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NEWS: Gunnison-sage grouse numbers benefit from moisture, A10
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VOL. 142. NO. 17 | THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023 | $1.00
City declines RTA transit center site More than 130 letters written in opposition to proposal Bella Biondini Times Editor
Motivated by resounding opposition from the community, the City of Gunnison formally opposed the construction of a new transit center in front of the Rec Center this week. In February, the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) announced the Rec Center as its chosen and preferred location for a transit
RTA A6
INSIDE
TODAY NEWS: Mt. Emmons land exchange inches forward, A5
Fired up for a shiny new truck
This season, after years of saving up money, the Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department was treated to a new ride that will keep them comfortable while they are fighting fires off the grid. (Left to right) Gunnison volunteer firefighters Kenny Tomlin, Joel Ruehle and Niko Randlett trained with the truck Wednesday afternoon, April 19. For more see, A20.
Amanda Wilson appointed as new city manager Start date scheduled for end of June
COMMUNITY: A new era for Parker Pastures, B1
Jacob Spetzler
Bella Biondini Times Editor
After the position sat empty for nearly six months, Gunnison
City Council has appointed Amanda Wilson as the next city manager. Wilson presently serves as the director of infrastructure and development for the City of Sandpoint, Idaho — a small community situated 60 miles south of the Canadian border. With a population of approximately 9,000, the city is only
slightly larger than Gunnison, and also houses a nearby ski resort. Previously, she served as a program manager, founder and principal for Windward Project Solutions LLC. Former City Manager Russ Forrest left the job in October of last year to serve as Vail’s town manager. Finance Director Ben Cowan has been serving as the
interim since that time. City council approved a formal employment contract with Wilson during a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 25 pending additional reference and background checks. The agreement includes a salary of $200,000 as well as temporary, transitional housing at the city’s new affordWilson A7
Natural Grocers comes to Gunnison SPORTS: Ruggera wins big at National Junior Olympics, B8
Store will occupy old True Value space on Spencer Avenue . Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
OBITUARIES A3 OPINION A4-A5 CLASSIFIEDS A13-A17 SPORTS B9 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM
National health food chain Natural Grocers is staking a claim in the Gunnison Valley. The move was confirmed to the Times by Katie Macarelli, Natural Grocers’ manager of public relations. The store is slated to open in September this year at the former Darnell’s
True Value space off Spencer Avenue, between the Six Points Thrift Store and Walmart. Natural Grocers, formally Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, is a national health food chain founded by two Coloradans in 1955. In nearly 70 years, the chain has grown to 162 stores in over 20 states. The grocer accepts Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, a program that helps low-income, qualified families access healthy food. The space will also include a Nutrition Education Center, a “community-type” room that can be used for cooking and nutrition Natural Grocers A6
Courtesy Natural Grocers
Construction will begin this summer and doors are expected to open by September.