cattlemen's days 2009

COLORADO'S OLDEST PROFESSIONAL RODEO EVENT

2009

Celebrating 109 Years

WORKINGHANDS4-H leaders take seriously their oath to put hands in motion for service to others PAGE 21

ROYALTY COMING HOMEPast Cattlemen’s Queen Jenna Johnson is now Miss Rodeo Minnesota. And she has her sights set even higher PAGE 9

ODE TO ‘OLD COWBOYS’ PAGE 18

KAREN REDDEN

The Redden Group, Broker Associate

Benson Sotheby’s

International Realty

PO Box 210 Crested Butte,

Co 81224

970-641-3000

Email:Karen.Reddem@

BensonSothebysRealty.com

Websites:TheReddenGroup.com

BensonSothebysRealty.com

POWDERHORN GUEST RANCHThis is a full service Guest Ranch, that could convert easily to a private fi shing and hunting lodge, family or corporate retreat, or a children’s or church camp. Sitting along ½ mile of exceptional dry fl y fi shing water of Cebolla Creek, the ranch is on 76 private acres adjacent to the Gunnison National Forest. Located between Gunnison and Lake City, it is year round accessible. Well maintained Log Facilities consisting of a 3 bedroom Main Home, a Historic Main Lodge, 14 Guest Cabins, 2 Staff Cabins, outbuildings, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and a great horse barn. This is a profi table operation and located in some of the best fi shing and hunting areas in the state. Selling complete with all horses, tack, furnishing, equipment and permits. $2,200,000.00

POWERS MOUNTAIN RETREAT

Great log cabin along Gold Creek adjacent to public land. On 17 acres this adorable cabin has an updated kitchen and baths, 2 bedrooms plus loft and oversized garage. Stunning setting, private pond and Gold Creek running through the front yard. Priced reduced to $499,000.00

SMALL HORSE RANCH

Huge views of the north Gunnison / Ohio Creek Valley fl oor. Year round access on 52 acres adjacent to public land. Bring you horse, ATV or hike out the back door for miles. Very nice 3 bedroom home, built in 2005, stainless steal appliances, silestone counters, and wood fl oors. Did I mention huge views! Seller has relocated – must sell and price reduced to $449,000.00

HEINDENREICH RANCHExceptionally beautiful custom log home in a com-pletely private valley. On an 160 acre inholding sur-rounded by the Gunnison National Forest this 2,752 sq ft custom log home is comfortable in design and top quality construction throughout. Tile fl oors; in fl oor heat; granite counters; two-sided stone wood burning fi replace; great room with vaulted ceiling and huge windows; plus each of 3 bedrooms offer a private bath. This home is designed for living and en-tertaining friends on your private ranch. Sub-irrigated valley fl oor produces nice grass for horses - ride out the door for hours or days. Deer, elk, eagles, this has it all. Seasonal access on paper, but private plowing completed for year round access. $1,800,000.00

Call our Credit Resource Center at 800-475-1153 and ask for Jerry or Randy to get a jumpstart on owning a vehicle today!

rodeo GRAB LIFE

WELCOME RODEO FANS Flower Motor Company Dodge is proud to be a part of the 2009 Gunnison CountyFair and Rodeo. Family owned and operated for over 100 years and still growing.

3500 /4500 and 5500 Cab and Chassis Headquarters

2009 Dakota 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 2009 1500/2500/ 3500 Trucks

See us today at 2580 N Townsend Avenuein Montrose or visit www.fl owermotor.com

800-475-1153 • 970-249-9664

2 Cattlemen's Days 2009 2 Cattlemen's Days 2009

Publisher Stephen J. Pierotti [email protected] Editor Chris Dickey [email protected] Larry Jensen [email protected] Will Shoemaker [email protected] Matt Smith [email protected] Drew Nelson [email protected] Kari Bacher [email protected] Manager Benjamin Dennee [email protected]/Ad Design Jennie Wren [email protected] www.gunnisontimes.com

For more information regarding this publication or other special publications of the

Gunnison Country Publications, call 970.641.1414, or write [email protected]

Copyright© 2009

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means including electronic, mechanical, photocopy-ing, recording or otherwise without permission of the publisher. Any work (written, photographic or graphic) which the publishers “hired-out” becomes the property of the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials lost, damaged or otherwise.

GCPGunnison Country Publications, LLC

2009

2009MEMBER

About the cover:Dan Cress has lived in the Gunnison Country since 1996. He calls living here “like liv-ing in a post card all of the time.” More of his photogra-phy can be found atwww.cressnestphoto.com.

ny

COLORADO'S OLDEST PROFESSIONAL RODEO EVENT2009

Celebrating 109 Years

WORKINGHANDS4-H leaders take seriously their oath to put hands in motion for service to others

PAGE 21ROYALTY COMING HOMEPast Cattlemen’s Queen Jenna Johnson is now Miss Rodeo Minnesota. And she has her sights set even higher PAGE 9ODE TO ‘OLD COWBOYS’

PAGE 18

2009 Schedule of EventsTickets for the rodeo performances are

on sale at the Gunnison Bank & Trust parking lot. Hours are: 9-5:30 daily. Gen-eral Admission is $12 and reserved grand-stand is $15. Saturday evening (a change from previous years, where Saturday was a matinee performance), July 18, is fam-ily night and kids get in free for general seating and $5 for grandstand with a full paid adult. For ticket information call: 970.596.1413.

Friday July 104-H Goat / LivestockKnowledge Test 5:00 PM

4-H Horse Knowledge TestKickoff Dinner and Dance Everyone’sInvited (Location TBA) 6:00 PM

Saturday, July 114-H Horse Show 8:00 AM

Sunday, July 12Open Horse Show 8:00 AM

*New for 2009 Versatility Saddle Challenge

Monday July 13 4-H Project Judging and Interviews 8:30 AM

4-H Dog Obedience Show 9:00 AM

4-H Participants set up show arenaand Project Review 4:00 PM

4-H Project Review 7:00 PM

Tuesday, July 144-H Rabbit and Poultry Show 8:00 AM

4-H Dairy Goat Show 10:00 AM

4-H Fiber Sheep/Goat Show4-H Participant Clean up 4:00 PM (APPROX.)Cowboy Poetry @ Fred FieldHeritage Center 7:00 PM

Pre-party and silent auction will be atMountaineer Square in Mt. C.B. 6-7:30 PM

TETWP present the best song writers of Nashville. Hall of Famers, CMA, BMI, and Grammy award winners Tim Nichols, Scotty Emerick, and Dean Dillon will all perform, plus live auction 7:45 PM

Wednesday, July 154-H Sheep Weigh In 1:00-1:30 PM

4-H Swine Weigh In 1:30-2:30 PM

4-H Participant Goat/LivestockKnowledge Test 3:00 PM

Watershed Team Roping& Barrel Racing, Auction 5:00 PM

Watershed Team Roping& Barrel Racing 7:00 PM

Evening Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds

Thursday, July 16th4-H Steer Weigh In 8:00-8:30 AM

4-H Swine Show andOpen Showmanship 10:00 AM

4-H Sheep Show andOpen Showmanship 2:30 PM

Pioneer Banquet At The Elks Lodge 6:00 PM

The famous TETWP pre Rodeo Party & Auction at The Last Chance 5:00-6:30 PM

TETWP PRCA Evening Rodeo 7:00 PM

TETWP Post Rodeo Dance(The Last Chance) 9:30 PM

Evening Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds

Friday, July 174-H Market Goat Show 9:30 AM

4-H Beef Show and AdultShowmanship 10:30 AM

4-H Round Robin Showmanship 1:30 PM

4-H Participant Set Up Sale Arena 2:30 PM

4-H Swine and Sheep Ultrasound 4:00 PM

PRCA Evening Rodeo 7:00 PM

Dance at The Elks Lodge 9:00 PM

Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds

Saturday, July 18Cattlemen’s Days Parade 10:00 AM

Kiwanis BBQ @ Legion Park 11:30 AM

4-H Livestock Buyers BBQ 12:30 PM

4-H Awards and ScholarshipPresentation 1:30 PM

4-H Junior Livestock Auction 2:00 PM

PRCA Evening Rodeo-Family Night,Kids 10 and under free with paidadult general admission;$5 grandstand 7:00 PM

Dance at The Elks Lodge 9:00 PM

Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds

Sunday, July 19Cowboy Church / FCA ServicesRodeo Grounds 9:00 AM

Horse Race Meet 12:30 PM

WE ARETHE BESTAFTER RODEO

DINNER-SPOT

See us for your catering needs. We specialize in weddings and special events.

BIG PARTIES WELCOME!

1STBLOCK OF MAIN ST.

B r e a k f a s t • L u n c h • D i n n e r

WE DON’T

MEAT!

WE DON’T

TOUGHMEAT!

SERVETOUGH

SERVE

2009 Cattlemen's Days 3 2009 Cattlemen's Days 3

The Kiesners and their ‘wild west revue’

This family is one

specialty act

This year’s Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo specialty act is the award-winning Kiesner family and their “wild west

revue.”. This extraordinary family consists of

parents Phillip and Julie and their two sons, Rider and Roper.

Rider first started roping when his parents gave him a trick roping set for Christmas when he was nine. He is now considered to be the top youth trick roper in the past 20 years. Some of his tricks in-clude the butterfly, pop-overs, in and outs, spoke hops, the Texas ship and a 50-foot wedding ring.

His 12-year-old brother, Roper, brings just as much to offer with his Roman Riding on paint ponies, which consists of standing with one foot on the backs of each racing pony. He will also be performing single and double jumps.

Father and husband Phillip will be showing his skills with silver pistols and charging horses. He will be performing his “True Grit” performance by holding the reins in his teeth, and with a pistol in each hand, shooting at targets placed through-out the arena.

This family is sure to impress an audi-ence of all ages and will be performing at each of the Cattlemen’s Days rodeo perfor-mances. ■

And now, a word fromour president

by Chris Dickey

“Let ‘em buck.”So says Kim Barz, this

year ’s Cattlemen’s Days rodeo head honcho.

This year marks the 109th annual celebration of the West and ranching in the grand ol’ Gunnison Country. Kim says “we’ve come a long way from bucking horses and running horse races on downtown Gunnison’s Main Street.”

True enough. But the flavor of Cat-tlemen’s — the family atmosphere, the tradition, 4-H, kids, games, barbecue picnics and simply a whole lotta fun — hasn’t changed all that much in a century-plus.

The Times caught up with Kim re-cently — briefly, ’cuz he’s a busy man, especially right about this time of year — for a quick chat about this year’s festivities, to see what was on his mind.

We found out, one of those things was, well, beer. No, not that he was ready for one. At least, not yet. He wanted to let all you faithful rodeo fans know that there’s a new policy being implemented this year regard-ing frosty cold ones.

Specifically, Coors Brewing has stepped up as a sponsor of Cattlemen’s Days. So folks will be able to belly up

to the beer tent and cool down with a cold Coors or Coors Light.

That also means, however, that the old tradition of BYOB at Cattlemen’s is no longer.

“Please don’t bring any containers, coolers, water jugs or those types of

things,” Barz asks. “We’ll have secu-rity and they will confiscate it.”

Barz was pleased to announced that Stace Smith, the five-time National Finals Rodeo Stock Contractor of the Year, was bringing his rough stock back to Gunnison. You know how those animals like to buck in the cool air of a mountain evening.

