Lake City | The Silver World Newspaper

Recreational Improvements Unveiled to Public Ahead of 2025 Summer Season

Major public recreational improvements are being unveiled to the public at the start of the 2025 summer season, including Hinsdale County’s new ADA accessible fishing pier at Lake San Cristobal Peninsula Park and — for the first time since 2021 — the inaugural reopening of Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Deer Lakes on Slumgullion Pass.Although unrelated, both projects received significant funding through Colorado Parks & Wildlife, $150,000 funding through Parks & Wildlife’s Fishing is Fun Program with 25 percent local match enabling the county to proceed with its long-envisioned EZDock railed walkway and pier which is now open at Peninsula Park.With county match, total cost of the new fishing pier aggregates $193,925 which includes $165,925 paid to the EZDock firm, $3,500 to Ediger Construction, $21,525.45 to Hinsdale Road & Bridge for site work and installation last fall and this spring, and $2,282.80 materials, together with $510.60 administration costs.With mixed reviews and an earful to Hinsdale County Commissioners, Gunnison National Forest has also now unveiled both fishing lakes and adjacent Forest Service campground at Deer Lakes which has been closed since a washout of the complex’s uppermost lake in June, 2021.Funding for GMUG’s refurbishment at Deer Lakes totals in excess of $1.5-million and includes $400,000 from Colorado Parks & Wildlife for rock rip-rap reinforcement and other improvements — including easily accessed ADA fishing pier — at the fishing lakes, as well as a $1-million federal Great America Outdoors Act grant to the Forest Service for a major overall and expansion of the adjacent campground.A caveat to this season’s inaugural Deer Lakes Campground opening is widespread public outrage referenced during county commissioners’ open discussion at the Wednesday morning, June 4, meeting resulting from realization that Forest Service concessionaires at the popular campground are now charging a day-use fee for parking.A popular summer fishing destination since Hinsdale County Chamber of Commerce built the lakes on Forest Service ground on the upper Cebolla side of Slumgullion Pass in 1954, the newly implemented day-use fee for both fishing and parking at the campground impacts not only fishermen but also wildlife-watchers, in particular locals and visitors who frequent the lakes to catch sight of moose.In addition to the new day-use fee for parking at Deer Lakes, a new $18-per-night charge has been implemented for overnight camping, reflecting upgrades completed by Forest Service contractor Mike Davis & Sons, Grand Junction, last fall which increased designated trailer and tent camping from 11 to 13 spaces, three new double-vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage lockers.In the wake of critical comments during last week’s open discussion — Commissioner Hurd reflecting he has been contacted by 40 or more “highly upset” people — Hinsdale Administrator Sandy Hines issued a press release on June 5 reiterating that the campground concessionaire at both Deer Lakes and the upper Lake Fork’s William Creek Campground is contracted to RRM — Recreation Resource Management of America.In the county’s press release, Hines states the newly instigated day-use fee at Deer Lakes is $8, “allowing people to park at the day use area to use the facilities such as the restroom, picnic tables, throw trash away, hike the trails, and fish. If folks want to just picnic in a campsite for up to two hours, then they will charge them $6.” “There will be a drop box for people to pay, and there is a host on site as well.”On behalf of the Forest Service, Hinsdale County also advises that RRM, the campground concessionaire, is offering an inaugural, first-year season pass for $50 which increases to $100 per year for subsequent years.Members of the public with additional questions on the newly implemented day-use charge are advised to contact the GMUG’s Delta, Colorado, office, 970-874-6600, or the Forest Service’s Gunnison office, 970-641-0471.At open discussion on June 4, Hinsdale Commissioners Levine and Hurd indicated they had been “blindsided” by the decision to require a day-use charge at Deer Lakes, Commissioner Hurd declaring there “is no way” fishermen — who have already paid for a fishing license — should be assessed a further charge for using public lands. Hurd stated he had conferred with GMUG Supervisor Dale Funka who indicated the decision to implement a day-use charge was the result of a decision further up in the government echelon.Both Hurd and Levine indicated they would like to revisit the day-use charge in advance of next summer, both men expressing the hope that a no-charge solution might be reached next year.Commissioner Borchers stated that in her view the bulk of the money used for the campground refurbishment came from federal sources. “The Forest Service spent a ton of money,” according to Borchers, while minimal funding was required from Hinsdale County. Commissioner Levine countered that the county has funded some signage at Deer Lakes, in addition to being “big proponents and heavy advocates” for the enhancement project at both the lakes and campground.By way of background, Deer Lakes on Forest Service land began in 1954 as the brainchild of Hinsdale County Chamber of Commerce with the goal of expanding fishing opportunities in the region. Volunteers from the chamber used heavy equipment to construct a series of four lakes, funding coming from private individuals who donated cash in return for the lakes being named for the donors.Routed wooden signs on display at Hinsdale County Museum recall the lakes’ early names, including Lake Hildegarde for Hildegarde Wupperman, together with lakes named for Emory Carper, Slug Stewart, and Art Weaver. Although located on Forest Service property, Colorado Parks & Wildlife historically maintained and regularly stocked the increasingly popular lakes after it was determined it was not legal to post signs naming each of the lakes on public lands.Beaver activity, together with the heavy tread of moose was cited as the reason for an unexpected breach of the top lake on June 27, 2021. As initially engineered, the top lake fed in succession on descending levels through Deer Lakes Nos. 2, 3, and 4, although as a result of the

