Lake City Colorado | The Silver World Newspaper

Town Mayoral, Trustee Election Tuesday, April 7

Registered voters within town limits should now have their Town of Lake City ballots for the Town election April 7. According to Town Clerk Christina Bowman, approximately 30 percent of the ballots have been returned; 105 out of 345 total ballots as of Wednesday, April 1. Voters can still register through the County Clerk’s Office up to election day, so the total number of registered voters may increase between now and then.The ballot will consist of a choice between mayoral candidates Dave Roberts and Jodi Linsey, and three Trustee candidates: Kaylin Trivisonno, Henry Woods, Nathan E. Wuest. Trustee Jesse Kendall is not seeking re-election, so the Town Board of Trustees will still have a vacant Trustee seat after the election which can be filled by appointment should anyone step forward.There are a total of five election judges: Alice Attaway, Karen McClatchie, Bill Stewart, Rebecca Kaminski and Carol Robinson.Bowman tells WORLD that the earliest any oaths of office can be administered will be April 15; although if it is a close race and signature discrepancies need to be resolved, the swearing-ins may need to be pushed to a later date. WORLD will keep readers in the loop regarding oaths of office after Election Day.9

April 2, 2026 No Comments

Dire Outlook Cited by County’s Water Basin Rep

by Bruce Heath I am currently serving as the Hinsdale County Representative on the Gunnison River Basin Round table.Mother Nature and human nature have combined to produce a historic low water availability crisis for the seven states in the Colorado River Basin.For the past 25 years, the southwest has been in the longest drought in the past 1,200 years. Moisture in mountain snow pack that then melts into river water is the very life blood of our region.This winter, depending on location, portions of Colorado have produced readings that are nearing — with potential to surpass by April 1 — the two lowest years since recording began 75 years ago.This winter’s low snow has created an immediate water emergency.Since 1922, users in the Colorado River system have followed laws about how water is apportioned to seven states in the upper and lower basins.Annually, flows in the river vary considerably due to the wide variance in winter snow totals. In the face of these variances, a vast array of reservoirs were built to provide a reliable water source for the lower basin states. The two largest reservoirs are Lake Powell and Lake Mead with Powell having become the “key” to making the agreement work.Although the 1922 agreement was based on deeply flawed data and future water availability assumptions, the “laws of the river” for water distribution proved adequate until 2006.The mega drought began in 2000. Having no way to know the magnitude of the ensuing drought, the lower basin states kept taking their legal water right from Powell. All involved believed future “wet” snow years would restore the capacity.In 2007, the seven states — having seen Lake Powell go from nearly full in 2000 to 50 percent of capacity in 2006 — agreed to a set of restricted release and usage guidelines to be followed in critically dry years. With several modifications, these have been in place for 18 years.Originally, it was thought that the two sets of tiered dam outlets allowed for up to 90 percent of the reservoir capacity to be released downstream. However, in 2023, a design flaw in the Glen Canyon Dam became known, making it a critical impediment to downstream users having access to the reservoirs’ stored water.If the water elevation drops below the upper inlets, the four lowest river outlets near the bottom of the dam have proven to not be functional. The Director of the Bureau’s Technical Service Center who has advised against using the outlet works as the sole means for releasing water from the dam. A previous high-capacity use of them for only 72 hours in 2023 caused structural damage, which required nine months to repair.Despite the remedial effort, the Bureau concluded the repairs will not prevent future damage. So for now, close to 4-million acre feet of water is “trapped” in Powell.The elevation of the reservoir has to remain above the upper inlets built into the dam that allow water to pass through to the turbines that generate electricity and then be sent down stream to lower basin users. In the years when the previous low snow readings were set, Powell was near 100 percent capacity and water levels were well above the upper inlets.This allowed water to be released downstream to meet the legal right of the lower basin. Today, Powell is currently at 24 percent of capacity and approaching that critical water level where Glen Canyon dam would experience operational failure because water level would be below the upper inlets.Knowingly facing an October 1, 2026 expiration of the operating guidelines, the seven states have met multiple times over the past two years to negotiate new release operating rules for critical dry years. All the sessions failed to reach agreement.Having missed the final deadline of February 14, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation [BRC] has announced they will suggest the new operating rules, dictating who gets what amount of water during severe drought years.So far the alternatives suggested by the BRC have been soundly rejected by all seven states.With much of Colorado experiencing record high temperatures, the meager snow pack is melting early. This spring, river runoff flows into Powell are expected to be 25 percent of the past 30 year average. That would be nearing the lowest low flow that has occurred in the last 60 years.The situation has become so dire that a near term stopgap decision is being forced to avoid Glen Canyon dam operational failure. This operational failure, in turn, would prevent water flowing into the lower basin states via Lake Mead.Until system-wide hydrology conditions have shown meaningful improvement, several decisions must be made.There are 34 tracked reservoirs upstream from Powell. As a system, they are capable, based on current capacity, of contributing at least one emergency water release to Powell this year.This on its own will not be enough to keep the water level high enough to maintain the dam’s functionality. Releases out of Powell will also need to be curtailed to keep water elevation above the upper inlets. Then, voluntary lower basin cuts in their water use will likely also be required by at least one million acre feet.Depending on the actual amount of spring runoff, the upper basin may also have to cut consumption to insure inflows to Powell contribute to maintaining the needed elevation at the dam.The impending life style changes and negative economic implications from less water available to use by all involved parties are enormous.What users are involved: Seven states. 5.5-million acres of agriculture land that produces $5-billion in revenue and 90 percent of the green leaf vegetables we consume in the winter use Colorado river irrigation water.Forty-million people use river water in some way daily. Five-million people depend on dam hydro electricity, 30 Native American tribes and Mexico are river water users.Both Phoenix and Denver get 40 percent of their water from the Colorado River. The river supplies water to almost all the cities in the greater Los Angeles, San Bernadino and San Diego areas.Agricultural junior water rights in