There’s a new specialty act this year (see related story) and a new carni-val contractor. Brown’s Amusement of Mesa, Ariz., will be providing all the thrills, games and rides in the lot just west of the rodeo grounds this year.

The carnival will open Wednesday, July 15, and run through Saturday night. Unlimited ride wrist bands will cost $25. Most individual rides cost three or four bucks.

Andy Stewart, the Louisiana man who calls ’em like he sees ’em perched above the bucking chutes in the an-nouncer’s booth, will be the man be-hind the mic again this year.

There’ll be and fast and furious horse meet again this year. On Sun-day, for $5 spectators can see eight or nine races. Those are always action packed.

What else, Mr. President?“Did I mention bull riding?” No sir, you didn’t. But we’re hanging

on to our hats, and we are all ready for some bull riding. ■

There’s a new carnival coming to town this year.

Photo by Dan Cress

GENERATIONSFor

232 W. Tomichi Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230Phone: 970-641-0320

Fax: 970-641-0054www.gunnisonbank.com

116 6th St. (Hwy 135) Crested Butte, CO 81224

Phone: 970-349-0170 Fax: 970-349-0175

www.crestedbuttebank.com

Full Service Mortgage Department

970-641-7841

Courteous Service with Integrity since 1910

Has Proudly Served the Gunnison

Valley Ranching Community.

Since 1910

4 Cattlemen's Days 2009

And we think times are tough

Guest Commentary

At a y a r d sale, I

bought sever-al boxes con-taining nearly a half-centu-ry’s worth of A m e r i c a n H e r i t a g e m a g a z i n e s , tha t r i ch ly i l l u s t r a t e d compendium o f the na -tion’s history through good times and bad, with special attention paid to the droughts, downturns and disasters that tried the souls of our forebears.

I paid $10 for more than 600 magazines. If I chose to stack them, they would make a pile of yellowing paper much taller than I am — more than 10 feet of American life as it has played out over four centuries, all of it acquired for less than a buck a foot. History at less than a penny a pound, a great bargain.

Over the last year, I’ve been nibbling at all those back issues, grabbing a hand-ful when I head off to a doctor’s office or prepare to take a trip somewhere.

A 12-foot-high stack of historical maga-zines is bound to contain lots of bad news. It’s taught me something important: Even though times are tough today, our prede-cessors on this land knew much worse.

I stumbled upon a letter written in 1878 by one James Fitzwilliam, a man who experienced so much trouble that Job himself would sympathize. In that year, Fitzwilliam was writing from Fort Worth, Texas, responding to a letter from his sister back east, who was seeking help because of her own circumstances.

Although it appears that Fitzwilliam wanted to help, he’d suffered setbacks that made it impossible for him to ac-commodate her request. This is why he couldn’t help her, from the letter he wrote expressing his regrets:

“My wife and little girl was kill’d by the Indians. House and everything in it burn’d. They took 27 head of horses. When I came home everything was gone. I with nine others took their trail and fol-lowed for eight days. Came on the band numbering about 25. We kill’d seven and we lost one man kill’d.

“I was shot in the arm with an arrow and the first finger of my left hand was shot off. I came back to my ranch and sold out what cattle I had and what horses I had for $7,000 and went to New Mexico. Bought 1,500 head of sheep. Drove them to Texas and the first winter lost about 900 of them caused by snow, cold weather and wolfs. Sold the remainder out for less than cost as I did not have snow sheds.

“I then went to work running cattle and worked a year. Made $300. I then went hunting buffalo. Hunted them for three years. Quit that with about $900. Went to Henrietta Clay Co. and bought an interest in a hotel. Run it about 8 1⁄2 months and lost money at it. While hunt-ing I contracted a catarrh in my nose. It has disfigured me considerable. In fact for the past five years I have had a terrible hard time.”

History takes little note of people like James Fitzwilliam or the hundreds of thousands like him who lived through

times before historians even had offi-cial names for those times. The Roaring Twenties, for example, were probably not called that by the people whose lives roared through those years; that de-cade was simply “now,” or “the present time.”

We’re living through our own historic time right now, a period of hardship and vast uncertainty for millions of people. How these times come to be known to our descendants will depend on how things play out. But as bad as things are, few contemporary Americans are likely to know the misfortunes James Fitzwil-liam did 131 years ago. Misery, as they say, loves company, and the miseries of that long-dead Texan may give us per-spective on our own miseries, and make us slightly less lonesome as we deal with our losses.

James Fitzwilliam makes a good role model here. The way he dealt with his “terrible hard time” sets us an example of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity, and reminds us of the kind of people we once were — and perhaps still are. ■

(Jaime O’Neill is a contributor to Writ-ers on the Range, a service of High Country News — hcn.org. He writes and reads back issues in Magalia, Calif.)

By Jaime O’Neill

WRITERS ON THE RANGE

“But as bad as things are, few contemporary Americans are

likely to know the misfortunes James

Fitzwilliam did 131 years ago. Misery, as they say, loves com-pany, and the

miseries of that long-dead Texan may give us per-spective on our

own miseries, and make us slightly less lonesome as we deal with our

losses.

”

Sales & Services

Garage Doors & Openers Cabinetry & Countertops

716 S. 9thGunnison, CO 81230

Mike Peterson970-641-5053

General Civil PracticeFocusing on:

Real Estate, Estate Planning & Probate,Family Law, Civil Litigation,

Landlord/Tenant Issues,Corporate/Business Transactions


� Parade Marshals �

by Amanda Friar

Don Sammons has had a lot of ca-reers. He’s dabbled in banking and accounting. He’s been the editor

of a magazine. Sold real estate. He’s even served on the school board for eight years. But he’s always been drawn to ranching — that’s his lifelong love.

Don was born on a ranch in Powder-horn, which he still helps to maintain, even though a company in Canada now owns it. He attended Fort Lewis College for two years and graduated from Western State College with a business administra-tion and accounting degree. Soon after that, he moved to Amarillo, Texas, to do some banking. After Texas, he moved on to Sacramento, Calif., as an executive vice president for Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association for five years. He’s even spent the last nine years in the concrete, sand and gravel business. But after all of that, he still found himself drawn to Gunnison and moved back here with his wife, Dorothy.

“This is the best place ever to live and raise kids,” Don said.

Besides living in Amarillo for five years and Sacramento for five years, Don has spent his whole life in Gunnison, so he is no stranger to Cattlemen’s Days. He served on the board of directors for 12 years and wound up as president in 1986 and 1987, after helping with horse shows and the rodeo. This year Don and Dorothy will be more than just participants in the Cattle-men’s Days festivities. They will serve as this year’s parade marshals.

“I’m totally honored,” Don said. “I’m surprised but it’s pretty humbling. It’s re-ally an honor to be a part of it.”

Cattlemen’s Days has always been a big part of Don and Dorothy’s lives. Don’s favorite part, and what he’s looking for-ward to the most this year as well, is being able to see people that he hasn’t seen in a long time. They also enjoy the livestock and horse shows. But the people are what makes it worth going to year after year.

“The thrill of Cattlemen’s Days is what keeps bringing us back,” Don said. “It’s fun to be a part of it. We look forward to it every year.”

Don and Dorothy are both Gunnison natives and both grew up here. While they didn’t know each other that well in school, they did attend high school together. After both getting divorced, they found solace in each other and got married 16 years ago. According to Don, it’s been a wonderful relationship.

“By golly, we’ve been getting along great ever since,” he said. “She’s just great.”

While the Sammonses currently live in town, Don still helps out on their old Pow-derhorn ranch, as well as helps his brother with his cattle up Ohio Creek. He helps with irrigation, fixing fences, as well as riding horses and keeping them healthy.

“It’s truly what I enjoy doing,” Don said. “It’s what I do. The doctor yells at me (for doing it) and we just keep going.” Accord-ing to Don, as long as you enjoy what you do, that’s all that counts in life.

Don and Dorothy enjoy spending time with their kids and grandkids. Dorothy has two daughters and Don has six kids, as well as six grandkids together. They enjoy traveling a little every now and then, but really enjoy their family the most. Dorothy currently works at the library, as well as volunteering as a mentor for disadvantaged youth. According to them, life is good. ■

Don and Dorothy Sammons

Crandall and Ramona Howard

Dorothy and Don Sammons

by Amanda Friar

Ranching has run in Crandall How-ard’s blood since he was born in 1935. He was born on a ranch in

Gunnison and soon after moved to a ranch in Powderhorn. In 1974, Crandall and his wife Ramona (Moni) moved to a ranch in Olathe, where they currently reside.

Despite not always living in Gunnison, the Howards have always made a point of making their way here for the annual Cat-tlemen’s Days festivities. This year they will be headed to town as parade marshals.

“It’s a great honor,” Crandall said. “Gunnison will always be home.”

Growing up in the rural countryside, one of the few times they made it into town was to celebrate Cattlemen’s Days, which made the event an even bigger deal for him. Reminiscing on his past Cattle-men’s Days, Crandall could only remem-ber ever missing two of them since he was born — and those absences were due to him being in the Army. Crandall served as a Specialist Second Class from March 1955-57.

Like most, Crandall’s favorite part of Gunnison’s annual round-up has always been, and will always be, seeing friends, acquaintances and family.

“It’s just a great family atmosphere,” Crandall said. “I’ve been involved since I was born and just kind of grown up with

it. It’s always been the big thing of the year. The people are the best part.”

Crandall has volunteered on various Cattlemen’s Days committees for 26 years, of which he was on the board of direc-tors for 14 years. He was president for two years, and the vice president for two years. He continues to stay active in the Cattlemen’s Days process, despite living in Olathe.

“They haven’t kicked me off yet,” Cran-dall said jokingly.

Crandall and Ramona first met after he returned from the service. Crandall was involved in rodeo with Moni’s brother, Delmar, and Moni was a good friend of Crandall’s sister Susy. They both graduated from Gunnison High School and attend-ed Otero Junior College together, before being married Dec. 28, 1958. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past December.

Because Crandall has been at it his en-tire life, the differences in how ranching was then versus how it is now really stick out to him. He pointed out that while technology has made a lot of advances, he doesn’t necessarily think that it’s helped the bottom line.

“I was born in 1935 and I can remem-ber going from all horses to all machinery,” Crandall reminisced. “It may be easier be-cause of the mechanism, but it’s not better. It may be less man power, but the profit

margin is not any better than it was.”Now that the Howards have retired,

they enjoy spending time with their three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They like to travel, but not a whole lot because they enjoy just spend-ing time with their family. They recently got back from a cruise to Roatan, Costa

Maya, and Cozumel, which they really en-joyed.

But this Colorado native likes things right where he’s at: home.

“There’s no hurricanes, (hardly) no tor-nadoes,” Crandall commented. “We have cold and we have hot. Colorado is really a great place to live.” ■

Moni and Crandall Howard


� Cattlemen's Royalty �

Karli Hayes, Hannah Wenum and Kyle Button

by Cassandra Mielke

After a process that took months of preparation and culminated with a tryout, the 2009 Cattlemen’s

Days Royal Court was selected. Since that time (about a year ago) the girls have been working hard to get ready for the big event. As a group, this year’s court is very active in both rodeo and 4-H proj-ects. They represent more than horses and tiaras.

Karli Hayes, this year’s 17-year-old Cattlemen’s Days Queen, has been trying out for the position since eighth grade. “I kept learning from my mistakes with the horses and questions,” she says. Each member of the Royal Court went through a tryout process that included demonstra-tions on their horses as well as an inter-view conducted by a panel of judges.