June 20, 2025 No Comments

Seven Lake City Community School Students Receive Diplomas as the Class of 2025 Graduates May 31

The grounds of Lake City Community School played host to more than a hundred celebrants as well as teachers, staff, and Board on Saturday, May 31.Under bright skies the LCCS graduating class of 2025 received their diplomas and opened the door to the future.Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by the kindergarten and 1st grade students Superintendent Rebecca Hall addressed the crowd. Displaying gentle good humor and keen insight of her students, Hall spoke of the sound of dedication, which is not found in the loud celebrations of milestones or in front an audience’s applause. Instead, she found the sound of dedication in quiet rooms, the effort marked by click clack, pause, and resume. The hum of the lights, the quiet voice from the next classroom, and the concentration of students is where greatness grows.Chosen by the graduates as the keynote speaker was Mindy McClung, World Language Teacher. McClung began by thanking her fellow teachers for their support of the students but noting that the students themselves provided the persistence, resilience, and commitment to growth that took them to the threshold of their lives.McClung went on with observations of each of the graduates gleaned from her years with most of them. She admired the way that Dawson Brown dug deeper into their studies of ASL (American Sign Language) to better understand deaf culture, adding depth to his language study.Silas Fox drew many superlatives for his work in her language labs, with McClung describing him as a steady and uplifting presence exhibiting thoughtful leadership. She went on to praise Priya Hartman for her kindness, generosity, and helpful attitude.Continuing her observations, McClung called out Leland Hudgeons for his loyalty to family and his commitment to always being his true self. Fellow classmate Titus Humphreys demonstrated quiet determination and a strong sense of purpose, often leading by doing.McClung’s insights continued by noting Ava Wingard’s spark, her ability to turn ordinary moments into something special, and her ability to give her all at all times. Noting that she had not had as much time with KC Wuest as with her other student, McClung was nonetheless able to point to his sense of humor and quick wit, his ability to be himself in all situations.McClung concluded her remarks by urging the graduates to take their curiosity with them into the world and that learning is a lifelong journey.As is the custom at LCCS, the graduates each took turns addressing the crowd of well-wishers.KC Wuest spoke with brevity, thanking his family and teachers, and remarking on future unknowns.Dawson Brown pointed out the bittersweet moment of graduation, noting that he did not like school but that he has shared many good memories with friends and family. Dawson had particular thanks for his family, especially his brother Dean. He was particularly grateful to his teachers for recognizing his struggles and offering him what he needed in the moments.Leland Hudgeons followed that with a touching tribute to a childhood friend lost to a tragic accident recently. After thanking his family and fellow graduates, he reminded everyone to remember those who have been lost and to not take loved ones for granted.Titus Humphreys made note of the transition of leaving childhood behind and moving into adulthood. He spent time thanking his extended family, and shared a quote from Nicola Tesla, “The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane.” Like Tesla, Titus looks to make a mark on the world. Ava Wingard took the podium to remind the onlookers that each day is long but the years are short. Ava spoke eloquently about her family and the lessons they provided for her. She also amused the crowd with a story involving some of her fellow graduates when they were in kindergarten, illustrating one of the peculiarities of a small school system.“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness, streams in the wasteland.” (Isiah 43:19) Priya Hartman spoke of the importance of doing new things and how that is possible knowing that one has a secure home base. She thanked her extensive family for her loving and sometimes riotous upbringing.Rounding out the afternoon was Silas Fox, who spoke about the experience of being in a small town and an even smaller school and the unexpected connections this can build. Silas explained that his connection to Lake City was not supposed to happen in the first place but for a fortuitous set of circumstances that brought him from Kazakhstan to the San Juan Mountains.Silas is also credited with bringing two special guests to the ceremony, former State of Colorado Representatives Kathleen Curry and Barbara McLachlan. Silas’ friendship with McLachlan dates back to an early school trip to the State Capitol. He found both of them to be inspirational mentors that fostered his love for politics and his decision to pursue a degree in Political Science.The commencement ceremony moved quickly through the presentation of candidates and awarding of diplomas. The crowd was boisterous in its approval of each graduate and the recessional led to celebratory cupcakes on the school lawn.

