by Dawne Belloise

As Robert Burns wrote, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” but for former local and town planner Myles Rademan, and the eventual population of Crested Butte, the scheme seems to have worked out well in the long-run since its inception in 1973.

Sure there are those who would argue that the directionless post-mining Crested Butte with its dirt streets, dilapidated housing and pothole celebrations was far more desirable than the rising glitz and lack of local housing that the town seems to be moving toward these days.

In fact, Rademan will be talking about this expanded topic, “Crested Butte vs. the Real World: Resort Towns’ Challenging Future,” as the keynote speaker for Crested Butte Public Policy Forum on Wednesday, July 1, at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m., and it’s a free event.

Rademan feels returning to Crested Butte yearly is like coming home for him, although he laughs, “I didn’t exactly grow up here because I’m not sure I’ve grown up.” The septuagenarian reiterates the mantra of most who at one time or another lived or remain here. Like John Denver, Rademan says he was born in the summer of his twenty-seventh year, when he came home to a place he’d never been before. He made Crested Butte his home for 15 years from 1972.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rademan attended Temple University, earning a degree in history and political science. He moved to New York City to study law and urban planning at NYU, getting his dual degrees in 1969 and moving to Colorado right after that, because, he says, of a certain “pied piper” named Skip Chase, a professor of law at CU Boulder who was traveling the country in 1969 to recruit young, idealistic lawyers.

Chase “showed up in a plaid shirt with a slide show of the Rockies and really good grass. He recruited a whole bunch of us to work for Colorado Legal Services but I was finishing up my last year for a masters in urban planning,” he says of his credentials.

Then as Rademan was preparing for his move west Chase told him about a job opportunity as a community planner with the city of Denver. “I was hired on the spot and worked there from 1970 to 1972,” but Rademan grins and adds proudly, “I created so much havoc. I sued the city, which they thought was like biting the hand that feeds you, but I was suing on behalf of Denver’s west-side neighborhood, for Chicanos, because we didn’t think they were getting their fair share of the municipal services. It woke them [the city of Denver] up, and they didn’t reapply for the program that was funding me. They were very happy to see me go.”

“Most of the people I associated with were part of this group of Colorado Legal Services,” Rademan says, explaining that those lawyers worked mostly in rural areas, in little communities around the state. “Once a month we’d have a meeting and get crazy at my house in Denver. Some of them knew how to ski, which I didn’t know how to do, and a few of them had purchased a house in Crested Butte. Gerry Reese, who later became the Gunnison county judge, had purchased Cement Creek Ranch. This was happening in the early ‘70s and what happened was, my wife, who was tired of me and Denver, moved up to Crested Butte in the summer of 1972. I was still finishing up my job in Denver.”

A hippie heads to the butte

So with Rademan’s wife bolting and his Denver job ended, Reese convinced Rademan to consider Crested Butte and told him, “You should come up because there’s been this election and the hippies took over from the old timers.”

Rademan explained this was back when David Leinsdorf and Bill Crank organized a voter registration and got themselves voted in to a council newly rife with the town’s newcomers. “Gerry [Reese] said they may be able to use my help. I arrived July 4, 1972 and went to meet Mayor Bill Crank. I knocked on the door and this guy with long hair and long beard answered and said, ‘Who are you?’ I also had long hair and a long beard and I presented myself to Crank.”

Shortly thereafter, Rademan met Steve Glazer, who was writing a federal grant to get planning for the town. “Jim Kuziak, an architect who was partners with Eric Roemer, was building Penelope’s [a long-gone favorite Crested Butte restaurant] greenhouse. “I saw these two hippies up on the greenhouse roof and yelled up. I told them I was a planner. Kuziak said, ‘That’s great, I don’t know sh*t about planning.’ He had a friend engineer coming, Bruce Bumgartener.”

As Rademan was tying up loose ends in Denver, Crank called to say the town had been awarded the planning grant of $6,000 and Rademan packed up and headed back to the Butte in December 1972 to start a planning firm, named BKR (Bumgartener, Kuziak and Rademan), and to reunite with his wife.

“I was in charge of words, Kuziak was in charge of pictures, and Bumgartener was in charge of numbers,” Rademan smiles.

They laid down the foundation of what was to become the present-day town concept in Crested Butte’s first master plan.

The original plan, Rademan relates, called for basic amenities. “We have to start a fire district—it had been a volunteer fire department with a hose on wheels that they pulled by hand, and whose motto was, ‘We never lost a lot.’ We have to preserve the history and the environment. Bruce and I wrote the first grant for the historic district, which we formed.”

High on the list was upgrading the physical facilities—water, sewer, streets, and gutters, Rademan says. “We started to fix things up. We talked about diversifying the economy, working on developing festivals, providing diverse housing opportunities with alley housing, auxiliary buildings, reorganizing the government, and we wrote a municipal charter for the town, becoming a Home Rule municipality. We also recommended encouragement of citizen participation. And we actually started doing all that.”

What they recommended back in 1973 was based on the fact that the economy had failed for mining.

“A lot of people hung on but the middle-aged population of 30 and 40-year-olds had left. Ranching families stayed, some of the miners with pensions stayed, but it was a ghost town from the old photos—but there was a bunch of young hippies. We were able to revitalize the town.”

Wild and wooly

Rademan tells of a riff his neighbor had with him. “My next door neighbor was Tony Verzuh, who hated me and threatened to kill me all the time because I was a ‘socialist hippie planner.’ I had to sleep with a gun for seven years!” he laughs. “The marshal gave me that gun because Verzuh threatened me at every meeting,” Rademan smiles, shaking his head, but it was serious enough that he went target practicing a lot. “Those were the wild wooly days here.”

After they wrote the master plan, which included Cement Creek because they realized the importance of open space and that Crested Butte’s future also depended on its valley and sustainability, Crank and Rademan, with their beards and long hair, presented the plan to the Gunnison County commissioners.

“I did a slide show for it and after we did the show, Rocky Warren [one of the commissioners] looked at us and said, ‘Boys, come up here…’ so we walked up to the front dais and he’s looking down at us and says, “You know what happens when you cross a hippie planner and a hippie mayor—you f*ck things up ten years in advance.” Rademan still laughs heartily recalling that.