The court also includes 14-year-old Hannah Wenum, the Queen’s Attendant, and 9-year-old (“going on 15”) Kyle But-ton, the Jr. Miss. While none of the girls have held a previous position on the court, both Hayes and Button have tried out before.

Hayes is a recent graduate of Gunnison

High School and plans on pursuing a de-gree in horse training and management. “I have been involved in 4-H ever since I can remember,” says the California na-tive.

Wenum, a soon-to-be freshman at GHS, has also been a part of 4-H for many years. “I was 8-years-old when I started,” she states.

Button has been participating in rodeos since she was 7.

As the Royal Court, the girls have been working hard to promote Cattlemen’s Days. “Everybody represents Cattlemen’s Days,” says Button. The girls have been involved in community service projects as well as hosting events, such as a “Bingo Night” and a Gymkhana, which is a one-day horse riding skills event done for practice and fun.

Being a part of the Royal Court is more than just pretty faces, nice clothes and tiaras. “We explain exactly what we are ... we educate people,” explains Hayes. As the Queen, her duties spread further than just making the decision on what to wear. She also organizes fundraisers and gets the group to where they need to be — with the help of “Queen Mother”

Margo Patton.Hayes adds that her favorite part of

being on the court is the example she can set for younger girls. “When you go to ro-deos ... you have girls look up to you,” she says. Button adds that it is a good chance to get to know more people in the com-munity. For all three girls it is a chance to be good role models as well as give people an event to look forward to.

But, of course, there are rodeo-related obligations as well. At the actual Cattle-men’s rodeo and 4-H events, the girls will be handing out ribbons and prizes to the winners of each category. Some of those categories include showing pigs and sheep as well as riding competitions. “Some of us show (at 4-H events ourselves),” adds Hayes.

While the Royal Court tryouts are open to any young woman, there are certain talents that are required to be selected. According to Wenum, court members are expected to ride a horse skillfully and safely as well as be a good representative of the community and Cattlemen’s Days.

One way this year’s court has become involved in the community is through their participation with Tough Enough to

Wear Pink (TETWP), an organization that raises money to fight breast cancer. The girls are particularly fond of this involve-ment. “All the money (stays) local, so it helps people you know,” says Hayes.

The Royal Court has already assisted with a TETWP fundraiser — the bingo night. During that event, they raffled off certificates stating that the girls would work for two hours each for whoever the lucky buyers were.

Each girl feels impacted by being on the Royal Court in a different way and gets their motivation from something differ-ent. Button and Hayes had tried out be-fore and have shown their desire to be part of the court. Wenum wanted to gain more experience and try something new. All three like the image they are present-ing.

As for the future of these young women, Hayes hopes to someday compete for the Miss Rodeo Colorado crown, while Button and Wenum wish to continue to rodeo at a national level.

You can catch the Royal Court all over the place at this year’s 2009 Cattlemen’s Days, held July 11-19 here in Gunnison.

■

The Royal Court: Karli Hayes, Kyle Button and Hannah Wenum.Photo by Morgan Cowles


Cowboy culture stands long and proud and most things remain the same.It still takes a horse and a bit of grit

to punch cows through rough terrain.It’s easy to tell a cowpoke’s looks,

the sun-burned lines in his smile,his scuffed-up boots and his Wrangler jeans

that haven’t touched soap in a while.And we’re used to seeing that cowboy’s belt

of crafted cowhide leather,cinched in front with a buckled plate

to keep holstered tools together.He’s got fencing pliers on his Leatherman

and a knife of handled bone,but lately he crowds the tools of this trade

to make room for a cellular phone!Now I’m not saying they’ve got no use

when a collicking horse is upset.

There’s plenty of times I’d’ve used one myself when I needed to call a vet.

That cowboy’ll say his phone’s for business, just to buy a remuda down south,

or maybe to check on a gelding he’s trained or check out a pasture for drought.

But I’d bet my new saddle that most of the time those calls are a different ilk.

When that phone sing-alings, it’s probably his wife to remind him to bring home the milk.

And cowboy phone gossip – what could that be? who rides the ugliest mount?

Or talking ‘til dawn, phone stuck to the ear ‘bout some bull who’s no good, or no-count?Still, maybe it’s better we don’t slap the leather

of six-shooters strapped to our legs.If we’re cellular partial, we don’t need no marshal

to collect holstered phones on a peg.

Mosey on down to the museumGunnison’s Pioneer Mu-seum is filled with artifacts and exhibits — including this room filled with the trusty hats and saddles of some of the area’s original cowboys — dedicated to the history of the local agricultural industry. They are open every day dur-ing Cattlemen’s Days. For more information, call 641.4530.

Photo by Morgan Cowles

UnderSaddle

—for Habit, 1992-2005

A conversation I love to feelthrough reins that reach a bit of steel:to think a thing and the thing is done,

where horse and rider ride as one,to know the muscle, bone, and heart

as motioned poetry and art.

Closing hands that finger leatherI hold his mouth as we move together.

He rounds his back to drive aheadto stretch his trot, his legs aspread.

A fluent molten flowing horseexpressing me through equine force.

Seat-bone deep I sense the beatof leading leg to cantering feet

as we shift in our stride to a tripling gaitas we stab with our hooves at the sand

and the slate.Collecting in our shared embrace

we ease into a slower pace.

Just for a moment, in his hide,and the uphill slope of every stride,no difference now of me from beast,

I am the hoof and mane releasedto share our shared and common space—

renewed, regained, resolved, replaced.

(Mark Todd will emcee an evening of po-etry on Tuesday, July 14, 7 p.m. at the Fred Field Heritage Center. Joining him will be cowboy poets John Nelson, Brent Winston, Mac McGraw, Joe Dixon and newcomer to the stage, Kevin Coblenz. In addition, there will be two singer-songwriters performing: Local favorite Evelyn Roper and Nashville recording artist Will Dudley.)

Three-Bar Cowboyby Mark Todd

Let us fi ll your coffee table - and your head.

Find out all you need to know from Gunnison Country Publications. We offer you the breadth of the valley - from a weekly newspaper to online community chats to special publica-tions including the Gunnison Coun-try Magazine: Guide to Colorado’s High Mountain Playground, Cattle-men’s Days and a Hunting Guide.

Subscribe now and get it all!Call 970-641-1414 or stop by

218 Wisconsin and secure yoursubscription today!

SUBSCRIBE

STANDARD SUBSCRIPTION:In Gunnison & Hinsdale counties:

SENIOR SUBSCRIPTION (AGE 55+):

6 month ($32) 1 Year ($36) 2 Years ($64)

6 month ($30) 1 Year ($33) 2 Years ($58)

STANDARD SUBSCRIPTION:Out of Gunnison & Hinsdale counties:

SENIOR SUBSCRIPTION (AGE 55+):

6 month ($34) 1 Year ($44) 2 Years ($74)

6 month ($31) 1 Year ($40) 2 Years ($67)

STANDARD SUBSCRIPTION:Part-time Gunnison & Hinsdale county residents (The snowbirds):

S E N I O R S U B S C R I P T I O N ( A G E 5 5 + ) :

6 month ($33) 1 Year ($40) 2 Years ($69)

6 month ($30.50) 1 Year ($37) 2 Years ($62.50)

Please make your check payable to the Gunnison Country Times.

Name: ________________________________________________Address: ______________________________________________City: __________________________________________________State: Zip: _______________________________________MC or VISA number: Exp: _________

Mail payment to:Gunnison Country Times218 N. Wisconsin • Gunnison, CO 81230 call (970) 641-1414email [email protected]

GUNNISON COUNTY’S

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. COMMITTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY.

REALNEWSLOCALPAPER


by Amanda Friar

When 10-year-old Jenna Johnson made her parade lap around the arena as the Cattlemen’s

Days “Junior Miss” in 1998, the an-nouncer proclaimed, “This is your fu-ture Miss Rodeo America.”

Later this year at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Jenna has an op-

portunity to prove him right.Jenna’s mom, Susan Johnson, credits

this and a whole lot of other encouragement in helping motivate her to strive for excellence. In

2003 Jenna was crowned Cattlemen’s Days Queen. She’s gone on to be crowned Miss Rodeo Minnesota, a distinction

which has earned her the right to compete for the Miss Rodeo USA crown.

Miss Rodeo competitors are judged on appearance, horseman-ship and personality. In addition, they must model correct rodeo gear

and attire, as well as know recent events and rodeo statistics. For the Cattlemen’s Days competition, competitors must also know the history

of Cattlemen’s Days and are judged based on communication skills and a

by Amanda Friar

hen 10-year-old Jennmade her parade lathe arena as the C

Days “Junior Miss” in 1998nouncer proclaimed, “This ture Miss Rodeo America.”

Later this year at the NatioRodeo in Las Vegas, Jenna

portunity to prove him rightJenna’s mom, Susan Johnso

this and a whole lot of other encouin helping motivate her to strive for exc

2003 Jenna was crowned Cattlemen’s Days Qugone on to be crowned Miss Rodeo Minnesota, a d

which has earned her the right to compete for the MUSA crown.

Miss Rodeo competitors are judged on appearance, hship and personality. In addition, they must model correct

and attire, as well as know recent events and rodeo statistiCattlemen’s Days competition, competitors must also know

of Cattlemen’s Days and are judged based on communication s

Jenna Johnson, ’03 CD queen, is Miss Rodeo

Minnesota and has sights set even higher

STILL CARRYINGTHE CROWN

Continued on page 10

109

thAnn

ual

Cattle

men

’s Day

s,

July

10-1

9

Congratulations!2009 AttendantHannah Wenum

2009 Junior Miss Kyle Button

Karli Hayes2009 Cattlemen’s

Days Queen


writing assessment.As part of the “Miss Rodeo USA” compe-

tition, contestants are required to do media interviews, appear at luncheons and make impromptu speeches, as well as perform a choreographed dance along with a fashion show. Last December, as Minnesota’s “Lady in Waiting,” Jenna got a sneak peek at the Las Vegas competition.

“It’s a week long process, where you usu-ally only get about four hours of sleep,” Jenna said. “It’s pretty intense.”

Susan couldn’t be more pleased her daughter has made it this far.

“We’re so proud of her,” Susan said. “She’s made good choices all her life. She’s always hung in there and gone for her dreams.”

In Gunnison, Jenna grew up with an interest in horses and participated in 4-H, showing horses, hogs and dogs. She grew up helping her father on their ranch.

“I’d say my biggest influence is my dad,” Jenna said. “Ever since I could remember, I’ve been on a horse.”

Wendy Hanson, who was on the commit-tee that crowned Jenna as Cattlemen’s Days Queen and has known her for her whole

life, remembers Jenna as being a very good horsewoman and a joy to be around.

“She was always upbeat and always want-ed to help out,” Hanson said. “She had a bright smile and shining eyes. She was al-ways very fun to be around.”

After graduating from Colorado State University last year with a degree in equine science, Jenna is now working in Minne-

Register Today For Your Events!www.crestedbuttewildf lowerfestival.com

970-349-2571 • [email protected] takes place at the Crested Butte Nordic Center • 620 Second Street

Come feel the power of flowers all week long!

July 6-12

ATV RENTALS

1-877-641-3525 or 970-641-3525www.co lo r adoad ventu re renta l s . com

Locations in Taylor Park & Lake City.

snowmobiles too!


sota as a customer service representative for grain and hay producers. As she puts it, she’s becoming “more of a farm type than a ranch type.”

