{"articles":[{"id":"lvn2wk","title":"Explore Books suggests complex, entertaining fiction titles","excerpt":"Explore Books in Aspen recommends a harrowing memoir, hot and sticky London literary fiction and an Agatha Christie mystery.","content":"Explore Books in Aspen recommends a harrowing memoir, hot and sticky London literary fiction and an Agatha Christie mystery.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/19/explore-books-recommendations-july-2026/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Explore Books","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:05:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F01%2FExplore-Bookslellers-picks.png%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"explore-books-suggests-complex-entertaining-fiction-titles"},{"id":"l608c4","title":"Voces Unidas: These times require more courage from state lawmakers","excerpt":"The 2026 legislative session left a bitter taste among those of us who spent 120 days with lawmakers under the gold dome advocating for policies to improve the lives of working folks. For Latino advocacy organizations like mine, Voces Unidas Action Fund, the session was largely defined by missed ...","content":"The 2026 legislative session left a bitter taste among those of us who spent 120 days with lawmakers under the gold dome advocating for policies to improve the lives of working folks. For Latino advocacy organizations like mine, Voces Unidas Action Fund, the session was largely defined by missed opportunities, watered-down protections and a profound failure of political courage at the highest levels of state leadership. \n\n\n\nSince 2021, Voces Unidas has graded the votes of all 100 state lawmakers on bills impacting priority issues for Latinos in Colorado. We recently released our 2026 Legislative Scorecard covering 58 bills focused on the issues like worker protections, immigrant protections and law enforcement accountability, housing affordability and mobile home park protections and climate resilience and environmental protections. \n\n\n\nAnd while we celebrate the 21 lawmakers who voted with us 100% of the time with A+ grades and “champion” accolades, the broader story of the 2026 legislative session is that of disappointment and duplicity from those who claim to stand with Latinos, immigrants and rural working families. Just like elected lawmakers have the right to vote how they want, we have the right to grade their performance and express our opinion. \n\n\n\nFor too long, Latino families have been told to wait, to be patient while our so-called allies navigate the political complexities of the Capitol. This session tested the limits of our patience by completely disregarding our community’s most urgent needs. \n\n\n\nThe most glaring disappointment this year starts at the top. For the first time in our history, Voces Unidas has issued a formal grade for Colorado’s governor, giving Gov. Jared Polis a D- for his performance during the 2026 session. Although this assessment does not cover his full executive tenure, his involvement in the legislative process during his final year was characterized by a lack of transparency, insufficient collaboration and political choices that caused direct harm to our community. \n\n\n\nThat failure of leadership was mirrored on the Western Slope, where Voces Unidas is based. In a region where we need consistent, courageous representation, our regional delegation failed to meet the moment. Each of the seven Republican lawmakers in the region fell among the 34 state legislators earning F grades, and the Democratic delegation did not fare much better. \n\n\n\nSen. Dylan Roberts of Frisco earned a D- because he voted to force immigrant farmworkers to work the equivalent of two extra days before earning overtime (SB-121), voted against basic heat and cold protections for immigrant workers (HB-1272), voted against civil rights accountability during immigration enforcement (No Kings Act) and opposed guardrails on license plate reader surveillance like Flock cameras (SB-070). \n\n\n\nSpeaker Julie McCluskie of Dillon earned a C because, among other things, she cast the deciding vote to force immigrant farmworkers to work 56 hours before overtime begins (SB-121), voted against requiring social media companies to respond faster to imminent threats (HB-1255) and voted against more lobbyist transparency and a waiting period before politicians can become lobbyists (SB-147). \n\n\n\nRep. Matt Martinez of Monte Vista earned a C because he gave Republicans cover to legalize immigrant farmworker exploitation (SB-121), and also voted against stronger gun dealer safeguards (HB-1126), tracking dangerous firearm parts (SB-043) and forcing social media companies to respond faster to police warrants (HB-1255). \n\n\n\nRep. Meghan Lukens of Steamboat Springs earned a C- because she sided with Republicans against immigrant farmworkers (SB-121), voted against stopping tech and data companies from profiting off farmers’ agricultural data without fair compensation (HB-1270) and voted against cutting pollution from power plants (HB-1226). \n\n\n\nRep. Katie Stewart of Durango earned a D+ because she, too, sided with industry instead of farmworkers on overtime (SB-121), opposed stronger gun dealer safeguards (HB-1126), opposed tracking dangerous firearm parts (SB-043) and voted against job protections that would make public service more accessible to working people (SB-087). \n\n\n\nWe are watching who votes with us, who votes against us and who says the right thing in public but folds when workers, immigrants, renters and families need real protection. Too often, “rural issues” are used as a convenient excuse to side with the loudest employer groups, landlord interests, conservative sheriffs and industry lobbyists. In the process, the Latino workers and families who keep rural Colorado running are ignored. \n\n\n\nNotably, Rep. Elizabeth Velasco of Glenwood Springs showed that it is possible to listen to rural Latino communities and move community-informed legislation. Velasco, a Democrat representing our home district in Glenwood Springs, earned an A+ and was named our Legislator of the Year for sponsoring bills important to advancing justice in the Latino community. Her record serves as a stark reminder that the failure of her colleagues is a choice, not an inevitability. \n\n\n\nWhile the 2026 session is behind us, we look forward to the next governor and the 2027 legislative session. We will see who decides to work as partners with the courage to deliver real results for rural Latinos rather than mere lip service. \n\n\n\nWe are grateful for those leaders who showed up for rural Latino communities with consistency, discipline and courage. And we expect the voting records of all our leaders to match their public commitments.  \n\n\n\nWe are keeping score. \n\n\n\nAlex Sánchez is the president and CEO of Voces Unidas Action Fund.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/voces-unidas-these-times-require-more-courage-from-state-lawmakers/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Alex Sánchez","publishDate":"2026-07-19T01:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F11094951%2F803d1e13-247d-4e90-bee2-07059bdb63c7-1024x1024.png","slug":"voces-unidas-these-times-require-more-courage-from-state-lawmakers"},{"id":"etmjfo","title":"PHOTOS: Power of Four Trail Run kicks off valley’s busy race season","excerpt":"The Roaring Fork Valley’s summer race season hit another level on Saturday with one of the area’s most prominent foot races, the Audi Power of Four Trail Run. Produced by Aspen Skiing Company, there were 50k, 25k and 10k race options.\n\n\n\nIn the featured 50-kilometer run — that’s just over 31 mile...","content":"The Roaring Fork Valley’s summer race season hit another level on Saturday with one of the area’s most prominent foot races, the Audi Power of Four Trail Run. Produced by Aspen Skiing Company, there were 50k, 25k and 10k race options.\n\n\n\nIn the featured 50-kilometer run — that’s just over 31 miles, more than a full marathon — Boulder’s Julian Schima took the win in 5 hours and 41 minutes. Aspen’s Johnny Youngs was second in 5:46:31 and Carbondale’s Tim Shepard was third in 6:01:05.\n\n\n\nFinishing fourth overall in the 50k was Boulder’s Sophie Linn, who was the top woman with a time of 6:08:31. Another Boulder runner, Mack Abernathy, was fifth overall and second among women in 6:15:58. Rounding out the women’s 50k podium was Eagle’s Heather Pugh in 7:34:07, good for 20th overall.\n\n\n\nThe 50k was the true “Power of Four” race as it tasked runners with going up and over all four of SkiCo’s area ski mountains — Aspen Mountain to Highlands to Buttermilk to Snowmass — from the 6 a.m. start at Gondola Plaza in Aspen to the midday finish at Snowmass Base Village.\n\n\n\nAll told, 94 runners finished the 50k race, with a few dozen more recording DNFs.\n\n\n\nBoulder’s Julian Schima, left, relaxes in the finish area after winning the 50k race of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Base Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nDavid Harris of Austin, Texas, competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA group of runners, including women’s 50k runner-up finisher Mack Abernathy of Boulder, second from right in the red shorts, compete in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe 25k option excluded the first two mountains and instead began at Buttermilk’s Tiehack and finished in Snowmass via the Government Trail. That race win went to Brent Kocis out of Louisville, Colorado, in 2:19:46. In second was Aspen’s Max Rispoli in 2:22:19 and finishing third was Glenwood’s Mathieu Dumoulin in 2:22:40.\n\n\n\nThe women’s 25k crown went to Boulder’s Kate Emerson in 2:36:55, good for eighth overall. In second among women was Chicago’s Therese Haiss in 2:43:28 (11th overall) and in third was Aspen’s Jenny Connery in 2:47:29 (15th overall).\n\n\n\nThe 10k race began and ended in Snowmass. Camilo Arado out of Sanibel, Florida, took the win in 49 minutes, 31 seconds. In second was New York’s Collin McKinney Hill (50:16) and in third was John Mulkey of Las Vegas (51:27).\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-443883-6').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Aspen’s Lindsay Petrenchik, front right, does a little hop for the camera while racing in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Snowmass Village’s Gustavo Maia competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The men’s 25k podium from the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Base Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Runners and fans congregate at the finish area of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Base Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Boulder’s Sophie Linn, who won the women’s 50k race, competes in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Carbondale’s Tim Shepard, who finished third in the 50k race, competes in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Johnny Youngs, back, gets a hug in the finish area after finishing second in the 50k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Montana’s Kelsey Benjamin competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Denver’s Connor Rolain competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Carbondale’s Elisabeth Kirkwood competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Basalt’s Pierce Capachione competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A runner celebrates nearing the finish of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A runner competes in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Basalt’s Sean Satterfield competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The women’s 25k podium celebrates after the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Base Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The women’s 25k podium, from left, Chicago’s Therese Haiss (third), Boulder’s Kate Emerson (first) and Aspen’s Jenny Connery (second), pose after the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Base Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Carbondale’s Callie Brignolo competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Andrew Conarroe competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Denver’s Lecheng Fan competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A runner competes in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A group of runners, including women’s 50k runner-up finisher Mack Abernathy of Boulder, second from right in the red shorts, compete in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Boulder’s Robert Miller, who would finish sixth in the 50k race, competes in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Boulder’s Jesse Thomas competes in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Boulder’s Julian Schima, left, relaxes in the finish area after winning the 50k race of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Base Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n New Castle’s Kyler Jensen competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A runner celebrates nearing the finish of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n David Harris of Austin, Texas, competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Golden’s Taylor Wickey competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Kiki Rispoli competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Boulder’s Sophie Linn, who won the women’s 50k race, competes in the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Longmont’s Parker Macy competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Janelle Patrick competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Littleton’s Jacob Milleville competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Snowmass Village’s Julia Archambault competes in the 25k option of the Audi Power of Four Trail Run on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\nOlivia Roberts of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania — of Groundhog Day fame — was fourth overall and first among women in 53:46. In second among women was Snowmass Village’s Jen Chierotti in 56:02 (sixth overall) and in third was Aspen’s Alicia Thrush in 56:57 (eighth overall).\n\n\n\nFor full race results, visit my.raceresult.com/406463/results.\n\n\n\nThe local race season only gathers more steam next weekend with both the Aspen Valley Marathon and the Snowmass 50 mountain bike race scheduled for Saturday, July 25. A week later, on Aug. 1, is the return of Aspen Backcountry. Never to be forgotten, the popular Golden Leaf is scheduled for Sept. 26.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-power-of-four-trail-run-kicks-off-valleys-busy-race-season/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-19T00:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F18164213%2Fpowerfourrun-atd-071826-02-1024x768.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"photos-power-of-four-trail-run-kicks-off-valleys-busy-race-season"},{"id":"bzm3go","title":"Willoughby: Piano tuning heaven","excerpt":"The orchestra tunes, and then, in a piano concerto, the conductor and guest pianist enter, and the concert begins. You have not likely thought about the piano being tuned. You can watch and hear four-string instruments like a violin, bass, viola or cello tune, but consider what needs to happen fo...","content":"The orchestra tunes, and then, in a piano concerto, the conductor and guest pianist enter, and the concert begins. You have not likely thought about the piano being tuned. You can watch and hear four-string instruments like a violin, bass, viola or cello tune, but consider what needs to happen for a piano with 280 strings. \n\n\n\nI was fortunate to listen to and observe the tuning and repairs of the Festival’s pianos at the tent in the 1960s and ’70s. My work was to move them, a difficult task for two people going up and down different levels of the stage with a 1,300-pound grand piano, but it often took hours to tune them. The most obvious conclusion was that the tuners were perfectionists and miniscule changes, to my ears, compounded a complex task. \n\n\n\nThere were, for around three decades, two tasked with tuning them, Kurt Oppens and Robert (Bob) Schoppert (pictured here in a photo I took of them). In addition, there were two to four assistants, especially in the first couple weeks of the Festival. \n\n\n\nThe Festival arranged an annual loan of pianos from Baldwin, somewhere from 70 to 140 during that period. Many were delivered (I was part of that process) to housing units where faculty would live, sometimes two of them to the same unit. The others were in the practice rooms on campus, or in campus classrooms. Around half of them were grands. \n\n\n\nThe Aspen Times interviewed Schoppert in 1979, and he described that first phase as a challenge. The pianos were manufactured in Arkansas, and because of Aspen’s dry high-altitude climate, the wood in them would shrink. That led to the piano going flat — the strings stretching. Some strings had to be replaced. It took two tunings to just to stabilize them. \n\n\n\nYou usually hear of piano tuners referred to as technicians, as many tuners are using electronic devices. Schoppart described the Music Festival tuning, and what I witnessed, as all ear tunings. He then went on to describe the “art of tuning” in Aspen. He also denoted Aspen as “piano tuning heaven.”\n\n\n\nThe challenge was that the tent was very exposed to the natural conditions. With the exception of a few seasons, where there was an experiment with having heaters, there was no heat. The mornings were cool to downright cold. The pianos were often tuned just after the morning rehearsal with the concert beginning hours later. They had to, essentially, have the piano not tuned right, knowing that the change in temperature would result in it being right. The afternoon rains (caused the piano to go sharp and the keys to be sticky) were also a factor, with the stage atmosphere going from moist to dry. \n\n\n\nWhat I found most interesting was when they addressed the issues around the “action” of the piano. In those years, the Festival rented Steinway pianos for the tent, as most artists were Steinway artists. There was also a Baldwin grand used when it was the orchestral piano, and sometimes, there was a Baldwin artist. Each year, a faculty member was appointed to select the Steinways from its pool in New York. Eash artist has slightly different preferences for piano action. \n\n\n\nOften Schoppert or Oppens would arrive to tune just before the artist’s rehearsal ended and the artist would tell them about something they thought was amiss, or that could be addressed. They would attempt to fix it in addition to the tuning. The photo above was a major overhaul of the keyboard. \n\n\n\nSchoppert, in the rest of the year, had his own business in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he also sold pianos. In Aspen, he ran ads to sell the Baldwins that were there for the summer. They were sold at a bargain price, but best of all, they had been tuned around six times over the nine weeks and any issues had been addressed. I have always wondered how many of those pianos, mostly because moving them is a task, remain — it could be that Aspen has the highest per capita number of pianos of any community in the country.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/willoughby-piano-tuning-heaven/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tim Willoughby Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-18T22:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17073335%2F2020.003.0075_Aspen_Historical_Society_Willoughby_Collection-1024x681.jpg","slug":"willoughby-piano-tuning-heaven"},{"id":"ebbrio","title":"Galerie Gmurzynska returns to The Aspen Art Fair","excerpt":"Galerie Gmurzynska returns to The Aspen Art Fair from July 29 to Aug. 1 at the historic Hotel Jerome, 330 E. Main St. \n\n\n\nThe booth will mix modern masters with contemporary highlights: Dan Basen’s Box with Paint Brushes (1968), Sonia Delaunay’s “Projet pour l’affiche Chocolat (1916–1917), Wifred...","content":"Galerie Gmurzynska returns to The Aspen Art Fair from July 29 to Aug. 1 at the historic Hotel Jerome, 330 E. Main St. \n\n\n\nThe booth will mix modern masters with contemporary highlights: Dan Basen’s Box with Paint Brushes (1968), Sonia Delaunay’s “Projet pour l’affiche Chocolat (1916–1917), Wifredo Lam’s “Femme assise avec fleurs” (1944), Roberto Matta’s “Untitled” (1965) and Louise Nevelson’s “Untitled” (1976–78). \n\n\n\n“We’re are bringing in great works from Wilfredo Lam, who recently had a show at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art,” gallery principal Isabel Bscher said. \n\n\n\nThe gallery has had a long history with this work, and the gallery is known for working with the relatives of famed artists. \n\n\n\nHighlights also include a Mark Bradford from his debut gallery show and Lam works sourced directly from the artist’s family.\n\n\n\n“We are also showing a Mark Bradford work, which is extremely rare from his first-ever gallery show in 2002,” Bscher said. \n\n\n\nBradford, who only produces a limited number of works per year, is known for physically labor-intensive collages with each piece entirely unique. \n\n\n\nRenowned photographer and Aspen local Lynn Goldsmith, celebrated for her iconic portraits of music legends, will bring six platinum prints on handmade paper (edition of five), each signed by Goldsmith and Patti Smith. Smith hand-inscribed lyrics from her album “Easter,” including “Sam Shepard’s Guitar” (1977).\n\n\n\n“I’m deeply honored and genuinely excited that Galerie Gmuzynska will present the limited edition of six platinum prints created in collaboration with Patti Smith at the 2026 Aspen Art Fair,” Lynn Goldsmith said. “These photographs celebrate a friendship and creative dialogue that has evolved over decades, and it is especially meaningful to see them introduced to the world through a gallery whose commitment to artistic excellence I so greatly admire.”\n\n\n\nGalerie Gmurzynska has a connection to the Aspen community, particularly the Aspen Art Museum’s ArtCrush. \n\n\n\nFounded in Cologne, Germany, in 1965 by Antonina Gmurzynska, the gallery’s expanded to Switzerland and New York. Today it is led by third-generation gallerist Isabelle Bscher alongside her mother, Krystyna Gmurzynska.\n\n\n\n“We love going to Aspen. We always bring the highest quality of artworks,” Bscher said. \n\n\n\nThe gallery’s curatorial stance is always to choose the best works, with an egalitarian approach to gender and generations.\n\n\n\nThe juxtaposition of the contemporary from today against the more modern classic is intentional and “what we love to do” Isabel shared. \n\n\n\n“I think it’s the real measure of an artist to juxtapose them and put the contemporary against the modern classic,” she added, “and they really shine against one another … Some of the works we’re bringing in, that might have been done in the 1920s or 1930s, look like they could have been done yesterday.”\n\n\n\nThey are bringing Sonia Delaunay’s work, “Projet pour l’affiche Chocolat” (1916–1917), which is another family in which the gallery has had a long relationship. She added, “She was so famous during her lifetime.” \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit Galerie Gmurzynska and The Aspen Art Fair.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/galerie-gmurzynska-returns-to-the-aspen-art-fair/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-18T20:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F15085844%2FLam_Femme_assise_avec_fleurs_1944_Joseph_de_Leon-797x1024.png","slug":"galerie-gmurzynska-returns-to-the-aspen-art-fair"},{"id":"w9tqfo","title":"How a science experiment to grow native plants on Copper’s slopes is inspiring collaboration in the ski industry","excerpt":"Katherine Riesberg, a graduate of Middle Park High School in Grand County, has been skiing since the age of two.\n\n\n\nRiesberg said her love for outdoor recreation is a big part of what led her to pursue a Masters of Science and Ecology at Western Colorado University, where her thesis project led h...","content":"Katherine Riesberg, a graduate of Middle Park High School in Grand County, has been skiing since the age of two.\n\n\n\nRiesberg said her love for outdoor recreation is a big part of what led her to pursue a Masters of Science and Ecology at Western Colorado University, where her thesis project led her to conduct research on the ski slopes of Copper Mountain.\n\n\n\n“I was absolutely jazzed when I first heard about this project,” Riesberg told a crowd gathered on the steep, rock slope of the Bittersweet Trail. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, there couldn’t be a better project for me, someone who loves skiing and loves conservation and is a mountain kid and loves plants.'”\n\n\n\nCopper Mountain’s 10-year carbon sequestration study, which started in 2022, aims to develop methods to increase the native plant diversity on ski trails, according to a presentation by researchers during the resort’s Ski Conservation Summit on Wednesday, July 15.\n\n\n\nThe summit gathered around 90 individuals, including university researchers as well as land managers and professionals from the U.S. Forest Service, the ski industry and local conservation nonprofits. Colorado ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Steamboat Resort, Winter Park Resort and Sunlight Mountain Resort were represented, as well as major ski companies like Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Co. and POWDR.\n\n\n\nAfter Colorado’s record-low snowpack last winter, drought loomed over the summit. At one point, Western Colorado University ecologist and graduate advisor Jennie DeMarco held up a core sample of dirt from the ski slope that was so dry it disintegrated in her hand. She said the carbon sequestration study demonstrates the collaboration that is needed to respond to the impacts of climate change.\n\n\n\n“This is one of my favorite studies because it is a great example of what we need right now when we’re thinking about conservation and climate action — and that’s collective action,” DeMarco said. “So, working across agencies, nonprofits, for-profits, federal agencies, academies, institutions and individuals to come up with solutions to better manage our lands to adapt to our changing environments.”\n\n\n\nThe American Eagle chairlift stretches up the hill at Copper Mountain. During Copper’s sixth annual Ski Conservation Summit, U.S. Forest Service biological science technician Ryan Sparhawk described how ski resorts historically cut runs into the mountain, removing the topsoil. Ryan Spencer/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nSki slope soil has been ‘historically disturbed’\n\n\n\nCopper Mountain Senior Resort Operations and Sustainability Manager Jeff Grasser described how the carbon sequestration study grew out of a project to collect native seeds from around the resort.\n\n\n\nThe sixth annual Ski Conservation Summit is also the offspring of the native seed collection project, Glasser said. It blossomed from an effort to share the “success story” of that project and foster a spirit of innovation around land and water conservation within the ski industry and its partners, he said. Both the study and the summit are funded through Copper’s Play Forever campaign.\n\n\n\n“There are people in this room that probably do the same job that you do that you do not know yet,” Grasser said. “There are challenges that your peers have faced that you currently face, and vice versa. This is the opportunity to not only find a working relationship — another big thing is inspiring innovation.”\n\n\n\nEarly in the summit, Ryan Sparhawk — a biological science technician, or soil scientist, with the U.S. Forest Service — described how when ski resorts historically cut runs into the mountain, it removed the nutrient-rich topsoil. \n\n\n\n“A lot of the soils we work with have been historically disturbed, topsoil has been all graded off, pushed off — and a lot of cases just pushed into the nearest creek — and it’s gone,” Sparhawk said.\n\n\n\nHe said a lot of his work focuses on revegetation of ski slopes.\n\n\n\n“I won’t call it restoration,” Sparhawk said. “I’m not looking for pristine natural habitat, I’m looking for surface stabilization, watershed protection, runoff and erosion control for my work.”\n\n\n\nWestern Colorado University graduate student Katherine Riesberg discusses her thesis project, which is focused on carbon sequestration on the slopes of Copper Mountain. Riesberg’s research adds to the experiment already taking place at the ski resort, including by adding sensors to monitor soil temperature.Ryan Spencer/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\n‘Ecosystem services’ on the slopes\n\n\n\nAs long as humans keep recreating at ski resorts, it’ll never be possible to restore them to their original natural state, Riesberg said in an interview. But she said ecologists can try to maximize the “ecosystem services” — or the direct and indirect contributions ecosystems make to human well-being and survival — that these places provide.\n\n\n\nEcosystem services can include anything from tangible products, like timber from forests; to regulating processes, like wetlands filtering water; or even just things like natural beauty that improves the experience of recreating in the outdoors.\n\n\n\nAmid climate change, one ecosystem service that scientists have focused on is known as carbon sequestration, or the process of using plants to help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is one of the primary pollutants released by burning fossil fuels, which scientists say is filling our atmosphere with heat-trapping gasses and warming the climate on a global scale. \n\n\n\nPlants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, and that carbon can be locked into the soil when plants die and decompose into a nutrient-rich topsoil, according to the Western Colorado University researchers. The Copper Mountain carbon sequestration study will compare how three different treatments affect native plant growth on the ski slopes.\n\n\n\n“Most of the carbon is below ground in the soil,” DeMarco said. “There is a huge pool of carbon in these ski slopes.”\n\n\n\nOn five ski trails at various elevations across the Copper Mountain, the researchers have staked out four equally sized plots. One plot receives no treatment and serves as a control, DeMarco said. Another plot receives a scattering of native seeds; the next, a scattering of native seeds plus compost; and the final plot receives native seeds, compost and biochar, she said. Biochar is a carbon-rich form of charcoal that can benefit soils.\n\n\n\nThe researchers monitor the plots over time, since the native plants and wildflowers can take several years to grow, gathering data on the number of native plants, the soil moisture, the estimated carbon in the soil and more. \n\n\n\nDeMarco said the study was intentionally designed to be low-cost and easy to replicate, so other ski resorts could do similar work on their own slopes. \n\n\n\n“Depending on what we find, we can use that to inform future management on ski slopes,” she said.\n\n\n\nAttendees at Copper Mountain’s sixth annual Ski Conservation Summit head out on a short hike to the site of the resort’s carbon sequestration study. The one-day summit was held Wednesday, July 15. Ryan Spencer/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nSki areas sharing ideas\n\n\n\nIt’s not just in Colorado that ski resorts, the U.S. Forest Service and researchers are collaborating to study how to maximize the ecosystem services of ski slopes.\n\n\n\nOne team that presented at the summit included representatives from Bridger Bowl Ski Area and researchers from Montana State University, who are studying the use of wetlands to treat thousands of gallons of wastewater each day.\n\n\n\nOther presentations included a talk by Monarch Ski Area employees about how they completed an 377-acre expansion into No Name Basin with culture and environment impacts in mind; an overview of A-Basin’s Wrangler Stream Restoration Project; and a discussion by national nonprofit The Nature Conservancy on nature-based solutions. The question and answer sessions were often lively, with questions that delved into the technical topics at hand.\n\n\n\nHelena Robinowitz, a sustainability specialist at A-Basin who has attended the Ski Conservation Summit for the past three years, said that the collaboration has inspired projects at other ski resorts.\n\n\n\nRobinowitz said that Copper’s native seed collection project inspired A-Basin to start a “community-oriented” wetland restoration project. A-Basin worked on that project with the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, the same nonprofit that works with Copper to collect seeds, she said.\n\n\n\nUltimately, nature and the outdoors is an important part of what draws people to visit ski resorts, Robinowitz said. So it’s only natural that ski areas incorporate sustainability and environmental stewardship into their brand, she said.\n\n\n\n“We can offer you such amazing snow and terrain because of our stewardship work,” Robinowitz said. “The mountain goats everyone loves are here because of our biodiverse terrain. Our moose are here because we restore our wetlands. Everything is circular.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-copper-slopes-science-experiment-grow-native-plants/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-18T17:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17144530%2FCM_Summer_Play_Forever_-_Seed_Collection_8-26-20_CD_14-1024x683.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"how-a-science-experiment-to-grow-native-plants-on-coppers-slopes-is-inspiring-collaboration-in-the-s"},{"id":"nplujf","title":"Aspen Acres fire surpasses 100,000 acres as crews increase containment to more than 60%","excerpt":"Rain fell across parts of the state Friday, bringing mixed results for Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow, Fishhook and Elk fires.","content":"Rain fell across parts of the state Friday, bringing mixed results for Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow, Fishhook and Elk fires.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/18/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-gold-mountain-ferris/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Lance Benzel","publishDate":"2026-07-18T16:41:22.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_July_8-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C664%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-acres-fire-surpasses-100000-acres-as-crews-increase-containment-to-more-than-60"},{"id":"o1ly5s","title":"What Goes Around Comes Around: Vintage pop-up debuts in Aspen","excerpt":"Vintage luxury retailer What Goes Around Comes Around will debut in Aspen with a pop-up inside The Aspen Times building at Hotel Jerome from July 25-Aug. 2. \n\n\n\nThe pop-up, at 330 E. Main St., will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.\n\n\n\n“We are so excited to embark on this partnership with the i...","content":"Vintage luxury retailer What Goes Around Comes Around will debut in Aspen with a pop-up inside The Aspen Times building at Hotel Jerome from July 25-Aug. 2. \n\n\n\nThe pop-up, at 330 E. Main St., will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.\n\n\n\n“We are so excited to embark on this partnership with the iconic Hotel Jerome during the highly anticipated Aspen Art Week. This feels like the perfect alignment — bringing WGACA’s curated luxury product and experience to a market we view as a key extension of our brand,” Chief Creative Officer Gerard Maione said.\n\n\n\nChief Executive Officer Sam Weisser and Maione, who co-founded the brand in 1993, will be making rare appearances on site throughout the event, joined by the company’s expert team members. \n\n\n\n“I am not generally out in the field,” Weisser said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and connecting with existing people I know; that’s going to be exciting and fun for me.”\n\n\n\nThe pop-up will feature one-of-a-kind and hard-to-find items, alongside entry-level pieces delivering a feast for fashion seekers. Items for purchase will include Hermès, Chanel accessories, vintage goods from the Karl Lagerfeld era and Western-inspired pieces from Chanel’s Paris-Dallas collection, in addition to special collectibles from the Estate of André Leon Talley, Vogue’s former creative director and editor-at-large. \n\n\n\n“We want people to be inspired,” Weisser said. “We are bringing an incredible Louis Vuitton ski bag, and we’ve never even seen one before, so it was likely custom-made for him.” \n\n\n\nWhat Goes Around Comes Around also has two Louis Vuitton trunks with Stephen Sprouse graffiti.\n\n\n\nVarious vintage Louis Vuitton Alzer trunks, including one in collaboration with Stephen Sprouse and a Louis Vuitton Boîte Parmacie trunk on top.WGACA/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“We have some of the rarest and iconic pieces that people who collect and people who want to invest in luxury and fashion are always hunting,” Weisser said. “When we started to strategize for Hotel Jerome, we wanted to bring in pieces of everything.” \n\n\n\nMany items date to the 1990s, when production differed from today, making them some of their rarest finds.\n\n\n\nUnlike many resale platforms, the company buys and owns all of its inventory. After opening their flagship store in SoHo, New York, the company expanded to a location in Beverly Hills and a second New York location. \n\n\n\n“The brand has built a worldwide network of the best dealers in the world, and we actually go around the world to buy what we buy. We’re always looking for the highest level conditions,” Weisser said. “We will bring a wide selection because we have all the brands, as well as customer service and exclusivity, which is really what luxury is about.”\n\n\n\nHermès Kelly Cut.WGACA/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIn terms of trends, Weisser noted that the 1970s are hot again. Fendi Baguette bags, which were popularized in the late 1990s, are seeing renewed interest, alongside true vintage, such as original Levi’s and Americana. Vintage fur is also trending, driven in part by growing interest in sustainable fashion — a curated salon will showcase select items of vintage fur, including designer items known for longevity and collectible value.\n\n\n\n“I think now everyone is becoming accepting and appreciative of buying something … vintage. Not only can people wear these pieces, but they become part of what they have in their families. They are expensive items, so they are collectible like that,” Weisser said.\n\n\n\nCustomers either use what they buy or display it where they can appreciate its beauty — or both.\n\n\n\nTo set up an individual client appointment, visit whatgoesaroundnyc.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/what-goes-around-comes-around-vintage-pop-up-debuts-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-18T16:10:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F14172446%2FImage_2.png","slug":"what-goes-around-comes-around-vintage-pop-up-debuts-in-aspen"},{"id":"x7k19h","title":"Opinion | Climate Action Collaborative: After a dry winter: What El Niño means for the Eagle River Valley","excerpt":"Climate change is becoming harder to ignore in Eagle County. Over the past nine months, its effects have touched nearly every aspect of our lives. We experienced a record-low snowfall last winter, followed by a dry spring that worsened our long-term drought. Unfortunately, the trifecta of histori...","content":"Climate change is becoming harder to ignore in Eagle County. Over the past nine months, its effects have touched nearly every aspect of our lives. We experienced a record-low snowfall last winter, followed by a dry spring that worsened our long-term drought. Unfortunately, the trifecta of historically low snowpack, the early melt-out of what snow there was and our hot dry weather has intensified the conditions for wildfires.\n\n\n\nIn recent weeks, we’ve watched new fires ignite and spread across Colorado. Many of us have breathed smoky air, while some friends and neighbors have been forced to evacuate their homes. These events are stark reminders of how closely our communities are tied to the health of our climate and water resources.\n\n\n\nThe worsening drought prompted Eagle River Water & Sanitation District to declare a Stage III water shortage in April. The declaration included fines for excessive water use, outdoor watering restrictions, and an education campaign to encourage water conservation.\n\n\n\nIn May, the water district launched its Live Like a Local campaign in partnership with local governments, nonprofits and community organizations, including Walking Mountains and the Climate Action Collaborative. Since then, water district staff have met with metro districts, town councils, homeowners associations, landscaping companies, residents and visitors to share practical ways to conserve water. You’ve likely also noticed signs throughout the valley reminding everyone about the water shortage and encouraging simple actions that can make a meaningful difference.\n\n\n\nThe encouraging news is that those efforts appear to be working. According to the water district, overall water use dropped 24% over May and June compared with the three previous years, while outdoor irrigation declined by an estimated 41%. While these early results are promising, the district emphasizes that conservation remains essential. Residents are encouraged to continue following the two-day watering schedule, repair leaks promptly and eliminate unnecessary outdoor water use.\n\n\n\nWith more frequent headlines about El Niño, many people wonder what it could mean for the Eagle River Valley.\n\n\n\nEl Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern caused by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Those warmer waters influence atmospheric circulation and can shift weather patterns around the world. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, as of July 9, there was an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño developing during October through December and a 97% chance it will persist into early spring 2027.\n\n\n\nTo better understand what that could mean for Colorado, I spoke with Peter Goble, Colorado’s assistant state climatologist.\n\n\n\n“The impacts to Colorado for any given El Niño event can vary quite a bit,” Goble explained.\n\n\n\nGenerally, El Niño increases the likelihood of wetter-than-normal conditions during late summer and fall. Current outlooks suggest western Colorado has an increased chance of receiving monsoonal moisture during late July and early August, which could also bring periods of slightly cooler temperatures.\n\n\n\nHowever, Goble cautioned that increased odds do not guarantee increased precipitation. While additional moisture could reduce the risk of large wildfires, thunderstorms also bring the risk of lightning strikes, which can ignite new fires. More importantly, a wetter-than-average summer won’t solve our water supply challenges.\n\n\n\n“It will not rescue our water supply,” Goble said. About 80% of our water supply comes from winter snowpack, making snowfall far more important than summer rainfall when it comes to replenishing reservoirs.\n\n\n\nGoble also emphasized that Colorado’s long-term warming trend, driven by human-caused climate change, is expected to continue. Summers are becoming warmer, with more frequent hot days and temperatures that increasingly exceed historical averages. Unlike winter and spring, summer weather experiences less natural temperature variability from shifting weather systems, making the long-term warming trend more apparent.\n\n\n\nNaturally, the question many people are asking is: What does El Niño mean for next winter’s snowpack?\n\n\n\nThe honest answer is that it’s still too early to know.\n\n\n\nRecent El Niño winters have produced a healthy snowpack across much of Colorado, but every event is different. For example, much of the snowfall during the winter of 2023 occurred before El Niño fully developed. While El Niño can influence winter weather, it is only one of many factors that determine how much snow Colorado ultimately receives.\n\n\n\nRegardless of what next winter brings, one thing is clear: our conservation efforts matter. By continuing to follow watering restrictions and using water wisely, we can help protect river flows and preserve our limited water supply.\n\n\n\nIt’s not too early to start thinking about next year’s landscaping and how you can embrace more water-wise landscaping with native plants and perennials. Check out the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District’s Smart Irrigation and Landscaping webpage and Beyond Lawn for some great tips and best practices. If next winter brings another disappointing snowpack, we’ll need to conserve even more water. The actions we take today will help our community become more resilient in the future.\n\n\n\nKim Burke is the director of climate strategy for the Climate Action Collaborative with Walking Mountains. The Climate Action Collaborative is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/opinion-climate-action-collaborative-after-a-dry-winter-what-el-nino-means-for-the-eagle-river-valley/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kim Burke Climate Action Collaborative","publishDate":"2026-07-18T05:36:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F17120403%2FEagleRiverCACAdobe-1024x683.jpeg","slug":"opinion-climate-action-collaborative-after-a-dry-winter-what-el-nio-means-for-the-eagle-river-valley"},{"id":"gsfkz6","title":"Wildfires have scorched over 200,000 acres in Colorado this summer","excerpt":"Wildfires continued to ignite and burn across Colorado this week as widespread drought continues to plague the state.\n\n\n\nThe Colorado Wildland Fire Status Dashboard showed seven large fires and a total of 28 active fires that had burned around 214,000 acres as of Friday afternoon. The wildfire ri...","content":"Wildfires continued to ignite and burn across Colorado this week as widespread drought continues to plague the state.\n\n\n\nThe Colorado Wildland Fire Status Dashboard showed seven large fires and a total of 28 active fires that had burned around 214,000 acres as of Friday afternoon. The wildfire risk is extreme across the Western Slope, according to wildfire officials. Stage 2 fire restrictions banning all campfires remain in place in nearly every county.\n\n\n\nThe largest fire, the Aspen Acres Fire burning in Custer and Pueblo counties, had scorched just shy of 100,000 acres as of Friday, making it the seventh largest fire in Colorado’s history. Containment of the fire, which has been burning since late June, had increased to 48%, according to wildfire officials. \n\n\n\nThere are more than 1,700 personnel battling the Aspen Acres Fire, which has also been the most destructive fire in Colorado so far this year, destroying hundreds of structures and forcing thousands to evacuate. Investigators have determined that humans caused the fire.\n\n\n\nIn southwestern Colorado, the Ferris Fire had burned about 65,000 acres in Dolores County, reaching nearly 59% containment as of Friday, according to wildfire officials. The fire, which also started in late June, had about 1,180 personnel assigned to it. Investigators believe the Ferris Fire sparked from natural causes, like lightning.\n\n\n\nJust outside Ouray, the Gold Mountain Fire also has continued to burn since late June, scorching about 37,700 acres, with 13% containment, according to wildfire officials. There are about 875 personnel assigned to the fire. No cause has been determined.\n\n\n\nNear Leadville, the Willow Fire has burned about 6,8750 acres and is nearly 37% contained. There are about 500 personnel assigned to the fire, which also began in late June, according to wildfire officials. Investigators have determined the wildfire to be human-caused.\n\n\n\nIn Rio Blanco County, the P-L Fire that was discovered Monday, July 13, had scorched about 1,600 acres as of Friday, with 15% containment. Humans also reportedly caused the P-L Fire.\n\n\n\nIn Routt County, two fires were discovered on Sunday. The Fishhook Fire just southeast of Steamboat Ski Resort had burned about 347 acres and remained uncontained as of Friday morning, according to wildfire officials. The Green Ridge Fire south of Stagecoach Reservoir had burned 41 acres and was 75% contained, as of Friday morning. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the Fishhook Fire. The Green Ridge Fire was reportedly started by a tractor baling hay.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-wildfires-summer-widespread-drought/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-18T04:30:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17162100%2Ffiring_ops_r1-768x1024.jpeg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"wildfires-have-scorched-over-200000-acres-in-colorado-this-summer"},{"id":"a03lfy","title":"Saddle Sore: It’s worth remembering what Woody Creek has been","excerpt":"Woody Creek is easy to misunderstand. To many people passing through, it’s little more than a post office, the Tavern and a bend in the road. \n\n\n\nBut to those who have spent much of their lives here, it is something else entirely. It is a collection of dreams and memories — of ranches, hayfields,...","content":"Woody Creek is easy to misunderstand. To many people passing through, it’s little more than a post office, the Tavern and a bend in the road. \n\n\n\nBut to those who have spent much of their lives here, it is something else entirely. It is a collection of dreams and memories — of ranches, hayfields, irrigation ditches, saw mills, children growing up and neighbors who still wave as they drive by. It is quiet not because nothing happens here but because that quiet has always been part of its character. \n\n\n\nThat history is why a proposal now before the Pitkin County commissioners deserves more attention than it might otherwise receive. The owners of the old Aspen Motorsports Park are asking to transform what has long been a modest rural event facility into a much larger private car racing club, complete with expanded amenities and year-round activity. Before the county decides what Woody Creek should become, it’s worth remembering what Woody Creek has been. \n\n\n\nIn the early 1960s, a Vagneur ranch adjoining ours sold the land under the track to a couple of local doctors, race car enthusiasts, Baxter and Barnard, and the race was on, so to speak. They were, at the time, the only two practicing physicians in town and, for the most part, well-respected. When Colorado outlawed automobile racing on city streets, the two doctors — who had helped sponsor Aspen’s earlier street races — needed another outlet for their passion. \n\n\n\nAs a youngster, I was thrilled — a little excitement in our quiet little burg. The dreams of kids — ha! Not much happened at the track. I’d ride my horse up to the adjacent ridge on our place, overlooking the track, and most times, nothing would be happening. Once-in-a-while, three or four cars might be practicing. Until the grand opening of the track and a sponsored competition. It then got lively.  \n\n\n\nWe lived two miles up Lenado Road, the other side of the Big Mesa from the track, in the Woody Creek Canyon, and the hum of the track was heard at our house on that opening weekend. People were wanting to cut through our place to avoid paying the entry fee and to watch the races from that aforementioned ridge. It got a little crazy. \n\n\n\nDuring the years, stock car races were held at the track, I was studying away in college and didn’t get in on much of that action. But it was popular with many of my friends. \n\n\n\nOne thing that has always fascinated me is the way sound reverberates around Woody Creek. A noise made miles away often seems much closer than it really is. \n\n\n\nYears ago, city and county law enforcement established a shooting range at the landfill, roughly eight miles from Aspen and about four from our ranch. The reports of those practice sessions carried effortlessly across the valley and up onto the Big Mesa. \n\n\n\nMy old dog, Topper, knew exactly what they were. Usually running hay machinery, Topper was my signal that target practice was on — he’d hear the first shots, tuck his tail and disappear beneath the nearest pickup or Jeep until the shooting stopped. I’d stop and attempt to comfort him for a bit. \n\n\n\nSound, in particular, has a remarkable way of traveling here. I’ve heard gunfire from the county shooting range miles away. I’ve listened to the hum of race cars from our ranch two miles up Lenado Road. That’s simply the nature of this valley. \n\n\n\nWhich is why the proposed expansion deserves especially careful thought. It’s not only about a racetrack. It’s about the character of an entire neighborhood. \n\n\n\nWoody Creek isn’t really a town at all. It’s a neighborhood stretching across McLain Flats, Upper River Road, Lower River Road, Lenado Road, Twining Flats and the W/J subdivision. What happens in one part of Woody Creek is often experienced throughout the entire neighborhood. \n\n\n\nThe applicants have every right to present their vision for the property, and the county has every obligation to consider it carefully. But those of us who have lived here for decades have an equal responsibility to explain what makes Woody Creek worth protecting in the first place. \n\n\n\nOver the years, I’ve watched Woody Creek change, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. My friend Linda has a saying that makes sense, more and more: “Every time big money buys historical property, it seems they always have to put their mark upon it.” Truthfully, this isn’t so much about improvements and changes to R20 zoning as it is about putting a mark on the community that will change Woody Creek forever. \n\n\n\nThe old raceway was a neighbor. This proposal would make it a business. Those may sound similar on paper, but to those of us who have called Woody Creek home, they are two very different things. \n\n\n\nTony Vagneur writes here on Saturdays and welcomes your comments at ajv@sopris.net. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/saddle-sore-its-worth-remembering-what-woody-creek-has-been/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tony Vagneur Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tajv@sopris.net","publishDate":"2026-07-18T01:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2022%2F06%2F11060856%2FVagneurTony.jpg","slug":"saddle-sore-its-worth-remembering-what-woody-creek-has-been"},{"id":"uxplq7","title":"Hiker rescued by helicopter from Maroon Peak","excerpt":"Mountain Rescue Aspen successfully rescued an overdue hiker from Maroon Peak on Thursday night into Friday morning.\n\n\n\nAccording to a press release, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a satellite text message at approximately 7:39 p.m., reporting an overdue hiker in the...","content":"Mountain Rescue Aspen successfully rescued an overdue hiker from Maroon Peak on Thursday night into Friday morning.\n\n\n\nAccording to a press release, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a satellite text message at approximately 7:39 p.m., reporting an overdue hiker in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The reporting party noted that the two hikers had separated at approximately 10:30 a.m. near the West Maroon Trail, about one and a half miles from Crater Lake.\n\n\n\n“The subject planned to continue toward the summit of Maroon Peak and was expected to return to the Crater Lake campsite by approximately 2 p.m. but had not returned,” the release states.\n\n\n\nThe Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was notified and consequently activated Mountain Rescue Aspen. \n\n\n\n“Information later received from the subject’s family indicated that the subject’s last known location was near the summit of Maroon Peak at approximately 4:30 p.m.,” the release reads. “A storm moved through the area shortly afterward.”\n\n\n\nMountain Rescue Aspen ultimately deployed ground and drone teams to the Maroon Bells area — a four-person field team departed the trailhead shortly after 11:00 p.m. The team met with the reporting party at Crater Lake, and then two rescuers continued toward the subject’s last known location.\n\n\n\nMountain Rescue Aspen requested assistance from Flight for Life Colorado, with the helicopter responding at approximately 12:28 a.m. on Friday, July 17, the same time the ground team established visual and verbal contact with the subject in what the press release calls “steep terrain on Maroon Peak.” \n\n\n\nIt adds, “The subject reported being uninjured but was unable to safely move from the location. Due to the technical terrain, darkness, and risk to rescuers, and based on the terrain assessment from the Flight for Life crew, it was determined that a hoist extraction would be appropriate.” \n\n\n\nMountain Rescue Aspen requested assistance from Flight for Life Colorado for a helicopter rescue.MRA/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nMountain Rescue Aspen then contacted Colorado Search and Rescue to request a hoist from the Colorado Army National Guard’s High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, the release confirms.\n\n\n\n“A HAATS helicopter responded at first light,” according to the release. \n\n\n\nGround personnel stayed in the area to assist with coordination and support and, at approximately 7:09 a.m., the helicopter crew successfully hoisted the subject from Maroon Peak.\n\n\n\nA helicopter hoists the subject from Maroon Peak Friday morning.MRA/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office remind hikers that routes on the Maroon Bells are technical, exposed mountaineering routes and should not be attempted as ordinary hiking trails,” the release states. “Backcountry travelers should research their route, honestly assess their experience and fitness, monitor changing weather conditions, establish a firm turnaround time, and carry appropriate clothing, navigation equipment, a headlamp, emergency supplies, and a two-way satellite communication device.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/hiker-rescued-by-helicopter-from-maroon-peak/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T23:00:51.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17164939%2FIMG_9244-746x1024.jpg","slug":"hiker-rescued-by-helicopter-from-maroon-peak"},{"id":"hcqbxv","title":"Eagle County Open Space tax en route for possible 2027 election","excerpt":"Almost two weeks ago, the Eagle County Open Space Program approached county commissioners about putting a property tax on the table for the 2026 election. After much discussion, shelving it for the 2027 election was proposed.\n\n\n\nOn Tuesday, Eagle County commissioners picked the timeline that coul...","content":"Almost two weeks ago, the Eagle County Open Space Program approached county commissioners about putting a property tax on the table for the 2026 election. After much discussion, shelving it for the 2027 election was proposed.\n\n\n\nOn Tuesday, Eagle County commissioners picked the timeline that could get the ballot question out for 2027. The tax would allow the Open Space Program to expand on its capabilities as an Eagle County land conservation program. \n\n\n\nPrior to the decision, a compressed timeline to get it out for 2026 was proposed, but it had some county officials worried that it would take up discussion space or get lost in the messages from other ballot questions, including a 2026 campaign for a proposed mill levy override from the Eagle County School District to raise funds for underpaid teachers. \n\n\n\nIn a recent interview, Commissioner Tom Boyd said the 2027 timeline would now allow for more time to be spent on surveying voters to see what projects they might favor.\n\n\n\n“I think this is exciting, because it means we can explore more deeply what the community might want to see out of this,” he said. “We can take our time with it, do it right and explain to folks what the options are, and then hear from the community what they’re interested in.” \n\n\n\nHe said eyes could be on wildlife safe passages, which open space dollars currently cannot fund, or on expanding the ways the county can spend money on water rights. \n\n\n\nBoyd said there is also now a chance to ask partners involved if they wanted to raise the current 1.5 mill levy tax that the Open Space Program has had in place since its original 2002 property tax to fund the Open Space acquisitions program. \n\n\n\nRight now, the Open Space Program is planning to ask voters to release the revenue cap of $7 million. This could present more opportunities for the program to look beyond what they do for acquisitions and land management of their properties, said Marcia Gilles, the Open Space Natural Resource director. \n\n\n\nThe 2027 decision will give them a lengthier time to explain their objectives to voters and meet their goal, Gilles said. \n\n\n\n“We have more time for more real qualitative data, we can have more opportunity with public engagement, we can have partners help support the work,” she said. “I think it’s going to have more robust data behind it.” \n\n\n\nThe push for the 2027 ballot spot will pick back up after the November election, starting with more behind the scenes work with the Trust for Public lands, the nonprofit that is aiding the Open Space Program in surveying the public and building and campaigning the tax question. \n\n\n\nAccording to a timeline from Gilles, county commissioners should make the decision to approve for inclusion on the ballot by late August or early September 2027. \n\n\n\n“For me, I love just being able to tell our story about the Open Space Program, and this will provide more of that opportunity to share with the public the why messaging,” Gilles said. \n\n\n\nErnest Saeger, the executive director of the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance, has seen what the property tax can do. \n\n\n\n“The conservation easements, the land acquisitions, the protection for wildlife and natural resources is incredibly important, and what the property tax fund has been able to do over the last almost 30 years is pretty incredible,” he said. \n\n\n\nAdditional funding and looking at opportunities to expand it, such as managing public lands and their recreation pressure and stewardship, is a huge need in the community, he said. From bigger picture acquisitions to day-to-day maintenance, the tax has the possibility to focus on conservation efforts across the board. \n\n\n\n“I’m very much appreciative that the county is moving forward in this direction and on the timeline for 2027, because I do think that public outreach and community engagement is needed for this to understand what the opportunities are, and to see how this fund could make a bigger impact,” he said. ","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-open-space-tax-en-route-for-possible-2027-election/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T22:32:41.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2023%2F07%2F11075425%2FIMG_1759-4-1024x768.jpg","slug":"eagle-county-open-space-tax-en-route-for-possible-2027-election"},{"id":"ec4x5n","title":"Leadville Race Series gets green light for final 4 summer events as Willow Fire reaches 40% containment","excerpt":"With the Willow Fire currently holding steady at roughly 6,800 acres and 40% containment, the Leadville Race Series announced Wednesday plans to move forward with its final four events of the summer, including the Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Run.\n\n\n\n“The smoke is lifting and the hundreds of perso...","content":"With the Willow Fire currently holding steady at roughly 6,800 acres and 40% containment, the Leadville Race Series announced Wednesday plans to move forward with its final four events of the summer, including the Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Run.\n\n\n\n“The smoke is lifting and the hundreds of personnel on the Willow Fire are bringing containment more into reach every day,” race director Tamira Jenlink stated in an event update letter. “We thank all of our first responders who have spent countless hours over the last 16-plus days reducing the impact and ensuring the safety of our community.”\n\n\n\nThe remaining events in the Life Time-sponsored series are the mountain bike stage race July 24-26, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB on Aug. 15, the Leadville 10K run on Aug. 16 and the Leadville Trail 100 Run on Aug. 22. \n\n\n\nDavid Roche climbs up Powerline during the 2025 Leadville Trail 100 Run. Roche defended his title, lowering his own course record by more than 14 minutes.\n\n\n\nIn a call with the Vail Daily on Thursday, Jenlink outlined a decision-making process that started soon after the fire ignited near the Leadville National Fish Hatchery on June 28. She said the green light was given after a “collaborative and collective discussion” between the U.S. Forest Service, Office of Emergency Management and the local sheriff.\n\n\n\n“Many layers, many voices,” she said. “We sometimes miss that — how many agencies are involved and how many OKs have to happen.”\n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire forced Leadville to cancel its Fourth of July parade. On July 3, organizers also canceled the Silver Rush 50 trail run and mountain bike races originally scheduled for July 11 and 12.\n\n\n\n“We had all of our resources stretched so thin at that point and obviously still under sizable threat, that there was no way it made sense to have an event,” Jenlink said. “And it’s tricky because we’re desperately in need of footsteps and tourism and folks in our town.”\n\n\n\nAthletes take off at the start of the 2023 Silver Rush 50 run in Leadville.Life Time/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Silver Rush 50, which also includes 15-mile and 5K rides and runs, draws almost 2,000 athletes to Leadville, not including crews and families who often extend their holiday stays.\n\n\n\n“As things compile, those impacts accumulate. Silver Rush not happening was huge,” she Jenlink said. “So, super-tough decisions, but really collective.”\n\n\n\nComing off a challenging winter, local business are struggling through a second-straight low-tourism season. Of the 1.1 million annual visitors to Lake County, about 750,000 arrive in the summer, according to Adam Ducharme, the Leadville/Twin Lakes tourism and economic development director.\n\n\n\nMinturn’s Haley Dumke cruises into the finish line to place second at the Life Time Silver Rush 50 MTB on July 11, 2025 in Leadville.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nDucharme told the Herald Democrat that between June 27 and July 7, Lake County visitation decreased 26.5% year over year. June sales tax for the county was also down 30%. Additionally, more than 300 developed campsites and over 250 miles of trails within the Leadville Ranger District remain closed.\n\n\n\n“The Willow Fire has been incredibly difficult for our community,” Ducharme told the Herald Democrat. “We’ve seen impacts to our residents, our businesses, our visitors and the places we all love, but if there’s one thing Lake County has always demonstrated, it’s resilience.”\n\n\n\nWhat will the Leadville 100 route look like?\n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire’s location means both Sugarloaf and Powerline sections won’t be included in the 2026 Leadville Trail 100 routes.Life Time/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nCurrently, Jenlink and her team are finalizing reroute design and securing necessary permits. The Leadville Race Series requires more than 65 permits per summer, the race director said.\n\n\n\n“You can imagine we’re needing to revisit and redo all of those right now,” she stated. “And we have to be really careful because the fire is not out. We’re getting closer, we’re getting in a better place — enough for the stage race. Because it is a smaller event, everybody is feeling solid about the pathway forward for that event to happen.”\n\n\n\nThe three-day stage race takes cyclists across the entire Leadville 100 course. Jenlink hopes to post the official course reroute by the middle of next week, pending approval. With monsoon season ramping up, organizers are hopeful fire crews’ efforts will continue trending in a positive direction ahead of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB a few weeks later. But Jenlink recognized some of her neighbors remain on edge.\n\n\n\n“I think you’re looking at a community that has been under a lot of duress in the last three weeks. That’s real,” she said. “There’s that ‘We’re not quite out of the fear zone piece’ and a little bit of uncertainty that’s now flipping to ‘Are we sure we’re ready to have events?'”\n\n\n\nWhen the announcement to move forward with races was made, Jenlink said her phone “blew up” with positive reactions. Business owners looking for economic relief joined a generally positive social media chorus. But even as some questioned the decision, Jenlink welcomes different views and strives to be “fluid and flexible” in finding a way forward.\n\n\n\n“I value that in some ways — the diversity of opinions,” she explained. “I’m in touch with those folks and trying to be in front of that, as is our whole team, and really have those conversations.”\n\n\n\nThe fire’s location means both Sugarloaf and Powerline sections will be off-limits for an extended time, Jenlink said. Everything in the Turquoise Lake area likely will be bypassed as well. Jenlink said the optimal reroute will find “a middle ground that works for everybody, utilizing spaces that are not going to create further burdens.”\n\n\n\n“But at the same time, the fire could shift, the fire could change, resources could get stretched,” she added. “And things could still change.”\n\n\n\nWhile Jenlink hopes to maintain the historic century-ride status, this year’s logistical hurdles highlight an even more foundational element to the event’s heritage.\n\n\n\n“The purpose of the race series was always built around economic development,” she said. Ken Chlouber and Merilee Maupin launched the Leadville 100 in 1983 to revive the town following the Climax Mine closure; 45 runners toed the inaugural starting line. These days, the series ushers in about 9,000 participants every summer.\n\n\n\n“What’s interesting is to watch how our community has ebbed and flowed with this,” Jenlink said. \n\n\n\nKeegan Swenson is congratulated by Leadville 100 race series founders Ken Chlouber and Merilee Maupin after breaking the Leadville Trail 100 MTB course record by 15 minutes on Aug. 12, 2023. It was Swenson’s third-straight Leadville Trail 100 MTB win.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily\n\n\n\n“We’re definitely recognizing collectively, not just the race series, but (that) events are one of our pieces of sustainable income. And they’re really critical,” she continued. “And to do them well and to do them thoughtfully and in partnership with our whole community is really critical.”\n\n\n\nManaging growth — while simultaneously maintaining community values and fostering environmental and economic stewardship — has been the focus of the One Community Project, an initiative aimed at creating a shared vision and joint comprehensive plan for Leadville and Lake County.\n\n\n\n“We just completed that work and that draft would have come out already if the fire had not happened,” Jenlink noted. Thanks to more than a year and a half of regular small- and large-group discussions, Jenlink believes local leaders are better aligned on community values than ever before.\n\n\n\n“Everybody is working together in tandem based off of the last 18 months. So no decisions are getting made willy-nilly,” she said.\n\n\n\nIf anything, it seems recent challenges have strengthened Leadville’s local partnerships and collective vision. Jenlink’s sense of purpose has also been refined by the fire.\n\n\n\n“Then you have a moment like this where it’s like, this is why. Like, how quickly can you get messaging out that says, ‘We’re open, please come’?” she continued. “And I think for all of us, it continues to be a conversation of how we do it well. And well means thoughtfully, in partnership, collectively — all those pieces.”\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from vaildaily.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/leadville-race-series-get-green-light-for-final-4-summer-events-as-willow-fire-reaches-40-containment/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Ryan Sederquist Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trsederquist@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T22:14:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17161133%2FLeadville_100_Run_2024-579-1024x683.jpg","slug":"leadville-race-series-gets-green-light-for-final-4-summer-events-as-willow-fire-reaches-40-containme"},{"id":"ldcfcn","title":"From big wealth to bigger impact: How a Colorado billionaire is solving the paradise paradox","excerpt":"David Weekley, a Texan and part-time resident of Crested Butte, was a multimillionaire by age 30 after founding his homebuilding company David Weekley Homes in 1976. But when he almost lost everything in his mid-30s, he said one of his biggest regrets was not the overnight disappearance of his we...","content":"David Weekley, a Texan and part-time resident of Crested Butte, was a multimillionaire by age 30 after founding his homebuilding company David Weekley Homes in 1976. But when he almost lost everything in his mid-30s, he said one of his biggest regrets was not the overnight disappearance of his wealth, but that he did not do something more meaningful with his resources when he had them.\n\n\n\nIn an interview for The Aspen Times, Weekley said his biggest lesson happened during that low point: “I said, God, give me one more boom, and I won’t screw the next one up.” \n\n\n\nThat boom came. \n\n\n\n“By my early 40s, we were back full scale and doing very well,” said Weekley. “But at the same time, I had to have open heart surgery for a birth defect; I was working 70 hours a week, flying constantly and realized: It’s time for me to make good on my promise. I decided to give away half of my earnings and half of my time.”\n\n\n\nThis may seem counterintuitive for a business leader at the peak of success, but he said he understood that he needed additional expertise beyond his entrepreneurial zeal as the company grew and he wanted to hold firm to his commitment and pursue a life of real meaning, defined not by acquiring more but instead by working to try to do the right things for others who hadn’t been as lucky or blessed as he had.  \n\n\n\n“Our world defines success in a very limited way,” said Weekley, but his faith asked him to consider what it means to count others before yourself. With that perspective, he asked himself: “What is my responsibility as a human being with the accident of my birth? I was born in a great city, to wonderful parents, with an excellent education and business providence. I didn’t make that happen for myself, so I can’t feel too possessive of what I’ve been given to steward.” \n\n\n\nHe took his same innovative business prowess that made him an icon of his industry and began to rethink philanthropy altogether. \n\n\n\nTo live up to this pledge, he hired someone else to run the day-to-day operations of the company, took the role of chairman and dove into learning about the needs around him and how to quickly mobilize philanthropic resources to meet them. Meanwhile, David Weekley Homes continued its accelerated growth. \n\n\n\nItis now one of the largest privately held homebuilding companies in the U.S. and has been recognized 20 times by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, rising to #14 on the list in 2026. Moreover, Weekley has transformed the company into an evergreen endeavor that cares for its team, its customers and its community through a novel design where a third of the company is owned by employees, a third is directed toward charitable interests and a third is retained by the founding families.\n\n\n\n“We have been so blessed. Blessed beyond measure with an extraordinary team who have built an enduring business. There’s so much more than I actually need,” he said. \n\n\n\nBy contrast, the 400 wealthiest people in the U.S. have given away just 4.6% of their total wealth over their lifetimes, down from 5% last year, according to Forbes. Forty percent of them have donated less than 1% of their fortunes. His commitment to giving away half of his earnings far outpaces these averages. \n\n\n\n“I’m very much for free enterprise,” he said. “I just feel a deep sense of responsibility and calling to give back to others who have not been as fortunate as I have in my lifetime.”  \n\n\n\nWeekley has now found his “so what” through his philanthropic engagement in his home in Houston, his part-time residence of Crested Butte and around the world through the Dovetail Impact Foundation. \n\n\n\nHis engagement in Crested Butte and Gunnison Valley is deeply personal.\n\n\n\n“I haven’t missed a summer in 70 years,” he said.\n\n\n\nHis parents and older brother are buried there, and he added his family has a plot for him and his wife of 50 years, Bonnie, when that time comes.\n\n\n\n“To me, it’s the nature connection,” he said. More than that, “it is a spiritual connection to nature that I think many people feel, whether they can identify it or not.”\n\n\n\nThis same appreciation for high alpine ecology is shared by many who frequent the beloved mountain towns of Colorado, like here in the Roaring Fork Valley. \n\n\n\nYet when places like Crested Butte and Aspen face a “paradise paradox,” where great disparities exist against the backdrop of coveted vacation destinations, Weekley says second homeowners could have a large role to play in solving that discrepancy. \n\n\n\nA recent study by the Katz-Amsterdam Foundation found that 70.7% of people from Aspen to Parachute are personally affected by substance use, which is 51% higher than the national average. And 34.1% of residents are also found to be “lonely,” 17.6% higher than the national average. There are organizations in the valley who are equipped to help, according to Erica Snow, president of the Aspen Community Foundation — they just need increased capacity. \n\n\n\nTo transform philanthropic giving within second-home communities like Crested Butte and Aspen, Weekley offers a potential mindset shift: Why not give away a percentage equal to the time spent in that part-time home? Part-time residents in Pitkin and neighboring counties now spend an average of four months a year in their mountain homes, according to the 2021 Mountain Migration Report from the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments. That’s a third of their time. Does their giving match that? If not, it’s a missed opportunity to create enduring change in a place they love and take care of the neighbors that call that place home throughout the year. \n\n\n\n“We make a living in the city, but we make a life in the mountains, so to speak,” he said. “So why wouldn’t I be supportive of this place where our lives are made more full?”  \n\n\n\nGiven the outsized impact of the ultra-wealthy in these mountain towns and the rising cost of living, he believes it’s paramount to support local initiatives.\n\n\n\n“It’s smart to ensure these communities prosper both for those who recreate here and who call that community home,” he said. \n\n\n\nWith this sense of local responsibility, the Weekley family has donated more than $10 million to organizations in the Gunnison Valley to date, ranging from mental health to environmental stewardship. \n\n\n\n“The reality is that, for many people, there’s more wealth than is needed,” says Weekley. “I know in my own life, and in our family’s life together, the deepest source of satisfaction and peace is knowing that we’ve worked to share the abundance and blessing in our lives with others. As they say, ‘you can’t take it with you’ — so why not use the best of your God-given gifts and talents to love your neighbor?”  \n\n\n\nSnow underscored the exciting opportunity for second homeowners to make a difference here. \n\n\n\n“When we give back, we become part of the fabric of that place,” she said, “helping ensure it remains strong, welcoming and supported for the people who live, work and welcome us there every day.” \n\n\n\nIn 2025, ACF, via its donors, granted just over $17 million directly to supporting organizations from Aspen to Parachute. These funds went towards a few key areas: to the arts and culture, like supporting Aspen Public Radio, The Aspen Historical Society and The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW); toward mental health like through The Aspen Hope Center and A Way Out; into education and early childhood, like The Early Childhood Network and Valley Settlement; and to support the environment and regenerative local food systems, like through The Aspen Center For Environmental Studies, The Farm Collaborative and the Wilderness Workshop. \n\n\n\nSnow invites potential donors interested in investing in the future of this valley to contact the foundation to discuss where the biggest needs might meet their passions.\n\n\n\nIn Pitkin County, around 41% of homes are owned but unoccupied most of the year, according to a recent report on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. That means that nearly half of this valley’s homes are now owned by people who love this place enough to keep a foothold here. Weekley’s rethinking of philanthropy as a vehicle for great long-term social and economic benefits for everyone is a template of potential impact here. If not the people who love this valley most, then who? If not now, when? \n\n\n\nAs his life demonstrates, success might be more about stewarding wealth to create outsized collective impact for the people who live, work and play in these communities rather than accumulating resources.\n\n\n\n“Frankly, it’s just a very smart investment to make,” he said. “And it also happens to be the right thing to do.” \n\n\n\nDr Lindsay Branham is an environmental psychologist and the founder of The Heartwood Institute. Email her at lindsay@lindsaybranham.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/from-big-wealth-to-bigger-impact-how-a-colorado-billionaire-is-solving-the-paradise-paradox/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lindsay Branham Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-17T22:13:33.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17151932%2FKids_and_Alpaca-1024x683.jpg","slug":"from-big-wealth-to-bigger-impact-how-a-colorado-billionaire-is-solving-the-paradise-paradox"},{"id":"9vsmph","title":"SoL Theatre brings ‘The Prom’ to Carbondale stage","excerpt":"Prom dresses, tiaras and plenty of opening-night energy filled Thunder River Theatre Company on Thursday as SoL Theatre Company kicked off its run of “The Prom.”\n\n\n\nSome audience members dressed for the occasion, arriving in prom gowns and tiaras before posing for photos on the set after the perf...","content":"Prom dresses, tiaras and plenty of opening-night energy filled Thunder River Theatre Company on Thursday as SoL Theatre Company kicked off its run of “The Prom.”\n\n\n\nSome audience members dressed for the occasion, arriving in prom gowns and tiaras before posing for photos on the set after the performance.\n\n\n\nThe musical follows four struggling Broadway actors who travel to a small Indiana town after learning that a high school student has been prohibited from bringing her girlfriend to prom. The actors initially see the controversy as an opportunity to repair their public images, but their involvement makes matters worse before they begin working toward understanding and acceptance.\n\n\n\nSoL Theatre Executive Director Jennifer Austin Hughes, who plays Broadway actor Dee Dee Allen in the production, said the opening-night crowd responded enthusiastically.\n\n\n\n“I’ve rarely had an experience where it was a more effusive audience,” Hughes said. “They were saying, ‘I feel so happy right now,’ and that it was so joyful. The response was exactly what I was hoping it would be.”\n\n\n\nHughes said about 20 people in two groups attended in prom dresses and tiaras, then stayed after the performance to take photos on the set.\n\n\n\n“It’s been a completely joyful process to put the show together,” she said. “To actually get to start sharing it with our community, we were floating.”\n\n\n\n“The Prom” was inspired by the experience of a Mississippi teenager whose school district canceled its prom after she sought permission to attend with her girlfriend. A separate prom was later held for most of the school’s students while the teenager and a small group attended another event.\n\n\n\nIn the musical, student Emma Nolan faces a similar rejection before finding her voice with help from the visiting actors and others in her community.\n\n\n\nHughes said the production balances a painful story with humor and optimism.\n\n\n\n“Theater has a responsibility to kind of reflect back to us what’s going on in the world, but also to uplift us in times that are maybe confusing, maybe a little bit heavier,” Hughes said. “This year, we just really wanted to joy bomb the theater.”\n\n\n\nThe production comes as SoL Theatre receives statewide recognition for its 2025 production of “Cabaret,” which earned 10 nominations from the Colorado Theatre Guild’s Henry Awards.\n\n\n\nHughes said “Cabaret” was the second-most-nominated production and helped make SoL the third-most-nominated company despite having only one adjudicated production.\n\n\n\nThe company is competing alongside larger organizations, including the Arvada Center and Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The Henry Awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday.\n\n\n\n“To be nominated was really surprising, but also completely honoring,” Hughes said. “We’re really excited about it.”\n\n\n\nThe recognition has been especially meaningful because SoL’s professional summer theater program grew from the company’s longtime youth programming.\n\n\n\nSoL primarily operated as a children’s theater company for about 12 years before launching its summer stock program in 2024 with “Spring Awakening.” Hughes said the program was created partly to give former SoL students opportunities to return home and perform after pursuing theater professionally.\n\n\n\nThe company has since expanded its auditions and recruited performers from New York, Denver and other parts of the country while continuing to feature local actors and SoL alumni.\n\n\n\n“It’s been very validating,” Hughes said. “We spent 12 years building a company that means a lot to the community of Carbondale.”\n\n\n\nAspen native and SoL alumnus Luke Ryan returned to direct and choreograph “The Prom” after leading the Henry-nominated production of “Cabaret.” Hughes said Ryan’s involvement represents the full-circle purpose of the summer program.\n\n\n\n“He was a student who grew up with us and comes back and wants to make theater here,” she said. “There’s just something very full circle about that and very, very special.”\n\n\n\nThe cast includes Rachel Grodek as Emma Nolan, Kurt Perry as Barry Glickman, Hughes as Dee Dee Allen, Justine Verheul as Alyssa Greene, Jennetta Howell as Angie Dickinson and Samuel Meyer as Trent Oliver.\n\n\n\nNathan Cox plays Mr. Hawkins, China Kwan plays Mrs. Greene and Chris Wheatley plays Sheldon. Terry Lee serves as music director.\n\n\n\nThe production is SoL’s 2026 professional mainstage show and will also be adjudicated for next year’s Henry Awards.\n\n\n\n“The Prom” continues through July 26, bringing big laughs, flashy costumes and a story about standing up for others to the Carbondale stage.\n\n\n\nFor tickets and more information, visit www.soltheatrecompany.org. \n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t If you go…\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat: SoL Theatre Company’s “The Prom”\nWhen: 7 p.m. July 17-18 and July 23-25; 2 p.m. July 19 and 26\nWhere: Lon Winston Theatre at Thunder River Theatre Company, 67 Promenade, Carbondale\nHow much: $27-$37","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/sol-theatre-brings-the-prom-to-carbondale-stage/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T21:51:41.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F17154519%2Fimage0-1024x1024.jpeg","slug":"sol-theatre-brings-the-prom-to-carbondale-stage"},{"id":"h590tk","title":"Eagle County files petition of condemnation on private land in Edwards it wants for public park","excerpt":"Attorneys for the Eagle County commissioners on July 10 filed a “petition of condemnation” in Eagle County District Court to acquire a disputed parcel of land in Edwards adjacent to land the county owns west of the Eagle River Village mobile home park and wants to convert to a park.\n\n\n\n“The subje...","content":"Attorneys for the Eagle County commissioners on July 10 filed a “petition of condemnation” in Eagle County District Court to acquire a disputed parcel of land in Edwards adjacent to land the county owns west of the Eagle River Village mobile home park and wants to convert to a park.\n\n\n\n“The subject property consists of land to be acquired in fee by Eagle County for the public purpose of a parkland, recreation area and open space,” the eminent domain proceeding reads. “Eagle County has negotiated in good faith with Matthew R. Larson, Rediger Development, LLC, and Edwards Affordable Housing, LLC …”\n\n\n\nLarson and his companies want to build six workforce housing units on the small parcel just south of the Eagle River and argues the county’s own frequent proclamations of a housing crisis make the federally subsidized units critical as a model for future affordable housing projects.\n\n\n\n“Eagle County has made a final written offer to these Respondents, but the parties have been unable to reach an agreement on the voluntary acquisition of the Subject Property prior to the filing of this condemnation action,” the petition reads. “It is not clear that these Respondents are capable of voluntarily conveying good title to the Subject Property to Eagle County.”\n\n\n\nLarson counters there should be no confusion he’s the owner of the sliver of land in question, even though the county initially claimed ownership when it first used taxpayer funds to purchase the adjacent River House property for $3.8 million in 2023.\n\n\n\n“You don’t condemn land you own. And if ownership were really ‘unclear,’ you’d name more than just the owner in the condemnation petition,” Larson wrote in an email to the Vail Daily. “In 2023, the county announced that its multi-million-dollar River House purchase included our property next door.\n\n\n\nThe roughly 4-acre “River House” parcel is on the north side of U.S. Highway 6, and just west of the western portion of the Eagle River Village mobile home park. The disputed parcel is the sliver to the right in yellow.Eagle County/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“The paperwork behind the announcement was a $10 quitclaim deed from a seller who didn’t own our land — like buying someone’s house, asking them to throw in a deed to their neighbor’s place, then announcing you bought both,” Larson said, adding the county has not negotiated in good faith.\n\n\n\n“Colorado law required good-faith negotiation before filing.” Larson said. “We asked twice to sit down face to face. We offered easements to give the Eagle River mobile home park its connection to the county’s new park through our property. And if that wasn’t connection enough, we said we’d consider a land trade — it could be smaller, and not on the river. We just want to build our six LIHTC units. The county declined both meetings and filed.”\n\n\n\nLIHTC is the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program Larson argues the county housing department is not utilizing and should be as part to mitigate its critical housing shortage.\n\n\n\nCounty officials did not provide additional comment by deadline on Friday, but the filing seems to focus on an easement on the property in question dating back to the 1950s.\n\n\n\n“Eagle County seeks to acquire a fee interest in the Subject Property, but will take title subject to a 1955 Easement along the approximate eastern edge of the Subject Property, and subject to an existing access easement along the approximate western edge of the Subject Property,” the petition reads.\n\n\n\nThe commissioners in late April passed a resolution moving ahead with the eminent domain action.\n\n\n\nThe July 10 petition stemming from that resolution reads: “The Board of Eagle County Commissioners found, determined, and declared that Eagle County’s acquisition of the Subject Property is necessary for the public purpose of a parkland, recreation area and green space that is open to all members of the public, and in particular, to provide a safe, beautiful and accessible outdoor area for use by West Edwards residents, and is essential to protect, preserve, and promote the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.”\n\n\n\nLarson counters that the greater public good is more affordable housing on his property.\n\n\n\n“So here is the trade the county just made: six new Edwards rentals capped at $1,500 a month, swapped for a courtroom — and for high legal bills that could be going to low-income housing,” Larson said. “We’ll show up to the courtroom, but we’d rather be at the building department.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-files-petition-of-condemnation-on-private-land-in-edwards-it-wants-for-public-park/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T21:33:17.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F04%2F30152735%2FTom_Boyd_Matt_Scherr_River_House-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"eagle-county-files-petition-of-condemnation-on-private-land-in-edwards-it-wants-for-public-park"},{"id":"au65ib","title":"Foodstuff: In a pickle","excerpt":"The dog days of summer are officially upon us, and while we need the moisture, I’m about to start doing a drinking game for every time someone says, “We need the moisture.” My box fan has been pointed directly at my face for much of the past two weeks, and my cooking has been limited to easy reci...","content":"The dog days of summer are officially upon us, and while we need the moisture, I’m about to start doing a drinking game for every time someone says, “We need the moisture.” My box fan has been pointed directly at my face for much of the past two weeks, and my cooking has been limited to easy recipes with big payoffs and snacky-type things for your stereotypical Girl Dinner. All the better if I don’t have to turn on the oven, and I get to dig into my plethora of produce.\n\n\n\nTo that end, I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of pickling. While I haven’t explored the full-blown, sterilize-the-jar-to-store-things-through-the-winter project, I’ve thrown sad vegetables into my store-bought pickle brine before and made a few quick pickled red onions over the years with some success. When a big ol’ bunch of pickling cucumbers showed up in the weekly CSA box, I figured it was time to up my game. It helped that the word “quick” is literally in the title of this New York Times Cooking recipe.\n\n\n\nQuick dill pickles\n\n\n\nYields 1 quart*\n\n\n\n\n1 pound Kirby cucumbers\n\n\n\n2 sprigs fresh dill**\n\n\n\n1 garlic clove\n\n\n\n1 teaspoon coriander seeds\n\n\n\n1 teaspoon mustard seeds\n\n\n\n1t black peppercorns\n\n\n\n1 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar\n\n\n\n3/4 cup water\n\n\n\n1/4 cup granulated sugar\n\n\n\n3 tablespoon kosher salt, such as Diamond Crystal, or 1 1/2 tablespoons fine salt\n\n\n\n\nMaking homemade pickles.Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nTrim the stem ends of the cucumbers, then cut lengthwise into spears***. Snugly pack the cucumber spears, dill sprigs and garlic clove into a one-quart glass jar with a lid (it will be a very tight fit).\n\n\n\nIn a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, toast the coriander, mustard seeds and peppercorns until aromatic, about two minutes. Stir in the water, vinegar, sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer, then pour the mixture into the jar over the cucumbers.\n\n\n\nSeal the jar and let come to room temperature, about 30 minutes, before refrigerating. Chill at least four hours before serving or allow the flavor to fully mature for three days****. Store, refrigerated, for up to one month.\n\n\n\nCook’s notes\n\n\n\n*Make sure you have a quart-sized glass jar before beginning. Did you know there’s an entire canning section at City Market? Learn something new every day.\n\n\n\n**We doubled all of the aromatics: the dill, garlic, coriander, mustard and peppercorns … because I’m wild like that.\n\n\n\n***We experimented with whole pickles, as well as slicing up some into spears and pickle chips. Every cut turned out great.\n\n\n\n****I shook and flipped the jar periodically to evenly distribute the brine and spices. I have no idea if this had an impact, but it was fun to do.\n\n\n\nI have a long-standing stance that I refuse to buy salad dressing and always prepare it from scratch myself because it’s fast, easy to make at home and always turns out 1,000 times better than the junk in the jar. I believe I’ll adopt a similar attitude to store-bought pickles after this experiment (we made two different batches on different days to ensure consistency and quality). These were so good and relatively quick, minus the marinating time and blew anything pre-made out of the water. They would also make a good homemade hostess gift, and I bet the brine would work on a bunch of different vegetables.\n\n\n\nHomemade pickles on top of a burger. Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nI’ve been snacking on the spears, and we threw a stack on some grilled burgers on the Fourth of July. Served with watermelon, salad, potato chips and homemade margaritas, summer on a plate was officially served.\n\n\n\nKatherine Roberts is a mid-Valley–based writer and marketing professional who is currently sending out all of her best juju for a forecast full of rain. She can be reached via her marketing and communications firm, Carington Creative, at katherine@caringtoncreative.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/foodstuff-in-a-pickle/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Katherine Roberts Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tkatherine@caringtoncreative.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T21:02:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17090226%2FKatherine2-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"foodstuff-in-a-pickle"},{"id":"6ptexf","title":"Low flows, hot temperatures force fishing closures on 4 Western Slope rivers","excerpt":"Extremely low flows and high water temperatures have prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement voluntary fishing closures on the Colorado, Eagle, Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers beginning Friday, July 17.\n\n\n\nSevere drought conditions have driven river flows well below 50% of normal, and d...","content":"Extremely low flows and high water temperatures have prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement voluntary fishing closures on the Colorado, Eagle, Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers beginning Friday, July 17.\n\n\n\nSevere drought conditions have driven river flows well below 50% of normal, and daily maximum water temperatures have consistently exceeded 71 degrees. Parks and Wildlife said in a news release it expects these voluntary restrictions to remain in place for the foreseeable future to protect stressed fish populations.\n\n\n\nThe closures will affect the following rivers: \n\n\n\n\nColorado River: A full-day voluntary closure will go into effect from Red Dirt Creek downstream to the Colorado State Highway 13 bridge in Rifle. Water temperatures are exceeding 71 degrees, and flows remain critically low. \n\n\n\nEagle River: A full-day voluntary closure is in effect from Lake Creek in Edwards downstream to the Colorado River confluence. Daily temperatures have been peaking at 77 degrees in Gypsum and 74.5 degrees in Wolcott.\n\n\n\nCrystal River: A full-day voluntary closure is in effect from mile marker 64 on State Highway 133 downstream to the Roaring Fork confluence. Flows are declining rapidly and are expected to drop to a level at which fish movement is limited in the near future. Crystal River flows are currently less than 10% of normal for this time of year.\n\n\n\nRoaring Fork River: A daily afternoon voluntary closure is in effect from noon to midnight from the Highway 133 bridge in Carbondale to the Colorado River confluence. High afternoon temperatures and heavy angling pressure are isolated to this lower stretch. Upper sections remain cooler, allowing fish to recover overnight. \n\n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife’s regulations allow the agency to implement these closures based on temperatures, streamflows, declining fish condition and dropping oxygen levels in the water. These closures are meant to conserve fish populations, removing angling pressure when conditions are already stressed in fisheries. \n\n\n\nOnce river temperatures rise above 71 degrees Fahrenheit, oxygen levels in the water drop. As a result, fish can stop feeding, become more susceptible to diseases, and, ultimately, die. When streamflows drop below 50% of the daily average, it can concentrate fish into small areas, increasing competition for food and making them more susceptible to angling pressure and disease, \n\n\n\nIn these conditions, fish struggle to recover after being caught and released, according to Parks and Wildlife. As a result, the agency recommends anglers fish early in the day to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. Anglers should also use a handheld thermometer to test water conditions and move to cooler, higher-elevation waters once temperatures approach 71 degrees. \n\n\n\nTo reduce fish stress, officials advise anglers to: \n\n\n\n\nUse heavier tippet and line to land fish quickly\n\n\n\nWet hands before handling any fish\n\n\n\nKeep fish submerged in the water while unhooking and releasing them\n\n\n\nAvoid removing fish from the water for photographs\n\n\n\nAvoid overcrowded areas and have an alternative fishing location planned\n\n\n\n\nFor a complete list of voluntary river closures, visit Parks and Wildlife’s 2026 Weather and Drought Closures tracker on CPW.State.CO.US/bodies-water-finder.","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/western-slope-rivers-low-flows-hot-temperatures-closures/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Summit Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnews@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T19:52:38.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":45,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F16084856%2FEagle_River_June_19_ALongwell-1024x767.jpg","slug":"low-flows-hot-temperatures-force-fishing-closures-on-4-western-slope-rivers"},{"id":"cyl3lx","title":"12-year-old dog dodges mountain lions, travels 50 miles over 33 days in Colorado mountains before reuniting with owner","excerpt":"Brinley, a small terrier mix, weighed 28 pounds when she left Dallas, Texas, with her owner for a summer road trip last month. Thirty-three days after stopping in Summit County, the 12-year-old dog weighed just 17.2 pounds. \n\n\n\nShe survived mostly alone in the wilderness after becoming loose near...","content":"Brinley, a small terrier mix, weighed 28 pounds when she left Dallas, Texas, with her owner for a summer road trip last month. Thirty-three days after stopping in Summit County, the 12-year-old dog weighed just 17.2 pounds. \n\n\n\nShe survived mostly alone in the wilderness after becoming loose near the Blue River Campground in Silverthorne on Thursday, June 10. Scott Welch, Brinley’s lifelong owner, reunited with his dog and “best buddy” on Monday, July 13, ending a monthlong search that drew dozens of volunteers and stretched across mountain trails, ranches and river corridors. \n\n\n\nThis month, Summit Lost Pet Rescue has successfully saved two lost dogs that went missing for over four weeks — Brinley and 2-year-old Atlas, who was reunited with his owners Sunday, July 5. \n\n\n\nBrinley lost over a third of her body weight while repeatedly evading rescuers, navigating rugged terrain and narrowly dodging predators before volunteers with the nonprofit, volunteer-run rescue group helped to guide her back into Welch’s arms.\n\n\n\nOn June 10, Welch stopped at a scenic pullout near Blue River Campground just outside Silverthorne while driving to Seattle to pick up his daughter for a family vacation. He and Brinley exited his van, equipped for camping, to stretch their legs before returning to the vehicle. Just before heading back on the road, Welch stepped less than 80 feet away to snap a photo. \n\n\n\nWhen he returned to the car barely two minutes later, he noticed the driver’s side door open. \n\n\n\n“I thought that was strange because I don’t usually do that,” Welch said. \n\n\n\nBrinley, the 12-year-old Staffordshire and Jack Russell Terrier mix, is pictured in 2020. Her lifelong owner, Scott Welch, said Brinley has always felt like another child to him.Scott Welch/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nBack in the car, Welch said he thought he saw Brinley’s outline tucked among camping gear in the back seat and continued driving. About 90 minutes later, when he stopped and opened the back of the van, “There was no Brinley,” he said. “My heart sunk.” \n\n\n\nWelch immediately drove straight back to the campground area, where an employee informed him Summit County Sheriff’s Office deputies had already searched for Brinley with drones after receiving reports of a loose white dog. Summit County Animal Control and Summit Lost Pet Rescue had also begun organizing before Welch returned to Silverthorne three hours after losing Brinley.\n\n\n\n“They already knew about her,” Welch said of the three agencies. “They had volunteers on the job looking. They had signs everywhere. They started a bunch of social media messages.”\n\n\n\nWithout his built-in companion, Welch put his family vacation on hold and remained in Summit County for nearly a week, living in his van while joining the search effort. Worn out from the frantic searches and hitting four days without any reported sightings, Welch said he decided to join his family on the West Coast through the end of June. Because Summit Lost Pet Rescue volunteers “never gave up,” he said, “It gave me the confidence to leave.”\n\n\n\nAfter July 4, Welch and his girlfriend “anxiously” drove back to Silverthorne, aware of multiple recent sightings. Each day for over a week, the pair hiked trails and rode bicycles loaned by community members while volunteers searched alongside.\n\n\n\n“It’s a real rollercoaster,” Welch said. “There’s a sighting, and then they’re onsite 20 minutes later, and you think, ‘We’re gonna get her, we’re gonna get her,’ and then we don’t — day, after day, after day.”\n\n\n\nA month in survival mode\n\n\n\nBrandon Ciullo, co-founder of Summit Lost Pet Rescue, said Brinley initially stayed near Blue River Campground by the water before traveling across several private ranches in Silverthorne. She later climbed roughly 1,000 feet above Rock Creek Road before turning up near the popular Willowbrook Trail, where volunteers again came close to locating her.\n\n\n\n“She’d spend three or four days in one spot and then move a little further away,” Ciullo said.\n\n\n\nShortly after her rescue, Brinley shows affection to Brandon Cuillo, co-founder of Summit Lost Pet Rescue, who aided in her final capture with the help of her owner, Scott Welch of Dallas, Texas.Brandon Cuillo/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe search became a game of trying to predict Brinley’s next movements. Summit Lost Pet Rescue responded to around 25 confirmed sightings, with volunteers often dropping everything to hike miles, set traps and monitor cameras overnight. Tara Keefer, a five-year Summit Lost Pet Rescue team member and the coordinator for Brinley’s mission, worked to schedule hourlong night shifts, ensuring no longer than 30 minutes passed between reviews of footage.\n\n\n\nAt several points, Brinley’s path brought her close to predators. \n\n\n\nWhile surveilling a bridge at a ranch in Silverthorne, volunteers captured footage of two mountain lions, including a female with two cubs. Another video showed a coyote and her seven pups using the same crossing, Keefer said. \n\n\n\n“We were terrified for her,” she said. “But she clearly didn’t have any problem avoiding predators.”\n\n\n\nAfter Brinley wandered onto another property, a young ranch hand watched her outrun four working dogs. \n\n\n\n“She’s fast,” Keefer recalled him saying. “She outran all my cattle dogs.”\n\n\n\nDespite over two dozen sightings over a month, Brinley proved difficult to capture. \n\n\n\nCiullo said the dog had transformed into what he described as a “super survival mode,” causing her to prioritize escape over recognizing even familiar voices. That instinct continued even when she finally encountered Welch, weeks after they initially separated.\n\n\n\nSwitching back from wild animal to pet\n\n\n\nAfter a Summit County resident posted a photo of Brinley to Facebook on Monday, Ciullo, Welch and other Summit Lost Pet Rescue volunteers located Brinley a couple blocks east of Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply along Highway 9 in Silverthorne. \n\n\n\nThe team of four carefully positioned themselves around her, using a “controlled push” to distance her from traffic and guide her toward Welch, Ciullo said. \n\n\n\nBefore directing her just a couple blocks away from Murdoch’s, Brinley walked within a foot of Welch — twice — without recognizing him. Ciullo recalled Brinley walking through Welch’s legs.\n\n\n\n“I think that’s the closest I’ve ever seen a dog to his owner without registering that it was his owner,” Ciullo said. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWelch said after weeks of searching, he was prepared for that moment of disconnect. \n\n\n\n“I dropped the bike, took off my hat and I started singing her name to her,” Welch said. “She didn’t respond. Her response was to walk away.” \n\n\n\nAfter a couple attempts, Welch slipped a lead around her torso. Less than a minute later, Brinley’s demeanor shifted drastically.\n\n\n\n“She converted from a wild animal to a pet in 15 seconds,” Welch said, becoming emotional while recalling the moment the next day. “Once I held her and she knew she was safe, she was open for other people to pet her and show affection, and she showed affection back. It was an amazing switch.”\n\n\n\nReunited after 33 days, owner Scott Welch embraces his dog, Brinley, in the shade shortly after her rescue in Silverthorne on Thursday, July 10.Brandon Cuillo/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nRecovery begins\n\n\n\nShortly after the rescue Monday afternoon, Welch took Brinley to Buffalo Mountain Animal Hospital where Dr. Christine Murphy evaluated her condition. \n\n\n\nIn addition to extreme emaciation, Welch said Brinley’s paws and forearms were badly scraped. When he picked her up for the first time after the rescue, blood from her injuries covered his shirt. \n\n\n\n“My baby looks like a poster dog,” Welch said. “She’s pretty much herself except the skeleton-like physique.”\n\n\n\nBrinley must now follow a strict refeeding plan. Welch said the vet detected a heart murmur, likely a temporary physiological response to emaciation.\n\n\n\nSummit Lost Pet Rescue members pose for a photo with Scott Welchand his 12-year-old dog, Brinley, who was lost for 33 days until Summit Lost Pet Rescue volunteers helped to track and capture her.Tara Keefer/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWelch, who had only ever visited Summit County to ski, said he plans to stick around through the end of the week while Brinley rests and regains some strength before returning to Texas.\n\n\n\n“Once I got her cleaned up, we took a little nap together, which we often do,” Welch said. “It was wonderful to have her back stretched out against me.”\n\n\n\nWhen Keefer received word of the rescue Monday, she became overcome with emotion.\n\n\n\n“I got the message, and I had to pull over on the side of the highway because I was crying so much,” she said. “I’m just so happy that she’s safe.” \n\n\n\nWelch credited Summit Lost Pet Rescue, law enforcement, ranch owners and community members who welcomed him into their homes, helped search for Brinley and refused to yield. \n\n\n\n“If you’re gonna lose a dog, this is the right county to lose one,” Welch said.\n\n\n\nBack at home, he said, Brinley “has a lot of fans that are anxious to see her.”","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colorado-dog-pet-rescue-summit-county-mountain-lion-evasion/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Allison Moore Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tamoore@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T19:03:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F17125950%2FBrinley-768x1024.jpeg","slug":"12-year-old-dog-dodges-mountain-lions-travels-50-miles-over-33-days-in-colorado-mountains-before-reu"},{"id":"tnczbg","title":"Anderson Ranch Arts Center sets scholarship fundraising record","excerpt":"On July 15, Anderson Ranch Arts Center held its annual Ranch Gala and Live Auction in Snowmass, welcoming more than 200 guests from art, design and cultural communities. \n\n\n\nThe event raised a record $1.6 million through ticket sales and the live auction. Proceeds support Anderson Ranch scholarsh...","content":"On July 15, Anderson Ranch Arts Center held its annual Ranch Gala and Live Auction in Snowmass, welcoming more than 200 guests from art, design and cultural communities. \n\n\n\nThe event raised a record $1.6 million through ticket sales and the live auction. Proceeds support Anderson Ranch scholarships and year-round programming.\n\n\n\n“We are thrilled by the extraordinary generosity of our artists, donors, collectors and community, who understand that their support is an investment in the future of creativity. Every dollar raised this week, at the Ranch Gala and Ranch Picnic, ensures Anderson Ranch remains a place where artists can learn, create and thrive,” President and CEO of Anderson Ranch Peter Waanders told The Aspen Times. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we invite everyone to join us on Saturday for the Ranch Picnic and Auction, one of Snowmass Village’s most beloved traditions. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to experience art, creativity and connection while celebrating six decades of Anderson Ranch.”\n\n\n\nAt the gala, Anderson Ranch presented Marilyn Minter with the Ranch’s 2026 International Artist Award. The award honors her work across painting, photography and film. Minter’s art challenges ideas of beauty, power, gender and representation. She’s known for her “fearless experimentation and technical mastery,” according to a release.\n\n\n\n2026 International Artist Honoree at The Anderson Ranch Center for the Arts “Ranch Gala and Live Auction” event setting a record-breaking $1.6 million in funds for Emerging Scholarships.The Anderson Ranch Center for the Arts/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“A standout moment came during a spirited bidding war for Minter’s commissioned portrait. When two collectors reached a stalemate, Minter offered a commission to each if both committed, a generous gesture that helped the Ranch exceed its fundraising goals for the night,” according to a press release. \n\n\n\nGala co-chairs Sue Hostetler, Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn and Robin Loewenberg Tebbe led the event. Live auction committee members Barbara Berger, Ashlee Harrison, Evan Snyderman and Kelly Woods also joined. Together, they made it the biggest night of giving for Anderson Ranch’s programs.\n\n\n\nAuctioneer Michael Macaulay led the live auction. It featured contemporary art and Anderson Ranch’s creative spirit.\n\n\n\nThe 2026 auction featured donated works by McArthur Binion, James Casebere, Ingrid Donat, Chantal Joffe, Marilyn Minter, Maynard Monrow, Jessica Rankin, Richard Rezac, Davina Semo, Claudia Wieser, Wu Chi-Tsung and Jeff Zimmerman.\n\n\n\nOther notable events during the week included a screening of Minter’s documentary “Pretty/Dirty: The Life and Times of Marilyn Minter” at Aspen’s Isis Theatre, followed by a panel and Q&A with Minter, Producer Hostetler, and Director/Producer Benchley. Plus, Minter and Lisa Phillips led a Summer Series talk\n\n\n\nThe following day, Ranch Week continued with the Summer Series talk between Marilyn Minter and Lisa Phillips, Director of the New Museum, Toby Devin Lewis.\n\n\n\nAnderson Rance Center for the Arts hosts “Ranch picnic and auction,” Saturday, July 18, 2026.Anderson Ranch Arts/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe annual “Ranch Picnic and Auction” takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18, serving as the finale of Ranch Week (July 13-18) at Snowmass Village, 5263 Owl Creek Rd. The silent auction will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will feature more than 130 works by leading contemporary artists and talented local creators. At 11:30 a.m., the Colorado band Wild Flight will perform live music. The tradition brings together art lovers, families, collectors, artists and visitors, according to the Anderson Ranch website.\n\n\n\nThe event is free and open to the public. \n\n\n\nTo register for the Anderson Ranch Picnic and Auction, visit andersonranch.org/ranch-picnic-and-auction.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/anderson-ranch-arts-center-sets-scholarship-fundraising-record/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T17:38:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17111556%2F2RANCH_GALA-07-1024x683.jpg","slug":"anderson-ranch-arts-center-sets-scholarship-fundraising-record"},{"id":"3ihi97","title":"Back in Time | Aspen","excerpt":"“At 6 o’clock tonight the people of Aspen and all visitors are cordially invited to enjoy their supper at the Jerome Hotel — not a banquet or a spread — just the regular 6 o’clock supper with a few Home Coming frills and a good fellowship gathering,” The Aspen Democrat-Times announced July 20, 19...","content":"“At 6 o’clock tonight the people of Aspen and all visitors are cordially invited to enjoy their supper at the Jerome Hotel — not a banquet or a spread — just the regular 6 o’clock supper with a few Home Coming frills and a good fellowship gathering,” The Aspen Democrat-Times announced July 20, 1925.\n\n\n\n“Old timers present will tell a story or two during the supper hour. The speaker of the evening is Professor Elmore Petersen of the University of Colorado, who will speak on educational work interspersed with humorous stories for the telling of which he is the peer of all after-dinner speakers. Those who miss hearing Prof. Petersen will regret it. So be there and receive a treat. The McHugh orchestra will furnish appropriate music during the feast and a general good time is assured for all present.”\n\n\n\n“Back in Time” is contributed by Aspen Historical Society and features excerpted articles and images from past Snowmass Sun/Aspen Times issues. We can’t rewrite history, but we can learn from it! Visit archiveaspen.org to view the vast Aspen Times photographic collection in the AHS Archives.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/back-in-time-aspen-72/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Historical Society Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tinfo@aspenhistory.org","publishDate":"2026-07-17T17:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16234819%2F1963.044.0014_Aspen_Historical_Society-1024x606.jpg","slug":"back-in-time-aspen"},{"id":"d7hrjf","title":"Unlimited no more: Colorado imposes new daily limits on wildlife hunted for fur","excerpt":"The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission narrowly passed a new daily hunting limit for the 17 species it classifies as furbearers at its Thursday, July 16 meeting in Ignacio. \n\n\n\nRecreational hunters can now only kill two per day — down from the previous unlimited precedent — of each of the fur...","content":"The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission narrowly passed a new daily hunting limit for the 17 species it classifies as furbearers at its Thursday, July 16 meeting in Ignacio. \n\n\n\nRecreational hunters can now only kill two per day — down from the previous unlimited precedent — of each of the furbearer species, a group that includes beavers, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, marten and other mesocarnivores. \n\n\n\nThe limit, which was lower than the two options brought forth by staff, was proposed by new commissioner Rebecca Niemiec who was appointed alongside and Johnny Le Coq and Dr. Peter Maguire by Gov. Jared Polis in June. Commissioners Niemiec and Le Coq were joined by Gabriel Otero, Richard Reading, Jessica Beaulieu and Jay Tutchton in approving the daily limit of two. Commissioners Maguire, Jack Murphy, Frances Silva Blayney, Tai Jacober and Dallas May voted against it. \n\n\n\nAt its March meeting, with Parks and Wildlife staff claiming that there was no biological need to implement such a limit, commissioners instead suggested it could help to build social tolerance among non-hunters of the practice by closing a perceived regulatory loophole and helping prevent a small group of furbearer hunters from “overharvesting,” and thus reducing opportunities for other hunters, trappers or wildlife viewers in a certain area. \n\n\n\nNiemiec said her primary driver is that a daily limit of two “better enhances social acceptance than a higher bag limit,” citing her own research from Colorado State University’s Animal-Human Policy Center. \n\n\n\n“With a bag limit of two, people can still trap hundreds of animals in a season,” she said. “We’re not limiting people. We’re enabling trappers to keep trapping. We’re only talking about those localized overharvesters who might be reducing hunting and trapping opportunities for other recreationalists and who might be reducing non-consumptive opportunities as well.” \n\n\n\nIt is the first of two furbearer management questions facing the commission during its two-day July meeting. On the second day, it will weigh a ban on the commercial sale of fur in Colorado.\n\n\n\nHow Colorado currently manages furbearer hunting\n\n\n\nA 1996 ballot measure in Colorado significantly narrowed the allowed methods of trapping, which Colorado Parks and Wildlife have said act as a natural limit on how many furbearers can be hunted. This chart shows how the number of animals killed declined following the measure’s passage.Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThe idea to impose a limit has been raised in public comments for several years and was among the recommendations made to the agency by a 2025 stakeholder group. \n\n\n\nMatt Eckert, Parks and Wildlife’s deputy assistant director, said in a presentation on Thursday that while the agency understands that “the ability of any person to take an unlimited quantity of any species may seem and feel wrong,” that “unlimited daily bag limit, in practice, does not mean unlimited take.” \n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife has long allowed unlimited harvest of its 17 furbearer species to hunters who purchase a $10 furbearer permit on top of a small game license. In its 2024-25 fiscal year, the agency sold 19,620 furbearer permits. According to Parks and Wildlife, the average hunter kills fewer than 2 furbearers per year. Reid DeWalt, the agency’s deputy director, said that while there are a few people who are “super harvesters” and kill more than this average, 85% of permit holders are unsuccessful and kill none. \n\n\n\nIn a July memo to the commission, Parks and Wildlife Director Laura Clellan wrote that “current annual harvest rates range from 0.6-5.8% of the conservative population projections,” and that there is no scientific evidence that the current level of hunting is causing population declines. \n\n\n\n“The division has not yet set a daily bag limit for furbearers because there has not been a biological or management reason to do so,” Eckert said, adding that a 1996 ballot measure that banned certain methods of hunting has “strongly reduced trapping success rates and substantially reduced harvest, despite unlimited daily bag limits.”\n\n\n\nThe limit passed by the wildlife commission on Thursday only applies to recreational hunting and does not impact the state law that allows property owners and producers to kill animals causing damage to property and agricultural assets without a permit. \n\n\n\nA screenshot from a July 2026 Colorado Parks and Wildlife memo showing population estimates and hunting levels for several “priority” furbearer species including beavers, gray foxes, marten, ringtails, swift foxes and bobcats.Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThe debate over hunting limits for Colorado furbearers\n\n\n\nWildlife advocates and some commissioners pushed back on Parks and Wildlife’s initial proposal in March to limit recreational hunting to 15 per animal per day, arguing it didn’t go far enough. \n\n\n\nOn Thursday, while it maintained a daily limit of 15 was its recommendation, Parks and Wildlife staff also offered an alternative, tiered approach with a species-dependent limit of eight or four. The higher limit of eight would have applied to nine species identified by state law as those that can cause property damage, with the remaining eight species subjected to the lower limit of four. \n\n\n\nHowever, many wildlife advocates who spoke Thursday argued that these limits still did not go far enough, some pushing for a lower limit, others asking for annual limits rather than daily ones and many arguing for an outright ban on hunting furbearers.\n\n\n\n“Wildlife is a shared public resource, and bag limits should preserve fair access for all Coloradans,” said Aubyn Royall, the Colorado state director of Humane World for Animals. “CPW’s data showed that the average hunter kills about two beavers or bobcats over the year. Yet the proposed limit of eight would allow one person to kill four times that typical annual amount in a single day. A limit set so far above ordinary participation does not promote equitable access; it accommodates the small number of those who kill many animals.” \n\n\n\nStriped skunks are among the 17 species Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages as furbearers and that can be hunted for fur. On July 16, 2026, the Parks and Wildlife Commision passed a new daily limit of two for these mesocarnivore speciesK Theule/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\n\n\n\nRhonda Dern, a Colorado wildlife advocate, was among those asking for an outright ban, arguing that “ethical science requires an end to trapping and hunting of mesopredators.”\n\n\n\n“You’re undermining the intrinsic value of these species,” she said. “The climate catastrophe and biological crisis that threaten all of us, you must understand that mesopredators play an important role in our survival. A bag limit of zero is the best option, and killing is never conservation.”\n\n\n\nNiemiec added that the discussion of limits is “all about values.” \n\n\n\n“My desire to see a bobcat alive is just as legitimate as a consumptive user’s desire to trap a bobcat,” she said. “Our values are just as legitimate.” \n\n\n\nOther public commenters, however, urged the commission to heed the advice of Parks and Wildlife staff. \n\n\n\n“Rio Blanco County is rich in hunting, fishing and trapping. It’s not only essential for our local economy, but it’s deeply rooted in our customs and culture,” said Reece Melton, the director of natural resources for the county, adding that Parks and Wildlife’s proposed limit of 15 was “far past sufficient.” \n\n\n\n“You should trust their recommendation,” Melton said. “I don’t know why we continue to consider very radical changes to systems and to science that has worked for decades in our state. We have some of the most robust wildlife resources across the nation, and it’s not by chance. It’s because those individuals right there that know exactly what they’re talking about.” \n\n\n\nChris Jurney, who operates a hunting outfitter in Craig and who has been involved in several working groups for furbearers, said that while “there are a lot of assumptions, allegations and false claims without proof of any scientific or biological problems on overall populations,” Parks and Wildlife did not indicate any “biological evidence of a problem to merit change.” \n\n\n\n“Just because you might not like it or don’t personally agree with furbearer harvest doesn’t make it wrong,” Jurney said. \n\n\n\nIn the subsequent 6-5 vote to implement a limit of two per day, the dissenting commissioners cited their trust in Parks and Wildlife staff’s expertise as the motivating factor. \n\n\n\n“I’m perplexed because throughout these comments, there was a large portion of the commissioners that understand that these bag limits have no implications on the take, have no implications on the population,” said Commissioner Jacober. “So why are we not just choosing a motion to support the staff in their recommendations?”\n\n\n\nCommissioner Silva Blayney said she was “disheartened by the amount of time that we’ve had to spend on this issue when furbearers aren’t a problem from a biological perspective.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-wildlife-hunted-fur-daily-limits/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T16:50:27.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F17104516%2Fusfws-turnbull-nwr-coyote-grass-large-1024x800.jpeg","slug":"unlimited-no-more-colorado-imposes-new-daily-limits-on-wildlife-hunted-for-fur"},{"id":"x593y3","title":"Colorado skiers and snowboarders look to qualify for freeride debut at 2030 Winter Olympics","excerpt":"Freeride skiing and snowboarding will debut at the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps — and Colorado athletes are among those hoping to compete.\n\n\n\nShayne Blue Sandblom, a 23-year-old Silt native and Freeride World Tour competitor, described freeride — a discipline where athletes rip down steep, un...","content":"Freeride skiing and snowboarding will debut at the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps — and Colorado athletes are among those hoping to compete.\n\n\n\nShayne Blue Sandblom, a 23-year-old Silt native and Freeride World Tour competitor, described freeride — a discipline where athletes rip down steep, ungroomed terrain, making tight lines through couloirs and jumping off natural cliff features — as the “pinnacle” of skiing and snowboarding.\n\n\n\n“I think that its inclusion at the Olympics is going to have a ridiculous effect on the progression and the level at which the Freeride World Tour and competitive freeriding is going to be,” Sandblom said. “I think we’re going to see a lot more athletes come into our discipline in a competitive aspect and elevate the level of our sport. I think it’s only going to add to the culture, rather than take away from it.”\n\n\n\nRoad to the 2030 Olympics\n\n\n\nFreeride, as the name suggests, allows skiers and riders to choose their own route through big mountain terrain. The athletes — all of whom have to wear avalanche airbags due to the risks of the backcountry, where the sport takes place — are judged based on a combination of line choice, control, fluidity, technique and style, rather than time.\n\n\n\n“It requires skill sets from all different disciplines of snowboarding to be an Olympic-level freerider,” Sandblom said. “You need to be spending time in the terrain park. You need to be spending time free riding in crappy conditions. You need to be spending time working on your turns on groomers. It’s going to be really important to be hitting the gym.”\n\n\n\nThe International Olympic Committee announced on July 7 that 44 athletes — 22 women and 22 men — will compete in freeride skiing and snowboarding events at the 2030 Winter Olympics. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation, or FIS, will publish information on the qualification system by December, with the Freeride World Tour expected to be the main pathway to the Olympics, according to a news release.\n\n\n\nJoey Leonardo, who grew up in Edwards, throws a backflip off a cliff at a Freeride World Tour event. Leonardo is hoping to qualify to compete in the freeride ski event at its debut in the 2030 Winter Olympics.Freeride World Tour/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Freeride World Tour, which FIS acquired in 2022, includes more than 300 annual events across four continents. It has about 10,000 licensed riders competing across its four tiers: junior, qualifier, challenger and the professional Freeride World Tour.\n\n\n\nU.S. Ski and Snowboard said in a news release that it will publish criteria for freeride and name its “elite teams” within the 2026-27 season.\n\n\n\n“Bringing this discipline into our high-performance system means our coaches and sport scientists can start supporting these athletes now, well ahead of 2030,” said Anouk Patty, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport, in a statement. “We are excited to welcome them to our organization.”\n\n\n\nA ‘new era’ for freeride\n\n\n\nJoey Leonardo — another 23-year-old Olympic hopeful who grew up in Edwards and also made his debut on the Freeride World Tour this past winter — said freeride skiing is “about doing what you want to do and enjoying yourself while you’re doing it.”\n\n\n\nWhile some in the freeride community are worried that the inclusion in the Olympics is “going to change the sport away from its roots,” Leonardo said he believes the Alps 2030 will only elevate the discipline. He hopes that he will be among those competing.\n\n\n\n“Having another stage to compete on — especially the Olympics, where the world is watching — it’s just going to lift everything up,” Leonardo said. “It’s going to be a lot more viewers, a lot more attention, and I think it’s going to create new opportunities.”\n\n\n\nJulie Brown, a 17-year-old snowboarder based in Vail, catches air during a Junior Freeride World Tour event. Freeride World Tour/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nSnowboarder Julia Brown, a 17-year-old Vail local who placed fourth in the Freeride World Tour Junior World Championship last season, is also looking ahead to Alps 2030.\n\n\n\n“It is so special getting to watch this new era of freeride unfold,” Brown said in a statement. “I believe its addition to the Olympic Games creates new meaning for what it means to compete at any level, and will grow freeride on a larger scale. I am so excited to see how these next couple of years unfold for freeride.”\n\n\n\n‘The dream is back’\n\n\n\nFor Sandblom, who was first introduced to snowsports at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs and grew up snowboarding for the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club, the announcement that freeride would be included in the Olympics has reignited a dream that he once thought dead.\n\n\n\nAs a child, Sandblom said he always watched the Olympics with excitement as he competed in similar disciplines, like giant slalom, border cross, slopestyle, halfpipe and rail jam. He had hoped to one day compete at the highest level in the freestyle events, but said he “kind of let go of that Olympic dream that I had been holding onto that entire time” when he decided to attend college rather than take a gap year to train.\n\n\n\nAt school in Tahoe, Sandblom discovered freeride — a discipline that he excelled in — and soon learned that the event was being considered for inclusion in the Winter Olympics. But it wasn’t until the International Olympic Committee’s announcement that he realized he’d have another shot to represent his country on the biggest stage in sports.\n\n\n\n“Suddenly this dream just reappeared in my life,” Sandblom said. “The announcement came out a couple days ago — and the dream is back.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/winter-olympics-2030-colorado-skiers-snowboarders/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T16:01:21.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F17095831%2Fmedia_112873954_112482936_compressed-1024x683.jpg","slug":"colorado-skiers-and-snowboarders-look-to-qualify-for-freeride-debut-at-2030-winter-olympics"},{"id":"7plapd","title":"Luxe List: Haute topics — this week in Aspen fashion","excerpt":"Somehow, it’s the middle of July, and I feel like summer is just beginning, but also it’s half over? It’s disorienting. With the nonstop pace of an Aspen summer comes launches, beginnings, endings and a plethora of trunk shows. Here are some of the top fashion events and news that needs to be on ...","content":"Somehow, it’s the middle of July, and I feel like summer is just beginning, but also it’s half over? It’s disorienting. With the nonstop pace of an Aspen summer comes launches, beginnings, endings and a plethora of trunk shows. Here are some of the top fashion events and news that needs to be on your radar. \n\n\n\nHotel Jerome has launched a special and seriously fashionable hiking program in partnership with Moncler Grenoble. Haute hikers can purchase the hike via the Jerome’s website (choosing between two epicly scenic routes) and receive a custom Moncler “field kit,” a catered breakfast care of the hotel, transportation to the trailhead and an ACES-led (read: wildly informative) trek. Guests end the day with a picturesque picnic that reminds you exactly why the Roaring Fork Valley is so spectacular. Geared toward both visitors and locals looking for a luxurious way to up the ante on their hiking routines, the program just launched and will run through September. \n\n\n\nHigh Sport returns to Aspen next Friday, July 24, at AM7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’ve always wondered how the viral High Sport pant was in person, this is your chance to find out. Spoiler alert: They’re as good as everyone says — flattering, comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for travel (they don’t wrinkle and easily go from daylight hours to late night). If price per wear is your method of girl math, these babies are free. In addition to these must-have bottoms, High Sport will also be showcasing a wide assortment of brand classics, as well as offering shoppers early access to its Fall collection.\n\n\n\nJoining High Sport at AM7 will be UK-based Métier, a line of travel-inspired leather goods for both men and women. Handcrafted in Italy, the collection ranges from duffels suited for long journeys to totes and clutches — there is a bag for every occasion in a chic woman’s schedule. Men can also get in on the action with backpacks, dopp kits and large bags ideal for laptops and work travel.\n\n\n\nHigh Sport’s viral Kick Pants will be available at the brand’s trunk show at AM7 on Friday, July 24. High Sport/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIn other (sad) sartorial news, Marfa Stance is ending its residency on Cooper Avenue (one block from the gondola) at the end of this month. Not to worry: The brand — which was built on a trunk-show model — will continue to pop up around town (they are even doing a trunk show at O2 Aug. 13 and 14), but their standalone store will soon be a memory. Make sure to stop by before they close to get the full picture of their wide collection of modular outerwear and how it can be customized with cool collars, hoods, etc.\n\n\n\nAspen’s summer fashion train has left the station and there is no getting off now. Gird your pocketbooks and join me, won’t you? \n\n\n\nIf you want more info on any of these events or need shopping advice, reach out to me at sari@tuschmanco.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/luxe-list-haute-topics-this-week-in-aspen-fashion/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sari Tuschman Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-17T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F11%2F03102921%2FSari-768x1024.jpg","slug":"luxe-list-haute-topics-this-week-in-aspen-fashion"},{"id":"rvazb0","title":"Mountain Mayhem: Little bit of Nantucket, right here in Aspen","excerpt":"There’s something sentimental about running into an old friend in an unexpected place — and that’s exactly how it feels watching two beloved Nantucket institutions set up shop in Aspen this summer. Both brands are marking major milestones this year, and both chose our mountain town for their next...","content":"There’s something sentimental about running into an old friend in an unexpected place — and that’s exactly how it feels watching two beloved Nantucket institutions set up shop in Aspen this summer. Both brands are marking major milestones this year, and both chose our mountain town for their next chapter. Consider this my love letter to the Grey Lady, written from 7,908 feet.\n\n\n\nEmily Keaneally opened the women’s clothing store Alice Walk on Nantucket’s Federal Street in 2016, making this year its 10th anniversary. What started as a small, seaside shop has grown into a go-to for effortless, elevated basics — think luxurious sweaters, classic dresses and statement accessories in colors that feel like a permanent summer.\n\n\n\nNow, Alice Walk has planted its flag on the corner of East Hopkins and South Hunter, in a beautiful space reimagined by Kristin Dittmar Design. A ribbon-cutting party took place on June 17, with Nantucket represented in style. Guests enjoyed bountiful lobster rolls from Clark’s, oysters on the half shell, signature cocktails, ice cream from the Aspen Dreamery’s adorable cart and, of course, plenty of shopping, with a portion of proceeds directed to the Aspen Hope Center.\n\n\n\nTen years in, Alice Walk still feels like the jewel box it started as — just with a mountain view now, too.\n\n\n\nIf Alice Walk is the quiet elegance of Nantucket, Lola 41 is its buzzy, globe-trotting counterpart — and 2026 marks 20 years since it first opened its doors on the island. The name, shortened from Longitude-Latitude, and the concept, inspired by the flavors found along the 41st parallel (such as Japan, Spain, Portugal and beyond), have since expanded to Boston, Palm Beach and Naples. Aspen now makes five, and it’s the brand’s first stop beyond the East Coast.\n\n\n\nLola 41 lives inside the brand-new White Elephant Aspen, the hotel group’s first foray into the American West, and it’s been welcoming diners since the hotel opened in June. I stopped in for dinner recently, and the buzzy, high-energy dining room lived up to every bit of its Nantucket reputation — this is a room built for celebrations, and you can feel it the second you walk in. Led by Executive Chef Seth Halpin, the menu fuses world-class sushi and European Asian dishes with ethically-sourced, local ingredients from the Roaring Fork Valley. Designed by Boston-based firm EMBARC, the stunning new space beautifully blends rustic luxury with an elevated Western aesthetic, featuring a 50-guest dining room, a spacious 60-guest patio and custom-curated art installations to deliver Aspen’s most vibrant new dining destination. There’s also a hidden lounge tucked below the main dining room — 41 Below — for anyone looking to extend the night with a nightcap.\n\n\n\nIf you loved these brands on the island, you’ll feel right at home here — and if you’re discovering them for the first time, welcome to the club. Here’s to another 10 (and 20) years.\n\n\n\nAlice Walk’s Aspen team: Amanda LeMaster, Chelsea Voccola, Sarah Rowe, brand founder Emily Keneally, Faith Franke and Laura Swann. High West Studios/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nToasting to summer in Aspen at the new Alice Walk from Nantucket! High West Studios/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nChelsea Voccola and Paige McKenzie of Alice Walk beside the Aspen Dreamery ice cream truck.High West Studios/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nLuxe cashmere and cozy cotton sweaters — signature items from Alice Walk’s curated collection of women’s clothing. High West Studios/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nLola 41’s sensational sushi rolls — the Maruko (avocado, shrimp tempura, topped with spicy tuna, spicy mayo, eel sauce) and the Capt’n Jose (spicy salmon, cucumber, topped with salmon, kiwi, black tobiko, sesame aji mirin aioli). May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe grand entrance to White Elephant Aspen on the corner of Main and Garmisch Streets. May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe art-accented Lola 41 dining room at White Elephant Aspen.Connie Zhou/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n41 Below — the hidden lounge below Lola 41 at White Elephant Aspen.Connie Zhou/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLola 41’s Indochine fried rice is a standout on the dinner menu (wok-seared shrimp and crab, mango-chili drizzle, egg, crispy garlic, bean sprouts, snow peas, mint, scallion, cilantro). May Selby/Courtesy photo","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/mountain-mayhem-little-bit-of-nantucket-right-here-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"May Selby Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-17T16:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16110513%2F0125.jpg","slug":"mountain-mayhem-little-bit-of-nantucket-right-here-in-aspen"},{"id":"nt3siw","title":"On the Fly: How to fish this summer with a clear conscience","excerpt":"Recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife instituted voluntary fishing closures on certain sections of three of our local rivers due to low flows, warm water and concerning oxygen content. The writing has been on the wall since spring, and now, it is time to pay extra attention to where and when you ...","content":"Recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife instituted voluntary fishing closures on certain sections of three of our local rivers due to low flows, warm water and concerning oxygen content. The writing has been on the wall since spring, and now, it is time to pay extra attention to where and when you go fishing. When water gets warmer than 68 degrees, the oxygen content declines, and fish have a tough time regaining their equilibrium after being caught.  \n\n\n\nThere is still plenty of water to explore with a clear conscience, and here are some details. \n\n\n\nThe lowest and warmest is the Colorado River, which every other stream here ultimately feeds. The Colorado River (here in the Roaring Fork Valley) is under a 24-hour voluntary closure from Red Dirt Creek downstream to Rifle and has been seeing water temperatures in the 70s. \n\n\n\nThe Roaring Fork River is now under a noon to midnight voluntary closure from the town of Carbondale downstream to the confluence with the Colorado River. There are multitudes of river miles above Carbondale (all the way up to Independence Pass), and the upper river is good for fishing (for now). \n\n\n\nThe Crystal River feeds the Roaring Fork down in Carbondale, and the lower section (mile marker 64 downstream to the Roaring Fork confluence) is under a 24-hour voluntary closure now. As with the Roaring Fork, there are many miles of river upstream that are fine to fish unless we hear something different soon. \n\n\n\nThe silver lining is our multitude of small high-country streams and reservoirs, the ever-cold Fryingpan River (and the many miles of Fryingpan River above Ruedi Reservoir), plus warm water opportunities casting at bass, carp, panfish and the like. \n\n\n\nYesterday, I went up in elevation myself and caught some gorgeous brook trout on dry flies. I had practically forgotten how fun (and special) that can be. Choose your battles this summer, buy a river thermometer and head up higher in elevation when in doubt. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/on-the-fly-how-to-fish-this-summer-with-a-clear-conscience/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Scott Spooner Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-17T15:32:44.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F17094757%2FIMG_3147-1024x772.jpg","slug":"on-the-fly-how-to-fish-this-summer-with-a-clear-conscience"},{"id":"w3sh3p","title":"Bruell column: The many can defeat the money","excerpt":"In a wonderful picture book called “Snow,” a boy looks out his window onto a dreary, gray city and is delighted to see a few snowflakes falling. Meanwhile, the adults around him insist on dampening his spirit.\n\n\n\n“It’s snowing!” the boy exclaims. “It’ll melt,” says a dour woman. “No snow,” say th...","content":"In a wonderful picture book called “Snow,” a boy looks out his window onto a dreary, gray city and is delighted to see a few snowflakes falling. Meanwhile, the adults around him insist on dampening his spirit.\n\n\n\n“It’s snowing!” the boy exclaims. “It’ll melt,” says a dour woman. “No snow,” say the TV and radio forecasters. But the snowflakes keep falling. The boy and his dog are soon dancing in the streets of the sparkling white city.\n\n\n\nI was recently reminded of this story while collecting signatures for the Graduated Income Tax ballot initiative. This initiative, No. 195, would lower the state income tax for the 97% of Coloradans who make less than $500,000 a year and increase it for the richest 3%, who make more than $500,000 a year. The estimated $2 billion to $2.7 billion raised would help fund education, health care and child care — strengthening Colorado’s economy by cultivating a more stable and productive workforce.\n\n\n\nAlmost everyone I approach has been eager to sign the petition to get this initiative onto November’s ballot, especially when they learn most states already have a graduated income tax. Many call their friends over to sign.\n\n\n\nOne woman signed the petition, then remarked, “It’ll never pass,” sounding just like the “It’ll melt” woman in “Snow.” “The ultra-rich will oppose this,” she said glumly, “and Big Money always wins.”\n\n\n\nRecent elections, including two major ones in Colorado, have proved this woman wrong. The collective power of everyday people can overcome the power of money.\n\n\n\nLast month, in the Democratic primary race for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, Melat Kiros beat 15-term U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette by a startling 13 points, even though DeGette spent double the amount of money on her campaign and outside groups backing DeGette spent four times as much as those backing Kiros.\n\n\n\nKiros’ victory has been attributed to the energy and passion of her grassroots supporters, largely millennials and Gen Zers, who were inspired by her bold commitment to transformative change. Her top four priorities are Medicare for All, ending all wars, abolishing ICE, and universal child care and elder care.\n\n\n\nA key to winning elections is not just convincing each individual who hears your ad or reads your mailer to vote for you, but getting people so inspired by your campaign that they encourage folks in their personal networks to vote for you. Also key is a political vision that galvanizes people to actively support your campaign.\n\n\n\nMore and more candidates like Kiros are taking bold positions that champion everyday Americans over corporate greed and warmaking while refusing to take money from corporate PACs. These candidates are mobilizing the kind of grassroots support needed to overcome mountains of cash being spent to defeat them.\n\n\n\nIn Colorado’s Democratic primary race for governor, Weiser rose to victory despite a pro-charter school super PAC having raised $11 million for his opponent, Michael Bennet. More than half of that money came from billionaires and their affiliates. A pro-Weiser PAC raised an eighth of that amount, with more than 90% coming from individual Coloradans. Despite Weiser’s major financial disadvantage, a strong on-the-ground network of campaign volunteers helped push Weiser to a decisive 13-point victory over Bennet.\n\n\n\nOpposition to money in politics has become so widespread that accepting corporate PAC money is beginning to backfire. Campaigns fueled by dark money can afford lots of slick mailers and prime-time attack ads, but the influx of such dark money is a turnoff to many voters.\n\n\n\nNew York billionaire Michael Bloomberg dropped more than $5.1 million into the super PAC backing Bennet. This enormous donation raised red flags for many voters who wondered why Bloomberg would be putting his thumb on the scales of this primary election and what he expected in return.\n\n\n\nThree out of four Americans agree that too much money is infesting our politics. People are disgusted by huge corporations and billionaires pouring obscene amounts of money into political campaigns, then expecting those politicians to do their bidding. They are sick of elected officials serving the interests of their donors instead of their constituents.\n\n\n\nHere are a few things you can do: Urge our senators to oppose the CLARITY Act.. The crypto industry has poured more money into the 2026 elections than any other industry. This bill would give crypto the green light to continue its political bribery machine.\n\n\n\nEducate yourself about which candidates are being backed by dark-money super PACs, such as those funded by the crypto or AI industry. Volunteer for candidates who refuse corporate dollars.\n\n\n\nChallenge the cynical view that we’re doomed if we’re outspent. Snowflakes can transform a landscape. Ordinary people can overpower bundles of money. But we can do so only if we hold on to the idea that it’s possible. From the Montgomery bus boycott to recent elections, our history is filled with examples that the many can defeat the money.\n\n\n\nDebbie Stone Bruell of Carbondale is co-founder of Mountain Action Indivisible, former chair of the Garfield County Democrats, and a past member of the Roaring Fork Schools Board of Education.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/bruell-column-the-many-can-defeat-the-money/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Debbie Stone Bruell","publishDate":"2026-07-17T11:55:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F06%2F25082144%2FDebbie-Bruell-942x1024.jpg","slug":"bruell-column-the-many-can-defeat-the-money"},{"id":"ig37kz","title":"Coach V’s Corner: Dicky V’s Run","excerpt":"I’ll be heading up to the Flat Tops once again this year on Aug. 12. It’s a date that is forever etched in my mind. I have driven up there on that date each of the past three summers just to go for a run, stop by my brother’s land to get some firewood and reminisce about days gone by.\n\n\n\nThe land...","content":"I’ll be heading up to the Flat Tops once again this year on Aug. 12. It’s a date that is forever etched in my mind. I have driven up there on that date each of the past three summers just to go for a run, stop by my brother’s land to get some firewood and reminisce about days gone by.\n\n\n\nThe land now belongs to one of my brother’s best buddies, Jim Fletcher. He lets my family and me go there anytime we like. Jim even has the stacks of firewood cut into small sections, so all I have to do is load it up and drive it home safely.\n\n\n\nDriving safely is always at the forefront of my mind when I’m on New Castle-Buford Road. After finishing my run, I pay a visit to the site of my brother’s accident and just sit for a while.\n\n\n\nA smattering of light rain had settled the dust on the road, and it was near dark that evening in 2022. But with each passing year, when I look back at that corner he came around — a spot he had driven hundreds of times dating back to high school hunting trips — it just doesn’t make sense that, on that occasion, he wasn’t able to make the turn safely.\n\n\n\nPerhaps there was something in the middle of the road that he tried to avoid when he came around that blind corner and veered much farther into the outside lane than he should have. Maybe an animal was crossing the road. A deer or perhaps a bear. Or something else. Maybe he just took his eyes off the road for a quick instant. I guess I will never know.\n\n\n\nHe was a big brother I grew up with during a time when the world was filled with our youth and the wonder of each passing day. We didn’t always get along or see eye to eye, but I knew that when push came to shove, he would be there to look out for me.\n\n\n\nHe was a heck of an athlete and an even better basketball coach. When I started coaching, he helped me with many of the technical aspects of the game. He knew my whole philosophy was just to run and gun. He showed me there was much more to it than that.\n\n\n\nI caught as many of his games as I could when he was coaching the Longhorns and the Demons. He talked glowingly about the boys he coached. I don’t know if they will ever realize how much he appreciated their efforts. He wasn’t a big talker, and he wasn’t about to tout his own accomplishments. I have several of his coach of the year plaques hanging in my garage.\n\n\n\nHe looked after me all those years, but in the last few years of his life, I felt like there was a role reversal and that I was looking after him. I probably could have done a better job when I knew he was going through some tough times.\n\n\n\nHe wasn’t a runner, and he always let me know that he thought distance runners were a bit of a strange breed. But Dicky V’s Run will continue to be my tradition and my way of saying hello to him and letting him know that he is missed.\n\n\n\nDog Day 5K\n\n\n\nPlease mark your calendar for Saturday, Aug. 15, and join fellow runners, walkers and animal lovers for the annual Dog Day 5K at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. The course is an out-and-back on the Rio Grande Trail. You can get some exercise and help the folks at Colorado Animal Rescue continue their work finding homes for adoptable and adorable shelter pets.\n\n\n\nFor preregistration, go to coloradoanimalrescue.org.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Open results\n\n\n\nThe following are the flight winners from last weekend’s 51st annual Glenwood Open Golf Tournament at the Glenwood Springs Golf Club. Scores are 36-hole cumulative totals. Flights are based on each player’s United States Golf Association Handicap Index.\n\n\n\nChampionship Flight: Keith Humerickhouse, 142; Roger Walters, 146; Nick Van Wyngarden, 147.\n\n\n\nFirst Flight: Dave Sorel, 153; Hugo Mondragon, 155; Norm Bolitho, 156; D.J. Pelland, 156.\n\n\n\nSecond Flight: Doug Jones, 154; Doug Lewis, 155; Cody Wright, 157; Blake Risner, 157.\n\n\n\nThird Flight: David Vanderhoof, 164; Scott Ramsay, 168; Mike Chastain, 173.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/coach-vs-corner-dicky-vs-run/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Mike VidakovichCoach V's Corner","publishDate":"2026-07-17T11:41:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F14125453%2FDSC_0432-1024x683.jpg","slug":"coach-vs-corner-dicky-vs-run"},{"id":"k84j91","title":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society archive: Grizzly Creek becomes a movie set","excerpt":"The car is partially parked on the old bridge crossing Grizzly Creek, visible below. Cabins in the background housed members of the film crew during the three-week shoot. The area was originally homesteaded by the Broughton family and later included an orchard, fruit stand, gas station and cabins...","content":"The car is partially parked on the old bridge crossing Grizzly Creek, visible below. Cabins in the background housed members of the film crew during the three-week shoot. The area was originally homesteaded by the Broughton family and later included an orchard, fruit stand, gas station and cabins. The buildings were removed in the late 1980s and early 1990s to make way for Interstate 70. Civilian Conservation Corps workers built the first campground at Grizzly Creek in the mid-1930s.\n\n\n\nThe nonprofit Glenwood Springs Historical Society, founded 1964, preserves and shares the town’s unique history at the Frontier History Museum and provides additional public programs. Information about the museum events, and membership are at GlenwoodHistory.org.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/galleries/glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-grizzly-creek-becomes-a-movie-set/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-17T11:27:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16130857%2FBB40_PH15-56-47-1024x585.jpg","slug":"glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-grizzly-creek-becomes-a-movie-set"},{"id":"hilzc5","title":"Friday letters: Immigration myths, disaster relief and worker housing","excerpt":"A conservative voice veers off course\n\n\n\nI’m disappointed in Bryan Whiting’s most recent column. Bryan usually writes a thoughtful, researched piece, devoid of non-facts. He has been a conservative I could long debate, agreeing and disagreeing with him in equal measure on a wide range of topics. ...","content":"A conservative voice veers off course\n\n\n\nI’m disappointed in Bryan Whiting’s most recent column. Bryan usually writes a thoughtful, researched piece, devoid of non-facts. He has been a conservative I could long debate, agreeing and disagreeing with him in equal measure on a wide range of topics. It’s disappointing, and alarming, that he headed off to la-la land in his last column, quoting a standard MAGA myth, that noncitizens vote and hold congressional seats. Documentation please.\n\n\n\nFurther, his question “How many people would immigrate here if free housing, food, medical care, education and unemployment benefits were not involved?” can be answered easily … millions! During the early 20th century, long before there were any of his listed ‘benefits,’ literally millions of immigrants annually showed up at Ellis Island. In poll after poll over the decades, immigrants consistently list employment opportunity as the No. 1 reason. For example, of the 1.5 million people who immigrated to the U.S. in 2021, about 42% came for work, 32% for school, and 23% for family. Nearly 2% were seeking safety, and about 0.9% were admitted on Diversity Immigrant Visas. Those coming for Bryan’s “free housing, food, medical care, education and unemployment benefits” have been an unmeasurably small percentage.\n\n\n\nI hope Bryan gets back to those topics in which he is well versed … economics and, the title of his column, personal responsibility. Leave the culture wars to the trolls on X-itter…\n\n\n\nBob Shettel, Carbondale\n\n\n\nPrepare now for wildfire season\n\n\n\nIs your emergency go-bag ready? It should be.\n\n\n\nAs of July 2, 15 wildfires were burning across Colorado. Fortunately, FEMA is coordinating federal resources to provide financial aid and recovery assistance.\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, after the 2025 Elk and Lee fires, FEMA denied Gov. Jared Polis’ request for disaster relief. The governor appealed the decision and Rep. Jeff Hurd, whose district includes both fire areas, urged the Trump administration to issue disaster declarations. The administration issued a final denial in April 2026, leaving Colorado and local governments to shoulder the recovery costs.\n\n\n\nIn response, Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced the Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026, which would create a fast-track congressional process to override a president’s denial of federal disaster relief. A spokesperson for the representative said Hurd will continue advocating for disaster assistance and relief but has not said whether he will co-sponsor the specific legislation.\n\n\n\nPlease contact Rep. Hurd and urge him to co-sponsor the Disaster Declaration Transparency Act. Disaster assistance and relief should not depend on the whim of any one president.\n\n\n\nAnd while you’re at it, prepare your own household. Pack that emergency go-bag and sign up for your county’s emergency notification system. Wildfires are a fact of life in Colorado. We should all be ready — and our federal government should be, too.\n\n\n\nNancy Peterson, Carbondale\n\n\n\nWhy I championed rental assistance\n\n\n\nhttps://www.cogs.us/841/Employer-Based-Rental-Assistance\n\n\n\nFor business owners in our region, our workforce’s daily commute is a constant operational vulnerability. Navigating the valley is stressful, but winter weather, mechanical breakdowns, or a South Canyon closure can turn a difficult commute into an existential challenge. When these disruptions hit, a fundamental question arises: How do we keep our doors open and operate a business?\n\n\n\nI needed a proactive solution.\n\n\n\nMy approach began at the local level. To secure operations, I supported a portion of the rent for key team members vital to our daily service. The goal was a win-win: ensuring our business functioned reliably while enabling valued staff to live in Glenwood Springs rather than commuting through vulnerable highway corridors. By offsetting the local cost of living to match areas like New Castle or Parachute, our team became happier, more rested, and less stressed, which directly translated into a stable, resilient business.\n\n\n\nThis firsthand success led me to volunteer with the Workforce Housing Fund Advisory Board (WFHAB). It quickly became clear that while this rental-subsidy model worked beautifully, not every small business has the resources to implement it independently. Meanwhile, the community noticed our excellent staff retention, positive morale, and elevated service quality.\n\n\n\nRecognizing an opportunity to scale this community-wide before the city had a dedicated housing director, I drafted a framework to expand this benefit to other local employers. Collaborating with Kevin, our first housing director, Watkins, our current housing director, and WFHAB, that initial concept has developed into a robust, formalized initiative:\n\n\n\nEligibility: Glenwood Springs employers can apply for up to five employees per business for local leases.Impact: This assistance helps employees save; the pilot program has already helped applicants transition from renting to ownership.Value: Affordable rent delivers immediate and long-term benefits to both residents\n\n\n\nMatt Spidell, Glenwood Springs","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/friday-letters-immigration-myths-disaster-relief-and-worker-housing/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-17T11:26:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2019%2F04%2F25184908%2Fletters-to-the-editor.png","slug":"friday-letters-immigration-myths-disaster-relief-and-worker-housing"},{"id":"i84lql","title":"Feinsinger column: Beverages we should drink every day","excerpt":"So far, this series of columns has discussed Dr. Greger’s advice on what we should eat every day for optimal health, as described in the 2026 edition of his book, “How Not to Die.” Today’s column is about what he thinks we should be drinking every day.\n\n\n\nAdequate hydration is imperative for opti...","content":"So far, this series of columns has discussed Dr. Greger’s advice on what we should eat every day for optimal health, as described in the 2026 edition of his book, “How Not to Die.” Today’s column is about what he thinks we should be drinking every day.\n\n\n\nAdequate hydration is imperative for optimal health. Inadequate hydration contributes to falls and fractures, heatstroke, heart disease, lung disorders, kidney disease, including stones, bladder and colon cancer, urinary tract infections, constipation, dry eyes, cavities, decreased immune function, cataracts and, perhaps because our brains are 75% water, mood disorders and cognitive problems. Dr. Greger recommends five beverage servings a day, with a serving size of 12 ounces.\n\n\n\nThe Beverage Guidance Panel was a group of health experts assembled to provide “recommendations on the relative health and nutritional benefits of various beverages.” Water, black sugar-free coffee and tea were at the top of the list as the healthiest. At the bottom of the list were beverages that not only lacked health benefits but were actually harmful, such as sugary soft drinks, whole milk and alcohol. Dr. Greger’s favorite beverages are water; unsweetened, creamer-free coffee; hot chocolate; and the following teas: black, chai, vanilla chamomile, Earl Grey, green, hibiscus, jasmine, lemon balm, matcha, peppermint, rooibos and white.\n\n\n\nWater: Most of the studies correlating hydration and health are based on water intake. The U.S. Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization recommend eight to 11 cups of water a day for women and 10 to 15 for men — more for people engaging in activities that cause sweating. Ten percent of this requirement comes as a byproduct of metabolism, and we get another four cups of water from the food we eat. Dr. Greger recommends tap water rather than bottled water, “not only because it’s less economically and environmentally costly but because it may have less chemical, microbial, and microplastic contamination than bottled water.” If you find water boring, consider sparkling water. You can carbonate your own tap water using devices such as SodaStream. Another option is adding fresh fruit or vegetables or a few drops of a potent juice concentrate to water.\n\n\n\nCoffee: Coffee beans contain antioxidants and many other plant micronutrients. Coffee affects different people differently, depending on age and whether they are slow or fast coffee metabolizers. Used in moderation, coffee reduces liver inflammation and may reduce the incidence of liver cancer. It improves alertness and cognitive ability and improves mood. It decreases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, gallstones, kidney stones and gout. It reduces the risk of stroke, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Caffeine in coffee seems to contribute to some of these benefits, while other benefits occur with decaf. Pregnant women should avoid coffee, as should people with acid reflux, or GERD, difficulty sleeping and glaucoma. Previously, it was thought that coffee increased the incidence of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, but that has been disproven. Sweeteners and creamers cancel out the health benefits of coffee.\n\n\n\nTea: Tea has health benefits, especially green and hibiscus tea. Black, green and white tea are all made from leaves of the same evergreen shrub. Herbal tea involves hot water added to any plant other than the tea shrub. Green tea may protect against breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer. It lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body fat. It may protect against cognitive decline and stroke and lessen symptoms of seasonal allergies. Hibiscus tea has more antioxidants than any other beverage and lowers blood pressure.\n\n\n\nHarmful beverages include the following:\n\n\n\nWhole milk: Whole milk should be avoided because of artery-clogging saturated fat and its link to prostate and ovarian cancer. Health Secretary RFK’s promotion of whole milk is not based on science.\n\n\n\nSugar-sweetened soda: Sugar-sweetened soda should be avoided because it contributes to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver.\n\n\n\nGatorade: Gatorade is often assumed to be healthy because of ads showing athletes drinking it. People participating in activities such as marathons need to replace fluids, sodium, potassium and sugar at least every hour, and drinks such as Gatorade do that. Otherwise, these drinks are unhealthy because they are loaded with sugar and sodium. Low-sugar Gatorade still has lots of sodium.\n\n\n\nFruit juice: Fruit juice enters the bloodstream almost immediately after ingestion and causes unhealthy blood sugar spikes. While whole fruits are healthy, avoid fruit juice.\n\n\n\nAlcohol: Alcohol can cause liver disease. It is metabolized in the body into acetaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. Even low doses, such as one drink a day, increase the risk of breast and colorectal cancer. Heavy alcohol use increases the risk of pancreatic and esophageal cancer. The World Health Organization and many national guidelines, including the National Cancer Society, say the “safest level of drinking is none.” Consider alcohol-free drinks instead.\n\n\n\nHow to tell if you’re drinking enough: Other than first thing in the morning, when your urine is concentrated and dark yellow, your urine should be clear to light yellow. During the day, you should be urinating every hour or so. If you have to urinate soon after drinking some fluids, then you are “topped off.” If you have to drink a lot before you have to urinate, you were dehydrated.\n\n\n\nDr. Greg Feinsinger is a retired family physician with a special interest in prevention, treatment, and reversal of chronic disease through nutrition. He is available for free nutritional counseling and shop-with-a-doc grocery store tours. He can be contacted at 970-379-5718 or gfmd41@gmail.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/feinsinger-column-beverages-we-should-drink-every-day/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Dr. Greg FeinsingerDoctor's Tip","publishDate":"2026-07-17T10:58:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F10%2F02094755%2FDr.-G.-Feinsinger-683x1024.jpg","slug":"feinsinger-column-beverages-we-should-drink-every-day"},{"id":"w9gato","title":"Obituary: Paul Francis Fee","excerpt":"October 13, 1939 – June 23, 2026\nPaul Francis Fee died on June 23, 2026, from complications associated with Fronto temporal Dementia (FTD). He was 86 years old.\nPaul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was also an astute businessman and nationally ranked biathlete whose determinatio...","content":"October 13, 1939 – June 23, 2026\nPaul Francis Fee died on June 23, 2026, from complications associated with Fronto temporal Dementia (FTD). He was 86 years old.\nPaul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was also an astute businessman and nationally ranked biathlete whose determination and passion for life inspired those around him.\nBorn on October 14, 1939, in Evanston, Illinois, Paul attended St. George High School, where he was a scholar-athlete. He played backup quarterback on the school’s Chicago City Championship football team and graduated near the top of his class. He went on to attend Dartmouth College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and later a Master of Business Administration from the Amos Tuck School of Business.\nIn 1962, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Mary Kathryn Cotter. The couple moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Paul began his career in brand management with Procter & Gamble. After three years, he joined Post, Keyes, Gardner Advertising Agency in Chicago, where he quickly advanced to Senior Vice President, managing numerous national accounts and enjoying the fast-paced advertising world portrayed in the television series *Mad Men*.\nFeeling burned out by agency life, Paul joined True Value in 1973. During the next twenty years, he rose to become the company’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer. He retired from the hardware industry at the age of 54, and he and Mary relocated to Snowmass Village, Colorado.\nColorado allowed Paul to fully embrace his love of hiking, biking, skiing, golfing, and the outdoors. He spent many memorable autumn days bird hunting with his beloved yellow Labradors, Lance and Chase. Paul summited numerous Colorado fourteeners and explored many trails along both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon.\nAn accomplished endurance athlete, Paul completed the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race, earning a medal by finishing in under twelve hours. Alongside his son, John, he participated in two Pedal the Peaks cycling events, conquering multiple mountain passes and riding distances of up to 100 miles in a single day. He also competed in numerous biathlons and marathons across the country. After winning his age group at the Evergreen Powerman Duathlon, Paul qualified for the World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland. He also completed the New York City Marathon at a remarkable 7:30-per-mile pace.\nIn 1994, Paul came out of retirement to purchase four bankrupt radio stations in Grand Junction, Colorado. Through his leadership, he restored them to profitability before eventually selling them to Cumulus Broadcasting, which later became part of SiriusXM.\nOutside of business and athletics, Paul loved reading mystery novels and history. Each morning began with coffee and a Sudoku puzzle. If it took more than five minutes to solve, he jokingly considered the day a failure.\nPaul and Mary moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2012 and later to Vi at Silverstone in 2024. He was a longtime member of The Roaring Fork Club in Basalt, Colorado, and Troon Country Club in Scottsdale.\nPaul faced his diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia with grace, humility, humor, and above all, tremendous courage.\nHe is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary; his son, John Fee (Ann); his daughter, Kathleen Braasch (Robert); and his four cherished grandchildren, Alex Fee, Connor Braasch, Molly Braasch, and Liam Braasch.\nIn lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Paul’s honor to Hospice of the Valley located in Phoenix, AZ.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/obituaries/obituary-paul-francis-fee/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-07-17T03:04:06.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2016%2F08%2F08131208%2Ffacebook-thumbnail-1200.jpg","slug":"obituary-paul-francis-fee"},{"id":"wvbeyq","title":"Obituary: Sharron Kaye Thompson","excerpt":"July 9, 1942 – July 1, 2026\nKaye was one of five girls born to Lee and Goldie Hanson in Glasgow, Montana. The family moved to Nebraska where she met her childhood sweetheart Bud (Bill) Thompson. They were married in Colorado on May 28, 1960. Kaye worked at the Mount Sopris Tree farm, Alpine Ba...","content":"July 9, 1942 – July 1, 2026\nKaye was one of five girls born to Lee and Goldie Hanson in Glasgow, Montana. The family moved to Nebraska where she met her childhood sweetheart Bud (Bill) Thompson. They were married in Colorado on May 28, 1960. Kaye worked at the Mount Sopris Tree farm, Alpine Bank and the Buttermilk ski area for several years. But her favorite job was working at her husband’s side for over 20 years at the Lost Marbles Ranch in Snowmass for the John McBride family. \nKaye loved spending time with the love or her life, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an avid horsewoman, showing for years in the CQHSA and loved riding in the hills to check the cows. \nKaye is survived by her daughters: Kristi Gross (Scott) of Silt, CO and Billi Jo Vagneur (John) of Carbondale, CO. Grandchildren: Rachael Elder (Jarad) of Silt, CO, Travis Gross (Amanda) of Tyler, TX and Taylor Vagneur or Carbondale. Great Grandchildren: Reese and Jax Elder and Jett and Emberlee Gross. \nKaye was preceded in death by her husband, Bud (Bill) Thompson, parents Lee and Goldie Hansen, and sisters, Helen Jurgens, Donna Keller, Betty Lythgoe and Margaret Langhorst.\nWe will forever be proud to call you Mom, Grama and Great Grama. We are all going to miss you!","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-sharron-kaye-thompson/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-17T03:04:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16210416%2FW0020348.jpeg","slug":"obituary-sharron-kaye-thompson"},{"id":"f4g0c3","title":"Obituary: Frederick Dale Nicholson","excerpt":"– June 10, 2026\nFrederick Dale Nicholson, 64, of Woodlawn, Tennessee, passed away on June 10, 2026, at Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital.\nFred grew up in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where he attended Glenwood High School. He went on to earn a degree in Project Management from Colorado Christian Univ...","content":"– June 10, 2026\nFrederick Dale Nicholson, 64, of Woodlawn, Tennessee, passed away on June 10, 2026, at Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital.\nFred grew up in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where he attended Glenwood High School. He went on to earn a degree in Project Management from Colorado Christian University.\nHe served 14 years in the United States Army and Colorado Army National Guard, beginning as a specialist in Co D, 5th Avn Regt, FORSCOM FC and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Branch in 1992. His service included a tour in Iraq where he earned the Bronz Star and Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award). He left service in 2007.\nWhile a member of the Colorado Army National Guard, Fred started Fountain Creek Construction, LLC where he specialized in Single-Family homes as well as customized decks.\nFred is survived by his loving common law wife Michaila Bliss, his brother Leslie Nicholson and his sister Janet Keltner (Dan) as well as several nieces and nephews.\nFred’s kindness, generosity, and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. His friends and family remember him as a man of great integrity and warmth.\nAt this time there is no service.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-frederick-dale-nicholson/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-17T03:04:05.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16210419%2FW0020354.jpeg","slug":"obituary-frederick-dale-nicholson"},{"id":"7s2fdz","title":"Obituary: Nancy Arnold","excerpt":"February 15, 1940 – May 3, 2026\nNancy Carolyn Arnold died peacefully surrounded by family at home in Carbondale, Colorado from Alzheimer’s Disease. We will be participating in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Denver, Colorado on September 19, 2026 in her honor. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do...","content":"February 15, 1940 – May 3, 2026\nNancy Carolyn Arnold died peacefully surrounded by family at home in Carbondale, Colorado from Alzheimer’s Disease. We will be participating in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Denver, Colorado on September 19, 2026 in her honor. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Nancy Arnold’s Memory Walkers at act.alz.org and search for our team. Please see full obituary at farnumholtfuneralhome.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-nancy-arnold/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-17T03:04:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16210439%2FW0020350.jpeg","slug":"obituary-nancy-arnold"},{"id":"wsizbo","title":"Obituary: Kathy Gibbard","excerpt":"– May 22, 2026\nKathleen Ann Gibbard – loving wife, mother and grandmother – died May 22 at her home in southeast Wisconsin after a battle with appendiceal cancer. She was 77.\nKathy was born the second of three children in September 1948 in Indianapolis. Her father’s career in sales prompted a num...","content":"– May 22, 2026\nKathleen Ann Gibbard – loving wife, mother and grandmother – died May 22 at her home in southeast Wisconsin after a battle with appendiceal cancer. She was 77.\nKathy was born the second of three children in September 1948 in Indianapolis. Her father’s career in sales prompted a number of relocations during her childhood before the family permanently settled in southern Illinois. After graduating in 1972 from the Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, Kathy moved west to the mountains of Colorado, where she would spend most of her life as a registered nurse at Aspen Valley Hospital.\nKathy married Jim Gibbard in 1974 in Boulder, and the couple raised their two sons, Collin and Evan, in the Little Elk Creek neighborhood of Old Snowmass before divorcing in 1996. She met Derek Diestler, a fellow hospital employee, in 1999, and they began a relationship that would continue for 25 years.\nKathy and Derek were married at their home in the Sopris Village neighborhood of El Jebel in 2022. They moved to Wisconsin the following year to be near Kathy’s grandchildren.\nFriends and family remember Kathy for her forgiving and generous nature, her peaceful and fun-loving spirit, and her lifelong devotion to the Rolling Stones. She is survived by her husband, Derek; her son, Evan; and her grandchildren, Keira and Callan.\nThere will be a celebration of Kathy’s life from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Crown Mountain Park Clubhouse in El Jebel.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-kathy-gibbard/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-17T03:04:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16210436%2FW0020346.jpeg","slug":"obituary-kathy-gibbard"},{"id":"b54aue","title":"Obituary: Richard “Rick” Neptune","excerpt":"November 22, 1963 – July 11, 2026\nSurrounded by family, Richard “Rick” Clayton Neptune passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, in Apache Junction, Arizona.\nRick was born on November 22, 1963, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Clayton and Effie Neptune. He grew up in Rifle and Silt, Colorado, and g...","content":"November 22, 1963 – July 11, 2026\nSurrounded by family, Richard “Rick” Clayton Neptune passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, in Apache Junction, Arizona.\nRick was born on November 22, 1963, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Clayton and Effie Neptune. He grew up in Rifle and Silt, Colorado, and graduated from Rifle High School in 1982. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for 12 years. During his military career, he served as a Cadet Chapel instructor, mentoring, teaching, and supporting fellow service members, including during Operation Desert Storm.\nFollowing his military service, Rick married Verlene Westburg. Though their marriage later ended in divorce, they shared eight years together.\nRick was an independent (and headstrong) person, that cared deeply about those around him. He traveled extensively for his career designing and installing commercial kitchens for major food brands such as Papa Johns and others. He also loved History and Traveling and his job took him to all over area the Country.\nRick also had a passion for cooking and always prepared amazing dinners during his visits with family. He participated in a couple of tv cooking shows during his time living in New York City. He also enjoyed music, played the piano and enjoyed dancing to country music. For some reason he loved “Cher” but don’t hold that against him.\nRick’s longtime friend of 30 years, Brian Adkins, was a very important part of his life and best friend to the end. \nRick was survived by his siblings, Christine (Randy) Otto, Kevin (Treese) Neptune, Alice (John) Kuersten, and longtime friend Brian Adkins. Nieces & Nephews, Andrew (Kari) Kuersten, Christina (Cean) Prebble, Kaitlyn (Ben) Snyder, Brittany (Wyatt) Neptune, Brooke Neptune, Evin (Suzanna) Neptune, Great Nieces and Nephews, Allison Kuersten, Avery Kuersten, Colton Hughes, Alysha Prebble, Lilyann Conrad, Orion Conrad, Jackson Johnson, Scarlett Johnson, Walker Johnson, Nash Neptune, and Atticus Neptune. \nHe is preceded in death by his grandmother, mother and father. \nA graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rifle on August 29th, with a celebration of Rick’s life to follow. Details will be announced when finalized.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-richard-rick-neptune/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-17T03:04:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16210432%2FW0020355.jpeg","slug":"obituary-richard-rick-neptune"},{"id":"bu898p","title":"Garfield County Libraries schedule for July 20-26","excerpt":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Escape Room at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nCitizenship Classes at 5:30 p.m./Clases de ciudadanía a las 5:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nDino Jeopardy at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 6 p.m./...","content":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Escape Room at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nCitizenship Classes at 5:30 p.m./Clases de ciudadanía a las 5:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nDino Jeopardy at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 6 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 6 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nIn Stitches Knitting Club at 1:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish in Action: Open Hours at 6:30 p.m./Inglés en acción: Horario de atención a las 6:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nTuesday\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nBasic Computer Classes for Adults at 9 a.m. \n\n\n\nBilingual Sensory Storytime at 1 p.m./Hora del cuento sensorial bilingüe a las 1 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nBack to Reality Book Club at 5 p.m. \n\n\n\nZumba Baila & Burn at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nStorytime at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Arts and Crafts at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nStorytime 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nDinosaur Story Hour and Exploration with the Dinosaur Museum at 11 a.m./Hora del Cuento de Dinosaurios a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nMah Jongg at 1:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nClub de Abuelitos a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nToddler Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nBaby Storytime at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nDinosaur Story Hour and Exploration with the Dinosaur Museum at 2 p.m./Hora del Cuento de Dinosaurios a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nGrief Share Support Series at 3:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nWednesday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nSensory Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nRifle:Workforce Center in Your Library at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nPlaygroup at the Library at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSun Photography for Teens and Tweens at 11 a.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish/Spanish Conversation Circle at 6:45 p.m./Círculo de Conversación Inglés/Español a las 6:45 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nDinosaur Story Hour and Exploration with the Dinosaur Museum at 2 p.m./Hora del Cuento de Dinosaurios a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nDinosaur Story Hour and Exploration with the Dinosaur Museum at 11 a.m./Hora del Cuento de Dinosaurios a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nIntro to Cricut (Four week series) at 4 p.m./Introducción a Cricut (Serie de quatro semanas) a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nUn Abrazo Para el Alma a las 7 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nCMC Open Office Hours at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nTie Dye Party at 5 p.m. \n\n\n\nThursday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nDinosaur Story Hour and Exploration with the Dinosaur Museum at 11 a.m./Hora del Cuento de Dinosaurios a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nRifle:Storytime at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nDinosaur Story Hour and Exploration with the Dinosaur Museum at 2 p.m./Hora del Cuento de Dinosaurios a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nZumba Baila & Burn at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nGolden Years Social at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Movies at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nMeditation for Members of 12 Step Recovery Programs at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nAdd Water to Your Wiggles at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nWriting Workshops at 5 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nGet the Wiggles Out! at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGeri-Fit: Strength Training for Older Adults at 12:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nTech Club with the Aspen Science Center at 3:45 p.m. \n\n\n\nBooks in Bars at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nFriday \n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nBaby & Me Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nSPARK at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Hiroya Tsukamoto at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nShake Your Sillies Out at 10 a.m. \n\n\n\nMeal Monkey at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Express Yo’ Self at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSaturday\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nLocal Author Showcase at the Glenwood Springs Library at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nDungeons and Dragons: Storm King’s Thunder at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nBilingual Storytime at 10:30 a.m./Hora del cuento bilingüe a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nSunday\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nRifle’s Adventure Guild at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nDungeons and Dragons: Call of the Netherdeep at 2 p.m.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-july-20-26/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T21:54:13.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F31145340%2FGarfield-County-libraries-graphic.png","slug":"garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-july-20-26"},{"id":"vlims5","title":"A&E lineup for July 17-27","excerpt":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nTry Scuba Diving\n\n\n\nWhat: Trident Veteran Adaptive Program (TVAP) is holding a free event for veterans, active-duty mili...","content":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nTry Scuba Diving\n\n\n\nWhat: Trident Veteran Adaptive Program (TVAP) is holding a free event for veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and Adaptive participants for one-on-one scuba diving sessions with trained professionals. Bring family and friends, who can cheer participants on or dive with them. Sessions last around an hour, bring swimwear and a towel, scuba gear will be provided. Registration is required, call 970-420-8592 or email tvapprograms@gmail.com. \n\n\n\nWhen: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 18\n\n\n\nWhere: Rifle Metro Pool, 1718 Railroad Ave., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: None\n\n\n\nTen Years Gone: A Led Zeppelin Tribute\n\n\n\nWhat: Cover band Ten Years Gone honors the magic of Led Zeppelin with iconic hits and deep cuts. Ten Years Gone transport fans straight back to the glory days of Led Zeppelin, delivering an unforgettable experience every time. Visit utetheater.com/event/ten-years-gone-a-led-zeppelin-tribute/ for tickets.\n\n\n\nWhen: 8-10:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18\n\n\n\nWhere: Ute Theater and Events Center, 132 East Fourth St., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: $27-$70\n\n\n\nHiroya Tsukamoto Concert 2026\n\n\n\nWhat: Tsukamoto, a masterful fingerstyle guitar and evocative storyteller, transcends cultural barriers and brings his work to the Roaring Fork Valley. Visit eventbrite.com/e/hiroya-tsukamoto for tickets.\n\n\n\nWhen: 7-8 p.m., Thursday, July 23\n\n\n\nWhere: Third Street Center, 520 South Third St., Carbondale\n\n\n\nCost: $25\n\n\n\n55th Annual Mountain Fair\n\n\n\nWhat: Join Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley community in celebrating Mountain Fair. The heart and soul of the fair is the love, history and humanity that have built community through art in Carbondale. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and loads of unique artisans. Eat delicious food, and sample drinks.\n\n\n\nWhen: July 24-26\n\n\n\nWhere: Sopris Park, 601 Euclid Ave., Carbondale\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nComedy Night at BrewZone in Silt ft. Thomas Nicholas\n\n\n\nWhat: Comedy Night at the BrewZone in Silt features Thomas Nicholas, who is visiting from Fort Collins. Visit eventbrite.com/e/comedy-night-at-brewzone-silt to buy tickets. \n\n\n\nWhen: 8-9:30 p.m., Saturday, July 25\n\n\n\nWhere: BrewZone Silt, 504 Front St., Silt. \n\n\n\nCost: $17.85","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ae-lineup-for-july-17-27/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T21:47:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F25132650%2FPost-Independent-Arts-and-Entertainment-graphic-1024x683.png","slug":"ae-lineup-for-july-17-27"},{"id":"19gags","title":"Marble Distilling finds spirit beyond liquor","excerpt":"Marble Distilling Co. has spent more than a decade making spirits. Its latest award proves the company can bottle that same spirit without the liquor.\n\n\n\nThe Carbondale distillery’s Peach Jalapeño Shrub recently earned a silver medal at the inaugural North American Nonalcoholic Cup, a blind-judge...","content":"Marble Distilling Co. has spent more than a decade making spirits. Its latest award proves the company can bottle that same spirit without the liquor.\n\n\n\nThe Carbondale distillery’s Peach Jalapeño Shrub recently earned a silver medal at the inaugural North American Nonalcoholic Cup, a blind-judged competition featuring 109 entries from producers across the continent.\n\n\n\nFor Marble co-founder and head distiller Connie Baker, the recognition validates nearly two years of work developing products for the growing nonalcoholic beverage market.\n\n\n\n“The nonalcoholic beverage industry is on fire right now,” Baker said. “There’s so many people who are cutting back on their alcohol consumption, maybe forever, maybe for a short time, maybe because they’re running a marathon. There are so many things.”\n\n\n\nBaker said Marble began working on nonalcoholic products about two years ago before eventually settling on shrubs, concentrated fruit- and vinegar-based beverages that can be mixed with sparkling water or used in cocktails, mocktails and food.\n\n\n\nMarble’s shrubs have been available in bottles since March, following completion of the company’s label approval process. They are now sold at the distillery and at several retail stores and restaurants.\n\n\n\nShrubs date back hundreds of years and were traditionally used as a way to preserve fruit. Baker said Marble’s version is a fermented product, with fermentation stopped before alcohol is created.\n\n\n\nThe result is a concentrated drink with more texture and body than many products designed to imitate traditional spirits.\n\n\n\n“They make beautiful fruit-based drinks, also marinades and toppings for ice cream and things like that,” Baker said. “You can add soda water to it. It makes a beautiful sparkling fruit-based drink with a lot of viscosity and a lot of mouthfeel.”\n\n\n\nMarble’s Peach Jalapeño Shrub combines ripe peach flavor with a mild jalapeño finish. It is one of three flavors offered by the company, alongside Blueberry Lavender and Strawberry Balsamic.\n\n\n\nThe silver medal was awarded during a professional blind tasting, meaning judges evaluated the entries without knowing the producers behind them. Products were judged on quality, balance, innovation and overall drinking experience.\n\n\n\nThat format made the recognition particularly meaningful to Baker.\n\n\n\n“Because this was a blind competition, no one knew that we were a small little company,” she said. “It just goes to show that there’s a lot of opportunity out there if you’re crafting something that is beautifully made.”\n\n\n\nBaker said Marble competed not only against larger producers, but also against companies making styles of nonalcoholic drinks that are more familiar to consumers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShrubs remain relatively uncommon compared with nonalcoholic beers, wines and spirit alternatives, she said.\n\n\n\n“The world is taking note of something different in the category that is delicious,” Baker said. “That makes us very happy, obviously.”\n\n\n\nShe described the recognition as a “David and Goliath story” for a small-town producer competing against brands from across North America.\n\n\n\n“It proves that you don’t have to be one of the big brands with a lot of resources behind you to be able to make something that consumers really want and appreciate,” Baker said.\n\n\n\nThe award adds to a lengthy list of competition honors for Marble Distilling, which celebrated its 11th anniversary in June.\n\n\n\nThe company opened in downtown Carbondale in June 2015 with a tasting room and five-room boutique hotel. It also operates a whiskey club and added a membership-based social club in 2025.\n\n\n\nDuring its first two years, Marble’s vodka, Gingercello and Moonlight EXpresso earned more than 40 honors in national and international competitions, including gold, silver and bronze medals.\n\n\n\nBaker said the latest award shows the importance of continuing to develop new products as consumer preferences change.\n\n\n\n“It tells me that innovating new products is a good idea,” she said. “You have to be flexible in a lot of different businesses, but definitely in the beverage world because there are new things happening all the time.”\n\n\n\nAlthough consumers are still buying spirits, Baker said the growth of the nonalcoholic market has created new opportunities for beverage producers willing to adapt.\n\n\n\n“People’s tastes change,” she said. “You’ve always got to innovate to stay ahead of them.”\n\n\n\nMarble’s shrubs are available at its Carbondale distillery, select retailers and online. To find a retailer or order online, visit marbledistilling.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/marble-distilling-finds-spirit-beyond-liquor/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T20:52:10.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16145127%2FDSC_0728-1024x683.jpg","slug":"marble-distilling-finds-spirit-beyond-liquor"},{"id":"z9mepx","title":"Trump administration kills Endangered Species Act rule, in move wildlife advocates say will bring more species to ‘brink of extinction’","excerpt":"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially killed a long-standing provision of the Endangered Species Act in the name of government efficiency and deregulation. The move has drawn criticism and a lawsuit from environmental and wildlife advocates who argue it significantly weakens the act a...","content":"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially killed a long-standing provision of the Endangered Species Act in the name of government efficiency and deregulation. The move has drawn criticism and a lawsuit from environmental and wildlife advocates who argue it significantly weakens the act and could lead to widespread habitat destruction and the extinction of protected species. \n\n\n\nOn July 14, the federal agency published a final rule rescinding the definition of “harm” from the Endangered Species Act. \n\n\n\nIt’s a move that President Donald Trump’s administration has said will return the act to its “actual text and original intent” and end “years of federal overreach.”\n\n\n\n“For years, federal agencies abused the ESA to obstruct lawful land use and burden American families and businesses,” said U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a news release. “That approach turned routine activity into a regulatory trap, drove up costs that impacted people’s lives, and expanded federal authority beyond what Congress intended. This action restores common sense, respects private property, provides much-needed certainty for landowners and follows the statute Congress actually passed.”\n\n\n\nIn retracting the definition of harm — which protects against the disruption or destruction of habitat utilized by endangered and protected species — environmental and wildlife advocacy groups warn it could push more wildlife to the brink of extinction. \n\n\n\n“Habitat destruction is the No. 1 threat to endangered species,” said Alli Henderson, the Southern Rockies director and senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity. “Tossing out the definition would be a death sentence for beloved wildlife in Colorado and beyond. It would still be illegal to kill an endangered animal, but the Trump administration wants to allow any and all destruction of everything the animal needs to survive.”\n\n\n\nThe Center for Biological Diversity and several conservation groups filed a lawsuit on July 14 against the Trump administration over the rule change. The lawsuit alleges that the move is illegal because harming species through habitat destruction is prohibited by the law’s statutory language and goes against legal precedents.\n\n\n\nA history of ‘harm’ and the Endangered Species Act \n\n\n\nThe Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973 in response to declining populations of plants and animals as human and economic development increased. It was designed to protect and recover species on the brink of extinction. \n\n\n\nOne of the act’s primary methods of protection is barring the “take” of any species protected by the federal law. Take is broadly defined in the act as any action or attempt “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect.”\n\n\n\nWhile harm was included in this initial definition of take, two years after the act was passed, the Fish and Wildlife Service adopted a definition of “harm” that included habitat destruction or degradation as part of the interpretation. \n\n\n\nDan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, wrote in a May 2025 comment on the initial proposed rule that this definition “has not only helped combat the leading threat to imperiled species, but it has also shaped the development of state wildlife laws and conservation efforts.” \n\n\n\n“The Services’ longstanding view that ‘harm’ includes significant habitat modification that actually kills or injures wildlife furthers this purpose [of the ESA] by giving all people — not just federal agencies subject to — an incentive to avoid or minimize habitat destruction that could foreseeably kill or injure listed species,” Gibbs wrote. \n\n\n\nDan Gibbs, executive director of Colorado’s Department of Natural Resources, said that the state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout, are among the species that have benefited from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 1975 definition of harm to include habitat destruction in the Endangered Species Act. This definition was repealed in July 2026.Chris Kennedy/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\n\n\n\nIn its rationale for rescinding the definition of harm, the Fish and Wildlife Service argues that this interpretation went too far by barring activities that did not directly harm an animal — which it claims is the original intent of the Endangered Species Act.\n\n\n\nThe federal agency’s reasoning cites conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s dissent of the court’s 1995 decision in Babbitt v. Sweet Home. The Supreme Court ruled that the destruction of habitat can be considered illegal take of an endangered species. Scalia disagreed, arguing that the Endangered Species Act was not meant to penalize indirect habitat changes and that it was a case of government overregulation. \n\n\n\n“Given that ‘take’ is defined in the statute, and that the role and meaning of the term ‘harm’ within the larger definition of ‘take’ was expertly explicated by Justice Scalia in his Sweet Home dissent — an interpretation which we have herein adopted — we find that maintaining a freestanding definition of “harm” is unnecessary,” according to Fish and Wildlife’s federal register posting. \n\n\n\nThe reversal of the Supreme Court’s majority has raised concerns among those opposing the rule change. \n\n\n\n“By ignoring this precedent, the Trump administration is opening the door for industries of all kinds to destroy the natural world and drive wildlife to extinction,” Henderson said. “There’s no question that destroying the places endangered species live will harm them. Losing these species and their habitat will harm us, too.” \n\n\n\nIn his May 2025 letter, Gibbs wrote that the Sweet Home majority already explained why Scalia’s dissent “represents an incorrect view of the law.”\n\n\n\nThe majority, he wrote, concluded that “‘harm’ means ‘to cause hurt or damage to: injure.’ This definition, the majority correctly observed, ‘naturally encompasses habitat modification that results in actual injury or death to members of an endangered or threatened species.'” \n\n\n\nA change that will hurt the species the law was designed to protect \n\n\n\nEnvironmental advocates argue that the move to rescind the definition is actually counterproductive to the purpose of the Endangered Species Act and is part of a broader effort to weaken the law overall. \n\n\n\nIn a May 2025 interview, when the administration first proposed rescinding the definition of harm, Jess Beaulieu, an attorney and manager of the University of Denver’s Animal Law Program and a Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioner, said the Endangered Species Act is about recovery and survival and getting species off the list.\n\n\n\n“Survival is only as good as what goes on with your recovery efforts, and a lot of recovery comes with habitats,” she said.\n\n\n\nBeaulieu suggested that the real goal of this, as well as other reforms proposed by House Republicans in the pending Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025, is to “open up channels for development” and private interests. \n\n\n\n“I think the ultimate goal is putting the ESA in state hands,” she said. “That opens up channels again for development, for habitat destruction, for private interests to rule. … While some states, I think, have a genuine interest in wildlife conservation and in protecting species, I can’t say the same for other states.”\n\n\n\nRepealing the definition will “push more of our wildlife to the brink of extinction,” Henderson said.\n\n\n\n“Without habitat, there’s no shelter or cover, food and other necessities for wildlife to live and reproduce. Rather than reversing the trend of biodiversity loss, these losses would continue, and maybe even ramp up,” she said. “When imperiled species lose their habitat and go extinct, it’s not an isolated impact. It reverberates through the ecosystem, and extinction is forever.”\n\n\n\nAt the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s July 16 meeting, Reid DeWalt, the agency’s deputy director, said it was “still analyzing the impacts; we’re definitely concerned about it.” \n\n\n\n“Habitat is everything, and a law that doesn’t protect habitat is probably gonna be very ineffective,” said Jay Tutchton, chair of the Parks and Wildlife Commission. “But I did want to point out one of the remedies to the federal government walking away from what I feel is its responsibilities to endangered species is state law and our state Endangered Species Act.” ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/trump-administration-kills-endangered-species-act-rule/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T20:20:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16141952%2Fusfws-gunnison-sage-grouse-pair-large-1024x819.jpeg","slug":"trump-administration-kills-endangered-species-act-rule-in-move-wildlife-advocates-say-will-bring-mor"},{"id":"reqfcv","title":"Roaring Fork School District names new chief academic officer","excerpt":"The Roaring Fork School District announced Wednesday that Jessica Piwko will serve as its new chief academic officer, beginning Aug. 24, according to a district news release.\n\n\n\nThe position became available following the departure of former Chief Academic Officer and Assistant Superintendent Sta...","content":"The Roaring Fork School District announced Wednesday that Jessica Piwko will serve as its new chief academic officer, beginning Aug. 24, according to a district news release.\n\n\n\nThe position became available following the departure of former Chief Academic Officer and Assistant Superintendent Stacy Park, who recently was appointed chief academic officer for Denver Public Schools.\n\n\n\nPiwko brings 14 years of experience teaching and leading public education in Colorado. Most recently, she served as the interim chief of academics for Denver Public Schools. During her time at Denver Public Schools, she served as executive director of teaching and learning and director of K-12 mathematics, while also holding roles as a classroom teacher and a school leader. \n\n\n\n“We are so pleased to welcome Jessica to the Roaring Fork Schools leadership team,” Superintendent Anna Cole said in a release. “Jessica brings deep instructional expertise across grade levels and content areas, along with a strong track record of supporting diverse learners and improving outcomes for all students, including emerging bilingual students, students with disabilities, and historically underserved student groups.”\n\n\n\nThe announcement concludes a rigorous hiring process that followed the district’s established hiring process for RFSD leaders. Semifinalists completed a performance task that was reviewed by representatives of the executive team, school-based leaders, and certified and classified staff, according to the release. Three finalists were invited to an in-person interview process, which included classroom visits and a professional development presentation. \n\n\n\n“The interview committee noted Piwko’s ability to think strategically and translate vision into actionable steps, her effective professional development presentation, her clear commitment to supporting all students through rigorous grade-level instruction, and her strong sense of urgency in ensuring every student receives an excellent education,” the release reads. \n\n\n\n“It is a privilege to join the Roaring Fork Schools as chief academic officer,” Piwko said in the release. “I look forward to serving this remarkable community, partnering with exceptional educators and leaders, and working together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/roaring-fork-school-district-names-new-chief-academic-officer/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T19:33:34.