As with any change in town, there’s bound to be dissent and opposition. “The first thing that hit home with people was when we decided to pave Elk Avenue,” Rademan tells. “Elk Ave was a dirt street. That was the reason we all had klunkers, because there were no paved streets. We didn’t do much plowing back then, we did a minimal amount of stuff,” he says of the town’s thin coffers.

“Part of the plan was to upgrade physical facilities and we said early on that we have to get in bed with the ski area because that’s our economic engine. Our future was in tourism. There was a big cultural divide between the ski area and town—the ski area was pro-growth and town was more sustainable thinking, more environmental and not as pro-growth. We felt we should do something with Elk because it was a mess and how were we going to attract anyone to come here?”

Rademan applied for a grant to the Economic Development Administration of the federal government. He explains, “We convinced them that Elk Avenue was, in essence, our factory and we wanted to fix up Elk for the bicentennial, as a national historic district. Our economic development was our street. They bought it, and approved a $280,000 grant… that’s when the fun started… because then we included sidewalks and a green strip between the sidewalk and the street.

“The whole project turned into a battle cry that we were trying to Aspenize Crested Butte. People were opposed to change and they said it was going to ruin our town, and for them, it did. They left. A ‘Save the Baby Potholes’ group formed… they’d hold signs up at meetings,” he chuckles, but adds in seriousness, “People were angry about change. It was very controversial. In that Fourth of July parade Crank and I dressed up as the green strip, we wrapped ourselves in green toilet paper. I liked the town the way it was, but would anyone still be living here if we hadn’t fixed it up? I spent seven years fighting Amax. Some of these things don’t go away, but these are the last great places. We create magical places that are oases, bubbles, unique but they also function in an international and national economy and our country was founded on individual rights to change. Nobody has figured out how to suspend the law of economics—if something is scarce it’s valuable, if something is valuable it’s expensive and if it’s expensive only rich people can afford to buy it.”

The importance of community

In the hippie era of the beginnings of the modern town, CB was affectionately known as The People’s Republic of Crested Butte, tongue-in-cheek, but Rademan emphasizes, “Community is very important. Affordable housing is very socialistic and as Nietzsche once said, ‘Courage in the face of reality’—sometimes you have to stare reality in the face and then you act. In order to keep that idyllic setting you have to take out your checkbook—if you want certain things, you pay for it. You subsidize the things you want to keep.”

Rademan moved to Park City in 1986, citing asthma and better schooling for his son, in addition to the fact that he was not making enough to support his family as a town planner, so he took a job as a planner in another resort town.

Now, he’s a keynote speaker about resort town planning and growth, traveling nationally and internationally. He’s also served as the director of information for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and is on the board of the Park City Community Foundation. He currently serves on the Park City chamber board and the Utah Ski and Snowboard Association. Rademan still runs his own consulting company.

“I don’t look back with any regrets,” he says of his tenure in Crested Butte. “We lost a lot of battles but still, when I come back here, I don’t know a lot of resort towns that look like Crested Butte.

“It’s the community, it’s the people attracted to here. Obviously, it’s changed and will continue to change. It’s hard to stop growth. Most of our towns suffer from a cognitive dissonance disorder, when you hold mutual exclusive values and ideas simultaneously and then try to get your brain to come to grips with them. Yeah, we all love it the way it is but like the King of Hearts [a classic early 1970s movie that reflected a perceived Buttian way of life, and shown at the Princess Theatre at least twice yearly], the real world is swirling around us and intruding on our bubble—and guess what—there’s no cure. Crested Butte has done a wonderful job of taking the foundation we laid and going way beyond anything I could have imagined. Every time I come back I am thoroughly amazed and delighted.”

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY is hiring.  Potential for housing. Seeking a conscientious, responsible, motivated person. Year-round position of 15 to 25 flexible hours weekly. Duties include landscaping, snow removal, handy man type projects, property inspections, etc. Excellent pay. September 1 or sooner. Please call or text 970-596-9333.  (9/20/46).

CB NORDIC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Nordic Center Staff: Are you passionate about winter and customer service? Join our rental, service, and retail team. We’re hiring Associates, Night Shift Associates, and Service Technicians. —Magic Meadows Yurt Staff: We’re seeking Yurt Supervisors, Guides/Servers, Dishwashers, and Bistro Staff. Provide fine dining for customers in a beautiful backcountry setting. —CB Nordic Team Coaching Staff: We have many opportunities from kindergarten through middle school, nordic to biathlon and backcountry, after-school programs and Ski 4 PE. All positions include a Nordic Season Pass, staff discounts on merchandise, events, programs, and dining. Find more information at cbnordic.org/employment.  (9/27/101).

GUNNISON WATERSHED SCHOOL DISTRICT CBCS-Mini Bus Driver, CBES-Permanent Substitute, CBES-General EA, CBES-SPED EA, School Psychologist, SPED Teacher-GHS, Special Education EA-Significant Needs-GCS, Food Service-CBCS, Bus Drivers, Substitute Teachers. COACHING-Asst. Volleyball coach-GMS, Asst. MS Girls’ Basketball-CBMS.GHS-Asst. Girls’ Basketball, GHS-Rock Climbing.  Please contact: Superintendent’s Office, JoAnn Klingsmith, 800 N. Boulevard. 970.641.7760 jklingsmith@gunnisonschools.net.  (9/20/50).

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS DRIVER JOIN OUR TEAM – PAID CDL TRAINING!  Mountain Express is looking to recruit drivers for immediately available shifts.  We will offer CDL training at an outside CDL training agency, as well as a sign-on bonus!  Starting wage is $22.60/hr.  If you already have a CDL, please apply too!  Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit.  Drivers are responsible for safe transport and friendly assistance of passengers on our bus route. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp.org to apply and for a complete Job Description visit mtnexp.org. EOE.  (9/20/95).

GUNNISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Housing is held for Gunnison County employees and may be available for you to rent* Public Health Nurse II – Substance Abuse Prevention HHS: 20 hours/week, hourly rate range from $33.79 to $41.08, plus partial benefits. Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $70,288 to $99,422 plus full benefits. Heavy Equipment Operator Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, hourly range from $22.91 to $30.77 plus full benefits. Building & Environmental Health Inspector and/or Building & Environmental Health Inspector/Plans Examiner Community Development: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $63,162 to $99,422 depending on experience, plus full benefits. Juvenile Services Facilitator I & II Juvenile Services: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, hourly pay range is $27.03 – $30.36, plus full benefits. Bilingual English and Spanish Speaking (Required). Family Support Manager Juvenile Services: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, monthly pay rate is $6,581.00, plus full benefits. Family Support Partner Juvenile Services: Part-Time, 20 hours/week, starting hourly pay rate is $21.82, plus partial benefits. Planner Technician & Planner I Community Development: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, the annual salary range is from $56,215 to $76,786 plus full benefits. Deputy Emergency Manager/Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Emergency Management: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, monthly pay range is $6,209.00 to $7,070.00, plus full benefits. Administrative Assistant – Permitting/Job Costing Public Works: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, hourly pay range is $27.03 to $30.77, plus full benefits. For more information, including complete job descriptions, required qualifications and application instructions, please visit www.GunnisonCounty.org/jobs.  (9/20/254).

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY is hiring an Annual Giving Coordinator: Full-time, salaried ($55k-$60k). Leads annual fundraising, Fall Appeals, and Mountaineer Gives Day. Learn more and apply at western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers.  (9/20/34).

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Living Journeys, a local non-profit that provides community cancer support is hiring a full-time Development Director to assist with the organization’s rapid growth. This position will help set the organization’s strategic fundraising agenda to achieve revenue goals. If you are passionate about  helping people in our community, have experience running projects to success, and leading a dynamic team, we want to hear from you. Bring your expertise to our thriving organization where your skills will make a difference.  This position offers a competitive salary and more. To learn more, go to livingjourneys.org. To apply, please email your resume, cover letter and three references to info@livingjourneys.org by September 30, 2024.  (9/20/112).

FOREVER OUR RIVERS is hiring a Grant Program Lead. Our mission is to restore rivers throughout the Southwest. This is a part-time position with opportunity for growth. Excellent writing skills required. Learn more at ForeverOurRivers.org/careers.  (9/27/36).

STUDIO WEST is hiring a designer assistant. Must be reliable, know CAD,  and be comfortable on job sites. Saturdays-Wednesdays, 10-6. Call 970-349-7550 or send resume toaccounts@studiowestcb.com.  (9/20/27).

EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Local Crested Butte-born, residential construction company, growing regional, Excellent pay. Text/Call 970-596-1131.  (9/27/19).

ARE YOU INTERESTED in telling visitors where to go and what to do or where NOT to go and what NOT to do? The CB/Mt CB Visitors Center has an opening for an Information Specialist. The Info Specialist connects the visitors and the community. They welcome visitors and share details on local businesses, hiking, biking, events, where to go and what to do. They manage the visitor experience, helping visitors see the value in sustainable recreation and preserving the Gunnison Valley. Pay range: $17 – $22 per hour. Shifts: typically 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exact hours and days worked: flexible. To apply: https://business.cbchamber.com/jobs/ or stop by the Chamber for more info.  (9/20/113).

JOIN OUR TEAM at Paradise Lawn & Snow! We are seeking motivated team members to join our busy lawn care service crew. Duties include gardening, mowing, leaf removal and general lawn maintenance, as well as irrigation installation, repair and maintenance. Servicing all of Crested Butte. Competitive employment packages and year-round hours available. Contact: Ted Greeney (508) 364-6636 ted@paradisecb.com.  (9/20/58).

REACTIVE ADAPTATIONS www.reactiveadaptations.com) needs part-time and possibly FULL time help building offroad handcycles starting mid to late September. We are currently taking applications/resumes.  No experience necessary, I’ll teach you.  Possible tasks include light fabrication including but not limited to cutting & prepping steel tube, lathe and mill machining.  Other tasks include boxing/palletizing bikes for shipping, bike assembly and helping a guy in a wheelchair (me) with misc tasks around the shop.  Ability to use power tools safely is a plus.  Flexible hours between 8-530.  $20-30 per hour DOE, willingness to learn & take on responsibility, etc. Email resume to reactiveadaptations@gmail.com.  (9/20/101).

ELEVEN EXPERIENCE is looking for a qualified mechanic to help service our Colorado vehicle fleet as well as a variety of other equipment. This position requires the ability to work in challenging environments with high physical demands and potentially long days. A minimum of 3 years mechanical experience preferred. We’re looking for a hard working team player with attention to detail, good communication skills, and a strong desire to provide superior guest experience. CPR/First Aid certified and ability to ride snowmobile preferred, training provided for otherwise qualified applicants. Clean motor vehicle record mandatory. More information about our company can be found at elevenexperience.com. Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@elevenexperience.com.  (9/27/113).

BLACK TIE SKI RENTALS is hiring for 1 FT Reservation Manager, 1 PT Reservation Agent, and 2 FT Rental Techs. Great crew. Great pay. Ski 6 days a week. Send resume to roman@blacktiecrestedbutte.com.  (9/20/34).

LAVISH A women’s & baby boutique is looking for flexible, part-time sales help. Retail experience is great but not required. Must be available weekends and/or evenings. A huge plus if available through the Winter. Working toward management is a possibility if desired. Contact Melanie at info@lavishcb.com or stop by 234 Elk Ave. with resume & references.  (9/20/56).

CARPENTER WANTED for small construction company in Crested Butte South. Minimum 2 years experience, tools, and vehicle are required. Pay is dependent on experience, $30/hour minimum. Please send resume and at least 3 references to skipbestbuilder@gmail.com or call Skip at 970-930-7119, or Clay at 303-810-9045.  (9/20/47).

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER HIRING CARPENTERS Seaking full time employees with framing/ general carpenty skills. Excellent pay based on experience. Email resume to michaelrluna@gmail.com or call 720-341-6790.  (9/20/27).

THE CLUB AT CRESTED BUTTE is hiring a full-time seasonal Ski Valet Manager, compensation range is $25-$27/hr DOE. Employee benefits include employee discounts and ski storage at the base area. For more information or to apply, please visit theclubatcrestedbutte.com.  (9/27/41).

