Sunday, October 11, 2009

New Pics Up For Football

Here is the link to Shutterfly. http://ccvpioneers.shutterfly.com/  Check out the new pics I added this morning from yesterdays Football game.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Flu shot update

Another great reason to attend CCV. If your child is signed up for the school based health center and they should be because it doesn't cost you anything, they can get their physicals, some dental, sick care, and now immunizations at the school for FREE. Yes, free!! If you would like to make a $5 donation per visit you can and that money goes towards paying for medications. They have the seasonal flu shot available now for your child. They will have the H1N1 as soon as it is released. Flu shots are rationed from the gov per county so the sooner you can get your childs shot the better. Call Laureen or Sady at the school 689-9230 for more info. The clinic is open on Mon and Thurs but Laureen is usually around. Also, don't forget that the center services students and their sibilngs ages 0-21.

City Council Meeting update 10/7/09

Zowie Batman, What a time last night. First to start with the mundane. Surprisingly there was not a prayer this week. Whew...Read my last CC post and you'll understand. Attending was Dan, Sandra, Bruce and Lois. Gary is traveling. The administrators report was of course short. I'm failing to see why the City Managers cannot attend and report themselves to Council. The fire hydrants are being tested as per State regs. The tops are being color coded with spray paint so that the fire dept can tell which hydrants put out the most water. I won't go into all of the color coding details here but I will say that if you have a bag over one in front of your house, you might consider buying a really big garden hose. A reminder that snow removal is the responsibility of each property owner or tenent of a business or residence. As is maintenence or repair of sidewalks. The city admin not so nicely reminded everyone that they can bill you if the city does the work because you were neglegent. Ouch.....A spirit of civic pride and not fist slamming would be nice here. A private individual would like to build a house just outside of city limits on 4th street. The city would have to draft an agreement for water service. This issue will be addressed at a later date after more info. Last, the Medical Center has no Flu shots yet. Ha. You heard it here first!!Larry Manning from Planning gave an update on the "transportation exhibit". So far as Ii understand it is an addition to the Heritage Center. I'm guessing it was a state grant because I can't see Dan funneling any more money into the glass house. It was decided that any work wouldn't happen until next Spring anyway.
On to the agenda. Bronco Billys has been trying to use their lots by District Supply for storage for quite sometime now. I think the biggest objection was the proposed use of Conex Boxes. They have agreed to build an actual building that would be used for storage and maintenence. This seemed to be more agreeable to Council and they passed the rezoning of Lots from C1 to C2.
Item 2. Improvememts to Bennett. Chip Huffman, public works and Bill, City Admin. A really big poster with details of every pothole problem and curb issue from the District Museum to the Jailhouse Museum. Bill gave an impassioned, albeit whiny, speech about how the State refused to maintain or repair the State highway, technically Bennett Ave, that runs through town. Hmmm.... Now they know how we feel about the fence. Temp plan will get started right away to fill in the potholes with asphalt. Duh...After a quite lengthy disscusion over who talked to who, it turns out the Larry seemed to have everything worked out and was the one talking to all the right people.
Item 3. Womacks asked for money to repair the Palace sign. Passed with restictions on neon tubing. Old vs New. Same old story.
Item 4. The Elks lodge asked for HP monies to repair and paint the front facade of the building. John Sharpe, an Elks trustee, spoke about some of the strucrual problems the building is having. Item was tabled until the engineers report can be discussed in detail.
Now the rest of the meeting was the public comment portion. I spoke first and asked the Council about the feasibility of getting the Council meetings webcast. I think this would be great for all of us because you could just watch them yourselves at your convenience and you wouldn't have to put up with my sarcasm. Dan asked if I would be willing to set this up and of course I said yes, because I can't say no.....So, look for this to happen soon because I like to get things done. The rest of the Public Comments were very impassioned pleas to the Council not to let the Butte close or TATC leave our community. Dan specifically said that they would not close down the Butte but that they needed to scale back. Mary Barron and Michelle Kohne said it best when they both stated that they'd rather miss a few potholes, refering to Bennett, than miss the Butte. Mel Moser speaking later, after many others, said that he wanted to thank the City for the opportunity to produce live theatre in Cripple Creek and that he wanted everyone to know that they were good stewards of the City's money. I know this is true because as the costume shop manager I think I'm making about $2 an hour, and I know that there are other city dept managers making far more money than Mickey. He's working 12-14 hour days. In one last note. The mandatory trash service issue is, as Dan put it, DOA. In other words. Dead......

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Flu in Cripple Creek?

