As Colorado considers how best to reopen safely — communities throughout the state are now learning the latest pandemic lingo — and that’s contact tracing. But the subject has farther reaching impact than simply knowing who has been near whom.

When the first school bell rings in August for Gunnison Watershed RE1J School District’s fall semester, all three Gunnison-based schools will be under new leadership, as the principals for Gunnison Elementary School (GES) , Gunnison Middle School (GMS) and Gunnison High School (GHS) have decided to take on new roles.

Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic are slowly getting lifted in the Gunnison Valley, yet seeing the return of sports — especially games — may still be far away.

The 2020 graduating class of Gunnison High School didn't let the cancelation of their traditional ceremony ruin their chance to celebrate the achievement. A parade was held through town for the students on Sunday, where community members proudly and loudly showed their support. Pictured here, Christina Karr travels down Main St. More scenes from the event can be seen on A12.

Even before the state drafted modified restrictions for restaurants, Gunnison County health officials this weekend took steps to allow restaurants with outdoor areas to utilize those spaces. Guidance was given from Health and Human Services Director Joni Reynolds to restaurants with patios and other outdoor dining space to allow customers to be seated after picking up food. The move comes as Gov. Jared Polis considers draft recommendations with similar guidelines for restaurants statewide.

When the COVID-19 pandemic led to the shutdown of businesses in the Gunnison