Before heading off to Las Vegas, Jenna will be coming back to Gunnison to help with this year’s Cattlemen’s Days. She will be car-rying the Tough Enough to Wear Pink flag in the parade as well as visiting with spon-sors, signing autographs and helping out with just about anything the rodeo folks may need. Being able to come back and par-ticipate in her hometown rodeo is important

to Jenna, and she is excited to be able to re-acquaint with old friends and neighbors.

“The foundation that I got at Cattlemen’s Days is what really got me going,” Jenna said. “So it’ll be nice to come back and see everyone.”

Jenna also pointed out that much support is needed to cover the expenses of her trav-els and preparations for the contest. Jenna would greatly welcome and appreciate any and all donations to help cover these costs. If able to help, contact Jenna at 320.267.9228 or [email protected]. ■

This backside unit has cathedral ceilingsand a loft. Enjoy the ample morning sun and views of Mt. Crested Butte. Amenities included access to Grant Lake and neighborhood trails that leads into

the National Forest.

Skyland Lodge Penthouse $100,000

www.Premier-Mountain-Properties.com

www.Premier-Mountain-Properties.co

m

Buck • Mindy • Melanie • Brian

970.349.6114 318 Elk Avenue • Box 1081 • Crested Butte, Colorado 81224

Buck 303.249.2606 • Mindy 970.209.0911 Melanie 970.275.0589

River front subdivision with fi shing rights on the Gunnison River. Lot 12 is just shy of an acre, has a well, and offers unobstructed river and valley views. You will enjoy the immense privacy of this parcel and the convenience to

Gunnison.

Lot 12 Rainbow Acres$145,000

Craftsman style home built with great care and love. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths has ample storage, large, warm attached 2 car garage is the perfect family home. Private cul-de-sac location is just a short walk to fi shing on the Gunnison River

and minutes from downtown.

114 Diamond Lane$310,000

Rare Find in Almont! This 3 bedrooms home has a garage and storage. There are no HOA covenants or fees on this .79 acre property. Giving many possibilities for expansion. Fishing just steps from

the front door!

114 East River Lane $435,000

Fish, recreate and relax on the Gunnison River in this park like setting with mature landscaping! This .36 acre site offers a very charming 1 bed and 1 bath cabin and tons of room to expand. Launch a boat or raft right from this homes

front door!

129 County Road 11$249,500

Property is 11,500sq.ft. with 3 buildings & 2 sheds. Building #1 is 1,357sq.ft. home. Building#2 is 300sq.ft. Building #3 is a 322 sq. ft. garage. Occupy the home and generate income from retail space, or use

as an investment property.

110 S. 12th Street $249,000

Hideaway on the Gunnison River! Very secluded setting, only 3 miles from town, NO HOA fees and fi shing rights. This 2 bedroom home sits on .49 acre with storage sheds and with room to expand. It is perfect for the fi shing and/

or gardening enthusiast.

127 County Road 11$297,500

Newer, sunny 3 bedrooms, 2 bath townhome with a super-sized garage. You will fall in love with the large fenced corner lot and open fl oor plan! Very clean unit with a 1st fl oor master and separate laundry. Offering a $5,000

buyer’s reward and fi nancing.

18 Bambi Lane$229,500

WHERE Did You

GET YOUR SHED?

RENT, LEASE OR PURCHASE

Shed City USAFREE Set-up & Delivery

For Photos, Prices, And Dealers, Go To: www.ShedCityUSA.com970-963-0679

Call today! 1-800-98-SHEDS

Nationwide


Last December, Cattttlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink com-mittee members Jim Swaim and Kim

Barz received a special, and last minute, invite to attend an evening performance of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev. They were informed that Wrangler Jeans wanted to present them with a special gift.

They were hoping for, maybe, $20,000. Instead, they hit the jackpot — walking away with $210,000 to pump into the local effort to battle cancer.

“Wrangler’s humbleness in providing a venue nationally for a wonderful cause should not be overlooked,” Swaim said. “So often, large corporations want to brand such causes with their name. There are often ‘ropes’ attached with a portion of the dollars raised going to their agenda’s causes or ex-penses. Wrangler expects none of this.”

TETWP got started locally in 2006. In its

first year, it set a national record by raising $90,000 during the Cattlemen’s Days fes-tivities. In its first three years, that fundrais-ing amount grew to $210,000 — and then Wrangler matched that.

As of this June, the local TETWP effort had paid out more than $104,000, helped with 190 mammograms and ultrasounds, 14 biopsies and assisted five local families of breast cancer survivors.

In October 2007, Gunnison’s TETWP presented Gunnison Valley Hospital with a check for $27,000 to help upgrade its mam-mography machine to a digital platform, that will enhance mammographies in the area.

Once again, TETWP will have a huge pres-ence during Cattlemen’s Days, with dances, concerts, auctions and plenty of other fun events planned. For a full schedule, visit www.Gunnisontetwp.com. ■

Jim Swaim and Kim Barz of TETWP (on the outside) and Robert Reiver and Pam Baker (in the middle) of Wrangler at last year’s NFR.

Courtesy photo

TETWPeffort keeps growing

TETWPTETWPeffort keeps effort keeps growinggrowing

Building Dreams is Our

Business!

42.50 acres Backs up To National Forest. Three Springs & Water Rights! $295,000 Call Kris

3.90 acres Fox MeadowsEquestrian Property with FantasticViews! $230,000 Call Kris

35.79 Ac Minutes N. of GunnisonHorse Property. SpectacularViews! $199,000 Call Kris

2.43 acres Horse Meadows Sub.Only Lot with Well and GorgeousViews! $139,500 Call Kris

Valley of the CastlesHandsome Log Cabin with West Elk Wilderness & Castle

Creek Views. Nestled in a forest of Aspen & Pine withabundant wildlife. Wrap around decks and sitting areas;

includes a two stall barn with enclosed tack room. Private fishing, hiking, hunting and access to West Elk Wilderness! $598,000 Don Wilson @ 970-209-0591

Development Potential $2,800,000This 20+ acre tract is located just north of the city limits

and fronts Highway 135. Potential for a residential/commercial development. The north sewer line traversesthe property, which also has water rights. Improvementsinclude a 1,176 SF home with a 30x40 garage/shop and

a Porta-Stall horse barn. Don Wilson 209-0591

Ohio Creek Home Eagle Ridge Ranch4,900 acre conservation covenants for only 15 home-steads includes 2.25 miles of improved trout stream,

large trout pond, primitive area with 2 log cabins, equine center, miles of trail riding, private hunting & fishing.

Main house with gourmet kitchen, catering area, master suite with fireplace, huge bathroom with steam shower, private deck & hot tub. Master den/office, wrap around staircase to second level w/2 bedroom suites. All fur-

nishings & appliances included. 5 garages & recreation complex. Don Wilson @ 209-0591

Green Mesa Ranch Privacy & Open views of mountains & adjacent BLM. Quartz Creekribbons thru with improved trout fishing, irrigated pasture & utilities. Your choice of 14 to 19acres prices from $225,000 Don Wilson @ 209-0591 www.coloradoranches-land.com

Star Mountain Ranch Choice 40 acre home site with aspen, spruce & fir trees, panoramicWest Elk Wilderness and National Forest Views! Open space hunting & fishing! $449,000Don Wilson @ 209-0591 www.coloradoranches-land.com

Kris Travis970-209-6422

[email protected]

WILSON ASSOCIATES REALTYLOCATED AT GOTHIC & MAIN SINCE 1970

[email protected] 970-641-2169 www.gunnisonco-realestate.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPERTIESNorth Elk Meadows2,717 SF 4 /bed 2.5bath. Amazing floorplan!! Huge kitchen.Hickory cabinets &wood floors. Granitecounters. Great Master w/huge bath-room- steam showerw/ oversized Jacuzzitub! $595,000

Call Kris Travis


Offering State-of-the-art outpatient surgery

Gunnison: Main Offi ce -112 West Spencer Avenue Crested Butte: 405 Elk Avenue Mt. Crested Butte: Base of Ski Area Montrose: 330A South 8th Street Telluride: Telluride Medical Center - 500 West Pacifi c

Salida: Arkansas Valley Physical Therapy - 735 Blake Street

6 Locations to serve you better

Sports Performance & Regional Hand Center & Alpine Surgery Center

WELCOME RODEO GOERS!A commitment to

excellence in comprehensive orthopaedic care and

sports medicine with knee, shoulder & hand specialists

✚ U.S. Physician at 2004 Games in Athens, Greece✚ Chief Medical Offi cer at the 2005 World Games,

Izmir, Turkey✚ Team physician of the U.S. Track Cycling Team

✚ Team physician of the Western State College of Colorado Athletics✚ Board certifi ed Orthopaedic Surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, arthroscopy, shoulder & knee surgery✚ Author of The Female Athlete’s Body Book

✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚ Ch Izm✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚ Te

Gloria M. Beim, M.D.

✚ Board Eligible Orthopaedic Surgeon✚ Orthopaedic Residency and upper extremity fellowship at University of Florida, GATORS✚ Team Physician of Western State College of Colorado

✚ Specialty training in shoulder, elbow, hand, sports medicine, joint replacement & trauma✚ Proprietor of Teton Professional Training where he trained cyclists, runners, and triathletes✚ Formerly an Occupational Therapist with specialty in hands✚ Accomplished ski racer & professional cyclist

✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚ Bo✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚ Or fe✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚ Te

Rhett J. Griggs, M.D.

✚ Board Certifi ed Orthopaedic Surgeon since 1970✚ Medical School graduate at National University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico✚ Se Habla Espanol

✚ Orthopaedic Residency and fellowship in surgery of the hand at Tulane University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana✚ 30-year practice in general orthopaedics and hand surgery in San Antonio, Texas and relocated to Gunnison June 2008

✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚ Bo✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚✚ Me

Alonso Escalante, M.D.

970/641-6788Alpine Orthopaedics Sports

Performance & Regional Hand Center

970/641-4522 Alpine Surgery Center

IT’S PINK TIME 2009 CATTLEMEN’S DAYS • TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK

GET YOUR BOOTS ON

www.gunnisontetwp.com

JULY 14TH, 2009MOUNTAINEER SQUARE CONFERENCE CENTER

TICKETS: $60 GENERAL ADMISSION

Tickets: In Crested Butte, Interior Visions In Gunnison, visit The Western WorldCall Edie Gibson at 970.596.4458 or Jenny Knox at 970.596.3402

Concert with Live and Silent Auction

DEAN DILLONDean makes both Nashville and Crested Butte home. Living in CB a large part of the year with his beautiful wife Susie, Dean is a member of the Nashville songwriters hall of Fame. With dozens of top 10 and 31 hits to his career, Dean has and is writing for some of Nashville’s top recording artists. Dean and George Strait have a string of #1 hits together, including “The Chair”, Easy Come, Easy Go, “She Let Herself Go”, and most recently a George Strait Single out on the Radio “Livin’ for the Night”.

SCOTTY EMERICKScotty returns to Crested Butte this year for his second TETWP concert. Scotty has been working on an amazing volume of hits recently with Toby Keith, including “How Do You Like Me Now”, “I’m Just Talkin About Tonight”, “Beer for My Horses”, and “As Good As I Once Was”. Scotty was also NASI songwriter of the year in 2004.