March 27, 2026 No Comments

Affordable Housing Part Four, Final Plan: Lighting the Fuse, Housing Plan Lifts Off

February 11, Town of Lake City Trustees and Hinsdale County Commissioners, along with members of the Town Planning & Zoning Commission, met at the Town meeting room to review the final draft of the Affordable Housing Plan.Vision statement “To provide housing opportunities across all life stages, enabling residents to find appropriate homes as they begin careers, raise families, and retire in the community they love.”The Housing Plan is a story built on numbers, the numbers that define the crisis, the numbers that paint the backdrop, and the numbers that may lead to a solution.The presentation, led by Sarah McClain of Western Spaces, began with a review of how the plan was built by the community, with 97 household surveys and 21 employer surveys starting the process, shining a spotlight on the housing crisis. There were 20 working group meetings that included representatives of the Town and County and the consulting group. There were also three steering group meetings with more than 20 participants, including representatives from across the community.There were four public meetings with members of the consulting group, the County Commissioners, and Town Trustees, together with members of the Town Planning & Zoning Commission.Numbers further define the scope of the housing crisis.The survey that began the planning process revealed there are 24 unfilled jobs due to lack of housing, and one in five households are in danger of being displaced. There are zero long-term rentals while there is a 72 percent housing vacancy rate due to the seasonal nature of the Lake City community. The population of Lake City has declined since 2010 while housing costs have continued to rise, with the median home price topping out at $563,000, up 25 percent since 2022. The student population has dropped as well, leaving the school short in funding from the state based on student counts.The housing crisis affects every aspect of life in Lake City, from the seniors wanting to age in place to the families wanting their children to attend a supportive small-town school. Except there is no place for the seniors to downsize to, and no place for young families, and no place for new teachers or new government employees. With 52 percent of the housing share, couples without children dominate the housing market, while families with children make up only 18 percent.According to the Employer Survey, “When there aren’t enough workers in the service industry, tourism begins to decline. Restaurants, hotels, shops, and entertainment venues either reduce their hours or shut down entirely.”In-depth analysis of the crisis and examination of both the strengths and weaknesses in the local housing market, along with numerous conversations with stakeholders led to a series of recommended steps and strategies to chip away at the housing problem.The goal of each strategy is to create housing opportunities. The plan estimates 20-40 units can be created or recovered through legislative steps, the easiest way to start. The first strategy presented involves updating or implementing certain policy changes in the Zoning Ordinances of the Town of Lake City or in the Land Use Code of Hinsdale County. Specific steps include adopting a fast-track review policy for any proposed projects that include affordable housing, which have been adopted by both the Town and County. This fast-track review will encourage developers to include affordable housing opportunities in plans. Another step adding housing units to the existing inventory is to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in both new construction and existing residences. The Town Planning & Zoning Commission is analyzing options so they can make recommendations to Trustees to update how ADUs are addressed in Town ordinances.The County has instructed its Planning & Zoning Commission and County Attorney to review the entire code to streamline and update. To that end, Colorado has recently provided small governments across the state with a detailed template for just such updates. These types of policies will create a path of least resistance to housing as modifications to existing regulations.The next strategy presented is to optimize the existing housing inventory. This strategy