June 6, 2025 No Comments

Lake City Residents Urged to be Bear Aware, Keep Bears Wild.

Black bear activity is picking up across Colorado, and several of the state’s mountain communities are already dealing with conflicts between humans and bears.Colorado Parks and Wildlife has responded to several incidents of attractant-based behavior from bears this year across the western half of the state. Many of those incidents were tied directly to bears trying to access trash, bird feeders and other attractants, including hobby chickens.On the heels of a bear attack on a human in Lake City last fall, CPW District Wildlife Manager Lucas Martin wants to remind the community to be aware of bear activity and offers tips on how people can do their part to keep bears wild.“Now is the time of year to secure your trash, refrain from feeding birds or other wildlife and be aware of open windows and doors on cars and structures,” Martin said. “With the hot and dry weather thus far this year, communities might experience a very active bear year similar to last year. Lake City is also still having overnight frosts and snow flurries that may wreak havoc on natural bear foods. If natural food for bears is delayed or unavailable, it greatly increases potential for human-bear conflicts.”The vast majority of conflicts between people and bears can be traced to human food, garbage, pet food, bird seed or other attractants. When people allow bears to access food, a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its wariness of humans, resulting in what biologists call habituation. Bears that get too comfortable around people can destroy property or even become a threat to human safety.“Conflict potential between humans and bears increases when human food sources draw bears into our communities,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Brandon Diamond. “Bear conflict management becomes increasingly challenging when sows and cubs are present. In a perfect world, we’d work collectively to avoid scenarios where bears learn at an early age to associate towns and trash with food, creating generational issues. The reality is that CPW cannot allow highly habituated, dangerous bears to reside in our communities, so we need to be proactive in avoiding those situations.”Martin credited the Lake City community for its work in investing in bear-resistant trash cans and dumpsters the past 20 years with help from Utah’s Sanitation and Lake City Friends of the Bears.“With that being said, the community needs to remain vigilant in its efforts to keep bears out of trouble on an annual basis,” Martin said.Being near wildlife usually delights Colorado residents and our visitors. But when wildlife gets too close, the risk of conflict increases, and wildlife loses. The key to avoiding conflict is keeping wildlife from getting too close in the first place.“Complacency is what hurts our bears,” said Diamond. “Don’t let a low bear conflict year deceive you – we live in bear habitat and we should consciously avoid bear conflict every year regardless of conditions.”It is critical to remove easy access to food for bears. Unsecured trash remains the leading cause of conflict in Colorado. Residents should also keep pet food inside, not leave out water and burn food off barbeque grills and clean them after each use.CPW recommends not feeding birds. Bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, attract bears and other wildlife and can contribute to the spread of disease. Commonly, bird feeders are what starts the conflict cycle with bears. Even feeders hung high in trees or on homes can be reached by bears that will eagerly climb trees and poles to reach the high-calorie treat.For properties with fruiting trees or bushes, pick fruit before it ripens and clean up fallen fruit to avoid luring wildlife to your yard.Never leave food, trash, coolers, air fresheners or anything that smells – makeup, lotion, sunscreen – in your vehicle or in the bed of a truck. Roll up your windows and lock your vehicle, as bears can learn to open unlocked vehicles.It is also important to close and lock home windows and doors, including garage doors and pet doors.“We all need to do our part to be good neighbors to our black bear population,” Martin said. “If a bear is around your property, please haze it away and make it feel uncomfortable being near human-occupied areas. Yell, bang pots and pans, set off car alarms or use other means to haze bears away and keep them from getting comfortable.”CPW appreciates getting reports of bear activity early so intervention and education can take place before behavior escalates to conflicts. To report bear activity, call the CPW Gunnison office at 970-641-7060.