Totally UNCONFIRMED (see how I did that?) reports of the h1n1 flu at the school. We all knew that we couldn't avoid it forever, but I suspect that there have probably already been cases here. Make sure that everyone washes their hands and invest in some hand sanitizer. Visit your doctor if you have any respiratory trouble or a fever. I called the Medical center here, but they don't have the flu or the h1n1 shots available yet. I'll try to get a hold of Laureen at the school and see if they are going to have them for the kids. Stay posted.

City Council Agenda 10/7 2009

Ok, Civic minded citizens, here's the scoop on the agenda. First is of course the reports from the city administrator, finance, and historic preservation. I really think that all city managers should be required to attend and update council themselves. I'll work on that. Back to the agenda. Planning commision- request approval for rezone of C1 to C2 to allow storage facility. John Bowman and Pioneer group applicants.
2- Disscusion- Improvement to Bennett Ave. and Safety Hazards. Chip Huffman and Bill McPherson. Ya think?
3- Recommendation- Historic Preservation Commission- funding from Vacant and under Maintained historic Building Program, Womacks Casino, I hope this isn't going towards that big empty storage unit with the really great mural.
Recommendation- HPC funding and repairs and painting, Elks Lodge
The only way to complain is be part of the process. If you don't get involved then you can't whine later.See you there.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Sports Pics





I tend to be a shutterbug and I couldn't decide which pics to post this week. It was quite a daunting task to sort through all 120 pictures that I took at the Homecoming games, so I decided to add them to my Shutterfly account so that everybody could see them all. This way you can order directly from Shutterfly if there are any prints that you want. Check out the collage prints. They are really cool and fast scrappin'. You can add several pictures to one large print, and you can even add titles and text. The photo books are cool too. You might do one of those at the end of the season. Anyway,  Check out the link. http://ccvpioneers.shutterfly.com/
 Homecoming was a blast even though we had a slight incident with kids slashing our trailer tires. Some kids just look for any reason to cause trouble. Both the Varsity volleyball team and the football team won their games. First time in 9 years so I heard. Congrats to all of our athletes and coaches  for working so hard.
Floating down Bennett in their decked out boat, the Junior Class won The Best Float Honors. Talk about being literal. :) Homecoming Nominates for the Freshman were Cale Brown and Darian Carrillo, Sophmores were Tanner Watkins and Rachel Schiller, Juniors were Latasha Wolfe and Nick Elges, Seniors were Shawn Dubbs and Morgan Peterson. Drum Roll Please.............and the Homecoming Queen and King are.... Morgan Peterson and Shawn Dubbs. Yea!! Come back tommorrow for updates on the City Council meeting scheduled for this Wednesday.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Where Have I been?


Where have you been? You ask. Yes I'm still here. The Halloween show opens this Friday so I've been up to my ears in costumes for the last three weeks. You would not believe how much work it takes to get that stuff on stage. The show is great and I hope you all get to see it. Check out http://www.butteoperahouse.com/ for tickets or stop by the theatre. Shows run Thurs through Sun until Oct 31st. You might want to check it out because it could be the last Halloween show since the Butte might be closing next year.
Some of you have posted comments but I'm not sure why they are not showing up. I'll try to figure that out today, ok lets be realistic, maybe sometime next week. Remember to become a follower or leave a comment with your name under my contest post Up A Cripple Creek Without a Paddle: Contest for Loyal Followers. Drawing will be on November 15th, so hurry up.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Halloween Ball At the Elks


Just a heads up to all of you. The Gold Camp Arts Foundation, formally know as the Butte Opera House Foundation, will be holding our first annual Halloween Ball at the Elks Club. This is a fundraiser for us that we plan to do every year to help in sponsoring the many charitable works we do or plan on doing this year. This past summer we have donated monies to several arts organizations including, Victor Celebrates The Arts, The Woodland Music Festival, Cresson Dance Company, and new this coming spring is a scholorship program for students going to college. Also, in the spring, is a grant program for any student wanting to take summer classes in the arts.
The ball is going to be a blast. There will be lots of stuff to do, including dancing music, "horror-derves", a costume contest for kids and adults, door prizes, and some other spooky activities that I will announce next week. So, start working on your costume and come out and support the Arts in our community.
Tickets are only $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for kids. Saturday night, October 31st, from 8pm to 12pm at the Elks Club. You do not need to be a member of the Elks to attend. It is open to the public, but if you are interested in becoming a member of the Elks, they are a great organization that does many great things throughout the year. Plus, it's a fun place to hang out at. Toodles...