aims, in part, to tap into the 72 percent vacancy rate in Lake City. The Town, County, or any of the large employers in the community could work to acquire and rehabilitate some of these empty houses for employee housing. Along those lines could be grants or low interest loans for emergency home repairs and weatherization to create year-round inventory.The Household Survey states, “The town is shrinking per census and school enrollment, and year-round residents are left with a shell of a town.” Strategy 3 is all about the need to create sustainable income for supporting the housing effort. The most urgent step in the direction of sustainability is passing a small mill levy, which ties directly to the vacancy rate of 72 percent, as these second and vacation homes will bear the brunt on the mill levy. This housing tax of 4 mills would bring in approximately $232,000, about $25 per $100,000 in assessed value. Other funding ideas include impact or linkage fees, requiring fees from some new developments, and leveraging grants for specific projects. Predictable income allows for multi-year project planning and matching funds for grants.This is where the cultivation of partners in the community, such as Lake City Community School (LCCS), will also contribute to the efforts to ensure their ability to maintain their own workforce. The Town and LCCS have purchased employee housing, and both the County and Town have plans to create employee housing in properties which both entities already own.The Lake City community is ahead of similar communities now tackling housing issues in that the Town has held on to property located in the 700 Block of north Henson Street, in part waiting for the very opportunity offered by this plan, and a recent emphasis on housing as a priority by the State of Colorado.While the first two strategies may produce ten or twenty new housing units, the proposed Lake Fork project will provide 28 units altogether, ranging from condos that can be bought

March 20, 2026 No Comments

30 GOP Delegates to Assembly; Nominate County Candidates

by Schuyler Denham Hinsdale County Republican Party held its 2026 caucus and county assembly last Saturday, March 7, in Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Bluff Street.Attendance was nearly 60 residents, including a handful of observers.County Party Chair Diane Bruce called the meeting to order at promptly 1 p.m. and business began after the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation.In addition to Bruce, the other officers were Michael Murphy, Vice-Chair, and Wes Williams, the Secretary-Treasurer.The credentials committee recognized 50 attendees – those Republicans who had been registered at least 22 days in the precinct – as eligible to participate in the proceedings.Bruce acknowledged how Hinsdale County was simpler to run as it has only one precinct and, thus, one assembly; some counties have over 100. [While Hinsdale County has the fewest number of registered voters in the state, Mineral and San Juan counties have fewer Republicans than Hinsdale’s 292.]Following eligibility verification, delegates were elected to the Hinsdale County Assembly that……… Seven Delegates to Hinsdale County Dems’ Assembly Expressing varying degrees of dissatisfaction with the present national political situation, all seven registered Hinsdale County Democrats attending last Saturday afternoon’s Caucus were named Delegates to present platform resolutions and vote in the county party’s ensuing Assembly.Democrats with three observers, town mayoral candidate Jodi Linsey, New York college student Silas Fox remotely, and Jesse Kendall, were warmly greeted by returning party chairperson Jennifer Rightsell who wryly noted “It’s been an interesting year. Maybe the only way we’re going to get through this is with a good sense of humor.”Both Rightsell and returning party secretary Grant Houston were unanimously re-elected as Hinsdale Party Democratic Chairperson and Secretary for both the 31-minute Caucus and 10-minute Assembly which were held at Lake City Public Library.In addition to Rightsell and Houston, Becky Vickers, Mary Nettleton, Carol Robinson, Bill Stewart, and Henry Woods were selected as Assembly Delegates.Woods, a past Democratic county party chair, enthusiastically proposed two Hinsdale County…… READ BOTH ARTICLES IN FULL SUBSCRIBE!

