Top Stories

Beware the deep! Stay out of Colorado mines and stay alive

<p>A team of horses and equipment make their way to a mine.</p>
PEAK TO PEAK - Colorado’s picturesque mountains, rolling prairies, and pine forests are beautiful. However, underneath all that beauty, they conceal a hidden—and potentially deadly—hazard: abandoned mines. According to a memo, the Colorado...
<p><strong>Spooky treats await at the pumpkin patch</strong><br>Halloween-themed goodies, including candy and fun pumpkin toys, brought smiles to the faces of kids and families at the Central City Pumpkin Patch, making the event even sweeter for all the young scavenger hunters.</p>
On October 5 and 6, 2024, Main Street Central City hosted some fall fun with its annual Pumpkin Patch event on Levit Street, located between Gregory and Lawrence Streets. The event transformed an old stone building front into a spooky,...
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<p><strong>Holding back contaminated water</strong></p><p>This bulkhead inside the Argo mine in Idaho Springs was one of the first Central City/Clear Creek Superfund projects. It stops water contaminated with heavy metals from spilling out of the mine. Instead, the water is piped to a water filtration plant to be filtered before being released into Clear Creek.</p>
Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties - The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a fourth meeting on October 3, 2024, on the statusof cleaning up the Central City-Clear Creek...
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More Local News
<p><strong>Fun for all ages</strong></p><p>The Carousel of Happiness hosted pumpkin decorating, which was a huge hit.</p>

Market season ends with a party

The Nederland Farmers Market (NFM) season wrapped up on Sunday, October 6, 2024, with the biggest party yet, the annual Harvest Festival. Nederland residents and leaf peepers alike were treated to beer and liquor vendors, more food options, live music, and a special appearance from Murray the yak ...
<p><strong>Artists and trustees at the Gilpin Arts reception</strong><br>Members of the Gilpin Arts Association gather at Washington Hall to celebrate the Members’ Show. The camaraderie of local and regional artists shines through in this photo, as they take a moment to connect and share their passion for art.</p>

Gilpin Arts members gather for creative celebration

Located in Central City, the Gilpin Arts Association offers a refreshing cultural experience for families and art lovers. Housed in Washington Hall, Colorado’s oldest continuously used building, this historic space serves as a creative retreat,...
<p><strong>Inspiring hope and joy</strong></p><p>Guitarist Tony Crank and flautist Earl Correy filled the market with beautiful music.</p>

Calvary Chapel channels community spirit

NEDERLAND - The Calvary Chapel Annual Harvest Festival took place on a breezy Saturday afternoon in the midst of a busy peeping season. The event, organized by members of the contemporary church, included kids games, baked goods, local art and...

Gilpin County resident charged with election violations

Gilpin County resident charged with election violations John Scarffe Denver The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State office conducted an Administrative Hearing in the matter of Elections Division of the Secretary of...
Government

Gilpin County buys property, hires new staff

<p><strong>New office assistant brings chemistry background to CSU extension office</strong></p><p>Nancy Santagata (left) and Jennifer Cook (right) smile for a photo. Santagata, a chemist, was recently hired as a part-time office assistant at the CSU Extension Office. She expressed her excitement and happiness about the role, noting that it does involve some chemistry. Her position is funded by the county.</p>

The Gilpin County Commissioners met for their regular session on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, with all commissioners–Susan Berumen (Chair), Marie Mornis, and Sandy Hollingsworth–present, along with key officials like County Attorney Jack Reutzel,...

Central City Council candidates: “On the same page”

<p><strong>Candidates share common goals</strong></p><p>Barbara Hardt, managing editor of The Mountain-Ear, leads the Central City Council candidate forum at the Central City Elks Lodge, as candidates (from the left) Chuck Spencer, Dennis Denson, and Zane Plsek discuss their visions for the future of the city.</p>

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, The Mountain-Ear hosted a lively candidate forum at the Central City Elks Lodge #557 on Main Street, bringing together the three candidates running for two open seats on Central City Council. The event had a friendly...

Bringing the Belvidere back to life

Belvidere Foundation Events Chairman Eric Chinn points out the fire-scorched bricks on the Shoofly, still standing after surviving the 1874 blaze.

