Jacqueline Hart, Peak to Peak.   As the first week of 2018 got underway, Jeffery Mason Maynard appeared in Gilpin County Court, post-extradition from Idaho, on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, identity theft, motor vehicle theft, theft and one count of violent crime. Maynard’s alleged victim, whose body had been found at a campsite off Tolland Rd. outside Rollinsville on September 13, 2017, was 63-year-old John Cumby.

Maynard was pulled over in Ada County, Idaho driving John Cumby’s van.

The arresting officer found that Maynard was under investigation for assault crimes and other misdemeanors. Ada County contacted Gilpin County Sheriff inquiring about John Cumby, which led to the discovery of Cumby’s body and the extradition of Maynard from Idaho to Colorado.

Gilpin High School students in the Interact Club, a youth orientated Rotary program encouraging “service above the self,” held fundraisers for The World Wildlife Fund and POLIO Plus, in February. Funds the students raised were donated to help eradicate polio, the most preventable of deadly diseases. Two of the three types of polio are considered eliminated, with the last type concentrated in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The GHS Interact Club has been involved with charity for the last 13 years in partnership with the Rotary Club, according to club supervisor Curt Halstead.

The Gilpin County Sheriff’s Department fielded a call at 11:40 a.m. on February 3, requesting the rescue of a back-country skier. Two Boulder men had been skiing up the Moffat Trail and then back up Forest Lakes, about 5 miles from the road, when one skier fell. His friend was able to reach him and call for help. Gilpin Sheriff’s Office responded, as well as Rocky Mountain Rescue, Alpine Rescue Team, Timberline Fire Protection District, High Country Auxiliary and Gilpin County Ambulance Authority, who joined them at Rollins Pass. A helicopter could not be used in the rescue due to high winds. Rescuers on skis from Rocky Mountain Rescue were able to reach the injured man by 4:30 p.m. By the time the skier was out of the woods and on his way to the hospital, it was 9:30 p.m. The skier had multiple injuries and broken bones, but thanks to the rescue team, he made it and was able to get appropriate medical care. “It was a great team effort,” reported Cherokee Blake, Gilpin County Public Information Officer.

The Gilpin County Board of Education overturned a decision by the school’s administration in February, to suspend a student from extracurricular activities due to tobacco use. The tobacco in question was found in the student’s car and the student maintained it was not hers, but her brother’s, who is of legal age to use tobacco products. Board President Craig Holmes stated that although the decision was to reverse the ruling, “No wrong decision was made by the administration.” The student could finish the basketball season, to the joy of her teammates, present at the hearing.
Coal Creek Canyon K-8 hosted a PTSA sponsored Health and Wellness Night, “You Guac to be Kidding Me!” to educate participants about the benefits of avocados and promote healthy eating. Students and PTSA members made avocado based sweet and savory dishes to be judged by each other. The recipes are available on the CCC PTSA website. Also, at Coal Creek Canyon K-8, a generously donated 3-D printer prompted an after-school class teaching students how to use the ultra-modern technology.

Fourth grade teacher Jennifer Norris was able to get most of the supplies needed for the class donated including pens on loan from CU Boulder. Some of the items the students created included a toothbrush holder, a cat-shaped phone prop, phone cases and a yarn bowl.

Coal Creek Canyon Watershed Partnership held its last regular meeting on February 22, to discuss completion of restoration efforts to areas affected by the 2013 flood. Since its creation, CCCWP has cleaned up and restored the creek, upgraded the culverts at intersections, tested over 200 wells, held community education events, installed an early flood warning system, funded eight canyon residents for flood rehabilitation and developed a “Resilient Crossings Handbook.”

The Gilpin County Recreation Center hosted a Dad and Daughter Dance for Valentine’s Day. There was dancing to favorites like, “Let it Go,” from the family favorite “Frozen,” and for fathers to spend time with their daughters. There were lovely dresses and ice cream to cool off after an hour and a half on the dance floor. The fashion the girls inspired was both classic and stylish.

The High-Country Auxiliary Chili Dinner Fundraiser, in the first week of March, offered both an enjoyable community event and an opportunity to benefit an important cause. The silent auction was stocked with one of a kind items and great deals for the bidding. Dozens of Firefighters and HCA volunteers work together every year to make this event a success. This year was no exception; the cookies were too large with too many chips, the best way to enjoy them. The chili was hot and made with love by friends and the items for auction were many. Proceeds from the event go HCA, which supports the Timberline fire departments and helps with needs not covered by funding; such as keeping firefighters fed and warm during emergencies.