March 12, 2026 No Comments

Snow Depth, Water Content Continues Dismal

Snow depth and water content above Lake City remain at dismal, near-record low levels with median 1991-2020 levels on the Upper Lake Fork and elsewhere in Hinsdale County on Upper Rio Grande and Upper Piedra in the county’s South End, ranging from 54 to 60 percent of long-term median.Closest to home, Natural Resources Conservation Service’s 11,560’ Slumgullion Pass SnoTel site registers just 57 percent of 1991-2020 median with meager 24” snow depth on Tuesday, March 10, equivalent to 6.6” snow/water content.No surprise to winter recreationalists this winter, traditionally snowy Slumgullion Pass only reached 30” snow depth at the SnoTel site on one day February 21 — last month and then steadily dropped to 28” depth February 22-24, and 24” compacted snow ranging 6.3-6.4” water equivalency March 2-6.As of Tuesday this week, Slumgullion snow remained 24” depth with slightly elevated 6.6” water content.Similarly dismal up valley at Wager Gulch on the upper Lake Fork near Carson, snow depth was 18”, 4.3” snow/water equivalent February 23-24 but has incrementally decreased, 16”depth February 25-March 2, and now Changes in Natural Resources Conservation Service’s precipitation median from February 28, above, to March 8, upper right: Gunnison drainage from 68 to 65 percent median and red-shaded Arkansas now below 50 percent of norm as result lack of moisture, temperatures, and wind. 15” snow with 4.4” water as of March 10.Mid-county on the Upper Rio Grande, the 11,580’ elevation Beartown snow measuring site is marginally better at 60 percent of median, 25” snow depth on February 9 and now increased to 34” depth, 10.6” water on March 10.Weminuche Creek in far south Hinsdale County, 10,730’ elevation, is at 54 percent of median, the site recording 22” snow depth/4.9” snow/water February 9, increasing to 28” depth with 8.1 snow/water content as of Tuesday this week.Newly appointed Gunnison Basin Round Table member Bruce Heath has a regional perspective and expresses concern with not only local snow conditions but the southwest U.S. region as a whole, Colorado River at record ebb and, consequently, Lake Mead Reservoir on the Arizona-Nevada border just 32-33 percent of capacity.The reservoir’s low capacity will undoubtedly have a negative impact on downstream water users, California and lower water appropriation Arizona, where it is now confirmed that electric generation is endangered because reservoir dams such as Hoover Dam were not designed for generation with such low water levels. STAY IN TOUCH Subscribe TODAY!