Central City reached an important milestone in the restoration of its historic Belvidere Theatre. The Belvidere and the Shoofly buildings have been at the center of community activity since the early days. …

Police and fire

Gilpin County Sheriff's Reports, May 2024

On 5/1/24, at approximately 12:43 p.m., a deputy responded to 321 Gregory Street, City of Central City, in reference to a party with a warrant and a male party was taken into custody. On 5/1/24, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Gilpin County...

Studio Tour Recap

Peeping art amongst the leaves

Local artist WANDERWEIRD has their colorful, nerd culture-inspired mosaics on display at Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery in Nederland.
The second annual Peak to Peak Studio Tour took place on September 21 and 22. Galleries and visitors enjoyed a colorful event in the mountains.

Colorado artists shine at Gilpin Arts

Artwork by Colorado artists decorates the rustic walls of Washington Hall, home of the Gilpin Arts Association.

Artwork by Colorado artists decorates the rustic walls of Washington Hall, home of the Gilpin Arts Association. There is every kind of medium here …

Inspired by nature Laurence Delaunay – Lolo – has been a professional painter in Nederland for nearly 20 years. She enjoys painting animals and landscapes on large canvases “in a semi-abstract, …
Obituaries
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Elizabeth “Libby” Stewart Hatch Ellis May 5, 1931 - September 21, 2024
Elizabeth “Libby” Stewart Hatch Ellis was born on May 5, 1931, in New Rochelle, New York, and passed away on September 21, 2024, in Estes Park, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. She was 93. Libby was a resident of Nederland, Colorado,...
Alfred Arias May 25, 1940 - September 20, 2024
Alfred H. Arias, 84, passed away at home on September 20, 2024. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 25, 1940, the 7th child of Antonia and Benito Arias. He was united in marriage to his wife, …
Tim Hannon May 20, 1951 - August 16, 2024
Long-time Eldora resident Tim Hannon died August 16, 2024, at Boulder Community Hospital after an extended illness. He was born in Anderson, Indiana, on May 20, 1951, to Donald and Ruth (McClain) …
Nancelia Jackson
  Nancelia Elizabeth Scott Jackson passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Denver, Colorado, not quite making it to 100. She is best known in Gilpin County for being the granddaughter of …
 
James (Jim) Robert Miller
James (Jim) Robert Miller born 1946, died September 4, in a traffic accident in northern Wyoming. Jim was a Colorado native and three-term mayor of Nederland, Colorado. He grew up in Longmont,
Arts & Entertainment

Music of the Mountains: Brandywine and the Mighty Fines

Rollinsville - Brandy Ray vividly remembers the date on which her current primary project, Brandywine and the Mighty Fines, performed live for the first time: March 6, 2020. This is because, a week …

What’s Happening at Gilpin County Parks & Recreation

Gilpin County Parks & Recreation bit.ly/gilpinparksandrec , 303-582-1453 http://www.facebook.com/gilpincounty.org/ Pool Hours please call to confirm prior to coming Monday and Wednesday: 7:30 …

Music Events

Busey Brews Friday, October 4 at 4 p.m. - Lost Penny (Oktoberfest and 5th  Anniversary) Saturday, October 5 at 3:30 p.m. - S’moreGrass (Oktoberfest and 5th Anniversary) Sunday, October 6 at 4 …
Discover Colorado
Catching curve balls: A baby hummingbird's resting place serves as a reminder of the beauty and darkness of life.
Estes Park - As the hummingbirds made their way south a few weeks ago, I watched a momma and two babies feed from my garden. I could tell one of the babies was out of sorts. It struggled to fly, …
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FOOD
This lovely, light Greek-tasting dish is a perfect lunch or light dinner. I find that it has more “body” if made with pearl couscous, but the choice is yours. Serves four Ingredients For the …
Poetry Corner

... all the beauty we have seen

I drive on a road

I used to drive down

multiple times a day

some stretch of asphalt

with a mountain view

in the time I’ve been gone

this place has not changed much

but I have …

Transformers One

Transformers One October 4 and 5 Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Saturday Matinee at 2 p.m. The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were …

