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NEWS: Clark’s Market to close for renovations, A9
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VOL. 142. NO. 29 | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023 $1.00
County commits $1 million of LMD fund to Sawtooth First nonmarketing expenditure since 6A
Abby Harrison Times Staff Writer
Jacob Spetzler
HOLD ON TIGHT: Pro rodeo contestant Colton Clemens from Blackfoot, Idaho, grits his teeth during the bareback bronc riding competition on Friday, July 14. For more photos from the 2023 Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo, see B8 and B12.
INSIDE
TODAY NEWS: Taylor Park is site for decades-long climate change research, A13
The Gunnis on B oard of County Commissioners unanimously agreed this week to allocate $1 million of 2024 Local Marketing District (LMD) funds to the second phase of its most recent affordable housing proj Sawtooth, A7
Blue Mesa’s miracle recovery Reservoir nears fill-line for first time since 2019 Bella Biondini Times Editor
COMMUNITY: Inside the Gunnison Valley’s largest grow house, B1
SPORTS: Ruggera sets sights on Paralympics, B7
Last summer, water levels at Blue Mesa Reservoir fell so low that the winding ribbon of the Gunnison River, typically hidden underneath the surface of the man-made lake, was revealed for several miles. Then came the winter of 2022-23, blanketing both ends of the valley with snow that lingered in the high country well into the springtime. The snowmelt rushed into surrounding rivers and streams, before pouring into Blue Mesa. As of July 16, the reservoir was only 8 feet below full pool, up almost 50 feet the same time last year. Justice Ewswe fishes near Elk Creek Marina on July 13.
Bella Biondini
Blue Mesa, A6
OBITUARIES A3 OPINION A4 CLASSIFIEDS A15-A17 SPORTS B7 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM
Three found dead at Gold Creek may have been camping long-term
Identities, exact cause of death still pending Bella Biondini Times Editor
The three deceased individuals found at Gold Creek
Campground earlier this month are thought to have tried to live there through the winter, according to Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes. As of press time, their identities had still not been released. O n Sunday, July 9, the Gunnison County Sheriff 's Office was contacted by a hiker near Gold Creek Campground who had discovered a remote Gold Creek, A8