Friday, September 25, 2009

Weekend Things to DO for Sept 25-27

All right, I'll try not to leave anything out but if you don't tell me what's coming up I may not catch it all. If you see me out and about, catch me up on things.
I know the cemetary walk is Saturday. The tours leave from the District Museum every half hour starting at 9:30am. You will ride the trolley to the cemetary and back. Tours continue until 2:00pm. Donations benefit the Victorian Society. I have heard that the cemetary is looking quite good,and is being taken care of. I'll check it out soon during our annual Dia de los Muertos trip up there to visit the fam, or maybe I'll try to sneak in a trip for the walk on Sat. Depends on if I get anything done this morning.
Pioneer sports. Friday-The junior high volleyball and football teams play at home 10am against South Park. Saturday- High School Football Home against Las Animas, 1pm. Note for next week. Homecoming is next weekend and the kids would love it if you would come out to a game or two to support our teams. If you happen to be downtown working that day, try to step out and cheer them on as they bring their floats down the street. I'll post later the homecoming weekend schedule.
If you haven't seen the summer shows yet at the Butte, this is closing weekend. Your last chance. Friday- 1pm show is The Fantasticks, 7pm show is Godspell. Saturday- 1pm show is Godspell. 7pm show is The Fantasticks. Opening night for The Lost Soul Of Cripple Creek is next Friday night. October 2nd at 7pm. Get your tickets now because opening night tends to fill up fast. The olio by the way is crazy this year!! And it's alot longer than it's been in the past. I'll see you around town.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Donkey Update

So, the word is that Tarzan has been found safe and Sweat Pea is being tended to. My sister who lives in the Springs, called me this morning, saying that there was an article in the Gazette about the donkeys. Of course she already knew the story since she reads this Blog. :) Now, the actual story about somebody shooting a donkey is not very funny. Even though I curse them for getting in my trash, I certainly wouldn't want any harm to come to them. Although nobody seemed to care when somebody was rumored to be shooting at our cows. Guess they're not as cute. At least they don't eat dirty diapers. Note to tourists....Don't let the donkeys lick your hands...Anyhoo, What struck me as hillariously funny was the comments made by complete idiots, who don't even live here. One commentor wondered if it was somehow related to the fact that donkeys are the mascot of the Democratic Party. What are we? Rednecks or something? I guess they think we walk around town swiggin beer and shootin at donkeys, cuz they done look like those nasty varmits we call domaracts....Yup, Yup. Oh Brother!!! Check out the link if you need a good laugh.
http://www.gazette.com/articles/one-62584-creek-cripple.html

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Contest for Loyal Followers

Ok people, here is the deal. Become a follower or leave your name in the comments section of this post and be entered in a drawing to receive a gift certificate to one of our local business. Drawing will be held on November 15th. Three gift certificates will be given away. If any one has anything you would like to see reported on, let me know. TTFN Brandie

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Pioneer Volleyball













Thursday night the Pioneers took on the Custer County Bobcats. I'll actually make it to the games as soon as the Halloween show is up so I can tell you about all the action. Here are some pics though that my photojournalist took for me. Yea, Tanner, not bad though!!!
JV in Blue, Varsity in Red.

Animals Agony In The Creek

I don't know the details but apparently two of the donkeys in the herd have been shot. One so far is missing and the other is being treated and I'll try to get an update on her condition. Also, on the animal front, 40 some cats were taken out of a house in Cripple Creek. I'm sure that many of you have already heard this story, but just a reminder that if you are looking for a cat to adopt they are all being spayed or neutered. Contact Dr.Volz at 687-9406. If you don't want to adopt a cat but would still like to help out please call and make a donation. Dr Volz has volunteered his time and services to help these cats. Two opposites, haters and lovers, collide.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Real City Council Meeting

I have been to a few council meetings as of late and I think the most strikingly odd thing that happens there is the invocation, or prayer, that starts the meeting. Yes, I do believe in God and we say prayers every night together, but there is something disconcerting about praying in a public meeting. Especially when your sitting there knowing that not everybody in a governmental postion is even being honest or has any kind of integrity and yet they bow their head. Crazy. Point two is that the gentleman who gave the prayer, I assume he is from one of our local churches, prayed for God to make the leaves turn beautiful colors so that lots of  people would come here and make our town prosperous. Ok, That is like praying for lots of money, and I don't think that is what the point of religon is. He should be praying for enlightenment, so that council would not believe all the nonsense from the city administrator or city attorney. My two cents.
Ok, off the soap box and on to the real news. The cattle guard is finally in. The base of the old one was busted and they had to wait for it to be delivered. Yea right. That's not the real story, but continuing on. Something about sending out plans to be bid upon for a new transportation building. I am questioning the need for this but it's the first I've heard of it. I'll keep you posted, and yet they have no money for a fence.... Mary Bielz asked for the City to restore its funds for the YPYCS formally known as the EPYCS grants. This is monies distributed by a group of kids at the school. They try to fund community programs. In the past the money has come from the El Pomar Foundation with matching funds coming from the city, but unfortunately this funding will be gone by the Spring. If your organization would like to help continue this program please contact Mary Bielz. The City Council told her to move ahead with the program but ultimately could not promise any funding. After alot of hem hawing, Paul Harris recommended that the City hire a new auditing firm. We have had the same firm for 14 years, which is almost unheard of, Council all agreed that change is good. Public comment was again, of course, about the cows. Too bad the city administrator has had two years to deal with this but has ultimately failed. Wish he would actually tell the truth about it. The thing about lying is that it almost always comes back to bite you in the butt. I'll let it go at that since that's a story for another blog.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