ELEVEN EXPERIENCE is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Snowcat Driver to drive guests to and from town as well as around our cat ski terrain in our various snowcats. This role is responsible for safely operating our fleet of snowcats and various on/off road vehicles to support the company’s backcountry cat ski operation while providing a high level of hospitality to our guests. The Snowcat Driver will work closely with all Eleven Experience and Irwin Guides departments to ensure smooth daily operations as well as an amazing guest experience. This position requires Salomon binding certification, CPR/1st Aid, limo driver certificate and clean MVR. The ideal candidate will have Snowcat operating experience and snowmobile experience preferred. This position starts at $240 per day plus tips, depending on experience and qualifications. No housing is provided for this position. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers/ or call (970) 397-5418.  (9/20/152).

LOCAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY hiring for multiple positions. Seeking applicants for seasonal and year round positions. Garden and lawn care experience is a plus, but not required. Clean driving record preferred. Pay is $20 – $35/hour DOE. Please send resumes and inquiries to crestedbutteinfo@gmail.com.  (9/20/45).

THE HIGHLY RESPECTED and award winning King Systems – Crested Butte, Colorado office is looking to add new team members to our staff. Must enjoy all 4 seasons and be able to travel. Audio Video Technician: We’re searching for a couple of full time Audio/Video Technicians to provide onsite installation services and support of basic to complex audio and video systems for our residential and commercial based clientele. These are entry level positions and you will be trained as necessary. Skills/Qualifications: Applicants must possess a high level of integrity and be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills. Experience in the AV industry is preferred but not required. Construction experience is also considered a plus. Crestron and or Control4 experience is desired but not necessary. In order for you to be considered you must submit professional references and a resume. Must provide your own tools. Some specialty tools will be provided as needed. Must be able to provide identification and pass a criminal background check. A valid Driver’s License is a requirement. Please submit resumes to nicci.moralez@kingsystemsllc.com.  (9/20/178).

THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS is hiring Event & Security Staff to help execute our performing, visual, culinary, and literary arts and rental events on the ground at our facility. Join our team of creative professionals working to bring art and community together year round. All levels of experience and availability are invited to apply. $20-$25/hour DOE. Email resume to paul@crestedbuttearts.org. by 11/1/2024. Visit crestedbuttearts.org/about/employment/ for more info.  (9/20/72).

PFISTERS HANDWORKS/POOHS/ALLEY HATS Come help us out … great job opportunity. We offer in town housing if needed. Looking for one person or couple to help us run our stores. Retail experience preferred but will train. Don’t miss out on this job. Full-time preferred or part-time. Fun work place.  pfistershandworks@yahoo.com for application or resume. Call Scott 970-275-0346.  (9/20/59).

FULL BENEFITS INCLUDING RETIREMENT PLAN: Pitas in Paradise is hiring full time positions at both CB and Gunni locations. Email resume to pitasinparadise@gmail.com or stop by in person.  (9/20/29).

LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE is hiring one more amazing teacher to complete our team! Looking for someone who truly loves working with kids, is patient and kind, has a flexible schedule, is hardworking and reliable, and a team player! This position is part to full time and has some time with infants and toddlers and some time with 3-4 year olds. Come be a part of this rewarding career with awesome pay, benefits and a stable year round full time job. Please submit resume via email to Jessica at lilredschoolhouse1@gmail.com.  (9/20/90).

TIMBERLINE MECHANICAL is looking for a cleaner to clean the shop located in Riverbend once a week.  Please call 970-349-5679 or email info@timberlinemech.com.  (10/11/24).

PRECISE PAINTING IS HIRING PAINTERS: Seasonal or Year-round full-time. Must be willing to commit for at least Spring/Summer/Fall. Pay starts at $22/hr for inexperienced candidates, more with experience. 4 or 4.5 day work week, earn PTO, raises come quickly, opportunity for benefits. Happy to train the right people! Call Rob at 970-509-0851.  (9/20/55).

ONLINE SALES AND OPERATIONS MANAGER Back at the Ranch is seeking an experienced sales and customer service individual to oversee our website and process online orders. This position is approximately 30-35 hours/week and salaried with commissions and bonuses. The hours for this position are flexible but half must be in our physical Gunnison store, working with our product, salespeople and photographing items. Pay depends on experience. Duties include adding, removing, and editing products and categories on the site, performing general site maintenance, processing orders, processing claims, fielding customer phone calls and questions, shipping items, photographing new product, working with 3 rd party digital marketing companies, and analyzing site performance. Knowledge of WordPress is required, sales and customer service experience required. Email resume to backatranch.office@gmail.com.  (9/20/126).

PEAK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND SALES is looking for new cleaners to join our team. We are a busy property management company that offers year round work. Must be organized, detail oriented, able to multi-task, work unsupervised, and able to work weekends and holidays. Your own transportation is needed along with good communication skills. Wage DOE. Please submit resumes to info@peakcb.com or call 970-349-6339.  (9/20/64).

THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER is seeking a Program Manager to help the organization continue to grow and thrive. Work for a local non-profit that provides therapeutic adventure-based programming for people with disabilities, their friends and family members.  Join a fast-paced, professional team in a state-of-the-art facility in the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area.  ASC has been rated Outside Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Work many years in a row. The Program Manager is responsible for consistently facilitating high quality daily operations, managing volunteers and seasonal staff, scheduling, participant record keeping, and other key aspects of program management for the Adaptive Sports Center.  The Program Manager provides and sets the stage for outstanding customer service for clients and oversees many critical aspects of programming oriented public engagement for the organization. With support from the Program Director and Assistant Program Director, the Program Manager serves as the lead program operations and instructor supervisor in their absence. This position is year round and exempt. Salary range is $54,400 – $62,500 plus a competitive benefits package including 401(k), Paid Time Off and Holidays, Health Insurance Reimbursement, Season Pass, Ski/Equipment Locker, Professional Licenses/Certification Reimbursement. Estimated annual benefit value starting at an addition of $13,200. Currently accepting applications. Desired start date November 1st or until the position is filled. To apply, submit a letter of interest, resume, and references to Elizabeth Philbin, Assistant Program Director, elizabeth@adaptivesports.org and Chris Read, Program Director, cread@adaptivesports.org. Subject Line: “Program Manager.”  The Adaptive Sports Center is an inclusive organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer. For full job description and more information visit www.adaptivesports.org/about-us/careers.  (9/27/269).