June 6, 2025 No Comments

San Juan Hills Home Destroyed as Local Firefighters Battle Blaze

Volunteer firefighters with Lake City Area Fire Protection District battled a raging north Lake City home fire in San Juan Hills Subdivision for six and a half hours last Wednesday afternoon, May 21.The 3,336-s.f., two-story frame house with attached 1,200-s.f. three-bay garage consisted of the original 1960s-era portion of the house and a newer 1987 addition with remodel built by Rob Hudgeons’ Silver River Construction.Damage to the older part of the house was limited to heavy smoke, although the newer portion of the structure was a total loss and reduced to ash and ruins.Although investigation continues, it is probable the fire spread from point of origin caused by an electric malfunction in a back porch.Although seasonally occupied, the home had been occupied a few days prior to the fire by the original owner’s daughter and her husband, Ken and Penny (Johnson) Wolters. Mr. Wolters was napping at the time of the fire and was alerted to the blaze with billowing smoke by workmen from Keenan’s Plumbing, Montrose, who were working outside at the time the fire erupted.Mr. Wolters received burns to his face while successfully evacuating several dogs from the house. Mrs. Wolters’ late father, Roy Johnson, was one of the original Lubbock, Texas, firefighters who bought a lot in Joe Upham’s new San Juan Hills Subdivision in the early 1960s.Mr. Johnson’s initial home in what was informally known as “Little Lubbock” was a vintage 1960s-era mobile home which in succeeding years was encapsulated within an expanded frame seasonal residence.Rob Hudgeons’ remodel to the home in 1987 included an extensive remodel and expansion, as well as removing the last vestiges of the 1960s-era mobile home. The most recent remodel included a new kitchen and dining room, and second living room.Although Roy Johnson, as one of the original seasonal residents in San Juan Hills, is now deceased, the property remains in the family and is periodically occupied by his three daughters, Penny, Tracy, and Roylene, and their families. The house on Lot 39, San Juan Hills Subdivision, is assessed to ROMIPETR, LLC, based out of Clarksville, Arkansas.The home was equipped with smoke detectors which were operational at the time of last Wednesday’s blaze. Lake City Fire/Rescue was notified of the fire at 1:08 p.m. last Wednesday, May 21, and arrived at the scene with two pumper trucks and a tanker at 1:13 p.m. At time of firefighters’ arrival, fully half of the two-story residence was already engulfed in flame with dense, heavy black smoke.Firefighters responding to the blaze were Willie Merfeld, Evan Milski, Mike Ralph, Nathan Wuest, R.E. Hall, Greg Levine, Patrick Tubbs, Justin Thompson, Joel Collins, Crystal Earley, and Mike Tuttle.In addition to the fire district’s two pumper trucks and tanker, Engine 95 brush truck was also brought on scene, together with a pumper truck and three firefighters who were sent in from Gunnison under terms of a mutual aid agreement between the Lake City and Gunnison fire departments.Fire hydrants do not exist in San Juan Hills Subdivision and firefighting efforts entailed upwards of seven or eight repeat trips by the fire district’s pumper trucks for refills from the hydrant at 9th and Water Street on the Ball Flats in Lake City.After its start just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, the blaze continued for over six hours prior to official containment at 7:51 p.m. Wednesday. Hot embers at the scene continued to be periodically monitored by firefighter Patrick Tubbs throughout the night Wednesday and until 6:30 a.m. the following morning, May 22.Also arriving at the fire scene were Hinsdale Emergency Medical Services, Rick Hernandez for wildland fire, Lucas Martin of Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Charles Ferris, and personnel from Gunnison County Electric, latter shutting off electricity to the property and dousing an electric pole which caught fire.In addition to an electric pole adjacent to the residence which caught fire, small brush and trees adjacent to the home also caught fire, although despite breezy conditions and thanks to skill of local firefighters, the blaze did not spread to neighboring structures.While investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the home was insured and insurance adjusters have been notified.Lake City Fire/Rescue and its ranks of volunteers have been especially busy in recent months, not only as the result of ongoing training but also the result of a series of serious house fires garnering the department’s attention.Prior to last week’s San Juan Hills’ blaze, Lake City Fire/Rescue’s volunteers responded to a devastating fire at the historic Beam-Nichols-Coffin house, 519 Gunnison Avenue, in early September last year. In that fire, the blaze was contained to the two-story, newer portion of the property, although the entire house was later demolished and is now in process of being rebuilt by Bodine Construction.Major house fires in the Lake City Fire Protection District typically occur once in a decade, local fires since 2000 including the 2012 blaze which destroyed McNitt’s historic Storm Front Gallery, Silver Street and, before then, the fire which totally destroyed the Stephenson-Breeden house overlooking the Ball Flats.