March 12, 2026 No Comments

Dynamite Shack Ice Climber Severely Injured in100’ Vertical Plunge

A male ice climber in his 50s was critically injured Saturday afternoon, January 24, after falling approximately 100’ at the Dynamite Shack portion of ice climbing wall on Henson Creek.The injured man, who has been identified as Vratislav, a resident of Canada, was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction by CareFlight of the Rockies helicopter ambulance with injuries which are described as traumatic, complex and life-threatening.As an indication of the severity of the man’s injuries, responders to the scene following the 3:21 p.m. emergency page were Hinsdale County Emergency Medical Service — EMT Danny Oge, EMT student and driver Lorie Stewart, EMT Katherine Heidt, AEMT Dan Humphreys, and EMT Sarah Moody, together with support from Gunnison Valley Paramedics who were called in based on critical care mutual aid. Also responding to the scene were Lake City firefighters with Lake City Fire/Rescue, Hinsdale County Search and Rescue, and Hinsdale County Sheriff Denim Starnes.Among those first on the scene at the base of the ice wall and after crossing open-flowing Henson Creek were Sheriff Starnes and Fire Chief Justin Thompson, the latter joined within moments by Chief Engineer R.E. Hall and firefighters Evan Milski, Mike Ralph, Nathan Wuest, and Matt Jones.From his perspective, Fire Chief Thompson was highly complimentary of the entire medical and emergency crew which assembled at the scene, adding that he was also impressed with members of the ice climbing community who immediately “showed up big time, ready and willing to help.”According to bystanders at the scene, the Dynamite Shack portion of the ice climbing wall where the man fell approximately 30 meters/100 feet vertical ice with a tree on the upper portion which was used as a belay anchor by the man’s partner.The injured man was not attached to the tree, however, and — according to a Reddit post by a fellow climber who was at the scene — was using a single strand of 75 meter climbing rope.Typically when descending, an ice climber ties hand knots to both ends of the rope and, at the half-way point in the rope, attaches an anchor or quick link, both the upper and lower ends of the rope then passing through an ATC — otherwise referred to as a belay/rappeling device — for the downward descent.Although probable cause of the climber’s fall remains unknown, one possibility is that only a single strand was attached to ATC, an observer at the scene noting that after the fall, the knot at the tail of the climber’s rope was wedged in the quick link upper anchor.Regardless of the cause, the man’s serious injury is being described as a tragic accident.According to an observer at the scene who later posted on Reddit, “I just wanted to remind everyone, please do all you can to be safe out there.”Saturday was an extremely busy day for Hinsdale EMS with a second, non-ice-climbing-related incident which was received at 3:36 p.m.EMT and student/driver Melody Crump, and EMT driver Kyle Harrison were dispatched to a residence in response to a female who was injured while ice skating.The injured party was subsequently transported to Gunnison Valley Hospital Late Tuesday, SILVER WORLD learned that a gofundme account entitled “Help Bring Vratislav Home for Ongoing Medical Care” has been established with $67,401 raised by 434 donors as of Thursday morning toward a goal of $250,000.According to the gofundme site, “Vratislav is a passionate skier, climber and traveler who has dedicated his life to adventure, nature, and living with a purpose..”“Together with his wife, he worked hard to turn their dreams into reality – choosing experience over possessions and setting out on what was meant to be their dream journey. During their ice climbing trip to Colorado, USA, he suffered a devastating accident that abruptly changed everything.Vratislav fell approximately 40 meters from an ice wall. He survived the fall and was airlifted to hospital in Grand Junction, where he was stabilized and has already undergone multiple surgeries, with more to come. Hopefully his future care can be completed in Canada.Fortunately, the doctors confirmed there was no severe traumatic brain injury and at this time his vital signs are stable. His injuries are extensive, as he sustained multiple facial fractures, a shattered femur with knee involvement, a shattered heel, a fractured and dislocated shoulder.As a result of his injuries, there will doubtless be more surgeries necessary.He is currently in ICU in Colorado and will be facing a long and challenging road ahead. The immediate goal is to bring Vratislav back home to Canada where he can continue treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, the only option is an emergency medical transport.Funds will be raised to cover the cost of transport from Colorado to Canada. All additional funds will go towards medical expenses incurred in the United States, ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and recovery.This accident happened suddenly and without warning. Bringing Vratislav home is the most important next step in giving him the best possible chance at recovery…. thank you for reading and your support. If you’re able to help — by donating, sharing, or simply keeping them in your thoughts — it truly means a lot.”