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16133050%2Ff4f93745-9a9b-4823-97cc-5b3646409169.jpeg","slug":"roaring-fork-school-district-names-new-chief-academic-officer"},{"id":"wnevhc","title":"Short-term rental market continues to shrink in Aspen, PitCo","excerpt":"County elected officials to discuss potential changes STR program after city passed its own set of changes last year","content":"County elected officials to discuss potential changes STR program after city passed its own set of changes last year","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/short-term-rental-market-continues-to-shrink-in-aspen-pitco/article_2fb9ec85-c4b5-49c7-89f7-3d43481a95c4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Laurine Lassalle, Aspen Journalism","publishDate":"2026-07-19T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Ffb%2Fffb688d0-c72f-4ff7-9215-4e899a11b020%2F6a5bfcbb5a441.image.jpg%3Fcrop%3D1315%252C679%252C5%252C491%26amp%3Bresize%3D300%252C155%26amp%3Border%3Dcrop%252Cresize","inBriefing":true,"slug":"short-term-rental-market-continues-to-shrink-in-aspen-pitco"},{"id":"fx1x0f","title":"chateauChaumont01.jpg","excerpt":"Twenty-one short-term rental classic permits have been issued at Chateau Chaumont on East Durant Avenue in Aspen, as of April 3. Capped zones for classic permits don’t apply to Chateau Chaumont as it’s located in the city’s lodging zone.","content":"Twenty-one short-term rental classic permits have been issued at Chateau Chaumont on East Durant Avenue in Aspen, as of April 3. Capped zones for classic permits don’t apply to Chateau Chaumont as it’s located in the city’s lodging zone.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/chateauchaumont01-jpg/image_3b40489d-a121-49f8-a1e9-93a4afc251a1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Laurine Lassalle/Aspen Journalism","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fb4%2F3b40489d-a121-49f8-a1e9-93a4afc251a1%2F6a5bfca794cef.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","inBriefing":true,"slug":"chateauchaumont01jpg"},{"id":"6604kw","title":"TheGant05.jpeg","excerpt":"The Gant is one of the seven lodge-exempt permit holders in Aspen. The property includes 140 individually owned condominium units, which are rented similar to hotel rooms when not being used by their owners.","content":"The Gant is one of the seven lodge-exempt permit holders in Aspen. The property includes 140 individually owned condominium units, which are rented similar to hotel rooms when not being used by their owners.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/thegant05-jpeg/image_2a819dff-54d5-480c-a0ee-a59ab79a2125.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Laurine Lassalle/Aspen Journalism","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2Fa8%2F2a819dff-54d5-480c-a0ee-a59ab79a2125%2F6a5bfcbb7cb35.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","inBriefing":true,"slug":"thegant05jpeg"},{"id":"5m3xtx","title":"COVER 260714_Aspen overview_JC.jpg","excerpt":"The number of active short-term rental permits issued by the city of Aspen and Pitkin County has declined by a combined 9% since 2023, according to an Aspen Journalism analysis.","content":"The number of active short-term rental permits issued by the city of Aspen and Pitkin County has declined by a combined 9% since 2023, according to an Aspen Journalism analysis.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cover-260714-aspen-overview-jc-jpg/image_ffb688d0-c72f-4ff7-9215-4e899a11b020.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Ffb%2Fffb688d0-c72f-4ff7-9215-4e899a11b020%2F6a5bfcbb5a441.image.jpg%3Fcrop%3D1315%252C679%252C5%252C491%26amp%3Bresize%3D300%252C155%26amp%3Border%3Dcrop%252Cresize","slug":"cover-260714aspen-overviewjcjpg"},{"id":"al165l","title":"Ben01.jpg","excerpt":"Ben Wolff, general manager at Frias Properties of Aspen, helps manage hundreds of STRs in Aspen, including in the residential/multifamily zone district whose long waitlist, he believes, shows that the zone’s permit cap is too restrictive.","content":"Ben Wolff, general manager at Frias Properties of Aspen, helps manage hundreds of STRs in Aspen, including in the residential/multifamily zone district whose long waitlist, he believes, shows that the zone’s permit cap is too restrictive.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ben01-jpg/image_ab2bb13e-36b9-4633-8640-a10f749a0595.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kelsey Brunner/Aspen Journalism","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2Fb2%2Fab2bb13e-36b9-4633-8640-a10f749a0595%2F6a5bfcbdaa9a6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C450","slug":"ben01jpg"},{"id":"sa0zz3","title":"P3 NicoleAlex01.jpg","excerpt":"Pitkin County Community Development Deputy Director Nicole Rebeck-Stout. left, and Analyst Alex Sanchez look at STR application processing times. Pitkin County saw a 29% drop in the number of STR properties in the past three years and a 62% decline…","content":"Pitkin County Community Development Deputy Director Nicole Rebeck-Stout. left, and Analyst Alex Sanchez look at STR application processing times. Pitkin County saw a 29% drop in the number of STR properties in the past three years and a 62% decline…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/p3-nicolealex01-jpg/image_72ef8081-e5b0-491f-8202-5ea56569bb53.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Laurine Lassalle/Aspen Journalism","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F2e%2F72ef8081-e5b0-491f-8202-5ea56569bb53%2F6a5bfcc12d647.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"p3-nicolealex01jpg"},{"id":"3s157w","title":"Timberline03.jpg","excerpt":"Snowmass Village counts 1,445 STR licenses and 209 pending permits as of May 27, including about 84 already approved permits at Timberline Condominiums located near Snowmass Mall.","content":"Snowmass Village counts 1,445 STR licenses and 209 pending permits as of May 27, including about 84 already approved permits at Timberline Condominiums located near Snowmass Mall.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/timberline03-jpg/image_9b3501c9-c6e1-470c-a758-53921b7a981e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Laurine Lassalle/Aspen Journalism","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2Fb3%2F9b3501c9-c6e1-470c-a758-53921b7a981e%2F6a5bfcc3a1b50.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"timberline03jpg"},{"id":"wsfnaz","title":"Henry: Lesser animals push for airport expansion","excerpt":"“Community or commodity?” The Pitkin Board of County Commissioners views our valley, at best, as a source for the generation of unlimited wealth...","content":"“Community or commodity?” The Pitkin Board of County Commissioners views our valley, at best, as a source for the generation of unlimited wealth...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/henry-lesser-animals-push-for-airport-expansion/article_e1c72236-ee20-4fa7-b62c-48c4ab83d2e4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Joe Henry, Guest Commentary","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"henry-lesser-animals-push-for-airport-expansion"},{"id":"ftijsz","title":"Mountain bike group does what Forest Service can’t","excerpt":"Denise and Mark Handrich — A big shout-out to the volunteers who cleared the Mill Creek Trail (middle loop) on Basalt Mountain...","content":"Denise and Mark Handrich — A big shout-out to the volunteers who cleared the Mill Creek Trail (middle loop) on Basalt Mountain...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/mountain-bike-group-does-what-forest-service-can-t/article_69a19e34-b9e6-4453-b3f2-adf0a3225f2c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"mountain-bike-group-does-what-forest-service-cant"},{"id":"m1q07j","title":"Proposition 195 would put money back in pockets","excerpt":"Will Hodges — I’m inviting Colorado voters to sign a petition to add Proposition 195 to November’s ballot. We only have until Aug. 3...","content":"Will Hodges — I’m inviting Colorado voters to sign a petition to add Proposition 195 to November’s ballot. We only have until Aug. 3...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/proposition-195-would-put-money-back-in-pockets/article_0441a14e-ac1e-48e8-ae30-41b24cc7e20f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"proposition-195-would-put-money-back-in-pockets"},{"id":"7dr92a","title":"Aspen Acres containment climbs to 48% as crews focus on protecting Colorado communities","excerpt":"The state's largest currently burning wildfire remains active near the communities of Rye and San Isabel. Plus: Updates on Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow, Fishhook and Elk fires.","content":"The state's largest currently burning wildfire remains active near the communities of Rye and San Isabel. Plus: Updates on Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow, Fishhook and Elk fires.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/17/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-acres-greenridge-fishhook-friday-update/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-17T16:54:56.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FAP26173012729412-scaled.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-acres-containment-climbs-to-48-as-crews-focus-on-protecting-colorado-communities"},{"id":"50d6ay","title":"AI doesn’t replace creativity in reader’s music quest","excerpt":"Chris Martinez — More than 20 years ago, I stared through the window of a friend’s place in Missouri Heights as he worked on a drum machine...","content":"Chris Martinez — More than 20 years ago, I stared through the window of a friend’s place in Missouri Heights as he worked on a drum machine...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/ai-doesn-t-replace-creativity-in-reader-s-music-quest/article_3b5c533c-1972-4a17-bdc9-24e217a8cc46.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-19T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1454496522488-7a8e488e8606%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"ai-doesnt-replace-creativity-in-readers-music-quest"},{"id":"o1vkkb","title":"map_RMF.png","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/map-rmf-png/image_7ac71607-1875-432d-abbd-37f76968f62e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Created with Datawrapper","publishDate":"2026-07-18T22:22:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2Fac%2F7ac71607-1875-432d-abbd-37f76968f62e%2F6a5bfc89c4ea3.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C292","slug":"maprmfpng"},{"id":"p05lyh","title":"Chart_AspenSTR.png","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/chart-aspenstr-png/image_d48f0cb1-8d55-4ec9-b304-1c3c3839bc7f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-18T22:22:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F48%2Fd48f0cb1-8d55-4ec9-b304-1c3c3839bc7f%2F6a5bfc8893969.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C215","slug":"chartaspenstrpng"},{"id":"p150rk","title":"Chart_PitCoSTR.png","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/chart-pitcostr-png/image_e761320a-19e2-406a-a308-3a3bd3ef82a1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-18T22:22:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F76%2Fe761320a-19e2-406a-a308-3a3bd3ef82a1%2F6a5bfc88f0bed.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C215","slug":"chartpitcostrpng"},{"id":"pfwvs5","title":"Local news in brief, July 18","excerpt":"Willow Fire was 36% contained as of Friday","content":"Willow Fire was 36% contained as of Friday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-july-18/article_2f565f54-4c35-415a-9540-c5f8d7e6fd8a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-18T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fed%2Fdedb6be4-2961-4a1f-9a0b-c1e8bf2d604c%2F68e710dcf2f72.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C189","slug":"local-news-in-brief-july-18"},{"id":"3jxf4s","title":"The chance to dance for you","excerpt":"Ahren Victory stars as Cassie in ‘A Chorus Line’","content":"Ahren Victory stars as Cassie in ‘A Chorus Line’","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/the-chance-to-dance-for-you/article_3444f013-0ac5-456a-90a1-35fd70585c14.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-18T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Ff0%2F3f0ea8eb-cda7-42c3-bf4a-b98393a77f65%2F6a5ade57f2d3a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"the-chance-to-dance-for-you"},{"id":"6csaa4","title":"Security Forum panelists debate wisdom of Iran war","excerpt":"Sen. Chris Murphy calls $100B spent by U.S. a mistake","content":"Sen. Chris Murphy calls $100B spent by U.S. a mistake","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/security-forum-panelists-debate-wisdom-of-iran-war/article_ad51b06c-3694-4216-bc84-c3ac95214eca.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-18T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F36%2F6366891d-3434-455c-b59b-e5a8ea223b59%2F6a5adf3e4365e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"security-forum-panelists-debate-wisdom-of-iran-war"},{"id":"9i512a","title":"Colorado’s drought isn’t impacting water access to fight wildfires, officials say","excerpt":"Response teams for the Willow, Aspen Acres and Ferris fires say they’re not running into issues finding water to fight fires. Here’s how they do it.","content":"Response teams for the Willow, Aspen Acres and Ferris fires say they’re not running into issues finding water to fight fires. Here’s how they do it.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/17/colorado-wildfires-water-access-fine-amid-drought/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Shannon Mullane","publishDate":"2026-07-17T09:52:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Lake_Pueblo_01-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C626%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"colorados-drought-isnt-impacting-water-access-to-fight-wildfires-officials-say"},{"id":"wzs6q4","title":"Couple’s argument leads to shooting in Snowmass","excerpt":"Husband was shot, but deemed the aggressor","content":"Husband was shot, but deemed the aggressor","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/couple-s-argument-leads-to-shooting-in-snowmass/article_3cf4f7c5-c984-4b9e-b3f7-ac28724ec750.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-18T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F8f%2F88fa2a08-65b3-4180-b915-86fe8cf4b7b3%2F6a5adff80dbf7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C158","slug":"couples-argument-leads-to-shooting-in-snowmass"},{"id":"oxc4b4","title":"chorus line group","excerpt":"“A Chorus Line” won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize when it premiered on Broadway in 1976. Theatre Aspen’s revival of the play concludes on July 25 at the Hurst Theatre.","content":"“A Chorus Line” won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize when it premiered on Broadway in 1976. Theatre Aspen’s revival of the play concludes on July 25 at the Hurst Theatre.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/chorus-line-group/image_3f0ea8eb-cda7-42c3-bf4a-b98393a77f65.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Nikki Hausherr","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Ff0%2F3f0ea8eb-cda7-42c3-bf4a-b98393a77f65%2F6a5ade57f2d3a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"chorus-line-group"},{"id":"umfftd","title":"ahren victory","excerpt":"Ahren Victory stars as “Cassie” in Theatre Aspen’s production of “A Chorus Line.” Victory grew up in Colorado Springs.","content":"Ahren Victory stars as “Cassie” in Theatre Aspen’s production of “A Chorus Line.” Victory grew up in Colorado Springs.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ahren-victory/image_e0dbdea6-26c1-4216-871e-29c32e9882dc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Nikki Hausherr","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F0d%2Fe0dbdea6-26c1-4216-871e-29c32e9882dc%2F6a5adec44f570.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"ahren-victory"},{"id":"be653b","title":"security forum a","excerpt":"U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., speaks at the 2026 Aspen Security Forum on Thursday. He was joined by moderator Jim Sciutto, Robert Greenway, Karim Sadjadpour and Roxana Saberi.","content":"U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., speaks at the 2026 Aspen Security Forum on Thursday. He was joined by moderator Jim Sciutto, Robert Greenway, Karim Sadjadpour and Roxana Saberi.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/security-forum-a/image_6366891d-3434-455c-b59b-e5a8ea223b59.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Aspen Security Forum","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F36%2F6366891d-3434-455c-b59b-e5a8ea223b59%2F6a5adf3e4365e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"security-forum-a"},{"id":"tl7pz7","title":"Lo-Fidelity: Champagne dirt ™","excerpt":"As the temperature spiked on the hot and dusty Rio Grande Trail last Sunday, I did what any rapidly-aging, ski-bum lunatic desperately seeking attention would do: I went skiing. Not just any ol’ skiing, but dirt skiing. Well, technically I’d call it “shale” skiing. We’re rather blessed here with ...","content":"As the temperature spiked on the hot and dusty Rio Grande Trail last Sunday, I did what any rapidly-aging, ski-bum lunatic desperately seeking attention would do: I went skiing. Not just any ol’ skiing, but dirt skiing. Well, technically I’d call it “shale” skiing. We’re rather blessed here with a skiable and fossil-rich Mancos shale formation, which as far as I can tell, cuts a diagonal swath across the valley from Snowmass to the Slaughterhouse Falls.\n\n\n\nI’m chalking up my exuberance to the construction of the new Nell/Bell chairlift, which I’ve been entirely captivated by this summer, and the fact that I became accustomed to, and pretty darn good at, skiing over dirt last winter. \n\n\n\nI gathered my gear, fastened my skis to my back with a trusty Highland Bowl strap, hopped on my bicycle and off I went to ski a bold new line I’d been scouting all spring. The hike up the sloughing sediment was a foreboding omen. As I stood at the top of the menacing shale moraine, I soon realized the pitch was considerably steeper than I thought. My heart was pounding. Acrid sweat from Saturday night’s shenanigans started pouring down my face. I hadn’t been that scared since skiing beyond the ski area boundary, years ago. \n\n\n\nThe first cardinal rule of dirt skiing? Don’t fall. One wrong move and you’ll end up bloodied, covered in dirt in the back of an ambulance. Dirt skiing is not for the faint of heart, intelligent or uninsured. Luck was on my side because I didn’t crash, but boy, did I ever come close. What kind of wax do you use for dirt skiing? None. In retrospect, maybe I’ll try rubbing some Irish Springs bar soap on my bases next time. \n\n\n\nIs dirt skiing bad for your skis? Yes. And let’s start treating our skis like the sacrificial inanimate objects they are instead of always handling them with kid gloves. \n\n\n\nWith the latest stupid human trick under my belt, I feel like I finally earned my Level 3 Dirt-Cert from the ADSA, the “Amateur Dirt Skiers of Aspen.” I fancy the club a subsidiary of the Aspen State Teachers College; a non-partisan, non-profit, non-denominational, non-rational-thinking LLC headquartered at the lunatic fringe of Aspen and Woody Creek. Not only am I a member; I’m the founder. The ADSA is in no way related to the PSIA, but we do accept bribes.\n\n\n\nYou may think this is some kind of joke. It is, and it isn’t. Some say skiing in Aspen has reached its “fall of the Roman Empire” phase. We’ve all seen the dire future financial and weather forecasts. Armchair experts and non-skiers are quick to point out our beloved sport is caving-in on the weight of itself, all the while dying a slow, undignified death. \n\n\n\nRide ’em, cowboy! Lorenzo Semple/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nNot if I can help it. Dirt skiing may very well be the wave of the future. I’m just doing my dirty duty by following in the ski boot-steps of local dirt skier giants before me, like the Pelletier’s and Marolts. I can picture Stein Eriksen counter-rotating in his grave at the very notion of this dirt skiing tomfoolery. \n\n\n\nWhile the cost of dirt skiing is a fraction snow skiing, my gut tells me the capture rate for beginner dirt skiers would be infinitesimal at best. The only sponsors I see willing to get on board would be the orthopedic associates or maybe Band-Aid and Neosporin. Wait … come to think of it, the sponsorship potential for dirt skiing is nearly endless; from Carhardt clothing, Kinko gloves, Bell helmets, a whole array of protective gear all the way down to CAT earthmoving equipment and landscaping/grooming techniques. \n\n\n\nTruth is, I’m a little old to be dirt skiing. But if SkiCo is looking for a local, dirt-skiing ambassador, look no further. I’ll do pretty much anything for a ski pass. I’m simply trying to live my best version of a life spiraling out of control. Funny how I keep crying for help, but all anyone wants to do is take pictures. Go figure. \n\n\n\n“Funny how I keep crying for help, but all anyone wants to do is take pictures.”Lorenzo Semple\n\n\n\nYou know how Steamboat trademarked the term “Champagne Powder,” like if you dare mention the term or try to coin the phrase, you’ll receive a cease-and-desist notice? Here’s a golden opportunity for us to trademark (and get filthy rich from) a ski condition of our very own: a brand that speaks to the messy vitality, unwashed masses and sheer irreverence of Aspen ski culture. Be still, our beating nostalgic hearts, as this is the phrase I’ve come up with to delineate Aspen: “Champagne Dirt.” Put that in your pristine powder pipe and puff away, Steamboat! \n\n\n\nContact Lorenzo via suityourself@sopris.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lo-fidelity-champagne-dirt-tm/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lorenzo Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-17T00:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02130333%2F20260702_125431-768x1024.jpg","slug":"lo-fidelity-champagne-dirt"},{"id":"d8mhp1","title":"Pickleball fundraiser to help foster children returns to Aspen","excerpt":"The “Pickle for a Purpose” fundraiser at Aspen Recreation Center returns on Tuesday, July 21. \n\n\n\nThe registration deadline is July 18. Sponsorships are open, and individual player spots are on sale now.\n\n\n\nThis charitable event offers participants the chance to play with some of pickleball’s top...","content":"The “Pickle for a Purpose” fundraiser at Aspen Recreation Center returns on Tuesday, July 21. \n\n\n\nThe registration deadline is July 18. Sponsorships are open, and individual player spots are on sale now.\n\n\n\nThis charitable event offers participants the chance to play with some of pickleball’s top players, according to a press release, including the 2025 Major League Pickleball champion and MVP Andrei Daescu. The aim is to raise critical funds for three of the nation’s impactful child welfare organizations — Florida’s Children First, National Association of Counsel for Children and The Youth Law Center — to ensure that foster children in their own dependency cases have attorneys protecting them in foster care.\n\n\n\n“The stakes for foster youth have never been higher,” children’s rights attorney Howard Talenfeld, founder of FCF and board member of Youth Law Center, said in the release. “Across America, these children need trained attorneys to represent them in their own dependency cases to ensure their safety, stability and well-being. Attorneys can fight for appropriate placements, counseling and mental health services to minimize the trauma youth in care endure and to be sure that their rights are protected and their needs are met when they are separated from siblings and other safety nets.”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fundraiser invites locals, visitors, pickleball players and spectators alike to step onto the court for a one-of-a-kind experience to support the important cause.\n\n\n\n“This tournament is our way of fighting for them as we advocate nationally for high-quality counsel for all kids in care,” Talenfeld continued in the release. “Every player, every sponsor, every spectator who shows up in Aspen on July 21 is helping us put children in a stronger position to survive and thrive.”\n\n\n\nThe event is being sponsored in part by the city of Aspen, Aspen Pickleball, Justice for Kids and Slatestone Wealth.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pickleball-fundraiser-to-help-foster-children-returns-to-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T22:36:57.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16161814%2FPickle_1_1-1024x683.jpg","slug":"pickleball-fundraiser-to-help-foster-children-returns-to-aspen"},{"id":"m6whwc","title":"Shiffrin and Vonn nominated for ESPY, make TIME 100’s Most Influential People list","excerpt":"Fresh off a season which saw her claim Olympic slalom gold and become the most decorated U.S. alpine skier in history, Mikaela Shiffrin was nominated for an ESPY and named to TIME 100’s Most Influential People in Sports list.\n\n\n\nShiffrin — who also won a record-tying sixth overall crystal globe a...","content":"Fresh off a season which saw her claim Olympic slalom gold and become the most decorated U.S. alpine skier in history, Mikaela Shiffrin was nominated for an ESPY and named to TIME 100’s Most Influential People in Sports list.\n\n\n\nShiffrin — who also won a record-tying sixth overall crystal globe and claimed a ninth World Cup discipline title in slalom last winter — was nominated for “Best Athlete, Women’s Sports,” for the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY). The nomination announcement was made June 25.\n\n\n\nThe ESPY Awards are an annual sports award show that highlights the best athletes, teams and change-makers in sports, ranging from basketball, tennis, F1, soccer and football, to Olympic and Paralympic sports. The 2026 nominees included athletes like figure skater Alysa Liu, basketball player Jalen Brunson, soccer player Lionel Messi and cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. Shiffrin was nominated alongside hockey player Hilary Knight, golfer Nelly Korda and WNBA star A’ja Wilson.\n\n\n\nThe show was broadcast on Wednesday, July 15, from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. Wilson won the award over Shiffrin.\n\n\n\nLindsey Vonn was nominated for “Best Comeback Athlete.” She spoke to USA Sports about her recovery from a torn ACL, broken ankle and fractured tibia suffered during a crash in the Olympic downhill earlier this year.\n\n\n\n“I have such a long way to go. I still have no ACL, so I need to fix that. I need to get all the metal out of my leg and then we’ll assess,” Vonn told Renee Montgomery. “The biggest issue with my recovery is just that I was so immobile for so long. I was in a wheelchair for six weeks and on crutches for two-and-a-half months.”\n\n\n\nThe 41-year-old said she didn’t regret her gutsy performance in Cortina in February.\n\n\n\n“I wanted to come home with an Olympic medal, but I was going for gold and that’s what happens,” she explained. “I may not have done everything that I wanted to do, but I did a lot and I have to be proud of myself for that.”\n\n\n\nShiffrin won nine of 10 slaloms on the World Cup circuit this year — pushing her career World Cup wins total to 110 — and claimed Olympic gold by a historic 1.5-second margin. She spoke with CNN’s Anderson Cooper last month about how winning that race helped her accept her dad’s 2020 death.\n\n\n\n“I didn’t even start to dive into understanding the grief until after the Beijing Olympics. That was my first Olympics where my dad was not there,” Shiffrin told Anderson. “And after somebody, like a fan, found my number and called, like, three times in a row and I finally answered it, he’s like, ‘Just hear me out for a second. I won’t ever bother you again, but I need to tell you my theory.’ And it was basically that I didn’t want to experience a successful Olympics where he wasn’t at the finish line. It was a weird conversation, but I did take it to heart.”\n\n\n\nMikaela Shiffrin, left, and Marco Odermatt celebrate winning their respective overall World Cup titles at the Lillehammer World Cup Finals on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Hafjell, Norway. Marco Trovati/AP\n\n\n\nShiffrin said she stared at the scoreboard in disbelief when she crossed the Olympia delle Tofane finish line.\n\n\n\n“And I wanted to feel my dad there. I was trying to talk to my dad and just not having him respond, which was like sort of horrible and somehow felt like I had accepted that in the moment. Like maybe it’s OK that he doesn’t reply, but I can still talk to him,” she continued. “I think crossing the finish line of Cortina in that solemn (way) was a burst of understanding for me that went far beyond winning a gold medal. That was so secondary to these other feelings that I had, but that gold will always represent those feelings to me.”\n\n\n\nThis summer, Shiffrin was named to TIME 100’s Most Influential People in Sports list. This list — looking at the “most influential figures shaping the global landscape of sports” — is the first of its kind from TIME.\n\n\n\nShiffrin was one of four athletes from U.S. Ski & Snowboard squads to earn a place on the list. She was joined by Vonn, Jessie Diggins and Oksana Masters. Non-skiing superstars like Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Shohei Ohtani and Jannik Sinner were among those included.\n\n\n\n“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by TIME on their TIME100 list as an Icon in Sports alongside so many inspiring people,” Shiffrin stated on social media. “To be honest, recognition like this always feels a little surreal. Even after all these years, there’s still a part of me that wonders, ‘Is this real?'”\n\n\n\nVonn also went to Instagram to express gratitude for being named.\n\n\n\n“To be recognized alongside so many incredible athletes is truly humbling… Congratulations to everyone included. What an inspiring group of people to share this moment with,” she posted. “This past year has reminded me why I love this sport. Returning to the top of my sport and chasing a dream that so many thought was impossible has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/shiffrin-and-vonn-nominated-for-espy-make-time-100s-most-influential-people-list/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Ryan Sederquist Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trsederquist@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T21:37:34.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16145028%2FESPYvonnshiff-atd-071726-01-1024x683.jpg","slug":"shiffrin-and-vonn-nominated-for-espy-make-time-100s-most-influential-people-list"},{"id":"98icty","title":"Aspen Cycling Club results: Sky Mountain MTB race from July 15","excerpt":"ASPEN CYCLING CLUB — WEEKLY RACE RESULTSSKY MOUNTAIN MTB RACEWednesday, July 15, 2026\n\n\n\nMen’s A (11.34 miles and 2068 vertical)1—0:52:03—Mahoney, Eric2—0:53:08—Hart, Sam3—0:53:31—Mobilian, Zach—Meatballs4—0:54:02—Robinson, Ryan5—0:55:00—Koster, Ryan—Sparkle Motion6—0:55:16—Bluemel, Andrew—Meatba...","content":"ASPEN CYCLING CLUB — WEEKLY RACE RESULTSSKY MOUNTAIN MTB RACEWednesday, July 15, 2026\n\n\n\nMen’s A (11.34 miles and 2068 vertical)1—0:52:03—Mahoney, Eric2—0:53:08—Hart, Sam3—0:53:31—Mobilian, Zach—Meatballs4—0:54:02—Robinson, Ryan5—0:55:00—Koster, Ryan—Sparkle Motion6—0:55:16—Bluemel, Andrew—Meatballs7—0:56:59—Rispoli, Maxwell—Meatballs8—0:58:19—Peterson, Butch—Hub of Aspen9—0:59:09—Burrus, Charles10—0:59:40—Gould, Marcus11—1:00:42—Newton, Tyler—Sante Cycling12—1:01:29—Schoofs, John—Sparkle Motion13—1:06:17—Hunt, Cooper—RFC Pinnacle\n\n\n\nWomen’s A (11.34 miles and 2068 vertical)1—1:06:26—Brendamour, Bryn—Meatballs2—1:11:26—Glasgow, Norah—RFC Pinnacle3—1:14:44—Savago, Ella—Sparkle Motion4—1:15:17—George, Sarah5—1:15:38—Weaver, Tess\n\n\n\nMen’s B (11.34 miles and 2068 vertical)1—0:57:07—Sanchez Tuda, Miguel—Meatballs2—0:58:53—Shanks, Riley—Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry3—1:01:32—Anderson, Ian—Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry4—1:01:49—Funk, Adam—Meatballs5—1:05:35—Metz, Randy6—1:06:31—Sowers, Dillon7—1:09:19—Cibulsky, John—Sparkle Motion8—1:09:54—Adams, Casey9—1:12:07—Hludzinski, Brian10—1:17:31—Karsenti, Gabriel11—1:22:54—Kanto, Ryan12—1:25:44—Karsenti, Arnaud\n\n\n\nWomen’s C (7.47 miles and 1388 vertical)1—0:51:52—Wimmer, Maria—Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry2—1:02:26—Chang, Melissa—Valley Velo\n\n\n\nMen’s C (7.47 miles and 1388 vertical)1—0:43:29—Chang, Sean—Valley Velo2—0:45:52—Whitaker, Bradley3—0:51:09—Burch, Brett—Sparkle Motion4—0:53:40—Cook, Adam5—0:56:58—Cox, Travis\n\n\n\nMen 50+ (7.47 miles and 1388 vertical)1—0:52:07—Chism, Scott2—0:59:11—Watson, Brandon—Sparkle Motion\n\n\n\nWomen 50+ (7.47 miles and 1388 vertical)1—0:55:42—Shaw, Sara—Sparkle Motion2—0:58:18—Kellyanson, Jill—Sparkle Motion\n\n\n\nMen 60+ (7.47 miles and 1388 vertical)1—0:43:10—Hayles, Thomas—ZG 79082—0:43:50—Maple, Michael—Hub of Aspen3—0:45:26—Sirianni, Phil—Hub of Aspen4—0:51:28—Tarver, Charlie—Hub of Aspen\n\n\n\nMen 70+ (7.47 miles and 1388 vertical)1—1:08:55—Overeynder, Phil—Limelight\n\n\n\nMS Boys (7.47 miles and 1388 vertical)1—0:45:05—Shea, Henry—RFC Pinnacle\n\n\n\nRace Marshals: Justin Savago, Glenn Sliva, Jeff Taylor\n\n\n\nResults may also be viewed at www.aspencyclingclub.org. Questions about results should be directed to info@aspencyclingclub.org.\n\n\n\nRiders pose after the Aspen Cycling Club’s Sky Mountain mountain bike race on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, near Snowmass Village.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nRiders pose after the Aspen Cycling Club’s Sky Mountain mountain bike race on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, near Snowmass Village.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nRiders pose after the Aspen Cycling Club’s Sky Mountain mountain bike race on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, near Snowmass Village.Courtesy photo","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-cycling-club-results-sky-mountain-mtb-race-from-july-15/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T21:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F23165506%2F41114261-a036-5dbe-b48c-0081f17884dd.jpg","slug":"aspen-cycling-club-results-sky-mountain-mtb-race-from-july-15"},{"id":"u7b8k7","title":"security forum b","excerpt":"CNN’s Jim Sciutto, left, moderates a panel on the Iran war at the 2026 Aspen Security Forum on Thursday. He is joined by Robert Greenway, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, Karim Sadjadpour and Roxana Saberi.","content":"CNN’s Jim Sciutto, left, moderates a panel on the Iran war at the 2026 Aspen Security Forum on Thursday. He is joined by Robert Greenway, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, Karim Sadjadpour and Roxana Saberi.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/security-forum-b/image_9c65c371-f63b-4c42-8f4c-a80becb41a73.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Aspen Security Forum","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2Fc6%2F9c65c371-f63b-4c42-8f4c-a80becb41a73%2F6a5adf878caf0.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"security-forum-b"},{"id":"qdm7bx","title":"snowmass police logo","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/snowmass-police-logo/image_88fa2a08-65b3-4180-b915-86fe8cf4b7b3.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F8f%2F88fa2a08-65b3-4180-b915-86fe8cf4b7b3%2F6a5adff80dbf7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C158","inBriefing":true,"slug":"snowmass-police-logo"},{"id":"7xjfnx","title":"Margo: Let’s get louder and shake things up","excerpt":"“You have definitely lost your mind,” my friend Erica says, without flinching. I was telling Erica how I really want to learn...","content":"“You have definitely lost your mind,” my friend Erica says, without flinching. I was telling Erica how I really want to learn...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/margo-let-s-get-louder-and-shake-things-up/article_873a62f1-015d-4899-a09e-a1b54088b32c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Ali Margo, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fe8%2F0e8fb356-db1e-4051-8e16-96d013595ed3%2F68f2dcfe26565.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","slug":"margo-lets-get-louder-and-shake-things-up"},{"id":"3p2suc","title":"Ambassador Dennis Ross takes the stage at Vail Mountain School to answer the hard questions on Iran, the Middle East and diplomacy.","excerpt":"As someone who has been to the Middle East almost 700 times, Dennis Ross has seen firsthand how Middle Eastern conflict has shaped into what it is today. \n\n\n\nOn July 15, at Vail Mountain School, he shared his insights alongside his longtime friend, Eagle County local and Emmy-winning journalist, ...","content":"As someone who has been to the Middle East almost 700 times, Dennis Ross has seen firsthand how Middle Eastern conflict has shaped into what it is today. \n\n\n\nOn July 15, at Vail Mountain School, he shared his insights alongside his longtime friend, Eagle County local and Emmy-winning journalist, Greg Dobbs, at the Vail Symposium’s “Iran, the Middle East and the Possibilities of Diplomacy with Ambassador Dennis Ross.” \n\n\n\nFor more than 12 years, Ross has been a key figure in the U.S.’ involvement in the Middle East Peace Process. He played a role in helping Israel and Palestine reach the 1995 Interim Agreements and in brokering the 1997 Hebron Accord. Ross has also served under four presidential administrations, and is currently the William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and teaches at Georgetown University’s Center for Jewish Civilization.\n\n\n\nNow, as U.S. strikes on Iran ramp up while both countries hint at diplomacy, Ross visited Eagle County for a third time since 2012 and helped a packed house make sense of the current status of the complex relationship. \n\n\n\n“This was a war of choice,” Ross told Dobbs in front of the audience. He explored where the Trump administration failed, navigated the position of the powers involved, and discussed the what-ifs of war, raising the possibility of what he described as an Iranian Gorbachev. \n\n\n\nHe also talked about the recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S., and recent news that suggests a breakdown of the June deal. \n\n\n\n“This was a great opportunity to listen to a man who has had immense experience in the Middle East and who was interviewed by Greg Dobbs, who has a lot of experience in the same area, mainly covering Iran but also discussing the challenges in trying to come up with a process to bring peace to the area,” said Eagle County local Merv Laplin who attended the event. \n\n\n\nRoss and Dobbs’ in-depth discussion gave viewers a chance to get a better perspective of motives, vulnerabilities and even patience of Iran, the U.S. and other key players like Israel and Palestine. Both in-person and online viewers were also given the opportunity to ask questions to the experienced diplomat. \n\n\n\nVail Mountain School hosted Dennis Ross and Greg Dobbs on the July 15 Vail Symposium. Photo by Toni Axelrod. Dennis Ross crowd\n\n\n\nFor attendee Chris Fedrizzi, the event reinforced the views he had about the Trump administration and how he believed they entered the war unprepared. “To hear him say it and validate what I thought was good. If anybody’s gonna do that, it’s gonna be someone like him,” he said.\n\n\n\n“He confirmed that the experts are not at the table,” said Laine Lapin, another spectator. \n\n\n\nExecutive Director of Vail Symposium, James Kenly, told the Vail Daily that the symposium tries to demonstrate civil discourse and critical thinking through their events, and by bringing in Ross, they’re giving Eagle County access to someone who has been involved in Middle Eastern politics at the highest level.\n\n\n\n“It’s 2026, Iran and the Middle East is the headline around the world, and we have one of the top authorities coming to speak,” he said. “It’s not every day you get to spend time with an ambassador and ask your question and have your question heard.” \n\n\n\nAnd hear them, he did. Following the event, Ross and Dobbs reflected on the questions they received from the community. \n\n\n\n“These are people who, even in the shape of their questions, reflect that they follow this closely. It’s not just that they want to understand it, but they actually think about it,” Ross said. \n\n\n\nAs a local, Dobbs understands what the Eagle County audience concerns may be, but reassures they are not alone.\n\n\n\n“From what I could hear, they are no different than an audience would be in New York City, Miami, or San Diego, because all Americans have the same questions because we have the same fears of what’s going on,” Dobbs said. ","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/ambassador-dennis-ross-takes-the-stage-at-vail-mountain-school-to-answer-the-hard-questions-on-iran-the-middle-east-and-diplomacy/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-17T00:13:23.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F16155912%2F07df0793-3b0b-4e32-a606-7ffca9ac99e0-1024x683.jpeg","slug":"ambassador-dennis-ross-takes-the-stage-at-vail-mountain-school-to-answer-the-hard-questions-on-iran-"},{"id":"86iwlx","title":"What to know about navigating homeowners insurance amid wildfires","excerpt":"As wildfires burn across Colorado, homeowners whose properties are at risk — or have been destroyed — must navigate a complex insurance system. \n\n\n\nThe Aspen Acres Fire, currently the seventh-largest in state history, has burned more than 99,000 acres across Pueblo and Custer counties as of Wedne...","content":"As wildfires burn across Colorado, homeowners whose properties are at risk — or have been destroyed — must navigate a complex insurance system. \n\n\n\nThe Aspen Acres Fire, currently the seventh-largest in state history, has burned more than 99,000 acres across Pueblo and Custer counties as of Wednesday, July 15. It has destroyed more than 300 homes. \n\n\n\nElsewhere in the state, two fires are burning in Routt County. The Fishhook Fire — a few miles south of Steamboat Springs — stood at more than 330 acres as of Wednesday. While mandatory evacuations for the Green Ridge Fire south of Stagecouch Reservoir were lifted on Wednesday, the fire threatened roughly 480 structures, including around 20 homes. \n\n\n\nAlso burning are the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray at over 37,000 acres, the Ferris Fire near Dolores at over 64,000 acres, the Willow Fire near Leadville at over 6,500 acres and the Elk Fire near Lake City at nearly 2,000 acres. \n\n\n\nColorado has several laws in place meant to ensure homeowners get the help they need from property insurers in the wake of losing a home to natural disasters. \n\n\n\nThat includes House Bill 25-1322, which requires that insurance companies provide a copy of a homeowner’s policy upon request within three business days. Lawmakers in 2022 also passed House Bill 22-1111, which requires insurers to cover at least 65% of all household items if the house is destroyed, though this only applies to primary residences. \n\n\n\nColorado Insurance Commissioner Mike Conway, speaking Wednesday during a virtual town hall, said homeowners will need to submit an inventory of what was lost in a fire to claim the other 35%. But the 2022 law helps ensure homeowners whose properties are destroyed automatically get the majority of their items covered. \n\n\n\n“One of the biggest complaints that we would hear time after time after a catastrophe … is that some insurance companies made people go through just an incredible amount of detail to inventory their contents in order to get the payout for their contents coverage,” Conway said. “In many ways, people felt like they were reliving the catastrophe because they had to remember and relive and think about everything that they had lost over and over again.”\n\n\n\nColorado Division of Insurance Commissioner Mike Conway speaks during a news conference in Denver on Oct. 20, 2025.Robert Tann/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nInsurance policies may also cover the costs of repairing a home so that it is safe to occupy after an evacuation order has lifted. Some policies will also reimburse the cost of living expenses incurred after being forced to evacuate a home, such as temporarily renting, eating out or driving longer distances due to being displaced. \n\n\n\nWhile not every insurance policy will cover those expenses during a mandatory evacuation, Conway said the state’s insurance division is also currently finalizing guidelines for insurers, urging them to provide those benefits for all homeowners who are currently being forced to evacuate. \n\n\n\nConway said the division saw success with the guidelines it issued for insurers following the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder County. \n\n\n\n“When we made asks of the insurance companies effectively to be reasonable and step up and help communities recover, for the most part they really did,” Conway said. \n\n\n\nConway said homeowners should be documenting everything they want to submit for a claim using photos, videos and receipts. \n\n\n\n“It is incredibly important for you to document as much as possible,” he said. \n\n\n\nConway added that it’s important for homeowners to understand the process for how insurers cover their losses. Much of that has to do with two key insurance industry terms: Actual cash value and replacement value.\n\n\n\nActual cash value refers to the amount a household item is worth after accounting for depreciation. Conway used the example of a refrigerator that is 12 years old. That refrigerator may have cost $1,500 when it was new, but it may now be worth around $300. That’s the amount the insurance company would pay out initially. \n\n\n\nReplacement value refers to the cost of actually replacing that item, which is intended to make up the difference. In the refrigerator example, the insurance company would pay the additional $1,200 at the time of replacement for a new refrigerator that costs $1,500. \n\n\n\n“Those things are going to be really important to keep in mind as you’re working your way through the claims process,” Conway said. \n\n\n\nFor homeowners who don’t have property insurance or are underinsured, Conway said it will be critical for the state to receive a disaster declaration, which unlocks grant money for those homeowners from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. \n\n\n\nOnly presidents can issue federal disaster declarations, and Conway said President Donald Trump has not yet done so for any of the active fires in Colorado. \n\n\n\n“We’re working with our counterparts and other agencies at the state level that are going to be really pivotal in trying to get that disaster declaration,” he said. \n\n\n\nConway also urged homeowners who are impacted to reach out to U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, who represents southern and western Colorado in Congress, as well as the state’s senators, to push the White House to issue a disaster declaration.","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colorado-wildfires-homeowners-insurance/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T19:22:03.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F16121111%2FFire-1024x742.jpg","slug":"what-to-know-about-navigating-homeowners-insurance-amid-wildfires"},{"id":"vfcf0z","title":"Grueter: Infinite growth is the ideology of the what now?","excerpt":"I have a delicate flower confession to make. When I was a kid, the smell of lawnmower gasoline made me so nauseated...","content":"I have a delicate flower confession to make. When I was a kid, the smell of lawnmower gasoline made me so nauseated...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/grueter-infinite-growth-is-the-ideology-of-the-what-now/article_2071bee2-ee7e-4a70-9b46-a1d35176baed.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Annalise Grueter, Aspen Daily News columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F60%2F26045bd3-caa1-40b5-bca7-69838d48553e%2F68f2d7890c03e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C338","inBriefing":true,"slug":"grueter-infinite-growth-is-the-ideology-of-the-what-now"},{"id":"yq13u1","title":"Council kicking can down the road on housing","excerpt":"Ziska Childs — (Re: “Guths withdraw request to expand home’s livable area,” July 16, Aspen Daily News) By doggedly quoting code...","content":"Ziska Childs — (Re: “Guths withdraw request to expand home’s livable area,” July 16, Aspen Daily News) By doggedly quoting code...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/council-kicking-can-down-the-road-on-housing/article_9e2033e4-b42e-402e-9de5-dd06bf71a5b9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1454496522488-7a8e488e8606%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"council-kicking-can-down-the-road-on-housing"},{"id":"yeu1tu","title":"In support of increased airport parking fees","excerpt":"Michael Maple — I wholeheartedly support an increase in Aspen-Pitkin County Airport parking rates. Parking, and indeed all...","content":"Michael Maple — I wholeheartedly support an increase in Aspen-Pitkin County Airport parking rates. Parking, and indeed all...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/in-support-of-increased-airport-parking-fees/article_78a69c76-7e15-498f-8030-5a7bcc6a513f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-18T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"in-support-of-increased-airport-parking-fees"},{"id":"jo2qf5","title":"2024 accident on Rio Grande Trail results in litigation","excerpt":"Lawsuit: Injured bicyclist sues e-bicyclist who declined to provide name on scene","content":"Lawsuit: Injured bicyclist sues e-bicyclist who declined to provide name on scene","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/2024-accident-on-rio-grande-trail-results-in-litigation/article_4f2b7daa-f9fe-4ea8-8309-80a01a1538ca.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-17T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F6e%2F56e45b14-b7de-49c4-9fbd-b5e73e26bd9d%2F6a59aa44e467e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C245","slug":"2024-accident-on-rio-grande-trail-results-in-litigation"},{"id":"mxa9mo","title":"Aspen plans Cemetery Lane pedestrian improvements","excerpt":"City will update bus stop, crosswalk","content":"City will update bus stop, crosswalk","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/aspen-plans-cemetery-lane-pedestrian-improvements/article_57a7e439-61fd-4e71-9dd9-16c758fc6d1a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-17T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F8e%2Fc8ea9433-1da6-4c5d-a01e-c1d4c6a73d68%2F6a59ab0b8ce03.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"aspen-plans-cemetery-lane-pedestrian-improvements"},{"id":"6zphch","title":"CPW implements voluntary fishing closures","excerpt":"Roaring Fork, Colorado among rivers with restrictions","content":"Roaring Fork, Colorado among rivers with restrictions","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/cpw-implements-voluntary-fishing-closures/article_6b696fa7-7f06-419f-9144-aa8aacfcb0bc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-07-17T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F06%2Fa069f35c-1aab-44f9-9d62-6c3ec31826b9%2F6a59acb5a4c84.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C226","slug":"cpw-implements-voluntary-fishing-closures"},{"id":"sz8r1r","title":"AMFS presents orchestral concert featuring iconic movie tracks on Saturday","excerpt":"Conductor built program from personal experiences with films","content":"Conductor built program from personal experiences with films","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/amfs-presents-orchestral-concert-featuring-iconic-movie-tracks-on-saturday/article_efe27e60-ac4a-44ac-802b-eacd765533c0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-17T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F77%2Fe7796e1f-b956-400d-aaf4-052eb2f0c53e%2F6a59ac0660ad1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"amfs-presents-orchestral-concert-featuring-iconic-movie-tracks-on-saturday"},{"id":"cxhoyc","title":"Soaking up the summer sun","excerpt":"A marmot sits on a rock after taking a drink from a nearby creek at the top of Independence Pass on Friday.","content":"A marmot sits on a rock after taking a drink from a nearby creek at the top of Independence Pass on Friday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/soaking-up-the-summer-sun/image_6acaa3f1-75bb-491b-a375-01ed01b4027f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2Fac%2F6acaa3f1-75bb-491b-a375-01ed01b4027f%2F6a59a94b971f1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"soaking-up-the-summer-sun"},{"id":"ee1cqr","title":"Ride with a view","excerpt":"The Silver Queen Gondola reaches the top of Aspen Mountain on Saturday afternoon.","content":"The Silver Queen Gondola reaches the top of Aspen Mountain on Saturday afternoon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/ride-with-a-view/image_42352604-a4b4-4a07-bc86-b5454c355e9e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F23%2F42352604-a4b4-4a07-bc86-b5454c355e9e%2F6a59a98d57216.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"ride-with-a-view"},{"id":"lc0te3","title":"ebike lawsuit.jpeg","excerpt":"A cyclist rides on the Rio Grande Trail near Wheatley Open Space on Thursday, in the vicinity of the July 4, 2024, bicycle accident that is now part of ongoing litigation.","content":"A cyclist rides on the Rio Grande Trail near Wheatley Open Space on Thursday, in the vicinity of the July 4, 2024, bicycle accident that is now part of ongoing litigation.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ebike-lawsuit-jpeg/image_56e45b14-b7de-49c4-9fbd-b5e73e26bd9d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andre Salvail/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F6e%2F56e45b14-b7de-49c4-9fbd-b5e73e26bd9d%2F6a59aa44e467e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C245","slug":"ebike-lawsuitjpeg"},{"id":"uqux07","title":"Cemetery Lane.jpg","excerpt":"Cars drive through a crosswalk at the intersection of Cemetery Lane, Snowbunny Lane and Silver King Drive. The city is planning enhanced pedestrian safety for that intersection to be installed later this summer.","content":"Cars drive through a crosswalk at the intersection of Cemetery Lane, Snowbunny Lane and Silver King Drive. The city is planning enhanced pedestrian safety for that intersection to be installed later this summer.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cemetery-lane-jpg/image_c8ea9433-1da6-4c5d-a01e-c1d4c6a73d68.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F8e%2Fc8ea9433-1da6-4c5d-a01e-c1d4c6a73d68%2F6a59ab0b8ce03.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"cemetery-lanejpg"},{"id":"cym3op","title":"AMFS film scores.jpg","excerpt":"Ken Yanagisawa, seen here conducting at the Aspen Music Festival and School in 2025, is leading the Aspen Festival Orchestra on Saturday at the Michael Klein Music Tent in a presentation of iconic film tracks in “Soaring Film Scores.”","content":"Ken Yanagisawa, seen here conducting at the Aspen Music Festival and School in 2025, is leading the Aspen Festival Orchestra on Saturday at the Michael Klein Music Tent in a presentation of iconic film tracks in “Soaring Film Scores.”","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/amfs-film-scores-jpg/image_e7796e1f-b956-400d-aaf4-052eb2f0c53e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Diego Redel","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:45:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F77%2Fe7796e1f-b956-400d-aaf4-052eb2f0c53e%2F6a59ac0660ad1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"amfs-film-scoresjpg"},{"id":"azz9yi","title":"confluence.jpg","excerpt":"The confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers at Basalt is shown. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented a voluntary fishing closure on sections of the Roaring Fork, Crystal, Colorado and Eagle Rivers. It goes into effect today.","content":"The confluence of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers at Basalt is shown. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented a voluntary fishing closure on sections of the Roaring Fork, Crystal, Colorado and Eagle Rivers. It goes into effect today.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/confluence-jpg/image_a069f35c-1aab-44f9-9d62-6c3ec31826b9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andre Salvail/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F06%2Fa069f35c-1aab-44f9-9d62-6c3ec31826b9%2F6a59acb5a4c84.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C226","slug":"confluencejpg"},{"id":"vm8mqo","title":"VVMTA asks Eagle County to revive rails-to-trail plan as Union Pacific seeks support for merger","excerpt":"A local trails advocacy nonprofit is channeling a massive 1990s railroad merger in an effort to revive a popular rails-to-trails plan from that era as the same out-of-state railroad conglomerate now seeks local support for yet another mega-merger application.\n\n\n\nThe Vail Valley Mountain Trails Al...","content":"A local trails advocacy nonprofit is channeling a massive 1990s railroad merger in an effort to revive a popular rails-to-trails plan from that era as the same out-of-state railroad conglomerate now seeks local support for yet another mega-merger application.\n\n\n\nThe Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA), long a proponent of the award-winning, 1990s-era Heart of the Rockies rails-to-trails project, recently sent a letter to the Eagle County commissioners seeking support for reviving the trails plan after the Class 1 railroad giant Union Pacific contacted the county hoping for backing in its proposed merger with Norfolk Southern Railroad.\n\n\n\nUnion Pacific’s inactive 220-mile Tennessee Pass Line (TPL) between Pueblo and Dotsero, where it links up with the active Central Corridor Moffat Tunnel line between Grand Junction and Denver, hasn’t seen freight trains since Union Pacific merged with Southern Pacific in 1997. The TPL bisects Eagle County west to east before heading southeast toward Leadville at Dowd Junction.\n\n\n\nVVMTA Executive Director Ernest Saeger wrote the commissioners to “encourage Eagle County to use this timely moment to help revive the Heart of the Rockies Rail to Trail project along the Tennessee Pass rail corridor. This opportunity has a clear historical precedent.”\n\n\n\nWhen the federal government approved the Union Pacific (UP) merger with oil, entertainment and transportation tycoon Phil Anschutz’s Southern Pacific in 1996, the state requested a rails-to-trails study. UP agreed and appeared poised to abandon the TPL for that purpose. For a variety of reasons, that abandonment and trail plan never happened.\n\n\n\n“Railbanking the Tennessee Pass corridor would mean far more than advancing a rail-to-trail project,” Saeger wrote in his letter. “It would create an opportunity for local and state partners to secure greater public control over a strategic corridor that could support future transportation, recreation, safety and infrastructure needs, including improved crossings, potential future I-70 interchange projects, completion of the Eagle Valley Trail and other community priorities.\n\n\n\n“This merger creates a rare moment to ask Union Pacific to preserve the corridor for public benefit rather than allowing decisions about its future to remain entirely outside local influence,” Saeger added in the letter, which points out that comments are due on the merger application, which has been accepted by the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB), by Sept. 25.\n\n\n\nRailbanking is a federal process that legally preserves inactive rail corridors for possible future rail use by utilizing them for public trails in the meantime. Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scherr, in a phone interview Thursday, said the county is taking VVMTA’s request into consideration and drafting a letter to the STB.\n\n\n\n“Our questions are, what is the real impact of this merger to Eagle County, and what do we think our real ability to influence anything is?” Scherr said. “It doesn’t get into specifics about anything because there are a number of things that we could specifically say we’re interested in talking about. But our problem is there’s no one to talk to about anything. So what our letter is trying to do is say, ‘Hey, this is a huge problem that you guys can easily solve. Just talk to us.'”\n\n\n\nLack of local communication by the Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad giant, which mostly runs freight in the western half of the country, has been a longstanding issue for towns and counties all along the line in Colorado. A Union Pacific spokesperson did not return an email request for comment for this article.\n\n\n\nThe Union Pacific railroad\ntracks between Minturn\nand Red Cliff travel up and over Tennessee Pass to Leadville, but they’ve been out of action since 1997.David O. Williams/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nInterest in the inactive Tennessee Pass Line was rekindled in 2020 by a billionaire landowner and developer named Stefan Soloviev, who made a $10 million offer to buy the line for grain shipments from his vast farm holdings after buying a rail line in southeastern Colorado. He has since bought another Colorado rail line and remains a thorn in the side of UP over antitrust issues. His interest in the line was followed by a number of other stakeholders.\n\n\n\nA local rail steering committee formed in recent years, with county and local municipality participation, and one advocacy group has been pushing hard for a state study of passenger service between Glenwood Springs and Leadville.\n\n\n\nAnother short line railroad, Rio Grande Pacific, holds a lease with UP to study passenger and light freight on the line, and UP rival Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) is watching the UP-Norfolk Southern merger proceedings with interest and clear opposition. Norfolk Southern is mostly an eastern U.S. carrier, and is infamous in recent years for its Palestine, Ohio, disaster.\n\n\n\nEagle County twice has sued federal regulators over a proposed expansion of oil train traffic from Utah along the endangered Colorado River in Eagle County on the active Moffat Line, which heads northeast at Dotsero. While UP to some degree is required to transport hazardous materials, county officials would like more communication on that front as well, fearing the potential for oil spills into the river and an increase in wildfire danger.\n\n\n\n“This is what we want to put it on the record and want to express is that (communication is) an issue,” Scherr said. “Everybody always says our merger will make things better. Not usually — at least not usually for anybody but those who are merging.”\n\n\n\nVVMTA’s Saeger, in a phone interview, said that’s why railbanking and local control makes more sense.\n\n\n\n“Up and down the valley, all I hear is the same headaches that all of our land managers, municipalities go through to deal with UP. They don’t get responses. They don’t get answers,” Saeger said. “We hear that they’re hard to work with when they need a simple crossing for like the EagleVail Trail or some project that may be going on. So the opportunity here is to look at railbanking, and what it can provide is the corridor being set aside for local control or state, county, regional, whatever it may be.”\n\n\n\nSaeger added his group, given its mission, is primarily focused on growing the valley’s trail network, but they are being openminded and would like to see feasibility studies of the options.\n\n\n\n“Is that rail to trail? Maybe it’s passenger rail and you don’t do rail to trail from Gypsum to Minturn because of the idea of future passenger rail from the (Eagle County Regional) airport to Minturn or Vail. But maybe it makes more sense to do rail to trail in the section from Minturn to Leadville. Not as high as the demand of passenger rail there. It’s a beautiful area. If it goes through the (Camp Hale) national monument, it’d be an incredible rail-to-trail opportunity.”\n\n\n\nVVMTA has teamed up with Bicycle Colorado for a “take action” alert to garner public support.\n\n\n\nA Western Rail Coalition map showing proposed rail service expansion.Western Rail Coalition/Courtesy image","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vvmta-asks-eagle-county-to-revive-rails-to-trail-plan-as-union-pacific-seeks-support-for-merger/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T23:11:13.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F04%2F06162708%2FTennessee-Pass-Line-Belden-Tunnel-1536x864-1-1024x576.jpg","slug":"vvmta-asks-eagle-county-to-revive-rails-to-trail-plan-as-union-pacific-seeks-support-for-merger"},{"id":"l3ylup","title":"Vail Resorts responds to tough times with new Epic Experience plan to increase overall quality","excerpt":"From Vail to Aspen, these are turbulent times for the ski industry in Colorado and beyond.\n\n\n\nYes, last ski season was epically bad. Still, plenty of people managed to have a very good time on snow despite the historically scant snowpack at Vail and Beaver Creek.\n\n\n\nAnd issues of crowding, safety...","content":"From Vail to Aspen, these are turbulent times for the ski industry in Colorado and beyond.\n\n\n\nYes, last ski season was epically bad. Still, plenty of people managed to have a very good time on snow despite the historically scant snowpack at Vail and Beaver Creek.\n\n\n\nAnd issues of crowding, safety, affordability, parking, workforce housing and labor woes predated the low snow year Vail and Beaver Creek suffered through last season, when its Epic Pass sales and skiers visits both dropped.\n\n\n\nSo how does a publicly traded ski company bounce back from those overall ski industry headwinds next season?\n\n\n\nFor its part, Broomfield, Colorado-based Vail Resorts — the largest global ski-resort operator with 42 destinations — will be focusing on improving the guest experience through initiatives announced Tuesday called Epic Experience.\n\n\n\nVail Resorts CEO Rob Katz ushered in what the company is calling a “new era for the company defined by delivering the best and most differentiated guest experience in skiing and riding.”\n\n\n\nIn a press release on Tuesday, company officials wrote: “Anchored to the belief that future growth will come by offering an exceptional experience that drives loyalty and visitation, the Epic Experience vision spans a multi-year roadmap that comes with a series of immediate investments in food, lessons, gear, guest engagement and talent. Most notably, new next season, Vail Resorts will raise the bar on mountain food with a significant investment to elevate its most popular dishes and introduce Epic Ascent to enhance private lessons with concierge services.”\n\n\n\nWhile still defending the business model of multi-resort season ski passes that he ushered in 20 years ago — including in a recent Epic By Nature podcast — Katz seemed to indicate in Tuesday’s press release that the immediate goal is not to continue focusing on expansion but instead increase overall quality of the experience at Vail Resorts’ ski mountains.\n\n\n\n“For years, Vail Resorts focused on building the Epic Pass model and expanding its resort network,” Katz said in the release. “That strategy helped establish the company’s position today, but the pass and acquisitions were not the end goal. The next chapter of growth for Vail Resorts is about delivering a guest experience that undeniably leads the ski industry and is best in class in the travel sector.”\n\n\n\nHe for several weeks now has been fending off activist shareholder rumors and stiff criticism from high-net-worth snow riders at some of its most iconic ski areas, including Park City and Vail. The son of Vail’s founder recently raised the guest experience issue in the Vail Daily:\n\n\n\n“Back in the day, the founders who get the credit were focused on quality over quantity, and that’s perhaps where things have gone astray,” Vail resident Peter Seibert Jr. told the Vail Daily.\n\n\n\nWith even Aspen One executives wondering aloud if Aspen is still even a ski town, there’s a nostalgic push for independence from the big mega-passes and the throwback individuality of ski areas that used to make every mountain extremely unique.\n\n\n\n“Epic Experience is about using the strength of our integrated model and leveraging our scale and technology to make every part of the mountain journey more seamless, personalized and memorable,” Katz added in Tuesday’s release.\n\n\n\nVail Resorts announced five pillars of the new Epic Experience program, including investing $175 million in wages and benefits. The five pillars were all described under the following headers:\n\n\n\n\nReimagining Rentals with My Epic Gear\n\n\n\nElevating Lessons into Personalized Mountain Experiences\n\n\n\nSetting a Higher Standard for Guest Engagement\n\n\n\nRaising the Bar on Mountain Food\n\n\n\nInvesting in Top Talent to Drive Excellent Guest Service\n\n\n\n\nFor the details of each of those initiatives, read the official Vail Resorts Epic Experience press release on the company’s website. For a critical analysis by ski reporter and podcaster Stuart Winchester of the Storm Skiing Journal, including a creative rewrite of the press release, go to the Storm Skiing website.\n\n\n\nWall Street seems to like the Epic Experience plan, with Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN) stock on a steady upward swing in recent days. On Wednesday, July 15, MTN closed at $148.03 a share.Original reporting from vaildaily.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/vail-resorts-responds-to-tough-times-with-new-epic-experience-plan-to-increase-overall-quality/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T20:23:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16135651%2FSOS-VDN-101125-2-1024x683.jpg","slug":"vail-resorts-responds-to-tough-times-with-new-epic-experience-plan-to-increase-overall-quality"},{"id":"8215u2","title":"Lawsuit blames southern Colorado electric company for starting, spreading Aspen Acres fire","excerpt":"Property owners allege the power company should have cleared trees and organic matter than fueled the nearly 100,000-acre blaze","content":"Property owners allege the power company should have cleared trees and organic matter than fueled the nearly 100,000-acre blaze","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/16/lawsuit-aspen-acres-san-isabel-electric-association/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-16T20:10:17.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_July_3-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C505%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"lawsuit-blames-southern-colorado-electric-company-for-starting-spreading-aspen-acres-fire"},{"id":"yvsd0l","title":"Aspen Acres fire leaps over containment line as hot, dry conditions continue in southern Colorado","excerpt":"The fire, the largest currently burning in the state, was estimated at 99,820 acres. Plus: updates on the Gold Mountain, Willow, Ferris, Fishhook, Green Ridge and Elk fires.","content":"The fire, the largest currently burning in the state, was estimated at 99,820 acres. Plus: updates on the Gold Mountain, Willow, Ferris, Fishhook, Green Ridge and Elk fires.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/16/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-acres-gold-mountainfishhook-thursday-update/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-16T16:30:07.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FAP26184092210492-scaled.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-acres-fire-leaps-over-containment-line-as-hot-dry-conditions-continue-in-southern-colorado"},{"id":"rmzmpb","title":"Littlejohn: How to prevent the liquidity crunch","excerpt":"Are you asset rich but cash poor? Are you an illiquid millionaire? Even if you don’t have $1 million-plus in net worth...","content":"Are you asset rich but cash poor? Are you an illiquid millionaire? Even if you don’t have $1 million-plus in net worth...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/littlejohn-how-to-prevent-the-liquidity-crunch/article_2b5f0e29-035c-46bd-a146-718dd39cd801.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Brian Littlejohn, Guest Commentary","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Ffa%2Fefa26854-afd0-4dc1-b68c-feefb8793611%2F69264a7557f38.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C285","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"littlejohn-how-to-prevent-the-liquidity-crunch"},{"id":"fzncpc","title":"SoL Theatre Company brings 19th-century Germany to Carbondale in ‘Spring Awakening’","excerpt":"The SoL Theatre Company has been working on their Summer Stock Theatre show, and is launching with a production of “Spring Awakening”. \n\n\n\nThe production, which has won eight Tony awards, will be presented at the Thunder River Theatre Company, with showings scheduled throughout the weekend. \n\n\n\n“...","content":"The SoL Theatre Company has been working on their Summer Stock Theatre show, and is launching with a production of “Spring Awakening”. \n\n\n\nThe production, which has won eight Tony awards, will be presented at the Thunder River Theatre Company, with showings scheduled throughout the weekend. \n\n\n\n“My dream has been to launch Summer Stock for years,” said Jennifer Johnson, founder and executive director of SoL Theatre Company. “After 12 years of staging productions with local children and teens, we have a cadre of talented college students and young adults who have SoL experience. This production features many students who have acted in previous productions, as well as some visiting actors and local adult actors.”\n\n\n\n“Spring Awakening” is set in Germany, 1891, following young Wendla, who is experiencing the mysteries of her body and wondering about it until her mother stops her in her tracks. Elsewhere, Melchior defends his friend, Moritz, who is traumatized by the onset of puberty and can’t concentrate on anything. \n\n\n\nDuring one afternoon, Melchior and Wendla meet by accident and soon feel a desire inside themselves to be in one another’s arms. Soon Moritz fails out of school, and Melchior’s mother ignores his pleas for help. The headmaster of school manages to pin the “crime” of Moritz’s suicide on Melchio to expel him, and Wendla becomes pregnant. Now the young lovers must struggle against the odds to build a world for their child. \n\n\n\nThis production is rated “R” for language, adult content, sexual situations, and suicide. For more information, visit soltheatrecompany. To buy tickets, visit simpletix.com/e/spring-awakening. Refunds are unavailable.\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t If you go…\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat: “Spring Awakening”\nWhen: 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, July 16-19;2 p.m., Sunday, July 20\nWhere: Thunder River Theatre Company, 67 Promenade, Carbondale\nCost: $30","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/activity-events/late-19th-century-germany-comes-to-life-in-carbondale-with-sol-theatre-company/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T22:10:19.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F02%2F08145646%2Fchair-fixed-1024x683.jpg","slug":"sol-theatre-company-brings-19th-century-germany-to-carbondale-in-spring-awakening"},{"id":"n2ujyq","title":"Aspen Chabad Jewish Community Center hosts talk on Americans’ response to Holocaust","excerpt":"The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, in collaboration with Pitkin County Library and the Aspen Chabad Jewish Community Center, is inviting the public to “Americans’ Responses to the Holocaust: New Research, New Perspectives” from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 20.\n\n\n\nThe event will be held at t...","content":"The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, in collaboration with Pitkin County Library and the Aspen Chabad Jewish Community Center, is inviting the public to “Americans’ Responses to the Holocaust: New Research, New Perspectives” from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 20.\n\n\n\nThe event will be held at the Aspen Chabad Jewish Community Center, located at 435 W. Main Street, according to a press release. The program will feature Gretchen Skidmore, the museum’s director of education initiatives, who will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s latest research into how Americans responded to the Holocaust during the Nazi era.\n\n\n\n“Understanding how Americans responded to the Holocaust helps us better examine the choices individuals, communities and institutions face when confronted with injustice and persecution,” Skidmore said in the release. “This research sheds new light on what Americans knew and how they responded. I look forward to sharing these findings with the Aspen community at the JCC and hope many people will have an opportunity to visit the exhibition at the library as well.”\n\n\n\nSkidmore will draw from recently developed scholarship and historical analyses that are already being shared with teachers, students and the broader public. The presentation will explore evolving perspectives on public awareness, decision-making and responses to the persecution and murder of European Jews during World War II, according to the release.\n\n\n\n“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how the Museum’s research and educational programs help people engage with one of history’s most important lessons,” Lainie Lipschutz, Museum donor and exhibition docent, said in the release. “Bringing this conversation to Aspen is an opportunity to deepen understanding, encourage thoughtful dialogue and ensure that the stories and lessons of the Holocaust continue to resonate with future generations.”\n\n\n\nThe presentation is one of the public programs being offered in conjunction with the “Americans and the Holocaust” traveling exhibition, which is currently touring the country in partnership with the American Library Association. It is on display at the Pitkin County Library from now through July 27 — Pitkin County Library one of 50 U.S. libraries newly selected to host the exhibition. \n\n\n\n“Developed by the Museum, the exhibition examines how Americans responded to Nazism, war and the Holocaust, challenging visitors to reflect on the choices people made then and the responsibilities we face today,” the release states.\n\n\n\nThe program is free and open to the public, with registration available at jccaspen.com/tools/events/register_cdo/eventid/22881.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-chabad-jewish-community-center-hosts-talk-on-americans-response-to-holocaust/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T19:43:16.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F10%2F06170638%2Flibrary-atd-100625-01-1024x683.jpg","slug":"aspen-chabad-jewish-community-center-hosts-talk-on-americans-response-to-holocaust"},{"id":"75cytn","title":"Next Week in Music: Fairies, lovers and magic on the opera stage","excerpt":"It’s been about a decade since Dame Jane Glover has conducted Britten’s brilliant and endlessly fascinating “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the opera based on Shakespeare’s endearing comedy. In rehearsing it for next week’s two performances in the Wheeler Opera House here in Aspen, she marveled at a...","content":"It’s been about a decade since Dame Jane Glover has conducted Britten’s brilliant and endlessly fascinating “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the opera based on Shakespeare’s endearing comedy. In rehearsing it for next week’s two performances in the Wheeler Opera House here in Aspen, she marveled at all the details that she keeps discovering.\n\n\n\n“I’ve done it a lot, but every time I open the score, I see something new,” she said in a conversation with me last week, “rather like reading Shakespeare himself.”\n\n\n\nOn the festival calendar for next week are recitals by pianists Daniil Trifonov and Emmanuel Ax, violinist Maria Dueñas and an all-Mozart program under conductor James Conlon. I am laser-focused on this opera because it’s such an all-encompassing delight. No one knows Britten’s operas better than Glover, who has been conducting regularly and brilliantly in Aspen for decades, both operas and symphonic programs.\n\n\n\nMusical thrills come from Britten’s ability to create three deliciously evocative and distinct sound worlds — lushly romantic for the two pairs of lovers, ethereal and shimmery for the fairies and, for sheer fun, folk-like music for the rustic men attempting to organize a play of their own. \n\n\n\nThe 15 roles embrace almost every operatic voice type, from high-pitched children portraying fairies to a deep bass for one of the rustics. In between are roles for coloratura soprano, lyric soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass-baritone and, most strikingly, a countertenor as Oberon, the king of the fairies.\n\n\n\n“It was completely unusual in 1960 to have the main role sung by a countertenor, which we only heard in cathedrals,” Glover noted. Countertenors are now having a heyday in the opera world, and Anthony Roth Costanzo, cast in the role here, tops the list, as he demonstrated emphatically in a colorful recital earlier this week. \n\n\n\n“He is brilliant, a force of nature,” Glover said. “And he’s singing beautifully.”\n\n\n\nThe opera begins in a forest inhabited by fairies. String instruments slide up and down. Soft percussion (celesta and harp) paint a magical sound world. The forest music returns at various points, especially in transitions between scenes.\n\n\n\nThere’s a feeling of nobility to the lovers, who are clearly mismatched until the fairies intervene (to sparkly music). The music for the rustics as they concoct a play for the lovers’ wedding parodies a bel canto opera mad scene.\n\n\n\nAll this should be more effective in the 500-seat Wheeler than in a big opera house. The première was in the cozy 226-seat Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh, where Britten led a summer festival of his own for decades. Wheeler’s intimacy should make the details spring to life.\n\n\n\nThe forest music recurs often in transition from one scene to another, or underlying other scenes to remind us who’s really in charge. “And then Britten will insert a sort of staccato note on a trombone, or a bit of percussion, to let you know that another sound world is coming,” Glover notes. “It’s magic from start to finish.”\n\n\n\nThe small space also puts a spotlight on everybody in the orchestra. “Nobody is unimportant in the pit. Everybody gets their moment. It’s like big chamber music. It’s not like the second violins are playing tum-tatty-tums in a Rossini comedy.”\n\n\n\nGlover has been a fan of Britten’s music since she was a teenager. She met him when he visited her English village to perform at the school where her father taught, and the composer kept in touch with her and her father until his death in 1976. Although she once apprenticed at Britten’s music festival in Aldeburgh, she never discussed “Midsummer” with him.\n\n\n\n“I didn’t study with him,” she said. “People tend to think I did. But I am one of the few left who did know him. He was incredibly kind and supportive. It’s often said that he was very good with musical boys, you know, encouraging and supporting them. Well, he did with me, too. I was an awkward teenager, but he recognized that I was obsessed with his music.\n\n\n\nShe added, “One week after we first met, he discovered it was my birthday the following week, and he sent me tickets for ‘Peter Grimes’ at South of Wales.”\n\n\n\nA few years ago, the Aspen festival focused on Britten. Unfortunately the first few programs offered only his tougher music. Audiences unfamiliar with his most accessible music stayed away from what was a sensational performance of “Peter Grimes” in the music tent. \n\n\n\n“This one is very audience friendly,” Glover said. “And of course, most people know the play, so they know the story and they know that they’re coming to see some sort of magic.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/next-week-in-music-fairies-lovers-and-magic-on-the-opera-stage/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Harvey Steiman Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-16T19:14:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16131034%2Fimage-8-1024x683.png","slug":"next-week-in-music-fairies-lovers-and-magic-on-the-opera-stage"},{"id":"p3fodv","title":"Sand: Aspen Thrift Shop’s annual Art Sale returns","excerpt":"We are proud to say that the Aspen Thrift Shop’s annual Art Sale at the Red Brick has become a favorite summer event for locals and visitors alike. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday, Aug. 8, we will offer up for sale an extraordinary cornucopia of artworks, objects, jewelry and more that has come into the shop thi...","content":"We are proud to say that the Aspen Thrift Shop’s annual Art Sale at the Red Brick has become a favorite summer event for locals and visitors alike. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday, Aug. 8, we will offer up for sale an extraordinary cornucopia of artworks, objects, jewelry and more that has come into the shop this year from our donors. It’s our way of selling off more special items, though always at reasonable prices. People are amazed by what shows up in the shop, and all proceeds go to our incredible program of grants and scholarships, benefiting the entire valley community.\n\n\n\nAt this time, we always reach out to see if anyone out there has art that they would like to donate to us directly rather than drop into the shop. We’ll be happy to pick it up from you and if you are moving, clearing or just want to get involved, there is no better time.\n\n\n\nPlease contact Katherine Sand 970-948-5128 to discuss — and thank you!\n\n\n\nKatherine Sand\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/sand-aspen-thrift-shops-annual-art-sale-returns/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Katherine Sand","publishDate":"2026-07-16T19:07:02.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"sand-aspen-thrift-shops-annual-art-sale-returns"},{"id":"8k8y1l","title":"Colorado Mountain Medical physician honored as recipient of Vail Elevate Award","excerpt":"When the late David Scott received a kidney transplant, Dr. Monica Grafals was a provider at UCHealth in Denver who stood at his side, making sure he had a full understanding of the operation and felt comfortable in the process. After the successful transplant, Scott returned to his home of Eagle...","content":"When the late David Scott received a kidney transplant, Dr. Monica Grafals was a provider at UCHealth in Denver who stood at his side, making sure he had a full understanding of the operation and felt comfortable in the process. After the successful transplant, Scott returned to his home of Eagle County, where he had several appointments set up, but not with the doctor who put his medical misgivings at ease. \n\n\n\nOne day, Scott and his wife, Susan, went to an appointment at Colorado Mountain Medical in Avon when they heard the familiar laugh of Grafals as she walked into the room. Grafals had taken a new position in the area as an internal medicine physician at Vail Health, and David Scott could now see her regularly. \n\n\n\nIn late June, Grafals was named the recipient of the Vail Elevate Award, which was created by Vail Health in 2022 as a way for patients and their families to nominate and thank employees who have made an impact in their lives. Nominees can work in any area of the Vail Health healthcare system.\n\n\n\n“Dr. Grafals continued to encourage him, give wise advice, and help him realistically understand his declining health with compassion. She encouraged him to continue enjoying life while being honest about his prognosis,” said Susan Scott. “Dave lived a much longer life because of her incredible skills as a doctor, her ability to help him reflect on the blessings he already had, and her gift for treating him as the most important patient among all her many other patients. Everyone who meets her feels this way.”\n\n\n\nOne year after David Scott’s passing, Susan Scott nominated Grafals for the Vail Elevate Award for the exceptional care that gave him more time. He was able to witness his daughter’s wedding, meet his grandchildren, and spend more time with loved ones.\n\n\n\n“My entire family is thankful for this opportunity (to nominate her),” said Susan Scott. “Everyone in our community needs to celebrate her exceptional skills. She is exceptional, and we love her like family.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-mountain-medical-physician-honored-as-recipient-of-vail-elevate-award/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T18:21:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F15124849%2FElevate_winner_Q1_2026_1-768x1024.jpg","slug":"colorado-mountain-medical-physician-honored-as-recipient-of-vail-elevate-award"},{"id":"yrtwzj","title":"WineInk: ‘Just bring a bottle of wine’","excerpt":"It’s summertime, and the living is easy.\n\n\n\nThis is the time of year when casual dining and outdoor BBQs with friends are weekly happenings. And the question that always comes up is, “What should I bring?” Your host, almost invariably, answers “Just bring a bottle of wine!” leaving you with a tri...","content":"It’s summertime, and the living is easy.\n\n\n\nThis is the time of year when casual dining and outdoor BBQs with friends are weekly happenings. And the question that always comes up is, “What should I bring?” Your host, almost invariably, answers “Just bring a bottle of wine!” leaving you with a trip to the local wine shop to complete your task.\n\n\n\nBased on my experience, wine is always a good gift whether asked for or not. The thing about wine as a gift is that it offers so many possibilities. It can be as simple as an inexpensive bottle of zinfandel meant to be opened and consumed immediately with a grilled burger and an ear of corn. It may be a splurge on a collectable cabernet that will age well to provide a memory down the road for your hosts. Or perhaps you may want to bring a sparkling sensation to be opened for a toast in celebration of your friendship. You can’t go wrong with wine.\n\n\n\nChosen carefully, a bottle of wine can be so much more than just a token gift. It is a present from Mother Earth herself, and a good wine can take those who taste it on a trip to a different place on the planet in their glass.\n\n\n\nStart your quest for a gift of wine with a visit to a local wine shop. Call me old-fashioned, but I still feel the best way to buy wine — as a gift or for yourself — is to walk into a wine shop and talk to the people who sell wines. People who have made the commitment and investment to run a wine shop bring to their business both passion and an understanding of wine.\n\n\n\nIn this valley, there so many options for places where one can go and interact with great local wine professionals who will be happy to help you select wines for all your gift giving occasions. Locals have their favorites, and each of our area shops have their own personal character.\n\n\n\nNot long ago, I was in need of some wine to bring to friends at a casual weeknight BBQ. I solicited some advice from the locally-owned and very convenient shop next to City Market in El Jebel with the funny name El Jebeverage (it was chosen in a radio contest) because I knew I could count on Marilyn O’Sullivan’s expertise to pick just the right wines. I asked for a rosé, a white and a red, each under $20. Her suggestions were as inspired and fun as I had expected.\n\n\n\nShe began with the Studio by Miraval Rosé, a wine with a story. This wine is a blend of four grapes, cinsault, grenache, tibouren and the white grape rolle, which is called vermentino in Italy. It is made by Miraval, a joint venture between Pitt and Perrin, that would be actor Brad Pitt and the Perrin family who are famed as the owners of Château de Beaucastel.\n\n\n\nThe wine is named Studio as a homage to a recording studio on the winery property that once hosted Sting, Sade, The Cranberries and The Gipsy Kings. Oh, and a group called Pink Floyd recorded their vocals for their album “The Wall” in the studio. But that’s not why Marilyn selected the wine. \n\n\n\n“I just love the salinity!” she wrote in her suggestion to me. \n\n\n\nNo doubt due to Miraval’s proximity to the sea. That would be the Mediterranean Sea, which is less than 50 miles to the south.\n\n\n\nNext up, Marilyn went to the mountains for a white wine from South America, the recently released 2025 Colomé Estate Torrontes. \n\n\n\n“This is one of my summer favorites. This high-altitude (the winery is a mile high in the Andes) Argentine grape has aromas of jasmine and stone fruit and citrus flavors. The higher acidity of this wine means it drinks as well with grilled meats as it does with seafood and salads. It’s perfect for the backyard with friends and cornhole!” shared Marilyn.\n\n\n\nFinally, for the red wine, she opted for a Portuguese blend called Guarda Rios, which was new to me. This wine, from a producer called Monte da Ravasqueira in Portugal’s Alentejo region (which is south of Lisbon), is a blend of Aragonez, Syrah, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet. I’ll bet you’ve never had one of those before. \n\n\n\n“This is a smooth Portuguese red that has very silky tannins and beautiful dark berry fruit and a notable spice, which compliments any BBQ-ed meats,” she said\n\n\n\nIn 10 minutes, Marilyn had selected and recommended three wines from three different nations featuring nine interesting grapes all for less than $60. I’ll bet AI couldn’t do that.\n\n\n\nWhen buying wines for gifts, try to take some time to read the room. Who are you buying the wine for and what is the occasion? Spending time to consider the person to whom you are gifting the wine is worth far more than just spending money to fulfill an obligation.\n\n\n\nTake into account the kinds of wines you may have shared with your intended in the past or maybe think about where they have traveled to and get a wine from that place. Friends who have spent time in Patagonia would love a reminder in the form of a bottle of Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir from the Rio Negro region of Argentina. Others just back from France? How about a Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the aforementioned Château de Beaucastel? Your Aussie mates might be pleased by a gift that reminds them of home. A Chardonnay from Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River would surely do the trick.\n\n\n\n If a regular bottle seems a little too small for a gift, consider giving a case of wine or perhaps a large format bottle. Big bottles are in fact impressive. Think about a magnum, which holds the equivalent of two bottles of wine, or even a Jeroboam, which rings in at six bottles. And nothing is more fun than setting a large format bottle on the table for dinner, one that doesn’t run dry until your numerous family and friends start thinking dessert.\n\n\n\n Yes, when it comes to giving gifts this summer, wine offers many options. Cheers!","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/wineink-just-bring-a-bottle-of-wine-2/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kelly J. Hayes Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-16T18:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16085220%2FIMG_9213-769x1024.jpg","slug":"wineink-just-bring-a-bottle-of-wine"},{"id":"xrmvl2","title":"Thursday update: Fishhook Fire spreads to 347 acres; 0% contained","excerpt":"The Fishhook Fire, located 1.5 miles north of U.S. Highway 40 just southeast of Steamboat Ski Resort, has spread to 347 acres and is 0% contained as of 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to Routt National Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Aaron Voos.\n\n\n\nVoos told newspaper staff that the fir...","content":"The Fishhook Fire, located 1.5 miles north of U.S. Highway 40 just southeast of Steamboat Ski Resort, has spread to 347 acres and is 0% contained as of 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to Routt National Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Aaron Voos.\n\n\n\nVoos told newspaper staff that the fire, which was reported at around 12:30 p.m. Sunday and is located on U.S. Forest Service land, remains within one mile of the highway and will be a “long-term fire.” \n\n\n\nThe Southwest Complex Incident Management Team I, with members primarily out of New Mexico and Arizona, has been trickling in over the past few days and will take official command of the fire at 6 a.m. on Friday, states the fire’s official incident report on InciWeb, which was updated Thursday morning. \n\n\n\nAs of Thursday, around 132 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with additional overhead resources, who are all continuing to “chug away” at the blaze, said Voos. \n\n\n\nThe fire saw “minimal growth” from late Wednesday into Thursday, he added, in part thanks to moisture that increased relative humidity and thus moderated fire activity. \n\n\n\nForest Service officials noted in the incident report that chances for afternoon storms are about 10% on Thursday, 15% on Friday and increasing through the weekend. Gusty winds from storms could increase fire activity. \n\n\n\n“So far, it’s been a fuel-driven fire, just kind of moving from pocket to pocket,” explained Voos. “When the wind shifts, it moves to another pocket of fuel.”\n\n\n\nHe called the potential for afternoon thunderstorms a “big deal” due to the winds that may accompany them. \n\n\n\n“We’d love it if it was just moisture and no wind, but it usually doesn’t work out that way,” said Voos, who reiterated his statement yesterday that such weather could be good for the fire, should it bring moisture and/or cloud cover, or detrimental should it bring erratic winds. \n\n\n\nForest Service officials wrote in the report that responders are directly engaging the fire by “establishing an anchor point to secure the fire on the southwest edge of the fire” and are “working the flanks” to combat fire growth. \n\n\n\nCurrent resource objectives include safety for both personnel and members of the public that may be in the area and maintaining the fire perimeters north of U.S. 40, south of the Fishhook Creek drainage, west of the Colorado Department of Transportation and east of the Bear Creek drainage. \n\n\n\nSmoke is expected to remain visible in the area over the next few days. \n\n\n\nRoutt County officials issued pre-evacuation alerts for two zones near the Fishhook Fire — SS-356 and SS-376 — on Tuesday afternoon in anticipation of a partial Routt National Forest closure that went into effect at 9 a.m. Wednesday. \n\n\n\nThe boundary of the closed area is the Routt and Grand County border to the east along U.S. Highway 40; the national forest boundary to the west; the Routt and Grand County border to the south on Highway 40; and Forest Service trail 1101 to the north.\n\n\n\nAs of Thursday morning, the cause of the Fishhook Fire has still not been identified, said Jessie McCarty, one of several public information officers for the fire. \n\n\n\nForest Service officials also issued a smoke message Wednesday stating that light-to-moderate air quality impacts are expected in the city of Steamboat Springs from the Fishhook Fire smoke. \n\n\n\nAir quality over the next few days “highly dependent” on fire activity and new production of smoke, they added. \n\n\n\n\nTo view evacuation zones in Routt County, visit tinyurl.com/4bss4p3k.\n\n\n\nTo sign up for Routt County Alerts, visit tinyurl.com/knacnepd.\n\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from steamboatpilot.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/thursday-update-fishhook-fire-spreads-to-347-acres-0-contained/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Julia Coccaro Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjcoccaro@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T17:43:51.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16114220%2FFishhookUpdate-sbt-071626-1-scaled-1-1024x853.jpg","slug":"thursday-update-fishhook-fire-spreads-to-347-acres-0-contained"},{"id":"5plof","title":"Wing: The stronger the bond","excerpt":"Our local growers work tirelessly, braving unpredictable weather and grueling seasons to keep our community’s kitchens stocked with thoughtfully-produced food. They spend their lives feeding us — and now, we have a unique opportunity to return the favor.\n\n\n\nAs vice president of the Roaring Fork F...","content":"Our local growers work tirelessly, braving unpredictable weather and grueling seasons to keep our community’s kitchens stocked with thoughtfully-produced food. They spend their lives feeding us — and now, we have a unique opportunity to return the favor.\n\n\n\nAs vice president of the Roaring Fork Farmers & Ranchers, I am calling on our community to step up in two powerful ways: by feeding our local producers and by learning alongside them to secure the future of our valley’s delicate, rich soil.\n\n\n\nFeed the people who feed us (Aug. 2)\n\n\n\nOn Aug. 2, our local farmers and ranchers will gather for their annual summer meeting. After a highly-challenging growing season, we want to surprise them with a thank-you picnic lunch where they don’t have to lift a finger.\n\n\n\nWe need community volunteers to prepare and donate cold, outdoor-friendly dishes (sides, mains, snacks or drinks), so we can give these hardworking folks a well-deserved break.\n\n\n\nLearn from the experts (July 20) at The Farm Collaborative\n\n\n\nTrue support means investing in the future of our local food system. Join us at the farm on July 20 for two hands-on, high-impact workshops designed for everyone — from backyard gardeners to commercial ranchers: \n\n\n\nTools for Biodiverse Soil | 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nExplore the science of regenerative agriculture. Learn about the Soil Food Web, cover crops and low-input composting (including building a Living Static compost pile). We will also feature live demonstrations on making compost extracts, foliar sprays and fermented plant/fish amino acids.\n\n\n\nPractical Farm Planning | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.\n\n\n\nAcquire the business tools needed for a viable, resilient operation. We’ll cover crop planning, streamlined record-keeping, incorporating certifications and adapting your land for climate resilience.\n\n\n\nThe bottom line: The stronger the bond between our community and our growers, the healthier and more resilient our valley’s soil and food supply will be.\n\n\n\nHow to take action: email Liz@farmco.org to express interest.\n\n\n\nLiz Wing\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/wing-the-stronger-the-bond/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Liz Wing","publishDate":"2026-07-16T17:32:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"wing-the-stronger-the-bond"},{"id":"isesa5","title":"Pearce: Our community rejects this proposal","excerpt":"The Woody Creek Racetrack developer points to amenities, like water for a bottle-filling station, solar panels, trail improvements and e-bikes, as evidence of sustainability. But these token gestures cannot erase the toxic pollutants generated by race cars. No amount of greenwashing can disguise ...","content":"The Woody Creek Racetrack developer points to amenities, like water for a bottle-filling station, solar panels, trail improvements and e-bikes, as evidence of sustainability. But these token gestures cannot erase the toxic pollutants generated by race cars. No amount of greenwashing can disguise the ugly reality that racing emissions will degrade air quality and harm nearby residents and wildlife.\n\n\n\nHere are just some of the pollutants emitted by race cars: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles, tire and brake dust as well as heavy metals. These toxic compounds contaminate air, soil and waterways.\n\n\n\nDon’t be distracted by promises of aftermarket emission controls or claims that some vehicles will be electric. Those talking points are designed to soften the image of an inherently polluting activity. The developers will highlight every “green” feature they can while asking the public and BOCC to overlook the reality of race car emissions, increased traffic and industrial-scale operations. The pollution, noise and environmental impacts will be borne by Roaring Fork Vally residents and wildlife — not by the developers. If those impacts contribute to respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease or other health problems, it won’t be the developers paying the price. The community will.\n\n\n\nThis proposal would replace the quiet character of an RS-20 residential neighborhood — zoned for one home per 20 acres — with a private industrial motorsports complex. It is incompatible with the Woody Creek Master Plan, the Down Valley Master Plan and Pitkin County’s long-standing commitment to managed growth and environmental stewardship. \n\n\n\nA residential zone is no place for million-dollar race cars to roar around a track for hours a day, six days a week.\n\n\n\nShow the BOCC that our community rejects this proposal. Attend the July 22 public hearing at noon, 530 E. Main St., Aspen.\n\n\n\nNancy D. Pearce\n\n\n\nWoody Creek","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/pearce-our-community-rejects-this-proposal/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Nancy D. Pearce","publishDate":"2026-07-16T17:31:38.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"pearce-our-community-rejects-this-proposal"},{"id":"u7f8lt","title":"RFTA kicks off Master Plan process","excerpt":"The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is on the road to a Master Plan, seeking feedback at the Board of Directors’ July 9 meeting as the process begins to unfold.\n\n\n\nLiz Scanlon, project manager of the endeavor from Kimley-Horn, outlined the Master Plan as a way to help provide guidance as RF...","content":"The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is on the road to a Master Plan, seeking feedback at the Board of Directors’ July 9 meeting as the process begins to unfold.\n\n\n\nLiz Scanlon, project manager of the endeavor from Kimley-Horn, outlined the Master Plan as a way to help provide guidance as RFTA grows over the next 20 years — shaping the organization’s needs, investments and changes while remaining rooted in community priorities.\n\n\n\n“What we’re setting out to do is develop a long-term vision to guide your future of transit and mobility in the Colorado and Roaring Fork Valleys,” Scanlon said. “As we’ve been thinking about this project now for several months … the intent will be to develop a strategic roadmap for RFTA.”\n\n\n\nThe process of developing a Master Plan will occur in three phases: Phase 1 is “discover” (looking at RFTA today), Phase 2 is “define” (looking at future conditions and projecting future needs) and Phase 3 is “blueprint” (outlining the path forward and translating ideas into implementation).\n\n\n\nWithin those phases are nine primary tasks, grouped as three tasks per phase. Phase 1 includes project management, community and stakeholder engagement and existing conditions and service performance. Phase 2 will include organizational capacity and assessment, future conditions forecasting and Rio Grande corridor feasibility. Phase 3 will include strategic vision and implementation, funding and financing strategy and final plan development and adoption.\n\n\n\nScanlon confirmed the process is currently sitting right inside Phase 1, looking into existing conditions and service performance, including an upcoming deep dive into data with the RFTA team and the beginning of a State of the Region analysis. \n\n\n\n“Through all of that, our approach is very embedded in community conversation,” Scanlon said. \n\n\n\nCity of Aspen Mayor Rachael Richards called the project “such an ambitious undertaking for the organization.” According to her, the Master Plan for RFTA should take a holistic approach and consider not just RFTA itself but the valley’s housing studies and needs, potential plans for a gondola and more. She also highlighted the importance of making sure the Master Plan does not continue to perpetuate a pattern of people living 50 to 100 miles away from where they work.\n\n\n\nTown of Basalt Mayor David Knight agreed with Richards’ points, stressing that figuring out how to incorporate all the parts of every county that might not have as easy access to RFTA services as others should be a critical part of the process.\n\n\n\n“How do we get into other parts of the counties in order to connect people to the trunk line?” he asked. “We want it to be as frictionless as possible to get people to ride the buses. We really want to make sure the focus is driving ridership.”\n\n\n\nA RFTA bus carries passengers up Highway 82 on Saturday, April 4, 2026, just outside of Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nHe also noted that the community feedback should include not just RFTA riders, but those who choose not to utilize the public transportation service.\n\n\n\nScanlon confirmed that the project would pursue strategies to include non-RFTA riders, but noted that the team was still figuring out the best ways to do that.\n\n\n\nAspen City Council Member Bill Guth joined the presentation virtually, bringing up RFTA’s recent Zero Fare pilot program as a key insight that should be considered when developing the Master Plan.\n\n\n\n“I was a little bit disappointed, a lot disappointed, in the amount of demand that was stimulated by the fair free pilot program, so I’ve been reflecting on that and realizing that it’s not all about the money, and that wasn’t the primary incentive for people to get on the bus as opposed to stay in their cars,” Guth said. “I’ve been thinking about what else might help with that … How do we make the service more desirable to incentivize more people to use it?”\n\n\n\nHe proposed consideration of driverless vehicles as a way to upgrade RFTA’s services and give Roaring Fork Valley public transportation a competitive edge going into the future.\n\n\n\n“The feedback is so universally impressive — everybody is so wowed by their first ride,” Guth said of self-driving cars like Waymos. “I encourage us as RFTA to really lean into this driverless future, to see if we can partner with some of these technology companies, to see if we can be a pioneer of driverless technology … maybe become the pilot program for that somehow?”\n\n\n\nHe noted that being the first public transit system in the country to be hybrid between drivers and driverless vehicles could encourage more ridership and help solve many issues, including a housing issue if less employees were needed.\n\n\n\nGreg Poschman, chair of the RFTA board and a Pitkin County commissioner, did bring up the concern that a driverless vehicle wouldn’t be able to operate in adverse weather, like a blizzard where the lines in the road would be difficult or impossible to see. He also spoke to mitigate expectations of what might be realistic ways to judge the success of the Master Plan — noting that with the popularity of the Western Slope and Roaring Fork Valley and the consequent increase of vehicles on the road every year, decreasing traffic shouldn’t be the singular goal.\n\n\n\nScanlon agreed and outlined a plan that would align more with expanding options for getting through traffic and developing strategies that would make it more difficult to drive a single-occupancy vehicle. But Richards reinforced that addressing congestion should still be front and center in the process and the plan.\n\n\n\n“I wouldn’t be at the table if we weren’t here about reducing congestion,” she said. “And our community wouldn’t be putting in tens of millions of dollars if it weren’t about reducing congestion. This is not just about more choices for people.”\n\n\n\nShe noted that she recently saw a RFTA bus stuck in the backlog of traffic at the light at Catherine’s Store, sitting amongst the single-occupancy vehicles. Multiple members of the board agreed that the bus should ultimately become the fastest way to get places in the valley.\n\n\n\nThe board also expressed general support for addressing ways in which buses could provide more efficient service — that includes not just reducing wait times but enabling riders to fit large bags on board and travel with dogs.\n\n\n\nA RFTA bus bound for Snowmass waits for passengers on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Rubey Park Transit Center in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nTown of Snowmass Village Mayor Alyssa Shenk emphasized that point, noting that many people who work in Snowmass, especially early in the morning, are disincentivized from using RFTA services when they have to wait at the Brush Creek Park and Ride in cold temperatures.\n\n\n\n“I think looking within, at the services we’re providing to our current member jurisdictions and how we’re doing that, and the fact that Snowmass has never had that kind of service, I think that would be a very valuable tool going forward,” Shenk said.\n\n\n\nPitkin County Commissioner Francie Jacober also stressed the importance, however, of looking beyond the upper-valley.\n\n\n\n“With so much focus on Brush Creek … we’re not helping all the people who live down valley at all,” Jacober said. “I would like to see, as we move forward, more focus on the problems in Glenwood. We can’t not focus on the problems in Aspen, but really, it’s worse in Glenwood, believe it or not. Yesterday … we had unbelievable congestion down valley.”\n\n\n\nBeginning this fall, there will be a listening tour and engagement round with communities throughout the valley, Scanlon confirmed.\n\n\n\n“This is a two year journey that we’re on,” she said. “We’re just kicking off.”\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from aspentimes.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rfta-kicks-off-master-plan-process/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T17:30:55.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16112825%2Frftabus-atd-112925-01-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg","slug":"rfta-kicks-off-master-plan-process"},{"id":"70awrs","title":"Fuller: Please protect Woody Creek","excerpt":"The proposed expansion of the Woody Creek racetrack into a 10-car racetrack and shooting range poses a direct threat to Woody Creek’s way of life. While the project is located on one property, its impacts, including increased noise, fire danger, water usage, traffic, light pollution and disruptio...","content":"The proposed expansion of the Woody Creek racetrack into a 10-car racetrack and shooting range poses a direct threat to Woody Creek’s way of life. While the project is located on one property, its impacts, including increased noise, fire danger, water usage, traffic, light pollution and disruption to wildlife, will extend far beyond the private club’s property line.\n\n\n\nThe owner has described this proposal as his “passion project.” I respect the freedom everyone should have to pursue their passions. But when one person’s passion project has the potential to permanently alter the lives of an entire community, it becomes more than a private matter. \n\n\n\nThe owner may own the property, but we live in this community, and he does not. We raise our families here, support local businesses, volunteer and care deeply about preserving what makes Woody Creek special. We are the ones who will live with the consequences of this decision every day.\n\n\n\nThis is about more than one project. It is about the future of Woody Creek and whether we will preserve the peace, beauty and rural character that make it unlike anywhere else.\n\n\n\nI respectfully ask the Board of County Commissioners to protect Woody Creek and deny this proposal.\n\n\n\nLady Fuller\n\n\n\nWoody Creek","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/fuller-please-protect-woody-creek/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lady Fuller","publishDate":"2026-07-16T17:30:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"fuller-please-protect-woody-creek"},{"id":"x2kuuc","title":"John Phelan speaks on his 13 months as Navy secretary at Aspen Security Forum","excerpt":"John Phelan, a part-time Aspenite, spent 13 months as the 79th secretary of the Navy under President Donald Trump, from March 2025 to April 2026.\n\n\n\nOn Wednesday, at the Aspen Security Forum, Phelan sat down for a 20-minute one-on-one interview in the Doerr-Hosier Center on the Aspen Institute ca...","content":"John Phelan, a part-time Aspenite, spent 13 months as the 79th secretary of the Navy under President Donald Trump, from March 2025 to April 2026.\n\n\n\nOn Wednesday, at the Aspen Security Forum, Phelan sat down for a 20-minute one-on-one interview in the Doerr-Hosier Center on the Aspen Institute campus with Gordon Lubold, an accomplished national security reporter for NBC News in Washington, D.C.\n\n\n\n“You were removed as Navy secretary in April,” Lubold said, jumping right to the primary question at hand. “You were minding your own business, doing your own thing, trying to build some ships, what happened there?”\n\n\n\n“That’s a lot to cover in 18 minutes,” Phelan responded. “First of all, thank you for having me, it is a pleasure to be here. I always love being in Aspen, so it’s a nice thing. I lasted 13 months in the job, which is as long as Teddy Roosevelt lasted as assistant secretary of the Navy. So I feel like I’m in pretty good company.”\n\n\n\nPhelan was the cofounder of MSD Partners, L.P., the private investment firm for Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies. He now manages a private investment firm in Palm Beach, Fla. According to his bio, “the firms under his leadership generated double-digit net returns, over $20 billion in profits, and growth to more than $30 billion in assets under management.” \n\n\n\nPhelan and his wife, Amy Phelan, endowed the Aspen Art Museum’s permanent free admission policy, and he has served as chair of the art museum’s board of directors. Their home in Pitkin County was featured in Architectural Digest in 2015. \n\n\n\nThe Phelans also hosted a fundraiser for then-candidate Trump and the Republican National Committee in August 2024.\n\n\n\nPhelan had not served in the military or worked as a civilian in the Defense sector before his appointment by the president and confirmation by the U.S. Senate. As Navy secretary, a civilian position, he oversaw nearly one million military and civilian personnel with a $300 billion budget, his bio states. \n\n\n\nBut Phelan was then abruptly fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in what The Associated Press described as an “unexpected departure.” His successor, serving as acting secretary, is a 25-year Navy combat veteran, Hung Cao. \n\n\n\n“I was focused on urgency, speed, intensity, adopting technology, moving fast,” Phelan said on Tuesday. “And when you move fast, you break glass. And when you come into an organization like the Pentagon, which, unfortunately, is highly risk averse and you are advocating taking risks, that is going to rub numerous people the wrong way and make them nervous. So at the end of the day, you know, maybe I pushed too hard, but I have no regrets for what I did in the job.”\n\n\n\nPhelan wrote an op-ed published by “The Washington Post” on Tuesday, in which he said, “I wanted the Navy to modernize fast, and maybe that made me enemies. But the history of successful war efforts, from World War II to Ukraine, demonstrates that fearless experimentation and rapid iteration are critical to success. I personally saw the difficulty of moving quickly in the Pentagon.”\n\n\n\nPhelan did not discuss his working relationship with President Trump, or Secretary Hegseth, during his public interview on Tuesday, nor was he asked about it. \n\n\n\nHe was asked, however, why other countries, such as South Korea, can build many more ships than the U.S.\n\n\n\n“We have hollowed out manufacturing in America,” he said. “We make very few things in this country. We are great at creating intellectual ideas and then outsourcing them and having them made somewhere else.”\n\n\n\nHe said he had sought to make shipbuilding “cool again” and added he raised wages at shipyards to help attract workers.\n\n\n\n“We spent the last 10 years teaching people how to code,” Phelan said. “We’re going to spend the next 10 teaching them how to use their hands. Anyone who lives in this town, if you need a plumber, you know how expensive that is. You need a roofer, you need an electrician, you know, there’s not many. And that skill is not something AI is going to fix or knock out. Same with welding, same with pipe bending. Yes, some robotics will come into that and help that, but you’re still going to need people to do it.”\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Security Forum attracts a range of attendees, including corporate leaders from the U.S. defense sector, international diplomats and some attendees from Aspen who buy passes to the event. It runs through Friday and all of its presentations are available on YouTube. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/john-phelan-speaks-on-his-13-months-as-navy-secretary-at-aspen-security-forum/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Brent Gardner-Smith, Special to the Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-07-16T17:27:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16112621%2F0zkyHPdf-1024x682.jpeg","slug":"john-phelan-speaks-on-his-13-months-as-navy-secretary-at-aspen-security-forum"},{"id":"vyvtyx","title":"A&E Arts and Entertainment Agenda, July 17-23","excerpt":"Marea’s Mahj Squad and Marea Aspen Mahjong Social Saturdays, July 18\n\n\n\nMarea.Altamarea Group/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nMarea at The Snow Lodge will host Mahj Squad alongside Marea Aspen Mahjong Social Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a social hour beginning at 5 p.m. July 18 and 25 and Aug. 8, 15...","content":"Marea’s Mahj Squad and Marea Aspen Mahjong Social Saturdays, July 18\n\n\n\nMarea.Altamarea Group/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nMarea at The Snow Lodge will host Mahj Squad alongside Marea Aspen Mahjong Social Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a social hour beginning at 5 p.m. July 18 and 25 and Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Designed as a social gathering rather than a traditional lesson, guests can enjoy Mahjong, cocktails and light bites before dinner service. \n\n\n\nReserve a spot sevenrooms.com/events.\n\n\n\n‘The Boneshakers’ at Belly Up Aspen, July 17\n\n\n\n‘The Boneshakers — Early Show,’ will have an early shot at 6:30 p.m. and a late show at 9 p.m. July 17 at Paul JAS Center, 422 E. Cooper St. The Boneshakers deliver timeless, high-voltage R&B and blues. In 2025, they signed with Gulf Coast Records and released their 11th album, Live to Be This — debuting in the Billboard Top 10, featured in Rolling Stone and featuring guests Bobby Rush, Charlie Musselwhite, Coco Montoya, Don Was and Jimmy Carpenter, while topping blues radio charts in the U.K., France and Germany. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit jazzaspensnowmass.org/jas-center/#events-container.\n\n\n\n‘Something Rotten,” July 16-18\n\n\n\nTheatre Aspen will present “Something Rotten! A comedy Musical” at 7 p.m. July 16-18, along with a matinee at 2 p.m. July 18 at Aspen District Theater, 199 High School Rd. Rosie Corr directs the two-hour musical comedy adapted from Broadway, based on the book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. In the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local psychic foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. \n\n\n\nFor tickets, visit  theatreaspen.org/education-events/something-rotten.\n\n\n\n23rd Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival, July 17-19\n\n\n\n23rd Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival runs July 17-19 at 151 E. Main St. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19. The Downtown Aspen Art Festival is a three-day celebration set against the backdrop of Paepcke Park on Main Street. It will showcase renowned national and local artists. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit artfestival.com/festivals/downtown-aspen-art-festival-colorado.\n\n\n\nAspen Isis Theatre movies, July 17-23\n\n\n\nThe exterior sign for the Isis Theater is seen on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAspen’s Isis Film Theatre is featuring “The Odyssey,” “Moana,” “Minions and Monsters” and “Toy Story 5” between July 17-23. The Kids Film Series will screen “SING” July 22. Following, “The Invite” and “Summer Tour” will be screening July 23. Showtimes run from matinees to evening programming. The venue is located at 406 E. Hopkins Ave.\n\n\n\nFor more information and showtimes, visit btmcinemas.com/our-locations/g01ie-btm-isis-theatre-aspen-com.\n\n\n\nJamestown Revival, July 22\n\n\n\nJamestown Revival will perform at 8:30 p.m. at Belly Up Aspen, 450 S. Galena St. Childhood friends Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance formed Jamestown Revival, a folk-rock/Americana duo whose close harmonies thread Southern country, Western-tinged rock and narrative-driven songs. For more information, visit bellyupaspen.com/calendar.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/ae-arts-entertainment-agenda-july-17-23/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T17:03:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F16094520%2FJamestown_Revival-Photo_2-Field-credit_Grace_Herr_1-1024x679.jpg","slug":"ae-arts-and-entertainment-agenda-july-17-23"},{"id":"7d8dlr","title":"High Points: The beautiful game","excerpt":"Well, we are finally down to the end of what has been an intense 39 days of football — or soccer — action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which has been referred to during the tournament as the New York New Jersey Stadium, the World Cup Fi...","content":"Well, we are finally down to the end of what has been an intense 39 days of football — or soccer — action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which has been referred to during the tournament as the New York New Jersey Stadium, the World Cup Final will take place. Argentina will face off against Spain at 1 p.m. Aspen time in what will likely be a stellar match-up between the two teams.\n\n\n\nSpain made its way into the championship on Tuesday with a stunning 2-0 victory over France, who were considered to be the overwhelming favorites to win the World Cup. But Spain displayed a “patient and a precise defense,” the experts on FOX told me, and came away with the victory in a match played at Dallas Stadium, better known to U.S. football fans as “Jerry World.” \n\n\n\nIn seven World Cup matches this year, Spain has allowed just one goal and pitched six shutouts. They have won every match since the opening round of the Group Play when Cabo Verde, the smallest nation in the competition, battled them to a 0-0 draw. Spain will be attempting to win their second World Cup ever after taking the golden trophy home from Johannesburg, South Africa, back in 2010.\n\n\n\nOn the other side of the pitch will be Lionel Messi and the defending champion, Argentina, which beat England in front of Mick Jagger in Atlanta on Wednesday. It was a hotly-contested match that saw the South Americans score a pair of late goals to win 2-1. This was the second time this month that Argentina came back late in the game to snatch victory from a seemingly sure loss. On July 7, Egypt had a two goal lead over Argentina before the La Albiceleste (The White and the Sky Blue) found the net three times in the final 11 minutes to snatch the win.\n\n\n\nThis outcome gives fans the chance to see Messi, arguably the greatest footballer ever to play the game, make another finals appearance at the age of 39. All he has done in this World Cup is score eight goals and provide four assists in seven games. He will be closely watched as Argentina goes for a second straight Cup.\n\n\n\nIn this hottest of all summers, the 102 games played thus far have been a welcome distraction. 48 countries qualified, and the matches were played in Mexico and Canada, along with the U.S. The crowds have been raucous, and some countries, including Scotland, Japan and especially Norway, have brought many fans who have enjoyed the competition immensely. While 11 U.S. cities hosted World Cup competitions, Denver was not one of them, which was a shame as the Mile High City would have been a great venue for the festivities. It was a missed opportunity.\n\n\n\nSpeaking of missed opportunities, the USA squad would like to have another go around. High expectations were placed on the shoulders of the Americans, but they failed to deliver, losing to Belgium 4-1 in Seattle Stadium in the knockout round of 16. The controversy over the reinstatement of U.S. star Folarin Balogun by FIFA after political pressure from the American president overshadowed the limited success the U.S. team had on the field. Though they made the Round 16, their record was a pedestrian 3-1-1 in five games. Meh.\n\n\n\nThe real winners may have been FOX Sports, which broadcast the games to the U.S. audience that tuned in to watch even the early round matches between nations that no one expected to be good. The USA loss to Belgium was watched by 30 million viewers, the kind of ratings that only NFL football gets in this country. One can just imagine what the size of the television audience would have been if the USA had made the final.\n\n\n\nBut that is a dream for another World Cup. Come Sunday, it will all be over until June 2030, when Spain, Portugal and Morocco will play host to the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.\n\n\n\nIt will be here before you know it.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/high-points-the-beautiful-game/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Paul E. Anna Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-16T16:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F12%2F11110902%2FHigh-Points--1-1024x1024.png","slug":"high-points-the-beautiful-game"},{"id":"hqtuyt","title":"Anticipated rain for Colorado’s mountains has forecasters starting to say ‘the monsoon is here’","excerpt":"The North American monsoon season is ramping up across the West, with the potential to bring much-needed rain as Colorado faces a historic drought and major wildfires, according to forecasters.\n\n\n\nNational Weather Service forecaster Kris Sanders said that widespread, scattered showers and thunder...","content":"The North American monsoon season is ramping up across the West, with the potential to bring much-needed rain as Colorado faces a historic drought and major wildfires, according to forecasters.\n\n\n\nNational Weather Service forecaster Kris Sanders said that widespread, scattered showers and thunderstorms on the Western Slope this week could be an early sign of the monsoon, or a late-summer shift in the wind patterns that brings more moisture to the region.\n\n\n\n“I would say the early onset of the monsoon is here,” Sanders said.\n\n\n\nWestern Slope communities have seen a chance of showers and thunderstorms almost every day this week — and long-term forecasts show the potential for above-average chances of precipitation through September, according to the National Weather Service.\n\n\n\nOpenSnow meteorologist Alan Smith noted that the monsoon is being driven by what could be record-strong El Niño conditions. El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by unusually warm ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.\n\n\n\n“Based on current conditions, historic analogs and seasonal and subseasonal weather models, we are expecting an active monsoon season across the West for the mid-to-late summer,” Smith wrote in a blog post.\n\n\n\nA rainy monsoon season could be good news for the drought-stricken mountains. Large parts of Summit, Grand, Eagle, Pitkin, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Garfield and Lake counties have been experiencing exceptional drought — the highest level — for nearly three months straight, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Almost the entire Western Slope is experiencing severe drought, Level 2 of 4, or higher.\n\n\n\nBut Smith also noted that the monsoon can be a double-edged sword that can bring lightning and wind, which can increase wildfire risk. It also creates new hazards for those recreating outdoors.\n\n\n\n“Regardless of whether or not this turns out to be a ‘big’ monsoon season for some areas, even just a short-term monsoon surge can lead to an increased risk of lightning when hiking in the mountains or flash flooding in the canyons, or even additional wildfire risk on the outer fringes of the monsoon,” he said.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-mountains-monsoon-rain-western-slope/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T15:39:58.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F16093041%2FIMG_2907-1024x580.jpg","slug":"anticipated-rain-for-colorados-mountains-has-forecasters-starting-to-say-the-monsoon-is-here"},{"id":"fnmp56","title":"Steve and Amy Coyer continue to invest in Eagle County education with a new early year education foundation fund","excerpt":"When Karla Robledo met Steve and Amy Coyer, she was a senior in high school, uncertain about the future ahead of her. She was a first-generation student and immigrant, with many unanswered questions, so she applied for a local scholarship that might pave a way, and stood in front of a panel to te...","content":"When Karla Robledo met Steve and Amy Coyer, she was a senior in high school, uncertain about the future ahead of her. She was a first-generation student and immigrant, with many unanswered questions, so she applied for a local scholarship that might pave a way, and stood in front of a panel to tell her story. She didn’t receive the scholarship, but what she didn’t realize at the time was that a beacon of hope sat in the same room, and that was Amy Coyer. \n\n\n\nAmy and her husband Steve approached Robledo with a proposal to support her financially through her first year of college. She accepted, and after a strong first year, the Coyers continued to support her academic journey. Robledo stayed in touch every step of the way, and now, a decade later, they are officiating her wedding. \n\n\n\nRobledo is just one of the many young minds that Steve and Amy Coyer have devoted their lives to supporting. For more than 20 years, they’ve spent their time championing and bolstering the Eagle County education system. From volunteering at schools and mentoring young teens to providing scholarships for students, the Coyers know that Eagle County schools and education centers need assistance. \n\n\n\nNow, they plan to continue their aid through the launch of the Coyer Foundation for Early Learning, a fund to support early childhood education. The foundation, which has been funded with $2 million from the Coyers, was created to provide grants to local childcare centers and schools that concentrate on early year learning.\n\n\n\nThere are almost 40 licensed early childcare providers in the valley that serve about 2,000 young students in Eagle County. As Eagle County education faces ongoing funding struggles, Steve and Amy have also seen firsthand how early childcare programs are struggling to stay afloat. \n\n\n\n“The one glaring spot that seemed unfunded to us is early childhood education in the valley,” Steve said. “It’s a real kind of month-to-month small business. They can’t afford to raise the tuition high enough to have a really nice, beautiful facility, nor can they charge enough to pay the teachers.” \n\n\n\n“The economics of early childhood centers just don’t [base] support almost anywhere solely on private tuition,” Amy said. \n\n\n\nThe Coyers’ journey began when Steve joined YouthPower365 — previously known as Youth Foundation — an Eagle River Valley nonprofit that supports around 3,000 kids from pre-K to college. At the time, the foundation was looking to start a First Tee chapter, which teaches kids life skills through the game of golf, and turned to Steve to be a teacher and mentor. \n\n\n\nSteve and Amy’s involvement in childhood education was jump-started. They participated in enrichment programs at local schools, tutored kids at the Aspen Mobile Home, and continued to work with YouthPower365, including Steve eventually becoming the chair of the nonprofit and Amy volunteering on YouthPower365’s Magic Bus, a mobile preschool program. \n\n\n\n“You go into these schools, and you see all these happy faces running around. It’s exciting for us to see that,” said Steve. \n\n\n\nMelisa Rewold-Thuon, the Eagle County School District’s assistant superintendent of student support services, has known the Coyers since they helped fund Avon Elementary’s summer program. Rewold-Thuon described that she has seen many families who don’t qualify for federal education services because, while they do fall below the poverty line due to the cost of living in the area, they don’t fall below the federal line. \n\n\n\n“(The Coyers) really have a soft spot in their hearts to make sure that everybody in our community gets a really good education and reducing any of those barriers that could be preventing our kids or families from succeeding,” she said. \n\n\n\nSteve and Amy not only have helped the children, but also have helped fund staff at local schools, including supporting a full-time behavorial health counselor at Avon Elementary. \n\n\n\nAvon Elementary Principal Dana Harrison met the Coyers when she was a teacher and ran the afterschool program. She said that she knew them first as volunteers who read with the kids, which then grew into them having a more prominent role in supporting the school. Although they don’t have children of their own, she said, they have a community of children. \n\n\n\nDuring her time in the district, Harrison has also seen her students receive aid for college from the Coyer’s Youth Power Scholarship Fund, which they started in 2022 as a way to provide more support for Eagle County high school students.\n\n\n\n“We have a lot of families who have made a ton of sacrifices for their children to be here, and education is so important to them, but there’s a ton of barriers,” Harrison said. “That (Amy and Steve) are willing to give so much away to impact children and future generations of family is super touching,” Harrison said. \n\n\n\nThe Coyers didn’t stop there. They turned to early childhood education when they saw that about 90% of a child’s brain development happens in the early stages of life. \n\n\n\n“Going to a nice school, where you’re getting curriculum that’s been designed to stimulate the brain and establish the neural pathways and all that, it can make such a difference in a young person’s life,” Steve said. \n\n\n\nSteve has played a role in the planning and development of the Vail Valley Foundation’s new Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center, which is set to open in fall 2026. At about 13,600 square feet, the education center will have space for about 160 kids, with 12 classrooms and three outdoor playgrounds. He’s also been involved on the board of the Family Learning Center, one of the largest private childcare centers, which is planned to relocate to Edwards River Park. \n\n\n\nThese new and improved centers, will provide Eagle County families more options in early childcare. However, Steve and Amy also want to support existing ones as well. With their new foundation, they will give early childcare centers the opportunity to apply for a grant and discuss their needs. From leaky roofs and new playgrounds to funding teachers to expand their skill sets, the Coyers are all ears. \n\n\n\nWhile they have the $2 million limit now, their goal is to build a strong track record to receive outside funding to continue the foundation. \n\n\n\n“So our hope would be that this would be something that would be sustained and live beyond what we’ll be able to do,” Steve said. \n\n\n\n“(The Foundation) is about this emotional connection, and sitting down with the leaders of childcare, and listening to them, and trying to zero in their philanthropy to the area that will help most; it’s pretty remarkable,” said Mike Imhof, the president of the Vail Valley Foundation. \n\n\n\n“We’re talking thousands and thousands of kids that basically because of them have a different life trajectory,” he said. \n\n\n\nAnd Karla Robledo is proof of that. She went on to get her degree in art education and even went back for her master’s degree. Now she teaches in Denver and has been helping YouthPower365 in the summer, working to hopefully one day provide the same opportunity she was once given. \n\n\n\n“Them believing in me, that is what has inspired me,” she said. “They changed everything for me.” \n\n\n\nCorrection 07/16/26: Mike Imhof is the president of the Vail Valley Foundation.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/steve-and-amy-coyer-continue-to-invest-in-eagle-county-education-with-a-new-early-year-education-foundation-fund/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T05:14:47.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F15122149%2F1H1A8075-1024x683.jpg","slug":"steve-and-amy-coyer-continue-to-invest-in-eagle-county-education-with-a-new-early-year-education-fou"},{"id":"qvc077","title":"Pitkin County considers safety interventions for Prince Creek Road","excerpt":"Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners considered ways to increase the safety of Prince Creek Road Tuesday.\n\n\n\nPrince Creek Road is a narrow county road that begins at State Highway 133 and continues to the top of the saddle adjacent to the Crown, where it intersects with West Sopris Creek R...","content":"Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners considered ways to increase the safety of Prince Creek Road Tuesday.\n\n\n\nPrince Creek Road is a narrow county road that begins at State Highway 133 and continues to the top of the saddle adjacent to the Crown, where it intersects with West Sopris Creek Road and Dinkle Lake Road. It is jointly managed by Pitkin and Garfield counties. According to a staff report submitted to commissioners prior to the meeting, Prince Creek Road sees a variety of uses that includes residential traffic, access to National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Land, ranch traffic, livestock and cyclists.\n\n\n\n“As cycling on Prince Creek Rd has gained popularity and general vehicle speeds have crept upwards post-pandemic there are reports of increasing conflicts and close calls on the roadway,” the report states.\n\n\n\nCommissioner Francie Jacober, who lives in the area, and the Crystal River Caucus are the primary drivers behind exploring additional safety measures on Prince Creek Road.\n\n\n\nAccording to the report, the parking area dubbed the Bullpen was constructed in 2018, in response to growing parking conflicts due to the growth of mountain biking popularity on the BLM trail system on the Crown. The construction of a new single track to connect the Bullpen to the Crown trails then occurred, and, at the same time, the county partnered with the Roaring Fork Mountain Biking Association for an initiative encouraging riders to take bikes from Carbondale to the Crown instead of driving — marketed as “Town to Crown” — all of which increased the prevalence of bicycle use in the area.\n\n\n\nGarfield County also undertook significant road improvements to their segment of Prince Creek Road, including roadway widening, but the Pitkin County segment remains to this day un-widened. While the Garfield County portion sits at about 23-24 feet wide, the Pitkin County section is about 18-21 feet wide, according to County Engineer Andrew Knapp.\n\n\n\n“It is definitely noticeable … the dramatic change of condition when you drive from Garfield County into Pitkin County,” he said of the road at Tuesday’s meeting. “And as someone responsible for managing the county roadwork, I can’t say it makes me feel good to have the Garfield County road look better and at least appear to be somewhat safer for cyclists.”\n\n\n\nRecent traffic count data collected near the “Flying Dog” corner between May 27 and July 1 by Pitkin County Public Works with the aim of evaluating the traffic volumes of bikes and vehicles, as well as their speeds, revealed there were approximately 615 vehicles on the road per day, 3.5% being bikes and 83% being cars. The average speed was 27 mph with the 85th percentile speed at 32 mph (Prince Creek Road is currently posted as a 35 mph speed limit), according to the data, and the average speed for cyclists was 18 mph. \n\n\n\n“It’s worth noting that (at) our count location, the speeds are somewhat influenced by that Flying Dog Ranch corner,” Knapp disclaimed, which typically slows people down.\n\n\n\nShort-term interventions presented to commissioners to address safety concerns included speed bumps on either side of the Flying Dog Ranch corner, adding radar feedback signage, reducing the speed limit for Flying Dog corner and the Bullpen and additional sheriff enforcement. A double yellow stripe on the roadway centerline has already been added — although Knapp noted this “solution,” and the other short-term interventions, don’t actually address the cause of conflict with cyclists or speeds.\n\n\n\n“None of this actually gets to the root cause of our conflict out there, which is a really narrow roadway and limited space for safe passage,” Knapp said.\n\n\n\nWith regard to adding speed bumps, Knapp noted that this was not a recommended option since Garfield County provided feedback that they would not continue to plow the Pitkin County portion of the road, as they do every winter, if speed bumps were installed.\n\n\n\n“They would consider stopping plowing for the county,” Knapp stressed, “if we were to pursue speed bumps.”\n\n\n\nThat would consequently incur additional costs for Pitkin County for new equipment and new full-time staff.\n\n\n\nLong-term interventions presented included roadway widening or separated path construction, potentially a separated path for bicycles and pedestrians. Knapp noted that Garfield County would offer no dollars to any of the undertakings.\n\n\n\nCommissioner Greg Poschman raised concern with widening the road.\n\n\n\n“Widening it is really a bad idea in my opinion, only because people like me go faster,” he said.\n\n\n\nJacober expressed support for the possibility of a bike path from the county line, in addition to reducing the speed limit at the Flying Dog Ranch and past Stark Mesa. She was also in favor of putting up radar screening signs.\n\n\n\n“I like your suggestion of the signs, and I also appreciated your comment that they might take away a little bit of the rural feel, but not as much as an accident would,” she said.\n\n\n\nCommissioner Patti Clapper also spoke in favor of reducing speed limits, in addition to having increased intermittent enforcement by the Sheriff’s Office following the implementation of the new speed limits.\n\n\n\n“We have to keep in mind we’re going to hear from other neighborhoods now,” Clapper pointed out. “If we do it there, we need to be looking at other areas where they want to do the same.”\n\n\n\nAs Knapp noted that the county is like “blackout bingo” in terms of every road wanting some type of attention, Poschman questioned why Prince Creek Road was receiving priority over other areas.\n\n\n\n“Is it the highest priority? Is this at the top of the list of priorities before Francie brought it to you?” he asked.\n\n\n\nKnapp responded that it was not.\n\n\n\n“The answer is no,” he said. “I’m trying to keep our head above water and maintain our roadway conditions and our structures. I’ve had to do a lot of creative things to be able to deliver projects that I think are highly important and beneficial to the community.”\n\n\n\nCouncil ultimately agreed to move forward with short-term interventions only — the radar feedback sign and reduced speed around Flying Dog and the Bullpen, as well as the curve after Stark Mesa. Because there are currently no temporary radar feedback signs available within Pitkin County’s inventory, Prince Creek Road will have to wait until the Redstone Bridge project is completed in order for those to be installed.\n\n\n\nCommissioner Ted Mahon also floated the idea of purchasing a decommissioned cop car to place on Prince Creek Road, similar to Twin Lakes, or utilizing temporary speed bumps.\n\n\n\nKnapp recommended steering clear of temporary speed bumps, since they accelerate the deterioration of the pavement and can also be confiscated. He noted that the ones installed in Redstone were “relocated,” meaning deposited in the Crystal River.\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from aspentimes.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/pitco-considers-safety-interventions-for-prince-creek-road/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T21:53:52.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F15155200%2FPrince_Creek_Road-1024x665.png","slug":"pitkin-county-considers-safety-interventions-for-prince-creek-road"},{"id":"7if246","title":"Aspen Dance Connection performs at TACAW, featuring Colorado choreographers","excerpt":"Aspen Dance Connection’s show, “Emergence,” will feature seven different dances from five well-established Colorado choreographers at 7:30 p.m. July 17 at TACAW. \n\n\n\n“There’s so much talent in Colorado; they’re exceptional,” ADC director Fran Page said. \n\n\n\nThe choreographers — Carbondale residen...","content":"Aspen Dance Connection’s show, “Emergence,” will feature seven different dances from five well-established Colorado choreographers at 7:30 p.m. July 17 at TACAW. \n\n\n\n“There’s so much talent in Colorado; they’re exceptional,” ADC director Fran Page said. \n\n\n\nThe choreographers — Carbondale resident Alexandra Jerkunica, Amy Anderson of Engage Movement Arts in Denver, Maureen Breeze of Maureen Breeze Dance Theater in Denver and Grand Junction-based Rebecca Fleishman and Liz Vrettos — have generated works for the 18 professional freelance dancers who will perform at TACAW. The artists also dance professionally with Colorado Ballet, Ballet Ariel and Wonderbound in Denver, as well as with choreographers in New York City. \n\n\n\nIt’s the only time this specific configuration comes together to perform “Emergence,” though Page does take dancers to show up at flash mobs at the Wednesday music at River Park in Basalt — the next one takes place Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nThe dancers will also give free sneak peaks, presenting excerpts from “Emergence,” at the Parachute, New Castle and Glenwood Springs libraries on July 15. From 10-11 a.m. July 16, they perform at the Carbondale library, where Breeze also leads children in combining gestures, rhythms and storytelling.\n\n\n\nADC started in 1978, when eight local choreographers launched it to highlight their original works. Page has been the director since 1986. ADC presented 34 years of Colorado Choreographer Showcases at the Wheeler Opera House before moving to TACAW. The organization also is known for its outreach programs at schools, libraries and outdoor events from Aspen to Parachute, extending to more than 6,450 people. \n\n\n\nFriday’s show begins with Vrettos’ uplifting “Emanate.” \n\n\n\n“It’s a very, light, spiritual, fluid dance that ends up being more energetic,” Page said. \n\n\n\nThen, Gregory Gonzales and Sharon Wehner, the latter of whom was a prima ballerina at Colorado Ballet for 22 years, perform a duet called “Shoes.” It depicts a conflict around a kitchen table, choreographed by Anderson. \n\n\n\n“This one really touches you emotionally but leaves on an upbeat (note),” Page said, adding that the ballet technique within the modern dance is very strong. “Gregory Gonzalez, who’s Amy’s husband, also has been a big part of a Colorado Ballet on a lot of different levels as a dancer and a choreographer. Now he’s a visiting dancer, and I think he’s in the best shape ever.” \n\n\n\nOne of the longest pieces, “Shifting Grounds,” by Breeze, portrays modern society’s divisive world as five dancers move around a long table. \n\n\n\nBreeze’s piece in “Emergence.”ADC/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“There’s this parallel of drama on the earth, as well as in our culture with people,” Page said, adding that it also has a light sense of humor. \n\n\n\nBreeze’s other piece, “Remnants of You,” reflects on a past relationship and includes a playful duet with a large metal door serving as a unique trapeze. It features lifts and intricate partnering. \n\n\n\nThe name of ADC’s show, “Emergence,” partially took inspiration from Fleishman’s dance about a dragonfly shedding its skin, portraying the kind of strength that’s needed to emerge into one’s best self. She created the piece after her mother’s death. \n\n\n\n“It symbolizes being strong enough to go on with life and making the transformations,” Page said. \n\n\n\nJerkunica’s piece follows, since shapes within the opening and closing reminded Page of a dragonfly. \n\n\n\n“Dragonfly.”ADC/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“To me, it’s like another section — it’s very balletic. She calls it ‘Elevation,’ meaning just flying high,” Page said. “It’s really beautiful … (with) very strong technique, and those shapes, yet there’s a softness at times, too.” \n\n\n\nThe evening concludes with seven dancers performing Anderson’s “Panama Station,” about people waiting for a bus. It begins with a male drifter and incorporates three tourists, a honeymoon couple and an expatriate. \n\n\n\n“(It includes) all the funny stuff you can do with falling off the bench, and the music is upbeat,” Page said. “Amy and her husband (Gonzales) have done a lot of tango, so those rhythms are in there, but again, lots of humor.” ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/aspen-dance-connection-performs-at-tacaw-featuring-colorado-choreographers/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-15T20:27:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F15111624%2Fadcemergesquare-1021x1024.jpg","slug":"aspen-dance-connection-performs-at-tacaw-featuring-colorado-choreographers"},{"id":"krdz69","title":"RFTA backs Hogback service plan","excerpt":"The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Thursday backed a proposed three-year framework to keep the Hogback bus route running while RFTA and western Garfield County communities work toward a long-term transportation funding solution.\n\n\n\nThe resolution directs RFTA staff to...","content":"The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Thursday backed a proposed three-year framework to keep the Hogback bus route running while RFTA and western Garfield County communities work toward a long-term transportation funding solution.\n\n\n\nThe resolution directs RFTA staff to begin developing an intergovernmental agreement with the three governments. It does not appropriate money or finalize the contributions each entity would make.\n\n\n\nWithout a new funding agreement, Hogback service west of New Castle is scheduled to end Nov. 23.\n\n\n\nRFTA CEO Kurt Ravenschlag said the authority needs direction soon because staff begins developing its winter service schedule in August and must know by early September whether to include Hogback service when the schedule begins Nov. 24.\n\n\n\n“We don’t have a funding source beyond Nov. 23 for the Hogback this year,” Ravenschlag said.\n\n\n\nThe proposal would keep the existing service operating for up to three years, giving Rifle, Silt and Garfield County more time to identify a dedicated funding source or develop a different regional transportation system.\n\n\n\nRavenschlag said much of the past year was spent explaining how the service is funded and clarifying that Rifle and Silt receive RFTA service despite not being members of the authority.\n\n\n\nRFTA’s voting member jurisdictions are Pitkin and Eagle counties and Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle. Those jurisdictions support the authority through dedicated local tax revenue.\n\n\n\nAlthough Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle are RFTA member municipalities, Garfield County’s government is not a member of the authority. Rifle and Silt also are not members. Representatives from Garfield County, Rifle and Silt serve on the RFTA board in nonvoting roles.\n\n\n\nThe proposed agreement would include annual reviews and performance milestones showing that the communities are making progress toward a permanent solution. Ravenschlag said that process could eventually lead to a ballot question.\n\n\n\n“This is really what’s required at this point if we want to see Hogback continuing beyond November of this year,” Ravenschlag said.\n\n\n\nUnder the general funding framework, RFTA would provide the largest contribution, but its share would decline over the three years as Rifle and Silt increased their contributions.\n\n\n\nRifle and Silt each contribute $40,000 toward Hogback service in 2026, marking Silt’s first contribution to the route. Under the proposed framework, Rifle’s contribution would double to $80,000 in 2027, while Silt’s contribution would also increase over the life of the agreement.\n\n\n\nThe plan also lists a $200,000 contribution from Garfield County, though county Commissioner Tom Jankovsky said that amount has not been approved by the Garfield County commissioners.\n\n\n\n“The $200,000 in here for Garfield County is a placeholder,” Jankovsky said. “It hasn’t gotten to the decision-makers at all.”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJankovsky said he had spoken with the other two commissioners and that the county may be willing to match the combined contributions from Rifle and Silt. That could leave RFTA responsible for more than originally proposed.\n\n\n\nHe said Garfield County can no longer serve as the primary funding source for the route after contributing at least $15 million since service began in 2002.\n\n\n\n“We need a paradigm shift because Garfield County can no longer subsidize the Hogback,” Jankovsky said. “The monkey needs to get off our back.”\n\n\n\nGarfield County once contributed about $750,000 annually, which covered the service’s cost at the time. Its contribution fell to $500,000 in 2025 and $250,000 in 2026, with RFTA covering an increasing share of the cost.\n\n\n\nThe Hogback now costs about $900,000 annually to operate and generates about $70,000 per year in fares, Ravenschlag said.\n\n\n\nRavenschlag said RFTA cannot indefinitely use tax money from its member jurisdictions to fund service in Rifle and Silt, which are outside the authority’s boundaries.\n\n\n\n“There has to be a clear off-ramp if we were to proceed with this agreement to give them more time to have these conversations,” Ravenschlag said.\n\n\n\nThe route provides about 200,000 passenger trips annually. More than half originate in Rifle, Silt or unincorporated Garfield County, despite those areas receiving less frequent service than New Castle.\n\n\n\nRavenschlag said passengers consistently identify more frequent service west of New Castle as their most requested service improvement.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs City Councilor Steve Smith said Hogback service is also important to Glenwood Springs because many riders use it to reach jobs in the city.\n\n\n\n“Do we want our workers, Glenwood Springs workers, to live in Silt? Not necessarily,” Smith said. “But if they do, we want to get them here without cars.”\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs is not assigned a separate contribution under the proposal. The city contributes through its membership in RFTA, which would provide the largest share of the funding.\n\n\n\nRifle City Council member Alicia Gresley said western Garfield County communities are studying broader options rather than focusing only on whether Rifle and Silt should join RFTA.\n\n\n\nThe region has applied for a Colorado Department of Transportation planning grant to study transportation needs in Rifle, Silt, Parachute and Battlement Mesa, she said.\n\n\n\n“We’re not just going to plug holes in a sinking ship just to make things happen,” Gresley said. “We do need to do the work to build the foundation and understand what is going to work.”\n\n\n\nGresley said the three-year proposal would provide time to study potential funding sources, engage residents and determine what kind of ballot question could succeed.\n\n\n\nSilt Mayor Pro Tem Derek Hanrahan said the town has at least 800 housing units in its development pipeline and will need transportation infrastructure for residents who work outside the community.\n\n\n\n“Those people aren’t going to be working in Silt, and they’re not going to be working in Rifle,” Hanrahan said. “They’re going to be coming to Glenwood. They’re going to the Roaring Fork Valley.”\n\n\n\nHanrahan said the Silt Board of Trustees had reached unanimous consensus supporting the proposed contribution amounts and was scheduled to formally consider a resolution. Rifle City Council also was expected to consider a similar measure.\n\n\n\nSeveral RFTA board members supported preserving the service but expressed concern that a temporary arrangement could become permanent if no new funding source is found.\n\n\n\nAspen representative Rachael Richards said spending more money outside RFTA’s boundaries could reduce the authority’s ability to support local circulators, bikeshare programs and first- and last-mile transportation in its member communities.\n\n\n\n“I support this as a temporary measure, but I have seen way too many temporary measures last for decades,” Richards said.\n\n\n\nThe board considered reducing the resolution to a one-year framework but ultimately approved the original three-year proposal.\n\n\n\nThe funding amounts could still change as RFTA, Rifle, Silt and Garfield County negotiate the proposed intergovernmental agreement.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rfta-backs-hogback-service-plan/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T20:14:46.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F04%2F20132455%2FDSC_0247-1024x743.jpg","slug":"rfta-backs-hogback-service-plan"},{"id":"869esx","title":"Ballot proposal seeking to enshrine Colorado’s right to hunt and fish clears hurdle","excerpt":"A group seeking to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Colorado has cleared a major hurdle on its way to the November 2026 ballot. \n\n\n\nOn July 8, supporters of what’s currently known as Initiative 302 submitted over 180,000 signatures to Colorado’s Secretary of State. \n\n\n\n“This c...","content":"A group seeking to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Colorado has cleared a major hurdle on its way to the November 2026 ballot. \n\n\n\nOn July 8, supporters of what’s currently known as Initiative 302 submitted over 180,000 signatures to Colorado’s Secretary of State. \n\n\n\n“This commitment by the people demonstrates the energy behind preserving our heritage here in the Centennial State this November,” said Dan Gates, founder of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, in a news release. “Now it’s time to get it across the finish line and codify this in the state constitution so current and future generations of sportsmen and women and science-based wildlife managers can know that hunting and fishing can be sustained in perpetuity.” \n\n\n\nFor a citizen-led measure to make the ballot in Colorado, organizers must get their measure approved by the Title Board and collect around 124,000 signatures from Colorado registered voters. Following its submission, the secretary of state’s office has until Sept. 2 to review every signature submitted for Initiative 302 and certify it for the ballot. At that point, it will also receive its official proposition number. \n\n\n\nThe proposed measure is backed by the International Order of T. Roosevelt, a Wisconsin-based organization with a stated mission of protecting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and supported by Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, Howl for Wildlife and the 76′ Group. \n\n\n\nOpponents of the measure argue that Initiative 302 is not only unnecessary but could have long-term consequences for how the state manages wildlife. \n\n\n\nWhat does the ‘right to hunt’ measure propose? \n\n\n\nAs written, it proposes adding language to the state’s constitution establishing a “right of the people of Colorado to hunt, fish and take fish and wildlife including by traditional methods.” \n\n\n\nIt also includes provisions that hunting and fishing “shall be the primary and preferred means of responsibly managing fish and wildlife populations,” and clarifying that it does not limit the authority of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and state legislature to regulate hunting, fishing and wildlife, so long as “any such regulation must be reasonable and necessary” for scientific management, public safety or preserving hunting and fishing opportunities. \n\n\n\nAs a constitutional amendment, it would require 55% of the vote to pass. \n\n\n\nProponents see it as a proactive measure to protect hunting, fishing\n\n\n\nCharles Whitwam, founder of Howl for Wildlife, a digital advocacy platform designed to mobilize against anti-hunting legislation, said the measure is necessary “because the opportunity to hunt and fish should not have to survive one political crisis at a time.” \n\n\n\nHowl is based in California and does advocacy work across all 50 states and in Canada. \n\n\n\nWhitwam said Proposition 127 — a failed 2024 citizen-led ballot measure that sought to ban the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx in Colorado — is the clearest recent example of why the state needs the right established in its constitution. \n\n\n\n“Colorado voters rejected it, but conservation groups had to spend millions of dollars to correct an emotional and misleading campaign about mountain lion management,” he said. “The right to hunt and fish helps make sure future attempts to rewrite wildlife policy through the ballot box face a higher standard, especially when those efforts would undermine a constitutionally protected opportunity.” \n\n\n\nIn establishing a constitutional right, Whitlam said, future efforts like Proposition 127 would face a higher threshold to pass — requiring 55% of the vote rather than a “simple 50% plus one” majority. \n\n\n\n“It does not make hunting untouchable; it makes the opportunity harder to erase,” he added. \n\n\n\nWhile like Proposition 127, the initiative is a citizen-led effort, Whitwam said it differs from these “ballot box biology” measures in that it does not impact Parks and Wildlife’s ability to manage hunting, fishing and wildlife. \n\n\n\n“It does not eliminate seasons. It does not eliminate licensing. It does not eliminate bag limits. It does not eliminate method-of-take regulations. It does not change private property laws. It does not authorize trespassing. It does not prevent closures when closures are needed. It does not prevent regulation for conservation, public safety or the future of hunting and fishing opportunities,” he said. \n\n\n\nA measure that would seek to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Colorado is working its way toward the November 2026 ballot.Ali Longwell/Post Independent\n\n\n\nHunting and fishing in Colorado contribute $3.25 billion to the state economy annually and support 25,000 jobs, according to the Colorado Wildlife Council. Hunting and fishing licenses provide 58% of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s annual revenue, amassing around $150 million that goes toward its wildlife work.\n\n\n\nThe groups supporting the measure are aiming to make Colorado the 25th state to establish a right to hunt and fish. Vermont was the first state to do so in 1777, and Florida was the most recent, after the International Order of T. Roosevelt led a successful ballot measure there in 2024. According to the Secretary of State campaign finance filings, the organization has already contributed $1 million to the Initiative 302 effort in Colorado. \n\n\n\nOpponents see it as an ‘unnecessary’ measure with long-term consequences \n\n\n\nOpponents of the measure argue that not only are there already statutory protections for hunting and fishing opportunities, but, if passed, it would also reduce Parks and Wildlife’s flexibility to manage wildlife and lead to more lawsuits. \n\n\n\n“Hunting and fishing are already legal in Colorado,” said David Kane, a spokesperson for Protect Colorado’s Constitution, a coalition formed to oppose the measure. Kane added that Parks and Wildlife already regulates hunting and state law directs the agency to “use hunting, trapping and fishing as the primary methods of accomplishing necessary wildlife harvests.”\n\n\n\nThis has led opponents to describe it as a solution in search of a problem. \n\n\n\nBecause “the campaign has never identified a constitutional right that Coloradans currently lack,” Kane said the worry is it would create new constitutional standards around “traditional methods” of hunting without defining those methods and establish new standards around when the state could regulate hunting and fishing. \n\n\n\n“Our concern is not that every wildlife regulation would suddenly become invalid if the amendment passes,” he said. “Our concern is that these undefined constitutional standards will ultimately have to be interpreted and applied by courts rather than by wildlife professionals and policymakers.” \n\n\n\nOpponents argue that this could lead to a rise in legal challenges. While the state’s fiscal note for the measure does not identify any immediate financial impacts, it does indicate that Parks and Wildlife “may see some increased workload to seek legal advice” and possible litigation costs “if CPW sees an increase in parties challenging rules and regulations.” \n\n\n\n“We believe hunting and fishing should remain legal, valued and central to wildlife management in Colorado, Kane said, adding that the group instead believes decisions around wildlife should continue to be made through the existing democratic and management processes.”\n\n\n\n“Colorado’s Constitution should establish enduring principles of government — not constitutionalize undefined wildlife-management language that courts may ultimately be asked to interpret for decades to come,” he said. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-right-hunt-fish-ballot/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T20:12:52.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F15133839%2FSignatures_Howl_RightToHuntFish-scaled-1-683x1024.jpg","slug":"ballot-proposal-seeking-to-enshrine-colorados-right-to-hunt-and-fish-clears-hurdle"},{"id":"ecu75q","title":"Letter writer got facts wrong about Rifle airport","excerpt":"Jim Wingers — Mr. Chisesi’s letter about the Rifle versus Aspen airports had a few misleading non-facts. The Garfield County airport is four miles from Rifle...","content":"Jim Wingers — Mr. Chisesi’s letter about the Rifle versus Aspen airports had a few misleading non-facts. The Garfield County airport is four miles from Rifle...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/letter-writer-got-facts-wrong-about-rifle-airport/article_f5c9ec66-9f7d-4466-aba5-45854de9a4b7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"letter-writer-got-facts-wrong-about-rifle-airport"},{"id":"os64lu","title":"Future of racetrack deserves careful consideration","excerpt":"Rob Ittner — What kind of Pitkin County future are we building? I am not opposed to the historic racetrack continuing to operate...","content":"Rob Ittner — What kind of Pitkin County future are we building? I am not opposed to the historic racetrack continuing to operate...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/future-of-racetrack-deserves-careful-consideration/article_b4f4741c-29cc-416f-a041-88f23e00b3e0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"future-of-racetrack-deserves-careful-consideration"},{"id":"8350gj","title":"‘Greenwashing’ of proposal doesn’t solve problems","excerpt":"Nancy Pearce — The Woody Creek racetrack developer points to amenities like water for a bottle-filling station, solar panels, trail improvements and e-bikes...","content":"Nancy Pearce — The Woody Creek racetrack developer points to amenities like water for a bottle-filling station, solar panels, trail improvements and e-bikes...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/greenwashing-of-proposal-doesn-t-solve-problems/article_fc7da62c-99a3-41dd-badf-103711227de0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-17T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"greenwashing-of-proposal-doesnt-solve-problems"},{"id":"eb4u7s","title":"New racetrack owners hold open house in Woody Creek","excerpt":"BOCC hearing on application scheduled for July 22","content":"BOCC hearing on application scheduled for July 22","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/new-racetrack-owners-hold-open-house-in-woody-creek/article_1bd90ade-d4ee-40fd-8414-eb0b1c1cf792.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-16T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F70%2F37072d95-cfb5-49e5-bfea-489997b53d5b%2F6a583414bcb2e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"new-racetrack-owners-hold-open-house-in-woody-creek"},{"id":"gf93gu","title":"Garfield County greenlights subdivision near New Castle","excerpt":"Hogback View Estates is planned about 8 miles west of Glenwood Springs","content":"Hogback View Estates is planned about 8 miles west of Glenwood Springs","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/garfield-county-greenlights-subdivision-near-new-castle/article_9b017b6e-ae05-4680-b35e-4adb44ede1fe.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Drew Shaw, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-16T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F24%2F42410960-2868-4c94-b646-a8ddb9504a33%2F6a583590e4e8e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"garfield-county-greenlights-subdivision-near-new-castle"},{"id":"7loyr5","title":"Dog days of summer","excerpt":"Collective Snowmass celebrates inaugural Sausage Sprint, eating contest","content":"Collective Snowmass celebrates inaugural Sausage Sprint, eating contest","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/dog-days-of-summer/article_573cef83-34aa-4714-8306-80b8ade571b0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photos by Rachel Bock/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Ffc%2Fdfcc967c-af9a-4fc8-86f4-a6c94269a7cb%2F6a583668eec54.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"dog-days-of-summer"},{"id":"msmazc","title":"Local news in brief, July 16","excerpt":"RFSD announces new chief academic officer","content":"RFSD announces new chief academic officer","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-july-16/article_a389b31d-36cf-48ad-b3e4-7725634f59b9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fed%2Fdedb6be4-2961-4a1f-9a0b-c1e8bf2d604c%2F68e710dcf2f72.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C189","slug":"local-news-in-brief-july-16"},{"id":"sp7dbb","title":"Guths withdraw request to expand home’s livable area","excerpt":"City council was poised to deny application","content":"City council was poised to deny application","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/guths-withdraw-request-to-expand-home-s-livable-area/article_39051507-5527-4b7e-ab24-62c72cc5dc4f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-16T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2Fb6%2F1b6088aa-9437-41a4-8d5a-b3f02b7ef9b7%2F6a5834e1be72b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"guths-withdraw-request-to-expand-homes-livable-area"},{"id":"oo3wq6","title":"Dishing the dirt: PitCo officials break ground at ASE","excerpt":"Pitkin County officials stand next to ceremonial dirt at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to celebrate the groundbreaking for the upcoming airport modernization project. Pictured, from left, are: Airport Advisory Board chair Jacquelyn Francis; Pitkin County commissioners Ted Mahon, Greg Poschman,…","content":"Pitkin County officials stand next to ceremonial dirt at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to celebrate the groundbreaking for the upcoming airport modernization project. Pictured, from left, are: Airport Advisory Board chair Jacquelyn Francis; Pitkin County commissioners Ted Mahon, Greg Poschman,…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/dishing-the-dirt-pitco-officials-break-ground-at-ase/image_0b7ef13d-c087-4d99-bc95-ab8c5e8db5df.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andre Salvail/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fb7%2F0b7ef13d-c087-4d99-bc95-ab8c5e8db5df%2F6a58335f86360.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C233","slug":"dishing-the-dirt-pitco-officials-break-ground-at-ase"},{"id":"x8rqih","title":"Aspen Acres fire remains “serious threat” to homes in southern Colorado as new team takes command","excerpt":"The fire is 36% contained and remains a serious threat to the town of Rye. Plus: Updates on the Gold Mountain, Willow and Ferris fires.","content":"The fire is 36% contained and remains a serious threat to the town of Rye. Plus: Updates on the Gold Mountain, Willow and Ferris fires.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/15/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-acres-greenridge-fishhook-wednesday-update/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-15T16:27:27.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FAP26184092213951-scaled.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-acres-fire-remains-serious-threat-to-homes-in-southern-colorado-as-new-team-takes-command"},{"id":"jx723c","title":"racetrack 1","excerpt":"Todd Jacobs, one of the Woody Creek racetrack’s new owners, takes a lap around the track in his Porsche to demonstrate noise levels.","content":"Todd Jacobs, one of the Woody Creek racetrack’s new owners, takes a lap around the track in his Porsche to demonstrate noise levels.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/racetrack-1/image_37072d95-cfb5-49e5-bfea-489997b53d5b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F70%2F37072d95-cfb5-49e5-bfea-489997b53d5b%2F6a583414bcb2e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"racetrack-1"},{"id":"fka3a9","title":"racetrack 2","excerpt":"Bret Richheimer, Wayne Ducote and Todd Jacobs host an open house on Wednesday at the racetrack at Woody Creek. Richheimer and Jacobs bought the property from a group of eight owners that includes Ducote.","content":"Bret Richheimer, Wayne Ducote and Todd Jacobs host an open house on Wednesday at the racetrack at Woody Creek. Richheimer and Jacobs bought the property from a group of eight owners that includes Ducote.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/racetrack-2/image_814559dd-a5e5-460d-bcad-c650038ff3fc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F14%2F814559dd-a5e5-460d-bcad-c650038ff3fc%2F6a58345e1a2c3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"racetrack-2"},{"id":"och3tw","title":"hogback view estates","excerpt":"A sign hangs outside the entrance of the site planned for Hogback View Estates east of New Castle on Wednesday.","content":"A sign hangs outside the entrance of the site planned for Hogback View Estates east of New Castle on Wednesday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/hogback-view-estates/image_42410960-2868-4c94-b646-a8ddb9504a33.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Drew Shaw/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F24%2F42410960-2868-4c94-b646-a8ddb9504a33%2F6a583590e4e8e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"hogback-view-estates"},{"id":"gsck23","title":"sausage sprint 1","excerpt":"A dachshund dashes down the course in the inaugural Snowmass Sausage Sprint by The Collective Snowmass at Base Village on Wednesday, trouncing its competition as fans line the course.","content":"A dachshund dashes down the course in the inaugural Snowmass Sausage Sprint by The Collective Snowmass at Base Village on Wednesday, trouncing its competition as fans line the course.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/sausage-sprint-1/image_dfcc967c-af9a-4fc8-86f4-a6c94269a7cb.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Ffc%2Fdfcc967c-af9a-4fc8-86f4-a6c94269a7cb%2F6a583668eec54.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"sausage-sprint-1"},{"id":"tj2u0y","title":"Tribal leaders, Colorado congressmen blast Trump’s orders shrinking 2 Utah national monuments by 90%","excerpt":"Tribal and congressional leaders in Colorado are joining conservationists across the West in denouncing President Donald Trump’s executive orders reducing the size of two national monuments in southern Utah. \n\n\n\nTrump signed the two orders Tuesday, July 14, shrinking the combined size of Bears Ea...","content":"Tribal and congressional leaders in Colorado are joining conservationists across the West in denouncing President Donald Trump’s executive orders reducing the size of two national monuments in southern Utah. \n\n\n\nTrump signed the two orders Tuesday, July 14, shrinking the combined size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments from 3.2 million acres to under 303,000 acres — a roughly 90% decrease. \n\n\n\nThe two monuments are recreation meccas known for their sandstone canyons, mesas and buttes. They also hold deep cultural significance for Native American tribes and are home to thousands of archaeological sites, including petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. \n\n\n\nTrump and Utah’s Republican leaders have long argued that the monuments’ current boundaries are too expansive and prohibit critical oil drilling and uranium mining. They’ve also pushed to shrink the federal government’s footprint, particularly in the West, and turn more public lands management over to states. \n\n\n\n“We’ve done something that I think was very desperately needed,” Trump said during a signing event at the White House, where he was flanked by top elected officials from Utah. “It was very unfair to the people of Utah, and now, fairness has been brought back.” \n\n\n\nThe orders drew swift condemnation from Native American tribes and Democrats in Congress.\n\n\n\nGwen Cantsee, vice chairwoman for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, one of Colorado’s two federally recognized tribes, said in a statement that the tribe is “deeply disappointed by the decision.”\n\n\n\n“The Bears Ears region is our homeland,” Cantsee said. “Our ancestors lived, hunted, gathered and prayed here long before boundaries were drawn. The Ute Mountain Ute people were forcefully removed from these lands, but our connection to this sacred place cannot be erased.”\n\n\n\nCantsee is also a member of the Bears Ears Commission, a tribal group that advises the federal government on land management policies for the monument. In his executive order shrinking Bears Ears, Trump also abolished the commission.\n\n\n\nRep. Joe Neguse, a Democrat representing Colorado’s central and northern mountain communities in addition to Boulder and Fort Collins, said Trump’s decision will reverberate beyond just the two Utah monuments. \n\n\n\n“It is part of a larger effort on the part of the administration to undermine America’s public lands and national forests,” Neguse said Tuesday on a call with reporters. “All of these decisions, all of them, are deeply unpopular with the American public.”\n\n\n\nU.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat who has championed several bills to bolster and expand public lands protections in the West, in a statement called Trump’s actions “another broken promise to the tribes who have lived in this region since time immemorial and to the next generation of Americans, who are relying on us to protect these irreplaceable landscapes.”\n\n\n\nGrand Staircase-Escalante was established by President Bill Clinton in 1996. Its geography includes sandstone cliffs, a maze of slot canyons and sweeping plateaus.Tim Peterson and LightHawk/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nBoth Utah monuments were established under Democratic administrations. President Bill Clinton designated the Grand Staircase-Escalante in 1996, and President Obama established Bears Ears in 2016. \n\n\n\nRepublicans have argued that those designations overstepped the 1906 Antiquities Act, the federal law that gives presidents the ability to designate national monuments. \n\n\n\n“Under the Antiquities Act, it’s very clear that these monument designations are supposed to be the smallest area possible to protect the antiquities,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, during Trump’s signing event at the White House. “These multi-million-acre monuments that are bigger than the state of Delaware certainly do not fit that designation.” \n\n\n\nTrump signed orders in 2017 during his first term to shrink both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, resulting in legal battles over whether presidents have the authority to reduce national monuments under the Antiquities Act. In 2021, President Joe Biden reversed Trump’s orders, restoring both monuments’ boundaries and slightly expanding Bears Ears’ to about 1.36 million acres. \n\n\n\nIn June 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice, under Trump’s second term, issued a legal opinion arguing that presidents have the authority to rescind national monuments entirely, contradicting how the department has interpreted the Antiquities Act for 87 years. \n\n\n\nConservation groups that sued Trump’s first administration over his attempt to shrink both monuments have vowed to do so again. \n\n\n\n“The Antiquities Act authorizes presidents to designate national monuments, not to destroy them,” said Heidi McIntosh, Rocky Mountain office managing attorney for Earthjustice, in a statement. Today’s proclamations are a slap to the face of public lands visitors across the country, as well as the local communities and tribes that have worked for years to protect these special places. Earthjustice and our partners are prepared to vigorously defend the monuments once again.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-tribal-leaders-congressmen-trump-national-monuments/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T20:08:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F15134311%2FBearsEars-1024x682.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"tribal-leaders-colorado-congressmen-blast-trumps-orders-shrinking-2-utah-national-monuments-by-90"},{"id":"5vja5w","title":"Avanza demanda relacionada con los autobuses de Two Rivers","excerpt":"Un juez rechazó la moción del Distrito Escolar Garfield Re-2 de desestimar una demanda presentada por Two Rivers Community School y varios padres, permitiendo que continúe el caso sobre las prácticas de transporte de la escuela autónoma.\n\n\n\nLa demanda se centra en si Two Rivers, una escuela autón...","content":"Un juez rechazó la moción del Distrito Escolar Garfield Re-2 de desestimar una demanda presentada por Two Rivers Community School y varios padres, permitiendo que continúe el caso sobre las prácticas de transporte de la escuela autónoma.\n\n\n\nLa demanda se centra en si Two Rivers, una escuela autónoma en Glenwood Springs autorizada por el Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork, puede continuar transportando en autobús a los estudiantes que viven dentro de los límites de Garfield Re-2. Re-2 ha argumentado que la práctica es ilegal sin su consentimiento, mientras que Two Rivers ha sostenido que, como escuela autónoma independiente, se le permite proporcionar su propio transporte.\n\n\n\nEl director de la escuela Two Rivers, Jamie Nims, dijo que el fallo no resuelve la cuestión legal subyacente, pero sí permite que el caso avance.\n\n\n\n“Creo que esto demuestra que el juez se lo está tomando en serio,” dijo Nims, y agregó que Two Rivers está esperando una decisión sobre su moción de juicio sumario.\n\n\n\nTheresa Hamilton, oficial de información pública de Garfield Re-2, dijo que el distrito no está de acuerdo con la decisión pero respeta el proceso judicial.\n\n\n\n“No estamos de acuerdo, pero respetamos la decisión del juez sobre la moción de desestimación, y esperamos que el tribunal se pronuncie sobre los méritos de la demanda,” dijo Hamilton.\n\n\n\nNims dijo que no hay una fecha fija para la próxima decisión.\n\n\n\n“Básicamente, los próximos pasos en este momento son simplemente esperar a ver qué se decide sobre esa moción de juicio sumario, lo que podría tardar semanas o meses,” dijo.\n\n\n\nHasta entonces, Nims dijo que Two Rivers planea continuar operando sus autobuses como de costumbre cuando se reanuden las clases.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/avanza-demanda-relacionada-con-los-autobuses-de-two-rivers/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:23:58.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13101912%2FDSC_0673-2048x1365-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"avanza-demanda-relacionada-con-los-autobuses-de-two-rivers"},{"id":"dprhan","title":"Victor Marx gana por estrecho margen las primarias Republicanas para gobernador de Colorado","excerpt":"Victor Marx, líder de una organización sin fines de lucro de inspiración religiosa, cuya campaña poco convencional y cuyas controvertidas afirmaciones sobre su vida han captado la atención nacional, será el candidato Republicano a la gobernatura de Colorado en las elecciones de noviembre.\n\n\n\nAsso...","content":"Victor Marx, líder de una organización sin fines de lucro de inspiración religiosa, cuya campaña poco convencional y cuyas controvertidas afirmaciones sobre su vida han captado la atención nacional, será el candidato Republicano a la gobernatura de Colorado en las elecciones de noviembre.\n\n\n\nAssociated Press proyectó la victoria de Marx a las 4:00 p.m. del jueves 9 de julio, nueve días después de que concluyera la votación en las elecciones primarias del estado.\n\n\n\nMarx había mantenido una reñida contienda con la senadora estatal Barb Kirkmeyer por la nominación republicana. Aunque Kirkmeyer llevaba una ligera ventaja sobre Marx la noche de las elecciones, el 30 de junio, Marx la superó menos de 24 horas después a medida que avanzaba el recuento de votos.\n\n\n\nActualmente aventaja a Kirkmeyer por 2,515 votos, según datos de la Secretaría de Estado de Colorado actualizados a las 4:00 p.m. del jueves. Marx obtenía el 39.87% de los votos frente al 39.39 % de Kirkmeyer, con un total de 521,938 votos emitidos. Su otro contrincante, el representante estatal Scott Bottoms, quedó en un lejano tercer lugar con el 20.75%. El margen de victoria de Marx se sitúa justo por encima del umbral requerido para un recuento automático.\n\n\n\nLa contienda resultó más ajustada de lo previsto, dado que una encuesta encargada por un super PAC que apoyaba su campaña lo mostraba superando a Kirkmeyer por 44 puntos porcentuales, y tras haber logrado una ventaja considerable en la recaudación de fondos frente a Kirkmeyer y Bottoms durante las primarias.\n\n\n\n“A aquellos que apoyaron a otra persona en las primarias, quiero que me escuchen bien: hay un lugar para ustedes en esta campaña,” declaró Marx en un video de tres minutos publicado en X poco después de confirmarse su victoria.\n\n\n\n“Colorado necesita un liderazgo valiente y eficaz, un liderazgo que los ponga a ustedes en primer lugar,” añadió. “Si se sienten frustrados o escépticos, o se preguntan si realmente algo puede cambiar, acabo de demostrar que sí es posible al ganar las primarias.”\n\n\n\nEn un mensaje de texto enviado por un portavoz de su campaña, Kirkmeyer expresó sentirse orgullosa del trabajo realizado.\n\n\n\n“Juntos ofrecimos una visión clara para el futuro del Partido Republicano de Colorado, basada en el sentido común, el trabajo duro, la asequibilidad y los valores que hicieron de Colorado el mejor lugar para vivir, trabajar y criar una familia,” afirmó Kirkmeyer. “Aunque no logramos la victoria en lo que parece ser la elección primaria republicana para gobernador más reñida en la historia de Colorado, agradezco a cada votante que depositó su confianza en nosotros.”\n\n\n\nMarx se enfrentará ahora al candidato demócrata y Fiscal General de Colorado, Phil Weiser, en las elecciones generales del 3 de noviembre, donde afrontará una batalla cuesta arriba por la gobernación.\n\n\n\nColorado no ha elegido a un gobernador Republicano desde Bill Owens en el 2002, y el electorado del estado se ha inclinado cada vez más hacia el Partido Demócrata desde entonces. El gobernador Jared Polis, un demócrata que no puede optar a la reelección este año debido a los límites de mandato, ganó su primera elección en el 2018 con un margen superior a los 10 puntos porcentuales. Fue reelegido en el 2022 por una diferencia de casi 20 puntos porcentuales.\n\n\n\nWeiser calificó la candidatura de Marx, en un comunicado, como “una amenaza para los valores de nuestro estado y para nuestro futuro.”\n\n\n\n“Los habitantes de Colorado tienen una opción clara en esta contienda: una política basada en la presencia, la escucha y la lucha por los derechos y libertades de todos, o una política de engaño, demonización y distracción,” afirmó Weiser.\n\n\n\nMarx, veterano del Cuerpo de Marines, dirige una organización sin fines de lucro llamada All Things Possible Ministries, centrada en labores humanitarias principalmente en Oriente Medio y el sur de Asia. Se presentó como un recién llegado a la política ajeno al sistema y dispuesto a desafiar el status quo; según Marx, este enfoque conectó con los votantes e impulsó su campaña.\n\n\n\nMarx ha sido objeto de críticas por parte de sus oponentes y de preguntas de los periodistas sobre afirmaciones relativas a su vida que han atraído la atención de los medios nacionales. Marx aseguró que su padrastro le obligó a disparar y matar a un hombre cuando tenía 7 años. En una entrevista con el periodista de 9News Kyle Clark, fragmento que apareció en un reciente segmento del presentador de televisión nocturna John Oliver, Marx dio a entender que había matado a personas en defensa propia durante su labor misionera, aunque no quiso precisar cuántas.\n\n\n\nOtras afirmaciones de Marx incluyen haber solicitado un ataque aéreo para abatir a combatientes del Estado Islámico, haber sido el primer estadounidense en entrar en Gaza tras el estallido de la guerra con Israel y haber detenido el tráfico de personas en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México. Sus oponentes lo han tachado de mentiroso que inventa “historias fantásticas.” Marx defendió su postura frente a esas críticas en una entrevista anterior, afirmando: “Hay muchísimas pruebas de quién soy y de lo que he hecho; son décadas de trayectoria. Pero aquellos que no me quieren y saben que represento una amenaza, lo único que hacen es lanzar acusaciones.”\n\n\n\nEn su declaración, Kirkmeyer no expresó su apoyo a Marx para la gobernación; en cambio, señaló: “Los votantes tomarán la decisión final en noviembre y espero que elijan el camino más beneficioso para Colorado. Sigo sintiéndome orgullosa de la campaña que llevamos a cabo… y, que quede claro, sigo sin haber matado a nadie.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/victor-marx-gana-por-estrecho-margen-las-primarias-republicanas-para-gobernador-de-colorado/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:22:27.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F09173132%2FMarx-Kirkmeyer-4-1024x744.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"victor-marx-gana-por-estrecho-margen-las-primarias-republicanas-para-gobernador-de-colorado"},{"id":"ltvojc","title":"Concejo Municipal de Glenwood Springs pospone el aumento de tarifas del servicio a demanda","excerpt":"Los miembros del Concejo Municipal de Glenwood Springs pospusieron el jueves la decisión sobre un aumento propuesto en la tarifa de Ride Glenwood On-Demand, argumentando que necesitaban más datos antes de determinar cuánto deberían pagar los usuarios y cómo encaja el servicio en el sistema de tra...","content":"Los miembros del Concejo Municipal de Glenwood Springs pospusieron el jueves la decisión sobre un aumento propuesto en la tarifa de Ride Glenwood On-Demand, argumentando que necesitaban más datos antes de determinar cuánto deberían pagar los usuarios y cómo encaja el servicio en el sistema de transporte general de la ciudad.\n\n\n\nActualmente, el servicio a demanda cuesta $1 por viaje. El ingeniero municipal, Ryan Gordon, presentó al concejo varias modificaciones posibles, entre ellas aumentar la tarifa a $3 de forma generalizada o implementar un sistema por zonas que cobre a los usuarios según la distancia recorrida.\n\n\n\nCon la opción por zonas, los viajes dentro de una misma zona costarían $2; los que abarcaran dos zonas, $3; y los que atravesaran tres zonas, $4. El personal municipal también planteó mantener en $1 la tarifa de los viajes hacia los principales puntos de conexión con la Autoridad de Transporte de Roaring Fork (RFTA, por sus siglas en inglés) para incentivar el uso del transporte regional.\n\n\n\n“Este es nuestro primer paso hacia un enfoque más matizado para lograr que el proyecto se autofinancie,” señaló Gordon.\n\n\n\nRide Glenwood On-Demand recibe financiación parcial a través del programa de subvenciones para el “primer y último tramo” de RFTA; actualmente, esta entidad cubre cerca de la mitad de los costos. Glenwood Springs aporta algo más de $500,000 este año, indicó Gordon. El costo total del programa ronda $1 millón anuales.\n\n\n\nEl personal municipal señaló que, sin el subsidio de RFTA, sería necesaria una tarifa de $12 para que el programa alcanzara el punto de equilibrio financiero.\n\n\n\nSin embargo, los miembros del concejo cuestionaron si disponían de información suficiente para elegir una nueva estructura tarifaria. El concejal Sumner Shacter preguntó si el personal había analizado los ingresos que generaría cada opción basándose en los patrones reales de uso del servicio.\n\n\n\nGordon respondió que dicho análisis aún no se había realizado, aunque tanto la ciudad como Downtowner, la empresa que opera el servicio, cuentan con datos sobre los puntos de recogida y destino de los pasajeros.\n\n\n\n“No hemos llevado a cabo ese ejercicio,” admitió Gordon. “Ciertamente podemos hacerlo si deseamos realizarlo antes de implementar un aumento de tarifas.”\n\n\n\nEl debate pronto trascendió la cuestión de si las tarifas debían subir $1 o $2 o más. Los miembros del concejo plantearon interrogantes más amplios: si la tarifa actual de $1 está inflando artificialmente la demanda, si la ciudad está obteniendo suficiente información del programa y si el servicio de ruta fija de Ride Glenwood debería ajustarse utilizando los datos ya recopilados. El concejal Mitchell Weimer expresó su frustración por la cantidad de dinero que se está gastando sin obtener suficientes resultados prácticos.\n\n\n\n“Hemos aprendido dónde suben y bajan los pasajeros, y hemos aprendido que a la gente realmente le gusta el viaje en taxi por un dólar,” dijo Weimer. “Eso es, literalmente, todo lo que hemos aprendido.”\n\n\n\nWeimer señaló que el personal debería presentar recomendaciones sobre cómo modificar el servicio de ruta fija de Ride Glenwood basándose en los datos del servicio bajo demanda, incluyendo la posibilidad de dar servicio a South Glenwood.\n\n\n\nLa alcaldesa interina, Erin Zalinski, dijo que también deseaba más información, pero advirtió que modificar el servicio de ruta fija no es algo que la ciudad pueda hacer de inmediato. Explicó que la ciudad aún debe considerar aspectos como las paradas de autobús, los contratistas y el tamaño de los autobuses necesarios para atender a ciertos vecindarios.\n\n\n\nZalinski también planteó inquietudes sobre la equidad de una estructura tarifaria basada en zonas. Señaló que algunas áreas, incluidas partes de South Glenwood, cuentan con menos opciones de transporte pero podrían terminar pagando más, ya que los usuarios tendrían que cruzar varias zonas.\n\n\n\n“Me pregunto si no existe un modelo que pueda ofrecer un poco más de equidad,” comentó Zalinski.\n\n\n\nShacter expresó su frustración porque se pedía al concejo que tomara decisiones sobre componentes individuales del sistema de transporte sin tener una visión clara de cómo encajan entre sí.\n\n\n\n“Sigo sin tener una idea clara de cómo interactuará el servicio bajo demanda con Ride Glenwood, lo cual fue una motivación importante, ni de cómo afectará esto, en última instancia, al proyecto South Bridge y a los planes futuros de la RFTA,” dijo Shacter. “Estoy tomando decisiones sobre detalles específicos sin tener una visión general del transporte.”\n\n\n\nGordon informó que el personal está planificando una futura sesión de trabajo sobre el sistema de transporte general de la ciudad, incluyendo el impuesto para autobuses, Ride Glenwood, el servicio bajo demanda y otras opciones potenciales, como los sistemas de bicicletas compartidas.\n\n\n\nLos miembros del concejo pospusieron la decisión sobre el aumento de tarifas y solicitaron al personal que presentara más información, incluyendo proyecciones de ingresos para las distintas opciones tarifarias, datos adicionales sobre los usuarios, opiniones de la Comisión de Transporte y una visión más clara de cómo el servicio bajo demanda podría influir en los cambios futuros de Ride Glenwood.\n\n\n\nPor ahora, la tarifa se mantiene en $1 por viaje.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/concejo-municipal-de-glenwood-springs-pospone-el-aumento-de-tarifas-del-servicio-a-demanda/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:20:21.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F11%2F26213451%2Frftacity-gpi-072519-1-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"concejo-municipal-de-glenwood-springs-pospone-el-aumento-de-tarifas-del-servicio-a-demanda"},{"id":"tpmrla","title":"Baker toma ventaja en los resultados no oficiales para el puesto de Sheriff del Condado de Garfield","excerpt":"Brent Baker lleva una amplia ventaja sobre Dan Loya en las primarias republicanas para el puesto de sheriff del condado de Garfield, según los resultados electorales no oficiales de la Oficina del Secretario y Registrador del Condado de Garfield.\n\n\n\nHasta las 3:40 p.m. del miércoles, Baker había ...","content":"Brent Baker lleva una amplia ventaja sobre Dan Loya en las primarias republicanas para el puesto de sheriff del condado de Garfield, según los resultados electorales no oficiales de la Oficina del Secretario y Registrador del Condado de Garfield.\n\n\n\nHasta las 3:40 p.m. del miércoles, Baker había obtenido 4,961 votos (67.6%), mientras que Loya contaba con 2,378 votos (32.4%), según la oficina del secretario y registrador. Se contabilizó un total de 7,339 votos en la contienda.\n\n\n\nLa participación electoral no oficial en todo el condado se situó en el 36.56%, con 14,200 votos emitidos de un total de 38,837 votantes activos, según la oficina del secretario y registrador.\n\n\n\nNingún demócrata se postuló para el cargo, lo que convierte a las primarias republicanas del martes en la contienda decisiva para el puesto de Sheriff del Condado de Garfield.\n\n\n\nBaker, teniente de patrulla de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield, trabaja en dicha oficina desde el 2002. Obtuvo la nominación republicana durante la asamblea del Partido Republicano del Condado de Garfield celebrada en marzo.\n\n\n\nLoya, sub-sheriff de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Eagle, logró incluir su nombre en la boleta de las primarias tras la asamblea. Thomas Wright fue otro de los candidatos en la contienda, pero no llegó a figurar en la boleta de las primarias.\n\n\n\nEl martes por la noche, Baker expresó su entusiasmo por seguir sirviendo al condado de Garfield y por liderar la oficina del sheriff.\n\n\n\n“Me siento honrado y agradecido por el apoyo que he recibido,” dijo Baker. “Mi equipo y mis seguidores han sido magníficos. Estoy muy orgulloso de la campaña que llevamos a cabo. Fue una campaña positiva, basada en la integridad y el carácter; nunca caímos en disputas mezquinas ni en el juego sucio.”\n\n\n\nBaker afirmó que la labor de contacto puerta por puerta de su campaña le dio confianza de cara al día de las elecciones.\n\n\n\n“Cuando íbamos puerta por puerta y hablábamos con la gente en sus casas, la respuesta era muy positiva,” comentó Baker. “No somos un condado lo suficientemente grande como para gastar 20,000 dólares en una encuesta formal, pero si consideras que tocar puertas y hablar con la gente equivale a una encuesta, nos sentimos muy satisfechos con los resultados.” Baker afirmó que entre sus objetivos figuran mejorar el clima y la cultura laboral en la oficina del sheriff, mantener baja la rotación de personal y brindar un mejor servicio a los residentes.\n\n\n\n“Quiero trabajar en equipo con la comunidad; quiero que seamos un equipo que escuche a todos los sectores del condado y los tome en cuenta,” declaró Baker. “No quiero que esto se convierta en un espectáculo personal de Brent Baker donde solo se hace lo que yo digo. Es la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield; no es mi oficina del sheriff.”\n\n\n\nEl ganador sucederá al veterano sheriff del Condado de Garfield, Lou Vallario, quien no buscará la reelección tras haber ocupado el cargo durante seis mandatos.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/baker-toma-ventaja-en-los-resultados-no-oficiales-para-el-puesto-de-sheriff-del-condado-de-garfield/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:16:52.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F30211106%2Floyabaker-1024x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"baker-toma-ventaja-en-los-resultados-no-oficiales-para-el-puesto-de-sheriff-del-condado-de-garfield"},{"id":"81vqk5","title":"sausage sprint 2","excerpt":"Contestants put their stomachs to the test in the hot dog eating contest.","content":"Contestants put their stomachs to the test in the hot dog eating contest.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/sausage-sprint-2/image_c60653be-7626-43b6-b738-4d35f6d9c359.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F60%2Fc60653be-7626-43b6-b738-4d35f6d9c359%2F6a5836dad4f36.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"sausage-sprint-2"},{"id":"1gbxdh","title":"Regresa torneo de voleibol juvenil de Carbondale en su segunda edición con mejores canchas y mayor nivel","excerpt":"Tras un debut exitoso el verano pasado, el torneo de voleibol juvenil Carbondale Open regresa en su segunda edición con canchas renovadas y nuevos premios destinados a celebrar el deporte juvenil.\n\n\n\nLa segunda edición anual del Carbondale Open, organizada por el municipio de Carbondale y Maroon ...","content":"Tras un debut exitoso el verano pasado, el torneo de voleibol juvenil Carbondale Open regresa en su segunda edición con canchas renovadas y nuevos premios destinados a celebrar el deporte juvenil.\n\n\n\nLa segunda edición anual del Carbondale Open, organizada por el municipio de Carbondale y Maroon Belles Volleyball Club, volverá a celebrarse en el Miners Park de Carbondale el sábado 18 de julio, contando con canchas mejoradas y nuevos premios.\n\n\n\nEste torneo de parejas está diseñado específicamente para ofrecer a los jóvenes deportistas la oportunidad de participar en una disciplina que no siempre está muy accesible para su grupo de edad, permitiéndoles competir contra chicos de su misma edad.\n\n\n\n“El torneo es independiente de cualquier afiliación a clubes,” señaló Laird Little, director del Marron Belles Volleyball Club. “Surgió porque no había muchos torneos juveniles en Colorado; si los chicos querían jugar, tenían que hacerlo contra adultos.”\n\n\n\n“Comenzamos el año pasado con las categorías sub-18, sub-16 y sub-14, y fue todo un éxito,” continuó. “Queremos que el evento se centre más en el deporte juvenil en general, y por eso los premios reflejan esa filosofía. En lugar de tarjetas de regalo o artículos similares, intentaremos ofrecerles experiencias.”\n\n\n\nEl torneo se dividirá en los mismos grupos de edad que el año anterior, con competiciones separadas para cada género. Entre los premios se incluyen pases flexibles de cuatro días para Aspen Snowmass, pases de día completo para Sunlight Ski Mountain y tarjetas de acceso de 20 usos para el centro recreativo de Carbondale (Carbondale Rec Center).\n\n\n\nLos premios fueron donados por diversas organizaciones que también patrocinan el evento; sin embargo, según Little, el objetivo es adquirirlos directamente y convertir esta cita en una fecha que los residentes reserven cada año en sus calendarios para celebrar el deporte juvenil.\n\n\n\n“Buscamos mantener esta tradición durante los próximos 20 años,” afirmó Little. “La idea es mantener a los chicos activos; cuanto antes empiecen a participar, mejor. Espero solicitar una subvención el próximo año para Carbondale, de modo que el municipio patrocine y compre los premios. Sin duda, seguiremos desarrollando y ampliando esta iniciativa.” El torneo de este año también brindará a los jugadores de voleibol locales la oportunidad de jugar sobre arena con calidad de la Asociación de Profesionales del Voleibol (AVP), instalada por el municipio de Carbondale a principios del 2026.\n\n\n\nEl municipio destinó un presupuesto de $50,000 dólares para traer la arena desde Denver. Sus características, tamaño del grano, forma y consistencia, están diseñadas para evitar cortes en los jugadores y garantizar la ausencia de polvo o arcilla. La arena antigua, que originalmente cubría las canchas de voleibol de Miners Park, se reutilizó en las instalaciones del rodeo y el cementerio de Carbondale. Durante las obras, también se mejoró el sistema de ajuste de las redes.\n\n\n\nLas mejoras en Miners Park no se realizaron únicamente para los torneos locales; las instalaciones ya han registrado un aumento en su uso, que abarca desde entrenamientos de clubes juveniles competitivos hasta partidos informales y espontáneos.\n\n\n\nEl torneo comenzará el sábado a las 9:00 a.m. con la fase de grupos, para luego pasar a los partidos de eliminación directa por la tarde. Los ganadores de la segunda edición del Carbondale Open serán premiados antes del atardecer.\n\n\n\n“El año pasado contamos con entre 20 y 30 equipos,” comentó Little. “Así que este año esperamos reunir entre 40 y 50, y estamos haciendo un esfuerzo especial por difundir información sobre los premios. Habrá categorías masculina y femenina, y participarán muchos atletas de gran nivel. Todos los partidos serán en la modalidad de parejas (dos contra dos) y los participantes formarán sus propios equipos.”\n\n\n\n“Dado que habrá muchos premios y no todos lograrán pasar a la fase de la tarde, organizaremos también una actividad al finalizar la fase de grupos,” añadió. “Será muy divertido y los chicos tendrán muchas oportunidades de ganar premios fantásticos.”\n\n\n\nPara obtener más información o inscribirse, visite maroonbelles.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/regresa-torneo-de-voleibol-juvenil-de-carbondale-en-su-segunda-edicion-con-mejores-canchas-y-mayor-nivel/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:15:07.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02150237%2FDSC_0480_2-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"regresa-torneo-de-voleibol-juvenil-de-carbondale-en-su-segunda-edicin-con-mejores-canchas-y-mayor-ni"},{"id":"jqkrjq","title":"Celebration of Life for Keith L. Small","excerpt":"Please join Denice Volk Reich to celebrate Keith’s life, and the joy he brought to her, and to everyone he met. I will be hosting a casual gathering to share all our favorite stories, to laugh, and to honor Keith’s beautiful life.","content":"Please join Denice Volk Reich to celebrate Keith’s life, and the joy he brought to her, and to everyone he met. I will be hosting a casual gathering to share all our favorite stories, to laugh, and to honor Keith’s beautiful life.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/celebrations/celebration-of-life-for-keith-l-small/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-07-16T03:00:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F15210110%2F3005756.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"celebration-of-life-for-keith-l-small"},{"id":"u07j5l","title":"PHOTOS: Golden shovels in hand, Aspen airport breaks ground on modernization project","excerpt":"The Airport Modernization Project — a voter-approved effort to overhaul the largely outdated Aspen/Pitkin County Airport — officially broke ground on Wednesday with a special ceremony both inside and outside the Airport Operations Center building.\n\n\n\nCentral to the modernization project will be a...","content":"The Airport Modernization Project — a voter-approved effort to overhaul the largely outdated Aspen/Pitkin County Airport — officially broke ground on Wednesday with a special ceremony both inside and outside the Airport Operations Center building.\n\n\n\nCentral to the modernization project will be a reconstructed runway, with the current one set to be demolished next summer — the airport will be completely closed from April 4 to Nov. 19, 2027 — and a new terminal building, to be completed in 2029. The existing terminal will be demolished in 2030, the final phase of the ASE modernization timeline.\n\n\n\nDozens of members of the local community, including the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners and the airport leadership, took part in Wednesday’s ceremony. It included short speeches by the commissioners, as well as from new County Manager Kara Silbernagel and Deputy County Manager Ryan Mahoney, with Aspen Airport Director Diane Jackson also chiming in.\n\n\n\n“Today’s groundbreaking is a monumental milestone for our community and the result of years of dedication, collaboration and vision from so many people,” Silbernagel said. “As we celebrate how far we’ve come, we’re excited to begin this next chapter and continue building an airport that will serve our community for generations to come.”\n\n\n\nWhile not officially part of the ceremony, Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione and Aspen Mayor Rachael Richards were among those in attendance.\n\n\n\nGolden shovels get ready to dig into the dirt during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAirport staff take part in the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nPitkin County Manager Kara Silbernagel talks during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nFollowing the talk, which was held inside the Sardy Field Fire Department engine bay, guests moved outside to hold a mostly ceremonial groundbreaking that included a handful of gold-coated shovels, a big pile of dirt and jets actively taking off and landing on the current runway in the background.\n\n\n\nCrews will start early construction this month by working “on the west side of the airport, including utility relocations, roadway improvements and site preparation necessary to support the larger modernization effort,” reads a press release sent out by the airport. “Work includes realignment of a portion of Owl Creek Road and Trail, relocation of a water line, extension of a culvert, construction of a temporary haul route and batch plant area and realignment of the Airport Operations Center parking lot.”\n\n\n\nThe Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will provide regular updates through its dedicated project webpage, www.aspenairport.com/modernization.\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-443657-300').