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News & Local Updates from Fremont County, Colorado - Home of the Royal Gorge!
News & Local Updates from Fremont County, Colorado - Home of the Royal Gorge!
Controversial SB3 Passes Committee
Senate Bill 25-003 Passes Committee with 7 to 4 Vote
By Jason Hilterbran
State overstepping is hitting below the belt for lawful gun owners. Senate Bill 3 in Colorado has now passed committee with a vote of 7 to 4. In summary, " Concerning prohibited activity involving semiautomatic firearms, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms and classifying a device that increases the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm as a dangerous weapon."
But this legislation punishes the lawful gun owner, and will not impact the criminals who use weapons to cause chaos and harm. If an individual is dedicated to causing harm, laws do not stop them. Bill 25-003 is unconstitutional and is a direct assault on the 2nd amendment rights of every Coloradoan.
Law enforcement from around the state have been sounding the alarm bells on this overstepping regulation attempt, this legislation would saddle our sheriff and law enforcement agencies across the state with responsibilities and expenses they are not capable of affording for proper performance to enforce this legislation.
Both the Colorado Sheriff's Association and the Fremont County Board of Commissioners have opposed this bill with vigor.
The inspiration of this bill comes from the actions of criminals, who use illegally possessed firearms to commit atrocious acts. This legislation will make criminals of law-abiding citizens who lawfully purchase firearms to protect themselves, their families, their livestock.
Contact your local representatives and elected officials to voice your concern on legislation that targets lawful citizens rather than the criminals.
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON THIS STORY
Fremont County News
OLDEST COLORADO BUSINESS STILL OPERATING BY ORIGINAL FOUNDERS LOCATED IN FREMONT COUNTY!
Right off the main highway in Canon City, in the heart of Fremont County, there is a hidden gem unlike any other in the state... DiNardo's Cider & Farm Market.
Albert Dinardo loves life here in Fremont County and he has seen a lot change since he began selling cider when he and his twin brother, Mario, were 12, some 83 years ago.
It all began when the brothers went helping harvest cherries for a local farmer, who paid them in cherries, "which didn't make daddy very happy at all," said DiNardo, "but we learned how to make juice with those cherries, and cider, and here we are, all these years later." In June, DiNardo's business will be 84 years and Albert will turn 96. During those years, many people have come to try DiNardo's famous cider including: John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Goldie Hawn, Robert Redford, Kurt Russell, Jane Fonda and others. "They all loved the cider, they all loved it," he said proudly.
When asked which of the 11 flavors of cider sells best, Mr. DiNardo doesn't hesitate to say, "Cherry," with a big smile, "Cherry has always been the best seller. Second would probably be the Apple."
But cider isn't all he and his brother, who passed away in 2019, were known for. It was the DiNardo brothers who were responsible for the name change of the street that runs in front of the store. People driving down "Royal Gorge Boulevard" can give thanks to them for that, too. LOOK for full article in our PRINT edition, March 20, 2025
ONLINE INTERVIEW VIDEOS AVAILABLE SOON
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JUNKTIQUE IS COMING TO DOWNTOWN FLORENCE
Junktique is once again upon us and coming to downtown Florence this May 16th & 17th!
This annual event brings thousands to Florence for shopping, treasure hunting, and family friendly fun!
"Main Street in Florence is blocked off and downtown transitions into a fabulous open air market that showcases antiques, collectibles, salvage, vintage, the unique, the rare and so much more," said Florence Chamber of Commerce President, Joen Elliott, "there will be live entertainment, music, giveaways, food trucks and so much more."
Junktique began almost a decade ago in Florence and has been an incredibly successful, regional event that draws people in from all over Colorado and the surrounding states. Dozens of vendors line the streets of Florence for a unique, two-day shopping event. Junktique opens at 10am both days and shuts down at 6pm but Ms. Elliott adds, "People don't have to leave when Junktique closes for the day, it's the perfect time to visit one of our amazing restaurants and enjoy our charming little town, the "Antique Capital of America", it's really a very special place and we don't mind sharing it!"
Vendor registration is NOW OPEN and can be found online at: www.finditinflorence.com
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Florence Now "Antique Capital of America"
Florence, Colorado has long been known for its incredible antique shops, but the little town is making big moves recently with collaborative efforts from downtown merchants, businesses on Main Street and the Merchant's Association. With more antique shops, vendors, merchants and businesses in the downtown area than most states have in miles, Florence was granted the honor by AntiqueTrail.com and quickly embraced the moniker, "Antique Capital of America". Visit the website for Florence at: www.antiquecapitalofamerica.com or check out the Florence Merchants' Association website at: www.florencemerchants.com Look for the full article and interviews in the PRINT edition coming 3/20/25
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Southern Colorado Honor Flight Soars to New Heights
The 2025 Southern Colorado Honor Flight Banquet & Annual Fundraiser is set for April 5th at Pathfinder Park Event Center, 6655 HWY 115 in Florence, starting at 4:00pm and will include a catered meal from Carol's Catering, silent auction, live auction and presentations. Individual tickets are $45 each and tables are $360.