January 30, 2026 No Comments

Amidst Springtime Temperatures in January, Chamber of Commerce Cancels Annual Brewski

Lake City Chamber of Commerce’s annual beer-sipping slog around the south end of frozen Lake San Cristobal has been cancelled, in part owing to warmer than usual daytime temperatures and uncertain ice conditions.The annual event, scheduled on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, was also cancelled due to lackluster pre-event registration, according to Chamber Administrator Kat Menzies, who said, “people have been watching the weather, and it’s been unusually warm for this time of year. I think many saw the writing on the wall. With no snow on the lake, the Brewski just wouldn’t feel like the event we all know and love. A number of factors played into the decision, but ultimately it wasn’t shaping up to be the kind of experience our community looks forward to. We’re already thinking ahead to next year.” Brewski was halted in part owing to variable ice conditions at the lake, ice depth in some locations reported between 8” and 20” but in other areas thin or uncertain ice depth with patches of open water.Similar ice conditions were encountered for last year’s Brewski when, instead of lake ice, contestants walked a circular loop on mostly-dry Peninsula Park parking lot. Cancellation of this year’s Brewski does not impact a full slate of “Winter White-Out” events which are scheduled next month, starting with Town of Lake City’s Ice Climb Fest Saturday, February 7, and continuing into mid and late-February with Hinsdale County Search & Rescue’s Ice Fishing Derby and Lake City Area Medical Center’s Cannibal Snowshoe Race, respectively Saturdays February 21 and 28, both of which are scheduled on the frozen surface of Lake San Cristobal.

January 23, 2026 No Comments

A Year That Built More Than Projects: Lake City & Hinsdale County in 2025

January 1, 2026 No Comments

Myriad of Topics Covered at Lively Town Meeting Dec. 17 Including Sheriff IGA, April Election, Short Term Rentals

The first topic on the agenda of the Town of Lake City Board of Trustees workshop December 17 was to continue an ongoing conversation about an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the Town and Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office.Mayor Dave Roberts and trustees were presented with a revised draft of the IGA, which has undergone several revisions factoring in budget restraints, insurance, and information from other small towns comparable to Lake City, and how they make their Sheriff’s IGAs work for them.“The key to this is,” began Mayor Roberts, “we want law enforcement in our town, and we will have an IGA. The best way to explain this – when I was a trustee, when the Sheriff’s IGA would come up, it was just something we had to do, just renew it. No information, no thought put into it, really. What we’re trying to do is put together an agreement that makes sense. The old one was very strange and what we’re working on doing is putting together something that is fair between the Town and County. Nothing is set in stone yet. We’re just working on something that we can negotiate with that will be fair.”Roberts went on to say that it was suggested the Town Board compare Lake City to Silverton’s Sheriff IGA, since the towns are similar. “Their budget,” Roberts said, “is 8.3 million a year, and ours is 1.1 [million per year].”Roberts opened the floor to comments and asked Trustee Jodi Linsey to speak first. “I’m awful glad that we are not just rolling the same IGA over and over with no thought as to what it actually means in our world. From what I’m seeing [in this latest version] reflects a lot of the things that we have discussed in our workshops, so that’s good, and it’s time to lob it back to the County. Do we need to adopt an ordinance, or just give it a thumbs up?”Attorney Dan Krob, attending the meeting via Zoom, added “what we want to do is be on the same page as far as what we expect and what the County will expect. There will be hiring issues, that’s a statewide issue, and you guys being as remote as you are, it’s beautiful but that presents a challenge. So, we don’t want to put the Sheriff’s Office in a position to say, ‘we’ll give you fifty guys,’ when they can’t ever fulfill that.” Krob went on to say that the IGA should probably provide guidelines for what hours the Town expects the Sheriff to be working, and that a 3 percent increase in cost year upon year was fairly standard to other IGAs he has seen in other small towns. “But that’s completely up to you,” he said.Linsey replied with, “I think a set number of hours is going to be seen as unreasonable. The Sheriff’s Office will want to know how to track that; will there be timekeeping? I think it opens [the IGA] to issues rather than supplying answers.”Attorney Krob said, “Generally when I’ve seen these, there’s a breakdown that comes from the Sheriff’s Office that says ‘this is what our employees cost, this is what it costs to get them their vest or their car or whatever, and what we’re asking you [the Town] to pay, comes out to this amount of money.’ So I think it wouldn’t be out of line to ask the County – you [the Town] proposed $100,000 – what do we get for those services, what can we expect? I do think both sides want to work collaboratively, but I think both sides need to be on the same page as far as what is expected.”Town Manager Lex Mulhall said, “I do think [tracking] hours would be problematic and an administrative burden. As far as the cost, we had put in here $65,000, at a previous workshop someone mentioned $75,000, someone said that was too much, so we included a provision where if they provided a deputy for special events, that took place on town property, we would offer them additional compensations, they could charge us for that. I wanted your feedback on that. That way, also the non-profits wouldn’t have to hire their own security, which they had to do this year, at least for Wine and Music Festival.” Mulhall went on to say, “They [Hinsdale County] did provide additional information including dispatch fees; what’s expected for next year for just the dispatch fees it’s $69,317, plus a full-time deputy plus benefits plus overtime in the County Deputy Sherriff salary is $66,950. Undersheriff is $72,100. Also – the cost of the vehicles, which they just recently received two new Ford Expeditions, $71,500 each. I mention that because one of the other communities base the cost on one fully-equipped law enforcement vehicle. Then every three years, the cost of the IGA goes up based on a new vehicle being purchased and what the purchase price that year is for that vehicle. That is one of the ways we could approach this. If we did the three percent annual increase, and we paid the $100,548 they said they wanted next year, by 2035 we’re paying $131,193. It will keep going up more and more with that annual three percent increase, which is not really sustainable for us since our revenues aren’t going up three percent every year. Everyone’s cost goes up every year. Something that may be more manageable may be to [look at] the cost of the vehicle – $71,500 every three years, whatever it costs you to replace a vehicle, is what we pay – or something to that effect. Also in here, what was changed based on the conversation we had last time, was the insurance we changed to match some of the other IGAs that we’ve shown as examples, instead of us paying the liability insurance for a full-time police officer, which is another $8,700, we would just be adding them as additionally insured. $65,000 maybe a little