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Pitkin County Commissioners Patti Clapper, left, and Greg Poschman shovel dirt from the airport modernization groundbreaking into a container as a keepsake on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Commissioner Ted Mahon talks during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A poster board explains the project’s timeline during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Deputy Manager Ryan Mahoney talks during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Commissioner Patti Clapper scoops dirt from the airport modernization groundbreaking into a jar as a keepsake on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Manager Kara Silbernagel talks during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Commissioner Patti Clapper talks during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Members of the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners take part in the airport modernization project groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Commissioner Greg Poschman talks during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Manager Kara Silbernagel talks during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Golden shovels get ready to dig into the dirt during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A firefighting apparatus awaits use on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Members of the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners take part in the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A plane takes off on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pitkin County Commissioner Greg Poschman, right, waits to shovel dirt during the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Airport staff take part in the airport modernization project groundbreaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A sign marks the edge of the airport property on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-golden-shovels-in-hand-aspen-airport-breaks-ground-on-modernization-project/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-16T01:15:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F15152327%2Fairportgroundbreak-atd-071526-01-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"photos-golden-shovels-in-hand-aspen-airport-breaks-ground-on-modernization-project"},{"id":"mjadix","title":"BLM avanza en revisión del plan para la Cantera RMI al norte de Glenwood Springs","excerpt":"La U.S. Bureau of Land Management (Oficina de Administración de Tierras, o BLM, por sus siglas en inglés) ha declarado completo el plan más reciente de Rocky Mountain Industrials (RMI) para su cantera de piedra caliza al norte de Glenwood Springs, lo que permite que la propuesta pase a la fase de...","content":"La U.S. Bureau of Land Management (Oficina de Administración de Tierras, o BLM, por sus siglas en inglés) ha declarado completo el plan más reciente de Rocky Mountain Industrials (RMI) para su cantera de piedra caliza al norte de Glenwood Springs, lo que permite que la propuesta pase a la fase de revisión técnica antes de un futuro proceso de revisión pública.\n\n\n\nLa propuesta más que triplicaría la superficie aprobada a nivel federal en la cantera de piedra caliza Mid-Continent, pasando de unos 16 a 56.1 acres. RMI busca autorización para realizar actividades de extracción varios cientos de pies cuesta arriba desde la cantera actual; esto incluye la voladura del risco inestable y sobresaliente que quedó tras el derrumbe de la pared frontal oeste de la cantera en el 2023, así como la extracción de más material de la ladera situada más arriba.\n\n\n\nEl plan estatal de restauración de la División de Recuperación, Minería y Seguridad de Colorado (DRMS, por sus siglas en inglés) exige a RMI instalar pernos de anclaje en el risco sobresaliente. En abril, la agencia estatal aumentó la fianza de restauración de RMI en $704.000 para cubrir el costo de dicha instalación de pernos.\n\n\n\nLa determinación de integridad documental por parte de BLM se produce después de que DRMS rechazara en febrero de 2025 una propuesta relacionada de RMI para ampliar los límites de su permiso estatal de 38 a 56.1 acres mediante una revisión técnica. El estado argumentó que RMI no podía ampliar la superficie autorizada a través de una revisión técnica, sino que debía seguir un proceso de enmienda. DRMS también señaló que RMI necesitaría primero la aprobación de BLM, quien administra los terrenos federales donde se ubica la cantera.\n\n\n\nLa determinación de BLM no aprueba la ampliación de la superficie, pero permite a la agencia federal comenzar a revisar el plan de operaciones modificado de RMI.\n\n\n\n“Una determinación de integridad documental significa simplemente que BLM ha recibido toda la información requerida por la normativa para iniciar la siguiente etapa de revisión,” declaró la agencia en respuesta a preguntas del Post Independent. “Nos permite pasar a la revisión técnica, pero no constituye una decisión sobre la propuesta en sí.”\n\n\n\nLa agencia comparó esta determinación con verificar que todas las piezas de un rompecabezas están presentes antes de comenzar a armarlo.\n\n\n\n“En la revisión técnica es donde evaluamos cómo encajan las piezas, identificamos posibles vacíos o inquietudes y determinamos si se necesita información adicional o modificaciones,” indicó BLM.\n\n\n\nHeather McGregor, vicepresidenta de la Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance, afirmó que la determinación de la agencia es un paso importante, pero no una decisión definitiva. \n\n\n\n“El término “completa” simplemente significa, según la explicación que hemos recibido, que la solicitud contiene todos los elementos requeridos, pero no evalúa sus impactos,” señaló McGregor. “Para nosotros es importante, porque ahora BLM cuenta con material concreto para trabajar y avanzar en la revisión técnica, que constituye la siguiente etapa.”\n\n\n\nLa propuesta más reciente de RMI, presentada el 29 de mayo, representaba el tercer intento de la empresa por entregar a BLM un plan de operaciones modificado. La agencia indicó que RMI aportó la información restante necesaria para que la solicitud cumpliera con los requisitos reglamentarios de integridad documental.\n\n\n\n“Eso no significa que la revisión haya concluido,” aclaró BLM. “A medida que avance la revisión técnica, es posible que BLM identifique nuevas interrogantes o solicite modificaciones antes de tomar cualquier decisión.”\n\n\n\nLa propuesta actual es independiente de la iniciativa más amplia presentada por RMI en 2019 para ampliar la cantera, precisó la BLM.\n\n\n\n“La revisión en curso abarca aproximadamente 56.1 acres y se centra en lograr que las operaciones actuales cumplan con la normativa y en abordar los problemas derivados del desprendimiento de rocas ocurrido en el 2023,” señaló la agencia. “No evalúa ni impulsa la ampliación propuesta en el 2019. Si BLM llegara a examinar dicha propuesta en el futuro, esta seguiría su propio proceso de revisión y toma de decisiones.”\n\n\n\nRMI nunca ha retirado la propuesta de ampliación de mayor envergadura, la cual sigue siendo motivo de preocupación para la Citizens’ Alliance.\n\n\n\n“Nunca la han retirado,” afirmó McGregor. “Hasta donde sabemos, ha quedado relegada a un segundo plano, pero nunca se ha descartado formalmente; por ello, sigue pendiendo sobre nuestra comunidad como una gran amenaza y una posibilidad que debemos tener siempre presente, ya que RMI podría querer retomarla.”\n\n\n\nLa BLM informó que especialistas de toda la agencia evaluarán el plan modificado, identificarán cuestiones técnicas o vacíos de información y determinarán si se requiere información adicional o modificaciones. Asimismo, la revisión ayudará a definir qué análisis son necesarios en virtud de otras leyes, incluida la National Environmental Policy Act (Ley de Política Ambiental Nacional o NEPA, por sus siglas en inglés) y a preparar a la agencia para las consultas de gobierno a gobierno con las tribus.\n\n\n\nLa revisión técnica también evaluará la autoridad competente para la disposición de minerales y determinará si, conforme a la normativa federal, es necesario formalizar un contrato de materiales minerales. \n\n\n\nRMI cesó sus operaciones mineras activas en diciembre del 2024, pero ha seguido tramitando la reactivación de su permiso de explotación. Lisa Dawson, gerente de campo de la Oficina de Colorado River Valley de BLM, declaró en un comunicado de prensa de Citizens’ Alliance que la solicitud de RMI para obtener un contrato de venta de materiales minerales será evaluada durante la revisión técnica.\n\n\n\nDicho contrato obligaría a RMI a abonar a BLM una tarifa por tonelada por la mayor parte de la piedra caliza extraída de la cantera.\n\n\n\nLa agencia indicó que, antes de tomar una decisión definitiva, se llevará a cabo un proceso de consulta pública y una evaluación ambiental.\n\n\n\n“Una vez finalizada la revisión técnica e incorporadas las modificaciones necesarias, BLM continuará con la evaluación ambiental correspondiente conforme a la NEPA,” declaró la agencia. “BLM está comprometida con un proceso de toma de decisiones transparente. Se brindarán oportunidades para la participación pública antes de que la agencia tome una decisión definitiva. Asimismo, se llevará a cabo una consulta de gobierno a gobierno con las tribus antes de adoptar cualquier decisión.”\n\n\n\nMcGregor señaló que Citizens’ Alliance aún no ha visto el mapa de la propuesta que abarca 56.1 acres, pero que al grupo le preocupan la expansión física de la cantera y la posible reanudación de la actividad minera en la zona situada al norte de Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\n“Esos 56 acres extenderían la cantera ladera arriba, elevándola considerablemente varios cientos de pies,” explicó McGregor. “Ampliaría la cicatriz que deja la cantera en el terreno y la haría visible desde más puntos de la comunidad.”\n\n\n\nSegún McGregor, la reactivación de la minería traería consigo impactos a los que la comunidad se ha opuesto durante mucho tiempo.\n\n\n\n“La operación minera en sí misma volvería a generar el ruido y el polvo propios de las voladuras y la trituración de roca,” afirmó McGregor. “Implicaría nuevamente el tránsito de camiones bajando por Transfer Trail para transportar la roca hacia cualquier destino que la empresa consiga; por tanto, seguiría habiendo muchas molestias, además de contaminación lumínica, acústica y por polvo derivada de una operación minera reactivada.”\n\n\n\nLa propuesta también aborda problemas de incumplimiento de los permisos de la cantera que se arrastran desde hace tiempo, según informaron BLM y Citizens’ Alliance.\n\n\n\nMcGregor indicó que Citizens’ Alliance lleva mucho tiempo sosteniendo que dichas cuestiones deben resolverse.\n\n\n\n“Hemos defendido durante años que esos problemas de incumplimiento deben solucionarse,” declaró McGregor.\n\n\n\nLa cantera ha sido objeto de oposición local desde que RMI propuso una importante ampliación en la zona situada sobre Glenwood Springs. Aquella propuesta inicial contemplaba un área de explotación mucho mayor y la extracción de hasta 5 millones de toneladas de piedra caliza al año, de forma ininterrumpida, durante un periodo de 20 años.\n\n\n\nAsimismo, el Departamento del Interior de los E.U. emitió una resolución en enero del 2025 ordenando a RMI que cesara la extracción de piedra caliza de variedad común bajo su permiso actual, tras determinar que la empresa había estado vendiendo el material para usos no autorizados. También se exigió a RMI el pago de regalías al gobierno federal.\n\n\n\nMcGregor advirtió que los residentes no deben dar por zanjado el asunto de la cantera simplemente porque la actividad minera se detuvo hace más de un año. \n\n\n\n“A menudo hablamos con personas que tienen la percepción de que, dado que las operaciones cesaron hace año y medio, el proyecto ha muerto definitivamente, pero no es así,” afirmó McGregor. “Esta empresa sigue empeñada en reactivar su actividad minera. En este momento busca expandirse, y no sabemos dónde se detendrán sus ambiciones de arrasar esa ladera y perjudicar gravemente nuestra economía y nuestro medio ambiente locales, que, por supuesto, dependen en gran medida del turismo y las actividades al aire libre.”\n\n\n\nRMI no respondió a la solicitud de comentarios del Post Independent.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/blm-avanza-en-revision-del-plan-para-la-cantera-rmi-al-norte-de-glenwood-springs/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:13:26.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2019%2F11%2F25230418%2FGlenwoodQuarry-GPI-111619-3-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"blm-avanza-en-revisin-del-plan-para-la-cantera-rmi-al-norte-de-glenwood-springs"},{"id":"j6gfvi","title":"Carbondale invites community input on clean energy goals","excerpt":"The Town of Carbondale, its Environmental Board, Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) and Garfield Clean Energy will host a community conversation about Carbondale’s progress toward its clean energy goals.\n\n\n\nThe discussion will highlight the town’s climate efforts, reflect on its progress...","content":"The Town of Carbondale, its Environmental Board, Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) and Garfield Clean Energy will host a community conversation about Carbondale’s progress toward its clean energy goals.\n\n\n\nThe discussion will highlight the town’s climate efforts, reflect on its progress and invite participants to help identify future actions that could reduce emissions and advance Carbondale’s climate goals, according to a CLEER news release.\n\n\n\nThe event is free, and light snacks and drinks will be provided.\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t If you go…\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat: Carbondale Clean Energy Goals Progress\nWhen: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21\nWhere: Calaway Room, Third Street Center, 520 S. Third St., Carbondale\nHow much: Free","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/carbondale-invites-community-input-on-clean-energy-goals/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T15:57:19.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F08%2F25013109%2Fc9bf6c7d-2c32-5e08-83f7-32b1126373e3-683x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"carbondale-invites-community-input-on-clean-energy-goals"},{"id":"a7zu86","title":"Cemetery Lane could see delays starting August due to project construction","excerpt":"Aspen City Council decided to proceed Tuesday with the construction of pedestrian improvements at the bus stop at the intersection of Cemetery Lane, Silver King Drive and Snowbunny Lane by approving a resolution for the Cemetery Lane Multimodal Intersection Improvements Project.\n\n\n\nThe pedestrian...","content":"Aspen City Council decided to proceed Tuesday with the construction of pedestrian improvements at the bus stop at the intersection of Cemetery Lane, Silver King Drive and Snowbunny Lane by approving a resolution for the Cemetery Lane Multimodal Intersection Improvements Project.\n\n\n\nThe pedestrian improvements will include a rectangular rapid flash beacon in order to improve visibility and safety conditions at the intersection, according to a staff report, in addition to the construction of concrete islands to shorten the pedestrian crossing distance and installation of a guardrail and trench drain in the trail. The islands will straighten out the intersection and help improve vehicle sight lines of pedestrians and cross traffic.\n\n\n\n“The bus stop at the intersection of Cemetery Lane and Snowbunny Lane/Silver King Drive is used by neighborhood residents accessing RFTA service and by the Aspen School District for school pick-up and drop-off,” the report reads. “Improving pedestrian visibility, crossing conditions, and vehicle awareness at this intersection will help maintain safe and reliable multimodal access for existing users of the corridor.”\n\n\n\nPrior to Tuesday’s meeting, the Engineering Department hosted two separate targeted outreach events to discuss improvements the community wanted to see, as well as went through multiple rounds of conceptual design, according to the report. \n\n\n\n“Greater intersection control for the safety of pedestrians was the primary feedback received,” the report states. \n\n\n\nCommunity feedback and the high-volume vehicle use of Cemetery Lane drove the particular inclusion of a rectangular rapid flash beacon to the scope of the project, prompting a request for additional spending authority.\n\n\n\n“The additional cost of the project is primarily associated with the expanded RRFB scope, including trenching, electrical service, and RRFB equipment needed to complete the project,” the report states.\n\n\n\nConstruction will use existing, previously approved capital budget and additional requested budget authority — the approval includes a construction contract with Excavation Services for $442,652.14 and authorization of a 20% contingency of $88,530.43 for a total contract authorization of $531,182.57, the report confirms. \n\n\n\nExcavation Services was selected out of three bids due to being the only local contractor, submitting the lowest bid and demonstrating what the report calls “the local knowledge needed to manage construction impacts on Cemetery Lane.”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe total project expenditures for the Cemetery Lane Multimodal Intersection Improvements are currently anticipated to be $621,075.07, with staff requesting an additional $116,075.07 in budget authority over the project’s current appropriation of $505,000. This includes an $80,000 transfer from the Transportation Fund, which will be incorporated into the Fall Supplemental as a previously approved action.\n\n\n\nThe project is anticipated to begin in August and be completed by the end of October, according to the report. Temporary impacts to Cemetery Lane are expected, which will include periods of one-way traffic control, travel delays and potential short-term adjustments to bus stop access or routing coordination. No full closures are currently expected.\n\n\n\nCouncil Member Sam Rose questioned about the possibility of a WeCycle station being put at that intersection, noting, “I feel like it’s a gap and it was talked about previously.”\n\n\n\nKyla Smits, project manager with the city of Aspen’s Engineering Department, confirmed that conduits will be installed so that the infrastructure will be available for WeCycles to be installed later, when they can be included in the budget.\n\n\n\nCouncil approved the resolution unanimously.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/cemetery-lane-could-see-delays-starting-august-due-to-project-construction/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T22:22:58.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2023%2F06%2F07014545%2F4299051c-2ead-5d86-9220-4b7ffd5f25cf-1024x819.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"cemetery-lane-could-see-delays-starting-august-due-to-project-construction"},{"id":"sx8pah","title":"County Road 108 bridge reopens ahead of schedule","excerpt":"The County Road 108 bridge near Carbondale has reopened to all traffic after crews completed repairs to the main deck 10 days ahead of schedule.\n\n\n\nThe bridge, also known as the Thompson Creek Road bridge, was paved Monday, marking the completion of the repair work.\n\n\n\nGarfield County contracted ...","content":"The County Road 108 bridge near Carbondale has reopened to all traffic after crews completed repairs to the main deck 10 days ahead of schedule.\n\n\n\nThe bridge, also known as the Thompson Creek Road bridge, was paved Monday, marking the completion of the repair work.\n\n\n\nGarfield County contracted with Con-Sy Inc. to replace the bridge deck after a large pothole appeared in April. Inspections found corrosion and eroded welds in the corrugated metal decking, which caused the bridge to bounce as vehicles passed over it.\n\n\n\n“We are very pleased with the completed bridge deck replacement and speed of work that the Con-Sy teams accomplished, and appreciate rapid engineer reviews, as well as great work and staff support it took from county teams to facilitate completion of this project,” Garfield County Deputy Manager Rob Hanna said in a news release.\n\n\n\n“It was rebuilt to meet greater use for the public in just two months, and almost two weeks ahead of our projected schedule, which we accomplished for the community,” Hanna said in the release.\n\n\n\nThe new deck is made from heavier-gauge steel than the previous deck and was built to modern bridge construction standards. County officials said the improvements are expected to extend the life of the 75-year-old structure.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/county-road-108-bridge-reopens-ahead-of-schedule/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T15:12:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F15091041%2F7-14-26-Garfield-County-county-road-108-bridge-paving-2-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"county-road-108-bridge-reopens-ahead-of-schedule"},{"id":"dguauv","title":"Coal Ridge hosts FC Juárez Femenil preseason training","excerpt":"Coal Ridge High School is getting a taste of professional soccer this week as FC Juárez Femenil holds its preseason training camp in New Castle.\n\n\n\nThe Liga MX Femenil club, known as Las Bravas, is using the school’s facilities for a weeklong stay before opening its 2026-27 season later this mont...","content":"Coal Ridge High School is getting a taste of professional soccer this week as FC Juárez Femenil holds its preseason training camp in New Castle.\n\n\n\nThe Liga MX Femenil club, known as Las Bravas, is using the school’s facilities for a weeklong stay before opening its 2026-27 season later this month.\n\n\n\n“There were many factors that contributed to us coming here,” Las Bravas Director of Administration and Operations Jesus Meste said. “It was an opportunity to get out of town and have some activities, the altitude, the weather. It’s going to be a fun week.”\n\n\n\nLas Bravas will train at Coal Ridge High School from 10 a.m. to noon daily through Sunday, July 19. Practices are open to the public, offering a firsthand look at what it takes to compete professionally.\n\n\n\n“This is a great opportunity for kids in our community to see what it takes to be that professional,” Garfield Re-2 School District Facilities Director John Oldham said. “Whether they’re a custodian, a bus driver, a facilities manager or a soccer player, the opportunity for our community to see that level of professionalism demonstrated is incredible.”\n\n\n\nThe club is owned by MountainStar Sports Group and led by Paul Foster and Alejandra de la Vega-Foster, who also own a ranch in the Colorado River Valley.\n\n\n\nMeste said the team will participate in several outdoor activities throughout Garfield County after its morning practices, including horseback riding, fishing, ATV rides and helicopter rides.\n\n\n\n“All the players will get together and do some other stuff besides playing soccer and training,” he said. “The facilities that we have at the ranch and the high school allowing us to use their field is going to make this a really fun week.”\n\n\n\nLiga MX Femenil uses a split-season format, with separate tournaments during each half of the year. After narrowly qualifying for the Liguilla playoffs as the eighth seed during the 2025-26 Clausura, which ran from January to May, Las Bravas hopes training at altitude will provide a boost during the Apertura, which runs from July to December.\n\n\n\n“It has been a great experience so far,” Meste said. “The weather is amazing, and the altitude is really going to help the players get into shape. The field is great, and the people have been great as well.”\n\n\n\nOldham said the district’s ability to host a professional soccer team reflects positively on Coal Ridge and Garfield Re-2 staff.\n\n\n\n“All of our fields look extremely good for this time of year, even though we’re in a drought and such high temperatures, and that’s due to our great grounds team,” he said. “I also need to give a shoutout to Ben Kirk at Coal Ridge, because he’s on site making sure that they have everything they need. The professional expectations are much higher than that of a high school team, so the fact that we’re able to do this is pretty exceptional.”\n\n\n\nLas Bravas will practice from 10 a.m. to noon daily through Sunday at Coal Ridge High School. The public is invited to watch the professional athletes train and see the intensity, discipline and attention to detail required to compete at that level.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/coal-ridge-hosts-fc-juarez-femenil-preseason-training/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T14:59:42.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13125511%2FDSC_0713_copy-1024x621.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"coal-ridge-hosts-fc-jurez-femenil-preseason-training"},{"id":"hw9o02","title":"Branham: Solastalgia — Homesick for home","excerpt":"There is a word for the great ache of witnessing environmental change to a place you love. Solastalgia. Solace, derived from the Latin sōlācium, meaning comfort, and -algia, from the Greek algos, meaning pain. Lately, when I stand at the edge of the Roaring Fork River looking in, and see the stru...","content":"There is a word for the great ache of witnessing environmental change to a place you love. Solastalgia. Solace, derived from the Latin sōlācium, meaning comfort, and -algia, from the Greek algos, meaning pain. Lately, when I stand at the edge of the Roaring Fork River looking in, and see the struggling river body wilt without snowpack to fill it, a profound sense of pain wells up from that sparse flow. A soulful distress by way of witnessing land and waters warp under the myriad impacts of climate change.  \n\n\n\nSolastalgia. The Roaring Fork River’s cubic feet per second measurement, taken today at 6:30 a.m., was a mere 3.844 cfs, according to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. This time and date in 2024, the Roaring Fork was running 176.54 cfs and in 2023 at 85.94 cfs. Our Roaring Fork is not just “low,” but is drying up. \n\n\n\nWhat is the impact on the watershed’s ecosystem? On all of the plants, animals and life that depend on this world to live? What is the impact on us? \n\n\n\nLast week, while standing on a bridge over the upper Roaring Fork, I saw a dense, pale-brown algea forming on rocks in the riverbed. Called didymosphenia geminata, these blooms can create thick blankets that cover stream bottoms and destroy fish habitats. \n\n\n\nSolastalgia. I find myself longing for the valley to be the way I know it can be. I find myself homesick while still at home. \n\n\n\nI’ve been in many conversations with people over the last few weeks who share this feeling. We’ve had reasons for it. The impact of smoke in the valley, the fear of what is coming next. The drought withering up the wildflowers long before time. The increasing rate of beetle-killed Douglas Fir trees in the Maroon Creek Valley. There is a great discombobulation that ensues when the land you love shifts so radically before your eyes. Like being lost in a place you know by heart. \n\n\n\nSolastalgia was first coined by Australian Philosopher Glenn Albrecht when the term was included in the medical journal “The Lancet” in 2015 as a contributing concept to the impact of climate change on human health and wellbeing. Having a word is helpful when trying to name the unnamable. \n\n\n\nAs an environmental psychologist, I’ve been heartened to see the fields of climate and health collaborate in meaningful ways by offering novel frameworks and tools for people to navigate the unavoidable psychospiritual ramifications of extreme and erratic weather events, heatwaves, floods, melting glaciers and species extinction.  \n\n\n\nFor our emotional, psychological and even spiritual distress is tied to our connection to land. The health of our valley impacts our own flourishing. Of course, this is a tenet within Indigenous knowledge systems, where relationship to land is even considered a social determinant of health. But the same true is of everyone.  \n\n\n\nWhen our bond with the living world is strained because nature is suffering, a tangle of responsibility, guilt, existential overwhelm and fear is a rational response. We need ways to navigate this in community. Rituals of care for changing ecoystems, avenues for agency and action on behalf of our lands and waters, gatherings where we honor, respect and revere our beloved valley. \n\n\n\nI do not posit these would change our snowpack, but ceremony has always been a technology for human evolution. It could knit us together into a stronger entangled family that can meet the moment we are in with courage, clarity and compassion. \n\n\n\nWe can choose how we respond to the ecological changes that are here. We can hide and hope it goes back to “normal,” or we can come together, grieve and step into action. \n\n\n\nIn my work with people around the world facing various impacts of the environmental crisis, self-isolation becomes a prison of paralysis. Conversely, opening our hearts to this bewilderment with one another becomes a salve to that loneliness. There are so many who love this valley deeply. If we come together, perhaps we may envision a way through this mess. Perhaps our collective moral imagination might light the lamps of new ideas and expressions of care. \n\n\n\nThe other side of solastalgia, I’ve found, is that the living world is the refuge for my sorrow at what they are facing. I go back to the river and put my hands in. I feel the snap of cold and consider their journey, tumbling down the mountain to get to me. I give thanks the river is here at all. I bow to their tenacity and endurance. I hope to borrow a little of those qualities to do what I can to protect them. \n\n\n\nDr Lindsay Branham is an environmental psychologist and the founder of The Heartwood Institute. Her book Heartwood: The Wisdom and Healing Kinship of Trees is available now. She is leading a writing retreat on deep ecology with ACES at Toklat Aug. 29-30. Subscribe to her Substack at https://lindsaybranham.substack.com/.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/branham-solastalgia-homesick-for-home/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lindsay Branham Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-15T19:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F18143726%2FLindsay-Branham-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"branham-solastalgia-homesick-for-home"},{"id":"r501fh","title":"Record-breaking heatwave adds to ‘compounding extremes’ of climate change in Colorado","excerpt":"Feeling hotter than usual? It’s not just your imagination.\n\n\n\nClimate change is making summers in Colorado and the West hotter, fueling more intense heatwaves like the one this past weekend and exacerbating problems like extreme drought and water shortages, according to experts.\n\n\n\n“It’s definite...","content":"Feeling hotter than usual? It’s not just your imagination.\n\n\n\nClimate change is making summers in Colorado and the West hotter, fueling more intense heatwaves like the one this past weekend and exacerbating problems like extreme drought and water shortages, according to experts.\n\n\n\n“It’s definitely not just a feeling that recent summers have been consistently warmer than historical averages,” said Colorado State Assistant Climatologist Peter Goble.\n\n\n\nAs a result of human-caused climate change, summers statewide have warmed by roughly 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit on average since 1980, according to the Colorado Climate Center. There is an overwhelming scientific consensus that the burning of fossil fuels has released heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, warming the planet.\n\n\n\nIn Colorado, no summer in the past 17 years has been cooler than the 20th-century average, Goble said. On the back of the hottest winter and the worst snowpack on record, he noted that the above-average warmth and record-breaking heatwaves are worsening the drought and fire risk by drying things out even quicker.\n\n\n\nThe heat dome that centered over the West and parts of the northern U.S. this past weekend, sending temperatures soaring 10 to 15 degrees above normal, was made more likely by climate change, according to the nonprofit Climate Central.\n\n\n\nClimate Central’s daily attribution tool, the Climate Shift Index, applies the latest peer-reviewed forecasting methodology to map the influence of climate change on temperatures across the globe every day. Across Colorado’s Western Slope, the tool shows that the hot weather this week was made at least five times more likely by climate change.\n\n\n\n“The latest heat dome is now making the drought even worse by further drying soils, stressing water resources, and pushing already record-low mountain stream flows even lower,” said Climate Central climate scientist Zachary Labe. “This is the kind of compounding extremes we expect in a warming climate, as climate change makes summer heat more intense.”\n\n\n\nMountain West set records amid heat dome\n\n\n\nAs a ridge of high pressure set up along the Northern Rockies last weekend, Salt Lake City experienced its hottest temperature in 150 years and Montana also hit its all-time high record, according to the National Weather Service.\n\n\n\nWhile Colorado did not see all-time records broken, National Weather Service forecaster Kris Sanders said places on the Western Slope came close and several mountain towns broke daily high records.\n\n\n\nA graphic from the Colorado Climate Center shows how above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation since October have led to the extreme drought conditions across the state. Climate change is making hot temperatures that intensify droughts more common, according to the Colorado Climate Center.Colorado Climate Center/Courtesy illustration\n\n\n\nAt a weather station in Steamboat with over 120 years of data, Sanders said temperatures hit 98 degrees on Monday, setting the record for the daily high and coming within two degrees of the all-time warmest temperature ever recorded there.\n\n\n\nThe weather station at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport set daily temperature records every day from Saturday through Monday, peaking at 91 degrees on Monday, just one degree shy of the all-time record of 92 degrees, he said.\n\n\n\nThe Eagle County Regional Airport also reportedly broke daily high records as temperatures peaked at 95 and 97 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.\n\n\n\nIn Dillon, temperatures hit 88 degrees on Monday, just shy of the 89 degrees, which would tie the highest temperature ever recorded there.\n\n\n\nMonsoon hope ahead?\n\n\n\nAs the heat continues to worsen drought and wildfire risk in Colorado, Goble said that a possible shift in the weather patterns has him “relatively hopeful” that the state will see a “wet surge of monsoonal moisture.”\n\n\n\nIf forecasts don’t change, he said Colorado could see rainier conditions spread across the state as the monsoon season begins to kick into gear over the next two weeks, driven by a strong El Nino pattern.\n\n\n\n“El Nino tends to be correlated with wetter-than-normal late summers and falls, and that’s not a perfect correlation,” Goble said. “I like to use the analogy of it’s kind of like playing a game of poker with a couple extra aces and kings in the deck. Your odds of drawing a good hand are increased, but you can still draw a really crummy hand.”\n\n\n\nWhile wetter weather could help tamp down on the extreme fire risk and exceptional drought conditions on the Western Slope, Goble warned that it would take an amount of precipitation that would result in “catastrophic flooding” to end the drought this summer. \n\n\n\nInstead, he said Colorado will have to hope for a “banner winter” with well-above-average snowfall — or a couple near-average winters in a row — to pull itself out of drought and refill its reservoirs. But even that wouldn’t be enough to solve the larger Colorado River crisis.\n\n\n\nWith climate change, Goble said Coloradans can expect more summers that are just as hot — or hotter — than this summer and should prepare for that reality.\n\n\n\n“Heat and drought certainly are detrimental to many sectors of our state’s economy — agriculture and recreation and tourism being right up there at the top of the list,” he said. “And both of those risks are getting more frequent and intense with climate change.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-heatwave-climate-change/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T23:22:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14172053%2FIMG_2838-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"record-breaking-heatwave-adds-to-compounding-extremes-of-climate-change-in-colorado"},{"id":"hgqd5n","title":"Voter turnout surged in Colorado’s primaries, driven by an enthusiastic — and frustrated — Democratic base","excerpt":"Colorado’s June 30 primaries saw a surge in voter turnout compared to past election cycles, buoyed by competitive races for key offices and a burst of energy for Democratic candidates. \n\n\n\nMore than 1.4 million ballots were cast in this year’s primaries, representing nearly 36% of the state’s 4 m...","content":"Colorado’s June 30 primaries saw a surge in voter turnout compared to past election cycles, buoyed by competitive races for key offices and a burst of energy for Democratic candidates. \n\n\n\nMore than 1.4 million ballots were cast in this year’s primaries, representing nearly 36% of the state’s 4 million active registered voters, according to unofficial results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office as of July 10. \n\n\n\nThat’s nearly half a million more votes than were cast in the 2024 June primary — the last presidential election year — and about a quarter of a million more votes than were cast in primaries during the last two midterm cycles in 2022 and 2018. \n\n\n\nMatt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said it’s not uncommon for turnout in Colorado to be higher for primaries during midterm cycles compared to presidential election years. \n\n\n\nThat’s because major statewide offices, such as governor, attorney general and secretary of state, are being contested. This year also marked the first since 2018 that those offices didn’t have an incumbent running, which can make for more competitive primaries and election coverage that help juice turnout. \n\n\n\nStill, two major factors — turnout in populous counties and Democratic enthusiasm — helped drive this year’s surge compared to past midterm primaries, according to Rob Preuhs, a professor and chair of political science at Metropolitan State University of Denver. \n\n\n\n“We saw turnout, particularly in the Front Range and Denver, increase dramatically,” Preuhs said. \n\n\n\nDenver County saw a more than 10 percentage point increase in turnout this year compared to primaries in 2022, even as turnout decreased in some Western Slope counties. In Pitkin, Garfield and Moffat counties, turnout was down between 1% and 3% compared to 2022, while in Summit, Eagle, Grand and Routt counties, turnout was up between 3% and 5.5%.\n\n\n\nDemocratic voters largely drove turnout, with more than 879,000 ballots cast in the Democratic primary compared to just over 522,000 cast in the Republican primary, according to July 9 data from the secretary of state’s office. \n\n\n\n“A lot of that can be attributed to this overall enthusiasm driven by a strong thirst for pushback against the Trump administration (and) desire for change within the Democratic Party,” Preuhs said. \n\n\n\nThat desire was on display in several high-profile races, most notably in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, where Democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in Denver by more than 13 percentage points in the Democratic primary. \n\n\n\nColorado Attorney General Phil Weiser discusses some of the Western Slope’s most pressing challenges during a stop in Glenwood Springs on June 26, 2025. Weiser ran on backlash to the Democratic establishment during his primary campaign against U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet for Colorado governor, which Weiser won by nearly 14 percentage points. Andrea Teres-Martinez/Post Independent\n\n\n\nColorado Attorney General Phil Weiser was also able to channel backlash to the Democratic establishment in his nearly 14-percentage-point victory over U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination for governor. And Julie Gonzales, a progressive state senator from Denver, came within less than six percentage points of unseating U.S. Sen John Hickenlooper, a margin Preuhs called “remarkable, in a lot of ways, against an incumbent.”\n\n\n\n“What we really suspect is that the level of discontent with the establishment candidates in the Democratic Party, in particular, drove a lot of voter turnout,” he said. \n\n\n\nDemocrats gain unaffiliated voters \n\n\n\nDemocrats were also aided by unaffiliated voters, who make up half of the active registered voters in Colorado, and who have the ability to vote in either party’s primary. \n\n\n\nOf the more than 600,000 ballots returned by unaffiliated voters this year, 64% were cast in the Democratic primary, while 23% were cast in the Republican primary. Eleven percent of ballots from unaffiliated voters were still being processed as of July 9. \n\n\n\nThat represents a major turnaround from the 2022 primaries, in which 53% of unaffiliated voters cast ballots for Republicans, and could spell trouble for Republican candidates in November’s general election. \n\n\n\n“The trend certainly seems to be that unaffiliated (voters) were participating by a wide margin more in the Democratic primary than in the Republican primary,” Crane said. \n\n\n\n“That’s not altogether unexpected; usually they will go with the national narrative and, in the midterms, it’s usually against the party in the White House,” Crane added. “But I think what we saw this time may have been even more than what we’ve seen in the past, and I’m not sure that that’s a good sign for Republicans in the fall.”\n\n\n\nRepublicans could feel down-ballot effect of governor’s race \n\n\n\nPreuhs said Democrats will also try to capitalize on Republicans’ divisive primary for governor by tying the GOP nominee, Victor Marx, to down-ballot candidates. \n\n\n\nMarx won the three-way race after narrowly defeating his stiffest competition, state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, by just over 2,500 votes. He has been scrutinized for claims he’s made about his life, including that he was forced by his stepfather to kill a man when he was seven years old. \n\n\n\nThose controversies could impact not just Marx, but Republicans for other offices who will appear on the ballot with him in November. \n\n\n\n“The candidates at the top are the ones that get the most money to send out their message,” Preuhs said. “They’re the ones that are the most visible to voters. And those cues of what that statewide office candidate is saying are used and kind of permeate down to the local and state legislative district election.”\n\n\n\nPreuhs said the big question will be whether Marx’s candidacy hurts Republicans in key congressional races, including Colorado’s 3rd District, where GOP Rep. Jeff Hurd is running for reelection. \n\n\n\nHurd was elected to the Western Slope district in 2024 by five percentage points, and Democrats came within just over 500 votes of winning the seat in 2022 when it was held by Rep. Lauren Boebert. \n\n\n\n“There’s no indicators to expect anything else but a blue wave election in November,” Preuhs said. \n\n\n\nThe unknown for Colorado Democrats is how far that blue wave reaches. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-primaries-voter-turnout-surged/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T21:29:33.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14152639%2FElection-1024x575.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"voter-turnout-surged-in-colorados-primaries-driven-by-an-enthusiastic-and-frustrated-democratic-base"},{"id":"64undn","title":"Local golf results: Aspen men’s and women’s associations from July 8-9","excerpt":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from July 8LOW GROSS1st: Katie “POP” Korn 852nd: Hallie McQueeny 863rd: Mar Mar Cunningham 874th: Peggy Sontag 90LOW NET1st: Sara Fioretti 692nd: Karen Kribs 693rd: Heidi Burkemper 72 Laurie Danks 72\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from July 9LOW GROSS1st Flight1st:...","content":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from July 8LOW GROSS1st: Katie “POP” Korn 852nd: Hallie McQueeny 863rd: Mar Mar Cunningham 874th: Peggy Sontag 90LOW NET1st: Sara Fioretti 692nd: Karen Kribs 693rd: Heidi Burkemper 72 Laurie Danks 72\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from July 9LOW GROSS1st Flight1st: “Big Papi” Nieditz 702nd: “Young Dominator” Lanese 773rd: A.J. Morris 782nd Flight1st: Chris Uber 792nd: John Corcoran 823rd: Tyler Barletta 853rd Flight1st: Peter Cunningham 792nd: Don Nottingham 823rd: Robert Plessett 874th Flight1st: Barry Silverstein 902nd: Dylan Namirowski 923rd: “Neckbone” Sivess 93LOW NET1st Flight1st: Lucas Lee 682nd: Matt Proctor 723rd:  Aaron Castelelyn 742nd Flight1st: Stephen Barrett 692nd: Petie Van Domelen 733rd: Robbie Parker 733rd Flight1st: Dillon Jones 702nd: Colter Beereboom 733rd: Jack Danneberg 744th Flight1st: Zach Stuart 722nd: Michael Wagner 753rd: Mike Trecker 75Closest to pin No. 3: Barry Silverstein","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-july-8-9/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T19:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F08%2F11191619%2FAHSgolf-atd-081125-25-1024x819.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-july-8-9"},{"id":"avqeu4","title":"Aspen Grove Fine Arts features a new solo exhibition by contemporary artist Ashley Collins","excerpt":"Aspen Grove Fine Arts is showcasing contemporary artist Ashley Collins’ latest solo exhibition, “Horsepower.” Her new mixed-media works expand upon her exploration of human strength through equine imagery.\n\n\n\nThe exhibition opens on Friday, July 17, with a reception at 5 p.m. and continues throug...","content":"Aspen Grove Fine Arts is showcasing contemporary artist Ashley Collins’ latest solo exhibition, “Horsepower.” Her new mixed-media works expand upon her exploration of human strength through equine imagery.\n\n\n\nThe exhibition opens on Friday, July 17, with a reception at 5 p.m. and continues throughout the summer at 525 E. Cooper Ave. Attendance at the reception is by RSVP only, with reservations available on Aspen Grove Fine Arts website. \n\n\n\nCollins titled this show “Horsepower” in reference to a horse’s power. Scottish inventor James Watt coined the term in the late 18th century to explain how many horses one of his improved steam engines could replace, calculating that a strong horse could perform 33,000 pounds of work per minute.\n\n\n\nCollins set out to be an artist in the late 1980s; she arrived in Los Angeles with no contacts or money and often went hungry, opting to buy paint rather than food. She became one of the early female artists to break the $100,000 glass ceiling so that others could follow, she said. \n\n\n\nShe says she doesn’t paint horses, but, rather, “the souls of those angels who come into our lives, sometimes for a moment, sometimes longer, and change our entire being.” \n\n\n\nAs a child, she would hike up a hill to visit a stranger’s horse to gain strength when she was having a difficult time. \n\n\n\n“His registered name, I found much later, was Shaman, like a teacher, and to me, he saved my life. He always told me to get back on and never give up,” she said. “The paintings really are not about horses; they’re about unconditional love, and I create them to inspire (people) to dream new dreams, and then dream even bigger dreams — and to remind you of your power, that you can make these dreams into reality.” \n\n\n\nLike the powerful messages of love and resilience she depicts through her work, her mixed-media paintings are larger than life, averaging 7-by-8 feet. \n\n\n\nWorks from Horsepower, the upcoming solo exhibition debuting at Aspen Grove Fine Art on July 17.Madison Scarlata/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nShe specifically creates horses that are imperfect to reflect life itself. She recalls visiting museums and seeing giant works of incredible perfection and thinking they felt hollow “because they were trying to capture a horse like a photograph. All my horse images are wrong because I’m not painting the exterior. I am painting the soul,” her husband, Douglas Crowell, described her as often saying. \n\n\n\n“We’re in this brief moment, this wild and beautiful journey, and the protocol, or what’s in our collective consciousness, is to be perfect, to look perfect, to perform perfectly,” she said. “But the imperfections that we each have are what truly makes us beautiful.” \n\n\n\nShe layers her work with pages from books — often dictionaries, encyclopedias or magazines, like Harpers — dating back to the 1800s, as well as found objects. The aged pages, most of which she literally covers up by the time she finishes a piece, hold representations of the human condition, including negative self-talk that runs through people’s minds. \n\n\n\n“(I cover them), but they are there — meaning that we can overcome that mental noise,” she said. \n\n\n\nThe antique pages also remind us to respect and feel gratitude for the knowledge and the people who came before us because they carved the path for the luxuries we have today.  \n\n\n\n“A magazine from the 1860s will have touched more than 1,200 different individuals by the time it gets into our collection,” Crowell said, explaining how towns or communities would get together and share a magazine subscription, passing it from family to family. “For Ashley, those 1,200 people are part of the painting, and their history and souls are part of the painting. …We now know that when you touch something, you leave your DNA. So, literally, there’s the DNA of at least 1,200 people in every page that she’s using in her collaging, and there is a metaphysical spirituality that you can feel.” \n\n\n\nShe also might incorporate screws from building sites, found license plates or removable magnets, creating very tactile pieces she encourages people to touch. \n\n\n\n“My works have so many layers; there are endless ‘Easter eggs’ to find over the years within the work. That is how I show love,” she said. \n\n\n\n“Ashley has always said the paintings call out to her and tell her what they need,” Crowell said. \n\n\n\nCourtney Olson, Marketing Director of Aspen Grove Fine Arts pointed out that Collins’ paintings resonate with collectors “because they transcend traditional Western imagery, becoming deeply human stories about resilience and transformation.” \n\n\n\n“She speaks through her art in so many ways. She’s such a special soul,” Olson said. “She’s one of those artists that is a trailblazer, breaking the barriers for other contemporary female artists. I would say she’s going to go down in history as one of the most important artists of our generation.” \n\n\n\nIn addition to generating artwork, Collins also shares her love by using proceeds from her sales to help build schools around the world. Crowell said she has donated more than $2 million, helping correct more than 10,000 kids’ cleft palates, underwriting more than 500,000 vaccines administered in Africa and assisting thousands of women and children, from children with cancer in the U.S. to orphans in Cambodia. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-grove-fine-arts-features-a-new-solo-exhibition-by-contemporary-artist-ashley-collins/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-15T19:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F14132919%2FAshleyCollins--1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-grove-fine-arts-features-a-new-solo-exhibition-by-contemporary-artist-ashley-collins"},{"id":"g24807","title":"Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors: An opportunity that does not exist elsewhere","excerpt":"On behalf of the Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors, we are pleased to express our support for the proposed redevelopment of Aspen Motorsports Park.\n\n\n\nFor nearly four decades, the Aspen Cycling Club has worked to make cycling safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for residents and visitor...","content":"On behalf of the Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors, we are pleased to express our support for the proposed redevelopment of Aspen Motorsports Park.\n\n\n\nFor nearly four decades, the Aspen Cycling Club has worked to make cycling safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for residents and visitors throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. One of the greatest challenges for cyclists is finding a safe environment to develop road riding skills and conduct organized training without the hazards of public road traffic.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Motorsports Park presents a unique opportunity that does not exist anywhere else in ourregion. A closed-course paved facility would provide an exceptional venue for road cycling skills clinics, rider education, youth programming and organized training in a controlled and safe environment. It would also create opportunities for closed-course cycling races and events that simply cannot be replicated on public roads.\n\n\n\nThe owners of Aspen Motorsports Park have expressed a genuine desire to partner with the AspenCycling Club and make the facility available for our cycling programs. This collaboration would allow us to expand our educational offerings, improve rider safety and provide opportunities for cyclists of all ages and abilities to build confidence and skills in an environment free from vehicle traffic.\n\n\n\nWe believe preserving and modernizing this historic facility while expanding its community usesrepresents a meaningful investment in recreation, safety and public benefit. The ability to share thefacility with organizations like ours creates value that extends well beyond motorsports and serves abroad cross-section of our community.\n\n\n\nFor these reasons, the Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors respectfully supports the AspenMotorsports Park redevelopment proposal and its vision of creating a multi-use community asset.\n\n\n\nAspen Cycling Club Board of Directors\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/aspen-cycling-club-board-of-directors-an-opportunity-that-does-not-exist-elsewhere/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:46:37.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-cycling-club-board-of-directors-an-opportunity-that-does-not-exist-elsewhere"},{"id":"1dq0i9","title":"Ittner: What kind of Pitkin County are we building?","excerpt":"The future of the Woody Creek Racetrack deserves careful consideration. What kind of Pitkin County are we building?\n\n\n\nI am not opposed to the historic racetrack continuing to operate. I am opposed to using that history as justification for turning the property into a much larger private playgrou...","content":"The future of the Woody Creek Racetrack deserves careful consideration. What kind of Pitkin County are we building?\n\n\n\nI am not opposed to the historic racetrack continuing to operate. I am opposed to using that history as justification for turning the property into a much larger private playground for the wealthy. At a time when teachers, nurses, restaurant employees, first responders and young families are struggling to remain in Pitkin County, we should be deeply cautious about approving another exclusive amenity with little meaningful value for the broader community.\n\n\n\nWe continually say that affordability and community preservation are our highest priorities. Those words mean little if our land-use decisions continue to make Pitkin County more attractive to extreme wealth while making it less livable for the people who work here. Employee housing required to staff a private club is not, by itself, a community housing solution. Occasional access for nonprofits or public agencies does not make a private facility public. And a handful of promised benefits should not distract us from what this development fundamentally is.\n\n\n\nPitkin County became the community we love because it was built by people who worked hard, raised families, volunteered, started businesses, taught our children, cared for our neighbors and looked out for one another. We should be making decisions that strengthen that community — not decisions that make our county increasingly exclusive and accessible only to some.\n\n\n\nIf we truly believe in preserving the character of Pitkin County, then our land-use decisions must reflect those values. We must preserve not only our open spaces and mountain landscapes, but also the sense of community and the people who give this place its character. That is the Pitkin County worth protecting.\n\n\n\nRob Ittner\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/ittner-what-kind-of-pitkin-county-are-we-building/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Rob Ittner","publishDate":"2026-07-15T18:45:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ittner-what-kind-of-pitkin-county-are-we-building"},{"id":"fgfcsm","title":"Coal Ridge hosts FC Juárez Femenil pro soccer team for preseason training","excerpt":"Coal Ridge High School is getting a taste of professional soccer this week as FC Juárez Femenil holds its preseason training camp in New Castle.\n\n\n\nThe Liga MX Femenil club, known as Las Bravas, is using the school’s facilities for a weeklong stay before opening its 2026-27 season later this mont...","content":"Coal Ridge High School is getting a taste of professional soccer this week as FC Juárez Femenil holds its preseason training camp in New Castle.\n\n\n\nThe Liga MX Femenil club, known as Las Bravas, is using the school’s facilities for a weeklong stay before opening its 2026-27 season later this month.\n\n\n\n“There were many factors that contributed to us coming here,” Las Bravas Director of Administration and Operations Jesus Meste said. “It was an opportunity to get out of town and have some activities, the altitude, the weather. It’s going to be a fun week.”\n\n\n\nLas Bravas will train at Coal Ridge High School from 10 a.m. to noon daily through Sunday, July 19. Practices are open to the public, offering a firsthand look at what it takes to compete professionally.\n\n\n\n“This is a great opportunity for kids in our community to see what it takes to be that professional,” Garfield Re-2 School District Facilities Director John Oldham said. “Whether they’re a custodian, a bus driver, a facilities manager or a soccer player, the opportunity for our community to see that level of professionalism demonstrated is incredible.”\n\n\n\nThe club is owned by MountainStar Sports Group and led by Paul Foster and Alejandra de la Vega-Foster, who also own a ranch in the Colorado River Valley.\n\n\n\nMeste said the team will participate in several outdoor activities throughout Garfield County after its morning practices, including horseback riding, fishing, ATV rides and helicopter rides.\n\n\n\n“All the players will get together and do some other stuff besides playing soccer and training,” he said. “The facilities that we have at the ranch and the high school allowing us to use their field is going to make this a really fun week.”\n\n\n\nLiga MX Femenil uses a split-season format, with separate tournaments during each half of the year. After narrowly qualifying for the Liguilla playoffs as the eighth seed during the 2025-26 Clausura, which ran from January to May, Las Bravas hopes training at altitude will provide a boost during the Apertura, which runs from July to December.\n\n\n\n“It has been a great experience so far,” Meste said. “The weather is amazing, and the altitude is really going to help the players get into shape. The field is great, and the people have been great as well.”\n\n\n\nOldham said the district’s ability to host a professional soccer team reflects positively on Coal Ridge and Garfield Re-2 staff.\n\n\n\n“All of our fields look extremely good for this time of year, even though we’re in a drought and such high temperatures, and that’s due to our great grounds team,” he said. “I also need to give a shoutout to Ben Kirk at Coal Ridge, because he’s on site making sure that they have everything they need. The professional expectations are much higher than that of a high school team, so the fact that we’re able to do this is pretty exceptional.”\n\n\n\nLas Bravas will practice from 10 a.m. to noon daily through Sunday at Coal Ridge High School. The public is invited to watch the professional athletes train and see the intensity, discipline and attention to detail required to compete at that level.\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from postindependent.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/coal-ridge-hosts-fc-juarez-femenil-preseason-training/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-15T17:11:59.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F15111029%2FDSC_0713_copy-scaled-1-1024x621.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"coal-ridge-hosts-fc-jurez-femenil-pro-soccer-team-for-preseason-training"},{"id":"ucgdke","title":"Aspen Security Forum discusses range of global challenges","excerpt":"“So, there sure is a lot to talk about,” said Nicholas Burns, the former U.S. ambassador to China as he opened the 2026 Aspen Security Forum on Tuesday at the Aspen Institute. “We are facing a set of challenges that are as daunting as any I remember in my own career over 40-plus years.” \n\n\n\nAnd t...","content":"“So, there sure is a lot to talk about,” said Nicholas Burns, the former U.S. ambassador to China as he opened the 2026 Aspen Security Forum on Tuesday at the Aspen Institute. “We are facing a set of challenges that are as daunting as any I remember in my own career over 40-plus years.” \n\n\n\nAnd to his point, the first panels of the four-day national security conference discussed Iran, Ukraine, Russia, China, NATO, drones, AI and warfare in space. \n\n\n\nLeft unsaid was that this was the second year in a row at the Security Forum without active senior U.S. military members and senior Department of Defense officials on the agenda, which has been a main feature of the event in the past.\n\n\n\nThe Defense Department abruptly pulled out of the Security Forum in 2025, and a Pentagon spokesperson said the event, “promotes the evil of globalism, disdain for our great country and hatred for the president of the United States.”\n\n\n\nAccording to The Hill, the Defense Department said Tuesday its stance on the Aspen Security Forum has not changed since last year. There are three administration officials on the agenda, but the lack of senior military members is noticeable.\n\n\n\nWhile he did not directly address the Pentagon’s stance on the Forum, Burns, who is co-chair of the Aspen Strategy Group at the Institute, did say in his introduction that the “radical idea” that the Strategy Group’s founders had 42-years ago was that “Republicans, Democrats and Independents should come together, maybe outside the noise of a city like Washington, put aside their political differences and come together, as Americans, to think about our national security.”\n\n\n\nCondoleezza Rice, who served as U.S. secretary of state from 2005 through 2008 under President G.W. Bush, is co-chair of the Strategy Group along with Burns. On the first panel of the conference Tuesday, in a packed Greenwald Pavilion, she downplayed the threat of Iran building a nuclear bomb in the near future.\n\n\n\n“I would not buy a nuclear agreement under any circumstances,” Rice said. “I’d just let them sit there and stew in their lousy economy, where most of their A-level nuclear scientists have been killed, where I believe there are deep splits in the Iranian government.”\n\n\n\nShe added, “And let’s just see what happens. Because I am quite confident it’s going to be a long time before they can actually build a usable nuclear weapon.”\n\n\n\nMark Esper, who served as U.S. defense secretary from 2019 to 2020 under President Donald Trump, said he didn’t see a resolution to the Iranian conflict “through aerial bombardment. Introduction of forces changes that equation, but nobody wants to go there. I certainly don’t. So what does that leave you with?”\n\n\n\nEsper said what was left was a return to economic pressure, coupled with going after Iran’s ballistic missile and drone capabilities.\n\n\n\n“Go after their economics,” he said. “Strangle them from the sea, by reinstating the blockade. Block their land routes, their air routes and put economic pressure on them. Now, the challenge is, that takes time, patience, discipline.”\n\n\n\nEsper also said that “the cost for us is going to be higher gas prices for a while, but look, we are where we are.”\n\n\n\nAlso on the opening panel was Penny Pritzker, who served as U.S. commerce secretary from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.\n\n\n\nWhen asked about tariffs, she first cited a list of reasons America remains a vital nation, but also said there are a lot of big domestic challenges facing the country right now.\n\n\n\n“We’re an extraordinarily strong country,” she said, “both economically and militarily. We’re the world’s leading innovator. We have unmatched universities. We have extraordinarily deep capital markets. We have an extraordinarily powerful military. We have abundant energy. We’re resilient and adaptive, which all inure to our benefit.”\n\n\n\nBut, Pritzker said, “We have a serious affordability problem. People cannot afford a home. They cannot afford their transportation. They cannot afford childcare. They cannot afford food. They cannot afford health care. If you’re making $60,000, $80,000, $100,000 a year, it’s not working.” \n\n\n\nThe second panel of the day was focused on the commercialization of space, the growing dependence in everyday life and, in war fighting, on satellites and GPS technology and the need to weaponize space in order to defend modern space technology.\n\n\n\nAndrea Mitchell, the chief foreign correspondent and chief Washington correspondent for NBC News, moderated the space panel. \n\n\n\nAnd while introducing her, Nicholas Burns asked the audience to stand in respect to Mitchell’s late husband Alan Greenspan, who served as the chair of the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, and who died in June.\n\n\n\nGreenspan had appeared multiple times at the Aspen Ideas Festival after he retired from the Federal Reserve. \n\n\n\n“He loved this place,” Mitchell said, “and so many of you. Thank you. It’s wonderful to be here. There is a healing quality to Aspen, and to the dialogue here, and the nonpartisan aspect of this wonderful conclave.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-security-forum-discusses-range-of-global-challenges/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Brent Gardner-Smith, Special to The Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-07-15T17:04:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F15104221%2FlEGShCQ-1024x682.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-security-forum-discusses-range-of-global-challenges"},{"id":"pzn103","title":"Willow Fire caused by human activity, fire investigators say after reaching origin point near Leadville","excerpt":"The Willow Fire started near the Leadville National Fish Hatchery in the late afternoon Sunday, June 28, and investigators have now determined it was caused by human activity.\n\n\n\nThe Lake County Government’s information page about the fire states investigators from the U.S. Forest Service and Col...","content":"The Willow Fire started near the Leadville National Fish Hatchery in the late afternoon Sunday, June 28, and investigators have now determined it was caused by human activity.\n\n\n\nThe Lake County Government’s information page about the fire states investigators from the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control were able to reach the origin point of the fire on July 11. On July 13, daily updates on the fire started to list the cause as human.\n\n\n\nHuman caused fires can be started by unattended campfires, negligently discarded cigarettes, the burning of debris and more, according to the National Park Service. A fire being human caused does not mean it was set intentionally, although acts of arson are included in the categorization.\n\n\n\nSummit Daily News has attempted to contact public information officers working on the Willow Fire incident management team to ask about the investigation. The Lake County information page states the investigation is still underway.\n\n\n\nAs of July 14, the fire is just over 6,400 acres and sits at 29% containment, according to InciWeb. Several evacuation and pre-evacuation areas are still active, and more information about the fire can be found on the information page at Facebook.com/WillowFirePSICC.\n\n\n\nAnyone with information regarding the possible start of the Willow Fire is encouraged to reach investigators at admin@lakecountyso.org.\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from summitdaily.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/willow-fire-caused-by-human-activity-fire-investigators-say-after-reaching-origin-point-near-leadville/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Kyle McCabe Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tkmccabe@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T21:18:32.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14151348%2Fwillow_fire_helicopter-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"willow-fire-caused-by-human-activity-fire-investigators-say-after-reaching-origin-point-near-leadvil"},{"id":"vb60g6","title":"What Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s new report reveals about its lengthy effort to kill wolf responsible for attacks on 22 sheep","excerpt":"Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a full accounting of its four attempts to kill an elusive uncollared wolf that it had tied to at least 22 sheep attacks between July 2025 and June 2026. \n\n\n\nA new report released on Monday, July 13, shares details about the livestock attacks, producer efforts ...","content":"Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a full accounting of its four attempts to kill an elusive uncollared wolf that it had tied to at least 22 sheep attacks between July 2025 and June 2026. \n\n\n\nA new report released on Monday, July 13, shares details about the livestock attacks, producer efforts to reduce conflict, removal attempts and more. \n\n\n\nThe wolf was killed in Routt County on June 12 by Parks and Wildlife and its partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. The state wildlife agency identified the animal as one born to the Copper Creek pack in 2024. In September 2024, the wolf eluded capture when its pack was temporarily relocated to a wildlife sanctuary and has remained separated since. \n\n\n\nThis was the second wolf killed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife due to livestock conflict since it began its wolf reintroduction in December 2023. The agency killed a yearling from the same Copper Creek Pack litter in May 2025 in Pitkin County after the pack was connected to a series of livestock attacks. \n\n\n\nThe authority to kill wolves in Colorado, despite their federally protected status, is granted by its special 10j rule with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. According to the report, the federal wildlife agency was consulted in all four attempts to kill the uncollared Copper Creek wolf. \n\n\n\nAttacks begin in summer 2025 \n\n\n\nThe lethal removal report ties the wolf back to an initial sheep death in Rio Blanco County on July 20, 2025. Parks and Wildlife confirmed the event as a wolf attack.\n\n\n\nThe report reveals that the Rio Blanco producer had conducted a site assessment and had no known attractants. Additionally, they had a range rider shared between producers in the region, guard dogs and sheep herders to deter conflict. After the lamb died, two additional range riders were deployed. \n\n\n\nThis same producer faced three additional attacks in the next month, including two more dead lambs and one dead ewe on July 22, Aug. 2 and Aug. 16. The report states they took place within a 6.5-mile radius on two grazing allotments. The events were confirmed as wolf attacks, with Parks and Wildlife reporting that photographs of a wolf in the area, collar data, wolf tracks and vocalizations all pointed to a single, uncollared wolf.\n\n\n\nWhile the situation met the definition of chronic depredation after the Aug. 2 event — three confirmed attacks by wolves within 30 days despite producer efforts to deter conflict with its livestock — wildfires in the area prevented the agency from attempting to kill the wolf until Aug. 13. \n\n\n\nThe report details its unsuccessful effort to lure and locate the wolf using recorded animal sounds. After the Aug. 16 attack, the agency and its Wildlife Services partners went to the sheep herd and identified the wolf using thermal optics. The wolf was shot that night before disappearing. \n\n\n\nAccording to the report, Parks and Wildlife and Wildlife Services used dogs to try and locate the wolf for five days after it was shot. While the staff found fur, blood and tissue that it used to identify it as a member of the Copper Creek pack, it was unable to find the wolf due to the terrain and topography.\n\n\n\n“The area had thick oak brush, mountain shrubs, south-facing slopes of brush and aspen stands, and north-facing slopes of dense spruce-fir forests. Bottoms were densely covered in willow and riparian vegetation,” according to the report.\n\n\n\nAttacks resume and continue through winter\n\n\n\nThe agencies ceased their attempts to locate the wolf by Aug. 21. Several months later, the same producer found a dead ewe on Oct. 9. Parks, and Wildlife confirmed the injuries were consistent with a wolf attack and that the producer had described a “large, mottled-colored canine running on the property that morning” with an injured leg and a limp near the carcass.\n\n\n\n“The proximity to the prior depredations and evidence the wolf was injured suggested that the uncollared wolf the Division tried to remove after the prior depredations was responsible for this depredation as well,” according to the report. \n\n\n\nThis was followed by continued sightings of the wolf and two more dead ewes found in the same area on Oct. 12 and Nov. 4. Both had injuries Parks and Wildlife confirmed were consistent with a wolf attack. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn its report, the agency said that these three events met its chronic depredation definition and merited lethal removal, “especially because the evidence suggested the same uncollared wolf was responsible for the depredations in July, August, October and November,” and would continue if the wolf responsible was not removed. \n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife attempted to lure and locate the wolf using animal sounds, thermal imaging and drones in November before pausing its search at the producer’s request due to the presence of hunters on the property. While the agency attempted to resume its search on Dec. 4, and reportedly found wolf tracks in the area, the 30-day window allowed by the Fish and Wildlife Service to lethally remove wolves attacking livestock ended, and so did its search. \n\n\n\nA third attempt to kill the wolf began in January, after another Rio Blanco County producer found one dead ewe and three injured ewes on Jan. 24 in a similar area to the October and November attacks. A Parks and Wildlife search of the area led to the discovery of five more dead ewes and two more injured. The agency determined the injuries were consistent with a wolf attack. \n\n\n\nThis producer also had completed a site assessment, had no known attractants and was using livestock herders and increased human presence to deter conflict with wolves. According to the report, after the Jan. 24 incident, the producer moved the herd closer to their residence, penned the sheep at night and implemented a night watch. \n\n\n\nIn its report, Parks and Wildlife said it believed it was the same wolf responsible for prior depredations, prompting it to begin its third search. Using thermal binoculars, rifle optics, drones, animal sounds and tracking efforts, staff from both Parks and Wildlife and Wildlife Services were able to spot the wolf, but “never had a good opportunity to remove the wolf due to terrain, cover and having a clear shot.”\n\n\n\nThis unsuccessful search went from Jan. 25 to Feb. 22.\n\n\n\nA final attempt is made in June \n\n\n\nStarting in April, the report says that Parks and Wildlife began getting reports, photos and videos of an injured, uncollared wolf near the boundary between Moffat and Routt counties. While these reports were over 40 miles from the previous livestock attacks in Rio Blanco County, a hair sample found by Parks and Wildlife in May confirmed it as the same uncollared Copper Creek wolf.\n\n\n\nOn June 10 and 11, a producer in Routt County found two dead lambs, with injuries Parks and Wildlife confirmed were consistent with a wolf attack. This producer had conducted a site assessment, had no known attractants and was utilizing guard dogs and sheep herders during that time, according to the report. The report adds that for a few weeks in May, the producer also used a range rider but had stopped during lambing season “based on concerns over human disturbance on lamb health.”\n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife decided to try and kill the wolf again — reporting that eyewitness reports, photos, videos and collar data suggested the same wolf was tied to 22 sheep deaths or injuries between July 2025 and June 2026, and that this repeated behavior indicated the wolf was likely to continue to prey on livestock. \n\n\n\nAgency staff from Parks and Wildlife and Wildlife Services lured the wolf to an area near the site of the attacks on June 11, where they were able to identify the animal by its limp, but were unable to get a clear shot. On June 12, staff lured the wolf again and were able to shoot and kill the wolf. \n\n\n\nFollowing the wolf’s death in June, Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, an organization that led the effort to reintroduce wolves in Colorado, released a statement expressing disappointment in the event, stating that losing any wolf right now was “a serious moment” that exposed weaknesses in Colorado’s restoration. \n\n\n\n“Lethally removing an individual involved in chronic conflict aligns with the state’s impact-based management framework, which had broad agreement among stakeholders,” said Matt Barnes, a rangeland scientist who advises the nonprofit and served on CPW’s stakeholder advisory group for the wolf plan, in a statement. “However, early action to prevent conflict with the Copper Creek wolves might have averted both livestock deaths and subsequent wolf removals. We need to consider what else could have been done and apply that to future scenarios.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-wolf-kill-attacks-sheep/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T19:38:20.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14133343%2FFifthCopperCreekPup-CourtesyCPW.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-colorado-parks-and-wildlifes-new-report-reveals-about-its-lengthy-effort-to-kill-wolf-responsib"},{"id":"52tc43","title":"Eagle County Commissioners: New mapping tool energizes conversations over land use","excerpt":"When people hear the phrase “land use regulations,” eyes often glaze over. We get it. It sounds technical, bureaucratic and far removed from everyday life.\n\n\n\nBut the truth is just the opposite.\n\n\n\nLand use decisions shape nearly every aspect of how we and our visitors experience Eagle County. La...","content":"When people hear the phrase “land use regulations,” eyes often glaze over. We get it. It sounds technical, bureaucratic and far removed from everyday life.\n\n\n\nBut the truth is just the opposite.\n\n\n\nLand use decisions shape nearly every aspect of how we and our visitors experience Eagle County. Land use code influences where housing can be built, where commercial activity is centered, how we protect wildlife and open spaces, how transportation connects our communities and, ultimately, how we cultivate the character that makes this such a remarkable place to live.\n\n\n\nFor the past two years, Eagle County has been engaged in one of the most thorough planning efforts we’ve undertaken in decades: rewriting our Land Use Regulations. We will adopt our new regulations this fall and our proposed zone district map is now available.\n\n\n\nMany will ask if these new land use regulations change the way they currently use their land. The answer is that virtually all of our proposed land use zones reflect current land use practice. The new codes simply do it better, more clearly and in a way that’s meant to last.\n\n\n\nThe new code will have unified architecture. It will provide better management tools for the regulations that protect public health, safety, our environment and the general welfare of residents and visitors while respecting private property rights. It will simplify regulations that have become increasingly complicated and burdensome over time, making them easier for property owners, businesses, neighbors and county staff to understand and administer.\n\n\n\nOur proposed code accurately reflects community values. It sets clear expectations for developers regarding the number of price-capped, deed-restricted housing required for new development. It reduces barriers to infill re-development while making it exceptionally difficult to develop in remote-rural areas, critical habitat areas or too close to waterways. It allows for recreational-resort activity without allowing for mass commercialization or privatization of our public lands, open spaces and mountain ecosystems. It puts “like with like” to avoid incompatible land uses side-by-side with one another.\n\n\n\nOver the past two years, dozens of public work sessions have brought us together with residents, property owners, planning commissioners, advisory committee members and community organizations. Every section of the regulations has been discussed in public, revised, debated and improved through community input, which we will continue to welcome until we finalize the process.\n\n\n\nRecently, we’ve reached an important milestone. The county has released a draft digital zoning map showing proposed zone district designations. Using the interactive map, constituents can search for their own property, compare its proposed zoning with its current zoning, and better understand how the updated regulations may apply.\n\n\n\nThe proposed zoning designations remain subject to change as we continue to receive feedback, conduct technical review and work through the remaining public process. We fully expect the map to evolve because that’s exactly how good planning should work. That said, we are also incredibly proud of the diligent work by our staff, legal consultants, volunteer advisory committee and planning commissions to put this map into play.\n\n\n\nThat’s why we hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore the interactive map and share your thoughts. Public comments are being accepted online, through the EnCode commenting portal, via email at eclurproject@eaglecounty.us and during upcoming public work sessions in both Eagle and El Jebel. The current public comment period is expected to continue through Aug. 1, giving residents time to review the proposed map and the draft code before any final decisions are made.\n\n\n\nThe best land use regulations aren’t written for a community. They’re written collaboratively with one. Every generation has the opportunity — and the responsibility — to leave Eagle County a little better than we found it. This rewrite is one way we can do exactly that, by creating regulations that are clearer, more predictable and better aligned with the place we all call home.\n\n\n\nTom Boyd, Jeanne McQueeney and Matt Scherr serve on the Eagle County Board of Commissioners.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/eagle-county-commissioners-new-mapping-tool-energizes-conversations-over-land-use/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tom Boyd, Jeanne McQueeney and Matt Scherr","publishDate":"2026-07-15T16:30:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F11094951%2F803d1e13-247d-4e90-bee2-07059bdb63c7-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"eagle-county-commissioners-new-mapping-tool-energizes-conversations-over-land-use"},{"id":"qk3zxy","title":"Started hours apart, 2 Routt County fires challenge local response","excerpt":"Routt County’s first two notable wildfires of the season ignited within two hours of each other Sunday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders, road closures and a multi-agency response across the region. \n\n\n\nThe first wildfire start, located just north of Rabbit Ears Pass and four miles southeast...","content":"Routt County’s first two notable wildfires of the season ignited within two hours of each other Sunday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders, road closures and a multi-agency response across the region. \n\n\n\nThe first wildfire start, located just north of Rabbit Ears Pass and four miles southeast of Mount Werner, had spread to at least 100 acres as of 2:15 p.m. Monday. That fire, called the Fishhook Fire, was first reported around 12:30 p.m. Sunday and was zero percent contained as of Monday, according to Routt National Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Aaron Voos.\n\n\n\nRoutt County Emergency Operations Director David DeMorat said Monday morning that the county got the report of the first fire and that he and Sheriff Doug Scherar headed to the scene, joined by units from Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nThe whole time, DeMorat said, he and Scherar knew that the fire was on U.S. Forest Service land. He noted that members of the federal agency joined them along with individuals from the state’s Department of Fire Protection.\n\n\n\n“We knew it had the potential to grow fairly large, but it was all on federal property; it was up to them to determine how to manage that, but we weren’t there too long before another smoke report, the one for Green Ridge, was reported out near Stagecoach,” he added.\n\n\n\nThe Green Ridge Fire that DeMorat referred to was the other Routt County wildfire that started just south of Stagecoach Reservoir in Routt County on Sunday.\n\n\n\nIt was reported less than two hours after the Fishhook Fire. As of Monday afternoon, it was holding at 44 acres and was 27% contained.\n\n\n\nSmoke clouds could be seen rising above the Fishhook Fire from Priest Creek area on Monday afternoon.John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today\n\n\n\nDeMorat noted that while the fire in Stagecoach was not as big as Fishhook, it “was in closer proximity to some (property) values at risk.”\n\n\n\n“There are two neighborhoods where the fire was within about .03 of a mile … and it was all on private property, so that became our priority,” said DeMorat.\n\n\n\n“It was pretty fortuitous for us that a lot of resources — in particular, the aviation that was originally going to go to the Fishhook Fire — was diverted down to the Green Ridge Fire in order to check some homes that were being threatened,” he added.\n\n\n\nWhen he got there, DeMorat witnessed a massive display of firefighting aircraft, including helicopters and “Super Scooper” aircraft, with both types using water from Stagecoach Reservoir to drop on the fire. The response also included drops of retardant from air tankers.\n\n\n\n“They started very aggressively attacking that and they did an outstanding job,” said DeMorat.\n\n\n\nThe Green Ridge Fire: 44 acres; 20 homes under mandatory evacuation\n\n\n\nA specialized “Super Scooper” aircraft lifts off from Stagecoach Reservoir on Sunday afternoon before dropping its load of water over the Green Ridge Fire in the Stagecoach area of South Routt. Trevor Ballantyne/Steamboat Pilot & Today\n\n\n\nAs of 2 p.m. Monday, no structures had been damaged or destroyed due to the Green Ridge Fire, which DeMorat said started on private land. He also said the cause of the fire is unknown and will be investigated by the Routt County Sheriff’s Office.\n\n\n\nThe Green Ridge Fire prompted evacuation orders for zones OC-528 and OC-536 in Stagecoach. Residents in those zones were advised to leave immediately and not delay by packing belongings or preparing their homes.\n\n\n\nRoutt County Sheriff: \n\n\n\nZones OC-522 and OC-523, which were previously under evacuation orders, returned to pre-evacuation status at approximately 6:30 p.m. Sunday. As of Monday at 8 p.m., evacuation zone OC-536 was also moved from evacuation back to Pre-Evacuation status.\n\n\n\nAs of Monday afternoon, evacuation and pre-evacuation orders linked to the Green Ridge Fire remained in place.\n\n\n\nEvacuation alerts have been announced for zones OC-528 and OC-536 amid the Green Ridge wildfire near Stagecoach Reservoir. Zones OC-522 and OC-523, previously under evacuation orders, have been pulled back to pre-evacuation status. Courtesy photo/Routt County Emergency Management\n\n\n\nAn evacuation center was available at Soroco High School (305 Grant Ave.) in Oak Creek until 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Monday, according to a news release from Routt County Communications sent out early Sunday evening. \n\n\n\nThe center includes ample space for campers and vehicles and is primarily available for information and temporary necessities, but it is not currently an overnight shelter, according to the news release.\n\n\n\nPeople with pets should contact the Routt County Humane Society at 970-879-7247 for sheltering assistance if needed, as animals are not allowed at the Soroco High School center.\n\n\n\nDeMorat said Monday evening that the center would be open during the same hours for as long as zones in the area are in evacuation status.\n\n\n\nResidents with questions can contact the Routt County Office of Emergency Management Call Center at 970-871-8444 or email info@co.routt.co.us.\n\n\n\nDeMorat said residents living in evacuation and pre-evacuation zones should know sheriff’s deputies are patrolling the area to keep properties safe. “If you don’t have a reason to be there, you will be stopped,” he added.\n\n\n\nFor those who live in those zones and need to access their property, he said the evacuation center is a place to find assistance.\n\n\n\n“If people do have requirements that mean they need to get back into their property for some medication or if they are concerned about animals, whether it be livestock and getting them out, please let us know because we have teams available that can assist in that,” said DeMorat.\n\n\n\n“If they do need shelter, they would let the evac center know and here in the (Emergency Operations Center) we would arrange to find some shelter for them,” he added.\n\n\n\nA Sikorsky Skycrane drops on a load of water on while fighting the Green Ridge Fire on Monday July, 14 2026.John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today\n\n\n\nRoutt County officials remind residents who are evacuating to consider the following: \n\n\n\n\nEssentials: Medications, important documents (i.e. IDs, insurance information, birth certificates), contact lists, a first-aid kit, flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries. \n\n\n\nClothing and personal items: Include a change of clothes, sturdy shoes and personal hygiene items. \n\n\n\nFood and water: Pack non-perishable food and water for a few days. \n\n\n\nPet supplies: If you have pets, pack food, water, carriers, leashes and any necessary medications. \n\n\n\nValuables: Include essential valuables like credit cards, cash and irreplaceable items like family photos. \n\n\n\nIf you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water and disconnect appliances.\n\n\n\n\nResidents in pre-evacuation zones are encouraged to pack their car, keep a full gas tank and orient their vehicle in the direction of leaving. Residents are also encouraged to stay vigilant of their surroundings and stay up-to-date with official information sources as conditions change.\n\n\n\nCounty officials announced 14 road closures in the Stagecoach area at around 12:30 p.m. Monday. The county has set up road barricades to restrict travel as firefighting operations and aerial water drops continue.\n\n\n\nThe following roads are closed to the public and are only open to emergency services and residential property owners:\n\n\n\n\nCounty Road 16 at 18A\n\n\n\nCounty Road 212 just past Schussmark Trail\n\n\n\nSnowbird Trail\n\n\n\nBroken Talon Trail\n\n\n\nBroken Talon Way\n\n\n\nLynx Basin Way\n\n\n\nLynx Basin Lane\n\n\n\nKing Fisher Lane\n\n\n\nGreen Ridge Drive\n\n\n\nMountain Meadows Drive\n\n\n\nUte Trail\n\n\n\nCheyenne Trail\n\n\n\nLos Ranchos Road\n\n\n\nCommanche Road\n\n\n\n\nThe Green Ridge Fire threatens roughly 480 structures within three miles and has 20 homes under mandatory evacuation, according to a statement from the office of Gov. Jared Polis sent just after 7:15 p.m. Sunday evening. \n\n\n\nThe news release also noted that the governor issued a verbal disaster declaration for the wildfire, which “activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Department of Public Safety and its Divisions of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) to take responsibility for all response, recovery, and mitigation efforts on the Green Ridge Fire.”\n\n\n\nA Type 3 Incident Management Team is scheduled to assume command of the fire at 6 p.m. Monday to support ongoing operations.\n\n\n\nThe Fishhook Fire: 100+ acres; aerial and ground resources engaged\n\n\n\nA pair of Sikorsky Skycranes take turns loading water while battling the Fishhook fire on Rabbit Ears Pass on Monday July, 14 2026 .John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today\n\n\n\nAs of Monday evening, the Fishhook Fire has not yet prompted any pre-evacuation or evacuation orders. While the fire is not currently near any residences, said Voos, its spread could potentially threaten infrastructure at Steamboat Resort, including power lines and ski lifts/cables. \n\n\n\nForest Service officials, who are responding to the fire, posted an update to the InciWeb incident report Monday morning, noting that growth occurred overnight. \n\n\n\nAn incident management team was ordered and both aerial and ground resources engaged the fire Monday, said officials. An area closure for the surrounding forest is in the works and will be announced soon. \n\n\n\nResponding personnel face difficult ground access, added Forest Service officials. Aerial resources are being utilized to verify and update acreage. As of Monday afternoon, U.S. Highway 40 remained open, and additional firefighting resources were on the scene. \n\n\n\nVoos told the newspaper Monday afternoon that a Type 1 helicopter out of Operation Sky Hammer, meant primarily for initial response, was utilized Sunday and Monday to fight the Fishhook Fire.\n\n\n\nForest service officials announced the launch of Operation Sky Hammer, which includes two Sikorsky Skycrane helicopters hosted at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport, in mid-July last year with the aim of providing standby resources for rapid regional firefighting response. \n\n\n\nIn addition to Forest Service crews and helicopters, U.S. Wildland Fire Service personnel — including the Boise Helitack crew — and contract resources are all responding to the Fishhook Fire, said Voos.\n\n\n\nHe added that the cause of the fire has not been identified. Ground crews, who are primarily accessing the fire through the Bruce’s Trail trailhead on Rabbit Ears Pass, “have not been able to access the origin.”\n\n\n\nVoos said that around 100 people are currently working the fire and that the number of responding personnel is “booming.”\n\n\n\nWhile no official road closures or evacuations have been announced for the Fishhook Fire, members of the public should avoid recreating in the Rabbit Ears area, officials note. Campers should be prepared to evacuate if an order is given.\n\n\n\nSteamboat Ski & Resort Corporation Director of Communications Maren Franciosi said the growth of the fire prompted crews to start 41 snowmaking guns to wet the areas around Tomahawk and Spike trails and around Rendezvous Lodge on Monday.\n\n\n\n“We are incredibly grateful to the firefighters and responding agencies working tirelessly to protect our community,” said Franciosi in a statement. “We also want to thank our employees, guests and community for their support and understanding as conditions evolve.”\n\n\n\nBlack smoke rises from the Fishhook Fire on Rabbit Ears Pass on Monday, July 14, 2026.John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today\n\n\n\nThe resort has also established its incident command and emergency response team. It consists of members from various divisions including mountain operations, communications, risk and safety, human resources and the leadership team.\n\n\n\nThe resort is in contact with local, state and federal emergency services and fire officials, said Franciosi, adding that 14 resort employees have been displaced by the fire and are being lodged at the Steamboat Grand.\n\n\n\nThe resort has also adjusted its day-to-day operations, restricting upper-mountain access. The resort canceled its events on Sunday.\n\n\n\n\nTo view evacuation zones in Routt County, visit tinyurl.com/4bss4p3k. \n\n\n\nFor updates on road closures, visit co.routt.co.us/EmergencyMap.\n\n\n\nTo sign up for Routt County Alerts, visit tinyurl.com/knacnepd.\n\n\n\n\nSteamboat Pilot & Today reporter Nick Slater and Steamboat Pilot & Today editor Trevor Ballantyne contributed to this story. \n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from steamboatpilot.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/started-hours-apart-2-routt-county-fires-challenge-local-response/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Julia Coccaro Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjcoccaro@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T18:05:56.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14114037%2FGreenRidge-sbt-071426-main-scaled-1-1024x737.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"started-hours-apart-2-routt-county-fires-challenge-local-response"},{"id":"ppiwgm","title":"Parasite causing ‘explosive diarrhea’ not concerning for Pitkin County","excerpt":"Amid concerns around a national cyclospora outbreak causing explosive diarrhea, Pitkin County Public Health is reassuring residents and visitors that this parasite is nothing new and nothing to be worried about.\n\n\n\nWhile the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 843 confirmed do...","content":"Amid concerns around a national cyclospora outbreak causing explosive diarrhea, Pitkin County Public Health is reassuring residents and visitors that this parasite is nothing new and nothing to be worried about.\n\n\n\nWhile the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 843 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, Colorado has only reported one to 10 of those. And Carly Senst, Pitkin County Public Health epidemiologist, told The Aspen Times that cyclospora is a fairly common parasitic infection with mild to moderate symptoms that both the state and Pitkin County have already been tracking for years. Despite the dramatic increase of national cases, cyclospora still does not pose a serious risk.\n\n\n\n“Cyclospora is not new,” Senst said. “For us, this is a pretty routine, non-concerning infection. We’re not seeing anything super alarming. Nothing has changed as far as our response.”\n\n\n\nAccording to her, in the county and the state, there have been no increasing rates of the gastrointestinal infection. She did clarify that cyclospora is not endemic to the Aspen area — a majority of cases seen at both the county and state level are associated with travel.\n\n\n\nCyclospora is a microscopic parasite that is transmitted fecal-orally, according to Senst, meaning the pathogens are ingested via contaminated food or water sources. Cyclospora is not transmissible between people, Senst confirmed. \n\n\n\nThere is still no current indication of exactly what the contamination source is in the national outbreak, a lag that Senst said is indicative of gaps in the country’s broader public health networks and surveillance systems. And while many are pointing to the CDC scaling back the FoodNet to make state reporting of cyclospora optional, Senst stressed that FoodNet was a research tool and not an outbreak response.\n\n\n\n“This outbreak would have occurred anyway,” Senst said. “It really highlights how important that national-level structure is to these national-level outbreaks.”\n\n\n\nWith regard to possible sources of gastrointestinal infection, Senst noted that, in the past, cyclospora has been associated with leafy greens — particularly pre-washed or pre-cut salad mixes — raspberries and green onions. Senst said prevention currently centers on thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and prioritizing cooked vegetables whenever possible.\n\n\n\n“That is the way to prevent really all gastrointestinal illnesses,” she said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile cyclospora shouldn’t be of concern to those in Pitkin County, giardia is worth noting.\n\n\n\n“Giardia is everywhere,” Senst said. “I would encourage people to be more concerned about giardia than they are about cyclospora.”\n\n\n\nShe confirmed that there are multiple cases of giardia in Pitkin County every year, with explosive diarrhea commonly reported as a symptom.\n\n\n\nThe good thing, she said, is that giardia is easy to prevent. Because it mostly results from improperly ingesting water while recreating, Senst said being mindful when camping, paddle boarding, boating, swimming and recreating in local water sources is key.\n\n\n\nUnlike cyclospora, however, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment writes on its website that the parasite for giardia can also be spread from person-to-person.\n\n\n\n“Giardia is responsible for approximately 6% of domestically-acquired waterborne infections in the United States,” the CDPHE website adds. “It is the most common enteric parasite.”\n\n\n\nMore people seek medical attention for giardia than they do with cyclospora, Senst said, although it is almost never life-threatening and usually related to extreme discomfort rather than a medical emergency.\n\n\n\nFor more information on food and waterborne illnesses in Pitkin County, visit https://www.pitkincounty.com/1175/Disease-Prevention.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/parasite-causing-explosive-diarrhea-outbreak-not-concerning-for-pitco/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T23:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F20194557%2FEDLmarket-atd-062026-01-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"parasite-causing-explosive-diarrhea-not-concerning-for-pitkin-county"},{"id":"n8vx5t","title":"‘Bones the killer cat’ survives jump from truck hurtling down I-70, causing closure of Johnson tunnel in Colorado","excerpt":"After surviving a leap from a pickup truck traveling up to 70 miles per hour on Interstate 70, “Bones the killer cat” wandered into the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels — briefly shutting down eastbound traffic before walking into the arms of a Colorado Department of Transportation employee. \n...","content":"After surviving a leap from a pickup truck traveling up to 70 miles per hour on Interstate 70, “Bones the killer cat” wandered into the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels — briefly shutting down eastbound traffic before walking into the arms of a Colorado Department of Transportation employee. \n\n\n\nThe rescue capped a frantic overnight search after Walt Hagstrom of Denver discovered his 7-year-old cat had somehow slipped out of a small opening in the rear window of his truck while driving home from a 10-day trip to Steamboat Springs. \n\n\n\nBy 5:30 a.m. Sunday, July 12, Bones had reunited with his family after spending around an hour “cuddling” with tunnel operations staff who rescued him.\n\n\n\n“I know Bones is a tough cat — and he’s been through a lot — but I could not fathom a cat being able to survive jumping out of a Dodge RAM truck at 60-70 miles an hour on a freeway,” said Walt’s wife, Abby Hagstrom. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday, the couple left Steamboat Springs in two cars, Abby with their two dogs and Walt with Bones. The truck’s broken air conditioner forced Walt to crack open a backseat window. Bones, who Abby said fusses when contained in his cat carrier, rode in the back seat and apparently squeezed through the opening somewhere between Silverthorne and Denver. \n\n\n\nWalt didn’t realize Bones had escaped until he stopped for gas in Denver and checked the cat’s location via an AirTag attached to his collar. \n\n\n\n“At first I thought he was joking because it just sounds so crazy,” Abby said after her husband called with the news. “As soon as this happened, the first thing that came into my mind was, ‘Oh my God, how are we going to tell the kids Bones is gone?'”\n\n\n\nThe Hagstroms’ 10- and 12-year old children are still at a no-phones sleepaway camp in Maine.\n\n\n\n“He’s such an important part of our family and so special to our kids,” Abby said.\n\n\n\nUninjured and safe at his home in Denver, Bones the cat enjoys a hearty meal after spending hours inside the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on Interstate 70 in the evening July 11-12.Abby Hagstrom/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAbby said the AirTag placed Bones near Loveland Ski Resort, but because Walt never stopped the car after leaving Silverthorne, the family couldn’t pinpoint where the cat had hopped out of the truck. \n\n\n\n“So, immediately Walt turned around and drove back up to the base of Loveland Ski Resort and started looking around for Bones,” Abby said. “Meanwhile, I turned into a crazy cat lady and called every rescue, every shelter around.”\n\n\n\nOne of those calls pointed her to Summit Lost Pet Rescue, a local nonprofit started in 2020 that boasts over a 90% success rate for finding lost pets. Co-founder Brandon Ciullo said he received a report about a missing cat around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11. He then alerted the Colorado Department of Transportation and organized volunteers to search the area Sunday morning if Bones remained missing. \n\n\n\nAbby said volunteers quickly “sprang into action” and posted all over social media.\n\n\n\n“They don’t know me. They don’t know our cat. We don’t even live in Summit County, and they were the kindest, most helpful group of people that I’ve come across in so long,” she said. \n\n\n\nA screenshot taken at 10:38 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, shows Bones the cat’s AirTag location at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels along Interstate 70. A Colorado Department of Transportation employee rescued Bones from inside the eastbound tunnel around 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, shutting down those eastbound lanes for approximately eight minutes.Abby Hagstrom/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nFollowing a flurry of online messages and calls, Abby said she and Walt couldn’t sleep that night. Around 10:15 p.m., though, Bones’ AirTag updated again. This time, it placed him inside the eastbound Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels. He walked nearly half a mile onto the railed walkway adjacent to the freeway lanes.\n\n\n\n“As I put my phone down, I saw that he was in the tunnels,” Abby said. “At first, I kind of thought the worst — he surely didn’t make it or somebody hit him.”\n\n\n\nBones remained in place for over five more hours while the Hagstroms received no other calls. But shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday, she received a text from a woman who spotted Bones on the “catwalk,” as Abby called it, inside the tunnel after seeing Summit Lost Pet Rescue’s Facebook post.\n\n\n\n“She really is a hero in this story, too,” Abby said. \n\n\n\nShe promptly called Summit County Animal Control, who then contacted the Colorado Department of Transportation. Employees confirmed Bones’ location on traffic cameras at 4:25 a.m., according to the department’s I-70 mountain corridor communications manager, Austyn Dineen. \n\n\n\nWorkers then stopped eastbound I-70 traffic for around eight minutes so one employee could safely retrieve the cat. \n\n\n\n“He got to that place, which is probably honestly the safest place he could’ve gotten lost,” Abby said. “He’s in a high-visibility area, there’s light and people were going to see him in there.”\n\n\n\nAbby believes Bones, who carries the lifelong nickname “the killer cat” thanks to his affinity for hunting mice and “the occasional bird,” instinctively sought shelter after surviving a few hours in the dark wilderness. \n\n\n\n“He figured out that he wasn’t going to last long out there, so he got to safety,” she said.\n\n\n\nBones seemed ready for his rescue. \n\n\n\n“They (Colorado Department of Transportation workers) told us they weren’t totally sure how to grab the cat,” Abby said. “He walked straight up to Bones, and Bones walked right up to him. He was really an easy-to-catch cat.”\n\n\n\nBones the cat appears somewhat unfazed from atop a desk at the Colorado Department of Transportation Interstate 70 mountain corridor office after he spent around eight hours lost in the evening between Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12.Abby Hagstrom/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nUpon receiving the call, Abby and Walt rushed out the door of their Denver home. Dineen said Bones “cuddled with operations staff” until the couple arrived at the Eisenhower Tunnels around 5:30 a.m.\n\n\n\n“As soon as Bones heard our voices, he raced to the door,” Abby said. “It was very, very sweet.”\n\n\n\nLiving up to his nickname, Bones returned home without a scratch. Abby joked that he remains on “house arrest” and has spent the past two days catching up on sleep.\n\n\n\nAbby said on Sunday, she penned a letter to her children at camp saying, “I can’t wait to tell you about Bones’ big adventure.”\n\n\n\nBones, who his owners refer to as “the killer cat,” is pictured prior to his adventure jumping out of a Dodge RAM truck on Interstate-70 before being rescued hours later by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Abby Hagstrom/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from summitdaily.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/bones-the-killer-cat-survives-jump-from-truck-hurtling-down-i-70-shutting-down-eisenhower-johnson-memorial-tunnels/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Allison Moore Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tamoore@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T16:30:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14102336%2FBonesCDOT-scaled-1-768x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"bones-the-killer-cat-survives-jump-from-truck-hurtling-down-i-70-causing-closure-of-johnson-tunnel-i"},{"id":"p5ee62","title":"Wieners with wheels","excerpt":"Dogs sprint down the course in the inaugural Snowmass Sausage Sprint by The Collective Snowmass at Base Village on Wednesday in celebration of National Hot Dog Day. The festivities also included a costume contest and hot dog eating contest.","content":"Dogs sprint down the course in the inaugural Snowmass Sausage Sprint by The Collective Snowmass at Base Village on Wednesday in celebration of National Hot Dog Day. The festivities also included a costume contest and hot dog eating contest.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/wieners-with-wheels/image_4cc76fb0-553e-4a1a-a7b1-96feeb08014a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rachel Bock/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2Fcc%2F4cc76fb0-553e-4a1a-a7b1-96feeb08014a%2F6a5832ecc9538.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C262","slug":"wieners-with-wheels"},{"id":"cphb3z","title":"Dishing the dirt","excerpt":"Pitkin County officials stand next to ceremonial dirt at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to celebrate the groundbreaking upcoming airport modernization project. Pictured, from left, are: Airport Advisory Board chair Jacquelyn Francis; Pitkin County commissioners Ted Mahon, Greg Poschman, Jeff Woo...","content":"Pitkin County officials stand next to ceremonial dirt at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to celebrate the groundbreaking upcoming airport modernization project. Pictured, from left, are: Airport Advisory Board chair Jacquelyn Francis; Pitkin County commissioners Ted Mahon, Greg Poschman, Jeff Woodruff,…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/dishing-the-dirt/image_0b7ef13d-c087-4d99-bc95-ab8c5e8db5df.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andre Salvail/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:30:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fb7%2F0b7ef13d-c087-4d99-bc95-ab8c5e8db5df%2F6a58335f86360.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C233","inBriefing":true,"slug":"dishing-the-dirt"},{"id":"ndxdh0","title":"No more rehearsing","excerpt":"Kurt Perry appears in Sol Theatre Company’s production of “The Prom,” which opens today at Thunder River Theatre Company in Carbondale. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A 2 p.m. matinee is planned for Sunday.…","content":"Kurt Perry appears in Sol Theatre Company’s production of “The Prom,” which opens today at Thunder River Theatre Company in Carbondale. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A 2 p.m. matinee is planned for Sunday.…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/no-more-rehearsing/image_43d7192d-734c-46d8-9b5e-d0f7a954d6fc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Justine Verheul","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F3d%2F43d7192d-734c-46d8-9b5e-d0f7a954d6fc%2F6a5833c8f1b0b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C250","slug":"no-more-rehearsing"},{"id":"b28cb8","title":"Our community is not about racetracks","excerpt":"Bill “Winks” Mason — Mmmm … what, another recreation opportunity for the uber-rich, a mini auto racetrack in Woody Creek...","content":"Bill “Winks” Mason — Mmmm … what, another recreation opportunity for the uber-rich, a mini auto racetrack in Woody Creek...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/our-community-is-not-about-racetracks/article_3f7a64f8-7bf4-4dff-ae18-c413fc2e755c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"our-community-is-not-about-racetracks"},{"id":"90efis","title":"Roan Plateau drilling just fossil fuel industry greed","excerpt":"Fred Malo Jr. — Back in 2007, the Bureau of Land Management proposed 19 oil and gas leases on 73,600 acres of public land...","content":"Fred Malo Jr. — Back in 2007, the Bureau of Land Management proposed 19 oil and gas leases on 73,600 acres of public land...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/roan-plateau-drilling-just-fossil-fuel-industry-greed/article_88ebcb27-baa3-411e-8a1e-ed6cf26c5ddd.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"roan-plateau-drilling-just-fossil-fuel-industry-greed"},{"id":"x6mcjr","title":"Thrift shop art sale seeks item donations","excerpt":"Katherine Sand — We are proud to say that the Aspen Thrift Shop’s annual art sale at the Red Brick has become a favorite...","content":"Katherine Sand — We are proud to say that the Aspen Thrift Shop’s annual art sale at the Red Brick has become a favorite...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/thrift-shop-art-sale-seeks-item-donations/article_de533189-d8b2-4d68-85f2-a55fefc87236.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"thrift-shop-art-sale-seeks-item-donations"},{"id":"w9jjj8","title":"Thanks to commissioners for saving water resources","excerpt":"Denise and Mark Handrich — We want to thank the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners for buying back our water!","content":"Denise and Mark Handrich — We want to thank the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners for buying back our water!","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/thanks-to-commissioners-for-saving-water-resources/article_e58951fc-7c79-437a-afb9-a5f796509589.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1610736576962-1b0e0b6e8e2a%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","inBriefing":true,"slug":"thanks-to-commissioners-for-saving-water-resources"},{"id":"c22hs6","title":"Local restaurants could go the way of ‘Jurassic Park’","excerpt":"Amy D. Ronner — (Re: “Authorities respond to restaurant on Saturday night,” July 14, Aspen Daily News) As a separate public safety...","content":"Amy D. Ronner — (Re: “Authorities respond to restaurant on Saturday night,” July 14, Aspen Daily News) As a separate public safety...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/local-restaurants-could-go-the-way-of-jurassic-park/article_5d60c0e7-e77d-4cf5-ad52-dfec827d77ac.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"local-restaurants-could-go-the-way-of-jurassic-park"},{"id":"kiqmvl","title":"What’s to become of gondi plaza bricks?","excerpt":"Greg Lewis — It’s not often I talk to bricks, or that bricks will talk to me, but yesterday we did talk and the bricks spoke unhappily...","content":"Greg Lewis — It’s not often I talk to bricks, or that bricks will talk to me, but yesterday we did talk and the bricks spoke unhappily...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/what-s-to-become-of-gondi-plaza-bricks/article_846e30d8-dcae-4f81-9cca-f0260c7aca52.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-16T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"whats-to-become-of-gondi-plaza-bricks"},{"id":"262c5g","title":"A space of their own","excerpt":"Aspen Arts Club gives local artists a place to create","content":"Aspen Arts Club gives local artists a place to create","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-space-of-their-own/article_282b081e-3498-4b8b-9b06-46c57e814f82.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-15T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Ffc%2Fdfc3357c-774c-4dcd-95f1-0880b897d58d%2F6a56e04a6ca70.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"a-space-of-their-own"},{"id":"b30jlx","title":"Airport parking rates could be on the rise","excerpt":"Commissioners talk ideas to address parking supply and demand","content":"Commissioners talk ideas to address parking supply and demand","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/airport-parking-rates-could-be-on-the-rise/article_a22b0e68-6915-4fd6-833d-dff4355508a5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams, Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F87%2F487be41a-5702-4375-9f41-158cc4c40a48%2F6a56e1189a7fd.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"airport-parking-rates-could-be-on-the-rise"},{"id":"fg62bc","title":"Correction","excerpt":"A story in Saturday’s Aspen Daily News incorrectly described the Aspen School District’s geothermal system. The system will not...","content":"A story in Saturday’s Aspen Daily News incorrectly described the Aspen School District’s geothermal system. The system will not...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/correction/article_ae62534a-5a06-400a-af90-abacfa305c5d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T09:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"correction"},{"id":"v04gbi","title":"Kickstarting student creativity","excerpt":"5 RFV students awarded Art Tank grants","content":"5 RFV students awarded Art Tank grants","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/kickstarting-student-creativity/article_462ee362-d6f2-4c53-874c-70358681d4de.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Cedar Connell, Aspen Daily News Contributor","publishDate":"2026-07-15T09:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2Fe2%2Fce259e29-da0f-4fd8-92dc-57c9edd698b2%2F6a56e0a6a1e98.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C223","slug":"kickstarting-student-creativity"},{"id":"w3iyn0","title":"Aspen anticipates slight growth in taxable sales for 2027","excerpt":"Increases expected despite 8-month airport closure","content":"Increases expected despite 8-month airport closure","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/aspen-anticipates-slight-growth-in-taxable-sales-for-2027/article_ec7e957f-1992-440d-bff8-7eee01cbc42c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-15T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fd7%2Fbd7a79bc-d075-457e-ba96-004a620cc6f6%2F6a56e1846b011.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"aspen-anticipates-slight-growth-in-taxable-sales-for-2027"},{"id":"khpm4f","title":"rae lampe","excerpt":"Rae Lampe in her new studio space at 315 E. Hyman Ave. She joins seven other local artists as part of the Aspen Arts Club. The artists are receiving free studio space for the next six months as part of…","content":"Rae Lampe in her new studio space at 315 E. Hyman Ave. She joins seven other local artists as part of the Aspen Arts Club. The artists are receiving free studio space for the next six months as part of…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/rae-lampe/image_dfc3357c-774c-4dcd-95f1-0880b897d58d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News/Jason Charme","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Ffc%2Fdfc3357c-774c-4dcd-95f1-0880b897d58d%2F6a56e04a6ca70.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"rae-lampe"},{"id":"nah51k","title":"airport parking","excerpt":"Cars in the Elk Lot at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport currently face a $6 per day fee for long-term parking or a variable hourly fee for shorter visits. That rate falls below market rates and could increase soon.","content":"Cars in the Elk Lot at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport currently face a $6 per day fee for long-term parking or a variable hourly fee for shorter visits. That rate falls below market rates and could increase soon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/airport-parking/image_487be41a-5702-4375-9f41-158cc4c40a48.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams/Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F87%2F487be41a-5702-4375-9f41-158cc4c40a48%2F6a56e1189a7fd.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"airport-parking"},{"id":"mf0hed","title":"music grants","excerpt":"Jacqueline Northrup, far left, is a recipient of a TACAW Art Tank grant. In April, she appeared in Basalt Middle and High school’s production of “Six: The Musical Teen Edition” alongside Lela Wiltgen, London Northrup, Nyala Honey, Lily Hubbard and…","content":"Jacqueline Northrup, far left, is a recipient of a TACAW Art Tank grant. In April, she appeared in Basalt Middle and High school’s production of “Six: The Musical Teen Edition” alongside Lela Wiltgen, London Northrup, Nyala Honey, Lily Hubbard and…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/music-grants/image_ce259e29-da0f-4fd8-92dc-57c9edd698b2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Graham Northrup","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:45:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2Fe2%2Fce259e29-da0f-4fd8-92dc-57c9edd698b2%2F6a56e0a6a1e98.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C223","slug":"music-grants"},{"id":"ieus3f","title":"aspen","excerpt":"The city of Aspen anticipates a softening of taxable sales next year but ultimately anticipates a slight increase overall, despite the anticipated eight-month closure of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.","content":"The city of Aspen anticipates a softening of taxable sales next year but ultimately anticipates a slight increase overall, despite the anticipated eight-month closure of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/aspen/image_bd7a79bc-d075-457e-ba96-004a620cc6f6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fd7%2Fbd7a79bc-d075-457e-ba96-004a620cc6f6%2F6a56e1846b011.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"aspen"},{"id":"q7k86b","title":"Shopping spree","excerpt":"Shoppers line up to buy fresh fruit from Forte Fruits at the Aspen Saturday Market.","content":"Shoppers line up to buy fresh fruit from Forte Fruits at the Aspen Saturday Market.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/shopping-spree/image_9f714011-1ea4-4cc0-a546-bbd150581e9d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2Ff7%2F9f714011-1ea4-4cc0-a546-bbd150581e9d%2F6a56dfef72226.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"shopping-spree"},{"id":"u7pw30","title":"Hotter weather, stronger winds provide no relief as Aspen Acres fire approaches 100,000 acres","excerpt":"The wildfire burning across Pueblo and Custer Counties was 36% contained Tuesday morning. Plus: Updates on the Gold Mountain, Ferris and Willow fires.","content":"The wildfire burning across Pueblo and Custer Counties was 36% contained Tuesday morning. Plus: Updates on the Gold Mountain, Ferris and Willow fires.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/14/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-100000-acres-gold-mountain-ferris-willow-tuesday-update/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-14T16:38:24.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2Fwillow-fire-03.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"hotter-weather-stronger-winds-provide-no-relief-as-aspen-acres-fire-approaches-100000-acres"},{"id":"7olcpz","title":"Snowmass Village reminds riders of local e-bike rules","excerpt":"The town of Snowmass Village has issued a reminder for both residents and visitors about local e-bike laws, emphasizing: “If your bike has a throttle, it doesn’t belong on Snowmass Village trails.” \n\n\n\nRiders must be actively pedaling to receive motor assistance on paved recreation paths, the pre...","content":"The town of Snowmass Village has issued a reminder for both residents and visitors about local e-bike laws, emphasizing: “If your bike has a throttle, it doesn’t belong on Snowmass Village trails.” \n\n\n\nRiders must be actively pedaling to receive motor assistance on paved recreation paths, the press release states. Throttled bikes are not allowed on any Village trail or recreation path.\n\n\n\nOnly Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted on paved recreation paths, according to the release, with Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, along with e-motos, prohibited on all trails.\n\n\n\nOn public roads, all classes of e-bikes may be operated in accordance with Colorado law.\n\n\n\nWhile e-bikes are generally prohibited on Snowmass Ski Area trails, Aspen Skiing Company is currently conducting a pilot program through Sept. 6 that allows Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes only on select designated ski area trails.\n\n\n\nColorado e-bike classes:\n\n\n\n\nClass 1: Pedal-assist only (no throttle); motor assistance up to 20 mph.\n\n\n\nClass 2: Throttle and/or pedal-assist; motor assistance up to 20 mph.\n\n\n\nClass 3: Pedal-assist only (no throttle); motor assistance up to 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and anyone under 18 must wear a helmet.\n\n\n\n\nThe press release emphasizes that e-motos are motor vehicles, not e-bikes. Users must have a driver’s license, registration and insurance, and are prohibited on all Snowmass Village trails, recreation paths and sidewalks.\n\n\n\n“Although many e-motos resemble electric bicycles and may even have pedals, they typically feature motorcycle-style components, higher-powered motors, and throttles that place them outside Colorado’s legal definition of an e-bike,” the release states.\n\n\n\nParents are also encouraged to verify the specifications of any electric mobility device before purchasing it, in order to ensure it can be legally and safely operated where intended.\n\n\n\nFor information about Colorado’s e-bike laws and safety campaign, visit www.codot.gov/programs/innovativemobility/mobility-services/e-bike-safety-campaign.\n\n\n\nFor information about trail etiquette in Snowmass Village, visit www.snowmassrecreation.com/197/Trail-Etiquette.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-village-reminds-riders-of-local-e-bike-rules/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T21:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2018%2F06%2F11164512%2Febikes-atd-073117-3.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-village-reminds-riders-of-local-e-bike-rules"},{"id":"45wlu8","title":"Three Rivers regional 12U all-stars ‘row’ to state baseball tournament after district title","excerpt":"The timing of the 2026 World Cup and the Colorado District 1 Little League tournament may have been a coincidence, but the Three Rivers Little League 12U all-star team still found plenty of motivation in Norway’s national soccer team.\n\n\n\nThe Three Rivers roster, made up of players from Carbondale...","content":"The timing of the 2026 World Cup and the Colorado District 1 Little League tournament may have been a coincidence, but the Three Rivers Little League 12U all-star team still found plenty of motivation in Norway’s national soccer team.\n\n\n\nThe Three Rivers roster, made up of players from Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Gypsum, Eagle, and Edwards, named themselves the “Vikings of the Red” in honor of their coaches’ Norwegian heritage. The players embraced an aggressive Viking mentality on both sides of the ball throughout their divisional tournament run.\n\n\n\nThe Vikings of the Red won the District 1 Little League tournament in Grand Junction during the last week of June against teams from Fruita, Monument and Delta. They finished the weeklong tournament 3-1 and now set their sights on the state tournament, held July 23 in Denver.\n\n\n\nDuring the Three Rivers Little League matchup with Grand Mesa, something special happened: Three Vikings of the Red pitchers combined to throw a perfect game during their 15-0 rout.\n\n\n\n“The kids celebrated like we won the whole tournament,” 12U head coach Travis Hjorth said. “Personally, I’ve never been involved in a perfect game, so it was really cool and a great feat to achieve along the way. But we definitely kept our eyes focused on the prize and looking to win these regionals and get the chance to battle in states again.”\n\n\n\nThe same core of players, then known as the Firebirds, won the District 1 Championship in 2025. Hjorth, who was at the helm of both teams, said the prior experience helped the team stay loose during the tournament, but the real key was how the players rallied behind their name and took the Viking mentality to heart.\n\n\n\n“Instead of waiting around for something to happen, we make it happen now, and that’s reflective of our Viking name and our Viking game plan of attacking the other team,” Hjorth said. “Once we get ahead, we stay ahead, and we sort of rowed our way through the tournament and are now rowing our way to state.”\n\n\n\nThe team’s families have also caught Norwegian fever. Parents wear Viking helmets, and after wins, the team will imitate the national soccer team’s rowing celebration.\n\n\n\n“I said this to all the parents and the kids in the beginning of it all,” Hjorth said. “‘The tournament is great, but it doesn’t last forever.’ We’ve been training together for over a month now, and it’s during that time that the camaraderie really comes out and the real team spirit is shown. It’s about keeping that energy high and positive, so that when we do start the state tournament, we’re locked in, and we’re ready to make plays and play our style of baseball, just like we’ve been doing.”\n\n\n\nThe players compete against one another throughout the Little League season, but are now making lifelong memories as they suit up together to represent their hometown communities. \n\n\n\nThe Three Rivers Little League Softball 8-10 all-star team also won its tournament and will join the Vikings in Denver later this month.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/three-rivers-regional-12u-all-stars-row-to-state-baseball-tournament-after-district-title/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T19:40:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F14123636%2FBaseball1-1024x820.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"three-rivers-regional-12u-all-stars-row-to-state-baseball-tournament-after-district-title"},{"id":"uw8m4k","title":"EAT Summer 2026","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/magazines/eat-summer-2026/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-14T16:14:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14101408%2FScreenshot_2026-07-14_at_10.13.31%25E2%2580%25AFAM-660x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"eat-summer-2026"},{"id":"p3fnn","title":"Tuesday letters: Democracy concerns, M-44 warning and moving beyond fossil fuels","excerpt":"These truths remain self-evident\n\n\n\nThese truths (most) Americans hold to be self-evident (despite how the Supreme Court and Trump administration may argue):• Corporations are not people and should not be treated as such.• There should be three branches of our government that balance each other. ...","content":"These truths remain self-evident\n\n\n\nThese truths (most) Americans hold to be self-evident (despite how the Supreme Court and Trump administration may argue):• Corporations are not people and should not be treated as such.• There should be three branches of our government that balance each other. The recent court ruling letting the president fire employees of (formerly) independent agencies set up by Congress is similar to dictatorships, not democracy. The current Republican majority that lets the president do anything he wants out of fear of his wrath similarly threatens democracy.• Americans want free, fair and safe elections. The more the public learns about the SAVE Act, the less they like it. Colorado is an example of a great election system, with virtually zero fraud.• Repeating lies is popular with a base, but it does not change facts. The facts are: the 2020 election was fair, immigrants are not eating your dogs or causing a major crime spree, the Reflecting Pool was not vandalized, the economy is not booming, Jan. 6 was not a peaceful protest, Trump was not elected in a landslide, prices are not (generally) going down, climate change is real and man-made, and on and on. If you disagree, please show any facts that contradict my statements. (You can show outlier studies, but I’ll show you the consensus…)\n\n\n\nPeter Westcott, Carbondale\n\n\n\nInhumane, dangerous, and it’s back\n\n\n\nM-44 cyanide bombs are back, and we must act quickly.\n\n\n\nM-44s, more descriptively called “cyanide bombs,” are inhumane, spring-loaded traps that are designed to spray sodium cyanide into the faces of unsuspecting wildlife lured by their sweet, scented bait.\n\n\n\nAfter reintroduction by the current administration, a government agency with little oversight has partnered with private businesses to scatter deadly poison bombs across our public lands. A federal program called Wildlife Services, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has been slaughtering wildlife deemed “undesirable” by agribusiness.\n\n\n\nThese traps are designed to indiscriminately kill predators — horribly, cruelly, releasing the toxic chemical, cyanide.\n\n\n\nThey had been banned because of the deadly impact they have on wildlife, children and pets.\n\n\n\nThey’re even more dangerous now because of the volume of people and pets that venture out into wildlife areas and BLM land.\n\n\n\nThe bait used on these bombs attracts any animal that will eat meat.\n\n\n\nBirds: Raptors, including our national bird the bald eagle, golden eagles, turkey vultures and many other birds attracted to the scent of meat.\n\n\n\nMammals: All omnivores and carnivores, including bears, foxes, bobcats and endangered wildlife.\n\n\n\nPets: Dogs, cats and any other animal that pulls on the baited trigger can suffer torturous poisoning followed by a slow, agonizing death or severe injury.\n\n\n\nChildren and adults: Any that may be curious or try to save a pet.\n\n\n\nContact your county commissioners now and ask that they immediately prohibit this practice on our public lands. It involves a simple search that could yield profound and life-saving results.\n\n\n\nContact Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd and request that they vote down this legislation that was recently reintroduced.\n\n\n\nMary Harris, Roaring Fork Audubon chair, Eagle, Pitkin and Garfield counties\n\n\n\nIt’s time to move away from fossil fuels\n\n\n\nIt is past time for us to move away from fossil fuels. We can be proud of the modern lifestyle that they have helped us achieve and still realize that our addiction to oil is the primary cause of many hardships. War, pollution, and the destruction of ecosystems that sustain a healthy atmosphere are some of the worst.\n\n\n\nWe have the ability to cut our fossil fuel consumption by at least 50% by turning to electric and electric hybrid vehicles. From simple commuter cars to the largest of the semis this has to be done.\n\n\n\nWhile replacing an entire semi is too expensive, there are trailers that carry rechargeable lithium batteries in addition to payloads. These batteries then charge with regenerative braking and can push the semi reducing the fuel needed. Imagine instead of hearing jake brakes, all that wasted energy charges batteries.\n\n\n\nThe benefits will not only be the stabilization of our atmosphere and climate, it will also mean lower prices on commodities, such as food and materials. Much of the cost of these items is due to shipping based on fuels that are expensive.\n\n\n\nCut the cost of transport and you cut the cost to the consumer on everything.\n\n\n\nJoe Mollica, Glenwood Springs","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/tuesday-letters-democracy-concerns-m-44-warning-and-moving-beyond-fossil-fuels/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-14T10:54:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2019%2F11%2F25234148%2FLetters-Graphic-2.png","slug":"tuesday-letters-democracy-concerns-m-44-warning-and-moving-beyond-fossil-fuels"},{"id":"7kkein","title":"Obituary: Manuela Meraz DeCarmona","excerpt":"March 5, 1949 – July 9, 2026\nManuela Meraz DeCarmona was born on March 5, 1949, in Nonoava, Chihuahua, Mexico, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Blas Meraz and was raised in Nonoava, where she enjoyed her childhood alongside her brothers ...","content":"March 5, 1949 – July 9, 2026\nManuela Meraz DeCarmona was born on March 5, 1949, in Nonoava, Chihuahua, Mexico, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Blas Meraz and was raised in Nonoava, where she enjoyed her childhood alongside her brothers Fil, Leo, and Blas.\nManuela met her husband, Hector Carmona, while in Mexico, and the two were married on December 30, 1974. They relocated to the United States in the early 1970s, first making their home in Delta, Colorado, where they welcomed their three beautiful children. Over the years, they lived in various parts of Colorado before settling in the Roaring Fork Valley, spending time in Basalt before making Carbondale their home.\nManuela will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness, her bright smile, and her delicious cooking. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, preparing meals for those she loved, watching telenovelas, gardening, taking long walks, cheering for the Denver Broncos, and enjoying the company of her cat.\nManuela endured the heartbreaking loss of her beloved daughter, Janet, on May 8, 2002. In the years that followed, she lovingly helped raise Janet’s twin daughters, Lourdes and Xiomara, becoming a motherly presence in their lives. She was also a gracious and devoted grandmother to Luis and Valeria.\nManuela will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her father, Blas; her husband, Hector; her brother, Leo; and her daughter, Janet. She is survived by her son, Hector Carmona; her daughter, Laura Carmona; her grandchildren, Lourdes Alvarez, Xiomara Alvarez, Luis Martinez, and Valeria Loya; her brothers, Fil Meraz and Blas Meraz; and numerous nieces and nephews.\nVigil Service, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at St Mary’s Catholic Church Carbondale 6:00pm-8:30pm. Funeral Mass will be held at the church, Friday, July 17, 2026. Burial and committal services will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-manuela-meraz-decarmona/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-14T03:04:08.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13210442%2FW0020342.jpeg","slug":"obituary-manuela-meraz-decarmona"},{"id":"q5ekc","title":"Tech titan says safety may be best reason for Vail Resorts to start selling off its ski areas","excerpt":"Tech billionaire Matthew Prince grew up in Park City, Utah, and has garnered plenty of headlines recently for his aggressive media campaign to buy the ski area from Vail Resorts, but last season marked the first time since he was two years old that he did not ski his home hill.\n\n\n\nNot because of ...","content":"Tech billionaire Matthew Prince grew up in Park City, Utah, and has garnered plenty of headlines recently for his aggressive media campaign to buy the ski area from Vail Resorts, but last season marked the first time since he was two years old that he did not ski his home hill.\n\n\n\nNot because of the record lack of snow that plagued Park City and ski resorts across the West, but because of what he says is a lack of investment by Broomfield, Colorado-based Vail Resorts in snowmaking, chairlift infrastructure and the resort workers who run the mountain.\n\n\n\n“This last year is the first year since I was two years old that I didn’t ski a single day at Park City,” Prince said. “And it’s because I don’t trust the infrastructure there anymore.”\n\n\n\nPrince, in a phone interview with the Vail Daily, said he wound up skiing neighboring Deer Valley — owned by another Denver-area company, Alterra — because that privately held business has been pumping huge sums into snowmaking and lift infrastructure as it rapidly expands.\n\n\n\n“The snow was s___, but I skied a lot at Deer Valley,” Prince said. “You know why? They’ve invested in snowmaking. Whereas it’s insane to me that they haven’t put a single new snowmaking connection anywhere on the Park City side … since Vail took over.”\n\n\n\nVail Resorts responded that ahead of the 2025-26 ski season Park City Mountain Resort replaced about 1,400 feet of old snowmaking pipe and added about 700 feet of new pipe. Overall, Vail Resorts officials say they have invested $121 million in upgrades to lifts, terrain, snowmaking, and restaurants at Park City Mountain Resort since 2016.\n\n\n\nPrince said that, more critically, Vail Resorts needs to increase spending on lift replacement, maintenance and lift mechanics.\n\n\n\n“I absolutely think that their infrastructure is underinvested in, and that these are complicated machines. When they don’t get invested in, unfortunately, people can die,” said Prince, who’s offered to pump a half a billion dollars into Park City if Vail Resorts will sell it to him.\n\n\n\n“It will either go into upgrading the on-mountain infrastructure, snowmaking, lifts, restaurants … or it will go into supporting the team and having the best ski patrol, best instructors, best maintenance folks,” Prince said. “Again, there’s a model of that that’s working, literally two miles away, at Deer Valley.”\n\n\n\nActivist activity\n\n\n\nPrince, who cofounded and heads up the web infrastructure and cybersecurity company Cloudflare, said he is not working with activist shareholder groups he says have been circling Vail Resorts’ MTN stock in recent weeks, including Oasis Management Co.\n\n\n\nOasis reportedly has amassed more than 8% of the company’s stock, prompting Vail Resorts to engage bankers who specialize in defending against activist shareholder takeovers. Oasis did not return emails requesting comment for this story.\n\n\n\n“The company’s not hired anybody, bankers or otherwise, to try and defend ourselves from that,” Katz said on his Epic By Nature podcast last week. “Not something we’re spending any time on, because where we’re focused is on running the business. We are focused on operational excellence. We’re focused on having the best people here.”\n\n\n\nBut Prince argues that publicly traded Vail Resorts is not allocating capital in a way that’s keeping its 42 ski mountains safe and running smoothly for the guests.\n\n\n\n“So, when I was an instructor (at Park City), I was 21 years old, and I’m 51 years old now,” Prince said. “It was the first year that they installed the Silverlode lift at Park City. That lift is still the exact same infrastructure, and it’s 10 years past its useful life.\n\n\n\nThe aging Silverlode lift in Park City has been a thorn in Vail Resorts’ side for years.Vail Resorts photo\n\n\n\n“I’m not going to let my daughter ride it. I mean, it’s not like old fixed-grip chairs. These are complicated clockworks that need to be upgraded,” he added. “And again, in Vail’s defense, that is one of the lifts that they proposed upgrading that then the town got all sideways around.”\n\n\n\nThe Silverlode replacement was in the parking lot in 2024 but wound up being installed at Vail Resorts’ Whistler Blackcomb when Park City residents, angered by Epic Pass crowding, questioned the comfortable carrying capacity of the ski area. Recently approved again by the town, Silverlode and Eagle replacements have once again been stalled by an appeal.\n\n\n\nBut Prince argues there are many more lift problems at Park City, citing years of breakdowns from the Crescent lift to other chairlifts on the mountain that union officials have blamed on staffing and pay issues.\n\n\n\n“It worries me a lot that there’s been clear underinvestment,” Prince said. “Again, it’s because they’re a public company and they’ve committed to a dividend and they’re worried that if they pull that back, that their stock drops even further. As a result, all of their customers are suffering.”\n\n\n\nAfter enjoying an upward bump in recent days from $129 a share to $145 in the wake of the activist shareholder reporting, MTN closed at $136.35 on Wednesday, July 1.\n\n\n\n‘A unified culture’\n\n\n\nIn his podcast, Katz makes a compelling case for keeping VR’s 42-resort quiver intact, saying it provides geographical diversity across four continents that guards against low snow years like last season in the American West, as well as economies of scale that actually empower resort workers who were more restricted professionally under old, individual ownership models.\n\n\n\n“For our company, because we now had a lot of resorts, we were able to give people this opportunity,” Katz said. “They could join as a lift operator in one resort. They could move up to a lift supervisor in another resort. They could move up to management in another resort. But to do that, we needed a unified culture and a unified way of doing things.”\n\n\n\nKatz added that he spent 14 years on Wall Street and is very familiar with the shareholder philosophy of spinning off the most valuable assets.\n\n\n\n“It’s an old Wall Street thing. It’s been around for a really long time. And I’d be the first one to say, I’m not sure it’s always wrong. Sometimes it might be right,” Katz said. “I understand it, but I also think, yeah, folks who are thinking that way are kind of missing what’s important about our model and why it’s critical for the ski industry where we are.”\n\n\n\nKatz also said Vail Resorts leases Park City Mountain Resort from a private landowner, so “Park City actually is a resort that we can’t sell.” Most of its Colorado resorts are on leased public lands owned by the U.S. Forest Service.\n\n\n\nPrince said the activist strategy is fairly simple: Obtain enough stock to force a board of directors vote on the direction of the company, either changing up leadership, taking the company private, selling off individual resorts, or all three. He emphasized his is not part of any activist play and does not own any Vail Resorts stock on the advice of his legal counsel.\n\n\n\n“Every one of the activist firms that is sniffing around Vail, and there are lots, has called me because I’m part of the strategy,” Prince said. “If they can find me and a handful of other people at the other resorts who are willing to pay to take over the resorts, then it becomes really inexpensive for them to actually launch this campaign because they’ve basically got a guaranteed source of financing to do it.”\n\n\n\nKatz said there are wealthy, passionate snow riders in most of Vail Resorts’ ski towns who might be interested in buying the ski areas like a sports franchise, and he added that he talks to stakeholders and shareholders about their ideas all the time.\n\n\n\n“So far, to date, no one’s proposing to us that the company should be broken up or we should sell off our resorts, but (there are) still conversations that we’re always having with people about their ideas,” Katz said. Prince said he’s yet to hear from Katz about his big idea.\n\n\n\n‘Quality over quantity’\n\n\n\nIn Vail, the ski town that once headquartered Vail Resorts, there are residents who have been watching Prince’s public campaign with a great deal of interest, including realtor and former Vail Town Council member Pete Seibert Jr., the son of Vail founder Pete Seibert.\n\n\n\nSeibert Jr. said he met with Leadership Park City officials who were visiting Vail in late May and asked them about Prince’s proposal. Seibert Jr. said those officials are working through many of the issues he faced on council — crowding, parking problems, housing shortages, labor issues — and that the popularity of the Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass has changed the business model for Vail.\n\n\n\n“Back in the day, the founders who get the credit were focused on quality over quantity, and that’s perhaps where things have gone astray,” Seibert Jr. said. “All the measures that we see from Vail Resorts are quantitative, and they assume a kind of uniformity that shouldn’t be there. It’s the difference between skiing being an industry and being a way of life.”\n\n\n\nAsked about Prince’s comments regarding lift investment, safety and snowmaking, Seibert Jr., who worked in operations and ski patrol at Snowbasin when his father and fellow Vail founder Rod Slifer bought that Utah resort and struggled in the 1980s, circled back to the quality issue.\n\n\n\n“I like the Park City, Deer Valley comparison, quality versus quantity,” Seibert Jr. said. “A lot of the poor capital decisions (by Vail Resorts) are the result of short-term thinking required from execs trying to ‘stay on the bull.’ Couple that with a failure to value experience and institutional knowledge and it all catches up, bringing Broomfield to where it is now.”\n\n\n\nIn consecutive seasons, Vail has seen two key chairlifts, Chair 15 and Chair 6, break down during peak season, requiring weeks to get back online. Vail has proposed replacing Chair 15.\n\n\n\nAnother longtime Vail resident and former Vail Town Council member, Merv Lapin, started a financial services and investment management company here in 1969. He said the capital investment issue is a real one for the company.\n\n\n\n“I know several of the people that work for Vail Resorts who are in that field of maintenance, and the concern is real,” Lapin said. “There’s a lot of deferred maintenance. They feel it’s going on. And some of the key people that knew how to do it right have left the company, so I don’t disagree with that concern.”\n\n\n\nFounder of Vail Securities Investment, Lapin said it’s his job to keep an eye on activist shareholder activity, but that he no longer owns any Vail Resorts’ stock.\n\n\n\n“I made money on the stock, but I got out of it when it was apparent to me that everything was going to get homogenized to what has become MTN, Vail Resorts,” Lapin said. “That business does not lend itself to one size fits all.”\n\n\n\nSeibert Jr. noted that his father studied hospitality in Europe before launching Vail in 1962, but that Vail Resorts — even as it acquires European resorts — has lost sight of what makes skiing special there.\n\n\n\n“Vail Resorts has taken all the ski areas and tried to make it all uniform,” Seibert Jr. said. “And in doing that, they lower the bar. The lowest common denominator is as low as it can get right now.”\n\n\n\nLapin also has his doubts about how Vail Resorts will fare in Switzerland and other ski-mad nations across the pond.\n\n\n\n“I think they’re going to have their ass handed to them in Europe, mainly because a lot of the Europeans look at working at a ski resort or being in the mountains as being a profession, not a homogenized job,” Lapin said, adding he’s not bullish on the stock going forward.\n\n\n\n“As I said, I think Vail Resorts is a great short, and I don’t see an exit strategy for Vail Resorts other than selling off the different entities,” Lapin said.\n\n\n\nEditor’s note: This story has been updated with details on Vail Resorts’ snowmaking upgrades and other capital expenditures since 2016 at Park City Mountain Resort.\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from vaildaily.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/tech-titan-says-safety-may-be-best-reason-for-vail-resorts-to-start-selling-off-its-ski-areas/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T22:44:12.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13161221%2FCvrFeature-VDN-032025-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg","slug":"tech-titan-says-safety-may-be-best-reason-for-vail-resorts-to-start-selling-off-its-ski-areas"},{"id":"enk549","title":"Carbondale Mountain Fair seeks volunteers","excerpt":"The 55th Annual Carbondale Mountain Fair will return during the final weekend of July, and organizers are seeking volunteers to help make the event a success.\n\n\n\nThe Carbondale Arts event has relied on volunteers since Laurie Loeb, named “Mother of the Fair”, gathered a group of Carbondale commun...","content":"The 55th Annual Carbondale Mountain Fair will return during the final weekend of July, and organizers are seeking volunteers to help make the event a success.\n\n\n\nThe Carbondale Arts event has relied on volunteers since Laurie Loeb, named “Mother of the Fair”, gathered a group of Carbondale community members in 1972 to come together and emulate a festival modeled after a traveling Chautauqua that had come through Carbondale the year before. \n\n\n\nThroughout the years, Mountain Fair has added events and fun activities including wheelbarrow racing, pie-eating contests, wood-splitting competitions, the greased pole climb and the drum circle.\n\n\n\nThis year, music will be played by Velvet Daydream, Noodle Soup, Hand Turkey, Moontricks and more at the Oasis and the main stage at Sopris Park. \n\n\n\n“I love hearing new music at the Fair,” said Executive Director of Carbondale Arts, Jamie Abbott. “El Dorado has been super supportive of Mountain Fair and helping with bringing in new music, and they’re also holding after parties after the park shuts down.”\n\n\n\nThe Sopris Soarers will be performing aerial routines throughout the weekend, and there will be competitions for fly-fish casting, pie and cake baking, horseshoe throwing, and the Tug-O-Love between local firefighters and police officers. \n\n\n\nBilingual drag story hour, dancing, and a bike race will also commence. The women’s wood-splitting competition will take place Saturday, followed by the men’s event on Sunday. \n\n\n\nThe Kids’ Carnival and Cantina and Oasis Watering Hole will be open throughout the weekend. Vendors will also sell artwork, clothing, jewelry and other goods.\n\n\n\n“It’s always great, personally, to pick up some new jewelry and see what all the different vendors have to offer,” Abbott said. “It’s a great time to come pick up new clothes, new jewelry, all sorts of fun stuff.”\n\n\n\nMountain Fair introduced its Friend of the Fair T-shirt in 1981 as a thank-you to the volunteers who help keep the festival running.\n\n\n\nVolunteers who work a four-hour shift earn a shirt and join the 500 other people who will be donating their time alongside them.\n\n\n\n“My favorite part of Mountain Fair is seeing the community come together, seeing all the volunteers come together to build this event, and then seeing everyone coming from all walks of life to come together for the weekend,” Abbott said. “It’s a festival for the community.”\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit carbondalearts.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/mountain-fair-seeks-volunteers/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T21:39:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F27183531%2FDSC_0048-1024x683.jpg","slug":"carbondale-mountain-fair-seeks-volunteers"},{"id":"ogkmzg","title":"The Collective debuts Snowmass Sausage Sprint for National Hot Dog Day","excerpt":"The Collective is launching the first Snowmass Sausage Sprint from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at Snowmass Base Village.\n\n\n\nThe all-ages event is free and open to the public in celebration of Hot Dog Day, inspired by the adorable dachshunds — “sausage dog.” The event features racing pups, ...","content":"The Collective is launching the first Snowmass Sausage Sprint from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at Snowmass Base Village.\n\n\n\nThe all-ages event is free and open to the public in celebration of Hot Dog Day, inspired by the adorable dachshunds — “sausage dog.” The event features racing pups, playful competition, good food and mountain community spirit for locals and visitors alike, according to a release.\n\n\n\n“The Snowmass Sausage Sprint is exactly the kind of event we love creating at The Collective,” Director of Plaza Venues and Events at The Collective Sarah Sanders said in a press release. “It’s unexpected, lighthearted and brings people together through shared experiences. Whether you’re entering your dachshund in the race, competing in the Top Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest or simply coming to cheer everyone on, it’s a chance for our community to celebrate summer together in a uniquely Snowmass way.”\n\n\n\nFestivities begin with the Dachshund Sprint Race, where speedy pups can race for bragging rights as fans cheer them on. Next is a friendly dog costume contest, and the afternoon caps off with the Top Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Slope & Hatch patio.\n\n\n\nEvent schedule:\n\n\n\n\n4 p.m. Dachshund Sprint Race\n\n\n\n4:30 p.m. Dog Costume Contest\n\n\n\n5 p.m. Top Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Slope & Hatch Patio\n\n\n\n\nParticipants are encouraged to register in advance for the Dachshund Sprint Race and the Top Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest at The Collective’s event page. Spectators may attend for free and cheer on competitors.\n\n\n\nDogs participating in the event should remain on leash when they are not racing. Dogs should be comfortable in busy public environments and get along well with other dogs.\n\n\n\nAs the first Snowmass Sausage Sprint, organizers hope the event goes on to become an annual tradition that celebrates community, creativity and friendly competition, according to the release.\n\n\n\nFor more information, to register dachshunds or sign up for the Top Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest, visit thecollectivesnowmass.com/event/snowmass-sausage-sprint-%F0%9F%8C%AD.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/the-collective-debuts-snowmass-sausage-sprint-for-national-hot-dog-day/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T19:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F14093958%2FIMG_0162-768x1024.jpeg","slug":"the-collective-debuts-snowmass-sausage-sprint-for-national-hot-dog-day"},{"id":"fgg73l","title":"Beyond the Algorithm: Making it better every day","excerpt":"Brothers Danny and Mark Patterson built bakeries across the country around the idea that people were the most important component of a company. And after 50 years in business together, they ended up where they had long wanted to be: with one store in Aspen built around community. \n\n\n\nBryan Welker...","content":"Brothers Danny and Mark Patterson built bakeries across the country around the idea that people were the most important component of a company. And after 50 years in business together, they ended up where they had long wanted to be: with one store in Aspen built around community. \n\n\n\nBryan Welker sat down with the Patterson brothers to talk about Aspen, business and the philosophy that has kept Paradise Corner going for almost half a century. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBryan: How did you first get to Aspen? \n\n\n\nDanny: I came here in 1965 during college. I had skied eight days here over Christmas, and I just fell in love with the place. I turned 18 the next month, dropped out for that semester and came here to ski the season. \n\n\n\nMy dad was an old ski pioneer, and he came and looked at Aspen. My parents bought a place here in 1973 for $24,000. They thought they had overpaid. That got us all here. \n\n\n\nBryan: How did baking enter the picture? \n\n\n\nMark: I was ski racing and working at the Chart House restaurant here in town when Danny had the idea of doing a bakery. He asked if I would come and help finish building the first store, and the plan was that I would stay for two weeks. I never went back. I ended up staying on, becoming a partner and building the business with him. We are celebrating 50 years this September. \n\n\n\nDanny: It’s the longest two-week commitment I have ever heard of. \n\n\n\nBryan: What made Aspen feel like the right place? \n\n\n\nDanny: The mountains, the small town, the quality of life, the schools and being able to raise kids without the big-city chaos. People have asked if I ever miss where I came from. I always say, “Not for 10 seconds.” \n\n\n\nMark: Aspen has the best of so many things. For our kids growing up, that fabric was phenomenal. \n\n\n\nBryan: Paradise has become an Aspen institution, but it did not start here. What was the original idea? \n\n\n\nDanny: Our first store was in Long Beach in 1976. We wanted an environment of excellence for our employees and our guests. We never thought of the people who worked with us as employees. They were coworkers. The people who came in were not customers. They were guests.  \n\n\n\nPretty quickly, it changed from a concept into a culture. We called it a culture of excellence. \n\n\n\nMark: At one point, we had bakeries all over the country and eventually sold them to Panera Bread Company. At the end of all that, we kept the Aspen store. That has been the greatest thing for us. \n\n\n\nBryan: How did the Aspen store happen? \n\n\n\nMark: We were here in 1981 for Danny’s wedding, and we walked by this corner. There was a little “FOR RENT” sign hanging on the doorknob, written in pencil. We called the number, met the guy an hour later and signed a deal that afternoon. \n\n\n\nDanny: We rolled the dice and said, “This is the best location in town.” It still is. \n\n\n\nBryan: You put great emphasis on people in your business. Can you expand on that? \n\n\n\nDanny: If you put people first, profits follow. We have always put people first. That is why we are staffed. We are not cutting people loose in the off-season and then trying to hire again. We have about 60 employees. \n\n\n\nMark: The product matters also; great people are not inspired to keep working for you if they are not serving something great. Danny and I still look at the cookies every day. After 50 years, we still ask whether it is perfect or not. \n\n\n\nBryan: How did that philosophy help you survive downturns? \n\n\n\nDanny: Early on, we said, “We are not going to participate in a recession.” That meant we were going to be a happy place to be. During one major downturn, we were doubling the company. We did not let one manager go because of the recession. We said, “We are going through this together. If we come out the other end, we are coming out together.” \n\n\n\nYou do not take a few chocolate chips out of a cookie to help the bottom line. The only thing that changed for us is that for a little while, we made less money. \n\n\n\nBryan: What does Paradise Bakery mean to Aspen now? \n\n\n\nDanny: We are part of the old fabric left in Aspen. That is part of the reason Mark and I are still here. We believe in giving back to locals, supporting young people and participating in the community rather than complaining about what has changed. \n\n\n\nBryan: With a line out the door, it would be easy to assume the hard work is done. How do you avoid that? \n\n\n\nMark: When we see a line out the door, we know we have something to fix. How do we move it faster? How do we make people happier while they are in it? \n\n\n\nDanny: People say we got lucky. I say you do not get lucky with success. You put yourself in a position that looks lucky to others, but you paid for it. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter 50 years in business together, the Patterson brothers still look at the queue outside Paradise Bakery each morning and ask how it could run better. In a town that has changed as much as Aspen has, that instinct may say as much as anything about why that queue is still there. \n\n\n\nBryan Welker lives and breathes business and marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. He is President, Co-founder, and CRO of WDR Aspen, a boutique marketing agency that develops tailored marketing solutions. Who should we interview next? Reach out and let us know bryan@wdraspen.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/beyond-the-algorithm-making-it-better-every-day/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Bryan Welker and Stefan le Roux","publishDate":"2026-07-14T19:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F13184508%2FParadise_Partners_Pic-768x1024.jpg","slug":"beyond-the-algorithm-making-it-better-every-day"},{"id":"1xb8m5","title":"Baillargeon: A decision with lasting consequences","excerpt":"I am writing as a concerned Pitkin County citizen regarding the private members-only motorsport facility near Woody Creek.\n\n\n\nI understand that this application is being processed as a one-step review. Because this proposal will come directly before the BOCC, I respectfully ask that the board car...","content":"I am writing as a concerned Pitkin County citizen regarding the private members-only motorsport facility near Woody Creek.\n\n\n\nI understand that this application is being processed as a one-step review. Because this proposal will come directly before the BOCC, I respectfully ask that the board carefully consider the following questions before taking action:\n\n\n\n\nWhat is the projected annual water consumption for the racetrack, event space, shooting ranges, housing, landscaping and dust control?\n\n\n\nDo the hours of operation, lighting and building heights, including the water tower, comply with county regulations?\n\n\n\nWhat impact will the project have on neighboring wells, streams, wildlife, traffic, noise, air quality and wildfire safety?\n\n\n\nHow will the county ensure this private development is compatible with the rural character and limited natural resources of the Woody Creek area?\n\n\n\n\nI ask that this project receive scrutiny because of its potential long-term impacts on our community, particularly during a time of severe drought. I also ask that all support studies, including water demand, environmental, traffic and emergency response analyses, remain easily accessible to the public throughout the process. \n\n\n\nThis decision will have lasting consequences for our community. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration and your protection of Pitkin County’s natural resources and quality of life.\n\n\n\nKim Baillargeon\n\n\n\nAspen Village","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/baillargeon-a-decision-with-lasting-consequences/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kim Baillargeon","publishDate":"2026-07-14T18:02:10.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"baillargeon-a-decision-with-lasting-consequences"},{"id":"wxeca3","title":"Houchin: A day they will never forget","excerpt":"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Aspen Skiing Company who made an unforgettable day possible for more than 155 students attending Summit 54/Summer Advantage this summer at Basalt Elementary School.\n\n\n\nThanks to the generosity of Aspen SkiCo, our students were able to ri...","content":"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Aspen Skiing Company who made an unforgettable day possible for more than 155 students attending Summit 54/Summer Advantage this summer at Basalt Elementary School.\n\n\n\nThanks to the generosity of Aspen SkiCo, our students were able to ride the gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain — an experience many of them had never had before. They hiked Hero’s Trail, enjoyed lunch outdoors in the sunshine with cool mountain breezes, played a solid game of soccer and spent time exploring the incredible wooden play structures and cabin at the summit. It was a day filled with adventure, discovery and memories that will last a lifetime.\n\n\n\nA special thank you goes to the gondola attendants, who were professional, patient and incredibly accommodating while welcoming such a large group. We are also deeply grateful to our principal, Nichole Lough, for coordinating this amazing opportunity and ensuring everything ran smoothly. One final shout-out to the teachers, office staff, cafeteria staff and teachers assistants who dedicate their summer to teaching and caring for our community’s children.\n\n\n\nAnd perhaps, most importantly, thank you to the bus drivers, who safely navigated busy traffic and mountain roads with skill, care and professionalism. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it was essential to making this trip a success.\n\n\n\nOn behalf of our students and teachers, thank you to everyone, especially Summit 54/Summer Advantage, who contributed to this wonderful experience. Your generosity and commitment to our community provided our students with a day of nature, exploration and joy that they will never forget.\n\n\n\nKatie Houchin\n\n\n\nBasalt","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/houchin-a-day-they-will-never-forget/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Katie Houchin","publishDate":"2026-07-14T18:01:30.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"houchin-a-day-they-will-never-forget"},{"id":"f1q0ve","title":"Winnerman: Let’s properly work together","excerpt":"I am writing this as the wife of the man who was the first member at the Raceway in the early 1990’s, when a man with a big dream named Arden Weatherford bought the Woody Creek Raceway from several doctors in town who, after racing through Aspen on city streets, actually built the track in the 19...","content":"I am writing this as the wife of the man who was the first member at the Raceway in the early 1990’s, when a man with a big dream named Arden Weatherford bought the Woody Creek Raceway from several doctors in town who, after racing through Aspen on city streets, actually built the track in the 1960’s.\n\n\n\nWhen the membership got to a reasonable number, Arden shipped the cars to Laguna Secca, Willow Springs and other phenomenal tracks in America. That track ran every summer season for over 30 years and I do not recall one complaint to the county commissioners about the noise or the traffic. And, because the track is contiguous to the gravel pit, I am not clear about what traffic noise anyone is talking about with those trucks in and out all day.\n\n\n\nThe owners always invited all the first responders to summer and winter snow and ice sessions so that our police, deputy sheriffs and firemen could hone their skills to get to us quicker and safer in terrible weather. The local schools were invited to train our new drivers in the valley and I still hear “kids” in their 30s and 40s  and 50s exclaiming about those unforgettable days.\n\n\n\nThe new owners have clearly already extended all of those invitations to everyone I mentioned, plus other community groups … so we all are safer on the roads with this training.\n\n\n\nWe must all remember this is a private piece of land, which means the new owners could probably offer a portion of the  40+ acres to the school or other non-profits to build dozens of employee housing units…\n\n\n\nI am actually surprised that the proposal to only build a small number of units is not popular when the community makes it abundantly clear they want businesses to house “their own.”\n\n\n\nAlso, night driving is certainly not in the plan.\n\n\n\nWe respect that the county commissioners we voted for will work with the new owners to properly work together on any “controversial” issues.\n\n\n\nLorrie B. Winnerman\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/winnerman-lets-properly-work-together/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lorrie B. Winnerman","publishDate":"2026-07-14T17:59:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"winnerman-lets-properly-work-together"},{"id":"1sogfd","title":"Opinion | Eagle County Commissioners: New mapping tool energizes conversations over land use","excerpt":"When people hear the phrase “land use regulations,” eyes often glaze over. We get it. It sounds technical, bureaucratic, and far removed from everyday life.\n\n\n\nBut the truth is just the opposite.\n\n\n\nLand use decisions shape nearly every aspect of how we and our visitors experience Eagle County. L...","content":"When people hear the phrase “land use regulations,” eyes often glaze over. We get it. It sounds technical, bureaucratic, and far removed from everyday life.\n\n\n\nBut the truth is just the opposite.\n\n\n\nLand use decisions shape nearly every aspect of how we and our visitors experience Eagle County. Land use code influences where housing can be built, where commercial activity is centered, how we protect wildlife and open spaces, how transportation connects our communities, and ultimately how we cultivate the character that makes this such a remarkable place to live.\n\n\n\nFor the past two years, Eagle County has been engaged in one of the most thorough planning efforts we’ve undertaken in decades: rewriting our Land Use Regulations. We will adopt our new regulations this fall and our proposed zone district map is now available.\n\n\n\nMany will ask if these new land use regulations change the way they currently use their land. The answer is that virtually all of our proposed land use zones reflect current land use practice. The new codes simply do it better, more clearly, and in a way that’s meant to last.\n\n\n\nThe new code will have unified architecture. It will provide better management tools for the regulations that protect public health, safety, our environment, and the general welfare of residents and visitors while respecting private property rights. It will simplify regulations that have become increasingly complicated and burdensome over time, making them easier for property owners, businesses, neighbors, and county staff to understand and administer.\n\n\n\nOur proposed code accurately reflects community values. It sets clear expectations for developers regarding the number of price-capped, deed-restricted housing required for new development. It reduces barriers to infill re-development while making it exceptionally difficult to develop in remote-rural areas, critical habitat areas, or too close to waterways. It allows for recreational-resort activity without allowing for mass commercialization or privatization of our public lands, open spaces, and mountain ecosystems. It puts “like with like” to avoid incompatible land uses side-by-side with one another.\n\n\n\nOver the past two years, dozens of public work sessions have brought us together with residents, property owners, planning commissioners, advisory committee members, and community organizations. Every section of the regulations has been discussed in public, revised, debated, and improved through community input, which we will continue to welcome until we finalize the process.\n\n\n\nRecently, we’ve reached an important milestone. The county has released a draft digital zoning map showing proposed zone district designations. Using the interactive map, constituents can search for their own property, compare its proposed zoning with its current zoning, and better understand how the updated regulations may apply.\n\n\n\nThe proposed zoning designations remain subject to change as we continue to receive feedback, conduct technical review, and work through the remaining public process. We fully expect the map to evolve because that’s exactly how good planning should work. That said, we are also incredibly proud of the diligent work by our staff, legal consultants, volunteer advisory committee and planning commissions to put this map into play.\n\n\n\nThat’s why we hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore the interactive map and share your thoughts. Public comments are being accepted online, through the EnCode commenting portal, via email at eclurproject@eaglecounty.us, and during upcoming public work sessions in both Eagle and El Jebel. The current public comment period is expected to continue through Aug. 1, giving residents time to review the proposed map and the draft code before any final decisions are made.\n\n\n\nThe best land use regulations aren’t written for a community. They’re written collaboratively with one. Every generation has the opportunity — and the responsibility — to leave Eagle County a little better than we found it. This rewrite is one way we can do exactly that, by creating regulations that are clearer, more predictable, and better aligned with the place we all call home.\n\n\n\nTom Boyd, Jeanne McQueeney and Matt Scherr serve on the Eagle County Board of Commissioners","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/opinion-eagle-county-commissioners-new-mapping-tool-energizes-conversations-over-land-use/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Tom Boyd, Jeanne McQueeney and Matt Scherr","publishDate":"2026-07-13T18:50:11.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2025%2F05%2F26110608%2FIMG_3197-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"opinion-eagle-county-commissioners-new-mapping-tool-energizes-conversations-over-land-use"},{"id":"lak8k6","title":"Viceroy Snowmass ranks among Travel + Leisure’s ‘Top Resort Hotels in Colorado’","excerpt":"Viceroy Snowmass has been ranked No. 5 among the Top Resort Hotels in Colorado in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026 and earned recognition in the publication’s annual readers’ survey. \n\n\n\nThe honor marks the resort’s fifth appearance in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, accordin...","content":"Viceroy Snowmass has been ranked No. 5 among the Top Resort Hotels in Colorado in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026 and earned recognition in the publication’s annual readers’ survey. \n\n\n\nThe honor marks the resort’s fifth appearance in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, according to a press release, as Viceroy Snowmass maintains its continued reputation as one of Colorado’s premier mountain destinations.\n\n\n\n“For Viceroy Snowmass, the recognition reflects the resort’s enduring appeal among travelers seeking elevated mountain hospitality, personalized service and year-round adventure in Snowmass Village,” the release reads. “As the only luxury ski-in/ski-out resort in Snowmass, Viceroy Snowmass pairs contemporary mountain design with the ease and warmth of a true alpine destination.” \n\n\n\nThe property offers 244 residential-style accommodations, a 7,000-square-foot spa, a year-round heated pool and three soaking tubs, signature dining at Toro and the newly opened Lift Line Tavern, along with access to Snowmass’ world-class skiing, hiking, biking and outdoor adventure.\n\n\n\nThe new Lift Line Tavern at the Viceroy Snowmass.Viceroy Snowmass/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“We are honored to be recognized by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the top resort hotels in Colorado,” Brian Harrier, managing director of Viceroy Snowmass, said in the release. “This award is a reflection of our dedicated team, whose passion for hospitality, thoughtful service and deep connection to the Snowmass community create memorable experiences for our guests in every season.”\n\n\n\nEast West Hospitality, which manages Viceroy Snowmass, was also honored in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, ranking No. 2 among the World’s Best Luxury Villa Rental Companies, the release confirms. \n\n\n\n“The recognition marks East West Hospitality’s third consecutive appearance on the list and reflects more than four decades of hospitality expertise delivering personalized service and exceptional experiences across a portfolio of luxury resorts, hotels and vacation residences,” the release states. “Together, the accolades underscore the shared commitment of Viceroy Snowmass and East West Hospitality to creating memorable stays in one of Colorado’s most celebrated mountain destinations.”\n\n\n\nFor more information about Viceroy Snowmass, visit viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/snowmass.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/viceroy-snowmass-ranks-among-travel-leisures-top-resort-hotels-in-colorado/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T17:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F02%2F03143858%2Fviceroy-1024x767.png","slug":"viceroy-snowmass-ranks-among-travel-leisures-top-resort-hotels-in-colorado"},{"id":"swfdiw","title":"Riverstone Theatre Collective begins in Rifle with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”","excerpt":"Riverstone Theatre Collective debuted over the weekend with its first production, William Shakespeare’s of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” at Centennial Park in Rifle.\n\n\n\nThe community theater program was founded by Megan Liggett and a group of friends who wanted to create more opportunities for adu...","content":"Riverstone Theatre Collective debuted over the weekend with its first production, William Shakespeare’s of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” at Centennial Park in Rifle.\n\n\n\nThe community theater program was founded by Megan Liggett and a group of friends who wanted to create more opportunities for adults to participate in local theater.\n\n\n\nLiggett has taught theater at Rifle High School since 2021 and also works at the Ute Theater and Events Center. After many high school productions, Liggett always had people coming up to her, talking about a community theater program. \n\n\n\nIreland Commons as Robin Goodfellow, or Puck, tell Peaseblossom, played by Megan Liggett, that the Fairy King, Oberon, is on his way to speak with Peaseblossom’s mistress, Fairy Queen Titania. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\n“They miss school or never got to try it out when they were in school,” Liggett said. “There’s not a lot of opportunities for people in community theater, not in the Rifle area.”\n\n\n\nLiggett said there is more opportunity for children when the Missoula summer camp comes out, but the Riverstone Theatre Collective is focusing on adult theater. \n\n\n\n“We just started in March, one of my good friends has a few kids in the Rifle High School theater program, Jennifer Glynn, and she would talk to me after every show about doing community theater,” Liggett said. “There were six of us at that dinner, board members, artists, former students. We were talking about why we’re passionate about doing this, and then we jumped in with both feet.”\n\n\n\nSeven people joined Riverstone’s board of directors, and the group held auditions for Shakespeare in the Park that opened this past weekend. \n\n\n\n“We had a short timeline for this and we had a small cast, but we’re hoping that with this production, people see how serious we are about doing this,” Liggett said. “We didn’t have to do it this quickly, but we wanted to give ourselves a project with a set goal to work on so we would follow through.”\n\n\n\nLiggett said they’ve spoken about possibly doing a haunted house as a fundraiser for Riverstone Theatre Collective in the autumn months or perhaps a winter event. \n\n\n\nLysander (Matthew Zupcsek) flexes at Hermia’s (Dyllan Pehrson) father, Egeus and Demetrius. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\n“There’s not a lot happening in the week between Christmas and New Year’s, so it wouldn’t necessarily be a holiday production, but it’s an idea,” Liggett said. “It’d probably be at the Ute Theater.”\n\n\n\nThe Ute Theater also sponsored the Shakespeare in the Park production and has helped Liggett have access to many different technology and production entities she wouldn’t necessarily have access to at Rifle High School. \n\n\n\n“Theater can really be about who you know and it’s great working at Rifle High School and the Ute because I can build connections with lots of different people in the area,” Liggett said.\n\n\n\nThe auditions in the park led to 12 cast members, mostly adults with a couple cast members from Liberty Classical Academy.\n\n\n\n“It’s our first production and we’re really proud of it, we really want to make this something that Rifle can be proud of too,” Liggett said. “We want to offer a regular season of shows, acting classes, directing classes, we want it to be a community specific thing.”\n\n\n\nRobin Goodfellow, also known as Puck (Ireland Commons) listens to the Fairy King Oberon’s (Jennifer Glynn) plan to make his wife Titania, the Fairy Queen, fall in love with the next thing she sees. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nLiggett said that because there aren’t as many opportunities to do things like this on the Western Slope, she feels strongly that everyone should be able to experience theater, even if they’ve never done it before. \n\n\n\n“We want our community members to tell these stories, and we want people to write plays or direct them,” Liggett said. “Some people feel held back because of disabilities or no experience and I think everyone can do this.”\n\n\n\nLiggett said Glynn’s work as a therapist could also help the collective explore ways theater can be used as part of the headling process.\n\n\n\n“It’s a collective collaboration process, we have so many people working behind the scenes to make this happen, so many new ideas, we’ve got big dreams and a long road ahead of us,” Liggett said. “Being a part of this is so fulfilling.”\n\n\n\nAnthony Rossilli as Bottom the Weaver after being transformed into a donkey while in the forest. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nAnthony Rossilli, who played Bottom the Weaver and Egeus, previously taught at Rifle High School. \n\n\n\n“I taught forensic science, anatomy and physiology, and Megan was a colleague, but also a dear friend,” Rossilli said. “I heard about the theater group and I thought it was a great idea and an opportunity for the community to have it available. I wanted to be a part of it to help it get going.”\n\n\n\nRossilli was awarded the two parts for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and has been excited to be a part of it ever since.\n\n\n\n“My wife and I moved to Rifle in 1998 and recently we relocated to Grand Junction since I retired, so I’ve been commuting up to Rifle once a week for practices, but as we got closer to the performance, we’ve been meeting every night,” Rossilli said. “Dress rehearsals, setting up the stage, getting the blocking, making small adjustments, things like that.”\n\n\n\nRossilli thinks the community theater idea will also be helpful to the students. \n\n\n\nThe company upset about Bottom the Weaver’s huge ego and his suggestions at making him a star. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\n“There’s so many sports opportunities in the summer, but not a lot of ways for students to be involved if they don’t do sports,” Rossilli said. “I really want to commend Megan on her efforts to put this together, because it takes so much to do that, and I can imagine it’ll build more and more momentum.”\n\n\n\nRossilli has many different facets of himself. He said he is excited to explore the theatrical side of himself further. \n\n\n\n“Through various circumstances, I found in myself the love of teaching and it brings out the theatrical in me,” he said. “You’re always on stage there, trying to capture the students’ interest in the subject matter.”\n\n\n\nSometimes Rossilli would also be a part of performances in Rifle High School when they needed an extra part filled. \n\n\n\n“My dad is an actor and I’m dedicating my performance as Bottom the Weaver to him, and I’m looking forward to being more involved in productions,” Rossilli said. “I’m interested in playing around with writing, directing, acting, and I have an opportunity with the Collective to make that happen. I’m sure there’s a lot of hidden talent out there so I’m thankful for Megan and her hard work. I think the community is blessed to have her and her commitment.”\n\n\n\nTo find out more about the Riverstone Theatre Collective, visit their Facebook for more information.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/riverstone-theatre-collective-begins-in-rifle-with-a-midsummer-nights-dream/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T20:58:57.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13144630%2Fplay_3-756x1024.jpg","slug":"riverstone-theatre-collective-begins-in-rifle-with-a-midsummer-nights-dream"},{"id":"i7wnb3","title":"Colorado Division of Insurance to host virtual town hall on wildfire insurance issues","excerpt":"The Colorado Division of Insurance will host a virtual town hall covering wildfire insurance issues on Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m., according to a news release.\n\n\n\nColorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway and division staff will cover topics including homeowners insurance, auto insurance,...","content":"The Colorado Division of Insurance will host a virtual town hall covering wildfire insurance issues on Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m., according to a news release.\n\n\n\nColorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway and division staff will cover topics including homeowners insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, flood insurance and disaster assistance center information, the release states. Coloradans affected by the wildfires are “highly encouraged” to attend.\n\n\n\nLive Spanish translation will be provided.\n\n\n\nTo sign up for the event visit, TinyURL.com/cowildfireinsurance. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/wildfire-insurance-issues-colorado/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T20:05:53.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13140207%2Fwildfire-atd-080325-01-1024x732-1.jpg","slug":"colorado-division-of-insurance-to-host-virtual-town-hall-on-wildfire-insurance-issues"},{"id":"1tf6cw","title":"Carbondale entrepreneur finds her niche","excerpt":"When Carbondale resident Tiffany Quillan started her marketing company as a side business, its name reflected her goal of operating with “no overhead.”\n\n\n\nLess than two years later, Nover Marketing has more than 10 employees, serves dozens of clients across the United States and Canada, and has b...","content":"When Carbondale resident Tiffany Quillan started her marketing company as a side business, its name reflected her goal of operating with “no overhead.”\n\n\n\nLess than two years later, Nover Marketing has more than 10 employees, serves dozens of clients across the United States and Canada, and has been named a 2026 Colorado Company to Watch. \n\n\n\nColorado Companies to Watch recognizes second-stage businesses that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, job creation, and long-term growth potential. The program celebrates companies that have moved beyond the startup phase for making meaningful contributions to the economy and community, while helping business owners connect with a new network and support system. \n\n\n\n“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the kind of company we’ve intentionally built,” Quillan said in a release announcing the recognition. “From day one, our goal has never been to be the biggest marketing agency. It’s been to become the best strategic partner for companies in the built environment. We’re honored that Colorado Companies to Watch recognized both the growth of our business and the foundation we’ve built to support that growth.”\n\n\n\nNover Marketing was founded to serve the unique needs of architecture, engineering, construction, and building-product companies (AEC), providing integrated marketing services. The agency is known for combining industry expertise with data-driven systems designed to help companies create opportunities for sustainable growth. \n\n\n\n“The name (Nover) doesn’t have any meaning anymore,” Quillan explained. “At the time when I created it as a side hustle, I was working for these large corporations that were frankly underpaying me for the work I was doing and the time I was putting in. So the concept came from no overhead.”\n\n\n\nAfter working in marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley for six years, Quillan said she realized that the amount of work and time she was putting in for other companies would be more fulfilling if she were working for herself. She was working full-time in marketing for a technology company while simultaneously selling her services to local companies that needed marketing help. The first local company she worked for on the side was Roaring Fork Engineering. \n\n\n\nQuillan said Novermarketing.com, her URL, wasn’t getting much traction until she realized the audience she was advertising for was too broad, and once she did, she almost instantly had enough clients to step out on her own. \n\n\n\n“I wasn’t getting any good leads, so I decided that it would be a good idea to try and niche down and specialize in something,” Quillan said. “Because I was already working for an engineering firm, I decided AEC would be a good niche. So I niched down, and started advertising that I serve AEC, and within six weeks I had enough business to leave my job and try to make it a full-time thing.”\n\n\n\nSince niching down in November 2024 and ultimately leaving her job the following month, Nover Marketing has evolved from just Quillan to a firm with over 10 employees that serve dozens of companies across the United States and Canada. \n\n\n\n“It has been so much fun, and we’ve grown pretty rapidly,” Quillan said. “I think the number one thing that has made us so successful is we really prioritize making (Nover Marketing) a really great place to work.”\n\n\n\nShe said the intentional emphasis on work-life balance is something she learned during her time at BlueTent Marketing, a Carbondale marketing firm specializing in vacation rentals.\n\n\n\n“When I thought about what kind of culture I wanted to create, it was really feeding off the experience I had at BlueTent,” Quillan said. “They had a great culture, which was being there to work and work hard, but having a life where you can enjoy where you live and enjoy your family. That’s the number one most important thing, and that’s really what we try to base everything off of.”\n\n\n\nThe company’s policy, allowing employees to enjoy their lives, is stipulated in their contracts. \n\n\n\n“Our team has a 36-hour work week, and even as a small company, we offer full benefits, 401k with a match, four weeks PTO right off the bat, and a flexible schedule,” Quillan said. “My team literally can work any hours they want. I have people that work all their hours in four days, and I have people that will take two random days off in the middle of the week. It’s really just about creating a place where people want to work and stay.”\n\n\n\nIn addition to the Roaring Fork Valley bleeding into how Quillan treats her employees, it also directly impacts which companies Nover Marketing works with. \n\n\n\n“We serve customers across the U.S. and even in Canada, but that mentality definitely influences who we take on as our clients, because I’ll only work with people that treat my team with respect,” Quillan said. “One thing we don’t allow is people coming to meetings specifically to have contentious conversations. We have a very strict vetting process when we bring on new clients to make sure it’s a good fit.”\n\n\n\nBecause of the connections Nover Marketing shares with its clients, Quillan said the success reflects their success as much as the firm’s.\n\n\n\n“Our clients trust us with businesses they’ve spent decades building,” she said in the release. “That responsibility is something we never take lightly. This award belongs just as much to our clients and our team as it does to our company.”\n\n\n\nQuillan, now part of a broader network of Colorado-based business owners through the Colorado Companies to Watch, said being thoughtful in one’s work is the most important part of any business. \n\n\n\n“If I had one piece of advice for companies, it would be to start focusing on creating really thoughtful content that helps people learn,” she said. “The best way to be ready for AI is to work on storytelling and content distribution.”\n\n\n\nFor more information about the company, visit Novermarketing.com. More information about the award program is available at coloradocompaniestowatch.org.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/carbondale-marketing-firm-earns-colorado-companies-to-watch-award/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T20:04:12.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13125518%2FDSC_0671_copy-1024x715.jpg","slug":"carbondale-entrepreneur-finds-her-niche"},{"id":"whtgh6","title":"Freeride added to 2030 Winter Olympic program while Nordic combined gets cut","excerpt":"The 2030 Alpes Games will be the first-ever Winter Olympics with freeride and without Nordic combined, two snow sports with rich Colorado roots. The International Olympic Committee confirmed last week the addition of the former to the 2030 program as well as the elimination of the latter.\n\n\n\n“It’...","content":"The 2030 Alpes Games will be the first-ever Winter Olympics with freeride and without Nordic combined, two snow sports with rich Colorado roots. The International Olympic Committee confirmed last week the addition of the former to the 2030 program as well as the elimination of the latter.\n\n\n\n“It’s a moment of joy for the entire freeride community,” said Nicolas Hale-Woods, the founder and CEO of the FIS Freeride World Tour, in a news release. Hale-Woods added the inclusion of freeride in the Olympics was the “result of three decades of commitment and dedication.”\n\n\n\n“My first thoughts go to the riders, from those who first believed in this discipline and helped build it, to the young athletes who can now dream of an Olympic medal,” he continued. “I think too of the organizers and everyone who has grown this sport over the years and of all the partners who trusted us throughout the journey.”\n\n\n\nEdwards skier Joey Leonardo — a 2020 world junior gold medalist — called the decision “a huge step for the sport.”\n\n\n\n“Over the last year and a half, I think everyone has been a little on edge about the decision to be included in the next Olympics,” he said. “We all wanted it to be, so this is a major milestone for everyone involved in freeride skiing.”\n\n\n\nThe reaction from the state’s Nordic combined community was understandably more subdued.\n\n\n\n“It has been a rough morning, to say the least,” Nordic Combined USA President Jill Brabec told the Steamboat Pilot & Today earlier this week. “When you get news that you don’t want to hear, it’s important to take a few moments and process it.”\n\n\n\nSteamboat Springs has a long history with the sport, which has been included at every Winter Olympics ever staged, starting at the 1924 Games in Chamonix, France. The U.S. picked up four golds in Vancouver 2010 behind the performances of Steamboat Springs athletes Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane and Billy Demong, as well as Park City’s Brett Camerota.\n\n\n\nErik Lynch, a former Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club athlete, indicated on social media that the IOC’s decision hasn’t deterred his motivation to continue pursuing the sport he loves.\n\n\n\n“There are DEEP reasons, that far exceed any commission, or IOC board, for why we do this. Why we choose this. It’s times like these that I get to remember that,” he posted Thursday. “It can be up to us to represent purity of sport, this sport, and the men and women that should be in, in 2030. The pursuit of progress is a worthy pursuit. That pursuit will continue, and will not be stopped by an IOC board.”\n\n\n\nWhy is Nordic combined being eliminated?\n\n\n\nIn 2022, the IOC declined the International Ski and Snowboard Federation’s (FIS) application to include women’s Nordic combined at the 2026 Olympics due to a lack of non-European interest. Doubt arose regarding the sport’s presence at the 2030 Games, too, as the IOC demanded “significant positive development, particularly with regard to participation and audience” at the time.\n\n\n\nAccording to last week’s news release, the IOC conducts a quadrennial global study covering all Winter Olympic sports, disciplines and events across key markets on all five continents. The evaluation during Milan Cortina 2026 measured 14 popularity indicators across broadcast coverage, digital media, general public interest, ticketing and press, involving up to 50-plus markets per indicator, the release noted.\n\n\n\n“Across most of the popularity indicators, Nordic combined ranked lowest among all Olympic Winter Games disciplines at Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022 and Milano Cortina 2026. At the most recent Olympic Winter Games, it was the lowest-ranked discipline in 11 of the 14 popularity indicators assessed,” the release read.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Nordic combined team shows off its silver medals at a 2010 Winter Olympics celebration. From left are Brett Camerota, Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane and Billy Demong.\n\n\n\nThe Pilot & Today wrote Tuesday: “Brabec said that the IOC’s criteria for measurement were vague, and there was no sound measurement for deciding to cut or keep the sport.”\n\n\n\nFIS Nordic combined race director Lasse Ottesen found the decision “difficult to accept and even harder to understand.”\n\n\n\n“I am at a loss for words and struggle to understand the reasoning behind it,” he stated in a FIS news release.\n\n\n\nFIS President Alexander Ospelt reiterated the sentiment, describing Nordic combined as “a discipline that has been observing clear and tangible growth and an ever-broader international participation over the last few years thanks to the inclusion of women’s competitions.”\n\n\n\n“This is a very hard decision for FIS and for our National Ski Associations,” he added. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said at a news conference earlier last Tuesday that there have been “very good conversations with FIS on what expectations would be in the future.”\n\n\n\n“And that the possibility could always remain open for 2034,” Coventry continued.\n\n\n\nIn order to be added back for the Utah Olympics in eight years, Nordic combined would need to pass the IOC’s “three stage evaluation framework” outlined in its new “Fit for the Future” Olympic program methodology. Under that model, candidate disciplines will be assessed against three core criteria: global appeal, cost, and operational complexity and athlete representation.\n\n\n\nWhile the lack of an Olympic tagline could make the sport’s fundraising and recruiting efforts more difficult, Brabec believes the future is bright. Her daughter, Alexa, finished second in the 2025-26 World Cup overall and won on Jan. 30 in Seefeld, Austria.\n\n\n\n“We still have a World Cup and World Championship season, along with the new Velocity Ski League,” Brabec told the Pilot & Today. “Our focus turns away from appeasing the IOC and towards pushing the sport into the future.”\n\n\n\nInternational Federations proposed 26 new events for Olympic inclusion, according to the IOC’s release. Ultimately, the IOC’s Executive Board approved three disciplines and 16 events “to enhance gender equality, innovation and youth interest, in line with the principles approved in 2024.”\n\n\n\nSki mountaineering — another sport with rich Colorado ties and talents — will be expanded after making a successful debut this February in Milan Cortina. Crested Butte’s Cam Smith teamed up with Anna Gibson to lead the U.S. to a fourth-place result in the team sprint event on Feb. 21.\n\n\n\nIn 2030, individual men’s and women’s events will be added to the individual and team sprint events. One could argue the longer, more technical individual discipline hearkens back a bit closer to the sport’s adventurous, all-mountain heritage. Smith said he plans to train through the next two Olympic cycles.\n\n\n\nCrested Butte’s Cam Smith relaxes after he and Aspen’s John Gaston set a new course record in their Power of Four ski mountaineering race win on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at the base of Aspen Mountain.\n\n\n\n“The level will continue to rise and I’m getting older. But I’ll absolutely be all in chasing the dream,” he said on social media. “After 2030 looms the 2034 Games on home soil, which I’m already desperate to be a part of.”\n\n\n\nWhat does the inclusion of freeride mean for US athletes?\n\n\n\nOn the same day the IOC made freeride an official Olympic sport, U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the addition of freeride skiing and snowboarding as the newest discipline to fall under its umbrella.\n\n\n\n“Bringing this discipline into our high-performance system means our coaches and sport scientists can start supporting these athletes now, well ahead of 2030,” Anouk Patty, U.S. Ski & Snowboard chief of sport, said in a news release. “We are excited to welcome them to our organization.”\n\n\n\nAccording to the release, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has partnered with the International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association to continue overseeing the grassroots competition series.\n\n\n\n“U.S. Ski & Snowboard will publish selection criteria for freeride and name elite teams within the 2026-27 season, providing athletes with the same high-performance and commercial support as the organization’s existing 230 athletes,” the release stated. “Skiers who participate in freeride will be on the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, while snowboarders will be on the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team.” \n\n\n\nFIS acquired the Freeride World Tour (FWT) in 2022, made it an official sport two years later and hosted the first FIS world championships this winter in Andorra. Currently, the FWT calendar includes more than 300 annual events across four continents with around 10,000 licensed riders. The tiered pipeline includes four competition series: Junior, Qualifier, Challenger and the elite Freeride World Tour.\n\n\n\n“It is clear why freeride’s combination of raw excitement on a stunning natural terrain is an appealing addition to the Games,” Ospelt stated. “Above and beyond that, freeride is a success story on the development level: within a couple of decades, the discipline created a structured pathway for athletes to compete, from the junior level all the way to the elite.”\n\n\n\nThe FWT website said details regarding the Olympic qualification pathway will be shared as they are confirmed.\n\n\n\n“It’s unclear of how it will change things and affect us, but it’s exciting to think we could have some kids go there,” Ski and Snowboard Club Vail freeride head coach Matt Luczkow told the Vail Daily in a preseason interview last November when asked about the possibility of an Olympics. \n\n\n\nArea athletes have thrived on the international stage. Two years after Leonardo’s junior worlds gold, Luczkow’s pupil, Jenna Meyers, won gold as well. Last year, Ingrid Gerdes and Kaleb Gibbs represented the U.S. at junior worlds; this past winter, Gibbs returned alongside Julie Brown, who was fourth in her debut.\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, 21-year-old Finn Griffith finished 19th in the 2025 FWT standings and Blake Moller — the 2022 FWT snowboard champion — finished ninth at the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships in February.\n\n\n\n“We do have these athletes who have graduated who are still competing,” Luczkow said. “And if this becomes an Olympic sport, we’re kind of thinking how can we support them further to get there.”\n\n\n\nLeonardo, who was 22 when he qualified for the FWT in 2025 and made “The Cut” this past winter, is excited about the possibility of becoming an Olympian.\n\n\n\n“I can’t wait to see how it all goes down and to see how much this will impact funding for athletes and the overall growth of our discipline,” he said. “The future is looking bright for freeride skiing and I am so excited to have the chance to witness and maybe even be a part of this next chapter.”\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from aspentimes.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/freeride-added-to-2030-winter-olympic-program-while-nordic-combined-gets-cut/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T19:44:59.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13113656%2Fmedia_82644732_82246520_compressed-683x1024-1-2.jpg","slug":"freeride-added-to-2030-winter-olympic-program-while-nordic-combined-gets-cut"},{"id":"vweuzl","title":"Three Rivers 12U All-Stars ‘row’ to state tournament","excerpt":"The timing of the 2026 World Cup and the Colorado District 1 Little League Tournament may have been a coincidence, but the Three Rivers Little League 12U All-Star team still found plenty of motivation in Norway’s national soccer team.\n\n\n\nThe Three Rivers roster, made up of players from Carbondale...","content":"The timing of the 2026 World Cup and the Colorado District 1 Little League Tournament may have been a coincidence, but the Three Rivers Little League 12U All-Star team still found plenty of motivation in Norway’s national soccer team.\n\n\n\nThe Three Rivers roster, made up of players from Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Gypsum, Eagle, and Edwards, named themselves the Vikings of the Red in honor of their coaches’ Norwegian heritage. The players embraced an aggressive Viking mentality on both sides of the ball throughout their divisional tournament run. \n\n\n\nThe Vikings of the Red won the District 1 Little League Tournament in Grand Junction during the last week of June against teams from Fruita, Monument, and Delta. They finished the weeklong tournament 3-1 and now set their sights on the state tournament, held in Denver on July 23. \n\n\n\nDuring the Three Rivers Little League matchup with Grand Mesa, something special happened. \n\n\n\nThree Vikings of the Red pitchers combined to throw a perfect game during their 15-0 rout over Grand Mesa. \n\n\n\n“The kids celebrated like we won the whole tournament,” 12U head coach Travis Hjorth said. “Personally, I’ve never been involved in a perfect game, so it was really cool and a great feat to achieve along the way. But we definitely kept our eyes focused on the prize and looking to win these regionals and get the chance to battle in states again.”\n\n\n\nThe same core of players, then known as the Firebirds, won the District 1 Championship in 2025. Hjorth, who was at the helm of both teams, said the prior experience helped the team stay loose during the tournament, but the real key was how the players rallied behind their name and took the Viking mentality to heart. \n\n\n\n“Instead of waiting around for something to happen, we make it happen now, and that’s reflective of our Viking name and our Viking game plan of attacking the other team,” Hjorth said. “Once we get ahead, we stay ahead, and we sort of rowed our way through the tournament and are now rowing our way to state.”\n\n\n\nThe team’s families have also caught Norwegian fever. Parents wear Viking helmets, and after wins, the team will imitate the national soccer team’s rowing celebration.\n\n\n\n“I said this to all the parents and the kids in the beginning of it all,” Hjorth said. “‘The tournament is great, but it doesn’t last forever.’ We’ve been training together for over a month now, and it’s during that time that the camaraderie really comes out and the real team spirit is shown. It’s about keeping that energy high and positive, so that when we do start the state tournament, we’re locked in, and we’re ready to make plays and play our style of baseball, just like we’ve been doing.”\n\n\n\nThe players compete against one another throughout the Little League season, but are now making lifelong memories as they suit up together to represent their hometown communities. \n\n\n\nThe Three Rivers Little League Softball 8-10 All-Star team also won their tournament and will join the Vikings in Denver on July 23.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/three-rivers-12u-all-stars-row-to-state-tournament/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T19:15:32.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F09142605%2F202607020050untitled-579_1-1024x819.jpg","slug":"three-rivers-12u-all-stars-row-to-state-tournament"},{"id":"g31lpi","title":"Garfield Re-2 adopts graduate skills framework","excerpt":"Four years ago, when Garfield Re-2 asked students, families, staff and community members what every graduate should know beyond reading, writing and math, the answers were consistent.\n\n\n\nThe community wanted graduates who could communicate effectively, solve problems, work well with others, adapt...","content":"Four years ago, when Garfield Re-2 asked students, families, staff and community members what every graduate should know beyond reading, writing and math, the answers were consistent.\n\n\n\nThe community wanted graduates who could communicate effectively, solve problems, work well with others, adapt to change, lead with confidence and persevere through challenges.