As March ended Gilpin HS students got serious about school shootings and using their voices for change, by participating in a nationwide walk-out to support the 17 victims shot to death at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas HS in Florida on February 14. At Gilpin the ceremony was a quiet reminder of children’s lives lost at MSDHS in Florida. Each name was read, a short description given, and the ceremony ended with 30 seconds of silence to honor each child’s senseless death.

In April signs designating smoke free zones were added to many areas in Gilpin County. Smoke free zones include smoking marijuana and vape-pens.

The county’s goal was to educated residents and visitors about the risks to public health from tobacco products, as many are not aware that e-cigarettes and vape-pens also contain cancer causing chemical substances.

The Board of County Commissioners placed County Manager Leslie Klusmire on paid administrative leave on April 11, 2018. Klusmire was relieved of further responsibilities for county management, effective on that date as well. The board agreed, after much deliberation, that Ms. Klushmire’s management style was inconsistent with their goals. They stated that they believed the decision would benefit Gilpin County, county employees, and Ms. Klushmire, to relieve her of her duties.

On April 17, 2018 the Gilpin County School Board met to discuss issues pertaining to Gilpin Public School. The first topic discussed was a shared learning targets program, designed and implemented by Gilpin teacher, Ms. Reiner, and presented by Madison Altman and Haley Stundon. The program’s purpose was to help students remain focused and organized so goals could be reached more frequently.

The team reported that 75 percent of students who were taught this method, used it and found it helpful. The board also discussed lunch and athletic fee increases, ten cents for student lunches and $10-$15 for athletic fees. Superintendent Mackenzie reported the progress of the updated security for GPS including communication upgrades between phones and intercoms, skill and drill monthly practices, lockdown drills and investigating pull-down boxes for emergencies. Gilpin Schools have a new updated website that allows for pictures, updates and links to social media sites to keep PTA and associated groups updated and informed. Policies that are outdated and redundant are slated for repeal. Last, the board made mention of booster breakfasts donated by casinos; Isle of Capri, Lodge Casino, Dostal Alley, Century Casino, Red Dolly, Easy Street/Bonanza and Wild Card.

Gilpin County Library held their annual book sale on April 13 and 14. Patrons were able to purchase favorite books at discount prices and friends of the Gilpin Library were able to raise money for community programs. Also, on sale were treats, snacks and collectors’ mugs. Gilpin Library also reported an all-time high in checked out items for the month of March exceeding the 3,000 mark in circulation. The library also reports a 6 percent increase in patron visits, and a 17 percent increase in community organization use of facilities.

Coal Creek Canyon K-8 held a silent auction/talent show thrown by the PTSA. The event surpassed expectations and they were able to raise the funds necessary to fund the additional Chromebooks needed for the following year and add $500 to a fund for future events.

At Gilpin County Public School, the first week of May was celebrated with art and creativity. On May 2, pre-school, first, second and third, graders performed modern adaptations of nursery rhymes to an overwhelmed audience. May 3, the fourth and fifth graders took their turn on the stage and on May 9, the high school students performed. Parents and friends who attended any of the shows were also given the opportunity to view the artwork created by the students throughout the year.

Gilpin High School Seniors celebrated graduation on May 19 with 21 graduates, one of the largest graduating classes from Gilpin High School.

Judge David Taylor gave the commencement address, Salutatorian Katelyn Armstrong and Valedictorian Josh Trujillo gave commencement speeches as well. The student scholarships awarded totaled an impressive $456,158 over the next four years, with all graduating seniors receiving a $6,000 award from the City of Black Hawk.

Central City volunteers cleaned up Central City on the last Saturday of May, preparing the town fortourists and travelers. By the time workers completed their task, Central City appeared loved and was ready for the many events of summer.

The Gilpin County Arts Association held the 71st Annual Juried Exhibition in Central City to what the acting president of the Board of Trustees said, “appeared to be a record-breaking crowd for opening night.” Anastasia Horwith received the Elaine Schoelzel Memorial Best of Show Award for her painting titled, “Big Sky.” Other awards included the Josephine Schwartz Memorial Award, given to Michelene Berkey for “3 Stone Pendent,” The Pastel Society of Colorado Award went to Dawn Buckingham for “Sandstone Snow,” and from the Colorado Watercolor Society Steve Griggs was awarded for “Time for a Brew.” Steve Griggs also won first place with the same piece in the Two Dimensional. Second place was awarded to Ruth Briggs for “Mending Fences” and third place went to Maureen Ravnik for “Death Becomes Her.” Three Dimensional winners were: Michele Berker, “3 Stone Pendent,” second place, Amelia Marlow with “Blue Globe Vase and third place went to Gabrielle Gerwitz with “Night Mandala Platter.” Photography awards went to: first place Mary Beth Sherrod for “Aspen Shadow,” second place went to Lorrie McAllistar with “False Kiva,” and third place went to Larry Roggenkamp with “Kansas Sky.”