May 30, 2025 No Comments

Dear Grant, seasonal residents and visitors, and the People of the county of Hinsdale,

Considering the recent implementation and passage of statutory laws that are solely infringements against the natural, God-given, and constitutionally secured rights of the people, as well as events nationally and here locally, I would like to remind the American reader of their true significance and power. We are not a nation of tyrants and their endless regulations and usurpations. We are a constitutional Republic founded on natural rights and common-law, though we have strayed very far from the fundamental principles and vision of our Republic’s founders.As was stated by them, a Republic is the best form of government for an intelligent and knowledgeable populace but the worst for an ignorant one. Is it any wonder that our government-ran schools no longer teach the civics and hierarchy of law that was established by the wise and courageous founders? Article VI, Clause 2 of the constitution for the United States of America, known as the supremacy clause, ordains that: “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.”If our public servant legislatures, executives, or judges who are sworn in under oath to be “bound thereby” violate the supreme law instead of upholding it, who then will maintain the highest law clearly intended to supersede all others? Ultimately, this is the duty and responsibility of the people, who are the true sovereignty of our once great Republic that has fallen far from the wayside of true progress and freedom. This is succinctly defined in our law as follows: “SOVEREIGN POWER. See SOVEREIGNTY.The sovereign or supreme power in every state resides in the people. Blackstone supposes the jura summi imperii, or the right of sovereignty, to reside in those hands in which the exercise of the power of making laws is placed. Our simple and more reasonable idea is that the government is a mere agency established by the people for the exercise of those powers which reside in them. The powers of government are not, in strictness, granted, but delegated powers.They are then trust powers and may be revoked. It results that no portion of sovereignty resides in government.” Anderson ;1 Sharsw. Bl. Com. 49. (Bouvier’s Law Dictionary, 1928, Page 1121). Consequently, we should never accept being a commercial nation, state, or county comprised of subjects and their public masters, but a Republic of we the People with our public servants bound by oath to sustain our will; the latter who currently necessitate being duly reminded of their subordinance and subservience to the former. ~ JT Stratton, one of the People of Colorado domiciled on the county of Hinsdale

May 16, 2025 No Comments

Dear Grant,

In my opinion, The Silver World has made a mistake by publishing the email from the former Undersheriff Jim Hunsicker without first talking with our current Sheriff or researching any of the allegations brought against him. The email is nothing more than a smear against the current Elected Sheriff, Denim Starnes.This published email and the “Restoring the office of Sheriff” paper, written and circulated by the former Undersheriff are nothing more than the delusional ravings of, to use his own words, a “distressed and distraught” and “personally, emotionally and mentally distressed” employee.After reading the “Restoring the Office of Sheriff” and the email published in the paper I went to Sheriff Starnes to see if he had been approached by the newspaper about the article. He told me that he had not. He also told me he would not make a public reply to these outrageous accusations. The sheriff’s office has more important, real police work to do.In his writings, Mr. Hunsicker makes a flippant mention of the distress and expense of relocating and how his “life is ruined.” Mr. Hunsicker has apparently been to Lake City before, having owned a business called Alpine Loop Technological Consulting. The fact that he laid blame on the current Sheriff for his moving distress is laughable as he was hired by the former interim Sheriff Bruce. Seems that any anguish or discomfort he may have endured is of his own making.Mr. Hunsicker states that Sheriff Starnes has character traits that make him unsuitable to serve as sheriff. This is a typical case of the pot calling the kettle black. Mr. Hunsicker has shown such poor character and lack of devotion to the job during his 107 days of “mental distress,” and in his recent scribblings, the irony is overwhelming.Every leader has their own form of leadership and Mr. Hunsicker, having served at least 20 years in the USMC and USMCR, should know this. He could have found a way to communicate and get the mission accomplished. However, he instead chose not to comply, he chose to leave his post. To quit, when he was needed the most. As if that is not bad enough, he has also decided to disparage his former employer and spread erroneous allegations of wrongdoing, for which he has not provided any proof. He claims to have a “long and detailed list of times and dates’’ that our Sheriff has not upheld his oath of office. Perhaps he should have spent that list making time doing the work of a Deputy. This leads me to believe that he may have come here with the full intention of creating havoc. Listing things he did not agree with, and rather than expressing his concern or trying to solve these supposed issues with his sheriff, he created a spectacle and started his own Coup d’état to remove our elected Sheriff and replace Starnes with himself. This is further implicated by his mention that Sheriff Starnes could be subject of a recall in July, and his recent Facebook page denouncing Sheriff Starnes and projecting his own vanity as well as his desire to be Sheriff.Mr. Hunsicker mentions a “disastrous experience working in another county.” Perhaps this is a common occurrence for Mr. Hunsicker; how many other employers did he have disastrous relationships with? Perhaps some investigation is in order before we take the word of a man who seems to be perfectly comfortable with lamenting his assumed grievances, in public, against his previous employer.This whole tale is nothing more than a case of Aesop’s “sour grapes.” It is not an attempt to improve the system. It is a disgraceful undertaking to bring further disruption into a Sheriff’s department that finally has a Sheriff with grit enough to call out the wrong doers and abide by the rule of law with integrity and courage. Using his discretion as an experienced lawman and not favoritism, as we have seen so many times before.Sheriff Starnes rates as one of the most honest people I have ever known. He is dedicated to his elected position as Sheriff and wants nothing more than to serve this community as his position requires. I fully support Sheriff Starnes as do the majority of Hinsdale County voters that elected him. Sheriff Starnes has done nothing illegal or worthy of dishonor.It seems now that some individuals, who see themselves as relatively important in the community, have turned on Sheriff Starnes. Could it be that he has poked the bear? Has he stirred some water that was meant to be left undisturbed? Time will tell. We can only hope that in the end true justice will prevail. It is never easy to “stand alone and guard against the night.”I stand by these words and support of Sheriff Starnes. Citizen, Patriot, Believer in truth and justice,William S. Bowling