December 26, 2025 No Comments

Jury Trial Date in Hit-and-Run Incident Set in Lake City, May 2026

After near-monthly court hearings in Gunnison and coming up on a year since the January, 2025, hit-and-run accident which left a Lake City man paralyzed, a court date has been set for a four-day jury trial in which Keenan Blake Earley faces a variety of felony charges, including Vehicular Assault, Reckless Driving, Accident Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury and Duty to Report Accident.7th Judicial District Judge Kellie Starritt once again presided at a short, 20-minute status hearing in district court in Gunnison last Thursday afternoon, December 11, during which she conferred with both prosecution and court-appointed defense, referencing the protracted delay and the fact that since June or July last summer, “victims are ready to resolve this case one way or another.” Barring a potential change in dates as outcome of status hearing February 12, 2026, and a Pretrial Conference on April 23 next year, Earley’s district court jury trial is tentatively set in the upstairs courtroom of Hinsdale County Courthouse in Lake City May 26-29, 2026.Attendance before Judge Starritt at last week’s status hearing was minimal, both Earley and his court appointed defense, Patrick Crane, attending remotely by Webex, and the prosecution, Jessica Wagner from the 7th Judicial District DA’s office, attending in person.Also attending remotely from Lake City and nodding her head in agreement with the judge’s recommendation to proceed to trial, was Phyllis Bairrington.Public Defender Patrick Crane indicated that both he and another Montrose-based Public Defender, Steven Rodemeyer, will represent Earley at the Lake City trial and that the delay to date involves paint chip analysis by Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensics.That final element of evidence is expected shortly, after which Crane said Defense will be prepared for trial.District Attorney Office’s Wagner asked Judge Starritt to schedule either a four or five-day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. trial, with first day set aside for jury selection starting 8:30 a.m.In advance of the tentative four-day May Lake City trial date — and with both Earley and Bairrington and defense and prosecution reps silently nodding in agreement — a motion hearing is scheduled in Gunnison at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, and a tentative Pretrial Conference at which Earley is requested to attend in person at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Never miss a local story! Subscribe to the Lake City Silver World and receive the local news right to your inbox or mailbox

December 19, 2025 No Comments

Tag: Lake City Colorado