Central City is pursuing grants to restore the Belvidere theater to its original glory. The building, now owned by the city, is now in disrepair, but was once the hub of Central City’s music scene. County Commissioners believe it would take about 3 million dollars to restore the building. A tour was conducted during the week of the revived Jazz festival to point out how the money would be used as well as to show the historic value still present in light fixtures and carvings throughout the building. The city reported they were pursuing grants for the project and had set up a GoFundMe page.

The Teller House hosted the return of Central Jazz on June 9, 2018, reviving it from Central City Jazz Festival which ran from 1976 to 1992. Jeremy Fey, Central City resident, is the man behind the event. He said his purpose in bringing the Jazz Festival back is to show the potential of the town for what he sees it could become; a thriving arts scene replete with venues, artists’, studios and fine dining. He sees the empty store fronts as opportunities, not obstacles. Jazz fest livened up Central City with music and food. Patrons filled Main Street, sampling all the days offerings. Johnny Z’s won the first place in the Madam Lou Bunch Bed Races.

The High-Country Auxiliary, with support from the Timberline Fire Protection District, hosted the annual flea market the first Saturday of June. The Auxiliary reported they brought in over $3000 that will go to the fire protection district and the Animal Rescue Team. During emergencies, these funds can help rescue pets and livestock.

Central City’s Bed Races were as popular and well attended as ever. On Saturday, June 16, Johnny Z’s took first and second place in the infamous race, having entered four teams on beds. The Central City Opera won the best costume award and youngest team award, with 77 combined years on their team. The worst time award went to Main Street Central City with 133.05 seconds.

In June of 2018, a reported 180 animals had tested positive for rabies in Colorado, compared to 165 for the year in 2017. In Gilpin county the primary concern for rabies exposure is bats, but can also be carried in skunks, fox, racoon or other wildlife who have been exposed. Gilpin Public Health urged residents to contact them if they believed they had been scratched or bitten, and to seek medical attention immediately. Also, residents are reminded to have pets vaccinated against rabies as county ordinances require.

Grand Z Casino hosted pianist and songwriter Marcia Ball in a free performance on June 29 and 30. Ball celebrated 50 years as a professional musician in 2018 and released the album “Shine Bright,” to celebrate. Ball, the official 2018 Texas state Musician, is Texas born and Louisiana raised. Black Hawk was excited to showcase her talents here, and Ball reports her purpose is to “make the world a brighter place, one song at a time.”

The place to be in Gilpin County for fireworks was in Black Hawk for the Boom Town Fourth of July Celebration. The town continues to claim the largest display of fireworks in Colorado. Despite the stage 1 and 2 fire restrictions last summer, the Black Hawk fireworks show was still a go and still as big as ever.

Historic railroad car and gondola #4319, built in 1900s for freight service was moved from Russell Park in Central City to Como to be restored. The South Park Rail Society in partnership with Denver, South Park and Pacific Historical Society offered to lease the gondola for 10 years and move it to Como, Colorado where it will be stored out of the weather and restored. Central City residents were invited by the preservation society to the Boreas Pass Railroad Day on August 18, where a town of restored buildings, tracks and train cars are displayed.

On July 12, the two cabins at 104 and 114 Redtail were opened to the public for viewing. The cabins were purchased by the county when it was discovered the family who owned them planned to demolish or remove the cabins. It’s estimated the two cabins were built between 1887 and 1900, and one of them still houses a vintage stove from the era. County Commissioners were excited discussing how the property would be used and its historical importance.

The Peak to Peak Players presented “Seussical Jr.,” a musical featuring the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss, in the last week of July. The show was a huge success and the Players, as always, did not disappoint. Costumes and sets were vibrant, and performances were on point, reflecting the hard work and dedication of the group.

Coal Creek Canyon ushered in the last month of summer with the 7th Annual Mountain Fest, offering the opportunity to celebrate all things mountain, while raising money for CCC Park and Rec District. The Peak to Peak Players performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” was all the rage following the August 12, opening night performance.