May 15, 2025 No Comments

Dear Grant and Lake City Community

We’re excited to invite you to a Joint Grand Opening Celebration for two new businesses bringing fresh energy to the corner of 2nd Street and Gunnison Avenue! Join us on Thursday, May 22, 2025, for a ribbon cutting at Crystal Peak Properties at 5:00 PM, followed by a second ribbon cutting at Alpine Loop Outpost at 5:45 PM. The celebration will continue from 6:00–7:30 PM at Alpine Loop Outpost with appetizers, cake, and friendly community socializing. Formerly Blue Bird Boutique, Alpine Loop Outpost was purchased by Doug and Raquel Franz in October 2024 and reimagined as a one-stop destination for adventurers—offering essentials, equipment, food, and backcountry logistics. Doug shares, “We were excited to come to Lake City, and we are so thankful to have received such a warm welcome. We appreciate everyone’s support and we hope you will stop in and check out our new menu items and facility updates. We look forward to serving you!” Across the street, Crystal Peak Properties is owned by Kelsey Loftis, a Powderhorn resident of 10 years and licensed realtor with five years of experience. Her new office is located in the former Michael Underwood Photography building. Kelsey says, “I absolutely love living in such a fun and adventurous place — my family and I spend our free time hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing. It’s a lifestyle we truly treasure. My goal is to help others improve their quality of life in whatever season they’re in, whether that means buying their dream home or selling to move on to something new.” This event is more than a ribbon cutting—it’s a chance to connect, celebrate, and get to know the faces behind these exciting new ventures. We hope to see you there! Sincerely,Katrina MenziesDirector, Lake City/Hinsdale CountyChamber of Commerce

May 15, 2025 No Comments

Snow Showers, Elevated Spirits at Long-Awaited Groundbreaking…

After decades of discussion and faltered plans, Hinsdale County Commissioners, staff, and Sheriff’s Office personnel have broken ground on the 6,000-square foot Operations Building which is being built directly south of Hinsdale County Courthouse at the corner of 4th and Henson Street.Ground breaking in advance of this week’s start of work by contractor Buildings-by-Design and excavation subcontractor — additional photos, page 5— took place last Tuesday afternoon, May 7, with commemorative hardhats and diminutive gold-painted shovels in the midst of a spring snow shower.Pictured left to right are County Finance Officer Lynn McNitt, Administrative Assistant Davee Menzies, County Administrator Sandy Hines, Building Official Gabe McNeese, Dana Hlavac on behalf of Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Hinsdale Commissioners Robert Hurd, Greg Levine and Kristie Borchers, Hinsdale Sheriff’s Department Administrative Assistant Bobbi Vickers McDonald, and Hinsdale County Sheriff Denim Starnes. Cole Zwesler, a travel tech working with Montrose-based Alpine Archaeology — standing, far left — is monitoring subsurface excavations at the site of the new County Operations Building on Henson Street.Zwesler is keeping an eye out for remnants of the old county jail building which burned in 1946 — pictured below left at the site location from a 1902 Sanborn Insurance Map — together with another now vanished frame building at the site, identified below as an assay office, which was originally occupied as a library started by Rev. George Darley in 1877, and later briefly used as a hospital.