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY is hiring a Director of Development. Full-time, salaried ($65k-$72k). Secures major gifts along Colorado’s Front Range, supports Athletics and the Mountaineer Gala. Learn more and apply visit at western.edu/jobs and click on “View Careers.  (9/20/39).

THE ICELAB IS SEEKING A PROGRAM MANAGER This role will work closely with the ICELab Director to further the mission of the ICELab in creating more high paying jobs in Gunnison Valley. They will work hands-on to improve the coworking space and provide a high level of customer support and service. They will take ownership of organizing small and large events to promote economic development both locally and at regional industry events. All details can be found at https://gunnisoncrestedbutte com/industry/careers.  (9/20/83).

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TREES & LANDSCAPING is looking to add some Landscape and Maintenance Team Members to help finish out our 40th summer season. Come join a team who’s deeply rooted in the Gunnison valley. Visit https://rockymountaintrees.com/employment/ to view positions.  (9/20/40).

CHILDREN’S ART TEACHER WANTED ‘Work at the most creative place in town! The Trailhead Children’s Museum is looking to hire 1-2 art teachers for its 3-5 year old art program. Programs begin August 27 and continue through May 2025. Experience with young children required, art experience preferred. We are looking for reliable, compassionate, creative individuals. 5-20 hours a week, flexible schedule. Pay $19-21/hour depending on experience.  (9/20/pd/67).

FULL OR PART-TIME MAINTENANCE POSITION Alpine Getaways is seeking a full or part-time maintenance tech to perform basic duties. Full-time employees may receive health benefits. $25-$30 per hour DOE. Please contact Erik at erik@alpinegetaways.com or call 970-349-0539.  (9/20/39).

PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS is hiring Medical Receptionist for our Crested Butte and Gunnison locations! We are looking for a kind and organized person to provide a great first impression to our patients.  Full or part-time options may be available.   $25+/hr commensurate with experience. Send resume to office@pinnacleorthocolorado.com.  (9/20/48).

THE MT. CRESTED BUTTE WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a full-time Wastewater Operator to be part of a team environment focused on the operations of the wastewater plant and collection system for Mt. Crested Butte. Qualifications for the position include construction experience, the ability to work outdoors, prepare and analyze lab responsibilities, and experience with electrical, mechanical and maintenance repairs. A State of Colorado Collections and/or Wastewater license or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is mandatory (training for certifications provided). Operators will be required to take on-call responsibility including select weekends and holidays. A valid Colorado driver’s license is required, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred at hiring or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year is required.  Starting salary is $53,100 to $59,500 for entry level. $58,000 to $75,000 salary available for operators/electricians with experience and appropriate state licenses. Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms, and a wellness benefit/ski pass. Full job description is available at www.mcbwsd.com. Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225, or email info@mcbwsd.com. Position is open until filled. MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  (9/20/249).

IRWIN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDES is seeking an experienced Winter Guide to provide consistent high-quality guiding and hospitality to guests while managing all associated risks. This role is responsible for winter guiding, snow safety, and Lead Guide duties, and will work closely with Experience Managers to coordinate weekly and daily logistics with guests and the Irwin Guides office. This position will also work closely with the Guide Operations Manager with sales and marketing ideas, product development, training preparation, market research, snow and avalanche research, and other projects as needed. This position requires Pro1 Avalanche certification or equivalent, and CPR & first aid certification (WFR, OEC, or EMT). The ideal candidate will have a Type 1 blaster in charge explosives permit, and Pro 2 avalanche certification, as well as AMGA certifications. This part time, seasonal position starts at $180 – $300/day, depending on experience and qualifications. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers.  (9/20/152).

THE HIDEOUT Join Our Team for the Fall/Winter Season! We’re hiring: Servers – $14.42/hr + tips, Host – $18/hr + tips, Cooks – Based on experience 18-25 + tips. Requirements: Minimum 1 year of experience. How to Apply: Visit our website: hideoutcb.com or email your resume to: Dave.hideout@gmail.com.  (11/22/46).

JOIN THE KINDNESS TEAM IN TOWN Favor The Kind Crested Butte is hiring part-time sales associates for the fall! Please email your resume to mallory@favorthekind.com to apply.  (9/20/28).

EXPERIENCED LEAD CARPENTERS NEEDED in Crested Butte. Local Crested Butte-born, residential construction company, growing regional, Excellent pay. Text/Call 512-947-7797.  (9/27/20).

THE CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION is seeking part-time parks and maintenance personnel. This position is responsible for maintenance activities for all association grounds, equipment, buildings, and fields.  Work will include general maintenance of all kinds, including ice maintenance, grooming the Nordic track, weeding, mowing, painting, landscaping, and cleaning of buildings and locker rooms.  Applicant must be able to work in adverse weather conditions, lift heavy objects, and work independently with little supervision. This is an hourly position that assumes a 20 hour workweek, flexible scheduling is available.  Pay will be $22-$24 per hour DOE.  Please email Derek Harwell, poamanager@cbsouth.net with a letter off interest or call 970-349-1162.  (9/20/111).

FRANK’S DELI needs these positions. Front of the house people, Enjoy fast paced work environment, friendly customer service, morning and afternoon shifts available. Prep cooks, food handling and knife skills helpful. Dishwasher Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays. Frank’s Deli located in Crested Butte come by for an application or call 970-209-3928.  (9/20/50).

TOP TIER CONSTRUCTION is hiring roofers and roof laborers. No experience necessary. Will train. Competitive pay. 970-209-2918.  (9/20/17).

HIRING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HELPER Handy person/someone to get the job done. Building maintenance and repairs/ odd jobs/ handy person/ some wood rot repair work/ some painting/ snow removal in the winter.  Ground shoveling with a roof shoveling side hustle. Roof snow removal paid more per hour.  Work is in Crested Butte,  Colorado. Pay $30 an hour starting. Email resume to Info@highviewpropertymanagement.com or text 970-975-0615.  (10/11/66).