The dependable Gilpin Fair, the weekend of August 17, did not disappoint this year, adding new events like zombie paintball, live music and the crowning of the GC Fair Queens. Other events included; Rodeo show, Gilpin Gourmet, Dog Agility, ATV Rodeo, Log Splitting, Horseshoes, Talent and Karaoke. An all ages welcome BMX track was available for those who wanted to compete. A Mutton Bustin’ contest was open to anyone weighing 60lbs or less. The Sheep Scramble was open for ages 8-12. The TFPD gave a fire safety demonstration at the fair as well.

An escapee from the Department of Corrections, 33-year-old Michael Schmidt, was arrested without incident at 138 Midway Dr. in unincorporated Gilpin County. Schmidt was hiding out in a family cabin when a Gilpin Deputy, having been notified by Jefferson County that the escapee might be there, noticed a car parked at the cabin. Schmidt gave himself up when he saw he was surrounded and came out of the house with a pregnant female who was also arrested on a warrant.

On Tuesday August 21, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners hired Abel Montoya as the county’s new manager. Montoya has more than 18 years’ experience in county government. Montoya and his wife are Colorado natives. The new county manager said that Gilpin County’s interest in balancing economic development and environmental stewardship, along with its architecture and history of resilience, is what drew him to Gilpin County.

Central City’s 7th annual Cemetery Crawl, reportedly the most historically informative two hours one can spend in Central City, and the Great Beer Fest signaled fall was around the corner. In August the Gilpin County Library announced they would display the photographic work of local artist Mary Beth Sherrod from September 1 through November 3, 2018.

Gilpin County Schools introduced six new teachers in September: Katura Sales, Michael O’Connel, Jackie Walby, Dawn Blake, Ann Meyers and Mary Kay Morris. The Gilpin Arts Annual Fundraiser on September 8 was a success, with approximately 100 people in attendance. Over 60 pieces of art were sold at the event and every ticket holder went home with a piece of art and their choice of notecards created by a local artist or a photo book of Central City.

A reported bear attack in Golden Gate Canyon State Park proved to be a false alarm. The news brought an opportunity to remind residents about staying safe from bear attacks in the fall season. Beautiful fall colors brought the yearly leaf peepers and other visitors looking to enjoy the last of warm temperatures before fall temperatures came to stay.

Black Hawk hosted an annual stair climb in honor of the Fallen rescue workers in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. On that day, 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 3 EMT’s were lost. Their photos line the casino. Participants begin at 8,042 feet and gain 192 feet in elevation from the climb. The event is held nationwide, and the local tribute was reportedly exceptionally moving.

Central City hosted the 5th Annual Hot Rod Climb in September. The event gives participants the chance to “drive as fast as they safely can,” an activity not allowed in the city. Many came out to see the spectacle of fast hot rods. Food vendors, rod souvenirs, bands, were a part of the day’s entertainment. The event ended at Base Camp on Saturday night.

In October two orphaned moose made their new home in Colorado Sierra becoming a pleasant site for some and a nuisance for others. The 4-H program offered afterschool programming, activities through the library and community center, as well as an all-day Friday Camp. Program Coordinator Kirsten Springer provided science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) enrichment for the afterschool programs. Gilpin Community Center offered Power Yoga, for October and November, in addition to the regular fitness classes and activities. Season two of the youth enrichment program, YEP, began on October 30 through December 13 at GCRC. YEP included activities for youths like Ballet, Tap, Kinder Kix and Tae-Kwon-Do.

On November 10, the Gilpin Senior Living Project organized their annual fundraiser at GPS with a talent show, dinner and silent auction. The event was well attended and supported by the community. The funds collected go towards the project to appropriately house the elders of the community. The board members of the project reported they still have a long way to go to reach their goals, but through fundraising and hopefully a land donation they hope to meet those goals soon.

The Peak to Peak Players performed “The Little Mermaid,” sharing a memorable and vibrant experience for the community, on November 16. Ursula, the villain played by Adele Fischer, stole the show with her ingenious costuming and make up, highlighting her memorable performance. The Peak to Peak Players are a non-profit community theater group that relies on volunteers to produce their shows. Thankfully for Gilpin County, the volunteers who continuously show up to participate are exceptionally talented.

December brought traditional local celebrations like the Tommyknocker Holiday Festival, featuring the ceremonial lighting of the tree, an ugly sweater contest, the Peak to Peak Chorale performing “Little Eddie and Artemis,” carriage rides, Santa and of course, shopping. The Winter Arts Festival was well attended this year too with food, some traditional and full of sugar, and some provided by the Holistic Homestead, original gifts from local artists, Santa visiting and face painting. This year the Peak to Peak Players performed a unique and entertaining, modern Christmas story, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

See you in 2019! Happy New Year!

(Originally published in the January 3, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)