TIM NICHOLSGrammy, CMA and ACM award winning songwriter, Tim graciously, accepted our invitation to Crested Butte this year. With such hits for Tim McGraws as “Live Like You Were Dying”, for Terri Clark “Girls Lie Too”, Jo Dee Messina debut smash “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “You’re Not In Kansas Anymore”.

Silent and Live Auction items 2-Las Vegas 3day-2 nights at South Point Hotel Casino & Spa with Phantom of the Opera or 2009 National Rodeo Finals tickets included! George Strait VIP Concert Tickets at Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 18, 2009 including a meet and greet and Rodeo Admission with 3 night hotel accomodations for 2 at the Plains Hotel! Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo VIP admission for 2 to the concert of your choice! Various Framed Western Art, Jewelry, Wine Baskets and much, much more!

All proceeds benefi t Gunnison Valley breast cancer education, screening and victim assistance

TOUGHENOUGHto wear

PINK

Since October of 2006 through May of 2009 local TETWP dollars have assisted (5) families of breast cancer survivors, provided (190) mammograms and ultra-sounds, and supported (14) biopsies totaling $104,869.38. In 2007 TETWP presented the Gunnison Valley Hospital with a check for $27,000 to help upgrade GVH to a digital technology platform that will compliment and enhance mammography in our area. TETWP has also sponsored Public Health luncheons & seminars on breast cancer awareness and education. In 2007 TETWP sponsored a breast cancer education seminar for 300 young women attending a WSC volleyball clinic.

For more information about donations or to volunteer for this year’s activities, please contact Edie Gibson at 970-596-4458. Please join and support our cause for our community at the July 16th Tough Enough to Wear Pink Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo in Gunnison, Colorado.

TOUGHENOUGHto wear

PINK


TheCowboy Window

by Larry Jensen

There is a beautiful stained glass window of a cowboy on horseback in the foyer of the Community

Church’s Beibel Memorial Chapel on N. Iowa Street in Gunnison. Known as “The Cowboy Window,” it occupies a place of honor above the doors into the sanctuary.

The window has a story that began long before it was installed there in 1955.

In 1912, Dr. George Nuckolls became minister of the town’s Methodist congre-gation. One of his first objectives was to replace the old wooden church from 1880 that was located at the corner of S. Boule-vard and W. Tomichi streets. Through his efforts, a stately brick building was con-structed on the northwest corner of N. Wisconsin and W. Virginia streets during 1914 and was ready for dedication on Jan. 17, 1915.

Like most churches of the period, it had many beautiful stained glass windows in its sanctuary. “The Cowboy Window” was one of them. The story of its creation was recorded for posterity in the words of Dr. Nuckolls:

“When we built the church, the local ranchers, and those connected with the cattle industry, made such valuable con-tributions in money and labor that I felt they should have special recognition. So, without any of the cattle growers know-ing anything about the plan, I went to Denver and Miss Habercorn of McPhee

and McGinnity designed the window for the church. As my memory runs, when she completed the design, I liked it very much but the cowboy had a cigarette in his fingers of the hand which rested on the saddle horn. Most cowboys do smoke


NEEDMOREWE SAY

P.O. Box 220 | Pitkin, Colorado 81241 www . p i t k i n . f u l l e r w e s t e r n . c om

(970) 641-0544 Gary Pearson & Nancy Duetsch

Ranch & Recreational Real Estate CJ&L RANCH - Cimarron, Colorado These 391± acres are the most pristine and impressive acreage that Colorado has to offer. A true “trophy” ranch of-fers nearly a mile of both sides of the Cimarron River and good year-round access on CR 858. Improvements in-cludes three small cabins overlook-ing the river below. Wildlife abounds, along with unlimited recreation. $3,500,000.

7 11 RANCH - Parlin, ColoradoLocated in the beutiful Quartz Creek Valley of Gunnison County sits this 154± acre gem. Offering over 100± acres of irrigated pastures. Improve-ments include a large lodge, four one-bedroom cabins, two two-bed cabins, barn, corrals, and numerous outbuidings. Features the live water of

$2,700,000.

Quality Mountain Cabin! Located high above Pitkin, this modern cabin offers so-lar power and million dollar views! Numerous inclusions and ATV package. $299,500

Located in the forest above the Quartz Creek Valley, this modern cabin offers all the comforts of home. Located on 10± treed acres, the cabin has two bedrooms. $325,000

Built in 2008, this stunning -

terials and attention to de-

hickory cabinets. $290,000

Martin & Roberta Plotts

Gunnison Country Collision, Inc.

➠Collision RepairSpecialists

➠Any Make orModel Welcome

➠Computer Estimates

➠Quality Painting

➠Skilled Frame &Unibody Specialists

KAYCOUltimate

Control PaintBooth

641-55109th & Rio Grande

Gunnison

Attention Livestock Buyers!The folks at Homestead Meats thank you for supporting the 4-H and FFA Programs. We understand the time and expense that has gone into these animals and will make sure you get the

most satisfaction from your purchase.Call Today to Schedule Your USDA

Custom Processing

Better for you. Better for Colorado.P R O U D

C

O L

O R

A D

O

TM

741 WEST 5TH ST. ‐ DELTA741 WEST 5TH ST. ‐ DELTA

(970) 874‐1145(970) 874‐1145

We deliver the purchases from your county fair back to Gunnison!


Photo by Morgan Cowles

and I entirely approve. However, there are times when even a cowboy doesn’t smoke and one of those times is when he is in church. So I suggested to Miss Habercorn that we follow prevailing custom and she agreed that it was probably better and made an abstainer of the cowboy.”

In 1918, the Methodist and Presbyte-rian congregations merged to become the Community Church, which used the 1915 Methodist structure as its home until Bei-bel Chapel was built in the 1940s.

Ownership of the Methodist structure had always remained with that organiza-tion. Prior to the building being razed shortly after World War II, Dr. Nuckolls used his “power of persuasion” — which

from all accounts was substantial — to save “The Cowboy Window.” It was then stored for a number of years. The dispo-sition of the other stained glass windows from that building is unknown.

In 1955, a church committee, consist-ing of Dr. Nuckolls, James Buffington and Richard Walker, was appointed to arrange the installation of the window in its cur-rent location. For more than 50 years, church parishioners have been greeted weekly by the abstaining cowboy on horseback. ■

“A Glance into History” appears weekly in the RoundUp section of the Gunnison Country Times.


ENOUGH SAID

970-641-3588125 Main St, Gunnison

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am - 6pm, Sun. 9am-4pm

Turquoise Junction Cowboy & Indian Store

Come on in

Cowboy StoreArtwork, Firearms, Knives, Antiques, Old Saddles,

Frames and So Much More....

Indian StoreJewelry, Pottery, Blankets,

Artwork and So Much More....

and see our great selection!

“Best of the West” Apparel, Books & Toys!

Congrat lations to H and A!


by George Sibley

Water and ranching are as inseparable as grass and cattle. Yet, maintaining,

improving and protecting the water supply for agriculture in the Gunnison Basin are tasks that have always re-quired much participation. For the past 50 years, the board and staff of the Upper Gunnison River Water Con-servancy District (UGRWCD) have led this charge.

The UGRWCD was created in 1959 to work with the federal Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), as the Bureau de-scended on the valley with the biggest public water project in West Slope his-tory: the three Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) dams — known now as the “Aspinall Unit” — in the can-yons west of Gunnison.

The BOR had promised the valley an “Upper Gunnison River Project,” a complex of small reservoirs and irriga-tion ditches to bring more land into agricultural production. The UGRW-CD was created primarily to coordi-nate that project locally and to receive and manage the water rights from the project. But the Upper Gunnison Project essentially died in the 1970s because it never met the federal cost/benefit requirements. Without federal assistance, the local valley could not pay for the project alone.

The UGRWCD might have put up a “closed” sign at that point, but they didn’t.

Instead, the district got creative and looked for other ways to de-velop, maintain and protect the val-ley water supply. There has been no shortage of challenges and opportuni-ties there. Probably no one knows the history of the UGRWCD better than local attorney Dick Bratton. He came to Gunnison in 1958, right out of law school (University of Colorado), and went to work for Ed Dutcher, who had been instrumental in organizing the UGRWCD and was its retained counsel from the start. Bratton took over that work when Dutcher was appointed District Judge in 1961. He continued to serve as legal counsel for the dis-trict until 2006, when the UGRWCD

hired his then-partner John McClow as full time in-house attorney.

The district’s most creative work, as Bratton relates it, came in the 1970s and ’80s when they effectively co-opt-ed the BOR’s Taylor Park Reservoir for Upper Gunnison Valley uses. These actions proved beneficial to valley ranchers below Almont, and also to the summer fishing and boating econ-omy that has become significant over the past 50 years.

Taylor Dam was built in the 1930s to store water for the Uncompah-gre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA), served by the Gunnison Tunnel from the Gunnison River just above the Black Canyon National Park. Because water was released from the reservoir on-demand from the UVWUA, the Taylor River had basical-ly become an irrigation ditch, running in a flood or a trickle depending on their seasonal irrigation needs. This played havoc with local irrigators and fishermen.

Once the Aspinall Unit dams were built, the UGRWCD pestered the BOR about the fact that the Upper Gunnison had all the impacts from those dams but nothing in the way of “wet-water” benefits. So the idea was raised of stor-ing the UVWUA’s Taylor Park water in Blue Mesa Reservoir, making it pos-sible to release it through Taylor Dam in a way that would make the “Taylor Ditch” a real river again.

This was achieved in 1975 through a complex “exchange agreement.” Brat-ton and other district leaders then hatched the idea of applying for water rights on a second filling of Taylor Res-ervoir, with water over and above the UVWUA right decreed to the Upper Gunnison for irrigation in the basin and for in-stream fishery and boating benefits. As a result, the brown trout population in Taylor River increased 90 percent and a boating industry was created. Ultimately, in a case of first impression, the Colorado Supreme Court confirmed the district’s second refill right.

This became important almost im-mediately, when Front Range entities filed their massive Union Park pro-posal in 1986. That aimed to sponge

50 years of protecting our waterUGRWCD celebrating milestone

When the feds came in to build their big project, which included Blue Mesa Res-ervoir (seen here), they essentially told the local folks that they could have a big project of their own, to secure water for future local needs. Although this “Upper Gunnison Project” never came to fruition, the entity it spawned — the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District — has been actively engaged in local water-related matters ever since. They are celebrating their 50th year in business in 2009.

Times file photo

970-641-2400321 N. Main StGunnison, CO970-641-3004fax: 970-641-4243

Family DentistryJoshua T. Osborne, D.M.D.

Need a Dentist...

FAST?We can help you

get to the rodeo with a bright, confident smile!


up all remaining unappropriated water in the Taylor and East River watersheds for diversion primarily to Front Range cities. The UGRWCD’s refill right in Taylor Park helped lead the court to find that there was not enough water for the Union Park proposal. After two passes before the state Supreme Court, the water court eventually dismissed the case. The district figured heavily in organizing the opposers to the Union Park pro-posal and leading the charge.

A more recent UGRWCD achieve-ment was the settlement of a Black Canyon National Park water decree. In its original application, this pro-posal would have rendered three-fourths of the Upper Gunnison’s agricultural water junior to the Black Canyon. Again the District organized the opposers — nearly 400 of them

— and figured prominently in nego-tiations that led to the National Park Service subordinating its claim to all water rights senior to the BOR’s 1957 Aspinall Unit decrees.