\n\n\n\nThose conversations helped shape the district’s strategic plan and, more importantly, the Portrait of a Graduate — a community-defined vision of the knowledge, skills and characteristics every Garfield Re-2 student should develop before graduation.\n\n\n\nThree years later, the district is investing deeply in the Portrait of a Graduate.\n\n\n\nAt its June 24 meeting, the Garfield Re-2 Board of Education approved the adoption of Wayfinder, a districtwide framework that will provide counselors and educators with a common approach for helping students intentionally develop those skills from preschool through graduation.\n\n\n\n“This ties directly to our Portrait of a Graduate and all of the work we have been doing with ICAP, or Individual Career and Academic Plan,” Superintendent Kirk Banghart said during the discussion. “It’s what our community said they want our students to be when they leave us.”\n\n\n\nRather than creating a new set of expectations, Wayfinder was selected because it closely aligns with Garfield Re-2’s Portrait of a Graduate. The framework reinforces the qualities identified by the district’s students, families, staff and community, including being academically prepared, strong and determined, empowered individuals and community connected.\n\n\n\nGarfield Re-2 School Board President Fathom Jensen added that a common framework provides something equally important: consistency.\n\n\n\nGarfield Re-2’s Portrait of a Graduate outlines the knowledge, skills and characteristics the district wants students to develop before graduation. The district’s new Wayfinder framework will help educators teach and reinforce those skills from preschool through high school.Garfield Re-2 School District/Courtesy\n\n\n\n“It sounds like talking about the skills related to the Portrait of a Graduate has looked different in each grade and each classroom,” Jensen said. “The one thing that I like is that it’s going to create consistency across the board. I think if we adopt a curriculum, we will have a clear model and clear expectations that are given to the counselors and the teachers that will definitely help create that consistency.”\n\n\n\nInstead of every school using different lessons or resources, counselors across Garfield Re-2 will now have a common framework, shared language and aligned resources while maintaining the flexibility to meet the unique needs of their students and school communities. That consistency helps ensure students build the same foundational skills as they move from one grade level to the next.\n\n\n\nThe program will begin at the elementary level and, over time, expand into the district’s middle and high schools.\n\n\n\nElementary Curriculum Director Simone Richardson said the framework is designed to strengthen communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration and resilience.\n\n\n\nThese are the qualities employers consistently say they value. They are also the qualities Garfield Re-2’s community identified as essential through the Portrait of a Graduate process.\n\n\n\n“We want a diploma that is valuable to employers,” Banghart added. “In addition to reading, writing and math, our community has said they want graduates who can work with a variety of people and solve problems independently. These skills have a variety of names — soft skills, durable skills — and for Garfield Re-2, they are Portrait of a Graduate skills.”\n\n\n\nThe framework also supports Garfield Re-2’s strategic plan by strengthening student success, promoting student well-being and preparing students for future college and career opportunities.\n\n\n\nThe program is funded through the Colorado Department of Education’s Counselor Corps Grant and begins in the six elementary schools, where these habits are best developed early and reinforced throughout a student’s educational journey. Lessons are designed to provide universal support for all students while allowing counselors to deliver additional small-group or individual support when needed through Garfield Re-2’s existing multitiered system of supports.\n\n\n\nFamilies will also have access to resources in English and Spanish, including family guides, at-home activities and presentations that reinforce the same skills students are learning at school. Every student, regardless of which elementary school they attend, will have intentional opportunities to develop the communication, leadership, collaboration, adaptability and problem-solving skills the community said matter most.\n\n\n\nAnyone with questions about the new Wayfinder platform can contact Elementary Director of Curriculum Simone Richardson at srichardson@garfieldre2.net.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-re-2-adopts-graduate-skills-framework/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Theresa HamiltonGarfield Re-2 School District","publishDate":"2026-07-13T19:02:26.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F05%2F22171026%2Fgarfield_re-2_office-1024x690.jpg","slug":"garfield-re-2-adopts-graduate-skills-framework"},{"id":"dumb6x","title":"Christie’s International Real Estate hosts local art exhibition in Aspen","excerpt":"Christie’s International Real Estate Aspen Snowmass will host its “Local Artist Exhibition,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from July 21 through Aug. 2.\n\n\n\nThe exhibition is free and open to the public, located at 520 E. Durant Avenue, Suite 205. \n\n\n\nThe multi-day showcase celebrates Roaring Fork Vall...","content":"Christie’s International Real Estate Aspen Snowmass will host its “Local Artist Exhibition,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from July 21 through Aug. 2.\n\n\n\nThe exhibition is free and open to the public, located at 520 E. Durant Avenue, Suite 205. \n\n\n\nThe multi-day showcase celebrates Roaring Fork Vallley artists and features a different local artist each day at the firm’s Aspen office. Featured artists will be on site to discuss their work, offering guests a unique opportunity to meet the creators behind each collection.\n\n\n\nVisitors can experience a range of styles throughout the exhibition.\n\n\n\nFeatured Artists\n\n\n\n\nJuly 21: Olivia Daane\n\n\n\nJuly 22: Hannah Hurt\n\n\n\nJuly 23: Will Bradford\n\n\n\nJuly 24: Shawn Benton\n\n\n\nJuly 25: Micah Mitchell\n\n\n\nJuly 26: Nicole Popp\n\n\n\nJuly 27: Emily Chaplin\n\n\n\nJuly 28: Chris Connell\n\n\n\nJuly 29: Joslyn Doerge\n\n\n\nJuly 30: Cristian Whitney\n\n\n\nJuly 31: Molly Altman\n\n\n\nAug. 1: Abril Ere\n\n\n\nAug. 2: Nathan Segovia\n\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit www.ChristiesAspenRe.com or call 970-544-5800.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/christies-international-real-estate-hosts-local-art-exhibition-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T17:13:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F03%2F24104712%2Fimage1-850x1024.jpg","slug":"christies-international-real-estate-hosts-local-art-exhibition-in-aspen"},{"id":"az3e6p","title":"Leadville runner Courtney Dauwalter wins fourth Hardrock 100 title, sets course record","excerpt":"Leadville ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter secured her fourth Hardrock 100 title on Saturday with another magical stroll through the San Juan Mountains. The 41-year-old — who was a collegiate Nordic skier and worked as a high school science teacher in Denver before emerging as a long-distance star ...","content":"Leadville ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter secured her fourth Hardrock 100 title on Saturday with another magical stroll through the San Juan Mountains. The 41-year-old — who was a collegiate Nordic skier and worked as a high school science teacher in Denver before emerging as a long-distance star in her mid-30s — broke her own clockwise course record by just over eight minutes. \n\n\n\n“I love this race. I love how hard the course is. I love that I’ve gotten the opportunity to come back so many times,” Dauwalter told iRunFar after finishing in 26 hours, 3 minutes and 10 seconds. \n\n\n\n“But I also really dislike that all of those loops have left like, a little bit of an unsatisfied feeling after all of them,” she continued. “So, even today’s, like the initial thought is, for sure, gratitude and like, ‘What an adventure. That was so cool.’ But also, ‘Dang it, Hardrock beat us again.'”\n\n\n\nDauwalter placed fifth in the overall field as Ludovic Pommeret, 50, won his third title in a row. The ageless Frenchman also set a course record in 21:11:36. \n\n\n\nThe 102.5-mile loop, which starts and ends in Silverton, Colorado, climbs 33,000 feet and contains an average elevation of over 11,000 feet. The course high point is the 14,048-foot summit of Handies Peak. Each year, the race alternates direction. Dauwalter didn’t finish in 2021 but roared back for victories in 2022, 2023 and 2024. \n\n\n\nIn 2023, Dauwalter achieved an unprecedented ultra-trail triple crown. The Minnesota-born athlete won the race just three weeks after shaving 78 minutes off the Western States 100 course record. She capped that summer off by winning the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) 100 — perhaps the toughest and most prestigious ultra in the world. Only Kilian Jornet has ever won all three races, though he did it over the span of his entire career.\n\n\n\nLast fall, Dauwalter focused on her road marathon speed. She ran 2:49:54 at the Twin Cities Marathon in October and lowered her personal best to 2:38:55 at the California International Marathon two months later. Her trail season opened with a runner-up finish at Cocodona 250 in Arizona on May 4.\n\n\n\nOn Saturday, she led wire-to-wire and finished 4 1/2 hours ahead of runner-up Careth Arnold and about seven hours up on Tara Dower in third. Despite the lead, Dauwalter dug her way down to the ‘pain cave,’ a phrase synonymous with the Salomon-sponsored runner. She said her stomach started acting up on the Handies descent around mile 70 and got worse coming out of Maggie’s Gulch shortly after.\n\n\n\n“I thought I might just live on the climb out of Maggie’s,” she said. But Dauwalter pushed through for another record-breaking performance, tying Diana Finkel for second on the all-time Hard Rock 100 wins list (Jornet, Karl Meltzer and Betsy Kalmeyer have each won the event five times). The time and titles, however, seemed less important than the principle of finding her personal limit.\n\n\n\n“It’s for sure one of the reasons I sign up for these things. I want to know what’s possible for me on that day, on that course,” Dauwalter said. “So to do anything less than pour it out the whole way through would be against one of those key pieces of signing up for these things.”\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from vaildaily.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/leadville-runner-courtney-dauwalter-wins-fourth-hardrock-100-title-sets-course-record/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Sederquist Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trsederquist@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T18:23:05.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13113738%2FHS1_4559-1-1024x683-1.jpg","slug":"leadville-runner-courtney-dauwalter-wins-fourth-hardrock-100-title-sets-course-record"},{"id":"1gnxe7","title":"Aspen Journalism: When oil and gas trump other uses","excerpt":"Colorado’s Roan Plateau, a favorite backcountry zone for hunters, anglers and hikers because of its high-quality wildlife habitat, is once being proposed for oil and gas development. The Bureau of Land Management, in accordance with direction from the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill...","content":"Colorado’s Roan Plateau, a favorite backcountry zone for hunters, anglers and hikers because of its high-quality wildlife habitat, is once being proposed for oil and gas development. The Bureau of Land Management, in accordance with direction from the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act to hold lease sales in Colorado every quarter, has listed four leases on top of the plateau in its proposed December sale, with two additional leases nearby. \n\n\n\nThe wildlands of the Roan Plateau and animals that rely on them draw hikers, hunters and anglers to the area. The potential for oil and natural gas below the surface draws attention from industry, too, and sets the stage for a confrontation over how to fulfill the multiple-use mandate that governs federal lands. \n\n\n\nHunters, anglers and conservationists are also raising the alarm that implementation of federal law and proposed changes to BLM rules are stripping the public of its voice in public lands management. \n\n\n\nThe BLM has identified 114 parcels across Colorado available for oil and gas leasing in its December sale. Four of those parcels, totaling 4,645 acres, are on top of the Roan Plateau near Rifle, on the site of two undeveloped leases that were not canceled as part of a 2014 settlement between leaseholders and 10 conservation, trade and wildlife organizations.\n\n\n\nIn that settlement, the BLM canceled 17 of 19 leases that had been issued in 2008 on top of the Roan Plateau and refunded leaseholders; the agency updated its resource management plan, which guides land use, and closed about 34,000 acres, roughly 54 square miles, to future leasing. \n\n\n\nBut two leases, whose holders did not agree to cancellation as part of the settlement, remained open for future development, although the leaseholders were meant to contribute to a conservation fund that would be used for restoration and conservation efforts. Although the fund was established, no money was invested. The leases changed hands and were eventually relinquished, but their existence during the land-use planning process meant that that area remained available for future development, and conservation groups have foreseen this moment. \n\n\n\n“We had unleased, unprotected land on top of the plateau, and that was very concerning to us,” said Juli Slivka, senior director of policy and programs at Carbondale-based nonprofit Wilderness Workshop, which was one of 10 plaintiffs in the lawsuit that lead to the 2014 settlement. “We immediately began urging BLM Colorado to close that area to new leasing.” \n\n\n\nSlivka and other conservationists have argued that the BLM could have removed the potential for new leases because Colorado Parks and Wildlife has found that the area is home to high-priority habitat for a range of species, including an endemic species of Colorado cutthroat trout, elk, deer and greater sage grouse. \n\n\n\nBrittany Parker grew up in Rifle, hiking and camping on the plateau. As an adult, she hunts there nearly every year, she said. Parker works for the trade group Backcountry Hunters and Anglers — which advocates for protections for the Roan — as the field operations coordinator for seven states, including Colorado. She said she’s passionate about protecting the Roan Plateau after watching it “change drastically” under development pressures in her lifetime. \n\n\n\nThe area has seen significant oil and gas development on private lands atop the plateau. \n\n\n\n“It’s already pretty developed with oil and gas, so to imagine even more up in that region, it just seems like there would be nothing left,” Parker said. “It would so significantly fragment the habitat that the sense of refuge would be seriously diminished for our wildlife.”\n\n\n\nThere is heavy natural gas production at the base of the Roan Plateau. The BLM has proposed new leases on public lands at the top plateau in a December sale.\nCourtesy of EcoFlight\n\n\n\nA recent flight over the Roan Plateau by Aspen-based conservation organization EcoFlight showed the extent of the development from above; there’s a sharp contrast between the development below the top of the plateau and on private lands compared with the untouched public lands. The flight path followed Parachute Creek, to the west of which is highly developed private land. \n\n\n\n“You forget how heavily drilled it is up there. It’s just nonstop, roads and wellpads” on the private lands, said Jane Pargiter, executive director of EcoFlight, who has been working to protect the Roan since 2008. (Pargiter is an Aspen Journalism board member.)\n\n\n\nThe view changes quickly to the east side of the creek. \n\n\n\n“It instantly transitions into this pristine landscape, which is where they have proposed these lease parcels for the December lease sale,” Pargiter said. “It’s just beautiful, pristine, and it’s green still.”\n\n\n\nParker and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers are quick to point out that they are not against energy development on public lands but are, rather, focused on ensuring that leasing happens in appropriate places.\n\n\n\n“We’re advocating for protections on specific landscapes that have exceptional habitat and watershed values that are worth protecting,” Parker said. \n\n\n\nThe state wildlife agency, conservation groups and recreationalists have argued for nearly two decades that the Roan Plateau is not the right place for oil and gas development, which has been shown to lead to declines in wildlife populations. The Roan has prime habitat for elk calving, which is a particularly sensitive time, and is a migration corridor for elk and mule deer. It also provides habitat and breeding grounds, known as lek sites, for the greater sage grouse, which are particularly sensitive to industrial disturbance. \n\n\n\nDean Riggs retired in 2020 as the deputy regional manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and spent years working with the BLM and leaseholders to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts to wildlife when there is industrial development, including on the Roan Plateau. He says he has hunted, including elk and grouse on the Roan Plateau, since he was big enough to pick up a rifle. \n\n\n\nIn his time at CPW, Riggs advocated for science-based, species-specific protections, which in some cases means avoiding development in certain areas altogether, such as breeding sites for grouse. \n\n\n\n“If a company wants to pluck a five-acre site right down on top of a lek, you’re going to lose the lek,” Riggs said. “With that being a really sensitive species, every lek counts. Every lek keeps us from the endangered species list.”\n\n\n\nElk and deer are far from the endangered species list, but recent work by CPW points to early signs of population decline. CPW’s most recent herd management plan for the Yellow Creek elk herd, which encompasses an area in northwest Colorado north of Interstate 70 from Glenwood Springs to the Utah border, says that “distributional changes, decreasing calf-cow ratios, and the degraded habitat in [the northwest region] are likely associated with the development of energy extraction infrastructure.”\n\n\n\nBut amid the development on private lands, the top of the Roan Plateau that consists of public lands has remained mostly wild.\n\n\n\n“The Roan has always been a bit of a refugia or an incredible, intact landscape in the sea of development, and we know migrating animals are incredibly sensitive to development pressures,” said Brien Webster, senior public lands campaign manager at Conservation Colorado. \n\n\n\n“There’s some really really cool and diverse country up there that provides all sorts of different, unique habitat types, and then you have the cutthroat trout that you can only catch there, anywhere in the world,” Webster said. “I mean it’s pretty cool, and it is deserving of protection. It is one of those places on our public lands where it really makes sense for us to put that place aside.” \n\n\n\nEast Fork Falls on the East Fork Parachute Creek, home to genetically pure Colorado River cutthroat trout, runs through BLM land on the Roan Plateau, near proposed oil and gas leases. Conservation, wildlife and hunting groups are urging the BLM to avoid development in the area.\nCourtesy of Wilderness Workshop\n\n\n\nThe BLM, too, noted the outstanding habitat values in an environmental review for the Roan Plateau resource management plan that followed the 2014 settlement. “The Roan Plateau is considered one of Colorado’s most ecologically diverse landscapes,” the BLM wrote. “The area is a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and backcountry recreation. The dramatic topography of the plateau hosts an array of game and sensitive species. The landscape is known for its spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, and box canyons.”\n\n\n\nTrump’s drilling directive\n\n\n\nThe Trump administration’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act is driving renewed activity in offering oil and gas leases on federal lands after a lull of several years. The act requires that Colorado and eight other Western states each offer lease sales four times a year. \n\n\n\n“It means our people are incredibly busy because there’s a ton of work that goes into ensuring that all of these parcels clear these thresholds and these hurdles to ensure that they are appropriate for leasing,” said BLM spokesperson Levi Spellman. \n\n\n\nWebster noted that more parcels, totaling more acres, on federal lands have been nominated for leasing in Colorado in 2026 alone than in the seven previous years combined. At the same time, the number of federal land managers has declined precipitously. An analysis of federal job losses in 2025 showed that Colorado’s BLM office lost 36% of its staff last year. \n\n\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act also expedites the leasing process; there is now a requirement that parcels that have been nominated be made available for a lease sale within 18 months. \n\n\n\n“When you are forced to work at a furious pace and without adequate capacity, you make mistakes,” Webster wrote in an email to Aspen Journalism. \n\n\n\nWebster suggested that the offering of oil and gas leases in places such as the Roan Plateau creates divisions and conflict, even when local communities mostly agree on how to best manage public lands. \n\n\n\nWell pads on private lands at the top of the Roan Plateau in September 2024.\nCourtesy of EcoFlight\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the BLM maintains that if land open for leasing based on the resource management plan is nominated for oil and gas leasing, it must be considered. \n\n\n\n“Even if the BLM felt it was an inappropriate use, it wouldn’t have a choice because it’s legally open for leasing,” Spellman said. “The only thing we can do is follow procedure.” \n\n\n\nMike Freeman, who represented the plaintiffs in the Roan lawsuit for nonprofit environmental law firm Earthjustice, said that’s an extreme interpretation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. \n\n\n\n“We think that’s wrong as a position of law and that BLM does still have discretion to lease it,” Freeman said. \n\n\n\nAmid the compressed timeline, the dramatic increase in the number of lease sales and the diminished workforce, Webster said it’s critical to participate in the public process. \n\n\n\n“We still have to comment. We still have to put out the best available information, share the best available research, get the best possible data compiled and sent to the BLM so that we can show that these are valid concerns,” Webster said. \n\n\n\nAs the federal administration increases pressure on Colorado and other states to develop more energy, Webster and others see an erosion of public input in decision-making around federal public lands. \n\n\n\n“They’re proposing to even further cut the public out of this process,” he said. \n\n\n\nThe BLM is also considering adopting a new rule that would cut the 90-day public process down to 10 days, make it cheaper to lease federal land for energy development, include a per-page fee for protests that exceed 50 pages, and reintroduce noncompetitive leasing. \n\n\n\nThe net effect, Webster said, “really is almost taking and turning our public lands into corporate lands.” \n\n\n\nConservation Colorado hopes to see bipartisan efforts from Colorado’s delegations to push back on the proposed rule, which is open for public comment through Aug. 24. \n\n\n\n“There’s a need for our decision-makers in Colorado that represent us in D.C. to find a common-sense solution to rectify this to ensure that the local input and interest and concerns of their constituents are being considered by the federal government in these decision-making processes,” Webster said. \n\n\n\nIn terms of the next step for the Roan, Freeman said Earthjustice is still engaged with many of the original plaintiffs and concerned citizens from the original lawsuit, which was filed in 2008. \n\n\n\nThe scoping period for the December lease sale ended July 9, beginning a 30-day window for the BLM to review input. A 30-day public-comment period begins Aug. 12. \n\n\n\n“Because the Roan is such an important place, threatening it with oil and gas development again is going to trigger a lot of resistance from Colorado communities and Colorado residents who value the Roan,” he said. “I think what they’re hoping to do is persuade BLM that they really shouldn’t backslide on what was really a historic success story.” \n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from aspenjournalism.org","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/when-oil-and-gas-trump-other-uses/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Elizabeth Stewart-Severy Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-14T16:50:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F14105255%2F2026_07_08_CO_Rifle_4-scaled-1-2048x1366-1-1024x683.webp","slug":"aspen-journalism-when-oil-and-gas-trump-other-uses"},{"id":"ndamjr","title":"Chacos column: Thriving and surviving the family trip","excerpt":"Our two-week family vacation was still in its infancy when I almost ran over my younger brother. \n\n\n\nWe were battling the Caribbean heat, and I was conducting a logistical symphony addressing the needs of 12 distinct personalities spanning multiple generations on a trip that promised to collect m...","content":"Our two-week family vacation was still in its infancy when I almost ran over my younger brother. \n\n\n\nWe were battling the Caribbean heat, and I was conducting a logistical symphony addressing the needs of 12 distinct personalities spanning multiple generations on a trip that promised to collect memories more than material things. The diesel transit van had a janky manual transmission and questionable air-conditioning, and the driver’s seat was better suited for a Flintstone. Between the chaos all around me and the sweat dripping into my eyes, I was not entirely at fault, and I stand by this defense in an effort to maintain harmony within our family unit. The dramatic moment had grandpa rattled for the remainder of the day, yet our family motto took on new meaning: There’s no time to explain, get in the llama (a.k.a. Get in the van, we have places to go). \n\n\n\nWe would be on land exploring for a few days before boarding a cruise ship for a week-long getaway that left only a few family members somewhat sick. We moved through the city at a glacial pace, crossing crowded roads like headless chickens with bottles of water in one hand and sunscreen in the other. One morning, a few scurried across town to find Panamanian soccer jerseys while others zigzagged side streets looking for an exclusive and ultra-luxurious cup of Geisha coffee. My son needed to feast on a burrito from El Pinche Gallo, and two of the teenagers were in constant search for high-speed internet and trouble. We photographed sloths in the rainforest and took pictures of monkeys from our boat, and we almost lost grandma, who wandered off to get shaved ice by the water’s edge. By the end of our land adventure, I was eager to return the rental van, which had developed a pungent burning smell, and my brother blamed my driving. \n\n\n\nI almost ran him over again. \n\n\n\nTransitioning our group from land to sea required a color-coded spreadsheet and matching hats. I became a kindergarten teacher, repeatedly asking everyone to focus, listen and stay together. Once aboard, we ate, played games, wandered the ship and found time to eat again. Dinner conversation displayed for our evening meals in the grand ballroom was nothing short of a masterclass in diplomacy. Topics stayed clear of religion, politics and, most importantly, the correct way to hang toilet paper. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile, my father’s onion soup arrived without onions. By week’s end, our server, the maître d’ and head chef all knew the story in painstaking detail. I had to stop my dad from telling the airline pilot on the flight home that his onion soup had no onions.\n\n\n\nPort days were streamlined chaos. We were all eager to get on land to stretch out and play, and none it seemed more than the teens that looked like cruise-ship prisoners being granted shore leave. My exceptionally organized sister-in-law helped get the group out of bed early in the morning without leaving anyone, or any passport, behind. \n\n\n\nWe went snorkeling, swam with turtles, kayaked and rode ATVs. Climbing up rickety wooden stairs to soak our bodies in a deep, dark volcanic mud pool really brought the group together in a way only shared trauma can. Afterward, we allowed ourselves to be escorted to the beach, stripped of our suits and bathed by the local women. We finished the day eating fried empanadas with cold sodas served in glass bottles laughing about the experience.\n\n\n\nBack on board, we played trivia, learned how to roll sushi with some varying degree of success and celebrated hard when my niece won $2 at Bingo. We watched World Cup soccer games under the stars, and the kids played shuffleboard and went rock climbing. Toward the end of the trip, I indulged in a full-body massage to tame the stress that comes with trying to pull off an epic, unforgettable family adventure without incurring any high-stakes drama or losing anyone overboard. \n\n\n\nThe best part of the vacation wasn’t the cruise ship, the flamingos or the piece of red beach glass I found on shore. It was coming home with a bag full of memories from a trip well lived with the ones I love. I’m already planning our family get together for next year, and for the sake of everyone’s mental health and bank account, we may all simply trade cheap souvenir keychains instead. \n\n\n\nI won’t even think about running over my brother if he tries to get in my way.\n\n\n\nAndrea Chacos lives in Carbondale, balancing work and happily raising three children with her husband. She strives to dodge curveballs life likes to throw with a bit of passion, humor, and some flair. She can be reached at andreachacos.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/chacos-thriving-and-surviving-the-family-trip/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Chacos Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tandreachacos@gmail.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T17:39:40.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06123027%2Fimage001-scaled-1-683x1024.jpg","slug":"chacos-column-thriving-and-surviving-the-family-trip"},{"id":"ws754l","title":"The rich use Rifle airport as a parking lot","excerpt":"Craig Chisesi — It’s interesting to read the Aspen Daily News letters to the editor concerning the expansion ...","content":"Craig Chisesi — It’s interesting to read the Aspen Daily News letters to the editor concerning the expansion ...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/the-rich-use-rifle-airport-as-a-parking-lot/article_2e60b05c-c2fc-4d62-92bf-0144f73f296c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"the-rich-use-rifle-airport-as-a-parking-lot"},{"id":"4j33qq","title":"Cycling club supports racetrack redevelopment","excerpt":"Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors — On behalf of the Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors, we are pleased ...","content":"Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors — On behalf of the Aspen Cycling Club Board of Directors, we are pleased ...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/cycling-club-supports-racetrack-redevelopment/article_79ed92f7-e827-4f55-976f-25035325288b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"cycling-club-supports-racetrack-redevelopment"},{"id":"naxl4","title":"Housing Matters: A new tool for APCHA homeowners facing rising insurance costs","excerpt":"If you are a property owner in Pitkin County, it’s hard to ignore the recent changes to your insurance premiums. We’ve all heard...","content":"If you are a property owner in Pitkin County, it’s hard to ignore the recent changes to your insurance premiums. We’ve all heard...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/housing-matters-a-new-tool-for-apcha-homeowners-facing-rising-insurance-costs/article_56ea549e-67a3-4b0f-8949-2e8bfc257d26.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Carson Schmitz, Housing Matters","publishDate":"2026-07-15T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F0b%2F60b9abc5-1f6d-4773-890c-c2f5d658a1d7%2F6a56be023a5ee.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C268","slug":"housing-matters-a-new-tool-for-apcha-homeowners-facing-rising-insurance-costs"},{"id":"n9kr79","title":"Carson Schmitz housing matters","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/carson-schmitz-housing-matters/image_60b9abc5-1f6d-4773-890c-c2f5d658a1d7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-15T07:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F0b%2F60b9abc5-1f6d-4773-890c-c2f5d658a1d7%2F6a56be023a5ee.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C268","slug":"carson-schmitz-housing-matters"},{"id":"80v5e5","title":"Court news in brief, July 14","excerpt":"Man pleads guilty in rock-throwing incident","content":"Man pleads guilty in rock-throwing incident","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/court-news-in-brief-july-14/article_713729af-4f17-47d0-a4ea-7fc5135e0f74.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-14T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F42%2F142733c1-cbeb-4f89-92cc-c130369601ed%2F68f6f66deef5e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C119","slug":"court-news-in-brief-july-14"},{"id":"fjnq36","title":"Printmaking takes center stage at Aspen Chapel Gallery","excerpt":"New exhibition features 11 local artists","content":"New exhibition features 11 local artists","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/printmaking-takes-center-stage-at-aspen-chapel-gallery/article_bb9e705e-39bf-4a84-a7c8-965150737b8c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-14T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F4e%2Fa4eee2cc-3065-45ea-9b21-9d750476af60%2F6a55894aaae71.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C300","slug":"printmaking-takes-center-stage-at-aspen-chapel-gallery"},{"id":"6j86qa","title":"Vehicle fire ignites on Woody Creek racetrack","excerpt":"Spreads to brush and grass, contained at less than 1 acre","content":"Spreads to brush and grass, contained at less than 1 acre","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/vehicle-fire-ignites-on-woody-creek-racetrack/article_1b8974c2-e035-4ec6-a84f-73f261d00030.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-14T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2Fea%2F7ea7bfb6-fbd1-4490-a3a7-d0863c8e87fc%2F6a558b1413eab.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C202","slug":"vehicle-fire-ignites-on-woody-creek-racetrack"},{"id":"jcogn1","title":"Treatment facility upgrades come with $100M pricetag","excerpt":"City of Aspen says work necessary to continue to distribute safe water","content":"City of Aspen says work necessary to continue to distribute safe water","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/treatment-facility-upgrades-come-with-100m-pricetag/article_84022323-8bcc-4792-b090-5d4706e2e1fd.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-14T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Fd1%2Fed1a4a9d-248e-4c12-ad7d-8f528ad84d84%2F6a558c6e92b15.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"treatment-facility-upgrades-come-with-100m-pricetag"},{"id":"1qmtb4","title":"sandy johnson","excerpt":"Sandy Johnson’s work is featured in the exhibition “Roaring Fork Printmaking 2” at the Aspen Chapel Gallery. An opening reception is planned for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday.","content":"Sandy Johnson’s work is featured in the exhibition “Roaring Fork Printmaking 2” at the Aspen Chapel Gallery. An opening reception is planned for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/sandy-johnson/image_a4eee2cc-3065-45ea-9b21-9d750476af60.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy image","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F4e%2Fa4eee2cc-3065-45ea-9b21-9d750476af60%2F6a55894aaae71.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C300","slug":"sandy-johnson"},{"id":"ee4f87","title":"susan walker","excerpt":"Susan Walker is one of 11 valley artists whose work is being shown at the Aspen Chapel Gallery in the exhibition “Roaring Fork Printmaking 2.” An opening reception is planned for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday.","content":"Susan Walker is one of 11 valley artists whose work is being shown at the Aspen Chapel Gallery in the exhibition “Roaring Fork Printmaking 2.” An opening reception is planned for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/susan-walker/image_e5c5328f-6638-4a86-a072-49a1dfcf61f9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy image","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F5c%2Fe5c5328f-6638-4a86-a072-49a1dfcf61f9%2F6a55898dbc3c1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C372","slug":"susan-walker"},{"id":"ftkjhh","title":"racetrack fire","excerpt":"A car at the Woody Creek auto racetrack caught fire shortly before 1 p.m. Monday. The fire was contained to less than an acre with no injuries reported.","content":"A car at the Woody Creek auto racetrack caught fire shortly before 1 p.m. Monday. The fire was contained to less than an acre with no injuries reported.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/racetrack-fire/image_7ea7bfb6-fbd1-4490-a3a7-d0863c8e87fc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Nancy Pearce","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2Fea%2F7ea7bfb6-fbd1-4490-a3a7-d0863c8e87fc%2F6a558b1413eab.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C202","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"racetrack-fire"},{"id":"puq4qx","title":"water treatment plant","excerpt":"Aspen Deputy Utilities Director Ryan Loebach gives a tour of the city’s Castle Creek water treatment facility to community members in May.","content":"Aspen Deputy Utilities Director Ryan Loebach gives a tour of the city’s Castle Creek water treatment facility to community members in May.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/water-treatment-plant/image_ed1a4a9d-248e-4c12-ad7d-8f528ad84d84.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Fd1%2Fed1a4a9d-248e-4c12-ad7d-8f528ad84d84%2F6a558c6e92b15.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"water-treatment-plant"},{"id":"kw0jgg","title":"Go away!","excerpt":"An osprey reacts to a cyclist near its nest last Wednesday evening outside of Basalt.","content":"An osprey reacts to a cyclist near its nest last Wednesday evening outside of Basalt.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/go-away/image_6dcfbbb3-4b4a-420b-9c79-f925f61a0ac7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2Fdc%2F6dcfbbb3-4b4a-420b-9c79-f925f61a0ac7%2F6a5587b4b3ba6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"go-away"},{"id":"j6bxy2","title":"’Copters and concrete","excerpt":"A helicopter flies above Aspen Mountain last Thursday to fly in concrete infrastructure for Aspen Skiing Co.’s new Nell Bell lift. The mountain was closed for the day as a result.","content":"A helicopter flies above Aspen Mountain last Thursday to fly in concrete infrastructure for Aspen Skiing Co.’s new Nell Bell lift. The mountain was closed for the day as a result.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/copters-and-concrete/image_c56753ae-0b9f-422d-86ca-0b5755b47327.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F56%2Fc56753ae-0b9f-422d-86ca-0b5755b47327%2F6a5588201873b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"copters-and-concrete"},{"id":"pig2qm","title":"Heat, wind expected to intensify Colorado wildfires as Aspen Acres nears 100,000 acres","excerpt":"The Aspen Acres fire, in Pueblo and Custer counties, remains Colorado’s largest wildfire at 98,609 acres. Crews are also battling growth on fires near Ouray, Leadville and Dolores.","content":"The Aspen Acres fire, in Pueblo and Custer counties, remains Colorado’s largest wildfire at 98,609 acres. Crews are also battling growth on fires near Ouray, Leadville and Dolores.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/13/aspen-acres-approaches-100000-acres-as-heat-wind-increase-fire-danger/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-13T18:40:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2Fwillow-fire-08.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"heat-wind-expected-to-intensify-colorado-wildfires-as-aspen-acres-nears-100000-acres"},{"id":"qtf5y1","title":"Time Machine: 70 years ago, Eagle County’s only capital punishment recipient receives death sentence","excerpt":"30 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 12, 1996\n\n\n\nFollowing news of the Surface Transportation Board’s denial of a request from the Union and Southern Pacific Railroad to abandon the Tennessee Pass line, officials from East West Partners called off plans to redevelop the 62-acre railroad property in Minturn.\n\n\n\nE...","content":"30 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 12, 1996\n\n\n\nFollowing news of the Surface Transportation Board’s denial of a request from the Union and Southern Pacific Railroad to abandon the Tennessee Pass line, officials from East West Partners called off plans to redevelop the 62-acre railroad property in Minturn.\n\n\n\nEast West Partners and Southern Pacific Railroad cited “financial infeasibility” as a result of the decision, the Vail Trail reported. \n\n\n\n“The companies, which announced a joint venture to develop the yards in January, had anticipated a green light from the STB,” the Trail reported, quoting Southern Pacific vice president David Steel.\n\n\n\n“The usefulness of this site as a rail yard is yet likely to come to an end, and there is potential for future development,” Steel said. “Unfortunately, preliminary studies convinced the partners that the kind of redevelopment we were seeking would entail infrastructure costs that the market would be unable to support.”\n\n\n\n50 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 12, 1976\n\n\n\nA bill establishing a 133,915-acre wilderness area in Eagle and Summit Counties was signed into law by President Gerald Ford.\n\n\n\nThe bill was signed against the wishes of the Denver Water Board, the Vail Trail reported. \n\n\n\nThe board claimed that “the bill deprives Denver of the easiest and cheapest access to Western Slope water, and feeling was high that Ford might veto the bill for that reason,” the Trail reported. “Ford’s action came after deeply concerned Vailites called and telegrammed over the weekend, urging him to approve the bill.” \n\n\n\nA friend of Ford’s reported that the president signed the bill against the wishes of advisers who counseled him to veto the proposal to try and gain delegate strength on the eastern slope, the Trail reported.\n\n\n\n“While the Water Board is understandably disappointed, they remain undaunted,” the Trail reported. “According to a Denver Post article, the water department intends eventually to seek presidential permission to build facilities within the wilderness under an exemption clause in the bill.”\n\n\n\n70 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 16, 1956\n\n\n\nThe Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Besalirez Martinez, convicted of murdering a Red Cliff man in 1954, will be put to death. \n\n\n\nMartinez was being housed on death row at the Canon City penitentiary, The Associated Press reported, citing a court opinion written by Justice Otto Moore.\n\n\n\n“The guilt of the defendant was established beyond any possible question of doubt and the circumstances of the killing were such as to fully justify the jury in inflicting the penalty of death,” Moore wrote. \n\n\n\nAn Eagle County District Court jury convicted Martinez and sentenced him to death in January 1955 for murdering Perfecto Cruz, a Red Cliff tavern owner. It was the only death penalty sentence ever to be carried out on an Eagle County man in Colorado.\n\n\n\n“Trial testimony showed that Martinez entered a bar and poolroom operated by Cruz, who was unarmed, and shot him three times with a rifle,” The Associated Press reported.\n\n\n\n90 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 7, 1916\n\n\n\nAvalanches were still occurring in the Eagle County near Fulford, the Eagle Valley Enterprise reported, with the worst slide of the season happening in early July. \n\n\n\nThe cascade “passed over the workings of the Morning Glory mine, which is located on West Lake Creek,” the Enterprise reported. “James Lefoe of the Moffat road was at the mouth of the tunnel and gave the first alarm as the huge mass of snow which overhangs the quartzite capping of New York mountain tore loose and started on its downward path towards the creek. Mr. Lefoe dodged into the tunnel and thus escaped without a scratch.”\n\n\n\nTwo other men were not as well off as Lefoe, but did manage to escape with their lives, the Enterprise reported. Their names were Weiskopf and Story.\n\n\n\n“The latter was pelted with chunks of the ice as they shot over the cliff until he saw a million stars, and Weiskopf emerged from the shower of ice, snow and rocks with his neck full of snow and bumps on his back too numerous to mention,” the Enterprise reported. “It was a miraculous escape and caused a suspension of operations on the Morning Glory until after the Fourth.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/time-machine-70-years-ago-eagle-countys-only-capital-punishment-recipient-receives-death-sentence/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T01:50:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F12151225%2FScreen_Shot_2026-07-12_at_3.11.41_PM-1024x617.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"time-machine-70-years-ago-eagle-countys-only-capital-punishment-recipient-receives-death-sentence"},{"id":"xq8ilf","title":"Snowmass history: Cenntennial-Bicentennial events","excerpt":"As reported in The Aspen Times June 17, 1976, “Betty Pfister, an airplane and helicopter pilot for many years is now beginning a love affair with balloons. This week she is flying in a balloon over the Swiss Alps. And on July 17 and 18 she is organizing a balloon race in Snowmass Resort as part o...","content":"As reported in The Aspen Times June 17, 1976, “Betty Pfister, an airplane and helicopter pilot for many years is now beginning a love affair with balloons. This week she is flying in a balloon over the Swiss Alps. And on July 17 and 18 she is organizing a balloon race in Snowmass Resort as part of the Roaring Fork Centennial- Bicentennial Festivities … Balloon Race Here: And also told about the Ute Lift-Off Balloon Race she has organized at Snowmass Resort on July 17 and 18. ‘It is an invitational race and we already have 20 balloonists signed up and several on the waiting list.’ She said contestants will be 12 balloonists from Colorado, four from New Mexico, one from Salt Lake, two from St. Louis, and one from Iowa. The 20 balloons will launch near the Country Club in Snowmass. ‘We will launch at 6:30 AM.’ She says, ‘morning winds are light … balloons can’t be launched in any wind over eight knots. Again, we will fly wherever the wind blows.’ Betty says that ballooning is the only form of transportation that actually becomes part of the wind. The best spot for spectators to observe that morning, she says, will be the upper dirt road that goes past the Anderson Ranch. She says that all balloons will be back on the ground by 10 a.m. The balloons are hot air balloons. ‘Each balloon has a propane burner which heats the air,’ she says. ‘If you want to go higher, you burn more propane, If you want to go lower, you burn less. But you go where the wind blows.'”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-history-cenntennial-bicentennial-events/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Historical Society Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tinfo@aspenhistory.org","publishDate":"2026-07-14T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F13183554%2F3_2023.013.0306_Aspen_Historical_Society_Bob_Krueger_Collection-1024x687.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-history-cenntennial-bicentennial-events"},{"id":"nx5id9","title":"Obituary: Robert “Bob” D’Alessio","excerpt":"August 27, 1937 – June 30, 2026\nRobert Saverio D’Alessio, 88, a devoted father, husband, grandfather/great grandfather, and friend, passed away on June 30, 2026.\nBorn on 08/27/1937 in Philadelphia, Robert “Bob” was raised by Saverio (Sam) and Mary D’Alessio (Arcana). Bob grew up in Upper Darby ne...","content":"August 27, 1937 – June 30, 2026\nRobert Saverio D’Alessio, 88, a devoted father, husband, grandfather/great grandfather, and friend, passed away on June 30, 2026.\nBorn on 08/27/1937 in Philadelphia, Robert “Bob” was raised by Saverio (Sam) and Mary D’Alessio (Arcana). Bob grew up in Upper Darby near Philadelphia and summered in Ocean City, NJ until his early 20s where he was surrounded by loads of family and childhood friends. Bob graduated from Villanova University and obtained his masters degree in Commerce and Finance, then had a short term in the US Air Force. He married Jean Mary Trocine on June 23, 1962 and they celebrated 57 years together. He and Jean moved to Columbia, MD in the early 70s. He worked extensively for the Department of HUD, then moved into the private sector where he wrapped up his professional career as a principal at Birch & Davis Associates in Bethesda, MD focusing primarily on healthcare consulting. In 1995, Bob and Jean moved to Aspen, CO.\nBob and Jean raised two daughters and passed his values of caring and hard work on to them. Along with his father, Sam, he taught his girls how to ski in the Poconos at the ages of 2 and 3. As a family they hiked trails in Pennsylvania, sailed endless hours on the Chesapeake Bay, and vacationed in Aspen.\nBob loved his family, friends, socializing, and his Aspen community. He loved sailing, skiing, volunteering and having a good meal. He was known for never meeting a stranger and enjoyed making social rounds in the restaurants he frequented to chat everyone up.\nBob was a great contributor to the Aspen community. He served on the boards of the Aspen Deaf Camp and Challenge Aspen, as well as serving on the finance committee and board of directors of Aspen Valley Hospital for many years. Additionally, he was an Aspen Skiing Company mountain ambassador for many years. He loved getting to know people and seeing how his expertise could benefit other organizations.\nHe leaves behind his daughters, Cynthia D’Alessio, and Lorie D’Alessio; grandchildren, Jillian Boyll (Stahley), and Stella Firmin; great grandson, Hudson Boyll; brother, John D’Alessio. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean D’Alessio.\nPlease join us for a celebration of Bob’s life at Christ Episcopal Church on Friday, August 28th at 10:30am.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/obituaries/obituary-robert-bob-dalessio/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-07-14T03:04:18.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F13210423%2FW0020345.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-robert-bob-dalessio"},{"id":"h83h5a","title":"Vehicle fire contained near Woody Creek","excerpt":"Aspen Fire Protection District successfully contained a vehicle fire near Twining Flats after multiple 911 callers reported a smoke column in the Woody Creek area Monday.\n\n\n\nPano AI cameras — operated in partnership between the Aspen Fire Protection District, the city of Aspen, Pitkin County and ...","content":"Aspen Fire Protection District successfully contained a vehicle fire near Twining Flats after multiple 911 callers reported a smoke column in the Woody Creek area Monday.\n\n\n\nPano AI cameras — operated in partnership between the Aspen Fire Protection District, the city of Aspen, Pitkin County and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue — detected the fire at the same time as the 911 calls were coming in, a press release confirms. The Aspen Fire Protection District responded after initial reports indicated that a single passenger vehicle was on fire, with flames spreading into adjacent vegetation.\n\n\n\nAspen Fire responded with 10 apparatus, along with the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue and Aspen Ambulance.\n\n\n\n“Upon arrival, firefighters found a vehicle off the road near the Woody Creek racetrack,” the release states. “The vehicle and surrounding vegetation were on fire. Crews immediately began extinguishing the vehicle fire while simultaneously initiating a wildland fire attack. Crews established an anchor point at the heel of the fire and stopped the fire’s spread through the surrounding sagebrush and grasses.”\n\n\n\nAfter the fire was contained, Stutsman Gerbaz Earthmoving responded with a dozer to reinforce the fire perimeter and help firefighters secure the fire line, reducing the potential for rekindles, the release confirms.\n\n\n\nThe fire burned 0.22 acres. \n\n\n\n“No structures were immediately threatened, and no occupants were trapped or reported injured,” the release reads. \n\n\n\nThe cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Aspen Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.\n\n\n\n“Aspen Fire Protection District extends its appreciation to the emergency dispatchers, the community members who quickly reported the incident, and our partner agencies with the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Aspen Ambulance and Stutsman Gerbaz Earthmoving,” the release states. “Their coordinated response and teamwork allowed crews to quickly contain the incident and limit the fire’s spread.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/vehicle-fire-contained-near-woody-creek/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-14T00:26:39.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F25132433%2FBreaking-news-aspen-times-graphic-black-and-white.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"vehicle-fire-contained-near-woody-creek"},{"id":"eklli3","title":"Top 5 most-read stories last week","excerpt":"Stories in this list received the most page views on postindependent.com from July 6-July 13.\n\n\n\n1. Battlement Trail Fire 99% contained\n\n\n\nThe Battlement Trail Fire, estimated the size of a football field, is currently burning near Parachute. A pre-evacuation notice is currently in place for the ...","content":"Stories in this list received the most page views on postindependent.com from July 6-July 13.\n\n\n\n1. Battlement Trail Fire 99% contained\n\n\n\nThe Battlement Trail Fire, estimated the size of a football field, is currently burning near Parachute. A pre-evacuation notice is currently in place for the Battlement Mesa Golf Course neighborhood.\nRoaring Fork Road and Weather/Facebook\n\n\n\nThe Battlement Trail Fire, which prompted evacuations near the Battlement Mesa Golf Course on Sunday, is now 99% contained.\n\n\n\nThe fire started at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday, and burned 20.8 acres, according to an update from the Grand Valley Fire Protection District. Fire crews will continue monitoring the area over the next several days before declaring the fire fully contained.\n\n\n\nCrews will remain on scene to secure the perimeter, address hotspots and ensure the safety of nearby trails and recreation areas, according to the fire district.\n\n\n\n-Staff report \n\n\n\n2. Hickenlooper, Glenwood officials speak out against proposed RMI Quarry expansion\n\n\n\nU.S. Sen John Hickenlooper speaks with members of the Glenwood Springs Citizens Alliance atop Transfer Trail on Friday afternoon.\nJaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nU.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper joined Glenwood Springs city councilors, Garfield County commissioners and members of the Citizens Alliance on Transfer Trail on Friday to speak out against Rocky Mountain Industrials’ (RMI) latest quarry expansion proposal. \n\n\n\nAlthough there haven’t been active mining operations at the RMI quarry, located north of Glenwood Springs, since December 2024, that doesn’t mean the mining company hasn’t stopped trying to get operations back up and running. \n\n\n\nThe U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) deemed RMIs latest plan for the limestone quarry complete on June 26, moving the proposal into technical review before it continues into public review. If approved, the proposal would triple the federally approved acreage at the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry in West Glenwood, from 16 to 56.1 acres. \n\n\n\n-Jaymin Kanzer\n\n\n\n3. Two Rivers bus lawsuit moves forward\n\n\n\nThe Two Rivers Community School in Glenwood Springs.\nTaylor Cramer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nA judge has declined Garfield Re-2 School District’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Two Rivers Community School and several parents, allowing the case over the charter school’s transportation practices to continue.\n\n\n\nThe lawsuit centers on whether Two Rivers, a charter school in Glenwood Springs authorized by the Roaring Fork School District, can continue busing students who live within Garfield Re-2 boundaries. Re-2 has argued the practice is unlawful without its consent, while Two Rivers has maintained that, as an autonomous charter school, it is allowed to provide its own transportation.\n\n\n\nTwo Rivers Head of School Jamie Nims said the ruling does not resolve the underlying legal question, but it does allow the case to move forward.\n\n\n\n-Taylor Cramer \n\n\n\n4. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputy recognized for life-saving efforts\n\n\n\nGarfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alex Silverman was recognized for his life-saving efforts following a multi-car crash on June 12 in Glenwood Canyon. Silverman wasn’t quick to accept his compliments as he saw his actions as “just part of the job.”\nJaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nFor most people, rushing into the chaos and putting their lives on the line for the sake of others can be hard to imagine.\n\n\n\nFor Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alex Silverman, it is “part of the job.”\n\n\n\nSilverman was recently recognized for life-saving actions following a serious multi-vehicle crash in Glenwood Canyon on June 12. \n\n\n\n-Jaymin Kanzer\n\n\n\n5. Colorado climbers say new rules proposed by feds would clarify use of ‘fixed anchors’ in wilderness areas\n\n\n\nA sign marks the boundary to the Holy Cross Wilderness that spans parts of Eagle, Pitkin and Lake counties. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing its first nationwide policy for rock climbing, including for the use of fixed anchors in wilderness areas.\nAli Longwell/The Post Independent\n\n\n\nColorado rock climbers say new guidelines being proposed by the federal government could help settle a decades-long dispute over the use of fixed anchors in highly-protected wilderness areas.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Forest Service, a 121-year-old federal agency, is asking the public for feedback on a proposal that could become its first ever national policy for recreational climbing. The National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are also proposing changes to their rock climbing policies for wilderness areas.\n\n\n\nEagle County Climbing Coalition Director Tim Nottingham said the proposed guidance would provide greater clarity to climbers and help ensure there’s a process for replacing unsafe anchors on historic climbing routes.\n\n\n\n-Ryan Spencer","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/top-5-most-read-stories-last-week-30/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T16:20:22.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13101818%2FDSC_0597_copy-2048x1386-1-1024x693.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"top-5-most-read-stories-last-week"},{"id":"mgydly","title":"Snowmass seeks resolution on Draw Site disconnect","excerpt":"Snowmass Town Council discussed next steps for the Draw Site employee-housing redevelopment on Monday in an attempt to resolve the disconnect on how to move forward with the right design and expedite the process overall.\n\n\n\nAt last week’s meeting, council decided to shift from a proposed single b...","content":"Snowmass Town Council discussed next steps for the Draw Site employee-housing redevelopment on Monday in an attempt to resolve the disconnect on how to move forward with the right design and expedite the process overall.\n\n\n\nAt last week’s meeting, council decided to shift from a proposed single building design to an ancillary building concept in order to address concerns that had been brought up around building massing. But Council Members Britta Gustafson — who was absent at this week’s meeting — and Cecily DeAngelo still expressed discontent that the proposed designs were not where they should be in order to adequately meet community needs.\n\n\n\n“It was a very awkward meeting last time,” Council Member Tom Fridstein noted this Monday. “We all felt that we had made significant progress, and then it somehow all started to fall apart.”\n\n\n\nLast week’s meeting was the first time all of council met with Site Architects Principal Architect Erica Golden, which was something she brought up in response to the dissonance over design.\n\n\n\n“We were really trying to maintain the momentum that we had gained with the preliminary approval and incorporate these things thoughtfully … but it has been a little bit hard for us because we haven’t been at the meetings with you guys to hear these things firsthand,” Golden said to council July 6. “I feel like we should have been there to hear these things firsthand and hear the priorities for you guys. We thought we were incorporating the things that were most important to the large majority.”\n\n\n\nSome of council are pushing back on what Golden presented and requesting that Jim Kehoe of Keo Studio Works, who provided the peer review process on the site’s designs, be brought on in a more prominent leadership role.\n\n\n\nFridstein recommended keeping Kehoe on as a consultant, on an hourly basis, in order to continue advising on the design with Golden. He also suggested creating a task force with two members of council to meet regularly with staff and architects in order to move the project along in a way that addresses council’s ideas and priorities more effectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best of Snowmass, weekly.\n\n\n\nSign up for the weekly newsletter: SnowmassSun.com/newsletter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCouncil Member Susan Marolt was in favor of a task force but stressed that every council member should be a part of it.\n\n\n\n“We’re not on the same page if we’re not in those meetings,” she said, adding, “I feel like it’s important. I want to participate just because I feel like there was a real disconnect about people’s experiences.”\n\n\n\nMarolt also pointed out that keeping two architects on at once would incur additional project costs, defending Golden by suggesting the designs might not be as reflective of all of council’s feedback due to feasibility constraints or implementation issues when attempting to translate a concept into an actual reality.\n\n\n\nDeAngelo pushed back, stating, “I am not comfortable with Erica being the last stop on this.” \n\n\n\nAccording to DeAngelo, some of what she observed in previous meetings was “really concerning” in terms of the space and consequently money she felt was being wasted in the proposed designs — she highlighted inefficiencies in the layouts of the apartments themselves, unusable porch space and more.\n\n\n\n“It’s super important to have more council members present for those meetings,” she said. “The waste of money and of space was shocking.”\n\n\n\nShe also brought up taking a second look at the amount of land being removed in order to build whichever design is ultimately chosen.\n\n\n\n“There may not be any further solutions to that issue, but I think that we really need to give Jim the full reigns to investigate that and make sure we are doing our best to minimize the number of dump trucks that have to go in and out of that space,” DeAngelo said. “It ties into environmental impact, it ties into construction fatigue … the more that we dedicate to figuring out that piece, it’s really important.”\n\n\n\nTown Manager Clint Kinney confirmed to council that Studio Works and Site Architects were working on additional concepts and renderings based off previous feedback to bring back next week for comment. The upcoming public meeting will include the architects, town staff and council.\n\n\n\n“Council feels strongly council needs to be involved in those meetings,” Fridstein said. “We all feel very strongly about this project.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-seeks-resolution-on-draw-site-disconnect/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T23:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07142613%2Foption_2-1024x544.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-seeks-resolution-on-draw-site-disconnect"},{"id":"toqaly","title":"Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility anticipated to lose power by August","excerpt":"The city of Aspen’s Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility is anticipated to lose hydroelectric power in early August due to current U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reservoir forecasts and operating conditions.\n\n\n\nThe updated reservoir data indicate that the timing has shifted later than previously anticipated,...","content":"The city of Aspen’s Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility is anticipated to lose hydroelectric power in early August due to current U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reservoir forecasts and operating conditions.\n\n\n\nThe updated reservoir data indicate that the timing has shifted later than previously anticipated, which the city’s Utilities Resource & Portfolio Manager Joshua Mattson confirmed to The Aspen Times. According to him, earlier planning projections that were provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation indicated the reservoir could drop below the hydroelectric power pool threshold in mid- to late July. \n\n\n\n“Updated reservoir elevations, inflow and outflow conditions, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation operational forecasts now indicate the threshold is more likely to be reached in early to mid-August,” Mattson wrote in an email. “The shift reflects actual reservoir conditions improving relative to earlier projections and ongoing changes in reservoir operations and water demand. This remains a forecast and will continue to be evaluated as conditions evolve.”\n\n\n\nThe hydroelectric power pool represents the minimum reservoir elevation that is required in order to safely operate the hydroelectric turbine and associated equipment, according to an information update provided to Aspen City Council on Monday. When reservoir levels fall below this threshold, city staff will consequently take the Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility offline in order to protect equipment.\n\n\n\n“This outage is not related to dam safety; rather, it is the result of hydrologic limitations associated with drought conditions,” the information update states. “The facility is expected to remain offline until reservoir levels recover above the minimum power pool elevation, which is anticipated to occur in spring 2027 as seasonal inflows increase.”\n\n\n\nRuedi Reservoir has been experiencing declining water levels in the face of persistent drought conditions, reduced inflows and increased outflows associated with downstream water rights calls, according to the update. Ruedi Reservoir is operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which provided a “most probable forecast” at the June 10 Historic User Pool meeting, the update confirms, which indicated the reservoir elevations will continue declining through the fall and remain relatively stable through the winter season.\n\n\n\nAspen’s existing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license authorizes up to 5 megawatts of installed generating capacity at the Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility, according to Mattson. The actual generation depends on several factors, which include reservoir elevation, water releases by the Bureau of Reclamation and the hydraulic conditions “necessary to safely and efficiently operate the facility,” he said.\n\n\n\nIn 2025, the Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility accounted for approximately 62% of the city’s total hydroelectric generation, the update confirms, and approximately 18% of the city’s overall electric energy portfolio. \n\n\n\n“The anticipated outage represents approximately 77% of the facility’s typical annual generation and will result in a significant reduction in locally generated renewable energy,” the update reads.\n\n\n\nIn preparation for this outage, staff are currently monitoring reservoir conditions and reviewing operating budgets to account for the anticipated loss of hydroelectric generation. Mattson confirmed that, when the hydroelectric generation at Ruedi stops, Aspen must replace that energy with power purchased through its existing wholesale power supply arrangements with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN). \n\n\n\n“Based on the 2026 budgeted generation, staff estimate that the unplanned outage from early August 2026 through April 2027 will result in approximately 9.9 million kilowatt-hours of lost hydroelectric generation,” the update states. “To replace this lost generation, the City will purchase power through MEAN at the Green Energy rate of $0.05355 per kilowatt-hour under existing power supply contracts.”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing MEAN’s current blended cost of approximately $0.072 per kilowatt-hour — including energy, transmission and Fixed Cost Recovery Charges that recovers MEAN’s fixed costs for generation and operations — staff have estimated that the total additional power supply costs will be approximately $710,000 over the 10-month outage period, according to the update. \n\n\n\n“Actual costs will depend on the duration of the outage and market conditions,” the update continues. “These projected impacts are being incorporated into ongoing budget planning.” \n\n\n\nAccording to Mattson, the estimated $710,000 cost will be managed through the Utility enterprise fund and is being incorporated into ongoing budget planning.\n\n\n\nStaff will also be evaluating opportunities to complete planned maintenance and improvement projects at the hydroelectric facility during the outage period. Mattson said that staff will be performing inspections, preventative maintenance and other equipment work he called “difficult” to complete when the facility is actively generating power. \n\n\n\n“Staff will evaluate opportunities to complete those activities during the planned downtime to help reduce future operational challenges,” he said. “Maintenance and improvement activities will be prioritized based on operational needs, available funding, and resource availability.”\n\n\n\nAs these operational efforts occur, the city is also continuing to advance plans for a second turbine unit at the Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the city’s license amendment application authorizing the addition of a second, lower-flow turbine and associated facility upgrades in May, and staff are now working through the regulatory, permitting and engineering requirements needed to advance the project, Mattson said.\n\n\n\n“Once completed, the second turbine is expected to provide greater operational flexibility and improve the facility’s ability to generate power under lower-flow and lower-reservoir conditions,” he wrote. “While the project would not eliminate the impacts of severe drought conditions such as those currently being experienced, it is expected to improve the long-term resilience, efficiency, and reliability of hydroelectric operations at Ruedi, which directly benefits City of Aspen electric customers by helping maintain a reliable source of locally generated renewable energy.”\n\n\n\nThe city plans to complete final engineering design and permitting activities in 2027. Construction and equipment procurement are then anticipated to begin by May 2028, the update confirms. \n\n\n\nNo action is being requested from Aspen City Council at this time.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/ruedi-hydroelectric-facility-anticipated-to-lose-power-by-august/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T23:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2023%2F06%2F06220924%2FIMG_3653-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ruedi-hydroelectric-facility-anticipated-to-lose-power-by-august"},{"id":"yu7xwt","title":"River Valley Ranch golf course sells to Kygo-backed Palm Tree Crew","excerpt":"Palm Tree Crew, Major Food Group and 8K Capital have acquired the purchase of the River Valley Ranch golf course — an acclaimed, 187-acre championship course set in the Crystal River Valley in Carbondale, the partners announced.\n\n\n\nRiver Valley Ranch golf course, a lauded mountain course with rob...","content":"Palm Tree Crew, Major Food Group and 8K Capital have acquired the purchase of the River Valley Ranch golf course — an acclaimed, 187-acre championship course set in the Crystal River Valley in Carbondale, the partners announced.\n\n\n\nRiver Valley Ranch golf course, a lauded mountain course with robust amenities that was listed at $24,500,000, will be the site of a project that combines Major Food Group’s restaurants with Palm Tree Crew’s event and lifestyle offerings to create a new golf experience, according to a press release. The partners envision a destination that pairs championship golf with fine dining and a social calendar meant to outlast a round.\n\n\n\n“The acquisition of River Valley Ranch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Palm Tree Crew, and we’re excited to embark on this with our best-in-class partners, Major Food Group and 8K Capital,” Myles Shear said, who co-founded Palm Tree Crew with Kygo. “Together, our goal is to honor what has made the course so beloved while thoughtfully elevating the experience — combining world-class golf with Major Food Group’s signature hospitality and culinary expertise, Palm Tree Crew’s cultural and lifestyle platform, and 8K Capital’s long-term investment vision.”\n\n\n\nShear added, “We’re proud to take on the stewardship of one of the Roaring Fork Valley’s premier golf destinations and to create a place that contributes meaningfully to the region’s community, culture and continued growth. Aspen and golf have both been central to Palm Tree Crew’s story, making this partnership a natural extension of our shared commitment to the area.” \n\n\n\nThe buyers want to further activate the site as a driver for regional economic and cultural growth, drawing more visitors, bolstering the area’s luxury hospitality and residential markets and lifting the surrounding community’s long-term profile, the release confirms. \n\n\n\n“Major Food Group has always believed that exceptional hospitality is rooted in a strong sense of place. While golf represents a new category for us, the opportunity to bring our approach to food, service, design and hospitality to River Valley Ranch feels like a natural evolution,” Co-Founder of Major Food Group Jeff Zalaznick said. “Working alongside Palm Tree Crew and 8K Capital, we look forward to creating a dining and social experience that complements the extraordinary course and natural beautify of Roaring Fork Valley, while delivering something distinctly tailored to this community and designation.”\n\n\n\nThe golf course at River Valley Ranch currently operates as a pay-to-play public golf course.\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit rvrma.org/golf.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/river-valley-ranch-golf-course-sells-to-kygos-palm-tree-crew/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T15:45:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F13094427%2Fgolfcourse-scaled-1-1024x576.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"river-valley-ranch-golf-course-sells-to-kygo-backed-palm-tree-crew"},{"id":"g3ifib","title":"Colorado to weigh daily hunting limits, ban on fur sales for wildlife hunted for fur","excerpt":"Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the dates for the July 16-17 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting. \n\n\n\nAt its upcoming meetings on July 16 and 17, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider whether to impose daily hunting limits for furbearers and a b...","content":"Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the dates for the July 16-17 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting. \n\n\n\nAt its upcoming meetings on July 16 and 17, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider whether to impose daily hunting limits for furbearers and a ban on commercial fur sales. It’s the latest chapter in a years-long debate over how these species — which include beavers, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, martens and other mesocarnivores — should be managed. \n\n\n\nBoth potential policy changes have emerged from a surge of public interest in furbearers following Proposition 127 — a failed ballot measure in 2024 that sought to ban the hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx. \n\n\n\nThe idea to impose a limit on the number of furbearers a recreational hunter can kill in a single day has been raised in public comments and was among several recommendations made to the agency in a 2025 stakeholder group. \n\n\n\nWhile Parks and Wildlife proposed a daily limit of 15 for all 17 furbearer species in March, wildlife advocates and some commissioners pushed back, arguing it didn’t go far enough and asked staff to consider a lower number. On July 16, the commission will discuss one new option proposed by the wildlife agency — though its recommendation remains a daily limit of 15. \n\n\n\nThe idea to ban the commercial sale of furs in Colorado emerged out of a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity in June 2025. \n\n\n\nThe petition argued that it is a common-sense and ethical change that aligns furbearers with how the state manages other wildlife. In a controversial March vote, the commission approved the petition against the recommendation of Parks and Wildlife staff, sending it forward for additional debate. The first hearing will be held on July 17, with Parks and Wildlife offering two options for potential fur sales bans. The agency’s recommendation remains not to impose any ban.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA public divided on Colorado’s current furbearer management \n\n\n\nPublic sentiment around furbearers is largely divided into two groups. \n\n\n\nThe first, primarily represented by sportspersons and agriculture advocates, argues that the agency’s current management is driven by science and represents a critical part of Colorado’s hunting heritage that provides critical data to the agency. The second, held by wildlife conservation and welfare advocates, contends that the management of furbearers is outdated, unethical and leading to overexploitation of the species\n\n\n\nCurrently in Colorado, all 17 furbearer species can be hunted with the purchase of ​​a $10 permit. In its 2024-25 fiscal year, the agency sold 19,620 furbearer permits. There are no limits on the number that a permit-holder can kill. \n\n\n\nThese species are grouped together as mesocarnivores, sharing high reproductive output, high natural mortality rates and qualities as habitat generalists, according to a March report. \n\n\n\nIn a July memo to the commission, Parks and Wildlife Director Laura Clellan wrote that “current annual harvest rates range from 0.6-5.8% of the conservative population projections,” and that there is no scientific evidence that the current level of furbearer hunting is causing population declines. \n\n\n\nA fox keeps a eye on her kits in Steamboat Springs on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is considering making changes to how it manages fox and other furbearer species at its July 2026 commissioner meeting. John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today archive\n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife staff have said that the allowed methods of trapping — which were narrowed significantly by a 1996 ballot measure in Colorado — act as a natural limit on how many furbearers can be hunted.\n\n\n\nThere have been some concerns and criticism that Parks and Wildlife lacks sufficient population estimates for these species. In the memo, Clellan clarifies that the wildlife profession tends not to use population abundance for small game and furbearer management because their populations are limited, not by harvest, but by factors like weather and habitat — meaning there are “often very large population swings year to year.” \n\n\n\nWhile Colorado law makes it illegal to sell or purchase wildlife for commercial gain, there’s an exemption that allows the sale of “nonedible portions of wildlife,” including furbearer pelts and hides. This includes allowing the sale, barter or trading of items like fur, feathers, teeth, horns, antlers, bones and more that were acquired legally.\n\n\n\nShould Colorado implement daily hunting limits on furbearers?  \n\n\n\nMink are among the 17 species Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages as furbearers. The agency is considering making changes to how it manages these mesocarnivores.\nU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to imposing a daily limit on the number of furbearers a hunter can legally kill, the agency has offered two options. The first is a limit of 15 that applies to all furbearer species hunted for sport in Colorado. According to Clellan, this is still the agency’s recommendation. \n\n\n\nThe second would apply a limit of eight or four, depending on the species. The higher limit of eight would be applied to species identified by state law as those that can cause property damage: badger, bobcat, beaver, coyote, muskrat, striped skunk, western spotted skunk, raccoon and red fox. The lower limit of four would be applied to mink, opossum, marten, ring-tailed cat, gray fox, swift fox, long-tailed weasel and short-tailed weasel. \n\n\n\nIn her memo, Clellan said the reason Parks and Wildlife is considering a limit is in response to perceptions that there is a “regulatory loophole allowing unlimited, unsustainable harvest and a regulatory gap between how furbearers are managed in comparison to small game.”\n\n\n\nShe added that it would also help maintain “social acceptance” of recreational hunting of furbearers.\n\n\n\n“There is no information that suggests reducing harvest is necessary to sustain adequate furbearer populations throughout their respective ranges in Colorado,” Clellan wrote, adding that daily limits would only “affect a small number of hunters or trappers, as the vast majority of Colorado furharvesters take only a few animals, even across the whole harvest season.”\n\n\n\nA screenshot from a July 2026 Colorado Parks and Wildlife memo showing population estimates and hunting levels for several “priority” furbearer species including beaver, gray fox, marten, ringtail, swift fox and bobcat.Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nShould Colorado ban the commercial sale of furs from furbearers? \n\n\n\nIn a July issue paper identifying potential options for a ban on the sale of fur, the agency gives three potential options for the commission to consider. Parks and Wildlife indicates that the alternatives offered are “substantially different” from the petition to avoid potential regulatory conflicts.\n\n\n\nThe first — recommended by Parks and Wildlife staff — is not to implement a ban, citing its previous denial of the petition. Clellan wrote in the denial recommendation that there was no “solid evidence that commercial fur sales drive harvest levels in Colorado.” \n\n\n\nThe second option would prohibit the sale of “fur products,” defined as the pelt, hide or any part of a furbearer hunted in Colorado. The third would ban the sale of “raw pelts,” referring to the skin or any part of the furbearer intact with skin that has not been tanned. Both would only apply to fur sales within the state, meaning an animal legally hunted in Colorado could still be sold in another state. \n\n\n\nThe agency reports that both of these would have enforcement challenges. \n\n\n\nBoth the second and third would exempt any furbearers killed for tribal uses or by private landowners and producers dealing with nuisance animals. The latter is currently legal under a state law that allows these individuals to kill nine of the furbearer species for causing damage to crops, private property or livestock without a license. \n\n\n\nIn between the March and July meetings, Parks and Wildlife solicited feedback on a potential ban on its EngageCPW.org website and through several stakeholder groups.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe survey received 726 responses, with 57% opposing a commercial fur sales ban. Opponents said the proposal lacks scientific justification, goes against Parks and Wildlife staff recommendations, could hurt local economies and businesses, and would remove an important wildlife management tool.\n\n\n\nAbout 38% supported the ban, citing animal welfare, ethics and the ecological importance of furbearers. Many said ending commercial fur sales would stop the commercialization of native wildlife, arguing that trapping and fur harvesting are inhumane and that the animals should be managed for their ecological value rather than commercial use.\n\n\n\nThe commission’s March decision to go against staff’s recommended denial of the petition has raised concerns about the overall direction of the board and agency. \n\n\n\n“The consequence will be that now there is an onslaught of petitions coming your way that will tie up your CPW staff,” said Rio Blanco County commissioner Callie Scritchfield at the commission’s May meeting. “Colorado is moving more and more toward ballot-box biology, and now petition biology. This allows for management based on emotions and politics, and I haven’t seen any evidence that that’s more successful than managing based on our science and experience on the ground.” \n\n\n\nOthers, however, supported the commissioner’s decision to allow the petition a hearing. In May, Delia Malone, an ecologist based in Redstone, said the “vote to support an ethical, science-based relationship with our natural world by voting to protect native furbearers from commercialization has been one of the most important votes in Colorado in the last century.”\n\n\n\n“The commission has made great progress in moving Colorado towards the ethical ecological light of the moral universe and out of the scientifically unethical world where guns dominate wildlife management, and killing is misconstrued as conservation,” she said. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-furbearers-hunting-fur-ban-limits/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:23:21.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F12202026%2Fusfws-american-badger-large-1024x751.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-to-weigh-daily-hunting-limits-ban-on-fur-sales-for-wildlife-hunted-for-fur"},{"id":"a57v7j","title":"Aspen gallery debuts rare Heffron Collection","excerpt":"The Harvey Preston Gallery will debut The Heffron Collection with a public opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, presenting legacy works from the collection of Valerie and Paul Heffron.\n\n\n\nThe exhibition will stay on view through Aug. 10, showcasing influential ceramic artists incl...","content":"The Harvey Preston Gallery will debut The Heffron Collection with a public opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, presenting legacy works from the collection of Valerie and Paul Heffron.\n\n\n\nThe exhibition will stay on view through Aug. 10, showcasing influential ceramic artists including Betty Woodman, Lucy Rie, Toshiko Takaezu, Peter Voulkos, Michael Cardew and Bernard and David Leach.\n\n\n\n“There is nothing like seeing the artist’s hand in design and in construction of objects,” Harvey Preston Gallery owner Sam Harvey said. “The Heffron Collection offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationships Valerie Heffron built with the artists she collected during the early years of their careers. Alongside exceptional ceramic works, the exhibition includes handwritten letters and notes that reveal those connections. I hope visitors leave inspired by experiencing these works in person, many of which are typically only seen in museum collections.” \n\n\n\nHarvey is a ceramic artist, curator and educator who has been part of Aspen’s arts community for more than two decades, including nine years at Anderson Ranch where he mentored emerging artists. He is a 2019 USA Fellowship Award recipient and has led the Harvey Preston Gallery for over 20 years, where he champions contemporary ceramics, sculpture and works on paper.\n\n\n\nFor those attending the reception, Harvey advises: “If you’re walking around with your cocktail, you must also see Lucie Rie, several works by Paul Soldner, who is a local legend, and Rick Dillingham. Those are stellar pieces.” \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit harveypreston.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-gallery-debuts-rare-heffron-collection/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T22:00:14.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2020%2F07%2F11151023%2Fcover-atw-071620-1-6-1024x682.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-gallery-debuts-rare-heffron-collection"},{"id":"tmmvxk","title":"Aspen’s Parks and Open Space provides update on Strategic Plan","excerpt":"The city of Aspen’s Parks and Open Space have presented Aspen Town Council with an information update on the department’s Strategic Plan, “Guiding Green: A Field Guide to Strengthening Aspen’s Outdoor Roots,” aimed at providing a framework for priorities, decision-making and resource allocation o...","content":"The city of Aspen’s Parks and Open Space have presented Aspen Town Council with an information update on the department’s Strategic Plan, “Guiding Green: A Field Guide to Strengthening Aspen’s Outdoor Roots,” aimed at providing a framework for priorities, decision-making and resource allocation over the next 10 years.\n\n\n\nThis update comes at what the update calls “an important time for Aspen’s parks, trails, and open space system.” It follows Aspen voters approving Ballot Issue 2B in November 2022, which extended the half-cent open space sales tax in perpetuity.\n\n\n\n“This renewed community support creates both an opportunity and a responsibility to manage public funding thoughtfully, transparently, and effectively,” the update reads.\n\n\n\nPublic comment period, where the draft of the Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan and a plan summary will be posted on Aspen Community Voice for public review and comment, will take place from July 20 to Aug. 14. Parks staff will then share a summary of public comments and request an Open Space and Trails Board motion of support recommending formal adoption at their board meeting on Aug. 20.\n\n\n\nFollowing, staff will ultimately provide an overview of the Strategic Plan and summarize public and Open Space and Trails Board feedback at the Aspen City Council work session on Aug. 24, giving council the opportunity to provide feedback as well. Staff will share a work session follow-up memo and request that council consider a resolution formally adopting the Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan at council’s Sept. 29 meeting.\n\n\n\nNo action is requested of council at this time.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspens-parks-and-open-space-provides-update-on-strategic-plan/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T21:22:56.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F07%2F18150257%2FIMG_14869-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspens-parks-and-open-space-provides-update-on-strategic-plan"},{"id":"vqf7hl","title":"Review: Weilerstein’s Dvořák cello concerto tops a juicy music festival week","excerpt":"Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and her husband, conductor Rafael Payare, are regular visitors to the Aspen Music Festival — Weilerstein literally since birth and Payare more recently. Sunday’s Festival Orchestra program brought them together in performance for the first time here, and the results were...","content":"Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and her husband, conductor Rafael Payare, are regular visitors to the Aspen Music Festival — Weilerstein literally since birth and Payare more recently. Sunday’s Festival Orchestra program brought them together in performance for the first time here, and the results were stunning in a gorgeous and thrilling Dvořák Cello Concerto.\n\n\n\nA clearly inspired orchestra delivered the details in the score and only occasionally overrode the soloist (and never in the parts that really count), making for an especially satisfying performance.\n\n\n\nWeilerstein can sometimes stray into her own odd interpretations, but this one focused on the essence. Everything flowed without holding anything back, yet never going too far. Her formidable technical ability never tipped over into show-off mode, instead using it to enlighten the music’s meaning. For an encore, Weilerstein chose the Sarabande from Bach’s E-flat cello suite, again using her proficiency to make the complex (if slow-moving) counterpoint emerge with heartfelt grace.\n\n\n\nTo top off the afternoon, Payare led a gung-ho charge through Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 that hit all the big moments and paid welcome attention to the details.\n\n\n\nA highlight of Friday’s Chamber Symphony program, conducted by the irrepressible Nicholas McGegan, was a technicolor ride through Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks that showed off the woodwinds and brass in this year’s collective talent. In contrast, Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro got a particularly warm and elegant performance.\n\n\n\nIn the first half, which opened with a boisterous romp through Beethoven’s King Stephen overture, soloist Leonidas Kavakos approached Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 with a darker, heavier style than we usually hear. Impressive, but not exactly elegant.\n\n\n\nIn his recital Thursday, Kavakos dug into sonatas by Beethoven, Mozart and Franck with surprising intensity for a musician who doesn’t make a big show of virtuosic playing. Clarity and emotional content were very much present. With little body movement, his mind was on where the music should go, and he got there without excess visual dramatics.\n\n\n\nBest, though, was Stravinsky’s Divertimento for Violin and Piano. Pianist Enrico Pace, who has recorded all of Beethoven’s violin sonatas with Kavakos, brought a deft touch and lively rhythmic feel to a suite based on the composer’s ballet “The Fairy’s Kiss.” The music embraces the Romantic expansiveness of Tchaikovsky, with delightful near-quotations of the Russian composer’s songs and various piano pieces. This piece is not played often enough, especially in the hands of a violinist and pianist this good.\n\n\n\nFranck’s Sonata in A major topped off the tasty evening with a generous and amped-up expression without going over the top.\n\n\n\nSaturday evening’s program, a mixed bag titled “Time-Traveler’s Suite,” emerged as an ultimately fun idea by pianist Inon Barnatan, tracing a path from J.S. Bach to more modern music inspired by great Baroque suites.\n\n\n\nAn ad hoc chamber orchestra (with the redoubtable Alexander Kerr as concertmaster) surrounded Barnatan’s grand piano and harpsichord on the Harris Concert Hall stage. The opening salvo — the Allegro from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 — set the scene with colorful playing by all hands, topped by Mauricio Garcia de Jesús’ precise piccolo trumpet. A lovely Larghetto from Handel’s Trio Sonata in G minor fit nicely next as a sort of slow movement, followed by two cheeky Rameau miniatures, making it feel like we were finding our way through a Baroque suite.\n\n\n\nA wheezy orchestration by contemporary composer Thomas Adès of a Couperin harpsichord piece, “Les barricades mistérieuses,” was the first of several modern takes. Barnatan’s brash and surprisingly loud performance of the Rigaudon from Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin” followed. \n\n\n\nMuch better was the lilt of the Serenata from Stravinsky’s “Suite Italienne” — an arrangement for violin and piano from the ballet “Pulcinella,” which quotes music of the Baroque era. Kerr caressed the solo part, then delivered punchy playing in two of composer Charles Wuorinen’s original modern takes in Baroque style. \n\n\n\nSince Baroque suites usually comprise dance music, contemporary French composer Guillaume Connesson (whose music has been described as “a blend of Ravel, John Williams and James Brown”) topped things off with a drivingly rhythmic, whacky impression of techno music. After that, the finale of the Brandenburg Concerto that started the evening made perfect sense with its own driving rhythms.\n\n\n\nThere was more Bach after intermission, with Barnatan conducting. He kept the orchestra together in the Italian Concerto and generated an engaging run through Olli Mustonen’s Concerto for Three Violins from 1998 (much better than the composer’s more acidic “A City Called Heaven” on Monday’s Chamber Music concert).\n\n\n\nThe highlights of Saturday afternoon’s chamber music program was an extraordinarily robust yet elegant Mendelssohn Piano Trio No. 1 by three of the festival’s finest. Violinist David Coucheron (concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony), cellist Desmond Hoebig and pianist Anton Nel (both of whom have solo careers and teach at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto) were uncannily channeling the same goal, each with his own thoughts of how it should meld together. Glorious stuff.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/review-weilersteins-dvorak-cello-concerto-tops-a-juicy-music-festival-week/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Harvey Steiman Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-13T20:29:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F13142141%2Fimage-7-1024x747.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"review-weilersteins-dvok-cello-concerto-tops-a-juicy-music-festival-week"},{"id":"dayisq","title":"Wildland firefighters say things are ‘basically as dry as they can get’ in Colorado’s forests — fueling ‘schizophrenic’ wildfire behavior","excerpt":"A historic drought is turning Colorado’s mountain landscapes into a tinderbox.\n\n\n\nAfter last winter’s record-low snowpack, wildland firefighters who continuously monitor indexes of weather and climate data to help predict wildfire risk and how conditions might affect fire behavior say they’re sta...","content":"A historic drought is turning Colorado’s mountain landscapes into a tinderbox.\n\n\n\nAfter last winter’s record-low snowpack, wildland firefighters who continuously monitor indexes of weather and climate data to help predict wildfire risk and how conditions might affect fire behavior say they’re staring down unprecedented levels of dryness.\n\n\n\n“That lack of snowpack has had a very real impact on the fuels, the vegetation — specifically the large logs that are on the ground,” said Jim King, the fire behavior analyst for the Willow Fire burning near Leadville. “Those are 1,000-hour fuels. The way we measure those in this line of work, they’re just at the very peak. They’re basically as dry as they can get.”\n\n\n\nIn updates during community meetings this month, King described how bone-dry logs in the dense forest near Turquoise Lake, along with high winds, contributed to 100-foot columns of flames and extreme fire behavior that at times threw “spots” — or new fires started by sparks and embers — more than a half mile ahead of the blaze.\n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire — which had burned about 4,500 acres with 22% containment as of Friday morning — is one of five major fires that have swept across Colorado since the last weekend in June. The way the fire has burned out of control just below the treeline at 10,000-feet has wildfire leaders in nearby mountain communities say they’re paying attention.\n\n\n\nMatt Benedict, the wildland division fire chief at the Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District, which is just over the Continental Divide in Breckenridge, said it’s unusual to see significant fire growth in high-Alpine timber so early in the summer.\n\n\n\n“That’s typically an August-September issue, when things have had a whole summer to dry out, and instead we’re seeing it in the end of June and beginning of July,” Benedict said. “So that’s pretty alarming to us. It is certainly the one thing that makes me anxious at this point — is the reaction we’re seeing with our heavy timber.”\n\n\n\nWhat firefighters refer to as “1,000-hour fuels” includes logs and thick timber like these lodgepole pines on U.S. Forest Service land in Summit County. Most years, a thick winter snowpack will overlay much of this dead timber and fill it with moisture as the snow melts in spring. But this photo taken April 26 shows only trace amounts of snow remaining amid a historic drought.\n\n\n\nDry 1,000-hour fuels are adding to ‘erratic’ fire behavior\n\n\n\nOne of the things that wildland firefighters say they are so concerned about is that it’s not just grasses and shrubs that are dry. It’s also thick trees and downed logs.\n\n\n\nWildland firefighters call these “1,000-hour fuels” because they are so dense that they’re slow to gain or lose moisture and take approximately 1,000 hours, or 40 days and nights, to saturate or dry out. At high elevations, 1,000-hour fuels usually soak in water from the snowpack through much of the spring, then take most of the summer to dry out, according to wildfire experts. But the historic drought has left them parched and drier than ever.\n\n\n\n“The fuels, in essence, have never been this dry,” said Hugh Fairfield-Smith, the wildland division chief at the Eagle River Fire Protection District.\n\n\n\nOne metric wildland firefighters use to understand how dry fuels are — and how hot they’ll burn — is known as the energy release component. \n\n\n\nAccording to Wildfire.gov, energy release component values build up as conditions get drier and are therefore a “good reflection of drought conditions.” The moisture of 1,000-hour fuels is a “primary input” to the index because these thick fuels are hard to burn when wet but can add a lot of fuel to a fire when they are dry enough to ignite.\n\n\n\nBenedict said the energy release component, “tells us how stubborn fires are going to be and how explosive they’re going to burn.”\n\n\n\n“We’re setting all-time records” right now, he added.\n\n\n\n View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ryan Spencer (@summitspencer) \n\n\n\nThe Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s fire environment dashboard shows near-record breaking energy release components values at nearly every location in the mountains in recent days.\n\n\n\nAt the Willow Fire, the amount of 1,000-hour fuels is part of what officials say has made the fire so hard to battle. With the massive amount of material that is available to burn, King said the fire has been hard to put out and will smolder even when conditions calm down, ready to torch again when winds pick up.\n\n\n\n“This fire is in a fuel type that is erratic — schizophrenic, you might say,” he said. “It doesn’t take much to set it off.”\n\n\n\nFrom neighboring Pitkin County, Aspen Fire Wildland Battalion Chief Jake Spaudling has also been watching the Willow Fire with apprehension.\n\n\n\nWith 1,000-hour fuels so dry and energy release components so high across the region, Spaulding said wildfires will spread quickly and are more likely to climb into the canopy of a forest where they are hard to control.\n\n\n\n“It just means that we’ve got to be ready for extreme fire behavior and to see things that maybe we’ve never seen before,” he said.\n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire burns just outside of Leadville at about 10,000 feet. Wildland fire chiefs across the mountains say they’re worried that record-dry conditions could fuel similar extreme wildfire behavior if a blaze were to break out in their own backyards.\n\n\n\n‘Rain will have literally no impact’ on 1,000-hour fuels\n\n\n\nAs summer wears on, wildland firefighters warn that even rain won’t do much to improve Colorado’s wildfire risk.\n\n\n\nWhile forecasts are calling for an active monsoon season that could bring substantial rainfall later in the summer, wildfire officials are worried that any precipitation could come as a double-edged sword.\n\n\n\n“The unfortunate part — this is the part that’s got us all on edge — is we’re going to see the potential of dry lightning when we see the monsoon start,” Benedict said. “This is not a monsoon push by any means, but when we see the monsoon introduce itself, we typically see lightning out in front of it, just because of all the dry air that’s out there.”\n\n\n\nEven as some smaller storms have floated through the mountains in recent days, Benedict said the monsoon season has yet to kick in and more dry weather is expected through July. When it does rain, he said the dry soil “takes its share first,” leaving little water remaining for vegetation and fuels.\n\n\n\nBecause 1,000-hour fuels are so dense and woody, Fairfield-Smith said that even regular monsoon rains can do little to reverse how much these logs and timber have dried out amid this historic drought.\n\n\n\n“I don’t want to be all doom and gloom, but a few days of rain will have literally no impact on 1,000-hour and timber fuels,” he said. “Just a few days of rain will only impact the grass and maybe a little bit of brush. If we had a lightning strike in timber while it was raining, it could still move 1,000 acres in a day — easy.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-drought-wildfire-risk-dry-forests/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:21:11.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F12202027%2FScreenshot_2026-07-10_at_10.46.40E280AFAM-1024x553.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wildland-firefighters-say-things-are-basically-as-dry-as-they-can-get-in-colorados-forests-fueling-s"},{"id":"espccx","title":"Advocates reignite fight to keep Roan Plateau ‘pristine’ amid boom of BLM oil and gas leasing in Colorado","excerpt":"Just northwest of Rifle, the Roan Plateau rises 3,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley, a towering wall of sandstone cliffs.\n\n\n\nOnce airborne, the mesa unfolds below as a patchwork of waterfalls and streams winding through aspen groves, juniper woodlands, Douglas fir and Gambel oak. The surro...","content":"Just northwest of Rifle, the Roan Plateau rises 3,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley, a towering wall of sandstone cliffs.\n\n\n\nOnce airborne, the mesa unfolds below as a patchwork of waterfalls and streams winding through aspen groves, juniper woodlands, Douglas fir and Gambel oak. The surrounding landscape is dotted with roads and oil and gas well pads. \n\n\n\nIt’s a view that highlights the long-standing tension between conservation and energy development on the plateau — a fight that has been reignited as the Bureau of Land Management considers several new oil and gas leases atop the Roan in its upcoming sale in December. On Wednesday, July 8, conservation advocacy nonprofit EcoFlight gave several organizations and individuals a chance to see the view from aboard a six-seat Cessna airplane.\n\n\n\n“Roan is a small island of undisturbed habitat and landscape in a sea of development,” said Brien Webster, the public lands campaign manager for Conservation Colorado. “There’s plenty of development; we want to make sure there’s plenty left for wildlife, habitat, recreation, fish and ecological value. … We want future generations to be shaped by these kinds of opportunities, to have the opportunity to see wildlife that are unique to a landscape, in a place that is unfragmented and fairly pristine.” \n\n\n\nNancy Johnston-Bramlett, an operations manager with Colorado Trout Unlimited, said it was surprising to see how the existing oil and gas development has impacted the landscape west of the plateau, which is predominantly private land owned by companies. \n\n\n\n“From the ground, you think, ‘Well, those roads, those (well) pads, there’ll be trees around them. It won’t be that bad,'” she said. “But when you’re in the air, you see just how denuded the landscape has become in and out of those pads. And the actual pads are huge, flat and there is not a speck of growth or goodness except for the mineral extraction that’s happening there.” \n\n\n\nOil and gas pads spot across private land west of the Roan Plateau from an EcoFlight overflight of the plateau on July 8, 2026.Ali Longwell/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThe Roan Plateau is “a very mineral-rich plateau and basin,” owing back to its history as an ancient sea, said Jane Pargiter, the executive director of EcoFlight. \n\n\n\n“It’s very wealthy in terms of these resources. So as long as we’re all using oil and gas, we can’t say they shouldn’t (drill) anywhere,” Pargiter said. “But the top of the Roan is spectacular, and it has so many values that are intrinsic to it, from the biodiversity to being this incredible wildlife habitat for mule deer and elk.” \n\n\n\nThe BLM first proposed leasing on the 73,600-acre Roan Plateau in 2007 — spurring thousands of protests and a lawsuit that took until 2014 to settle, resulting in the cancellation of 17 leases on the plateau. \n\n\n\nNow, nearly 5,000 acres of land atop the plateau’s predominantly untouched landscape could be leased in the BLM’s December sale, as President Donald Trump’s administration ushers in a new era of energy development on the federal lands. Trump has said the goal of his executive order to “unleash American energy” is to achieve energy independence, increase affordability and provide jobs by reducing red tape and reopening public lands for development.\n\n\n\n“For those of us that live out here in these places, we want public lands that continue to provide us solace, that continue to provide us that economic benefit, that continue to support wildlife management, that have responsible energy development, and that are part of a process that’s responsive, responsible and sustainable — because otherwise we lose it all,” Webster said. “This isn’t market-driven. This isn’t informed by local resource experts. This is a top-down approach that’s completely out of touch with the realities on the ground and with the interests of local communities.”\n\n\n\nThe Roan Plateau looms beyond the tarmac at the Rifle Garfield County Airport on Wednesday, July 8 where EcoFlight convened stakeholders — including representatives from Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Wilderness Workshop, Trout Unlimited and other wildlife experts and sportspersons — to fly over the plateau. Ali Longwell/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThe BLM’s fourth quarter lease sale in 2026 is scheduled for December, with the initial 30-day public scoping period ending July 7. Additional opportunities to comment will come following the release of a draft environmental impact statement and during a formal protest period. In total, 114 parcels covering 126,744 acres in Garfield, Rio Blanco, Gunnison, Weld, Arapahoe, Archuleta, La Plata and Las Animas counties are being considered for the sale. Four of the parcels are located on the plateau, with an additional two parcels being offered nearby.\n\n\n\nThe Roan parcels were included in the sale because they were nominated through an expression of interest on the National Fluid Lease Sale System website, according to Levi Spellman, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management. Interest in the six parcels on or near the plateau was submitted by Elevation Resources, LLC, a Denver-based oil and gas brokerage firm. \n\n\n\n“They are available for consideration because they are open for fluid mineral leasing under the applicable resource management plan and all applicable legal settlements,” Spellman added.\n\n\n\nA history of battles on the plateau\n\n\n\nBen Good Creek flowing through the Roan Plateau onboard an overflight from EcoFlight on July 8, 2026. The creek flows just north of four parcels that the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to lease for oil and gas development in its December lease sale. EcoFlight/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nAdvocates are pushing back against Roan Plateau’s inclusion in the fourth-quarter auction, arguing it goes against public support for protecting the plateau’s environmental values and previous fights over protections for the landscape. \n\n\n\n“I can’t believe they’re doing this again,” said Ken Neubecker, with the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley chapters of Trout Unlimited. \n\n\n\nIn 2007, when the BLM first proposed leasing all available oil and gas acreage on the plateau, protests poured in. The federal agency went forward with the lease sale, auctioning over 55,000 acres in 2008, only to be sued by a group of environmental advocacy organizations, including Colorado Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Wild, the Sierra Club, Wilderness Workshop and a few others.\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-495887-293').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Conservation and environmental nonprofits have expressed concerns about the overlap between high priority wildlife habitat and the parcels (in yellow) located on or around the Roan Plateau in the Bureau of Land Management’s December 2026 quarterly oil and gas lease sale. Conservation Colorado created an interactive map showing how Parks and Wildlife habitat data overlaps with the parcels. Courtesy Photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Bureau of Land Management has proposed auctioning 114 parcels covering 126,744 acres for oil and gas development in its fourth quarter lease sale in December. The parcels are located in Garfield, Rio Blanco, Gunnison, Weld, Arapahoe, Archuleta, La Plata and Las Animas counties. Courtesy Photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Bureau of Land Management’s proposed fourth quarter lease sale in December includes four parcels on the Roan Plateau and two adjacent to the mesa. Courtesy photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\nThe basis of the groups’ argument then — and now — is that oil and gas development on the plateau would impact watersheds that support a rare, genetically pure trout species, wildlife habitat that’s crucial to elk, mule deer and greater sage grouse and well-established hunting, fishing and backcountry recreation. The six parcels up for consideration in December’s lease directly cut through greater sage grouse leks, or breeding grounds, as well as migration corridors and winter, summer and breeding habitat for elk and mule deer. \n\n\n\nDean Riggs, a former Parks and Wildlife biologist, said that species like greater sage grouse “don’t move well on the landscape” and any disturbance of the leks will cause them to “blink out” and cease to exist. \n\n\n\nAs for the “genetically unique” cutthroat that live in the plateau’s highest streams: “If you lose those, the chance of getting them back is almost non-existent,” Riggs added. \n\n\n\nWhile migratory species like deer and elk could move, not only are there few, if any, other quality habitats remaining, but any disturbance can impact their health. \n\n\n\n“When you fragment these landscapes, wildlife moves through it quicker. They come across more obstacles. Their health becomes diminished and populations decline,” Webster said. \n\n\n\nIn 2012, a Denver judge ruled in favor of the environmental groups, deeming that the BLM’s management plan that allowed drilling on the plateau was deficient. Two years later, the parties settled, and the BLM canceled 17 of the 19 leases on the plateau. The remaining two leases were relinquished in 2024. The agency was required to refund around $47.6 million to the leaseholder, Bill Barrett Corp., and prepare a new, long-term environmental impact assessment for the area. \n\n\n\nThat plan was released in 2016 and barred 90% of the public land on the plateau from future oil and gas leasing. Then-BLM Director Neil Kornze, who led the federal agency from March 2013 to January 2017, said the decision honored Colorado’s connection to public lands “by protecting some of Colorado’s wildest places and providing greater certainty for oil and gas operators on the Western Slope.”\n\n\n\nNow, the pressure to increase drilling by the current presidential administration is reopening these wounds. \n\n\n\nA new era of energy development on public land\n\n\n\nA view of the southern side of the Roan Plateau above Anvil Points from a July 8 EcoFlight. The plateau rises above the Colorado River Valley and is a landscape filled with “hanging gardens,” canyons, waterfalls, forests and a diverse spread of wildlife. EcoFlight/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThe Bureau of Land Management is required to hold quarterly oil and gas lease sales when eligible lands are available under a 1920 legislative mandate. While the Biden administration pulled away from fossil fuel development amid concerns about how BLM’s oil and gas development was negatively impacting the environment and climate, the Trump administration has leaned back in, making good on his campaign promise to “drill, baby, drill.” \n\n\n\nSince the president’s day one executive order, policy changes have included reducing royalty rates and other changes meant to expand and speed up oil and gas leasing on public lands in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The administration has also recently proposed changes that the BLM said are intended to cut through red tape and spur increased development. The latter includes proposals to shorten public comment periods, reduce bonding requirements, repeal a Biden-era waste minimization rule and more.\n\n\n\nFor many of the environmental advocates, these changes are concerning, not only because they are rapidly increasing the rate at which oil and gas leases are issued, but also because they are drastically diminishing opportunities for public input in the process.\n\n\n\n“These are our public lands. Our voice should be central in that process,” Webster said. “And when you create a rapid, expedited process where you’re pushing as many lease sales through as possible, you’re not able to be responsive to the public.”\n\n\n\nSpellman said on behalf of BLM that “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act sets timetables for processing (expression of interests), requires quarterly lease sales, and directs that any stipulations and mitigations to be applied must exist in the applicable resource management plan. However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act does not impact the BLM’s consideration of public input throughout the lease sale process.”\n\n\n\nWith this increased federal interest, the BLM in Colorado has held two quarterly lease sales this year, resulting in the sale of 215 parcels spanning 176,705 acres for $43.1 million. Proceeds from the sales are split between the federal and Colorado state governments. The BLM’s third-quarter sale will include 31 parcels covering 17,250 acres. In total, BLM has offered 403 parcels in Colorado this year, a large jump from 290 leased in the previous seven years.\n\n\n\nThe East Fork Parachute Creek cutting through the Roan Plateau as seen on an EcoFlight overflight on July 8, 2026. The creek — which is home to a genetically-pure Colorado River cutthroat trout — flows through a few of the parcels being proposed for the Bureau of Land Management’s fourth quarter lease sale. EcoFlight/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThe risk, advocates argue, is that leasing at this pace will lead to the loss of certain things that can never be restored. \n\n\n\n“Even if these parcels aren’t drilled immediately, the simple act of issuing a lease is impactful,” Webster said. “A lease grants a valid and existing right that lasts for at least 10 years … Leasing effectively removes these landscapes from the equation when it comes to shaping more durable and balanced conservation outcomes for our public lands, legally preventing us from prioritizing them for wildlife habitat, our outdoor recreation economy or our community interests.”\n\n\n\nThe parcels atop the Roan Plateau are far from the only ones facing pushback in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and multiple environmental groups protested parcels included in the second-quarter sale held in June. Parks and Wildlife specifically had concerns about how several parcels overlapped with existing conservation easements and could have negative consequences for wildlife and habitat. \n\n\n\nThe BLM denied these protests before the sale, arguing that the subsurface mineral rights did not compete with conservation easements above ground. The agency also argues that leasing itself does not authorize drilling, and that further environmental review would take place as companies apply for those permits. \n\n\n\nIn Routt County, commissioners recently raised concerns about a proposed federal oil and gas lease sale covering nearly 14,000 acres of national forest land north of Hayden. ","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/roan-plateau-oil-gas-leases-blm/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-11T20:53:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F09145355%2FIMG_5500-edit-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"advocates-reignite-fight-to-keep-roan-plateau-pristine-amid-boom-of-blm-oil-and-gas-leasing-in-color"},{"id":"eb8wn","title":"Public safety officials report low number of personal firework incidents over July Fourth weekend","excerpt":"Prior to Independence Day, Eagle County law enforcement made a call to action for Eagle County residents and tourists alike to follow Stage 2 fire restrictions over the course of the busy holiday. \n\n\n\nThis included personal firework usage, which concerned some officials who were worried that with...","content":"Prior to Independence Day, Eagle County law enforcement made a call to action for Eagle County residents and tourists alike to follow Stage 2 fire restrictions over the course of the busy holiday. \n\n\n\nThis included personal firework usage, which concerned some officials who were worried that with no fireworks shows, folks in the area would attempt to use their own.\n\n\n\nA report from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple calls from two incidents over the weekend and responded to them. However, when deputies showed up on-site, no one was at either location and they did not make contact with anyone involved. \n\n\n\n“We were really encouraged to see our community taking the fire restrictions seriously,” the department commented. “Thanks to everyone’s diligence and responsible choices, we had no wildfire starts over the holiday period, which is exactly what we hope to see during these high fire danger conditions.” \n\n\n\nEagle River Fire Chief Mick Woodworth reported a similar outcome with only one firework incident to report. \n\n\n\n“It went absolutely perfect,” he said. \n\n\n\nIn a previous conversation, Woodworth shared that they had two extra wildland fire engines patrolling Eagle County, expecting more personal firework usage. \n\n\n\nThe one report he received was not in his fire district, but west of it, he said, but opted to not share which district. “We had the extra crews on and no fires,” he said. “It was fantastic.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/public-safety-officials-report-low-number-of-personal-firework-incidents-over-july-fourth-weekend/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-11T21:14:23.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2024%2F07%2F04161905%2FVailFourthphotos-VDN-070524-9-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"public-safety-officials-report-low-number-of-personal-firework-incidents-over-july-fourth-weekend"},{"id":"jd3k8m","title":"Voss: Basic first aid principles to help your pet","excerpt":"Accidents are part of life when you share it with an adventurous dog. Here in Aspen, our pets spend far more time outside than the average American dog. They scramble over rocky trails, run alongside sharp ski edges, chase squirrels into groundhog holes and occasionally discover things we’d rathe...","content":"Accidents are part of life when you share it with an adventurous dog. Here in Aspen, our pets spend far more time outside than the average American dog. They scramble over rocky trails, run alongside sharp ski edges, chase squirrels into groundhog holes and occasionally discover things we’d rather they didn’t, like decaying wildlife. With so much time spent exploring, injuries are bound to happen.\n\n\n\nWhen they do, knowing a few basic first aid principles can help your pet while preventing a bad situation from becoming even worse. Just as important is knowing what not to do before you head to the vet hospital.\n\n\n\nOne of the most common injuries I see is a cut or laceration. If your dog suffers a wound, your first priority is controlling the bleeding. Apply firm, steady pressure with a clean towel, gauze or bandage for several minutes. This not only helps stop bleeding, but also protects the wound from additional contamination while you’re on the way to the clinic. \n\n\n\nIf you clearly see dirt or debris in the wound and your dog will tolerate it, gently rinse the area with clean water. Resist the temptation to reach for the medicine cabinet. Avoid applying ointments, rubbing alcohol, liquid bandages or super glue. These products can damage healthy tissue, cause pain and make proper treatment more difficult for your veterinarian.\n\n\n\nLikewise, leave sutures or staples to the professionals. Wounds have a much lower risk of infection when they are thoroughly cleaned and treated within the first several hours after injury, making prompt veterinary care important. Even if your dog doesn’t seem bothered, significant cuts are painful and deserve medical attention.\n\n\n\nAnother common reason for emergency visits is the curious canine stomach. Dogs have an incredible ability to find things we never imagined were edible. Whether it’s a mysterious item on the trail, a discarded picnic lunch or a partially-decomposed animal carcass, what they swallow can range from harmless to life-threatening. \n\n\n\nIf you know or suspect your dog has eaten something unusual, try to identify what it was and how much was consumed. This information can be incredibly helpful for your veterinarian. What you should not do is induce vomiting at home unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.\n\n\n\nMany people have heard that hydrogen peroxide can make dogs vomit. While it can be successful in achieving this sometimes, it is also irritating to the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Even more concerning, bones or other solid objects can become lodged in the esophagus during vomiting, creating a much more serious emergency. If vomiting is indicated, veterinarians have medications that work more reliably with fewer complications.\n\n\n\nWitnessing a seizure is frightening, especially if it happens for the first time. During the episode, your job is simply to keep your dog safe. Move furniture or other hazards out of the way if possible and keep the environment quiet. Do not place your hands in your dog’s mouth. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not swallow their tongue during seizures, but they may unintentionally bite during the episode.\n\n\n\nIf possible, time the seizure. Although it may feel much longer, most seizures last less than two minutes. Once the seizure stops, many dogs experience a temporary period of confusion or disorientation. Stay calm, and comfort them as they recover. \n\n\n\nA first-time seizure always warrants a call to your veterinarian or an urgent visit to an emergency hospital. If your dog has a known seizure disorder, notify your veterinarian, so they can determine whether medication adjustments are needed. Any seizure lasting longer than five minutes, or two or more seizures within a 24 hour period, should be treated as an emergency.\n\n\n\nPain can also be a reason for pet guardians to initiate first-aid. Dogs are remarkably good at hiding discomfort. A subtle limp, reluctance to jump into the car or slowing down on a hike may all be signs that something is wrong. \n\n\n\nIf your pet appears painful, the best first aid is often rest. Limit activity and prevent running, jumping or rough play until your veterinarian can evaluate the injury. If you’re deep in the backcountry, do your best to shorten the hike and keep your dog from putting additional strain on the affected limb. \n\n\n\nAvoid giving any medications that were not specifically prescribed for your pet. Human medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are common causes of toxicities in dogs and can cause severe kidney or liver damage. Even medications that are safe for dogs may be harmful if given for the wrong condition. For example, if a dog is experiencing abdominal pain, certain anti-inflammatory medication can actually make them feel worse.\n\n\n\nThe most valuable item in any pet first aid kit is not a bandage or bottle of medication. It’s the phone number of your family veterinarian and your nearest emergency clinic. Knowing when to provide simple first aid and when to seek professional care can make all the difference in helping your four-legged adventure partner get back on the trail. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/voss-basic-first-aid-principles-to-help-your-pet/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Dr. Kelly Voss Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdr.kellyvoss@gmail.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T19:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F13172355%2FScreenshot_2026-04-13_at_5.23.31%25E2%2580%25AFPM-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"voss-basic-first-aid-principles-to-help-your-pet"},{"id":"awtu6n","title":"Taylor: When public relations replaces planning","excerpt":"The Aspen Motorsports Park proposal has become less about land-use planning and more about a sophisticated public relations campaign and money to throw around.\n\n\n\nThe applicants promise road projects, trail improvements, youth driving programs, law enforcement training, employee housing, electric...","content":"The Aspen Motorsports Park proposal has become less about land-use planning and more about a sophisticated public relations campaign and money to throw around.\n\n\n\nThe applicants promise road projects, trail improvements, youth driving programs, law enforcement training, employee housing, electric bikes, solar power and even redesigning the Smith Hill/McLain Flats intersection. They have organized an “Open House” asking the public to “Show your Support for the Redevelopment” — timed to coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ site visit.\n\n\n\nYet beneath the marketing is a simple fact: This is a proposal to transform a legal nonconforming racetrack on RS-20 residential land into a private membership motorsports club with roughly 250,000 to 300,000 square feet of new development for a handful of private members and almost constant noise, congestion, lighting and activities for the communities surrounding it. \n\n\n\nIf these road improvements and infrastructure projects are necessary, they are not gifts to the community — they are mitigation for the impacts of the project itself, and in fact, several of these suggestions are in conflict with the Woody Creek Master Plan. \n\n\n\nMore importantly, Pitkin County’s own Open Space and Trails Board wasn’t persuaded; it concluded that “the negative impacts of the capital projects outweigh the positive elements of the application’s commitments and are incompatible with the trail use and conservation values preserved in adjacent open-space properties.”\n\n\n\nThat should end the argument that this proposal is somehow a public benefit. It is not.\n\n\n\nThe most troubling aspect is the process. While commissioners have accepted an invitation to tour the applicant’s property during an event promoting support for the redevelopment, they will not visit the neighboring homes and properties that will experience the project’s impacts. Whether legally permissible or not, the optics are poor, public confidence, already low, depends on the appearance of an even-handed process, not one that seems to favor the applicant’s narrative.\n\n\n\nLand-use decisions are not supposed to be won through the largest package of promised amenities — they are supposed to be based on zoning, adopted Master Plans and the public interest. The Woody Creek Master Plan and Down Valley Comprehensive Plan exist to guide exactly these decisions. If they can be overshadowed by a well-funded campaign of promises and promotions, then they no longer serve the purpose for which they were adopted.\n\n\n\nThe question is not how much the applicant is willing to offer. The question is whether this project belongs on RS-20 residential land at all. \n\n\n\nFor the sake of the surrounding communities, the entire Roaring Fork Valley and the integrity of Pitkin County’s planning process, the answer should be “no.” We do not need nor do we want a resort of this scale in the midst of residential communities. \n\n\n\nSusan Taylor\n\n\n\nWoody Creek","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/taylor-when-public-relations-replaces-planning/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Susan Taylor","publishDate":"2026-07-13T18:36:20.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"taylor-when-public-relations-replaces-planning"},{"id":"uaie2h","title":"How one organization is working to help keep water in rivers during extreme drought","excerpt":"Colorado is known as the headwaters state, meaning that nearly all of its water supply originates inside the state’s borders as precipitation, primarily mountain snowpack. In a year like this, where the winter’s dismal snowpack led streamflows to reach unprecedented lows, some organizations are a...","content":"Colorado is known as the headwaters state, meaning that nearly all of its water supply originates inside the state’s borders as precipitation, primarily mountain snowpack. In a year like this, where the winter’s dismal snowpack led streamflows to reach unprecedented lows, some organizations are actively working to keep water in the rivers. \n\n\n\nWater Education Colorado hosted an online discussion on Thursday, July 9, with experts from the Upper Yampa Valley Water Conservancy District and Colorado Water Trust to answer: “Why is there water in this river, but not that one?”\n\n\n\n“From my opinion, sometimes it’s geography, sometimes it’s water right seniority and availability, and other times it’s a little bit of luck,” said Danielle Snyder, a water resources specialist for Colorado Water Trust based in Durango. “More often than not, though, it’s the people in the communities we work with that make it happen. A reservoir operator is going to make a release. A project partner is willing to lease us water. And (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) is willing to go into the river to evaluate conditions.”\n\n\n\nColorado Water Trust is a nonprofit organization that started in 2001 and has negotiated agreements that have returned over 32 billion gallons of water to streams, according to Kate Ryan, a Boulder-based water lawyer and Colorado Water Trust’s executive director. The success relies on tools and systems like instream flow agreements, reservoirs, leases and water rights acquisitions to keep rivers flowing.\n\n\n\nRyan said that in some of the state’s larger rivers — including the Yampa and Colorado rivers — “nearly half of our water is added back into those streams” through the efforts of the organization and its partners. \n\n\n\nColorado water rights complicate flows \n\n\n\nThe Roaring Fork River flows on June 27, 2026, at Basalt River Park. \n\n\n\nThe challenge of keeping water in rivers tracks back to Colorado’s prior appropriation doctrine in the state constitution, which established a “first in time, first in right” approach when it comes to water. \n\n\n\n“Every single drop of water, if you go out in a stream today, is headed to somebody downstream,” Ryan said. \n\n\n\nThe most senior water rights belong to those users who were first to get their water rights recognized, but this does not mean that senior water rights always get all they are entitled to. \n\n\n\n“In a year like this, we have water rights as senior as the 1900s that are not getting water this year because the drought is so severe,” Ryan said. \n\n\n\nColorado didn’t recognize certain uses as rights initially, meaning that some rights — including municipal, industrial and environmental water rights — didn’t come until later. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the state authorized the Colorado Water Conservation Board to appropriate water rights for instream flow, requiring water to stay in rivers to benefit the environment.\n\n\n\n“When stream flow starts to drop low, the junior water users are cut off first,” Ryan said. “If you think about it, those 1970s water rights are very, very junior. In a year like this, it’s very unlikely that they are going to be satisfied.” \n\n\n\nInstream flow water rights \n\n\n\nFor the Colorado Water Trust, the state’s instream flow program represents a vital way to keep rivers flowing. Since 1973, the Colorado Water Conservation Board has established instream water rights on nearly 1,700 stream segments covering more than 9,700 miles of stream, and natural lake level water rights on 480 natural lakes.\n\n\n\n“If we don’t have those kinds of water rights in a year like this, there may be rivers that are going completely dry,” Ryan said. \n\n\n\nOne strategy for the organization is to acquire or change senior water rights so they can be used for instream flow, Ryan said. When changed from the original right — whether it was used for agriculture, mining, municipal or some other water use — it retains its seniority, but requires that the flow remain in the river and cannot be diverted for consumptive uses. The organization put out a call in April to ask agriculture partners to consider temporarily sharing water from their rights to keep rivers flowing.\n\n\n\nReservoir storage and leasing water \n\n\n\nThe south side of Stagecoach Reservoir in Routt County is pictured on Friday, July 10, 2026.\n\n\n\nReservoirs serve as another mechanism to keep rivers flowing. The Colorado Water Trust holds an instream flow agreement with the Colorado Water Conservation Board to lease water from Stagecoach Reservoir and deliver that water to a 5.4-mile reach of the Yampa River. \n\n\n\nHolly Kirkpatrick, the public affairs manager for the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, which owns and operates Stagecoach, said that the Yampa River basin follows a “very natural hydrograph,” with limited storage coming from its reservoirs located high in the basin. \n\n\n\n“We see big spikes during peak runoff from April to June, typically,” she said. “And then, every year, even in a wet year, our base flows are going to drop in the late summer months. This year, we are seeing much lower flows, historical inflows, and that’s having some impacts.” \n\n\n\nEven beyond the reach of the Yampa where the water trust holds the instream flow agreement, “oftentimes, the releases from Stagecoach will account for more than half of the river flow,” Kirkpatrick said.\n\n\n\nKirkpatrick said that the Colorado Water Trust has held the most stored water in Stagecoach Reservoir since 2022, with smaller contracts for agricultural, industrial and municipal use. \n\n\n\n“In an extreme drought year like this, every acre-foot counts, and we’re making our best attempt to hold storage pools at the moment as long as possible,” Snyder said. “We turn down releases when we see rain might be coming, and we adjust for other events as well.” \n\n\n\nFor example, this week, Snyder said they increased the Stagecoach release slightly due to the extremely hot temperatures expected to hit Colorado this weekend. \n\n\n\nAnother example is in the Colorado River basin, where the Colorado Water Trust leases water from the town of Palisade and QB Energy, an oil and natural gas company, from their rights in Ruedi Reservoir. The reservoir, located in the Upper Frying Pan Valley upstream of Basalt, was constructed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to “compensate Colorado River basin water users for those transmountain diversions,” Snyder said.\n\n\n\nThe water it leases flows downstream through 150 miles of river and supports a large number of fisheries, including those for trout in the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers, and native species like bluehead suckers, roundtail chubs, racerback suckers and Colorado pikeminnows in the Colorado River \n\n\n\n“Especially in drought years like this, flows on all three of these rivers drop to levels that stress fish out. Our leased water helps provide things like thermal refuge, aquatic food base and fish passage through the corridor to help keep these fish populations alive and hopefully thriving — but this year, it’s mostly just alive,” Snyder said. \n\n\n\nThe organization has yet to utilize its releases there this year, Snyder said, adding that these require approval.\n\n\n\n“When Ruedi releases water in the Frying Pan (River), it doesn’t just flow as a free-for-all downriver in unlimited quantities. There’s constraints on how much water the river can handle, and we’re not the only ones making requests to release water out of the river,” she said. \n\n\n\nStill, adding some water to the streams and rivers struggling this year can have a big impact, transforming them “from a dry riverbed to a healthy, flowing ecosystem,” Ryan said. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-water-trust-drought-yampa-river-ruedi-reservoir/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:20:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F10173247%2FStagecoach-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"how-one-organization-is-working-to-help-keep-water-in-rivers-during-extreme-drought"},{"id":"cgfq83","title":"Spencer: ‘Community benefit’ is mistaken","excerpt":"I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed development and expanded activities at the Woody Creek race track private club. \n\n\n\nI urge the Board of County Commissioners to truly listen to the Woody Creek residents who live alongside this facility and who are overwhelmingly oppose...","content":"I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed development and expanded activities at the Woody Creek race track private club. \n\n\n\nI urge the Board of County Commissioners to truly listen to the Woody Creek residents who live alongside this facility and who are overwhelmingly opposed to this project.\n\n\n\nThroughout my nearly 20 years in this valley as a local working resident, I do not know a single working-class local who participates in race car driving at this track or wishes for a shooting range. The insinuation that expanding this private facility provides a meaningful “community benefit” is mistaken. This project is designed by and for a private club — not the people who keep this valley running.\n\n\n\nFurthermore, the environmental and lifestyle impacts of this proposed development are entirely incompatible with the surrounding area. The increased noise, intensive water usage, light pollution and overall commercialized feel of the expanded facility completely clash with the rural, quiet character of Woody Creek. Not to mention the increased air pollution and fire risk, traffic, etc. \n\n\n\nPitkin County has a long tradition of prioritizing environmental stewardship and preserving the unique character of its historic neighborhoods over high-impact, private developments. I ask the BOCC to stand by those values, respect the unified voice of the Woody Creek neighborhood, and deny this proposal.\n\n\n\nThank you for your time and your service to our community.\n\n\n\nDr. Kate Violette Spencer\n\n\n\nAspen Village","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/spencer-community-benefit-is-mistaken/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Dr. Kate Violette Spencer","publishDate":"2026-07-13T18:34:27.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"spencer-community-benefit-is-mistaken"},{"id":"9vzl6k","title":"Former Vail Resorts co-owner Leon Black testifies in Epstein investigation","excerpt":"Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black, in testifying to the House Oversight Committee on Friday, insisted he committed no criminal wrongdoing in paying $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein.\n\n\n\nBlack is the 16th person to appear before the committee as part of a broader investigation into the ...","content":"Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black, in testifying to the House Oversight Committee on Friday, insisted he committed no criminal wrongdoing in paying $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein.\n\n\n\nBlack is the 16th person to appear before the committee as part of a broader investigation into the web of wealth and influence around Epstein. Before entering the closed-door deposition, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the House committee chairman, told reporters he believed it might be the most “groundbreaking” yet.\n\n\n\n“This could be a pretty significant deposition as we try to get answers,” Comer said.\n\n\n\nApollo Global Management spinoff Apollo Ski Partners became the majority shareholder of Vail Associates in 1992 after former owner George Gillett declared bankruptcy on the company.\n\n\n\nGillett was heavily leveraged following the junk bond boom, having financed many of his acquisitions through the Drexel Burnham Lambert firm. After Michael Milken — known as the “junk bond king,” the firm’s high-yield bond chief — pleaded guilty to securities and reporting violations, Drexel faced mounting legal and financial pressure that culminated in its 1990 bankruptcy. Black, one of Milken’s top deputies, and future Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz both worked at Drexel before Black cofounded Apollo Advisors, where Katz also went on to work. Milken was later pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020.\n\n\n\nBlack founded a spin-off company, Apollo Ski Partners, which took over Vail Associates when Gillett couldn’t pay off the debt on the notes from Milken. Gillett Holdings filed for Chapter 11 in 1991, and Apollo Ski Partners became the majority shareholder of the company in 1992. Katz began overseeing the investment in 1991 and joined the Vail Resorts board in 1996.\n\n\n\nThe company went public in 1997, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MTN, and Katz became CEO in 2006.\n\n\n\nBlack left the Vail Resorts board in 2002, and Apollo sold off its majority share in 2004. Black stepped down from Apollo in 2021 amid fallout over his ties to Epstein.\n\n\n\nEpstein owned a home in Vail and the Epstein files contain numerous mentions of Vail; one itinerary details plans for a Feb. 10, 2018 ski trip to Snowmass and contains the note “Company to drive the girls from Vail to Aspen.”\n\n\n\nBlack maintained Friday that he was not aware of Epstein’s “nefarious activity” until 2019 and that he paid Epstein for legitimate purposes, in part due to his “unrivaled network of relationships” with influential figures.\n\n\n\n“I knew Jekyll. I didn’t know Hyde,” Black said.\n\n\n\nThe Guardian, on Friday, reported that the closed-door hearing ended abruptly “after members from both parties said Black refused to answer questions about non-disclosure agreements.”\n\n\n\nComer told reporters the committee has issued Black another subpoenas to appear again before the committee next month, the Guardian reported.\n\n\n\n—The Associated Press contributed to this report\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from vaildaily.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/former-vail-resorts-co-owner-leon-black-testifies-in-epstein-investigation/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T18:20:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F13121759%2FAP26177509183668-scaled-1-1024x685.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"former-vail-resorts-co-owner-leon-black-testifies-in-epstein-investigation"},{"id":"ahlpf2","title":"Wilderado plays at Belly Up","excerpt":"On July 15, Wilderado brings its indie rock at Belly Up — the night before it acts as an opener at Red Rocks. \n\n\n\nKnown for its anthemic sound, guitar-driven songs and honest lyrics, the Tulsa-based band started in 2015 in Malibu, Calif. Its earliest influences included Kings of Leon, Third Eye B...","content":"On July 15, Wilderado brings its indie rock at Belly Up — the night before it acts as an opener at Red Rocks. \n\n\n\nKnown for its anthemic sound, guitar-driven songs and honest lyrics, the Tulsa-based band started in 2015 in Malibu, Calif. Its earliest influences included Kings of Leon, Third Eye Blind, Delta Spirit and Band of Horses. \n\n\n\n“That’s probably the broadest scope of what we were all chasing in the very beginning — maybe some Fleet Foxes,” said Max Rainer, Wilderado’s lead singer, songwriter and front man. \n\n\n\nWithin the last decade, the musicians have expanded influences and experiences, but they’ve remained true to their roots, which emerged in their first full-length, self-titled album released in 2021. \n\n\n\n“When you start, that’s your truest and closest ability to just bring yourself to the table. Nothing really was thought of before. That’s the closest it ever was to an accident, and I think that’s why so many first records are so incredible and important … It just starts as, ‘Well, we have songs. How exciting. Let’s record them.’ … From that point on, you try to just stay there — at least we have. I think the way it expands, though, is you have to grow your interests,” he said. “As you go on, you try to broaden what it is inside of yourself that you can continue to bring.” \n\n\n\nWilderado spends significant time between album releases, pushing back on any immediacy to pump out music but, rather, waiting until it has something authentic to say. \n\n\n\n“I’m not wanting to write or put music into the world unless I feel like I couldn’t not,” he said. “At the beginning, what’s so beautiful is you didn’t do it for the need of more music. You just did it because that’s what came. That’s what was there. That’s where we’ve tried to stay, but, admittedly, it becomes more and more difficult as the years go by.” \n\n\n\nYet, they’ve been able to stand in integrity in an industry filled with pressure. \n\n\n\n“They’re really thoughtful in their songwriting — they just think about everything from their songwriting to their album covers and their photography and their videos. They’re a well-curated band,” said Michael Marcagi, who opened for them in Vail June 5. \n\n\n\nWilderado released its latest studio album, “Talker,” in September 2024. \n\n\n\n“‘Talker’ is what we wanted to hear. That’s the record we wanted to make at that time, and it took us a long time to be fully convinced of that and proud that the thing we made was satisfying — (it’s) who we thought we were at the time,” Rainer said. \n\n\n\nWhen they began working on the album, they were feeling exhausted from singing the same songs on the road. \n\n\n\n“I went in with a very specific motivation to write songs that kept my attention, but I didn’t feel the need to send it to the rafters. The first things I would hear usually would be these big vocals and sending it up to the high note. So what I did was allow that to happen and then think: What else is there?” he said. “I wanted to build out our live show with songs that I thought were groovy and had an incredible rhythm, but at the same time, didn’t really need to be so rock and roll.” \n\n\n\nEnglish songwriters Flyte and their 2021 album, “This Is Really Going to Hurt,” influenced the way Rainer approached songwriting. \n\n\n\n“There was something about that that took me over in the sense that I became way more involved in what it was I was saying with my words and less about giving lyrics to these songs so that it could be finished. I’ve always taken that seriously, but once I started listening to this, I started to understand the potential for what lyrics could be to me and how I could start thinking about them with way more importance,” he said. \n\n\n\nThey ultimately became friends with Flyte’s Will Taylor and Nick Hill and even wrote a couple songs with the duo, which ended up on “Talker.” \n\n\n\nBeyond influences that already exist, Rainer believes songs float around in the ether, so to speak. \n\n\n\n“I try to be very in tune to the fact that I think songs have always existed, and certain people can catch them,” he said, adding that writing or hearing songs isn’t just a steady stream; it comes and goes. “A lot of work also goes into it. The things that I am truly the most moved by are the times where I just can’t fully understand why it was I thought or said something.” \n\n\n\nThough he strives to write solid songs, he said that whenever he tries for something great, it doesn’t quite manifest. Instead, he tries to hone in on what he’s really trying to say. \n\n\n\nAs the artists continue to mature, both their thoughts and energy change, resulting in a natural evolution in the music. \n\n\n\n“All of those things have gone hand-in-hand with the way that we write and do things,” he said. \n\n\n\nThe band members look forward to coming back to Colorado, considering it one of the top five places to hang out and play music. \n\n\n\n“Everyone is in a state of appreciation and gratitude, so it takes away any fear or pressure and just becomes this thing that you get to be involved in,” he said, adding that when they perform in indoor venues like Belly Up, the energy reverberates, “bouncing off the walls and coming back to you.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/wilderado-plays-at-belly-up/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-13T17:58:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F13115733%2FScreen_Shot_2026-07-13_at_8.48.27_AM-1024x636.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wilderado-plays-at-belly-up"},{"id":"xpzoho","title":"Red Brick Center for the Arts and ACRA to host Summer Celebration","excerpt":"The Red Brick Center for the Arts and Aspen Chamber Resort Association will be hosting their annual Summer Celebration from 4-6 p.m. July 21 and are inviting residents and visitors to the free event. \n\n\n\nThe Summer Celebration will bring together local artists, nonprofit partners and arts organiz...","content":"The Red Brick Center for the Arts and Aspen Chamber Resort Association will be hosting their annual Summer Celebration from 4-6 p.m. July 21 and are inviting residents and visitors to the free event. \n\n\n\nThe Summer Celebration will bring together local artists, nonprofit partners and arts organizations, according to a press release, featuring live music, film, dance and community storytelling. Performances by musicians Agustina Flores Miani, Josefina Mendez and The JAS Street Horns take place alongside a book release by artist Art Burrows.\n\n\n\n“We’re excited to highlight the different voices and stories that are a part of the Red Brick Center for the Arts. As a local arts organization, we work alongside so many talented partners and local artists. This event reflects what we truly love about this place: our community,” Stephanie Deaton, Red Brick Center for the Arts administrative coordinator and summer celebration and event manager, said in the release. \n\n\n\nCommunity partners will activate the space with highlights from their programming, the release confirms. Attendees can watch a preview from Theatre Aspen’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” and screen student films and a ShortsFest selection from Aspen Film. Other presentations include ballet performances and art demonstrations from Red Brick Resident Artists. GrassrootsTV also captures Aspen’s untold story through unscripted interviews and a group film collaboration, “The Hive Mind.”\n\n\n\nGuests can create art, meet local artists, explore studios and galleries and share what they value most about Aspen’s creative community, according to the release. The celebration will include appetizers and festive beverages, providing an informal gathering spaces designed to connect guests, artists and cultural organizations. For more information, visit RedBrickAspen.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/red-brick-center-for-the-arts-and-acra-to-host-summer-celebration/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F23132924%2Fredbrickaspen-atd-052326-01-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"red-brick-center-for-the-arts-and-acra-to-host-summer-celebration"},{"id":"6kmelm","title":"Colorado realtors’ foundation sets up grant for residents impacted by wildfires","excerpt":"The Colorado Association of Realtors Foundation has started a fund to help homeowners address damages from wildfires burning across the state, according to a news release.\n\n\n\nThe foundation will provide grants up to $1,500 per household to help Coloradans who “have lost their homes, experienced d...","content":"The Colorado Association of Realtors Foundation has started a fund to help homeowners address damages from wildfires burning across the state, according to a news release.\n\n\n\nThe foundation will provide grants up to $1,500 per household to help Coloradans who “have lost their homes, experienced damage or been displaced,” the news release states. The funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.\n\n\n\nQualified applicants include any victims of a wildfire in Colorado this summer, and the funds must go toward monthly mortgage expenses for a primary residence damaged by a wildfire or rental costs due to displacement, according to the foundation.\n\n\n\nTo find out more about the grant visit, CARFoundation.org/initiatives/disaster-relief.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-realtors-foundation-sets-up-grant-for-residents-impacted-by-wildfires/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:18:27.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F10123645%2FBLMFireRisk-1-1024x767.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-realtors-foundation-sets-up-grant-for-residents-impacted-by-wildfires"},{"id":"phuh3f","title":"Feinsinger column: Ground flaxseeds for optimal health","excerpt":"Last week’s column was about nuts and seeds, one of Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen. Flaxseeds are so important for good health that they are one of the foods people should eat every day.\n\n\n\nDr. Greger recommends 1 tablespoon a day of either brown or golden flaxseed. Some other authorities recommend 2 t...","content":"Last week’s column was about nuts and seeds, one of Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen. Flaxseeds are so important for good health that they are one of the foods people should eat every day.\n\n\n\nDr. Greger recommends 1 tablespoon a day of either brown or golden flaxseed. Some other authorities recommend 2 tablespoons. To provide their nutritional benefits, flaxseeds must be ground because otherwise they go through the body without being digested. Grind them in a coffee grinder, or buy them preground as flax meal, which is available in most grocery stores, including City Market. Especially for those not used to eating the recommended amount of fiber every day, start with one-half tablespoon and slowly increase. Flax oil is processed and not recommended.\n\n\n\nFlaxseeds contain precursors to lignans, which are converted to lignans by the good bacteria in the gut microbiome. Lignans are phytoestrogens, meaning they contain estrogen-like compounds that dampen the effects of the body’s own estrogen. This results in less menstrual breast pain, longer intervals between periods, reduced breast cancer risk and improved survival in women who already have breast cancer. In older women, lignans reduce menopausal symptoms and contribute to bone health. In men, lignans from eating flaxseeds lower prostate cancer risk.\n\n\n\nFlaxseeds are a good source of the healthy fat omega-3 and soluble fiber. They have been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure, the upper number, by as much as 15 points and diastolic blood pressure, the lower number, by as much as 7 points. They lower cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels; reduce inflammation and constipation; and reduce the risk of colon cancer.\n\n\n\nThe easiest way to get a daily dose of flax meal is to put 1 to 2 tablespoons on oatmeal in the morning. Flaxseeds have a binding quality that makes them a good replacement for cornstarch. They can be added to sauces, smoothies, soups, muffins, rolls, breads, bagels, pancakes and waffles. If a baking recipe calls for oil, use ground flaxseeds instead. They also make a good egg substitute: Use 1 tablespoon with 3 tablespoons of warm water, then let it sit for at least 10 minutes in the fridge.\n\n\n\nFollowing is a recipe for easy flaxseed pudding.\n\n\n\nIngredients: 1 cup ground flaxseed; 1 2/3 cups unsweetened organic Silk soy milk; 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla.\n\n\n\nDirections: Mix ground flaxseed and all other ingredients in a bowl or jar, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight to thicken. Top with fruit or nuts.\n\n\n\nDr. Greg Feinsinger is a retired family physician with a special interest in prevention, treatment, and reversal of chronic disease through nutrition. He is available for free nutritional counseling and shop-with-a-doc grocery store tours. He can be contacted at 970-379-5718 or gfmd41@gmail.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/feinsinger-column-ground-flaxseeds-for-optimal-health/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Dr. Greg FeinsingerDoctor's Tip","publishDate":"2026-07-10T11:23:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F10%2F02094755%2FDr.-G.-Feinsinger-683x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"feinsinger-column-ground-flaxseeds-for-optimal-health"},{"id":"wdm2l4","title":"Friday letters: Clerk response, library funding concerns and hopes for national unity","excerpt":"Clerk responds to ballot delivery concerns\n\n\n\nA public response from Jacklyn K. Harmon, Garfield County clerk & recorder, to Mr. Donald Kaufman’s letter to the editor \n\n\n\nI appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns regarding the delivery of mail ballots for the 2026 primary election.\n...","content":"Clerk responds to ballot delivery concerns\n\n\n\nA public response from Jacklyn K. Harmon, Garfield County clerk & recorder, to Mr. Donald Kaufman’s letter to the editor \n\n\n\nI appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns regarding the delivery of mail ballots for the 2026 primary election.\n\n\n\nWhile I cannot speak on behalf of the local post office or any issues that may have affected mail delivery on Bennett Avenue, I would like to recognize our local post offices and their dedication to supporting our elections. For the primary election, my office mailed over 39,000 ballots and I appreciate the efforts of each Garfield County post office to deliver ballots as quickly as possible.\n\n\n\nDuring the primary election, our office received calls from voters who had not yet received their ballots or who requested replacement ballots. As we do during every election, the election team documented each contact and worked directly with voters to ensure they had the opportunity to vote.\n\n\n\nIn many cases, the original ballot arrived shortly after the voter contacted our office. In other instances, the voter chose to request a replacement ballot when they were concerned their original ballot might not arrive in time. Based on the volume and nature of the calls received, my office did not identify a pattern that indicated a widespread or systemic issue with ballot delivery.\n\n\n\nI recognize that you contacted our office to request a replacement ballot when your original ballot had not yet been received. Your replacement ballot was issued, and your original ballot was subsequently delivered. You were provided the opportunity to cast your ballot in the primary election. Colorado’s election processes include safeguards to account for situations where a voter receives more than one ballot, ensuring that only one ballot can be counted.\n\n\n\nColorado law provides voters with multiple options to cast their ballot, including requesting a replacement ballot or voting in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center. These options ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote even if mail delivery is delayed.\n\n\n\nRegarding future elections and ballot delivery timeline, the Colorado General Assembly recently passed legislation extending the ballot mailing period from 22 days to 29 days before an election. I intend to take advantage of this additional time by mailing ballots for the 2026 general election at an earlier date.\n\n\n\nTransparency and public confidence are priorities for my office. For current election information, I encourage voters to visit the Garfield County Elections website, https://garfieldcountyclerk&recorder/elections. Anyone with questions about our election processes is always welcome to contact me at elections@garfieldcountyco.gov.\n\n\n\nThank you again for sharing your concerns and for participating in the election process.\n\n\n\nSincerely,Jacklyn K. Harmon, Garfield County clerk and recorder\n\n\n\nLibrary funding deserves closer scrutiny\n\n\n\nOur public library is asking taxpayer for additional funding, per the Aspen Daily News and our new administrator. While I appreciate the services our library provides and the dedication of its staff, I believe voters should take a careful look at the library’s finances before agreeing to higher taxes. If the library truly has a 26 million surplus after expenses, taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of why additional revenue is needed, and how those existing funds will be used.\n\n\n\nI am also concerned about the library’s responsibility to children. In recent years, some books containing explicit sexual content have been made available on library shelves where minors may easily access them. Parents have every right to question whether this is appropriate in a publicly funded institution. Our society recognizes age restrictions in many other forms of media, movie theaters enforce ratings that limit minors’ access to certain films, yet libraries can provide books with graphic sexual content to young readers without comparable safeguards. Parents have every right to question whether this is appropriate in a publicly funded institution. Whether one agrees with such books or not, this inconsistency deserves an open and respectful public discussion.\n\n\n\nThis is not about banning books, or preventing adults from reading what they choose. It is about fiscal responsibility, parental involvement, and then ensuring the age-appropriate materials are readily available to children while more explicit materials are managed responsibly. As taxpayers and community members, we should expect both financial transparency and thoughtful stewardship with our public libraries before approving any request for higher taxes. Don’t be fooled with the saying “it will not raise taxes!” The last mill levy increase will not age out if you vote for this funding they clearly do not need!\n\n\n\nRobin Pruett, Silt\n\n\n\nHope for unity as America turns 250\n\n\n\nFifty years ago I remember feeling excitement about America’s bicentennial. Although we had recently watched a president resign over corruption (minor compared to today’s standards, as even Vice President Vance admits!), Americans were generally proud and supportive of each other and our nation. That feeling is missing today, as we have competing festivals — one a bipartisan approach and one that glorifies Trump.\n\n\n\nLet’s hope that our next president, whoever it may be, works to bring our country back together and reaches out to every American. Let’s hope our Congress takes up its traditional role and holds the executive accountable. Let’s hope our Supreme Court once again looks at the precedents set over time and strengthens the balance of power in our country. Let’s hope that when the tricentennial happens America is once again a thriving democracy and that Americans are proud of our country.\n\n\n\nKatie Friesen, Carbondale","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/friday-letters-clerk-response-library-funding-concerns-and-hopes-for-national-unity/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-10T11:04:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2019%2F11%2F25234148%2FLetters-Graphic-2.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"friday-letters-clerk-response-library-funding-concerns-and-hopes-for-national-unity"},{"id":"w7n8x9","title":"Guest column: Wildfire smoke raises health concerns","excerpt":"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has recently issued Air Quality Health Advisories for wildfire smoke in many Colorado counties, including Garfield County.\n\n\n\nCDPHE recommends that people stay indoors if smoke becomes thick in their neighborhoods. That is especially import...","content":"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has recently issued Air Quality Health Advisories for wildfire smoke in many Colorado counties, including Garfield County.\n\n\n\nCDPHE recommends that people stay indoors if smoke becomes thick in their neighborhoods. That is especially important for sensitive groups, including people with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; people with cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, arrhythmias or a history of heart attacks or strokes; older adults; children; and adolescents.\n\n\n\nCDPHE advises that if visibility is less than 5 miles, smoke has reached unhealthy levels.\n\n\n\nBut what if you see wildfire smoke and the pollution is not so severe? If you can see more than 5 miles, should you continue with your usual activities?\n\n\n\nWe know very high levels of smoke can cause immediate injury and even death, but what about lower-level exposures? Should we be concerned when we notice haze, smell smoke or feel burning in the nose, throat and eyes? And what about long-term, low-level exposure?\n\n\n\nUsually, the health risks from pollutants decrease as the amount of pollution decreases. But what level is safe for everyone?\n\n\n\nGeneral guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can help answer those questions and help people make personal decisions when smoke or other air pollutants are present.\n\n\n\nTo inform the public about air pollution levels and help people protect themselves from illness caused by pollution, the EPA developed the Air Quality Index. The AQI is like a thermometer for air quality. Just as the temperature at a specific location depends on many factors, the AQI reflects the level of air pollution, regardless of the source of the smoke or all the chemicals within it.\n\n\n\nThe AQI gives the level of air pollution from monitors nearest to your location, usually within or near your ZIP code.\n\n\n\nFor those with access to a computer or smartphone, the AQI is as easy to find as a weather report. It is available at AirNow.gov, or through the AirNow app, which provides air quality data for your location. The report includes information in addition to the AQI, including the major pollutant measured, a fire and smoke map, and forecasts.\n\n\n\nTo understand the impact of the AQI number on your health and actions to consider — such as avoiding long or intense outdoor activity — the chart can help you decide what to do when air quality is poor. It provides a color-coded description of six levels of pollution and recommended actions for each level.\n\n\n\nConcerns about long-term exposure and chronic health effects from air pollution are justified. For example, epidemiology studies suggest long-term air pollution exposure may cause or aggravate asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer.\n\n\n\nIt also is known that high-level, short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause health problems that may last for a long time and can appear long after the exposure. Firefighters, who often have intense exposure to wildfire smoke, can have immediate short-term decreases in lung function. Studies of firefighters are ongoing to learn more about long-term health effects.\n\n\n\nForest fires are inevitable in Colorado, but you are not powerless to reduce your exposure to smoke. Several steps can reduce the chances of smoke affecting your health.\n\n\n\nIn addition to reducing outdoor activities or staying indoors entirely, you may be able to continue some outdoor activities while wearing a properly fitting N95 or KN95 mask, similar to the masks recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are effective at preventing smoke particles from entering your lungs.\n\n\n\nHigh-efficiency particulate air filters, also known as HEPA filters, also are effective at filtering out smoke particles. When there is smoke in the air outside, there can be high levels indoors as well. Make sure windows and doors are closed during smoke events, as long as doing so does not create a heat-stress problem.\n\n\n\nYou can install HEPA filters in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and your vehicle. If you already have these filters, make sure they are replaced regularly.\n\n\n\nYou also can purchase one or more portable air cleaners designed to remove smoke particles indoors, or you can make an inexpensive air filter by combining two easy-to-find items: HEPA filters and a window fan. There are YouTube videos showing how to make them.\n\n\n\nStephen Hessl is a retired occupational and environmental physician who practiced for many years at Denver Health and Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He received his medical degree from the University of Colorado and his public health degree from the University of Illinois, and is board-certified in internal medicine and preventive medicine.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/guest-column-wildfire-smoke-raises-health-concerns/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Stephen HesslGuest column","publishDate":"2026-07-10T10:22:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F09162133%2FIMG_1230.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"guest-column-wildfire-smoke-raises-health-concerns"},{"id":"yyu1es","title":"Moon Mondays: Recharge, not discharge","excerpt":"Cancer the crab. Yup, that’s me. I’m most content inside my hard shell. My tender, delectable meat needs that armored protection. I once felt too delicate to be around people, like my skin was raw and humanity would easily devour me. \n\n\n\nMy sun, Venus and Mars are all in Cancer. As a result, it’s...","content":"Cancer the crab. Yup, that’s me. I’m most content inside my hard shell. My tender, delectable meat needs that armored protection. I once felt too delicate to be around people, like my skin was raw and humanity would easily devour me. \n\n\n\nMy sun, Venus and Mars are all in Cancer. As a result, it’s taken me years to venture from the safe home of my exoskeleton. Suffocating from low self-worth and crippling self-doubt, I felt most secure at home, in my bed. \n\n\n\nCocooning makes me happy. I do some of my best work between the sheets. \n\n\n\nThat’s the thing about our sun signs; they’re meant to be leaned into and grown through. Each sign has both shadow and light aspects. We fumble around in the darkness to uncover our brilliance. The shadow isn’t the destination. It’s the invitation. Grow or perish. \n\n\n\nIf you’ve seen me out and about, you know I’ve grown out of that crushing lack of self-confidence. I’m no longer drowning in my shame-filled pool. I’ve built stronger boundaries (sans shell), greater self-worth and the courage to fully be myself. I’m able to live in the world now, knowing the security of my bed awaits. \n\n\n\nTonight’s Cancer new moon is right up my alley. Following last week’s astrological reset, this week’s sky keeps our attention turned inward. Mercury remains retrograde, encouraging reflection and stirring our creativity. Neptune, also retrograde, asks us to dust off our dreams and secret desires. Venus moves through Virgo, the priestess archetype, who reconnects us with the earth and the sacred. This evening, the sun and moon unite in Cancer, drawing us into our shells. \n\n\n\nThe astrology du jour is slowing down, nurturing and nourishing ourselves. \n\n\n\nCancer wants to give — over give, in fact — but first, it must learn to replenish its stores. The crab can’t keep serving itself up if the cupboards are bare. Cancer, like all the “serving others” signs: Aries, Libra and Capricorn, must learn how to take care of themselves, as well as others. If you’re one of those signs, you’re probably gasping in horror right now, but it’s true, and you can probably feel that too. These four signs’ growth coursework includes moving from their shadow (over giving) to their light (sharing from a full cup). We know we’re better when our tanks are filled up. \n\n\n\nSo, how do you fill your cup? What do you do to replenish your stores? How do you restore your energy? This is the second week in a row to focus on what best serves you. Time to recharge, not discharge. \n\n\n\nCancer is learning about boundaries as a form of radical self-love. At its core, Cancer needs to discover unconditional love for itself. Then, it can share the love around. \n\n\n\nCancer is the mother archetype who births, grows and nourishes her seeds to maturity. It’s impossible for her to do her job well if she’s not birthing, growing and nourishing herself. We’ve seen the imperfect mother who projects her issues onto her young. We’re human after all. No one is at their best while running on fumes. \n\n\n\nSame for all you “serving others” signs; your over giving just lies in different arenas. \n\n\n\nThis week, let’s seize the Cancer new moon, aligning to support self-reflection and self-love. What can you do this week to respect yourself a little better? Do you need some extra time in bed? Maybe a walk by yourself in the woods — without your phone? Perhaps taking a moment to watch the sun and moon set tonight, just breathing in and out? \n\n\n\nHonoring ourselves is really what this new moon is asking of us. \n\n\n\nOnce a Cancer, always a Cancer, but I’ve molted my hard shell to reveal a vulnerable soft-shell delicacy beneath. \n\n\n\nSheridan Semple is an astrologer, coach, and creator of the “Astrology In Real Life Method.” She helps women untangle from trauma, shift out of their stuck patterns, and take practical steps to reclaim their lives through astrology. If you’d like monthly support and community, join Moon Sisters Circle at sheridansemple.com. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/moon-mondays-recharge-not-discharge/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sheridan Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-13T01:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F10%2F18100421%2FSheridan-Semple-AT-Photo-1024x666.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"moon-mondays-recharge-not-discharge"},{"id":"tm2ibx","title":"Aspen Acres fire took everything from them but their lives. Here’s how a few Colorado survivors are facing an uncertain future.","excerpt":"Some locals fled the fire moments before it consumed their homes and land. Others never had a chance to gather any of their belongings.","content":"Some locals fled the fire moments before it consumed their homes and land. Others never had a chance to gather any of their belongings.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/13/aspen-acres-fire-survivors-254-homes-destroyed/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Erica Breunlin","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:52:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FIMG_2614-scaled.jpeg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C768%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-acres-fire-took-everything-from-them-but-their-lives-heres-how-a-few-colorado-survivors-are-fa"},{"id":"bzmv6n","title":"Regarding Aspen’s airport, we have to follow rules","excerpt":"Dennis O’Meara — (Re: “We have to accept private jet traffic,” July 5, Aspen Daily News) Once again the same old canards...","content":"Dennis O’Meara — (Re: “We have to accept private jet traffic,” July 5, Aspen Daily News) Once again the same old canards...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/regarding-aspen-s-airport-we-have-to-follow-rules/article_de6da121-dd99-4952-ab06-d8bbc6d1124c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"regarding-aspens-airport-we-have-to-follow-rules"},{"id":"qpsw2j","title":"Vaughan replies to letter writers’ pushback","excerpt":"Barry Vaughan — My last letter (“We have to accept private jet traffic,” July 5, Aspen Daily News) got some vigorous pushback...","content":"Barry Vaughan — My last letter (“We have to accept private jet traffic,” July 5, Aspen Daily News) got some vigorous pushback...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/vaughan-replies-to-letter-writers-pushback/article_3185e783-5556-4c0b-a1a5-53896efaa490.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"vaughan-replies-to-letter-writers-pushback"},{"id":"1607q5","title":"Marolt: Getting it off my chest by putting a ‘Free the Stumps’ T-shirt on it","excerpt":"There was a float in the Fourth of July parade that you either thought should walk away with first prize or you missed it all together.","content":"There was a float in the Fourth of July parade that you either thought should walk away with first prize or you missed it all together.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/marolt-getting-it-off-my-chest-by-putting-a-free-the-stumps-t-shirt-on/article_47137ec6-d87f-45ae-8217-5a41c4c86a16.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Roger Marolt, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F7f%2Fd7f3dc8d-f99c-46b5-833f-ddeb28b48af0%2F68f6dbd9a2474.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","slug":"marolt-getting-it-off-my-chest-by-putting-a-free-the-stumps-t-shirt-on-it"},{"id":"afcbb3","title":"Skinner: French firefly sparks wonder","excerpt":"I finally saw my first firefly of the summer. This is huge because I used to live among them in the Crystal River Valley. I saw them...","content":"I finally saw my first firefly of the summer. This is huge because I used to live among them in the Crystal River Valley. I saw them...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/skinner-french-firefly-sparks-wonder/article_9929176a-a01a-4d6d-a38d-3037594d479d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Steve Skinner, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-14T08:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F9b%2F39b3ad2d-fc6c-4c70-b2a3-370dec3f9ab5%2F6a39bb5878142.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","inBriefing":true,"slug":"skinner-french-firefly-sparks-wonder"},{"id":"inx22r","title":"Ask a Broker: What does $5M, $10M and $20M buy in Aspen?","excerpt":"For buyers beginning their search in Aspen, one of the first questions is often, “What does my budget actually buy?” While...","content":"For buyers beginning their search in Aspen, one of the first questions is often, “What does my budget actually buy?” While...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/business/ask-a-broker-what-does-5m-10m-and-20m-buy-in-aspen/article_fe75dd48-5ed1-482f-bb0c-9f3128c8caec.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Krista Klees, Ask a Broker","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F05%2F1057c107-fb17-4145-b65c-86e97a2af24c%2F697fd61b953f1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C350","slug":"ask-a-broker-what-does-5m-10m-and-20m-buy-in-aspen"},{"id":"5l4244","title":"10 questions for Marilyn Minter","excerpt":"ADN speaks with artist about her career","content":"ADN speaks with artist about her career","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/10-questions-for-marilyn-minter/article_c4a745f0-12f7-4bd0-9f60-b916a6769787.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F5a%2F25a1e440-da4e-4a96-b855-263fa88ce99c%2F6a54449e94ce8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"10-questions-for-marilyn-minter"},{"id":"gly05x","title":"Anderson Ranch kicks off event with screening","excerpt":"Film ‘Pretty Dirty’ about honoree Marilyn Minter at Isis today","content":"Film ‘Pretty Dirty’ about honoree Marilyn Minter at Isis today","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/anderson-ranch-kicks-off-event-with-screening/article_7247fb2e-2acf-4cad-8fe0-497b463a13a2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2Fdd%2F1dd1d322-433f-4268-8c58-f9a1517151f7%2F6a5445ab961ff.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"anderson-ranch-kicks-off-event-with-screening"},{"id":"3j03ha","title":"In Aspen, the music never stops","excerpt":"Blues, classical, eclectic rock and jazz hit the upper valley Thursday through Saturday","content":"Blues, classical, eclectic rock and jazz hit the upper valley Thursday through Saturday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/in-aspen-the-music-never-stops/article_47a801c7-c606-4734-9126-6f1c81ae543e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fe2%2F5e2dfab4-c863-40ab-851b-4c2af11a6091%2F6a5446b921bbc.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"in-aspen-the-music-never-stops"},{"id":"mqgart","title":"Local athletes looking to 2030 after freeride’s addition to Olympics","excerpt":"AVSC alum Sandblom the top-ranked American snowboarder","content":"AVSC alum Sandblom the top-ranked American snowboarder","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-athletes-looking-to-2030-after-freeride-s-addition-to-olympics/article_645aaff6-3c40-4b30-a450-b97b651a259d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-13T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fcd%2F3cd03064-8a4a-498f-91f0-4db6ba7517ce%2F6a54483153c32.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"local-athletes-looking-to-2030-after-freerides-addition-to-olympics"},{"id":"8kx9nm","title":"marilyn minter","excerpt":"Marilyn Minter is Anderson Ranch’s 2026 International Artist Honoree. A movie about her work, “Pretty Dirty: The Life and Work of Marilyn Minter,” screens at 6 p.m. today at Aspen Film’s Isis Theater.","content":"Marilyn Minter is Anderson Ranch’s 2026 International Artist Honoree. A movie about her work, “Pretty Dirty: The Life and Work of Marilyn Minter,” screens at 6 p.m. today at Aspen Film’s Isis Theater.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/marilyn-minter/image_25a1e440-da4e-4a96-b855-263fa88ce99c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Anderson Ranch","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F5a%2F25a1e440-da4e-4a96-b855-263fa88ce99c%2F6a54449e94ce8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"marilyn-minter"},{"id":"u5f81g","title":"anderson ranch gallery","excerpt":"Over 130 pieces of art are on display at Anderson Ranch Arts Center as part of Ranch Week, the ranch’s annual celebration of art, community and creativity.","content":"Over 130 pieces of art are on display at Anderson Ranch Arts Center as part of Ranch Week, the ranch’s annual celebration of art, community and creativity.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/anderson-ranch-gallery/image_1dd1d322-433f-4268-8c58-f9a1517151f7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Anderson Ranch","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2Fdd%2F1dd1d322-433f-4268-8c58-f9a1517151f7%2F6a5445ab961ff.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"anderson-ranch-gallery"},{"id":"x3fve2","title":"minter painting","excerpt":"A Marilyn Minter painting, “After Guston, #25 (shoe),” is part of a body of work that looks at femininity and fashion and how it is portrayed in culture.","content":"A Marilyn Minter painting, “After Guston, #25 (shoe),” is part of a body of work that looks at femininity and fashion and how it is portrayed in culture.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/minter-painting/image_576426a9-45b1-474a-b844-14063ddc5da4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Anderson Ranch","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F76%2F576426a9-45b1-474a-b844-14063ddc5da4%2F6a5445f88114e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C376","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"minter-painting"},{"id":"r85x40","title":"allstars","excerpt":"Brothers Luther Dickinson, left, and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars play on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village on Thursday evening as part of the Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series.","content":"Brothers Luther Dickinson, left, and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars play on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village on Thursday evening as part of the Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/allstars/image_5e2dfab4-c863-40ab-851b-4c2af11a6091.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fe2%2F5e2dfab4-c863-40ab-851b-4c2af11a6091%2F6a5446b921bbc.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"allstars"},{"id":"it2gzu","title":"jes grew","excerpt":"Jes Grew (with the Broccoli Brothers on horns) entertains the crowd at Belly Up Aspen on Thursday evening. Pictured from left at the front of the stage: Randolph Turner, Cameron Williams and Rob “Monkey” Dasaro.","content":"Jes Grew (with the Broccoli Brothers on horns) entertains the crowd at Belly Up Aspen on Thursday evening. Pictured from left at the front of the stage: Randolph Turner, Cameron Williams and Rob “Monkey” Dasaro.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/jes-grew/image_e202e576-0dad-46ec-9e7d-99c949c0ed7a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andre Salvail/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F20%2Fe202e576-0dad-46ec-9e7d-99c949c0ed7a%2F6a544702baf37.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C237","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"jes-grew"},{"id":"qcz9tb","title":"Where Pitkin County (and Colorado) sits in the context of state bans on M-44s","excerpt":"Editor’s Note: After originally declining to comment by the time of publication, Commissioner Francie Jacober has responded to questions with regard to the lifting of the M-44 ban on BLM lands. This article has been updated to reflect her comments.\n\n\n\nBack in 1998, the federal agency Wildlife Ser...","content":"Editor’s Note: After originally declining to comment by the time of publication, Commissioner Francie Jacober has responded to questions with regard to the lifting of the M-44 ban on BLM lands. This article has been updated to reflect her comments.\n\n\n\nBack in 1998, the federal agency Wildlife Services still regularly deployed M-44s — otherwise known as “cyanide bombs” — on BLM and U.S. Forest Service lands as a tool to manage, or kill, wildlife.\n\n\n\nThat same year, however, both California and Washington banned the use of these sodium cyanide devices within their respective states. Twenty-one years later, in 2019, Oregon followed suit.\n\n\n\nIn 2023, M-44s were banned nationally on public lands, but the ban was rescinded for BLM lands in April of this year — 27,490 acres of which are located within Pitkin County.\n\n\n\nColorado itself does not have a statewide ban. However, emails forwarded to The Aspen Times by Brooks Fahy, executive director of Predator Defense — a non-profit based in Oregon that was largely responsible for the national M-44 ban in 2023 — describe how the recent positions held by Wildlife Services’ state directors for both Oregon and California could give hope to residents of Pitkin County and the greater Colorado if the state enacted its own ban of M-44s.\n\n\n\n“I do not anticipate using M-44’s in Oregon with the state ban in place,” said Buck Jolley, acting Wildlife Services state director for Oregon, in an email dated June 26.\n\n\n\nDr. Aaron Collins, Wildlife Services state director for California, elaborated further on June 29, stating, “At this time we do not have plans for M-44 control device use. It was not part of the analysis of methods for wildlife damage management for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for WS-CA activities … . With the limited desire in CA for M-44 device use, I do not foresee us adding that method into the WS-CA toolbox anytime soon.” \n\n\n\nThe Wildlife Services’ state director of Washington state did not reply by publication time to an inquiry.\n\n\n\nElected representatives for Pitkin County residents have weighed in, however, on the lifting of the national ban and what can be done in the meantime.\n\n\n\n“I’m surprised that the ban was lifted,” said Sen. Marc Catlin, who represents Pitkin County, as well as Garfield and Eagle counties downvalley, in the state legislature, in an email. “As a legislator, I’ll be looking into the situation, so I am up to speed on the plans being considered.” \n\n\n\nCatlin added that he doesn’t think there will be widespread usage of M-44s by Wildlife Services, and that while they could be used in unique situations, there shouldn’t be indiscriminate use by the federal agency.\n\n\n\n“Recreation is such an economic driver in Pitkin County,” he said. “BLM is aware of the conditions in Pitkin County. They will be hesitant to use the M-44 because of the number of people on BLM land. Signage will be a big part of placing M-44(s) in Pitkin County.” \n\n\n\nThis map shows the boundaries of the Bureau of Land Management’s Colorado River Valley field area. Areas in yellow are BLM land. Areas in green are national forest, areas in turquoise are state land, and areas in white are private land.Bureau of Land Management/Courtesy image\n\n\n\nIf the issue of banning M-44s comes up in the state legislature, he said he will consider the arguments for and against.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Times reached out twice to state Rep. Elizabeth Velasco — who also represents residents in Pitkin County, as well in Eagle and Garfield counties downvalley — for her comments but did not receive a response.\n\n\n\nWithin the county itself, most of those who comprise the Board of County Commissioners had much to say on the issue.\n\n\n\n“We have not had a chance to talk as a board,” said Commissioner Patti Clapper. “Hopefully, we’ll have time on Tuesday (July 14) in our work session to direct staff to come up with something — sooner than later — just to get the word out there.”\n\n\n\nClapper’s primary concern was the lack of public involvement and process when it came to rescinding the national ban.\n\n\n\n“I wish we could put this ban reversal on hold until such time as local jurisdictions and local community members have the opportunity to learn more and submit comments before something tragic happens,” she said.\n\n\n\nIn the meantime, she would want the county to create some public awareness of M-44s to let people know that it’s possible the sodium cyanide devices could be placed on BLM lands within Pitkin County. She added she would want local emergency rooms, medical providers and first responders to be notified of these devices.\n\n\n\n“Just to start the public education process before we have an unintended tragic consequence,” she said.\n\n\n\nCommissioner Greg Poschman reacted strongly when he learned of the lifting of the ban.\n\n\n\n“It was a cruel and inhumane practice when they abandoned it decades ago. And honestly, I’d love to understand the thinking behind bringing it back,” Poschman said. “It seems to me to be so dramatically out of touch with the actual needs of our citizenry who use the BLM lands around here.”\n\n\n\nThis is a photograph Brooks Fahy took of an illegally set M-44 cyanide bomb. Most of the photographs out there are of devices that have been discharged already; the M-44 in the photo is intact. The center is where the sodium cyanide capsule is placed. It is protected by a thin layer of beeswax to protect it from degrading under different types of weather conditions. Brooks Fahy/Predator Defense\n\n\n\nIf Wildlife Services intends to start planting M-44s on BLM lands in the area, his fear — similarly shared by the other commissioners who commented — is that hikers, hikers’ kids, campers’ kids, their dogs and perhaps even equestrians could be unnecessarily harmed.\n\n\n\n“I’ll happily write a letter to our BLM representatives protesting this,” he said. “If necessary, if it comes down to it, we’ll have an information campaign to try to alert people about these things. I think we can hopefully stop this before it even happens because, quite honestly, it’s not necessary in our neck of the woods.\n\n\n\nHe added, “I’d love to hear from the proponents — if there are any — in our county, in our watershed on the ranches, in our area on why they think this would be a good idea.”\n\n\n\nCommissioner Jeffrey Woodruff stressed that Pitkin County is the residents’ backyard where they recreate — whether hunters, mountain bikers and dog walkers — as well as where the assorted wildlife graze and pass through and where ranchers enjoy grazing permits on BLM lands.\n\n\n\n“As we share a summer of extreme low stream flows, amid an exceptional drought, why add another inane, indolent stressor to wildlife?” Woodruff asked. “Why endanger outdoor enthusiasts and risk their exposure to cyanide devices? Why do we risk injury or death in our public recreation area in the name of controlling pests?”\n\n\n\nHe shared Poschman and Commissioner Ted Mahon’s assertion that the BOCC has had a good relationship with BLM staff and will want to continue working with the agency.\n\n\n\n“I hope the BLM will pro-actively post signs — as they have with current wildfire risks — and alert hikers and dog walkers of the risks associated with M-44 detonation,” Woodruff said, to which both Mahon and Poschman expressed similar desires.\n\n\n\n“I don’t know when the next time we will get an update from them or how the conversation will be,” Mahon said, noting that the board has periodic check-ins with a BLM regional manager for the area. “But this would be something we would all like to have some more information from.”\n\n\n\nLike the others, he was both surprised and disappointed to learn that the national ban was lifted. He, too, wondered how the use of the sodium cyanide devices align with the county residents’ beliefs on how public lands should be managed.\n\n\n\n“It’s crazy that we would even entertain having these things randomly placed out there,” he said.\n\n\n\nCommissioner Francie Jacober agreed with Clapper’s concern that the decision to lift the ban did not go through proper public comment processes. Jacober also stressed that she is “deeply opposed” to any sodium cyanide devices on BLM lands.\n\n\n\n“It is a threat to all of our carnivore wildlife in and out of Pitkin County,” she said. “The baits do not know the difference between carnivores.”\n\n\n\nPredators like wolves, lynx, mountain lions, raptors and bears — and many other species like badgers, rodents and more — “would be vulnerable to this insidious poison,” she added.\n\n\n\nHer biggest concern was for coyotes, which are typically the intended target of M-44s.\n\n\n\n“They are already maligned, hunted, tortured and vulnerable year-round due to no limits on coyote hunting,” she said. “These animals are part of our ecosystem and represent one of nature’s most resilient species.”\n\n\n\nShe said that Catlin called her to discuss the issue of M-44s, adding in their conversation that he had sent a letter to the BLM about why it’s a terrible idea in Pitkin County. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/where-pitkin-county-and-colorado-sits-in-the-context-of-state-bans-on-m-44s/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jonathan Bowers Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjbowers@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-13T00:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F03%2F10170918%2FCopy_of_The_Crown_Recreation_Area-BLM-ALongwell-scaled-1-1024x682.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"where-pitkin-county-and-colorado-sits-in-the-context-of-state-bans-on-m-44s"},{"id":"d1ke9o","title":"Wildfire management top-of-mind for western governors in meeting with US Forest Service chief","excerpt":"As wildfires rage across the West, governors are asking the U.S. Forest Service how state and federal agencies can better partner on management and prevention. \n\n\n\nThe question hung over a panel discussion during a June 30 meeting of the Western Governors’ Association in Deer Valley, where six We...","content":"As wildfires rage across the West, governors are asking the U.S. Forest Service how state and federal agencies can better partner on management and prevention. \n\n\n\nThe question hung over a panel discussion during a June 30 meeting of the Western Governors’ Association in Deer Valley, where six Western state governors, along with state and federal public lands officials, discussed the need for shared land management strategies. \n\n\n\nMajor wildfires are currently burning across several western states, including five in Colorado, that have collectively scorched more than 193,000 acres as of Thursday, July 9. \n\n\n\n“We all know wildfires don’t know the difference between federal, state, private and tribal lands, so we need a management strategy that really reflects that,” said Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “Given the checkerboard landscape, especially throughout the West, removing jurisdictional silos through shared stewardship is really the only way that we can achieve this.”\n\n\n\nApproximately one-third of Colorado’s land is owned by the federal government. In Utah and Nevada, the federal government owns roughly 64% and 85% of the land, respectively. State leaders say it makes collaboration with the federal government imperative to wildfire prevention and control. \n\n\n\nUtah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, asked the U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, a former timber industry executive, how the federal government can better support forest thinning projects. Cox said that the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, has at times slowed projects due to required environmental reviews. \n\n\n\n“We all have millions of acres that we know need to be treated to prevent some of these catastrophic wildfires,” Cox said. “How do you feel about the progress we’re making there?”\n\n\n\nThe Trump administration has overhauled NEPA through a series of administrative and legislative changes, including reducing review timelines and shortening public comment windows. Administration officials have framed the changes as a way to make government processes more efficient, though environmental groups say the administration has weakened the bedrock federal law meant to safeguard the environment. \n\n\n\nSchultz defended the changes to NEPA, saying, “Is NEPA an impediment? You know, I would say it can be, but we’ve made some NEPA reforms. I’m not worried about NEPA stopping thinning projects.”\n\n\n\nHe added, “What I wanna make sure the audience understands is we are not reducing environmental standards in the work that we’re doing …I’m much more concerned about the threat of catastrophic wildfire than any treatments that we put on the landscape, but we need to do a lot more.”\n\n\n\nNew Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, asked Schultz whether the Forest Service had the resources it needed for wildfire mitigation. \n\n\n\n“I know you can’t lobby for a budget that the White House isn’t interested in — or your boss,” Lujan Grisham said in reference to President Donald Trump, whose administration has sought to reduce the agency’s funding and staff and is implementing a major restructuring that includes closing regional offices and relocating the Forest Service’s headquarters from Washington to Salt Lake City.\n\n\n\nThe Forest Service lost nearly 6,000 jobs in 2025, though Schultz said the agency now has more firefighters staffed this year than last, with almost 11,800 hired — 500 more than its hiring goal of 11,300. Schultz credits that, in part, to pay increases for federal wildland firefighters passed last year by Congress as part of a bipartisan legislative package. \n\n\n\nBut he also acknowledged the agency’s budget for fuel reduction projects, including prescribed burns, has been flat at about $130 million this year, and that the Forest Service lost some funding from legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, a sprawling climate bill passed under former President Joe Biden that has seen significant rollbacks from congressional Republicans. \n\n\n\nSchultz said it’s an opportunity for other entities, such as states and nonprofits, to help fill the void. \n\n\n\n“We’ve got a lot of folks that have done a lot of fuel work on our behalf, including states that have done some of this work,” he said. ” … Our funding is flat for our base funding. It’s not decreased. It’s not increased. It’s about where it’s been. But the issue of fuels needs ongoing discussion and dialogue about the role of states, partners and what are (the) realistic numbers?”\n\n\n\nLujan Grisham said the agency’s flat budget makes her “very nervous” amid an exponential increase in wildfire risk. \n\n\n\n“Certainly, we’ve been talking about leveraging state resources, but those aren’t going to be enough either to deal with the onslaught of fires over the next decade,” she said. “It’s something I think that Western governors and you all ought to really be thinking about because there’s just no way that we can rely on the current system to meet the demand.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/western-governors-us-forest-service-chief-wildfires/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:27:55.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F09172439%2FUSFS.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wildfire-management-top-of-mind-for-western-governors-in-meeting-with-us-forest-service-chief"},{"id":"vw38rb","title":"DanceAspen’s gala supports dancers and community outreach programs","excerpt":"For one night only, DanceAspen’s gala at Hotel Jerome transports attendees into the extravagant, gold-and-glamour shine of Studio 54, circa the 1970s.  \n\n\n\n“Dance is meant to bring people together, and few places embodied that more than Studio 54,” said Laurel Winton, DanceAspen’s executive direc...","content":"For one night only, DanceAspen’s gala at Hotel Jerome transports attendees into the extravagant, gold-and-glamour shine of Studio 54, circa the 1970s.  \n\n\n\n“Dance is meant to bring people together, and few places embodied that more than Studio 54,” said Laurel Winton, DanceAspen’s executive director. “It was a space where limitations disappeared, creativity flourished and every night felt like a celebration.” \n\n\n\nAs DanceAspen marks its fifth anniversary of furthering contemporary dance, the artists want to create “an evening that feels just as vibrant (as Studio 54) — full of music, movement, glamour and the incredible community that has helped us grow from an ambitious idea into the organization we are today,” she said. \n\n\n\nMore than just a night full of cocktails flowing and exceptional dining followed by DanceAspen performances — as well as an open dance floor with DJ Kebi spinning tunes — the night is a reminder of what the dance company contributes to the community year-round. \n\n\n\nDanceAspen’s initiatives have increased access to high-quality arts education, as well as live shows for kids and adults alike. Most recently, the company has presented mainstage performances at the Wheeler Opera House, including Shifting Forms, and re:imagine, as well as shows at TACAW, the Vail Dance Festival, Green Box Arts and touring engagements in Fort Collins, Crested Butte, Rifle and Gillette, Wyo. \n\n\n\nIt also has commissioned and premiered new works by company artists and nationally renowned choreographers, including Princess Grace Award recipients. \n\n\n\nFrom March 2025 through April 2026, DanceAspen brought education and community engagement programs to more than 3,150 people, including teachers, senior citizens and participants with special-needs across Colorado and Wyoming. That number includes 1,503 students who participated in DanceStart, the company’s free, in-school movement education program. Additionally, 1,499 people took part in masterclasses, demonstrations, free performances, outreach events and education programs. \n\n\n\nDanceAspen’s latest offering, Behind the Curtain, launched during this time, in partnership with the Wheeler Opera House. It gives local students, kindergarten through 12th grade, a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that goes into professional dance, inviting students to ask questions, explore movements themselves and obtain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of dance. \n\n\n\n“Research has shown that exposure to the arts can enhance cognitive development, improve social-emotional well-being and inspire lifelong creativity,” according to DanceAspen’s website. \n\n\n\nSo far, 200 students have participated in Behind the Curtain. \n\n\n\n“Through new commissions, regional touring, free and accessible programming and strategic community partnerships, DanceAspen continued to strengthen its role as a cultural leader while making world-class contemporary dance more accessible to communities throughout the region,” said Allison Walsh, managing director of DanceAspen, about this past year. \n\n\n\nThe company’s vision continues to reinforce Aspen as a center for contemporary dance and education, while also extending its reach regionally, nationally and internationally. \n\n\n\nSo on July 17, dress to dazzle, and join the party at Hotel Jerome. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/danceaspens-gala-supports-dancers-and-community-outreach-programs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-12T22:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10205011%2Fdanceaspen-1024x681.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"danceaspens-gala-supports-dancers-and-community-outreach-programs"},{"id":"itjfty","title":"Colorado mountains could see near-record temperatures as heat dome develops over the West","excerpt":"Colorado’s mountains are in for a hot, dry weekend as a heat dome sets up over the West, according to forecasters.\n\n\n\nNational Weather Service forecaster Kate Abbott said the ridge of high pressure that is building will push out any lingering moisture away from the Western Slope and could send te...","content":"Colorado’s mountains are in for a hot, dry weekend as a heat dome sets up over the West, according to forecasters.\n\n\n\nNational Weather Service forecaster Kate Abbott said the ridge of high pressure that is building will push out any lingering moisture away from the Western Slope and could send temperatures soaring. Some locations are likely to break daily high temperature records.\n\n\n\n“In general, starting Saturday, most of the region is (forecasted to be) about 10 degrees above normal for this time of year,” Abbott said. “Especially north of (Interstate 70), we see that number grow to 10 to 15 degrees above normal on Sunday and Monday, potentially into Tuesday too.”\n\n\n\nThe extreme heat comes as Colorado faces a historic drought and five major wildfires burn across the state. \n\n\n\nCounties including Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, Lake and parts of Grand, Garfield, Rio Blanco and Moffat have experienced exceptional drought — the highest level — for the majority of the past three months, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Every county west of Denver has fire restrictions in place banning campfires.\n\n\n\nWhile a high-pressure system is expected to bring calmer winds than July has seen so far, Abbott said the risk of wildfires will remain elevated due to the heat and record-dry conditions resulting from the drought.\n\n\n\n“Just be cognizant of making sure to stay extra hydrated this week and to seek shade or stay indoors as much as possible,” Abbott said. “Even in the mountains, we’re still going to be well above normal for this time of year. Do what you can to keep yourself safe and prepared for the incoming heat.”","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colorado-weather-heat-dome-record/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-10T21:42:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F10153805%2FFrisco_Marina-July_10-Ryan_Spencer-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-mountains-could-see-near-record-temperatures-as-heat-dome-develops-over-the-west"},{"id":"c5sn0y","title":"How the PARC Act could impact climbing on Independence Pass","excerpt":"Climbers on Independence Pass could benefit from the new Protect America’s Rock Climbing act, which would allow for easier maintenance and installation of fixed anchors, or bolts, on rock walls. \n\n\n\nThe PARC act is aiming to address a decades-long dispute over the use of fixed anchors in highly-p...","content":"Climbers on Independence Pass could benefit from the new Protect America’s Rock Climbing act, which would allow for easier maintenance and installation of fixed anchors, or bolts, on rock walls. \n\n\n\nThe PARC act is aiming to address a decades-long dispute over the use of fixed anchors in highly-protected wilderness areas. Among the limitations, the federal government has proposed climbing policies that continue to require the use of hand tools to install fixed anchors in wilderness areas and limit walls to have no more than five bolts per 100 feet in any direction. A large part of the protection is district by district, with national forest service districts being encouraged to draft their own versions of the protection specific to their covered area. \n\n\n\nA bad bolt on Mitten Slab outside of Rifle in June. The exposed ‘sheath’ of the bolt is rusted and moves in the rock.Beau Toepfer/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\n“The PARC act provides a pathway for bolts to be allowed, which is really good for climbing because whatever you go up, you have to get down,” author of an Independence Pass climbing guide book and owner of Glenwood Climbing Guides Mike Schneiter said. “The view of most climbers is that, obviously, we need anchors to get off climbs. Things like bolts are visually not very intrusive. They’re rarely ever seen, even if they’re there in wilderness areas.”