ALPEN SNOW MOVERS is looking for machine drivers and snow shovelers for the 2024 -2025 winter season. Competitive pay. Please call (970) 349-0252 or email garden@alpengardener.com with any questions.  (10/4/30).

CRESTED BUTTE CENTER FOR THE ARTS is searching for a contracted artist to design its 2025 winter season poster creative and related brand templates. For more information please email caressa@crestedbuttearts.org.  (9/20/31).

RIME OPERATIONS is seeking an Account Associate to assist in helping local and national businesses navigate operational hurdles. Flexible scheduling.10-20 hours /wk. $21-27 /hr DOE. Visit rimeops.com/careers to apply.  (10/11/31).

SUNDAY MORNING ART MARKET SETUP/BREAKDOWN: We will pay $40 for setup and $40 for breakdown, one person can do both shifts or one per day. Must be able to lift around 30 lbs and will be trained on setting up a 10×10 tent and our Art Market signs, etc. Setup/AM shift would begin at 8am and end when finished setting up. Breakdown/PM shift would begin at 2pm and end whenever finished. Requires a truck or vehicle with space to transport signs, rug, tent, etc. Email artistsofcrestedbutte@gmail.com.  (9/20/90).

CORE FITNESS STUDIO is seeking an organized self-motivated person to join the studio as our Sales & Membership Coordinator.  This is a year-round part-time position with 10 hours per week with a flexible schedule – could be partly virtual.  This role requires computer and sales skills and is a customer service role.  Core pays $25-$35/hr based on experience & a free class membership.  Please email your resume to info@corecrestedbutte.com.  (9/20/69).

THE MT. CRESTED BUTTE WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT is accepting applications for a Capital Projects Supervisor.  Under the general direction of the District Manager, this full-time position is responsible for professional level oversight on all phases of capital expenditure construction projects for the District.  Desired skills and experience include a successful record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget, strong project management skills, effective communication skills both written and verbal, and a passion for water and wastewater construction projects.  Important qualifications include a combination of experience and education with a desired Bachelor of Science degree in construction management, a PMP certification, and/or a PE license in the State of Colorado.  A valid Colorado driver’s license is required.  Starting salary is $90,000 – $130,000 DOQ.  Excellent benefits package including 100% employer paid premium family health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 12 paid holiday days, paid sick leave, paid personal leave, two weeks paid vacation, employer contribution to retirement plan (5% automatic mandatory employer matching with 1-3% optional additional matching), employer provided uniforms, and a wellness benefit/ski pass.  Full job description is available at www.mcbwsd.com.  Please submit cover letter and resume to Mt. Crested Butte Water and Sanitation District, PO Box 5740, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225 or email info@mcbwsd.com.  Position is open until filled.  MCBWSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  (9/20/221).

THE TOWN OF MT CRESTED BUTTE is looking for a full time year around maintenance worker.  Typical job duties will vary from season to season and will include but are not limited to: snow shoveling, plowing of the Mt. Crested Butte roads and various parking lots, maintaining town equipment and vehicles, emptying trash cans, repairing fence lines, building maintenance, road maintenance including sweeping, flagging, filling potholes, maintaining the town’s ditches and culverts.  Schedule is 4 – 10 hour days with one weekend day in the winter being required.  Overtime is expected during snow cycles.  Minimum qualifications include the ability to obtain a class B commercial driver’s license, clean seven year driving record, ability to obtain their flagger certification, safely lift 80 pounds, good customer service, communication and team work skills, ability to walk on uneven surfaces, ability to work outdoors for an extended period in the summer and winter, basic knowledge of heavy equipment and snow plowing experience.  Preferred qualifications include having a class B commercial driver’s license, flagger certification knowledge of heavy equipment operations, loader, backhoe and snowplow experience, knowledge of vehicle and heavy equipment maintenance (mechanic) welding experience and building maintenance and upkeep experience.  Starting pay range is $47,599 to $60,951 depending on experience.  The Town offers an amazing benefit package with paid health, vision and dental insurance for you and your family, 401(1) or pension plan, 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, wellness program and more.  Please visit mtcb.colorado.gov for the full job description.  Contact Bobby Block at bblock@mtcb.colorado.gov with any questions.  To apply email your resume, cover letter and three references to Tiffany O’Connell at toconnell@mtcb.colorado.gov. Applications received prior to September 27, 2024 will receive priority.  (9/20/284).

MARCHITELLI’S GOURMET NOODLE needs cooks. Stop by and talk to Michael or call 970-209-8712.  (9/20/pd/14).

POLICE OFFICER Town of Mt. Crested Butte Police Dept. Full-time $69,876-$90,828/yr. – Performs general law enforcement duties to protect the lives and property of the residents and visitors of the Town of Mt. Crested Butte by enforcing laws and ordinances, preventing, solving and detecting crimes, assisting with emergency services and maintaining peace and order. POST Certification preferred but not required. Opportunity for financial aid for housing. Employer paid health, vision and dental for employee and dependents. For more info go to www.mtcb.colorado.gov/employement or call 970-349-6516.  (9/27/87).

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY is hiring Custodial Staff. To apply visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado or contact contact Bob at 970-943-2274. AA/EOE.  (9/20/22).

IRWIN GUIDES is seeking Office/Sales Associates: Seasonal, Part Time. The position will be responsible for assisting the Irwin Guides Administrator with day-to-day operations included but not limited to data entry, completing and filing paperwork, interacting with guests face-to-face or via phone/email, booking trips, and assisting with walk-in traffic and retail inquires/purchases. A strong candidate will have knowledge of the outdoor industry and local activities, strong administrative skills, effective communication, both oral and written, is detail-oriented, responsive to delegation, and comfortable working independently and in a fast paced team environment. During the operational seasons this position will be required to work some early mornings and late afternoons, at least one weekend day per week, and some holidays as necessary. This is a seasonal position starting at $20 – $23 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. The Summer season runs May through October. For more information and to apply, please visit elevenexperience.com/careers.  (9/20/154).