May 15, 2025 No Comments

Town, County OHV Regs, Hours of Operation in Advance of Busy Season

Hinsdale Commissioners at their Wednesday, May 7, meeting briefly discussed the county’s amended ordinance addressing increased safety fines, mandatory spark arrestors, and hours of operation for Off Highway Vehicles on county roads.As previously reported, the county’s annual Colorado Dept. of Transportation program allowing OHVs on the portion of State Highway 149 from the Lake Turnoff at CR30 south to and through the Town of Lake City once again commences the first Friday before Fathers’ Day – this year Friday, June 13 – and continues through September.In their amended ordinance, commissioners are enacting increased OHV fines for safety violations and, as a fire precaution, are mirroring State of Colorado’s requirement that OHVs are equipped with spark arrestors.In addition to the four-mile section of Highway 149 through town, OHVs are allowed on all county roads in unincorporated portions of the county at all times, although new this year and in effect from May 25, seasonal hours of operation June 1 – September 30 are limited to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.Town of Lake City is in process of adopting similar mandatory hours of operation for OHVs on all town streets.Elsewhere during last Wednesday’s meeting, Commissioners Borchers, Hurd, and Levine heard an update on spring runoff outflow from Lake San Cristobal and lake outlet gates that are gradually being lowered as runoff peaks.Commissioner Levine reported on a whirl of activity at Lake San Cristobal Peninsula Park which includes work on the summit of the peninsula for the Ben Brownlee Memorial with engraved rails, Terry Klug’s new lockable gate regulating access to the county boat dock ramp per the invasive aquatic species program, and installation of the county’s new disability-accessible fishing pier that is scheduled May 21.Commissioner Borchers, who will address crowds attending the annual Memorial Day Veterans’ Service on May 26, updated her fellow commissioners that engraving is scheduled updating the Veterans’ Park Memorial with the names Paul Olson, Martin Franz, David Flynt, Robert Case, Denis Cox, and R.S. Scott.In announcing First Responder Appreciation Week this week, Borchers expressed gratitude to the local EMS team, reciting the following list: Brad Jones, Paramedic; Amanda Hartman, AEMT; Dan Humphreys, AEMT; Rachel Moore, EMT-IV; Melody Crump, EMT-IV; Leslie Nichols, EMT-IV; Katherine Heidt, EMT; Richard Williams, EMT; Kelly Elkins, EMT; Danny Oge’, EMT; Sarah DeCristino, EMT; Grant Loper, EMT; Lorie Stewart, Driver; Tom Arnold, Driver; Jenn Pierce, Driver; Lydia McNeese, Driver; Jerry Johnson, Driver; Daniel Bernat, Driver; and Sarah Moody, Driver.Borchers also announced that the county has competitively been awarded a no-match $1,100 grant from Sea Tow Foundation as part of a loaner life jacket program.Thirty loaner life jackets in bright yellow hue, together with applicable information on the life-saving importance of wearing a life jacket for lake water recreation, will be available from a metal stand which will be displayed at the county board dock starting this summer. The life jackets — in sizes infant, child, youth, adult, and adult extra large — are described by Borchers as part of a “great proactive project” and were timed for arrival in advance of National Safe Boating Week May 17-23.Intense discussion ultimately leading to an apparent difference of opinion at the Commissioners’ May 7 meeting revolved around disappointing results from this year’s Secure Rural Schools appropriation from the U.S. Forest Service.Last year’s SRS funding appropriation, which the county split with Hinsdale County School District, amounted to a hefty $276,353 of which half, $138,176, went to Hinsdale County School District and the county’s half, $138,176, allotted to Hinsdale County Road & Bridge Dept.A proverbial wrench in the budgeting works for both county and school, however, is the fact SRS legislation expired in 2024 and has not to this point been reauthorized by Congress.In lieu of SRS, the 1908 Act for apportionment of FS funds — for Hinsdale County, primarily receipts from logging on FS land and concessionaire payments from FS Campgrounds — is in effect and results in a dramatically reduced financial payment to the county.Instead of $290,000 which was budgeted in 2025, the county has in fact received just $88,503. Under the old SRS, Hinsdale County had already agreed to split the amount evenly with Hinsdale School District, but the 1908 Act allows distribution at the county’s discretion with a minimum 25 percent to the school.A lively discussion ensued with Commissioner Hurd strenuously advocating that 75 percent FS funds should be retained by the county and apportioned entirely to Hinsdale County Road & Bridge, Hurd describing funding for the county’s Road & Bridge Dept. as “dire” and “extremely hard for them to function without this money.”A formal vote on the 1908 F.S. funds will come in the form of a resolution at the county board’s next meeting, Commissioners Levine and Borchers expressing their preference to continue the 50-50 split with the school despite the lesser amount.