\n\n\n\nBolts are not permanent, either, and eventually the elements corrode the metal and necessitate replacements. The PARC act will likely make it easier for understanding how these bolts would be replaced and updated, allowing for safer climbing.\n\n\n\n“Some of the bolts that were placed years ago weren’t of maybe the greatest standard or greatest quality compared to what we have today, and so we’re able to update those things to a modern standard that’s really safe and will last a really, really, really long time,” Schneiter said. “(Not) being able to use anchors really affects our ability to climb because we do need anchors, and so maintaining the anchors that are already there and putting new ones in where we need them, that’s really valuable.”\n\n\n\nBolting historically was done by climbers with little to no oversight and with few safety regulations, according to long-time Roaring Fork Valley climber Cam Burns. Many bolts were homemade or done as cheaply as possible with fewer bolts that cost less. Independence Pass is home to many such routes, which are often called “run-out,” meaning climbers go large distances between fixed protection and consequently risk large falls. Many older routes are also protected with the colloquially named “SMC death hangers,” old quarter-inch bolts that are known to fail under less than body weight once water gets behind the bolt hanger.\n\n\n\n“Probably 99% of climbers using fixed anchors have no idea who placed the anchors, when, how and with what,” Burns shared in an email. “A 30-year-old anchor can look like one placed yesterday. Any piece of fixed gear could fail at any time. Every time a climber clips into some fixed thing, he is putting his life on the line — sometimes more than he realizes. Imagine a type of food that becomes poison after a certain amount of time. Then imagine the food makers leave the ‘best-by’ dates off that food. Absolutely all fixed anchors are time bombs waiting to go off.”\n\n\n\nThe burden of cost under the PARC act still falls on whomever is doing the update. Some climbers, like Burns, think there should be more regulation in place on who is allowed to place fixed protection or bolts, because a poorly placed bolt could endanger other climbers. \n\n\n\n“(Climbers) are the ones creating the situation that needs addressing,” he said. “I would think it should echo the guiding industry. Although guiding has been around for centuries, over the past hundred years the guiding community has created a vast system of checks and balances making sure people are safe.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/how-the-parc-act-could-impact-climbing-on-independence-pass/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-12T21:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10143547%2FIMG_3229-760x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"how-the-parc-act-could-impact-climbing-on-independence-pass"},{"id":"oxa85o","title":"Heat, drought and recreational changes hit Independence Pass this summer","excerpt":"Record low precipitation, high temperatures and an ongoing drought are all lining up on the Western Slope this summer, but what does that mean specifically for Independence Pass?\n\n\n\nThe Sawatch Range’s typically snow-covered, 13,000-foot peaks are dry and brown, with even the coldest and highest ...","content":"Record low precipitation, high temperatures and an ongoing drought are all lining up on the Western Slope this summer, but what does that mean specifically for Independence Pass?\n\n\n\nThe Sawatch Range’s typically snow-covered, 13,000-foot peaks are dry and brown, with even the coldest and highest faces being nearly devoid of snow. The alpine meadows, which are often emerald green this time of year, according to Independence Pass Foundation Director Karin Teague, are brown and dry as is typical of August and September. The evergreen trees are drying out, and the Douglas Fir at lower elevations are being killed by beetles, whose populations are increasing in the face of warmer temperatures brought on by human-driven climate change, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Forest and Climate Program Director Adam McCurdy confirmed. \n\n\n\n“When we have a wet year, that increases a little bit of ecological resilience,” the Natural Resource Manager for Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Liza Mitchell said. “If we have another dry year, that just makes it harder for the plants to grow … it’s sort of like survival of the fittest.”\n\n\n\nLow water levels have also brought about voluntary closures for floaters on North Star Nature Preserve, and a history of mining has led to heavy metal seepage into the upper Lincoln Creek drainage, Teague added. She observed the brown alpine meadows and orange waters of Lincoln Creek during an EcoFlight flight on July 7 over Independence Pass. She said that monitoring is currently being done on the level of pollution in Lincoln Creek but that there is still not a full understanding of the level of contamination. As repairs are being done on Grizzly Creek Reservoir, water from the upper drainage is being diverted to the other side of the Continental Divide, where it will eventually be used by municipalities like Colorado Springs..\n\n\n\nAccording to her, more monitoring is needed “to see if we can really wrap our hands around the extent of the contamination.”\n\n\n\nThe upper Lincoln Creek drainage as seen from an EcoFlight flight on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.Beau Toepfer/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nTeague also noted that Independence Pass is likely due for a wildfire, as the dense evergreen forests usually burn once every 400 years. \n\n\n\n“We didn’t get that recharge for that deeper water, and we’re seeing that in the form of plants that are more stressed out, going from our trees that don’t have the water that they need right now to flowers, grasses, etc.,” McCurdy added.\n\n\n\nTeague explained that, as of now, little is being done to mitigate for wildfire in the forests, but little would also have to be done to contain a blaze because most of the pass is a wilderness area, where fires are traditionally allowed to burn. \n\n\n\nSmoke over the Sawatch Range from the Willow Fire near Leadville, and low snow as seen from an EcoFlight flight on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.Beau Toepfer/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nWhile McCurdy doesn’t think this is going to be a catastrophic summer on the high-altitude ecosystems, he did say that natural selection will likely run its course on some less drought-tolerant species. Because of how sustained this drought has been, more water-reliant flora species have been reproducing less each summer, and this summer will likely continue that pattern to a large extent. \n\n\n\n“It’s dramatic events like this that sometimes push species over the edge, so in the past … sudden aspen decline occurred, where entire aspen stands over a relatively short period of time … completely died off. Most of this happened in southern Colorado on south facing drier slopes, but it’s these types of events that can trigger those changes,” he said.\n\n\n\nLow snow on the peaks near Lincoln Creek as seen from an EcoFlight flight on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.Beau Toepfer/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nHe added that drought and warm temperatures are allowing Douglas Fir beetles to reach “epidemic” scales of outbreak. \n\n\n\n“The trees, as a consequence of lower-than-average precipitation over the past 20 years, coupled with significantly above-average temperatures, are stressed out, and they’re not able to defend themselves as effectively,” McCurdy said. “Those bark beetles have an advantage on them.”\n\n\n\nDouglas-fir beetles are currently causing the most new tree mortality in the Rocky Mountain region as a whole, as previously reported by The Aspen Times. \n\n\n\nWhile there currently aren’t any beetles impacting the higher elevation trees on Independence Pass at a large scale, McCurdy does believe it is a possibility. He explained that there is no linear correlation between the initiation of outbreaks and a drought, but that, once an outbreak starts, the drought can accelerate its spread. \n\n\n\nLow water levels caused by the record low snowpack, which is compounded by water being diverted to the Front Range, are also impacting riparian ecosystems — in particular, low water levels have led to stressors on the North Star Nature Preserve, according to Mitchell.\n\n\n\n“At North Star in particular, it’s interesting because we’re in a phase of a little bit of natural ecological recovery from many decades of land use impacts, and that’s an ecological improvement trajectory, but we’re also seeing the impacts of climate change,” she said.\n\n\n\nShe explained that North Star is not actually the most ecologically robust environment, as the riverbed is made of fine silt that fewer fish and insects thrive in. However, the impacts of climate change are drastically changing the way the whole ecosystem functions.\n\n\n\n“It’s a different system than our natural ecology evolved to,” she said. “The plants and animals and nutrient cycling and everything has evolved to a wetter climate.”\n\n\n\nAccording to her, short-term impacts from this year’s drought and warm temperatures will have cascading impacts downstream. Lower water heats up faster, and that warmer water is more inhospitable to fish and aquatic insects.\n\n\n\n“When that water that flows through Northstar gets warmer, then that has downstream impacts because everything downstream is receiving warmer water,” Mitchell said.\n\n\n\nBecause of low stream flows, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails implemented a voluntary floating closure for the upper section of North Star to keep floaters from running aground on the shallow riverbed, hoping to keep disturbances to the ecosystem as small as possible.\n\n\n\nHigh alpine tundra on Independence Pass as seen from an EcoFlight flight on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The typically green meadows are turning brown earlier than normal, according to Independence Pass Foundation Executive Director Karin Teague.Beau Toepfer/The Aspen Times","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/heat-drought-and-recreational-changes-hit-independence-pass-this-summer/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-11T23:30:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10142304%2FDSC8573-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"heat-drought-and-recreational-changes-hit-independence-pass-this-summer"},{"id":"wke9nu","title":"Victor Marx narrowly wins Republican primary for Colorado governor","excerpt":"Victor Marx, the leader of a faith-based nonprofit whose unconventional campaign and hotly contested claims about his life have grabbed national attention, will be the Republican nominee for Colorado governor this November. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race for Marx at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jul...","content":"Victor Marx, the leader of a faith-based nonprofit whose unconventional campaign and hotly contested claims about his life have grabbed national attention, will be the Republican nominee for Colorado governor this November. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race for Marx at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 9, nine days after voting ended in the state’s primary elections. \n\n\n\nMarx had been locked in a tight contest with state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer for the Republican nomination. While Kirkmeyer maintained a narrow lead over Marx on election night on June 30, Marx overtook her less than 24 hours later as ballots were counted. \n\n\n\nHe currently leads Kirkmeyer by 2,515 votes, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office as of 4 p.m. Thursday. Marx was winning 39.87% of the vote to Kirkmeyer’s 39.39%, with 521,938 votes cast. Their other opponent, state Rep. Scott Bottoms, was in a distant third with 20.75%. Marx’s margin of victory is just outside the threshold for an automatic recount. \n\n\n\nThe race was tighter than anticipated, after a poll commissioned by a super PAC supporting his campaign showed him beating Kirkmeyer by 44 percentage points, and after Marx built a commanding fundraising lead over Kirkmeyer and Bottoms throughout the primary.\n\n\n\n“To those of you who supported someone else in the primary, I want you to hear me clearly: There is a place for you in this campaign,” Marx said in a three-minute video posted to X shortly after the race was called. \n\n\n\n“Colorado needs courageous leadership that works, leadership that puts you first,” he added. “If you are feeling frustrated, skeptical or wondering if anything can actually change, I just proved it by winning the primary.” \n\n\n\nIn a text message statement sent from a campaign spokesperson, Kirkmeyer said she was proud of her campaign.\n\n\n\n“Together, we offered a clear vision for the future of the Colorado Republican Party, one rooted in common sense, hard work, affordability, and the values that made Colorado the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Kirkmeyer said. “While we came up short in what appears to be the closest Republican gubernatorial primary in Colorado history, I’m grateful for every voter who placed their trust in us.”\n\n\n\nMarx will now face Democratic nominee Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in the Nov. 3 general election, where he will face an uphill battle for governor. \n\n\n\nColorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens in 2002, with the state’s electorate continuing to shift more blue in the years since. Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat who cannot run for reelection this year because of term limits, won his first election in 2018 by a more than 10-percentage-point margin. He was reelected in 2022 by nearly 20 percentage points. \n\n\n\nWeiser, in a statement, called Marx’s nomination “a threat to our state’s values and our future. \n\n\n\n“Coloradans have a clear choice in this race: a politics of showing up, listening and fighting for the rights and freedoms of all — or a politics of deception, demonization and distraction,” Weiser said. \n\n\n\nA Marine Corps veteran, Marx leads a nonprofit, All Things Possible Ministries, that focuses on humanitarian work primarily in the Middle East and South Asia. He positioned himself as an anti-establishment political newcomer willing to take on the status quo, something Marx said resonated with voters and helped propel his campaign. \n\n\n\nMarx has faced criticism from his opponents and questions from reporters about claims he has made about his life, which have garnered national media attention. Marx said he was forced by his stepfather to shoot and kill a man at the age of 7. In an interview with 9News reporter Kyle Clark, part of which was featured in a recent segment by late-night TV host John Oliver, Marx inferred that he has killed people in self-defense during his missionary work, but would not say how many people. \n\n\n\nOther claims made by Marx include calling in an airstrike to kill Islamic State fighters; being the first American to enter Gaza after war broke out with Israel; and stopping human smuggling at the U.S.-Mexico border. Marx’s opponents labeled him a liar who makes up “tall tales.” \n\n\n\nMarx defended those critiques in a previous interview, saying, “There’s far more evidence out there of who I am, what I’ve done, decades of it. But some who don’t want me and know that I’m a threat, all they can do is make accusatory remarks.”\n\n\n\nKirkmeyer, in her statement, did not endorse Marx for governor, instead saying, “The voters will make the final decision in November, and I hope they choose the path that is best for Colorado. I’m still proud of the campaign we ran… and, for the record, I still haven’t killed anyone.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/victor-marx-narrowly-wins-republican-primary-for-colorado-governor/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:26:46.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F09173132%2FMarx-Kirkmeyer-4-1024x744.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"victor-marx-narrowly-wins-republican-primary-for-colorado-governor"},{"id":"gw4477","title":"Obituary: Debbie Conn","excerpt":"August 22, 1957 – July 3, 2026\nDeborah Carson Conn\nWith friends and family at her side, Deborah Carson Conn passed away peacefully on July 3rd. She was courageous and in good spirits all the way through her battle with dementia, showing incredible strength even while fighting a winless disease.\nD...","content":"August 22, 1957 – July 3, 2026\nDeborah Carson Conn\nWith friends and family at her side, Deborah Carson Conn passed away peacefully on July 3rd. She was courageous and in good spirits all the way through her battle with dementia, showing incredible strength even while fighting a winless disease.\nDebbie was born in August of 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Paul and Wilma Carson. She was the second of four children, growing up alongside her siblings Bill (Cindy), Barbara (Rick), and Jim (Lynn), all of Indianapolis.\nShe gave birth to one daughter, Michelle (Phillip) of Panama City, Florida. Debbie was also a proud grandmother to two grandchildren, Shyanne of Panama City, Florida, and Hailey of Madison, Indiana, both of whom she loved deeply and bragged about often.\nDeborah’s true adventurous side emerged once she left Indiana. After a short stay in Nebraska, Debbie found her way to Denver, Colorado. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there, often sitting in the river in the Deckers area of Denver, sipping on a Rum and Diet Coke. Eventually, life brought her to New Castle, Colorado, where she spent the rest of her days.\nWhile in New Castle, Debbie met the love of her life, Mike Conn. Alongside Mike and her beloved dog, Saddie, she built a life full of joy and adventure. She loved exploring and discovering new places, always ready for anything—from 12-hour races in Florida to driving down the coast of Oregon. Her adventurous spirit led her to incredible experiences, including rafting the Grand Canyon and snowmobiling in South Dakota. Debbie truly lived a happy and full life.\nOur family wants to thank the caregivers at Right at Home and the staff at Abode Hospice Care for taking excellent care of Debbie during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity in Debbie’s name.\nDebbie’s services will be held at:\nFarnum Holt Funeral Home\n405 W 7th Street.\nGlenwood Springs,\nColorada 970-945-5815\nFriday, July 17\n10:00 am – 1:00 Pm\nBurial -? After,\nBack Home For a Celebration of Life","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-debbie-conn/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-10T03:04:18.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F09210423%2FW0020333.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-debbie-conn"},{"id":"pfar8f","title":"Willoughby: Contributor to Aspen’s ambiance, Gaard Moses, just published his book","excerpt":"Gaard Moses has released his book, “Aspen, Signs of History — Stories and Scalawags.” Those who know him have been anxiously awaiting its publication and would say, “well worth the wait.” \n\n\n\nYou might not know whom he is, but you no doubt have noticed his contribution to Aspen’s esthetics; he is...","content":"Gaard Moses has released his book, “Aspen, Signs of History — Stories and Scalawags.” Those who know him have been anxiously awaiting its publication and would say, “well worth the wait.” \n\n\n\nYou might not know whom he is, but you no doubt have noticed his contribution to Aspen’s esthetics; he is the artist-designer of dozens of Aspen’s business signs and several graphics on buildings. His unique style and ability to connect a sign to the essence or ambiance of a business makes a walk along Aspen’s streets interesting and visually entertaining. The colorful book explores Aspen and his history with it in the same way. \n\n\n\nHis book is, in part, about those many signs, but it is also a history of Aspen — exploring businesses, anecdotes of his interactions with some of Aspen’s more interesting characters and Aspen’s buildings. The buildings section gives some history of each one and includes an illustration of them. The people section includes sketches of each of them. What makes the book most interesting is what you would expect from him — it is a “work of art,” with topics introduced through his artwork rather than hundreds of words.  \n\n\n\nAgain, if you know him, you would expect to see his wit, humor and unique perspective, and you will not be disappointed. For those who don’t know him, the book is a wonderful exposure to interesting details of Aspen and its residents spanning 50 years. As an example, there are sections titled “Aspen-esque local palaver,” which he introduces with, “Who would think that there is a small dictionary worth of words, phrases, and expressions that are unique to Aspen and local ski vernacular.” \n\n\n\nGaard visited Aspen in 1964 and moved there in 1968 to be a ski bum. He had several jobs in the beginning, and one was as the art teacher for Aspen Country Day School. That is when I first knew him. One of my early memories of Gaard was when he and Mick Franta climbed South Maroon Peak and skied down — that was believed to be a first ascent. However, what impressed me was that he brought his dog, Wagner, along with him. He included a photo of it in the book with little explanation of the feat. \n\n\n\nMy other connection to him was through his interest in Aspen’s mining history and mining claims. His book explores some of his other connections on the subject in a section on mining people, Jim Blanning and Ed Smart. \n\n\n\nOne of his acquaintances was Harley Baldwin, owner and remodeler of the Brand Building. Baldwin was a classmate of Gaard’s at Syracuse University where Gaard majored in art. He recounts a number of interesting Aspen anecdotes with Baldwin. The photo above was a project Gaard did for Baldwin, a mural on the alley side of the Brand Building. \n\n\n\nThere is a section in the book about part of his life I did not know about. He had a bout with cancer beginning in 1979, and after overcoming it, he moved to the Yukon where he had bought a piece of land. He constructed a cabin and then worked for a graphic arts company that had customers that stretched over 4,000 miles. \n\n\n\nYou can read it cover to cover, but even if you just skim through the pages, there are visual items, photos and his artwork that will trigger your Aspen memories or add to your knowledge of Aspen’s history. \n\n\n\nThe book is available at Explore Books, Carl’s Pharmacy and Aspen Collective, in the Wheeler or online at oldgaardpublishing.carrd.co. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/willoughby-contributor-to-aspens-ambiance-gaard-moses-just-published-his-book/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tim Willoughby Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-11T21:00:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10073812%2F2013.048.0185_Aspen_Historical_Society_Mary_Eshbaugh_Hayes_Collection-1024x614.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"willoughby-contributor-to-aspens-ambiance-gaard-moses-just-published-his-book"},{"id":"rehvzj","title":"Two Rivers bus lawsuit moves forward","excerpt":"A judge has declined Garfield Re-2 School District’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Two Rivers Community School and several parents, allowing the case over the charter school’s transportation practices to continue.\n\n\n\nThe lawsuit centers on whether Two Rivers, a charter school in Glenwood S...","content":"A judge has declined Garfield Re-2 School District’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Two Rivers Community School and several parents, allowing the case over the charter school’s transportation practices to continue.\n\n\n\nThe lawsuit centers on whether Two Rivers, a charter school in Glenwood Springs authorized by the Roaring Fork School District, can continue busing students who live within Garfield Re-2 boundaries. Re-2 has argued the practice is unlawful without its consent, while Two Rivers has maintained that, as an autonomous charter school, it is allowed to provide its own transportation.\n\n\n\nTwo Rivers Head of School Jamie Nims said the ruling does not resolve the underlying legal question, but it does allow the case to move forward.\n\n\n\n“I think that it just goes to show the judge is taking it seriously,” Nims said, adding that Two Rivers is waiting for a ruling on its motion for summary judgment.\n\n\n\nGarfield Re-2 Public Information Officer Theresa Hamilton said the district disagrees with the decision but respects the court process.\n\n\n\n“We disagree, but respect the judge’s decision on the motion to dismiss, and we look forward to the court ruling on the merits of the claim,” Hamilton said.\n\n\n\nNims said there is no set date for the next decision.\n\n\n\n“Basically, the next steps right now are just waiting to see what’s decided on that motion for summary judgment, which could be weeks, could be months,” he said.\n\n\n\nUntil then, Nims said Two Rivers plans to continue operating its buses as usual when school resumes.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/two-rivers-bus-lawsuit-moves-forward/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T23:20:47.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2023%2F08%2F10151100%2FDSC_0673-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"two-rivers-bus-lawsuit-moves-forward"},{"id":"nvhjtb","title":"Whitley: Sharing a collective thanks","excerpt":"On behalf of the Red Brick Center for the Arts and the city of Aspen, I wish to share our collective thanks for the partnership of the Carbondale-based Project Shop on the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade. \n\n\n\nAmong two dozen amazing collaborators, The Project Shop, led by artist Reina Katzenberger, stood...","content":"On behalf of the Red Brick Center for the Arts and the city of Aspen, I wish to share our collective thanks for the partnership of the Carbondale-based Project Shop on the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade. \n\n\n\nAmong two dozen amazing collaborators, The Project Shop, led by artist Reina Katzenberger, stood out for brilliant art direction, inventive, inclusive costume workshops and the singular creation of the Art Parade centerpiece — a reimagined Silver Queen float. All of which embodied the Art Parade theme: What do you LOVE about this place? \n\n\n\nIf you missed the Silver Queen along the parade route, you can still catch this gem holding court in the Red Brick Center for the Arts’ west gallery through Aug. 29.\n\n\n\nLara Whitley\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/whitley-sharing-a-collective-thanks/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lara Whitley","publishDate":"2026-07-11T20:50:08.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"whitley-sharing-a-collective-thanks"},{"id":"bzsr1d","title":"Farm Collaborative to host annual Regeneration Ball","excerpt":"The annual Regeneration Ball will return at 5 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Hotel Jerome to celebrate local sustainable farms, support the Farm Collaborative and present food from award-winning chefs.\n\n\n\nThe proceeds from this year’s gala will go toward supporting the new Regenerative Agriculture Learning ...","content":"The annual Regeneration Ball will return at 5 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Hotel Jerome to celebrate local sustainable farms, support the Farm Collaborative and present food from award-winning chefs.\n\n\n\nThe proceeds from this year’s gala will go toward supporting the new Regenerative Agriculture Learning Center, according to a press release, which began programming this year and teaches youth about sustainable agricultural practices. According to Farm Collaborative Executive Director Eden Vardy, this year’s gala will be the most impressive lineup of featured guests the Farm Collaborative has ever had, honoring the power of regenerative agriculture.\n\n\n\n“The premise of regeneration is always making things better, and so regenerative agriculture is a practice in which we’re really shifting our relationship to the land to one that is a partnership,” Vardy said. “As opposed to a more conventional agriculture methodology, where the land is really the substrate for us to be able to yield from.”\n\n\n\nFood will be prepared by award-winning chefs using ingredients sourced from local sustainable growers, he added. The ingredients grown by regional partners have all come from regenerative growing habits, which he explained is sustainable indefinitely, as compared to resource-intensive traditional agriculture.\n\n\n\nThe dinner will be followed by a talk from the Chair of the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard Dr. Kari Nadeau. \n\n\n\nThe new learning center that will receive funding from the gala serves to educate youth and build relationships between individuals and the land. The site has an event space and commercial kitchen, which is used in classes, in addition to stocking food from the regional regenerative partners.\n\n\n\n“We partner with community organizations and individuals to host programs highlighting our food system, as well as opportunities for youth and community to connect to nature through food,” Vardy said.\n\n\n\nThe dinner and following talk will also serve as lessons on plastic’s role in the food industry, with Chef Johanna Hellrigl — whose restaurant in Washington D.C. was the first plastic-free restaurant in the U.S. — joining the gala.\n\n\n\n“The dinner itself is well worth the ticket price, but by coming you’re also benefiting the organization,” Vardy said. “I would venture to say it’s going to be the best dinner of the year available in Aspen.”\n\n\n\nTickets are available at Farmco.org.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/farm-collaborative-to-host-annual-regeneration-ball/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-11T20:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F11%2F19183435%2FIMG_2044-1024x769.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"farm-collaborative-to-host-annual-regeneration-ball"},{"id":"iti0pu","title":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society archive: Tom Mix thrills Glenwood crowd","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/galleries/glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-tom-mix-thrills-glenwood-crowd/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-09T22:17:03.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F09153808%2FBB35_PH15-56-42-1024x569.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-tom-mix-thrills-glenwood-crowd"},{"id":"vpd7mn","title":"A&E lineup for July 10-19","excerpt":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nSenior Stroll\n\n\n\nWhat: Seniors and locals alike are welcome at the Powers Art Center for the Senior Stroll. Enjoy a free...","content":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nSenior Stroll\n\n\n\nWhat: Seniors and locals alike are welcome at the Powers Art Center for the Senior Stroll. Enjoy a free walk-through of our exhibitions, ask questions, and learn more about our museum.\n\n\n\nWhen: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, July 10. \n\n\n\nWhere: Powers Art Center, 13110 County Road 82, Carbondale\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nShakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream\n\n\n\nWhat: Rifle’s first annual Shakespeare in the Park from Riverstone Theatre Collective will have free shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a story that takes place near Athens and the King of Fairies, Oberon, plays a trick on his wife Titania, drawing in humans and fae alike into a night of confusion and love. Bring a chair or blanket. \n\n\n\nWhen: 7-9 p.m., Friday, July 10, Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12\n\n\n\nWhere: Centennial Park, 300 West Fifth St., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nMovie Night: The Great K & A Train Robbery Anniversary Showings\n\n\n\nWhat: The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue presents special showings of this silent film classic, with expert commentary, and food and beverages available. Visit gvrshow.com/reserve.html for tickets.\n\n\n\nWhen: 6 p.m., Thursday July 16, Aug. 20, and Sept. 17\n\n\n\nWhere: Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, 1001 Colorado Ave., Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: General Admission is $10, Glenwood Springs Historical Society Members are $5.\n\n\n\nTry Scuba Diving\n\n\n\nWhat: Trident Veteran Adaptive Program (TVAP) is holding a free event for veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and Adaptive participants for one-on-one scuba diving sessions with trained professionals. Bring family and friends, who can cheer participants on or dive with them. Sessions last around an hour, bring swimwear and a towel, scuba gear will be provided. Registration is required, call 970-420-8592 or email tvapprograms@gmail.com. \n\n\n\nWhen: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 18\n\n\n\nWhere: Rifle Metro Pool, 1718 Railroad Ave., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: None\n\n\n\nTen Years Gone: A Led Zeppelin Tribute\n\n\n\nWhat: Cover band Ten Years Gone honors the magic of Led Zeppelin with iconic hits and deep cuts. Ten Years Gone transport fans straight back to the glory days of Led Zeppelin, delivering an unforgettable experience every time. Visit utetheater.com/event/ten-years-gone-a-led-zeppelin-tribute/ for tickets.\n\n\n\nWhen: 8-10:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18\n\n\n\nWhere: Ute Theater and Events Center, 132 East Fourth St., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: $27-$70","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ae-lineup-for-july-10-19/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T21:03:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F25132650%2FPost-Independent-Arts-and-Entertainment-graphic-1024x683.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ae-lineup-for-july-10-19"},{"id":"c9miix","title":"Garfield County Libraries schedule for July 13-19","excerpt":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Fossil Resin at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nBaby & Me Bilingual Storytime at 10:30 a.m./Hora de cuentos bilingüe para bebés y sus cuidadores a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nBreastfeeding Support at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nCitizenship Classes at 5:30 p.m./Clases de ciudadanía a l...","content":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Fossil Resin at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nBaby & Me Bilingual Storytime at 10:30 a.m./Hora de cuentos bilingüe para bebés y sus cuidadores a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nBreastfeeding Support at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nCitizenship Classes at 5:30 p.m./Clases de ciudadanía a las 5:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 6 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 6 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nIn Stitches Knitting Club at 1:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish in Action: Open Hours at 6:30 p.m./Inglés en acción: Horario de atención a las 6:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nTuesday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nDeath Cafe at 5 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nWomen’s Strength & Climbing Class at 9 a.m./Clase de Fuerza y Escalada para Mujeres a las 9 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nZumba Baila & Burn at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nStorytime at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Arts and Crafts at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nHappily Ever After Dark at 6 p.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nStorytime 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nCharlie the Noise Guy Williams at 11 a.m./Charlie el Chico de Ruido a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nMah Jongg at 1:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nClub de Abuelitos a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nToddler Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nBaby Storytime at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nCharlie the Noise Guy Williams at 2 p.m./Charlie el Chico de Ruido a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nWednesday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 7 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 7 de la tarde.\n\n\n\nRifle:Workforce Center in Your Library at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nPlaygroup at the Library at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nHigh Rockies Harm Reduction at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish/Spanish Conversation Circle at 6:45 p.m./Círculo de Conversación Inglés/Español a las 6:45 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nCharlie the Noise Guy Williams at 2 p.m./Charlie el Chico de Ruido a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nCharlie the Noise Guy Williams at 11 a.m./Charlie el Chico de Ruido a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nIntro to Cricut (Four week series) at 4 p.m./Introducción a Cricut (Serie de quatro semanas) a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nCMC Open Office Hours at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nThursday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nCharlie the Noise Guy Williams at 11 a.m./Charlie el Chico de Ruido a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nRifle:Storytime at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nCharlie the Noise Guy Williams at 2 p.m./Charlie el Chico de Ruido a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nPaint & Sip at 5 p.m.\n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nGolden Years Social at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Movies at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nMemory Cafe at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nMeditation for Members of 12 Step Recovery Programs at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nAdd Water to Your Wiggles at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nMagic at the Library at 4 p.m.\n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nGet the Wiggles Out! at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGeri-Fit: Strength Training for Older Adults at 12:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nThird Thursday Book Club at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nFriday \n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nSPARK at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nShake Your Sillies Out at 10 a.m. \n\n\n\nMeal Monkey at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:MIT Spokes STEM Learning Festival Program at 9:45 a.m.\n\n\n\nYour Story, Your Life at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nGame Night at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Victoria Pennock at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nSaturday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nTarde de Lotería a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Victoria Pennock at 6 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nDungeons and Dragons: Adventures in Candlekeep at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nSunday\n\n\n\nCarbondale:Poets & Writers Group at 3:30 p.m. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-july-13-19/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T21:02:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F05%2F29163650%2FLibraryNews-GPI-071813-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-july-13-19"},{"id":"7oj08i","title":"Disaster relief groups like the Red Cross are providing aid to thousands fleeing 3 major wildfires in Colorado","excerpt":"As major wildfires burn across Colorado, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes, volunteers are stepping in to help feed, shelter and support those fleeing fires.\n\n\n\nDozens of recreational vehicles have filled Darren Patterson Christian Academy’s parking lot in Buena Vista this week, as evacue...","content":"As major wildfires burn across Colorado, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes, volunteers are stepping in to help feed, shelter and support those fleeing fires.\n\n\n\nDozens of recreational vehicles have filled Darren Patterson Christian Academy’s parking lot in Buena Vista this week, as evacuees from the Willow Fire near Leadville camp out at the shelter there. American Red Cross public affairs manager John Seward said the nonprofit served 125 dinners at the school on Monday night and has distributed N95 masks to those returning home near the wildfire, as the evacuation status for some neighborhoods has flip-flopped in recent days.\n\n\n\n“Things are constantly evolving, constantly changing and we are here to support our communities and continue to offer resources when we can,” Seward said. “We live in that place of the unknown. We’re supporting folks through the unknown and living in the unknown with them.”\n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire — which had burned about 4,360 acres over about 10 days as of Wednesday morning and was 10% contained — is one of three major wildfires in Colorado that the Red Cross has set up shelters for. \n\n\n\nIn Ridgway, the Red Cross has a shelter for the Gold Mountain Fire, which had burned 31,470 acres near Ouray since sparking on June 27 and was 8% contained as of Wednesday. Seward said the shelter has served up to 11 people some nights this week as the need has fluctuated. He said the Red Cross has also deployed a disaster health service team to help those in the area with the smoky conditions.\n\n\n\nFor the Aspen Acres Fire — the biggest fire burning in Colorado — the Red Cross has had 648 people visit its disaster assistance center in Pueblo, with about 50 people staying between the two shelters in Pueblo and Florence, Seward said.\n\n\n\nSince igniting about nine days ago, the Aspen Acres Fire had burned more than 96,000 acres in Custer, Pueblo, Fremont and Huerfano counties as of Thursday, making it the seventh largest in Colorado’s history. The wildfire forced entire towns to evacuate and has damaged or destroyed more than 260 structures, according to officials.\n\n\n\nThe Red Cross also briefly opened a shelter in Edwards this week for those affected by the Willow Fire, but closed the shelter after nobody showed up for two days. Seward said the shelter can be reopened if there is a need. An Eagle County resident himself, he said that there has been an “outpouring of generosity and support” from the community.\n\n\n\nWhile the Red Cross is well-stocked and does not need any donations of supplies, Seward said the nonprofit could always use more volunteers to help cook meals, support shelter operations and manage logistics. He said financial donations can also help support the group’s humanitarian work.\n\n\n\n“We have all the stuff we need as we prepare for these events and create very strategic stockpiles,” Seward said. “What we need now is the humans to help deliver that mission.”\n\n\n\nHow Coloradans can help with the wildfires\n\n\n\nOne of the most effective ways to support Colorado communities impacted by wildfires is by donating to verified local relief organizations, according to the Colorado Tourism Office. Donations can help provide meals, emergency supplies, shelter, medical support and other resources to community members and first responders.\n\n\n\nSome local businesses, many of which experienced a tough winter due to the historically low snowpack, are also making pleas for support as wildfires are now reducing summer tourism traffic. The Ouray Meat & Cheese Market, for example, said in a Facebook post Wednesday that the wildfires have cut their typical business by 70% this summer, affecting what staff they’ll be able to hire in the winter.\n\n\n\n“I have the best employees around and I hate to cut (their) hours but they realize the strain this is having on all of us,” the business owner wrote. “Please support local businesses which in turn supports everyone.”\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Verified disaster relief organizations\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\nAmerican Red Cross: RedCross.org\nUnited Way Southern Colorado wildfire relief fund: UnitedWaySOCO.org\nSouthern Colorado Giving Hearts: SOCOGivingHearts.org\nTelluride Foundation Ouray County Fire Fund: TellurideFoundation.org/ouray-county-fire-fund.\nLake County Disaster Relief Fund: LakeCountyCO.gov/599/willow-fire\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\nColorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control communications specialist Tracy LeClair said wildland firefighters appreciate the thanks they’ve received from local communities, including mailed notes, banners hung around town and encouragement posted on the official incident Facebook pages.\n\n\n\nAfter three firefighters died late last month while battling the Snyder Fire on the Colorado-Utah border, LeClair also suggested that people could donate to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, which provides support to the families of wildland firefighters who are injured or killed in the line of duty.\n\n\n\nBut the most important thing Colorado residents can do to help firefighters is to remain vigilant about fire safety and prepare their properties for the possibility of a wildfire by creating defensible space, she said.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-red-cross-shelters-wildfires-help/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T01:59:01.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F08155947%2Fwillowfireburning-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"disaster-relief-groups-like-the-red-cross-are-providing-aid-to-thousands-fleeing-3-major-wildfires-i"},{"id":"m5nssq","title":"Summit54 celebrates 15 years of Roaring Fork Valley summer learning","excerpt":"Summit54 is celebrating its 15th anniversary of providing the free Summer Advantage academic and life-enrichment program to children throughout the Roaring Fork School District — including Basalt, El Jebel, Carbondale, Redstone, Glenwood Springs and New Castle.\n\n\n\nTogether, the programs throughou...","content":"Summit54 is celebrating its 15th anniversary of providing the free Summer Advantage academic and life-enrichment program to children throughout the Roaring Fork School District — including Basalt, El Jebel, Carbondale, Redstone, Glenwood Springs and New Castle.\n\n\n\nTogether, the programs throughout the RFV have now served approximately 12,000 children, according to a press release. This summer alone, approximately 600 elementary-aged students are participating in the five-week Summer Advantage program. Summit54 also recently completed its sixth year of providing free after-school tutoring to approximately 400 elementary students each trimester who are performing below grade level.\n\n\n\n“Founded with the mission of improving Colorado’s economy and society through effective, efficient, and accountable investments in education, Summit54 has become one of the valley’s most successful educational nonprofits, helping thousands of children avoid summer learning loss while giving working families a safe, enriching place for their children to learn and thrive,” the press release reads.\n\n\n\nEach summer, many children experience a phenomenon that educators call the “summer slide,” according to the release, where children without access to quality summer learning programs can lose as much as three months of academic progress.\n\n\n\n“Summit54 is changing that trajectory,” the release states.\n\n\n\nEach Summer Advantage participant takes nationally recognized STAR Assessments before and after the program, with results consistently showing that students gaining two and a half to four months in both reading and mathematics during the five-week program.\n\n\n\n“When compared with the typical summer learning loss, Summit54 is effectively creating an academic difference of approximately six months for many participating students before they return to school in the fall,” the release continues.\n\n\n\nEven with the progress provided by Summit45, the release confirms that the need remains “significant.” Most participating families in Summit45’s programs are dual-income households with limited access to affordable summer childcare.\n\n\n\nThis summer’s participants include:\n\n\n\n\n84% Hispanic\n\n\n\n13% White\n\n\n\n2% Black\n\n\n\n0.3% American Indian\n\n\n\n0.7% Other\n\n\n\n70% English Language Learners\n\n\n\n82% qualifying for free or reduced-price meals\n\n\n\n51% girls and 49% boys\n\n\n\n\n“Before Summer Advantage was introduced to the Roaring Fork Valley, many elementary-aged children spent long summer days home alone while parents worked — often commuting long distances to and from Aspen,” the release reads. “Families frequently worried about their children’s safety, and many children spent their summers isolated indoors with little academic or social engagement. Today, those same children spend their summers learning, exploring, making friends, and building confidence.”\n\n\n\nEach day at Summer Advantage includes breakfast in the classroom, two hours of literacy instruction, one hour of mathematics, lunch, outdoor recess with active games and physical activity and two afternoon enrichment classes like art, music, dance, nature exploration, STEM and other hands-on learning experiences.\n\n\n\n“Fun Fridays” also feature guest speakers and educational field trips to destinations including Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, River Bottom Ranch, the top of Aspen Mountain and more.\n\n\n\nEvery classroom is staffed by a highly qualified Master Teacher and Teaching Assistant, with at least one fluent Spanish-speaking educator in every classroom, the release adds. Master Teachers earn approximately $9,000 for the five-week Summer Advantage program, with after-school tutors receiving $75 per one-hour tutoring session.\n\n\n\n“Summit54 believes student success begins with outstanding educators,” the release reads. “The investment helps experienced educators continue living and working in the Roaring Fork Valley while delivering high-quality instruction to local children.”\n\n\n\nFive current Summer Advantage educators were once Summer Advantage students themselves, which the release states is “demonstrating the program’s lasting influence on both education and the future workforce.”\n\n\n\nThe program also puts a large emphasis on family engagement, with a commitment to ensuring daily attendance and punctuality, supervising 20 minutes of reading each evening and maintaining a reading log and participating in a mid-program conference with their child’s teacher.\n\n\n\nFamilies also celebrate together at a graduation ceremony and parent luncheon at the conclusion of the program.\n\n\n\nSummit54 also launched its free After-School Tutoring Program six years ago to support students continuing to struggle academically following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the release, with approximately 400 elementary students participating each trimester and receiving individualized academic support from experienced educators. The demographics of tutoring participants closely mirror those of Summer Advantage students, the release confirms.\n\n\n\nSummit54’s longstanding partnership with the Roaring Fork School District has helped recruit participating families, provide school facilities, utilities, custodial services, transportation for Summer Advantage students and contribute $100,000 annually toward the program.\n\n\n\nThe total cost of operating the 2026 Summer Advantage program, according to the release, was $800,000. The organization’s annual operating budget is roughly $1.2 million, with 90% directly funding free educational programming.\n\n\n\n“Summit54 operates with an extraordinary commitment to fiscal responsibility,” the release states. “Approximately 90% of every dollar raised directly funds educational programming.”\n\n\n\nOnly 10% supports administrative costs, which includes a part-time controller, an annual independent audit, insurance and what the release calls “modest fundraising expenses.”\n\n\n\nThe organization operates with only one staff member — its Executive Director — who serves as a volunteer and works from home in order for the 501(c)(3) incurs zero expenses for office space, equipment, supplies or utilities. \n\n\n\n“This unique operating model allows Summit54 to direct an unprecedented percentage of donation received to support children’s educational success in the Roaring Fork Valley,” the release reads.\n\n\n\nSummit54 will celebrate its accomplishments and share plans for the future during its annual free community Friend Raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at Hurst Ranch.\n\n\n\n“Community members are invited to attend, learn more about Summit54’s impact, and celebrate fifteen years of helping local children succeed,” the release states.\n\n\n\nFor more information, contact Terri Caine at terri@summit54.org.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/summit54-celebrates-15-years-of-roaring-fork-valley-summer-learning/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-11T20:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F06%2F24165245%2FSummer-Advantage-Program-2.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"summit54-celebrates-15-years-of-roaring-fork-valley-summer-learning"},{"id":"55oktx","title":"Saddle Sore: What’s in a name?","excerpt":"Back when, around the years I’d got back after college, the Aspen Inn Club was a favorite of party folks around town, yours truly no exception. On one particular night, absolutely no agenda in mind, a friendly young girl whose face I’ve long-forgotten but whose mind was as sharp as a steel trap, ...","content":"Back when, around the years I’d got back after college, the Aspen Inn Club was a favorite of party folks around town, yours truly no exception. On one particular night, absolutely no agenda in mind, a friendly young girl whose face I’ve long-forgotten but whose mind was as sharp as a steel trap, took up with me. Our brief acquaintance wasn’t destined to go very far — she was still in high school — but one exchange has stayed with me for all these years.\n\n\n\nShe was here with her parents, her father writing a book about Walter Paepcke, one of the architects of modern Aspen. Only that’s not what I heard.\n\n\n\n“My father is writing a book about Walter Pepka,” she said. I looked at her for a moment.\n\n\n\n“Who the hell is that?” I asked.\n\n\n\nIf you’re a long-time Aspenite, the “correct” pronunciation can only be Pepkey, or perhaps Papkey. That’s how it was from day one in this town and how it likely will remain for some time forward. Mrs. Paepcke always introduced herself to me as Mrs. Pepkey. There are those, like my young high school friend from years ago, who have attempted to bring Pepka into the modern nomenclature, but to do so seems to do Aspen history a disservice.\n\n\n\nTake a drive over to Koch Park, along the old Midland RR right-of-way, near the ice rink. Talk about an abused name — say it out loud — no, it’s not “coke” Park. If you go back to one of Aspen’s founders, you will find that the name Koch was pronounced “co.” Growing up around Judge Shaw and his imperious wife, Dorothy Koch Shaw, we heard the name often enough that it simply became part of the local language. Some of us juvenile delinquents even adopted the abandoned Koch Lumber buildings as our unofficial headquarters.\n\n\n\nSkiers take note: There is a popular bump run on Aspen Mountain named Seibert’s, in honor of Pete Seibert, an early Ajax ski patrolman and one of the founders of Vail. Pete always pronounced it as “Sibert,” not “Seebert.” Names carry history. When we pronounce them the way the families themselves did, we’re preserving a small piece of that history.\n\n\n\nI know, I know, my own last name isn’t much help. Vagneur is French, even though my family came from the Aosta Valley of northern Italy, just over the French border. You can thank Napoleon for some of that confusion.\n\n\n\nAround here, most folks pronounce it the American way — “Vagner” — with the “u” disappearing altogether. That’s never bothered me much.\n\n\n\nBut call a heli-skiing outfit in Canada to make a reservation and pronounce it the American way, and the person on the other end of the line will almost certainly ask, “How do you spell that?”\n\n\n\nPronounce it something closer to the French — “Vawn-yoor,” or my best approximation thereof — and they spell it correctly without hesitation. I have to admit, that always makes me smile.\n\n\n\nAs long as we’re in northern Italy, and Woody Creek, Stutsman-Gerbaz came to the ranch several years ago to scope out an underground electrical line to a new owner up on the Big Mesa. There was much conversation about traffic going by the ranch house — speed, dust, noise, animals on the road and possible soil erosion. \n\n\n\nA very nice man, an engineer for the excavation company, was quite understanding of those concerns, and suggested some traffic rules. He handed me his card — Charlie Montover. I immediately recognized the name. His family had been among Woody Creek’s original homesteaders. I’ll leave it up to you to decide how Montover ought to be pronounced.\n\n\n\nEvery one of those names belonged to a real person. Koch. Seibert. Paepcke. Vagneur. Montover. They aren’t simply words on a park sign, a ski run, a ranch gate or an old newspaper clipping. They belong to people who helped build this valley.\n\n\n\nNames have a funny way of changing. They soften, pick up local accents and sometimes become something their original owners might barely recognize. Perhaps that’s inevitable. But if we can keep the stories behind those names alive, maybe we can forgive ourselves for occasionally stumbling over the pronunciation.\n\n\n\nTony Vagneur writes here on Saturdays and welcomes your comments at ajv@sopris.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/saddle-sore-whats-in-a-name/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tony Vagneur Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tajv@sopris.net","publishDate":"2026-07-11T01:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2022%2F06%2F11060856%2FVagneurTony.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"saddle-sore-whats-in-a-name"},{"id":"957mjy","title":"Cacao ceremonies offer a unique way to find connection in Aspen","excerpt":"When you walk into the Bucky Dome at Aspen Meadows Resort, what’s waiting is much more than a cup of hot chocolate.\n\n\n\nIt’s a plant medicine that was offered to warriors before battle and women after birth, a superfood that’s been crafted into an alchemic blend by residents of the Amazon and offe...","content":"When you walk into the Bucky Dome at Aspen Meadows Resort, what’s waiting is much more than a cup of hot chocolate.\n\n\n\nIt’s a plant medicine that was offered to warriors before battle and women after birth, a superfood that’s been crafted into an alchemic blend by residents of the Amazon and offered to Aspen locals and visitors in a heart-opening ceremony intended for both internal guidance and community building.\n\n\n\n“It’s a heart-opening medicine that is the vibration of love,” said Nicole Lindstrom — founder of GLDMND, yoga and meditation teacher and retreat facilitator who offers cacao ceremonies throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. “I always talk about how us drinking this is an invitation for us to find our own relationship to nature … We can get so disconnected from our own inherent relations to the nature world. This is just a gateway reminder, a reverence.”\n\n\n\nLindstrom, who’s originally from Evergreen, moved from Colorado to New York to work for Wanderlust Festival, where she co-authored the book “Wanderlust: A Modern Yogi’s Guide to Becoming Your Best Self” and produced a lecture series that brought her to Snowmass. After meeting local Gina Murdock, founder of Lead with Love (previously Aspen Yoga Society) and a columnist for The Aspen Times, Lindstrom was encouraged to move out here — she quit her job and two weeks later came to Aspen.\n\n\n\n“We are surrounded and held by nature, and it’s already such an easy access point to talk about how nature has intrinsic wisdom or intelligence,” she said of the area.\n\n\n\nAfter helping Murdock with Lead with Love, Lindstrom started GLDMND in 2021. After spending time hosting events globally, she decided to focus on the Roaring Fork Valley, turning to a connection she’d made in 2019 while hosting a conference at the Aspen Institute with the founders of Legacy Cacao.\n\n\n\n“That was the first time I’d ever heard about a cacao ceremony,” she said. “I could not have imagined at that time that it would have had as huge of an impact that it had on me.”\n\n\n\nSince 2019, Lindstrom used cacao personally to guide her inward when she was going through a hard time or coming up against challenges, which ultimately inspired her to begin integrating it into her offerings as a meditation and yoga instructor.\n\n\n\n“It is a really powerful catalyst for sitting with yourself and opening your heart, listening to heart wisdom,” she said. “I wanted to bring that into what I was already doing as a motive for fostering heart center connection.”\n\n\n\nA cup of Legacy Cacao.Trevor Triano/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nNow, with the blessing of the founders from Legacy Cacao, she hosts three to four ceremonies a month, from Aspen Meadows Resort and the MOLLIE Aspen down to True Nature in Carbondale. She told The Aspen Times that it’s all about choosing to drink cacao consciously as a way to unlock the intelligence of the plant medicine and bring it out into the world to use.\n\n\n\n“We create a relationship, or communion, with the intellect of cacao,” she said. “After people go through the experience, their hearts are wide open.”\n\n\n\nThose who attend her ceremonies — which include both returning participants and new faces — can expect to be part of something inspired by Indigenous practice and grounded in the Western experience. \n\n\n\n“As a white person serving a very traditional plant medicine, it’s an honor, it’s a privilege, it’s a way for us as Westerners to find our own connection with nature, to honor the stewards who provide this and be inspired to also be a steward,” she said.\n\n\n\nCeremony inside a dome.Trevor Triano/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nLindstrom begins each ceremony with a meditation, bringing up the inner callings or yearnings that many neglect on a day-to-day basis. She ties her ceremonies to the moon cycles — the most recent ceremony occurred after a full moon in Capricorn, during a waning moon in Pisces.\n\n\n\n“Guided by ceremonial cacao and the timeless rhythm of the moon, we gather to cultivate the conditions where clarity, creativity, wisdom, and insight can naturally emerge,” her website states. “Each ceremony is inspired by the current lunar phase and zodiac sign, using their archetypal themes as a framework for self-inquiry. Through breathwork, movement, meditation, sound, journaling, and ceremonial cacao, we create space to quiet the noise and reconnect to the gold within.”\n\n\n\nSound healing integration.Trevor Triano/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nBecause the moon, and every individual, constantly changes, the website emphasizes that “no two ceremonies are ever the same.”\n\n\n\nParticipants are given the opportunity to set their own intentions for the ceremony and are encouraged to allow the heart wisdom to act as a guide for finding one’s own answers.\n\n\n\n“Once we have the intention really clear, we prepare ourselves for drinking the cacao — our bodies are a channel for a higher intelligence to come through,” Lindstrom said. “When you sit to drink cacao, you’re awake, you’re open, you’re in a state to receive this medicine and guidance and to hold this higher vibration.”\n\n\n\nParticipants are able to take 10 minutes to drink the cacao in a place of choice outside, returning to the dome and to the group to integrate through sound healing.\n\n\n\n“For every single person, it’s really really different,” she said of the experience. “But there’s a really beautiful thing that happens in those ceremonies where people understand the other people in the room had a similar feel. There’s a likeminded quality among different people. Together, they create this connection that’s really intimate, and it’s people that wouldn’t have become friends in a different way.”\n\n\n\nLindstrom noted this is a particularly powerful way to bridge the gap between visitors and locals, allowing them to connect in a shared and meaningful experience.\n\n\n\n“It’s a sweet way to connect visitors and locals with each other because of its intimate and genuine nature,” she said.\n\n\n\nThose who are interested in participating in one of GLDMND’s cacao ceremonies can learn more and see the schedule of offerings at gldmnd.co/cacao#upcoming. Lindstrom also offers private ceremonies for special occasions that include bridal showers, wedding days, baby blessings, home/new business blessings, intentional transitions and celebrations of life.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/cacao-ceremonies-offer-a-unique-way-to-find-connection-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-11T00:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10175429%2FIMG_0323.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"cacao-ceremonies-offer-a-unique-way-to-find-connection-in-aspen"},{"id":"7u05hc","title":"Polis, western governors launch task force to upgrade region’s power grid as part of energy ‘superabundance’ agenda","excerpt":"A bipartisan group of 11 western state governors say they are forming a task force to accelerate permitting and prioritize upgrades for the region’s energy grid. \n\n\n\nColorado Gov. Jared Polis joined the governors of Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, North Dakota ...","content":"A bipartisan group of 11 western state governors say they are forming a task force to accelerate permitting and prioritize upgrades for the region’s energy grid. \n\n\n\nColorado Gov. Jared Polis joined the governors of Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, North Dakota and New Mexico in announcing the plan during a meeting of the Western Governor’s Association in Deer Valley on June 30. \n\n\n\nThe task force is part of the group’s “energy superabundance” agenda, spearheaded by former Western Governors’ Association Chair and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. \n\n\n\n“Unfortunately, here in the West, like much of the country, our current power system was constructed over 60 years ago,” Cox said during a June 30 press conference with governors. “These transmission lines and systems are aging and expanding too slowly and inefficiently to meet the demands and goals of today.”\n\n\n\nThe task force’s core goal is to provide “governors, their staff and participating tribal governments with a mechanism to jointly accelerate transmission permitting, resolve cross-jurisdictional challenges, and elevate regional priorities,” according to a statement issued by the 11 governors. \n\n\n\nThat includes creating a dashboard to track permitting milestones for transmission lines, developing standardized state permitting schedules for high-priority regional and interstate projects, and coordinating with federal agencies, local governments and tribes. \n\n\n\nGovernors said they’ll be able to achieve these state-level actions without federal permitting reform. They also endorsed the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition, or WestTEC, which Cox described as an “industry-led effort that takes a new collaborative approach to one of our region’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.”\n\n\n\n“This is the West working at our best, working together across party lines,” Cox said. \n\n\n\nThe announcement was followed by panel discussion with governors and energy industry leaders, who touched on energy development, emerging technologies and regulatory reform. Underpinning much of their discussion was the need for cheaper reliable energy. \n\n\n\nResponding to a question from Polis about cost projections for geothermal projects, Ben Serrurier, director of government affairs for FERVO Energy, a Texas-based geothermal company, said standardizing industry practices is a key to lowering costs. \n\n\n\n“Can we standardize the fuel source?” Serrurier said. “Basically, go to Colorado, go to Utah, go to Nevada, go to New Mexico, go to Wyoming … and know how far down you have to drill to hit a certain temperature. Know that we can engineer the reservoir to get a certain flow rate that’s commercial and integrate that right into an off-the-shelf standardized design generator.”\n\n\n\nHe continued, “If we can do that, then we’re really cranking these things out at low cost. And the question really becomes one of what’s the regulatory environment? What’s the permitting environment look like? … Those questions start determining how fast we can grow much more than the technical or geologic questions.”\n\n\n\nIn May, Polis joined the governors of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico to form a multistate coalition aimed at advocating for more geothermal energy development in the West. \n\n\n\n“Ninety-five percent of America’s capacity for geothermal is located in the western states, and it’s underutilized,” Polis said during a virtual appearance at an event hosted by Cox in Salt Lake City. “It’s there, and it’s ready, and we want to pursue it.” \n\n\n\nCox added that by banding together, western states can have a greater voice at the federal level through their congressional delegation to advocate for geothermal projects and permitting reform. \n\n\n\nMuch of the land in the West is federally owned, meaning states that want to unlock more geothermal projects will likely need buy-in from the federal government. In Colorado, the federal government owns over a third of the state’s land.\n\n\n\nLast week’s Western Governors’ Association also marked the last for Cox as the group’s chair. He is succeeded by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, whose chair initiative, “health beyond healthcare,” will focus on ways to improve access to mental healthcare. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/polis-western-governors-upgrade-power-grid-energy-superabundance-agenda/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T01:58:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F08154418%2FGovernors.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"polis-western-governors-launch-task-force-to-upgrade-regions-power-grid-as-part-of-energy-superabund"},{"id":"ddg86n","title":"Buckhorn Public Arts moves into former Gravity Haus offices with new program","excerpt":"Buckhorn Public Arts has launched its new Aspen Arts Club, an artist residency program providing dedicated studio space for local artists, in the former Gravity Haus offices in Aspen’s downtown core.\n\n\n\nThe aim of the Aspen Arts Club is to create what a press release calls “an innovative model fo...","content":"Buckhorn Public Arts has launched its new Aspen Arts Club, an artist residency program providing dedicated studio space for local artists, in the former Gravity Haus offices in Aspen’s downtown core.\n\n\n\nThe aim of the Aspen Arts Club is to create what a press release calls “an innovative model for supporting Aspen’s creative community.” For Tim Sack, executive director of Buckhorn Public Arts, this aligns with Buckhorn’s mission to offer inclusive ways to bring people together with art at the center.\n\n\n\n“I feel like community is art as a whole,” he told The Aspen Times. “A well thriving community is an artistic expression of humanity itself.”\n\n\n\nHe added, “For Buckhorn, we’ve always been community builders. The opportunity for us to be able to take over what was an originally beloved community third space … to bring it back to the community is the greatest reward we could ever ask.”\n\n\n\nThe former Gravity Haus location, at 315 E. Hyman, has seen its unused office spaces transformed into working art studios, with the new program welcoming its first group of eight resident artists July 1.\n\n\n\n“Thanks to an 18-month lease, the abandoned offices have been reimagined as studios where artists can participate in six-month residencies, bringing new life to the building as a collaborative arts hub,” the release states. \n\n\n\nThe first residency runs through Jan. 1, 2027, after which new artists will be able to apply for the following six months.\n\n\n\nArtists for the current residency were selected through an open application process, according to the release, with a commitment to accepting a mix of artistic mediums, experience, ages and backgrounds. The inaugural residency includes painters, a sculptor, a macramé artist, an art teacher, two silversmiths, a photographer and a musician.\n\n\n\nThe release confirms that, for several participants, this program marks the first time they’ve been able to set up a dedicated studio practice outside of their homes and showcase work to the public. \n\n\n\n“In the five years we’ve been running the public art program, we’ve done a lot of amazing things,” Sack said. “Awarding these eight artists the opportunity to have their own space to work and expand their creativity has been by far the most rewarding.”\n\n\n\nHe noted how he’s seen being granted the space has fueled both the confidence and creativity of the participants, adding, “I’m most excited to see what comes from that. Being able to tie the opportunity to have space to work with the opportunity to sell the work is where the magic happens.”\n\n\n\nLocal nonprofit turns former Gravity Haus offices into artist studios while coworking, community events and retail space help support the organization’s mission.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Arts Club is hoping to be “a self-sustaining ecosystem,” according to the release, drawing income from co-working memberships, public events and on-site retail in addition to support from a donor for the studio spaces. The income will go back into Buckhorn Public Arts’ mission to support artists, expand access to the arts and create opportunities for community engagement. \n\n\n\n“The Aspen Art Club is about creating more than just workspace,” Sack said in the release. “It’s about building a community where artists can create alongside one another, share ideas, and grow in their practice. By connecting co-working, events, and nonprofit arts programming, we’ve created a model that supports both artists and the broader Aspen community.”\n\n\n\nSack emphasized that effectively leveraging a membership model is necessary in order to sustain the residency model, calling it a “key to the whole program.” The blended model will have an exclusivity component that will then enable the space to welcome other public artists — like yoga teachers, dance and movement instructors, speakers and more — for community enjoyment.\n\n\n\n“That model is very exciting to me,” Sack said.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Arts Club is part of what the release calls “a larger collective bringing new vitality to the same address.” The building now also hosts Tattoo Aspen, with the new Eddy’s Marketplace opening later this month in the former Unravel Coffee location. The Grove will also launch Aug. 1 in the lower level of the building to offer an affordable co-working space for remote workers, in addition to a multi-use lounge and event space for organizations. \n\n\n\nThe Grove’s activations and events will generate proceeds that will help support the Aspen Arts Club, the release confirms. \n\n\n\nMischief Vintage will also debut in the building, as a vintage goods and clothing shop and “artistic expression” of Shiloh Uhlir, according to the release. The shop will integrate with the residency program as well, by offering the artists a retail space to offer their goods.\n\n\n\n“Buckhorn Public Arts envisions the Aspen Art Club as the beginning of a long-term investment in the local arts, providing affordable studio space, cultivating collaboration among artists, and creating new opportunities for the public to engage with the creatives through future open studios, workshops, community events, and accessible shopping in the retail space,” the release states. “As Aspen continues to evolve, Buckhorn Public Arts hopes the model can serve as an example of how communities can invest in artists through innovative, financially sustainable approaches that benefit both creators and the public.”\n\n\n\nFor Sack, he’s hoping the momentum of putting so many creatives together and building community from that will continue well beyond the current 18-month lease.\n\n\n\n“We envision this to hopefully be a program that continues for years in the future,” he said.\n\n\n\nFor more information about the Aspen Art Club and Buckhorn Public Arts, visit buckhornpublicarts.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/buckhorn-public-arts-moves-into-former-gravity-haus-offices-with-new-program/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-10T23:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10152750%2FIMG_8971-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"buckhorn-public-arts-moves-into-former-gravity-haus-offices-with-new-program"},{"id":"ipczgd","title":"Summit54 celebrates 15 years of summer learning","excerpt":"Summit54 is celebrating 15 years of summer learning in the Roaring Fork Valley, where the nonprofit says it has helped more than 12,000 students avoid summer learning loss while providing working families with a safe, enriching place for their children during summer break.\n\n\n\nFounded in 2011, Sum...","content":"Summit54 is celebrating 15 years of summer learning in the Roaring Fork Valley, where the nonprofit says it has helped more than 12,000 students avoid summer learning loss while providing working families with a safe, enriching place for their children during summer break.\n\n\n\nFounded in 2011, Summit54 was established to improve Colorado’s economy and society through effective, efficient and accountable investments in education.\n\n\n\n“For many children, summer vacation means losing valuable academic skills — a phenomenon educators call the ‘summer slide,'” a Summit54 news release states. “Nationally, children without access to quality summer learning programs can lose as much as three months of academic progress during the break.”\n\n\n\nIn 2026, about 600 elementary-aged students are participating in Summit54’s five-week Summer Advantage program. The nonprofit also recently completed its sixth year of providing free after-school tutoring to about 400 elementary students each trimester who are performing below grade level.\n\n\n\nA day in the Summer Advantage program includes breakfast in the classroom, two hours of literacy, one hour of mathematics and a hot lunch. Students then have outdoor recess before two afternoon enrichment classes, which include art, music, dance, nature exploration, STEM and other hands-on learning experiences.\n\n\n\n“Every Summer Advantage participant takes nationally recognized STAR Assessments before and after the program. Results have consistently shown students gaining 2.5 to 4 months in both reading and mathematics during the five-week program,” the release states. “When compared with the typical summer learning loss, Summit54 is effectively creating an academic difference of approximately six months for many participating students before they return to school in the fall.”\n\n\n\nThe program also hosts “Fun Friday” activities featuring guest speakers and educational field trips.\n\n\n\n“Every classroom is staffed by a highly qualified Master Teacher and Teaching Assistant, with at least one fluent Spanish-speaking educator in every classroom to ensure families and students receive instruction and support in both English and Spanish,” the release states.\n\n\n\nThe Summer Advantage program also helps fill a need for families that do not have access to affordable summer child care.\n\n\n\nThis year’s Summer Advantage participants are 84% Hispanic, 13% white and 2% Black, with 70% identified as English language learners and 82% qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, according to the release.\n\n\n\n“Before Summer Advantage was introduced to the Roaring Fork Valley, many elementary-aged children spent long summer days home alone while parents worked — often commuting long distances to and from Aspen,” the release states. “Families frequently worried about their children’s safety, and many children spent their summers isolated indoors with little academic or social engagement. Today, those same children spend their summers learning, exploring, making friends, and building confidence.”\n\n\n\nIn addition to supporting students and working to prevent the “summer slide,” the Summer Advantage program also supports teachers and helps retain experienced educators in the Roaring Fork Valley, according to Summit54.\n\n\n\nThe release also points to the program’s long-term impact, noting that five current educators were once students in the same program.\n\n\n\nThe 2026 Summer Advantage program cost about $800,000 to operate, with support from the Roaring Fork School District.\n\n\n\n“The District helps recruit participating families, provides school facilities, utilities, custodial services, transportation for Summer Advantage students, and contributes $100,000 annually toward the program,” the release states.\n\n\n\nFor more information about the nonprofit, visit summit54.org.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/summit54-celebrates-15-years-of-summer-learning/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T01:56:57.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F09%2F26152728%2FAD9A949E-53DB-4B72-A77F-AD0040E6BEDE_1_105_c-1024x683.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"summit54-celebrates-15-years-of-summer-learning"},{"id":"un7z02","title":"Colorado Mountain College creates guaranteed transfer pathway to Colorado School of Mines","excerpt":"Colorado Mountain College announced Tuesday that it has launched a new guaranteed-admission pathway with Colorado School of Mines, giving high-achieving pre-engineering students a clearer and more affordable route to one of the nation’s leading engineering and applied science universities.\n\n\n\n“Th...","content":"Colorado Mountain College announced Tuesday that it has launched a new guaranteed-admission pathway with Colorado School of Mines, giving high-achieving pre-engineering students a clearer and more affordable route to one of the nation’s leading engineering and applied science universities.\n\n\n\n“This is a powerful opportunity for students in our region,” Colorado Mountain College Dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences John Lawrence said in a news release. “Students can begin their engineering education close to home, at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges, and know that they have a direct pathway to a top-tier university.”\n\n\n\nThe agreement sets academic benchmarks that guarantee admission to Colorado School of Mines for eligible transfer students who meet them.\n\n\n\nTo qualify, students must complete key coursework in calculus, chemistry, physics and computer science, earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and receive grades of B or higher in required courses, according to the release.\n\n\n\n“The pathway is designed for students who complete rigorous foundational coursework at CMC and demonstrate strong academic performance in STEM disciplines,” the release states.\n\n\n\nThe partnership builds on CMC’s appeal as one of Colorado’s most affordable higher education options, allowing students to complete the first two years of an engineering degree at a lower cost before transferring. In many cases, students can begin the pathway even earlier by taking college-level courses through CMC’s concurrent enrollment program while still in high school.\n\n\n\nCMC also offers a guaranteed-admission pathway to the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, giving students multiple options to continue their education at highly regarded universities.\n\n\n\nFor Colorado School of Mines, the partnership creates a new pathway for students in mountain and rural communities to access one of the state’s premier engineering and applied science universities.\n\n\n\n“Many talented students in Colorado’s mountain and rural communities are looking for accessible pathways to engineering and STEM careers,” Colorado School of Mines Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Lori Kester said in the release. “This agreement provides a clear roadmap for students to start locally, build a strong academic foundation and continue their education at Mines with confidence. It’s about helping more students achieve their goals and pursue opportunities that can be life-changing.”\n\n\n\nCMC’s pre-engineering program offers the first two years of coursework required for most engineering degrees, with small class sizes and personalized support. Students who do not meet the guaranteed-admission criteria may still apply to Mines through the standard transfer process.\n\n\n\n“The combination of affordability, access and clear outcomes is what makes this so impactful,” Lawrence said. “Students can start early, save money and move forward with confidence.”\n\n\n\nFor more information about CMC’s pre-engineering program and transfer pathways, visit colomtn.me/preengineering.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-mountain-college-creates-guaranteed-transfer-pathway-to-colorado-school-of-mines/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T01:53:19.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F11%2F05100021%2FLab-briefs-sdn-062723-2.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-mountain-college-creates-guaranteed-transfer-pathway-to-colorado-school-of-mines"},{"id":"2w0op0","title":"Gear Review: Summer potpourri","excerpt":"Like summer wildflowers, gear comes in a variety of expressions to enhance your lifestyle. Here, I consider all kinds of things, from head to toe. Let’s start with the top, down. \n\n\n\nThe Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls Conditioning Curl Crème; Knot-Free Detangling Milk; and Wet-Look Styling Gel \n\n\n\n...","content":"Like summer wildflowers, gear comes in a variety of expressions to enhance your lifestyle. Here, I consider all kinds of things, from head to toe. Let’s start with the top, down. \n\n\n\nThe Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls Conditioning Curl Crème; Knot-Free Detangling Milk; and Wet-Look Styling Gel \n\n\n\nThe Roots Naturelle Bouncy Curls products.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nI’ve been using Pureology conditioner and L’ANZA leave-in conditioner for my curly hair, but I’ve heard you’re supposed to alternate products for the best effect. It seemed like Pureology stopped conditioning my curls well; when I started using the Bouncy Curls line of conditioner, curl crème and gel, I noticed that my curls held up better throughout the day, with less frizz, and my hair felt a little softer — and for a lot less than I was spending. All of these products effectively moisturize without weighing hair down. The detangling milk helps strengthen strands and reduce breakage for easier combing. And, the gel defines curls without rendering crunchy, stiff curls. Conditioner, $18; detangler, $18; gel, $26, therootsnaturelle.com.\n\n\n\nOriginals Adidas Sunglasses \n\n\n\nOriginals Adidas Sunglasses.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nMy husband initially ordered these because they wrap around the face and feature a rosy/pinkish-color lens. The wrap-around lens prevents dust and wind from getting in the eyes, and a bonus he didn’t realize when he ordered them is that the arms of the frame don’t extend much beyond the ears, so they’re comfortable with a both a bicycle and motorcycle helmet on. And yet, without a helmet, they maintain a nice, snug fit for running, watersports and driving, comfortably preventing glare and reducing brightness. $160, adidas.com.\n\n\n\nNautilus Maroon Bells Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle \n\n\n\nNautilus Maroon Bells Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nPuzzles keep your mind sharp, and I adore this scene of the Maroon Bells, complete with VW bus, a tepee, a picnic area and wildlife. It’s great for advanced puzzlers, or those looking for a challenge, with its quite smallwooden pieces (500 total) and irregular edge for extra difficulty in assembling the frame. One of the most fun aspects of this lovely three-dimensional puzzle involves the shapes of some of the pieces, which range from teepees to birds, leaves, boots binoculars and more — and, when combined with a couple other pieces, they form a moose, VW bus, trees and even Big Foot. Colorado Springs-born artist Stephen Morath is known for his vibrant and narrative depictions of the American Southwest. Completed, the puzzle measures 15×12 inches and comes with a poster to guide assembly, if you prefer. Bonus: Made in the U.S. $119.95, nautiluspuzzles.com. \n\n\n\nPatagonia Long-sleeved Capilene Cool Sun Shirt – Peak Visions \n\n\n\nPatagonia Long-sleeved Capilene Cool Sun Shirt.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nNot only does this deliver 40+ UPF sun protection, moisture wicking and quick drying, but it also has a nice Patagonia-branded graphic on the back. The Capilene Cool Sun Shirts are Patagonia’s most sun-protective technical tees, with single-knit construction that naturally provides sun protection without any wash-away treatments — and it contains 100% recycled polyester jersey. I was surprised that I didn’t even break a sweat while sitting most of the day in the shade in 85-degree weather; its textured back keeps the shirt off skin, allowing for efficient airflow. And, I love the thumb holes for added protection on the hands. Includes a small zippered side pocket for keys. Bonus: Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. $89, patagonia.com. \n\n\n\nRab Sonic Ultra Vest \n\n\n\nRab Sonic Ultra Vest.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThis lightweight, quick drying tank top is so airy and breezy, it literally feels like you’re wearing nothing — a plus when you want to run like the wind. It wicks away moisture, so you don’t suddenly get chilled when mountain temps drop at higher elevations. And, it provides plenty of airflow through not only the fabric’s technology, but also laser-cut ventholes near the back of the neck. Plus, its odor-control treatment keeps it fresh over multiple days. A split hem provides for easy movement, and it’s made from 57% recycled materials. $45, rab.equipment.\n\n\n\nKari Traa Nia Wind Jacket \n\n\n\nKari Traa Nia Wind Jacket.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nLately, I’ve been grateful for winds that blow wildfire smoke away, and I tested this on one of those windy days, specifically with the Rab tank top to see if I could feel wind on my otherwise bare arms. This jacket passed the test with flying colors, literally (it comes in blue, yellow and green). It’s super lightweight, repels water and includes a high-collared hood to protect sensitive necks. The relaxed fit with raglan sleeves makes it comfortable to wear, and the elastic hem and cuffs keep wind from sneaking in. It includes two hand pockets without zippers and is completely packable, so I’m ready for whenever the wind decides to whip. $110, karitraa.com. \n\n\n\nVermont Glove The Vermonter, 250th edition \n\n\n\nVermont Glove The Vermonter, 250th edition.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThis limited-edition glove debuts just in time for our nation’s anniversary — and, speaking of a solid amount of longevity, Vermont Glove has been crafting hand-sewn gloves since 1920. Made of 100% goat leather, this tough glove stands up to just about anything, just like the company’s flagship workhorse. It provides protection and dexterity with a lifespan five times longer than the competition. Outer glove seams provide extra comfort, and I absolutely love the flag (with an evergreen in place of stars) on the wide cuff. Bonus: Made in U.S. (Vermont). $115, vermontglove.com. \n\n\n\nSun and Sea Air Seat \n\n\n\nSun and Sea Air Seat.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThis inflatable air seat comes in handy when backpacking or at a concert or sporting event. It inflates in a few seconds, and is very comfortable and stable, as opposed to wobbly, with its air-sprung-cell technology and multi-function valve, which allows you to let a little air out for the most customized cushioning. Plus, it only weighs 2.8 ounces and packs into a small 4×4-inch zippered pouch (included), which fits inside a pocket. And, it’s made from durable 75D polyester. $42.95, seatosummit.com. \n\n\n\nWide Open Women’s Foliage No Cushion Micro Crew Socks and Ankle Socks \n\n\n\nWide Open Wone’s Foliage No Cushion Micro Crew Socks and Ankle Socks.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWide Open socks are knit to stretch to fit foot widths of up to 4E, as well as wide calves, but the magical thing about these socks is that they fit my narrow foot and ankle perfectly; they only stretch if needed. Made of 55% merino wool, they’re breathable and adapt to year-round temperatures, so they’re great for all seasons. The ankle socks are constructed from the same amount of merino wool, which limits odor. Both also feature a seamless toe for comfort and prevent rubbing in shoes. Bonus: Made in the U.S. Crew, $22; ankle, $19, wideopensocks.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/gear-review-summer-potpourri-2/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-10T19:56:54.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10135010%2FFEATURE_photo_for_summer_potpourri_gear_review.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"gear-review-summer-potpourri"},{"id":"f7kl6d","title":"Rev the Runway returns to Aspen to benefit National Jewish Health","excerpt":"Modern style icon Aerin Lauder and the Lauder Family will be honored at the Rev the Runway Aspen Fashion Show at Doerr-Hosier Center at Aspen Meadows on Thursday, Aug. 6, as the latest fashions from Aspen-area boutiques and luxury cars come together to benefit National Jewish Health.\n\n\n\n“Rev the ...","content":"Modern style icon Aerin Lauder and the Lauder Family will be honored at the Rev the Runway Aspen Fashion Show at Doerr-Hosier Center at Aspen Meadows on Thursday, Aug. 6, as the latest fashions from Aspen-area boutiques and luxury cars come together to benefit National Jewish Health.\n\n\n\n“Rev the Runway transforms the runway into a celebration of style and sophistication, featuring curated collections from Aspen’s premier boutiques alongside an impressive display of luxury automobiles,” the release states. ”This year’s honoree Aerin Lauder is the founder and creative director of the celebrated luxury lifestyle brand AERIN. Since its founding, AERIN has emerged as a distinct voice in the world of beauty, fashion and home décor. Aerin’s grandmother Estée Lauder was a pioneering businesswoman whose eye for beauty and opportunity enabled her and her husband to launch the Estée Lauder brand.” \n\n\n\nLast year, the event raised more than $600,000 to help provide compassionate care for children and adults, according to a press release, in addition to supporting groundbreaking research in respiratory, cardiac, immune and related diseases. National Jewish Health is a nonprofit medical center in Denver that was founded 126 years ago and has become the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. \n\n\n\n“Thanks to support from donors, the hospital treats all patients, regardless of their ability to pay,” the release states. “In fiscal year 2025, National Jewish Health provided charity care to over 6,700 patients, totaling more than $38 million.”\n\n\n\nThis year marks the third annual Rev the Runway Aspen event. Prior to this iteration of the event, National Jewish Health hosted its annual Bella Sera Aspen event for over 20 years, with Nancy Rogers and her late husband, Richard, serving as presenting sponsors for over a decade. \n\n\n\nTickets are available at nationaljewish.org/giving/get-involved/attend-an-event/rev-the-runway-aspen/overview.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/rev-the-runway-returns-to-aspen-to-benefit-national-jewish-health/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-10T19:39:35.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F25132355%2FAspen-Times-News-graphic-summer.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"rev-the-runway-returns-to-aspen-to-benefit-national-jewish-health"},{"id":"s98f5l","title":"Colorado climbers say new rules proposed by feds would clarify use of ‘fixed anchors’ in wilderness areas","excerpt":"Colorado rock climbers say new guidelines being proposed by the federal government could help settle a decades-long dispute over the use of fixed anchors in highly-protected wilderness areas.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Forest Service, a 121-year-old federal agency, is asking the public for feedback on a proposa...","content":"Colorado rock climbers say new guidelines being proposed by the federal government could help settle a decades-long dispute over the use of fixed anchors in highly-protected wilderness areas.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Forest Service, a 121-year-old federal agency, is asking the public for feedback on a proposal that could become its first ever national policy for recreational climbing. The National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are also proposing changes to their rock climbing policies for wilderness areas.\n\n\n\nEagle County Climbing Coalition Director Tim Nottingham said the proposed guidance would provide greater clarity to climbers and help ensure there’s a process for replacing unsafe anchors on historic climbing routes.\n\n\n\n“We have hundreds, if not thousands, of these bolts in our rocks spread across Eagle County that are fully at the end of their usable life, which is creating this genuine risk for our climbing community,” Nottingham said. “Us as an organization, the replacement of those is one of the big priorities we have, so people can continue to recreate here in this way.”\n\n\n\nErik Murdock, the deputy director of programs, policy and government affairs at the Access Fund, a climbing advocacy group, explained that the federal government has managed climbing on public lands since the 1980s. Over all that time, the Forest Service never issued national guidance to oversee the sport, though it drafted many iterations.\n\n\n\nThat’s a big deal, Murdock said, because the Forest Service oversees an estimated 30% of the nation’s climbing routes. With no national policy, each national forest adopted its own guidance, including around the use of fixed anchors in wilderness areas. He said other agencies like the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management also borrowed from the Forest Service’s draft guidance to create rock climbing policies.\n\n\n\nThe lack of a national policy came to a head in 2023 when President Joe Biden’s administration proposed an interpretation of the Wilderness Act of 1964 that would have considered fixed anchors to be permanent installations, which are banned in wilderness. The proposal would have required every bolt and anchor in designated wilderness areas across the country to be inventoried and made it difficult for climbers to replace existing anchors or place new ones in wilderness.\n\n\n\n“There are thousands — tens of thousands — climbing routes across 28 states in designated wilderness, including some of the most important climbs in America’s climbing legacy and part of the evolution of this activity,” said Murdock, who is an Estes Park resident. “Places like El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and The Diamond in Rocky Mountain National Park.”\n\n\n\nAfter rock climbers spoke out, the Biden administration walked back its proposal. Congress later passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, or EXPLORE Act, with unanimous bipartisan support and it was signed into law in 2025. The EXPLORE Act included the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act, which required federal agencies to establish this proposed guidance for using fixed anchors in wilderness areas and allowed for the continued use and maintenance of existing climbing routes.\n\n\n\n“The EXPLORE Act — it really codifies climbing as a recognized recreational activity alongside kayaking, rafting and horseback riding, all these other sports that are in wilderness areas,” Nottingham said. “They’re saying ‘Yes, rock climbers have a place here. We recognize that it is historic, and these anchors over time become unsafe and need to be replaced.'”\n\n\n\nThroughout much of the Colorado’s mountain region, old zinc-plated anchors like these are rusting, creating a risk for climbers. Groups like the Eagle County Climbing Coalition are working to replace this hardware with new stainless steel anchors.Eagle County Climbing Coalition/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nClimbing in wilderness\n\n\n\nWilderness areas, which are designated by Congress, receive among the highest levels of environmental protection under federal law and are free from motorized vehicles, resource extraction and human development.\n\n\n\nRock climbers, though, require devices known as “fixed anchors” — which are usually small metal bolts drilled into the rock — in order to be able to safely repel down steep rockfaces. This has sometimes raised controversy in wilderness areas since the anchors are permanent.\n\n\n\n“(Fixed anchors) are essential for much of rock climbing because you need to have something that is permanent and fixed so that you can anchor yourself to that. If you’re at the top of this cliff, you’ve gotten to the top — how do you come down?” Nottingham said. “You can’t just put your ropes around a tree. I mean, sometimes you can, but generally speaking a fixed metal point is required to come back down. It’s critical infrastructure for climbing.”\n\n\n\nBut Nottingham said that climbing in a way that has a minimal impact on the environment is built into the sport’s culture. He said that climbers often paint anchors to camouflage them with the rock and will re-use existing anchor points when possible, instead of drilling a new hole when an anchor needs to be replaced.\n\n\n\nIn wilderness areas, Nottingham said the use of fixed anchors is especially limited due to the remoteness of these backcountry places and the long-standing requirement that climbers use hand tools to install anchors, which isn’t changing.\n\n\n\n“You find substantially less anchors in wilderness because it is so difficult to get there, and they are used sparingly,” Nottingham said. “Imagine carrying a hand drill and a hammer 8 miles into the backcountry, plus bolts. We’re not going to carry 20 of them. You’re going to be like, ‘Oh, dude, we need one.'”\n\n\n\nMurdock said the proposed guidelines reflect the ethics of climbing in wilderness areas. The policies would keep permitting powers with the local land managers for each wilderness area and create stipulations for replacing anchors on existing routes, while requiring pre-approval to establish new routes, which is rare in wilderness areas, he said. \n\n\n\n“In wilderness, the standard is to use removable gear, cams and nuts and other forms of removable gear when it’s viable, when there’s places for it and cracks and knobs and trees to use for removable protection,” Murdock said. “But sometimes, you have to place a fixed anchor. A fixed anchor is anything that is left behind.”\n\n\n\nEagle County Climbing Coalition board member Dave Rotzel works to install new anchors on private property owned by the coalition. Installing new anchors is an arduous job, even outside of wilderness areas, that climbers say takes skill, knowledge and the right tools.Eagle County Climbing Coalition/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nColorado climbers support proposed policies\n\n\n\nAlthough there are estimated to be more than 10 million climbers in the U.S., Murdock said most will not notice the proposed changes since very few climbers ever drill a hole and place a fixed anchor.\n\n\n\n“A tiny percentage — less than 1% of climbers — ever go out and establish new climbing routes and use and place fixed anchors, whether they’re slingings or bolts or pistons, in the first place,” he said. “The vast majority, more than 99% of climbers who venture into the wilderness are repairing routes, are climbing established routes.”\n\n\n\nBut Nottingham said that the proposed rule changes are important because they will allow groups like the Eagle County Climbing Coalition to continue work to replace decades-old fixed anchors that are rusting and unsafe with stainless steel anchors that could last over 100 years.\n\n\n\nMurdock said the Access Fund has submitted comments seeking small changes to the proposed climbing guidance, such aligning what land management agencies define as fixed anchors. But he said the group is generally in favor of the policies and would like to see them passed as soon as possible.\n\n\n\n“We don’t want the federal government to spend more time deliberating on this. They’ve spent a lot of time. Right? Thirty years working on these ideas,” Murdock said. “It’s time to establish some guidance and implement them to make sure that climbers understand how to behave in the wilderness. That fixed anchors should be used as a last resort in wilderness. That climbers need to climb in the wilderness with restraint and humility.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-climbing-wilderness-fixed-anchors/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T05:20:59.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F07183416%2FHoly-Cross-Wilderness-Sign-USFS-ALongwell-1-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-climbers-say-new-rules-proposed-by-feds-would-clarify-use-of-fixed-anchors-in-wilderness-ar"},{"id":"dyo016","title":"Aspen Acres fire could burn for a “long duration” and last into winter","excerpt":"Firefighters main concern is stopping flames from marching west. The Aspen Acres and Ferris fires now rank among the state’s 10th largest on record.","content":"Firefighters main concern is stopping flames from marching west. The Aspen Acres and Ferris fires now rank among the state’s 10th largest on record.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/11/west-side-of-the-aspen-acres-fire-poses-greatest-challenge-to-get-wildfire-under-control/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Justin George","publishDate":"2026-07-11T16:59:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2Fwillow-fire-03.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-acres-fire-could-burn-for-a-long-duration-and-last-into-winter"},{"id":"ipl378","title":"Ilic: Is this really the vision for our valley?","excerpt":"It’s reassuring to know that after driving race cars around a racetrack all day, members can reduce their carbon footprint by hopping on an electric bike to catch the bus.\n\n\n\nWho knew the path to sustainability was so simple?\n\n\n\nLet’s not forget what this proposal actually is: a racetrack expansi...","content":"It’s reassuring to know that after driving race cars around a racetrack all day, members can reduce their carbon footprint by hopping on an electric bike to catch the bus.\n\n\n\nWho knew the path to sustainability was so simple?\n\n\n\nLet’s not forget what this proposal actually is: a racetrack expansion and commercial redevelopment roughly the size of two Costco warehouses, proposed directly beneath the landing and takeoff path of the Aspen airport. And, as if that weren’t enough, it also includes a shooting range.\n\n\n\nThe developers proudly highlight solar panels, e-bikes, water bottle filling stations and “Slow and Say Hello” trail etiquette, while expanding a facility dedicated to recreational race cars that consume fuel, generate emissions and create noise. Apparently, if you ride an e-bike to the bus after a day at the track, it all balances out.\n\n\n\nIt’s like opening a coal mine and celebrating the recycling bins in the break room.\n\n\n\nAspen and Pitkin County residents care deeply about conservation, clean air and preserving the character of our valley. Those values deserve more than green marketing attached to a project whose primary purpose is expanding a private motorsports facility.\n\n\n\nPerhaps before we celebrate the bicycle fleet, we should ask whether a development this large — with more race cars, a shooting range and increased activity beneath an airport approach — is really the vision we have for the entrance to our valley.\n\n\n\nKsenija Ilic\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/ilic-is-this-really-the-vision-for-our-valley/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Ksenija Ilic","publishDate":"2026-07-10T19:24:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ilic-is-this-really-the-vision-for-our-valley"},{"id":"bnxk1r","title":"Beulah water teams assess Aspen Acres damage to utilities, while working through losses, evacuations","excerpt":"Water managers are taking the first steps toward supplying clean water to their communities after the wildfire, but it will be a long road. Most other active fires in Colorado have missed critical water systems.","content":"Water managers are taking the first steps toward supplying clean water to their communities after the wildfire, but it will be a long road. Most other active fires in Colorado have missed critical water systems.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/11/beulah-water-teams-aspen-acres-damage-utilities/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Shannon Mullane","publishDate":"2026-07-11T10:22:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Colo_City_smoke-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C639%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"beulah-water-teams-assess-aspen-acres-damage-to-utilities-while-working-through-losses-evacuations"},{"id":"e7jnsg","title":"Colorado River, public lands reopen as Snyder Fire containment increases","excerpt":"State and federal agencies are starting to reopen public lands, state wildlife areas and a segment of the Colorado River that were closed in light of the Snyder Fire in Mesa County. \n\n\n\nStage 2 fire restrictions — banning all open fire or flames, including charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves ...","content":"State and federal agencies are starting to reopen public lands, state wildlife areas and a segment of the Colorado River that were closed in light of the Snyder Fire in Mesa County. \n\n\n\nStage 2 fire restrictions — banning all open fire or flames, including charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves — remain in effect as extreme fire danger, spurred on by hot and dry conditions, persists across the region. \n\n\n\nThe Snyder Fire started on Friday, June 26, when several smaller fires burning on the Colorado-Utah border combined. As of July 7, the fire was 98% contained after burning over 30,200 acres and killing three wildland firefighters.  \n\n\n\nWith fire activity decreasing and containment increasing, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management shared their plans Tuesday to reopen lands impacted by the wildfire. \n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife said in a news release that it, alongside the Bureau of Land Management, had lifted the closure for public access and downstream recreation on the Colorado River, starting at the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita and extending to the Utah state line. It also reopened the boat ramp at the Fruita section of the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita to downstream traffic.\n\n\n\nThe state agency’s Horsethief State Wildlife Area in Fruita and the Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area also reopened. \n\n\n\nThe BLM said in a news release that all lands within the perimeter of the Snyder Fire burn area remain closed to ensure public and firefighter safety. \n\n\n\n“The burned landscape — including vegetation — remains dynamic and unpredictable as it naturally recovers from the fire impacts. This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the order is rescinded,” the BLM said. \n\n\n\nBoth agencies also warned that fire danger remains extremely elevated and Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place.\n\n\n\nA map of current federal and state fire restrictions is available on the Rocky Mountain Area Interagency Fire Restriction Dashboard or by visiting DFPC.Colorado.Gov/sections/wildfire-information-center. The Colorado Trails Explorer (or COTREX) app also has wildfire closure alerts.\n\n\n\nUnder current conditions, Parks and Wildlife advised the following actions to prevent sparking wildfires: \n\n\n\n\nUse established rings: Where permitted, only build campfires inside permanent metal fire rings in designated campgrounds.\n\n\n\nClear nearby debris: Remove all dry grass, leaves and pine needles within a 10-foot radius of any flame.\n\n\n\nDrown and stir: Extinguish fires completely with water, stir the ashes, and ensure the debris is cold to the touch.\n\n\n\nWatch campfires constantly: Never leave a fire or portable stove unattended. If you see an unattended fire, call 911.  \n\n\n\nKeep vehicles off brush: Avoid parking or idling cars on tall, dry grass where hot exhaust systems can ignite a fire.\n\n\n\nSecure towing equipment: Ensure trailer safety chains do not drag and spark against asphalt. Check them at every stop.\n\n\n\n\nThe BLM added that under its Stage 2 restrictions, smoking is prohibited except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. \n\n\n\nGas-powered stoves or grills with a shut-off valve are still allowed in cleared areas under this stage. \n\n\n\nViolating Stage 2 fire restrictions by lighting a campfire is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Violators face an immediate citation, a mandatory court appearance, steep fines and potential jail time. Additionally, you can be held financially liable for all fire suppression costs and property damage if the campfire sparks a wildfire.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/snyder-fire-colorado-river-public-lands-open/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T05:20:24.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F07154850%2FBLM_Snyder_Fire_Closures-July_7_2026-791x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-river-public-lands-reopen-as-snyder-fire-containment-increases"},{"id":"kgtj9y","title":"How Western Slope voters helped reelect Hickenlooper amid Colorado’s wave of progressive upsets","excerpt":"Amid a wave of wins for anti-establishment candidates, Colorado’s rural mountain towns were more likely than the Front Range to vote for veteran incumbents, helping to secure a win for U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper against a progressive challenger.\n\n\n\nWestern Slope residents predominantly voted for...","content":"Amid a wave of wins for anti-establishment candidates, Colorado’s rural mountain towns were more likely than the Front Range to vote for veteran incumbents, helping to secure a win for U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper against a progressive challenger.\n\n\n\nWestern Slope residents predominantly voted for incumbent U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, who swiftly took the victory in Colorado’s Democratic Senate primary race against state Sen. Julie Gonzales. The Associated Press called the race just 36 minutes after preliminary results were released.\n\n\n\nHickenlooper’s win diverges from a notable losing streak for establishment Democrats and incumbent moderates in major Colorado races (as well as states like New York and Maine), including Democratic socialist Melat Kiros’s defeat of 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s gubernatorial win over U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.\n\n\n\n“I do believe, and I’ve remained committed to the idea, that no candidate should expect to just continue to serve in their seat,” Gonzales said. “I think the election results on that front were extraordinarily clear.”\n\n\n\nSo why didn’t Gonzales win?\n\n\n\nWhile much of the support for Gonzales was concentrated in counties around the Front Range, Hickenlooper outperformed his opponent across the Western Slope and in most Eastern Plain counties.\n\n\n\nMore than 54% of Denver residents voted for Gonzales, where she currently serves her second term in Colorado’s 34th Senate district. Neighboring counties saw close margins, with the challenger receiving 49.99% of the vote in Adams, 48.6% in Boulder and 48.6% in Larimer counties, according to unofficial results from the Colorado Secretary of State.\n\n\n\nOn Colorado’s Western Slope, votes for Hickenlooper were much higher across various counties: 73% in Pitkin, 68% in Routt, 67% in Eagle, 64% in Summit, 61% in Grand and 60% in Garfield. This voting pattern is not unlike what the state saw for Colorado’s Governor race, where Bennet received more votes in rural mountain regions including Summit, Pitkin, Routt and Moffat counties.\n\n\n\nResults for the Democratic Senate primary have only tightened as more votes have been counted since June 30. When the Associated Press called the race, Hickenlooper was leading with 57% of the vote. Now, leading by a more modest 52.9% — roughly 51,000 votes statewide — Gonzales said Hickenlooper’s win as a veteran incumbent is largely supported by a resource advantage, and a strategic decision to avoid debating her.\n\n\n\nDespite Gonzales’s active campaigning for a public debate with Hickenlooper, the two never participated in any transitional, face-to-face debates ahead of the Democratic primary. \n\n\n\nHickenlooper previously stated that weekly trips between Colorado and Washington, D.C., had kept him too busy to accept any debate invitations. Gonzales, however, said she felt her opponent’s refusal to debate her was a strategic decision and a “disservice to Colorado voters.”\n\n\n\n“Democrats talk a lot about wanting to defend Democracy. But you can’t defend Democracy and then also avoid (going) and actually engaging in the work of Democracy, of speaking to potential voters and talking about the issues” she said. “I think there was a real missed opportunity here (by) not holding a debate.”\n\n\n\nEven without a debate, Gonzales came closer to defeating Hickenlooper than his 2020 Democratic primary opponent, Andrew Romanoff, who secured 41% of the vote compared to Gonzales’s 47%. Gonzales outperformed Romanoff in 42 out of the 64 counties.\n\n\n\n“What that, to me, demonstrates is that Coloradans are hungry for a fighter, for a battle-tested champion to fight for working people,” Gonzales said. “What is also clear, though, is that we had a vision that we were testing that not only should the Democratic Party work to build a governing majority, flip red seats to blue, but so too should we examine the caliber of leaders that we send to D.C. in the first place.”\n\n\n\nHickenlooper’s team did not respond to a request for comment before publication.\n\n\n\nReaching voters on the Western Slope\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest challenges for Gonzales’s campaign was name recognition. Hickenlooper, on the other hand, has been in office since 2003 — serving as Denver mayor, Colorado governor and U.S. Senator.\n\n\n\nHaving collected around $870,000 in campaign funding and spent $643,000 through June 10, compared to Hickenlooper’s roughly $6.2 million in spending, Gonzales didn’t have the resources to spend on widespread campaign ads like her opponent did, meaning some voters outside of Denver may have been unfamiliar with her policies when the time came to cast their ballots.\n\n\n\nPolls conducted prior to the election had called Gonzales a formidable challenger, with one stating she was “in a strong position to stage an upset and emerge victorious” on the condition that voters were sufficiently informed about both candidates.\n\n\n\nConducted by Working Families Party, a progressive political organization, the February poll of 739 likely Democratic primary voters in Colorado found that support for Gonzales picked up significantly after voters were given neutral-to-positive bios on both candidates. When presented with a balanced number of positive and negative arguments about each candidate, Gonzales emerged as the favorite in the poll despite Hickenlooper’s strong lead and widespread name recognition.\n\n\n\nGonzales said she “absolutely” faced challenges with getting her message across more remote areas of the state, adding that she felt the outcome of the election could have been different had she had more time and resources. Gonzales had roughly seven months to win over voters between launching her campaign for U.S. senator in December 2025 and the June primary. \n\n\n\n“Hats off to Sen. Hickenlooper, because he outspent me 10 to 1,” Gonzales said. “We just weren’t able to communicate our message and our vision to voters who I think otherwise would have been really hungry … to really discern who they’d like to see in that position.”\n\n\n\nShe added, “With that being said, I’m incredibly proud that we … came within six points of electing Colorado’s first woman, first Latina, to the U.S. Senate in our state’s history. We accomplished that while being massively outspent and without the benefit of a single debate.”\n\n\n\nWhile Gonzales said she feels proud of having connected with so many voters across the state, she also lamented the passiveness of organizations whose purpose it is to help elect women, Latinos and progressives into government. \n\n\n\n“What is clear is that (these organizations) largely stayed out of this race because they didn’t see the vision of replacing do-nothing Democrats with battle-tested champions,” she said. “I think the piece that I’m most proud of is that, now, any of those organisations are looking at those results and saying, ‘Damn. We missed it. We’re so proud of what you accomplished.'”\n\n\n\nIn terms of what’s next, Gonzales said she intends to spend time reflecting on what she’s learned throughout the campaign, and celebrate what she has accomplished.\n\n\n\n“The work continues, regardless of position or title,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to visit with those communities and work alongside them to advance an economy that works for everybody, justice and dignity for all Coloradans, no matter who you voted for in the last election.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/how-western-slope-voters-helped-reelect-hickenlooper-amid-colorados-wave-of-progressive-upsets/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T05:19:07.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F07175104%2FUntitled_design-3-2-1024x576.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"how-western-slope-voters-helped-reelect-hickenlooper-amid-colorados-wave-of-progressive-upsets"},{"id":"dntzdo","title":"Colorado joins nearly 2 dozen other states urging U.S. Postal Service to drop plan to restrict mail-in voting","excerpt":"Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, alongside lawyers from nearly two dozen other states, is urging the U.S. Postal Service to abandon efforts to fulfill President Donald Trump’s executive order that aims to restrict mail-in voting for the 2026 midterm elections. \n\n\n\nTrump signed the order on ...","content":"Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, alongside lawyers from nearly two dozen other states, is urging the U.S. Postal Service to abandon efforts to fulfill President Donald Trump’s executive order that aims to restrict mail-in voting for the 2026 midterm elections. \n\n\n\nTrump signed the order on March 31, directing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to compile a list of U.S. citizens based on federal databases and requiring the Postal Service to send mail ballots only to voters on that list.\n\n\n\nThe order places new requirements on how mail-in ballots can be sent to “enhance election integrity.” That includes mandating that states use unique identifiers on ballot envelopes, such as barcodes, “reducing the risk of fraud and protecting the integrity of Federal elections,” the order states. \n\n\n\nIt also directs the U.S. Attorney General to prioritize investigating and prosecuting state and local officials who send ballots to people who are deemed not eligible to vote in federal elections. \n\n\n\nVoting rights groups opposed the order, which they characterized as federal overreach, while state and local election officials warned that complying would be a logistical challenge.\n\n\n\nIn response to a lawsuit filed in April by Colorado and nearly two dozen other states, a federal judge on July 25 struck down the order, ruling that its provisions “unconstitutionally violate the separation of powers.” The Constitution gives states the authority to run elections and Congress the power to pass election laws. \n\n\n\nThe Postal Service, however, has not withdrawn its proposal to send ballots only to voters on an approved federal list, despite the judge’s ruling. Weiser, alongside Democratic attorneys general for 22 other states and Washington, D.C., submitted a joint letter to the Postal Service on July 2 opposing the plan via the agency’s open comment process. \n\n\n\nIn the letter, they argue that the proposed rule violates the federal judge’s recent order and conflicts with the Postal Service’s governing power and other federal election laws. \n\n\n\n“This is another unlawful attempt by the Trump administration to seize control of elections that are administered by the states,” said Weiser, who is also the Democratic nominee for Colorado governor this year, in a statement. “Colorado is a national leader in secure, accessible elections, and we won’t stand by while the federal government tries to rewrite the rules and create new barriers for eligible voters.”\n\n\n\nColorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks during a news conference at the Capitol on Jan. 29, 2025.Robert Tann/Summit Daily News\n\n\n\nColorado passed its mail-in voting law in 2013, sending mail ballots to every active registered voter in the state. Though voters still have the option to vote in person at polling centers, the vast majority of Coloradans choose to return their ballot by mail or at a drop-off box. Mail-in voting in Colorado has also been linked to an increase in voter turnout and accessibility, particularly among low-propensity voting groups \n\n\n\nTrump has repeatedly claimed that voting by mail has led to mass fraud, saying that “cheating on mail-in voting is legendary” during a press conference at the White House shortly before signing the March 31 executive order. \n\n\n\nA 2025 analysis by the Brookings Institution found that cases of fraud involving mail-in voting are very rare, with anywhere from six to 46 cases of mail-in voting fraud identified during the 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022 general elections. That translates to about four instances of mail-in voting fraud for every 10 million mailed votes.\n\n\n\nTrump is also pushing Republicans in Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE Act, which would require voters to provide specific documents to prove their citizenship. The legislation would also restrict mail-in voting, limiting it to people who are not able to vote in person because of a disability, military deployment or other reasons. \n\n\n\nTrump and his supporters have argued the legislation is necessary to prevent election fraud, while opponents, including voting rights groups, say the provisions could suppress turnout in elections by putting up more barriers to voting. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-attorney-general-postal-service-mail-in-voting-executive-order/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T05:17:32.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F07184502%2FBallots_.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-joins-nearly-2-dozen-other-states-urging-us-postal-service-to-drop-plan-to-restrict-mail-in"},{"id":"gsl31q","title":"Showers and thunderstorms forecast for Colorado’s high country as wildfires rage across the state","excerpt":"Following several days of hot, dry weather, Colorado’s Western Slope is poised to see a period of rainy skies with possible thunderstorms ahead of what meteorologists expect to be an active monsoon season arriving later this summer.\n\n\n\nBeginning Tuesday, a wave of energy is expected to track acro...","content":"Following several days of hot, dry weather, Colorado’s Western Slope is poised to see a period of rainy skies with possible thunderstorms ahead of what meteorologists expect to be an active monsoon season arriving later this summer.\n\n\n\nBeginning Tuesday, a wave of energy is expected to track across the Northern and Central Rockies, leading to a significant uptick in thunderstorm activity statewide, according to a July 6 report from OpenSnow Meteorologist Alan Smith.\n\n\n\nThe forecast shows a moderate-to-high chance of showers and thunderstorms across the High Country beginning Tuesday afternoon, with patchy smoke lingering from the morning through the early afternoon due to active fires located across Southeast Utah and Southern Colorado.\n\n\n\nWednesday is expected to bring more of the same, with up to a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms and possible wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour across the northern and central mountains, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms could become more scattered with limited moisture on Thursday, followed by a return to clear skies by Friday.\n\n\n\nTemperatures across the northern and central mountains are forecast to sit in the 70s and 80s throughout the week, with some areas, including Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs, reaching into the 90s by the weekend as hot and dry conditions once again take hold of the region.\n\n\n\nLittle-to-no impact on wildfire risk\n\n\n\nWhile stronger storms throughout the week could produce locally heavy rain in some of the mountains, drier air at lower elevations could lead to a “dry thunderstorm” setup when paired with gusty winds and limited rainfall, especially on Thursday, Smith wrote in the report.\n\n\n\nThe possibility of dry thunderstorms — bringing lightning strikes on dry vegetation with no rain to extinguish the resulting sparks — could heighten wildfire risk in drought-stricken regions of the state.\n\n\n\n“There is still some concern about what thunderstorm outflow winds could do to ongoing wildfires if these fires themselves do not receive meaningful rain,” Smith wrote.\n\n\n\nGillian Felton, a Grand Junction meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said it’s hard to say whether the upcoming showers will impact the state’s extreme fire risk. Because the showers and thunderstorms forecast for this week likely won’t be dropping a significant amount of precipitation, it presumably won’t do much to impact existing wildfires across the state.\n\n\n\nMuch of Colorado’s Western Slope remains in the highest level of drought as of July 2, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.\n\n\n\n“Even though we are getting this push of moisture, it’s really rather weak,” Felton said. “While some localized areas might see more precipitation than others, overall, this moisture moves through quickly and we get right back to very dry, very hot conditions.”\n\n\n\nIs monsoon season officially here?\n\n\n\nThough this week’s rainy forecast marks a temporary uptick in moisture, Felton said it doesn’t yet signal the start of Colorado’s monsoon season.\n\n\n\n“We pretty quickly will return to drier weather,” Felton said. “By Friday, anomalously dry air moves back in, and we’re looking at very hot and very dry conditions this weekend. This little push of moisture we’re getting is nice, but it’s going to be quite short-lived.”\n\n\n\nAlthough hot and dry conditions will take hold across Colorado’s mountains over the weekend, confidence is growing that significant monsoon moisture could surge into the Western U.S. sometime during the week of July 13, though it will likely hit the Northern and Central Rockies before it arrives in Colorado.\n\n\n\n“The core of this monsoon moisture surge is coming out of the Gulf of California with strong southerly flow, which may favor Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Eastern Idaho, and the Sierra (Nevada) in California,” Smith wrote in the report. “But this moisture should eventually spread into Western Colorado as well, which is in great need of meaningful rains given the ongoing fire situation.”\n\n\n\nLonger-range models are hinting at an overall active monsoon for the second half of July and into August, according to Smith.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/showers-thunderstorms-forecast-colorado-mountains-monsoon-wildfires/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T05:15:58.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F07184506%2FStorm-1024x682.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"showers-and-thunderstorms-forecast-for-colorados-high-country-as-wildfires-rage-across-the-state"},{"id":"tfd4bq","title":"Many questions surround Woody Creek racetrack plans","excerpt":"Kim Baillargeon — Dear Pitkin County commissioners, I am writing as a concerned county citizen regarding the members-only...","content":"Kim Baillargeon — Dear Pitkin County commissioners, I am writing as a concerned county citizen regarding the members-only...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/many-questions-surround-woody-creek-racetrack-plans/article_05de2570-f8a5-4229-b8b7-555ecb798bf6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1610736576962-1b0e0b6e8e2a%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","inBriefing":true,"slug":"many-questions-surround-woody-creek-racetrack-plans"},{"id":"v1s8fa","title":"Racetrack proposal incompatible with community values","excerpt":"Kate Spencer — Dear Pitkin County commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed development...","content":"Kate Spencer — Dear Pitkin County commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed development...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/racetrack-proposal-incompatible-with-community-values/article_bb1b47d5-e664-4779-a2ba-f1ed243e3026.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"racetrack-proposal-incompatible-with-community-values"},{"id":"y8cn1j","title":"Ireland: What must we give up to stay a ski town?","excerpt":"Uncomfortable truth for us locals: Aspen One is at least partly right about the problematic future of our ski-based economy...","content":"Uncomfortable truth for us locals: Aspen One is at least partly right about the problematic future of our ski-based economy...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/ireland-what-must-we-give-up-to-stay-a-ski-town/article_326eafb8-21c0-473a-915b-edecb3ceb5aa.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Mick Ireland, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fc5%2F0c5299e7-e00a-463c-ae8e-a99b71b9b93a%2F68f57a05c990e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","inBriefing":true,"slug":"ireland-what-must-we-give-up-to-stay-a-ski-town"},{"id":"65j5fs","title":"Writers on the Range: Celebrate the nation’s 250th, speak up for public lands","excerpt":"As we are marking our nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s worth celebrating what we the people have in common. What we literally have...","content":"As we are marking our nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s worth celebrating what we the people have in common. What we literally have...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/writers-on-the-range-celebrate-the-nation-s-250th-speak-up-for-public-lands/article_11382da1-de5e-49d6-9b30-66fcb46947ef.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Tracy Stone-Manning, Writers on the Range","publishDate":"2026-07-13T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Ff4%2F5f4a46c5-3b9b-4ba3-a428-b8590a334521%2F6a54251aa26df.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C201","slug":"writers-on-the-range-celebrate-the-nations-250th-speak-up-for-public-lands"},{"id":"72ivb8","title":"tracy stone-manning wotr","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/tracy-stone-manning-wotr/image_5f4a46c5-3b9b-4ba3-a428-b8590a334521.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-13T07:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Ff4%2F5f4a46c5-3b9b-4ba3-a428-b8590a334521%2F6a54251aa26df.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C201","slug":"tracy-stone-manning-wotr"},{"id":"dhhx01","title":"selkirk mountains","excerpt":"The Selkirk Mountains of Idaho are pictured.","content":"The Selkirk Mountains of Idaho are pictured.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/selkirk-mountains/image_43f63e26-8529-455e-8a9c-292f1ccfab20.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by David Gluns","publishDate":"2026-07-13T07:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F3f%2F43f63e26-8529-455e-8a9c-292f1ccfab20%2F6a5424881bc28.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C442","slug":"selkirk-mountains"},{"id":"4ag1f1","title":"Skies clear — for now — after smoke fills Roaring Fork Valley","excerpt":"Mitigating health risks of low air quality as wildfire risks increase","content":"Mitigating health risks of low air quality as wildfire risks increase","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/skies-clear-for-now-after-smoke-fills-roaring-fork-valley/article_220015f2-dccf-4930-bf3a-7eb6a2c6c4e5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-12T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Faa%2F3aa9388e-3c42-4ec1-8bd5-6ec1189690e0%2F6a531d6095a82.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"skies-clear-for-now-after-smoke-fills-roaring-fork-valley"},{"id":"95k32y","title":"Willow Fire 2.jpg","excerpt":"The Willow Fire near Telluride ignited on June 28. As of Saturday, it had reached 5,342 acres and was at 22% containment.","content":"The Willow Fire near Telluride ignited on June 28. As of Saturday, it had reached 5,342 acres and was at 22% containment.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/willow-fire-2-jpg/image_3aa9388e-3c42-4ec1-8bd5-6ec1189690e0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Willow Fire Facebook page","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Faa%2F3aa9388e-3c42-4ec1-8bd5-6ec1189690e0%2F6a531d6095a82.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"willow-fire-2jpg"},{"id":"kur40y","title":"COVER Colorado Smoke RB 1.JPG","excerpt":"Smoke filled valleys across Colorado in late June, leading to low air quality and visibility. While the smoke has cleared out, ongoing concerns about health — and when/if the smoke will return — linger.","content":"Smoke filled valleys across Colorado in late June, leading to low air quality and visibility. While the smoke has cleared out, ongoing concerns about health — and when/if the smoke will return — linger.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cover-colorado-smoke-rb-1-jpg/image_8e144d2a-3e9b-459b-8418-d05f8ea50dfd.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rachel Bock/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2Fe1%2F8e144d2a-3e9b-459b-8418-d05f8ea50dfd%2F6a531d5fb64c9.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C533","slug":"cover-colorado-smoke-rb-1jpg"},{"id":"dxdq1b","title":"260627_AMFS_Smokie Skies_JC.jpg","excerpt":"Summer goes on as planned, including at an Aspen Music Festival student performance June 27 in Aspen under several weeks of smoky skies.","content":"Summer goes on as planned, including at an Aspen Music Festival student performance June 27 in Aspen under several weeks of smoky skies.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260627-amfs-smokie-skies-jc-jpg/image_e4fc3928-940b-4918-a1ab-9c3b4bce17d3.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F4f%2Fe4fc3928-940b-4918-a1ab-9c3b4bce17d3%2F6a531d59ca3c2.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"260627amfssmokie-skiesjcjpg"},{"id":"lyy3j6","title":"people-3647-HussamMahmoudHeadshot.JPG-20250702110046.jpg","excerpt":"Hussam Mahmoud, an international authority on wildfire resilience and community-scale risk reduction and director of the Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate, works on fire and smoke modeling in the Roaring Fork Valley.","content":"Hussam Mahmoud, an international authority on wildfire resilience and community-scale risk reduction and director of the Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate, works on fire and smoke modeling in the Roaring Fork Valley.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/people-3647-hussammahmoudheadshot-jpg-20250702110046-jpg/image_3345feca-fe9c-4fcb-a4dd-3797a44cc08e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Hussam Mahmoud","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F34%2F3345feca-fe9c-4fcb-a4dd-3797a44cc08e%2F6a531d6038538.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C235","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"people-3647-hussammahmoudheadshotjpg-20250702110046jpg"},{"id":"kcwnat","title":"smoke 6-29 KD.jpeg","excerpt":"A smoky sunset seen from Hunter Creek in Aspen on June 29. Multiple large fires were burning in Colorado to the southwest, west and east of Aspen.","content":"A smoky sunset seen from Hunter Creek in Aspen on June 29. Multiple large fires were burning in Colorado to the southwest, west and east of Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/smoke-6-29-kd-jpeg/image_61bbcff6-c4e0-4338-8f15-c5f1b681b46c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F1b%2F61bbcff6-c4e0-4338-8f15-c5f1b681b46c%2F6a531d60d0178.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"smoke-6-29-kdjpeg"},{"id":"fxl0ga","title":"260710_Natalie Tsevdos_JC (1 of 2).jpg","excerpt":"Natalie Tsevdos is the environmental health administrator for the city of Aspen.","content":"Natalie Tsevdos is the environmental health administrator for the city of Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260710-natalie-tsevdos-jc-1-of-2-jpg/image_f36e3a8f-de7f-4a97-8eb2-ccf06268b2df.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F36%2Ff36e3a8f-de7f-4a97-8eb2-ccf06268b2df%2F6a531d5c0dac4.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"260710natalie-tsevdosjc-1-of-2jpg"},{"id":"9ijdw3","title":"Aspen Smoke NT.jpg","excerpt":"An aerial image of Aspen and the smoky haze that shrouded the valley for much of the prior two weeks, taken July 7.","content":"An aerial image of Aspen and the smoky haze that shrouded the valley for much of the prior two weeks, taken July 7.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/aspen-smoke-nt-jpg/image_ecbd9f02-2583-42b1-8de6-5ba599b055b4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Tessa Schreiner/City of Aspen Environmental Health and Sustainability manager","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Fcb%2Fecbd9f02-2583-42b1-8de6-5ba599b055b4%2F6a531d5fa36fc.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-smoke-ntjpg"},{"id":"8amw7p","title":"Image-1.jpeg","excerpt":"Smoke is visible on July 10 looking toward Ridgway and Ouray coming down Dallas Divide. The Gold Mountain and Elk fires are burning in the area.","content":"Smoke is visible on July 10 looking toward Ridgway and Ouray coming down Dallas Divide. The Gold Mountain and Elk fires are burning in the area.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/image-1-jpeg/image_3a548179-cd77-48b9-a94d-87411e5b5a98.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Sean Jeffries","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fa5%2F3a548179-cd77-48b9-a94d-87411e5b5a98%2F6a531d6018a84.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"image-1jpeg"},{"id":"incih0","title":"Ferris Fire Madison .jpg","excerpt":"The Prineville Hotshots take a break on July 8 as the Ferris Fire, located in southwestern Colorado, makes another push up the canyon.","content":"The Prineville Hotshots take a break on July 8 as the Ferris Fire, located in southwestern Colorado, makes another push up the canyon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ferris-fire-madison-jpg/image_bf879e7c-8681-4092-902a-b6d7716ab259.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Madison Reed/Caught the Fire Bug Facebook page","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Ff8%2Fbf879e7c-8681-4092-902a-b6d7716ab259%2F6a531d5ee5433.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C327","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ferris-fire-madison-jpg"},{"id":"jfo17q","title":"Anzalone: Brazen bike thefts at Willits","excerpt":"Two more bikes were brazenly stolen in Willits last night from cars parked immediately outside El Korita. Even though locked, the thieves cut the cable securing them like a knife through butter and made off with two very expensive mountain bikes. \n\n\n\nOf my circle of friends, these are the third a...","content":"Two more bikes were brazenly stolen in Willits last night from cars parked immediately outside El Korita. Even though locked, the thieves cut the cable securing them like a knife through butter and made off with two very expensive mountain bikes. \n\n\n\nOf my circle of friends, these are the third and fourth bikes stolen recently — all at Willits, in nearly the same location. I imagine there have been many other thefts. \n\n\n\nI’m writing to bring sufficient attention to this very serious matter hoping it will galvanize some sort of security and/or policing effort to help prevent this kind of felony theft in the future. These thefts not only harm the bike owners but hurt the businesses the cyclists patronize. \n\n\n\nHow can we enjoy places like El Korita or Zane’s or Sure Thing Burger if we can’t count on our bikes being where we left them — locked on our cars — when we return?\n\n\n\nPeter D. Anzalone\n\n\n\nSnowmass Village","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/anzalone-brazen-bike-thefts-at-willits/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Peter D. Anzalone","publishDate":"2026-07-10T19:24:05.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"anzalone-brazen-bike-thefts-at-willits"},{"id":"j5r7aj","title":"Mountain Mayhem: TACAW’s 4th annual gala raises record funds","excerpt":"The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) celebrated its 4th annual gala on June 25 with an energizing evening of music, dance and community generosity, marking the organization’s most successful fundraiser to date.\n\n\n\nThe night opened with a stacked lineup of performances. Comedian Tig Notaro brought h...","content":"The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) celebrated its 4th annual gala on June 25 with an energizing evening of music, dance and community generosity, marking the organization’s most successful fundraiser to date.\n\n\n\nThe night opened with a stacked lineup of performances. Comedian Tig Notaro brought her signature wit to the stage and also helped emcee the evening’s dinner program — I still melt from her hysterical routine about “No Moleste” when she performed at The Wheeler years ago — look it up on YouTube if you’re not familiar. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance performed a striking duet, while young singer/songwriter Tristan Trincado shared some of his original tracks with the crowd. Local favorite Beth Malone, accompanied by David Dyer on piano, delivered a particularly special moment: an original song written for a musical, performed publicly for the very first time.\n\n\n\nFollowing the performances, guests sat down for dinner alongside a lively paddle raise that energized the room and ultimately propelled the gala to its biggest fundraising night in TACAW’s history.\n\n\n\nOnce dinner wrapped, the celebration shifted gears from the tent to the venue with its doors wide open so all could flow easily in and out of the building. The band Monophonics took the stage, sparking a dance party. Guests enjoyed late-night bites like pigs-in-a-blanket and mushroom dumplings — paired with drinks and a dessert table.\n\n\n\nNone of this would have been possible without the generosity of the Gala Host Committee, and TACAW extends its deepest thanks to Sam Augustine, Kelly and Emily Boggs, Bob and Lori Brandon, Jami DeBold, Laura Donnelley, Fidel Duke, Don and Marcia Flaks, Amy Harmon, Courtney and Spike Lipkin, Michael Lipkin and Jody Guralnick, Jeff Orsulak and Rachel Shechtman, Elaine Pagels and Alan Trist, Lyn Segal and Alex Sarratt, Daniel Shaw and Isa Catto, The Shirk Family Foundation, Kirstie Steiner and John Groccia, Melissa Temple and Liz Moss, Alexandra and Donn Willins and Cheryl Wyly.\n\n\n\nThanks to the generosity of this community, TACAW continues to bring exceptional arts programming to the Roaring Fork Valley — and this year’s record-breaking gala is a testament to that shared commitment.\n\n\n\nRyan Honey, executive director of The Arts Campus at Willits. Brian Zager/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA beautiful summer night in Basalt for TACAW’s gala. Sam Ferguson/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nLocal singer/songwriter Tristan Trincado performing at TACAW’s summer benefit. Sam Ferguson/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nComedian Tig Notaro performing onstage. Sam Ferguson/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe band Monophonics sparking a dance party at the after party. Sam Ferguson/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe fourth annual TACAW gala raised the most to date in its history. Sam Ferguson/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nElie Miller and Jenna Ioffredo at TACAW. May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nCarlie Urell and Doug Touche at the afterparty.May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nDesserts for days at TACAW’s gala afterparty.May Selby/Courtesy photo","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/mountain-mayhem-tacaws-4th-annual-gala-raises-record-funds/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"May Selby Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-10T18:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F09081604%2F01-2.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"mountain-mayhem-tacaws-4th-annual-gala-raises-record-funds"},{"id":"6wjqc8","title":"Vail Valley power outage update: Second transmission line was down for needed maintenance when lightning hit other main line","excerpt":"A second, redundant Xcel Energy transmission line from Basalt to Gypsum was down for maintenance when lightning struck the other Xcel line from Steamboat Springs to the Wolcott substation Tuesday evening, causing a 14-hour power outage for 27,000 Holy Cross Energy customers from Vail to the Roari...","content":"A second, redundant Xcel Energy transmission line from Basalt to Gypsum was down for maintenance when lightning struck the other Xcel line from Steamboat Springs to the Wolcott substation Tuesday evening, causing a 14-hour power outage for 27,000 Holy Cross Energy customers from Vail to the Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nThe Basalt-to-Gypsum line will be down until Aug. 6, according to Holy Cross Energy President and CEO Bryan Hannegan, meaning that after repairs to the Steamboat-to-Wolcott line restored power Wednesday morning, the member-owned power co-op still has just one functioning transmission line for nearly a month during the height of wildfire season as temperatures soar.\n\n\n\n“We didn’t request that line be put in maintenance,” Hannegan said of the aging Basalt-to-Gypsum (and then to-Wolcott) line. “I guarantee you, if they had said, ‘We’re going to take this thing out, and oh, by the way, we’re expecting lightning and wildfire stuff on the other end, so be prepared for an outage,’ we might have had something to say about it.”\n\n\n\nXcel Energy, a massive Minnesota-based power company and the largest power provider in Colorado, is a wholesale supplier for Holy Cross Energy, which is based in Glenwood Springs and provides power for Vail to Aspen and many points in between.\n\n\n\n“This is a long-standing maintenance project,” Hannegan said. “The one that’s from Basalt to Wolcott, it’s a very old line. It needs replacement. It’s reached its end of life. This will be a huge improvement from a wildfire protection standpoint because old stuff breaks and creates sparks that start fires.”\n\n\n\nAn Xcel Energy spokesperson, in an email on Thursday, confirmed Hannegan’s account.\n\n\n\n“Providing safe, reliable energy to our customers is our top priority,” Xcel’s Michelle Aguayo wrote. “On Tuesday afternoon, lightning hit a transmission line that runs between Steamboat Springs and Wolcott, causing an outage that impacted Holy Cross Energy. The lightning hit the line about halfway between Steamboat Springs and Wolcott. Crews hiked to the area to repair the line and restore power.”\n\n\n\nThis Aspen Times photo demonstrates just how easily wildfires can take down the power grid, which can also be taken offline in high wind events to prevent fires.Aspen Times archive\n\n\n\n“A second line that is typically used as a back-up to the line hit was out of service for planned maintenance work in coordination with Holy Cross. This line runs from Basalt to Gypsum,” Aguayo added.\n\n\n\nAn Xcel Energy transmission line from the south into Minturn was not impacted and kept the lights on in most of the old railroad town off the backside of Vail Mountain during the wider outage. Holy Cross Energy has been stuck in 10 years of permitting hell for yet another line from Gilman to Avon that Hannegan says may not be up and running until 2030.\n\n\n\n“The Avon to Gilman is needed exactly for these types of situations,” Holy Cross Energy spokesperson Jenna Weatherred wrote in an email. “We normally have redundancy for service into the Eagle Valley through a line running over Cottonwood Pass into Gypsum. Unfortunately, Xcel was working on the substation in Cooley Mesa and so it was out of service. If we had the Avon-to-Gilman line, it would not have prevented the outage, but it would have reduced the length of it dramatically.”\n\n\n\nTuesday’s massive outage, described as the largest in at least the last 20 years, caused restaurants to shut down early during peak summer tourist season, losing out on a night of revenue; massive amounts of spoiled food waste by restaurants and retailers from Walmart to City Market; commercial airline flight delays at the Eagle County Regional Airport; and, perhaps most critically, widespread cellphone outages for subscribers of both AT&T and T-Mobile because cell towers lost both primary and ultimately backup power.\n\n\n\nCritical issues exposed\n\n\n\nFor Hannegan, the outage underscored a couple of key issues: The need for that third transmission line from the Gilman substation to east of Avon, and the fragility of mountain infrastructure as climate change spikes temperatures and causes extreme weather and wildfires. But he clapped back on suggestions Holy Cross is pushing ahead too rapidly with renewables.\n\n\n\n“There’s no relationship,” Hannegan said of Holy Cross’s remarkable recent achievement of 100% renewable power in March. “This is not a shortage of power supply. This was an inability to get it delivered to the places that we needed it because of a fault on the Xcel transmission system, and it wouldn’t have mattered whether it was solar, wind, waste, coal, nuclear, you name it. It doesn’t matter what the energy is. If you can’t get it to where it needs to be, there’s going to be an outage.”\n\n\n\nHannegan added that if the lightning strike on a tower halfway between Steamboat and the Wolcott substation — albeit in remote terrain well to the west of Colorado Highway 131 — merely caused a fault, power would have been back up relatively quickly.\n\n\n\n“No one ever expects the lightning strike to hit the tower to break stuff,” Hannegan said. “If it had just been a normal lightning strike with a fault that didn’t do any damage, but just had kind of shorted out the line, (Xcel) would have reenergized that in like three hours.”\n\n\n\nInstead, the strike broke a cross arm and brace on the tower. An Xcel crew from Rifle went in first to diagnose the problem, then had to call in a repair crew.\n\n\n\n“We had to have Xcel employees come and inspect the site. And then they had to call their contract crews in that night to fix it,” Hannegan said. “So that’s part of what led to it being a 14-hour disruption from start to finish.”\n\n\n\nVerizon cellular subscribers fared much better than AT&T and T-Mobile customers, meaning some people were without Eagle County emergency alerts or internet to check the Holy Cross outage website for the entire 14 hours.\n\n\n\nThe power lines near Wolcott on Wednesday.Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\n“So, some of the (cell) towers and some of the radio sites were a little bit more exposed than others,” Hannegan said. “We design building codes to have lighting on stairs for safety purposes, but we don’t think through what happens when the power’s out. We design all of our processes to operate on websites and mobile communication channels, and we don’t really think through, well, what happens if the cellphone tower’s out?”\n\n\n\nMany hard lessons were learned Tuesday into Wednesday — system failures that would have been badly exposed in a massive wildfire situation with possible emergency evacuations.\n\n\n\n“That’s the broader narrative here is that in a world that is more subject to weather-related risk, whether it’s wildfire or winter storms or what have you, we need to be really thinking hard about the resilience of the infrastructure, including power, that we rely on as a society,” Hannegan said. “And we ought to have Plan B. And that goes for whether you’re somebody on medical oxygen or somebody that’s dependent on cellphone as your only source of communication, or you’re operating a power grid that is subject to somebody else’s decisions to do maintenance.”\n\n\n\nEconomic impacts\n\n\n\nRestaurant owners from Eagle to Vail are in the process of deciding whether it makes sense to file insurance claims for lost dinner revenues Tuesday night, in addition to labor costs and lost food that spoiled in powerless coolers overnight. Those claims could make their rates go up.\n\n\n\nJim Pavelich — owner of Northside Kitchen, Fattoria, Benderz Burgers, Southside Benderz in Avon and Ed’z in Edwards — said the losses will be in the thousands, although he was still tallying it up on Thursday.\n\n\n\n“We did experience some loss. I really haven’t counted all that,” Pavelich said. “We threw out a ton of food and we lost revenue at five restaurants. You could just talk to every restaurant in town because at 5 o’clock everybody shut for the evening and by the time the lights went back on (at 6 a.m. Wednesday), all the seafood and produce is probably perished.”\n\n\n\nKirby Cosmo’s owner Mark Tamberino said that, for once, Minturn was the lucky one when it came to a power outage, with his barbecue restaurant fully functioning and crushed with business Tuesday night as Verizon customers spread the word on Facebook.\n\n\n\nHe had one employee behind the bar and two in the kitchen when the outage hit the rest of the valley but spared most of Minturn. Two other employees still fortunate enough to live in town despite the proliferation of short-term rentals saw what was happening and went in of their own accord as Kirby’s dealt with a massive turnout.\n\n\n\nCity Market employees clear perishables after a power outage Wednesday in Avon. The outage was 14 hours, affecting 27,000 people.Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\n“I fared pretty well, only because I have staff that lives in Minturn,” Tamberino said. “But that’s becoming an anomaly, too, because of Airbnbs and long-term rentals becoming a thing of the past.”\n\n\n\nAnd normally, he said, because most of Minturn gets its power directly from Xcel Energy, Minturn is usually in the dark while the rest of the valley is lit up by Holy Cross power.\n\n\n\n“So, the power in Minturn has gone out 26 times in the last year for longer than four hours,” Tamberino said. “So think about the time wasted and the payroll that I lose just by people just sitting there. For once, it wasn’t Minturn. Twenty-six times in the last year for longer than four hours. Think about that. That’s almost a whole month’s worth of business right there.”\n\n\n\nAnd because it’s an aging railroad town, Tamberino said he knows exactly why Minturn suffers a disproportionate number of blackouts.\n\n\n\n“I’ve had the linesmen from Xcel sit at my restaurant after they fix the lines and they’ve explained to me … it’s the copper in the wire,” Tamberino said. “The wires are from the 1930s, these guys are telling me, and so the copper inside the wire, like when the wind blows, it just disintegrates inside the rubber.”\n\n\n\nDespite what happened Tuesday, Tamberino said that, long term, he would prefer Holy Cross.\n\n\n\n“I want them (Holy Cross). They’re incredibly reliable and they’re local,” Tamberino said. “And honestly, they’re like running a power line across the top of Minturn. Why don’t we have that? Xcel is just a horrible company. They take no accountability.”\n\n\n\nXcel did not respond to multiple questions about Minturn’s old wiring and the number of outages there over the past year.\n\n\n\nHannegan said service territories are defined by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, and they exist based on who served an area first, with Xcel extending its infrastructure up into Minturn from the south years ago. Holy Cross serves the industrial center on the north side of town and service was out there Tuesday through Wednesday.\n\n\n\nHannegan added there’s a theoretical process involved that would allow Minturn to petition the utilities commission to exit its franchise agreement with Xcel, but he said that’s a very expensive and complicated process that almost never results in change.\n\n\n\n“There’s always instances of cities saying, ‘Hey, we want to be with this other utility and we want you, incumbent utility, to sell your stuff to these new guys, because it’ll do a better job,'” Hannegan said. “And I think you can imagine how well that goes over.”\n\n\n\nAs for that third transmission line into the Eagle River Valley — the one from Gilman to just east of Avon that Tamberino wants to tap into — Hannegan said the railroad is the toughest nut to crack at this point.\n\n\n\n“The most conservative estimate is that it’s in place by 2030. We’re in discussion with landowners, both public and private, including Union Pacific Railroad, about the getting the necessary easements so that next summer we might be able to start bidding the project and preparing it,” Hannegan said, adding it will take another couple of summers after that to build the line. “We’ve got the whole Dowd Junction entry over to the Avon substation squared away. It’s right along the railroad in (Minturn) that is going to be the troublesome part.”\n\n\n\nIn the meantime, the Eagle River Valley will have just one transmission line from Steamboat to Wolcott for the next few weeks, and the second line from Basalt to Gypsum back online Aug. 6.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-valley-power-outage-update-second-transmission-line-was-down-for-needed-maintenance-when-lightning-hit-other-main-line/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-10T22:44:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F08135433%2FOutage-VDN-070926-3-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"vail-valley-power-outage-update-second-transmission-line-was-down-for-needed-maintenance-when-lightn"},{"id":"zib6n1","title":"Futurebirds reveals new songs in its Far Out Country tour at Belly Up Aspen","excerpt":"Futurebirds comes to Belly Up Aspen on July 12 in support of its upcoming double album, “Far Out Country,” produced by Grammy-winner Brad Cook. And right now, its live shows are the only place to hear all of the songs on the record, set to debut in early September. \n\n\n\nWhat started a few years ag...","content":"Futurebirds comes to Belly Up Aspen on July 12 in support of its upcoming double album, “Far Out Country,” produced by Grammy-winner Brad Cook. And right now, its live shows are the only place to hear all of the songs on the record, set to debut in early September. \n\n\n\nWhat started a few years ago writing songs quickly became a double album, with three songwriters in the band: Daniel “Womz” Womack, Carter King and Thomas “Tojo” Johnson. \n\n\n\nOriginally, the musicians planned to release three tunes at a time, like a mini EP, and showcase each songwriter three times, with the final release including 21 tunes. But within the process of making the album, they signed with Dualtone Records, who recommended releasing 12 songs —  four from each songwriter — on the first record digitally and then waiting to reveal the last songs until the record comes out in early September (or people hear them playing the new songs live). Indeed, it’s a different approach. \n\n\n\n“We said, ‘Look, we really want to do all of these songs this time,’ and they were like, ‘Well, let’s do a double record — let’s figure out a creative way to release them and keep it interesting,” said singer/guitarist Daniel Womack. \n\n\n\nThey released the first half of the album digitally, but the second will only available on vinyl — scheduled to come out around Sept. 4. The double album includes the first dozen songs already available online. \n\n\n\n“We figured that would solve two problems or be cool in two different ways. One: It would inspire people to buy the vinyl to begin with, if you want to hear the whole record. And then the second cool thing about that was that we could, in that way, push the record for a long time. It wouldn’t just be a two-week push — boom — and then we’re done. We’ve got other stuff to look forward to for the fall,” he said. \n\n\n\nThe album sonically illustrates a restless, sunlit day and a deeper, more interior night that blends psychedelic country-rock and indie music while reflecting upon transitions to fatherhood and navigating the tension of being family men on the road. \n\n\n\n“It feels a lot like a conversation among good friends, taking on the challenges of life and figuring out how to ‘be’ as men in a wild world full of wonder and terror. Equally enthralled by both ends of that rainbow, we wade through the waters of survival,” Johnson said. ”(It’s) a candid and honest discussion between Carter, Daniel and I on grief and lost friendship, love as a means of survival, rootedness versus escape, the cost of the road and the difficulty of being fully present in your own life. It’s three voices taking on deeply-shared experiences from distinctly different perspectives.” \n\n\n\nThe group of friends from University of Georgia formed the band while they were students in 2008. \n\n\n\n“In a lot of ways, we’ve grown up together in the creative world as artists and in general,” Womack said, adding that audiences comment on the chemistry they exude in their live shows. “They’re like, ‘Y’all just seem like y’all are friends on stage.’ And I think that’s one of the coolest things to hear from fans … It’s easier to have fun when we know each other on such a deep level and we’ve spent countless hours and close quarters with each other for many years. It’s like family at this point. We don’t even have to say anything to each other sometimes. We can communicate in weird ways these days just knowing each other for so long and being in the band for so long.” \n\n\n\nThe closeness also translates into their writing; their music has evolved as they’ve improved at writing with each other in mind — especially these days, when they no longer live in the same city. \n\n\n\n“(With) every record, we’ve gotten closer to a cohesive sound … and I think that’s reflected in this new record,” he said, adding that their best work still lies ahead. “As an artist, I hate to feel like we’ve peaked out or something; I definitely don’t think that’s the case. I feel like we just got off of the first leg of this record release tour.” \n\n\n\nJohnson talks about how, as they grew from college students to family-oriented musicians, which presented challenges, the music also matured. \n\n\n\n“Opportunity cost is a theme present in every song on the album, because there are always costs: the cost of waiting, the cost of leaving, the cost of staying — there are always tradeoffs and compromises. However, this album is not about lamenting those challenges, but rather embracing them, acknowledging them and living with them. This album is about making the most of this life we have, learning from the hardships and failures, celebrating the triumphs, laughing until it’s funny and remaining grounded through it all,” he said. “We are a band more motivated than ever.” \n\n\n\nWomack said they’re performing at their highest level, but at the same time, he feels like they’ve simply reached the “bottom of the next level.” \n\n\n\n“We’ve aligned our frequencies in a way to where we’re really firing on all cylinders creatively and as a unit,” he said “We’re stoked about that, and we’re like, ‘Man, we can take this and grow with it.’ So I think we’ve gotgood things ahead of us.” \n\n\n\n“We just keep going, because that’s how you keep things fresh. That’s how you keep the spark,” Johnson said. \n\n\n\nDelivered by three distinct front men with various influences, Futurebirds’ blend of progressive rock, electrified folk and cosmic American roots promises to be a high-energy show. \n\n\n\n“This is definitely the most fun and most interesting show. We’ve been playing old songs as well as the new ones, and we’ve got some super-fun stage props. We’ve got a mascot that comes out and hangs with the crowd, throws T-shirts out of the crowd, interacts,” Womack said. “We’ve just been having a blast with this tour. (People) can look forward to a rock ‘n’ roll show unlike any one they’ve ever seen, especially at this level.” \n\n\n\nFor tickets, visit bellyupaspen.com/events/futurebirds-2.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/futurebirds-reveals-new-songs-in-its-far-out-country-tour-at-belly-up-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-10T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F28015731%2Fbellyup-atd-062726-04-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"futurebirds-reveals-new-songs-in-its-far-out-country-tour-at-belly-up-aspen"},{"id":"kiiz00","title":"Gentlemen of Aspen nip Vail Rugby Club with last-minute penalty goal","excerpt":"It wasn’t the result the Vail Rugby Club was hoping for, but no one could deny the team’s heart during its annual Fourth of July weekend rivalry matchup against the Gentlemen of Aspen. After falling behind 24-8 in the first 28 minutes, Vail rallied to take a five-point lead late in the second hal...","content":"It wasn’t the result the Vail Rugby Club was hoping for, but no one could deny the team’s heart during its annual Fourth of July weekend rivalry matchup against the Gentlemen of Aspen. After falling behind 24-8 in the first 28 minutes, Vail rallied to take a five-point lead late in the second half. But Aspen drilled a pair of penalty goals — including the game-winner in the 78th minute — to take a 37-36 win at Wagner Park last Sunday. \n\n\n\n“Super disappointing to lose by a point to our rivals, but all credit to Aspen,” said Vail coach Joe Lippert. “They did exactly what they usually do: minimize mistakes, take advantage of opponents’ mistakes, use mauls effectively and turn opportunities into points. They managed the end of the match perfectly.”\n\n\n\nAn Aspen player is tackled by a pair of Vail Rugby Club athletes during the team’s rivalry game on July 5.Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIowa Central Community College product Gavin Pedersen got things going for Vail with a try four minutes into the match. Aspen responded a few minutes later, and since both clubs missed their conversions, the score was knotted up at 5-5. Dami Odunuga’s penalty goal made it 8-5 Vail before three-straight Aspen tries blew the game wide open. \n\n\n\n“I am really proud of the guys for how they battled and came back, but we let the match get away from us in the middle of the first half,” Lippert said. “You can’t give a veteran team like that free possessions on your side of the field.”\n\n\n\nMontana State’s Jay Gaines sneaked in a try at the end of the first half to make 24-15, but Aspen bumped the advantage back up to 16 with a try to open the second. Then, Jensen Rawlings scored in the 55th minute and Andy Naringo scored back-to-back tries to put Vail up 36-31 with 20 minutes left. The first Aspen penalty goal came in the 74th minute and the next one followed four minutes later. Odunuga finished 5-for-6 on kicks and was named the man of the match.\n\n\n\nDami Odunuga was named the man of the match after the Vail Rugby Club’s 37-36 loss to the Gentlemen of Aspen on July 5.Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nVail opened the year with a dominant win on June 13 over Grand Junction before taking a week off. The squad returned to the pitch and claimed a 128-10 victory over a New Mexico selects team, which Lippert described as the “best complete performance” in his three years at the helm. The momentum carried over into July 5, where Vail showed they can hang with one of the top Division II teams in the country and even claimed a 44-28 win in the B-squad matchup.\n\n\n\n“It was a great day where we showed much of our potential,” Lippert said. “Ultimately, we didn’t make enough plays and good decisions to come out ahead in the A-side match. Aspen is a great team and there is a lot of mutual respect between the squads.” \n\n\n\nThe women’s Vail Rugby Club squad scored a game-winning breakaway in extra time after playing goal-line defense for the first five minutes of the bonus period. Savannah Austin and Lisbet Esparza each scored tries and Cami Wood and Grace Hovde both knocked in conversion kicks for Vail, which claimed a 24-17 win after trailing 10-7 early in the second half. \n\n\n\nVail and Aspen players rise up to receive a lineout throw during the rivalry matchup on July 5 in Aspen.Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Incredibly happy with how our ladies played and gutted out a win,” Lippert stated. “This is our first summer with college women’s players in Vail and the initial group is doing a great job!”\n\n\n\nLippert said Hovde has provided veteran leadership and experience, while Wood, a Utah State player, and Ella Wilkinson, out of the University of Northern Iowa, give the team great attacking options.\n\n\n\n“It was really fun to see the group come together and get an extra-time win. They played so much defense in the second half and overtime periods and really earned the turnover and score to win the match,” Lippert continued. “I am excited to see them play this Saturday in Denver.” \n\n\n\nThe Vail women travel to Denver 7s this weekend and both men and women are back in action on July 18 at the Cowpie Classic in Steamboat Springs.\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-611243-505').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Rawlings/Courtesy photo\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/gentlemen-of-aspen-nip-vail-rugby-club-with-last-minute-penalty-goal/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Ryan Sederquist Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trsederquist@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-10T22:28:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F10161442%2FMCR_0001-1024x682.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"gentlemen-of-aspen-nip-vail-rugby-club-with-last-minute-penalty-goal"},{"id":"gg908g","title":"Mark_Gladwin_(cropped).jpeg","excerpt":"Mark Gladwin is a heart, vascular and lung physician-scientist and dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He spoke at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies on July 2 on climate medicine — an emerging field of health related…","content":"Mark Gladwin is a heart, vascular and lung physician-scientist and dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He spoke at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies on July 2 on climate medicine — an emerging field of health related…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/mark-gladwin-cropped-jpeg/image_d0bf4831-9276-4274-89ed-530362d8e575.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Wikipedia","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:45:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F0b%2Fd0bf4831-9276-4274-89ed-530362d8e575%2F6a531d6016dea.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C401","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"markgladwincroppedjpeg"},{"id":"i9nzya","title":"Firefighters in Beulah recount desperate battle against “monster” blaze fueled by 100 mph winds","excerpt":"For Beulah’s volunteer fire department, the Aspen Acres fire was a nightmare scenario they had trained for: a fast-moving blaze that forced the 27-member department to fight to protect neighbors’ homes","content":"For Beulah’s volunteer fire department, the Aspen Acres fire was a nightmare scenario they had trained for: a fast-moving blaze that forced the 27-member department to fight to protect neighbors’ homes","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/10/beulah-firefighters-aspen-acres-fire/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-10T23:39:30.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Beulah_Tour_04.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C564%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"firefighters-in-beulah-recount-desperate-battle-against-monster-blaze-fueled-by-100-mph-winds"},{"id":"5uvyw4","title":"More Pueblo County residents returning home after firefighters double containment of Aspen Acres blaze","excerpt":"Crews are making progress on fires across the state, but those fighting the Aspen Acres fire anticipate their efforts will continue for weeks","content":"Crews are making progress on fires across the state, but those fighting the Aspen Acres fire anticipate their efforts will continue for weeks","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/10/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-ferris-gold-mountain-willow/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Erica Breunlin and David Krause","publishDate":"2026-07-10T16:41:32.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_June_29b-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C666%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"more-pueblo-county-residents-returning-home-after-firefighters-double-containment-of-aspen-acres-bla"},{"id":"yjxmcu","title":"Aspen Acres fire has destroyed 780 structures across Pueblo and Custer counties, new aerial analysis shows","excerpt":"The estimate from Vexcel Data, a private company that flies over natural disasters, includes garages, barns and sheds. It exceeds official county reports, which remain incomplete as damage assessments continue.","content":"The estimate from Vexcel Data, a private company that flies over natural disasters, includes garages, barns and sheds. It exceeds official county reports, which remain incomplete as damage assessments continue.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/10/aspen-acres-fire-damage-colorado-wildfire-pueblo-custer-county/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-10T10:21:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FAspen-Acres-before-after-Rye.png%3Ffit%3D1024%252C576%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-acres-fire-has-destroyed-780-structures-across-pueblo-and-custer-counties-new-aerial-analysis-"},{"id":"uy6r3m","title":"Woodruff: Philanthropic support needed for wildfire prevention efforts","excerpt":"All this past winter, my hiking boots were striking dry trails or crunchy grasses when we should have been donning skate skis...","content":"All this past winter, my hiking boots were striking dry trails or crunchy grasses when we should have been donning skate skis...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/woodruff-philanthropic-support-needed-for-wildfire-prevention-efforts/article_0e3c713a-5b3c-429d-81ef-9bbd45ae81dc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jeffrey Woodruff, Guest Commentary","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2Fb7%2Fab760906-83b5-46c9-bbd8-93c8781efe37%2F69964e955acf8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C375","inBriefing":true,"slug":"woodruff-philanthropic-support-needed-for-wildfire-prevention-efforts"},{"id":"d2zut9","title":"Green: When the nightmare comes back","excerpt":"Last night I had the nightmare again. Not the first recurring nightmare I have had in my life. The second...","content":"Last night I had the nightmare again. Not the first recurring nightmare I have had in my life. The second...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/green-when-the-nightmare-comes-back/article_3548516d-abbb-4796-962f-877c4dd7dcc6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Sophia Green, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2Ffe%2F2fea26ac-2c77-4ed3-80a5-85fc274182fc%2F68b80a19a86af.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"green-when-the-nightmare-comes-back"},{"id":"yrwtjj","title":"Willits bike thefts deserve more attention","excerpt":"Pete Anzalone — Two more bikes were brazenly stolen in Willits last night, on cars parked immediately outside El Korita...","content":"Pete Anzalone — Two more bikes were brazenly stolen in Willits last night, on cars parked immediately outside El Korita...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/willits-bike-thefts-deserve-more-attention/article_27b7b739-8a99-4349-8399-272a801de85e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1605540436563-5bca919ae766%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","inBriefing":true,"slug":"willits-bike-thefts-deserve-more-attention"},{"id":"u2ii0o","title":"Private jet traffic overwhelming at Aspen airport","excerpt":"Polly Ross — Thank you, Allen Jones, for your excellent letter in response to Barry Vaughan’s letter...","content":"Polly Ross — Thank you, Allen Jones, for your excellent letter in response to Barry Vaughan’s letter...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/private-jet-traffic-overwhelming-at-aspen-airport/article_e6f2bfed-2fc4-45b0-bf04-fc2739f2822f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1605540436563-5bca919ae766%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"private-jet-traffic-overwhelming-at-aspen-airport"},{"id":"g5073s","title":"Plant-based options serve diverse kids’ dietary needs","excerpt":"Andrew Teller — The recent decision to bring whole and 2% milk back to school lunches is a step backward for school nutrition...","content":"Andrew Teller — The recent decision to bring whole and 2% milk back to school lunches is a step backward for school nutrition...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/plant-based-options-serve-diverse-kids-dietary-needs/article_bc406240-dec4-42b4-98ca-88348efee1d6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-12T08:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1483728642387-6c3bdd6c93e5%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","inBriefing":true,"slug":"plant-based-options-serve-diverse-kids-dietary-needs"},{"id":"3qy07l","title":"‘Pickle for a Purpose’ seeks to raise funds for youths in foster care","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/pickle-for-a-purpose-seeks-to-raise-funds-for-youths-in-foster-care/article_e15515ae-ca13-46ad-bc5b-1d691c117e77.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aubree Miller, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-11T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2F85%2Fb8517941-31e9-44ed-b240-2361cc80294d%2F6a51940429e9f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C220","slug":"pickle-for-a-purpose-seeks-to-raise-funds-for-youths-in-foster-care"},{"id":"719o2r","title":"ASD summer initiatives underway","excerpt":"District working on geothermal, maintenance projects","content":"District working on geothermal, maintenance projects","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/asd-summer-initiatives-underway/article_c9934f63-9bd8-4dd9-9a63-e096b8a7c13b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-11T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fcc%2Fbccae119-a316-48db-93b3-7a69aabe9878%2F6a519496d2885.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"asd-summer-initiatives-underway"},{"id":"by7utp","title":"pickleball","excerpt":"Pro pickleball player Collin Johns, left, and Pickle for a Purpose organizer Howard Talenfeld pose at Aspen Meadows in 2024. Johns was the headliner for the inaugural fundraising event last year. This year’s event, on July 21, will feature Andrei…","content":"Pro pickleball player Collin Johns, left, and Pickle for a Purpose organizer Howard Talenfeld pose at Aspen Meadows in 2024. Johns was the headliner for the inaugural fundraising event last year. This year’s event, on July 21, will feature Andrei…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/pickleball/image_b8517941-31e9-44ed-b240-2361cc80294d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy photo","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2F85%2Fb8517941-31e9-44ed-b240-2361cc80294d%2F6a51940429e9f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C220","slug":"pickleball"},{"id":"onvznk","title":"geothermal drilling","excerpt":"A PanTerra Energy crew attaches pipes for drilling at the Aspen School District campus on Wednesday. The crew is performing tests for the district’s geothermal energy network project.","content":"A PanTerra Energy crew attaches pipes for drilling at the Aspen School District campus on Wednesday. The crew is performing tests for the district’s geothermal energy network project.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/geothermal-drilling/image_bccae119-a316-48db-93b3-7a69aabe9878.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:45:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fcc%2Fbccae119-a316-48db-93b3-7a69aabe9878%2F6a519496d2885.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"geothermal-drilling"},{"id":"36af8w","title":"ecoflight 1","excerpt":"A view of the proposed leasing sites on the Roan Plateau from an EcoFlight airplane this week.","content":"A view of the proposed leasing sites on the Roan Plateau from an EcoFlight airplane this week.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ecoflight-1/image_2555bf82-93c2-4501-9593-6c9b253ffadc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of EcoFlight","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F55%2F2555bf82-93c2-4501-9593-6c9b253ffadc%2F6a5195bfefa3e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ecoflight-1"},{"id":"o0012b","title":"roan map","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/roan-map/image_dd4c2da2-d3a8-4bcf-a329-746fc7a06450.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fd4%2Fdd4c2da2-d3a8-4bcf-a329-746fc7a06450%2F6a5195f4c6601.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C379","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"roan-map"},{"id":"ce1tam","title":"ecoflight 2","excerpt":"Well pads on private lands at the top of the Roan Plateau in September 2024.","content":"Well pads on private lands at the top of the Roan Plateau in September 2024.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ecoflight-2/image_b7bdbed5-3821-4974-a169-08d8492d78be.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"EcoFlight","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2F7b%2Fb7bdbed5-3821-4974-a169-08d8492d78be%2F6a519647bd2ff.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ecoflight-2"},{"id":"xowsgd","title":"east fork falls","excerpt":"East Fork Falls on the East Fork Parachute Creek, home to genetically pure Colorado River cutthroat trout, runs through BLM land on the Roan Plateau, near proposed oil and gas leases. Conservation, wildlife and hunting groups are urging the BLM…","content":"East Fork Falls on the East Fork Parachute Creek, home to genetically pure Colorado River cutthroat trout, runs through BLM land on the Roan Plateau, near proposed oil and gas leases. Conservation, wildlife and hunting groups are urging the BLM…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/east-fork-falls/image_f2109973-e3bc-48f5-8a0f-6a03db16a5b6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Wilderness Workshop","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F21%2Ff2109973-e3bc-48f5-8a0f-6a03db16a5b6%2F6a51969e5e7c6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C414","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"east-fork-falls"},{"id":"y1fss1","title":"parachute creek","excerpt":"There is heavy natural gas production at the base of the Roan Plateau. The BLM has proposed new leases on public lands at the top plateau in a December sale.","content":"There is heavy natural gas production at the base of the Roan Plateau. The BLM has proposed new leases on public lands at the top plateau in a December sale.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/parachute-creek/image_4fa2543d-9698-45e6-9166-cdbf19b3f052.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of EcoFlight","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2Ffa%2F4fa2543d-9698-45e6-9166-cdbf19b3f052%2F6a51974c7439e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"parachute-creek"},{"id":"pucxv5","title":"On the Fly: The state of the fishery","excerpt":"They say that history may not always repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Low flows and warm water concerns are back again this year in the lower-elevation parts of the valley. The majority of the Roaring Fork Valley is still (and will hopefully remain) on the menu for anglers, when you consider t...","content":"They say that history may not always repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Low flows and warm water concerns are back again this year in the lower-elevation parts of the valley. The majority of the Roaring Fork Valley is still (and will hopefully remain) on the menu for anglers, when you consider the myriad small streams, creeks, lakes, reservoirs and the ever-cold tailwater. The Fryingpan will always run 40 degrees under the dam, and the upper reaches of the Crystal and Roaring Fork should remain cold all summer as well. For the wade angler, most of what you enjoy fishing will hopefully continue to fish well. \n\n\n\nThe elephant in the room is concerning temperatures, flows and oxygen content down-valley on the Colorado River and increasingly on the lower Roaring Fork. Keep in mind that this could all change with boosted Fryingpan flows and cool monsoonal trends if we get lucky. That being said, the writing is already on the wall considering the below-average river volumes. \n\n\n\nIf the lower Roaring Fork gets too hot, local fly shops and the Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance have agreed to reel it up and cease fishing in the afternoons on the lower river. This may become an official afternoon-only voluntary closure from Colorado Parks and Wildlife soon, but most local guides are already being proactive to protect this precious resource. \n\n\n\nWe can all do our part by utilizing a stream thermometer, using heavier tippets and forgoing fish pictures (overhandling). Focusing on higher-up and colder fisheries, and making sure the fish we catch have regained their equilibrium before they swim away is the way to go. Misinformation abounds during these voluntary closures — many people believe you can’t fish anywhere, which is certainly not the case. \n\n\n\nThe moral of the story is, when in doubt, you should head up in elevation, pay attention to temperatures, don’t play fish to exhaustion and enjoy your time on the water while putting the fish first.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/on-the-fly-the-state-of-the-fishery-2/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Scott Spooner Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-10T15:27:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10092616%2FAttachment-768x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"on-the-fly-the-state-of-the-fishery"},{"id":"ixada5","title":"Lo-Fidelity: Confessions of a lawn guy part 8 — high ‘n’ dry","excerpt":"Oh, what a dreadful year to be a lawn guy. So far, my income is basically a third of what it was last summer. As we descend spirally ever further down the drain into the throes of drought, I get a funny feeling this is Nature’s way of telling me to find another career. \n\n\n\nAt this stage of my lif...","content":"Oh, what a dreadful year to be a lawn guy. So far, my income is basically a third of what it was last summer. As we descend spirally ever further down the drain into the throes of drought, I get a funny feeling this is Nature’s way of telling me to find another career. \n\n\n\nAt this stage of my life, I’m too old and stubborn to re-invent myself and basically unemployable. Still, I’ve pondered recently: What would a summer job at the hardware store, the post office, a hotel, the city, the airport or up on the mountain for SkiCo look like? Perhaps it’s best to succumb to a “help wanted” sign and piss into a cup. I hope Gary in HR doesn’t read this.\n\n\n\nJust when I’m ready to throw in the trowel, I think of legendary OG local lawn guy Billy Cirelli, who mowed until he was significantly older than I anticipated, or I’ll catch a fleeting glimpse of the head-phoned, sleeveless, ponytailed Deb Curtis, dutifully pushing her Toro recycler through Aspen’s West End. If this enduring duo is any indicator, I’ve miles to go before I sleep, let alone take a brief nap. \n\n\n\nIn retrospect, I’ve been training my faithful clients for this very hydro-hobbled scenario for the past dozen years. How? By religiously cutting their lawns up at my mower’s highest setting, and either mulching or using the old-school, messy vitality side-discharge feature. I used to bag all of my clippings and drag them up to the dump, but between “Killer 82,” all the dust, time and effort, that timely process has become a tedious, unappealing endeavor. \n\n\n\nI’m also mowing every other week, less in some cases. Mowing each week feels a little gratuitous to me. My clients seem amenable to this regimen, if not entirely pleased. Some have been inquiring about this concept for years, to which I’ve typically pushed back against. Not anymore. At this sunset phase of my lawncare career, I guess I’m gripping the reigns — and my wallet — a little looser. \n\n\n\nIronically, a few of my clients’ lawns — who are all adhering strictly to the local water restrictions — actually look pretty darn good. I’ve heard (and seen) multiple unscrupulous scenarios involving homeowners and fellow land-scrapers being “above” following the watering guidelines. It’s blatantly obvious who’s adhering to the rules and who’s not. Lawns and morning dew don’t lie. \n\n\n\nTo anyone with half a brain and even a sliver of conscience, one look at the river should be enough to make you want to conserve water. I’m trying to wean off the sauce, myself. This year, I’ve been overly cognizant of my water usage — whether it’s my yard, brushing teeth, doing dishes, laundry or using the hose for menial tasks. For example, in lieu of spraying the dust off my mountain bike, I’m leaving it out in the yard overnight and letting the sprinkler do it for me. I’m also flushing the toilet less and showering somewhat irregularly. Smell me if you don’t believe me. Sound gross? It is. I am.\n\n\n\n“Smell me if you don’t believe me. Sound gross? It is. I am.”Lorenzo Semple\n\n\n\nGenerally, right after July 4, it starts raining. As of yet, the highly-anticipated summer monsoonal rains of “Super El Niňo” are looking more like “Super El Nada.” And from where I’m perched, drenching downpours aren’t going to suddenly jolt the river or lawns back to life, rather deliver them from hospice.\n\n\n\nI heard a NOAA forecast calling for the temperature in Aspen to hit 94 degrees on Sunday. We’re flirting with a scenario where we tie or beat Aspen’s record high temperature from over 100 years ago: 94 degrees on July 27, 1917. The fact that our high temperature was that long ago leads the irrational optimist in me to believe we’ll soon return to a wetter, better existence, and last year’s dry ski season and this summer’s ensuing drought are a big, fat, one-off. \n\n\n\nI’m programmed to think this way — with a reckless positivity bordering on the river of denial. We’ll get moisture. Aspen’s a lucky lady. Her relationship with Mother Nature has always been rock-solid. But if drought does persist, my options have options. I could always transition laterally into being a pool guy. That might give me a little leeway to blend right back into the woodwork of Aspen, not to mention another job where I happily get to wear a nametag.\n\n\n\nContact Lorenzo via suit yourself@sopris.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lo-fidelity-confessions-of-a-lawn-guy-part-8-high-n-dry/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lorenzo Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-10T01:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02130333%2F20260702_125431-768x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"lo-fidelity-confessions-of-a-lawn-guy-part-8-high-n-dry"},{"id":"p9o09r","title":"Operation Nell Bell","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/operation-nell-bell/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T23:48:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F09134608%2Fimage003-1-1024x736.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"operation-nell-bell"},{"id":"5u1v9v","title":"Snowmass gets closer to Town Park Entryway Project design","excerpt":"Snowmass Town Council reviewed updated ideas on Monday for the Town Park Entryway Project that included bleacher design, fencing, landscaping and the roundabout.\n\n\n\nThe project is aimed at improving the Town Park entrance to Snowmass and the rodeo grounds. Project Architect Jim Kehoe was the prim...","content":"Snowmass Town Council reviewed updated ideas on Monday for the Town Park Entryway Project that included bleacher design, fencing, landscaping and the roundabout.\n\n\n\nThe project is aimed at improving the Town Park entrance to Snowmass and the rodeo grounds. Project Architect Jim Kehoe was the primary presenter to council in order to receive feedback on the desired next steps — noting that, while everything is progressing, vendors have been a bit of a holdup.\n\n\n\n“One of the difficulties we’ve been having as a team is the vendors,” he prefaced in his presentation to council. “They’re slow to respond to our requests for additional sampling and so forth.”\n\n\n\nWith regard to the bleachers, Kehoe received positive feedback from council on removing the vertical metal kick plates — as opposed to replacing them with powder-coated components — and putting in expanded metal, a mesh of sorts. \n\n\n\n“This could create more open space in the bleachers to reduce their visual mass and allow them to better blend into the landscape,” the report reads.\n\n\n\nKehoe added that this option would create cooler seating and allow town staff to purchase off-the-shelf material — although the first four to five rows of bleachers would likely still have to be solid to block the building views behind them, since the mesh is see-through.\n\n\n\n“I think the expanded metal is a great idea,” said Council Member Tom Fridstein.\n\n\n\nAccording to a staff report submitted to council, redesigning the bleachers aligns with an effort to beautify the rodeo grounds as a whole.\n\n\n\n“Presumably, the highest priority for the Entryway Design Project is reducing the visual impact of the rodeo bleachers and helping them blend in better with the surrounding landscape,” the report reads.\n\n\n\nThe rest of the council agreed that moving forward with the expanded metal between the seats was the best bet.\n\n\n\n“A big step just happened,” Town Manager Clint Kinney pointed out. “That decision has not been made until now.”\n\n\n\nThe only issue, Kehoe emphasized, was the supplier: Bleacher International.\n\n\n\n“The current status is, we haven’t heard back from him,” Kehoe said.\n\n\n\nCouncil also liked the idea of lighter-colored seats, specifically in taupe.\n\n\n\n“I think it would really beautify it and soften the whole thing,” Fridstein said of the taupe color. “It may not be necessary, but I think the public would really like it.”\n\n\n\nCouncil requested that mock-ups be made for both the new bleacher screening and the lighter-colored seats.\n\n\n\nFridstein did bring up concerns around the staging parking lot of the rodeo grounds that sit to the right side as drivers come up Brush Creek to the roundabout.\n\n\n\n“The whole issue is you come right around the roundabout and look right into this ugly parking lot,” he said, asking if there was something that could be done.\n\n\n\nBecause the parking lot is used for the loading and unloading of stock trailers, Kinney noted the area needs to remain available and accessible. The possibility of having a temporary, moveable feature, however, was floated and favored by council — decorative wagon wheels was one such option.\n\n\n\n“It would be a responsibility we would put on our lessee to move in and out,” he pointed out.\n\n\n\nCouncil expressed that they were comfortable with the idea of putting it as a new lease condition that lessees would need to move whatever decorative “distraction” was ultimately decided on for the space.\n\n\n\nThe proposed design concept for the roundabout decorative wall was also favorable with council, although this would make it so that there would not be visual consistency between the (soon to be three) Brush Creek roundabouts — Mayor Alyssa Shenk confirmed the center roundabout can’t have anything decorative but shrubbery. But Fridstein and Council Member Britta Gustafson agreed that the eye-catching nature of the proposed feature was aligned with a “sense of arrival” and overall aim of keeping Snowmass Village beautiful.\n\n\n\nCouncil Member Susan Marolt did ask if it would be possible for the stone wall to not curve around as much as it does in the rendering — Gustafson seconded this, wanting to know what it would look like shorter. Staff confirmed shortening it would cut the cost down to one-third of what it is currently.\n\n\n\nStaff will continue to refine the designs and bring final recommendations back to council at a later date.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-gets-closer-to-town-park-entryway-project-design/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T23:30:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F09170126%2Froundabout-1024x569.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-gets-closer-to-town-park-entryway-project-design"},{"id":"ic5lnt","title":"Green aspects of racetrack proposal a ruse","excerpt":"Ksenija Ilic — Regarding the Woody Creek racetrack expansion proposal: It’s reassuring to know that after driving race cars...","content":"Ksenija Ilic — Regarding the Woody Creek racetrack expansion proposal: It’s reassuring to know that after driving race cars...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/green-aspects-of-racetrack-proposal-a-ruse/article_b77ded1f-f6cd-4b96-bd71-4b39e88b55e7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"green-aspects-of-racetrack-proposal-a-ruse"},{"id":"ov3jv3","title":"Woody Creek racetrack expansion an assault","excerpt":"Martha Ferguson — I can understand Woody Creek’s reaction to the recent application to expand the auto racetrack there...","content":"Martha Ferguson — I can understand Woody Creek’s reaction to the recent application to expand the auto racetrack there...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/woody-creek-racetrack-expansion-an-assault/article_c979821b-af88-430c-b749-d731102765d8.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"woody-creek-racetrack-expansion-an-assault"},{"id":"tw3vjl","title":"Trump’s actions a mockery of democracy","excerpt":"John Hoffmann — President Trump’s power comes from his willingness to violate all the norms, rules and laws about how American...","content":"John Hoffmann — President Trump’s power comes from his willingness to violate all the norms, rules and laws about how American...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/trump-s-actions-a-mockery-of-democracy/article_0899bee4-8233-4856-af78-45d42f90f628.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"trumps-actions-a-mockery-of-democracy"},{"id":"qyc7ez","title":"Grueter: What’s the big deal about wealth disparity?","excerpt":"Once upon a time, oligarchy was a bad dream. A big word shared in high school social studies classes. A “this doesn’t tend to be...","content":"Once upon a time, oligarchy was a bad dream. A big word shared in high school social studies classes. A “this doesn’t tend to be...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/grueter-what-s-the-big-deal-about-wealth-disparity/article_38991bdd-7805-480e-882f-003934ca8a20.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Annalise Grueter, Aspen Daily News columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F60%2F26045bd3-caa1-40b5-bca7-69838d48553e%2F68f2d7890c03e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C338","inBriefing":true,"slug":"grueter-whats-the-big-deal-about-wealth-disparity"},{"id":"ep6qis","title":"Margo: I guess I’ll never hold my tongue","excerpt":"The dental hygienist leans over me with little telescope things attached to the lenses of her glasses so she looks a little bit like...","content":"The dental hygienist leans over me with little telescope things attached to the lenses of her glasses so she looks a little bit like...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/margo-i-guess-i-ll-never-hold-my-tongue/article_4317cd64-c259-4a3a-8af0-9bf3f81813eb.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Ali Margo, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-11T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fe8%2F0e8fb356-db1e-4051-8e16-96d013595ed3%2F68f2dcfe26565.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","slug":"margo-i-guess-ill-never-hold-my-tongue"},{"id":"6do4nk","title":"RH takes full ownership of former Crystal Palace building","excerpt":"Company acquired property in series of transactions with developer Mark Hunt","content":"Company acquired property in series of transactions with developer Mark Hunt","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/rh-takes-full-ownership-of-former-crystal-palace-building/article_ce214f22-88e8-4046-9ed9-0b4a566a16c4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-10T09:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Ffc%2F5fc25352-a0f5-42bc-920f-15ee80752fc0%2F6a5067232529e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"rh-takes-full-ownership-of-former-crystal-palace-building"},{"id":"j0am8e","title":"Juvenile on scooter injured in accident with vehicle","excerpt":"Incident under investigation as of Thursday evening","content":"Incident under investigation as of Thursday evening","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/juvenile-on-scooter-injured-in-accident-with-vehicle/article_f13c7c48-97e1-4c99-9714-f35add375fe4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-07-10T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F86%2Fe8684542-ff45-4c09-a45f-40b81c1a4088%2F6a5067ad354fd.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C235","slug":"juvenile-on-scooter-injured-in-accident-with-vehicle"},{"id":"6hr06a","title":"Weekend forecast: Hot — really hot","excerpt":"Record-breaking temps expected Sunday","content":"Record-breaking temps expected Sunday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/weekend-forecast-hot-really-hot/article_159f87d5-03c8-4c9a-b12e-a74fbdd7aee5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-10T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F5a%2Fc5aa56a3-4524-4b6b-b1f4-b4725e6a6239%2F6a506820323b8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"weekend-forecast-hot-really-hot"},{"id":"gy5zl2","title":"On the road with Futurebirds","excerpt":"Band promises to bring the stoke to Belly Up on Sunday","content":"Band promises to bring the stoke to Belly Up on Sunday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/on-the-road-with-futurebirds/article_0ab4c578-9c26-4e1c-a32f-4b475e3d3eec.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-10T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F05%2Fe05bb9d5-271e-4dc2-9534-48fa255033e1%2F6a5068ff13449.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"on-the-road-with-futurebirds"},{"id":"v7v6s5","title":"High altitude wheeling","excerpt":"Fatima Gomez, left, and Jose Franco reach the Independence Pass summit while on vacation from Mexico.","content":"Fatima Gomez, left, and Jose Franco reach the Independence Pass summit while on vacation from Mexico.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/high-altitude-wheeling/image_5a9bd1e0-d518-4f00-a940-5d70601314c4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fa9%2F5a9bd1e0-d518-4f00-a940-5d70601314c4%2F6a50663fb6c5f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"high-altitude-wheeling"},{"id":"207sn5","title":"260709_RH Guesthouse_JC.jpg","excerpt":"The RH Guesthouse redevelopment is under construction on the corner of Hyman Avenue and Monarch Street. RH recently became the sole owner of the building in a series of transactions with local developer Mark Hunt.","content":"The RH Guesthouse redevelopment is under construction on the corner of Hyman Avenue and Monarch Street. RH recently became the sole owner of the building in a series of transactions with local developer Mark Hunt.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260709-rh-guesthouse-jc-jpg/image_5fc25352-a0f5-42bc-920f-15ee80752fc0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Ffc%2F5fc25352-a0f5-42bc-920f-15ee80752fc0%2F6a5067232529e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"260709rh-guesthousejcjpg"},{"id":"5o19m0","title":"Copy of 241108_RH Guesthouse Mural_JC-1.jpg","excerpt":"The old Owl Cigar mural is pictured on the western wall of the former Crystal Palace building before it was torn down.","content":"The old Owl Cigar mural is pictured on the western wall of the former Crystal Palace building before it was torn down.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/copy-of-241108-rh-guesthouse-mural-jc-1-jpg/image_3241abe8-d0c5-4879-b4ef-b30f548dcc1c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F24%2F3241abe8-d0c5-4879-b4ef-b30f548dcc1c%2F6a5067243af99.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"copy-of-241108rh-guesthouse-muraljc-1jpg"},{"id":"dok5s","title":"cropped 260709_Limelight Accident-1_JC.jpg","excerpt":"Aspen Police Chief Kim Ferber stands in front of the scene of an accident involving a juvenile on a scooter and a vehicle exiting a parking garage on the 200 block of E. Hyman Avenue. The juvenile suffered “unknown” injuries…","content":"Aspen Police Chief Kim Ferber stands in front of the scene of an accident involving a juvenile on a scooter and a vehicle exiting a parking garage on the 200 block of E. Hyman Avenue. The juvenile suffered “unknown” injuries…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cropped-260709-limelight-accident-1-jc-jpg/image_e8684542-ff45-4c09-a45f-40b81c1a4088.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F86%2Fe8684542-ff45-4c09-a45f-40b81c1a4088%2F6a5067ad354fd.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C235","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"cropped-260709limelight-accident-1jcjpg"},{"id":"qh80r7","title":"260708_North Star_SUP_JC.jpg","excerpt":"Alexa Daverio, left, and Lucas Begala paddle down Roaring Fork River through North Star Nature Preserve on their stand-up paddleboards on Wednesday afternoon.","content":"Alexa Daverio, left, and Lucas Begala paddle down Roaring Fork River through North Star Nature Preserve on their stand-up paddleboards on Wednesday afternoon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260708-north-star-sup-jc-jpg/image_c5aa56a3-4524-4b6b-b1f4-b4725e6a6239.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F5a%2Fc5aa56a3-4524-4b6b-b1f4-b4725e6a6239%2F6a506820323b8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"260708north-starsupjcjpg"},{"id":"lomqg3","title":"Copy of futurebirds basalt july JC.jpg","excerpt":"Guitarist and vocalist Carter King performed with Futurebirds at the Basalt Summer Concert Series in 2024. The band has become a favorite in the Roaring Fork Valley for its authentic alt-country-meets-southern-rock and psychedelic sounds.","content":"Guitarist and vocalist Carter King performed with Futurebirds at the Basalt Summer Concert Series in 2024. The band has become a favorite in the Roaring Fork Valley for its authentic alt-country-meets-southern-rock and psychedelic sounds.