More weekend stuff for Sept. 19th, 2009

Kirstie reminded me that there is a Four Mile High dance on Saturday night at the hall. In case your not familiar with them they are great dances especially for families.  The kids can go and learn how to country dance, and it's a great community activity. Kinda reminds you of the good old days... The dance starts at 8pm and I believe the band is Timberline. Kirstie, correct me if I'm wrong. You can find the Four Mile Hall right acroos the road from the entrance to Lakemoor West subdivision. That is by the "Y" of Teller 11 and High Park Road.
Also P&R's annual BMX race will be on the 19th at the BMX track right outside of town by the public works building. It starts at 10am. Great stuff for the kids.
Well, I'm off to the City Council Meeting tonight. City Hall at 5:30 pm. I'll tell you what really happened tommorrow. None of this biased reporting here....Watch for my new weekly citizen award. Make sure you vote on the name on the sidebar. Don't you just love democracy?

Monday, September 14, 2009

OOOPs A Daisy

Ok, Look I'm woman enough to admit my mistakes. The Melissa Swift concert is the 19th of September, that's this coming Saturday, at 2pm at the Palladium. Which means yea!! I haven't missed it. You can purchase your tickets at the door, or if you run into Lodie Hern, she will gladly sell you some.
Also, the street dance in Florence is also on Sept 19. Good, I didn't miss Margaritas either.
The football game is at Rocky Ford, Friday night at 7:00pm
Get ready for the Lady Pioneers to take the floor on Thursday, Sept 17th at home against the Custer County Bobcats at 6:30pm. Junior High volleyball same day, time, and opponent at 4:30pm.
Cost for admission to games is $5 for adults, $4 for students and $2 for Elem and younger.
I did get to see the new outdoor conncession stand in action on Saturday and I think it's great. Now you don't have to miss any of the game while your waitng for your food. The bathrooms need some monitoring though. Too much junior high PDA and drama. Wish those kids would talk to Ms McLean, I'm sure she could use them in her next play.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Pioneer Football update

OMG!!! What happened Dorthoy? Did we get blown away to Kansas? I wasn't sure I was at the right school when the Pioneers took the field. What a change in attitude. There was an actual team out there. They worked together, no one lost their temper or gave up. They stayed calm and focused on what they needed to do. The Pioneer defense held the Burros to only 14 points. Kyle Hamacher did an awesome job at QB. Kyle Tapia and Davin Roach sealed the South Park Burro's fate handing them a resounding loss. Pioneers-42, South Park Burros-14. Can I get a WHOOP???? Yea Baby!!!

Ok, I was planning on letting you all know what happened at the concert and the Florence street dance, but I caught a cold from my youngest. Preschool is the worst for pandemic sickness. After standing in the drizzle all afternoon I decided it would be prudent to go home and try to get some sleep. Probably a better choice than drinking margarita's. Although not as fun. If I hear any great stories I'll pass them along. Anonymously, of course.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Weekend stuff for September 12th, 2009

Lots of stuff.
  • Pioneer football game at 1:00pm at the football field. I say football field because I don't want any of you to have an excuse to miss it because you went to the baseball field.
  • Melissa Swift-Sawyer at Palladium, 2:00pm. Tickets at the door. $25 per person.
  • Street Dance in Florence. hosted by our own Terry Wahrer who owns the best little drinking establishment there. Whenever you get there until whenever you can find a ride home or a place to crash.
  • Godspell and The Fanstasticks at the Butte. Best costumes ever!!!

Pioneer Football game

I am so glad to have Coach D back coaching the football team. I wish the school district would get off their high horse and hire him on as teacher. He has a great way of connecting with kids and I have never seen a person so dedicated to the sucess of each person that he comes in contact with. He always makes sure that parents are involved and feel welcome. Last week they played Front Range Christian and almost won. They went into double overtime but lost 14-20. So close!!! They would have won but there is some dumb rule about not being able to score in overtime on defensive. I'll post some pics later today.