May 15, 2025 No Comments

Assessment Sees Dramatic Increase in Property Values

Property owners throughout the state, including Hinsdale County, received a jolt last week after reading the state-mandated 2025 reappraisal communique from their local assessor.Hinsdale County Assessor Sherri Boyce and her deputy, ad valorem appraiser Sarah Tubbs, were matter of fact in their presentation to Hinsdale County Commissioners last week, the knowledgable duo alerting the county board that in their role as Board of Equalization they should be prepared for a larger than usual number of protests arguing against the new valuations.The protest period for this year’s property value appraisal began last Friday, May 2, and extends to Monday June 9.Referencing the significant increase in property values at all levels — residential, commercial, vacant land, and mining claims — Commissioner Hurd was understated, acknowledging, “it’s hard to make that a positive spin.”Property owners who have now recovered from the initial shock will readily realize that property values at all levels in the county have significantly increased, in part because the state mandated odd year reappraisal was laser focused, “aiming to be bullseye accurate,” as described by Deputy Assessor Sarah Tubbs, in valuing property based on comparable neighborhood sales which occurred from July 1, 2022, all of 2023, and up to June 30, 2024.Tubbs told commissioners that based on sales, there was a “big market jump” between 2019 and 2022.Hinsdale’s last reappraisal in 2023 based property values “conservatively,” according to Tubbs, which was remedied in this year’s appraisal.Sales of comparable properties in 2022, 2023 and the first half of 2024 provided sufficient data for the county reappraisal as a whole, according to the assessor office staff, although in specific neighborhoods with insufficient data, comparable sales were reviewed in six-month increments as far back as 2019.State-wide, including Hinsdale, this year’s re-appraisal reflects a tremendous sales market — and corresponding increase in values — for vacant land and mining claims.Added to the mix, and a jaw-dropper for homeowners, was an automatic $55,000 increase in residential values this year as the result of expiration of the state legislature’s Taxpayer Relief Bill which has now ended but was in effect in 2023 and 2024 aiding homeowners with an automatic reduction of $55,000 in home value.Distantly and unfortunately not in 2025, there is a glimmer of good news property tax-wise on the horizon. For armed service veterans and seniors over age 65, the Homestead Senior Exemption remains in effect now and in 2026, allowing a 50 percent reduction in the first $200,000 valuation of the taxpayer’s principal residence.And while the Taxpayer Relief Bill has now expired, Assessor Boyce says that starting in 2026 — not 2025 — homeowners will receive an automatic $70,000 reduction in property valuation.Asked for specifics, the Hinsdale Assessor Office duo stated that for taxing districts other than schools, the residential assessment rates drop from 6.7 percent in 2024 to between 6.15 and 6.25 percent in 2025 depending on a complex state-wide growth ratio; for school districts — again based on state growth — the residential assessment percent will range from 6.95 percent if state growth is over five percent, to 7.05 percent if state growth is less than five percent.For commercial, vacant and all other properties, the rate goes from 27.9 percent in 2024 to 27 percent in 2025.On a positive note, audience member Arlene Gonzales, newly-appointed member of Hinsdale County Planning Commission, extended congratulations to County Commissioners and Hinsdale Assessor Office staff for the new GIS site which, according to Gonzales, “is now live and, in addition to transparency, is a clear benefit to taxpayers.”As an example, Gonzales said the county’s GIS website aids the planning board and serves as a boost “removing potential friction” in interactions between financial institutions and landowners wishing to obtain a loan.The new GIS site, according to Gonzales, “is cause for celebration.”The site’s address is https:///.hinsdalecounty.colorado.gov/.assessors-officeThe site enables property owners to get an estimate of the location of property lines and is of use to emergency responders wishing to access homeowner information in the event of an emergency.Other plusses are to hunters and hikers desiring a better idea of the location of public and private lands; real estate professionals such as realtors, appraisers, and insurance agents can get a better idea of location and topography before site visits; and construction and utility contractors for a better understanding of property lines.A caveat with the GIS site is that it is not intended to replace the need for a professional plat or survey. Boundary lines are not pin-point accurate but are useful in furnishing a visual estimate.

May 9, 2025 No Comments

Tag: Lake City