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/copy-of-futurebirds-basalt-july-jc-jpg/image_e05bb9d5-271e-4dc2-9534-48fa255033e1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F05%2Fe05bb9d5-271e-4dc2-9534-48fa255033e1%2F6a5068ff13449.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"copy-of-futurebirds-basalt-july-jcjpg"},{"id":"eezk0m","title":"Next Week in Music: Big-name pinch-hitters coming to the rescue","excerpt":"The Aspen Music Festival went into scramble mode on Wednesday when star mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato was injured and had to cancel two high-profile Aspen performances next week. They found a couple of winners.\n\n\n\nThe tale makes an appropriate introduction to my new weekly column that focuses on t...","content":"The Aspen Music Festival went into scramble mode on Wednesday when star mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato was injured and had to cancel two high-profile Aspen performances next week. They found a couple of winners.\n\n\n\nThe tale makes an appropriate introduction to my new weekly column that focuses on the music that most interests me in next week’s programs.\n\n\n\nOriginally, DiDonato had planned a delicious-sounding recital with Patrick Summers, who co-directs the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS for next Wednesday. She was also to sing next Sunday in a new work by Matthew Aucoin, the first in a series of Aspen Music Festival commissions to encourage leading contemporary composers to write their first symphonies and premiere them here.\n\n\n\nCountertenor Anthony Ross Costanzo will be singing with Summers on piano for Wednesday’s recital. Costanzo is already here to sing the starring role of Oberon in Benjamin Britten’s opera Midsummer Night’s Dream July 20-22. Among the most elite in the rapidly growing world of countertenors — male singers who can sing like a woman — he has starred often at the Metropolitan Opera, including a career-defining turn in the title role of Philip Glass’s “Akhnaten” and a sensitive Orpheus in Gluck’s “Orféo ed Euridice.”\n\n\n\nCostanzo and Summers were still putting a program together for the recital at my deadline, but Summers promised at least some Handel arias mixed with contemporary music. Summers conducted the orchestra when Costanzo won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2009, singing Handel, the first countertenor to win that competition. And Costanzo sang Handel’s Julius Caesar in Houston in 2017 with Summers conducting.\n\n\n\nI suggested to Summers that what makes Costanzo so special is the vivid expression of humanity to everything he sings. \n\n\n\n“Oh yes,” he responded, “that, and the voice, which is absolutely specular. I’ve worked with the greatest singers of our generation and most of the generation before me. He’s up there with the best.”\n\n\n\nWhile DiDonato would have been making her Aspen debut, Aucoin has become a critical cog in Aspen, as Patrick Chamberlain, vice president for artistic administration, underlined. \n\n\n\n“He conducted Mozart’s opera ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ and has worked with young composers here,” he said. \n\n\n\nHis “Music for New Bodies” was presented here two years ago. My review noted how the music shimmered, creating sound sculptures of both transparency and density. It was accessible, and it only got thorny when it needed to.\n\n\n\nAucoin’s opera “Eurydice” was a big hit at Los Angeles Opera and the Metropolitan in New York.\n\n\n\nThe first-symphony project was inspired by what Chamberlain describes as a “dearth of long-form works for orchestra,” because composers today are often relegated to brief pieces to open concerts. \n\n\n\n“What if that had been true in Brahms’ time?” Chamberlain asked. “We would be missing so much music we treasure today. Fifty years from now, people will be asking where is Aucoin’s symphony, or Nico Muhly’s?”\n\n\n\nTherein lies a bit of a quandary. Composers seem reluctant to call even their longer works a “symphony,” with or without a number. Aucoin’s is titled “Two Thresholds (Symphony).” \n\n\n\nChamberlain’s take: “When you call it a symphony, there’s the weight of history. You’re going to be compared with every composer from Haydn to Mahler.” \n\n\n\nMahler, in fact, avoided the word “symphony” for what should have been his Tenth Symphony because Beethoven never wrote a tenth. He called it “Das Lied von der Erde,” a symphony of voices.\n\n\n\nAnother Mahler symphony, his Fourth, was Aucoin’s model for “Two Thresholds,” “especially the idea of bringing in the voice at the end,” Chamberlain noted. “He ended up with voice at the beginning too, and he said he needed to add a second voice at the end. We said, sure.”\n\n\n\nThough the vocal part was written for Joyce DiDonato, the festival may have hit the jackpot with Christine Goerke. The great soprano, known for her Wagner heroines, has also appeared as Eboli in Verdi’s “Don Carlos,” a role noted for its powerful low notes. Goerke test-drove Aucoin’s music, sitting at her piano and singing from the score. \n\n\n\n“She said she loved it,” Chamberlain reported and can’t wait to sing it.\n\n\n\nThe conductor, Cristian Măcelaru, is a product of the festival’s conducting academy who has carved out a highly regarded career with the world’s great orchestras, including directorships at Orchestre National de France and the Cincinnati Symphony. \n\n\n\n“We chose him for this,” Chamberlain said. “He has the ability to digest a complex new score, distilling the music and bring out what it’s trying to say. He was game to take this on.”\n\n\n\nBest-laid plans, and all that, but it sure looks like Aspen audiences are in for a couple of treats.\n\n\n\nHarvey Steiman has been writing about the Aspen Musical for more than 30 years. His reviews appear in The Aspen Times on Tuesdays.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/next-week-in-music-big-name-pinch-hitters-coming-to-the-rescue/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Harvey Steiman Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-09T23:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F09170145%2F2_Anthony_Roth_Costanzo-c_Costanzo-Matthu_Placek-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"next-week-in-music-big-name-pinch-hitters-coming-to-the-rescue"},{"id":"gmycm3","title":"PitCo Open Space and Trails concerned with ‘negative impacts’ of Woody Creek racetrack development","excerpt":"Pitkin County Open Space and Trails has provided feedback on the Woody Creek Raceway’s proposal, seeking more commitment from developers to trail improvements before moving forward.\n\n\n\nThe property was purchased in June for $17 million by two brother-in-laws who envision adding amenities and reno...","content":"Pitkin County Open Space and Trails has provided feedback on the Woody Creek Raceway’s proposal, seeking more commitment from developers to trail improvements before moving forward.\n\n\n\nThe property was purchased in June for $17 million by two brother-in-laws who envision adding amenities and renovating the existing buildings on the property.\n\n\n\n“The facility is in desperate need of repair, so the track itself needs modern safety upgrades, and the facilities are really run down,” Chris Bendon, a partner with BendonAdams who is helping manage the project, told The Aspen Times.\n\n\n\nThe current plans for the redevelopment, as presented in an application to Pitkin County, will include more race car storage, maintenance facilities, an updated member clubhouse, improvements to the racetrack, 14 employee housing units to house around 26 people, a wastewater treatment facility and a gun range. \n\n\n\nBendon acknowledged that there have been concerns raised by residents about the growth in the Woody Creek area but said the project is aiming to contribute positively to the community — like with Woody Creek Trailhead and Smith Way and McLain Flats three-way intersection improvements.\n\n\n\n“We are intending to build or pay for the building of the Woody Creek Trailhead, so that’s a big improvement, a quarter million dollar improvement to the Rio Grande Trail system,” he said. \n\n\n\nPitkin County Open Space and Trails, however, expressed concern at its meeting regarding the environmental impacts and increased traffic potential of the project.\n\n\n\n“The negative impacts of the capital projects outweigh the positive elements of the application’s commitments and are incompatible with the trail use and conservation values preserved in adjacent open-space properties,” Pitkin County Open Space and Trails wrote in a letter to Pitkin County Community Development.\n\n\n\nFranco Palumbo, the county planner in charge of assessing the application, noted that this letter does not halt the development.\n\n\n\n“This is more of a statement from the OST board saying that, although they are providing these contributions in the form of improving sightlines to financial commitments for the (Open Space and Trails), they state that the commitments are incompatible with the trail use and the conservation values,” Palumbo said.\n\n\n\nOpen Space and Trails is suggesting that the developers take on more projects to benefit the trail system and balance out the use. The developers had committed to allowing Open Space and Trails to use a well on the racetrack property for a water bottle filling station alongside the Rio Grande Trail, and Open Space and Trails in its letter advocated for the developers to also fund the construction of that station as a nod to making the community benefits more in line with the scale of the development.\n\n\n\nOther community benefits the developers are already intending to do include aiming to power the property primarily by solar panels, which Bendon said can get the property to nearly net-zero and give power back to the grid on most days. The property vision has also focused heavily on public and sustainable transportation, with improvements slated for the bus line that could potentially end up servicing the site — and in order to get from the property to the bus stop, the property will additionally devote $10,000 per year to a fleet of electric bicycles, according to the presentation given to Pitkin County Open Space and Trails on July 2. \n\n\n\n“We proposed electric bikes for all of our residents, and for guests and patrons to use to get either down to Woody Creek, which has seasonal service on RFTA, or up to the Brush Creek park and ride facility, which has pretty robust service,” Bendon said.\n\n\n\nBut Open Space and Trails expressed hesitation that users of these bikes might not fully understand the laws for trail users, requesting that the developers provide training on the “Slow and Say Hello” ethics for local and regional trails. \n\n\n\nOpen Space and Trails’ letter did acknowledge that the bikes would likely lower the amount of vehicle traffic.\n\n\n\n“(The) more cars off the road the better, but more cars on the racetrack at the end of the day,” Palumbo added.\n\n\n\nThose additional cars on the racetrack will come from the increased capabilities of the property as well as the 15-20 full-time employees who will also be residents of the property, plus roughly five to 10 other non-employee residents. \n\n\n\nBendon said he expects the raceway to function with a maximum of 20 full time employees — the housing can hold up to 26 residents in 10 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units. According to him, priority on the open housing will be given to first responders before the general public.\n\n\n\n“It’s a very nice benefit to have affordable housing come along with the job, and it’s a great recruitment tool,” he said.\n\n\n\nThe developers will also invite police officers and firefighters to use the raceway to train driving skills, as well as allow police to train with firearms on the on-site gun range. The racetrack is also expected to be used for youth car lessons, including winter driving practice.\n\n\n\n“There’s a there’s a history of the police and sheriff’s departments in the valley using the facility for both firearms training and training with their vehicles, and there’s also a history of teen driver training … winter driving training at the facility, and so we’d like to continue those traditions,” Bendon said.\n\n\n\nHe added, “It’s really an enthusiast facility for folks that enjoy racing, enjoy race cars and want to run around on a track.”\n\n\n\nIn the presentation to Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, the developers expressed they expect operating the raceway will not be a total fiduciary loss, but are not expanding operations as a way to make money.\n\n\n\nThe applicants will present to the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners on July 22, seeking approval to move forward with the project.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitco-open-space-and-trails-concerned-with-negative-impacts-of-woody-creek-racetrack-development/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T23:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F09161333%2Fimage001-4-1024x724.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitco-open-space-and-trails-concerned-with-negative-impacts-of-woody-creek-racetrack-development"},{"id":"ma4qui","title":"Snowmass Comedy WKND brings attitude at altitude","excerpt":"Snowmass Comedy WKND returns July 10-12 to bring connection through laughter at high altitude, with two of this year’s headliners — Leah Lamarr and Kalea McNeill — front and center.\n\n\n\nLamarr and McNeill will share the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at The Collective Hall for a ticketed show...","content":"Snowmass Comedy WKND returns July 10-12 to bring connection through laughter at high altitude, with two of this year’s headliners — Leah Lamarr and Kalea McNeill — front and center.\n\n\n\nLamarr and McNeill will share the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at The Collective Hall for a ticketed show. At 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11, the free “Recess: Happy Hour Show with Leah Lamarr & Kalea McNeill” will be hosted by Zoe Rom and offer a conversation about the life of a comic in the same location.\n\n\n\n“Comedy WKND has always been about creating opportunities for people to connect through laughter,” said Sarah Sanders, producer of Comedy WKND and director of Plaza Venues and Events at The Collective. “I’m incredibly proud to bring such a diverse lineup of nationally touring comedians to Snowmass in an intimate setting that’s accessible to everyone, with tickets ranging from free to just $35.”\n\n\n\nShe added that she hopes audiences leave “feeling a little lighter, a little more connected and reminded of just how powerful it is to laugh together.”\n\n\n\nComedian McNeill is known for her sharp observations, personal storytelling and high-energy style. \n\n\n\n“I’m a bit of a storyteller. I like to take audiences with me while explaining the quirky things I’ve been through in life. I say the quiet parts out loud, one of those ‘you said what I’ve always been thinking’ type of comedians,” McNeill said of herself.\n\n\n\nKalea McNeil will perform at the 2026 Snowmass Comedy WKND!Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nMcNeill’s credits include The CW’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” as Hanifa Downey and her debut comedy special, “Sma’am,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime. She was selected as a “Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy” in 2022.\n\n\n\nShe will be coming to Snowmass for the first time.\n\n\n\n“What excites me most about performing in Snowmass is getting to know a new place,” she said. “I never expected to do comedy in Snowmass, so when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t say no. I’m an outdoorsy person, so I can’t wait to see how beautiful it is. I’m hoping audiences walk away from my show knowing a little bit more about me and a lot lighter than when they came in. Leave the worries at the door! Let’s laugh.”\n\n\n\nLamarr has sold out the New York Comedy Festival multiple times. She’s also known for being a recurring host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on the Roku Channel.\n\n\n\nLamarr will be returning to Snowmass, which she considers a rematch. \n\n\n\n“I’m excited to come to Snowmass for the second time to seek vengeance for my first experience there. I was extremely uncool as a first-time snowboarder trying to get down the mountain while children were flying by me — pointing and laughing,” she said. “Hopefully, this time, they are pointing and laughing … but with me! I also can’t wait to pass out mid-joke from the altitude, only to be dramatically revived to finish the punchline then pass out again.”\n\n\n\nLamarr referred to her signature style as “edgy, irreverent, observational and personal,” adding, “You can expect to be crowd worked within an inch of your life (but in the fun way).”\n\n\n\nAnd if you’re wondering how far she’ll push it, she said, “People might not know that my comedy used to be really deranged, and now it’s just deranged.”\n\n\n\nOther headliners include Reem Edan and Zak Toscani, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 11 and July 12, both at The Collective Hall.\n\n\n\nMany events are free, with ticketed events topping out at $35. For more information and tickets, visit TheCollectiveSnowmass.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-comedy-wknd-brings-attitude-at-altitude/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T20:46:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F01%2F30153317%2FMawas-Holiday-Opening-1000010-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-comedy-wknd-brings-attitude-at-altitude"},{"id":"cat43n","title":"Vehicle crash with scooter causes injury in downtown Aspen","excerpt":"Aspen Police responded to an injury crash — a vehicle versus a juvenile on a scooter — in the 200 block of East Hyman on Thursday.\n\n\n\nThey responded at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to a press release. The juvenile suffered unknown injuries and is currently being treated at Aspen Valley Hea...","content":"Aspen Police responded to an injury crash — a vehicle versus a juvenile on a scooter — in the 200 block of East Hyman on Thursday.\n\n\n\nThey responded at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to a press release. The juvenile suffered unknown injuries and is currently being treated at Aspen Valley Health Medical Center. \n\n\n\n“The incident is under investigation, and the APD’s accident investigations team are reconstructing the scene,” the release states.\n\n\n\nColorado State Patrol also responded to the crash, as well as Aspen Fire, Aspen Ambulance and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/vehicle-crash-with-scooter-causes-injury-in-downtown-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T20:14:42.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F25132433%2FBreaking-news-aspen-times-graphic-black-and-white.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"vehicle-crash-with-scooter-causes-injury-in-downtown-aspen"},{"id":"ggteeh","title":"Aspen Cycling Club results: Bells/Ashcroft road race from July 8","excerpt":"ASPEN CYCLING CLUB — WEEKLY RACE RESULTSBELLS/ASHCROFT ROAD RACEWednesday, July 8, 2026\n\n\n\nMen’s A (36 miles and 3400 vertical)1—1:36:01—Inkinen, Sami2—1:36:03—Fox, Matthew3—1:39:30—Koster, Ryan—Sparkle Motion4—1:41:16—Wurts, John5—1:41:17—Bluemel, Andrew—Meatballs6—1:42:37—Rispoli, Maxwell—Meatb...","content":"ASPEN CYCLING CLUB — WEEKLY RACE RESULTSBELLS/ASHCROFT ROAD RACEWednesday, July 8, 2026\n\n\n\nMen’s A (36 miles and 3400 vertical)1—1:36:01—Inkinen, Sami2—1:36:03—Fox, Matthew3—1:39:30—Koster, Ryan—Sparkle Motion4—1:41:16—Wurts, John5—1:41:17—Bluemel, Andrew—Meatballs6—1:42:37—Rispoli, Maxwell—Meatballs7—1:42:37—Mobilian, Zach—Meatballs8—1:42:38—Hart, Sam9—1:45:37—Peterson, Butch—Hub of Aspen10—1:45:39—Strokes, Greg11—1:48:09—Charles, Burrus12—1:53:53—Schafer, Bucky—Sante Cycling13—1:55:53—Boettcher, Brandon\n\n\n\nWomen’s A (36 miles and 3400 vertical)1—1:51:40—Tory, Caroline2—1:56:07—Degenero, Micaela3—1:58:38—Brendamour, Bryn—Meatballs4—2:06:38—Jenney, Krista5—2:13:55—Weaver, Tess\n\n\n\nMen’s B (36 miles and 3400 vertical)1—1:49:04—Sanchez Tuda, Miguel—Meatballs2—1:51:40—Chang, Sean—Valley Velo3—1:51:40—Anderson, Ian—Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry4—1:51:40—Tevenan, Patrick—Sparkle Motion5—1:55:26—Klug, Chris—Hub of Aspen6—1:55:37—Cibulsky, John—Sparkle Motion7—1:56:50—Gaube, Josh8—2:05:40—Sowers, Dillon9—2:10:15—Hludzinski, Brian\n\n\n\nWomen’s C (25 miles and 2600 vertical)1—1:28:53—Wimmer, Maria—Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry2—1:36:12—Smith, Michelle—Sparkle Motion3—1:41:57—Davis, Erin—Sparkle Motion4—1:52:33—Kaiser Long, Eryn5—2:00:16—Welcher, Katie6—2:00:18—Martinez, Madison\n\n\n\nMen’s C (25 miles and 2600 vertical)1—1:27:49—Linn, John—Sparkle Motion2—1:30:28—Brennan, Ian3—1:41:16—Murphy, Mark—Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry\n\n\n\nMen 50+ (25 miles and 2600 vertical)1—1:23:53—Roop, Kevin2—1:33:12—Merrill, Nate—Valley Velo3—1:47:25—Chism, Scott\n\n\n\nWomen 50+ (25 miles and 2600 vertical)1—1:34:56—Shaw, Sara—Sparkle Motion2—1:50:26—Kister, Sandi\n\n\n\nMen 60+ (25 miles and 2600 vertical)1—1:23:52—Hayles, Thomas—ZG 79082—1:25:03—Maple, Michael—Hub of Aspen3—1:27:30—Taylor, Jeff4—1:37:22—Gibans, Jon—Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry5—1:38:23—Tarver, Charlie—Hub of Aspen6—1:46:46—Miller, Daniel7—1:49:30—Glenn, Sliva\n\n\n\nMen 70+ (25 miles and 2600 vertical)1—1:25:39—Smith, Wade2—1:47:55—Olenick, Bob3—1:51:40—Overeynder, Phil—Limelight\n\n\n\nRace Marshals: Alex Ghaffari, Ella Savago, Brett Burch\n\n\n\nResults may also be viewed at www.aspencyclingclub.org. Questions about results should be directed to info@aspencyclingclub.org.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-cycling-club-results-bells-ashcroft-road-race-from-july-8/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T20:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F23165506%2F41114261-a036-5dbe-b48c-0081f17884dd.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-cycling-club-results-bellsashcroft-road-race-from-july-8"},{"id":"9wsshq","title":"WineInk: Chile’s Viña Amelia reboots","excerpt":"“I guess it was just meant to be,” said Marcelo Papa with a shrug when asked how he first got into wine. “When I was young, my father would have a glass of wine every night with soda water in it. I was always interested in wine.” \n\n\n\nThat interest turned into a lifelong passion and a stellar care...","content":"“I guess it was just meant to be,” said Marcelo Papa with a shrug when asked how he first got into wine. “When I was young, my father would have a glass of wine every night with soda water in it. I was always interested in wine.” \n\n\n\nThat interest turned into a lifelong passion and a stellar career in wine for the Santiago, Chile-based winemaker who is internationally renowned for his work with the wines of Viña Concha y Toro (Shell and Bull), Chile’s premier wine concern.\n\n\n\nPapa was speaking at a table in Aspen’s ZIGZAG restaurant to a group of local journalists who had been invited for the introduction of a newly established wine brand called Viña Amelia. He had flown into Aspen from Santiago via Atlanta overnight on a redeye but was none the worse for wear as he hosted a tasting of wines from the portfolio of Concha y Toro and the wine regions of his native country.\n\n\n\nThough the wines of Viña Amelia have been a part of Concha y Toro for a number of years, the chardonnay and pinot noir producer was recently re-cast as a new subsidiary of the company in order to forge a clear identity and shine a light on the unique nature of these exceptional and well-regarded premium wines. This follows a path taken by the company in 2019 when they designated their iconic flagship cabernet sauvignon from the Maipo Valley, Viña Don Melchor, as an independent subsidiary. The 2021 vintage of the Don Melchor was named by Wine Spectator as their 2024 “Wine of the Year.”\n\n\n\nPapa beamed when he poured the wines of Viña Amelia, as the project has obviously been a labor of love for him for a considerable period of time. The initiation of Viña Amelia marks a first for Chilean wines as it becomes the first Chilean winery with extensive international distribution devoted exclusively to the production of chardonnay and pinot noir. This means the wines will be competing for shelf space and representation on wine lists with the great Burgundian wines from France, California, New Zealand and other regions with traditions as purveyors of chardonnay and pinot noir. Heady stuff for a new world producer.\n\n\n\n A number of elements combine to make the wines of Viña Amelia unique. Aside from Papa’s influential skills, the most significant factors are the location of the vineyards and the soils in which these grapes are grown.\n\n\n\nGrapes for Viña Amelia wine, sourced exclusively from the Quebrada Seca Vineyard.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe grapes for Viña Amelia wines are sourced exclusively from the Quebrada Seca Vineyard in a region called the Limarí (lee-mawh-REE) Valley, one of the northern-most wine regions in Chile. The valley sits at a latitude of 30° south of the equator and is roughly 200 miles north of the city of Santiago. This location is on the latitudinal border of where quality wines are traditionally grown. For context, in the Northern Hemisphere, a line at 30° north of the equator would run near the wineries of Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe, and Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country — both of which notable for their warm climates.\n\n\n\nThe Quebrada Seca Vineyard.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nBut Papa emphatically stated, “The Quebrada Seca has a cool climate that is perfect for chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.” How can it be that be that a vineyard in a wine region so far north sitting on the very edge of the Atacama Desert be a cool climate region?\n\n\n\nWell, for starters, the Limarí Valley enjoys the benefits of cooling winds from the sea and a fog called the “Camanchaca” that flows from the Pacific Ocean, which is less than 15 miles to the west. “We have something called the Humboldt Current,” Papa explained as he scrolled through maps on his cell phone to show the assembled journalists how the current flows from the Pacific, bringing cold seawater from the south to significant parts of Chile’s 2,500 mile- long coastline including the Limarí Valley.\n\n\n\nThen there are the soils of the Quebrada Seca. Again, Papa used his iPhone to search for  images of an excavation of the vineyard that showed a profile of the red clay that dominates the soil profile of the region. \n\n\n\n“The red clay is loaded with iron and calcium carbonate, allowing us to obtain wines genuinely reflecting this terroir. These are fresh and mineral wines with good structure and volume in the mouth,” he said.\n\n\n\nVineyard excavation with red clay.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIndeed, both of the Viña Amelia wines we tasted demonstrated a wonderful fullness on the palate and were marked by solid acidity, making them perfect food wines. While I enjoyed the still youthful Pinot Noir, it was the Chardonnay that stood out.\n\n\n\nThe 2024 Amelia Chardonnay shone a bright yellow as Papa poured the wine into our glasses. On my first sniff, I was struck by the floral notes of a bouquet of fresh flowers and got a whiff of sliced apricots. The take-away, though, was the way it felt in my mouth. The minerality and the layers of complexity made me salivate and ask for more. While I don’t think I could necessarily pick it blind out of a line-up of say, Santa Barbara, Calif., or Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, chardonnays of similar pedigree, there was something unique about the wine that reflected a sense of place.\n\n\n\nIn a category, Burgundian varieties that are chock full of solid choices, the wines of Viña Amelia will face strong competition in a crowded field. But with the combination of quality wines, a special story, interesting terroir and the backing of a global wine powerhouse, this will be a winery to watch in its new iteration.\n\n\n\nJust don’t put soda water in the wine.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/wineink-chiles-vina-amelia-reboots/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kelly J. Hayes Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-09T20:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F09071910%2Fcyt40684_2023_copy-683x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wineink-chiles-via-amelia-reboots"},{"id":"7n9w3z","title":"Colorado Trail Explorer app shares wildfire alerts for outdoor recreationists","excerpt":"Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the Colorado outdoor community that the Colorado Trail Explorer — also known as COTREX — mobile app displays active fire alerts, which include wildfires and prescribed burns in covered areas. \n\n\n\nTo access these alerts, users can open the app and search fo...","content":"Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the Colorado outdoor community that the Colorado Trail Explorer — also known as COTREX — mobile app displays active fire alerts, which include wildfires and prescribed burns in covered areas. \n\n\n\nTo access these alerts, users can open the app and search for trailheads to see if wildfires are in the surrounding areas, staying informed before heading out. According to a press release, the COTREX app is a free, user-friendly platform that provides authoritative trail information from trusted land managers — includes daily wildfire and prescribed burn alerts from trusted sources like Inciweb and the National Interagency Fire Center, but management agencies that do not report to Inciweb or the NIFC systems can also post their wildfire and prescribed burn alerts.\n\n\n\nOver 36 agency partners use the COTREX app to post real-time advisories, which includes trail closures, safety hazards and other essential trail alerts. \n\n\n\n“Users can plan routes, view allowed use types, download offline maps, and see trip recommendations from participating partners around the state — all for free, providing a convenient and stress-free experience for outdoor enthusiasts,” the press release states.\n\n\n\nAlerts will automatically appear on the website and app with descriptions, boundaries and links to additional resources, according to the release. Wildfire and prescribed burn information is checked multiple times a day.\n\n\n\n“COTREX is a powerful tool for planning your next trip,” State Trails Program Coordinator Joe O’Brien said in the release. “We’re committed to increasing the amount of official information we can provide to help the public recreate safely and responsibly around the state. Even if you use other trail apps, we always recommend checking COTREX for alerts or closures and downloading a free map in case of poor cell service.”\n\n\n\nWhile all information in COTREX comes directly from the best available public sources, the press release also recommends contacting local authorities or land managers for the most current wildfire and trail conditions, especially during active fire seasons.\n\n\n\n“Large wildfires are currently burning in Colorado,” the release states. “With no moisture in the forecast, low humidity and gusty winds, dry vegetation can cause rapid fire growth. Officials warn that a single spark from a campfire, vehicle or grill can ignite a fast-moving wildfire.” \n\n\n\nTo access COTREX, visit trails.colorado.gov.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-trail-explorer-app-shares-wildfire-alerts-for-outdoor-recreationists/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T19:30:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F09125738%2Fd5128386-6e4c-2d1c-183b-1f8a57b776fa-1024x768.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-trail-explorer-app-shares-wildfire-alerts-for-outdoor-recreationists"},{"id":"828q4p","title":"Western Colorado Angler Preparedness Plan","excerpt":"Before heading to western Colorado for a fishing adventure, be advised of record setting low flows, expected high water temperatures and the recent discovery of aquatic nuisance species (ANS). \n\n\n\nAnglers are encouraged to contact local fly shops (see below) for current conditions, carry a thermo...","content":"Before heading to western Colorado for a fishing adventure, be advised of record setting low flows, expected high water temperatures and the recent discovery of aquatic nuisance species (ANS). \n\n\n\nAnglers are encouraged to contact local fly shops (see below) for current conditions, carry a thermometer and reel it in when water temperatures reach 68 degrees Fahrenheit as well as bring gear that will allow you to change fishing plans upon arrival (boating, wading, high mountain). \n\n\n\nAdditionally, the Roaring Fork River from Carbondale to the confluence with the Colorado River, along with the Colorado River, is infested with New Zealand mudsnails. The Colorado River from its confluence with the Eagle River to the Utah border is infested with zebra mussels. \n\n\n\nRiver users are urged to clean, drain and dry their gear before coming to the Western Slope and clean, drain and dry their gear after every use and before moving from river to river. \n\n\n\nBe sure to call and visit these local fly shops for more information: \n\n\n\n\nAspen Outfitting Company (Aspen, Woody Creek) \n\n\n\nFrying Pan Anglers (Basalt) \n\n\n\nTaylor Creek Fly Shop (Basalt and Aspen) \n\n\n\nAlpine Angling (Carbondale) \n\n\n\nCrystal Fly Shop (Carbondale) Redstone Mercantile (Redstone) \n\n\n\nHookers (Glenwood Springs) \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs Outdoors (Glenwood Springs) \n\n\n\nRoaring Fork Anglers (Glenwood Springs) ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/western-colorado-angler-preparedness-plan/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Roaring Fork Conservancy and Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance","publishDate":"2026-07-09T18:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F11094951%2F803d1e13-247d-4e90-bee2-07059bdb63c7-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"western-colorado-angler-preparedness-plan"},{"id":"gz87dc","title":"Review: ‘A Chorus Line’","excerpt":"There is, perhaps, no musical more fitting for this era of the carefully curated online identity than “A Chorus Line.” Long before social media encouraged us to package ourselves into perfectly polished versions of ourselves fit for public consumption, Michael Bennett’s Pulitzer Prize-winning mus...","content":"There is, perhaps, no musical more fitting for this era of the carefully curated online identity than “A Chorus Line.” Long before social media encouraged us to package ourselves into perfectly polished versions of ourselves fit for public consumption, Michael Bennett’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical asked a deceptively simple question of its characters: “Who are you?”\n\n\n\nThe answers are simple, drawn from the commonality of the human experience. They are not, however, always easy to tell.\n\n\n\nPresented with precision and heart by Theatre Aspen, “A Chorus Line” remains — nearly 50 years after its debut — one of musical theater’s most enduring explorations of ambition, vulnerability and the complicated pursuit of being chosen. Under the direction of Paige Price, with choreography by Eamon Foley and music direction by Beth G. Tankersley, this production trusts both the material and its performers, allowing humanity to emerge and shine. \n\n\n\nThe premise is famously sparse. A group of dancers compete for a coveted spot in a Broadway chorus, gradually revealing the deeply personal stories that shaped their lives and careers. What begins as an audition becomes something closer to collective confession, as each performer moves beyond résumé highlights into memories of family, identity, resilience and hope. Each story is given room to breathe, allowing the audience to recognize pieces of themselves in lives that may otherwise seem far removed from their own. \n\n\n\nAs Zach, Stephen Cerf commands the stage with quiet authority, balancing the impossible task of evaluating talent while drawing deeply personal truths from the dancers before him. Opposite him, Ahren Victory brings an emotional depth and complexity to Cassie’s return to New York from LA, and back to auditioning for a spot in the chorus. \n\n\n\nAhren Victory as Cassie in “A Chorus Line.”Nikki Hausherr/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThis ensemble is exceptional, in its technical excellence and for each performer’s delivery of their character’s distinct identity. The dancing is, as expected, superb. More impressive, however, is how clearly character emerges through movement. Confidence, insecurity, humor and longing are communicated not only through dialogue but through each performer’s living into the choreography. Foley’s original choreography creates new movement that belongs only to this production, and it is a breath of fresh air that then culminates in the original and iconic choreography for “One.” \n\n\n\nThe cast of “A Chorus Line.”Nikki Hausherr/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIt is difficult to only call out a few of the performances with such a stacked cast. A few of the many worth mentioning begins with Alejandro Medina bringing a frenetic sincerity to Mark, Charlie Reyes delivering an engaging and energetic Al and Olivia Zenetizis finding delightful comedic timing as Connie. Myranda Sanchez infuses Bebe with both vulnerability and determination, while Evelyn Duggan leaves a memorable impression as Kristine, embracing the character’s near tone deafness with genuine charm. \n\n\n\nThe production’s technical elements are equally accomplished. Scenic designer Riw Rakkulchon’s elegant use of moveable mirrors expands both the physical space and the emotional landscape, subtly reinforcing the play’s central themes of reflection and identity. Maddie Peterson’s costumes remain grounded in the eclectic authenticity that is of a group of dancers, and adds the perfect pop of rhinestone exactly when it is called for. Wheeler Moon’s lighting shapes each emotional transition with clarity, Jeff Sherwood’s sound design keeps every confession crisp — allowing Marvin Hamlisch’s beloved score to resonate Under Tankersley’s direction — and the musicians provide a confident, polished foundation supporting those on stage without overwhelming them. \n\n\n\nWhat continues to make “A Chorus Line” extraordinary is the generosity with which the musical regards ordinary people pursuing their extraordinary dreams. In a culture increasingly built on performance and self-presentation, “A Chorus Line” reminds us that our value lies not in the image we project but in the lives we actively live. Every disappointment, awkward moment, difficult family relationship and unexpected detour becomes part of the story each person carries onto the line and back out into the world. \n\n\n\nBy the time the company delivers the absolutely exhilarating finale, the line no longer feels anonymous. We know these people. We have laughed with them, grieved alongside them and celebrated the resilience that carried each one to this moment. \n\n\n\nThis production honors a beloved classic by reminding us why it has endured for generations. Beneath the dazzling choreography and unforgettable musical numbers is a profoundly human story about the courage it takes to stand in the light, tell the truth about yourself and hope that, somehow, it will be enough. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/review-a-chorus-line/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Thera FreemanFor The Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-07-09T18:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F10091454%2FACL_Review_6.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"review-a-chorus-line"},{"id":"6oxxfr","title":"Wheeler Opera House announces upcoming comedy","excerpt":"The Wheeler Opera House has announced a lineup of new comedy performances spanning television, film, stand-up and podcasts, bringing sharp perspectives and big laughs to the stage this season.\n\n\n\nAccording to a press release, the following lineup represents the breadth of today’s comedy landscape...","content":"The Wheeler Opera House has announced a lineup of new comedy performances spanning television, film, stand-up and podcasts, bringing sharp perspectives and big laughs to the stage this season.\n\n\n\nAccording to a press release, the following lineup represents the breadth of today’s comedy landscape:\n\n\n\nSept. 3: Kelsey Cook & Chad Daniels\n\n\n\nKelsey Cook & Chad Daniels.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nKelsey Cook and Chad Daniels will share a sharp, well-matched comedic voice shaped by stand-up, late-night appearances, Netflix and their hit podcast. \n\n\n\n“Blending her observational humor with his seasoned storytelling, the pair bring an easy rapport and thoughtful perspective to a memorable night of comedy,” the release reads.\n\n\n\nSept. 12: Demetri Martin: The Quick Draw Tour\n\n\n\nDemetri Martin.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nDemetri Martin is an internationally-acclaimed comedian, bringing a distinct and thoughtful style to the Wheeler by blending sharp wit with inventive visual elements. He has earned top honors at the Edinburgh and Melbourne Comedy Festivals and released multiple stand-up specials, including “The Overthinker” (Netflix).\n\n\n\nHe’s also a writer, director and bestselling author — he’s the creator of “Important Things with Demetri Martin” for Comedy Central and his work has been published in The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine. His latest book is “If It’s Not Funny It’s Art,” highlighting his drawings alongside his comedy.\n\n\n\nSept. 23: Roy Wood Jr\n\n\n\nRoy Wood Jr.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nRoy Wood Jr. is an acclaimed comedian and Emmy‑nominated producer known for eight years on “The Daily Show” and for hosting CNN’s “Have I Got News for You.” \n\n\n\nAccording to the release, “his work blends cultural insight with sharp humor.” \n\n\n\nHis latest special, “Lonely Flowers,” premiered in 2025.\n\n\n\nOct. 14: Craig Robinson \n\n\n\nCraig Robinson.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nCraig Robinson brings a genre-blending live show that combines stand-up, music and performance. He’s recognized for “The Office” and “Killing It,” with work spanning film, television and the stage — which includes roles in “Dolemite Is My Name” and “Hot Tub Time Machine.” \n\n\n\n“A longtime stand-up performer with roots at Chicago’s Second City, Robinson often performs with his band, The Nasty Delicious, creating a dynamic live experience shaped by comedy, rhythm, and improvisation,” the release reads.\n\n\n\nNov. 21: Pedro Gonzalez (Spanish-only show, 16+)\n\n\n\nPedro Gonzalez is the first Latino immigrant to ever perform on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Originally from Colombia, he came to the U.S. at 20 with what the press release confirms were “no papers, no English, and no money — but despite his unpromising beginnings, he’s become an internationally touring comedian with a following of over 300K across Instagram and Facebook.” \n\n\n\nHe now lives in New York City with his wife, daughter and mom, “who’s helping raise both the baby and Pedro,” according to the release.\n\n\n\nPedro es un comediante colombiano que se destaca como el primer inmigrante latinoamericano en hacer stand up en The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Pedro entretiene a su público con sus experiencias como inmigrante, esposo y papá. Este programa es en español. \n\n\n\nAdditional show dates\n\n\n\n\nNov. 27: Drew Lynch\n\n\n\nDec. 12: Eddie Ifft \n\n\n\nDec. 12: ISMO\n\n\n\nDec. 29: Becky Robinson\n\n\n\nJan. 14, 2027: Maria Bamford","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/wheeler-opera-house-announces-upcoming-comedy/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T18:12:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F01183636%2Fwheeler-atd-050126-01-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wheeler-opera-house-announces-upcoming-comedy"},{"id":"vosqic","title":"Obituary: Brian Kalmbach","excerpt":"January 11, 1977 – June 4, 2026 \nBrian Kalmbach, age 49, of Kent, WA., passed away in his sleep on June 4, 2026. Brian lived in Eagle County for seven years, working in the Food Service Industry in Vail, CO. Brian is survived by his daughter Gabriella, sisters Amy & Angela & parents Allan & Lois.","content":"January 11, 1977 – June 4, 2026 \nBrian Kalmbach, age 49, of Kent, WA., passed away in his sleep on June 4, 2026. Brian lived in Eagle County for seven years, working in the Food Service Industry in Vail, CO. Brian is survived by his daughter Gabriella, sisters Amy & Angela & parents Allan & Lois.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/obituaries/obituary-brian-kalmbach/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily","publishDate":"2026-07-09T03:04:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F08210415%2FW0020327.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-brian-kalmbach"},{"id":"s851wn","title":"High Points: Mountain mementos","excerpt":"It made the front page. And rightfully so.\n\n\n\nThis week, Aspen One (am I the only one still having trouble not calling it SkiCo?) announced that from the Fourth of July (that came and went fast ) through July 19 (the day of the FIFA World Cup Finals), they will be auctioning off over 100 ski lift...","content":"It made the front page. And rightfully so.\n\n\n\nThis week, Aspen One (am I the only one still having trouble not calling it SkiCo?) announced that from the Fourth of July (that came and went fast ) through July 19 (the day of the FIFA World Cup Finals), they will be auctioning off over 100 ski lift chairs from The Little Nell and Bell Mountain lifts that saw their last rides this past April. Those are relics of Aspen’s ski history, and having an opportunity to hang a memento from the mountain in your yard or living room does not come around often.\n\n\n\nNot only that — it was also announced that all the funds raised in the auctions will go to support charitable endeavors that are focused on “funding voter registration, get-out-the-vote efforts and the protection of voting rights — alongside climate action.” The recipients were not announced, but the aim is true. Kudos to whoever decided that justice and climate change were worthy candidates for funding.\n\n\n\nCredit also goes to those who worked diligently on this initiative to get it right and come up with myriad methods for folks to get themselves a piece of authentic memorabilia. Let’s count the ways:\n\n\n\nFirst, there is a public auction at us.givergy.com/AspenChairlifts/?controller=home where anyone, anywhere, can go online and bid on individual chairs in a silent auction format, with bidding beginning at $250 for the 15 chairs that were on the Little Nell lift and $500 for the 100 chairs that came from the Bell Mountain lift. Assume the thinking is the Bell Lift will be the one most in demand. To the highest bidders go the spoils, Buckaroos!\n\n\n\nBecause bling sells, there are also 10 chairs that have been “reimagined into unique pieces of art.” After all, why just have a chair when you can have an “art chair”? These art chairs are also available for auction online, with bids starting at $2,500 per chair. There are chairs that have been re-upholstered in leather, painted with landscapes or covered in wood. All were finished by artisans who were given the opportunity to participate in the project. My favorite is the #7 auction item featuring a setting sun and snowflakes over the mountains that was painted by local artist Rae Lampe.\n\n\n\nAspen One did not forget the efforts of their employees, and if you work for the company, you can buy $10 raffle tickets for either the Nell or Bell chairs. Let’s say that back in the day you were a liftie, now you can take a piece of your work home with you. Kind of like how the miners took a little silver off Ajax.\n\n\n\nFinally, Aspen One will be donating two dozen chairs to worthy community organizations like the Aspen School District, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Aspen Hope Center, Ski Noir and others for display or for use in their own charity auctions. You’re going to be seeing — and maybe even swinging — in these chairs for a long time to come.\n\n\n\nI guess memorabilia in this day-and-age comes in the form of iPhone photos and Instagram posts. But once-upon-a-time, having something tangible to hold onto was how memories were collected.\n\n\n\nOn the wall in the foyer/mud room of my house hangs a large, metal ski map that I poached one day in the 1990s when they took down the lifts at Aspen Highlands. I showed up after noon to get a chair from the lifts and was too late. But the old metal map was still intact. I shimmied up the side of the posts and pulled a couple of screws loose, and, viola, the map was mine. It is a classic, with the design featuring a map made by the great ski cartographer and artist James Niehues, which shows the mountain in the days before they opened the Bow. I treasure it. One day, your Bell or Nell chair might mean as much to you as my map means to me.\n\n\n\nBid boldly, and bid often.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/high-points-mountain-mementos/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Paul E. Anna Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-09T16:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F12%2F11110902%2FHigh-Points--1-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"high-points-mountain-mementos"},{"id":"3byx39","title":"Aspen Acres fire sees some rain relief as crews fight into 11th day, but threat of flash flooding emerges","excerpt":"While rain and higher humidity should reduce Colorado wildfire spread, wind and flash flooding across the burn scar could bring new danger","content":"While rain and higher humidity should reduce Colorado wildfire spread, wind and flash flooding across the burn scar could bring new danger","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/09/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-rain-thursday-update/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-09T16:34:50.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2F20260704-Div-A-Road-514-scaled.jpeg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C768%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-acres-fire-sees-some-rain-relief-as-crews-fight-into-11th-day-but-threat-of-flash-flooding-eme"},{"id":"3mxy9w","title":"Guest column: Where did all the homes go? The supply side of our housing crisis","excerpt":"There’s a question that often comes up when people talk about housing in the Roaring Fork Valley: Do we actually have a supply problem, or just a price problem?\n\n\n\nWe understand the instinct. Prices are the most visible part of the crisis. The median home price in Glenwood Springs topped $1 milli...","content":"There’s a question that often comes up when people talk about housing in the Roaring Fork Valley: Do we actually have a supply problem, or just a price problem?\n\n\n\nWe understand the instinct. Prices are the most visible part of the crisis. The median home price in Glenwood Springs topped $1 million in 2025. In Basalt, a community that once had a median of around $300,000, that number now sits above $2.2 million.\n\n\n\nBut price and supply are deeply connected. When supply is constrained, prices go up. Before COVID-19, the region already faced a shortfall of roughly 4,000 housing units, projected to grow to nearly 7,073 by 2030. In Glenwood Springs, from 2015 to 2022, the median home sale price increased from $388,000 to $750,000 — a 93% increase. In that same period, the affordability gap between what a family earning the median wage could afford and the actual median home price increased from $49,000 in 2015 to $293,000 in 2022.\n\n\n\nThe result of these increases is roughly 26,000 daily commuters, and the No. 1 reason they give is the price of housing. With little increase in affordable supply during this same period, our workforce faces a supply problem.\n\n\n\nWhat are we doing about it?\n\n\n\nOur two organizations attack the supply problem from different directions.\n\n\n\nHabitat for Humanity RFV mostly builds new affordable homes. We are a housing developer, and right now we’re bringing 114 units of affordable homeownership to the valley across The Carter, with 88 units in Glenwood Meadows; The Confluence, with six units in downtown Glenwood Springs; and Wapiti Commons, with 20 units in Rifle.\n\n\n\nNew construction is essential because the valley’s housing stock needs to grow, but it’s expensive. Building a home in the Roaring Fork Valley can cost $400 to $800 per square foot, even if the land is donated. That means a 1,500-square-foot home can cost $600,000 to $1.2 million just to build. But a family earning the median income here can afford only a $400,000 home. Habitat RFV closes that gap through efficient building methods, buyer financing tools, and philanthropic and public investment.\n\n\n\nWMRHC tackles the problem from another angle. The Good Deeds program converts existing free-market homes into permanently more affordable homes, paying 30% of the purchase price at closing in exchange for a deed restriction that requires all future owners to be working locals and that resales be capped at the more affordable price.\n\n\n\nThe cost comparison speaks for itself: Where building a new home runs well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, Good Deeds can preserve an existing one for an average of $235,000. In its first 18 months, the program preserved 25 homes with $6 million in investment. Every conversion permanently removes a home from the cycle of runaway appreciation and provides an opportunity for homeownership for working locals for years to come.\n\n\n\nOne of us builds new supply. The other preserves existing supply. There’s no single fix for a problem this big, and no one organization can solve this alone. The valley needs new homes built, and it needs to hold onto the affordable homes it already has. We are rowing the boat in the same direction. When Habitat RFV and WMRHC coordinate rather than working in silos, every dollar goes further, and more local families have a place to call home. That kind of partnership, across organizations and across the jurisdictions that fund this work, is exactly what a regional problem demands and deserves.\n\n\n\nWho benefits?\n\n\n\nThe short answer is: pretty much everybody.\n\n\n\nThe families who move in feel it first. Their kids get to stay in the same school. They can start building savings instead of fearing the next rent increase. They can make plans for next year and the year after that in a place they already love because of the stability homeownership provides.\n\n\n\nBut the ripple effects go well beyond those families. Employers in this valley know that housing is one of their biggest workforce challenges. When someone can live close to where they work, they stick around longer. Employers can spend less time hiring and training and more time focusing on growth within their teams. Alpine Bank saw this clearly enough to purchase six units at The Carter for its employees. And nine teachers and school employees have secured homeownership through Good Deeds.\n\n\n\nAnd then there are the impacts we all feel. Fewer people are driving an hour each way to get to work. There is less pressure on our roads and infrastructure. School enrollment is more stable. More money circulates locally when workers actually live in the communities they serve. More time, thought and energy are invested in the community when homeownership becomes a reality.\n\n\n\nTogether, we are stretching public and philanthropic dollars further, enabling our region to embrace the idea that homeownership can be a reality. Together, we are opening the door to opportunity and stability. Together, we will build a stronger community.\n\n\n\nTo learn more or get involved, visit habitatroaringfork.org or wmrhousing.org.\n\n\n\nJason Schraub is the chief external relations officer at Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado. April Long is executive director of the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/guest-column-where-did-all-the-homes-go-the-supply-side-of-our-housing-crisis/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jason Schraub and April LongHabitat Column","publishDate":"2026-07-07T11:46:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2018%2F01%2F26004135%2FRestore-GPI-011918-3-5.jpg","slug":"guest-column-where-did-all-the-homes-go-the-supply-side-of-our-housing-crisis"},{"id":"ly4hcj","title":"Tuesday letters: Ballot delivery concerns, Harvest questions and BikeThere thanks","excerpt":"Voters deserve answers on ballot delays\n\n\n\nI am writing to request a public explanation from Garfield County Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon and Glenwood Springs Postmaster Adele L. Lujan concerning what appears to have been a significant delay in the delivery of mail ballots during the 2026 pri...","content":"Voters deserve answers on ballot delays\n\n\n\nI am writing to request a public explanation from Garfield County Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon and Glenwood Springs Postmaster Adele L. Lujan concerning what appears to have been a significant delay in the delivery of mail ballots during the 2026 primary election.\n\n\n\nAccording to the Garfield County election calendar, ballots were mailed on June 9, 2026. At approximately 8 a.m. that day, I received a text message confirming that my ballot had been mailed from the Garfield County Courthouse.\n\n\n\nWithin approximately two days, Republican voters on Bennett Avenue reportedly received their ballots. However, Democratic voters on the same street did not. I live on Bennett Avenue, only four blocks from the Courthouse, and did not receive my ballot.\n\n\n\nBy June 17, more than a week after ballots were reportedly mailed, my ballot still had not arrived. Concerned about preserving my right to vote, I requested a replacement ballot.\n\n\n\nOn June 22, Democratic ballots finally began arriving on Bennett Avenue. After receiving my ballot, I walked it to the Courthouse and voted. While there, I observed numerous voters seeking assistance because they had not received ballots at all.\n\n\n\nI am not alleging fraud, misconduct, or intentional wrongdoing. I do not know whether the problem originated with the Clerk and Recorder’s Office, the United States Postal Service, or somewhere else in the delivery process. I do not know whether this was an isolated incident or a broader problem. I do not know why Republican voters on my street received ballots while Democratic voters did not.\n\n\n\nWhat I do know is that voters deserve answers.\n\n\n\nAccordingly, I respectfully request that Clerk Harmon and Postmaster Lujan publicly explain what occurred, whether other voters were affected, and what steps will be taken to ensure timely ballot delivery in future elections.\n\n\n\nTransparency builds public confidence. Silence does not.\n\n\n\nDonald J. KaufmanGlenwood Springs\n\n\n\nRetain Wild at Cattle Creek and the Roaring Fork River\n\n\n\nWe know Harvest Roaring Fork/Harvest Village will soon return with a revised development proposal. We don’t yet know what changes will be presented, and it would be premature to judge a plan none of us has seen. What we can do now is ask an important question: What kind of valley do we want to leave for future generations?\n\n\n\nBefore approving one of the largest residential developments ever proposed in Garfield County, we should first understand the housing market we already have. Is the challenge simply a shortage of housing units, or is it a shortage of housing that local workers can afford?\n\n\n\nRecent market information suggests the answer is more complex than a single phrase like “housing shortage.” In communities, inventory remains elevated, homes are taking longer to sell, while affordable housing remains difficult to find. Understanding both the ownership and rental markets is essential if we hope to identify solutions that truly meet the valley’s housing needs. They deserve thoughtful solutions rather than assumptions.\n\n\n\nGood planning begins with good information. Before making decisions that will shape this valley for generations, I hope our elected officials will carefully examine the existing housing inventory, “affordable/workforce” units, the long-term rental market, approved but unbuilt developments, and the specific affordability needs throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nThe Roaring Fork Valley is more than a place to build. It is a place where wildlife still moves through open landscapes, where the river remains the heart of our communities, and where we carry a responsibility to preserve the possibility that those raised here can stay, strengthening our traditions, culture, and sense of belonging.\n\n\n\nWhatever proposal comes before our community, I hope we measure it not only by the number of homes it creates, but by the legacy it leaves. For me, that legacy is simple: Retain Wild at Cattle Creek and the Roaring Fork River.\n\n\n\nRosemary Burkholder, Carbondale\n\n\n\nThanks to everyone who supported BikeThere!\n\n\n\nOn behalf of Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) and Garfield Clean Energy (GCE), we wanted to thank everyone who made this year’s BikeThere! event a success.\n\n\n\nOver 400 people from Parachute to Aspen came together on June 24 and joined the BikeThere! movement, a regional celebration of Colorado Bike to Work Day.\n\n\n\nGiven the common lengthy commutes in our region, it’s not always possible for people to ride their bike to work, but many of us can still choose to bike for a trip to the grocery store, library, bike shop and more. That’s exactly what folks in Parachute/Battlement Mesa, Rifle, Silt, New Castle, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen did this year for BikeThere!\n\n\n\nAnd if you didn’t have time to participate on June 24, you can still sign up and log your walking, biking, taking the bus, and carpooling trips on Two Rivers Connect now through July 24 during the Way to Roll summer campaign. Find out more at cleanenergyeconomy.net/tworiversconnect/\n\n\n\nA special thanks to all the station hosts who made it possible to have 18 stations from Parachute to Aspen and all the prize sponsors. Your time and involvement made sure everyone has plenty of good reasons to BikeThere!\n\n\n\nThanks to our partners: Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), City of Glenwood Springs, and City of Aspen. We also want to thank our sponsors: Colorado Department of Transportation, Alpine Bank, Grand River Health, Watershed Environmental Giving Circle, and Aspen One. BikeThere! wouldn’t be successful without the help and support from so many throughout our community.\n\n\n\nDova Castañeda Zilly, on behalf of CLEER and GCE, Carbondale","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/tuesday-letters-ballot-delivery-concerns-harvest-questions-and-bikethere-thanks/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-07T11:38:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2019%2F11%2F25234148%2FLetters-Graphic-2.png","slug":"tuesday-letters-ballot-delivery-concerns-harvest-questions-and-bikethere-thanks"},{"id":"fs37lt","title":"Obituary: Peter “Rus” Bakich","excerpt":"January 4, 1944 – June 13, 2026\nBest Husband and Friend\nBest Father\nBest Papa\nBest Man","content":"January 4, 1944 – June 13, 2026\nBest Husband and Friend\nBest Father\nBest Papa\nBest Man","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-peter-rus-bakich/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-07T03:04:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2021%2F07%2F25091509%2Fgspi-facebook-thumbnail-1200.jpg","slug":"obituary-peter-rus-bakich"},{"id":"jlgk77","title":"Arts and Entertainment Agenda, July 10-16","excerpt":"Aspen Words Annual Benefit Dinner, July 10 \n\n\n\nJonathan Franzen and the book jackets of some of his most notable work.Aspen Words/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nGreat company is paired with great words Friday at Aspen Words’ 2026 Book Ball, an annual benefit dinner from 5:45-9:30 p.m. July 10 at Doerr-Hosier ...","content":"Aspen Words Annual Benefit Dinner, July 10 \n\n\n\nJonathan Franzen and the book jackets of some of his most notable work.Aspen Words/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nGreat company is paired with great words Friday at Aspen Words’ 2026 Book Ball, an annual benefit dinner from 5:45-9:30 p.m. July 10 at Doerr-Hosier Center, Aspen Meadows Resort, 870 Meadows Road. The evening features National Book Award-winning, best-selling author Jonathan Franzen, plus dinner and cocktails. Proceeds support Aspen Words’ programs. A silent auction is available online for those who cannot attend, and bidding continues until July 17.  \n\n\n\nFor information and tickets, visit support.aspeninstitute.org/event/2026-aspen-words-book-ball/e756910.\n\n\n\n‘Chamber Symphony: Beethoven, Mozart, Handel,’ July 10\n\n\n\nDaisies in front of the Michael Klein Music Tent.Alex Irvin/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Chamber Symphony: Beethoven, Mozart, Handel” takes the stage from 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 10 at the Michael Klein Music Tent, 960 N. 3rd St. Nicholas McGegan will take the podium. The program includes Beethoven: Overture to King Stephen, op. 117; Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218; Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, op. 47; Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/aspen-chamber-symphony2.\n\n\n\nSnowmass Comedy WKND! July 10-12\n\n\n\nComedian Dino Archie performs as part of Snowmass Comedy WKND! on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Snowmass Conference and Events Center.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nSnowmass Live presents Comedy WKND! July 10 to 12. The weekend kicks off July 10 with a free “Mountainside Comedy Happy Hour” at 5:30 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. by “Leah Lamarr and Kalea McNeill,” a ticketed show at Collective Snowmass Hall. Later that night, an open mic night begins at 9:30 p.m. at Rock Island Lobster Bar. The next day, a free event, “Fitness on the Rink led by Reem Edan,” runs from 9 to 10 a.m. on the rink. Then, “Recess with Leah & Kalea: A Happy Hour Show” starts at 5 p.m., followed by “Reem Edan” at 7:30 p.m. at The Collective Snowmass. On Sunday, “Improv 101 Workshop with Consensual Improv” runs from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by “The Laugh Lab” at 5 p.m. and “Zak Toscani” at 7:30 p.m. at The Collective Snowmass. Next, at 9 p.m., “After The Applause” runs at The Collective Slope & Hatch at 49 Wood Rd., inside The Collective in Snowmass Base Village. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit thecollectivesnowmass.com/snowmass-comedy-wknd.\n\n\n\n‘Some Enchanted Evening,’ July 12\n\n\n\nThe Hurst Theatre amidst the lush summer gardens, home to Theatre Aspen.Theatre Aspen/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Some Enchanted Evening,” a golden age cabaret, will be on stage for one night only at 7 p.m. July 12 at the Hurst Theater. Broadway stars Julie Benko, Beth Malone, Bonnie Milligan, Drew Redington, Nevada Riley, Campy Rodriguez, Michael James Scott, Christopher Sieber and Ryan Vasquez will perform. The cast collectively has more than 40 Broadway and national tour credits and four Tony nominations between them. Musical Director Andy Einhorn will lead. The venue is located at 470 Rio Grande Place. A VIP Reception will follow the performance. \n\n\n\nFor more information and tickets, visit theatreaspen.org/events/some-enchanted-evening.\n\n\n\n‘Cinema Under the Stars,’ July 13\n\n\n\nCinema Under the Stars, presented by The Little Nell and Aspen Film at the base of Aspen Mountain.The Little Nell/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nPresented by The Little Nell in partnership with Aspen Film, “Aspen Film’s Cinema Under the Stars” returns with “Overboard” to The Little Nell, July 13, at 675 E. Durant Ave. “Overboard” (1987) stars locals Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell in this iconic romantic comedy. The story follows a wealthy amnesiac who is swept into a working class life and ultimately finds love. The next movie in the series is “When Harry Met Sally” Aug. 10. General admission is complimentary, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A limited number of stadium chairs and beach blankets will be available. House-made popcorn, a limited snack menu and signature cocktails will be available for purchase. No reservations required. \n\n\n\nEasy Jim, Music of the Grateful Dead, July 15\n\n\n\nEasy Jim, Music of the Grateful Dead.Easy Jim/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nEasy Jim, Music of the Grateful Dead will perform at 6:30 p.m. July 15 at the “2026 Basalt Summer Concerts Series” at Basalt River Park. Hailing from the mountains of Gunnison and Crested Butte, Easy Jim is a laid-back group of seasoned musicians bonded by a deep love of the Grateful Dead. The six-piece ensemble mirrors the Dead’s classic lineup, and no two shows are alike. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit basalt.net/666/Summer-Concert-Series.\n\n\n\nBella Rayne, July 15\n\n\n\nThe Sopris Sisters play as part of the final free Basalt concert of the summer on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nBella Rayne will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 16 at the “2026 Basalt Summer Concert Series” at Basalt River Park. The Wednesday series returned in June, and will continue with two musical performances a night until Aug. 12. Bella Raye is a 19-year-old guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. The food trucks will be Taqueria and Windy City Eats. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit basalt.net/666/Summer-Concert-Series.\n\n\n\n‘Fabric Block Printing,’ July 16\n\n\n\nThe exterior of the Red Brick Center for the Arts is seen on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nCreative Happy Hour features “Fabric Block Print” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 16 at the Red Brick Center for the Arts, 110 E. Hallam St., Suite #120. It’s open to all levels. Participants must be 21 years of age or older. The session costs $28, and all supplies are included. \n\n\n\nFor more information and to register, visit redbrickaspen.com/events-art-exhibitions-calendar/creative-happy-hour-summer-celebration-block-print-2026-07-16.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/arts-and-entertainment-agenda-july-10-16/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-09T15:30:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2023%2F07%2F19124724%2Fimage001-1-1024x768.jpg","slug":"arts-and-entertainment-agenda-july-10-16"},{"id":"l3vsqy","title":"PitCo commissioners voice initial approval for another water buy","excerpt":"Against the recommendation of an advisory board, Pitkin County commissioners on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to buy more water to boost flows in the often-depleted Roaring Fork River.\n\n\n\nCommissioners approved on first reading a resolution and ordinance to spend $442,500 to buy 4.68 shares...","content":"Against the recommendation of an advisory board, Pitkin County commissioners on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to buy more water to boost flows in the often-depleted Roaring Fork River.\n\n\n\nCommissioners approved on first reading a resolution and ordinance to spend $442,500 to buy 4.68 shares from the Twin Lakes Reservoir & Canal Co., which is about 3.5 acre-feet of water, according to a staff memo. The deal is in addition to the $6.5 million Pitkin County already agreed to spend earlier this year for about 71 acre-feet from Twin Lakes and another ditch company. \n\n\n\nThe water is currently taken across the Continental Divide to the Arkansas River basin to be used by entities on the Front Range. The deal would allow the water to be released out of Grizzly Reservoir to Lincoln Creek and could help boost the Roaring Fork through Aspen and upstream, which suffers from low flows in dry years. \n\n\n\n“I think it’s really critical that we purchase water rights when we can, and this is an opportunity that we can, and we should,” District 1 Commissioner Patti Clapper said. \n\n\n\nPitkin County has long had a goal of increasing the amount of water in the Roaring Fork, a river that has about 40% of its headwaters diverted to the eastern side of the state through the Independence Pass Transmountain Diversion System to be used by Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Aurora. These diversions can often contribute to the depletion of the Roaring Fork through Aspen, and purchasing Twin Lakes water represents a rare opportunity to return water to the Western Slope.\n\n\n\nThe Roaring Fork River in Aspen on July 8. Pitkin County Commissioners gave initial approval to buying more shares of Twin Lakes water to boost low flows on the Fork.Heather Sackett/Aspen Journalism\n\n\n\nCommissioner Greg Poschman said he supports acquiring the water shares. \n\n\n\n“I think it’s great that we are doing this,” he said. “I know it’s expensive; there are some raised eyebrows about that, but I think this is something we have to do.”\n\n\n\nPoschman added that he was concerned that the Healthy Rivers board members recommended against buying more water and said he would like to fully understand their reasons. County staff said they were trying to schedule a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners and the Healthy Rivers board in August. \n\n\n\nMembers of the county’s Healthy Rivers board, which advises the BOCC, are concerned that the water will have a small impact on river health but a big impact on the program’s budget. The board held a special meeting June 25 to consider acquiring the shares and approved a motion saying the water yield would potentially be only 1 additional cubic feet per second for two days.\n\n\n\n“Additionally, the deleterious effects of the purchase price on the long-term fund balance of the Healthy Rivers Fund will reduce the Healthy Rivers Program’s ability to support programs to address other ballot measure mandates, including water quality, ecological health, recreation opportunities, wildlife and riparian habitat, and promoting water conservation,” the motion reads.\n\n\n\nThe motion goes on to say that, in the future, the county should implement a framework for evaluating the true value of water shares to the Roaring Fork.\n\n\n\nAt Wednesday’s meeting, County Budget Director Connie Baker told the BOCC that the Healthy Rivers board will have to trim or reallocate about $500,000 from next year’s budget to account for the combined impact of this year’s purchases of two water shares.\n\n\n\nHealthy Rivers board member Ned Andrews said he is against the purchase, citing the impact that it will have on the program’s budget. \n\n\n\n“None of the analysis or details that would justify such a purchase or a strategy going forward has been done,” Andrews told Aspen Journalism. “I think before you commit essentially a quarter of your budget for the next 15 years, you’d want to have an analysis that shows you what could be accomplished. My gut feeling is that it wouldn’t really accomplish much.” \n\n\n\nAndrews also opposed the earlier, larger water share purchase, although the rest of the Healthy Rivers board was supportive.\n\n\n\nAt their regular June meeting, Healthy Rivers board members went through the budget line by line and considered where they could trim, although those cuts have not yet been finalized.\n\n\n\nPitkin County’s Healthy Rivers Program is funded by a .1% countywide sales tax, and its mission is to improve the water quality and quantity of the local watershed. The program has funded projects such as beaver inventories, investigating water quality on Lincoln Creek, upgrades to diversion infrastructure and ditches and an effort at a Wild and Scenic designation on the Crystal River. \n\n\n\nSpending big bucks in an effort to rescue rivers is not new for Pitkin County, which has spent at least $3.5 million on the Roaring Fork River Park in Basalt, including a water court battle to secure the water right for recreation, several redesigns of problematic waves, and improvements to the riverbank and boat launch.\n\n\n\nBond for original purchase approved\n\n\n\nThe BOCC at Wednesday’s meeting also approved issuing a bond for the original purchase of Twin Lakes shares. That deal cost the county $6.5 million, although only 45 of those acre-feet represent Western Slope water that is currently diverted to the Front Range. The county plans to sell or trade the other 26 acre-feet, which is owned by the Fountain Mutual Ditch Co. in El Paso County and decreed for use on the east side of the divide.\n\n\n\nThe 45 acre-feet of water can be released down the Roaring Fork during the irrigation season when flows are low, and it must be used by a downstream water user on the Colorado River before the town of DeBeque. Instream flow for the benefit of the environment is not a decreed use of the water.\n\n\n\nThis year, according to Colorado Water Resources Division 5 Engineer Tyler Benton, at least some of Pitkin County’s Twin Lakes water was released as part of the Colorado River Water Conservation District’s emergency substitute water supply plan, which the district enacted in response to this year’s historic drought. Benton said he expects the River District to provide a full accounting of how much Pitkin County water has been released Friday. \n\n\n\nGrizzly Reservoir is currently drained for dam maintenance, which may have affected how much water could be released under the River District’s plan.\n\n\n\nAt a time when drought impacts are being acutely felt across the state and climate change continues to rob rivers of their flows, for some, the unique opportunity to put water back into a depleted stream is worth the cost. \n\n\n\n“This is expensive water, but it’s the only water you can get up at the headwaters of the Roaring Fork,” said Pitkin County Deputy Attorney Anne Marie McPhee. “So that scarcity makes it more valuable.”\n\n\n\nThe issue is scheduled for a public hearing and second reading July 22.\n\n\n\nAspen Journalism, which is solely responsible for its editorial content, is supported by a grant from Pitkin County’s Healthy Community Fund. Aspen Journalism is a nonprofit investigative news organization covering water, environment, social justice and more. Visit AspenJournalism.org.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitco-commissioners-voice-initial-approval-for-another-water-buy/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Heather Sackett Follow\n\t\t\t\t\theather@aspenjournalism.org","publishDate":"2026-07-09T00:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F08175207%2FGrizzly-1024x688.jpg","slug":"pitco-commissioners-voice-initial-approval-for-another-water-buy"},{"id":"cu0ms9","title":"Aspen Chapel sees success with request to update site plan","excerpt":"The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners approved on first reading Wednesday an ordinance to amend the Aspen Chapel Property Restrictive Covenant and accept a Nordic Easement.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Chapel of the Prince of Peace Board of Trustees requested to amend the covenant in order to accommoda...","content":"The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners approved on first reading Wednesday an ordinance to amend the Aspen Chapel Property Restrictive Covenant and accept a Nordic Easement.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Chapel of the Prince of Peace Board of Trustees requested to amend the covenant in order to accommodate an updated site plan for future improvements to the facilities, along with wanting to record a Nordic easement that was discussed in 2019 across a portion of the chapel property. The updated conceptual site plan includes a detached building that may be constructed for offices, landscape alterations, accessibility upgrades including an elevator and more.\n\n\n\n“The Restrictive Covenant that is really driving the issue in front of the board right now came out in 2019 when the Chapel and the BOCC engaged in a land exchange, or property swap,” County Attorney Richard Y. Neiley III said. “Since that time, the site plan has evolved for the Chapel.”\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Chapel has been used in the area for religious services and related community events since at least 1967, according to a staff report submitted to the BOCC prior to Wednesday’s meeting. Pitkin County acquired its property in the vicinity of the Aspen Chapel in 1975 from the Estate of Leonard M. Thomas — which, through the Open Space and Trails Department, the county currently manages as both an open space asset and a parking area.\n\n\n\nThe county relocated the entrance road into Meadowood Subdivision onto the Aspen Chapel property in the early 1980s.\n\n\n\n“At the time, both parties agreed to a ‘land swap’ to compensate Aspen Chapel for the county’s use of a portion of the property for Meadowood Road,” the report states. “For various reasons, including the complexity of the various property boundaries in the vicinity of the Chapel, the Meadowood Subdivision, and the City and County boundary, the planned land swap stalled out and did not come to fruition until 2019.”\n\n\n\nIn 2019, the BOCC and the Chapel agreed to exchange land and recorded a number of ordinances that included a Restrictive Covenant limiting development and the use of the property — which does allow the construction of a parsonage house — and a Recreational Trail Easement — primarily for Nordic skiing and pedestrian use. The Recreational Trail Easement was not attached to the ordinance, however, and has never been separately recorded.\n\n\n\n“Pitkin County staff have been unable to ascertain why that grant never happened, but the current ordinance addresses that oversight by requiring the grant of a Nordic Easement at the same time the Amendment to the Restrictive Covenant is effectuated,” the report states. “The intent of the Nordic Easement is to grant the public the right to use a portion of the Chapel Property for wintertime skiing use.”\n\n\n\nThe BOCC approval of the covenant amendments will not change specific development restrictions on the property that include maintaining 64 parking spaces (two or three of the 24 spaces to the north of the Chapel building can be converted to trash and recycling areas), limiting the height of the meeting space to the lower edge of the existing Chapel roof and building a “detached chapel residence building” to house a chapel employee or official, among other items.\n\n\n\nBecause the Chapel is designated to the Pitkin County Historic Register, its members have been working with the county’s Historic Preservation Officer Suzannah Reid to ensure the amended conceptual plans are consistent with the Historic Preservation Guidelines.\n\n\n\n“The Chapel asserts that the proposed amendments are aligned with the spirit of the restrictive covenant and provide the Aspen Chapel with certainty around future improvements to serve the community and confidence to officially designate the property to the Pitkin County Historic Register,” the report states.\n\n\n\nAccording to Reid, amending the site plan stemmed from an incompatibility with the proposed housing unit and its location below the Chapel. \n\n\n\n“That started this whole discussion of reworking the approach to the site plan,” she said, noting that the re-envisioning of future development will leave the historic building intact along with the iconic view people have of it now. \n\n\n\nCommissioners unanimously approved the ordinance on its first reading.\n\n\n\n“I think everyone in the community wants everything to go well for the Aspen Chapel,” said Commissioner Francie Jacober. “I know everyone at this table does … I’m in favor of moving on with this for sure.”\n\n\n\nThe second reading and a continuation of the public hearing is set for Aug. 12.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-chapel-sees-success-with-request-to-update-site-plan/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T23:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2019%2F08%2F09134705%2Faspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-2.jpg","slug":"aspen-chapel-sees-success-with-request-to-update-site-plan"},{"id":"jag2se","title":"Helicopter operations to close Aspen’s Silver Queen Gondola Thursday","excerpt":"Helicopter operations are scheduled for Thursday, July 9, on Aspen Mountain as construction continues for the new Nell Bell chairlift, closing the Silver Queen Gondola and almost all hiking trails for the day.\n\n\n\nFlight operations will run from 7 a.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m., according to a...","content":"Helicopter operations are scheduled for Thursday, July 9, on Aspen Mountain as construction continues for the new Nell Bell chairlift, closing the Silver Queen Gondola and almost all hiking trails for the day.\n\n\n\nFlight operations will run from 7 a.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m., according to a press release. If the work is not completed on Thursday, helicopter operations will resume Friday, July 10. Due to the helicopter activity, the Silver Queen Gondola will be closed all day Thursday, along with all other operations on Aspen Mountain.\n\n\n\nAll hiking on Aspen Mountain except the Ute Trail will also be closed Thursday, the release confirms. Aspen Mountain Summer Road is closed from Aspen Alps to the top of Bell Mountain, as is the private road from the Shadow Mountain Lift.\n\n\n\nNell Bell lift construction is scheduled to continue through summer 2026, with additional helicopter dates and logistics that will be shared in advance. \n\n\n\n“Guests are encouraged to plan their Aspen Mountain visits accordingly and follow all on-mountain trail closure signage,” the release states.\n\n\n\nThe new Nell Bell lift will debut for the winter 2026/27 season, replacing the Bell Mountain (1957) and Little Nell (1986) lifts with a single high-speed detachable quad — what the release calls “a significant investment in the Aspen Mountain experience.” It will run from Gondola Plaza to the top of Bell Mountain and provide what the release calls “unprecedented” base-to-mountain access.\n\n\n\nChairs from the former Bell Mountain and The Little Nell chairlifts are now available at auction through July 19, with every dollar raised going toward strengthening democracy — funding voter registration, get-out-the-vote efforts and the protection of voting rights — alongside climate action.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/helicopter-operations-to-close-silver-queen-gondola-thursday/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T23:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F08153505%2FIMG_8904-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"helicopter-operations-to-close-aspens-silver-queen-gondola-thursday"},{"id":"njs3jz","title":"What to do in Colorado this week: Get roped into a rodeo in Golden, Gunnison, Steamboat Springs and more","excerpt":"Plus: The 40th Black Arts Festival, hot air balloons in Erie and a free film screening at the Colorado Mountain Club","content":"Plus: The 40th Black Arts Festival, hot air balloons in Erie and a free film screening at the Colorado Mountain Club","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/09/whats-happening-this-week-colorado-rodeos/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Parker Yamasaki","publishDate":"2026-07-09T14:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F11%2FRodeo_HC_02-scaled.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C730%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"what-to-do-in-colorado-this-week-get-roped-into-a-rodeo-in-golden-gunnison-steamboat-springs-and-mor"},{"id":"6ihol8","title":"Blumenthal: Back in action in a less crowded valley","excerpt":"My trusted companion, Enzo, and I completed our annual road trip from Santa Monica to Aspen-Snowmass just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations...","content":"My trusted companion, Enzo, and I completed our annual road trip from Santa Monica to Aspen-Snowmass just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/blumenthal-back-in-action-in-a-less-crowded-valley/article_1006cea0-8402-486d-8ef0-3e207490dfea.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Mel Blumenthal, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F82%2F8824a83e-01f3-46cd-b4bb-082702430211%2F68834a732af38.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C359","slug":"blumenthal-back-in-action-in-a-less-crowded-valley"},{"id":"t96lgx","title":"McCready: The competitiveness conundrum","excerpt":"I was recently talking with another parent in town when the subject of competitiveness came up. During our short conversation, her young child asked what “competitive” meant...","content":"I was recently talking with another parent in town when the subject of competitiveness came up. During our short conversation, her young child asked what “competitive” meant...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/mccready-the-competitiveness-conundrum/article_ab94bcf7-a892-497c-9d84-1697387b8eb1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Eric McCready, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Fc9%2Ffc9abd78-e9d4-11ef-b194-6b63644f4746%2F67ad93563a0b3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C280","slug":"mccready-the-competitiveness-conundrum"},{"id":"te2ky7","title":"A contradiction — no fires or are some permitted?","excerpt":"John Norman — Maybe I am missing something! The article in The Aspen Times states in paragraph two: ‘Stage 2 fire restrictions...","content":"John Norman — Maybe I am missing something! The article in The Aspen Times states in paragraph two: ‘Stage 2 fire restrictions...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/a-contradiction-no-fires-or-are-some-permitted/article_1539d231-5429-4325-a31c-1a43136b7e69.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1610736576962-1b0e0b6e8e2a%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","inBriefing":true,"slug":"a-contradiction-no-fires-or-are-some-permitted"},{"id":"z3tjd8","title":"Theatre Aspen should make park shows free","excerpt":"John Jacobs — Sometimes I open the morning paper and feel like Rod Serling just stepped out of the static...","content":"John Jacobs — Sometimes I open the morning paper and feel like Rod Serling just stepped out of the static...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/theatre-aspen-should-make-park-shows-free/article_31089a4a-fea4-4c00-9313-39471e6ba077.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-10T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1483728642387-6c3bdd6c93e5%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"theatre-aspen-should-make-park-shows-free"},{"id":"7ocndf","title":"Local news in brief, July 9","excerpt":"Wolcott lightning strike causes power outage","content":"Wolcott lightning strike causes power outage","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-july-9/article_e7a2f783-0380-4998-9a1b-7aa7dee438e7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fed%2Fdedb6be4-2961-4a1f-9a0b-c1e8bf2d604c%2F68e710dcf2f72.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C189","slug":"local-news-in-brief-july-9"},{"id":"veq48u","title":"PitCo commissioners seeking to pool additional water rights","excerpt":"Healthy Rivers board weighs cost and benefit as others tout ‘cumulative’ impact","content":"Healthy Rivers board weighs cost and benefit as others tout ‘cumulative’ impact","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/pitco-commissioners-seeking-to-pool-additional-water-rights/article_b27179bb-4dab-4f09-a795-4619cf46e1f4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams, Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fff%2Fbffb8183-6fdd-4d7e-9ce0-b9bea6302a8d%2F6a4ee84bd8295.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"pitco-commissioners-seeking-to-pool-additional-water-rights"},{"id":"cn7sfl","title":"Reem Edan headlines Comedy Wknd! in Snowmass","excerpt":"Iraqi comedian finds common ground in stand-up","content":"Iraqi comedian finds common ground in stand-up","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/reem-edan-headlines-comedy-wknd-in-snowmass/article_1ffcd9b5-956a-46c7-ac51-061efab57fa7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-09T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F22%2F122dbaf2-00a5-4e01-b3c4-94ec2898b92b%2F6a4eec3def910.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"reem-edan-headlines-comedy-wknd-in-snowmass"},{"id":"u2hqm","title":"City urges extra bear awareness this summer","excerpt":"Dry conditions impacting food sources much earlier than normal","content":"Dry conditions impacting food sources much earlier than normal","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/city-urges-extra-bear-awareness-this-summer/article_7db24765-cb7c-403e-9e19-5c8212aa3a37.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-09T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F3f%2F13f9da17-51ce-4268-ad32-31088de4dd8b%2F6a4eed53be9b6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"city-urges-extra-bear-awareness-this-summer"},{"id":"18dwc4","title":"reem edan","excerpt":"Reem Edan returns to Comedy Wknd! for the festival’s third year, this time as the headliner. She will perform at The Collective Snowmass at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.","content":"Reem Edan returns to Comedy Wknd! for the festival’s third year, this time as the headliner. She will perform at The Collective Snowmass at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/reem-edan/image_122dbaf2-00a5-4e01-b3c4-94ec2898b92b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Reem Edan","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F22%2F122dbaf2-00a5-4e01-b3c4-94ec2898b92b%2F6a4eec3def910.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"reem-edan"},{"id":"xi305e","title":"twin lakes","excerpt":"Clouds gather on the peaks around Twin Lakes on Aug. 26, 2024. After a major water rights acquisition earlier this year, Pitkin County is looking to buy another 4.68 shares — currently diverted from the Western Slope and stored in…","content":"Clouds gather on the peaks around Twin Lakes on Aug. 26, 2024. After a major water rights acquisition earlier this year, Pitkin County is looking to buy another 4.68 shares — currently diverted from the Western Slope and stored in…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/twin-lakes/image_bffb8183-6fdd-4d7e-9ce0-b9bea6302a8d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams/Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:45:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fff%2Fbffb8183-6fdd-4d7e-9ce0-b9bea6302a8d%2F6a4ee84bd8295.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"twin-lakes"},{"id":"gv8fht","title":"Obituary: Merry Lee Devlin","excerpt":"December 21, 1952 – June 26, 2026\nMerry Lee Devlin passed away on June 26, 2026, at her home in Englewood, Colorado, surrounded with love and laughter.\nMerry was born December 21, 1952, in Englewood, Colorado to Peter M. Klismet and Loraine E. (Steffenson) Klismet. Although Merry lived briefly i...","content":"December 21, 1952 – June 26, 2026\nMerry Lee Devlin passed away on June 26, 2026, at her home in Englewood, Colorado, surrounded with love and laughter.\nMerry was born December 21, 1952, in Englewood, Colorado to Peter M. Klismet and Loraine E. (Steffenson) Klismet. Although Merry lived briefly in Kansas, Arkansas, and California, she returned to Colorado in 1980 and never again moved away from the state that she loved. Married in 1982 to Ted Devlin, the two enjoyed playing cards, being outdoors, fishing, wildlife, and exploring Colorado towns and landmarks.\nMerry was a Registered Nurse (RN) who spent more than 35 years caring for others with compassion, kindness, and respect. Before retiring in 2015 from the State of Colorado, Merry had worked at the Rifle and Delta Correctional Centers, Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado.\nMerry was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who was always willing to listen, laugh, and commiserate with those she loved. Family was very important to Merry and her favorite moments included a full house, a busy kitchen, and the sound of laughter. Merry’s sense of adventure led her down many dirt roads and a few dead ends, but she was not easily deterred, and roadblocks only became opportunities to climb higher and get a better view.\nMerry loved to read, primarily books and stories about the American west, animals, and nature. Sewing, knitting, and cross-stich were hobbies that Merry found to be relaxing. Merry loved nature and animals and never met a rescue dog she didn’t love. Some of Merry’s fondest memories were of camping as a young girl with her family, traveling to Yellowstone and Montana, and watching the world from her front porch.\nMerry’s family was always a priority and while she loved her children, she adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Collecting wind-up toys was an early hobby that soon filled a large display cabinet with a variety of colorful toys that were “off limits,” until recently when the great grandchildren were allowed to play with them. Anyone who was fortunate enough to enjoy one of Merry’s homemade meals will tell you that she was a great cook and made the best breakfasts ever.\nMerry was preceded in death by her dad in 1982, her mom in 2003, her husband, Ted, in 2021 and her sister, Kathy Gibson, in 2023. She is survived by her children, David Smith (Vickie) of Fontana, California, Angela Kistler of Englewood, Colorado, Aleeca Dinkel, of Agra, Kansas, William Allen Dinkel of Grand Junction, Colorado, Andrea Madden (Marc) of Manassas, Virginia, and fifteen grandchildren. Merry is also survived by her siblings Peter Klismet Jr. (Nancy), James Klismet, Cheryl Embrey (Paul Sr.), and many precious nieces and nephews who share great memories of being at Merry’s home for many family celebrations.\nMerry lived her life looking forward to whatever waited for her beyond the next horizon; her family finds great comfort and peace in knowing that as she began her next journey, she was warmly welcomed into the arms of those who went before her.\nService details are pending; however, Merry will rest peacefully with her husband, Ted, at Fort Logan National Cemetery.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-merry-lee-devlin-2/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-07T03:04:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02210408%2FW0020307.jpeg","slug":"obituary-merry-lee-devlin"},{"id":"qi3zsb","title":"Obituary: Sandra Allmon","excerpt":"January 5, 1938 – June 26, 2026\nSandra “Sandy” Allmon, a devoted wife and mother passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 5, 1938, in Eckert, Co, to Agnes A. Bishop and Charles Clayton Bishop. Sandy graduated from Delta High School in 1956....","content":"January 5, 1938 – June 26, 2026\nSandra “Sandy” Allmon, a devoted wife and mother passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 5, 1938, in Eckert, Co, to Agnes A. Bishop and Charles Clayton Bishop. Sandy graduated from Delta High School in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, Anson Doyle Allmon, on May 18, 1957. Sandy’s greatest joy was her family. She and Doyle raised 4 boys, Wayne, Warren, Milton and Merlin. Sandy’s professional life was marked by her 26-year tenure as a secretary for the Basalt School. Sandy was a long-standing member with the Rebekah Lodge.\nSandy is survived by her husband Doyle and her sons, Warren (Julie) of Silt, Co, Merlin (Jimmie) of Milford TX, Milton (Michelle) De Beque, Co, her sister Benita Hammond of Montrose, Co and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sandy was preceded in death by her son Robert Wayne Allmon, her sister Sharon Brenton and brothers, Charles and Jerry Bishop.\nA memorial service will be held on July 26, 2026, at the Grand Valley Recreation Center, in the Grand Valley room at 1:00p.m. A small meal and refreshments will follow the service.\nIn Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abode Hospice Care.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-sandra-allmon-2/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-07T03:04:11.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02210412%2FW0020316.jpeg","slug":"obituary-sandra-allmon"},{"id":"ioxd21","title":"grizzly reservoir","excerpt":"Water flows out of Grizzly Reservoir, about 16 miles upslope from Aspen, on July 5, 2024. Pitkin County has invested millions of dollars in purchasing the rights to water that was diverted to the other side of the Continental Divide,…","content":"Water flows out of Grizzly Reservoir, about 16 miles upslope from Aspen, on July 5, 2024. Pitkin County has invested millions of dollars in purchasing the rights to water that was diverted to the other side of the Continental Divide,…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/grizzly-reservoir/image_ecb47680-b948-4ff9-88d6-85a3301f9950.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams/Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Fcb%2Fecb47680-b948-4ff9-88d6-85a3301f9950%2F6a4ee88fe8d2f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C218","slug":"grizzly-reservoir"},{"id":"nhfrxt","title":"bears","excerpt":"Members of the city of Aspen Parks and Open Space and the Aspen Police Department attempt to drive bear cubs away from populated areas in September 2025. Bears are coming out much earlier than normal this summer because of the…","content":"Members of the city of Aspen Parks and Open Space and the Aspen Police Department attempt to drive bear cubs away from populated areas in September 2025. Bears are coming out much earlier than normal this summer because of the…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/bears/image_13f9da17-51ce-4268-ad32-31088de4dd8b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F3f%2F13f9da17-51ce-4268-ad32-31088de4dd8b%2F6a4eed53be9b6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"bears"},{"id":"7n21l6","title":"Passing our way Friday","excerpt":"Shakedown Street, a Grateful Dead cover band that has been together since 1987, will play Belly Up Aspen on Friday night. Instead of the band’s usual two-set shows, there will be one long set from 9:30-11 p.m. Band members include…","content":"Shakedown Street, a Grateful Dead cover band that has been together since 1987, will play Belly Up Aspen on Friday night. Instead of the band’s usual two-set shows, there will be one long set from 9:30-11 p.m. Band members include…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/passing-our-way-friday/image_f1e7935b-ec81-4b04-8293-3572272c5b2d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Joe Weiseger","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F1e%2Ff1e7935b-ec81-4b04-8293-3572272c5b2d%2F6a4ee7e65929f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C207","slug":"passing-our-way-friday"},{"id":"yd2ige","title":"Summer swing","excerpt":"Calvin Gloor jumps off the rope swing at the North Star Nature Preserve river takeout as Logan Lawrence watches on Wednesday afternoon.","content":"Calvin Gloor jumps off the rope swing at the North Star Nature Preserve river takeout as Logan Lawrence watches on Wednesday afternoon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/summer-swing/image_189daf3b-5382-4dc9-8106-b7cca2fcf621.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:30:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F89%2F189daf3b-5382-4dc9-8106-b7cca2fcf621%2F6a4ee7794f68a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"summer-swing"},{"id":"js0n94","title":"I-70 saw more than 160,000 drivers over the Fourth of July holiday weekend","excerpt":"The Interstate 70 mountain corridor was busy over the Fourth of July weekend, but did not see record-breaking traffic.\n\n\n\nAbout 163,500 vehicles passed through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, according to the Colorado Department of Transporta...","content":"The Interstate 70 mountain corridor was busy over the Fourth of July weekend, but did not see record-breaking traffic.\n\n\n\nAbout 163,500 vehicles passed through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.\n\n\n\nThat’s about 4% fewer vehicles than during the Fourth of July holiday period last year and about 10% fewer vehicles than during 2020, which was the last time that the holiday fell on a weekend.\n\n\n\nSunday was the busiest day on I-70 over the holiday weekend, with about 46,450 drivers on the road, with nearly two-thirds headed eastbound toward Denver, according to the transportation department.\n\n\n\nOn Thursday, about 44,500 drivers passed through the tunnels. On Friday, more than 42,000 passed through the tunnels, the majority of them heading westbound to the mountains ahead of the holiday.\n\n\n\nThe transportation department reported that there were no major issues or closures on the I-70 mountain corridor over the weekend, despite concerns about the high fire danger ahead of the holiday.\n\n\n\n“Many first responders breathed a sigh of relief with no fire starts along the I-70 mountain corridor this holiday weekend,” CDOT communications manager Austyn Dineen said in an email. “However, with much of the state experiencing severe drought and every county west of I-25 under fire restrictions, the risk of human-caused wildfires remains very high.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/i-70-fourth-of-july-traffic/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T22:39:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06143238%2F20260702144459178396-1024x768.jpg","slug":"i-70-saw-more-than-160000-drivers-over-the-fourth-of-july-holiday-weekend"},{"id":"yyfo7c","title":"Dual-brand Hilton Hotel coming to Eagle County Regional Airport in 2028","excerpt":"Gypsum Hotel Partners is building a dual-brand Hilton Hotel near the Eagle County Regional Airport, with construction on the 140-room property, to be operated by Crestline Hotels and Resorts, expected to be completed in early 2028.\n\n\n\nLocated in the Airport Gateway Business Center just a few minu...","content":"Gypsum Hotel Partners is building a dual-brand Hilton Hotel near the Eagle County Regional Airport, with construction on the 140-room property, to be operated by Crestline Hotels and Resorts, expected to be completed in early 2028.\n\n\n\nLocated in the Airport Gateway Business Center just a few minutes from the airport at 135 Lindbergh Drive, the dual-brand hotel will feature both a Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and a Home2 Suites by Hilton.\n\n\n\nThe property will feature two meeting rooms totaling approximately 1,100 square feet, a complimentary hot breakfast with healthy options, free wifi, an outdoor deck and firepits with Rocky Mountain views, an indoor pool and a fitness center.\n\n\n\nAll guestrooms will have a flat screen HDTV, desk with ergonomic chair, refrigerator and coffee maker. Twenty-two of the 62 Hampton Inn & Suites rooms will be king suites with an expanded living area, while all 78 Home2 Suites rooms will have fully equipped kitchens to accommodate longer stays of seven to 30-plus days. The two-story lobby will offer local beer and wine on-tap for guests.\n\n\n\nLeading the hotel’s development is hospitality industry veteran Chris Manley of Denver and developer Bryan Desmond of Eagle.\n\n\n\nManley, the former co-founder of 5 Senses Hospitality Management and chief operating officer of Denver-based hotel owner, operator and developer Stonebridge Companies, most recently acquired and renovated the 133-room AC Hotel by Marriott in Frisco, while Desmond has developed residential and commercial real estate in Eagle County for nearly 25 years. \n\n\n\nManley and Desmond have partnered with ArrowMark Partners to capitalize the project. The Denver-based asset manager focuses on providing middle market capital solutions to proven commercial real estate developers and sponsors. Since 2019, ArrowMark has invested over $4 billion in both debt and equity on behalf of its investors.\n\n\n\n“We are thrilled to announce one of the first new hotels down valley in more than 25 years,” Manley said. “The immediate proximity to I-70, the Eagle River and the Eagle County Regional Airport will provide guests with adjacent access to the hiking, biking, fishing, golfing and hunting that makes down valley such a popular destination.\n\n\n\n“This is a significant expansion of Hilton’s presence in the Vail Valley, and we are excited to solidify our partnership with the best-in-class hospitality leader.” \n\n\n\nProject financing will be provided by FirstBank, now part of PNC.\n\n\n\nFor more information on The Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hampton Inn and Suites Eagle Vail Valley Airport, visit stories.hilton.com.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-valley/dual-brand-hilton-hotel-coming-to-eagle-county-regional-airport-in-2028/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T23:11:44.000Z","category":"business","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F08160424%2FEagle_County_Regional_Airport_Hotel_-_View_from_Northwest-1024x576.png","slug":"dual-brand-hilton-hotel-coming-to-eagle-county-regional-airport-in-2028"},{"id":"bk5w70","title":"Aspen Art Fair 2026 extends cultural, outdoor program offerings","excerpt":"The Aspen Art Fair 2026 is expanding beyond the traditional art fair model to offer additional cultural and outdoor programming July 28–Aug. 1. Visitors will be able to experience art, design, fashion, architecture, Academy Award-winning film, conversations and panels along with early morning riv...","content":"The Aspen Art Fair 2026 is expanding beyond the traditional art fair model to offer additional cultural and outdoor programming July 28–Aug. 1. Visitors will be able to experience art, design, fashion, architecture, Academy Award-winning film, conversations and panels along with early morning river plunges, mountain hikes, dining and hospitality during Aspen Art Week. New cultural partnerships with Aspen Education Foundation and Desert X are enhancing the fair’s commitment to arts access and education, according to a press release.\n\n\n\n“Building on the success of its first two editions and led by new Director Kelly Cornell, the fair continues to deepen its engagement with Aspen’s exceptional artistic and cultural landscape through new partnerships, expanded programming, and a growing network of galleries and collectors,” the release states. “The fair’s commitment to connecting art and landscape continues through a series of guided outdoor experiences … Offering fairgoers a restorative way to begin the day immersed in Aspen’s natural beauty, these programs reflect the belief that the experience of art in Aspen extends beyond galleries and institutions to include the landscapes that have inspired generations of artists, writers, architects, and thinkers.”\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Art Fair Cultural and Outdoor programming is open to fair ticket holders only, according to the release. All ticket and pass holders can register for eligible events through their ArtSVP confirmation link received by email. To purchase tickets to the Aspen Art Fair, go to https://aspenartfair.artsvp.com/822d4a?link=web.\n\n\n\nTuesday, July 28, offerings\n\n\n\nMelony and Adam Lewis Home Tour\n\n\n\n\n11 a.m., address provided on confirmation only\n\n\n\nCollectors and longtime arts patrons Melony and Adam Lewis will give an intimate tour of their private residence and art collection. “Reflecting decades of engagement with art and artists, the Lewis collection features significant works of contemporary art alongside major examples of post-war abstraction,” the release states. “Guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the intersection of art, architecture, and design while hearing stories about the relationships, experiences, and discoveries that have shaped one of Aspen’s most distinctive private collections.”\n\n\n\nOpen to VIP Pass Holders, capacity limited\n\n\n\n\nConversations with Christie’s\n\n\n\n\n11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Wheeler Room\n\n\n\nHosted by Christie’s, this invitation-only lunch brings together collectors, artists, museum directors and cultural leaders for an afternoon of conversation and connection with Carlos Basualdo, director of the Nasher Sculpture Center, Nicola Lees, artistic director and CEO of the Aspen Art Museum and Contemporary Japanese American artist Tomokazu Matsuyama. “They will explore collecting, institutional leadership, and the evolving role of contemporary art within cultural discourse,” the release states.\n\n\n\nBy invitation only\n\n\n\n\nROOM 13* Private Members Club \n\n\n\n\n3 p.m., Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 620 W Bleeker St.\n\n\n\nROOM 13* is inviting guests to an afternoon on the lawn of the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, with a tour of the historic house, a conversation with Skyler Lomahaftewa to learn about life as a modern Ute, live music, a game of croquet on the lawn and a glass of champagne or wine in a historic setting. “*ROOM 13 is a global members club bringing together people in the arts, people who love the arts, people who work in the arts and anyone who enjoys a good conversation, meaningful connection and a pleasant surprise,” the release states. \n\n\n\nDresscode: Wildflowers and Flannel\n\n\n\nOpen to VIP Pass Holders, capacity limited\n\n\n\n\nCommunion: Art, Architecture, and Landscape — Scott Mitchell and Phillip K. Smith III in conversation\n\n\n\n\n5 to 6 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Bad Harriet\n\n\n\nJoin Scott Mitchell, architectural designer, founder and partner of architecture firm Scott Mitchell Studio, along with Phillip K. Smith III, a contemporary artist whose work explores light, space, form, and perception through immersive installations, in conversation with moderator Lindsey Shook, vice president of Content Strategy & Brand Vision at California Home+Design.\n\n\n\n\nVIP Cocktail reception \n\n\n\n\n6 to 7 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Living Room Terrace – Sculpture Garden\n\n\n\nWith support from Kilo Caviar and Ruinart \n\n\n\nBy invitation only\n\n\n\n\nVIP Opening Dinner of the Aspen Art Fair in honor of Desert X hosted by Scott Mitchell \n\n\n\n\n7 to 9:30 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Wheeler Room\n\n\n\nBy invitation only\n\n\n\n\nWednesday, July 29, offerings\n\n\n\nCold Plunge with The Aspen Art Fair Co-Founder Bob Chase\n\n\n\n\n7 a.m., Shuttle pick-up at Hotel Jerome – Stillwater Preserve\n\n\n\n“Start your morning immersed in the grandeur of the Elk Mountains and experience the invigorating and restorative qualities of Aspen’s crystal-clear Roaring Fork River,” the release states. “This serene, protected 175-acre wetland offers a peaceful stretch of water and sweeping mountain views, creating an unforgettable setting to reconnect with nature and begin the day refreshed and energized.”\n\n\n\nActivity Level: Mild\n\n\n\n\nForest Bathing: Hiking Hunter Creek with The Aspen Art Fair Co-Founder Bob Chase\n\n\n\n\n8 a.m., Shuttle pick-up at Hotel Jerome – Hunter Creek Trail\n\n\n\nThis guided hike will follow the Hunter Creek Valley alongside waterfalls and flowing creeks while winding through pine forests and aspen groves. “The experience culminates with sweeping views overlooking Aspen and the surrounding wilderness beyond,” according to the release.\n\n\n\nActivity Level: Moderate\n\n\n\n\nVIP Brunch: The Fine Art Group and The Aspen Art Fair present The Art of Stewardship, a Private Conversation on Collection, Capital, and Legacy\n\n\n\n\n10 a.m. to noon, Hotel Jerome – Wheeler Room\n\n\n\nMichael D. Nelson, CEO and managing partner of Eagle Bay Family Office will be in conversation with Anita Heriot, president of The Fine Art Group, Americas, Grant Bowen, founder and CEO of Peak Projects, and Cornell.\n\n\n\nBy invitation only\n\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Art Fair VIP Opening Preview\n\n\n\n\n11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hotel Jerome\n\n\n\nTicketed VIP reception celebrating the opening of The Aspen Art Fair.\n\n\n\n\nDrop-In: Grounded in Protection, Rooted in Risk Management\n\n\n\n\n12:30 to 2 p.m., Felix Roasting Co. at Hotel Jerome\n\n\n\nAn informal session on art insurance and risk management with Matt Sweitzer, head of Fine Art & Collectibles at Private Client Select Insurance Services, and Kristina Marcigliano, associate director at Willis Towers Watson Fine Art. Coffee and pastries will be on the house.\n\n\n\n\nAll the Empty Rooms: Film Screening & Conversation\n\n\n\n\n6 to 7 p.m., Isis Theatre – Theater 2 – 406 E Hopkins Avenue\n\n\n\nFilm and conversation will explore the role of storytelling, image-making and art in shaping public consciousness and inspiring change. A screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary “All the Empty Rooms,” directed and produced by Joshua Seftel, follows journalist Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they travel across America creating intimate memorial portraits of the bedrooms left behind by children lost to school shootings, according to the release. “Through photography and human connection, the project transforms spaces of absence into powerful acts of remembrance,” the release states. The screening will be in partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 11 million supporters.\n\n\n\nFollowing the screening, Melony Lewis, executive producer and co-founder of Canyon Echo Capital, will moderate a conversation with Seftel, Bopp and John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Together, they will explore the intersection of art, memory, grief, and advocacy, and discuss how creative storytelling can honor lives lost, foster empathy, and inspire meaningful dialogue and social change,” the release states.\n\n\n\n\nDinner Celebrating Art’s Power To Change\n\n\n\n\n7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Wheeler Room\n\n\n\nGuests are invited to gather for an invitation-only dinner with the filmmakers, producers and special guests following “All the Empty Rooms” for an evening inspired by the film’s powerful exploration of memory, loss and what the release calls “the transformative power of storytelling.”\n\n\n\nBy invitation only\n\n\n\n\nThursday, July 30, offerings\n\n\n\nCold Plunge with The Aspen Art Fair Co-Founder Bob Chase\n\n\n\n\n7 a.m., Shuttle pick-up at Hotel Jerome – Stillwater Preserve\n\n\n\n“Start your morning immersed in the grandeur of the Elk Mountains and experience the invigorating and restorative qualities of Aspen’s crystal-clear Roaring Fork River,” the release states. “This serene, protected 175-acre wetland offers a peaceful stretch of water and sweeping mountain views, creating an unforgettable setting to reconnect with nature and begin the day refreshed and energized.”\n\n\n\nActivity Level: Mild\n\n\n\n\nJorge M. and Darlene Pérez Collection: Outdoor Sculpture Park Art Stroll\n\n\n\n\n10 to 11 a.m., address provided on confirmation only \n\n\n\nJoin collectors Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez for an exclusive guided art stroll through the outdoor sculpture park at their Aspen residence. “Set within a thoughtfully designed natural landscape, the collection features significant works by leading contemporary artists, offering a unique opportunity to experience large-scale sculpture in dialogue with the surrounding environment,” the release states. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes for this outdoor experience.\n\n\n\nOpen to VIP Pass Holders, capacity limited\n\n\n\n\nPouring Over Your Insurance Policy Options\n\n\n\n\n11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Felix Roasting Co. at Hotel Jerome\n\n\n\n“Brew up some questions and we will help you find the answers,” the release states. Marcigliano and Sweitzer will review insurance coverage and guarantee that assets are fully protected. For collectors, gallerists, and museums on a drop-in basis, with coffee and pastries provided.\n\n\n\n\nHeidi Zuckerman’s “About Art” Podcast: Live Conversation with Ronald Rael\n\n\n\n\n1 to 2 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Bad Harriet\n\n\n\nHeidi Zuckerman will be in conversation with Ronald Rael, artist, architect, designer, author and co-founder of the creative practice Rael San Fratello, for a live recording of Zuckerman’s acclaimed “About Art” podcast. “Known for work that bridges art, architecture, social practice, material innovation, and environmental thinking, Rael will discuss his expansive creative practice and the ways design can reimagine our relationship to place, community, and the built world,” the release states. Rael is also the Eva Li Memorial chair in Architecture at UC Berkeley and chair of the Department of Art Practice.\n\n\n\n\nFalcons & Bell Aviation Experience\n\n\n\n\n1 to 5 p.m., Atlantic Aviation – 69 Airport Road\n\n\n\nExperience an exclusive private aviation showcase and enjoy a curated morning and afternoon exploring the intersection of design, engineering, innovation and luxury travel through private viewings of Dassault Aviation aircraft and Bell helicopters. “Set against Aspen’s magnificent mountain backdrop, this invitation-only activation offers a rare opportunity to engage with leading voices in aviation while experiencing world-class aircraft and elevated hospitality,” the release states.\n\n\n\nBy invitation only\n\n\n\n\nAspen History Part I: The Center of the Eye: From Hotel Jerome to Aperture Magazine to Anderson Ranch Arts Center – Tracing Photography’s Bold History in Aspen\n\n\n\n\n3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Bad Harriet\n\n\n\nAndrea Jenkins Wallace, vice president of Artistic Affairs and artistic director of Photography and New Media at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, along with Michael Famighetti, editor in chief of Aperture’s editorial program, will be in conversation exploring Aspen’s enduring relationship with photography and image making. “From the cultural legacy of Hotel Jerome and the editorial influence of ‘Aperture Magazine’ to Anderson Ranch’s role as a center for artistic experimentation and dialogue, the discussion will trace how Aspen became an influential gathering place for photographers, artists, editors, and cultural leaders, shaping conversations around visual culture across generations,” the release states. Famighettil will also speak about how Aperture’s founding mission statement, which was drafted in Aspen in 1952, continues to guide its recent projects.\n\n\n\n\nAnnual Late Night at Hexton Gallery: Materiality\n\n\n\n\n8 to 11 p.m., Hexton Gallery, 447 E. Cooper Ave.\n\n\n\nHexton Gallery’s annual late-night exhibition reception will celebrate “Materiality,” a group exhibition featuring works by Christo, Ernesto Burgos, Larry Poons and Thomas McDonell. “Bringing together four distinct artistic practices, the exhibition explores material not only as a means of creation, but as a subject in itself — examining texture, form, surface, process and the physical presence of the artwork,” the release states\n\n\n\nThis event is open to the public\n\n\n\n\nFriday, July 31, offerings\n\n\n\nCold Plunge with The Aspen Art Fair Co-Founder Bob Chase\n\n\n\n\n7 a.m., Shuttle pick-up at Hotel Jerome – Stillwater Preserve\n\n\n\n“Start your morning immersed in the grandeur of the Elk Mountains and experience the invigorating and restorative qualities of Aspen’s crystal-clear Roaring Fork River,” the release states. “This serene, protected 175-acre wetland offers a peaceful stretch of water and sweeping mountain views, creating an unforgettable setting to reconnect with nature and begin the day refreshed and energized.”\n\n\n\nActivity Level: Mild\n\n\n\n\nExplore Bayer Center with Lissa Ballinger\n\n\n\n\n9 to 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nJoin Lissa Ballinger, executive director and curator of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, for a guided tour of the museum and its current exhibitions, and to learn more about Herbert Bayer’s lasting influence on art, design, architecture and the cultural vision that helped shape modern Aspen.\n\n\n\n\nProtecting What Matters – Insurance Risk Management for Collectors and Galleries\n\n\n\n\n10 to 11 a.m., Hotel Jerome – Bad Harriet\n\n\n\nA panel on insurance risk management will provide viewpoints from both the fine art collector’s side and the gallery/dealer’s side. “The panelists will discuss best practices for both sides of these transactions, helping to guide collectors and dealers on how to simplify the insurance aspects of their relationships,” according to the release. “Panelists will also discuss how to prevent insurance from holding up a new acquisition or business deal.” Topics will touch on the differences between insuring a private collection and insuring a dealer, and why those distinctions matter. The panel will also explore consignment and loan agreements between these two parties and how insurance ties into those transactions, along with potential claims scenarios that illustrate examples of when challenges arose.\n\n\n\n\nAspen History Part II – Herbert Bayer and Hotel Jerome: Extending Aspen’s Visual Voice\n\n\n\n\n1 to 2 p.m., Hotel Jerome – Bad Harriet\n\n\n\nJoin Ballinger, Dick Carter, Aspen-based artist and former assistant to Herbert Bayer, Evan Hecox, contemporary artist and designer known for his explorations of landscape, place and visual identity and Andrew Travers, senior manager and Penner manager of Educational Programming at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies and editor of the book “Aspen Institute: The First Seventy-Five Years” for a conversation examining Herbert Bayer’s enduring influence on Aspen’s cultural and visual landscape.\n\n\n\n\nRedstone Ranch Soirée \n\n\n\n\n4:30 to 6:30 p.m., 80 River Ranch Rd E\n\n\n\nEnjoy a private evening at the Redstone Ranch, “where fine art, aviation, stunning estates, and live music converge with a masterfully curated culinary experience,” the release states.\n\n\n\nOpen to VIP Pass Holders, capacity limited\n\n\n\n\nSaturday, Aug. 1, offerings\n\n\n\nZanele Muholi Installation Tour and Discussion\n\n\n\n\n9 to 10 a.m., Buckhorn Public Art at Red Brick Center for the Arts 110 E. Hallam St.\n\n\n\nTim Sack, founder and executive Director of Buckhorn Public Arts, Sarah Roy, executive director of Red Brick Center for the Arts, and Trevyn McGowan, founder of Southern Guild, will host an installation tour and conversation. It will be centered around Zanele Muholi’s internationally acclaimed series “Faces and Phases,” exploring “the exhibition’s presentation in Aspen, the collaborative partnership behind the project, and the role of portraiture as a powerful tool for visibility, remembrance, and social documentation,” according to the release. “First initiated in 2006, ‘Faces and Phases’ is an evolving photographic project that honors and documents Black LGBTQIA+ communities in South Africa through intimate portraiture and personal testimony. During this guided experience, participants will reflect on the role of photography as both artistic practice and historical archive while examining how image-making can shape identity, preserve memory, and create cultural change.”\n\n\n\n\nArtCrush Auction Closing Brunch at Aspen Art Museum hosted with The Aspen Art Fair \n\n\n\n\n10 a.m. to noon, Aspen Art Museum – 637 E. Hyman Ave\n\n\n\nGuests can join for mimosas and muffins, along with a last chance to bid on works included in the ArtCrush Online Auction.\n\n\n\nOpen to VIP Pass Holders, capacity limited","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-art-fair-2026-extends-cultural-outdoor-program-offerings/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T20:55:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F08%2F01121812%2FEDLdance-atd-073124-3-1024x683.jpg","slug":"aspen-art-fair-2026-extends-cultural-outdoor-program-offerings"},{"id":"yyryr1","title":"Kids First childcare financial aid deadline is Aug. 1","excerpt":"The deadline for Kids First applications is Aug. 1, with assistance beginning on Sept 1.\n\n\n\nThe city of Aspen and Kids First offer this annual financial aid program with the aim of helping working families offset the cost of childcare, according to a press release. Families who are already receiv...","content":"The deadline for Kids First applications is Aug. 1, with assistance beginning on Sept 1.\n\n\n\nThe city of Aspen and Kids First offer this annual financial aid program with the aim of helping working families offset the cost of childcare, according to a press release. Families who are already receiving financial aid do not need to reapply. \n\n\n\n“Kids First is a dedicated early childhood resource focused on supporting quality, affordable childcare options for families in Aspen,” the release states. “Recognizing the financial challenges that working families face in securing childcare, Kids First strives to ease the burden through financial assistance.” \n\n\n\n Parents are eligible to apply if they have a child under 5 years old, have a child attending a participating licensed Pitkin County childcare program, live in the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary or are employed by an employer with a physical address located within the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary, qualify financially and work during the hours their child receives care.\n\n\n\nApplications must include 2025 Taxes, copies of W-2’s, an Employment Verification document and pay stubs. \n\n\n\nTo apply or learn more, visit aspen.gov/316/Financial-Aid.\n\n\n\nFor questions regarding an application, call Candace Sipsey at (970) 920-5370 or email kf_financial_aid@aspen.gov.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/kids-first-childcare-financial-aid-deadline-is-aug-1/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T18:25:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2016%2F08%2F10114240%2FEDLkids-atd-052015.jpg","slug":"kids-first-childcare-financial-aid-deadline-is-aug-1"},{"id":"gb0w1w","title":"Holy Cross confirms lightning strike cut power to Vail, Eagle River Valleys","excerpt":"Holy Cross Energy has confirmed that its wholesale power provider, Xcel Energy, experienced a lightning strike on a transmission line serving the Vail and Eagle River Valleys Tuesday, July 7, causing the region to lose power.\n\n\n\nXcel’s transmission line to Wolcott was hit by lightning a little af...","content":"Holy Cross Energy has confirmed that its wholesale power provider, Xcel Energy, experienced a lightning strike on a transmission line serving the Vail and Eagle River Valleys Tuesday, July 7, causing the region to lose power.\n\n\n\nXcel’s transmission line to Wolcott was hit by lightning a little after 4 p.m., according to a press release, which damaged a cross arm and brace on one of the structures — Holy Cross Energy relies partially on Xcel Energy to provide wholesale transmission power to their distribution system.\n\n\n\n“This outage was unprecedented in both scope and duration, and we are truly grateful for the grace you showed us,” Jenna Weatherred, VP of Member and Community Relations for Holy Cross Energy, said in the release.\n\n\n\nXcel crews from Rifle worked through the night in what the release calls “difficult and remote terrain” in order to make repairs. During those repairs, some members in the Roaring Fork Valley also experienced a short power outage, the release confirms.\n\n\n\nAll members had power restored by 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. In total, the outage lasted 14 hours and impacted approximately 27,000 members.\n\n\n\n“Holy Cross Energy would like to extend our deepest thanks to our area emergency managers for their timely and coordinated response, and our members for their patience and understanding,” Weatherred, added in the release.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/holy-cross-confirms-lightning-strike-cut-power-to-vail-eagle-river-valleys/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:50:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F13093114%2Fhc-1024x575.png","slug":"holy-cross-confirms-lightning-strike-cut-power-to-vail-eagle-river-valleys"},{"id":"8f6mbi","title":"Sullivan: Why can’t the Basalt Planning Commission just say no?","excerpt":"I recently attended the Basalt Planning Commission meeting regarding the proposed Marriott Residence Inn at the old Movieland site in El Jebel, and I left utterly baffled.\n\n\n\nDuring the hearing, a clear consensus emerged: each and every planning commissioner expressed major reservations about the...","content":"I recently attended the Basalt Planning Commission meeting regarding the proposed Marriott Residence Inn at the old Movieland site in El Jebel, and I left utterly baffled.\n\n\n\nDuring the hearing, a clear consensus emerged: each and every planning commissioner expressed major reservations about the project. The overwhelming majority of public comment echoed these exact concerns, painting a clear picture that this massive extended-stay hotel is fundamentally incompatible with our community.\n\n\n\nYet, despite a room full of red flags and their own deep misgivings, not a single commissioner could bring themselves to simply say “no.”\n\n\n\nInstead of denying a clearly flawed proposal, the commission voted to continue the discussion in one month, kicking the can down the road and giving the developer yet another bite at the apple. \n\n\n\nWhy are we continuing the agony? When a project is this poorly aligned with the community’s vision and the Master Plan, the standard shouldn’t be “let’s see how much the developer can patch up in a month.” The standard should be a firm denial, allowing the developer to withdraw, regroup and come back in the future with a genuinely viable, community-minded proposal.\n\n\n\nBy bending over backward to accommodate a mismatched development, the Planning Commission is wasting their own time, valuable civic time and stretching the community’s patience thin. It’s time for our local leaders to listen to the public, trust their own instincts and find the courage to reject proposals that just don’t fit.\n\n\n\nSusan Sullivan\n\n\n\nCarbondale","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/sullivan-why-cant-the-basalt-planning-commission-just-say-no/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Susan Sullivan","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:49:19.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"sullivan-why-cant-the-basalt-planning-commission-just-say-no"},{"id":"90hs7w","title":"How Western Slope voters helped reelect Hickenlooper amid Colorado’s wave of progressive wins","excerpt":"Amid a wave of wins for anti-establishment candidates, Colorado’s rural mountain towns were more likely than the Front Range to vote for veteran incumbents, helping to secure a win for U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper against a progressive challenger.\n\n\n\nWestern Slope residents predominantly voted for...","content":"Amid a wave of wins for anti-establishment candidates, Colorado’s rural mountain towns were more likely than the Front Range to vote for veteran incumbents, helping to secure a win for U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper against a progressive challenger.\n\n\n\nWestern Slope residents predominantly voted for incumbent U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, who swiftly took the victory in Colorado’s Democratic Senate primary race against state Sen. Julie Gonzales. The Associated Press called the race just 36 minutes after preliminary results were released.\n\n\n\nHickenlooper’s win diverges from a notable losing streak for establishment Democrats and incumbent moderates in major Colorado races (as well as states like New York and Maine), including Democratic socialist Melat Kiros’s defeat of 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s gubernatorial win over U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.\n\n\n\n“I do believe, and I’ve remained committed to the idea, that no candidate should expect to just continue to serve in their seat,” Gonzales said. “I think the election results on that front were extraordinarily clear.”\n\n\n\nSo why didn’t Gonzales win?\n\n\n\nWhile much of the support for Gonzales was concentrated in counties around the Front Range, Hickenlooper outperformed his opponent across the Western Slope and in most Eastern Plain counties.\n\n\n\nMore than 54% of Denver residents voted for Gonzales, where she currently serves her second term in Colorado’s 34th Senate district. Neighboring counties saw close margins, with the challenger receiving 49.99% of the vote in Adams, 48.6% in Boulder and 48.6% in Larimer counties, according to unofficial results from the Colorado Secretary of State.\n\n\n\nOn Colorado’s Western Slope, votes for Hickenlooper were much higher across various counties: 73% in Pitkin, 68% in Routt, 67% in Eagle, 64% in Summit, 61% in Grand and 60% in Garfield. This voting pattern is not unlike what the state saw for Colorado’s Governor race, where Bennet received more votes in rural mountain regions including Summit, Pitkin, Routt and Moffat counties.\n\n\n\nResults for the Democratic Senate primary have only tightened as more votes have been counted since June 30. When the Associated Press called the race, Hickenlooper was leading with 57% of the vote. Now, leading by a more modest 52.9% — roughly 51,000 votes statewide — Gonzales said Hickenlooper’s win as a veteran incumbent is largely supported by a resource advantage, and a strategic decision to avoid debating her.\n\n\n\nDespite Gonzales’s active campaigning for a public debate with Hickenlooper, the two never participated in any transitional, face-to-face debates ahead of the Democratic primary. \n\n\n\nHickenlooper previously stated that weekly trips between Colorado and Washington, D.C., had kept him too busy to accept any debate invitations. Gonzales, however, said she felt her opponent’s refusal to debate her was a strategic decision and a “disservice to Colorado voters.”\n\n\n\n“Democrats talk a lot about wanting to defend Democracy. But you can’t defend Democracy and then also avoid (going) and actually engaging in the work of Democracy, of speaking to potential voters and talking about the issues” she said. “I think there was a real missed opportunity here (by) not holding a debate.”\n\n\n\nEven without a debate, Gonzales came closer to defeating Hickenlooper than his 2020 Democratic primary opponent, Andrew Romanoff, who secured 41% of the vote compared to Gonzales’s 47%. Gonzales outperformed Romanoff in 42 out of the 64 counties.\n\n\n\n“What that, to me, demonstrates is that Coloradans are hungry for a fighter, for a battle-tested champion to fight for working people,” Gonzales said. “What is also clear, though, is that we had a vision that we were testing that not only should the Democratic Party work to build a governing majority, flip red seats to blue, but so too should we examine the caliber of leaders that we send to D.C. in the first place.”\n\n\n\nHickenlooper’s team did not respond to a request for comment before publication.\n\n\n\nReaching voters on the Western Slope\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest challenges for Gonzales’s campaign was name recognition. Hickenlooper, on the other hand, has been in office since 2003 — serving as Denver mayor, Colorado governor and U.S. Senator.\n\n\n\nHaving collected around $870,000 in campaign funding and spent $643,000 through June 10, compared to Hickenlooper’s roughly $6.2 million in spending, Gonzales didn’t have the resources to spend on widespread campaign ads like her opponent did, meaning some voters outside of Denver may have been unfamiliar with her policies when the time came to cast their ballots.\n\n\n\nPolls conducted prior to the election had called Gonzales a formidable challenger, with one stating she was “in a strong position to stage an upset and emerge victorious” on the condition that voters were sufficiently informed about both candidates.\n\n\n\nConducted by Working Families Party, a progressive political organization, the February poll of 739 likely Democratic primary voters in Colorado found that support for Gonzales picked up significantly after voters were given neutral-to-positive bios on both candidates. When presented with a balanced number of positive and negative arguments about each candidate, Gonzales emerged as the favorite in the poll despite Hickenlooper’s strong lead and widespread name recognition.\n\n\n\nGonzales said she “absolutely” faced challenges with getting her message across more remote areas of the state, adding that she felt the outcome of the election could have been different had she had more time and resources. Gonzales had roughly seven months to win over voters between launching her campaign for U.S. senator in December 2025 and the June primary. \n\n\n\n“Hats off to Sen. Hickenlooper, because he outspent me 10 to 1,” Gonzales said. “We just weren’t able to communicate our message and our vision to voters who I think otherwise would have been really hungry … to really discern who they’d like to see in that position.”\n\n\n\nShe added, “With that being said, I’m incredibly proud that we … came within six points of electing Colorado’s first woman, first Latina, to the U.S. Senate in our state’s history. We accomplished that while being massively outspent and without the benefit of a single debate.”\n\n\n\nWhile Gonzales said she feels proud of having connected with so many voters across the state, she also lamented the passiveness of organizations whose purpose it is to help elect women, Latinos and progressives into government. \n\n\n\n“What is clear is that (these organizations) largely stayed out of this race because they didn’t see the vision of replacing do-nothing Democrats with battle-tested champions,” she said. “I think the piece that I’m most proud of is that, now, any of those organisations are looking at those results and saying, ‘Damn. We missed it. We’re so proud of what you accomplished.'”\n\n\n\nIn terms of what’s next, Gonzales said she intends to spend time reflecting on what she’s learned throughout the campaign, and celebrate what she has accomplished.\n\n\n\n“The work continues, regardless of position or title,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to visit with those communities and work alongside them to advance an economy that works for everybody, justice and dignity for all Coloradans, no matter who you voted for in the last election.”","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/how-western-slope-voters-helped-reelect-hickenlooper-amid-colorados-wave-of-progressive-upsets/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T23:37:27.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F06%2F12161729%2FUntitled_design-3-1024x576.jpg","slug":"how-western-slope-voters-helped-reelect-hickenlooper-amid-colorados-wave-of-progressive-wins"},{"id":"86rtg6","title":"Glenwood Springs City Council delays on-demand fare increase","excerpt":"Glenwood Springs City Council members delayed action Thursday on a proposed fare increase for Ride Glenwood On-Demand, saying they wanted more data before deciding how much riders should pay and how the service fits into the city’s broader transportation system.\n\n\n\nThe on-demand service currently...","content":"Glenwood Springs City Council members delayed action Thursday on a proposed fare increase for Ride Glenwood On-Demand, saying they wanted more data before deciding how much riders should pay and how the service fits into the city’s broader transportation system.\n\n\n\nThe on-demand service currently costs $1 per ride. City Engineer Ryan Gordon presented council with several possible changes, including raising the fare to $3 across the board or creating a zone-based system that would charge riders based on how far they travel.\n\n\n\nUnder the zone-based option, rides within one zone would cost $2, rides across two zones would cost $3 and rides across three zones would cost $4. Staff also discussed keeping rides to major Roaring Fork Transportation Authority connections at $1 to encourage riders to use regional transit.\n\n\n\n“This is our first step into getting into a more nuanced way of trying to get the project to pay for itself,” Gordon said.\n\n\n\nRide Glenwood On-Demand is partially funded through RFTA’s first- and last-mile grant program, with RFTA currently paying about half the cost. Glenwood Springs is paying slightly more than $500,000 this year, Gordon said. The full program costs about $1 million annually.\n\n\n\nCity staff said a $12 fare would be needed for the program to break even without the RFTA subsidy.\n\n\n\nBut council members questioned whether they had enough information to choose a new fare structure. Councilor Sumner Shacter asked whether staff had analyzed how much revenue each option would generate based on actual ridership patterns.\n\n\n\nGordon said that analysis had not yet been completed, though the city and Downtowner, the company that operates the service, have data showing where riders are picked up and dropped off.\n\n\n\n“We haven’t gone through that exercise,” Gordon said. “We certainly can if we wanted to do that prior to initiating a fare increase.”\n\n\n\nThe discussion quickly moved beyond whether fares should be raised by $1, $2 or more. Council members raised broader questions about whether the current $1 fare is artificially inflating demand, whether the city is learning enough from the program and whether Ride Glenwood’s fixed-route service should be adjusted using the data already collected.\n\n\n\nCouncilor Mitchell Weimer said he was frustrated by the amount of money being spent without enough actionable results.\n\n\n\n“We’ve learned where people get on and where people get off, and we’ve learned that people really enjoy a $1 taxi ride,” Weimer said. “That’s quite literally all we’ve learned.”\n\n\n\nWeimer said staff should come back with recommendations for how Ride Glenwood’s fixed-route service could be changed based on the on-demand data, including possible service to South Glenwood.\n\n\n\nMayor Pro Tem Erin Zalinski said she also wanted more information, but cautioned that changing fixed-route service is not something the city can do immediately. She said the city still needs to consider bus stops, contractors and the size of buses needed to serve certain neighborhoods.\n\n\n\nZalinski also raised concerns about the equity of a zone-based fare structure. She said some areas, including parts of South Glenwood, have fewer transportation options but could end up paying more because riders would have to cross multiple zones.\n\n\n\n“I’m wondering if there isn’t a model that could encompass a little bit more equity,” Zalinski said.\n\n\n\nShacter said he was frustrated that council was being asked to make decisions on individual pieces of the transit system without a clearer picture of how they fit together.\n\n\n\n“I still don’t have a clear picture of how on-demand will deal with Ride Glenwood, which was a major motivation, which will ultimately deal with what happens with South Bridge, what happens with RFTA’s future plans,” Shacter said. “I’m making decisions in micro things without a big transportation picture.”\n\n\n\nGordon said staff is planning a future work session on the city’s broader transportation system, including the bus tax, Ride Glenwood, on-demand service and other potential options such as bike share.\n\n\n\nCouncil members postponed action on the fare increase and asked staff to return with more information, including revenue projections for the different fare options, additional rider data, input from the Transportation Commission and a clearer picture of how the on-demand service could shape future changes to Ride Glenwood.\n\n\n\nFor now, the fare remains $1 per ride.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/glenwood-springs-city-council-delays-on-demand-fare-increase/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T22:01:58.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F06%2F04174746%2F20191115DSC_3277-1024x693-1.jpg","slug":"glenwood-springs-city-council-delays-on-demand-fare-increase"},{"id":"7e123n","title":"PHOTOS: Independence Day weekend in Glenwood Springs","excerpt":"Although a little smoke and haze were among the visitors who made their way to Garfield County during Independence Day weekend, that didn’t stop locals and other tourists from soaking in the sun and enjoying another Fourth of July at Two Rivers Park, on the Colorado River, at the Glenwood Cavern...","content":"Although a little smoke and haze were among the visitors who made their way to Garfield County during Independence Day weekend, that didn’t stop locals and other tourists from soaking in the sun and enjoying another Fourth of July at Two Rivers Park, on the Colorado River, at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park or in their backyards.\n\n\n\nThe Two Rivers Park boat ramp was packed on Saturday morning as locals and visitors alike tried to soak up the sun on the Colorado River. Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThere are two emotional paths to take when strapping into the Giant Canyon Swing at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Two friends act out the different emotions — horrified or excited — as the ride begins. Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nA group of fly-fishermen anchor down just after Veltus Park on Saturday afternoon as they look to bring something to grill to the upcoming cookout. Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nA Whitewater Rafting group floats down the Colorado River on Saturday morning, kicking off the Fourth of July in the perfect way. Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nA husband and wife whoop as they fly down the Alpine Coaster at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThere wasn’t a cloud in the sky on the Fourth of July at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nA father and son cloudwatch on the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park viewing platform on a beautiful bluebird day.Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/photos-independence-day-weekend-in-glenwood-springs/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T21:53:54.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06152833%2FDSC_0648_copy-794x1024.jpg","slug":"photos-independence-day-weekend-in-glenwood-springs"},{"id":"npqdid","title":"Remembering the Storm King 14","excerpt":"Thirty-two years after 14 wildland firefighters were killed on Storm King Mountain, Glenwood Springs continues to remember the people whose deaths reshaped the community and wildland firefighting across the country.\n\n\n\nThe South Canyon Fire, better known locally as the Storm King Fire, overran fi...","content":"Thirty-two years after 14 wildland firefighters were killed on Storm King Mountain, Glenwood Springs continues to remember the people whose deaths reshaped the community and wildland firefighting across the country.\n\n\n\nThe South Canyon Fire, better known locally as the Storm King Fire, overran firefighters on July 6, 1994, after fierce winds pushed flames through steep terrain west of Glenwood Springs. The firefighters who died are remembered as the Storm King 14.\n\n\n\nThey were Kathi Beck, Tami Bickett, Scott Blecha, Levi Brinkley, Doug Dunbar, Terri Hagen, Bonnie Holtby, Rob Johnson, Jon Kelso, Don Mackey, Roger Roth, Jim Thrash, Richard Tyler and Robert Browning Jr.\n\n\n\nThey came from different crews, communities and backgrounds, but their names have remained tied to Glenwood Springs for more than three decades through memorials, annual remembrances and the firefighters who continue to learn from the tragedy.\n\n\n\nFor Glenwood Springs, the fire remains both a historic disaster and a deeply personal loss. Memorials at Two Rivers Park and along the Storm King Memorial Trail continue to draw residents, firefighters, families and visitors who come to honor those who died.\n\n\n\nHeather McGregor, now vice president of the Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance, was the Glenwood Springs news bureau reporter for The Daily Sentinel at the time. She said the images from that day remain vivid.\n\n\n\n“A fierce wind came up that hot afternoon, and from downtown I could see a huge plume of smoke coming from South Canyon,” McGregor said. “Within an hour, I-70 was closed.”\n\n\n\nBy that night, officials had confirmed the news that 14 firefighters had died.\n\n\n\nA firefighter’s helmet rests near photos and bios of the Storm King 14. Firefighters from around the nation pay homage to the Storm King 14 every year.Post Independent archives\n\n\n\nThe fire had begun July 2, 1994, after lightning struck Storm King Mountain. It was reported the next day and initially was considered relatively small. But by July 6, hot, dry conditions, steep slopes, heavy vegetation and shifting winds combined to create a deadly blowup.\n\n\n\nIn the days and weeks that followed, the story became one not only of fire behavior and investigation, but of the firefighters themselves, the families who came to Glenwood Springs to grieve and the community that looked for ways to honor them.\n\n\n\n“The fire dominated our news coverage for days, weeks, months: the fallen, each with a unique life story and mission; the families who came to see and grieve; the fire and weather agencies struggling to understand what had gone wrong,” McGregor said.\n\n\n\nShe also remembered the community response that followed: purple ribbons, bonds formed with Prineville, Ore., the Storm King 14 Committee, contributions, memorials and, eventually, the memory garden at Two Rivers Park.\n\n\n\nThe tragedy led to lasting changes in wildland firefighting, especially around leadership, communication, fire behavior, escape routes and safety zones. For firefighters across the country, Storm King remains a case study in how quickly conditions can change and how deadly those changes can become.\n\n\n\nBut in Glenwood Springs, the legacy is also carried through remembrance: in the crosses on the mountain, the memorial at Two Rivers Park and the annual return of those who hike the trail to honor the 14.\n\n\n\nMcGregor said she hikes the Storm King Memorial Trail almost every year.\n\n\n\n“It is a somber journey of remembering, of sorrow,” McGregor said. “It is so important to remember the story of Storm King, to honor the 14 and to respect those who carry the mission today.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/remembering-the-storm-king-14-4/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T21:34:01.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F08154636%2Fstormkingmemorial-1024x771.jpg","slug":"remembering-the-storm-king-14"},{"id":"18qm1b","title":"Rifle eyes memorial project, business incubator partnership","excerpt":"Rifle City Council’s work session on Wednesday featured an update on the Veteran’s Memorial Renovation Project and a possible partnership with the Grand Junction Business Incubator Center. \n\n\n\nVeteran’s Memorial Renovation Project\n\n\n\nRifle Public Works Director Brian Prunty provided an update on ...","content":"Rifle City Council’s work session on Wednesday featured an update on the Veteran’s Memorial Renovation Project and a possible partnership with the Grand Junction Business Incubator Center. \n\n\n\nVeteran’s Memorial Renovation Project\n\n\n\nRifle Public Works Director Brian Prunty provided an update on the Veteran’s Memorial Renovation Project, which officials said remains a priority.\n\n\n\nAmerican Legion Post No. 78 originally helped develop the site, and the city now has a completed set of construction plans and cost estimates. Rifle is currently looking for funding to begin construction in 2027 for three possible phases. \n\n\n\nThe first phase would focus on landscaping and planting, although Prunty said there isn’t much landscaping to be done. The second phase would include building the amphitheater, lighting, shelters and building elements. The third phase would add furnishings, including benches and tables. \n\n\n\nIn total, the project would cost almost $800,000. The second phase would be the most expensive at almost $400,000. \n\n\n\n“The site is construction ready,” said city manager Patrick Waller. “The city has put in a lot of work, dedicated funding to the site. We’re just looking for funding, essentially a quarterback.”\n\n\n\nWaller also said they’ll look into applying for grant funding, but many of the options they find are for smaller scale projects. \n\n\n\nMayor Clint Hostettler said that people have been asking him about the project because they would like to see this project get done. \n\n\n\n“They would like to hold events there,” he said. “This is important to a lot of people.”\n\n\n\nPrunty said there wasn’t another veteran’s memorial in the Western Slope outside of Grand Junction, and that this project might be a good way for veterans throughout Garfield County to be honored. \n\n\n\nWaller said he and Iris Trevisano, the procurement and grant reporting manager, would look into grants and other possible funding. \n\n\n\nGrand Junction Business Incubator Center\n\n\n\nCouncil also discussed a partnership with the Western Colorado Business Development Corp., doing business as the Business Incubator Center (BIC), based in Grand Junction.\n\n\n\nThe BIC operates on five pillars: business development, space and tools, capital and business loans, grants and incentives and innovation and labs. There are six buildings on their campus focused on different aspects: manufacturing, technology, services, commercial kitchen, makerspace, and training and conference. \n\n\n\nThe Grand Junction BIC has been running for over 40 years and has around 165 companies on campus at any given time. \n\n\n\nThis possible partnership involves the Rifle Regional Economic Development Corporation’s newly purchased downtown building.\n\n\n\nPlanning director Zach Higgins said they’ve been working with CEO Dalida Bollig on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to bring BIC services to Rifle. \n\n\n\n“This partnership talks about what we’d be getting with them, which is local business support, mentorships, programming, more than that,” Higgins said. “There would also be a potential person that the Grand Junction BIC hires to work at the Rifle location.”\n\n\n\nThe MOU does not require the city to spend money and has not been signed. \n\n\n\n“Do they see potential in Rifle?” Hostettler asked and Higgins and Waller confirmed the BIC did. \n\n\n\nHiggins said that this could help a lot of small businesses in and around Rifle, and that they could work with the high schools and Colorado Mountain College depending on how the partnership shaped up. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rifle-eyes-memorial-project-business-incubator-partnership/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T21:23:10.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F06%2F25082215%2FxdzUBPNkeNZ3XfA-ZTUI6m-0z9I-1024x683.jpg","slug":"rifle-eyes-memorial-project-business-incubator-partnership"},{"id":"bosdr6","title":"Aspen builds new trail supporting mobility-impaired access to Ute Park","excerpt":"The city of Aspen is completing work on a new access path to Ute Park, a small playground next to the Ute Cemetery that has traditionally been accessible via several single track trails or a deeply rutted double track.\n\n\n\nAccording to Matt Kuhn, the Aspen Parks and Open Space director, the city b...","content":"The city of Aspen is completing work on a new access path to Ute Park, a small playground next to the Ute Cemetery that has traditionally been accessible via several single track trails or a deeply rutted double track.\n\n\n\nAccording to Matt Kuhn, the Aspen Parks and Open Space director, the city began work on the new access path in June. The aim is to have it completed by the end of July or early August. \n\n\n\n“It’s a relatively small project and we’re just trying to improve accessibility and durability of the space,” Kuhn said.\n\n\n\nThe new path will be made with gravel, but will be wide and flat enough for mobility-impaired individuals to still access the secluded park. The construction will also include a new picnic table on a graded platform. \n\n\n\nThe project is being completed by an in-house crew from Aspen’s Parks and Open Space department, with the project cost sitting around $5,000 to $10,000, Kuhn confirmed. The renovation also removed an old play structure from the 1970s that Kuhn noted was becoming unsafe.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-builds-new-trail-supporting-mobility-impaired-access-to-ute-park/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07155519%2FDSC8611-1024x683.jpg","slug":"aspen-builds-new-trail-supporting-mobility-impaired-access-to-ute-park"},{"id":"22zg42","title":"Kane: Colorado’s Constitution isn’t a wildlife management plan","excerpt":"Colorado has amended its Constitution many times in its 150-year history. Its strongest amendments established enduring principles of government, not policy questions better left to statute and science. \n\n\n\nInitiative 302 asks voters to cross that line. \n\n\n\nBefore signing a petition or voting, as...","content":"Colorado has amended its Constitution many times in its 150-year history. Its strongest amendments established enduring principles of government, not policy questions better left to statute and science. \n\n\n\nInitiative 302 asks voters to cross that line. \n\n\n\nBefore signing a petition or voting, ask a simple question: What constitutional problem does Initiative 302 actually solve? \n\n\n\nThere isn’t one. \n\n\n\nHunting and fishing are already legal in Colorado. State law already recognizes them as wildlife management tools, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife carries out that work through trained biologists, current science and public input. \n\n\n\nNo court has threatened to outlaw hunting. No law would abolish fishing. The 2024 statewide vote on mountain lion hunting worked exactly as democracy is supposed to: voters debated it and rejected it. \n\n\n\nEven supporters of Initiative 302 say the amendment “does not expand or restrict any current laws.” If that’s true, why rewrite the Constitution? If it does change something, voters deserve honesty about what. \n\n\n\nThe Constitution isn’t a repository for today’s policy preferences. It establishes the rules future generations inherit. \n\n\n\nInitiative 302 goes well beyond recognizing hunting and fishing. It declares them the “preferred means” of managing wildlife, protects “traditional methods” and limits regulation to what is “necessary for sound scientific wildlife conservation and management.” \n\n\n\nThose phrases sound reassuring in campaign materials. But undefined constitutional language rarely stays undefined — courts define it. Once those words enter the Constitution, judges — not wildlife professionals or voters — ultimately decide what they mean. \n\n\n\nWildlife management evolves as conditions shift, disease emerges and science advances. Professionals adapt. Constitutions don’t. CPW manages all of Colorado’s wildlife — not just game species — and the risk isn’t losing hunting or fishing. It’s that constitutional language could lock routine wildlife management decisions into one preferred framework, inviting litigation and limiting the flexibility wildlife professionals need to respond as science and conditions evolve. \n\n\n\nSupporters of Initiative 302 point to similar right-to-hunt-and-fish amendments in other states as evidence they work. But North Carolina spent years litigating whether its amendment overrode Sunday hunting restrictions. This year in Marco Island, Fla., a proposed nighttime fishing restriction intended to protect nesting sea turtles was abandoned after a legal challenge citing Florida’s constitutional right-to-hunt-and-fish amendment. Colorado isn’t those states. The lesson is the same: once wildlife policy enters a Constitution, constitutional questions inevitably follow. \n\n\n\nSupporters of Initiative 302 also point to Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28, which would remove hunting, fishing and farming exemptions from that state’s animal-cruelty laws. Whatever happens there says nothing about the language before Colorado voters. \n\n\n\nElk, mule deer, black bears and mountain lions are part of daily life across the Roaring Fork Valley and Western Colorado. Sound wildlife management shapes ecosystems, public safety, recreation and the public lands that define this region — whether you hunt or not. \n\n\n\nThe amendment deserves scrutiny. So does the campaign promoting it. Campaign finance records show at least $1 million came from the Wisconsin-based International Order of T. Roosevelt. On the podcast of Montana hunting influencer Randy Newberg, campaign leader Dan Gates said the campaign expects to spend $10–12 million. Out-of-state money is legal. But voters should judge the amendment by its language, not its advertising budget. \n\n\n\nBallot petitions don’t settle constitutional questions; they simply earn a place on the ballot. The real decision comes when voters read the amendment. \n\n\n\nColorado’s hunting and fishing traditions deserve respect, and they already do. So does the Constitution — not because it should never change, but because it should change only when a genuine need is shown. \n\n\n\nColoradans don’t have to choose between hunting and fishing rights and a sound Constitution. We can protect both. \n\n\n\nScience evolves. Wildlife professionals adapt. Constitutions endure. Before voting, read Initiative 302 and ask whether it fixes anything Colorado law hasn’t already solved. \n\n\n\nDavid Kane is a wildlife biologist, legal and policy advisor, and co-founder of Coloradans for Responsible Science-based Wildlife Management. Based on both the Western Slope and the Front Range, he has conducted wildlife research, hunted, fished, mountaineered and backcountry skied throughout Colorado for more than three and a half decades. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/kane-colorados-constitution-isnt-a-wildlife-management-plan/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"David Kane","publishDate":"2026-07-08T16:30:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F11094951%2F803d1e13-247d-4e90-bee2-07059bdb63c7-1024x1024.png","slug":"kane-colorados-constitution-isnt-a-wildlife-management-plan"},{"id":"5ondt","title":"Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputy recognized for life-saving efforts","excerpt":"For most people, rushing into the chaos and putting their lives on the line for the sake of others can be hard to imagine.\n\n\n\nFor Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alex Silverman, it is “part of the job.”\n\n\n\nSilverman was recently recognized for life-saving actions following a serious multi...","content":"For most people, rushing into the chaos and putting their lives on the line for the sake of others can be hard to imagine.\n\n\n\nFor Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alex Silverman, it is “part of the job.”\n\n\n\nSilverman was recently recognized for life-saving actions following a serious multi-vehicle crash in Glenwood Canyon on June 12. \n\n\n\nSilverman was the first emergency responder to arrive at the scene and encountered a woman who had suffered “catastrophic” injuries to both her legs and was experiencing massive blood loss. He immediately recognized the injuries as life-threatening and applied three tourniquets before emergency medical personnel arrived. \n\n\n\nSilverman’s quick thinking and extraordinary actions saved a life, a feeling he couldn’t put into words. \n\n\n\n“We had gotten a call for an accident in the canyon, and I had heard that someone had broken their legs,” Silverman said. “I show up, and I see this car with the front end smashed in, and I couldn’t see the driver. But since I’d already heard that the driver may have broken her legs, the first thing I did was grab my first aid kit.\n\n\n\n“It was hard for me to tell exactly what had happened just from the driver’s side, but I could see there was a lot of bleeding and my first thought was I need to make that stop,” he continued. “I knew I needed to make the bleeding stop because that’s the quickest way for someone to die.”\n\n\n\nHe said that serving others was what initially sparked his interest in the military and, eventually, in policing. His training helped him respond quickly in a situation with little time to think.\n\n\n\n“I just started grabbing tourniquets, and my training kicked in,” Silverman said. “Between the training that the sheriff’s office has given me and my military training, I just knew I needed to make the bleeding stop. The second step was keeping her and myself calm. I made sure that she was awake and kept her talking and did whatever I could to keep a conversation going.”\n\n\n\nSilverman credited that training not only for helping him stay calm amid chaotic circumstances, but also for treating the victim with empathy and meeting the moment’s gravity. \n\n\n\n“Good training is what helped me stay calm, and a lot of it came from just knowing how to do it. It all sort of kicked in immediately,” he said. “A big part of why I do the job is because it gives me purpose and allows me to serve the community. A big reason I joined the military was that it gave me purpose, and when I got out, I didn’t have that for a long time. This job brought that back for me, and I’m very thankful for that.”\n\n\n\nSilverman said he was reluctant to accept praise for the life-saving efforts, partly because of an admitted aversion to compliments, but also because he views it as “just part of the job.”\n\n\n\n“Part of my job is being there for people, and it doesn’t really feel like I did anything special,” he said. “Work just continues as normal after. I still had other calls to deal with. I’m more overwhelmed by the reaction than I was in the moment.”\n\n\n\nThat reluctance did not stop fellow emergency responders from recognizing his actions.\n\n\n\nAccording to a Garfield County Sheriff’s Office news release, emergency responders sent letters of commendation to Silverman, praising him for his sound judgment, professionalism and willingness to act during a critical, time-sensitive emergency. \n\n\n\n“Deputy Silverman’s ability to recognize a life-threatening condition, take immediate action, and perform under pressure reflects outstanding professionalism and dedication to the safety and well-being of the community,” Glenwood Springs Fire Department Lt. Travis Rohe said in the release.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-sheriffs-office-deputy-recognized-for-life-saving-efforts/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T21:02:27.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06144942%2FDSC_0523_2-1024x684.jpg","slug":"garfield-county-sheriffs-office-deputy-recognized-for-life-saving-efforts"},{"id":"kwizwi","title":"La Greca: Words matter","excerpt":"I was recently talking with one of the nannies on my team, and it sparked a discussion about something many of us grew up hearing without questioning:\n\n\n\n“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”\n\n\n\nOne early printed version of this rhyme appeared in 1862 in The Christ...","content":"I was recently talking with one of the nannies on my team, and it sparked a discussion about something many of us grew up hearing without questioning:\n\n\n\n“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”\n\n\n\nOne early printed version of this rhyme appeared in 1862 in The Christian Recorder, the oldest continuously published African American newspaper in the United States, founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. During the American Civil War, encouraging children not to respond physically to cruel words may have carried a much deeper meaning. It was not simply playground advice, but possibly a lesson in restraint, safety and survival during a deeply racist and dangerous time.\n\n\n\nAnd still, during our conversation, we found ourselves questioning the expectation hidden inside that advice. It teaches children that words should simply slide off them. It suggests they should not feel pain when someone speaks cruelly.\n\n\n\nThe truth is, words do hurt. Children do not experience our words only intellectually. They experience them emotionally and physically. A harsh tone, a shaming label or a dismissive response can feel threatening.\n\n\n\nAt the same time, our conversation kept circling back to another question. If we teach children that words can hurt, are we also teaching them to give too much power to what other people say? Don’t we also want children to grow up with enough confidence to know that someone else’s opinion does not define them?\n\n\n\nPerhaps the goal is not to teach children that words do not matter, nor to teach them that every unkind comment should be carried forever. Maybe the lesson lies somewhere in between: words have the power to hurt and heal, and we should use them with care, but we can also help children build a strong sense of self that is not determined by every opinion they encounter.\n\n\n\nThe reality of our words\n\n\n\nAs our conversation continued, one of the nannies asked a powerful question: “So, how do we teach children that words hurt?” For me, the answer begins with empathy.\n\n\n\nInstead of telling children to brush things off, we have to help them understand how words feel. We have to teach them to pause, reflect and imagine another person’s experience. This goes beyond forcing a quick, mumbled “I’m sorry” on the playground. It means getting down on their level and asking, “Look at your friend’s face right now. How do you think those words made them feel?”\n\n\n\nWe want children to recognize that what they say has real weight. Their words can wound or comfort, disconnect or repair.\n\n\n\nOf course, teaching this is not always easy. When a child spills juice again, refuses to listen or leaves a mess behind, it can be tempting for adults to react quickly. Sometimes that reaction comes out as a careless label: “You are so clumsy,” “Why are you always such a mess?” or “You never listen.”\n\n\n\nBut those words do not teach a child how to do better. They teach the child something about themselves.\n\n\n\nThat is the danger of labels. A child may forget the exact situation, but they may remember the feeling of being called difficult, dramatic, careless or too much. Over time, those words can become part of how they see themselves.\n\n\n\nWords are not only about vocabulary. They are also about tone, timing, volume and the emotional energy behind them. The same message can land differently depending on how it is delivered. A firm boundary can help a child feel safe. A shaming sentence can make a child feel small.\n\n\n\nChildren are sensitive to the emotional tone of the adults around them. When an adult uses words that shame or frighten, a child is not calmly absorbing a lesson. They are trying to feel safe again. This is why our words matter in ordinary moments. The way we respond to a messy room, a tantrum or a mistake becomes part of the emotional environment a child grows up inside.\n\n\n\nThe power of repair\n\n\n\nIf we want to raise emotionally resilient children, we have to begin by paying attention to our own words. We have to notice our tone, our reactions and the climate we create. Children learn as much from how we speak as from what we say. They are watching how we handle frustration. They are learning what respect sounds like during conflict.\n\n\n\nWe are human. There will be moments when we snap, react too quickly or say something we wish we had not said. When that happens, the most powerful thing we can do is repair.\n\n\n\nSaying to a child, “I am sorry I called you clumsy earlier. I was frustrated about the spill, but it is never okay for me to use hurtful words,” teaches accountability and humility. It also shows children how to repair their own words when they hurt someone else.\n\n\n\nSticks and stones may break bones, but words can shape the way a child understands themselves and others. Maybe it is time to retire the old playground rhyme and teach children something more honest: words matter. The words children say to each other matter. The words adults say to children matter. They can hurt, and they can heal.\n\n\n\nAnd if we want children to use their words with care, we have to show them what that looks like through empathy, accountability and repair. At the same time, we can teach them that while words may sting, they do not get to decide who they are.\n\n\n\nBecause the way children learn to speak to others often begins with the way the world first speaks to them. And long after bruises fade, the words children hear often become the words they say to themselves.\n\n\n\nGabriela La Greca is the founder of Snowmass Nannies, a boutique childcare agency serving Aspen. Originally from Argentina, she brings over 10 years of experience in childcare and education, along with a playful and intuitive approach to working with children. She continues to study child development, with a focus on behavior and emotional well being, and mentors her team with an emphasis on connection, creativity, and trust. Her work is rooted in the belief that children thrive when caregivers step fully into their world.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/la-greca-words-matter/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Gabriela La Greca Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-08T16:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F02%2F03132225%2FUnknown-12.jpeg","slug":"la-greca-words-matter"},{"id":"nwb8xp","title":"Andrew Duhon Trio to perform for one-night-only at TACAW in Basalt","excerpt":"A singer-songwriter with a mission to connect, Andrew Duhon returns to Basalt with his trio to perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at The Arts Campus at Willits, located at 400 Robinson St. \n\n\n\nDuhon is bringing a heartfelt blend of blues, country, folk and Americana to the Roaring Fork Valle...","content":"A singer-songwriter with a mission to connect, Andrew Duhon returns to Basalt with his trio to perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at The Arts Campus at Willits, located at 400 Robinson St. \n\n\n\nDuhon is bringing a heartfelt blend of blues, country, folk and Americana to the Roaring Fork Valley. A Louisiana-based singer-songwriter with a New Orleans-born sensibility, he performs songs based on shared experiences with an approachable, warm, charismatic stage presence.\n\n\n\n“We are pleased and privileged to welcome the Andrew Duhon Trio back to The Arts Campus at Willits for a third time,” Director of Programming Kendall Smith said. “Andrew’s soulful voice and terrific songwriting are captivating. It is rewarding to see his special talent recognized by a growing fan base in our community.”\n\n\n\nDuhon writes from the ground-up — songs anchored in the places he’s been and the people he’s met. \n\n\n\n“We all have a story to tell — mine happens to be in song,” Duhon said. \n\n\n\nHe called himself a songwriter in the troubadour sense, writing and traveling and encouraging the question, “what happens next?” both through his storytelling and musical journey.\n\n\n\nAndrew Duhon performs live. Andrew Duhon/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nDuhon writes all of the songs he performs, and he tours with two talented collaborators: Myles Weeks is the upright bass player — classically trained — who plays in The James Hunter Six band, as well, and Jim Kolacek is on drums and sings with Duhon. \n\n\n\n“My bandmates help me color that landscape that I’m trying to paint with the lyrics, three-part harmonies and instrumentation, so it’s not just a songwriter on stage. We are a band playing together,” Duhon said of his longtime collaborators.\n\n\n\nHe added, “We’re traveling to places we love and sharing the stories they inspire, including my home in Louisiana. What’s exciting to me is telling our stories of the American landscape that we’ve seen with the pieces of the American landscape that don’t feel like home to us, but feel beautiful and help paint a broader picture of what America is and what our story becomes.”\n\n\n\nColorado is one of those places. \n\n\n\n“I think I’ve come back to Colorado every year for at least a decade,” Duhon said. \n\n\n\nHe noted that he loves fly fishing and the mountains. One song on this tour that feels like a postcard from those Colorado trips is “Down from the Mountain,” inspired by a camping trip he took up in the mountains above Winter Park.\n\n\n\n“One of my favorite cycles is visiting a place, being inspired and writing a song from that experience,” Duhon said.\n\n\n\nThe traveling troubadour gained attention for his album “The Moorings,” with a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical in 2014. Then, he released “False River,” produced by Eric Masse (2018), more centered on personal heartbreak.\n\n\n\nDuring the pandemic, he shared 22 songs in a “Quarantine Song” video series (2020-21). He used writing songs as a means to process the world influx. Those threads helped shape 11-tracks on “Emerald Blue” (2022), inspired by this earlier series. He’s now touring behind his latest release. “The Parish Record” in 2025.\n\n\n\n“I have a career in which some songs I’ve played have served people during hard times or at their wedding. I do have a proclivity for sad songs. Maybe it’s the hard times more often than the wedding,” he said. “When a song written by a stranger heals you, even in the smallest way, that’s a connection beyond entertainment.”\n\n\n\nIt is a seated show for ages 21 and older with a valid ID. For more information and tickets, visit tacaw.org/calendar/andrew-duhon.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/andrew-duhon-trio-to-perform-one-nightly-only-in-basalt/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T15:30:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F06104050%2FAndrewDuhon2-1024x683.jpg","slug":"andrew-duhon-trio-to-perform-for-one-night-only-at-tacaw-in-basalt"},{"id":"2ljx77","title":"Produce Smuggler delivery service offers Aspen access to year-round organic ingredients","excerpt":"Produce Smuggler is bringing something new to the table — quite literally — in the Aspen area.\n\n\n\nSourcing weekly from small organic farms in California’s Bay Area, Produce Smuggler offers delivery to Aspen-area families all the way down to Carbondale every Monday, either via curated produce boxe...","content":"Produce Smuggler is bringing something new to the table — quite literally — in the Aspen area.\n\n\n\nSourcing weekly from small organic farms in California’s Bay Area, Produce Smuggler offers delivery to Aspen-area families all the way down to Carbondale every Monday, either via curated produce boxes or as a personalized shopping experience where members can select anything they want ranging from organic produce, artisanal breads, eggs, dairy, specialty chocolates, gourmet pantry goods and more.\n\n\n\n“For people who really value high quality, organic produce, this is the service for them,” said Melissa Reitz, one of the three owners and operators of the business along with Troy Wilcox and Joy Kosak. \n\n\n\nThe business began when Kosak went shopping in Northern California for her sister using Reitz’s instructions for ingredients, realizing that this was a service that other people might be needing.\n\n\n\nReitz, a private chef in Aspen who trained at Michelin-rated restaurants in the Bay Area and worked in San Francisco for 20 years, said she would typically ask a friend to go to the San Francisco’s farmers market to buy a cooler full of produce and ship it for her to use while she cooked in Aspen, particularly during the winter when produce wasn’t locally available.\n\n\n\n“The thing that I missed the most was the produce,” Reitz said. “Coming from the Bay Area, there’s always produce, and such high quality. Using what’s in season — that’s kind of a big part of the way that I cook. That’s where my desire to have this access to California produce came from.”\n\n\n\nShe added, “A lot of people could really benefit from having access to all this produce.”\n\n\n\nAfter offering a 12-week test run to a select group of friends last year, the business has taken off.\n\n\n\n“We’ve just grown from there, with people who are very loyal and very passionate about food,” Kosak said.\n\n\n\nCecily DeAngelo, based in Snowmass Village, said Produce Smuggler has become a “lifeline” for her family.\n\n\n\n“In the winter, it means our kitchen stays stocked with beautiful organic produce sourced from small regenerative farms in California, and come summer, it’s how we connect with the best that Roaring Fork Valley growers and Colorado farms have to offer,” DeAngelo said. “What strikes me every week is the quality: this is food that actually lasts, from farmers who are doing things the right way. In a mountain community where fresh, thoughtfully grown food can be hard to come by, having a direct line to small regenerative farms on both sides of the Rockies feels like something worth celebrating.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​”\n\n\n\nDr. Natasha Beck, who is Aspen-based and has been using Produce Smuggler every week for a year, said she recommends Produce Smuggler to everyone.\n\n\n\n“As someone who is deeply passionate about helping families reduce pesticide exposure and eat more whole foods, Produce Smuggler has become one of my favorite resources,” Dr. Beck told The Aspen Times. “They source directly from regenerative organic farmers, eliminating the middleman, and deliver the freshest produce right to your doorstep. Living in Aspen, that has been invaluable, especially in the middle of winter when access to exceptional produce is limited. Joy and Melissa have built something truly special. Every delivery feels like a gift, and I love that they also offer extras like homemade organic almond and coconut milk, organic sourdough bread and other thoughtfully curated foods.”\n\n\n\nJoy Kosak and Melissa Reitz.Produce Smuggler/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nJamay Shook, who lives in Snowmass Village and has been using Produce Smuggler since fall of 2025, said the service has changed the way her family eats.\n\n\n\n“The quality of the produce is exceptional, and because everything is so fresh, we’re cooking at home more often and experimenting with ingredients we might not have tried otherwise,” Shook said. “The service is truly white-glove — from ordering to delivery, it’s seamless and incredibly convenient. Living in Aspen, especially during the winter months when fresh produce at the grocery stores can be inconsistent, having access to this level of quality delivered to our door has been a game changer. It’s one of those local services that simply makes life better.”\n\n\n\nProduce Smuggler ensures freshness with a delivery system that they’ve honed through experience. Wilcox drives every Thursday from Aspen to the Bay Area, where he meets up with a team at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturday morning and also visits a number of markets in Berkeley. He gets back on the road Saturday night utilizing cooling equipment for all the produce — different produce needs different temperatures — and is at the Rifle packing facility by Sunday night, with delivery Monday.\n\n\n\n“This is such a challenging logistical issue,” Reitz said. “If it were easy, other people would be doing it.”\n\n\n\nReitz noted that, because most small and organic farms are harvesting for the farmers markets on Thursday and Friday, “that’s coming into our truck on Saturday and getting it into people’s houses by Monday. There’s nowhere else you can have that short a period from harvest to your table.”\n\n\n\nThe option for curated boxes allows people to get what’s currently the best of the season, but members still have the opportunity each week to shop for exactly what they need and the quantity they want.\n\n\n\n“It’s really a personal shopping experience. It’s an online grocery story,” Kosak said. “It’s having access to consistent quality produce and being able to meet the needs of their menu within their families.”\n\n\n\nJennifer Goldfarb, who lives in Aspen, said the access and flexibility that Produce Smuggler offers has been life-changing.\n\n\n\n“Unlike a traditional CSA, where I would get a box of whatever is ripe that week, I get to build my own personalized cart from Produce Smuggler’s online market. I get exactly what my family will eat, and nothing goes to waste, which is important to me,” Goldfarb said. “They offer a bountiful assortment and do their best to source items by request. The quality is outstanding and the service is impeccable. It’s like having a personal shopper hand-picking the best basket of tomatoes for me every time! And I love that they have expanded to include local Colorado farms. The mission centers on supporting farmers. When our Colorado farmers have produce in season, we buy from them first, supplementing with items available in California.”\n\n\n\nNew this summer, Produce Smuggler has expanded their offerings with a collection sourced from local Colorado farms that include Two Roots, CRMPI and Sustainable Settings, all places that Reitz has been buying from and trusts.\n\n\n\n“We don’t want to be a competitor to the local farmers. We want to support them,” Kosak said. \n\n\n\nProduce Smuggler’s delivery schedule is also offset with the Community Supported Agriculture boxes, meaning people can augment those summertime deliveries with Produce Smuggler.\n\n\n\n“The focus for the summer is to try to keep people as local as possible and augment with what we have coming from California,” Kosak said. \n\n\n\nProduce Smuggler has also launched a trial period providing curated boxes to Little Red Schoolhouse and Woody Creek Kids, with hopes to expand to Aspen Country Day and Wildwood in the fall.\n\n\n\nFor more information and delivery options, visit https://producesmuggler.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/produce-smuggler-delivery-service-offers-aspen-access-to-year-round-organic-ingredients/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T00:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F03075415%2FPS_Grocery_Snapshot-1024x576.png","slug":"produce-smuggler-delivery-service-offers-aspen-access-to-year-round-organic-ingredients"},{"id":"3jlnqg","title":"Aspen Snowmass market experiences slowest first-half since Covid","excerpt":"The Aspen Snowmass market is currently experiencing its slowest first-half since the COVID-19 years of 2020-21 despite record stock market performance, according to the most recent real estate snapshot from Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s Tim Estin.\n\n\n\nYear-to-date, from Jan. 1 to Jun 30, and compared t...","content":"The Aspen Snowmass market is currently experiencing its slowest first-half since the COVID-19 years of 2020-21 despite record stock market performance, according to the most recent real estate snapshot from Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s Tim Estin.\n\n\n\nYear-to-date, from Jan. 1 to Jun 30, and compared to the same period last year, combined Aspen/Snowmass dollar sales are down 51% while unit sales are down 39%, the Estin Report’s June 2026 & YTD Aspen Snowmass Real Estate Snapshot and H126 Commentary shows. Aspen itself is down 56% in dollar volume and 44% in unit sales, and sales over $10 million are down 56% in dollar volume and 48% in transactions.\n\n\n\nAccording to the report, the ultra-luxury market has also slowed. January through June 2026 saw sales over $20 million drop by 32% from the same time period in 2025, from 19 in 2025 to 13 in 2026.\n\n\n\n“Many sellers have enjoyed years of appreciation, strong investment returns, and manageable carrying costs,” the report reads. “They simply do not have to sell. If they do not receive the price they want today, many are content to wait until next season — or next year.”\n\n\n\nKey factors in a seller’s favor include that inventory remains historically low.\n\n\n\nAnd buyers have become what the report defines as “more deliberate … looking harder at what it costs to remodel, what it costs to build, and what it means to undertake a project in Aspen where construction costs are among the highest in the country.” The report confirms that Aspen’s zoning regulations and approval uncertainties can cause remodels to take 12–18 months, with new construction taking potentially four to five years.\n\n\n\nBuyers are consequently taking more time, negotiating harder and being more selective, the report states. While the best properties continue to sell and drive average pricing upward, buyers are no longer interested in those prices simply because inventory is limited.\n\n\n\nThe low snow winter, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, tariff concerns, higher energy costs and continued questions about affordability have compounded the situation.\n\n\n\n“None of these factors alone explain the slowdown, but together they strongly suggest a more cautious, hesitant mindset,” the report states.\n\n\n\nEstin adds in the report, “Aspen is not alone. From my readings and conversations with brokers around the country, similar trends are emerging in premier luxury markets such as Montecito, Jackson Hole, Nantucket, Palm Beach, and the Hamptons.”\n\n\n\nThe report does disclaim that, because Aspen is a small market, a small number of sales between $20-50 million can significantly influence the statistics and cause slow periods to appear more exaggerated than they actually might be.\n\n\n\n“This is not a distressed market,” the report emphasizes. “Buyers are getting educated to ‘luxury’ all over the world from internet exposure in ways that didn’t exist before. Their expectations are deliberate, well-informed, demanding and aged Aspen property stock is not going to make the cut unless priced appropriately. Buyers are willing to pay up to meet their expectations, but not for so-so product.”\n\n\n\nBut sellers still remain reluctant to adjust expectations. Until that divergence changes, the report states that sales activity is likely to remain muted. \n\n\n\nTo view the full Estin Report, visit https://www.estinaspen.com/real-estate-market/june-2026-aspen-snowmass-real-estate-market-report-snapshot/.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-snowmass-market-experiences-slowest-first-half-since-covid/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F13095655%2Fecoflight-atd-062325-18-1-2048x1365-1-1-1024x683.jpg","slug":"aspen-snowmass-market-experiences-slowest-first-half-since-covid"},{"id":"21eus3","title":"Eagle County commissioners approve assistance letter to pursue an open space tax ballot item. But in which election could Eagle County voters see it?","excerpt":"On Tuesday, July 7, Eagle County Commissioners agreed to let the Trust for Public Land assist in the Open Space Program’s pursuit of an open space tax ballot item. While some hope to see it at the polls this November, others are pushing for a 2027 campaign. \n\n\n\nMembers from the Open Space Program...","content":"On Tuesday, July 7, Eagle County Commissioners agreed to let the Trust for Public Land assist in the Open Space Program’s pursuit of an open space tax ballot item. While some hope to see it at the polls this November, others are pushing for a 2027 campaign. \n\n\n\nMembers from the Open Space Program came to Eagle County commissioners on Monday to discuss a letter of interest from the trust, permitting a partnership to gauge public opinion and survey if Eagle County voters would vote for this tax. \n\n\n\nThe county was presented with two paths the assistance could take if they pursued a 2026 election or a later one. The runway for the 2026 option would be tight, but possibly achievable. However, a path towards a future election would be on an 18-month schedule. \n\n\n\nCounty Commissioners Matt Scherr and Tom Boyd voted to approve the letter with the understanding that the approved work is not committed to an election year until collected data gives them insight into the best next steps. Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney was not in attendance on both meeting days. \n\n\n\nScherr expressed concern for how it would interplay with local elections. “What I am more concerned about is that this could have an impact on other ballot measures to things that are not necessarily in our purview as county government but are very much of our interest,” he said. \n\n\n\nThis includes a 2026 campaign for a mill levy override from the Eagle County School District that would raise funds for underpaid teachers. \n\n\n\n“I have tremendous concern that two mill levy overrides on the ballot would impact the success of a school district mill levy override on the ballot,” said Wendy Rimel from the Education Foundation of Eagle County, who gave public comment on Monday’s meeting. However, Rimel said she does support the 18-month timeline. \n\n\n\n“My concern is because our schools are in a crisis for funding and the only solution is local; it’s not coming from the state, and so my request would be … to push it beyond what we’re looking at putting on the ballot this year, for the school district,” she said. \n\n\n\nSome initial steps, now that the letter is signed, will look at if this threatens other local measures’ chances of a winning vote. Representatives from the Trust for Public Lands said the plan is to test to see whether people will support all measures, or if they will only pick one over the other. \n\n\n\n“Ultimately it does create some tension and fatigue for voters if there’s multiple measures on the ballot and it could potentially drag down one or the other measure, and so we want to be able to give you the right information to make an informed decision whether it will do that or not,” said Jason Swann, the trust’s director of the Intermountain West Conservation Finance program. \n\n\n\n“If the opportunity is right and voters are willing to support these purposes this year, then you don’t want to lose an opportunity, especially if results are pretty favorable, but if it isn’t, then we need to take a step back and figure out why, and our polling should reveal some of that,” he said. \n\n\n\nThe surveying could also allow them to see what the general public is interested in spending funding on, something that Commissioner Boyd expressed interest in. Part of his push for a 2027 ballot spot is also because he wants to take the time to communicate to voters what the tax is going towards, such as water projects. \n\n\n\n“In the same way that protecting public lands is a long view, slow-moving, very powerful idea that takes time, I think this ballot measure should be slow-moving and take its time as well so that we can do it even better in the future for the long term of the lands that we’re ultimately in,” he said. \n\n\n\nBoyd said he will be ready to accept seeing the tax question in 2026, if all the numbers point in that direction. However, he also warned that once they reviewed the data, commissioners might decide that a 2026 election is too tight of a timeline. “If we are saying go for a ’26 ballot measure right now, that’s different than saying go for a ’27 ballot measure right now,” he said. \n\n\n\nIf it would go on the 2026 ballot, the ballot referral would have to be decided around early September. For 2027, surveying the public would begin late February or early March, according to Swann. \n\n\n\nThe next steps are to get commissioners a 2026 and 2027 timeline in the next few weeks, according to Marcia Gilles, the Open Space Natural Resource director. \n\n\n\nAt Tuesday’s meeting, following the decision, she said, “It does not commit public funds, and it does not specify what year we’re working within, so we could start the process now or even down the road.” ","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-commissioners-approve-assistance-letter-to-pursue-an-open-space-tax-ballot-item-but-in-which-election-could-eagle-county-voters-see-it/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner","publishDate":"2026-07-08T13:06:15.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F07175156%2FIMG_1010-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"eagle-county-commissioners-approve-assistance-letter-to-pursue-an-open-space-tax-ballot-item-but-in-"},{"id":"f21yre","title":"Holy Cross Energy power outage lasted 14 hours, raised many communications questions","excerpt":"Around 27,000 Holy Cross Energy customers from Vail to parts of the Roaring Fork Valley woke up Wednesday morning with a massive sigh of relief after a 14-hour power outage caused by a lightning strike on an Xcel Energy transmission line to the Eagle River Valley near Wolcott.\n\n\n\nThe outage, deem...","content":"Around 27,000 Holy Cross Energy customers from Vail to parts of the Roaring Fork Valley woke up Wednesday morning with a massive sigh of relief after a 14-hour power outage caused by a lightning strike on an Xcel Energy transmission line to the Eagle River Valley near Wolcott.\n\n\n\nThe outage, deemed the “longest and most impactful” in the last 20 years by Holy Cross officials, also caused communications issues, primarily with cell phone customers who subscribe to AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon customers reportedly maintained some level of service.\n\n\n\nAT&T and T-Mobile subscribers were without phone service, text alert or Internet access during the entire outage, raising serious questions about how emergency responders will be able to communicate in a wildfire event that would necessitate evacuation.\n\n\n\n“Service was restored for customers in the Vail Valley area this morning after a lightning strike caused a power outage that impacted multiple cell sites,” an AT&T spokesperson wrote in an email. “While local utilities worked to make repairs and restore commercial power, our local network team worked through the night to deploy and refuel portable generators at affected cell sites. We know how important it is to stay connected and appreciate the patience of our customers.”\n\n\n\nTuesday’s outage was not fire-related despite the proximity of major wildfires in neighboring Lake County and elsewhere in Colorado.\n\n\n\nCity Market employees clear perishables after a power outage Wednesday in Avon. The outage was 14 hours, affecting 27,000 people.Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nVail Village was mostly blacked out following the lightning strike just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, and the Vail Town Council, running on excellent backup power because Vail Dispatch is located there and handles countywide 911 calls, started its evening meeting with some public comment Tuesday, then postponed the rest of the agenda until the July 21 meeting.\n\n\n\nTwo Tuesday evening commercial flights scheduled to come into Eagle County Regional Airport, where there’s also excellent backup power generation, were delayed until Wednesday because some FAA equipment did not have enough power Tuesday night.\n\n\n\n“We had minor impacts,” Eagle County Regional Airport Deputy Director of Aviation Josh Miller said. “We had a couple of FAA systems that were down due to the power outage, and both evening flight arrivals delayed until this morning. The last flight (out) departed literally 15 minutes before the power went out, so we had no passengers in the terminal, and all of our systems came back up that we would expect to come up with our emergency generators.”\n\n\n\nAreas of Gypsum and Minturn never lost power, with Minturn restaurants reportedly packed with customers who could not eat in surrounding Vail and Avon establishments.\n\n\n\nA cross arm and brace on one of the Xcel transmission line structures was damaged Tuesday in the lightning strike, causing the region to lose power. HCE relies partially on Xcel Energy to provide wholesale transmission power to their distribution system, according to a press release.\n\n\n\nThe release went on to explain that “Xcel crews from Rifle worked through the night in difficult and remote terrain to make repairs. Unfortunately, during those repairs, some members in the Roaring Fork Valley experienced a short power outage as well.”\n\n\n\nAll Holy Cross members were fully restored by 6 a.m. Wednesday.\n\n\n\n“Holy Cross Energy would like to extend our deepest thanks to our area emergency managers for their timely and coordinated response, and our members for their patience and understanding. This outage was unprecedented in both scope and duration, and we are truly grateful for the grace you showed us,” said Jenna Weatherred, VP of Member and Community Relations for HCE.\n\n\n\nCaution tape keeps people out of fridges at City Market Wednesday in Avon.Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nBirch Barron, the Eagle County Director of Emergency Management, issued the following statement via email:\n\n\n\n“Extended power outages can be incredibly serious,” Barron said. “If power is out and cell phone signal goes down, it is very likely that emergency alerts will not be received by many members of the community. While I am sure that our utilities providers are working to improve the strength and resilience of our power grids across Eagle County, it is also important that our residents and visitors understand the inherent risks of living in a rural mountain environment.\n\n\n\n“As a preparedness goal, I strongly encourage every household to be ready to meet their own needs for at least three days following a disaster,” Barron added. “Build an emergency supplies kit, make a plan for your family, and take extra effort for any special needs like medications and supplies for young children, aging individuals, and people with special needs. In most cases this is more than you will ever need, but if we have another serious emergency in our community, these steps could truly save lives.”\n\n\n\nPower lines in the burn scar of the Bocco Mountain Fire in 2018 in Wolcott. The fire shows the vulnerability of power lines in the mountains.Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nEagle County referred residents to the resources page on ECEmergency.org, which has links and checklists for emergency kits and other preparation steps.\n\n\n\nZachary Sheets, director of the Vail Public Safety Communications Center, said in an email that situations like Tuesday night into Wednesday can overwhelm 911.\n\n\n\n“During widespread power or communication outages, it may not be possible for emergency agencies to distribute public notifications but more likely that citizens will not be able to receive them if cellular networks are unavailable,” Sheets said. “In situations such as power outages, reverse 911 notifications will also be impacted.”\n\n\n\nHe added that people should not call just to test the system.\n\n\n\n“During these events, it is important to reserve 911 for emergencies only. Calling 911 to test whether the system is working can delay access for those experiencing life-threatening emergencies who need immediate assistance,” Sheets said. “Unless you are reporting an emergency or need immediate police, fire, or medical assistance, please do not call 911 during these events.\n\n\n\n“If you are seeking information about a power outage, restoration efforts, or service updates, contact your utility provider directly or visit their official website. Using the appropriate resources for non-emergency information helps ensure that 911 remains available for those facing urgent emergencies.”\n\n\n\nHoly Cross Energy did maintain an outage page on its website, which could only be accessed in areas with Internet connectivity. Satellite functions, at least on AT&T cell phones, did not provide any connectivity, leaving many Eagle Valley residents with zero information. And because it was a sudden lightning strike and not anticipated high winds, Holy Cross was not able to warn in advance of possible outages, which has occurred with Xcel on the Front Range.\n\n\n\nVail Police Chief Ryan Kenney said things went pretty smoothly in Vail, which fortunately was on the other side of a very busy Fourth of July weekend.\n\n\n\n“Last night was actually quiet for us,” Kenney said. “We sent officers out to the Village and (Lionshead) to talk with people but call volume was low.”\n\n\n\nHad this been a major wildfire that not only knocked out power but also cellular towers, Kenney said there is a plan.\n\n\n\n“We know that if there’s a fire, there’s a good chance we may lose power or they may shut power off on us,” Kenney said. “So we have a protocol where we kind of go old school where we’re going to put people in key locations with information. Also, we have what’s called an LRAD, a long-range acoustical device. We mount that on the back of a pickup truck.”\n\n\n\nSuch techniques will get the word out, and they weren’t deployed Tuesday night because there was no imminent public health threat the way there could be with a wildfire or chemical spill.\n\n\n\n“It’s meant to give messages,” Kenney said of the LRAD. “It’s very loud. If we’re in West Vail, you can hear it in East Vail. And basically we patrol up and down the streets, putting that information out. It would be obviously evacuation information, but also an alternative place to go for information. We also do have a reverse 911, which would work on a hard line, but probably we couldn’t get that pushed through to cell.”\n\n\n\nEagle County Sheriff’s spokesperson Karina Toscano, in an email, said, “Last night was definitely an interesting situation for sure and, hopefully, a one-off event. While last night’s outage wasn’t fire-related, we do have emergency response plans in place for a variety of scenarios, including wildfires.”\n\n\n\nCity Market employees clear perishables after a power outage Wednesday in Avon. The outage was 14 hours, affecting 27,000 people.Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nToscano said emergency response and notification depends on a wide variety of factors such as weather conditions, location and fire behavior, “so evacuation plans are intentionally flexible to allow us to adapt quickly as conditions change.” Those plans are always being updated, she added.\n\n\n\n“If an emergency required evacuations and some areas were without cellular service, we have multiple ways to notify residents,” Toscano said. “In coordination with our emergency response partners, deputies and first responders would go door-to-door in affected areas if necessary to ensure people receive evacuation orders. We also work closely with Eagle County Emergency Management and our partners to evaluate incidents like yesterday’s outage, discussing what worked well and identifying opportunities to strengthen our response for future events.”\n\n\n\nToscano said the sheriff’s office did see an increase in calls during the outage. Many were alarm calls triggered as backup batteries and systems began to fail as the outage went on. But she added that the community response was outstanding.\n\n\n\n“We saw neighbors checking on neighbors, people reaching out to friends and family, and the community doing everything they could to make sure the people they knew had the essentials and what they needed to stay safe overnight,” Toscano said. “It was encouraging to see so many people looking out for one another, and that sense of community goes a long way during situations like this.”\n\n\n\nVail officials said the Vail Fire Department responded to about 50 alarm calls triggered by failed backup power systems.\n\n\n\nGrocery stores saw major cooler failures due to the outage, and many restaurants kept serving as long as they could, several sources said. There were issues with traffic lights not working properly on U.S. Highway 6 in Avon and other locations.\n\n\n\n“When the main grid fails, modern traffic signals rely on a multi-stage backup system,” I-70 Mountain Corridor Communications Manager Austyn Dineen wrote in an email. “Initially, a battery backup maintains normal light cycles for approximately two to four hours. Then the system switches to a battery-saving mode, flashing red in all directions for an additional two to six hours, approximately. If the batteries completely deplete, the intersection goes dark until a crew arrives to hook up a mobile, fuel-powered generator.”\n\n\n\nDineen added that state and local laws dictate strict rules for navigating compromised intersections: “If the signals are flashing red or completely dark, motorists must treat the intersection exactly like a four-way stop.” Go to the Colorado Driver Handbook at dmv.coloroado.gov for more information.\n\n\n\nVail Health hospitals across the Eagle River Valley reported few problems. The hospital trains for such situations and has teams on standby with the necessary resources to respond. Vail Health Hospital in Vail, Precourt Healing Center in Edwards, and several other Vail Health facilities throughout the Eagle River Valley are equipped with backup power systems designed to provide emergency power during outages.\n\n\n\n“Last night, those systems functioned as intended, and our teams responded according to established protocols, allowing us to continue providing a safe and appropriate environment for patient care with minimal disruption,” Vail Health President and CEO Will Cook wrote in an email statement.\n\n\n\nThe hospital coordinated and maintained contact with its community partners, including Eagle County Emergency Management. Vail Health was able to maintain normal operations and patient services at all of it facilities (Tuesday and) Wednesday, officials reported.\n\n\n\n“This response was truly a team effort. From our facilities and engineering teams, who managed critical infrastructure, to clinical staff, who continued delivering exceptional patient care, to leadership and support teams coordinating operations and communications, employees across the organization worked together to ensure continuity of care and patient safety throughout the event,” Cook added.\n\n\n\nVail Town Manager Russ Forrest looked at Tuesday night’s outage as a good learning experience that will hopefully lead to some changes going forward.\n\n\n\n“We learned a lot,” Forrest said. “After the council meeting, I spent some time just walking, talking to guests, and lodging managers, just sharing with them where to get information and what’s going on and what to expect. What we learned was we can never be prepared enough when the lights go out, and we learned a lot about communications and how reliant we are on our cell phones and how certain cell services work.