Those are “the big four” ways in which the UGRWCD has worked effectively to develop and legally protect a good water supply for the Upper Gunnison over its 50 years, despite the fact that its original rea-son for being — the Upper Gunnison Project — never materialized.

The makeup of the district board has changed over the years, from a predominance of ranchers to a mix that reflects changes in the social and economic environment of the valley. But ag water and its protec-tion remains a primary focus of the district for reasons that transcend mere economic calculations. ■

The attorneys from the second Union Park trial, which was one of the milestone victories of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District.

Courtesy photo

232 WEST TOMICHI • GUNNISON641•0320

WWW.GUNNISONBANK.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 1812:30 p.m. Buyer’s BBQ (F-Bar Catering)

1:30 p.m. Scholarship Presentation 2:00 p.m. Jr. Livestock Auction

Multi-Purpose Building at Fred R. Field Western Heritage CenterFor information contact Gunnison County Extension Office 641-1260

Almgren InsuranceArchuleta Construction

Bank of the WestBill Mundell

Benson Sotheby’s International Realty

Chamberland Orthopaedics

Chuck OrrCommunity Banks of

ColoradoConcrete Systems Inc.

DelDorita RanchesDelta Implement

Donner TevisDouble Heart Ranch

Dr. Sherry NiccoliEagle Ridge Ranch

Edward Howard CPAF Bar Catering

Field Land & CattleFullmer's Ace Hardware

Golden Eagle Trash Service

Gunnison Bank & TrustGunnison Country TimesGunnison Muffler & Pipe

Gunnison Savings & LoanGunnison Veterinary

ClinicHanson Weatherport

Hi-Country Laundry WestHigh Country Cowboy

Hy-Syde Industries Inc.Jack David BackhoeJeff Cole & FamilyJim & Sue Oates

John RoseKinikin ProcessingLacy Construction

Loop Cattle CompanyLost Miner Ranch LLCMountain Clean Inc.Prime Real Estate

Pucheck ConstructionRalph Black

Ranchway FeedsRay Trucking & Backhoe

Rocky Mountain Wrestling Camp

Scanga MeatsSchmueser, Gordon, &

Meyer EngineeringSweitzer Oil Inc.

Take Away Food StoreThe Redden GroupTrampe Ranches

Tredway Wood WorkingTurner Toyota

United CompaniesUnited Country Wilson

Associates RealtyVickers Ranch

Western Implement Inc.Western Slope

ConnectionWild Horses & Hounds

Wilderson, O'Hayre, Dawson, & Norris PCWilliams Enterprises

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 2008 LIVESTOCK BUYERS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE 20094-H & FFA LIVESTOCK AUCTION

Generous supportprovided by:

SaleClerked

By:WILSON ASSOCIATES

REALTY

Gears, Inc.John Roberts Motor WorksGrand Champion Market Steer

Gunnison Auto & Feed2 Horse Electric

Jan CornellReserve Champion Market Steer

Buckhorn FencingGrand Champion Market Hog

Paula SwensonReserve Champion Market Hog

Alexander OrthodonticsPike Builders, Inc.

Grand Champion Market Lamb

Castleton RanchReserve Champion Market Lamb

J. David Backhoe ServiceReserve Champion Market Chickens

High Mountain Improvements & Construction Grand Champion Market Chickens

116 6th ST. (HWY 135) • CRESTED BUTTE

349•0170WWW.CRESTEDBUTTEBANK.COM

Sponsored by:

Gunnison Junior

Livestock Committee

Trucking Provided by:

Gunnison Trucking Donny Coleman

Providing Feed for a

ll livestock!

SPECIALS

820 W. Tomichi Avenue Gunnison, CO

HARDWARENEEDS

For

ALLYour

Stop by during Cattlemen’s Days

for in-store specials!Check Out Our Cell Phones & CBs!

1$ OFF 1$ O

FF10%

OFFALL

All AmericanHORSE FEED

ALL FORMULATED

POULTRY FEED CB PRODUCTS

20 + yearBuyer at the Livestock Sale!


by Judy Buffington Sammons

I liked the way Sonnichsen summed up the ’50s-era cattleman. I reread his words recently and got to thinking about them — the old time cow-

boys. The circumstances that shaped their lives and formed their personalities have changed. Today we have “new cowboys” — and some pretty good ones — but they aren’t really the same. Old cowboys are scarce now, and very valuable.

I would like to pay tribute to them here and say a few words on their behalf. These were men who had their beginnings back in the horse-and-buggy days and lived long enough to marvel at a man walking on the moon. They were born on the last fringes of the pioneer period — back in the Old West — where it was said, “men were men, and women were glad of it.”

Old cowboys come in several categories: some were hired men, some were small operators and some built up veritable empires of land and cat-tle. Regardless of their station, most of these men enjoyed in their time some of the most beauti-ful country in the mountain west — enjoyed it, tamed it, knew country that was still silent, wild and free.

Often they were taciturn — using brief and forceful words to get their point across. Yet these same men frequently possessed a remarkably sunny disposition. They had a certain look, too, one that didn’t change much over the years. Their style could almost be deemed sophisticat-ed ... in a rustic way. They were beefy and rug-ged, had barrel chests, hands big as hams and legs more and more bowed as the horseback years added up. They looked strong. There was no mistaking one.

The old cowboys had a familial connection with land. In the late 1800s their fathers and grandfathers had pioneered in the ideal stock-grazing lands on the unsettled mountains and plains of Colorado. These early day cattlemen began populating their newfound treasure of grass with cattle by the thousands. Ranching, under their guidance, started, steadied, grew and prospered. The dishonest, the impatient, the inept and the unlucky of the pioneer ranchers did not make it in the busi-ness for long. Nor did the faint of heart. It was a hard business that would make a man’s body hard and his mind too, if he wasn’t careful, and age his wife before her time. A gambler’s courage was needed to succeed and the sons of these pioneers — now the “old cow-boys” themselves — seemed to have inherited that courage.

My grandfather was one of these men. He was al-ways a big part of my life because our ranch was a family business. Grandad favored his male grandchil-dren but had a tolerant affection for his granddaugh-ter. I was always a little in awe of him, but returned

his affection and thrived on his limited praise. “You’re mighty pretty, Miss Judy,” he would say as I modeled the frilly pink dress he had brought back from the Kansas City Royal. But that was all — then it was right back to business.

Grandad was the epitome of the “old time cattle-man.” He lived his entire life with a great singleness of purpose — that of building up a good ranch, enclos-ing it with barbed wire and putting his blue ribboned Herefords behind the fences. He never aspired to do anything else. He lived a long life, dying at the age of 92, going out the way he had lived — with great dignity and a good fight up to the very end. It was a strange feeling of surprise to me when he left us. I had thought him to be indestructible; he very nearly was.

Because of this grandfather of mine, I have retained a great affinity for “old cowboys.” My career as a

writer of Western history has brought me to the doors of more than a few of them. I treasure the time I’ve spent in the company of these gentlemen and I greatly value the wisdom they’ve im-

0s-ndw-nd we esre

ayoynt

dd

d

rass his affection and thrived

“If his face is the color of a good slice of roast beef, done rare — if his forehead is white above the line of his hatband — if the back of his neck

is seamed and wrinkled by blizzards and dust storms and broiling sun — if there are wrinkles around his eyes and hair in his ears, you have a right to

believe he is what he looks like. He is undoubtedly a cattleman.”Cowboys and Cattle Kings — C.L. Sonnichsen, 1950

Ode to ‘Old Cowboys’

Hired man, Joe Echert hailed from Missouri and spent his entire life working on a Western Colorado ranch

The lateLawrence

Phelps at his ranch house

on the lower Gunnison


parted. I like everything about them. They all have a certain “look,” and it’s one that can-

not be copied. It starts with an old Stetson hat, or something closely resembling it — one not decorated with feathers or silver conchas, but possessing that degree of character that only honest wear and tear brings. My grandfather always claimed you could spot a “real” cowboy by looking at his knuckles, say-ing that years of roping and flanking would produce knuckles that look like miniature door knobs. He said a cattleman should be shod in boots — conservative ones, “and have some mud on his boots ... and know which way north is.”

On top of the boots my grandfather described will be the standard uniform of Levis or Wranglers and a Western shirt with snap buttons. If he’s seen in winter, an old cowboy will be wearing a wool gabardine shirt, the kind that “new cowboys” wouldn’t be caught dead in. It will be buttoned up tight to his neck, a neck that by now probably resembles a turkey’s.

You’ll know an old cowboy when you see one — there is simply something about him that cuts him out from the crowd. It’s his gait, his ramrod spine and his military seat on a horse. Well into their 70s and 80s,

an old time cattleman will retain the hard muscled, weathered and eagle-eyed look of a cowboy.

The hired men category of old cowboys sometimes stayed on at one ranch for several decades. Often they were bachelors and in time became very much a part of the family. They were an integral part of the workforce of the ranch — becoming indispensable in time. If single, they might reside in a “bunk house” and eat meals with the family. Mar-ried men were provided housing, and they and their wives and children often became an extension of the rancher’s family.

Many old cowboys lived to a ripe old age, their hardships and challenges not shortening their years. They often just kept on working away as they aged — likely to do such things as get on a salty horse even when advised not to, not necessarily to prove anything but simply because it’s what they needed to do at the moment.

Few bona fide old cowboys remain. Many by now have crossed “the Great Divide,” among them, my grandfather. He has been gone for many years now; the

ranch has changed hands several times and no longer retains the simple, clean and dignified look of a western cattle ranch. Even so, every time I drive by the old place, I think about him. I see him yet — riding his horse across the brilliant green of a springtime meadow, the blue sky and still-white mountains his background, a shovel over his shoulder and an ever watchful eye on the Herefords.

We miss you “old cowboy.” ■

“They all have a certain look, and it’s one that can-not be copied. It starts with an old Stetson hat, or something closely resembling it — one not deco-rated with feathers or silver conchas, but possess-ing that degree of character that only honest wear

and tear brings.

”

-r

r

The author’s grandfather,Clyde Buffington. Circa 1950

& Cattlemen’s Days

Early on, Cattlemen’s Days utilized a part of theWestern State College campus, as in this photo from 1916.Western State College’s chartering in 1901

signaled the beginning of higher education on Colorado’s Western Slope.

Today Western is a liberal arts and sciences collegewith students from every state in the nation andmany foreign countries. Our faculty includes menand women with degrees from the most prestigious colleges and universities. And our campus continuesto grow. Recent additions include the BorickBusiness Building and the newStudent Center, which is slatedto open in December 2009.

We offer degree programs in awide variety of fields, includingnew programs in PetroleumGeology and Professional Landand Resource Management.

We’re proud to be a part of theGunnison Country and to sharea rich heritage with our city,our state and with Cattlemen’sDays.

While attending Cattlemen’s Days...plan

a visit to Western!For more information:

1-800-876-5309Western State College

Admissions OfficeGunnison, CO 81231

[email protected]

We Grew Up Together


I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my

community, my country, and my world.

The 4-H Pledge

15 year-old 4-H member So-nora Fouquet and Gunnison County CSU Extension Agent

Eric McPhail traveled to Denver in Janu-ary to show off Sonora’s past year of hard work. And what a year it was.