Gilpin Halloween Events

October 1 - October 27 Pumpkin Decorating Contest: The 2024 Pumpkin Decorating Contest begins October 1. This event is open to all ages, so get creative! No carved pumpkins, only exterior decoration. …

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School Zone
<p><strong>Full house</strong></p><p>The Gilpin RE-1 boardroom was full for the Meet and Confer meeting with staff at the October 1, 2024, board of education meeting.</p>
Gilpin schools report mixed results
GILPIN COUNTY – There was both good and bad news presented at the Gilpin RE-1Board of Education meeting on October 1, 2024. The good news was that students were meeting state academic expectations based on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success...
Gilpin Elementary students raced and raised the full amount needed for the 100 Elk Outdoor Education Retreat for 4th and 5th grade students this year.
Colors are everywhere at Gilpin Elementary School Fundraiser
Gilpin Elementary students raced and raised nearly $7000 in donations for participating in the first annual Color Run. Along with funds from a bake sale and grants, they raised the full amount needed …
School Calendars
Nederland Middle-Senior High School Thursday, October 3 at 5:30 p.m. - SAC Meeting Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m. - PTA Meeting Friday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m. - JV Girls’ Volleyball at STEM Highland …
Panther pride
The sophomore class float in the parade in Nederland.
A sweet 2024 Homecoming for the Panthers
NEDERLAND - Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) celebrated homecoming during the week of September 23 - 28, 2024. This most exciting week of the school year was celebrated each day as …
Drew Starkey ticks off more yardage.
Gilpin coach sees successful football season ahead
After the Gilpin Homecoming football game was canceled due to a last-minute forfeiture by Lake County, the Eagles were anxious to take the field on September 21 against the South Park Burros.  …
Mountain Columns

Life in Nature: Antlers at dawn

Two bucks square off in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Last week I took the opportunity to get up early and head up to the high country for one of my final visits of the season before the first snow flies. I greatly enjoy the Old Fall River Road in Rocky …

Parenting with purpose

The first Mountain Strong Families parenting event of the school year, hosted by TEENS, Inc., on September 3, created a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Although some parents initially hesitated, many …

Mountain Folk Tales: Ned Writers Group

Writing in solidarity Top, left: Seated are Blair Justice, Rita Justice, and Kathy Brantley. Standing are Jaydene Morrison, Betsy Buck, Sarah Triffleman, Alberta Montgomery, Jeannette Smith, and Elaine Miller. Taken in August 2009 as part of the original Lifestory Writing Group. Top, right: Standing are Jeannie Leigh, Betsy Buck, and Barb Miller. Seated are Serene Karplus, Lucy Stroock, and Sue Bart. Taken in October 2013. Bottom, right: Seated are Alberta Montgomery, Dick Deubel, and Violet Aandres. Standing are Serene Karplus, Kathy Brantley, Marilyn Fagerstrom, Lynda Dawson, Gary Ennor, Jeannette Smith, and Betsy Buck. Taken in December 2014.

During the second half of my four-year journey as a student at the University of Colorado Boulder (the half during which I decided to major in creative writing), I joined a creative writing group

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Around the region
Black Hawk

Black Hawk stands firm on IGA deal

Artist rings in new beginnings: 
Artist Ted Garcia, a longtime visitor of the area, is officially welcomed at the Black Hawk City Council meeting on September 25, 2024. Garcia hopes to have a soft opening of his much-anticipated art gallery in Gregory Plaza just in time for the holiday season.

Black Hawk - The Black Hawk City Council convened on September 25, 2024, addressing several key resolutions and City matters,  most importantly their proposed IGA with Gilpin County. They also …

Nederland

Our mountains hold unbelievable talent

<p><strong>Runs in the family</strong></p><p>Sisters in life and in art, Maddie Perry poses with Lyla, who entered her art for the first time.</p>

On Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nederland Community Center, the pure talent that can be found here in the mountains was put on display for the Arts at the Center Fall Exhibition. Up to 20 artists of all ages and backgrounds...

