Monarch Casino Black Hawk, and the casino is releasing the video to prove it! Monarch Casino just released a 30-second video time lapse showing a year’s worth of the building boom that will result in a new, 23-story hotel and spa. (more…)
Tuesday, December 26th
PRESS RELEASE – The Georgetown Loop Railroad went off the tracks and tipped onto its side during a passenger trip Tuesday afternoon.
Viewer Erin Doty said she was on the train with her parents, husband, and two kids for the ride with Santa. She says the trouble started just after the ride began for the 3:15 p.m. trip. (more…)
On I-70 at Hidden Valley and Hwy 93 from 64th Ave to Hwy 72
By Stacia Sellers
Travelers making their way along CO Highway 93 between 64th Avenue and CO Highway 72 will find they are guided by a section of illuminated roadway. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is using in-pavement LED lighting to enhance nighttime driving for travelers. (more…)
At December 19 meeting
By Jaclyn Schrock
The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners began their meeting on a clear crisp Tuesday, December 19, 2017. For the last time in 2017, they commenced Gilpin County business in the borrowed Central City Hall court room while renovation continue to refresh the Old Courthouse on Eureka Street in Central City. (more…)
December 8, 1938 – November 24, 2017
George Richard Snyder, age 78, passed away of heart failure at his home in Central City on Friday, November 24, 2017. George was proud to call Central City his home. His wife, family members, and many friends will miss him greatly for his friendship and his contributions to Gilpin County. (more…)
Colorado History – Part 3 of 3
By Maggie Magoffin
The Great Migration of the 1910s-1920s is often seen as a movement of African Americans from the South to the North, however it also resulted in the growth of black communities in the West, including Colorado. By the 1920s, Denver had a strong and vibrant black community centered on the Five Points neighborhood, which had several thousand black residents. (more…)
Movie review
By David Josselyn
The biggest movie event of 2017 happened last weekend; the opening of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Not only is it the biggest opening in ticket sales for 2017, it is also the second largest opening ever behind its predecessor, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” After the meandering storylines and childishness of the prequels, fans of the original trilogy were hungering for a return to the familiar Star Wars of their childhood and “The Force Awakens” delivered. Did “The Last Jedi” live up to expectations or was the Force not with it? (more…)
Great food and piles of presents for the kids
By David Josselyn
The Grinch’s heart grew two sizes, but there are some whose hearts just stay large all year long. Known for hosting fundraisers for people in need, owner and operator of Roy’s Last Shot in mid-county Gilpin, Roy and Barb Stewart, once again opened their doors and hearts to the community for their annual Community Christmas Party. A free buffet was served up to all who entered the fun and festive atmosphere, but more impressive was the piles of presents waiting for the children of the community. (more…)
Football update: three Gilpin boys make All-State
by Patty Unruh
Gilpin High School varsity and junior varsity teams made a clean sweep against the Lake County Panthers (LC) of Leadville last Saturday, December 16, in home team holiday hoops action. The Eagles’ boys’ JV defeated their opponents 43-29, and the girls’ JV steamrollered the Panthers 29-3 in non-league contests.
The season resumes after winter break when Gilpin teams meet Longmont Christian away on January 5. (more…)
Still searching for shooting range property – USFS property is out
By Jaclyn Schrock
A special meeting of Gilpin County Board of County Commissioner was held at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street during renovations to the Old Courthouse, 9 am Friday, December 15, 2017. All three County Commissioners were present for the meeting, Ron Engels, Gail Watson, and Linda Isenhart. County Manager Leslie Klusmire was not present, but County Attorney Jim Petrock and Deputy Clerk Sharon Cate were present.
This special meeting was scheduled primarily to adopt the 2018 County Budget, though two other major accomplishments were the approval of contracts to resurface the community pool, and the appointment of Interim Human Services Director Karen Erdman to manage through Betty Donovan’s retirement. (more…)
Council Busy with End of Year Business
By Jaclyn Schrock
The festive decorations at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk is a reminder that it is nearly the end of the year. The Black Hawk City Council approved the 2018 budget of $33 million at their regular 3 pm Wednesday meeting on December 13, 2017. The City’s mission is to progressively provide cost effective programs and services of the highest quality to the community. Black Hawk may have the smallest population of a city in Colorado, yet, they continue to provide excellent services for over 10,000 people during each week-end. (more…)
Council End of Year Business
By David Josselyn
Work Session
The Central City Council met with Staff on December 19, 2017 for a work session prior to the regular council meeting. Representatives from Crowd LTD talked to the City about the idea of rebranding Central City with a focus on tourism. Alderwoman Bell expressed concern that if they rebrand now, there would be too many empty buildings and its like promising something we could not deliver. Tod Hardin, Director of Client Services for Crowd LTD, listened to ideas and suggestions from both Council and attendees. (more…)
Pension Plan on Solid Ground
By Pam Deck
The Monthly Board Meeting and Quarterly Pension Board Meeting on December 12, 2017 had an abundance of positive news. President Chip Smith called the meeting to order promptly at 7 pm at Station #5 in Black Hawk. In attendance were VP Chris Samuelson and Treasurer Carol Tucker along with Chief Paul Ondr and Jennifer Hinderman.
The meeting started with congratulating firefighter Kris Chupka, who was awarded his “Black Helmet” for completing State Fire Fighter 1, HAZMAT operations, Wildland, and EMT Basic certifications. The Chief’s update stated that Timberline responded to 47 calls in November which was the fewest calls for a month in years. (more…)
Eagles boys give the Mustangs a run for their money
by Patty Unruh
Lady Eagles Upset Mustangs
The Gilpin girls’ varsity basketball team was not expected to win against the West Grand Mustangs (Kremmling) in home non-league play last Thursday, December 7. But win they did, 42-36, fulfilling one of the team goals of getting at least one upset this season. Head Coach Jeff Schuessler said the victory was especially satisfying for the seniors, who had not won a game against these rivals in the last three years. This brings the Lady Eagles’ early season record to 1-2 overall. West Grand stands at 1-4. (more…)
Movie Review
By David Josselyn
What happens when you cross Quentin Tarantino’s respect for odd history and William Steig’s “Shrek”? You get Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.” The analogy is not great, because “Shrek” is full-on comedy parody whereas Water is intended to be neither, but it makes you wonder. Del Toro’s new movie has all the artsy elements of an Oscar contender, but can it keep its shape through the film or does its missteps not hold water? (more…)
Gilpin girls fulfill goal to serve the community
by Patty Unruh
Soup’s on!
Members of the Gilpin High School girls’ basketball team dished out a hearty variety of chili and soup to our area first responders on December 8 in the school cafeteria. The tasty meal was the team’s way to connect with local firefighters, law enforcement, and ambulance personnel and to say a big “THANK YOU!” for their service to Gilpin County. (more…)