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/power-outage-affects-tens-of-thousands-across-the-vail-valley/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-08T00:39:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":45,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F08135230%2FOutage-VDN-070926-4-1024x683.jpg","slug":"holy-cross-energy-power-outage-lasted-14-hours-raised-many-communications-questions"},{"id":"ftqlhk","title":"Snowmass shifts design of proposed Draw Site to include multiple buildings","excerpt":"Snowmass Town Council decided to move forward Monday with a new type of design for the Draw Site — going from a single building concept to an ancillary building concept with the aim of breaking up massing and providing a more mountain community feel.\n\n\n\nSnowmass Housing Director Kevin Rayes prese...","content":"Snowmass Town Council decided to move forward Monday with a new type of design for the Draw Site — going from a single building concept to an ancillary building concept with the aim of breaking up massing and providing a more mountain community feel.\n\n\n\nSnowmass Housing Director Kevin Rayes presented on the peer review process that was conducted during two Snowmass Town Council work sessions in April and May to provide design direction centered around strengthening the project’s relationship to its site, neighborhood and community character while remaining aligned with project feasibility.\n\n\n\n“We’re looking for some high level direction from council tonight,” Rayes said. \n\n\n\nAccording to Rayes, conditions of council’s preliminary approval were to explore pedestrian and bicycle improvements for safe accessibility, explore de-incentivizing car use, enhance outdoor common areas and explore moving the stairs. Following a peer review previously approved by council and done by Jim Kehoe of Keo Studio Works, a design and architect studio based in Snowmass, Rayes noted the changes that followed resulted in three “options” for council to consider.\n\n\n\nAll options considered council’s feedback on needing balconies for improving daylight, airflow and livability, shifting materials to something warmer with an alpine-contextual palette that’s “less corporate,” moving away from a flat roof and breaking up the massing of the building. \n\n\n\nA rendering of Option 1 for the Draw Site.Town of Snowmass Village/Courtesy image\n\n\n\nA rendering of Option 2 for the Draw Site.Town of Snowmass Village/Courtesy image\n\n\n\nA rendering of Option 3 for the Draw Site.Town of Snowmass Village/Courtesy image\n\n\n\nRayes noted that Option 1 is “not too much of a change from where we are now.” The biggest differences between Option 1 and Options 2 and 3 is that Options 2 and 3 break up the massing of the single building concept with an ancillary building concept. While Options 2 and 3 look very similar, they differ primarily on the number of units provided.\n\n\n\nOption 1 would provide 66 units at roughly $1,061,184 per unit, coming to a total project cost of $70,038,130. Option 2 would provide 63-64 units at roughly $1,112,471 per unit for a total project cost of $71,198,130. Option 3 would provide 73-74 units at roughly $1,041,704 per unit, with a total project cost of $77,086,130. \n\n\n\nOption 3 is the only option deemed to have insufficient parking for the units provided in its current design, falling short by three to seven parking spots.\n\n\n\nCouncil Member Tom Fridstein expressed support for Option 2.\n\n\n\n“I think Option 2 achieves a lot of the issues that I heard expressed at this table,” Fridstein said, noting the reduced mass and more of a “neighborhood feeling” of the proposed design.\n\n\n\nCouncil Member Susan Marolt also voiced her appreciation of the Option 2 and 3 designs with the smaller buildings in front.\n\n\n\nBut Council Member Britta Gustafson still expressed discontent that the designs weren’t quite there yet in terms of what the community needs.\n\n\n\n“I speak for the people that are having a really hard time digesting this in the community,” she said. “I’m frustrated that we can’t quite get there.”\n\n\n\nSite Architects Principal Architect Erica Golden confirmed that her team is still open to refining additional areas as the project moves forward.\n\n\n\n“We were really trying to maintain the momentum that we had gained with the preliminary approval and incorporate these things thoughtfully … but it has been a little bit hard for us because we haven’t been at the meetings with you guys to hear these things firsthand,” Golden said. “I feel like we should have been there to hear these things firsthand and hear the priorities for you guys. We thought we were incorporating the things that were most important to the large majority.”\n\n\n\nCouncil Member Cecily DeAngelo suggested continuing to work with Jim Kehoe of Keo Studio Works, who did the peer review.\n\n\n\n“I don’t feel finished working with him,” DeAngelo said. “I feel like we were making strides so quickly and making this project better and better and some great improvements have been made … but I really feel like we just scratched the surface. It would be my preference not to stop, but to continue to improve this project.”\n\n\n\nLike Gustafson, DeAngelo said that choosing one of the three options at this point feels premature.\n\n\n\nWhile Mayor Alyssa Shenk acknowledged that she heard Gustafson’s and DeAngleo’s concerns, she emphasized that the major needs that were previously discussed — balconies, roofing, colors, massing — have been addressed.\n\n\n\n“I’m having trouble understanding why we can’t pick an option that we feel is the best option and meets these goals, and then from there see what needs to be done,” Shenk said. “I really think that we need to pick an option that we want to explore more.”\n\n\n\nShe added, “I think that we have made a lot of progress, I just want to make sure that we’re continuing to move forward.”\n\n\n\nShenk, Fridstein and Marolt voted in favor of a motion to move forward with Option 2 or 3, with DeAngelo abstaining from the vote and Gustafson voting against the motion. Council directed staff to schedule a meeting or work session in the immediate future with the architects to further discuss the project.\n\n\n\n“I would hope to expedite it,” Fridstein said. “We do it as soon as possible.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-shifts-design-of-proposed-draw-site-to-include-multiple-buildings/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T23:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07165024%2Foption_2_2-1024x543.png","slug":"snowmass-shifts-design-of-proposed-draw-site-to-include-multiple-buildings"},{"id":"qh081t","title":"Snowmass receives update on affordable housing needs","excerpt":"Despite its relatively small size, Snowmass would need to increase affordable housing by 508 units to meet the need for living space in Pitkin County.\n\n\n\nThis is according to Rachel Schindman with Economic and Planning Systems, who presented to Snowmass Town Council Monday on the newest housing n...","content":"Despite its relatively small size, Snowmass would need to increase affordable housing by 508 units to meet the need for living space in Pitkin County.\n\n\n\nThis is according to Rachel Schindman with Economic and Planning Systems, who presented to Snowmass Town Council Monday on the newest housing needs study for the region.\n\n\n\nThe study confirmed that the region needs much more affordable housing than it currently provides, especially in the upper valley where housing is unaffordable even for households making upwards of 300% of the average median income. \n\n\n\nIn order to support the workforce, lower traffic and promote habitation in the upper valley, Schindman stated that the region needs around 7,700 more affordable units over the next 10 years, with about one-third of those units built in Pitkin County and the other two-thirds built in Garfield. Snowmass is currently short about 300 units, Schindman confirmed, and would still need to grow by 208 more over the next decade in order to meet its housing needs.\n\n\n\n“We distribute the need based on jobs,” Schindman said during the meeting. “Snowmass has 18% of the jobs in the county, and so 18% of those 2,854 units [needed in Pitkin County] are allocated to Snowmass.”\n\n\n\nThese units are expected to house 1.7 employees each across a variety of unit sizes, Shindman said, meaning there is expected to be about 860 more people living in affordable housing in the next 10 years. That equates to 7% of the regional need for housing.\n\n\n\nSchindman also noted that, while Snowmass has been seeing lower rates of households at risk of displacement or under significant financial stress, that may be because those households have already been pushed to Garfield County or out of the region entirely.\n\n\n\n“[The decline] might not be because we are addressing the needs; it might be because this population has already been displaced,” Schindman said. “It could create a focus for some programs or strategies to ensure that we’re meeting specific needs of, for example, single-earner households.”\n\n\n\nShindman also explained that Snowmass’ role in affordable housing goes beyond serving the needs of the town itself to include serving the larger region overall. According to her, the entire region is linked, and projects in one area are likely to be beneficial for the entire region.\n\n\n\n“If one community has land, and another community has funding, and another community has access to low-cost financing, we want to be able to come together and all work toward creating more housing opportunities in the region, recognizing that it’s something that benefits the region as a whole,” Shindman said.\n\n\n\nAccording to Mayor Alyssa Shenk, “It’s a lot to think about. It’s looking at the long-term needs, and what you need to tweak and improve.”\n\n\n\nNo further action was requested of Snowmass Town Council at the Monday meeting.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-receives-update-on-affordable-housing-needs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T22:45:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07143141%2FFA490393-DA71-41DB-954C-FDE705039DE2-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"snowmass-receives-update-on-affordable-housing-needs"},{"id":"bn0dz7","title":"Aspen Music Festival and School offers free tickets for ages 19 to 35","excerpt":"The Aspen Music Festival and School will continue its popular “Free Fridays for 35 and Under program,” which takes place Fridays at 5:30 p.m. from July 3-Aug. 14 at the Klein Music Tent, 960 N. Third St. \n\n\n\nThe program is aimed at ages 19 to 35, offering free concert tickets to six Friday evenin...","content":"The Aspen Music Festival and School will continue its popular “Free Fridays for 35 and Under program,” which takes place Fridays at 5:30 p.m. from July 3-Aug. 14 at the Klein Music Tent, 960 N. Third St. \n\n\n\nThe program is aimed at ages 19 to 35, offering free concert tickets to six Friday evening concerts for young adults.\n\n\n\n“We started this initiative last summer to welcome newcomers to the Tent and have had an amazing response,” Vice-President of Marketing and Communications Laura Smith told The Aspen Times. “We have a combination of locals and tourists visiting the area. This past week, we’ve had requests from people from Aspen to Glenwood, Michigan, Pennsylvania, even Bavaria! The effusive notes people sometimes write along with their ticket requests are so touching.”\n\n\n\nThe program provides free access to some of the Festival’s most anticipated performances, including works by Beethoven, Mozart, Bernstein, Dvořák, Brahms and contemporary composers Jake Heggie, Joan Tower, Reena Esmail and Alan Fletcher. \n\n\n\n“Young people are really excited to be invited in to join the experience, and we are excited to share with them. I don’t think there’s anything in the world quite like a concert in the Klein Music Tent on a pretty Aspen summer night,” Smith said.\n\n\n\n2026 Free Fridays for 35 and Under Lineup\n\n\n\n\nJuly 3: Symphony Featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 \n\n\n\nJuly 10: Symphony Featuring Works by Beethoven, Mozart, Handel \n\n\n\nJuly 17: All-American Program Celebrating Leonard Bernstein \n\n\n\nJuly 24: All Mozart Symphonic Program \n\n\n\nAug. 7: Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony and More \n\n\n\nAug. 14: Symphony Featuring Works by Esmail, Brahms \n\n\n\n\nEligible patrons may reserve up to two tickets per concert. Tickets can be requested online beginning at 7 p.m. one week before each concert, or claimed at the Aspen Music Festival and School box office — subject to availability. A valid photo ID matching the reservation is required for ticket pickup.  \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspenmusic.org and tickets@aspenmusic.org.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-music-festival-and-school-offers-free-tickets-for-ages-19-to-35/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T22:38:40.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07142245%2F6T7B9181_PC-Elle_Logan-1024x683.jpg","slug":"aspen-music-festival-and-school-offers-free-tickets-for-ages-19-to-35"},{"id":"j9fb3l","title":"Aspen Acres damage toll rises as Beulah fire chief reports 193 homes burned in fire","excerpt":"Officials said Wednesday the fire has burned at least 275 homes in Pueblo and Custer counties","content":"Officials said Wednesday the fire has burned at least 275 homes in Pueblo and Custer counties","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/08/aspen-acres-fire-winds-wednesday-update/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-08T15:38:21.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FPHOTO_20260701_001160_AerialStCharlesRiv_Washa-scaled.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C768%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-acres-damage-toll-rises-as-beulah-fire-chief-reports-193-homes-burned-in-fire"},{"id":"rkgi9e","title":"Brandon: Foibles of the Fourth of July","excerpt":"It’s hot. It’s dry. It’s still early July. Plants have withered in the sun. Just look at what we’ve done. The secret’s out. Aspen’s clout...","content":"It’s hot. It’s dry. It’s still early July. Plants have withered in the sun. Just look at what we’ve done. The secret’s out. Aspen’s clout...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/brandon-foibles-of-the-fourth-of-july/article_86d37801-02ce-4259-afae-32a5a1aa9426.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Beth Brandon, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fcf%2F0cf26dfb-9b11-4225-ad53-2536180af9c6%2F68f03ec43afb5.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","slug":"brandon-foibles-of-the-fourth-of-july"},{"id":"ws9au6","title":"Public Health: Time to be bat aware","excerpt":"Two headlines regarding rabies caught my attention recently. One was a story from Canada about an 11-year-old boy who died...","content":"Two headlines regarding rabies caught my attention recently. One was a story from Canada about an 11-year-old boy who died...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/public-health-time-to-be-bat-aware/article_648fd683-ac95-4ca9-8bde-679deb6306b7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Liz Stark, Public Health","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Faf%2Ffaf86ea6-0b63-492c-933b-a2208104b71d%2F6a4ecbf21ca58.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C366","slug":"public-health-time-to-be-bat-aware"},{"id":"v7254d","title":"Russia’s war on Ukraine leaves high gas prices","excerpt":"Philip Verleger — Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent U.S. consumers a Fourth of July present: high gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices.","content":"Philip Verleger — Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent U.S. consumers a Fourth of July present: high gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/russia-s-war-on-ukraine-leaves-high-gas-prices/article_b89facba-34cf-4fc1-a71f-5082b3354cc0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"russias-war-on-ukraine-leaves-high-gas-prices"},{"id":"aev1fm","title":"Why can’t Basalt planning commission just say no?","excerpt":"Susan Sullivan — I recently attended the Basalt Planning and Zoning Commission meeting regarding the proposed Marriott Residence...","content":"Susan Sullivan — I recently attended the Basalt Planning and Zoning Commission meeting regarding the proposed Marriott Residence...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/why-can-t-basalt-planning-commission-just-say-no/article_2c61aa7d-cd5e-455c-b7f4-45de972d71f8.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"why-cant-basalt-planning-commission-just-say-no"},{"id":"84vqky","title":"liz stark public health","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/liz-stark-public-health/image_faf86ea6-0b63-492c-933b-a2208104b71d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-09T07:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Faf%2Ffaf86ea6-0b63-492c-933b-a2208104b71d%2F6a4ecbf21ca58.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C366","slug":"liz-stark-public-health"},{"id":"fkc4mj","title":"Zak Toscani","excerpt":"Zak Toscani","content":"Zak Toscani","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/zak-toscani/image_6c57ef9c-b7ab-4f85-9e08-def4275715d3.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy photo","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:29:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2Fc5%2F6c57ef9c-b7ab-4f85-9e08-def4275715d3%2F6a4e892e45cf5.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C374","slug":"zak-toscani"},{"id":"5v6gmu","title":"Kalea McNeill","excerpt":"Kalea McNeill","content":"Kalea McNeill","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/kalea-mcneill/image_2c15c544-a957-4333-892c-78545edc5316.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy photo","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:26:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2Fc1%2F2c15c544-a957-4333-892c-78545edc5316%2F6a4e887507e6f.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C450","slug":"kalea-mcneill"},{"id":"nn9daq","title":"Leah Lamarr","excerpt":"Leah Lamarr","content":"Leah Lamarr","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/leah-lamarr/image_e2372946-2d30-4300-8b76-a659ec663334.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy photo","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:25:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F23%2Fe2372946-2d30-4300-8b76-a659ec663334%2F6a4e8852077fd.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","slug":"leah-lamarr"},{"id":"fiu530","title":"Comedy WKND 2023","excerpt":"Comedian Joey Avery headlines the first Snowmass Comedy WKND in 2023. Organizers say shows tend to sell out, so advance tickets are recommended.","content":"Comedian Joey Avery headlines the first Snowmass Comedy WKND in 2023. Organizers say shows tend to sell out, so advance tickets are recommended.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/comedy-wknd-2023/image_a2a852e1-5a70-4753-a8ec-853439b97d12.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy David Clifford Photography","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:19:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F2a%2Fa2a852e1-5a70-4753-a8ec-853439b97d12%2F6a4e88146cfd1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C205","slug":"comedy-wknd-2023"},{"id":"e6ksxr","title":"Snowmass Comedy WKND returns, bringing community together through laughter","excerpt":"It's easy to hear the difference in Snowmass Base Village on a comedy weekend — laughter spilling out a second-floor window onto the plaza below, mingling with the buzz of the village and cheers from a pickup soccer game on…","content":"It's easy to hear the difference in Snowmass Base Village on a comedy weekend — laughter spilling out a second-floor window onto the plaza below, mingling with the buzz of the village and cheers from a pickup soccer game on…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/sponsored/snowmasscomedy/article_aa172f74-6816-4800-be14-d18e083935ba.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"ADN Story Studio","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:10:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F2a%2Fa2a852e1-5a70-4753-a8ec-853439b97d12%2F6a4e88146cfd1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C205","slug":"snowmass-comedy-wknd-returns-bringing-community-together-through-laughter"},{"id":"9ang2","title":"Andrew Duhon brings blues/rock/folk adjacent sound to TACAW","excerpt":"Born in Louisiana but drew inspiration from across the globe","content":"Born in Louisiana but drew inspiration from across the globe","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/andrew-duhon-brings-blues-rock-folk-adjacent-sound-to-tacaw/article_0327fa6d-e696-44de-928b-54c92d9ebd9f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-08T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F0a%2Fd0a21afb-72d3-42e4-9700-254dca8ce4b6%2F6a4d9d749e485.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"andrew-duhon-brings-bluesrockfolk-adjacent-sound-to-tacaw"},{"id":"3l42be","title":"Public vote necessary for Theatre Aspen project, says city council","excerpt":"Land use application remains unsubmitted for permanent venue","content":"Land use application remains unsubmitted for permanent venue","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/public-vote-necessary-for-theatre-aspen-project-says-city-council/article_93c1eba4-6aa0-40fa-9f64-df0c0713daca.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-08T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F04%2Fe041e36c-65bf-4dac-9952-c69e71a8ff34%2F6a4d9ead2acef.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"public-vote-necessary-for-theatre-aspen-project-says-city-council"},{"id":"1n61np","title":"Local news in brief, July 8","excerpt":"Western Colorado fire info released Tuesday","content":"Western Colorado fire info released Tuesday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-july-8/article_1270f9e6-d544-4a74-9587-866d7ba494d0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-08T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F48%2Fd483a8fd-d62d-44fb-b5e8-25c1595a8aaa%2F68ec464fe7543.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C189","slug":"local-news-in-brief-july-8"},{"id":"1ppjer","title":"Snowmass council warms up to Draw site redesign","excerpt":"Peer review process puts forth more palatable option for affordable housing project","content":"Peer review process puts forth more palatable option for affordable housing project","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/snowmass-council-warms-up-to-draw-site-redesign/article_2a27ac2b-4771-49c8-9b48-c06c63750f56.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-08T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Fda%2Feda0f5b5-0cd8-4c25-b1d1-c0289f12bb2d%2F6a4da0591063e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"snowmass-council-warms-up-to-draw-site-redesign"},{"id":"m4bykr","title":"Basalt’s Ann Korologos Gallery to open ‘Continuum’","excerpt":"Basalt’s Ann Korologos Gallery will open “Continuum” — the gallery’s first in-person event of the year — with a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9.\n\n\n\nVisiting artists from across the region will attend, according to a release.\n\n\n\n“This exhibition is about continuity in every sens...","content":"Basalt’s Ann Korologos Gallery will open “Continuum” — the gallery’s first in-person event of the year — with a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9.\n\n\n\nVisiting artists from across the region will attend, according to a release.\n\n\n\n“This exhibition is about continuity in every sense of the word,” co-owners Sue Edmonds and Claire de L’Arbre said in the release. “The all-artist reception has become a tradition rooted in remembrance and community. What began as a gathering during Ann’s memorial celebration has evolved into something deeply meaningful — a reunion of artists, collectors and friends connected through art. ‘Continuum’ reflects that spirit of connection.”\n\n\n\nThe summer exhibit brings together 100 works by more than 40 gallery artists, with at least two by each artist. It explores connection across time, place and perspective. Paintings, sculpture, prints and mixed-media works will reveal both each artist’s voice and the threads that unite them.\n\n\n\n“Continuum” aims to turn the exhibition into a lively dialogue among media, generations and perspectives of the American West. Rooted in the gallery’s longstanding mission to champion contemporary art of the West, “Continuum” spans finely rendered landscapes, expressive abstraction, ceramics, bronzes and layered printmaking. Artists are reimagining regional narratives through experimentation, craftsmanship and personal experience, the release states.\n\n\n\nThe gallery is entering a new chapter under Edmonds and de L’Arbre, who took ownership in December 2025. After Ann Korologos died in 2023, the gallery remains committed to creating meaningful connections through art and fostering dialogue between artists and audiences, the release confirms.\n\n\n\n“Continuum” is more than an exhibition — it celebrates the relationships that have shaped the gallery over more than three decades, the artists whose visions define its walls, the collectors who have supported their work and the community that has gathered around art in historic downtown Basalt. \n\n\n\nAnn Korologos Gallery remains committed to creating meaningful connections through art and fostering dialogue between artists and audience.\n\n\n\nKnown for its thoughtfully curated exhibitions and welcoming atmosphere, Ann Korologos Gallery will continue to showcase artists whose work reflects the depth, beauty and evolving identity of the contemporary West. \n\n\n\n“Continuum” will be on view July 9 through Aug. 5.\n\n\n\nThe gallery is located at 211 Midland Ave. in Basalt. For more information, visit korologosgallery.com and contact art@korologosgallery.com with questions or requests. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/basalts-ann-korologos-gallery-to-open-continuum/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T22:34:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07131944%2F1-2025_1120_0032untitled-2-1024x683.jpg","slug":"basalts-ann-korologos-gallery-to-open-continuum"},{"id":"yv9lvi","title":"Hickenlooper, Glenwood officials speak out against proposed RMI Quarry expansion","excerpt":"U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper joined Glenwood Springs city councilors, Garfield County commissioners and members of the Citizens Alliance on Transfer Trail on Friday to speak out against Rocky Mountain Industrials’ (RMI) latest quarry expansion proposal. \n\n\n\nAlthough there haven’t been active minin...","content":"U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper joined Glenwood Springs city councilors, Garfield County commissioners and members of the Citizens Alliance on Transfer Trail on Friday to speak out against Rocky Mountain Industrials’ (RMI) latest quarry expansion proposal. \n\n\n\nAlthough there haven’t been active mining operations at the RMI quarry, located north of Glenwood Springs, since December 2024, that doesn’t mean the mining company hasn’t stopped trying to get operations back up and running. \n\n\n\nThe U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) deemed RMIs latest plan for the limestone quarry complete on June 26, moving the proposal into technical review before it continues into public review. If approved, the proposal would triple the federally approved acreage at the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry in West Glenwood, from 16 to 56.1 acres. \n\n\n\nAfter listening to short speeches from Glenwood Springs Mayor Marco Dehm, Glenwood Springs Mayor Pro-Tem Erin Zalinksi, Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, and Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance President Jeff Peterson, Sen. Hickenlooper said the nonpartisan support shown in the Glenwood Springs community will translate into higher levels of state and federal government. \n\n\n\n“A lot of these people working for Western states and smaller communities really don’t like the idea of some corporation coming in and strong-arming the community and overwhelming the state,” he said on Friday. \n\n\n\n“I’m a believer in mines, and we need a whole bunch of rare-earth materials, and there are places that want mines,” Hickenlooper continued. “But there’s a way to do it that’s legal and has social support. You can’t just overturn a whole town and community.”\n\n\n\nU.S. Sen John Hickenlooper speaks with members of the Glenwood Springs Citizens Alliance atop Transfer Trail on Friday afternoon. Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThe restart of mining operations threatens the economy and ecology of Glenwood Springs, Zalinski said. She noted how the immediate reaction was unified across the aisle, something quite rare these days. \n\n\n\n“We find ourselves here because the future of our thriving, self-sustaining community is being jeopardized for the profits of a single company,” she said on Friday with the quarry scar behind her. “Every major stakeholder has come together because we all understand what’s at risk. The opposition to expanding the gravel quarry is both unified and nonpartisan, and that alone feels remarkable.\n\n\n\n“The economic independence and quality of life of Glenwood Springs and our entire region is on the line,” Zalinski continued. “This substantial expansion that is proposed puts our fragile limestone groundwater network, as well as the invaluable hot springs, at risk, threatening the very foundation of our tourist economy beyond the potential environmental and economic concerns.”\n\n\n\nRepresentatives from the City of Glenwood Springs recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to try to “pitch their case,” but were surprised to find apathy from the new BLM Director Stevan Pearce.\n\n\n\n“We were surprised to be meeting with the newly appointed director of the BLM, but it was very quickly clear that he not only didn’t know where Glenwood was, but that wasn’t even his concern anyway,” Zalinksi said. “He let us know that this approval was to be viewed favorably on direction from the White House, and we were encouraged to come back to him with bullet points of what we would be willing to accept.\n\n\n\n“We feel like David and Goliath right now, and we’re trying to bring in every resource we can, push every button, pull every lever, and get all hands on deck,” she continued.\n\n\n\nThe quarry has had its own tangles with state and federal government agencies, as well as community disagreements, dating back years. \n\n\n\nIn 2022, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) pushed RMI to address several noncompliance complaints, including stormwater runoff issues, mining outside its approved boundaries, and a failure to properly bench the high wall of the quarry, which eventually resulted in the January 2023 slope failure. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior also issued a decision ordering RMI to stop mining the common-variety limestone under its existing permit after finding the company had been selling limestone for uses not allowed under that authorization. The company was also directed to pay royalties to the federal government. \n\n\n\nBecause of the repeated missteps and the potential threat to the Glenwood Springs ecosystem, Jankovsky said those issues have eroded public trust in the company.\n\n\n\n“This company does not have a social license,” Jankovsky said. “Any mining company today understands that if they’re going to come into a community, they need to have the community’s support, and they do not have a social license. As Erin said, the entire community is on the same page.”\n\n\n\nSpecific language in the proposal hints at addressing noncompliance issues, leading Peterson to see it as a precursor to something much larger. \n\n\n\n“While the BLM and RMI describe this as an expansion as a solution to the noncompliance issues, many in our community are really concerned that this is nothing more than a first step towards reviving their ambition of a broader expansion,” Peterson said on Friday. “This smaller expansion proposal would increase the permit boundary by 350% and result in negative impacts to the visual landscape of our community, economic impacts, tourism industry impacts, and impacts our businesses and residents.”\n\n\n\nThrough all this discussion, the 2019 RMI expansion proposal that would increase the acreage from double digits to triple digits, has still not been withdrawn. The initial proposal would allow RMI to mine 447 acres of public land and extract up to 5 million tons of material per year. To transport that material, RMI would have to send more than 500 trucks up and down Transfer Trail every day and have an idling train ready to move material to the Front Range. \n\n\n\nHearing the numbers made Hickenlooper laugh out loud, and after taking the trip up Transfer Trail himself, he joked that he wouldn’t be surprised to hear that citizens of Glenwood Springs would make a human roadblock to stop RMI from sending even 100 trucks up and down daily. \n\n\n\n“You can’t overturn a whole community. I can’t even conceive of all that pollution, even just from 100 trucks daily. They’ll put human roadblocks to keep that from happening,” he said. \n\n\n\nHickenlooper said stopping the expansion will come down to organizing public pressure and gathering votes. He said he would work with Democrats, but that local residents also need to make their concerns clear to local representatives who may be able to influence the process.\n\n\n\nHe pointed to U.S. Reps. Jeff Hurd and Lauren Bobert as important voices because of their connection to the region.\n\n\n\n“The trucks and the threat to the Hot Springs are the aces in the hole,” he said. “Those are the issues that will win this battle. You should keep on Jeff Hurd, and I think Lauren Bobert is really gettable. I know she isn’t popular in Democratic circles, but she’s savvy and isn’t afraid to tell Trump when to get off.”\n\n\n\nThe quarry conversation will almost certainly get louder as the November midterms progress. \n\n\n\nFor more information on the Glenwood Springs Citizens Alliance, visit loveglenwood.org. \n\n\n\nFor more information on Rocky Mountain Industrials, visit Rockymountainindustrials.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/hickenlooper-glenwood-officials-speak-out-against-proposed-rmi-quarry-expansion/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T20:59:29.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06144956%2FDSC_0597_copy-1024x693.jpg","slug":"hickenlooper-glenwood-officials-speak-out-against-proposed-rmi-quarry-expansion"},{"id":"nprmp7","title":"Where are wildfires creating the most smoke on Colorado’s Western Slope?","excerpt":"Smoke is continuing to waft through the mountains from wildfires burning in Colorado and neighboring states, prompting health advisories due to air quality.\n\n\n\nThe Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory through at least Tuesday morning for m...","content":"Smoke is continuing to waft through the mountains from wildfires burning in Colorado and neighboring states, prompting health advisories due to air quality.\n\n\n\nThe Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory through at least Tuesday morning for more than a dozen counties, including Summit, Lake, Garfield, Chaffee and Park counties.\n\n\n\n“Clearly the areas in close proximity to fires will continue to see the heaviest smoke, yet we also want folks throughout the Advisory area to remain aware that impacts will remain possible at different times each day, with potential for rapidly changing conditions,” state health officials wrote in the Colorado Smoke Blog.\n\n\n\nThe air quality index — a measurement that translates air pollution data into a standardized scale from 0 to 500 — was above 100 in Silverthorne, Edwards, Avon and Basalt on Monday morning, a level considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Throughout much of the rest of the Western Slope, the air quality index was between 60 and 80, or “moderate,” according to the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.\n\n\n\nIn Colorado, five major wildfires — the Willow Fire in Lake County, the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray County, the Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo County, the Ferris Fire in Dolores County and the Snyder Fire in Mesa County — are contributing to the smoke. The air quality index is elevated in areas around the fires. \n\n\n\nIn Leadville, the air quality index hit 196 on Monday morning, a level considered “unhealthy.”\n\n\n\nIf smoke is thick or becomes thick, public health officials recommend staying indoors and considering limiting physical activity. This is especially true for sensitive people, such as those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses and the very young or older adults, according to the state health department. If visibility is less than five miles, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy for all.\n\n\n\nTo check the local air quality visit fire.airnow.gov. For more information on the impacts of wildfire smoke on health, visit CDPHE.Colorado.gov/apcd/wildfire-smoke-and-health.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/where-are-wildfires-creating-the-most-smoke-on-colorados-western-slope/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T19:30:45.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06120548%2FIMG_2797-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","slug":"where-are-wildfires-creating-the-most-smoke-on-colorados-western-slope"},{"id":"18bwhd","title":"Rifle to welcome Birch Park with ribbon cutting","excerpt":"Rifle will celebrate the grand opening of Birch Park, the city’s newest neighborhood park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, at 2025 Birch Ave.\n\n\n\nThe celebration will include a brief ceremony followed by complimentary drinks and ice cream. Community members of all ages...","content":"Rifle will celebrate the grand opening of Birch Park, the city’s newest neighborhood park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, at 2025 Birch Ave.\n\n\n\nThe celebration will include a brief ceremony followed by complimentary drinks and ice cream. Community members of all ages are invited to attend, explore the park and try out its new amenities.\n\n\n\nBirch Park includes a destination playground, pickleball courts, a multipurpose and futsal court, walking paths, shaded gathering spaces, open green space and other amenities designed to serve residents and visitors for years to come.\n\n\n\n“We are excited to welcome everyone to Birch Park,” Parks and Recreation Director Austin Rickstrew said in a news release. “From the very beginning, we envisioned a place where every child feels welcome, every family finds a reason to stay a little longer, and every visit creates a new memory.”\n\n\n\nRickstrew said parks play an important role in bringing people together.\n\n\n\n“Parks are where some of life’s best moments happen, where kids take their first trip down a slide, families gather after work, neighbors become friends, and communities come together,” he said. “Birch Park was built with those moments in mind, and we look forward to sharing it with the entire community.”\n\n\n\nThe city said the park represents a major investment in Rifle’s future by creating a welcoming space for families, friends and neighbors to gather.\n\n\n\nThe project was supported by an $800,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado and a $1.25 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is administered locally by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on behalf of the National Park Service.\n\n\n\n“CPW is proud to celebrate the completion of Birch Park alongside the City of Rifle,” Fletcher Jacobs, assistant director of outdoor recreation and lands, said in the release. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund is all about creating public outdoor recreation spaces that bring people together, and it is exciting to see this new park open for the Rifle community.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rifle-to-welcome-birch-park-with-ribbon-cutting/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T19:24:26.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F03%2F30122756%2F649760390_1367699975390679_4622397090094375006_n-1024x767.jpg","slug":"rifle-to-welcome-birch-park-with-ribbon-cutting"},{"id":"ag2w0","title":"PHOTOS: Rifle dives into Independence Day","excerpt":"The city of Rifle held its Independence Day celebration July 3 at Metro Park and Pool, giving families a chance to enjoy food trucks, a dunk tank, bounce houses, slip ‘n slides and a foam cannon before the Fourth of July holiday.\n\n\n\nA girl gets closer to the mechanism that will drop the person in...","content":"The city of Rifle held its Independence Day celebration July 3 at Metro Park and Pool, giving families a chance to enjoy food trucks, a dunk tank, bounce houses, slip ‘n slides and a foam cannon before the Fourth of July holiday.\n\n\n\nA girl gets closer to the mechanism that will drop the person into the tank at the July 3 Celebration on Friday at Metro Park in Rifle.Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nAlyssa and Ashley Bozekowski, identical twins, Alyssa from Rifle and Ashley visiting from Denver, were at Rifle’s July 3 Celebration on Friday at Metro Park and Pool to celebrate with their families. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThe lines were long at Metro Pool next to Metro Park at the July 3 Celebration on Friday in Rifle. It was a hot day with lots of water activities to cool down.Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nBouncy houses were full at Rifle’s July 3 Celebration, with kids playing and having fun on Friday at Metro Park. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nLemonade with all sorts of flavors and syrups were being served at Rifle’s July 3 Celebration at Metro Park on Friday. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nLemonade, cold drinks, and ice cream was being served to the large crowd at Metro Park in Rifle for their July 3 Celebration. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/adproof/rifle-dives-into-independence-day/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T19:18:24.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06123823%2Fjuly_3_1-1024x465.jpg","slug":"photos-rifle-dives-into-independence-day"},{"id":"mxoud4","title":"Aspen Hospitality launches Nell Hotels brand","excerpt":"Aspen’s The Little Nell has become part of a larger Nell Hotels luxury brand, recently launched by Aspen Hospitality, a division of Aspen One.\n\n\n\nThe new brand is “rooted in the spirit, legacy and enduring guest affinity of The Little Nell hotel,” a press release reads. \n\n\n\nIt continues, “Built o...","content":"Aspen’s The Little Nell has become part of a larger Nell Hotels luxury brand, recently launched by Aspen Hospitality, a division of Aspen One.\n\n\n\nThe new brand is “rooted in the spirit, legacy and enduring guest affinity of The Little Nell hotel,” a press release reads. \n\n\n\nIt continues, “Built on more than three decades of excellence in Aspen, Nell Hotels is a thoughtful evolution for one of the most respected names in hospitality, expanding its signature approach to warm, personalized luxury into a carefully curated collection of properties in the world’s most illustrious destinations.”\n\n\n\nTuesday’s announcement coincides with the debut of The Nell New York, set to open in fall 2027 as the first and only hotel within Rockefeller Center and New York City’s only Relais & Chateaux property. Nell Hotels is launching as a collection of three distinct expressions — The Little Nell, the Residences at The Little Nell and The Nell New York.\n\n\n\n“Nell Hotels builds on what The Little Nell has always been about — something personal, something you come back to that feels familiar every time,” Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen Hospitality, said in the release. “As we grow, that doesn’t change. Our intention is not to be everywhere but to be exactly where our guests are. This allows us to carry forward the same level of recognition and care that is inherent to The Little Nell, creating hotels that feel familiar from the very first stay and become part of our guests’ lives over time. This is not about scale for the sake of growth. It’s about bringing our approach to hospitality to destinations where it can truly resonate.”\n\n\n\nNell Hotels is rooted in the single philosophy: “to create hotels that feel deeply personal, culturally connected and impossible to replicate elsewhere.” According to the release, the brand will be pursuing measured and intentional growth and plans to add new properties and locations that match the Nell Hotel ethos over time. Each Nell Hotels property is focused on guiding the guest experience with four pillars: creating a sense of home, unveiling distinctive access, engaging with intention and sparking après energy.\n\n\n\nThe Nell New York represents a more than $350 million investment, aimed at bringing the core of The Little Nell to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It will be located at 10 Rockefeller Plaza as a 134-room hotel, transforming former office space. \n\n\n\n“We are honored to welcome The Nell New York to Rockefeller Center and to partner with a brand that shares our commitment to creating meaningful experiences through art, dining, culture, and community,” EB Kelly, head of Rockefeller Center and senior managing director of Tishman Speyer, said in the release. “Built nearly a century ago as a city within a city, Rockefeller Center has long offered a singular destination experience. With the arrival of The Nell New York, that experience is now complete: guests can dine, shop, explore, and stay, all within Rockefeller Center. Together with Nell Hotels, we are excited to build on this legacy and create inspiring new experiences for the next generation of guests.”\n\n\n\nThe hotel’s amenities will include an all-day dining venue, a lobby bar, a wine lounge with The Little Nell’s globally-renowned wine program and a spa. A signature fine dining restaurant will open above the hotel on the 17th floor.\n\n\n\n“Distinctive access will define the guest experience at The Nell New York,” Toscano said in the release. “Just as The Little Nell is known for unparalleled access to Aspen and its mountains, The Nell New York will unlock access to the studios, galleries, private dining rooms, cultural institutions and in-the-know experiences that shape New York City. It’s inherently insider without requiring membership.”\n\n\n\nArt will play a central role throughout the property, featuring a “significant art collection,” according to the release, with both emerging and internationally recognized artists from New York and around the world.  \n\n\n\nThe launch of the Nell Hotels also coincides with the forthcoming transformation of The Little Nell in Aspen. The Little Nell is set to temporarily close in April 2027 for what the release calls “a comprehensive renovation,” reopening for the 2027/28 ski season.\n\n\n\n“The reimagination is deliberate, allowing the hotel to evolve from a place of excellence, not necessity, and will enhance the guest experience across guest rooms, public spaces and dining outlets,” the release reads. \n\n\n\nThe hotel will remain fully operational leading up to the closure. During the renovation, the property’s weddings program will continue operating and hosting events, with the Wedding Deck remaining available. The Residences at The Little Nell will also stay open for bookings.\n\n\n\n“The temporary closure reflects a commitment to preserving what makes The Little Nell exceptional, while ensuring it continues to evolve for the next generation of guests,” Toscano added in the release. “Upon reopening, the property will remain the foundation of the brand, continuing to define the standards by which Nell Hotels will grow.”\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit nellhotels.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-hospitality-launches-nell-hotels-brand/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T22:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07134015%2FNell-Summer-Exterior-6160x4240-9474a7b2-4f68-48e1-96f8-43a7a47ea7fa-1024x705.png","slug":"aspen-hospitality-launches-nell-hotels-brand"},{"id":"t8dgqr","title":"Anderson Ranch to celebrate Ranch Week","excerpt":"Anderson Ranch is prepared to host their annual Ranch Week 60th anniversary celebration from July 13 to 18 with a gala, silent and live auction and community picnic.\n\n\n\nOn July 13, the Isis Theatre in Aspen will host a screening of the documentary “Pretty Dirty, the life and times of Marilyn Mint...","content":"Anderson Ranch is prepared to host their annual Ranch Week 60th anniversary celebration from July 13 to 18 with a gala, silent and live auction and community picnic.\n\n\n\nOn July 13, the Isis Theatre in Aspen will host a screening of the documentary “Pretty Dirty, the life and times of Marilyn Minter,” with a Q&A with the director and producer Sue Hostetler and artist Marilyn Minter. Minter is the International Artist Honoree, according to a press release.\n\n\n\nJuly 14 is the Summer Series lecture, open to the public, featuring a conversation with Minter and Lisa Phillips starting at 11:30 a.m. There will be a private luncheon to follow.\n\n\n\nThe gala on July 15, with reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and dinner starting at 7 p.m., is the centerpiece of the event, and will be honoring Minter. The dinner will also feature an auction and will bestow Minter with the International Artist Honoree award.\n\n\n\nThe award is “presented to globally recognized artists whose work reflects the highest level of artistic achievement and whose careers have fundamentally influenced contemporary art,” the press release states.\n\n\n\nJuly 18 is the community picnic and main auction, featuring over 130 pieces of art, live music from Wild Flight, children’s art making and a picnic lunch. Saturday’s event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free and open to the public. \n\n\n\nRegistration is not required, but can be done at andersonranch.org/ranch-picnic-and-auction/.\n\n\n\nA ticket for the all-you-can-eat picnic is $17, and an additional $7 for beer or wine. There will be free hot dogs, popcorn, iced tea and lemonade available.\n\n\n\nThere is no parking at Anderson Ranch except for VIP passholders. Free parking is available at Snowmass Town Park with shuttle service every 10 minutes, according to the press release. \n\n\n\nFor more information on the pieces in the auction, visit privateviews.artlogic.net/2/eec2f771cc38dfc7239d32/","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/anderson-ranch-to-celebrate-ranch-week/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T22:15:53.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F21152830%2F20250721_LEC_FAIREY_SHEPARD-2-5472x3648-d69dfe51-859c-4c7c-85f2-fa2acc649a53-1024x683.png","slug":"anderson-ranch-to-celebrate-ranch-week"},{"id":"d0qu9i","title":"Roy and Whitley: A community that celebrates together","excerpt":"Thank you, Roaring Fork Valley, for showing up in the most colorful, creative and joyful way possible at the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade. From the costumes to the performances to the Silver Queen float that filled the streets, you brought the theme — “What do you LOVE about this place?” — to life in ...","content":"Thank you, Roaring Fork Valley, for showing up in the most colorful, creative and joyful way possible at the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade. From the costumes to the performances to the Silver Queen float that filled the streets, you brought the theme — “What do you LOVE about this place?” — to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To every parader, every performer, every artist, every workshop participant, every volunteer, every partner and every single person who came out to watch and cheer on Saturday, thank you! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is what 50 years of the Aspen Pedestrian Mall looks like: a community that creates together, celebrates together and shows up for each other. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Huge gratitude to our immensely talented creatives for making this a vibrant success: Aspen Polynesia, bARTer collective, Brothers of Brass, Buckhorn Public Arts, DanceAspen, Dance Initiative Folklorico, DJ Castanea, Vail Precision Lawn Chair Drill Team, artist Reina Katzenberger, parade marshal Nina Gabianelli, emcee Michael Monroney, photographer Nikki Hausherr and our team at the Red Brick. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And to our community partners for helping to make the Art Parade possible with their encouragement, professional guidance and active participation: Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Aspen Art Museum, Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Aspen Community Programs, Aspen Fire, Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen Police, Aspen Saturday Market, Aspen School District, Aspen Thrift Shop, AspenOUT, Best Buddies, Challenge Aspen, History Colorado, Leah Potts Art, Pitkin County Senior Center, Pitkin County Sheriff, Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge and WE-cycle. \n\n\n\nWe couldn’t have done it without y’all and we wouldn’t have it any other way!\n\n\n\nSarah Roy and Lara Whitley\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/roy-and-whitley-a-community-that-celebrates-together/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sarah Roy and Lara Whitley","publishDate":"2026-07-07T20:23:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"roy-and-whitley-a-community-that-celebrates-together"},{"id":"aesvmv","title":"Pitkin County Healthy Rivers launches new website","excerpt":"Pitkin County Healthy Rivers has launched a new website with a modernized presentation of the organization, its purpose and the projects that serve its mission to protect, defend and enhance the rivers and streams of the Roaring Fork Watershed. \n\n\n\nThe website aims to better serve residents, stak...","content":"Pitkin County Healthy Rivers has launched a new website with a modernized presentation of the organization, its purpose and the projects that serve its mission to protect, defend and enhance the rivers and streams of the Roaring Fork Watershed. \n\n\n\nThe website aims to better serve residents, stakeholders and visitors by providing a more accessible and comprehensive look at the work Healthy Rivers leads throughout the watershed, according to a press release. The information spans from water quality monitoring and habitat restoration to river access improvements, advocacy and community partnerships with a dedicated “Projects” section showcasing initiatives aimed at improving water quality and quantity, restoring habitat, enhancing river safety and access and strengthening watershed health from high-elevation headwaters to downstream river corridors.  “We revised our website to make sure it gives the people of our communities the most accurate, relevant, and user-friendly information about this watershed and this organization’s role in its protection,” Program Manager Lisa MacDonald said in the release.\n\n\n\nFeatured efforts include securing a Recreational In-Channel Diversion and supporting development of the whitewater park in Basalt, improvements to the Robinson Diversion on the Roaring Fork River and an in-depth study of water quality concerns on Lincoln Creek, the release states.\n\n\n\nThe Roaring Fork Watershed includes the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan and Crystal rivers, with headwaters originating in Pitkin, Eagle, Garfield and Gunnison counties. Healthy Rivers was authorized by Pitkin County voters in 2008 and funded through a dedicated 0.1% sales tax, the release confirms. “The new website highlights Healthy Rivers’ efforts through advocacy, including the Busk-Ivanhoe Intergovernmental Agreement and ongoing support for Crystal River Wild & Scenic designation, work intended to ensure strong policies, collaborative planning, and water protections remain in place for future generations,” the release states.\n\n\n\nThe website also highlights Healthy River’s more than $1.5 million in grant investments over the years, alongside presenting new opportunities for community members to learn about watershed issues and get involved in protecting local rivers and streams. As a public program of Pitkin County, the website incorporates ADA-compliant features intended to improve usability and access for all community members. Visit Pitkin County Healthy River’s new website at www.pitkincountyrivers.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitkin-county-healthy-rivers-launches-new-website/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T19:50:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F28014033%2Friverbasalt-atd-062726-01-1024x683.jpg","slug":"pitkin-county-healthy-rivers-launches-new-website"},{"id":"6xm68a","title":"Eagle County Commissioners to decide on assistance for an open space tax ballot item","excerpt":"Eagle County Commissioners on Tuesday will decide if they want to approve a technical assistance to pursue an open space tax in the county. \n\n\n\nIn a commission meeting on June 7, the Trust for Public Land will look to jumpstart assistance to get an open space property tax into a future local elec...","content":"Eagle County Commissioners on Tuesday will decide if they want to approve a technical assistance to pursue an open space tax in the county. \n\n\n\nIn a commission meeting on June 7, the Trust for Public Land will look to jumpstart assistance to get an open space property tax into a future local election. \n\n\n\nSince 1972, the Trust for Public Land has raised $112 billion in public funding, completed 5,504 conservation projects and has created access to four million acres of public land. In recent studies the trust has done, it has found that local support has generated the most funding, in comparison to state or federal. By approving the letter of interest, the county would allow the trust to get technical assistance authority to see where Eagle County public lands and outdoor areas need support and if a ballot is something county voters would support.\n\n\n\n“In every phase … we’re here to just present options and the decision is yours,” said the director of the trust’s center for conservation finance research, Andrew du Molin, to the commissioners at the Monday work session. “And if it happens, try to take the guesswork out of election day.” \n\n\n\nThe Trust for Public Land’s step-by-step process includes feasibility research, public opinion, program recommendations for the county, the creation of ballot language and campaigning. Their feasibility research, the first step in the process, is something the trust has done with Eagle County in the past with other projects. Typically, the entire process is 18 months total; however, the trust is hoping to help get the ballot item in for the 2026 election if public interest points to a successful vote. \n\n\n\n“What we’ve found again and again and again is that people do really care about where they work, where they live and where they raise their families, and they want to make sure that they want to protect the places that they love,” said Jason Swann, the trust’s director of the intermountain west conservation finance program. \n\n\n\nThe funding generated for conservation could go towards helping parks, trails, recreation, wildfire prevention and more. \n\n\n\nEagle County is no stranger to conservation funding, as it has already weighed an open space ballot question and has had a program in place since 2002 that was passed with a 1.5 mill levy question. The program, which was renewed to 2018, is planned to sunset in 2040. \n\n\n\nThe program currently has a property tax revenue annual cap of $7 million, according to Marcia Gilles, the Open Space Natural Resource director. “It wasn’t until the past couple of years that we’ve reached that cap limit,” she said. \n\n\n\nThe ballot question would allow the cap to be lifted and would expand the language they currently have for an existing open space tax, as well as look beyond acquisitions and land purchases, according to Gilles. \n\n\n\n“I think it’s an important discussion right now as the political climate is changing around public land management and our fund can help maybe support other project initiatives that have been fully supported by county commissioners,” she said. She referenced Eagle County’s Safe Passage Program, which aligns with some of the potential projects that this tax could pursue. \n\n\n\nThe discussion is not over yet as commissioners will take more public comment Tuesday and make the decision to give the trust the authority to assist the journey towards a ballot spot. \n\n\n\n“Maybe with this expansion of the purposes of language and lifting that cap, we could do a little bit more and have more impact within the county,” Gilles said.\n\n\n\n(07/07/2026) Clarification: The vote made was for the letter of interest and does not decide if the ballot question will be in the upcoming election. The open space tax has already been in place since 2002 and the Open Space Program is looking to refresh the language. \n\n\n\n(07/07/2026) Correction: Marcia Gilles’ name was misspelled in a previous version","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-commissioners-to-decide-on-potential-ballot-item-for-open-space-tax/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner","publishDate":"2026-07-07T14:25:49.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2022%2F12%2F27102659%2FCountyGeothermal-VDN-122322-1024x777.jpg","slug":"eagle-county-commissioners-to-decide-on-assistance-for-an-open-space-tax-ballot-item"},{"id":"3nncc0","title":"Snowmass Comedy WKND returns, bringing the community together through laughter","excerpt":"It's easy to hear the difference in Snowmass Base Village on a comedy weekend — laughter spilling out a second-floor window onto the plaza below, mingling with the buzz of the village and cheers from a pickup soccer game on…","content":"It's easy to hear the difference in Snowmass Base Village on a comedy weekend — laughter spilling out a second-floor window onto the plaza below, mingling with the buzz of the village and cheers from a pickup soccer game on…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/sponsored/snowmass-comedy-wknd-returns-bringing-the-community-together-through-laughter/article_aa172f74-6816-4800-be14-d18e083935ba.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"ADN Story Studio","publishDate":"2026-07-08T17:10:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F2a%2Fa2a852e1-5a70-4753-a8ec-853439b97d12%2F6a4e88146cfd1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C205","slug":"snowmass-comedy-wknd-returns-bringing-the-community-together-through-laughter"},{"id":"ht56jv","title":"Beyond the Algorithm: The price of paradise","excerpt":"Scott Poupore has spent more than three decades in the optical business, from trade school in northern Minnesota to Oakley and, eventually, to leading Eye Pieces across Colorado’s mountain towns. \n\n\n\nBryan Welker sat down with the Eye Pieces CEO to talk about staff retention, local customers and ...","content":"Scott Poupore has spent more than three decades in the optical business, from trade school in northern Minnesota to Oakley and, eventually, to leading Eye Pieces across Colorado’s mountain towns. \n\n\n\nBryan Welker sat down with the Eye Pieces CEO to talk about staff retention, local customers and what it takes for an independent business to survive in a resort economy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBryan: How did you first get into the optical industry?\n\n\n\nScott: I graduated from high school in 1986 and jumped right into the optical industry. I went to a trade school in northern Minnesota, where I grew up in a town of 10,000 people. There was not a lot of opportunity, so I took a year-long course in optics and lens making. It was pretty basic, but it set me up to get a job in the industry, and it worked for me. I have been doing it ever since.\n\n\n\nBryan: How did that path bring you to Colorado?\n\n\n\nScott: I was working for LensCrafters in New Hampshire when one-hour eyeglasses were a new thing, so everything was about speed. Quality was maybe secondary, but I learned quickly. After about three years, I realized it was not for me. One busy day, I was thinking about where I wanted to be, and I knew I wanted to be in the mountains.\n\n\n\nThere was no internet then, so I called information and asked if there was an optical shop in Vail. It happened to be October, when everyone was looking for people to start the season, and they were blown away that I was an optician who wanted to move to the mountains.\n\n\n\nI flew myself out, met Dan Barry, the founder of Eye Pieces, and came out in January 1990. That was the start of my career at Eye Pieces in Vail.\n\n\n\nBryan: You also spent time at Oakley. What did that period teach you?\n\n\n\nScott: I went to Oakley in 1995. When I got there, the prescription side of Oakley was maybe a $300,000 business. Today, I think it is getting close to a $100 million business. I was there from 1995 to 1999, and I look at it like college. The CEO took me under his wing and helped me write a business plan for the prescription side. I presented it to Oakley’s board after the company went public. Michael Jordan was in the room. It was crazy.\n\n\n\nFrom there, I helped open laboratories in a number of countries. We were figuring out how to make high-wrap prescription glasses, which people thought could not really be done at the time. I loved the job, but I did not love the lifestyle in Southern California. I missed the mountains.\n\n\n\nBryan: What brought you back to Eye Pieces?\n\n\n\nScott: Dan called me one day and asked if I would ever consider coming back. I came back as general manager at the end of 1999. The business was at a bit of a low point then, so I dug in and started fixing one thing at a time.\n\n\n\nIn 2012, Harry Frampton bought the majority of the business. Dan stayed involved until 2020, and then I became CEO and president of Eye Pieces for Harry. Harry’s organization has been a big influence in establishing a happy culture at the company.\n\n\n\nBryan: What is the biggest challenge in running a local business?\n\n\n\nScott: The cost of living. It has always been expensive in ski towns. When I moved to Vail in 1990, a box of cereal was twice as much as it was in New Hampshire. Gas was high. You were paying the paradise price. But you could always make it.\n\n\n\nNow I look at rents and what I am paying people. A lot of younger workers dream of coming here, but then quickly realize they may not be able to stay. That has a direct effect on attitude and how they show up every day. That is probably our biggest challenge: the cost of living from an employee standpoint.\n\n\n\nBryan: How do you try to retain people in that environment?\n\n\n\nScott: It comes down to pay, benefits and culture. We pay a competitive wage and try not to put everything on commission. People live here 12 months a year, so we pay more hourly. We work pretty hard on the culture of the business being a place where people want to work. We are fortunate. We have quite a few long-tenured employees. Many of them have been with us for decades. That does not just happen.\n\n\n\nBryan: How important are local customers to the business?\n\n\n\nScott: We have always looked after locals. The ski instructor, the concierge, the people like us who are trying to make it here. We have local sales in the off-season, and we put a priority on working with locals. They are our best advertising, and we put a high value on that. \n\n\n\nBryan: What characteristics does a local business need to survive here?\n\n\n\nScott: Service. Consistency. Being there. You cannot just shut it down and open when it gets busy. If the door is locked, locals stop coming. If you are consistent and you tough it out in May, June, September and October, people notice.\n\n\n\nThe busy times are easy. You have more business than you can handle. The slow times are where you earn it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSurviving in a resort town is not easy, and as Scott points out, it is not just about maximizing the busy months. It is about showing up when the crowds have thinned, the margins are tighter and locals remember who stayed consistent.\n\n\n\nBryan Welker lives and breathes business and marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. He is President, Co-founder, and CRO of WDR Aspen, a boutique marketing agency that develops tailored marketing solutions. Who should we interview next? Reach out and let us know bryan@wdraspen.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/beyond-the-algorithm-the-price-of-paradise/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Bryan Welker and Stefan le Roux","publishDate":"2026-07-07T19:14:33.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07131343%2FUnknown-791x1024.jpeg","slug":"beyond-the-algorithm-the-price-of-paradise"},{"id":"1s0lve","title":"Bridging Bionics gala features two dancers in wheelchairs","excerpt":"This year’s Bridging Bionics gala, on Friday, July 10, at Hotel Jerome, features world para dancesport champions Edelyn de Asis and Julius Jun Obero. The two accomplished artists from the Philippines both dance in wheelchairs — a first for the gala; although last year’s performance showcased Brid...","content":"This year’s Bridging Bionics gala, on Friday, July 10, at Hotel Jerome, features world para dancesport champions Edelyn de Asis and Julius Jun Obero. The two accomplished artists from the Philippines both dance in wheelchairs — a first for the gala; although last year’s performance showcased Bridging Bionics’ athletes performing aerial moves, it’s the first time two dancers pair up to perform in wheelchairs at the Rise Up gala.\n\n\n\nObero contracted polio as a 1-year-old in the Philippines and lost the ability to carry out daily functions most people take for granted. He uses a brace to stand and walk and began para dancesport — dancing in a wheelchair — as part of his physical therapy. He was so good at it that he honed his skills and became an international para dance sport champion with his partner, who is not in a wheelchair, Rhea Marquez in 2015. They performed at Bridging Bionics’ gala in 2023. \n\n\n\n“You can be the world champion if you decide to become one,” Obero said. “That was the best piece of advice that I have kept in my mind and heart at all times.” \n\n\n\nDe Asis, a wheelchair dancer and single-leg amputee, is also a world champion in women’s single freestyle, as well as a decorated pairs competitor. She wears a prosthetic leg when not using her wheelchair. She met Obero at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines, and he introduced her to para dancesport. She joined the sport in 2021. \n\n\n\n“My artificial leg is just a part of the journey, not the limit,” she said on TikTok. “Keep moving, keep smiling and always dance to your own beat!” \n\n\n\nDe Asis and Obero have become dance partners, working together through various performances worldwide, representing the Philippines. They most recently performed in a circus show in Switzerland last winter. \n\n\n\n“This experience is very meaningful for us because it shows how far we have come from where we started,” she said. “Our story is about courage, teamwork and believing in opportunities that change our lives.” \n\n\n\n“These two are mind-blowing. He lifts her up in her wheelchair, and they do things that I’ve never seen before,” said Amanda Boxtel, executive director of Bridging Bionics. “They’re just beautiful, passionate individuals.” \n\n\n\nDancing has helped Obero develop trust in —  and expand — his abilities; it mirrors just one aspect of wellbeing that Bridging Bionics promotes in people with neurological mobility impairments through its unique programs. Both Obero and Bridging Bionics promote self-confidence and support people to extend beyond their previous limitations. \n\n\n\n“I hope that through my talent in dancing I can help others build their confidence, to go outside their house and not just hide,” he said. “Just because you have a disability does not mean you are limited from doing things that you love.” \n\n\n\nObero consistently reminds people not to let any disabilities hinder goals in life and encourages them to believe in themselves. \n\n\n\n“Make your disability a motivation to always move two steps forward,” he said. “Never be afraid of failure, never get discouraged once you failed and never get tired of trying. Consider these things as your stepping-stones towards success. Don’t be afraid to fail. Worry about the chances you miss that you don’t even try.” \n\n\n\nHe encourages everyone to believe in themselves. \n\n\n\n“That will be the time others will believe in you,” he said. \n\n\n\nBridging Bionics’ gala also features energetic auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla and likely the most inclusive dancefloor you’ve ever experienced, as DJ Naka spins tunes until the end of the night. \n\n\n\nThe gala raises two-thirds of the nonprofit’s annual budget, so in addition to being a warm, emotionally moving and fun night out, it’s also essential for Bridging Bionics’ mission to give the gift of mobility to people who otherwise would not be able to afford the physical therapies and technologies the organization provides free of charge. \n\n\n\n“Our organization operates efficiently and responsibility with mission-focused spending, using 81% of funds to directly benefit those in need,” Boxtel said. \n\n\n\nThe other portion of finances support fundraising (9%) and administration (10%). \n\n\n\nThis year, an anonymous donor has stepped up to match every dollar raised at the gala. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bridgingbionics.org.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/bridging-bionics-gala-features-two-dancers-in-wheelchairs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-07T18:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07110111%2FSalto_Photo_credit_Patrik_Klaus_-69-1-1024x683.jpeg","slug":"bridging-bionics-gala-features-two-dancers-in-wheelchairs"},{"id":"20yg92","title":"Snowmass receives update on Childcare Specialty Tax District","excerpt":"Snowmass Town Council received an update Monday on the Childcare Specialty Tax District that was established in November 2025 by the voters in Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties to fund early childhood development services through the collection of a 0.25% sales and use tax.\n\n\n\nThe Confluence Ea...","content":"Snowmass Town Council received an update Monday on the Childcare Specialty Tax District that was established in November 2025 by the voters in Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties to fund early childhood development services through the collection of a 0.25% sales and use tax.\n\n\n\nThe Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District, which has been rebranded as Every Child, is a special taxing district from Aspen to Parachute that established an entirely new governmental entity.\n\n\n\n“This is the first and only special district of its kind, so there hasn’t been a guidebook to work with,” said Interim Executive Director Kathryn Kuhlenberg. “It’s hard to know the best path forward … There has been a lot of work happening behind the scenes to get the district up and off the ground.”\n\n\n\nAccording to Kuhlenberg, the district just successfully wrapped up a hiring process for its new full-time executive director — Samantha Markovitz, the early childhood initiatives manager for Eagle County, will begin in the position at the end of July.\n\n\n\n“This is a great development,” said Seat 5 Representative Stefan Reveal of Markovitz’s hiring.\n\n\n\nOnce Markovitz joins the team, Kuhlenberg confirmed she will be able to begin figuring out the dispersement of the collected funds that are currently being put into a Colorado Trust Account as the board develops its programming. According to Kuhlenberg, the district is “on track” to collect the maximum amount allowed by the initiative in year one — about $1 million per month.\n\n\n\nIn addition to working on building out initial district policies and implementing data-gathering projects to better understand early childcare needs in the area, among other initiatives, the board has developed both a mission and vision statement. The mission statement reads: “We ensure every child from Parachute to Aspen has a strong foundation for success by investing in accessible, high-quality early childhood education.” The vision statement reads: “We envision a bright future where children flourish, families thrive and local economies prosper within our sustainable and livable communities.”\n\n\n\nGoing forward, Kuhlenberg said she hopes programming will be available in the not-too-distant future.\n\n\n\n“That is where the real work is being done right now … figuring out how to do it in a way that is impactful and efficient and also in a way that feels good for families and providers and addresses the need,” she said. “We hear consistently from leaders within early childhood that this money needs to get out the door.”\n\n\n\nKuhlenberg noted, however, that the Aspen to Parachute district faces a unique challenge in terms of how all the communities that are covered in the area have such differing needs.\n\n\n\n“Developing something that hits all those points is tricky, but I think everyone feels the urgency to,” Kuhlenberg said.\n\n\n\nNo action was requested of council at this time.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-receives-update-on-childcare-specialty-tax-district/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T18:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F05112137%2FSnowmass_Sun_graphic-1024x683.png","slug":"snowmass-receives-update-on-childcare-specialty-tax-district"},{"id":"f2bbrk","title":"Snowmass Town Council moves to authorize enforcement of Pitkin County fire restrictions","excerpt":"Snowmass Town Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance Monday to authorize the enforcement of Pitkin County fire restrictions.\n\n\n\nThe Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 013-2026 earlier this year, according to a staff report submitted to Snowma...","content":"Snowmass Town Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance Monday to authorize the enforcement of Pitkin County fire restrictions.\n\n\n\nThe Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 013-2026 earlier this year, according to a staff report submitted to Snowmass Town Council, authorizing the Pitkin County Sheriff to enforce periodic fire restrictions throughout the year — this includes prohibitions on open fires and on the sale, use and possession of all types of fireworks. \n\n\n\n“The Pitkin County Sheriff may impose such prohibitions based on evidence of high fire danger and weather patterns that increase the risk of such fire danger,” the report reads. “The Pitkin County ordinance also permits the Sheriff to rescind fire restrictions based on changes to weather patterns that would allow for open burning or use of fireworks.”\n\n\n\nThe report continues that state law provides that a local town or city can adopt an ordinance that allows enforcement of the county’s fire safety standards within the town. \n\n\n\n“Staff wishes to align its fire restrictions with Pitkin County’s fire safety standards,” the report reads.\n\n\n\nThe approved ordinance amends Chapter 7 of the code with the addition of Article VIII – Fire Restrictions, ultimately applying Pitkin County fire restrictions within the town of Snowmass Village and authorizing the town to enforce the same.\n\n\n\nA second reading and public hearing are set for July 20.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-town-council-moves-to-authorize-enforcement-of-pitkin-county-fire-restrictions/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T17:31:06.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F30154059%2FDSC8286-1024x819.jpg","slug":"snowmass-town-council-moves-to-authorize-enforcement-of-pitkin-county-fire-restrictions"},{"id":"o7ymev","title":"Aspen Acres fire grows to nearly 94,000 acres as forecasters eye chance of rain","excerpt":"Moisture could bring scattered showers to the fire Wednesday, but hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to return by the weekend","content":"Moisture could bring scattered showers to the fire Wednesday, but hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to return by the weekend","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/07/colorado-wildfire-update-july-7/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-07T15:38:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Colo_City_02-copy-1.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C607%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-acres-fire-grows-to-nearly-94000-acres-as-forecasters-eye-chance-of-rain"},{"id":"chc8rs","title":"Celebration of Life for Steven Mack Beattie","excerpt":"Glenwood Springs First United Methodist Church 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMTo be followed by refreshments in the Bethel Chapel. We hope you will join us!","content":"Glenwood Springs First United Methodist Church 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMTo be followed by refreshments in the Bethel Chapel. We hope you will join us!","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/celebrations/celebration-of-life-for-steven-mack-beattie/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-07T03:00:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06210043%2F3003769.jpeg","slug":"celebration-of-life-for-steven-mack-beattie"},{"id":"kjfyqs","title":"Owl Creek Road traffic impacts begin this month","excerpt":"Construction on Owl Creek Road and the Owl Creek Trail will begin the week of July 27, creating alternating one-lane traffic and brief delays on Owl Creek Road. \n\n\n\nThis work kicks off the Airport Modernization Project’s first construction phase, preparing the site for the airport’s 2027 runway r...","content":"Construction on Owl Creek Road and the Owl Creek Trail will begin the week of July 27, creating alternating one-lane traffic and brief delays on Owl Creek Road. \n\n\n\nThis work kicks off the Airport Modernization Project’s first construction phase, preparing the site for the airport’s 2027 runway reconstruction through roadway, trail, utility and other infrastructure improvements, according to a press release. Construction-related impacts to Owl Creek Road and the Owl Creek Trail are expected to continue through October.\n\n\n\n“This enabling work is a critical step in preparing for the 2027 runway reconstruction,” Airport Director Diane Jackson said in the release. “By completing these improvements now, we can maintain our construction schedule and be ready to begin runway reconstruction when the airport temporarily closes next spring for this critical phase of the Airport Modernization Project.”\n\n\n\nThe enabling work includes realigning a portion of Owl Creek Road and Owl Creek Trail, relocating underground utilities including a water line, shifting and realigning the Airport Operations Center parking lot, extending the Owl Creek culvert and constructing a temporary haul route, according to the release. There will also be staging and batch plant areas that will support runway reconstruction next year.\n\n\n\nElectronic message boards will be installed the week of July 13 with notifications of the upcoming traffic changes. While Owl Creek Trail should remain open, the release states that impacts will be visible and users are encouraged to use caution as construction equipment operates adjacent to portions of the trail. Equipment may also be stored near the trail.\n\n\n\n“Motorists should plan for brief delays while alternating traffic is in place and allow extra travel time when traveling through the area,” the release states. “Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will continue providing updates as construction progresses.”\n\n\n\nFor the latest information on the Airport Modernization Project, visit aspenairport.com/modernization.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/owl-creek-road-traffic-impacts-begin-this-month/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T16:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F02%2F28211353%2Fairport-atd-022826-04-1024x683.jpg","slug":"owl-creek-road-traffic-impacts-begin-this-month"},{"id":"2a22a5","title":"Snowmass history: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band","excerpt":"The Wild Westfest in July 2004 took center stage in Snowmass Village. “Fans of country and Western music will find a lengthy list of down-home performers on the Westfest schedule,” confirmed The Aspen Daily News, “which begins with a charity gala and auction at the Snowmass Conference Center Thur...","content":"The Wild Westfest in July 2004 took center stage in Snowmass Village. “Fans of country and Western music will find a lengthy list of down-home performers on the Westfest schedule,” confirmed The Aspen Daily News, “which begins with a charity gala and auction at the Snowmass Conference Center Thursday night benefitting the Snowmass Western Heritage Association and the Murphey Western Institute, and featuring performances by Murphey and special guests. The town of Snowmass Village has switched up its free concert schedule this week for the event, pushing the regular Thursday night show back a day and bringing in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band — country and bluegrass’ legends with strong local ties and more than 30 years of performing history — for a free show on the Fanny Hill stage Friday night.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-history-nitty-gritty-dirt-band/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Historical Society Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tinfo@aspenhistory.org","publishDate":"2026-07-07T15:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07073853%2F2_2023.013.5792_Aspen_Historical_Society_Bob_Krueger_Collection-1024x680.jpg","slug":"snowmass-history-nitty-gritty-dirt-band"},{"id":"keoh34","title":"andrew duhon","excerpt":"Andrew Duhon will perform with his trio Saturday at The Arts Campus at Willits. Duhon has built a devoted grassroots following over a career that spans nearly 20 years.","content":"Andrew Duhon will perform with his trio Saturday at The Arts Campus at Willits. Duhon has built a devoted grassroots following over a career that spans nearly 20 years.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/andrew-duhon/image_d0a21afb-72d3-42e4-9700-254dca8ce4b6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of The Arts Campus at Willits","publishDate":"2026-07-08T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F0a%2Fd0a21afb-72d3-42e4-9700-254dca8ce4b6%2F6a4d9d749e485.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","inBriefing":true,"slug":"andrew-duhon"},{"id":"bhp9ek","title":"theatre aspen tent","excerpt":"Theatre Aspen wants to replace its semi-permanent tent in Rio Grande Park with a permanent, year-round performing space.","content":"Theatre Aspen wants to replace its semi-permanent tent in Rio Grande Park with a permanent, year-round performing space.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/theatre-aspen-tent/image_e041e36c-65bf-4dac-9952-c69e71a8ff34.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-08T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F04%2Fe041e36c-65bf-4dac-9952-c69e71a8ff34%2F6a4d9ead2acef.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"theatre-aspen-tent"},{"id":"x0oad3","title":"draw site 1","excerpt":"The town of Snowmass Council is moving forward with a new design for the Draw site affordable housing project, located on the parcel of land directly up the draw and to the northwest of Snowmass Town Hall.","content":"The town of Snowmass Council is moving forward with a new design for the Draw site affordable housing project, located on the parcel of land directly up the draw and to the northwest of Snowmass Town Hall.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/draw-site-1/image_eda0f5b5-0cd8-4c25-b1d1-c0289f12bb2d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-08T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Fda%2Feda0f5b5-0cd8-4c25-b1d1-c0289f12bb2d%2F6a4da0591063e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"draw-site-1"},{"id":"a52bjr","title":"draw site 2 original","excerpt":"The town of Snowmass Council contracted a peer review study to explore alternatives to this initial design presented to them for the Draw site affordable housing project.","content":"The town of Snowmass Council contracted a peer review study to explore alternatives to this initial design presented to them for the Draw site affordable housing project.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/draw-site-2-original/image_47e34b4a-a1d6-48ad-a97d-bb0a1392b46c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of the town of Snowmass Village","publishDate":"2026-07-08T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F7e%2F47e34b4a-a1d6-48ad-a97d-bb0a1392b46c%2F6a4da0ac302eb.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C160","slug":"draw-site-2-original"},{"id":"leza3m","title":"draw site 3 option 1","excerpt":"The town of Snowmass Council was presented with this redesign of the first version of the Draw site affordable housing project. They chose instead to go with a three-building design.","content":"The town of Snowmass Council was presented with this redesign of the first version of the Draw site affordable housing project. They chose instead to go with a three-building design.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/draw-site-3-option-1/image_5e38c138-7261-461c-9af7-1bbd083eaf17.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of the town of Snowmass Village","publishDate":"2026-07-08T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fe3%2F5e38c138-7261-461c-9af7-1bbd083eaf17%2F6a4da1022a47e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C160","slug":"draw-site-3-option-1"},{"id":"p2pqxz","title":"draw site 4 option 2","excerpt":"The town of Snowmass Council directed staff to move forward with this design for the Draw site affordable housing project. Several council members pushed for a design that reduced the height and mass of the original design.","content":"The town of Snowmass Council directed staff to move forward with this design for the Draw site affordable housing project. Several council members pushed for a design that reduced the height and mass of the original design.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/draw-site-4-option-2/image_dd779b42-0718-4a32-b4b5-7a749cd2a033.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of the town of Snowmass Village","publishDate":"2026-07-08T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fd7%2Fdd779b42-0718-4a32-b4b5-7a749cd2a033%2F6a4da15494145.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C197","slug":"draw-site-4-option-2"},{"id":"cjm4mu","title":"PHOTOS: ACES hosts annual Raptor Fair at Hallam Lake in Aspen","excerpt":"The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies hosted its annual Raptor Fair on Friday at Hallam Lake in Aspen. Unfortunately, due to some of the wildfires in the state, the visiting birds from Nature’s Educators were not able to attend.\n\n\n\nDespite this, guests were still able to learn about and meet...","content":"The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies hosted its annual Raptor Fair on Friday at Hallam Lake in Aspen. Unfortunately, due to some of the wildfires in the state, the visiting birds from Nature’s Educators were not able to attend.\n\n\n\nDespite this, guests were still able to learn about and meet ACES’ resident great-horned owl, golden eagle and red-tailed hawk, as well as some wild osprey in a nearby tree. There were also numerous educational stations for the children.\n\n\n\nA golden eagle watches through its cage during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nLady the red-tailed hawk shows off her hunting skills during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nKids visit one of the educational tables during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nNaturalist Joe Brooks, left, shows off Lady the red-tailed hawk during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nGuests explore Hallam Lake during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-443155-580').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n The resident great-horned owl looks on during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Lady the red-tailed hawk enjoys the spotlight during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Visitors use the binoculars to observe an osprey in a tree during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An osprey is seen perched in its nest during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Lady the red-tailed hawk shows off her hunting skills during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Naturalist Joe Brooks lets Lady the red-tailed hawk wave goodbye to the crowd during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A golden eagle watches through its cage during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Lady the red-tailed hawk enjoys the spotlight during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Visitors meet the resident great-horned owl during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young guest visits with a naturalist during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A stuffed, educational bald eagle holding a trout hangs among the tree branches during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Naturalist Joe Brooks, left, shows off Lady the red-tailed hawk during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Kids visit one of the educational tables during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young kid visits with the trout inside a fish tank during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A trout swims through a fish tank during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Community Programs Coordinator Lillian Bell shows off the resident great-horned owl during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Naturalist Joe Brooks shows off Lady the red-tailed hawk during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Lady the red-tailed hawk enjoys the spotlight during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Naturalist Joe Brooks shows off Lady the red-tailed hawk during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests explore Hallam Lake during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Ducks swim through the pond during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Lady the red-tailed hawk enjoys the spotlight during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Senior Educator Denali Barron talks to the crowd during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Lady the red-tailed hawk shows off her hunting skills during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Naturalist Joe Brooks shows off Lady the red-tailed hawk during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A golden eagle watches through its cage during the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ annual Raptor Fair on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A sign reads “Wildlife Only” at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hallam Lake in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-aces-hosts-annual-raptor-fair-at-hallam-lake/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T01:15:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F05183411%2FACESraptorfair-atd-070326-02-1024x768.jpg","slug":"photos-aces-hosts-annual-raptor-fair-at-hallam-lake-in-aspen"},{"id":"gkgpr2","title":"Aspen Acres destruction climbs to 263 homes lost in Pueblo, Custer counties","excerpt":"More than 1,300 personnel were assigned to the fire burning southwest of Pueblo as of Monday","content":"More than 1,300 personnel were assigned to the fire burning southwest of Pueblo as of Monday","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/06/colorado-wildfires-july-6-aspen-acres-gold-mountain/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-06T17:45:58.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Colo_City_smoke-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C639%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-acres-destruction-climbs-to-263-homes-lost-in-pueblo-custer-counties"},{"id":"s0hypg","title":"P&Z hearing won’t be held for racetrack redevelopment application","excerpt":"Woody Creek property sells for $17M, plans not yet approved","content":"Woody Creek property sells for $17M, plans not yet approved","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/p-z-hearing-won-t-be-held-for-racetrack-redevelopment-application/article_ee638722-75ae-45d0-874a-9876a972bbf1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-07T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F12%2Fc12307ea-00d6-4409-96e5-ba567892c36a%2F6a4c510374350.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"pz-hearing-wont-be-held-for-racetrack-redevelopment-application"},{"id":"fhuznt","title":"From meteorites to Monets","excerpt":"Fine art, antiques, jewelry on display at new M.S. Rau gallery","content":"Fine art, antiques, jewelry on display at new M.S. Rau gallery","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/from-meteorites-to-monets/article_6376026f-cb23-4b3f-ba4d-8cac5969e531.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Cedar Connell, Aspen Daily News Contributor","publishDate":"2026-07-07T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2Faf%2F2af9949c-3ef1-4272-9cdd-9f8238d33f7e%2F6a4c52373da09.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"from-meteorites-to-monets"},{"id":"6h3b4v","title":"AI and the pixelation of the real","excerpt":"At Aspen Collective, artist grapples with humanity vs. technology","content":"At Aspen Collective, artist grapples with humanity vs. technology","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/ai-and-the-pixelation-of-the-real/article_ae77b70d-a83e-427f-bb20-507a56dce91c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-07T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F73%2Fa735d9cc-0a6a-46a7-9c9c-71fb4f2e6819%2F6a4c5352988fe.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C240","slug":"ai-and-the-pixelation-of-the-real"},{"id":"zb98cw","title":"Local news in brief, July 7","excerpt":"Aspen Institute hosts free speakers series","content":"Aspen Institute hosts free speakers series","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-july-7/article_fc14f58e-d165-434d-816b-e07cd9448c3c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-07T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fed%2Fdedb6be4-2961-4a1f-9a0b-c1e8bf2d604c%2F68e710dcf2f72.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C189","slug":"local-news-in-brief-july-7"},{"id":"4fbm2u","title":"racetrack aerial","excerpt":"This aerial view shows the Woody Creek racetrack, also known as the Aspen Motorsports Park. The property recently sold for $17 million. The buyers hope to redevelop the racetrack into a members-only racing club.","content":"This aerial view shows the Woody Creek racetrack, also known as the Aspen Motorsports Park. The property recently sold for $17 million. The buyers hope to redevelop the racetrack into a members-only racing club.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/racetrack-aerial/image_52b4162e-6751-426c-a90d-01e6136fa3a8.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Pitkin County","publishDate":"2026-07-07T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F2b%2F52b4162e-6751-426c-a90d-01e6136fa3a8%2F6a4c518dd261f.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"racetrack-aerial"},{"id":"5owa17","title":"ms rau a","excerpt":"M.S. Rau president Andrew Fields is pictured outside of the new gallery in the Aspen Block Building, 307 S. Galena St. It’s the first location outside of M.S. Rau’s flagship space in New Orleans.","content":"M.S. Rau president Andrew Fields is pictured outside of the new gallery in the Aspen Block Building, 307 S. Galena St. It’s the first location outside of M.S. Rau’s flagship space in New Orleans.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ms-rau-a/image_2af9949c-3ef1-4272-9cdd-9f8238d33f7e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-07T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2Faf%2F2af9949c-3ef1-4272-9cdd-9f8238d33f7e%2F6a4c52373da09.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"ms-rau-a"},{"id":"1nox4b","title":"ms rau b","excerpt":"Works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagal, Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper align the walls at Ms. Rau Gallery at 307 S. Galena St. in Aspen.","content":"Works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagal, Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper align the walls at Ms. Rau Gallery at 307 S. Galena St. in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ms-rau-b/image_77667d36-f093-4a1c-be7c-f7f931a17a31.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-07T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F76%2F77667d36-f093-4a1c-be7c-f7f931a17a31%2F6a4c52a3800cb.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"ms-rau-b"},{"id":"wzk423","title":"nicholas ward","excerpt":"Carbondale artist Nicholas Ward discusses his work with a visitor during last Thursday’s opening of “Between the Real,” his exhibition at Aspen Collective.","content":"Carbondale artist Nicholas Ward discusses his work with a visitor during last Thursday’s opening of “Between the Real,” his exhibition at Aspen Collective.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/nicholas-ward/image_a735d9cc-0a6a-46a7-9c9c-71fb4f2e6819.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-07T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F73%2Fa735d9cc-0a6a-46a7-9c9c-71fb4f2e6819%2F6a4c5352988fe.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C240","slug":"nicholas-ward"},{"id":"b4axms","title":"StoryWalk begins in Rifle at Centennial Park","excerpt":"The Garfield County Libraries and city of Rifle have partnered to bring StoryWalk to Centennial Park, combining literacy, outdoor recreation and family fun. \n\n\n\nThe permanent installation opened Thursday and offers a self-directed learning experience that places the pages of children’s picture bo...","content":"The Garfield County Libraries and city of Rifle have partnered to bring StoryWalk to Centennial Park, combining literacy, outdoor recreation and family fun. \n\n\n\nThe permanent installation opened Thursday and offers a self-directed learning experience that places the pages of children’s picture books along a walking path. Families move from post to post, reading the story together, and participating in interactive activities along the way. \n\n\n\nThe girls are out at 2 p.m., looking for the next page of the story at Centennial Park in Rifle during the first Rifle StoryWalk on Thursday. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\n“We’re excited to partner with Garfield County Libraries and so many generous community organizations to bring StoryWalk to Rifle,” Rifle Parks and Recreation Director Austin Rickstrew, said. “This project creates another opportunity for families to enjoy our parks while encouraging literacy, healthy activity, and quality time together.”\n\n\n\nRifle’s first StoryWalk features “Dino-Earth Day,” written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Barry Gott. The book is part of an eight-part series featuring dinosaurs celebrating certain holidays.\n\n\n\nEach panel features a page from the book. Participants can use a scavenger hunt handout to answer questions about the dinosaurs, including their names, what they are doing and where they are in the story. \n\n\n\nFor the first StoryWalk in Rifle, ice cream was being given out by the Garfield County Libraries at Centennial Park on Thursday. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThe first StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, in 2007 with a former employee of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Rachel Senechal. \n\n\n\nFor more information about StoryWalk® and Garfield County Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge, visit gcpld.org/storywalk.\n\n\n\nThe perfect accessory to bring to the StoryWalk in Rifle at Centennial Park on Thursday. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/storywalk-begins-in-rifle-at-centennial-park/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T19:04:56.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06124031%2Fsw_1-1024x768.jpg","slug":"storywalk-begins-in-rifle-at-centennial-park"},{"id":"iwr637","title":"PHOTOS: Aspen rugby clubs host Vail in mountain town scrums at Wagner","excerpt":"The Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club renewed its mountain town rivalry with Vail on Sunday, surviving for a 37-36 win at Wagner Park.\n\n\n\nLeading comfortably at halftime, a series of unfortunate plays let Vail take the lead down the stretch in the second half. It was a pair of late penalties, includi...","content":"The Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club renewed its mountain town rivalry with Vail on Sunday, surviving for a 37-36 win at Wagner Park.\n\n\n\nLeading comfortably at halftime, a series of unfortunate plays let Vail take the lead down the stretch in the second half. It was a pair of late penalties, including a kick in the final minutes, from Gents’ standout Chris Campbell that pushed Aspen over the top.\n\n\n\nFollowing the men, the Ladies of Aspen Rugby Club also took to the pitch against Vail. Up early before falling down late, Aspen made it a contest before a last-second, breakaway try by Vail gave the visitors the 24-17 overtime win.\n\n\n\nThe men also played a second friendly with a different group of 15 after the women’s game to conclude the afternoon.\n\n\n\nThe Gents will be on the road for the next month, including a July 18 trip to Steamboat Springs for the Cowpie Classic and an Aug. 1 return trip to Vail. Aspen is currently scheduled to host a doubleheader on Aug. 8 that includes Steamboat. The Aspen women will also compete at Cowpie before going to Vail in August.\n\n\n\nThe Gents are expected to return to Division II play later this fall, with that schedule not yet announced. What is known is the return of the annual Ruggerfest tournament to Aspen from Sept. 17-20.\n\n\n\nThe Ladies of Aspen Rugby Club hosts Vail on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Wagner Park in downtown Aspen. A last-second try gave Vail the 24-17 victory.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club’s Chris Campbell kicks what would be the game-winning penalty late against Vail on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Wagner Park in downtown Aspen. The Gents rallied to win, 37-36.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nPlayers battle for the lineup as the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club hosts Vail on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in downtown Aspen. The Gents rallied to win, 37-36.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club hosts Vail on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Wagner Park in downtown Aspen. The Gents rallied to win, 37-36.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/photos-aspen-rugby-clubs-host-vail-in-mountain-town-scrum-at-wagner/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T17:39:29.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F06102526%2FGentsRugby-atd-070526-01-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","slug":"photos-aspen-rugby-clubs-host-vail-in-mountain-town-scrums-at-wagner"},{"id":"lvq0r4","title":"Colorado buyers gain options as Western Slope housing market rebalances","excerpt":"Colorado’s housing market wrapped up the spring season with more inventory than in previous years, setting up an active summer for buyers — even as economic and political uncertainty continues to drive up prices.\n\n\n\nColorado continued its momentum toward a “balanced and sustainable environment” i...","content":"Colorado’s housing market wrapped up the spring season with more inventory than in previous years, setting up an active summer for buyers — even as economic and political uncertainty continues to drive up prices.\n\n\n\nColorado continued its momentum toward a “balanced and sustainable environment” in May, according to a Colorado Association of Realtors’ market trends report released in June.\n\n\n\nDemand remained steady statewide, but buyers gained more choices thanks to higher overall inventory. New listings dropped nearly 14% in May compared to the same month last year, but pending sales increased 7%. This indicates spring buyers were more active than they were in 2025 despite affordability challenges.\n\n\n\n“Summer visitors are beginning to arrive, and buyers and sellers are testing the waters for what many expect to be a busy season,” said Dana Cottrell, president of the Altitude Realtors Association, in the report.\n\n\n\nMedian and average sales prices rose across the state, up 2.7% and 3.3%, respectively, for the month. The median sales price for single-family homes sat at $565,000 — up $15,000 year over year — and $400,000 for condos and townhomes, which saw a modest 1.7% drop. Sellers are, for the most part, receiving close to 99% of a home’s list price, down a feeble -0.1% year over year.\n\n\n\nAccompanying May’s higher prices was an increase in the average time a home spent on the market, jumping to 56 days from 53 in 2025.\n\n\n\nAlthough sales were down slightly across the state, inventory remains significantly healthier than the historically low levels of recent years, with 4.3 months of supply statewide.\n\n\n\nA balanced real estate market is traditionally indicated by four to six months of supply, measuring the time it would take to sell the current inventory of homes at the existing pace of sales. Anything less than four months would be a seller’s market (demand outpaces supply), while anything more than six would benefit buyers (supply outpaces demand).\n\n\n\nWhile a useful indicator, it can often be unreliable on its own for determining market health in rural Colorado counties due to low sales volume and fragmented property types. Months supply is often over the six-month threshold in ski towns because homes take longer to sell, and don’t automatically point to a buyer’s market.\n\n\n\nRural counties on the Western Slope recorded a larger supply of homes in May for the most part — ranging from 5.5 months supply in Summit County for single-family homes to 10.5 and 8.4 months supply in Pitkin and Grand counties, respectively, according to May 2026 data from the Colorado Association of Realtors.\n\n\n\n“Sellers are facing more competition and must price strategically, while buyers see benefit from selection and negotiating power,” the report states. “Overall, the market reflects normalization, with stable pricing, improving affordability and steady buyer activity providing a more sustainable housing environment across the state.”\n\n\n\nOn the Western Slope, higher inventory brings more negotiation power for buyers, who are becoming more active compared to this time last year. Many buyers are still moving forward despite the combination of rising prices, rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty.\n\n\n\nWestern Slope counties see rise in buyer activity\n\n\n\nSimilar to statewide trends, some mountain towns in Colorado’s western rural counties are seeing higher inventory compared to past years, offering more options for potential buyers.\n\n\n\nGrand County, for example, saw sidelined buyers begin re-entering the market after a year of waiting for opportunities to improve, according to Monica Graves, a realtor in the area. These buyers returned to the market with more negotiating power than they’ve had during the last few years.\n\n\n\nSellers in Grand County, on the other hand, are facing increasing competition. As more housing projects pop up around mountain towns, buyers have more inventory to choose from compared to recent spring and summer seasons. The result is steadying demand and a return to a balanced mountain real estate market, according to the Colorado Association of Realtors report.\n\n\n\n“May 2026 felt like the market finally woke up from winter,” Graves said in the report. “Resort buyers are still attracted to the area’s year-round recreation and proximity to Denver, but they are taking longer to make decisions.”\n\n\n\nSteamboat Springs saw a similar trend in May, with higher year-over-year inventory despite entering 2026 with fewer new listings across all property types. Single-family inventory was down 4.5% and multi-family inventory was down 21.9% compared to last year, the report states.\n\n\n\nSales for single-family homes were stronger to end the spring season, but homes took longer to sell, averaging 90 days on the market year-to-date.\n\n\n\nSummit County’s spring inventory also remained above the “extremely limited levels” seen during the pandemic years, according to Cottrell, giving buyers more options and negotiating power. Single-family home sales were up 27% with a 20% bump in listings in May 2026 compared to 2025, while multi-family homes saw a 32% drop in sales and a 15% decline in new listings.\n\n\n\nListings were mostly down for counties across other parts of the north-central mountains, with Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties seeing fewer new listings for single-family homes. All except Pitkin County saw a rise in inventory compared to last May, accompanied by a lengthening of days on market to over 100 days. Pitkin County properties spent the longest on the market before selling, rising 10% to 228 days, according to data from the Colorado Association of Realtors.\n\n\n\nInterest is high, but what about pricing?\n\n\n\nA single-family home is built on Boulder Ridge Road in Steamboat Springs in 2017.Matt Stensland/Steamboat Pilot\n\n\n\nWhether Western Slope counties saw housing prices rise or drop varied significantly from town to town. However, more expensive price tags don’t seem to be slowing buyers down heading into the summer selling season — for now.\n\n\n\nThe median price for single-family homes dropped to $965,000 in Grand County from $990,000, while the median list price in Winter Park hit $1.2 million.\n\n\n\n“Well-priced properties moved, while homes that missed the mark on pricing tended to sit longer,” Graves said. Homes in Winter Park averaged around 51 days on market in May — lower than the statewide average — while those in Granby averaged 78 days despite significantly lower pricing. Graves added that, in places like Granby, homes offering updated finishes, views or short-term rental potential generated the strongest interest.\n\n\n\nPrices across Summit County went up compared to last spring. The average price for single-family homes rose 6% to $2.68 million in May 2026, while multi-family home prices saw a larger 19% jump, hitting $1.07 million.\n\n\n\nThe most expensive home sold in the county was a $13 million home in Breckenridge. This continued strength in pricing demonstrates that demand for mountain living remains firmly intact, with many buyers still moving forward despite economic uncertainty, Cottrell said.\n\n\n\nIn Steamboat Springs, multi-family homes — which matched last year’s May closings at 26 — saw median and average sales prices increase to $1.96 million and $2.24 million, respectively. Across Routt County, median sales prices jumped 62% for single-family homes and 156% for townhomes and condos, more than doubling from their May 2025 median price of $640,000 to hit $1.64 million.\n\n\n\nAcross Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties, changes in pricing differed by property type. All three counties recorded a drop in the median sales price for single-family homes, with the greatest drop coming from Pitkin County: 58.5% for a median price of $5.5 million in May 2026. The average sales price also dropped from $12.9 to $12.6 million, while townhomes and condos saw a 50% increase in average sales price, bumping up the cost from $2.99 million to $4.5 million.\n\n\n\nCould rising mortgage rates scare away potential buyers?\n\n\n\nA major market element that could influence buyer activity heading deeper into the summer season is rising mortgage rates.\n\n\n\nIn February, Western Slope housing markets were reporting an uptick in buyer inquiries due to sinking mortgage rates. Rates had trended downward throughout the first few months of 2026, after home loan rates hit their lowest point in three years in early January.\n\n\n\nAs of July 2, 30-year mortgage rates have climbed to 6.51%, reversing what had once improved the sentiments of buyers who had been sidelined by affordability concerns. \n\n\n\nRates began increasing following the start of the war in Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. Rising inflation has only further elevated mortgage rates, though they’ve managed to remain below the 7% reached in early 2025, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal.\n\n\n\nWith recent rate fluctuations, it remains to be seen whether rates will dampen buyer enthusiasm during Colorado’s peak season for buyers.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ski-town-buyers-balance-housing-market/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T16:14:07.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F03124847%2FSilverthorneTownhouses-1024x768.jpg","slug":"colorado-buyers-gain-options-as-western-slope-housing-market-rebalances"},{"id":"g68677","title":"Battlement Trail Fire 99% contained","excerpt":"The Battlement Trail Fire, which prompted evacuations near the Battlement Mesa Golf Course on Sunday, is now 99% contained.\n\n\n\nThe fire started at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday, and burned 20.8 acres, according to an update from the Grand Valley Fire Protection District. Fire crews will continue monitor...","content":"The Battlement Trail Fire, which prompted evacuations near the Battlement Mesa Golf Course on Sunday, is now 99% contained.\n\n\n\nThe fire started at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday, and burned 20.8 acres, according to an update from the Grand Valley Fire Protection District. Fire crews will continue monitoring the area over the next several days before declaring the fire fully contained.\n\n\n\nCrews will remain on scene to secure the perimeter, address hotspots and ensure the safety of nearby trails and recreation areas, according to the fire district.\n\n\n\nResidents of The Reserve and Battlement Mesa Village were allowed to return to their homes Sunday night after evacuations were ordered earlier in the evening. Traffic also reopened on County Road 301.\n\n\n\nThe fire began as a power pole fire and spread toward the Battlement Mesa Golf Course, according to the fire district. Officers went door to door to evacuate homes in the neighborhood adjacent to the golf course.\n\n\n\nThe fire prompted a multiagency response, including three helicopters used for water drops, reconnaissance and support to ground crews. Responding crews included Upper Colorado River Fire, Colorado River Fire Rescue, De Beque Fire, Angry Bear Firefighter LLC and the Grand Valley Fire Protection District, which together supplied engines, crews, unified command, a hand crew, a tender and command vehicles.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/adproof/crews-responding-to-vegetation-fire-near-battlement-mesa-golf-course/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-05T23:18:43.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F05171711%2Fc5d2c90f-b0f8-4acf-bb52-43a7cc091376-759x1024.jpeg","slug":"battlement-trail-fire-99-contained"},{"id":"uhm4fh","title":"Damage assessment teams begin work in Aspen Acres fire zone as weather gives firefighters an edge","excerpt":"Weather conditions will likely give firefighters working to contain the massive Aspen Acres fire an edge again Sunday.\n\n\n\n“Yesterday was our first day without red flag warnings and we have no red flag warnings for today,” Operations Section Chief Brad Washa, of Alaska Complex Incident Management ...","content":"Weather conditions will likely give firefighters working to contain the massive Aspen Acres fire an edge again Sunday.\n\n\n\n“Yesterday was our first day without red flag warnings and we have no red flag warnings for today,” Operations Section Chief Brad Washa, of Alaska Complex Incident Management Team No. 1, said in the Sunday morning briefing.\n\n\n\n“This means we are not being as defensive as we have in the past, having to chase the fire,” he said. “We are actually getting out in front of the fire.”\n\n\n\nThe massive Aspen Acres fire southwest of Pueblo grew to 86,983 acres on the Saturday, as hundreds of additional firefighters arrived to shore up defenses against its relentless march. \n\n\n\nThere are now about 800 people deployed to fight the fire, which is about 13% contained.\n\n\n\nRead more at ColoradoSun.com","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/damage-assessment-teams-begin-work-in-aspen-acres-fire-zone-as-weather-gives-firefighters-an-edge/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"The Colorado Sun Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-05T19:59:06.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F05135835%2F20260704-Div-A-Road-514-scaled-1-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"damage-assessment-teams-begin-work-in-aspen-acres-fire-zone-as-weather-gives-firefighters-an-edge"},{"id":"gy9mo9","title":"Aspen Snowmass offers chance to bid on Nell and Bell chairs","excerpt":"The Bell Mountain and The Little Nell chairlifts, which have carried skiers and snowboarders up Aspen Mountain for nearly 120 combined years, are coming down to make way for the new Nell Bell lift — and heading to auction for a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the public to take one home.\n\n\n\n“It’s a...","content":"The Bell Mountain and The Little Nell chairlifts, which have carried skiers and snowboarders up Aspen Mountain for nearly 120 combined years, are coming down to make way for the new Nell Bell lift — and heading to auction for a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the public to take one home.\n\n\n\n“It’s a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of Aspen Mountain,” the release reads. \n\n\n\nThe auction for chairs from both historic lifts will run online from July 4 through July 19, according to a press release. Bidding opens at $250 for The Little Nell chairs and $500 for Bell Mountain chairs, with nationwide shipping available. Every dollar raised goes toward climate action and voter registration, get-out-the-vote efforts and the protection of voting rights.\n\n\n\n“These chairs have carried people up Aspen Mountain for nearly 120 combined years, and their final job is a fitting one,” Director of Sustainability and Philanthropy Hannah Berman told The Aspen Times. “We launched this chairlift auction on the Fourth of July, as our country celebrated its 250th anniversary and climate change-fueled fires impacted communities across our state. So the sales benefit two things we think our future depends on: climate action and a healthy democracy. The proceeds will support organizations advancing climate action, defending voting rights and promoting civic engagement.”\n\n\n\nIn addition to the public auction, Aspen Snowmass is also distributing chairs to the community. Two dozen chairs are being donated to community organizations that include the Aspen School District, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Aspen Hope Center, Ski Noir and more for display or use in their own charity auctions. Eleven chairs will be “reimagined,” according to the release, into unique pieces of art in partnership with the Aspen-based nonprofit Buckhorn Public Arts — these chairs are available for auction online as well, with bids starting at $2,500 per chair. \n\n\n\nSilent Auction Item 10 — Grateful Ascent.Aspen Snowmass/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAn Aspen One employee raffle for 75 chairs will also give Aspen One employees the opportunity to take home a chair, with raffle tickets available for $10 each. Proceeds from the raffle will support organizations and candidates working toward climate action and democratic integrity, the release confirms.\n\n\n\nIn total, at least 224 chairs — if not more — will find second homes between the auction, distribution and raffle.\n\n\n\nTo bid for an iconic piece of Aspen Mountain, visit us.givergy.com/AspenChairlifts/?controller=home.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-snowmass-offers-chance-to-take-home-nell-and-bell-chairs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-07T00:18:46.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F06171420%2FBell_Chairs_Auction-02-684x1024.jpg","slug":"aspen-snowmass-offers-chance-to-bid-on-nell-and-bell-chairs"},{"id":"9k61ua","title":"‘Guys and Dolls in Concert’ brings Broadway to Aspen","excerpt":"Every musical begins with a single note, and Aspen Music Festival and School’s collaboration with Theatre Aspen for “Guys and Dolls in Concert” is bringing a full orchestra to the stage for Broadway brilliance at 7:30 p.m. July 13 and 14 in the Michael Klein Music Tent, 960 N. 3rd St.\n\n\n\nBroadway...","content":"Every musical begins with a single note, and Aspen Music Festival and School’s collaboration with Theatre Aspen for “Guys and Dolls in Concert” is bringing a full orchestra to the stage for Broadway brilliance at 7:30 p.m. July 13 and 14 in the Michael Klein Music Tent, 960 N. 3rd St.\n\n\n\nBroadway’s Julie Benko will star as Sarah Brown, a rule-following mission worker whose life is turned upside down when she’s pulled into the orbit of high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson.\n\n\n\n“It’s a perfectly structured musical comedy. You’re going to hear some great songs,” Benko said. “It stands up all these years later. The characters are so recognizable. The jokes are still so funny. It’s a lot of fun.”\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Music Festival and School and Theatre Aspen partnership pairs major musical-theater talent with a concert presentation. The collaboration began in 2019, with a live rendition of “South Pacific.” It has since become a staple of the local summer calendar.\n\n\n\nSet in 1950s in New York City, “Guys and Dolls” mixes “gamblers, showgirls and unlikely romances” into a fast-moving comedy of wagers and consequences. \n\n\n\nOriginal producers of the musical Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin originally hired Frank Loesser to compose the music and lyrics. The production first ran Nov. 24, 1950. Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows wrote the script and George S. Kaufman directed. That first run of “Guys and Dolls” became a huge success, subsequently running for 1,200 performances. Later, Samuel Goldwyn bought the rights to a film version, which starred Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra.\n\n\n\nAndy Einhorn will conduct the Aspen concert. Tony Award-nominee Jeff Calhoun will direct. The format puts a full orchestra behind the cast and the story will be delivered with streamlined concert staging.\n\n\n\nJulie Benko stars in “Guys and Dolls in Concert” in Aspen July 13 and 14.Theatre Aspen/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nBenko is especially looking forward to one of Sarah’s signature numbers.\n\n\n\n“‘If I were a Bell’ is such a fun song. It really swings,” Benko said. \n\n\n\nShe noted she enjoys the physicality of the moment and how different it feels from Sarah’s opening song. \n\n\n\nBenko added, “For me, Sarah is discovering freedom, and to me jazz is the music of freedom. She’s discovering this side of herself, and I get to discover that vocally. It’s just so free. I get to sing in a different style.”\n\n\n\nShe appeared as Eliza Doolittle in Theatre Aspen’s “My Fair Lady” in 2025. She became known to Broadway audiences through her run in the revival of “Funny Girl,” where her understudy-to-star journey drew widespread attention. After “Guys and Doll’s” wraps, she will head back to New York to rejoin a revival of “Ragtime” in the role of Emma Goldman at Lincoln Center for its final block.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen cast also features a lineup of familiar names to musical-theater fans. Tony Award-winner Bonnie Milligan (“Kimberly Akimbo,” “Head Over Heels”) will play Miss Adelaide — described as the long-suffering showgirl engaged to Nathan Detroit. Detroit is a man who can organize a dice game more easily than he can commit to a wedding date.\n\n\n\nTony Award-nominated actor Christopher Sieber (“Spamalot,” “Company,” “The Prom”) will play Detroit. Benko said she’s looking forward to working with Sieber, noting that although they haven’t performed together onstage before, they crossed paths in an unusual setting: a Disney cruise where both were singing.\n\n\n\n“He’s amazing. I’ve seen him perform many times,” Benko said. “I’m excited to watch him in action.”\n\n\n\nRyan Vasquez, who has appeared on Broadway in “Hamilton” and in the original cast of “The Notebook,” will play Sky Masterson, the confident gambler whose bet sets the plot in motion. Vasquez said the combination of classic material and Aspen’s setting makes the experience distinctive.\n\n\n\n“The music is classic and, of course, Aspen itself is beautiful,” Vasquez said. “But there’s also something unique about bringing people together in the same room to experience live music in community with each other. I feel lucky to be reminded of places like Aspen, where folks work hard to bring things like this to the public.”\n\n\n\nHe also said working with Benko, and the rest of the collaborative cast, has been a joy.\n\n\n\n“I’ve admired her work for a while, so sharing the stage with her feels like a highlight of the experience,” he said of Benko. “Plus, she is really familiar with the show, and she’s helped me a lot getting up to speed.”\n\n\n\nVasquez added that the show has personal history for him, too, when he played the same role in a production when he was 11-years-old.\n\n\n\nThe role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson will be played by Michael James Scott, the latest member added to the cast who is known to many audiences for his long run as the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin” on Broadway. \n\n\n\nScott said he’s excited to bring the show’s old-school musical-comedy spirit to Aspen.\n\n\n\n“I love that ‘Guys and Dolls’ is a true classic musical theatre comedy,” Scott said. “It’s so refreshing to go back to old-school musical theater and feel that nostalgia of what made people fall in love with musical theatre in the first place.”\n\n\n\nFor him, Nicely-Nicely was a coveted part.\n\n\n\n“Nicely-Nicely is one of those rare roles where you get to not only be a part of the action, but have a real 11 o’clock number,” Scott said. “It’s been played by such incredible actors, and so it’s such an honor that the creative team has given me such a wonderful gift of putting the Michael James Scott spin on it.”\n\n\n\nHe added, “Audiences all over the world are so hungry for joy and laughter and feel good — and this show is the epitome of that. I love that the Aspen community is getting to experience this joyous old school musical on such a grand scale.”\n\n\n\nFor more information and tickets, visit aspenmusicfestival.com/events/buy-tickets.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/guys-and-dolls-in-concert-brings-broadway-to-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T23:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F06104124%2F2_L_to_R_Michael_James_Scott_Ryan_Vasquez_Julie_Benko_Christopher_Sieber_Director_Jeff_Calhoun_Conductor_Andy_Einhorn_Bonnie_Milligan._116-768x1024.jpg","slug":"guys-and-dolls-in-concert-brings-broadway-to-aspen"},{"id":"nn4dn9","title":"Miller: Democracy depends on active participation","excerpt":"As the November elections approach, we are reminded that democracy depends on active participation. Voting is one of the most important ways citizens can make their voices heard and help shape the future of our country. But civic engagement should not stop at the casting of our own ballots. Each ...","content":"As the November elections approach, we are reminded that democracy depends on active participation. Voting is one of the most important ways citizens can make their voices heard and help shape the future of our country. But civic engagement should not stop at the casting of our own ballots. Each of us can play an important role in motivating others to vote as well. \n\n\n\nAn effective way to do this is by sending postcards out to registered voters who don’t always participate in elections. An easy way to do this is by using Activate America to send postcards to prospective voters. \n\n\n\nThe Activate America website (activateamerica.vote) provides free of charge lists of names and addresses of prospective voters to send postcards to and a short script to write on the post cards that encourages the receiver of the postcards to vote for candidates that will put the people of our country first, not corporations and the wealthy.\n\n\n\nWe all benefit when more citizens take part in the democratic process. Higher voter participation strengthens our communities and ensures that a broader range of voices are represented. This November, let us encourage one another to stay informed, participate respectfully and make voting a shared civic responsibility. \n\n\n\nDemocracy works best when everyone has a chance to be heard.\n\n\n\nJon Miller\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/miller-democracy-depends-on-active-participation/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jon Miller","publishDate":"2026-07-06T21:50:27.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"miller-democracy-depends-on-active-participation"},{"id":"sc80c7","title":"Voss: Wildlife encounters with pets","excerpt":"I, like many of us, enjoy biking up Maroon Creek Road to take in one of Aspen’s most spectacular landscapes. Over the past few weeks, these rides have felt like a wildlife safari. Nearly every ride has included sightings of foxes, bears, moose or deer enjoying our beautiful backyard. It seemed li...","content":"I, like many of us, enjoy biking up Maroon Creek Road to take in one of Aspen’s most spectacular landscapes. Over the past few weeks, these rides have felt like a wildlife safari. Nearly every ride has included sightings of foxes, bears, moose or deer enjoying our beautiful backyard. It seemed like the perfect reminder that, while sharing this valley with wildlife is one of the many privileges of living in the mountains, it also comes with responsibility. Co-existing peacefully with wildlife is an important part of living in Aspen, as these animals called this valley home long before we did. \n\n\n\nOur dogs add another layer of consideration. Their reactions to wildlife can be unpredictable and may quickly escalate an otherwise peaceful encounter. Every year, I treat dogs for injuries sustained during wildlife encounters, so it is worth reminding ourselves how to avoid these situations and what to do if they occur. \n\n\n\nIn general, the best way to protect both your dog and our local wildlife is to give wild animals plenty of space. Keeping your dog leashed where appropriate, maintaining reliable recall and staying alert while outdoors can prevent most dangerous encounters. \n\n\n\nMany people assume bears or mountain lions pose the greatest threat to dogs, but moose are responsible for a surprising number of serious injuries in Colorado. Although they often appear calm, moose can become extremely aggressive when they feel threatened. Dogs frequently trigger this defensive behavior because they resemble one of the moose’s natural predators: the wolf. If you encounter a moose, immediately leash your dog ,and calmly move away while creating as much distance as possible. We are just now at the end of calving season, which is when female moose give birth and are exceptionally defensive of their babies. Never place yourself between a cow moose and her calf.\n\n\n\nBlack bears are notoriously active throughout Pitkin County, especially during spring, summer and fall. Fortunately, black bears generally prefer to avoid people. However, dogs that bark at or chase bears can quickly create a dangerous situation. If you see a bear, keep your dog leashed, and calmly leave the area without running. Make yourself appear large, speak in a calm voice and always give the bear an escape route. Never allow your dog to chase a bear. Cubs may be nearby, and a protective sow can become aggressive in an instant.\n\n\n\nMountain lion encounters are much less common, but remain possible throughout our valley. Dogs that run far ahead on trails are at greater risk than those that stay close to their guardians. If you encounter a mountain lion, leash your dog immediately, make yourself appear large, avoid running and slowly back away while maintaining awareness of the animal.\n\n\n\nCoyotes and foxes are frequently seen around neighborhoods and hiking trails. While foxes generally avoid conflict, I have treated dogs injured by both coyotes and foxes. Small dogs are particularly vulnerable, especially during dawn and dusk when these predators are most active. Keeping dogs leashed and preventing them from roaming ahead is the best way to reduce the risk of an encounter. Never feed wildlife or leave pet food outdoors, as this attracts predators closer to residential areas.\n\n\n\nSnakes present another often overlooked hazard for adventurous, curious dogs. Pitkin County is home to several snake species, fortunately most of which are harmless. The only venomous snake found in our region is the prairie rattlesnake. They are uncommon at Aspen’s higher elevations but can be found in warmer, drier habitats farther downvalley. Prairie rattlesnakes rely on camouflage as their primary defense and are often hidden among rocks, shrubs and tall grasses. They are easily distinguished from other non-venomous snakes by their horny rattle at the end of their tail. They will ignore humans or animals and prefer to be left alone; however, if a snake feels threatened, it may coil up and rattle or even strike. Carefully moving away from the snake is usually enough to convince it that you are not a threat.  \n\n\n\nIf you suspect your dog has been bitten by a rattlesnake, carry them to your car and seek veterinary care immediately. Common signs include facial swelling, severe pain, bleeding from puncture wounds or generalized weakness. Do not apply a tourniquet or heat or cold packs. Rattlesnake venom causes significant tissue injury and can also interfere with normal blood clotting. This characteristic of the venom is helpful to the snake because it “pre-digests” their prey as well as immobilizes it. Dogs can deteriorate quickly after envenomation but, with prompt treatment, most survive. Antivenom, when available, can reduce the severity of the venom’s effects and improve recovery.\n\n\n\nThe vast majority of wildlife encounters end safely when we respect animals’ space and remain aware of our surroundings. Keeping your dog leashed, practicing reliable recall and avoiding hiking at dawn or dusk in areas with increased wildlife activity can greatly reduce the likelihood of a dangerous encounter. If your dog is injured by any wild animal, even if the wounds appear minor, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early treatment can prevent infection and identify injuries, as well as determine whether a rabies booster or follow up care is needed. \n\n\n\nDr. Kelly Voss is a veterinarian at Aspen Animal Hospital, where she practices small animal medicine and surgery. She has a background in emergency and critical care and is passionate about bringing high-quality veterinary care to the mountains. Have a question for the column? Email her at dr.kellyvoss@gmail.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/voss-wildlife-encounters-with-pets/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Dr. Kelly Voss Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdr.kellyvoss@gmail.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T20:41:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F13172355%2FScreenshot_2026-04-13_at_5.23.31%25E2%2580%25AFPM-1024x1024.png","slug":"voss-wildlife-encounters-with-pets"},{"id":"ajtwbz","title":"Delicious American music brightens a great Music Festival opening","excerpt":"The Aspen Music Festival found an exciting way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America over the Independence Day weekend. A first-weekend program explored choices from the American symphonic music realm with exciting, if not the most familiar, pieces delivered by some o...","content":"The Aspen Music Festival found an exciting way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America over the Independence Day weekend. A first-weekend program explored choices from the American symphonic music realm with exciting, if not the most familiar, pieces delivered by some of the best American singers we have.\n\n\n\nHighlights included works by two of the most-performed opera composers of today — the first performance of a new song cycle by Jake Heggie commissioned by the festival and a collection of scenes from John Adams’ first opera. \n\n\n\nSunday’s concert centered on Adams’ “Nixon in China” between a rollicking set of variations on “America” by Charles Ives and a glorious performance of Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3 (the one that’s based on “Fanfare for the Common Man”).\n\n\n\nIt was all terrific, but the symphony put the cherry on top. Festival Music Director Robert Spano had a definite idea of what he wanted the music to emphasize, creating long buildups to ecstatic climaxes. He got extraordinarily high-level playing from the Festival Orchestra, an ensemble consisting of section principals from notable orchestras and young musicians from around the world.\n\n\n\nAppropriately for a piece inspired by a fanfare, of special note was the entire brass section. The principals — trumpet Anthony Lemoncelli, trombone James Miller (Los Angeles Philharmonic) and horn Erik Ralske (Metropolitan Opera) — welded together a combination of expressive solos and rich sound. When the symphony arrived at the fourth and final movement, which began with the woodwinds playing the fanfare music in a soft legato, it made the hairs on the back of my head stand up. When the brass took over, it couldn’t have been more thrilling.\n\n\n\nEvery gesture by timpanist Edward Stephan played in response to a phrase in the fanfare was so clear that it showcased how Copland had written a different combination each time of the same notes and rhythms.\n\n\n\nIt’s been four decades since “Nixon in China” debuted at Houston Grand Opera in 1987, almost exactly four decades after Copland’s symphony (1946). It’s worth noting that both composers resisted the harsher dissonances and highly intellectual direction of classical music of the times. Copland gave up his atonal style. Adams, who had adopted minimalism, had backed off the repetitions of the minimalist style and developed a more varied musical palette. That mix perfumed these selections from the opera, as Adams sprinkled Chinese music gestures, especially in percussion in the opening chorus sung by the Colorado-based chorus Kanterei. \n\n\n\nThe featured scenes focused on President Richard Nixon (sung by baritone Thomas Hampson, whose Thursday recital of American songs I had to miss due to car trouble) and Nixon’s wife Pat (star soprano Renée Fleming) on their 1972 visit to Beijing to open diplomatic relations with China. Hampson’s “News Has a Kind of Mystery” and Fleming’s “This Is Prophetic” were especially rich in detail. Hampson and Fleming had just returned from a run of the opera in Paris, so both music and character were vivid to hear and see. \n\n\n\nThe Ives Variations, in William Schuman’s colorfully expanded orchestration, opened the proceedings with a combination of definition and wry humor.\n\n\n\nHeggie’s “Earth 2.0” on Friday took a different approach from the great symphonic song cycles of the past, which most often focused on the vagaries of love or meditations on death, from a human point of view. Heggie and librettist Anita Amirrezvani imagined a personified Earth’s response to the damage humans have recently inflicted on our planet.\n\n\n\nOver the course of its 40-odd minutes, Heggie’s music introduces us to Mother Earth through the otherworldly sound of countertenor Key’mon Murrah and distinctive orchestral manifestations of birds, Earth’s glorious range of colors and its capacity to adapt.\n\n\n\nMurrah has been dazzling Aspen audiences since 2021, when he was the breakout star of the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS first season. Last season, he appeared here as the Buddha in the world premiere of Christopher Theofanidis’s “Siddhartha, She.” He has an astonishing range, and Heggie’s music takes advantage of Murrah’s ability to sail high with beauty and agility.\n\n\n\nA striking aspect are the jazz idioms incorporated into a classical frame with so much polish that it just felt natural. In response to the opening of overlapping bird calls, led by the flutes, the music for “The Message” settled into a drowsy blues as Earth learns from the birds that they can no longer find places to land on their migrations. A muted trumpet solo introduced “The Artist,” a mini-tone poem to the beauty of skies and rainbows, framed with jazz harmonies. Ragtime seemed to influence the third song, “The Admirer,” celebrating the physical dexterity of the animals. The final phrases floated gorgeous high notes from Murrah.\n\n\n\nIn “The Upgrade,” another conversation with birds, Earth suggests that humans evolved like the birds, who were once dinosaurs and no longer stomp all over the planet. Steady rhythm reflected a sort of optimism. Set to music reminiscent of a Tchaikovsky ballet, “The Pas de Deux” recalls how humans used to work in concert with the planet, but by the end of the song the tone turns to despair.\n\n\n\nIn the final song, “The Cleanse,” after the climactic melody to the words, “One day humans will be gone,” the music turned peaceful and quiet. The sound of a lone flute melded with Murrah’s sustained “Om.”\n\n\n\nHeggie’s highly-approachable style and talent for orchestration made for a delicious setting that got a well-deserved standing ovation. Kudos to the various soloists, especially principal flute Mark Sparks, principal trumpet Stuart Stephenson and principal horn Andrew Bain, and idiomatically comfortable conducting.\n\n\n\nJames Gaffigan’s carefully shaped phrases and vigorous tempos yielded a vivid performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No.7, especially in the third-movement Presto and the full-speed-ahead Allegro con brio. The Allegretto, with its steady tread, blossomed nicely. If the lilt that gave the symphony its nickname, “apotheosis of the dance,” didn’t quite bounce, the sense of abandon made up for it in spades.\n\n\n\nThe first concert of the season, on Wednesday in Harris Hall, featured pianist Joyce Yang, an Aspen regular. In her centerpiece, Robert Schumann’s “Kreileriana” was brilliant in spots, especially in the meditative moments, but losing details at other times. \n\n\n\nMuch better were the two works by Brahms with Aspen faculty standouts. Yang and violist Victoria Chang caught the wistful tone in the “Geistliches Wiegenlied.” Soprano Ana Maria Martinez sang with rich tone, especially in robust low notes worthy of a contralto.\n\n\n\nBest of all was the Piano Trio No.1 in B major, in which cellist Darrett Adkins was the standout through the 35-minute gem, matching Yang’s pulse and melodic flair seamlessly and expanding beautifully when he had the lead. Violinist Kathleen Winkler, a faculty standard for years, took a movement or two to settle into it, but the last two movements came together brilliantly for all three of them.\n\n\n\nHarvey Steiman has been writing about the Aspen Music Festival for more than 30 years. His reviews appear Tuesdays in The Aspen Times. A new weekly column titled “Behind the Music” debuts on Friday.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/delicious-american-music-brightens-a-great-music-festival-opening/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Harvey Steiman Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-06T20:08:01.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F06140728%2Fimage-5-1024x681.png","slug":"delicious-american-music-brightens-a-great-music-festival-opening"},{"id":"rs8lvb","title":"AspenOUT hosts virtual adult LGBTQIA+ support group","excerpt":"AspenOUT is inviting community members to its Virtual Adult LGBTQIA+ Support Group, an ongoing online group providing a safe, welcoming and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, discuss and share experiences, facilitated by host Janet Gordon.\n\n\n\nThis online group offering recognizes ...","content":"AspenOUT is inviting community members to its Virtual Adult LGBTQIA+ Support Group, an ongoing online group providing a safe, welcoming and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, discuss and share experiences, facilitated by host Janet Gordon.\n\n\n\nThis online group offering recognizes what a press release calls a “vital need for accessible mental health resources and peer support.” AspenOUT created this digital space with the aim of providing individuals the opportunities to discuss topics surrounding sexuality, gender and mental well-being, open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer-identifying and gender-nonconforming community members.\n\n\n\n“Having a reliable and secure space to discuss our unique lived experiences is essential for the mental health and wellness of the LGBTQ+ community,” Gordon said in the release. “Our virtual doors are open to anyone who needs community, understanding, or simply a place to be their authentic selves.”\n\n\n\nThe Virtual Adult LGBTQIA+ Support Group meets online from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, and participants are welcome to join the series at any time. The cost is $5 per session, and participants must be 18 years of age or older to participate.\n\n\n\nTo receive the meeting link, attendees must complete the online registration form. For more information or to fill out the form to join the upcoming session, visit aspenout.com/event/adult-support-group-online-lgbtq.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspenout-hosts-virtual-adult-lgbtqia-support-group/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T18:06:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F01%2F16145657%2FWRAPgayski-atd-011725-02-731x1024.jpg","slug":"aspenout-hosts-virtual-adult-lgbtqia-support-group"},{"id":"y6nyk6","title":"Chacos: Thriving and surviving the family trip","excerpt":"Our two-week family vacation was still in its infancy when I almost ran over my younger brother. \n\n\n\nWe were battling the Caribbean heat, and I was conducting a logistical symphony addressing the needs of 12 distinct personalities spanning multiple generations on a trip that promised to collect m...","content":"Our two-week family vacation was still in its infancy when I almost ran over my younger brother. \n\n\n\nWe were battling the Caribbean heat, and I was conducting a logistical symphony addressing the needs of 12 distinct personalities spanning multiple generations on a trip that promised to collect memories more than material things. The diesel transit van had a janky manual transmission and questionable air-conditioning, and the driver’s seat was better suited for a Flintstone. Between the chaos all around me and the sweat dripping into my eyes, I was not entirely at fault, and I stand by this defense in an effort to maintain harmony within our family unit. The dramatic moment had grandpa rattled for the remainder of the day, yet our family motto took on new meaning: There’s no time to explain, get in the llama (a.k.a. Get in the van, we have places to go). \n\n\n\nWe would be on land exploring for a few days before boarding a cruise ship for a week-long getaway that left only a few family members somewhat sick. We moved through the city at a glacial pace, crossing crowded roads like headless chickens with bottles of water in one hand and sunscreen in the other. One morning, a few scurried across town to find Panamanian soccer jerseys while others zigzagged side streets looking for an exclusive and ultra-luxurious cup of Geisha coffee. My son needed to feast on a burrito from El Pinche Gallo, and two of the teenagers were in constant search for high-speed internet and trouble. We photographed sloths in the rainforest and took pictures of monkeys from our boat, and we almost lost grandma, who wandered off to get shaved ice by the water’s edge. By the end of our land adventure, I was eager to return the rental van, which had developed a pungent burning smell, and my brother blamed my driving. \n\n\n\nI almost ran him over again. \n\n\n\nTransitioning our group from land to sea required a color-coded spreadsheet and matching hats. I became a kindergarten teacher, repeatedly asking everyone to focus, listen and stay together. Once aboard, we ate, played games, wandered the ship and found time to eat again. Dinner conversation displayed for our evening meals in the grand ballroom was nothing short of a masterclass in diplomacy. Topics stayed clear of religion, politics and, most importantly, the correct way to hang toilet paper. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile, my father’s onion soup arrived without onions. By week’s end, our server, the maître d’ and head chef all knew the story in painstaking detail. I had to stop my dad from telling the airline pilot on the flight home that his onion soup had no onions.\n\n\n\nPort days were streamlined chaos. We were all eager to get on land to stretch out and play, and none it seemed more than the teens that looked like cruise-ship prisoners being granted shore leave. My exceptionally organized sister-in-law helped get the group out of bed early in the morning without leaving anyone, or any passport, behind. \n\n\n\nWe went snorkeling, swam with turtles, kayaked and rode ATVs. Climbing up rickety wooden stairs to soak our bodies in a deep, dark volcanic mud pool really brought the group together in a way only shared trauma can. Afterward, we allowed ourselves to be escorted to the beach, stripped of our suits and bathed by the local women. We finished the day eating fried empanadas with cold sodas served in glass bottles laughing about the experience.\n\n\n\nBack on board, we played trivia, learned how to roll sushi with some varying degree of success and celebrated hard when my niece won $2 at Bingo. We watched World Cup soccer games under the stars, and the kids played shuffleboard and went rock climbing. Toward the end of the trip, I indulged in a full-body massage to tame the stress that comes with trying to pull off an epic, unforgettable family adventure without incurring any high-stakes drama or losing anyone overboard. \n\n\n\nThe best part of the vacation wasn’t the cruise ship, the flamingos or the piece of red beach glass I found on shore. It was coming home with a bag full of memories from a trip well lived with the ones I love. I’m already planning our family get together for next year, and for the sake of everyone’s mental health and bank account, we may all simply trade cheap souvenir keychains instead. \n\n\n\nI won’t even think about running over my brother if he tries to get in my way.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/chacos-thriving-and-surviving-the-family-trip/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Andrea Chacos Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tandreachacos@gmail.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T17:02:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2023%2F11%2F07092105%2Fimage001-683x1024.jpg","slug":"chacos-thriving-and-surviving-the-family-trip"},{"id":"ncysq4","title":"Aspen Acres fire grows 8,000 acres overnight, hundreds more firefighters arrive in southern Colorado","excerpt":"Colorado’s largest active wildfire consumed more than 8,000 acres overnight as hundreds more firefighters arrived in Pueblo and Custer counties to try to slow the fire’s spread.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Acres fire roared across another 13 square miles late Friday night and early Saturday morning and has now ...","content":"Colorado’s largest active wildfire consumed more than 8,000 acres overnight as hundreds more firefighters arrived in Pueblo and Custer counties to try to slow the fire’s spread.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Acres fire roared across another 13 square miles late Friday night and early Saturday morning and has now burned 85,585 acres, or 134 square miles, the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team said in a morning update.\n\n\n\nIt is the eighth largest wildfire in Colorado history, just behind the 2012 High Park fire, which burned 87,284 acres in Larimer County west of Fort Collins. That fire destroyed 259 homes and killed one person.\n\n\n\nWhile cloud cover and higher humidity calmed the fire in some spots overnight, areas near Siloam Road and Red Creek “remained active overnight, with the fire continuing to advance and impact structures,” fire officials wrote.\n\n\n\nRead more at DenverPost.com","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/aspen-acres-fire-grows-8000-acres-overnight-hundreds-more-firefighters-arrive-in-southern-colorado/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"The Denver Post Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-04T19:01:27.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F04125910%2FTDP-L-Aspen-Acres-Fire-RJS-30590-1024x682.jpg","slug":"aspen-acres-fire-grows-8000-acres-overnight-hundreds-more-firefighters-arrive-in-southern-colorado"},{"id":"64z4gd","title":"Local golf results: Aspen men’s and women’s associations from July 1-2","excerpt":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from July 1LOW GROSS1st: Heidi Burkemper 792nd: Mar Mar Cunningham 843rd: Denise Wynne 874th: Erin Vogel 89LOW NET1st: Hallie McQueeny 682nd: Laurie Danks 693rd: Clarity Fornell 714th: Sarah Challinor 71\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from July 2LOW GROSS1st Flight...","content":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from July 1LOW GROSS1st: Heidi Burkemper 792nd: Mar Mar Cunningham 843rd: Denise Wynne 874th: Erin Vogel 89LOW NET1st: Hallie McQueeny 682nd: Laurie Danks 693rd: Clarity Fornell 714th: Sarah Challinor 71\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from July 2LOW GROSS1st Flight1st: Zack “Big Papi” Neiditz 722nd: Dave Stapleton 743rd: Andrew “Putter” Firman 752nd Flight1st: Brad Mosier 752nd: Robbie Parker 833rd: Dave Musser 843rd Flight1st: “The Dominator” Lanese 812nd: Roger Wilson 873rd: Gary LaCouter 924th Flight1st: Mark “Rico Suave” Stout 862nd: Dylan Namirowski 883rd: John Salm 92LOW NET1st Flight1st: John Black 692nd: Justin “Rainman” McDuffie 703rd: Patrick Lyle 732nd Flight1st: Justin Eddy 712nd: Jack Danneberg 723rd: Stephen Barrett 743rd Flight1st: Terry “TC” Conner 742nd: James Peterson 753rd: David “Cookie” Cook 784th Flight1st: Oliver Sharpe 712nd: Doug Goldsmith 733rd: Vernard “Vinnie” Oliver 77Closest to Pin No. 17: Matt Wells 5′","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-july-1-2/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-06T17:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F08%2F11191619%2FAHSgolf-atd-081125-25-1024x819.jpg","slug":"local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-july-1-2"},{"id":"r6ejbu","title":"Moon Mondays: Tradwife or rad-wife?","excerpt":"I require tons of time by myself. Solitude is where I recharge. Sometimes when my significant other is chatting away (if you know him, you know), I get cranky because he’s interrupting my deepest inner contemplations. \n\n\n\nMy finger is firmly pressing down on the introvert side of the scale. I enj...","content":"I require tons of time by myself. Solitude is where I recharge. Sometimes when my significant other is chatting away (if you know him, you know), I get cranky because he’s interrupting my deepest inner contemplations. \n\n\n\nMy finger is firmly pressing down on the introvert side of the scale. I enjoy people, but I choose to lightly pepper my socializing into vast expanses of solo time. My best cure-all is a heaping dose of solitude in the mountains. I hike alone, bike alone, ski alone and sleep all by my lonesome. Autonomous and independent, I identify as a rad-wife, not a tradwife. \n\n\n\nThis week’s astrology is for us introverts. The planets are aligning for a week of introspection, reflection and reconnection. \n\n\n\nI’m already ready for a break. Following summer’s kick-off with the Food & Wine Classic, Aspen Summer Words conference, JAS June Experience and the Aspen Ideas Festival, this week brings a welcome respite. My agenda: reading, writing, hanging by the river, if not stuck indoors by the oppressive smoke. \n\n\n\nNeptune joins Mercury in the retrograde reset. Retrogrades are custom-made for introverts like me. The blue planet at the edge of our solar system is internal by nature. It’s the planet of dreams, visions and spiritual connections. When it reverses course, it encourages us to go inside and listen to the whispers of our soul longings. \n\n\n\nVenus enters Virgo as well. Virgo is the priestess archetype, introverted by design. She lives on the outskirts of the village and spends her time tracking the signs of the earth. She’s the one who reminded us that the solstice was coming and guided us through the ceremony to welcome in summer. Virgo is empowered and knows her sacred purpose, reconnecting us to the spiritual when we’re obsessing over our mundane lives. \n\n\n\nMercury is cazimi (in the heart of) the sun this week, too. When Mercury meets with the sun, it’s that little voice nudging us to pay attention. \n\n\n\nThese three significant alignments remind us to slow down, connect with our inner selves and tune in. \n\n\n\nThe first thing I’m going to do is get still, get silent and get into my body. Focusing on my breath helps me embody and guides me to drop in below my neck. Lately, I’ve been doing a practice I learned from Katherine McIntosh in the Somatics class at O2, where I call back my four energy bodies: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  \n\n\n\nThen, I just listen. \n\n\n\nWhat feels alive in my body? What emotions and sensations are present? What’s calling to me? I feel the yearnings and sense the awarenesses within my body. You might hear, taste or even smell the messages. The most important and hardest part is to trust what you’re trying to communicate to yourself.  \n\n\n\nYour dream’s in there. It’s just more convenient and less work to ignore it. Maybe you’re so used to blowing off what you really want as fantasy that you’ve stopped dreaming altogether. \n\n\n\nStart by getting honest with yourself. You don’t have to act yet. If you’re not enjoying your current life, then something better is calling to you. What would light you up? The first step is being truthful with yourself. Let go of the “how.” \n\n\n\nNext, choose one tiny micro-action (and I do mean micro) that moves you forward, toward your dream. \n\n\n\nI’ve been getting honest with myself about how much more I want to write. I didn’t even let myself go there for years. I didn’t have the confidence to entertain my genuine longings. My dream was suffocating under my limiting belief, “I’m not good enough.” \n\n\n\nI began by writing for five minutes each day — that’s the kind of micro I mean. I’m now up to 45, sometimes even more. I’m building my writing muscles up, going to the author gym each day — well, most days. The pressure to write every single day overwhelms me and makes me want to throw in the towel.  \n\n\n\nThe key to micro-actions is that they need to feel ridiculously small, so tiny that you actually do them. If I had needed to start with one minute, I would have. One minute of writing would’ve added up to five or more minutes by the end of the week. That’s five minutes of writing I wasn’t doing before. Baby steps add up quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be living your rad-life. \n\n\n\nSheridan Semple is an astrologer, coach, and creator of the Astrology In Real Life Method. She helps women untangle from trauma, shift out of their stuck patterns, and take practical steps to reclaim their lives through astrology. If you’d like monthly support and community, join Moon Sisters Circle at sheridansemple.com. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/moon-mondays-tradwife-or-rad-wife/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sheridan Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-05T23:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F10%2F18100421%2FSheridan-Semple-AT-Photo-1024x666.png","slug":"moon-mondays-tradwife-or-rad-wife"},{"id":"au8y63","title":"Aspen Words’ Book Ball features National Book Award Winner Jonathan Franzen","excerpt":"This year, Aspen Words’ Book Ball features National Book Award Winner Jonathan Franzen in conversation with Book Critic Ron Charles on July 10 at Aspen Meadows Resort. The event raises money to support free and accessible community events, such as the Aspen Literary Festival, programs for local s...","content":"This year, Aspen Words’ Book Ball features National Book Award Winner Jonathan Franzen in conversation with Book Critic Ron Charles on July 10 at Aspen Meadows Resort. The event raises money to support free and accessible community events, such as the Aspen Literary Festival, programs for local students and scholarships for aspiring writers. \n\n\n\nFranzen’s 2001 novel, “The Corrections,” earned the National Book Award and became a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction finalist. Time magazine named him a “Great American Novelist” after his 2010 novel, “Freedom.” Most recently, the Newberry Library honored him with the 2026 Newberry Library Award, in tribute of his profound and lasting cultural impact. \n\n\n\nAlongside his monumental novels — including the 2021 “Crossroads,” part of a planned trilogy that follows a Midwestern family across three generations — his compelling nonfiction has set the standard for contemporary writing, encouraging readers to explore the complexities of family, society, nature and other issues. \n\n\n\nThe desire to change something, or raise awareness, typically propels his nonfiction. \n\n\n\n“When I’m writing essays, I’m usually driven by being angry about something — somebody is not appreciated that I think should be appreciated, something is not being talked about that I think should be talked about or some bad thing is happening to things I care about, notably birds, but also other things, (like) democracy.” he said. \n\n\n\nHe advises young writers to listen deeply to what “the page is telling you because you’ll see: Oh, well, this is actually kind of overdone here, or I’m fudging something or I’m getting a reader who isn’t necessarily on my side, and the reader is saying, ‘Yeah, but what about this?’ and then you’re basically open to the process of discovering something that might be truer than what you started with.”\n\n\n\nHe good-naturedly said that his mother, who wasn’t a big fan of fiction, thought he was basically telling lies for a living.  “You might be articulating things, getting at fleeting feelings or thoughts that have remained hidden in a reader, and they get brought to the surface, with a strong sense of, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve had that thought, too’,” he said.  \n\n\n\nSolid fiction reveals characters who aren’t purely good or bad. For instance, victimizers are often victimized. \n\n\n\n“There’s a certain complexity to the world, which, I think, better fiction does justice to. (It) can come as a particular relief when you’re bombarded with incredibly simplistic stuff on the internet, on social media, in the mass media and in more overtly commercial kinds of storytelling,” he said, adding that readers hunger for complex stories. \n\n\n\nHe recognized the need to write essays after his second novel, “Strong Motion,” published in 1992; he realized he had been trying to cram too many opinions into his fiction, and that was “deforming it,” he said. \n\n\n\nHis most recent large piece of nonfiction revolved around the problem of the nation’s large outdoor cat population, an issue he touched upon in his fourth novel, “Freedom.” Toward the end of the novel, one of the main characters gets upset about the neighbor allowing her cats to run around and kill birds. \n\n\n\n“But by and large, I was only allowed to do that because I’d already established that main character as kind of a crank, and he was coming from a place of deep grief, (so) it was sort of allowable, but generally, when I have that strong an opinion, I have to go to an essay … They don’t grow on trees, but they are ultimately a little easier than novels,” he said. \n\n\n\nIndeed, he pointed out that carving a career out of fiction writing is not a game for the impatient. He has experienced his own challenges as a writer and delineates two kinds of struggling writers: Those who haven’t finished or published books and those who have published and strive to repeat the feat. The latter problem, he notes, is easier to deal with. “You just say: Look, you’ve already done it. You know you can do it. Now, you just have to be patient and you have to, above all, look for something that is fun to write,” he said. \n\n\n\nFranzen is looking forward to conversing with Charles at the Book Ball since he heard the book critic speak at an award ceremony about three years ago. \n\n\n\n“He gave this incredibly warm, funny and trenchant defense of the freedom to read,” he said, adding that it defended libraries’ rights to circulate whatever books people want to read, rather than restricting the list. \n\n\n\nHe strongly supports community literary and writing programs, hence his appearance at the Book Ball. \n\n\n\n“It’s important to remember that the kind of fiction I care about — I am loath to use the word ‘literature,’ but it’s not the worst word — has always been a relatively small market,” he said, adding that he supports anything that enhances the sense of community. “They’re my kind of people.” \n\n\n\nAs a “non-believing, sometimes church-goer,” he’s reluctant to draw a complete comparison of writers’ gatherings to attending church, but he appreciates the formality of writing and literary festivals, as well as workshops, that bring people together to simply listen to words — much like religious services do. \n\n\n\n“It’s not mystical; it’s not even magical, but it makes you feel better. And in that sense, it is church like,” he said. This year’s Book Ball highlights curated silent auction items aimed at the writing and literary-reading community, as opposed to the general population. \n\n\n\n“When we started thinking about the auction, we asked ourselves: What would genuinely delight a serious reader? The answer wasn’t handbags or golf outings. It was experiences that felt unique and, in a literary sense, priceless,” said Adrienne Brodeur, executive director of Aspen Words. ”We wanted the offerings to feel personal and impossible to replicate … More than anything, we wanted the auction items to create stories and memories. These aren’t things you can simply go out and buy. They’re experiences rooted in curiosity, conversation and the joy of books, which feels very much in keeping with what Aspen Words is all about.” \n\n\n\nFranzen’s bird-watching excursion is a perfect example. \n\n\n\n“He’s as passionate about birds as he is about books, and I love the idea of someone getting to spend a morning with him in his natural habitat,” Brodeur said. \n\n\n\nBook Ball attendees also can bid on dinner in Aspen hosted by novelist and screenwriter Maria Semple, writing workshops led by festival authors via Zoom, lunch with a partner at The Book Group (one of the country’s leading literary agencies) and more. \n\n\n\n“I also reached out to editors at some of the top publishing houses and asked them to send us the books they’re most excited about,” Brodeur said. “They generously agreed, creating a great book stack filled with their current favorites.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-words-book-ball-features-national-book-award-winner-jonathan-franzen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-05T23:00:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F06105750%2FJonathan_Franzen_and_books_.jpg","slug":"aspen-words-book-ball-features-national-book-award-winner-jonathan-franzen"},{"id":"jd6k6y","title":"Select Intersect Aspen galleries, artists to donate 15% of sales","excerpt":"Intersect Aspen Art + Design, which runs July 28 to Aug. 1, is deepening their partnership with Aspen Community Foundation with the launch of a new initiative, “Art for ACF.” \n\n\n\nThe initiative invites participating galleries to support the Roaring Fork Valley through the sale of artwork during t...","content":"Intersect Aspen Art + Design, which runs July 28 to Aug. 1, is deepening their partnership with Aspen Community Foundation with the launch of a new initiative, “Art for ACF.” \n\n\n\nThe initiative invites participating galleries to support the Roaring Fork Valley through the sale of artwork during this year’s fair, according to a press release. As part of the initiative, each exhibiting gallery is invited to designate artwork with 15 percent of the net proceeds donated to Aspen Community Foundation. \n\n\n\n“The program reflects Intersect Aspen’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful connections between art and community while supporting organizations that strengthen the region year-round,” the release states.\n\n\n\nFounded in 1980, Aspen Community Foundation aims to improve the quality of life across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys by connecting philanthropy with local needs, supporting nonprofit organizations and connecting partners to address what the release calls “the region’s most pressing challenges.”\n\n\n\n“The Aspen community has shown unwavering support for Intersect Aspen Art + Design, embracing the fair and helping it become an important part of the region’s cultural landscape,” Tim von Gal, CEO of Intersect Art + Design, said in the release. “The launch of the Art for ACF initiative is our opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to us. By partnering with Aspen Community Foundation, we hope to help advance the organization’s tireless work strengthening communities from Aspen to Parachute while creating another meaningful way for art to make a lasting impact.”\n\n\n\nParticipating artworks will receive prominent placement in the entrance corridor of Intersect Aspen Art + Design, the release confirms, as well as on the fair’s website and across social media channels. The initiative will also be recognized during Aspen Community Foundation’s Connect Event on July 23.\n\n\n\nParticipating galleries and artists include:\n\n\n\n\nIsham Projects (Malibu, California)\n\n\n\niustitia fine arts (New York, New York)\n\n\n\nKinga Czerska (Aspen, Colorado; Seattle, Washington) *\n\n\n\nMarkowicz Fine Art (Miami, Florida and Laguna Niguel, California)\n\n\n\nMaybaum Gallery (San Francisco, California)\n\n\n\nOri Gallery (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)\n\n\n\nPeace Waters Gallery (San Diego, California)\n\n\n\nTaylor Fine Art (Culver City, California; Dallas and Houston, Texas)\n\n\n\nTopher Straus (Los Angeles, California; Vail, Colorado; Lisbon, Portugal) *\n\n\n\nWhit Boucher (Woody Creek, Colorado) *\n\n\n\nWinston Wächter Fine Art (New York, New York; Seattle, Washington)\n\n\n\n\n*Participating artist of The Colorado Connection are presented by Red Brick Center for the Arts.\n\n\n\n“Art has the power to bring people together, inspire generosity and strengthen the communities we call home,” Erica Snow, president and CEO of Aspen Community Foundation, said in the release. “We’re grateful to Intersect Aspen Art + Design and its participating galleries for creating an opportunity that connects creativity with philanthropy, helping ensure resources reach the nonprofits and initiatives that make the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys such a vibrant place to live, work and play.”\n\n\n\nThe initiative aligns with Intersect Aspen’s commitment to support the community while providing collectors with an opportunity to acquire contemporary art with a deeper meaning and impact.\n\n\n\nAbout Intersect Aspen Art + Design Fair\n\n\n\nIntersect Aspen Art + Design brings together leading galleries, artists, collectors and cultural organizations from around the world for a week of exhibitions, conversations and cultural programming in Aspen.\n\n\n\n“Positioned within Aspen’s broader cultural landscape, the fair has established itself as a key convening point — valued for its measured scale, thoughtful curation, and meaningful engagement with both local and international audiences,” the release states.\n\n\n\nIntersect Aspen has partnered closely with the city and its cultural institutions for 16 years in order to foster connections through thoughtfully curated presentations between artists, collectors and the Aspen landscape. According to the release, Intersect Aspen is defined by an intimate, immersive experience of world-class programming and global artists coming together with a sense of place. \n\n\n\n“At Intersect Aspen, collectors will find more than an art fair — they will find a community of shared vision and discovery,” the release states.\n\n\n\nEach year, Intersect Aspen transforms the Aspen Ice Garden into Aspen’s largest gallery setting. The 2026 edition will showcase installations, curated presentations and a week of artist-focused talks, tours and collaborations with Aspen’s leading arts organizations — all this, the release states, with the aim of creating a distinctive experience defined by exceptional art, thoughtful dialogue and creative exchange.\n\n\n\n“Aspen continues to be the perfect community to host these extraordinary galleries and artists. With its exceptional natural beauty and thoughtful collectors, Aspen offers an unparalleled art landscape,” von Gal said in the release. “Intersect Aspen is where meaningful connections are forged — between collectors, artists, and the stories behind each work. It’s not just about acquiring art; it’s about becoming part of a deeper cultural dialogue that defines Aspen.”\n\n\n\nFair dates and hours are as follows: \n\n\n\n\nJuly 28: 2–7 p.m. (VIP Preview and Reception from 2–5 p.m.)\n\n\n\nJuly 29: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. \n\n\n\nJuly 30: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. \n\n\n\nJuly 31: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. \n\n\n\nAug. 1: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.\n\n\n\n\nFor a more detailed VIP and General Admission events schedule, visit IntersectAspen.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/select-intersect-aspen-galleries-artists-to-donate-15-of-sales/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-05T22:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F08%2F05103941%2Fanthony-james_54569972531_o-1024x746.png","slug":"select-intersect-aspen-galleries-artists-to-donate-15-of-sales"},{"id":"chjo8g","title":"Fourth of July parade winners announced","excerpt":"Downtown Aspen was packed with thousands of residents and visitors on Saturday during Aspen’s annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade, which featured local nonprofits, businesses, community organizations and patriotic displays showcasing the creativity and hometown pride of Aspen’s cherished t...","content":"Downtown Aspen was packed with thousands of residents and visitors on Saturday during Aspen’s annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade, which featured local nonprofits, businesses, community organizations and patriotic displays showcasing the creativity and hometown pride of Aspen’s cherished tradition.\n\n\n\nThis year’s celebration marked not only Aspen’s own history of Independence, but also the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood. The 2026 parade entries were judged by President and CEO of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association Debbie Braun, Maria Ticsay and Nelly Caballero.\n\n\n\n“This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as we commemorated 250 years of American independence and 150 years of Colorado statehood,” Braun said in a press release.\n\n\n\n“These milestones gave us an opportunity to reflect on our shared history while celebrating the community spirit that makes Aspen so special. Every Fourth of July, our residents, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers come together to create a celebration that honors our nation’s past, embraces Colorado’s remarkable heritage, and showcases the generosity, creativity, and hometown pride that define Aspen. We are grateful to every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and spectator who helped make this historic celebration one to remember.”\n\n\n\nThe 2026 parade award recipients are:\n\n\n\n\nCrowd Favorite: Blazing Adventures\n\nFor more than 53 years, Blazing Adventures has provided access to visitors and locals alike to the outdoor experiences of the Roaring Fork Valley. “Their enthusiasm for adventure and dedication to sharing the valley’s natural beauty earned them this year’s Crowd Favorite Award,” the release reads.\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Retro Rewind: Snowmass Western Heritage\n\n“Snowmass Western Heritage brought this year’s Retro Rewind theme to life with a vibrant celebration of the valley’s western roots,” the release states. The float highlighted the Snowmass Rodeo and the persisting traditions that shape the character of the Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\n\n\nKid’s Choice Award: Aspen Gymnastics\n\nFor more than 32 years, Aspen Gymnastics has offered young athletes programs ranging from toddler gymnastics to Big Air ski and snowboard training. “Serving more than 400 local children, their energetic and colorful parade entry captured the imagination of this year’s youngest spectators,” the release reads.\n\n\n\n\n\nJudge’s Favorite: Roaring Fork Valley Veterans\n\n“The Roaring Fork Valley Veterans were recognized for their moving tribute to the men and women who have served our nation. Their patriotic display honored the sacrifices of veterans while reminding spectators of the courage, commitment, and selfless service that Independence Day represents,” the release states. “Their participation was a powerful reflection of the community’s gratitude for those who have defended our freedoms.”\n\n\n\n\n\nHonorable Mention: US Forest Service White River National Forest — Smokey Bear\n\nUSFS received an honorable mention for its entry featuring Smokey Bear and its continued commitment to wildfire awareness. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nACRA and the city select a distinguished community member each year to serve as grand marshal of the Old Fashioned Parade, the release confirms. This year’s honor was awarded to Aspen native and Olympic gold medalist Alex Ferreira.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/july-4-parade-winners-announced/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-05T22:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F04160003%2FFourthParade-atd-070426-15-1024x768.jpg","slug":"fourth-of-july-parade-winners-announced"},{"id":"gnz030","title":"Aspen Ambulance District implements new life-saving program","excerpt":"The Aspen Ambulance District finished installing a life-saving blood donation set-up in their command vehicle on Thursday, allowing for blood transfusions to be done in the field going forward. \n\n\n\nChief of EMS at Aspen Ambulance District Gabe Muephing said this will be instrumental in saving the...","content":"The Aspen Ambulance District finished installing a life-saving blood donation set-up in their command vehicle on Thursday, allowing for blood transfusions to be done in the field going forward. \n\n\n\nChief of EMS at Aspen Ambulance District Gabe Muephing said this will be instrumental in saving the lives of trauma victims far from definitive care.\n\n\n\nThe program is cutting-edge, according to Muephing, but also perfect for Aspen ambulances. Because of the amount of trauma cases Aspen EMTs deal with in more remote locations, like Independence Pass, the need for blood transfusions in the field has become apparent. He explained that Aspen as a community also sees a lot of trauma cases, and said he hopes the blood will be helpful beyond those remote responses.\n\n\n\n“It’s a rather cutting-edge treatment modality for us and something that is very difficult to come by in our area,” he said. “To start that treatment therapy with blood early on truly is a lifesaving treatment for us, so it’s pretty cool to be able to do it in our town.”\n\n\n\nBecause of blood’s “fragility,” as he described it, it needs to be kept at a specific temperature when stored — and even then it is only viable for a limited time. The technology Aspen implemented allows it to be stored in a vehicle for up to a week and administered in the field during that time. \n\n\n\nAfter that week, it gets sent to Denver Health, where Muephing said it can still be used before it expires. \n\n\n\n“Our goal is never to waste a drop of [blood] — it is as precious as gold,” he said. “We want to make sure that we’re good stewards of that blood. If you’re willing to donate it, we want to make sure it gets into the patient that it needs to.”\n\n\n\nThe program will cost the Aspen Ambulance District around $25,000 per year out of the district’s operation expenses, according to him. This goes toward the purchase of the equipment, blood units from the Red Cross and to train staff on how to use it. \n\n\n\n“If it saves one life in our community, it’s worth it, with no question,” he said. “That’s really our goal because it truly is not just one of those treatments that will get you to definitive care, it is one of those treatments that can truly be life saving.”\n\n\n\nThe system is already running ahead of what Muephing said will be a “busy” Fourth of July weekend.\n\n\n\n“We are literally bringing the ER to you, and that’s been our goal for quite some time,” he said. “This just adds again to that level of care that most small communities will never be able to provide.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-ambulance-district-implements-new-life-saving-program/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-05T21:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02190223%2FAAD_Blood_1-1024x683.jpg","slug":"aspen-ambulance-district-implements-new-life-saving-program"},{"id":"rwxn6g","title":"Libertine returns to Aspen with exclusive residency at The Little Nell","excerpt":"Libertine is returning to Aspen with an exclusive residency at The Little Nell from July 29 through Aug. 4, coinciding with Aspen Art Week and offering an intimate and elevated shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.\n\n\n\nLibertine will be located inside the property’s boutique, open dai...","content":"Libertine is returning to Aspen with an exclusive residency at The Little Nell from July 29 through Aug. 4, coinciding with Aspen Art Week and offering an intimate and elevated shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.\n\n\n\nLibertine will be located inside the property’s boutique, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.\n\n\n\nAccording to a press release, “the residency will showcase Libertine’s Spring/Summer 2026 ready-to-wear collection alongside a thoughtfully curated assortment for Aspen Art Week, available only at The Little Nell.” \n\n\n\nAvailable pieces will include specialty vintage French military jackets, one-of-a-kind exclusive pieces made especially for the occasion and the brand’s signature mix of vibrant prints, intricate embroidery and more.\n\n\n\n“Set against the backdrop of Aspen’s dynamic arts and cultural scene, the residency reflects both brands’ shared values related to craftsmanship, individuality, and artistic expression,” the release reads. “Libertine and The Little Nell have both worked with noteworthy artists, provoking emotion, thought, and conversation for decades making this partnership reflective of both ethos.”\n\n\n\nFor nearly 25 years, Johnson Hartig has maintained Libertine with unyielding in vision and proudly self-owned. According to the release, it began with just him and his partner Cindy Green working out of Los Angeles and New York, respectively, pioneering the use of repurposed vintage pieces to make sustainability a cornerstone of the brand before “eco-conscious” ever became a priority in the fashion world.\n\n\n\n“Artist Damian Hirst dubbed the duo the Vivienne Westwood and Malcom McLaren of their time, sans nuptials, and as early as 2004, Anna Wintour visited Hartig’s studio in Koreatown and declared that Libertine had ‘a real cult following,'” the release states.\n\n\n\nAfter Greene departed in 2008, Hartig expanded the styles with intricate embroidery, beadwork and prints — developing Libertine into a brand worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Mick Jagger and Martha Stewart.\n\n\n\n“The brand’s visual language fuses the patrician polish of 1980s Madison Avenue with the rebellious spirit of King’s Road, the conceptual modernity of the 1990s, and a dash of Surrealist humor,” the release states. “This multi-disciplinary ethos extends beyond Hartig’s innumerable influences to the design process itself. His work is distinguished by its graphic prints, which are entirely original and conceived of in his Los Angeles studio. They draw on everything from fluorescence microscopy cell research and French artist Sonia Delaunay’s Orphist paintings to the antique roses in his garden or Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.” \n\n\n\nThe clothes are printed in Italy, sewn in New York and Los Angeles and finished in Hartig’s studio — all made in the U.S. \n\n\n\nFor more information on The Little Nell, visit thelittlenell.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/libertine-returns-to-aspen-with-exclusive-residency-at-the-little-nell/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-05T19:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F07075026%2F2020_11_29-Little-Nell-Living-Room4135-6720x4480-b9337d9f-6b9d-4637-b089-457ee65855ef-1024x683.png","slug":"libertine-returns-to-aspen-with-exclusive-residency-at-the-little-nell"},{"id":"4dxqc5","title":"Parts of Fremont County evacuated as Aspen Acres fire surges past 91,000 acres","excerpt":"The Willow fire near Leadville grew by 900 acres overnight spurring mandatory evacuation of areas southwest of the city. Ouray 100 race canceled because of Gold Mountain fire.","content":"The Willow fire near Leadville grew by 900 acres overnight spurring mandatory evacuation of areas southwest of the city. Ouray 100 race canceled because of Gold Mountain fire.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/05/colorado-fires-aspen-acres-willow-gold-mountain-ouray-100/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Dana Coffield","publishDate":"2026-07-05T18:23:12.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2F20260704-Div-A-Road-514-scaled.jpeg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C768%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"parts-of-fremont-county-evacuated-as-aspen-acres-fire-surges-past-91000-acres"},{"id":"5olzec","title":"McKeller: Be warned","excerpt":"Do not make the same costly mistake I did! \n\n\n\nIf you park in the Clark’s Market parking lot in Aspen longer than 90 minutes, your car will be booted by Roaring Fork’s Security, and it will cost you $160 to get the boot removed! \n\n\n\nApparently, there are two signs on opposite corners of the lot i...","content":"Do not make the same costly mistake I did! \n\n\n\nIf you park in the Clark’s Market parking lot in Aspen longer than 90 minutes, your car will be booted by Roaring Fork’s Security, and it will cost you $160 to get the boot removed! \n\n\n\nApparently, there are two signs on opposite corners of the lot informing you of this fact. Obviously, I did not see either one. I was having lunch with a friend at one of the restaurants near Clark’s and was an unsuspecting victim. \n\n\n\nI do believe that the owner of the lot has every right to institute this policy. But it is an astronomical fine, and someone is raking in the dough! I will not be patronizing any of the businesses in this shopping center ever again. \n\n\n\nBe warned!\n\n\n\nSusan McKeller\n\n\n\nSnowmass Village","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/mckeller-be-warned/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Susan McKeller","publishDate":"2026-07-05T17:45:22.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"mckeller-be-warned"},{"id":"i5heqj","title":"Feinsinger column: Nuts and seeds for optimal health","excerpt":"Nuts and seeds are another one of Dr. Michael Greger’s Daily Dozen — things people should eat every day. Nuts are actually seeds, and seeds, including nuts, contain all the nutrients necessary to grow into a mature plant, so when you eat them, you get those nutrients. Peanuts are technically legu...","content":"Nuts and seeds are another one of Dr. Michael Greger’s Daily Dozen — things people should eat every day. Nuts are actually seeds, and seeds, including nuts, contain all the nutrients necessary to grow into a mature plant, so when you eat them, you get those nutrients. Peanuts are technically legumes, but nutritionally they are similar to nuts.\n\n\n\nGreger’s favorite nuts are almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. His favorite seeds are chia seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Flaxseeds are so important for health that they are one of the Daily Dozen and will be the subject of next week’s column. Greger recommends a serving a day, with a serving size being 1/4 cup of nuts or seeds, or 2 tablespoons of nut or seed butter.\n\n\n\nAll nuts contain good and bad fats, and walnuts have the best ratio of good to bad. They are a good source of healthy omega-3 fat, antioxidants and protein. They suppress cancer growth and improve artery function in the lab. In people, those who eat nuts live longer and suffer fewer deaths from cancer, heart disease, strokes and respiratory disease.\n\n\n\nNuts should be unsalted to avoid excess sodium intake and provide the most nutrition when they are raw rather than roasted. Walnuts can be pricey but are less expensive if bought in bulk at Natural Grocers or Costco. Once a bag of shelled walnuts is opened, it should be kept in the freezer so it does not become rancid.\n\n\n\nA good way to get your dose of walnuts every day is to put a handful, which is approximately 1/4 cup, on your oatmeal every morning. Nuts of all kinds make a good snack for children and adults. They can be blended to make rich, creamy sauces, such as cashew Alfredo, ginger-peanut sauce or tahini-based green goddess dressing. Nuts can even be used as a base for soups, such as African peanut stew.\n\n\n\nSeeds should ideally be raw and unsalted. If sunflower or pumpkin seeds are sprinkled on salads, the fat in the seeds helps absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins in greens. Nuts serve the same purpose.\n\n\n\nNut butter on apple slices is a good way to get children to eat apples. When you buy nut butter, look at the nutrition label and make sure other ingredients, such as salt, have not been added. For example, Jif Natural Creamy peanut butter has added sugar, salt, palm oil and molasses.\n\n\n\nIn addition to being packed with nutrients, nuts and nut butter are packed with calories because they contain fat. Two tablespoons of nut butter contain around 200 calories. However, multiple studies of weight in nut eaters show that expected weight gain does not occur. The primary reason for this seems to be that nuts boost metabolism.\n\n\n\nDiverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches protrude from the wall of the colon, which can lead to painful diverticulitis if one of them becomes infected. In the past, diverticulosis patients were told to avoid nuts, corn and popcorn. The thinking was that those things could become lodged in one of the little pouches, leading to diverticulitis.\n\n\n\nHowever, this has been disproven, so nobody needs to avoid nuts unless they are allergic to them.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/feinsinger-column-nuts-and-seeds-for-optimal-health/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Dr. Greg FeinsingerDoctor's Tip","publishDate":"2026-07-03T11:33:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F10%2F02094755%2FDr.-G.-Feinsinger-683x1024.jpg","slug":"feinsinger-column-nuts-and-seeds-for-optimal-health"},{"id":"gkf7l","title":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society archive: Silent film stuntmen","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/galleries/glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-silent-film-stuntmen/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-03T11:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02103217%2FBB41_PH15-56-48-626x1024.jpg","slug":"glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-silent-film-stuntmen"},{"id":"vdfe96","title":"ACRA names Fourth of July parade winners","excerpt":"Thousands line Main Street on Saturday for celebration","content":"Thousands line Main Street on Saturday for celebration","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/acra-names-fourth-of-july-parade-winners/article_93e8f624-becd-48e8-b1e9-d9368b2fba90.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-07-06T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F83%2Ff833e3f2-c727-426f-8abc-96223d033f5b%2F6a4aff732a36a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"acra-names-fourth-of-july-parade-winners"},{"id":"z0oh4c","title":"Luck be a Lady, two nights","excerpt":"AMFS and Theatre Aspen team up for ‘Guys and Dolls’","content":"AMFS and Theatre Aspen team up for ‘Guys and Dolls’","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/luck-be-a-lady-two-nights/article_0ac03a3b-0a4c-49af-9849-df40622a0751.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-06T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2Fbc%2F4bc095f6-84eb-41fd-a88d-7a468e9b49c0%2F6a4b01fe8e7c5.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C207","slug":"luck-be-a-lady-two-nights"},{"id":"s21i7o","title":"Rugby returns to Wagner","excerpt":"Gents, Ladies play dramatic matches against Vail on Sunday","content":"Gents, Ladies play dramatic matches against Vail on Sunday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/rugby-returns-to-wagner/article_561b3b15-63b7-4a17-b63a-dece22a75215.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-06T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F9c%2F59cbc18f-7c70-4006-831f-e13625c85474%2F6a4b042c03634.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C261","slug":"rugby-returns-to-wagner"},{"id":"ot9fdd","title":"fourth of july car","excerpt":"A unique car rides past Hotel Jerome during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen.","content":"A unique car rides past Hotel Jerome during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/fourth-of-july-car/image_f833e3f2-c727-426f-8abc-96223d033f5b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-06T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F83%2Ff833e3f2-c727-426f-8abc-96223d033f5b%2F6a4aff732a36a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"fourth-of-july-car"},{"id":"uk7uzc","title":"fourth of july dinghy","excerpt":"Kids blow bubbles and wave flags while sitting in a raft on Thunder River Adventures’ float during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen.","content":"Kids blow bubbles and wave flags while sitting in a raft on Thunder River Adventures’ float during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/fourth-of-july-dinghy/image_fb7c9878-99d1-461e-b35e-530f7f06b931.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-06T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Fb7%2Ffb7c9878-99d1-461e-b35e-530f7f06b931%2F6a4affc4d500f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"fourth-of-july-dinghy"},{"id":"suql7f","title":"fourth of july revelers","excerpt":"Local residents ride a float as it moves along Main Street during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen.","content":"Local residents ride a float as it moves along Main Street during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/fourth-of-july-revelers/image_1eaf4fac-cac2-4206-8c36-05912f5ebcb2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-06T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2Fea%2F1eaf4fac-cac2-4206-8c36-05912f5ebcb2%2F6a4b0011a284e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"fourth-of-july-revelers"},{"id":"ctztd6","title":"guys and dolls","excerpt":"The cast of “Guys and Dolls,” from left: Michael James Scott, Ryan Vasquez, Julie Benko, Christopher Sieber and Bonnie Milligan. Theatre Aspen’s production, in partnership with the Aspen Music Festival and School, will be held July 13-14 in the Klein…","content":"The cast of “Guys and Dolls,” from left: Michael James Scott, Ryan Vasquez, Julie Benko, Christopher Sieber and Bonnie Milligan. Theatre Aspen’s production, in partnership with the Aspen Music Festival and School, will be held July 13-14 in the Klein…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/guys-and-dolls/image_4bc095f6-84eb-41fd-a88d-7a468e9b49c0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Theatre Aspen","publishDate":"2026-07-06T08:45:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2Fbc%2F4bc095f6-84eb-41fd-a88d-7a468e9b49c0%2F6a4b01fe8e7c5.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C207","slug":"guys-and-dolls"},{"id":"1u3p7f","title":"rugby 1","excerpt":"Chris Campbell converts on a penalty kick from about 45 meters to give the Gentlemen of Aspen a 37-36 lead with just a couple of minutes to play against Vail on Sunday at Wagner Park. The kick gave Aspen the…","content":"Chris Campbell converts on a penalty kick from about 45 meters to give the Gentlemen of Aspen a 37-36 lead with just a couple of minutes to play against Vail on Sunday at Wagner Park. The kick gave Aspen the…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/rugby-1/image_59cbc18f-7c70-4006-831f-e13625c85474.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-06T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F9c%2F59cbc18f-7c70-4006-831f-e13625c85474%2F6a4b042c03634.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C261","slug":"rugby-1"},{"id":"i9yus4","title":"rugby 3","excerpt":"Anna Toney kicks a conversion attempt after scoring a try for the Ladies of Aspen against Vail at Wagner Park on Sunday. The Ladies fell 22-15 in their first official match of their first official season.","content":"Anna Toney kicks a conversion attempt after scoring a try for the Ladies of Aspen against Vail at Wagner Park on Sunday. The Ladies fell 22-15 in their first official match of their first official season.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/rugby-3/image_a20958aa-4fe9-48d5-8d26-7905e83d5187.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-06T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F20%2Fa20958aa-4fe9-48d5-8d26-7905e83d5187%2F6a4b0468a4990.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"rugby-3"},{"id":"rpen56","title":"rugby 4","excerpt":"Dan Schroder fights off would-be tacklers from Vail in the Gentlemen of Aspen’s 37-36 win at Wagner Park on Sunday.","content":"Dan Schroder fights off would-be tacklers from Vail in the Gentlemen of Aspen’s 37-36 win at Wagner Park on Sunday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/rugby-4/image_d932ee2f-3acc-4a76-9465-837cfd6139c2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-06T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F93%2Fd932ee2f-3acc-4a76-9465-837cfd6139c2%2F6a4b04c30a9ea.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"rugby-4"},{"id":"t3j13a","title":"With new austere emergency care training, Eagle County emergency providers can save lives in any scenario","excerpt":"Eagle County Paramedic Services is expanding the width of paramedic abilities to be ready for any emergency, especially in the outdoors.\n\n\n\nThe paramedics team recently hosted austere emergency care training for 11 of its paramedics to learn to respond to prolonged medical emergencies in settings...","content":"Eagle County Paramedic Services is expanding the width of paramedic abilities to be ready for any emergency, especially in the outdoors.\n\n\n\nThe paramedics team recently hosted austere emergency care training for 11 of its paramedics to learn to respond to prolonged medical emergencies in settings that may be in a remote environment with limited resources. \n\n\n\n“We have a whole bunch of different specialty services that we provide the community under the umbrella of 911 response,” said Brandon Daruna, the CEO of ECPS. “Our goal is to have a team of trained people that are both able to make access safely and traverse the backcountry but then also can provide a level of medicine that’s very different than 911 response.” \n\n\n\nOver four days, the paramedics faced fictional scenarios in which they had to bring a patient out of the field and were unable to reach a hospital, while only having limited resources medical care. Their training shows them how to navigate backcountry conditions like avalanches or whitewater while also potentially spending six to eight hours on one emergency.\n\n\n\n“They’re well-positioned to be able to safely access patients in any of these scenarios,” Daruna said. He recalled an emergency where a patient was pinned under a tree. “You need search and rescue to respond. You need people that know how to use chain saws to respond. And then you also need paramedics that can take care of her complex injuries. And so that’s the goal of that team.” \n\n\n\nNow, more than 33% of Eagle County paramedics are certified in austere emergency care. This certification also includes Alex Oberg, who is an EMT in Eagle County. \n\n\n\nOberg started her EMS career as a ski patroller and has been an EMT for a little over three years. Her motive for AEC training came from recently joining the wildland fire team of ECPS. She went in with fire activity in mind, learning how to treat burns and how to aid wildland firefighters putting themselves at risk. \n\n\n\nEagle County Paramedic Services and Vail Mountain Rescue train during an austere medicine class on June 11 in Edwards. The class, through Specialized Medical Standards, teaches medical providers how to treat patients in a remote setting or where a hospital isn’t available. Using live patients and remote locations, the class helped best simulate what it would be like to deal with resources that might not be available.1H1A6053\n\n\n\n“I think one of the critical things that people often forget is how big Eagle County is, and how much people recreate outside of the ski areas,and in truly those backcountry austere environments,” she said. “So us being able to have these trainings that allow us to really initiate prolonged patient care is absolutely critical.”\n\n\n\nAaron Zinser brought the program back for a second time, after it arrivied at ECPS in 2022 as a beta version designed for military medics. \n\n\n\n“Parademics are used to treating somebody in a relatively short amount of time, dropping them off at the hospital, and the prolonged environment you do have to do more caretaking skills,” he said. “I thought it was important to bring the class back and give a chance to those that had not had the chance to take it yet” \n\n\n\nThe new training was funded in part by the Colorado Resource for Emergency and Trauma Education, which assists organizations to improve and expand emergency medical and trauma systems across the state. Now that local paramedics have this training, it gives the Eagle County community knowledge of the abilities and level of care that ECPS can offer in all kinds of situations, Zinser said. \n\n\n\n“I want people to know that Eagle County paramedics invest in the community’s well-being as far as: We do provide advanced life support paramedic care that deploys with mountain rescue or fire departments into the backcountry when people need help,” he said. “We’re just able to provide a higher level of care.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/with-new-austere-emergency-care-training-eagle-county-emergency-providers-can-save-lives-in-any-scenario/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-05T15:29:21.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F15094542%2FCvrFeature-VDN-061626-1024x683.jpg","slug":"with-new-austere-emergency-care-training-eagle-county-emergency-providers-can-save-lives-in-any-scen"},{"id":"n7ovi0","title":"Whiting column: Independence requires responsibility","excerpt":"July 4 should not only be a celebration of our independence but also a celebration of our country’s unprecedented success in establishing freedom, opportunity, safety and economic effectiveness. It should also remind us that such success is not guaranteed or automatically sustained. Ensuring our ...","content":"July 4 should not only be a celebration of our independence but also a celebration of our country’s unprecedented success in establishing freedom, opportunity, safety and economic effectiveness. It should also remind us that such success is not guaranteed or automatically sustained. Ensuring our existence and progress requires us to not only remember but advocate for the principles and values that facilitated this history of success.\n\n\n\n“What has America done that’s so special?” has become a common accusation. To begin with, we came to the equivalent of a third world country and, in less than a century, established a culture possessing a level of freedom, values, and economic and political effectiveness greater than any country from which we came.\n\n\n\nIf more tangibility is desired: We ended slavery in the face of its continued world presence. We eliminated the threats accompanying Hitler, Hirohito and Khrushchev and continue to protect other freedom-loving countries that do not have the capacity to do so themselves.\n\n\n\nWe lead in scientific advancements, including space exploration. Our level of humanitarian and disaster relief is greater than the rest of the world combined. All one need do is travel and get away from the resorts to realize others do not possess our degree of freedom, opportunity and quality of life, and to understand why others not only desire but risk getting here. Listening to foreign World Cup spectators rave about the availability of food, products, services and freedom of movement reinforces that what we possess is not commonplace.\n\n\n\nJuly 4 provides an opportunity for us to recognize we have become too comfortable. We have allowed the individual drive and perseverance that exemplified our country to slip more than a little. We have let ourselves feel insulated from international threats and facilitated their infiltration into a domestic presence. We have ignored common sense and allowed aspects of our values and culture to be used internally against us without resistance.\n\n\n\nHow did we get into a situation that allows noncitizens to not only vote but hold public office, including Congress, where they can pass laws affecting citizens? Such would be beyond the comprehension of our founding fathers as they developed the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Some principles are so obvious as to not require statement, let alone writing.\n\n\n\nHow did we allow a scenario in which the average American citizen who worked for 40 years receives a Social Security check smaller than the benefits immediately received by an able-bodied 25-year-old who did not follow our legally established immigration procedure?\n\n\n\nImmigration is necessary, but historically the procedures used ensured it was for those who would not only benefit themselves but the country through their skills and employment. Governmental benefits were not included. How many people would immigrate here if free housing, food, medical care, education and unemployment benefits were not involved?\n\n\n\nImmigration requires accepting the responsibility to acknowledge and assimilate into our culture. People leave their culture because it was not working for them. Logically, it does not make sense to try to move our culture toward theirs. There are reasons it was not working.\n\n\n\nIn this or any similar situation, some claim opposition is based on racism, but it is not racism; it is culture. Culture is composed of an economic and political system, conduct and values that facilitate our freedom and working toward a common goal. It is why America works.\n\n\n\nErroneously, some argue capitalism is not desirable because it is a profit system. In reality, it is a profit-and-loss system. This is significant because loss forces businesses to stop doing what is not working. Consequently, both money and effort are incentivized to be refocused in a different direction. It is called accountability. This makes business work because businesses must generate income to survive.\n\n\n\nThe problem is the same incentive is not present in government programs, nonprofits, education or any organization that receives money as opposed to generating it. There is not the accountability automatically present in capitalism. When was the last time a government program was eliminated? Typically, the political response is, “More tax money please.”\n\n\n\nMore efficiently, if there is a need for “X,” step one should be, “How can the people meet the need themselves?” If that is not possible, step two should be, “Can the government meet the need?” If yes, establishing accountability through specific achievement goals is step three. A sunset provision is step four, if the program cannot achieve those goals, the need is met or the need disappears.