Gilpin County

Two new Gilpin County ballot drop boxes installed

Remember to vote! 
Clerk McCormick with Chief Deputy Clerk Joe Self at the Courthouse in Central City. 

he Courthouse in Central City now has a larger drop box, located near the flagpole in front of the building, that will be ready to receive ballots for this November’s election. …

Gilpin School board focuses on Board guidance

Listening intently: 
Fifth grade student council members (Caden McLain, Jace Parten, Catherine Motchan, Catherine Pirkle, and Blakeley Parten) conversing with school board members.

The major business at the Gilpin County RE-1 School Board meeting on September 17, 2024, was to meet with the district lawyer in an executive session to get guidance concerning board member legal …

Boulder County

Moratorium approved for large house applications

The Boulder County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on applications for houses in unincorporated Boulder County with a proposed size over the median residential floor area for a …

Coal Creek Canyon

Coal Creek Canyon’s annual pancake breakfast

Cub Scout Jude Aron helped serve his community at a pancake breakfast.

About 60 people attended the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association annual fall pancake breakfast at the CCCIA Hall. The festive meal included pancakes, sausage, and eggs ...

Central City

Birdhouse Painting Workshop brings out local creativity

On Saturday, September 14, the Gilpin Arts Association hosted a relaxed birdhouse painting workshop, sponsored by Central City Main Street. The event ran from noon to 2 p.m. and brought together six …

Wild Bear

Wild Bear Nature Center builds on

On Saturday, September 24, 2024, approximately 60 people bedecked in hard hats and high-visibility personal protective gear gathered at the site of the future Wild Bear Nature Center to celebrate the …

Opinion
Letters to the Editor

Gratitude for our quiet hero

Dear Editor, I’m writing for the Board of the Nederland Food Pantry and on my behalf to express our profound gratitude for the incredible generosity our quiet hero, Christian Vanek, who enabled the creation of a new campus for the Nederland Food...

Support for Jeff Aiken’s bid for County Commissioner

Dear Editor and fellow residents,I would like to share with you my support of Jeff Aiken for Gilpin County Commissioner from District 1. Jeff is a sincere intelligent public servant as demonstrated through his involvement as a Central City...

Vote yes on Proposition 127

Dear Editor, Please vote “yes” on Proposition 127, the Prohibit Hunting of Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx Initiative, in November. The common method of using dogs with GPS trackers to chase the lion till s/he is exhausted and often climbs into a...

Peak to Peak Chamber of Commerce to host workshops

Dear Editor,The Peak to Peak Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a small business workshop series. These workshops are free and open to the public and focuses on marketing strategies for small businesses in the Peak to Peak area.The first workshop,...
Peak Perspectives
I am sitting here in the office, thinking about the past week and looking forward to the next one.  A few weeks ago, we had a bunch of training on-site for our new website launched this week. Hang on friends, it's gonna take a little bit of time for a full transition …
First, I want to say a huge thank you to the five candidates that are running for Gilpin County Commissioner. Each candidate showed up for our Candidate Forum, answered the questions thoughtfully and shared a bit about what they'd bring to the county, if elected.  …
This year may be the most contentious election year I have ever been through. Now, that’s not saying much, I guess. The Presidential election four years ago was certainly contentious. This year it …
Featured video

Nederland Clean Up Day 2024

Check out this week's edition of The Mountain-Ear! Read about Nederland's 2024 Town Clean Up Day at The Mountain-Ear online. To find out details and to stay informed about happenings within your …

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Pet of the week

Qtip: You’re looking for the answer in my eyes

Too many broken hearts have landed in the shelter. Too many lonely souls have wandered down the halls. You walk your dogs and then you pay the fees... The things we do for love, the things we do for love ...

Public Notices

 

News from around the web
Grist reports on how, as global temperatures rise and seasons shift, bees and other pollinators are missing critical connections with flowers and crops.
Sunflowers use tiny movements to follow the Sun's path throughout the day. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel Most of us aren’t spending our days watching our houseplants grow. We see their signs of life only …
(BPT) - Do you want to explore the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of unique cultures and landscapes up close and personal? If so, you might be attracted to "adventure" or "active" travel. However, …