Her project was Sampson, a spirited Angus steer with a lot of personality. She received Sampson last May from spon-sor Brett Redden, Gunnison rancher and Colorado Elks member, as part of the National Western Stock Show’s Catch-A-Calf program. 4-H members from around the state every year compete at the National Western to catch and halter baby calves in the Denver Coliseum. If a kid is lucky enough to catch one, they win a steer and get to show him the fol-lowing year as a market project.

With professional coaching from 4-H Agent Nadine Henry, Sonora caught her calf last year — which also marked the first time she’d ever so much as touched a cow. Herein lies the story in which a girl, with no large animal experience, joins 4-H with a desire to learn how to care for animals and the hope to one day become a large animal veterinarian.

The road was not easy for Sonora. The first night she tried to chase down a speedy calf in the arena she came up empty. With one more chance the fol-lowing night, she opted for the faster wardrobe of pink pants and tennis shoes, which proved to be successful, as she was one of the first to catch that night. Going home with a win meant that So-nora would begin her diligent studies on how to raise a steer for market.

The day Sonora received Sampson, she was overjoyed. However, coming home and seeing the 700-pound steer bail out of the trailer and blow through two of Steve Crittendon’s coral gates, where Sampson would be kept, Sonora’s emotions quickly turned to fear and un-certainty. Thanks to the help of Parlin

rancher Mark Campbell, Sonora was able to regain trust in her steer as he helped her halter-break and lead Samp-son for the first time.

For the next seven months, Sonora responsibly cared for Sampson and turned him into a 1,200-pound show steer. Sonora quickly learn that a steer project is a huge undertaking, as re-quirements include: feeding and wa-tering twice-a-day; daily walking and exercising; weekly grooming, consisting of washing, drying and brushing; con-stant attention to health and nutritional needs; daily record keeping and monthly weighing; and a slue of trainings to get a steer ready to show and be fitted.

Sonora’s next round of battles started two weeks before the show, when after being vet checked by local veterinarian, Darby Sullivan, Sampson bounded out of the holding chute excitedly and land-ed on Sonora’s foot, breaking it. Sonora quickly found herself helpless, in a sup-port boot and on crutches.

Relying heavily on her mother, Vickie Fouquet, the mother/daughter team continued to press on. They were deter-mined to show Sampson, regardless of the obstacles. The next battle came when three days before show, a time when all steers need the most work. Sonora’s mother Vickie became hospitalized and unable to help Sonora with Sampson any further. In stepped McPhail, Sono-ra’s livestock judging coach, who vowed to help Sonora get back to the National Western, the place where it all started, and complete her project.

With help from her 4-H leader, Ann Bertschy, Sonora and Sampson arrived in Denver ready to show. Eric met Sonora down at the stock show and they start-ed the three-day ordeal of interviews, sponsor dinners, fitting, grooming and showing. It would be no easy task for any kid, much less one on crutches and without her mom and teammate. How-ever, Sonora, showing great determina-tion, “Cowboy’d Up,” “Got’er Done” and received two National Western ribbons, one of which was blue.

Totally exhausted from showing, she reluctantly passed on Sampson’s owner-ship and loaded him on a trailer bound for the greater good which all steers must finally reach. Sonora slept most of the long ride home, back to Gunnison. When they arrived, she told McPhail that she never thought that so much went into raising a steer and that she couldn’t believe that tomorrow would be the first morning in seven months in which she wouldn’t have to go feed Sampson. ■

Preparing for thefuture,

nowHolly Mask started her 4-H career at

the age of 8.This fall, she

enrolls in CSU’sanimal science

program

Kids may not be aware of the oppor-

tunities available through their local 4-H program. Holly Mask is.

Holly’s 4-H story is a great example of how the program can help a student pursue their dreams.

Holly’s career in 4-H started early — at the age of 8 years old. She started out taking on the dog project and after a couple of years she was enticed by leader Ann Bertschy to lease a goat. This worked out well, as it does for many kids who love animals but don’t have a place to keep them.

Caring for her goats, Holly soon focused on the dream of becoming a veterinarian. Throughout the years, she took on many other 4-H projects, including livestock judging, horseless horse, llama and three years of veteri-nary science — which will especially come in handy, as Holly has now been accepted to the animal science program at Colorado State University.

“4-H gave me direction,” Holly ex-plains. “And with it, I was even able to visit the CSU vet hospital four times, twice at open houses and twice taking sick goats there with Ann.”

Holly graduated from Gunnison High School this past spring as the valedic-torian of her senior class. She will con-tinue at CSU this fall, following her dream path to become a veterinarian. She will also be a member of the colle-giate 4-H club they have on campus.

She attributes many of her successes to the multitude of opportunities and skills 4-H offered her — the commu-nity service, the life skills and leader-ship development are just a few. Holly has now served the past two years as Gunnison’s 4-H council president and will take to college many memories with her.

The entire local 4-H family wishes Holly the best success in her future en-deavors. ■

Sampson and Sonora:The ultimate

4-H tale

Sonora Fouquet faced a long journey to get Sampson to the National Western Stock Show. But with a whole lot of gumption, and help from a slew of local 4-H leaders and supporters (including Eric McPhail, also pictured here), she not only made it, but she came home with two ribbons.

Courtesy photos

Mask


Pledging their ‘hands to larger service’

Gunnison County 4-H clubs are true to pledging their hands to larger service for the health of

their community, country and world. 4-H members in Gunnison County participate in service projects every year, and this past year members were exceptionally active in making significant contributions to their community.

“Giving back to their community is fos-tered by the guidance and commitment of leaders and parents in all of our clubs, who respond to community needs and fol-low through,” said Michelle Lehmann, 4-H parent and leader. “We have a lot of both — good parents and good leaders.”

Research is starting to back up what those leaders, parents and youth development professionals have known. One correlation study in two Midwest cities supports the view that volunteer service activities may increase the effectiveness of youth devel-opment efforts designed to reduce specific adolescent risk taking behaviors — such as tobacco, drug and alcohol use (Rodine et al., 2006).

Youth engagement in service to others and their community can play an impor-tant role in their development. Develop-ment is triggered by engagement. Young people learn best when they engage with their heads and their hearts. Meaning-ful participation contributes to a young person’s sense of connectedness and con-fidence and allows them to build com-petencies and contribute (Pittman, Irby, Tolman, Yohalem, & Ferber, 2003). A 4-H club provides that engagement.

“Raising money to help out a third world country is the least we can do,” said Han-nah Anderson, president of one of the five 4-H clubs making significant contributions. “It was a great opportunity to see how peo-ple’s lives are in Africa and how much help, money and food they need. Get Your Goat Club was very thankful for everyone’s do-nations and help they gave to us.”

Gunnison County 4-H programs have contributed to the health of the community — their county, country and world. ■

Shooting sports:More than meets the eye

by Tim Cranor4-H MEMBER

There are many different types of shooting sports, such as archery, shotgun shooting, rifle shooting

of all types and black powder firearms shooting. All of these are a great learning experience and are very fun.

Most people find rifle shooting is easier, because it requires less stability and is easier on your hands. Archery is relatively safe, but it is complicated.

There are many different ways of shoot-ing, such as target, hunting or just shooting for fun. There are also many competition shoots, which are often very fun.

I went to my first archery shoot sev-eral years ago and greatly enjoyed my-self. While I was at the shoot, there was a shooter who “robin-hooded” a carbon arrow, causing an explosion.

There are many shooting clubs around the country and many people are registered in them. I joined my first shooting club when I was 8 and could finally enter 4-H.

For several years, all I did was archery.

However, eventually I joined a rifle club, which I am still in. Rifle shooting matches are very different from archery matches, especially in the types of tar-gets and methods of shooting. Archery generally uses larger targets at shorter ranges, due to the nature of the bows. The commands and safety precautions are much the same though, excepting retrieving arrows.

All in all, I immensely enjoy shooting sports and would recommend kids to join the 4-H shooting sports program. ■

Gunnison County 4-Hmembers have given in the

following ways:

• Collected 500 pounds of food for the local food pantry before Thanksgiving• Made Valentine baskets for the

Jubilee House• Built playground equipment for the

Lake Pre-school• Adopted a family and made their

Christmas special with gifts and meals• Cut, loaded, delivered and stacked

eight cords of wood to needy families• Delivered (via horse-drawn wagon)

10 Christmas trees with decoration supplies to needy families• Raised enough money to buy three

animals for Heifer International• Participated in their annual highway

cleanup• Wrote letters to military personnel• Contributed and delivered backpack

goodies to a local military family with a deployed service member• Raised more than $5,000 to benefit

Lori Smock (15 year 4-H volunteer leader who was diagnosed with cancer)• Made and donated cookies and

cakes for 4-H events• Hosted a Partner (mentoring

program) junior-senior activity day• Worked for community clean up days• Contributed more than $3,000 from

their livestock sale checks to the 4-H Forever Fund

13-year-old Tim Cranor went to his first archery shoot several years ago.

Kick off your boots and stay awhile.

Morethan just a

hot bath and

clean sheets...

w w w . w a t e r w h e e l i n n a t g u n n i s o n . c o m

37478 W. Hwy 50GunnisonToll-Free

1-800-642-1650Local

970-641-1650

Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy

Helping families preserve ranchlands for

future generations.

Helping families preserve ranchlands for

future generations.

NO CITY SALES TAX CHARGE*

TOMICHITIRE

& TOWING SERVICEFOREIGN • DOMESTIC

• ALIGNMENT• CUSTOM & REAR

AXLE ALIGNMENT• COMPUTERIZED BALANCING

641-231411/2 MI. E. OF GUNNISON

ON HWY 50 E.


by Amanda Friar

In the City of Gunnison, they’re called the “Fresh-man Ditches” because of newcomers’ — especially cavorting college freshmen — propensity for falling

into them. Out in the county, they are the lifeblood of ranchers, carrying the water that will grow the hay that will eventually feed their cows.

Simply put, ditches are a pretty big deal around here.The in-town ditches date back more than 100 years,

when pioneers worked to make what some not-so-fondly called “Sage Brush City” a little more hospitable. Soon, cottonwood trees were sprouting up, providing shade and aesthetics to the growing metropolis.

Now, every spring city crews divert water from the Gunnison River just north of town into the Gunnison

Town Ditch and keep the water flowing through the city’s widespread irrigation system until early fall. The water, which runs in front of the vast majority of homes here, is free for all to use — on their lawns and gardens, primarily — as long as they don’t dam up the ditch.

“The town has very good and very old water rights,” long-time resident Ralph “Butch” Clark said. “And they’re very proud of it.”

DitchesDitchesquite a developmentquite a development

“People see a lot of green. But they don’t realize thePeople see a lot of green. But they don’t realize the

amount of work it takes to keep the fields green.amount of work it takes to keep the fields green.

”Rancher Richard GuerrieriRancher Richard Guerrieri

““People see a lot of green. But they don’t realize thePeople see a lot of green. But they don’t realize the

amount of work it takes to keep the fields green.amount of work it takes to keep the fields green.

””Rancher Richard GuerrieriRancher Richard Guerrieri

Photos by Morgan Cowles

PREMIER REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS SPECIALIZING IN

Commercial, Residential, Ranch & Land Appraisals

Tara Lambert Martin Froehlich, SRA Curtis BergerAPPRAISERS

Gunnison Office (970) 641.5748Serving Gunnison, Crested Butte, Lake City, Durango and Surrounding Areas

QUALITY AND TRUST MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

HOURS 8:00-5:30 MON.-FRI. • PRECISIONAUTO.NET

• Master Certified technicians

• Factory level diagnostics on FORD, GM & Chrysler products.

