Pan for gold

It’s gold panning season in Victor.

The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum will be hosting hands-on gold panning adventures this summer in the heart of the historic mining town.

Participants will learn the basics of traditional gold panning techniques just like the miners and prospectors who lived through the boomtown days that shaped the legendary Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District. Guided demonstrations make the activity fun and accessible for beginners, families, and history enthusiasts alike.

Gold panning will be offered on summer days at the museum from 10-4, weather permitting. All necessary equipment and instruction are provided.

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Chipper Days

Green Mountain Falls leaders are urging residents to help their neighbors, particularly older adults and people with limited mobility, reduce their homes’ vulnerability to wildfire as the town prepares for Chipper Days on June 13 and 14.

“It is vital that able-bodied neighbors step forward to assist those who are unable to do so, embodying the spirit of generosity and mutual support that is a hallmark of Green Mountain Falls,” a proclamation said.

Residents who want to participate in Chipper Days must register by emailing fmac@gmfco.us and include name, address, and contact information. Once registered, participants will receive guidelines for bundling and acceptable wood for chipping.

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Marx speaking

Impact Christian Church in Woodland Park will host Victor Marx as guest speaker on Sunday, June 7. According to the church, Marx will be sharing his testimony of how God has worked in his life at both the 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. services.The Air Force Academy graduated its 68th class of cadets Thursday at Falcon Stadium, with Vice President JD Vance delivering the commencement address.

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Graduation fast facts

Here are some key numbers about the class of 226:

931 – total grads this year compared to 909 in 2025

1,071 – admitted students in 2022 for the class of 2026

3.21 – average GPA

Assignments (as of May 27) – 805, Air Force; 94, Space Force; 4, cross-commissioned; 4, Army; 4, Navy; 2 Marines.

13 – the number of graduating international cadets from Guyana, Jordan, South Korea, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Niger, Philippines, Senegal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Tunisia.

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Education accolades

Kathryn Hamlow of Woodland Park was named to the Spring 2026 dean’s list at Central College in Pella, Iowa.