"Honor Flight of Southern Colorado (HFSOCO) is part of the Honor Flight Network, a national organization with a mission of honoring our nations’ veterans by bringing them to Washington DC to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Honor Flight of Southern Colorado takes veterans from the World War II, Korea and Vietnam eras on a three day, all-expense paid trip to our nation’s capital.
This trip provides our cherished veterans an opportunity to see these memorials with others who have shared similar experiences. They take time to remember and honor those who did not make it home and for some, finally feel appreciated for their service to our country. We have had veterans tell us their Honor Flight experience was life changing, provided closure and that a broken part of them was healed." (Honor Flight of Southern Colorado website)
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More Local Fremont County News
Paul Telck Talks Farming, 4-H and Fremont County
By Charlotte Burrous
Around Fremont County, if you want to know something about trees, 4H or entomology (the study of insects), you seek outthe local expert, "Farmer" Paul Telck.
Known for his good nature, intellect and commitment to the community, he shared some fond memories of 4H, insights and perspectives about things that are the most important to him: family, 4H and bugs.
One of the most important things to Paul is Fremont County 4H. It all began in 1952, when his parents started the "Champs or Bust" 4H club, "My parents started that club to keep us 7 children busy," Paul said,
"and it did. My first show was dressed poultry when I was 10. I won that. I had a lot of wonderful experiences as a child and many good memories in 4-H."
"We (Paul and his wife, Lois) had 8 children and they all got into 4H," he adds with a big, proud smile. Paul
and Lois Telck took over the 4H Club in 1972 until Paul's son took over the club leadership in 2018. "4H is in
our blood."
READ THE FULL ARTICLE in the PRINT edition on March 20th.
ONLINE INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE SOON
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GOLD BELT BYWAY, COLORADO'S "ROADS TO RICHES"
The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway, often referred to as the "Roads to Riches," is a 131-mile loop in southern Colorado that showcases the state's rich mining heritage. This route connects the historic mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor to communities like Florence, Cañon City, and Florissant.
Travelers can access the byway from the north via U.S. Highway 24 and from the south via U.S. Highway 50. The journey offers diverse landscapes, from rolling mountain parklands to deep rocky canyons.
The route retraces historic pathways that connected major gold camps during Colorado's gold rush era.
The byway comprises several notable roads:
- Phantom Canyon Road: An unpaved scenic route connecting Cañon City and Victor, featuring two tunnels and three elevated bridges. Originally a railroad connecting Florence and Cripple Creek, it offers narrow passages and high wooden bridges.
- Shelf Road: Once a stagecoach route, this narrow, unimproved road clings to canyon walls, offering outstanding scenery, including views of Pikes Peak and the Beaver Creek Wilderness Study Area.
- High Park Road: A paved route that was the first to connect gold mines with the Arkansas Valley, traversing areas known for cattle ranching.
Along the byway, visitors can explore several attractions:
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: Home to significant fossil areas, offering insights into prehistoric life.
- Cripple Creek Historic District: A National Historic Landmark that provides a glimpse into the area's gold mining past.
- Garden Park Fossil Area: A National Natural Landmark known for its rich fossil discoveries.
Designated a National Scenic Byway in 2000, the Gold Belt Tour offers a journey through Colorado's mining history, geological wonders, and scenic beauty.
For more information and detailed maps, visit the Gold Belt Byway Association's official website.
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Black Stallion of Fremont county may have new home soon
Since October of 2023, Carol Stires has been watching the black horse that roams around the ponds. Numerous attempts to capture, "River" the name given to the horse by his "fans". The name, Stiles says, came from a story from a fisherman that saw the horse traverse the Arkansas River when it was raging, to avoid capture. BLM has asked people to NOT feed the horse as they place feed to a pen to lure him so they can relocate him to a wild horse sanctuary. MORE DETAILS in the PRINT edition on March 20, 2025.
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Art Across Fremont
By Artist, Rudl Mergelman
My art life came from two different directions. First, I am the descendant of two Colorado pioneer families.
My Dad’s side came from Germany and homesteaded in the Iola valley just west of Gunnison. My Mom’s folks
were from Wales and they ended up on places from Oklahoma to southeast Colorado.
My Mom was born in Two Buttes, but they ended up in Littleton. My Dad had sold the ranch before I was born, but most of my friends and connected families lived on ranches.
I spent my summers punching cows, putting up hay (with horses) and enjoying every minute of it. People
have asked me if I am a cowboy and I tell them ‘no, but I know some of the best ones that ever lived.’
I had always enjoyed art as a kid. I entertained myself with drawing and school art projects. I got a large paint by number set for Christmas when I was in Junior High but I never finished it. I took the paints and took off
on my own. My love for art and the western life style melded early on. Horses, cows, cowboys and wildlife
were my favorite subjects.READ THE FULL ARTICLE in the PRINT edition on March 20th, 2025
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CONSERVATIVE, REAL, RURAL AMERICAN NEWS FROM FREMONT COUNTY, COLORADO!
At The Fremont Crusader Newspaper, our mission is to deliver local news and information about Fremont County to citizens and community. We believe in the power of journalism to inform, engage, and empower our readers. We believe in highlighting the people, places and many wonderful reasons to celebrate Fremont County, Colorado.