• Expert service on most imports

• Celebrating “25 Years of Service to the Gunnison Country”

• Great pricing on tires and featuring nitogen inflation

970-641-4040

“”

Looking for a change?

Smile in our direction.

TOOTH CONSERVING DENTISTRY • DENTAL IMPLANTS

Always welcoming new and returning patients

306 North Main Street • Gunnison, CO 81230970/641.4200

Scott D. Anderson D.D.S. Fellow International Congress of Oral Implantologists


“It’s very unique,” added City Manag-er Ken Coleman. “I don’t know of many towns that have this kind of system.”

In addition to the in-town system, the Gunnison Basin is crisscrossed by ditch-es that ranchers use to irrigate their land for the purposes of growing hay. Local rivers and streams supply these ditches.

“People see a lot of green,” longtime rancher Richard Guerrieri said. “But they don’t realize the amount of work it takes to keep the fields green.”

First, you have to get the water into the ditch — usually by “turning on” a head-gate. Ranchers have to make sure the ditch is free of debris so the water runs

freely. And they have to get the water out of the ditches, usually via makeshift mini-dams, and onto the portion of the field they are watering.

According to rancher Lee Spann, it is a long process to clean out the ditches. Much of it is done by hand, while part of the maintenance is done by burning the ditches, resulting in that almost sweet smell that fills up rural areas most late winters and early springs.

Ditches play a huge role in the lives of many who call the Gunnison Valley home. Just be sure to not fall into one, unless you want a good laugh at your ex-pense. ■

July 16, 17, 18 • 7 p.m. nightlyG u n n i s o n, c o

970-641-1501 • www.cattlemensdays.com

Flower motor DodgeCattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo

$35 Purchaseat Western World

Gets You

One Free Rodeo Ticket Voucher

Friday July 10th4-H Goat / Livestock Knowledge Test 5:00 PM4-H Horse Knowledge TestKickoff Dinner and Dance Everyone’s Invited(Fred R. Field House) 6:00 PMSaturday, July 11th4-H Horse Show 8:00 AMSunday, July 12thOpen Horse Show *New for 2009 Versatility Saddle Challenge 8:00 AMMonday July 13th 4-H Project Judging and Interviews 8:30 AM4-H Dog Obedience Show 9:00 AM4-H Participants set up show arenaand Project Review 4:00 PM4-H Project Review 7:00 PMTuesday, July 14th4-H Rabbit and Poultry Show 8:00 AM4-H Dairy Goat Show 10:00 AM4-H Fiber Sheep/Goat Show4-H Participant Clean up 4:00 PM (Approx.)Cowboy Poetry @ Fred Field Heritage Center 7:00 PMPre-party and silent auction will be atMountaineer Square in Mt. C.B. 6-7:30 PM

TETWP present the best song writers of Nashville. Hall of Famers, CMA, BMI, and Grammy award winners Tim Nichols, Scotty Emerick, and Dean Dillon will all perform, plus live auction 7:45 PMWednesday, July 15th4-H Sheep Weigh In 1:00-1:30 PM4-H Swine Weigh In 1:30-2:30 PM4-H Participant Goat/Livestock Knowledge Test 3:00 PMWatershed Team Roping & Barrel Racing, Auction 5:00 PMWatershed Team Roping and Barrel Racing 7:00 PMEvening Carnival at The Rodeo GroundsThursday, July 16th4-H Steer Weigh In 8:00-8:30 AM4-H Swine Show and Open Showmanship 10:00 AM4-H Sheep Show and Open Showmanship 2:30 PMPioneer Banquet At The Elks Lodge 6:00 PMThe famous TETWP pre Rodeo Partyand Auction at The Last Chance 5:00-6:30 PMTETWP PRCA Evening Rodeo 7:00 PM

TETWP Post Rodeo Dance (The Last Chance) 9:30 PMEvening Carnival at The Rodeo Grounds

Friday, July 17th4-H Market Goat Show 9:30 AM4-H Beef Show and Adult Showmanship 10:30 AM4-H Round Robin Showmanship 1:30 PM4-H Participant Set Up Sale Arena 2:30 PM4-H Swine and Sheep Ultrasound 4:00 PMPRCA Evening Rodeo 7:00 PMDance at The Elks Lodge 9:00 PMCarnival at The Rodeo GroundsSaturday, July 18thCattlemen’s Days Parade 10:00 AMKiwanis BBQ @ Legion Park 11:30 AM4-H Livestock Buyers BBQ 12:30 PM4-H Awards and Scholarship Presentation 1:30 PM4-H Junior Livestock Auction 2:00 PMPRCA Evening Rodeo-Family Night, Kids10 and under free with paid adult generaladmission; $5 grandstand 7:00 PMDance at The Elks Lodge 9:00 PMCarnival at The Rodeo GroundsSunday, July 19thCowboy Church / FCA ServicesRodeo Grounds 9:00 AMHorse Race Meet and NEW Draft Horse Pull 12:30 PM

When Gunnison Country Leaves You Breathless

Choose the Company Committed to Gunnison

Today and Tomorrow

641-1828Rodney BarnettMarlo RunnellsChris Barnett

Years of Experience in Gunnison County500 W. Hwy 50 Frontage Rd, #103


WE ARE SELLING PROPERTIES faster than we’re listing them. If you are thinking of selling, please give us a call!

MLS306 West Tomichi Ave. P.O. Box 1450Gunnison, CO 81230 641-2235

OUR 32ndYEAR IN GUNNISON AREA

REAL ESTATE!

Dennis Steckel, Bro-ker, 57 yrs in the area, 31 as Broker.

Bill Nesbitt, Broker, 37 yrs in Gunnison, DSR associate since 1983.

Lucinda Lull, Broker, 32 years in the area, DSR associate since 1984.

ACROSS FROM GOLF COURSE. Here’s a great way to get out of town! Near 1700 sq ft, 3 bedrms, 2 baths, lots of living space, dbl garage & plenty of yard!

RESTAURANT w BEST LOCATION! It’s closer to most of Gunnison’s motel rooms than any other full service restaurant. 12,500 ft site w 2480 ft bldg on East Hwy 50.

PLENTY OF SPACE, priced right at $156,500. 5 bedrms, 3 baths, 1,260 sq ft plus dbl attached garage, fenced front yard, more....

BEAUTIFUL ON THE INSIDE! Downstairs shop you’d design and build if you had the time! Upstairs: A home you might expect to find along a trout stream.

HOME! You’ll see, it has space for hobbies, activities, studying, w 6 bedrms, living, family, dining rms. Central heat plus solar & wood stove, nced bkyd, double garage...

WOODS OF YOUR OWN! Your cabin or camp site of up to 10 ac of aspen & conifers & mountain park. Legal access, water & good summer auto roads, or over-the-snow in winter. From $19,000.

HARD TO BEAT COMFORT! Fine 4 bedrm beauty. One level w sunken 14x20 liv rm. Huge mstr bedrm suite, 15x28 deck, 11x15 patio, fenced bkyd w sprinklers, dbl garage

WSC NEIGHBORHOOD! Save gas and time! 3 bedrm 2 bath, central heat plus pellet stove, hot tub, garage, too. Your house!

NO HIGHWAYS on the walk to school! 2300 sq ft 4 bedrm, 3 bath w nat gas heat & wood-burning stove. Great value/sq ft.

MAIN STREET STORE or residence, it’s been both, and probably a “professional” building, as well! In great shape and ready to go!

DREAM-ABOUT HOME in a town surrounded by Nat’l Forest, yet you’ll have Hi-spd internet, paved & snowplowed access, school bus, mail and endless summer and winter fun!

NEED 300 FEET to stretch out? Sometimes square space won’t do! This one runs from street to street along the alley. All utilities.

RED RIDING HOOD RETREAT. A cabin in a 10 ac park of your own. EZ 4wd summer and fall access. For weekends or weeks on end, you’ll enjoy every minute! Wolf not included.

ON THE BACK NINE! If you’re looking for a home site on the golf course, don’t miss this one. A big view, sunny, and within sound of the river.

7 ACRES a mile from the Iola Boat Dock w temporary home. Great place for family fishing HQ, Non-commercial boat storage. Elect phone, and potential.

HERE IN THE COUNTRY w eye filling views of valley, mountains and sky! 1800 sq ft plus garage! 4 bedrms, 2 baths, fenced bkyd, trees, close-in enough to bike to town.

GOLD CREEK VALLEY 2 bedrms 1.5 bath year around home w slate floors, dbl garage w shop upstairs, beautiful landscaping...

DUPLEX INVESTMENT. Great rental history, on 7962 sq ft lot, 2 units total 1752 sq ft, fenced yards. Ask for Bill.

COUNTRY SIZED YARD, 3 bedrms, 2 baths, living and family areas, dbl garage w shop space in basmt, 16x32 deck, on 125x150 site, sprinklers, bkyd fence...

ON QUARTZ CREEK! 3 bedrm (12x17 master downstairs) 2 baths, 1600 sq ft plus a 720 sq ft dbl garage/shop.

US 50/TOMICHI 125 ft frontage, 100 ft on side street! 4 choice south facing “C” lots w all util & a 984 sq ft commercial bldg

HOME & HORSE corrals, 3 bedrm 2 bath home w 18x18 living rm, fenced yard, paved road close to town, county sewer and your own well. Just about perfect!

LESS HEADACHES! Homesites that eliminate a lot of pain! In-town w paved street, all util adjacent, alley for added access & refuse collection. No foolish restrictions, just meet city codes.

OHIO CREEK, 35 ac irrigated meadow for home, horses and personal space! Wonderful mountain views, water rights, 7 minutes from downtown. No covenants.

SPRING CREEK canyon cabin w 2 bedrms, conveniences, fishing rights on Spring Cr. A few steps to the Nat’l Forest, phone, electric.

STUFF TO DO! Why let your fix-it talents go to waste. 1,250 sq ft cabin in historic mountain community with all yr access, electric and phone available. Only $75,000,

JUST THROUGH THE WOODS summer & autumn dream cabin. 2 bedrm,1 bath, 15x22 living rm, deck, phone & elect, 10 acres of aspen and pine.

PICTURE PERFECT! 37 wooded and open park mtn acres adjoining BLM/Nat’l Forest! Beautiful cabin w indoor plumbing & conveniences. Generator, shop, seasonal auto access...

40x60 INDUSTRIAL BLDG on 3 “I” zoned lots. Bath, heat, concrete floor, all util, handy to airport and Hwy 50.

BEST BUY! 3 bedrm 2 bath home w lots of custom finishing. In town on sunny corner site. Only $177,750

WINNER buy a country mile! Only $139,900 for a 1223 sq ft 3 bedrm 2 bath home on its own lot! Near school bus stop. Lots of nice views.

SUMMER & AUTUMN in the mountains! Affordable log cabin on 10 big sky wooded ridgetop acres. What a view! Good summer auto access.

GUNNING FOR A BIG GUY? 7600 sq ft commercial bldg on a full acre Plenty of use options. Call Bill for details.

GOLD CREEK VALLEY. 1.6 ac bldg site with all year access, phone & elect available, stunning views. Near historic Ohio City!

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME! 6 Lots in Pitkin w log cabin. Well already drilled! Ask for Lucinda!

Dennis Steckel RealtorsNobody Does

It Better!

641-2235

Be sure and ch

If it’s for sale, w

Prices may cha

IF IT’S ON THE
