Turning Back the Pages

30 years ago – June 14, 1985

Central City, like Black Hawk, has approved an election for cable television. The election, to be held July 9, was requested by Stagecoach Cable TV, the company that has been granted the franchises for the two cities. Residents will vote for or against cable television. Central City councilmen gave its approval for the election at their regular meeting held on June 5. The council also gave an extension to Stagecoach on the time limit for providing cable service. The company has until November 6, 1985 to be prepared to offer the service to households in Central City. Lines should be strung by then, and residents should be able to subscribe to the service.

Letter to the Editor: As most four-wheel-drive enthusiasts know, there is a popular four-wheeling area near Central City. It seems that recently a number of these people have decided “anything goes” is the rule when visiting that area. The area hosts a nice pond named Pigsah Lake, which was once a pretty place to picnic or just sit and enjoy the scenery. Now it is on its way to becoming a large mud hold. People just love to drive their vehicles in Pigsah. Below the lake there used to be a beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers. This meadow is now known as the “mud bogs.” It seems the muddier you can get your vehicle the better. Getting stuck there is a big event for these people. Private landowners in the area are extremely frustrated. The lake now has barrels with “private property” signs lining one of its banks. We personally put up a sign to help direct four-wheelers to St. Mary’s Glacier along a scenic trail they otherwise would have problems finding. We have already replaced that sign three times, guess they’re taking it as a souvenir? The National Forest Service patrols as much as manpower allows. Organized 4×4 clubs are pitching in to help curb the destruction in order to save their sport. For these efforts we commend you, we only hope they work. Much of the land in the area is privately owned, but when landowners request that the four-wheelers stay on the road, we are always told they didn’t know it was private property. Our question: Shouldn’t the same respect be shown for all land, be it private, National Forest Service, or BLM? This is a problem that affects every one of us. We hope it’s not too late for a solution. Signed, Jerry and Susan Stringfellow, Gilpin County.