MOUNTAIN EXPRESS SHOP ASSISTANT Join our team! Mountain Express is looking to recruit a Shop Assistant for immediately available shifts. Applicant required to hold a CDL class BP-2 with no air brake restrictions, or we will pay for you to obtain one. Starting wage is $22.60 hr. Health insurance is available based on hours worked. Ski locker benefit. Shop Assistants are responsible for daily fueling and cleaning of fleet vehicles and other related tasks at the direction of the Shop Supervisor. Please contact Leah Petito at lpetito@mtnexp.org to apply and for a complete Job Description visit mtnexp.org. EOE.  (7/12/98.  (9/20/100).

EVENTS DIRECTOR FOR GUNNISON TOUGH Gunnison Tough is hiring for the part-time position of Events Director. The position reports to the Executive Director, working closely with the Gunnison Tough staff, Board of Directors, and organization volunteers, and is responsible for directing and executing all Gunnison Tough events. Events Director for Gunnison Tough plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the organization, to provide comprehensive cancer programs to keep our community strong. The Events Director is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of all Gunnison Tough events. This role involves managing a team, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring that each event aligns with Gunnison Tough’s priorities and goals. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating memorable experiences. Minimum Qualifications: Experience planning and executing events and overseeing volunteers, Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with diverse stakeholders including staff, volunteers, and donors, Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with proficient problem solving abilities, and attention to detail Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in the non-profit sector, For more information and detailed job responsibilities please check our website https://gunnisontetwp.com. Please send resumes to Mike Dawson – mdawson@guclaw.com.  (9/20/211).

TOAD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT is seeking dynamic individuals to join our property management and maintenance team. Year round and seasonal maintenance positions available for someone with a strong attention to detail, hard work ethic and passionate about career growth. Maintenance duties are subject, but not limited to operating our snow cats, shoveling, irrigation, lawn care and general maintenance. TOAD offers competitive pay, ski passes, HOUSING AVAILABLE. To submit your resume, please go to ToadPropertyManagement.com/employment.  (9/20/74).

Wild Ride

Francesca Pavillard-Cain was born in Crested Butte to avid skiers, Mary Cain and Jean Pavillard, so she grew up in mountain and snow sports all her life. Although she has many talents to fall back on, she has chosen the life of a freeride competitor—for now. 

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Sigrid Cottrell and her two tow-headed brothers would spend every summer 200 kilometers above the Arctic Circle in her mother’s homeland of Kiruna, Sweden, visiting their grandparents. “I lived where the reindeer roamed,” Sigrid recalls of the area’s spaciousness but notes, “Swedes live very small,” and in mostly apartments in Kiruna. Sigrid says, “They’re practical people. They don’t have a ‘bigger is better’ mentality. They care about the environment and are very forward thinking in all of that.” Read More »

Through the front door of the spacious new home of Open Your Eyes Gallery and Studio on Main Street in Gunnison, three smiling dogs joyously bound, their bodies wiggling in happy greetings of wagging stumpy tails. Francie and Allan Ivy purchased the historic three-story brick building last month and have been busily converting its interior into an art space for their photography work as well as their top-floor home. In two weeks they moved their entire world and lives into the building that was constructed in 1882, when Gunnison still had dirt streets and lots of Wild West cattlemen. Read More »

Following her own path

 

The aged dark wood of antique colonial furniture may be the first thing you notice walking into Kristi Murrin’s office, at once homey, welcoming and a pocket of Appalachian goodness. She grew up in northern West Virginia, in the former boomtown of Shinnston.
“The classic thing you see in West Virginia is a formerly booming town that stopped booming 40 years ago, so a lot of the buildings are boarded up—big tall buildings, like ten stories tall, boarded up for decades,” Kristi says of the area that is home to depleted coal mines. “It’s really poor, there’s no economy and it’s still like that today but West Virginians are very proud. We’ve always been on the bottom of the economic spectrum. We’re one of the very poorest states in the union so there’s that bonding between everybody, like a family. I go home and still feel that.”

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There still isn’t a lot of detail about last week’s tragedy on the hill.
When I got off the Silver Queen late Friday afternoon, someone told me they saw ski patrol performing CPR on someone as a sled was heading down the slope toward the clinic. My thought was that every year or two some old guy has a heart attack on the hill while skiing and dies. As much as I love skiing on the mountain, I’ve thought that might not be a bad way to go.
But as it turned out, the patrol was trying to save the life of a kid. An eighth-grade kid from Olathe came over on a school trip to ski. He died on the hill. That is tragic. I cannot imagine getting that phone call as a parent. Local police are still conducting an investigation and we don’t know exactly the cause of the accident. But it is very sad to know that a teenager passed away on the slopes of the local ski runs.

Thursday night the local arts community held a meeting. It wasn’t a normal meeting that I’m used to attending. Instead of Huck calling the meeting to order with a gavel, local dancers showed off their moves. Town planner Michael Yerman did not pull out the PowerPoint but instead made an appearance as a penguin. Yup. Award-winning thespians Paul Merck and Andrew Hadley contributed to the show—I mean, meeting. Hadley looks good in a mustache (who doesn’t?) and Merck put on his best TV game show face and plied the audience with questions that relayed information about the contribution of the arts to the local economy and community in general.
There was some art, some inspiration and some information. The idea was to get the community stoked about Crested Butte being designated as a Creative District. There is a group of people who feel the valley is shifting to embrace the arts as economy. It already is a driving force for the town and the idea is to make it more substantial and visible than it already is. If we can get all meetings to include some dance, some humor and some art, I’m all for it. Would love to see Huck and Deli begin every Town Council meeting and annexation discussion with a little hip-hop instead of the normal developer tap dance (kidding!).

Chatting with county community development director Russ Forest last week about the new “One Valley Prosperity Project,” I learned he is stoked. He really wants to see the valley work toward a common vision. Now, as I told him, I am somewhat cynical about the idea, given what I’ve seen here the last couple of decades. For one thing, prosperity means very different things to different people. Settling on a “common vision” is hard enough but he is confident that some goals can be coagulated and accomplished from Gothic to Gunnison. He has the skill set and enthusiasm to move it forward so it is worth the effort, but as I mentioned to Russ, the window isn’t very big to pick at least some low-hanging fruit.

