Turning Back the Pages

30 years ago – July 11, 1986

Judy Dornbrock was sworn in Tuesday as Gilpin County’s new clerk and recorder. Gilpin County Court Judge Andrew J. Krodshen performed the swearing in ceremony at the courthouse. Due to Judy Smith’s resignation as clerk and recorder, Dornbrock, a Democrat, was appointed by the county commissioners to fill the unexpired term of office. The term ends in January. Smith, a Republican, resigned after six years as county clerk. She had worked in the office since 1974. She said she left in order to spend more time at home. Monday was Smith’s last day. She was honored with a plaque and a luncheon at the courthouse. Dornbrock is running unopposed for the clerk’s position in the August Democratic primary election. In November, however, she will have to face Republican Sharon Johnson and, if he gets his petition in, independent Dan Monroe in the general election. Dornbrock is no stranger to the clerk’s office, having worked there as a deputy since 1980.

Are you already yearning for some of that good old Colorado snow? Well, you don’t have to look far. There’s some right in your own back yard, and this week the Gilpin County road department was plowing it off the road to Rollins Pass. Although last winter was mild, the amount of snow still left in the high country is impressive. One drift across the road was 25 feet high. Monday and Tuesday Tim Logan and Kenn Fader opened the road as far as the Needle’s Eye Tunnel. The tunnel has been closed for years because it is caving in, but there may be work done on it later this year. County Commissioner Leslie Williams says that Boulder County and a citizen’s group have raised about $80,000 for restoration of the tunnel. Now, it is up to the Forest Service to okay the project. About this time each year, Gilpin County opens up Rollins Pass. Much of the road is in Boulder County. In return, Boulder County maintains Gilpin County roads in the Wondervu area all year long.