Man, I miss the snow and the cold right now. But I do appreciate the warmth of a real January thaw. I remember when the January thaw was when temps hit 20 after a week of –30. Spring skiing in January is almost comically tragic—or is it tragically comical? Aside from the entrance, Flatiron skied great Sunday afternoon. Monday afternoon was a lot more sketchy and it felt like April snow at 3 o’clock in the Hockey Rink. I just don’t want to get the January weather in April and May.
The North Face Lift will open Friday. I will again say that I like it when the resort doesn’t wait until optimal conditions to open the Extremes. That terrain is special and is the signature of the mountain. It is good for the soul just being back there. I understand safety concerns and the need for good exits to evac people when necessary. While skiing those runs after a two-foot storm is the absolute best for lift-served terrain, just getting back in there is pretty good and helps make this mountain what it is.

And we can expect some fireworks in the future over how the towns and valley will be handling the Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) issue. It is on the radar of local government officials. Some are seeing it as the tragedy that will ultimately ruin the Crested Butte community, as homeowners use VRBO instead of renting long-term to working locals. The property owners see VRBO as a chance to help pay the rising costs of living here. I don’t anticipate much comedy coming from those discussions. And the CB discussion starts Monday night with a work session.

In the meantime, what can we do? We send our condolences to the family that lost a child to the mountains. That puts some things in perspective. While skiing is one of the best things a human can do in his or her life, it is not without risk. Respect the mountains whether backcountry on the resort. Take a breath over the debate that will come with a shared vision. Enjoy the sunshine and be glad we had a few good storms early in the season. Appreciate the art in this community for what it brings to the heart and apparently the pocketbook. In other words, be grateful…

Here’s a secret—sort of: Communities like Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and Gunnison are above the average when it comes to hosting a population that is transient. Between the resort and university aspects of the three municipalities in Gunnison County, lots of people come to the valley, participate in their new community and then leave. Some move down the road to maybe Riverbend, Meridian or Crested Butte South, while others leave the state. Sometimes they don’t take care of all the life details when they move.
One of those details might be changing their address on their voter registration. My friends at the Gunnison Country Times reported in a lengthy story last week that some people who no longer reside in the town of Crested Butte have remained on the voter rolls. The insinuation was that because the town’s proposed sales tax increase initiative lost by just three votes last November, some who shouldn’t have voted did and they might have swayed the end result of that election. It appears councilman Glenn Michel was raising the alarm behind the scenes with some of the staff about the issue.
Now, again, there are a ton of people who don’t take the time or responsibility to remove themselves from voter rolls when they change locations. So with new mail ballot laws from the state, some could indeed be sent a town ballot when they are not eligible. But let’s be clear—that it is not at all unique to Crested Butte.
Mt. Crested Butte town manager Joe Fitzpatrick said the issue of having people who no longer live in Mt. Crested Butte on the town voting rolls “is huge. The rolls are filled with names of people not living here. We have so many seasonal residents like any transient resort town. Mail ballots exacerbate the problem. It’s the system that is the issue.”
Gunnison city clerk Gail Davidson said it is very possible and even likely that some people are sent ballots when they shouldn’t get them. “It could happen,” she said. “As clerks we all want people who have the ability to vote to vote. But with Western and the transient nature of the population, there are people who move and are still on the voter rolls. With the help of the county and the state we try to cross-check names and addresses. We do what we can. Do things happen? Yes. Everyone is fallible and human.”
Crested Butte town manager Todd Crossett said it appears some ineligible voters may well be on the Crested Butte list and if that turns out to be the case, the town will work with the county to rectify the issue. But, he said, contrary to some perceptions of last week’s story, the town isn’t going to “go after” people if they turned in a town ballot when they don’t live in town anymore. The town’s sole objective would be to ensure voter rolls are as accurate as possible in the next election.

While mail ballots tend to have a much higher voter participation rate than the old standard elections, I dislike the mail ballot. I miss “Election Day” and the sort of small town celebration it brought. People really did treat it as a sort of holiday around here. The town of Mt. Crested Butte closed the town hall on general election days. People would stand in line together at the polling places and reconnect. The lapel flags of “I voted” were worn with a certain small town pride.
Election Day was a culmination of an election season. That doesn’t happen anymore. The ballots are mailed and many people vote weeks before the first Tuesday in November. They might not wait to attend a candidate’s forum or read the letters in the local newspapers expressing the pros and cons of various candidates or issues. The election season drags out and ends with a whimper except for the counting of mail ballots, which as we saw last time, can be a bit of a cluster.
I’d love to see the county and the towns able to hold an election where people have to take the responsibility to show up. As it worked in the past, the voting judges would ask those at the polls for their address and confirm their voter information. If they had moved and not changed the info, they wouldn’t get a wrong ballot. It actually works pretty well in a small town.

So is it a good idea to use the checks and balances to try to keep the voter rolls as clean as possible? Of course. But as Gunnison clerk Davidson said, “If someone really, truly wanted to commit voter fraud, they could.” And like Gail, I do not believe most people here want to commit voter fraud.
I do think most people would find comfort and enjoy celebrating another pseudo-holiday in the fall … and that is done better with a small town “Election Day” as opposed to getting another piece of paper in the mail.

If it weren’t for his ever-present smile and warm demeanor, Todd Riceman’s six feet seven inches would be an intimidating presence behind the bar. As it is, you feel very much welcomed as he slides you a perfectly mixed cocktail.
He’s been a career mixologist in resort towns for 20 years, working to support his ideal living of skiing, biking and general outdoor bliss. “Bartending is fun and pays well. When I first started working, I realized that I could make a lot of money working in bars instead of spending money in them, which is why I’ve stayed with it all these years,” grins the man who was officially voted Best Bartender in Crested Butte a couple of seasons ago. Read More »

The  Family  Way

Her pregnant belly is as round and as glorious as a Christmas ornament, prominently nested in her lap as she sits, which is something Dana Starcevich doesn’t get to do often.
Dana’s the co-owner and manager of two restaurants on opposite ends of the valley, and at eight months pregnant with her second child, and with a chef-husband and a rambunctious four-year-old son, Ryder, it’s hard to imagine how a mere 24 hours in her day is sufficient, especially during the busiest of holidays. But Dana smiles as she puts her feet up and sips her tea. “The core is always about the family first,” Dana says in a very grounded tone.

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