\n\n\n\nWe have become naive regarding relationships and discussions with enemy leaders. History proves it is ineffective to negotiate with those whose value system is divergent from ours. They will lie and deceive because they do not possess our level of morality. Agreements and treaties are of little value. Sadly, peace through strength continues to be a necessity. They are unwilling to exist and maintain the status quo. Action generating fear is the only effective strategy. Diplomacy will not work without it. It is why Russia, China and Iran initially threaten small countries that lack strength to resist.\n\n\n\nWe as individuals, not the governmental bureaucracy, are what make our country work. Recently, we have allowed ourselves to succumb to temptation and take the easy route. It has become easy to blame others or society for our failures. Some encourage our doing so when it benefits them, but we do not need a government check or someone to claim we are a victim. “I’m waiting to find my passion” has become a common excuse. Adults get up in the morning and go to work.\n\n\n\nJuly 4 must be a celebration of not only our country’s independence but a reminder that its continuation requires us to refocus on the characteristics, values and actions that facilitated our country’s success. We have allowed ourselves to become increasingly dependent upon the government for aspects we can provide not only more efficiently but better.\n\n\n\nWe have a personal responsibility to toughen up and celebrate our independence from dependence.\n\n\n\nBryan Whiting feels most issues are best solved by personal responsibility and an understanding of nonpartisan economics rather than government intervention. Comments and column suggestions can be sent to bwpersonalresponsibility@gmail.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/whiting-column-independence-requires-responsibility/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Bryan WhitingPersonal Responsibility","publishDate":"2026-07-03T11:24:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2023%2F10%2F31162513%2FScreen-Shot-2023-10-31-at-4.25.03-PM.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"whiting-column-independence-requires-responsibility"},{"id":"n7yhlq","title":"Community editorial: Fire season demands action","excerpt":"Wildfire season has already made its presence known across the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys.\n\n\n\nThe Paradise Creek Fire in West Glenwood, the Dry Creek Fire in Rifle and other recent starts have offered a troubling preview of what could lie ahead if hot, dry and windy conditions contin...","content":"Wildfire season has already made its presence known across the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys.\n\n\n\nThe Paradise Creek Fire in West Glenwood, the Dry Creek Fire in Rifle and other recent starts have offered a troubling preview of what could lie ahead if hot, dry and windy conditions continue. Nearby, the Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border has burned more than 30,000 acres and claimed the lives of three firefighters, including two assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew.\n\n\n\nThat should concern all of us.\n\n\n\nThis is not the year to treat fire danger as background noise. In a valley shaped by canyons, limited evacuation routes and fast-moving weather, one spark can become a communitywide emergency in minutes.\n\n\n\nSome fires are unavoidable. Lightning, especially once summer storms arrive, is beyond human control. But many starts are preventable, and that is where every resident and visitor has a role to play.\n\n\n\nThat means no cigarette butts tossed from vehicles. No dragging chains. No parking hot cars, dirt bikes, ATVs or side-by-sides in dry grass. No campfires where they are restricted. No careless use of charcoal, propane or equipment that can throw a spark. It also means securing loads so metal or debris does not fly loose and create another roadside ignition risk.\n\n\n\nThese are simple reminders, but they are not small reminders. In this kind of fire season, they can be the difference between a close call and a disaster.\n\n\n\nLocal governments and fire agencies should continue pushing those messages aggressively, especially to visitors who may see fire danger signs but not fully understand what they mean. A warning that says “high fire danger” should translate into action: slow down, check your vehicle, skip the campfire, know the restrictions and think twice before doing anything that could produce heat or sparks.\n\n\n\nPreparedness also cannot stop at prevention.\n\n\n\nRecent fires have reminded residents how quickly traffic can back up when Interstate 70 or nearby roads are affected. For many neighborhoods, there simply is no easy second way out. Evacuation is not an abstract concern. Families should be asking now: Where will we go? What will we take? How will we get pets out?\n\n\n\nEvery household should have a go bag ready. Important documents, medications, pet supplies, chargers, basic clothing and irreplaceable items should be easy to grab. Residents should sign up for emergency alerts, pay attention to official information and avoid clogging roads near active fire areas.\n\n\n\nHomeowners also should take defensible space seriously by clearing flammable material near homes, trimming vegetation, moving firewood away from structures and asking local fire agencies about home assessments when available.\n\n\n\nWhat we can control is our own behavior.\n\n\n\nWe can prevent careless mistakes. We can prepare our homes and families. We can check on neighbors who may need assistance. We can make sure visitors understand that fire restrictions are not optional. They are there to protect lives, homes and entire communities.\n\n\n\nOur firefighters will continue answering the call, often at extraordinary personal risk. The least we can do is reduce the number of fires they are asked to fight.\n\n\n\nIn western Colorado, wildfire preparedness is no longer seasonal. It is part of living here. Prevention is not simply a matter of personal responsibility. It is a responsibility we all share.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/community-editorial-fire-season-demands-action/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer, John Stroud, Amy Connerton and Mark FishbeinGlenwood Springs Post","publishDate":"2026-07-03T11:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F05%2F25173056%2Fimage-6.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"community-editorial-fire-season-demands-action"},{"id":"lcyif0","title":"Obituary: Linda Romero Criswell","excerpt":"February 11, 1949 – June 3, 2026\nLinda always maintained that, no matter what we may think, the universe is proceeding just as it should.\nBorn Linda Marie Reidland in Chicago and raised in Park Ridge, she attended Lake Forest College for one year before adventure called. She hitchhiked around the...","content":"February 11, 1949 – June 3, 2026\nLinda always maintained that, no matter what we may think, the universe is proceeding just as it should.\nBorn Linda Marie Reidland in Chicago and raised in Park Ridge, she attended Lake Forest College for one year before adventure called. She hitchhiked around the country with her boyfriend, worked with kids in migrant camps, and ultimately got dropped off in Breckenridge by the Kansas City Outlaws.\nThere she met and married Abe Romero. They had a son, Bram, and ran a property management company and restaurant until Abe’s passing.\nShe came to Carbondale via Aspen, buying a house in town in the early 90s and building her permanent home on the back of the lot. She met Russ Criswell when he was contracted to do her plumbing. She convinced him dating her exclusively would be worth it; they married in 1996.\nA renaissance woman, Linda put little stock in a consistent career and pursued many passions. She spoke several languages, wrote a pair of books — “Since You Asked” and “Watermelon Snow”, and invented a board game called Perspective. Her love of history helped bring new life to the Carbondale Historical Society. Creating community influenced everything she did, from singing to Scrabble. She aspired to a blessed life of ordinary days, conversing, quilting, cuddling her cats, and gardening.\nA student of philosophy and a particular devotee of The Fourth Way, she was a founding member of a meditation group. Her love of baking inspired the creation of the Carbondale Community Oven, which bears the inscription “the flavor of bread shared has no equal” and will be renamed in her honor.\nShe died at home of natural causes, with support from hospice and surrounded by family — during a visit planned before she fell ill.\nShe was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Marie Reidland, and her first husband, Abe Romero. She is survived by her husband, Russ Criswell; sister, Kris; son, Bram; her step son Tom, and their families.\nA celebration of life will be held from 3-5 pm Sunday, July 19 at the Third Street Center. Email phifilerman@gmail.com to contribute to the event.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-linda-romero-criswell/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-07-03T03:04:05.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02210415%2FW0020301.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-linda-romero-criswell"},{"id":"tcr9jh","title":"PHOTOS: Aspen celebrates America’s 250th birthday with annual Fourth of July parade","excerpt":"Aspen locals and visitors alike came together on Saturday to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade through the downtown core. Lasting about 90 minutes, it included dozens of local organizations and no shortage of entertainment as the crowd lined th...","content":"Aspen locals and visitors alike came together on Saturday to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade through the downtown core. Lasting about 90 minutes, it included dozens of local organizations and no shortage of entertainment as the crowd lined the streets.\n\n\n\nAspen’s Alex Ferreira, who recently completed his collection by winning gold in halfpipe skiing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, served as the parade’s grand marshal. He had the honor of riding on an Aspen Fire truck throughout the procession.\n\n\n\nOther activities included the annual community picnic by the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, the Aspen Music Festival and School’s free concert at the Michael Klein Music Tent, a free carnival at Rio Grande Park, and free performances by the vertical dance group, Bandaloop, outside the Wheeler Opera House.\n\n\n\nWith Olympic halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira riding point as the grand marshal, an Aspen Fire truck makes it through the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nMotorcyclists take part in the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nBubbles are blown during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA young cyclist takes part in the the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAspen’s Alex Ferreira, right, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe skiing, tosses out swag while serving as the grand marshal for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nBandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nFamed Aspen unicyclist Mike Tierney, left, takes a few laps during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nSmokey Bear makes an appearance alongside the local park rangers during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nPeople enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-443095-844').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n An old Chevy K5 Blazer makes it through the streets during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Cowgirls with the Snowmass Rodeo share a laugh during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The American flag waves in the wind during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Paraders blow bubbles at the crowd during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bearded man in a blonde wig enjoys the spotlight atop a float during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The iconic calliope — a musical instrument that produces sound via gas or steam — takes part in the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n John Bakken, right, helps a young athlete with a handstand on the Aspen Gymnastics float during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Motorcyclists take part in the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Shrimp and oysters are put on ice for the crowd during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The American flag is waved during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Smokey Bear makes an appearance alongside the local park rangers during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club plays a little game of catch with the crowd during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bubbles are blown during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n With Olympic halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira riding point as the grand marshal, an Aspen Fire truck makes it through the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club takes part in the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Alex Ferreira, right, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe skiing, tosses out swag while serving as the grand marshal for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young cyclist gets a little help during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Members of the crowd chat with the Explore Books float during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Motorcyclists take part in the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A dog decides to relax during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A Polynesian dancer passes in front of the Aspen Fire station during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Motorcycles make it down Main St. during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A military plane does a flyby over town ahead of the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A Sheriff’s deputy on a motorcycle takes part in the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Alex Ferreira, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe skiing, poses with his medal while serving as the grand marshal for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young cyclist takes part in the the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A group of young women party in the back of a float during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A dog enjoys the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Junior Hockey represents at the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Alex Ferreira, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe skiing, serves as the grand marshal for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A trio of girls enjoy a ride in the back of an old Ford Mustang during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Kids attempt to get free candy from the paraders during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen’s Dwayne Romero, who is running for Congress, takes part in the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Famed Aspen unicyclist Mike Tierney, left, takes a few laps during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Three young women enjoy a laugh while blowing bubbles at the crowd during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bandaloop, a dance company that calls itself a “pioneer in vertical performance,” puts on a special Fourth of July show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, outside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A group of young girls react to the confetti cannon going off during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice, right, answers questions from the crowd as Wheeler Opera House Executive Director Mike Harrington listens in on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as part of the Changemaker Speaker Series at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. Her talk centered largely on America’s 250th anniversary.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A paraglider drops in during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-aspen-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday-with-annual-fourth-of-july-parade/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-05T01:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F04143016%2FFourthParade-atd-070426-01-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"photos-aspen-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday-with-annual-fourth-of-july-parade"},{"id":"1tce9g","title":"Bridging Bionics gala raises necessary funds to change lives","excerpt":"On Dec. 27, 2024, a skiing accident left New Mexico-resident Ulrich John paralyzed. He had been a professional skier and was simply giving his son a ski lesson on a green run when he suddenly lost his balance. Last March, he participated in Bridging Bionics’ newest initiative, the Bridging Lives ...","content":"On Dec. 27, 2024, a skiing accident left New Mexico-resident Ulrich John paralyzed. He had been a professional skier and was simply giving his son a ski lesson on a green run when he suddenly lost his balance. Last March, he participated in Bridging Bionics’ newest initiative, the Bridging Lives Program, which offers interventions, as well as housing and transportation, to people who live outside of the community. The nonprofit’s advanced robotic technologies allowed John to fully bear weight on his legs and walk again, with the technology’s assistance. \n\n\n\nThe Bridging Lives Program is just one of Bridging Bionics’ interventions that give the gift of mobility back to clients — whom they affectionately refer to as athletes because it is, indeed, an athletic endeavor mentally, emotionally and physically to overcome limitations — through complimentary physical therapy and innovative technology. \n\n\n\nIn the last 10 years and eight months, Bridging Bionics has gifted more than 26,100 physical therapy sessions. It provides an average of 68 clients with an average of 337 physical therapy sessions a month in its two facilities in Carbondale and Glenwood Springs; 76% of these clients are considered economically disadvantaged. Private medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the therapies. \n\n\n\n“Our client demand continues to increase, and we have a waitlist,” said Amanda Boxtel, executive director of Bridging Bionics. \n\n\n\nLast January, the nonprofit purchased its Center for Neurorehabilitation in Carbondale by meeting its capital campaign goal with a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, who heard Boxtel present a TED talk in Long Beach, Calif., over a decade ago. At the time, the exoskeleton was just a prototype and hadn’t been taken to market yet. \n\n\n\nThat same anonymous donor has pledged a three-year matching challenge grant of $500,000 to fund the Bridging Lives Program, which enables people from outside the Roaring Fork Valley to visit for a two-week intensive, which grants access to daily physical therapy and advanced robotic technologies; the nonprofit awards scholarships to qualified applicants with neurological mobility conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or motor complications from a traumatic brain injury, stroke or Parkinson’s disease. \n\n\n\n“We are here to serve as a bridge to regaining a better quality of life,” Boxtel said. \n\n\n\nThe program has allowed John to ski again, using an adaptive sit-ski. He has skied since age 3, and he and his wife raised three of their six children to be professional skiers. \n\n\n\n“I was probably unconscious for some minutes,” he said, recalling his accident. “I woke up all of the sudden. I had a voice in my head that said, ‘Hey, you better fix this now because this is the last chance.'” \n\n\n\nEven though the hospital in Albuquerque saved his life by putting in a stint in his aorta, it didn’t have the resources to support further recovery. He didn’t know where to turn until he heard about Boxtel, who lovingly encouraged him to go home to Sweden, comb his hair and learn how to dress — and then they’d see what they could do. She gave him the hope to continue his recovery — and return to the slopes. \n\n\n\n“For being almost a professional master skier for almost 55, 60 years, I had an opportunity to get out there again. I mean, you can’t really describe that feeling,” John said, describing his experience skiing again, as well as his time in the Bridging Lives Program. “Today, I got connected with Earth, myself, and got a lot of positive feelings — hope — because I was standing up. To reconnect and all of the sudden again do your moves and walking and standing up, communicating with the world around you, it’s amazing. I think we should be honest: The healthcare system cannot, itself, provide the necessary tools, time and effort for what’s needed after, and this is why Bridging Bionics is such an important part. One little step in the right direction is worth everything.” \n\n\n\nOnce clients return home after the two-weeks Bridging Lives Program, the nonprofit continues to support their progress by providing $10,000 for equipment, which they can use at home. \n\n\n\n“More than anything, they get a belief and possibility and hope that they’re able to stand and bear weight —  and the realization that when you move your body consistently and regularly and you stand and fully bear weight, you’re ultimately going to have a better quality of life,” Boxtel said about the new program. “All of your bodily systems work more fluidly and efficiently. That’s the feedback we’re hearing when they get to experience our program in a regular consistent fashion: Everything starts to work (because) it’s when you sit, you begin to die. We need to keep moving. We need to keep standing up. Even though we’re paralyzed, we need to bear weight on our legs, so that our bladder and bowels, our kidneys and everything works more efficiently — even our hearts. We get a cardio workout. Plus, we’re not then prone to joint contractures and all of these secondary complications that occur as a result of paralysis and living a sedentary lifestyle.” \n\n\n\nIn addition to the $500,000 over three years matching donation, the anonymous donor pledged to match every dollar raised at this year’s Rise Up Gala, which takes place on July 10 at the Hotel Jerome, because he was so inspired by the nonprofit’s work after visiting its facility and seeing the athletes in action last week. \n\n\n\nAfter witnessing it firsthand, his executive staff member emailed Boxtel, saying: “I knew I would love what I saw, but, wow, words don’t cover it. Absolutely humbling and incredible. I know there must be very hard days, but the resiliency and positivity was palpable. Thank you for showing us a slice of what you and everyone have built.” \n\n\n\nThe gala allows hundreds of attendees to see Bridging Bionics’ work via not only videos of client stories shown during dinner, but also with clients actually standing on stage wearing exoskeletons or otherwise representing the nonprofit’s successes. \n\n\n\n“We’re unlike Challenge Aspen, say, that is visible on the ski slopes with their adaptive equipment. We’re behind closed doors. We’re in two amazing facilities, but we’re not visible to the world. That’s what this gala does for us: We need visibility and education and awareness to show people the impact that we’re having,” she said. \n\n\n\nBridging Bionics has just added a new self-balancing exoskeleton, called the Wandercraft Atalante X, to its four other exoskeletons, which help clients stand and walk. Valued at $237,000, the Conti family generously gifted it. The technology allows for hands-free, crutch-free movement via an overhead harness for safe movement; Bridging Bionics spent $20,000 for the Solo-Step Overhead Track System and will demonstrate the full technology at the gala. \n\n\n\n“It has really taken it to the next level that we can accommodate everybody, every condition (including those who can’t move their arms),” she said. “What we have that is so unique is we have now five different exoskeletons that we can offer. In essence, we’re doing something that is not found anywhere else in the world. We’re gifting access, whereas some of the top rehabilitation centers in the nation do not have all of these technologies, and you have to be an inpatient to be able to have access (to the technology).” \n\n\n\nIn addition to therapy and facility costs, Bridging Bionics pays for annual service and warranty fees for each robotic device, which exceed $120,000 annually. \n\n\n\nAdditionally, its Glenwood Springs facility, Midland Fitness, is for sale. \n\n\n\n“That building is for sale at $1.25 million. The threat looms that we may not have a base there if it is sold. The facility is crucial to the success of our program as we accommodate individuals from Eagle/Vail to Grand Junction in our Glenwood facility,” Boxtel said. “I would love for a donor to step up and buy that. You know, I’m a visionary. So anything’s possible, right?” \n\n\n\nBridging Bionics’ annual operating budget is $1.2 million. Boxtel hopes to raise two-thirds of that in revenue at the July 10 gala. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/bridging-bionics-gala-raises-necessary-funds-to-change-lives/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-05T00:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F02%2F20113040%2FAT-Thumbnails-7-1-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"bridging-bionics-gala-raises-necessary-funds-to-change-lives"},{"id":"8lab4q","title":"MOMIX presents Botanica at Aspen District Theater","excerpt":"MOMIX, a company of dancer-illusionists, presents Botanica at Aspen District Theater. \n\n\n\nThe exceptionally innovative company explores the human body “to investigate non-human worlds,” artistic director Moses Pendleton said. \n\n\n\nIts latest performance, Botanica, emerges from the Dead of Winter i...","content":"MOMIX, a company of dancer-illusionists, presents Botanica at Aspen District Theater. \n\n\n\nThe exceptionally innovative company explores the human body “to investigate non-human worlds,” artistic director Moses Pendleton said. \n\n\n\nIts latest performance, Botanica, emerges from the Dead of Winter into a Fantasy Tree-flower, Spring Pods, Marigolds Bloom, Hornets Hoping and much more in act one, followed by portrayals of summer into fall, from pieces called August of Wind, Storms & Rain to Birds of a Feather, Sun Flower Finches, Charge of Indian Summer and more. It all ends with The Last Leaf. \n\n\n\n“It’s a celebration of nature’s imagination, not mine. I’m just following along with the weather, so to speak,” Pendleton said. “We use the human body, the physical body, the highly trained dancer, MOMIX’s body, to try to explore the hidden life of plants and flowers and insects going through the seasons and experiencing the natural forces through the language of the human body. It doesn’t really tell a story, but it does invite the audience into a MOMIX garden, so to speak.” \n\n\n\nThe accompanying soundtrack ranges from bird songs to rock to Vivaldi. Titles include “Frozen Land,” “Space Weaver,” “Voices from the Lake” and “A Positive Life,” as well as “The Heat & Slow Water,” written and performed by Peter Gabriel. Pendleton chose the collage of music to fit the imagery MOMIX generates. \n\n\n\n“The one thing I always say about this choreography is: We never give the morning sunlight or the bird songs enough choreographic credit for the show, but I’d like to offer that,” he said. \n\n\n\nAs MOMIX’s artistic director, he employs the human body to expand viewers’ imagination out into non-human realms, including plants, animals and minerals. \n\n\n\nHe sees himself as a type of visual artist who creates imagery through props, lighting, projections and costumes. \n\n\n\n“In other words, we try to sculpt what a dancer would look like as a marigold and then try to make the marigold and the dancer go through a series of choreographies,” he said. \n\n\n\nThe company can be described as a theater that emphasizes illusion. For instance, in one piece, the artists use a mirror, which doubles a dancer’s image, providing the appearance of both a body and a plant climbing a vine. Puppets emerge with the entrance of a triceratops. Props and inventive costumes allow dancers to move and transform in ways they couldn’t otherwise. \n\n\n\n“It creates new kinds of motion — and hopefully, a different emotion,” he said. “Sometimes it’s fun to look at MOMIX and try to imagine what you think you might be seeing. There is that magical element —  the illusionistic tendency of nature. It’s about transformation and surprise as if you went on a walk in a botanical garden, and every time you turned around, there’s some other thing that caught your eye. You’re not sure what it is, but it’s colorful, or it has an interesting form or it scared you, such as nature does. Hopefully that is part of what Botanica offers.” Even though the company is presenting an older piece, performed 18 years ago, this time, it’s more technologically advanced, with two projectors instead of one. Pendleton has also folded in much of his nature photography, which he’s passionate about. \n\n\n\n“I spend most of my creative day taking pictures of dying cabbage heads and very exciting stuff,” he said, adding that he has incorporated his photographs to generate a richer visual landscape than before. “It’s beyond dance. It creates visual theater.” \n\n\n\nAs a result, MOMIX appeals to many different sensibilities and ages —  not just dance enthusiasts. \n\n\n\n“There’s no language barrier, and it’s filled with interesting imagery, and there’s a wit and a humor to it,” he said, adding that it’s also fast-moving. “If you don’t like what you’re seeing, you don’t have to wait too long before it changes. It’s very dynamic, almost (like) a surreal vaudeville.” \n\n\n\nBut for as much as he talks about the projections and costumes, the principal illusion stems from the highly trained human body. \n\n\n\n“These are wonderful dancers and athletes and performers who are also an integral element of the success of the show,” he said. \n\n\n\nAs with all MOMIX shows, the audience can definitely expect the unexpected. \n\n\n\n“They should be willing to take a little trip into the MOMIX garden and leave their real life and their troubles at home and escape with us for a couple of hours,” he said. “I think it could be very energizing and uplifting, and if people walk out a little lighter or have less gravity to their step, then it has been a success at that altitude.” \n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t If you go…\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat: MOMIX: Botanica \nWhen: 8 p.m. July 8 \nWhere: Aspen District Theater, 199 High School Rd.\nMore info: aspensantafeballet.com/performance/momix-ase","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/momix-presents-botanica-at-aspen-district-theater/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-04T23:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F03%2F27140127%2FRose-1-1024x682.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"momix-presents-botanica-at-aspen-district-theater"},{"id":"8tsyab","title":"Column | Villalobos: Rehabilitation centers and support systems in Colorado are available to everyone","excerpt":"“Oftentimes, mental health issues and substance use disorders go hand in hand. It’s a fact that more adults in Eagle County are heavy drinkers than their peers in Colorado and the nation, and the percent of heavy drinkers is increasing, according to the 2019 Vail Health Community Health Needs Ass...","content":"“Oftentimes, mental health issues and substance use disorders go hand in hand. It’s a fact that more adults in Eagle County are heavy drinkers than their peers in Colorado and the nation, and the percent of heavy drinkers is increasing, according to the 2019 Vail Health Community Health Needs Assessment.” — SpeakUp ReachOut – SURO: The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Eagle Valley.\n\n\n\nTalking about substance abuse with loved ones often is difficult. Depending on where you are from or how you were raised, the conversation may be “taboo” for some families. In some cultures, tough face-to-face conversations and actions such as counseling and the pursuit of mental health care are avoided.\n\n\n\nRegardless of an individual’s beliefs and background, rehabilitation centers and support systems in Colorado are available for everyone who seeks freedom from drug and alcohol dependency.\n\n\n\nOne successful, free addiction recovery program is the Denver Harbor Light Center, which is operated by The Salvation Army. Harbor Light can serve up to 80 men in its six-month residential treatment program. About 86 percent of graduates maintain sobriety and stability 90 days after completing the program, which is open to men who are Colorado residents. The Salvation Army also operates a similar program for women – the Cotton Women’s Residence, which sits on eight acres in Arvada, a suburb of Denver.\n\n\n\nHarbor Light is so successful because the program treats the whole person — body, mind and spirit. It helps residents reconnect with purpose and hope in their lives. The program holds participants accountable and offers evidence-based treatment methods, educational courses, social services, prayer time and transitional work and living support. The program is faith-based, which helps foster a supportive community.\n\n\n\nGraduates of the six-month program are eligible to remain at Harbor Light in its 18-month sober housing program, a stipulation for which is employment. Staff support graduates for at least a year to support their integration back into the community.\n\n\n\nOnce an Eagle County resident graduates from the Harbor Light program, our center will back them up with supportive services.\n\n\n\nOne of our local partners, RECONNECTED, shares a similar mission: They provide peer services, social events and education with the purpose of “Connection vs. Addiction.” Their supportive services are offered in English and Spanish and are open to family members as well.\n\n\n\n“We believe that addiction and recovery support take shape in many different ways,” says Executive Director Rob Shearon. “At RECONNECTED, we can support people through free recovery coaching and peer support during multiple stages of recovery. This includes helping individuals recognize when addiction is impacting their lives, navigating resources like Harbor Light to begin healing, and helping them reintegrate into the community through social events and recovery support meetings. Ultimately, we are here to show hope.”\n\n\n\nOur Vail center’s mission of empowering individuals and families supports the Harbor Light recovery and treatment program as well as a person’s self-sufficiency. Your monetary support to our center can assist our efforts in improving the lives of people seeking sobriety and freedom from addiction. If you or someone you know is interested in being rehabilitated from substance misuse, visit DenverHarborLight.SalvationArmy.org or call our center at 970-748-0704.\n\n\n\nThe Salvation Army Vail Center is still looking for a home for our offices, food pantry, and land to continue our Garden and Greenhouse operations and to bring back garden plots for the community. If you know of such a place in Eagle County that’s accessible to a bus route, we want to hear from you. \n\n\n\nMonica Villalobos-Russell is the director of the Salvation Army Vail Extension Center.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/column-villalobos-rehabilitation-centers-and-support-systems-in-colorado-are-available-to-everyone/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Monica Villalobos-Russell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmonica.villalobos@usw.salvationarmy.org","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:42:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2025%2F02%2F13113915%2FColVillalobos-VDN-021525-701x1024.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"column-villalobos-rehabilitation-centers-and-support-systems-in-colorado-are-available-to-everyone"},{"id":"m7c8o0","title":"July 4 reading brings Declaration of Independence to life","excerpt":"On July 4, Glenwood Springs residents will have a chance to do more than celebrate Independence Day — they can help bring the words that started it all to life.\n\n\n\nLocal historian Angie Parkison is inviting the community to gather Saturday for a nonpartisan public reading of the Declaration of In...","content":"On July 4, Glenwood Springs residents will have a chance to do more than celebrate Independence Day — they can help bring the words that started it all to life.\n\n\n\nLocal historian Angie Parkison is inviting the community to gather Saturday for a nonpartisan public reading of the Declaration of Independence near the Sayre Park gazebo. The reading will begin at 10 a.m., with Glenwood Springs City Council members Sumner Schachter and Erin Zalinski leading attendees in alternating sections of the historic document.\n\n\n\nThe event will include live patriotic music before and after the reading, performed by volunteer musicians connected to Symphony in the Valley. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs.\n\n\n\nParkison said the idea came from an event she and her husband attended about 20 years ago at a Shaker Museum in upstate New York.\n\n\n\n“It turned out to be inspirational,” Parkison said. “My husband and I were both really touched by reading that aloud with other people that just gathered to be Americans.”\n\n\n\nThis will be the first time Parkison has organized the event in Glenwood Springs, but she said the idea has stayed with her for years.\n\n\n\n“I’ve had it in the back of my mind that we should do it here in Glenwood, and this just seemed the right time to do it,” she said.\n\n\n\nParkison, who wrote “Hope and Hot Water,” an in-depth book about Glenwood Springs’ early history, said she hopes the gathering gives people a chance to come together at a time when divisions often feel louder than common ground.\n\n\n\n“With the climate we have right now of, ‘Are you left or right? Are you a local or are you from out of town? Were you born in the U.S. or are you a foreigner?’ — all of that — I just feel like this is something that can make a difference, at least for an hour,” Parkison said. “I want to have an opportunity to do something myself, even if it’s just for a little bit, to make people realize we have more in common than we do differences.”\n\n\n\nThe reading itself is expected to take about 10 minutes. Schachter and Zalinski will each lead one side of the group through alternating sections, with some portions read together.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCopies of the Declaration of Independence will be available at the event. Posters around town also include a QR code attendees can use to pull up the document on a phone or tablet.\n\n\n\n“I think the idea that people will gather to celebrate being Americans is a great thing,” Parkison said. “All of those people that are doing things to support it means an awful lot.”\n\n\n\nParkison said she hopes several hundred people attend, though she said it is hard to know what to expect for a first-time event.\n\n\n\n“I hate to get my hopes up, but I really hope it’ll make a difference,” she said.\n\n\n\nFor Parkison, the event is meant to be simple: music, neighbors and the shared act of reading one of the country’s founding documents aloud.\n\n\n\nRegardless of politics, Parkison said, everyone is invited.\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t If you go…\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat: Nonpartisan public reading of the Declaration of Independence\nWhen: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4\nWhere: Near the Sayre Park gazebo in Glenwood Springs\nCost: Free","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/july-4-reading-brings-declaration-of-independence-to-life/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T00:08:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2023%2F07%2F06222312%2FzzzDSC_0143-683x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"july-4-reading-brings-declaration-of-independence-to-life"},{"id":"finwmu","title":"Aspen Ideas asks: Should rivers have rights?","excerpt":"Should rivers have rights?\n\n\n\nThis was the question posed by Chuck Sams, the director of Indigenous Programs at the Yale Center for Environmental Justice and the former director of the U.S. National Park Service, and Michael Livermore, a professor of law at the University of Virginia, who spoke w...","content":"Should rivers have rights?\n\n\n\nThis was the question posed by Chuck Sams, the director of Indigenous Programs at the Yale Center for Environmental Justice and the former director of the U.S. National Park Service, and Michael Livermore, a professor of law at the University of Virginia, who spoke with Samuel Kimbriel of the Aspen Institute during the Ideas Festival on Wednesday. \n\n\n\nTheir conversation centered around what rights should be protected to ensure U.S. and Western rivers are kept clean, healthy and accessible at a time when the Colorado River is being over-allocated. According to Sams, water rights and usage needs to undergo what he called a “paradigm shift.” \n\n\n\n“We’re doing what’s best for us, and salmon are paying the price for it,” he said. “That’s the relationship we have as human beings when we decide that we want to have some type of dominance over any natural resource.”\n\n\n\nHe used Indigenous experiences and knowledge to consider more sustainable water usage practices, with Livermore explaining how the U.S. political system could be used to reach the end goal of a healthy riparian ecosystem. Both emphasized that the system as it exists now is flawed and too centered on growth and consumption to adequately protect water.\n\n\n\nSams explained that, although Indigenous water use practices are often more sustainable than more modern, Western water usages, they have traditionally been kept from using the courts to achieve water justice because of their non-conformance with historic U.S. laws that don’t apply to alternative land and water use practices. This has made it incredibly difficult, he said, for Indigenous people to protect the waterways they rely on.\n\n\n\nHe and Livermore also spoke about the importance of changing the American thought process of “having whatever you want when you want it,” which aligns with the Indigenous practice of only using what one needs. They discussed how rivers deserve some level of respect just because of the value they provide to the people that rely on them.\n\n\n\n“There’s the legal question, but there are moral questions as well, questions of value beyond just what the law necessarily is going to recognize or instantiate in a particular way,” Livermore said.\n\n\n\nHe emphasized the importance of having a broad base of supporters of healthy watersheds, from rural to urban and across race and class, to help clean water initiatives pass through the democratic channels that create concrete change in the U.S. Sams underscored the importance of intersectionality, focusing on the power of intergenerational movements that can use the “wisdom” of older generations alongside the passion of younger ones. \n\n\n\nHe told The Aspen Times that one of the best ways to involve people is by breaking down barriers to “what people don’t know,” and making the value of clean rivers apparent to everyone.\n\n\n\n“We have a generation of elders now who had come up with the environmental laws that were passed in the ’60s and the ’50s, and they are now wiser about it,” he said. “I see a younger generation who also isn’t accepting these other norms, and they’re saying, ‘No, we need to figure out what our balance is with the environment. I want cool, clean water. I want to see species survive.’ So those two are merging, and I’m very hopeful that it’s coming together.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-ideas-asks-should-rivers-have-rights/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-04T23:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F01141507%2FDSC8461-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-ideas-asks-should-rivers-have-rights"},{"id":"9ibpeu","title":"Dry, smoky Independence Day weekend ahead for Colorado’s western mountains, with chances for isolated thunderstorms","excerpt":"Fourth of July in Colorado’s Western Slope is expected to remain mostly dry, hot and smoky, with a high risk of wildfires persisting through the next few days.\n\n\n\nThe National Weather Service issued an air quality alert on Thursday, July 2, for northwestern and northcentral counties, forecasting ...","content":"Fourth of July in Colorado’s Western Slope is expected to remain mostly dry, hot and smoky, with a high risk of wildfires persisting through the next few days.\n\n\n\nThe National Weather Service issued an air quality alert on Thursday, July 2, for northwestern and northcentral counties, forecasting that areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Friday morning.\n\n\n\n“I have a sneaking suspicion it’s going to continue to linger (past Friday),” National Weather Service Meteorologist Kris Sanders said. “(The forecast model) is showing the smoke from these fires in southwest Colorado going up into central ColoradoI, so can’t say we’re going to be smokeless.”\n\n\n\nA subtle wind shift to the west and southwest is expected to keep the heaviest smoke confined to central portions of Colorado, according to a July 2 OpenSnow report by Meteorologist Alan Smith. This means lighter smoke across the northwestern mountains compared to prior days.\n\n\n\nFriday evening could bring chances of isolated thunderstorm to northern areas close to the Wyoming border — roughly from Steamboat Springs to Fort Collins, Smith said. Any storms will produce light rain and gusty winds.\n\n\n\nThunderstorms will also be possible across the high country on Saturday, with minimal chances expected west of the Continental Divide. While forecasts for central mountain valleys including Glenwood Springs and Aspen show mostly dry, sunny weather with some clouds, towns surrounding Frisco and Breckenridge show chances of light rain and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday.\n\n\n\nThose storms likely won’t be enough to budge the mountain’s high wildfire risk, though, Sanders said.\n\n\n\n“We’re going to stay at high risk,” he said. “We’re hitting the low relative humidity during the afternoon when these thunderstorms are possible, and then they’ll be isolated in nature. … It’s not enough moisture to help things as far as the fire danger. It could end up fueling the flames of some of these fires.”\n\n\n\nTemperature-wise, most mountain towns are forecast to sit in the 70s and 80s, with Glenwood Springs potentially reaching a high of 90 degrees on Sunday.\n\n\n\nSanders said the weekend temperatures are close to historical averages based on what Colorado usually sees from July 3-5, with temperatures stretching roughly 5 degrees above normal by Sunday.\n\n\n\nFollowing the holiday weekend, Smith estimated the region’s monsoon season could gradually emerge beginning Monday, with increasing chances of t-storms. \n\n\n\nThe Western Slope will see a better chance of scattered thunderstorms, though most storms will likely not produce more than light rain and gusty winds. ","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/fourth-of-july-weather-fire-risk/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T23:57:27.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2026%2F07%2F02172806%2FBLMFireRisk-1024x767.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dry-smoky-independence-day-weekend-ahead-for-colorados-western-mountains-with-chances-for-isolated-t"},{"id":"gcpkm7","title":"Carbondale youth volleyball tournament returns for second iteration with upgraded courts and stakes","excerpt":"After a successful debut last summer, the Carbondale Open youth volleyball tournament is returning for its second year with updated courts and new prizes aimed at celebrating youth sports.\n\n\n\nThe Second Annual Carbondale Open, hosted by the Town of Carbondale and the Maroon Belles Volleyball Club...","content":"After a successful debut last summer, the Carbondale Open youth volleyball tournament is returning for its second year with updated courts and new prizes aimed at celebrating youth sports.\n\n\n\nThe Second Annual Carbondale Open, hosted by the Town of Carbondale and the Maroon Belles Volleyball Club, will return to Miners Park in Carbondale on Saturday, July 18, with upgraded courts and prizes. \n\n\n\nThe doubles tournament is designed specifically to give young athletes the chance to participate in a sport that’s not always widely available for their age group and to compete against kids their own age. \n\n\n\n“The tournament is independent of any club affiliation,” Marron Belles Volleyball Club Director Laird Little said. “It was just something where there weren’t a lot of youth tournaments in Colorado, so if kids wanted to play, they had to play against adults. \n\n\n\n“We started this last year at 18U, 16U, and 14U, and it was really successful last year,” he continued. “We want to make this more about youth sports in general, and that’s why the prizes reflect that. Rather than a gift card or something, we’re going to try to give them experiences.”\n\n\n\nThe tournament will be divided into the same age groups as the previous year, with separate tournaments for each gender. Prizes include Aspen Snowmass 4-day flex passes, Sunlight Ski Mountain full-day passes, and Carbondale Rec Center 20-day punch passes. \n\n\n\nThe prizes were donated by the various organizations that also sponsor the event, but according to Little, the goal is to purchase them and make it a day that locals carve out of their schedules every year to celebrate youth sports. \n\n\n\n“We are looking to continue this tradition for the next 20 years,” Little said. “The idea is to keep the kids active, and the earlier you start getting them out there, the better. I’m hoping to write a grant next year for Carbondale, where they would sponsor and actually buy the prizes. We’re definitely going to keep building on it.”\n\n\n\nThis year’s tournament will also give local volleyball players a chance to play on the Association of Volleyball Professionals-quality sand that the Town of Carbondale installed earlier in 2026. \n\n\n\nThe town budgeted $50,000 to import the sand from Denver. It is designed for grain size, shape, and consistency to help players avoid cuts and to ensure there is no dust or clay. The old sand that once called the Miners Park volleyball courts home was repurposed at the Carbondale Rodeo and Cemetery. The nets’ adjustability was also improved during the construction. \n\n\n\nThe Miners Park improvements weren’t made just for local tournaments and have already seen increased usage — ranging from youth competitive club practices to informal, unorganized games. \n\n\n\nThe tournament will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with pool play, then move into bracket-based elimination games in the afternoon, The second-ever Carbondale Open winners will be crowned before sunset. \n\n\n\n“Last year, we had about 20-30 teams,” Little said. “So, this year, we’re hoping for like 40 to 50, and really trying to get the word out on prizes. We’ll have girls’ and boys’ divisions and just a whole bunch of good athletes. It will all be two-on-two doubles, and they will form their own teams.\n\n\n\n“Since we’ll have so many prizes and not everyone is going to make it into the afternoon play, we’ll do something at the end of pool play as well,” he continued. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, and these kids will have a lot of chances to win some cool prizes.”\n\n\n\nFor more information or to register, visit maroonbelles.com. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/carbondale-youth-volleyball-tournament-returns-for-second-iteration-with-upgraded-courts-and-stakes/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T23:05:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02150237%2FDSC_0480_2-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"carbondale-youth-volleyball-tournament-returns-for-second-iteration-with-upgraded-courts-and-stakes"},{"id":"nfc4d8","title":"Tatro trial set for September; Robbins awaits medical clearance","excerpt":"Two Garfield County criminal cases moved forward Tuesday on different tracks, with former Glenwood Springs school resource officer Sean Tatro receiving a new trial date after a May mistrial and Craig Robbins remaining in custody while awaiting medical clearance for competency restoration.\n\n\n\nSean...","content":"Two Garfield County criminal cases moved forward Tuesday on different tracks, with former Glenwood Springs school resource officer Sean Tatro receiving a new trial date after a May mistrial and Craig Robbins remaining in custody while awaiting medical clearance for competency restoration.\n\n\n\nSean Tatro\n\n\n\nSean Tatro, a former Glenwood Springs police officer and school resource officer, is scheduled to return to trial in September on felony and misdemeanor charges related to allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault and use of a stun gun.\n\n\n\nTatro was arrested in April 2024 by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office after a domestic violence report led investigators to allege multiple incidents of physical abuse, threatening behavior and use of a stun gun during a confrontation. He was serving as a Glenwood Springs school resource officer at the time and was later placed on administrative leave.\n\n\n\nTatro faces charges including menacing, sexual assault, second-degree assault, contributing to the delinquency of a minor between 18 and 21 and use of a stun gun in the commission of a crime.\n\n\n\nSean Tatro.Garfield County Sherriffs Office/Courtesy\n\n\n\nTatro’s previous trial began May 4 and ended in a mistrial May 7 after defense attorney Stacey Shobe requested a mistrial related to evidence disclosed during the alleged victim’s testimony the previous day. The jury was discharged and the remaining trial dates were vacated.\n\n\n\nDuring a Tuesday hearing in Garfield County District Court, Judge Anne Norrdin set a seven-day jury trial to begin Sept. 16. A pretrial readiness conference was set for Aug. 24.\n\n\n\nCraig Robbins\n\n\n\nCraig Robbins, who is charged in connection with a 2022 shooting and police standoff in Glenwood Springs, remains in custody while awaiting medical clearance for competency restoration.\n\n\n\nRobbins was arrested after the July 2022 incident, which led to attempted murder and other charges. His case has been delayed while the court addresses competency issues.\n\n\n\nDuring a Tuesday hearing in Garfield County District Court, the court reviewed updated reports from Bridges of Colorado, a court-connected program that helps coordinate services for defendants with behavioral health needs, and discussed Robbins’ status on the competency restoration waitlist.\n\n\n\nCraig Allen RobbinsGarfield County Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy\n\n\n\nNorrdin said Robbins appears to be having regular meetings with Jail Based Behavioral Services. She also said an update from Bridges indicated Robbins “will not be moved to the inpatient facility until he’s medically cleared.”\n\n\n\nDefense attorney William Trent Palmer said an earlier report indicated there were about 40 or 50 people ahead of Robbins on the waitlist, but more recent reports showed Robbins is dealing with significant medical issues.\n\n\n\nRobbins told the court he has serious heart concerns, including atrial fibrillation and a blood clot in the left side of his heart. He said he expects another medical evaluation or procedure sometime in July to determine whether the clot has cleared.\n\n\n\nThe court set Robbins’ next hearing for 3 p.m. Aug. 11 to check on his medical status, whether he has been cleared for transfer and where he stands on the restoration waitlist.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/tatro-trial-set-for-september-robbins-awaits-medical-clearance/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T22:52:21.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F09%2F25133439%2FCrime-and-courts-web-graphic.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"tatro-trial-set-for-september-robbins-awaits-medical-clearance"},{"id":"iwxmsd","title":"Aspen Public Radio to broadcast Sunday Aspen Festival Orchestra concerts","excerpt":"Aspen Public Radio is partnering with the Aspen Music Festival and School for the fourth year to broadcast the 4 p.m. Sunday Aspen Festival Orchestra concerts live each week throughout the greater Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nBroadcasts begin Sunday, July 5.\n\n\n\n“This iconic Festival is such a big part...","content":"Aspen Public Radio is partnering with the Aspen Music Festival and School for the fourth year to broadcast the 4 p.m. Sunday Aspen Festival Orchestra concerts live each week throughout the greater Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nBroadcasts begin Sunday, July 5.\n\n\n\n“This iconic Festival is such a big part of summer in Aspen; it’s been an honor to get a broadcast agreement in place to provide this live, local programming for our listening audience, thanks to the Aspen Music Festival and School,” Breeze Richardson, executive director of Aspen Public Radio, said in a press release.\n\n\n\nThe weekly broadcast will be hosted by longtime classical music host Chris Mohr, offering listeners, wherever they are, the opportunity to hear the afternoon concerts live on Aspen Public Radio at 91.5 FM in Aspen and 88.9 FM throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, according to the press release. Those from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, Rifle to Eagle and online at aspenpublicradio.org or through the Aspen Public Radio app will be able to tune in.\n\n\n\n“For generations, the Sunday orchestral concerts at the Music Tent have been a defining part of the Aspen summer experience. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Aspen Public Radio, bringing these extraordinary performances to listeners throughout our community and around the world through free live broadcasts,” AMFS Munroe President and CEO Alan Fletcher said in the release.\n\n\n\nThe first Sunday concert will have the Festival Orchestra and features music from “Nixon in China,” an opera with rhythmic pulse that will be sung with two world-class singers: Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson, along with a choir. \n\n\n\nMohr, in anticipation of his return for a 12th year hosting these broadcasts, added in the release ” … then Copland’s monumental Symphony No. 3, which includes his ‘Fanfare for the Common Man.’ What a great American program. I love that our Music Director Robert Spano always conducts the opening and closing Sunday concerts every season!”\n\n\n\nHe will also be producing and broadcasting “Festival Notes” each morning, informing the community about what is happening at AMFS each day beginning Monday, June 29. \n\n\n\n“Looking across the 2026 season, I love the combination of works by living composers alongside the great classics,” he said in the release.\n\n\n\nOn Aug. 9, Mahler’s First Symphony will be a tribute to his beloved Alps, where Mohr noted in the release that Mahler hiked every summer.\n\n\n\n“The same day, that vast orchestra also plays music of Carlos Simon and Jessie Montgomery,” he continued. “These days, it’s incredibly easy to listen to music by composers we may not know and then try to guess why their piece might have some common theme with our beloved favorites.”\n\n\n\nAs an ongoing part of this partnership with AMFS, the station will also archive each week’s “High Notes” lecture series event and make it available online, alongside recordings of the series dating back to 2022 as part of Aspen Public Radio’s “Ideas, Speakers & Lectures” initiative, available at aspenpublicradio.org/high-notes.\n\n\n\n“It’s absolutely become part of my morning listening each summer to hear what concerts are taking place each day, I am delighted we will have one more season of ‘High Notes’ hosted by Alan Fletcher to go behind the scenes with festival musicians and hear more of their stories, and I love how much long-time listeners and visitors alike enjoy these Sunday concerts on Aspen Public Radio,” Richardson said in the release.\n\n\n\nConcerts to be carried live will include:\n\n\n\n\nJuly 5 — Festival Orchestra: Opening Sunday with Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson\n\n\n\nJuly 12 — Festival Orchestra: Weilerstein Plays Dvořák\n\n\n\nJuly 19 — Festival Orchestra: Hadelich Plays Barber\n\n\n\nJuly 26 — Festival Orchestra: Piano Sensation Daniil Trifonov\n\n\n\nAug. 2 — Festival Orchestra: Thibaudet Plays Gershwin\n\n\n\nAug. 9 — Festival Orchestra: Mahler’s First Symphony\n\n\n\nAug. 16 — Festival Orchestra: Malofeev Plays Rachmaninoff\n\n\n\nAug. 23 — Festival Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-public-radio-to-broadcast-sunday-aspen-festival-orchestra-concerts/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-04T22:30:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F02%2F18164524%2F20232008_Diego_Redel_FinalSUnday_-14-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-public-radio-to-broadcast-sunday-aspen-festival-orchestra-concerts"},{"id":"r31w8o","title":"Glenwood Springs Fourth of July Celebration schedule","excerpt":"Glenwood Springs’ Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday will take place at Two Rivers Park and is free to attend. Family-friendly activities, food and beverage vendors and live music will be featured throughout the evening. \n\n\n\nBeginning at 4:30 p.m., bounce houses, lawn games, wood and steel ax...","content":"Glenwood Springs’ Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday will take place at Two Rivers Park and is free to attend. Family-friendly activities, food and beverage vendors and live music will be featured throughout the evening. \n\n\n\nBeginning at 4:30 p.m., bounce houses, lawn games, wood and steel axe throwing, and mechanical bull-riding will be available throughout the evening. Live music begins at 5 p.m. with Rolling Stones cover band, Emotional Rescue. From 7-9 p.m., band Dance X will perform.\n\n\n\nThere is limited parking at Two Rivers Park, plan accordingly and consider other options such as carpooling, riding the bus, biking, Ride Glenwood On-Demand, or parking and walking. The first row of parking stalls will be dedicated to Americans with Disabilities Act parking only.\n\n\n\nOverflow parking and free Ride Glenwood transportation will be available at the Glenwood Springs Community Center at 100 Wulfsohn Rd., starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m. \n\n\n\nDogs and other pets, firearms and weapons of any kind, glass containers, fireworks and soliciting is not allowed at the park. \n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t If you go…\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat: Fourth of July Celebration\nWhen: 4-10 p.m., Saturday, July 4\nWhere: Two Rivers Park, 740 Devereux Rd., Glenwood Springs\nCost: Free","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/glenwood-springs-fourth-of-july-celebration-schedule/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T21:44:19.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F07%2F25075413%2FGwoodJuly4-GPI-070522-10-1024x742.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"glenwood-springs-fourth-of-july-celebration-schedule"},{"id":"ii6en4","title":"Congress makes moves to reauthorize funding for billion-dollar backlog of deferred maintenance on public lands","excerpt":"A significant bipartisan push to revitalize a funding mechanism for deferred maintenance projects on federal public lands and national parks cleared two critical hurdles in June. \n\n\n\nNatural resource committees in both the U.S. House and Senate unanimously approved bills to renew the Legacy Rest...","content":"A significant bipartisan push to revitalize a funding mechanism for deferred maintenance projects on federal public lands and national parks cleared two critical hurdles in June. \n\n\n\nNatural resource committees in both the U.S. House and Senate unanimously approved bills to renew the Legacy Restoration Fund, which directs $1.9 billion annually over the next five years to improve campgrounds, trails, visitor centers and vital infrastructure. \n\n\n\nThe fund was created as part of the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act as a way to address deferred maintenance projects across national parks, wildlife refuges, U.S. Forest Service land, Bureau of Indian Education schools and Bureau of Land Management land.\n\n\n\nIt’s estimated that the deferred maintenance backlog for these agencies totals over $40 billion. The fund pulls from federal revenues from energy development on public lands.\n\n\n\nIn Colorado, nearly $133.3 million from the fund was allocated to address 190 assets across 17 projects for Department of Interior-managed lands. By March 2025, work had been completed at six U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites and at both Rocky Mountain and Great Sand Dunes national parks. Around $114.5 million in funding was allocated to 140 projects on Forest Service land in the state, 48 of which have been completed, 41 that are in progress and the remainder of which are seeking contractors, design or other work. \n\n\n\nAs of September 2024, Colorado’s total backlog at BLM, national park and Fish and Wildlife sites was estimated to cost over $864 million. \n\n\n\nCongress let the initial fund expire in October 2025. \n\n\n\nHowever, now both the Senate and House are moving forward with bills to continue working away at this billion-dollar backlog — allocating $9.5 billion from energy revenue over the next five years. The bills have been supported by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, with nearly 250 co-sponsors across both chambers. \n\n\n\nThis includes all but one member of Colorado’s congressional delegation: Sens. John Hickenlooper, D, and Michael Bennet, D, as well as Reps. Joe Neguse, D-CO2, Diana DeGette, D-CO1, Jeff Crank, R-CO5, Jeff Hurd, R-CO3, Gabe Evans, R-CO8, Brittany Petersen, D-CO7, and Jason Crow, D-CO6, have all signed on as co-sponsors.\n\n\n\nIt has also seen support from a broad swath of organizations, including those representing the interests of the oil and gas industry, sportspersons, outdoor recreation and wildlife.\n\n\n\n“The Legacy Restoration Fund fulfills the balanced use of public lands that’s shaped our land management for over a century,” said Melissa Simpson, president of the Western Energy Alliance, an oil and gas trade group representing Colorado and other western states, in a statement. \n\n\n\nSimpson added that energy producers “recognize the important balance that exists between developing the natural resources our nation needs with conserving and restoring the iconic and historic landscapes that we all treasure. They are proud that our development of America’s natural resources will continue to sustain the (Legacy Restoration Fund) for years to come.”\n\n\n\nOutdoor Recreation Roundtable Association President Jessica Turner said in a statement that the reauthorization now “represents a generational opportunity to improve the experience visitors enjoy on our public lands and waters and to equip and maintain them to meet a growing interest in outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of healthy, resilient and sustainable economies and communities.” \n\n\n\nAaron Weiss, executive director of the Center for Western Policies, a Denver-based conservation and advocacy organization, said in a statement that it was “long overdue.”\n\n\n\n“Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins did the right thing supporting this bill to direct funding and address critical maintenance concerns on public lands, but it is truly the very least they could do,” Weiss said. “Now it’s time they start repairing the damage they’ve caused over the last 18 months. The Trump administration must fully staff and fund the agencies that steward our parks and public lands for present and future generations. That means all of our lands, for all Americans — not just the president’s vanity projects.”\n\n\n\nWhile advocates and Congress had hoped the bill would receive President Donald Trump’s signature ahead of the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday celebration, it didn’t quite make the deadline, as the Senate has adjourned for the holiday. \n\n\n\n“As we near our nation’s 250th anniversary, reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund is a powerful opportunity to deliver lasting results for all Americans and our public lands,” said Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, in the Senate committee news release on the bill’s June 17 passage. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/congress-funding-maintenance-public-lands/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T21:06:14.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02145559%2FBLM_sign_ALongwell-1024x718.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"congress-makes-moves-to-reauthorize-funding-for-billion-dollar-backlog-of-deferred-maintenance-on-pu"},{"id":"jja2mu","title":"ACRA releases most recent visitor profile study","excerpt":"The Aspen Chamber Resort Association has released the results of its most recent visitor profile study, which was conducted March of this year. \n\n\n\nThe survey collected data and insights on 2025 visitor demographics, travel behaviors, spending patterns and satisfaction levels, according to a pres...","content":"The Aspen Chamber Resort Association has released the results of its most recent visitor profile study, which was conducted March of this year. \n\n\n\nThe survey collected data and insights on 2025 visitor demographics, travel behaviors, spending patterns and satisfaction levels, according to a press release, with the aim of better understanding who is coming to Aspen and what drives their experience.\n\n\n\nKey findings confirmed that Aspen welcomed over 1.1 million visitors in 2025, generating $1.7 billion in direct visitor spending and a total economic impact of $2.0 billion supporting more than 15,000 jobs in the visitor industry.\n\n\n\n“Aspen’s visitor base is exceptionally loyal, averaging 12.9 lifetime trips to the destination, with more than half of 2025 visitors having also traveled to Aspen in 2024,” the release reads.\n\n\n\nOver four in 10 Aspen visitors and day trippers — about 41.3% — traveled from within Colorado, with Denver representing the single largest origin metro market, the study found. Visitors described themselves as values-driven, transformative travelers with dining (86.6%), historical sites (72.1%) and cultural experiences ranking as top destination selection drivers.\n\n\n\n“While awareness of the 2027 airport closure is low (with one-third of visitors aware of the planned closure), 66.3% of respondents expected the closure to have no impact on their Aspen travel plans, with just 15.1% being less likely to visit,” the release adds.\n\n\n\nAspen also leads its competitive set in future travel intent, destination attribute performance and advertising recall. But overall trip satisfaction (77.4%) and likelihood to recommend (69.3%) have declined since the 2022/23 survey, which the release states is “pointing to a growing opportunity to close the gap between Aspen’s premium positioning and visitor expectations, particularly around value and transportation.”\n\n\n\nFuture Partners implemented the online survey of Aspen visitors distributed to respondents sourced from what the release confirms are both a trusted third-party online panel of travelers and ACRA’s owned and partner audiences. The final report presents data from 929 completed surveys gathered between March 6 and 23. Respondents were all 18 years or older and visited the Aspen area during 2025.\n\n\n\n“These findings are a powerful reminder of the meaningful role tourism plays in Aspen’s economy and our community’s way of life, generating significant economic impact and supporting thousands of local jobs,” Eliza Voss, senior vice president of Destination Marketing at ACRA, said in the release. “At the same time, some of the data signals that we still have work to do to ensure every visitor leaves feeling that Aspen delivered on its promise. That’s exactly the kind of insight this study is designed to give us, and we’re committed to using it to guide our strategy going forward.”\n\n\n\nThe visitor profile study and its findings are a key component of the Aspen Destination Management Plan, which aims to “enhance resiliency in the community while protecting the quality of life for Aspen residents and preserving the very reason people enjoy coming to Aspen,” according to the release. The three pillars identified by the plan are addressing visitor pressure, enhancing the Aspen experience and preserving small-town character.The Visitor Profile Study findings report is available at aspenchamber.org/membership/data-center/reports-surveys/.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/__trashed-4/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-04T21:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F26223238%2FEDLvisitors-atd-052326-01-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"acra-releases-most-recent-visitor-profile-study"},{"id":"f1n5cc","title":"A&E Lineup for July 3-12","excerpt":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nClay National Exhibition\n\n\n\nWhat: Carbondale Clay National is an annual exhibition of ceramic art. Each year CCC’s selec...","content":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nClay National Exhibition\n\n\n\nWhat: Carbondale Clay National is an annual exhibition of ceramic art. Each year CCC’s selected jurors develop a theme for the exhibition, invite a handful of contemporary ceramic artists who emulate the theme, and choose about 25-30 works from the jury pool.\n\n\n\nWhen: 6-8 p.m., Friday, July 3\n\n\n\nWhere: Main St. Gallery & The Framer, 399 Main St., Carbondale\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nJuly 3 Celebration\n\n\n\nWhat: A full day of free, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food vendors, and community festivities. Activities at Metro Park include bounce houses, a dunk tank, an inflatable slip and slide, a foam cannon, face painting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with food and drink trucks Frosty Freeze, Lemon Swirl Oasis, and Real West Coffee Company. In addition, admission to the Rifle Metro Pool will be reduced to $3 per person for open swim from 1 p.m. to 4:50 pm. Centennial Park activities include live music with visits from Frosty Freeze, Lemon Swirl Oasis, and Sweets N’ Treats. The Symphony in the Valley will open the evening with a patriotic concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Amphitheater. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Following the symphony, festivities will move to the Great Bowl for more live entertainment. A Band Called Alexis will open for headliner The Violet Pines.\n\n\n\nWhen: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, July 3\n\n\n\nWhere: Metro Pool and Park, 1718 Railroad Ave., Rifle\n\n\n\nCentennial Park, 300 W. Fifth St., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nFourth of July Celebration\n\n\n\nWhat: Join Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation for a family-friendly Fourth of July. Enjoy an evening packed with fun, including Super Fiesta bounce houses, axe throwing, lawn games, Big Bull Entertainment, food and beverage vendors and live music featuring Emotional Rescue and Dance X Band. Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and patriotic spirit for a summer evening in the park. More information: Cogs.us/July4th. \n\n\n\nWhen: 4:30-9 p.m., Saturday, July 4\n\n\n\nWhere: Two Rivers Park, Devereux Rd., Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nGlenwood Caverns Summer Holiday Weekend Concerts\n\n\n\nWhat: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will host two concerts at 7,160 feet as part of its Summer Holiday Weekend entertainment series. The Colorado Currys, a husband-and-wife duo, will perform bluegrass, Americana, roots and folk music Friday. Colorado singer-songwriters Wild Flight will perform original music influenced by classic rock, blues, jazz and country Saturday.\n\n\n\nWhen: 3-6 p.m. Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4\n\n\n\nWhere: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: Prices vary\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs Market on 7th\n\n\n\nWhat: Join downtown Glenwood Springs every Tuesday evening to shop unique local vendors, listen to free live music, and soak up the sun and community vibes.\n\n\n\nWhen: 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 30 – Sept. 8\n\n\n\nWhere: Seventh Street and Bethel Plaza, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nSummer Luau Dance\n\n\n\nWhat: Escape to paradise at the senior summer luau for an afternoon of tropical music, festive games, and a fun dance party. Dust off your favorite Hawaiian shirt and join for a joyful, accessible celebration of summer.\n\n\n\nWhen: 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 9\n\n\n\nWhere: Glenwood Springs Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Rd., Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: $8-10, members 20% off\n\n\n\nSenior Stroll\n\n\n\nWhat: Seniors and locals alike are welcome at the Powers Art Center for the Senior Stroll. Enjoy a free walk-through of our exhibitions, ask questions, and learn more about our museum.\n\n\n\nWhen: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, July 10. \n\n\n\nWhere: Powers Art Center, 13110 County Rd. 82, Carbondale\n\n\n\nCost: Free","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ae-lineup-for-july-3-12/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T21:01:11.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F25132650%2FPost-Independent-Arts-and-Entertainment-graphic-1024x683.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ae-lineup-for-july-3-12"},{"id":"8h3w5r","title":"Lead with Love: For the love of the trees","excerpt":"I wake up each day with anticipation. Will the sky be brilliant, sparkling Colorado blue? The sky I remember stirring awe within me when I first came to visit Fort Lewis College in Colorado with my dad in 1993. We marveled at its consistent beauty. It was striking. The blue, blue sky and the frie...","content":"I wake up each day with anticipation. Will the sky be brilliant, sparkling Colorado blue? The sky I remember stirring awe within me when I first came to visit Fort Lewis College in Colorado with my dad in 1993. We marveled at its consistent beauty. It was striking. The blue, blue sky and the friendly people I met on that college tour helped me make the life-altering decision to move to Colorado for college from Southern California the following year. I’ve lived here ever since. \n\n\n\nThe daily ritual of looking out the window, marveling at nature and especially the sky on a bluebird day, fills me with gratitude and a feeling of abundance. Even when I didn’t have so much, I felt the incredible value of nature as an asset to be safeguarded and treasured. I know any of you who have been here more than six years remember this sky, you know this sky, and you desperately miss it. It comes and it goes these days. It goes. Lover, please stay, I pray looking at the blue turn to brown haze again. But, just like a lover who loves us, but has been mistreated year after year after year, it goes. And, she has every right to go. We’ve treated our planet like a garbage dump and elect leaders who dismantle and disregard our hard-fought safeguards for the environment. Why? Do we not love her? Our earth. Our home. \n\n\n\nSince at least 2020, summer in Aspen has become a constant vigil. Will the sky be blue or brown? We wait. We pray. The optimal real estate on my smartphone screen is covered in weather, air quality and fire apps. I hear the “ding” of the Watch Duty App all too often. It triggers a dreadful response. Another fire. How close? How big? Is it contained? Can I host the retreat I’ve planned for 40 caregivers in the wilderness beyond Reudi? Is it safe? Should we all just stay home? Do you have your Go Bag packed? Copies of all your important documents and pictures? Are you insured? Can you even get insurance anymore?\n\n\n\nWe live amidst brown smoke billowing from fires burning all over the West — from California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado — our wild places are burning. Our towns and cities burn. Nobody is surprised. This is the “new normal.” \n\n\n\nAccording to several articles I researched in The Aspen Times, Aspen Public Radio and Aspen Journalism, persistent summer wildfire smoke became a widely accepted “new normal” in Aspen around 2020. That year marked a turning point defined by extreme regional megafires, severe drought and record-breaking smoke waves that have since kept summer skies hazy, creating more “smoke days” than ever.\n\n\n\nWe know this. We feel this. We live this. All of this is predicted to get worse, not better. Ouch. She walked out on us. She’s given us plenty of chances. Sorry kids. \n\n\n\nOne of the talks I attended at Aspen Ideas Festival last week was titled, “Should a River Have Rights?” Maybe there is some hope, however narrow, in our courts coming to defend the Earth? As the current administration dismantles and ignores hard-fought and essential environmental legislation, it seems unlikely, but perhaps if we all wake up to the preciousness of our Colorado blue skies and our wild and free rivers, we will understand that we must only elect people who put all people’s health and the environment first. The rivers and forests and wetlands that sustain life on earth don’t have a voice and they don’t have rights, yet, but they are screaming for us to hear them.\n\n\n\nGina Murdock is the Founder and Director of Lead with Love, an Aspen-based non-profit dedicated to cultivating and nurturing heart-centered leaders. She is currently really enjoying her friend Lindsay Branham’s new book, “Heartwood: The Wisdom and Healing Kinship of Trees” and remembering the Native American Proverb: “When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lead-with-love-for-the-love-of-the-trees/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Gina Murdock Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-04T18:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2023%2F06%2F06220238%2Fb79c394c-d322-5c42-b8fa-31b85c6ebc55.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"lead-with-love-for-the-love-of-the-trees"},{"id":"cju9yy","title":"BLM advances review of RMI quarry plan above Glenwood Springs","excerpt":"The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has deemed Rocky Mountain Industrials’ latest plan for its limestone quarry north of Glenwood Springs complete, moving the proposal into technical review before a future public review process.\n\n\n\nThe proposal would more than triple the federally approved a...","content":"The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has deemed Rocky Mountain Industrials’ latest plan for its limestone quarry north of Glenwood Springs complete, moving the proposal into technical review before a future public review process.\n\n\n\nThe proposal would more than triple the federally approved acreage at the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry, from about 16 acres to 56.1 acres. RMI is seeking approval to mine several hundred feet upslope from the existing quarry, including blasting out the unstable overhanging cliff that remains from a 2023 collapse of the quarry’s west headwall and mining more of the slope above.\n\n\n\nThe Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety’s (DRMS) state reclamation plan requires RMI to rock-bolt the overhanging cliff. In April, the state agency increased RMI’s reclamation bond by $704,000 to cover the cost of rock bolting.\n\n\n\nBLM’s completeness determination comes after DRMS rejected a related RMI proposal in February 2025 to increase its state permit boundary from 38 acres to 56.1 acres through a technical revision. The state said RMI could not expand its permitted acreage through a technical revision and would need to pursue an amendment process. DRMS also said RMI would first need approval from BLM, which manages the federal land where the quarry is located.\n\n\n\nBLM’s determination does not approve the acreage expansion, but it allows the federal agency to begin reviewing RMI’s modified plan of operations.\n\n\n\n“A completeness determination simply means the BLM has received all the information required by regulation to begin the next stage of review,” the agency said in response to questions from the Post Independent. “It allows us to move into the technical review, but it is not a decision on the proposal itself.”\n\n\n\nThe agency compared the determination to confirming all pieces of a puzzle are present before beginning to put it together.\n\n\n\n“The technical review is where we evaluate how the pieces fit, identify any gaps or concerns, and determine whether additional information or revisions are needed,” BLM said.\n\n\n\nHeather McGregor, vice president of the Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance, said the agency’s determination is an important step, but not a final decision.\n\n\n\n“Complete just means that the way it’s been explained to us, it means that all the required elements are present in the application, but it does not assess their impacts,” McGregor said. “So it’s important to us, because now the BLM actually has something to work with and move forward with in terms of this technical review, which is the next step.”\n\n\n\nRMI’s latest proposal, submitted May 29, was the company’s third attempt to submit a modified plan of operations to BLM. The agency said RMI provided the remaining information needed for the application to meet regulatory requirements for completeness.\n\n\n\n“That doesn’t mean the review is finished,” BLM said. “As the technical review moves forward, the BLM may identify additional questions or request revisions before any decision is made.”\n\n\n\nThe current proposal is separate from RMI’s larger 2019 proposal to expand the quarry, BLM said.\n\n\n\n“The current review covers approximately 56.1 acres and is focused on bringing the existing operation into compliance and addressing issues related to the 2023 rockfall,” the agency said. “It does not evaluate or move forward the proposed 2019 expansion. If the BLM reviews that proposal in the future, it will follow its own review and decision-making process.”\n\n\n\nRMI has never withdrawn the larger expansion proposal, which remains a concern for the Citizens’ Alliance.\n\n\n\n“They have never pulled it back,” McGregor said. “It’s on a far back burner, as best we understand, but it’s never been withdrawn, so it continues to hang over our community as a big threat and something that we always have to keep in mind as a possibility that RMI may wish to pursue.”\n\n\n\nBLM said specialists from across the agency will evaluate the modified plan, identify technical issues or information gaps and determine whether additional information or revisions are needed. The review will also help determine what analyses are required under other laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, and prepare the agency for government-to-government consultation with Tribes.\n\n\n\nThe technical review will also evaluate the appropriate mineral disposal authority and determine whether a mineral materials contract is needed under federal regulations.\n\n\n\nRMI stopped active mining operations in December 2024 but has continued to pursue a revived mining permit. Lisa Dawson, field manager for BLM’s Colorado River Valley Office, said in a Citizens’ Alliance news release that RMI’s request for a mineral materials sales contract will be considered during technical review.\n\n\n\nSuch a contract would require RMI to pay a per-ton fee to BLM for most limestone removed from the quarry.\n\n\n\nThe agency said public comment and environmental review will occur before a final decision is made.\n\n\n\n“Once the technical review is complete and any necessary revisions have been incorporated, the BLM will continue with the appropriate environmental review under NEPA,” the agency said. “The BLM is committed to a transparent decision-making process. Opportunities for public involvement will be provided before the agency makes a final decision. Government-to-government consultation with Tribes will also occur before a decision is made.”\n\n\n\nMcGregor said the Citizens’ Alliance has not yet seen a map of the 56.1-acre proposal, but the group is concerned about the physical expansion of the quarry and the potential return of mining activity above Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\n“The 56 acres would extend the quarry uphill, upslope significantly by several hundred feet,” McGregor said. “It would expand the scar of the quarry and make it more visible from more areas of the community.”\n\n\n\nMcGregor said renewed mining would bring back impacts the community has long opposed.\n\n\n\n“The mining operation itself would bring back the noise and dust of blasting and crushing rock,” McGregor said. “It would involve again truck traffic coming down Transfer Trail and taking rocks to whatever destination the company can find for them, so there would still be a lot of disruption, and light pollution, noise pollution, dust from a revived mining operation.”\n\n\n\nThe proposal also addresses longstanding permit noncompliance issues at the quarry, according to BLM and the Citizens’ Alliance.\n\n\n\nMcGregor said the Citizens’ Alliance has long argued those issues should be resolved.\n\n\n\n“We have held for years that those noncompliance issues should be taken care of,” McGregor said.\n\n\n\nThe quarry has been a focus of local opposition since RMI proposed a major expansion above Glenwood Springs. That earlier proposal called for a much larger permit area and year-round mining of up to 5 million tons of limestone per year for 20 years.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Department of the Interior also issued a January 2025 decision ordering RMI to stop mining common variety limestone under its existing permit after finding the company had been selling limestone for uses not allowed under that authorization. RMI was also directed to pay royalties to the federal government.\n\n\n\nMcGregor said residents should not assume the quarry issue has gone away just because active mining stopped more than a year ago.\n\n\n\n“We often talk to people who have the perception that because operations stopped a year and a half ago that the project is dead and gone, and it is not,” McGregor said. “This company continues to persist in trying to revive its mining operation. It is looking for expansion at this point, and we don’t know where they would stop in terms of their ambitions for devastating that mountainside and severely damaging our local economy and environment, which is of course so much based on tourism and outdoor recreation.”\n\n\n\nRMI did not respond to the Post Independent’s request for comment.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/blm-advances-review-of-rmi-quarry-plan-above-glenwood-springs/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T20:57:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2019%2F11%2F25230418%2FGlenwoodQuarry-GPI-111619-3-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"blm-advances-review-of-rmi-quarry-plan-above-glenwood-springs"},{"id":"m968s9","title":"3,500 endangered boreal toad tadpoles find a new home near Leadville","excerpt":"A program to breed, recover and restore populations of the endangered boreal toad hit a new milestone last month through a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. \n\n\n\nIn June, a group of volunteers and students joined staff from both the state age...","content":"A program to breed, recover and restore populations of the endangered boreal toad hit a new milestone last month through a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. \n\n\n\nIn June, a group of volunteers and students joined staff from both the state agency and zoo to release over 3,500 tadpoles into a breeding site near Leadville that was historically occupied by the endangered species. \n\n\n\nIt was the fourth, and largest, release of boreal toads so far for the partnership, which began in 2021. \n\n\n\n“Boreal toads could disappear in Colorado without all the proactive work our teams do every year,” said Alex Jouney, a native aquatic species biologist with Parks and Wildlife, in a news release.\n\n\n\nWhat are boreal toads? \n\n\n\nBoreal toads are the only native alpine toad in the Southern Rocky Mountains in Colorado, according to a Parks and Wildlife news release. Once a common species in the region, the toads experienced what the agency called “dramatic declines” in the late 1970s and early 1980s. \n\n\n\nThere are currently estimated to be fewer than 800 adult boreal toads living in the wild in Colorado.\n\n\n\nWhile Parks and Wildlife’s 2001 conservation plan for the species details that the decline of suitable habitat for boreal toads — owing to human activity like timber harvest, grazing, recreation and water development — could have played a role in the population drop, it is not identified as the primary factor. Instead, the main hypothesis points to pathogens, including the chytrid fungus, which has caused widespread die-offs of many amphibian species. \n\n\n\nAdult boreal toads are identifiable by their brown-black, warty skin, white or cream-colored stripe down its back and dark spots on its light-colored underside. Tadpoles are jet black. \n\n\n\nA boreal toad at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility in Alamosa, where the agency houses over 700 adult toads to support breeding and restoration efforts of the endangered amphibianColorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nBoreal toads exist only in high-elevation forested habitats above 7,500 feet in Colorado and other Western states. Breeding occurs in “shallow, quiet water in lakes, marshes, bogs, ponds and wet meadows,” according the conservation plan. \n\n\n\nHistorically, the species was abundant in high elevation areas of Colorado, including portions of the Park, Sierra Madre, Mummy, Gore, Mosquito, Ten-Mile, Sawatch, Elk, West Elk and San Juan mountain ranges, as well as in the Flat Tops Wilderness and on the Grand Mesa. According to the plan, while present in 25 Colorado counties between the early 1900s and 1950s, by February 2001, they were known to occur in 11 counties: Routt, Larimer, Grand, Eagle, Summit, Clear Creek, Pitkin, Gunnison, Chaffee, Hinsdale and Mineral.\n\n\n\nWhile the conservation plan details that the decline of suitable habitat for boreal toads — owing to human activity like timber harvest, grazing, recreation and water development — could have played a role in the population drop, it is not identified as the primary factor. Instead, the main hypothesis points to pathogens, including the chytrid fungus, which has caused widespread die-offs of many amphibian species. \n\n\n\nThe Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance referred to boreal toads as an “indicator species” in a June blog post, meaning the health of their populations can illustrate what’s occurring in the health of Colorado’s mountain ecosystems as a whole. \n\n\n\nWhat is Colorado doing to restore boreal toads?\n\n\n\nBoreal toad tadpoles were released into a historic breeding site near Leadville for the state-endangered species. Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThe boreal toad has been listed as a state-endangered species in Colorado since 1993. Since then, Parks and Wildlife has conducted nearly three decades of research and work to create a self-sustaining population of the species. The agency’s conservation plan identifies that translocations and tadpole reintroductions are critical to the boreal toad’s recovery. \n\n\n\nAccording to its news release, Parks and Wildlife biologists’ work has included “developing methodologies for reintroducing toads to historically occupied habitats; detecting and working to mitigate the effects of chytrid fungus in the wild; marking and identifying individual toads; and improving breeding success.” \n\n\n\nThe agency’s Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility in Alamosa has supported the state’s efforts to breed and research boreal toad populations. According to Parks and Wildlife’s website, the facility “houses over 700 adult boreal toads,” which it uses for translocation, research and as a “genetic bank for this state endangered species.” \n\n\n\nStarting off with 95 toads from the Alamosa facility, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance purpose-built a facility and started its own breeding population of the species in November 2021 as part of a partnership with Parks and Wildlife. \n\n\n\nIn a 2021 Denver Zoo blog post, it was reported that the partnership would help Colorado step up its breeding and reintroduction efforts — stating the goal to raise and release as many as 20,000 tadpoles into the Colorado wilderness by summer 2022. \n\n\n\nIn 2025, Parks and Wildlife and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance released tadpoles near Creede. In June, the zoo said that release has brought “optimistic” results. It reports that “adult boreal toads were spotted occupying the habitat, wallowing in mud holes and making themselves at home” adding that it hopes to see similar success following this year’s release. \n\n\n\nA new breeding population outside of Leadville \n\n\n\nStaff from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, joined by volunteers and students, hiked miles to alpine ponds, carrying 10 pounds of boreal toad tadpoles on their backs to release them into the wild. Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThis year, the Denver Zoo’s colony of boreal frogs produced 3,500 tadpoles, which it said was a significant increase over previous years. \n\n\n\nThe translocation of these tadpoles to Alpine wetlands near Leadville was nearly two years in the making, owing to the extensive surveying and selection process, according to Parks and Wildlife. It reported that “the pond sites were selected for their ability to provide the highest-quality breeding habitat and support a self-sustaining population.” \n\n\n\nBridget O’Rourke, a public information officer for Parks and Wildlife, confirmed on Thursday, July 2, that the release area has not been impacted by the Willow Fire, a 2,207-acre wildfire that ignited six miles west of Leadville on June 28. The fire was 0% contained as of Thursday morning. \n\n\n\nTo transport the tadpoles, it took 27 volunteers, including Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and Parks and Wildlife staff as well as students from Colorado State University’s Pueblo campus. \n\n\n\n“This fieldwork is challenging and requires our biologists to hike miles uphill to alpine habitats with over 10 pounds of water containing over 100 tadpoles on their backs,” said Laura Clellan, Parks and Wildlife’s director, in the news release. “This release marks an attempt to repatriate boreal toads to habitat that they historically occupied, in other words, habitat that has proven success in sustaining boreal toad populations.”\n\n\n\nWith the tadpoles released, the program will transition to monitoring and restocking. \n\n\n\n“Stocking efforts will continue for five years, and annual monitoring of the sites will provide information on toads that successfully breed in the ponds and any potential spread of pathogens throughout the drainage,” Parks and Wildlife reported.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/leadville-endangered-boreal-toad-tadpoles/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T20:05:50.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02140254%2FBoreal_Toad_CPW-1024x629.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"3500-endangered-boreal-toad-tadpoles-find-a-new-home-near-leadville"},{"id":"it24ut","title":"Garfield County Libraries schedule for July 6-13","excerpt":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Fossil Hunt at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nBento Box Mystery Craft Kits all day\n\n\n\nSpice Up the Month with Craft Kits at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nCitizenship Classes at 5:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumb...","content":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Fossil Hunt at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nBento Box Mystery Craft Kits all day\n\n\n\nSpice Up the Month with Craft Kits at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nCitizenship Classes at 5:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 6 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 6 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nIn Stitches Knitting Club at 1:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish in Action: Open Hours at 6:30 p.m./Inglés en acción: Horario de atención a las 6:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nTuesday\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nBasic Computer Classes for Adults at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nBilingual Sensory Storytime at 1 p.m./Hora del cuento sensorial bilingüe a las 1 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nZumba Baila & Burn at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nStorytime at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Arts and Crafts at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nStorytime 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nFoam Party with Ann Lincoln at 10:30 a.m./Fiesta de Espuma a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nMah Jongg at 1:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nClub de Abuelitos a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nToddler Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nBaby Storytime at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nFoam Party with Ann Lincoln at 2:30 p.m./Fiesta de Espuma a las 2:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nWednesday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nSensory Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 7 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 7 de la tarde.\n\n\n\nRifle:Workforce Center in Your Library at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nPlaygroup at the Library at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nFriends of the Library Book Club at 1 p.m.\n\n\n\nEnglish/Spanish Conversation Circle at 6:45 p.m./Círculo de Conversación Inglés/Español a las 6:45 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nFoam Party with Ann Lincoln at 2:30 p.m./Fiesta de Espuma a las 2:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nFoam Party with Ann Lincoln at 10:30 a.m./Fiesta de Espuma a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nTeen Tie-Dye at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nIntro to Cricut (Four week series) at 4 p.m./Introducción a Cricut (Serie de quatro semanas) a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nUn Abrazo Para el Alma a las 7 de la tarde.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Victoria Pennock at 5 p.m. \n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nCMC Open Office Hours at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nThursday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nFoam Party with Ann Lincoln at 11 a.m./Fiesta de Espuma a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nRifle:Storytime at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nFoam Party with Ann Lincoln at 2:30 p.m./Fiesta de Espuma a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nGolden Years Social at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Movies at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nLoteria with the Library at 4 p.m./Lotería con la biblioteca a las 4 de la tarde.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nMeditation for Members of 12 Step Recovery Programs at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nWriting Workshops at 5 p.m. \n\n\n\nD&D One-Shots with Victoria at 6:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nGet the Wiggles Out! at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nTech Club with Aspen Science Center at 3:45 p.m. \n\n\n\nFriday \n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nSPARK at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nShake Your Sillies Out at 10 a.m. \n\n\n\nMeal Monkey at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Victoria Pennock at 6 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Express Yo’ Self at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSaturday\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nHiking Club: History Underfoot (Babbish Gulch) at 8 a.m. \n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nBilingual Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nDungeons and Dragons: Storm King’s Thunder at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nSunday\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nRifle’s Adventure Guild at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs: \n\n\n\nDungeons and Dragons: Call of the Netherdeep at 2 p.m. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-june-29-july-5-2/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T18:52:36.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F05%2F29163650%2FLibraryNews-GPI-071813-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-july-6-13"},{"id":"ioyws","title":"Victor Marx pulls ahead of Barb Kirkmeyer in GOP governor primary, but race is still too close to call","excerpt":"Ministry leader Victor Marx is currently leading state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer in the Republican primary for Colorado governor, but the race is still too close to call. \n\n\n\nAfter holding a narrow advantage over Marx on election night and into Wednesday afternoon, Kirkmeyer’s lead evaporated Wednesday...","content":"Ministry leader Victor Marx is currently leading state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer in the Republican primary for Colorado governor, but the race is still too close to call. \n\n\n\nAfter holding a narrow advantage over Marx on election night and into Wednesday afternoon, Kirkmeyer’s lead evaporated Wednesday evening as more votes were counted. As of 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Marx leads Kirkmeyer by 2,181 votes, according to preliminary results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.\n\n\n\nOf the 507,568 ballots counted, Marx was winning 39.86% of the votes to Kirkmeyer’s 39.43%. Their other opponent, state Rep. Scott Bottoms, was trailing with just under 21% of the vote. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press estimates 93% of ballots have been counted. Arapahoe County, where Kirkmeyer is leading Marx by a 13-percentage-point margin, appeared to have the most votes still left to count, with the AP estimating that 73% of the county’s ballots were in. El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs and is one of Marx’s main strongholds, appeared nearly done counting. Marx held an 8-point-lead over Kirkmeyer in the county. \n\n\n\nIn social media statements Wednesday, Kirkmeyer and Marx said they were focused on curing ballots, which allows voters to fix issues, such as their ballot signature or ID, that may have prevented their vote from being counted. Colorado voters have until July 8 to cure their ballots for the primary. \n\n\n\nThe race could also face an automatic recount if the final margin of victory is close enough. In Colorado, a recount is triggered when the margin is less than or equal to 0.5% of the leading candidate’s vote total. The margin between Marx and Kirkmeyer is currently 1%, just outside the recount threshold, though that could change as more votes are counted. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/victor-marx-pulls-ahead-of-barb-kirkmeyer-in-gop-governor-primary-but-race-is-still-too-close-to-call/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T18:18:29.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02121901%2FMarx-Kirkmeyer-1-1024x744.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"victor-marx-pulls-ahead-of-barb-kirkmeyer-in-gop-governor-primary-but-race-is-still-too-close-to-cal"},{"id":"kn2pxc","title":"Willoughby: A patriotic wartime on July 4","excerpt":"This week, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The contrast in Aspen’s Fourth of July celebrations between 1917 and 1918 surrounding WWI are worth pondering when thinking about celebrating patriotism. \n\n\n\nWWI had been ongoing for over two and a half years before America d...","content":"This week, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The contrast in Aspen’s Fourth of July celebrations between 1917 and 1918 surrounding WWI are worth pondering when thinking about celebrating patriotism. \n\n\n\nWWI had been ongoing for over two and a half years before America declared war against Germany in April 1917, and only a small force arrived late in June, so the 1917 July 4 celebration was not focused on it. The major impact of the war, to that point, was that Aspen’s mines were thriving because the price of lead and zinc had risen. The Smuggler Mine found a great ore body high in lead increasing in quality with depth, so they were about to start a new level, the 19th. \n\n\n\nThe Fourth of July celebration was one of the most popular events of the year. The planners pushed the town’s nickname, Crystal City of the Rockies, and advertised the coming event as the best from Grand Junction to Leadville. They set up a special train to coincide with the events schedule. \n\n\n\nThe day began with the traditional early morning dynamite blasts, known as the salute of the guns, announcing the beginning of festivities, the first being the parade. Business and organization floats entertained a huge crowd. Following that was the open-air concert downtown featuring the Aspen City Band, the Mandoline Club, the Camp Fire Girls and the Aspen Glee Club. \n\n\n\nThe afternoon activities moved to the fairgrounds in the west end for the baseball game, Aspen verses Carbondale, with Aspen prevailing 11 to 9. The newest competitions, however, with large dollar prizes, were the five-mile auto and motorcycle races. \n\n\n\nThe evening events included the fireworks and the Knights of Pythias Ball featuring the local McHugh Orchestra. \n\n\n\nAmerica was well into the war by the time the 1918 Fourth of July celebration was planned. Many locals were in the military, and some were overseas, and the town was focused each day on the war’s details. Planners created a different celebration they felt, because of the war, needed to focus more on patriotism. \n\n\n\nThe beginning, instead of the dynamite blast, was signaled by all churches with bells they labeled liberty bells, ringing them at the same time. The night before, there had been heavy rain that was welcomed because it, “made the city absolutely dustless.”\n\n\n\nAs was normal, the first event was the parade, but with a different focus. Organizations and volunteers created car floats featuring the 19 countries allied in the war — they called it Allied Autos. Each float had young girls dressed in costumes denoting a country. \n\n\n\nInstead of the downtown band concert, the “Big Show” held on Main Street near the Jerome featured patriotic songs, a crowd pledge of allegiance, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a reading of President Woodrow Wilson’s message. \n\n\n\nYou can’t get much more patriotic than having a baseball game, so like the previous year, Aspen played Carbondale and won 11 to 9. In the evening, there was the usual ball featuring the McHugh Orchestra where 150 couples attended, but at the ball there was a special show, the Dance of Nations, where “21 young ladies” performed with each one representing, like in the parade, a different allied country. \n\n\n\nThe 1918 celebration lived up to its planning intent, wartime patriotism prevailed. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/willoughby-a-patriotic-wartime-july-4/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tim Willoughby Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-04T17:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F01162713%2FP-6.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"willoughby-a-patriotic-wartime-on-july-4"},{"id":"2tfbq6","title":"Conservation fund supported by skier donations to support U.S. Forest Service projects in Eagle and Summit counties","excerpt":"A conservation fund supported by donations from skiers who visit some of Colorado’s top mountain resorts is funding restoration projects in the White River National Forest again this year.\n\n\n\nThe National Forest Foundation’s Ski Conservation Fund allows guests visiting six ski resorts plus lodgin...","content":"A conservation fund supported by donations from skiers who visit some of Colorado’s top mountain resorts is funding restoration projects in the White River National Forest again this year.\n\n\n\nThe National Forest Foundation’s Ski Conservation Fund allows guests visiting six ski resorts plus lodging and rental operations to voluntarily donate $1 to $10 when purchasing tickets, season passes, rental equipment, lodging or activity reservations. The nonprofit then adds a 50-cent match to help local forest stewardship projects, according to a news release.\n\n\n\nVail Mountain, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Beaver Run Resort & Spa, Breckenridge Grand Vacations and Fun For You Rentals all participate in the Ski Conservation Fund.\n\n\n\nThis year, the National Forest Foundation has awarded $850,000 to support trail work, youth programs and conservation efforts in Summit and Eagle counties, the release states. The funds include a $700,000 donation from Vail Resorts.\n\n\n\nIn Summit County, the funds will support the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District’s youth and educational programming, a Summit County Mountain Bike Alliance to reconstruct a the Soda Creek Trail near Keystone, Rocky Mountain Youth Corp projects at Meadow Creek and Straight Creek, clearing of up to 500 downed trees in the Eagles Nest Wilderness by the Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, staffing at the Dillon Ranger District and U.S. Forest Service work to create bilingual signage.\n\n\n\nIn Eagle County, the funds will support the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance trail maintenance and education work, the Eagle-Summit Wilderness Alliance’s llama-supported volunteer trips to repair a bridge and restore campsites in the Holy Cross Wilderness Areas, expansion of the Cross Creek trailhead in Miniturn, invasive weed spraying near Gypsum Creek and Cottonwood Pass, renovation of the Tigiwon Community House and a Gore Range Gravity Alliance educational event.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ski-fund-support-u-s-forest-service/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T17:03:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02110036%2Fforestservice-atd-050625-05-2048x1463-1-1024x732.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"conservation-fund-supported-by-skier-donations-to-support-us-forest-service-projects-in-eagle-and-su"},{"id":"lz1084","title":"PHOTOS: Carnival at Rio Grande Park kickstarts Fourth of July weekend in Aspen","excerpt":"Wanting to bring something extra to the table in honor of the country’s 250th birthday, the city of Aspen brought in a carnival to Rio Grande Park on Friday to help kickstart the Fourth of July weekend. The free, community event will continue on Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.\n\n\n\nGuests ride the mer...","content":"Wanting to bring something extra to the table in honor of the country’s 250th birthday, the city of Aspen brought in a carnival to Rio Grande Park on Friday to help kickstart the Fourth of July weekend. The free, community event will continue on Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.\n\n\n\nGuests ride the merry-go-round during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA young girl takes a big sip during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nGuests enjoy the games at a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nGuests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nGuests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nGuests enjoy the slide during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nGuests ride the Ferris Wheel during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-443031-947').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n A kid enjoys the “Tornado,” one of the rides as part of a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the “Tornado” ride as part of a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the view from the top of the Ferris Wheel during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Kids win stuffed animals as prizes during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the “Dizzy Dragons” ride during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the merry-go-round during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the games at a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the slide during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the Ferris Wheel during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the Ferris Wheel during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the merry-go-round during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the Ferris Wheel during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the Ferris Wheel during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the slide during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the Ferris Wheel during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the merry-go-round during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests ride the merry-go-round during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young girl takes a big sip during a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy a special Fourth of July carnival on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-carnival-at-rio-grande-park-kickstarts-fourth-of-july-weekend-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-04T02:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F03180338%2Fcarnival-atd-070326-02-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"photos-carnival-at-rio-grande-park-kickstarts-fourth-of-july-weekend-in-aspen"},{"id":"5q8u7g","title":"Saddle Sore: When things started to get a bit cloudy","excerpt":"Most of us have done it — stuck in a holding pattern over Aspen in the middle of winter. You’ve bounced through rough skies, getting close enough to start thinking about the first thing you’re going to do when the wheels finally touch the runway.\n\n\n\nThen, on the second pass, you catch a glimpse o...","content":"Most of us have done it — stuck in a holding pattern over Aspen in the middle of winter. You’ve bounced through rough skies, getting close enough to start thinking about the first thing you’re going to do when the wheels finally touch the runway.\n\n\n\nThen, on the second pass, you catch a glimpse of the airport far below. It’s a tease. The pilot still can’t see enough to land. After three or four attempts, the announcement comes over the speaker: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re headed back to Denver.”\n\n\n\nFor nearly a decade, we’ve been stuck in a holding pattern over the banner of airport “modernization.” Advisory board members have come and gone. Sensing that a public vote on a wider runway and a new terminal might bring the entire project to a halt, the Board of County Commissioners made a politically astute decision. Rather than asking voters to approve or reject the airport expansion itself, they asked voters to reaffirm the Home Rule Charter, leaving airport decisions in the hands of the commissioners rather than requiring another public vote. That’s when things started to get a bit cloudy. \n\n\n\nWhich brings me to the difficult position our county commissioners have been in for years. The technical questions are well beyond my expertise, so I look at the issue as a concerned citizen trying to make sense of what has happened.\n\n\n\nFrom the beginning, I wondered why the airport “modernization” seemed so rushed. It appeared there were two competing goals: a wider runway and a new terminal. We were told a wider runway would accommodate larger, quieter aircraft. Yet the commercial airlines eventually introduced newer airplanes that were quieter, cleaner and capable of operating safely on the existing runway.\n\n\n\nThat left many of us asking a simple question: If the commercial airlines no longer needed a wider runway, who did?\n\n\n\nThe answer seemed increasingly to be private aviation, a priority that never appeared to generate much enthusiasm among the general public.\n\n\n\nThe terminal, on the other hand, was easier to understand. Most of us have experienced flight delays or cancellations when the existing building became crowded and uncomfortable. A larger terminal made sense.\n\n\n\nThen the discussion became murkier. We were told federal funding for a new terminal depended upon widening the runway, and that without the runway project, Pitkin County would shoulder additional costs, including a new control tower. Suddenly the wider runway, once justified as an operational necessity, seemed equally tied to financing.\n\n\n\nThen, a new wrinkle emerged. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the plans and surmised that the airport “modernization” plan did not meet area growth management plans. Admittedly, the P&Z seemed late to the game, but nonetheless, they did their governmental duty and made their assessment. They didn’t find enough discrepancies to derail the entire project outright, and so the BOCC was left with the option of going ahead. \n\n\n\nThe first design description of the new terminal and area came out, and folks seemed pleased. New terminal — 130,00 square feet, enough in the eyes of most to last us a long while, particularly through those very busy airport days. More parking, more privacy for employee work stations, and six or eight jet ramps, so people didn’t get cold feet getting on or off the planes. We seemed to be at the beginning of agreement on what the whole affair should look like. \n\n\n\nThen the conversation seemed to change yet again. The spacious terminal many people had been shown was no longer the plan. The square footage was dramatically reduced to 30,000 sq. ft. Parking was scaled back from what is already inadequate, the hope being that more people could use alternative transportation, such as the bus. And many of the other conveniences that had helped sell the project appeared to be disappearing. But a tease was left in place; there will be room for a gondola station if a gondola is ever built between Brush Creek and Aspen.\n\n\n\nWhich brings us to today. After years of discussion, revisions, studies and redesigns, the question seems simpler than ever. Are we building an airport that better serves the people of this valley — or merely one that checks enough boxes to move the project forward?\n\n\n\nFor many of us watching from the outside, that’s still the question waiting to be answered. \n\n\n\nTony Vagneur writes here on Saturdays and welcomes your comments at ajv@sopris.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/saddle-sore-when-things-started-to-get-a-bit-cloudy/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tony Vagneur Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tajv@sopris.net","publishDate":"2026-07-04T00:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2022%2F06%2F11060856%2FVagneurTony.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"saddle-sore-when-things-started-to-get-a-bit-cloudy"},{"id":"ed41up","title":"Colorado Hockey Community Mourns Fallen Firefighter Emily Barker","excerpt":"The Vail-area women’s hockey community is reeling from the loss of wildland firefighter Emily Barker, an Eagle resident who played defense for the Downvalley Divas, one of several Eagle County women’s teams.\n\n\n\nThe Vail area is home to one of the country’s most robust women’s hockey communities, ...","content":"The Vail-area women’s hockey community is reeling from the loss of wildland firefighter Emily Barker, an Eagle resident who played defense for the Downvalley Divas, one of several Eagle County women’s teams.\n\n\n\nThe Vail area is home to one of the country’s most robust women’s hockey communities, shaped by women like Barker, 38, who was killed Friday fighting the Snyder Fire on the Colorado-Utah border.\n\n\n\nBarker was one of the league’s best defenders, a role that symbolized her commitment to her teammates, who formed a close-knit group both on and off the ice.\n\n\n\nRemembering Barker this week, friends from the Downvalley Divas shared a lot of tears, but a lot of laughs as well, reminiscing on the decade or so they got to spend with Barker playing hockey here in Eagle County.\n\n\n\nNatural leader\n\n\n\nWhen Barker arrived in Eagle County from Summit County in 2014, she moved in with Eagle resident Sarah Brubeck, who had taken out a classified ad for a roommate. The two immediately bonded over hockey.\n\n\n\n“When she was moving in, she had a hockey bag,” Brubeck said. “I said ‘we play on a hockey team, do you want to come and check it out?’ So she came and it very quickly became her second family.”\n\n\n\nEmily Barker, right, with friend and teammate Sarah Brubeck.Courtesy image\n\n\n\nBarker had moved to Colorado from Michigan, where she was born and raised and attended college, studying ski area management, snow science and fire science. She found a career as a snowmaker at Vail Resorts, where she rose through the ranks to become the resort’s first female crew leader in snowmaking. She then turned to wildland firefighting in the summers, where she spent many years working as a BLM engine captain stationed out of Dubois, Idaho.\n\n\n\n“She had a subtle confidence, and an ability to lead, and I think that came from the fact that she cared about people,” Brubeck said. “She was always looking out for people and what they needed.”\n\n\n\nIn between her career roles, she dedicated the remainder of her time to passions like snowmobiling and dirt biking, and to her friends and teammates on the Downvalley Divas. Team captain Erin Jarvis said Barker stood out in an environment where extraordinary women are the norm.\n\n\n\n“I don’t know how she would manage her schedule,” Jarvis said. “She would come to practice on a Friday night, and then go do her overnight snowmaking.”\n\n\n\nThe hockey season starts in October each year, and oftentimes Barker was still on active fire duty during the first few games.\n\n\n\n“She would figure it out and drive in from Idaho just in time for our first game,” Jarvis said.\n\n\n\nThe Downvalley Divas women’s hockey team.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOne of Barker’s closest friends on the team was fellow defender Kat Ruark, who grew up in Eagle County but met Barker at a hockey tournament in Nevada.\n\n\n\n“I was put on a d-line with Emily that weekend, and she became my favorite defensive partner of all time,” Ruark said. “A few years later, I moved back to Eagle County and joined the team that she was on, and we were paired up a lot — she was No. 12, and I’m No. 11. The two of us would have fun and giggle and she always had good little one-liners for the other team when they were in the crease, challenging our goalie.”\n\n\n\nRuark said at a tournament in Breckenridge Barker broke her glasses at one of the games, so she taped them together and added a mustache and furry eyebrows, playing “in disguise” for the rest of the game.\n\n\n\n‘More like sisters’\n\n\n\nThe team was close off the ice, as well, traveling together and being there for each other during special moments — “job changes, breakups and different life events that we experience together,” as Brubeck described it. “We became more like sisters.”\n\n\n\nA few years ago, the group planned a team trip to Honduras to enjoy a vacation in the sun. Barker was flying in from Idaho a couple hours ahead of the rest of the team, which was coming in from Colorado. \n\n\n\n“Her plane ended up landing heavy and broke the tarmac, and all of us got rerouted, so it became a running joke that Emily broke the tarmac and shut down an entire airport,” Jarvis said. “She was sending us pictures the whole time of her having a cocktail by the pool saying ‘got the whole place to myself!'”\n\n\n\nEmily Barker, lower right, with Kat Ruark, left. Behind them, from left, are Downvalley Divas teammates Gus Turner,\nCappie Green\n and Erin Jarvis.Courtesy image\n\n\n\nBack home, Brubeck said Barker would often watch firefighting documentaries in her free time. Brubeck said Barker was well studied on the details of the Storm King incident and Colorado’s terrible history of wildland firefighting deaths.\n\n\n\n“She was very picky about which documentary she would watch, anything that was slightly inaccurate she wasn’t into,” Brubeck said.\n\n\n\nRuark said she didn’t realize how extensive Barker’s career had been until Barker began working on a transfer from Idaho to Colorado, and they started working on her resume together. \n\n\n\n“It was stressful for her, so she came over to my house, we had a glass of wine and sat down on the couch, and she got out her calendar,” Ruark said. “I started writing down all that she had done. She had years and years and years of experience on so many different fires.”\n\n\n\nRuark’s career is connected to wildland firefighting, as well, as she works for a nonprofit that helps distribute funds for wildfire mitigation and restoration. She took a class recently about community wildfire mitigation best practices in Glenwood Springs. “I met two firefighters from Idaho who had worked with Emily,” she said.\n\n\n\nWhile Ruark said Barker was deeply knowledgeable about the science of wildfire, it was the adrenaline of the job that kept her returning each summer, never knowing how many nights she would spend in a sleeping bag on the fire line.\n\n\n\nEmily Barker, left, with Downvalley Divas teammate Laura Foster.Courtesy image\n\n\n\nBrubeck said the adrenaline rush was what also attracted Barker to her passions — hockey, snowmobiling and dirt biking — and the same went for her other career in snowmaking, as well. The early morning hours out on the mountain working amid the loud noise, the pressurized water lines creating the intense spray out of the gun — it’s an exciting job, despite its difficult nature.\n\n\n\nBut it also takes a toll, and Brubeck said in recent years Barker had stepped away from it.\n\n\n\n“She worked such hard shifts, in both of her lives — she would work all night long, all winter long snowmaking, and then she would go to fire, and had these long, two-week stints fighting fire, and I think both jobs kind of burned her out a little bit,” Brubeck said.\n\n\n\nBarker pivoted to working in retail at the North Face and Patagonia stores in Vail, and — after a few late night sessions working on her resume with Ruark — she got a job with the U.S. Forest Service’s Rifle Helitack crew, based in Rifle, which she hoped would cut down on the travel across the West.\n\n\n\nWith the extra time, she was able to commit to her friends in an even deeper way.\n\n\n\n“She house sat for me when I was on vacation in November,” Brubeck said, “and when I came home she had stocked the fridge, cleaned the house and made fresh banana bread.”\n\n\n\nAnd in that commitment to her friends, Barker seemed to know exactly when to be there, Brubeck said.\n\n\n\n“She has shown up at more than one appointment when one of us had to put our dogs down,” Brubeck said. “She was always there when we needed a friend.”\n\n\n\nWhen Barker was traveling, Ruark said she and her dog, Gordie, could always count on receiving a postcard.\n\n\n\n“At the end of every one, she’d write ‘give Gordie a scratch behind the ear for me,’ or ‘rub Gordie’s belly for me,'” Ruark said. “So now I’m reading those postcards and giving him one more scratch, from Emily.”\n\n\n\nA memorial fund has been set up for Barker’s family at gofundme.com/f/support-for-travel-after-wildfire-heros-loss.\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from vaildaily.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/vail-area-womens-hockey-community-mourns-loss-of-emily-barker/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T16:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F02103817%2Fimage000000-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-hockey-community-mourns-fallen-firefighter-emily-barker"},{"id":"1bvg0k","title":"Artistic director of Vail Dance Festival and others discuss: what will music sound like in 250 years?","excerpt":"Damian Woetzel, artistic director of Vail Dance Festival, spoke on a panel at Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29, along with Charles Yang and Caroline Shaw, about music — and what it might sound like in 250 years, in alignment with Aspen Ideas’ theme: Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and ...","content":"Damian Woetzel, artistic director of Vail Dance Festival, spoke on a panel at Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29, along with Charles Yang and Caroline Shaw, about music — and what it might sound like in 250 years, in alignment with Aspen Ideas’ theme: Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and Future.\n\n\n\nWhile Woetzel celebrates his 20th year as Vail Dance Festival’s artistic director, both Yang and Shaw are no strangers in Vail; both have been major presences at Bravo! Vail Music Festival and Vail Dance Festival. Shaw is a Pulitzer prize-winning composer, violinist and vocalist, and Yang is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, composer and vocalist.\n\n\n\nAs a way of answering what music might evolve into by the year 2276, the three artists took a look back at music.\n\n\n\nBoth Yang and Shaw grew up highly influenced by classical music within their families. Yang’s parents are immigrants from China, so traditional Chinese music also shaped him. Of course, the two accomplished artists eventually found inroads into music through popular genres, from classic rock and blues. Yet, both perform from a place of love for classical music.\n\n\n\nShaw said that something within classical music turned her heart in a way that she continues to search for — and capture again. She approaches her compositions by “making new doors and windows out of the old material.”\n\n\n\nFrom left, violinist and composer Caroline Shaw plays, while Vail Dance Festival artistic director Damian Woetzel, along with professional dancers Michelle Dorrance, and Bobbi Jene Smith perform their work “After All This Time” in NOW Premieres at the 2025 Vail Dance Festival. Shaw and Woetzel were at the Aspen Ideas Festival in June in Aspen along with violinist Charles Yang discussing the future of music. Shaw and Woetzel will be back in Vail for the Vail Dance Festival July 31-Aug. 10.Christopher Duggan/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOf course, the visual arts, including dance, as well as theater, influence music in very tangible ways. Yang noted that dance steps are vastly different from how Bach wrote on the page, but “it all comes together,” he said.\n\n\n\n“The context always matters,” Woetzel said.\n\n\n\nYet what remains the same is heartfelt innovation and curiosity. Shaw says she strives to create music that has always existed but has never been composed. She “goes internal and imagines a sound” that “needs to happen,” one that hasn’t been constructed before yet feels inevitable and necessary. She pointed out that humans began imitating sounds around them in efforts to express themselves and their ideas.\n\n\n\n“It’s this idea of: ‘If the moon was a sound, what might that be?'” she said.\n\n\n\nYang and Shaw shared an improvisational, nonverbal music conversation on stage June 29. They also enlisted the audience to sing “awwww,” which Shaw efficiently coached the collective to shift from sounding like moaning to sounding truly robust and revitalizing. After the experience, she described a sense of delight and joy, as well as a gentle respect for one another, rather than one-upmanship. Yang described it as a call-and-response effect that built.\n\n\n\n“There’s so much inside that sense of sound,” Woetzel said.\n\n\n\nOf course, discovering new music involves collaboration. For instance, when Shaw composed music for Lil Buck to dance to, she asked what Memphis sounded like to him. Then, together, they emerged with something fresh that hadn’t previously existed.\n\n\n\nAs the trio dreamed up what music might be in 2276, Yang said: “We’re not even sure what kind of people we’ll be … (but) the music will grow with that.”\n\n\n\n“What it will be is this function of conversation … not an isolated experience,” Woetzel said, adding that it starts one on one and then evolves together.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/artistic-director-of-vail-dance-festival-and-others-discuss-what-will-music-sound-like-in-250-years/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tknicoletti@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-04T19:34:35.000Z","category":"local","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F02130530%2FMusic250-VDN-07042-1-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"artistic-director-of-vail-dance-festival-and-others-discuss-what-will-music-sound-like-in-250-years"},{"id":"e0ehv9","title":"Aspen Acres fire grows to 87,000 acres as firefighting force expands on Fourth of July holiday","excerpt":"The fire southwest of Pueblo is now the 8th largest fire by acreage in Colorado history. Snyder fire on Western Slope is 95% contained, as other fires see modest growth.","content":"The fire southwest of Pueblo is now the 8th largest fire by acreage in Colorado history. Snyder fire on Western Slope is 95% contained, as other fires see modest growth.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/04/colorado-wildfires-update-saturday-evacuations/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Lance Benzel","publishDate":"2026-07-04T15:31:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":45,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Rye_Night_01.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C533%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-acres-fire-grows-to-87000-acres-as-firefighting-force-expands-on-fourth-of-july-holiday"},{"id":"t9h4lu","title":"Sights from Aspen’s Independence Day celebration","excerpt":"Olympian Alex Ferreira led old-fashioned Fourth of July parade across town","content":"Olympian Alex Ferreira led old-fashioned Fourth of July parade across town","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/sights-from-aspen-s-independence-day-celebration/article_057791fb-39da-4338-93f8-356c0f450bf2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Cedar Connell, Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F8a%2Fc8ab5e3e-12c4-4e88-aed1-a08b5b8c4386%2F6a49d9b2928f7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"sights-from-aspens-independence-day-celebration"},{"id":"7fl3bv","title":"Local leaders reflect on 250 years of democracy","excerpt":"Electeds put the legacy of the Declaration of the Independence in their own words","content":"Electeds put the legacy of the Declaration of the Independence in their own words","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-leaders-reflect-on-250-years-of-democracy/article_4e231eb4-618b-44e1-9617-d8250d526b9c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-05T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F2d%2F82d378a7-20d0-4979-af28-4e8a84979cfc%2F6a49db8cc8474.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"local-leaders-reflect-on-250-years-of-democracy"},{"id":"d6osw3","title":"P3 260704_4th of July Parade_JC (12 of 13).jpg","excerpt":"Parade floats travel down Galena Street during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen, greeting what was estimated to be tens of thousands of people.","content":"Parade floats travel down Galena Street during Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Aspen, greeting what was estimated to be tens of thousands of people.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/p3-260704-4th-of-july-parade-jc-12-of-13-jpg/image_c8ab5e3e-12c4-4e88-aed1-a08b5b8c4386.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F8a%2Fc8ab5e3e-12c4-4e88-aed1-a08b5b8c4386%2F6a49d9b2928f7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"p3-2607044th-of-july-paradejc-12-of-13jpg"},{"id":"99qea9","title":"COVER 260703_4th of July Parade_JC (2 of 3).jpg","excerpt":"A vintage Aspen Fire Protection District truck cruises down Main Street in Aspen’s Fourth of July parade on Saturday.","content":"A vintage Aspen Fire Protection District truck cruises down Main Street in Aspen’s Fourth of July parade on Saturday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cover-260703-4th-of-july-parade-jc-2-of-3-jpg/image_8d13371b-ec95-4495-8eb1-d6b435fe7aa0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2Fd1%2F8d13371b-ec95-4495-8eb1-d6b435fe7aa0%2F6a49d9a908adc.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C450","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"cover-2607034th-of-july-paradejc-2-of-3jpg"},{"id":"yyi06g","title":"INSIDE1 260704_4th of July Parade_JC (8 of 13).jpg","excerpt":"The Blazing Adventures float grills hot dogs before passing them out to the crowd during the parade.","content":"The Blazing Adventures float grills hot dogs before passing them out to the crowd during the parade.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/inside1-260704-4th-of-july-parade-jc-8-of-13-jpg/image_73fb676c-1ddf-4b6f-bead-b4a665cf89a2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F3f%2F73fb676c-1ddf-4b6f-bead-b4a665cf89a2%2F6a49d9ab086c5.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"inside1-2607044th-of-july-paradejc-8-of-13jpg"},{"id":"jd08xy","title":"INSIDE2 260704_Ferreira_RA.jpg","excerpt":"Olympic freeski halfpipe gold medalist Alex Ferreira, center, served as the grand marshal in the Fourth of July parade in Aspen on Saturday.","content":"Olympic freeski halfpipe gold medalist Alex Ferreira, center, served as the grand marshal in the Fourth of July parade in Aspen on Saturday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/inside2-260704-ferreira-ra-jpg/image_028ffd7e-3778-4fa5-8810-cf27f21ac049.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2F28%2F028ffd7e-3778-4fa5-8810-cf27f21ac049%2F6a49d9abe1d9a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C450","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"inside2-260704ferreirarajpg"},{"id":"71hf6u","title":"INSIDE3 260704_BANDALOOP_JC (1 of 2).jpg","excerpt":"Vertical dance company Bandaloop performs dangling from the Wheeler Opera House on Saturday.","content":"Vertical dance company Bandaloop performs dangling from the Wheeler Opera House on Saturday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/inside3-260704-bandaloop-jc-1-of-2-jpg/image_7a4387e0-9e16-43b2-92b7-d3e718cd6853.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2Fa4%2F7a4387e0-9e16-43b2-92b7-d3e718cd6853%2F6a49d9ad9f6e7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"inside3-260704bandaloopjc-1-of-2jpg"},{"id":"bwlp7g","title":"INSIDE4 260703_4th of July Carnival_JC (2 of 2).jpg","excerpt":"Murphy McBride tosses a bag at balloons to win a prize at the carnival in Wagner Park on Friday afternoon.","content":"Murphy McBride tosses a bag at balloons to win a prize at the carnival in Wagner Park on Friday afternoon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/inside4-260703-4th-of-july-carnival-jc-2-of-2-jpg/image_941a8ab4-ac57-4341-ae6a-e3d0b1d93e8d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2F41%2F941a8ab4-ac57-4341-ae6a-e3d0b1d93e8d%2F6a49d9aed9063.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"inside4-2607034th-of-july-carnivaljc-2-of-2jpg"},{"id":"ep79ya","title":"INSIDE5 260703_The Record Company_JC (2 of 2).jpg","excerpt":"The Record Company performs a free community concert in Wagner Park on Friday night, part of Aspen’s Fourth of July celebration. The concert was produced by Belly Up.","content":"The Record Company performs a free community concert in Wagner Park on Friday night, part of Aspen’s Fourth of July celebration. The concert was produced by Belly Up.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/inside5-260703-the-record-company-jc-2-of-2-jpg/image_ad791e80-2879-42b9-9b78-fabc1799ca30.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2Fd7%2Fad791e80-2879-42b9-9b78-fabc1799ca30%2F6a49d9afec384.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"inside5-260703the-record-companyjc-2-of-2jpg"},{"id":"96v2xt","title":"INSIDE6 260704_Hercules_RA.jpg","excerpt":"Parade-goers watch an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules head off to its next destination after performing a flyover ahead of the Fourth of July parade in Aspen on Saturday. The plane was also scheduled to pass over Vail, Granby, Crested…","content":"Parade-goers watch an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules head off to its next destination after performing a flyover ahead of the Fourth of July parade in Aspen on Saturday. The plane was also scheduled to pass over Vail, Granby, Crested…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/inside6-260704-hercules-ra-jpg/image_7bb49788-2405-47c1-9c81-bb9063fdb6df.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2Fbb%2F7bb49788-2405-47c1-9c81-bb9063fdb6df%2F6a49d9b12422c.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C450","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"inside6-260704herculesrajpg"},{"id":"1718vb","title":"Rare superbloom commemorates Aspen’s July 4 history of Independence","excerpt":"As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary in tandem with Colorado celebrating its 150th anniversary, Aspen is celebrating its own patriotic anniversary this July 4 when, as legend has it, gold was struck at what is now the Ghost Town of Independence.\n\n\n\nAnd commemorating the extra special holi...","content":"As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary in tandem with Colorado celebrating its 150th anniversary, Aspen is celebrating its own patriotic anniversary this July 4 when, as legend has it, gold was struck at what is now the Ghost Town of Independence.\n\n\n\nAnd commemorating the extra special holiday is a superbloom of Green Gentian, also appropriately known as the Monument Plant, visible particularly around the old mill site.\n\n\n\n“What’s special about that is we’re in a serious drought and we’re still being treated to this really special sight,” Independence Pass Foundation Executive Director Karin Teague said. “It just feels like this gift that in this drought and smoke-filled summer, we’re being treated to this beautiful show.”\n\n\n\nThe appropriateness of the superbloom at Independence symbolizes the vibrant and enduring history that lives on there to this day. Before there was Aspen, the tiny camp at Independence was the first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley, according to the Aspen Historical Society. There, a prospector named Billy Belden discovered what was known as the Independence Gold Lode on July 4, 1879.\n\n\n\nThe Independence Pass Foundation’s website confirms that the camp, which has previously been known as Farwell, Chipeta and Sparkhill, among other names, became Independence in honor of the discovery on the nation’s birthday. The pass, which had been known as Hunter, also took the new name of Independence.\n\n\n\n“Once gold and then silver were discovered at the Independence town site, it then became apparent those mountains had ore, and that’s really what led to movement into the Aspen area and the founding of our town,” Teague said. “It was … just such serendipity with our history and the nation’s history.”\n\n\n\nAn interpretive sign at the ghost town site reads, “by the summer of 1880, residents were constructing log cabins and opening businesses to serve the new mining camp.”\n\n\n\nThe main thoroughfare was Aspen Avenue.\n\n\n\nIn 1880, there were 300 people living in the camp, which boomed to 1,000 people by 1882. According to the Aspen Historical Society, Kit Carson even ran a stage route from Leadville to Aspen using the town of Independence as a stage station.\n\n\n\nOne b/w photograph of several old cabins at the Ghost Town of Independence, 1950.Aspen Historical Society/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThere were over 40 businesses that included three post offices, four grocery stores, boarding houses and three saloons. During its mining operations, $190,000 of gold was produced.\n\n\n\nBut the Aspen Historical Society confirms that the boom busted quickly.\n\n\n\n“The local gold veins were only shallow deposits that were quickly exhausted … by June 1882 the mines and the mill were closed,” the interpretive sign reads. \n\n\n\nOne b/w photograph looking down Aspen Avenue (Main Street) of the Ghost Town of Independence. In the foreground of the photograph on the right side of the street is a cabin with walls still standing which can be seen from the side. Along the same side is a row of collapsed structures. On the left side of the road is a single structure which has at least three walls still standing but no roof. In the background of the photograph there are two standing cabins standing parallel to each other. The cabin on the left has a partial roof still intact while the right cabin appears to have wood still attached to the roof. Published in the Aspen Times July 3, 1980, on page 1-b.Aspen Historical Society/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAspen then became the focus with its successful silver mining, and Independence became the ghost town it is today. By 1888, Aspen had grown to 7,000 residents, with fewer than 100 residents remaining at Independence. \n\n\n\n“Over the following decades, Independence miners searched for another mother lode, but never found additional gold deposits,” the interpretive sign reads. “The end for the town finally came in the winter of 1899, when record snowfall blanketed Colorado.”\n\n\n\nWith supply routes cut off due to snow, food ran out. Independence residents had to use long planks of wood to make 75 pairs of skis, according to the Aspen Historical Society, “escaping en masse to Aspen.”\n\n\n\nIt adds, “They made light of their adventure by making it a ski race — entry fee: one ham sandwich.”\n\n\n\nFor those driving up there this weekend, Teague encourages everyone to think back on the true grit and resilience of those who created the foundation out of which Aspen grew.\n\n\n\n“Right now, we’re having an unseasonably warm summer, and it will probably be quite pleasant to walk around the town at this time,” Teague said. “People should remember that, at its height, the town of Independence was lived in year-round, including in the winter, back in the day when winters were much more brutal than they are now. Just imagine living in wooden shelters, relying on firewood to keep you warm in the heart of a dark, cold, long winter with snow piling up all around — it was a harsh place, and the folks who lived there were unbelievably tough.”\n\n\n\nThe Ghost Town of Independence on Friday, July 3, 2026.River Stingray/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nTeague also reiterated to keep an eye out for the Green Gentian, especially on the western, or lower, portion of the town site, particularly where the old mill stands. According to the University of Colorado, Boulder, these plants live for decades but only flower once in their lifetime before dying.\n\n\n\nGreen Gentian.The Aspen Times archives\n\n\n\n“Don’t miss it,” Teague said.\n\n\n\nShe also expressed gratitude to the Aspen Historical Society for keeping the Independence town site taken care of and accessible to the public.\n\n\n\n“Aspen Historical Society has done an amazing job with renovation and taking care of this site,” she said. “It’s such a gift to all of us, to our community, to visitors, to have that history on view, cared for so beautifully.”\n\n\n\nThe Ghost Town of Independence is on the National Register of Historic Places and still serves as a reminder of the area’s rich history and ties to the patriotism of the American dream, although both Teague and the Aspen Historical Society also acknowledge the ones who came before the miners — the Ute People, or Nuche, were the original users of the land for hundreds of years before prospectors came into the area.\n\n\n\n“That, too, is part of our history and the story,” Teague said. “What became opportunity for miners and white settlers became a loss for the folks before.”\n\n\n\nIndependence ghost town is located at approximately 10,900 feet up Highway 82, between Aspen and the top of Independence Pass.\n\n\n\nFor everyone recreating on the landscape this weekend, practicing Leave No Trace and remembering that Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect are critical.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/rare-superbloom-commemorates-aspens-july-4-history-of-independence/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T23:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F03161753%2FIMG_8662-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"rare-superbloom-commemorates-aspens-july-4-history-of-independence"},{"id":"4e3pbb","title":"Aspen’s newest officer follows in father’s footsteps","excerpt":"The Aspen Police Department now has a father-son duo following the recent swearing in of three new officers at an Aspen City Council meeting at the end of May.\n\n\n\nThe new inductees included Officers Berta Rivera, Tatum Hunsader and Trey Fabrocini. With his swearing in, Trey has the opportunity to...","content":"The Aspen Police Department now has a father-son duo following the recent swearing in of three new officers at an Aspen City Council meeting at the end of May.\n\n\n\nThe new inductees included Officers Berta Rivera, Tatum Hunsader and Trey Fabrocini. With his swearing in, Trey has the opportunity to work alongside his father, Sergeant Rob Fabrocini, an Aspen Police Department veteran of 32 years.\n\n\n\n“It feels really good to have a family member alongside,” Rob said. “This community means a lot to us, and there’s a lot of really good people here. Aspen is a really special place, and to be able to be a police officer here is pretty cool.” \n\n\n\nWith a background in law enforcement that goes back to when he was 19 in Connecticut, he came to Aspen to be a ski bum before realizing he’d need to get what he called “a real job” to stay here. But with a background in SWAT and tactical experience, he said the Aspen police chief at the time was hesitant to hire him as an officer.\n\n\n\n“He said, if you work one summer for the parking department, and we have no complaints on you, I’ll hire you as a police officer,” Rob said. “So for one summer, I worked as a parking meter officer. At the end of the summer, he called me and said ‘Hey, I told you if you didn’t have any problems, I’d hire you,’ and now I’ve got over 32 years with Aspen.”\n\n\n\nDespite growing up around law enforcement, Trey didn’t initially have plans to follow in his father’s footsteps. After attending college in Ohio with a brief stint playing professional football, he began a career in finance but found a 9-to-5 desk job wasn’t for him. Every summerm he would come back to Aspen as a personal trainer but ultimately ended up applying for the Aspen Police Department like his dad.\n\n\n\n“I wanted to be on my feet and involved in the community more and give back to the community that gave me so much. So I went through the hiring process — it took about six months or so — then I went to the Academy this January, and now I’m in my second month on the force,” he said. \n\n\n\nHe added, “It’s great, I love it. I’m going to be working nights on the Fourth of July, so I’ll get a really good grasp of things then. It’s always steady, and there’s always something to do. We have a great group of officers here, sergeants (and) command staff — it’s been nothing but super welcoming. It also helps that I’ve grown up around a lot of them.”\n\n\n\nHaving a father and son in the same department does present some unique dynamics and, per policy, the two generally aren’t scheduled to work together to prevent any conflicts of interest. \n\n\n\n“We’re on the same shift now, but with a corporal,” Rob noted. “For example … last night, somebody called, asking about a ticket he (Trey) had issued and wanted to speak with a sergeant. So I assigned it to the corporal to avoid that conflict of interest.”\n\n\n\nOn what the two have learned from each other in their short time on the force together, Trey emphasized the importance of being able to draw on his father’s experience. \n\n\n\n“He’s been doing this for a while; he’s the veteran and knows how things go and how they should be. I just went through the Academy, so I got a refresher on statutes and policies, so we build off each other,” Trey said. “He’s working a lot with municipal code right now, whereas I’m base entry, so I’m out in the field as much as possible, doing a lot of the ground work. It’s been great to learn. Everyone here has their own specialties. So taking bits and pieces from each person has been a huge help.”\n\n\n\nRob reiterated that the benefits work both ways, and that he’s been able to draw on his son’s knowledge fresh from the Academy. \n\n\n\n“Us older guys lean on the newer guys that have all the statutes fresh because they’ve just been studying, studying, studying … so it’s nice having a walking encyclopedia,” Rob said. “And he’ll lean on us heavily for procedures, so it’s a good balance.” \n\n\n\nTrey added that everyone has recognized him from his last name, and the added support from the community and from his dad have been helpful in his work.\n\n\n\n“It just feels like someone else has your back now,” Rob agreed. “We’re family, but now we’re blue bloods together. It’s something special.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspens-newest-officer-follows-in-fathers-footsteps/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Anthony Prochaska Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-03T23:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02164145%2FDSC00692-1024x683.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspens-newest-officer-follows-in-fathers-footsteps"},{"id":"o6rbzk","title":"Outfitted: From souks to sidewalk cafés — gear I’d pack again","excerpt":"The real test of travel gear is whether you’re still happy you packed it after the fifth hotel, third airport sprint and a record-breaking Marrakesh heat wave. The cute dress that seemed necessary at home becomes dead weight by day three, the “just in case” item never leaves the bag and the piece...","content":"The real test of travel gear is whether you’re still happy you packed it after the fifth hotel, third airport sprint and a record-breaking Marrakesh heat wave. The cute dress that seemed necessary at home becomes dead weight by day three, the “just in case” item never leaves the bag and the pieces you actually use become sacred daily comforts. After recent trips to Morocco and Portugal, I developed a much clearer sense of what makes travel gear worth it: smart organization, easy movement, breathable fabrics, no-fuss hydration and shoes that don’t make you regret your life choices halfway through a town square full of cobras and their charmers. Here are several recent favorites that have earned their keep.\n\n\n\n1. Royal Robbins Women’s Spotless Traveler Tank Dress\n\n\n\nRoyal Robbins Women’s Spotless Traveler Tank Dress.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA travel dress needs to do a lot without acting like it’s doing a lot. The Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Tank Dress is lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, stretchy and wrinkle-resistant, with stain-release technology and UPF 40+ sun protection. That combination is exactly why it works for intensely packed travel plans, where a day can start with sightseeing, turn into a long lunch and end with a hill climb back to the hotel followed by a dinner where you hope you don’t look completely wilted. The tank silhouette is easy in hot weather, but it also layers well with a light jacket or button-down. Available in multiple colors. $115, RoyalRobbins.com.\n\n\n\n2. Kizik Monaco\n\n\n\nKizik Monaco.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Kizik Monaco is the shoe I have loved during every airport security line, hotel hallway and quick “let’s just see over there” moment that turned into a four-mile hike. Kizik’s whole thing is hands-free entry, and the Monaco uses its Flex Arc technology so you can step in without crushing the heel or bending down. That might not sound like a big deal until you’re toppling over from the weight of your backpack while trying to quickly change out of your flip-flops into sturdy shoes for a medina tour or an afternoon excursion on uneven cobblestone streets. The style is a retro-inspired sneaker with a full rubber outsole, so it looks polished enough for city exploring but still feels casual and walkable. I find that Kiziks run slightly large, so consider sizing down a half size. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and multiple colors. $150, Kizik.com.\n\n\n\n3. Case Star Spangled Series Embellished Smooth Natural Bone Medium Stockman\n\n\n\nCase Star Spangled Series Embellished Smooth Natural Bone Medium Stockman.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA classic pocketknife is one of those old-school travel and everyday-carry pieces that still earns its keep, especially on road trips, camp weekends and family visits where someone always needs a tag cut, a package opened or a snack situation managed. This Case Medium Stockman has three blades — clip, sheepfoot and spey — with Tru-Sharp stainless steel and a smooth natural bone handle with a patriotic finish. It measures about 3.63 inches closed and weighs 2.6 ounces, so it feels substantial without taking over a pocket. It is not something to toss in a carry-on, obviously, but for checked bags, road trips and home-to-campsite travel, it has that useful, heirloom-adjacent quality that makes a simple tool feel special. $166, CaseKnives.com.\n\n\n\n4. Owala FreeSip 32 oz.\n\n\n\nOwala FreeSip 32 oz.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nI have become annoyingly loyal to this bottle. The Owala FreeSip is insulated stainless steel with a leakproof lid, triple-layer insulation and the brand’s signature FreeSip spout, which lets you sip through the built-in straw or tilt it back and swig. That sounds overly engineered until you’re walking all day, riding in a van, sitting on a plane or trying to hydrate without buying another overpriced bottle of water in the airport. The 32-ounce size hits the sweet spot: big enough that you aren’t constantly refilling, but not so enormous that it feels like a small household appliance. The carry loop also doubles as a lock, which is exactly the kind of small detail that matters when your bottle is rolling around in a travel backpack. Available in multiple colors. $35, OwalaLife.com.\n\n\n\n5. Calpak Colette Lay-Flat Canvas Toiletry Bag\n\n\n\nCalpak Colette Lay-Flat Canvas Toiletry Bag.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA good toiletry bag should not make you unpack your entire personality onto a hotel sink. The Calpak Colette Lay-Flat Canvas Toiletry Bag opens flat, which makes it easier to see makeup, skin care, chargers, medicine and the dozen tiny things that somehow become essential when you’re away from home. The canvas exterior gives it a polished look, while the lay-flat design keeps it practical for small bathrooms, shared spaces and those charming European hotel counters that are approximately the size of a paperback book. I especially like this for trips with multiple lodging changes because it keeps the daily essentials contained without turning into a black hole. It’s the kind of organizer that makes you feel like you have your life together, even if you’re drying socks over a chair and wondering where you put your adapter. Available in multiple colors. $128, CalpakTravel.com.\n\n\n\n6. Dakine Split Roller Bag 110L\n\n\n\nDakine Split Roller Bag 110.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThis is not the bag for minimalist travel. This is the bag for the person bringing options, camera gear, hiking layers, souvenirs and maybe one dress that may or may not see daylight. The Dakine Split Roller 110L has serious capacity, but the split-level design keeps it organized, with divided compartments and mesh sections for separating clean from dirty, shoes from clothes and “things I need tonight” from “things I hope I don’t need but absolutely brought.” One of its best features is that you can cinch it down when it’s not completely full, making it more versatile than a giant roller. I appreciated this kind of layout in Morocco, where a trip can include desert dust, city clothes, hiking pieces and items you bought because, apparently, restraint does not exist in a souk. Careful, though: This one is easy to overpack beyond the weight limit. Available in multiple colors. $318, Dakine.com.\n\n\n\n7. Onno Bamboo T-shirt\n\n\n\nOnno Bamboo T-shirt.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA soft T-shirt becomes weirdly important when you’re traveling somewhere warm, walking a lot and trying to avoid looking like you’ve been wearing the same thing for three days, even if you absolutely have. Onno’s bamboo T-shirt is made from 70% viscose from organic bamboo and 30% organic cotton, giving it a soft, breathable feel with enough drape to look nicer than a basic tee. This is the kind of shirt I want for travel days, hot city walks and casual dinners when changing into something “real” sounds overly ambitious. It layers easily, packs small and feels good against skin after a long day in the sun. Wash cold and tumble dry low to help prevent shrinkage. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and multiple colors. $54, Onno.com.\n\n\n\nMeg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/outfitted-from-souks-to-sidewalk-cafes-gear-id-pack-again/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Meg Simon Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmeg@simonfinchcreative.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T22:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02070555%2FOutfitted_7_5_26_image_collage-1024x832.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"outfitted-from-souks-to-sidewalk-cafs-gear-id-pack-again"},{"id":"1ffphh","title":"Free entrance offered to Rocky Mountain National Park","excerpt":"Rocky Mountain National Park will join other parks around the nation this week by offering free entrance July 3-5. \n\n\n\nBeginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for American citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fee...","content":"Rocky Mountain National Park will join other parks around the nation this week by offering free entrance July 3-5. \n\n\n\nBeginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for American citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees, the National Park Service website states. \n\n\n\nBeginning on Jan. 1, foreign tourists are required to pay an additional $100 fee to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, according to apolicy announced by President Donald Trump’s administration.\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Free entrance days at national parks\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFebruary 16: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)\nMay 25: Memorial Day\nJune 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday\nJuly 3–5: Independence Day weekend\nAugust 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service\nSeptember 17: Constitution Day\nOctober 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday\nNovember 11: Veterans Day\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\nAt least 80 percent of the money from entrance fees stays in the park where it was collected. The following projects have been completed in Rocky Mountain National Park using park entrance fees, according the the park service:\n\n\n\n\nVault toilet replacement: A new vault toilet facility has been installed near the Bierstadt Lake Parking Area and Trailhead. This new building replaces an old vault toilet building that had outlived its service life.\n\n\n\nHazard tree mitigation: The park is among many areas along the Rocky Mountains where trees have been dying from a beetle epidemic. Recreation fee monies have funded extensive mitigation of hazard trees in or near developed areas and other popular park facilities, such as campgrounds, parking lots, road corridors, housing areas and visitor centers.\n\n\n\nHiking trail repairs: Many hiking trail repair projects have been funded by recreation fee monies, such as repairing washed out sections of trail, the installation of bridges, and the installation of vault toilets at heavily used trailheads.\n\n\n\nWilderness campsites improvements: Rocky Mountain National Parks wilderness campsites are used by thousands of backcountry campers each year. Recreation fee monies help fund the maintenance of these cherished campsites.\n\n\n\nBear management: Park entrance and campground fees help keep bears wild at Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks in part to fee dollars collected over the past 20 years, 100% of the park’s garbage cans, recycling bins, and dumpsters are now bear-resistant. The park has also gone from 0 food storage lockers to 352. Recreation fees also help support visitor education programs focused on black bears.\n\n\n\nRestoration of historic rock walls along Trail Ridge Road: The historic rock walls along Trail Ridge Road provide for visitor safety and a visually pleasant drive. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, recreation fee program funding allows for damaged sections of these rock walls to be restored by Rocky Mountain National Park staff who specialize in rock work.\n\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from skyhinews.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/free-entrance-offered-to-rocky-mountain-national-park/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Sean McAlindin Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsmcalindin@skyhinews.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T22:43:15.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F01163059%2FTim-Devine-ROMO-1-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"free-entrance-offered-to-rocky-mountain-national-park"},{"id":"748jz6","title":"Downtown Aspen Art Festival returns to Paepcke Park","excerpt":"The “HAE Colorado Summer of Art Tour” will kick off a state-wide celebration of hand-made creations in Paepcke Park during the 23rd Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival with 100+ national and local artists bringing world-class works spanning all mediums for three days July 17–19. \n\n\n\nThe festival —...","content":"The “HAE Colorado Summer of Art Tour” will kick off a state-wide celebration of hand-made creations in Paepcke Park during the 23rd Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival with 100+ national and local artists bringing world-class works spanning all mediums for three days July 17–19. \n\n\n\nThe festival — at Paepcke Park, 151 E. Main Street ‚ is free to attend and located near an RFTA stop to ensure accessibility for all, according to a press release, running 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19. \n\n\n\n“Presented by Howard Alan Events (HAE), producer of the nation’s finest juried art shows, the Downtown Aspen Art Festival will showcase an array of exquisite, original hand-made creations including life-sized sculpture; intricate glasswork; oil, pastel and watercolor paintings; world-class photography; mixed-media; woodwork; ceramics and jewelry of every style, shape and design,” the release states. “HAE’s careful vetting process ensures the highest quality of artistry and unique diversity of displays throughout the show.”\n\n\n\nThe Downton Aspen Art Festival is part of HAE’s 2026 Colorado Summer of Art tour, which includes the 10th Annual Keystone River Run Village Art Festival July 24–26, followed by “the show that started it all” during the 38th Annual Beaver Creek Fine Art Festival July 31 – Aug. 2, according to the release. Each show will feature different local artists and visiting, national artists. \n\n\n\nVisitors to the Annual Downtown Aspen Art Festival are encouraged to engage with the artists and discuss the inspirations and processes behind each work during the outdoor art walk. All artists will be on-site for the duration of the two-day festival.\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit artfestival.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/downtown-aspen-art-festival-returns-to-paepcke-park/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T20:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02182939%2F2024_Aspen_Art_Festival-1024x576.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"downtown-aspen-art-festival-returns-to-paepcke-park"},{"id":"6uofir","title":"Mountain Mayhem: Aspen comes together for a Taste of Africa","excerpt":"Action in Africa hosted their third annual Taste of Africa fundraising dinner at Mawa’s Kitchen at the Aspen Airport Business Center on June 13. The evening brought the flavors, culture and spirit of Uganda to Colorado, pairing world-class dining with a powerful global mission. \n\n\n\nThe evening ki...","content":"Action in Africa hosted their third annual Taste of Africa fundraising dinner at Mawa’s Kitchen at the Aspen Airport Business Center on June 13. The evening brought the flavors, culture and spirit of Uganda to Colorado, pairing world-class dining with a powerful global mission. \n\n\n\nThe evening kicked off with a vibrant cocktail hour, featuring custom creations, followed by a seated four-course dinner crafted by Chef Mawa McQueen and enjoyed family style. Several Aspen High School students volunteered to be greeters and servers throughout the event, which was a nice touch. \n\n\n\nGuests had the unique opportunity to connect directly with leadership as Founder and Executive Director Sarah Nininger and honored guest David Masiko (Uganda Country Director) shared moving insights into the organization’s on-the-ground impact. Global Impact Partner Clark’s Market, alongside dedicated community leadership partners including Mawa’s Kitchen, Big Wrap, Timberline Bank, Woody Creek Distillers and individual donors who purchased tickets and made donations, helped Action in Africa reach its ambitious event goal of raising $60,000 for communities in Uganda.\n\n\n\nWhile the dinner celebrated community and culture in Aspen, the true focus remained on Action in Africa’s 20-year history of working with — not just for — communities in Uganda. \n\n\n\nFor instance, a contribution at the Impact Partner ($2,500) level entirely funds the After-School Porridge Program, providing a warm, reliable meal that keeps students healthy, engaged and returning to safe spaces. At the Community Leadership Partner ($5,000) level, gifts are utilized to install a clean drinking water system at a partner school, ensuring students and their families have safe, daily access to water.\n\n\n\nTogether, Action in Africa and its supporters are creating opportunities for children and families in Uganda — investing in a future where every child has access to education, opportunity and now, clean water.\n\n\n\nFor those who were unable to attend but still wish to support Action in Africa’s ongoing education, nutrition and healthcare initiatives, contributions can still be made directly through the Action in Africa Website.\n\n\n\nSandra Peirce, Stacey Green and Louisa Goldsmith. Kelly Elizabeth/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAll guests were sent off with Mawa’s famous granola and a bud vase with florals. May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAspen High School volunteers Caleah Lutz-Sladdin and Lucy Faulhaber. May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nColorful dishes from Mawa’s Kitchen for the Taste of Africa dinner. Kelly Elizabeth/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Peshek family at The Taste of Africa dinner at Mawa’s Kitchen. Kelly Elizabeth/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA beautiful summer night for The Taste of Africa event. May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA full house at Mawa’s Kitchen for The Taste of Africa dinner. Kelly Elizabeth/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThea Wojtkowski and Waqqar Khan-Faroqui, both doctors, married and proud parents of four kids they’re raising in Aspen. May Selby/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRob and Loren Borden departing The Taste of Africa dinner at Mawa’s Kitchen. May Selby/Courtesy photo","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/mountain-mayhem-aspen-comes-together-for-a-taste-of-africa/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"May Selby Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-03T18:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02181933%2F01.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"mountain-mayhem-aspen-comes-together-for-a-taste-of-africa"},{"id":"plhc91","title":"Paterson: Full circle with Camp Hale and BANDALOOP","excerpt":"Looking forward to BANDALOOP on the Wheeler!\n\n\n\nIt was climbed by Mountain Troop soldiers from Camp Hale as a climbing and rescue demonstration in the late 1950s.\n\n\n\nMy late husband, Charles Paterson, Aspen ski school and hotel pioneer of The Boomerang Lodge, served in the mountain troops at Camp...","content":"Looking forward to BANDALOOP on the Wheeler!\n\n\n\nIt was climbed by Mountain Troop soldiers from Camp Hale as a climbing and rescue demonstration in the late 1950s.\n\n\n\nMy late husband, Charles Paterson, Aspen ski school and hotel pioneer of The Boomerang Lodge, served in the mountain troops at Camp Hale and documented the MCWTC climbing and evacuation demonstration on the Wheeler Opera House in his family memoir, “Escape Home: Rebuilding a Life After Anschluss,” available at Carl’s Pharmacy, Explore and Pitkin County Library. \n\n\n\nMCWTC were the mountain troops that followed after the Tenth Mountian Troops were disbanded at the end of WW II.\n\n\n\nThe Camp Hale soldiers were allowed to teach skiing on the weekends. Many did at A-Basin with The Denver Post’s “Learn-To-Ski” package. Charlie was an instructor along with some of his fellow MCWTC soldiers, such as mountaineering twins Jim and Lou Whitaker.\n\n\n\nOne weekend, Charlie invited of his dynamic pupils, a doctor in the Air Force, and his family to visit him at his log cabin home on W. Hopkins in Aspen. \n\n\n\nHe also convinced them they’d love living here and should buy a home, for weekend skiing, which they did. The family still owns it. And the doctor’s granddaughter is one of the vertical dancers in BANDALOOP.\n\n\n\nWe can’t wait to see her perform!\n\n\n\nFonda Paterson\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/paterson-full-circle-with-camp-hale-and-bandaloop/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Fonda Paterson","publishDate":"2026-07-03T17:04:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"paterson-full-circle-with-camp-hale-and-bandaloop"},{"id":"2kjh2v","title":"Luxe List: The Fourth, fashion and summer fun","excerpt":"If there was ever a time to lean into Americana, it would have to be this Fourth of July, which will not only bring its usual barbecues and fireworks (err … drone show), it is also our fair country’s 250th anniversary  — otherwise known as the hard-to-pronounce Semiquincentennial. The date marks ...","content":"If there was ever a time to lean into Americana, it would have to be this Fourth of July, which will not only bring its usual barbecues and fireworks (err … drone show), it is also our fair country’s 250th anniversary  — otherwise known as the hard-to-pronounce Semiquincentennial. The date marks the 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, but to me, it marks a great reason to splurge on pieces from — in my opinion — our greatest American designer: Ralph Lauren. What better way to celebrate this historic significant milestone than at the iconic designer’s gorgeous Aspen boutique, where they are showcasing a one-of-a-kind Vintage Exhibition through July 6. The offerings are vast, from historic Navajo weavings and Pueblo pottery to Native American jewelry, Concho belts, vintage clothing and more. Ten percent of all purchases will benefit the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), supporting the next generation of Indigenous artists. No one does chic Americana better than Ralph Lauren, so any vintage curation through their lens makes for a don’t miss event. \n\n\n\nRalph Lauren is featuring a very special curated selection of vintage pieces through July 6. Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIf you need a sugar-y way to beat the summer heat (and smoky air), pop by Foundrae on Sunday for jewelry inspired ice-cream sandwiches. You read that correctly. The sweet treats will be “black-tie” ice cream sandwiches, complete with edible gold glitter and gold sprinkles. They’ll be ALMOST as amazing as the brand’s “always-on-my-wishlist” gold chains and medallions. ALMOST. \n\n\n\nIf you’re on the hunt for more fun, summery activations, make Marfa Stance one of your Fourth of July stops on Saturday. The UK-based brand known for its modular and reversible outerwear (perfect for Aspen’s chilly evenings) will be offering “Marfa margs” and pints of beer for those making shopping a part of their celebrations for America’s birthday. \n\n\n\nSplits59 will be featured at the O2 Market from July 9-11.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nFrom July 9-11, Splits59 — one of my personal favorite activewear brands — will be taking over the new-this-summer O2 Market, set up just outside the Pilates/yoga studio. The “market” will feature a curated selection of Splits’ versatile collection, from leggings and workout tops to layers that work from Sculpt class to lunch and beyond. There will also be custom cobranded merch, specifically designed for Aspen. On Friday, there will be a special, open-to-the-public O2 x Splits59 Power Flow class. Sign up and receive a special in-class gift. Pro tip: Cute activewear makes working out more fun. \n\n\n\nWith the Fourth of July upon us, the craziness of summer is in full swing and the fashion events are just getting started. Break out your red, white and blue and that flag sweater you have deep in your closet for today’s festivities, and get ready for a jam-packed next few weeks of sartorial celebrations. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/luxe-list-the-fourth-fashion-and-summer-fun/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sari Tuschman Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-03T17:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F11%2F03102921%2FSari-768x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"luxe-list-the-fourth-fashion-and-summer-fun"},{"id":"m5yniz","title":"On the Fly: The world is your oyster","excerpt":"If you are visiting Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley this week, excellent fishing opportunities await.  \n\n\n\nEven if you left all your gear at home or have never fished before, don’t despair — many fly shops up and down the valley are itching to help you out. Most shops offer rental gear as well ...","content":"If you are visiting Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley this week, excellent fishing opportunities await.  \n\n\n\nEven if you left all your gear at home or have never fished before, don’t despair — many fly shops up and down the valley are itching to help you out. Most shops offer rental gear as well as guide services, and there are hundreds of miles of rivers to choose from, including high mountain lakes and smaller streams.\n\n\n\nIf you have never fished here in the valley, hiring a guide for your first outing makes a lot of sense. Guides know these rivers like the backs of their hands and will be able to find a piece of water that is appropriate for your skill level and physical abilities. Most guided trips are fishing deep (nymphing) in the morning hours and transitioning to dry flies as the river warms and the sun climbs a little higher in the afternoon.\n\n\n\nThere are also options for walk and wade fishing or float fishing from a drift boat or raft. Wade fishing is usually more appropriate for beginners; float fishing is a little more fast-paced. When you fish with guides, all gear is usually provided as well. If you swing by your local fly shop, they would be happy to let you know what they’re fishing as well as where and how.\n\n\n\nIf you are here doing a little DIY, look for midges, pale morning duns, craneflies, blue winged olives and caddis up the Fryingpan. The Roaring Fork has some drakes hatching below Aspen and down valley to Carbondale, and the Colorado has been fishing quite well in the mornings with yellow sallies, caddis and stoneflies. Keep in mind that the Colorado is getting too warm to fish late in the afternoons.\n\n\n\nHigh mountain lakes always offer up terrific damselfly fishing throughout the summer. Wherever you end up on our rivers, we hope you have some fun and get a chance to stop and smell the roses! ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/on-the-fly-the-world-is-your-oyster-2/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Scott Spooner Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-03T17:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F01171432%2FIMG_4916-768x1024.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"on-the-fly-the-world-is-your-oyster"},{"id":"t0uuph","title":"Opinion | Quinton: Enough climate hushing — Colorado needs to lead","excerpt":"I write this on the eve of the Fourth of July, and the air in the Eagle River Valley tastes like smoke.\n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire is burning outside Leadville. The Gold Mountain Fire has scorched thousands of acres near Ouray. Fires across the Western Slope have pushed Colorado’s burned acreage past 100...","content":"I write this on the eve of the Fourth of July, and the air in the Eagle River Valley tastes like smoke.\n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire is burning outside Leadville. The Gold Mountain Fire has scorched thousands of acres near Ouray. Fires across the Western Slope have pushed Colorado’s burned acreage past 100,000 this week: evacuations, closed highways, canceled fireworks. This isn’t abstract. It’s poison in our lungs.\n\n\n\nYet for the past year and a half, too many mainstream Democrats have gone quiet on climate, advised by strategists who see it as a losing issue. It’s what climate journalist Sammy Roth calls “climate hushing” — retreating just as wildfires and extreme weather become impossible to ignore. Newsrooms have cut climate coverage, blue-state governors have softened plans, and Bill Gates published a widely read memo arguing the threat had been overstated.\n\n\n\nThe scientists know better. As Roth reports, researchers from NASA to UCLA to Texas A&M are frustrated — the case for action has never been stronger: cheaper electricity, cleaner air, and a chance to keep pace with China’s lead in solar, batteries and EVs. As UCLA’s Karen McKinnon put it to Roth, this isn’t about a temperature target. It’s about whether your kids can go to summer camp without the camp burning down.\n\n\n\nThere’s a subtler hushing closer to home. Many capable local officials who genuinely take climate seriously, and keep passing real clean-energy bills, have folded climate into the safer banner of “affordability.” That’s not wrong (heat pumps and EVs do save money) but when affordability becomes the only story, we lose the other half of the truth: climate damage isn’t a fixed and static cost, it’s a compounding and escalating one. A Colorado Fiscal Institute analysis this year put the price of unchecked climate change at up to $37 billion by 2050, driven by shrinking ski and lengthening fire seasons: numbers that worsen the longer we wait.\n\n\n\nThat’s the choice facing Colorado now. Phil Weiser won the Democratic primary for governor and is the heavy favorite in November. He and the legislature take office in January 2027 at a moment when the case for climate hushing has never been weaker, or the case for real action stronger. They shouldn’t waste it.\n\n\n\nTwo things matter most. First, electrify heating and cooling: heat pumps cut both emissions and utility bills, and mountain towns like ours, with pricey gas and tough winters, are where the economics work well. Second, keep accelerating the shift from gas to electric vehicles through charging infrastructure and incentives.\n\n\n\nColorado utilities are proving this works. Holy Cross Energy, right here in our valley, has pushed renewables from roughly 50% to 90% of its power mix while keeping rates among the lowest in the state: not a talking point, a proof point.\n\n\n\nWe don’t need more hedging, or affordability becoming a polite way of changing the subject. We need leaders willing to say plainly what the smoke is telling us: the climate crisis is here, it’s getting worse, the solutions are affordable, and Colorado has the tools and the obligation to lead. This Fourth of July, as Roth argues, let’s listen to the scientists … and in our case … to our own backyard.\n\n\n\nAdam Quinton is the vice chair and treasurer for Walking Mountains Science Center board and the former chair of the Board for Holy Cross Energy. He lives in Edwards.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/opinion-quinton-enough-climate-hushing-colorado-needs-to-lead/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Adam Quinton Valley Voices","publishDate":"2026-07-03T16:52:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2023%2F06%2F07015553%2FQuinton-683x1024.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"opinion-quinton-enough-climate-hushing-colorado-needs-to-lead"},{"id":"zdbdxi","title":"Aspen Acres fire surpasses 74,000 acres, now 8th largest in state history; 11,000 people have been evacuated","excerpt":"The fire southwest of Pueblo “exhibited extreme fire behavior overnight” as thousands of firefighters have descended on the state. Crews are gaining containment on other fires.","content":"The fire southwest of Pueblo “exhibited extreme fire behavior overnight” as thousands of firefighters have descended on the state. Crews are gaining containment on other fires.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/03/colorado-wildfires-update-friday-red-flag-warning-evacuations/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"David Krause and Erica Breunlin","publishDate":"2026-07-03T15:20:09.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Lake_Pueblo_01-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C626%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-acres-fire-surpasses-74000-acres-now-8th-largest-in-state-history-11000-people-have-been-evacu"},{"id":"uqn7jo","title":"Soni and Balentine: To honor America’s 250th, protect its wild places","excerpt":"The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is the perfect occasion to remember our responsibility not just to each other...","content":"The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is the perfect occasion to remember our responsibility not just to each other...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/soni-and-balentine-to-honor-america-s-250th-protect-its-wild-places/article_05a98ac9-de02-4da9-aa25-4dcaa1cf8430.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"By Saket Soni and Rick Balentine","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"soni-and-balentine-to-honor-americas-250th-protect-its-wild-places"},{"id":"p8x7y8","title":"Reader learns Clark’s parking lesson the hard way","excerpt":"Susan McKeller — Do not make the same costly mistake I did! If you park in the Aspen Clark’s Market parking lot for longer than 90 minutes...","content":"Susan McKeller — Do not make the same costly mistake I did! If you park in the Aspen Clark’s Market parking lot for longer than 90 minutes...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/reader-learns-clark-s-parking-lesson-the-hard-way/article_68cbbd59-1bdd-48c9-bc62-19d08c86c9fb.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"reader-learns-clarks-parking-lesson-the-hard-way"},{"id":"aztbt6","title":"We have to accept private jet traffic","excerpt":"Barry Vaughan — Susan Taylor’s piece raises interesting issues and deserves a response. As to the misalignment of Aspen and Pitkin County’s desire...","content":"Barry Vaughan — Susan Taylor’s piece raises interesting issues and deserves a response. As to the misalignment of Aspen and Pitkin County’s desire...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/we-have-to-accept-private-jet-traffic/article_672b6b6d-a1cc-425e-a66b-e15cfa65ff47.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"we-have-to-accept-private-jet-traffic"},{"id":"xu9w6t","title":"Remembering Charles ‘Chuck’ Lohmiller","excerpt":"June 9, 1944 — June 10, 2026","content":"June 9, 1944 — June 10, 2026","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/obituaries/remembering-charles-chuck-lohmiller/article_76b62ef9-f1e5-4bd2-ab03-1a319efd563c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T06:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fab%2Fdab7bef1-8fd9-42b4-8c05-e7fb839f164d%2F6a499049f306e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","slug":"remembering-charles-chuck-lohmiller"},{"id":"3zfapm","title":"Remembering Christopher James Sheehan","excerpt":"Jan. 6, 1946 — May 7, 2026","content":"Jan. 6, 1946 — May 7, 2026","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/obituaries/remembering-christopher-james-sheehan/article_018f2cdc-f183-447f-8ea7-4960df455ddc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-05T06:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2Fcf%2Facf3f68a-8b95-4cb1-9a60-2f24ad176c64%2F6a49909b0985f.image.png","slug":"remembering-christopher-james-sheehan"},{"id":"tfpnvj","title":"FOR SUN 07_05 Christopher James Sheehan OBIT PHOTO.png","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/for-sun-07-05-christopher-james-sheehan-obit-photo-png/image_acf3f68a-8b95-4cb1-9a60-2f24ad176c64.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T23:00:43.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2Fcf%2Facf3f68a-8b95-4cb1-9a60-2f24ad176c64%2F6a49909b0985f.image.png","slug":"for-sun-0705-christopher-james-sheehan-obit-photopng"},{"id":"2t84ec","title":"FOR SUN 07.05 Obit Photo Charles Chuck Lohmiller","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/for-sun-07-05-obit-photo-charles-chuck-lohmiller/image_dab7bef1-8fd9-42b4-8c05-e7fb839f164d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T22:59:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fab%2Fdab7bef1-8fd9-42b4-8c05-e7fb839f164d%2F6a499049f306e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","slug":"for-sun-0705-obit-photo-charles-chuck-lohmiller"},{"id":"ie0gja","title":"Most visitors say airport closure won’t impact decision to return next summer","excerpt":"Some worry about ‘inconveniences’ of other modes of arrival,’ ACRA survey says","content":"Some worry about ‘inconveniences’ of other modes of arrival,’ ACRA survey says","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/most-visitors-say-airport-closure-won-t-impact-decision-to-return-next-summer/article_7048aaa0-5710-4194-9c72-92b7f17fff9c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-04T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Fc1%2Ffc1de6cc-980d-4803-9def-c56952463ac5%2F6a485a83b8a8b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"most-visitors-say-airport-closure-wont-impact-decision-to-return-next-summer"},{"id":"26c7xl","title":"‘Climate resiliency’ goals help Nordic skiing adapt to shorter, warmer, drier winters","excerpt":"Pitkin County OST Board adopts 2026 version of management plan","content":"Pitkin County OST Board adopts 2026 version of management plan","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/climate-resiliency-goals-help-nordic-skiing-adapt-to-shorter-warmer-drier-winters/article_cabdd383-6f06-4933-a965-26fe26acec2f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams, Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F0a%2F20abae2d-f45f-4015-b87a-d46a4dcbc2d0%2F6a485bf70d719.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"climate-resiliency-goals-help-nordic-skiing-adapt-to-shorter-warmer-drier-winters"},{"id":"1k5pck","title":"Belly Up Aspen hearing concludes after three days","excerpt":"Attorneys debate intent, benefit and risk of bringing in receiver","content":"Attorneys debate intent, benefit and risk of bringing in receiver","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/belly-up-aspen-hearing-concludes-after-three-days/article_d7878f07-96d3-4966-bf61-cd267d04ec7b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-04T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F4c%2F44ce85c2-1454-489a-a89c-ce2825f4cb73%2F6a485f0f7695f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"belly-up-aspen-hearing-concludes-after-three-days"},{"id":"red91s","title":"food & wine","excerpt":"Visitors mill about Wagner Park near the Grand Tasting tents during the 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.","content":"Visitors mill about Wagner Park near the Grand Tasting tents during the 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/food-wine/image_fc1de6cc-980d-4803-9def-c56952463ac5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily news","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Fc1%2Ffc1de6cc-980d-4803-9def-c56952463ac5%2F6a485a83b8a8b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"food-wine"},{"id":"wzpo6z","title":"nordic trails a","excerpt":"A stretch of thin snow on the Owl Creek Trail in Snowmass Village was still enough to cross-country ski on Jan. 17, 2025, when some routes had plenty of coverage and others were nearly melted out. The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council…","content":"A stretch of thin snow on the Owl Creek Trail in Snowmass Village was still enough to cross-country ski on Jan. 17, 2025, when some routes had plenty of coverage and others were nearly melted out. The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/nordic-trails-a/image_20abae2d-f45f-4015-b87a-d46a4dcbc2d0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F0a%2F20abae2d-f45f-4015-b87a-d46a4dcbc2d0%2F6a485bf70d719.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"nordic-trails-a"},{"id":"h6bep1","title":"nordic trails b","excerpt":"A section of the Owl Creek Trail in Snowmass Village, photographed on Feb. 28, illustrates how much slope aspect and sun exposure can affect snow coverage. A new management plan for the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic trails includes ideas for additional shady…","content":"A section of the Owl Creek Trail in Snowmass Village, photographed on Feb. 28, illustrates how much slope aspect and sun exposure can affect snow coverage. A new management plan for the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic trails includes ideas for additional shady…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/nordic-trails-b/image_8d34bbff-98db-43ce-9c59-59f8434659d8.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2Fd3%2F8d34bbff-98db-43ce-9c59-59f8434659d8%2F6a485c460ffad.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"nordic-trails-b"},{"id":"1nohfm","title":"belly up","excerpt":"The facade of the Belly Up Aspen building is pictured on Friday.","content":"The facade of the Belly Up Aspen building is pictured on Friday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/belly-up/image_44ce85c2-1454-489a-a89c-ce2825f4cb73.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F4c%2F44ce85c2-1454-489a-a89c-ce2825f4cb73%2F6a485f0f7695f.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"belly-up"},{"id":"1klj","title":"What goes around","excerpt":"Kaitlyn and Brock Hamlin enjoy a ride on the merry-go-round at the Fourth of July carnival in Rio Grande Park on Friday afternoon. The carnival continues today from noon to 8 p.m.","content":"Kaitlyn and Brock Hamlin enjoy a ride on the merry-go-round at the Fourth of July carnival in Rio Grande Park on Friday afternoon. The carnival continues today from noon to 8 p.m.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/what-goes-around/image_355bcba4-45b0-406b-ad3a-7f1628f4933c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:30:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F55%2F355bcba4-45b0-406b-ad3a-7f1628f4933c%2F6a485b95a88a9.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-goes-around"},{"id":"qw3v4i","title":"Aero offers nonstop New York to Aspen service","excerpt":"Aero, a by-the-seat charter, has expanded nonstop New York-to-Aspen service.\n\n\n\n“Aero reimagines the journey from the moment of arrival, allowing passengers to skip the congestion, long security lines, and airport stress typically associated with summer travel,” a press release reads. \n\n\n\nGuests ...","content":"Aero, a by-the-seat charter, has expanded nonstop New York-to-Aspen service.\n\n\n\n“Aero reimagines the journey from the moment of arrival, allowing passengers to skip the congestion, long security lines, and airport stress typically associated with summer travel,” a press release reads. \n\n\n\nGuests are able to arrive minutes before departure to enjoy Aero’s private lounge experience, including champagne, dedicated hosts and effortless curbside luggage handling. Once onboard, passengers can enjoy spacious Italian leather seating, Erewhon-curated meals, premium cocktails and wines, Starlink WiFi and a highly-personalized onboard experience aimed at ease.\n\n\n\nUpcoming flights include a New York to Aspen on July 11 and Aspen to New York July 12 and 19.\n\n\n\nThe full summer schedule can be found at aero.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aero-offers-nonstop-new-york-to-aspen-service/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T16:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02185800%2FAero_-_Pets_Welcome_Aboard-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aero-offers-nonstop-new-york-to-aspen-service"},{"id":"f9v63q","title":"Foodstuff: Music and a meal","excerpt":"Dinnertime just got more melodious at Marea Aspen, which has taken up residence at The St. Regis hotel this year. This coastal Italian spot comes to the Roaring Fork Valley via New York City and Beverly Hills and boasts a certain “ooh la la” factor which fits right in at the swanky hotel. \n\n\n\nJus...","content":"Dinnertime just got more melodious at Marea Aspen, which has taken up residence at The St. Regis hotel this year. This coastal Italian spot comes to the Roaring Fork Valley via New York City and Beverly Hills and boasts a certain “ooh la la” factor which fits right in at the swanky hotel. \n\n\n\nJust a few weeks ago, the restaurant debuted its “Candlelight Concert Series,” featuring The Aspen String Quartet on the Marea Terrace, the outdoor courtyard that may be more familiar to you for their raucous winter concerts featuring the likes of famous DJs spinning EDM. This summer’s concert series turns down the volume but turns up the ambiance tenfold, with umbrella-topped tables, flattering lighting and two violins, a cello and a viola, starting at 8 p.m. every other Tuesday through Aug. 18. \n\n\n\nBut, as always, while the music is a fun bonus, I was there to (naturally) stuff my face. The seafood-forward menu is perfect for the summer months and featured several non-traditional combinations I would never have thought to pair, with interesting and delicious results.\n\n\n\nWe started small, with the Scampi on “Scampi” starter. Starters, in a different section of the menu from the antipasti, present more as an amuse bouche, single bites to whet your whistle before the main event, so if you come hungry, be warned: You’ll need to order double. That said, this langoustine tartare on a bed of crispy rice with garlic and lemon was rich and satisfying and the perfect way to kick off the meal with our cocktails (I had a “Royal Blush” for those asking, consisting of Grey Goose vodka, lime, mint, morello cherry and Laherte Freres champagne). \n\n\n\nFor an antipasto, I ordered the Gamberoni Fritti, a plate of crispy red shrimp, prosciutto, cantaloupe, basil, mint and white balsamic. Fun Fact of the Day: I detest cantaloupe but can sometimes tolerate it when it’s wrapped in salty pork. This crunchy shrimp in a tempura-like batter alongside the fruit did not disappoint. The white balsamic offset any weirdness of the melon and the shellfish and cured meat were a delightfully perfect pairing.\n\n\n\nShrimp and melon appetizer.Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOn to the pasta course, which was the real showstopper of the evening, if you don’t count the string quartet performing a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” to wild applause. We ordered two plates, the pappardelle, with jumbo lump crab and baby leek, and the fusilli with (stay with me now) red wine-braised octopus and bone marrow. The pastas are house-made and taste every bit of it. The pappardelle is a spectacular orange hue (as of press time, I still can’t get an answer why, but just go with it — it’s delicious), topped with enormous chunks of crabmeat and a sauce, which manages to be rich and still light. The fusilli plate was a bit of a wildcard order. I love octopus and bone marrow but couldn’t for the life of me figure out how the twain should meet. Boy, did they ever. This is truly one of the best pastas I’ve ever eaten, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and lick-the-plate-clean sauce. We offset our decadent carb loading with the arugula side salad, simply dressed with lemon and topped with thinly sliced radishes and, with leftovers to spare, were too full to tuck into the main courses. Next time! \n\n\n\nOctopus and bone marrow fusilliKatherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nCrab pappardelle.Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe music is fun, the kitchen is dialed and the summer vibes are off the charts. While you may have to pick up a side gig mowing lawns (or writing a crappy food column) to pick up the check, Marea’s Candlelight Concert Series may be worth one splurge this season. And fittingly, for this week, on July 7, the quartet will feature Americana and Country Pop, “classic Americana and contemporary country favorites reimagined for a string quartet,” so you can get your 250 on.\n\n\n\nFor more information, hours, summer events, menu and reservations, go to marearestaurant.com/aspen.\n\n\n\nKatherine Roberts is a mid-Valley based writer and marketing professional who is still staring at photos of that octopus pasta. She can be reached via her marketing and communications firm, Carington Creative, at katherine@caringtoncreative.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/foodstuff-music-and-a-meal/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Katherine Roberts Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tkatherine@caringtoncreative.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F30100417%2FJMF_0944-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"foodstuff-music-and-a-meal"},{"id":"au0wok","title":"How to prepare for each stage of ‘Ready. Set. Go!’ wildfire evacuation protocols","excerpt":"In Colorado and most of the U.S., emergency managers use the “Ready. Set. Go!” framework to help communicate evacuation orders. The “Set” stage coincides with pre-evacuation orders, where officials put neighborhoods on standby for possible evacuation. The “Go!” stage usually coincides with offici...","content":"In Colorado and most of the U.S., emergency managers use the “Ready. Set. Go!” framework to help communicate evacuation orders. The “Set” stage coincides with pre-evacuation orders, where officials put neighborhoods on standby for possible evacuation. The “Go!” stage usually coincides with officials issuing the order to evacuate.\n\n\n\nHere’s how the American Red Cross recommends preparing for each stage of the “Ready. Set. Go!” evacuation protocols:\n\n\n\nReady: Preparing before the fire\n\n\n\nThe “Ready” stage is the first step in preparing for the potential of a wildfire and evacuations. It involves creating a wildfire plan and preparing a go-bag long before the wildfire starts. This step is important, so people don’t have to rush to prepare to leave in the event of an evacuation order. \n\n\n\nOne of the most important things every Colorado resident and visitor should do is sign up for their local emergency alerts, so they are receiving the most up-to-date information from emergency managers in the event of a wildfire.\n\n\n\nEvery family should also create an “action plan” that outlines meeting plans and how family members will communicate in the event of a wildfire. The plan should include how pets and large animals and livestock will be evacuated. Wildfire officials recommend practicing the plan regularly so it becomes second nature.\n\n\n\nIt is also important to plan and practice several different local evacuation routes, so that they are familiar in the tense situation of an evacuation.\n\n\n\nHaving an emergency go-bag with a three-day supply of food and water as well as things like prescriptions is the best way to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Wildfire officials recommend keeping the go-bag in the car, in case there is not time to return home.\n\n\n\nEveryone in the household should also know where the gas, electric and water main shutoff controls are located and how to use them. There should also be fire extinguishers on hand in every household, and all members of the family should know how to use them.\n\n\n\nIt is also recommended that people have a portable radio or scanner to stay on top of fire and weather information if phone lines are down.\n\n\n\nSet: Pre-evacuation notice\n\n\n\nThe “Set” stage occurs when an active wildfire is close but not yet directly threatening a neighborhood. This stage usually coincides with local officials issuing pre-evacuation orders warning neighborhoods to prepare for possible evacuation.\n\n\n\nDuring this stage, the American Red Cross recommends monitoring wildfire conditions and local alerts closely. This is also the time to alert all members of the household and neighbors about the wildfire.\n\n\n\nDue to the possibility of evacuation, it is recommended that people dress in appropriate clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton and work boots. Having goggles and a bandana or mask can also help with smoky conditions.\n\n\n\nAt this point, people should remain close to their homes and drink plenty of water. It is important to double check that go-bags are ready and all household and family members are accounted for and prepared to leave.\n\n\n\nIf there is time, residents should close all windows and doors, remove all shades and curtains, close any metal blinds, move furniture away from doors and windows to the center of the room, turn off pilot lights and air conditioning units and leave lights on, so firefighters can see the house in smoky conditions.\n\n\n\nResidents can also move combustible items and outdoor furniture away from their house, turn off propane tanks and leave the exterior lights on, if there is time.\n\n\n\nGo: Evacuate\n\n\n\nThe final step is “Go!” This step can coincide with local officials giving an evacuation order, but it doesn’t have to — residents and visitors can leave at any time if they feel that they are at risk because of a wildfire.\n\n\n\nLeaving early can help ease traffic during a wildfire evacuation and is the best way for someone to ensure that they and their family are safe.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/how-to-prepare-each-stage-ready-set-go-wildfire-evacuation-protocols/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T14:30:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F01%2F24094123%2FWildfire-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"how-to-prepare-for-each-stage-of-ready-set-go-wildfire-evacuation-protocols"},{"id":"poywqh","title":"Aspen One’s actions contradict its recent rhetoric","excerpt":"Susan Sullivan — (Re: “Raab: Curating a crisis of identity,” July 1, Aspen Daily News and “Marolt: If the airport is our main...","content":"Susan Sullivan — (Re: “Raab: Curating a crisis of identity,” July 1, Aspen Daily News and “Marolt: If the airport is our main...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/aspen-one-s-actions-contradict-its-recent-rhetoric/article_395ac05c-e453-410a-be0f-a08e384693c9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"aspen-ones-actions-contradict-its-recent-rhetoric"},{"id":"ft51ek","title":"Trump’s ‘transparency’ only benefits himself","excerpt":"JM Jesse — The White House continually proclaims that Donald Trump is the “most transparent president in history.” That is true...","content":"JM Jesse — The White House continually proclaims that Donald Trump is the “most transparent president in history.” That is true...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/trump-s-transparency-only-benefits-himself/article_7ed7b5dc-e866-4de5-ab2a-57472185465e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"trumps-transparency-only-benefits-himself"},{"id":"5puz0u","title":"Local golf results: Aspen men’s and women’s associations from June 24-25, plus Trashmasters","excerpt":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from June 24LOW GROSS1st: Karen Hathaway 842nd: Virginia Newton 863rd: Heather Kroeger 884th: Amy Thompson 91LOW NET1st: Heidi Burkemper 742nd: Lucy Morgan  743rd: Irene Greiser 754th: Kathryn Henderson 78\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from June 25LOW GROSS1st Fli...","content":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from June 24LOW GROSS1st: Karen Hathaway 842nd: Virginia Newton 863rd: Heather Kroeger 884th: Amy Thompson 91LOW NET1st: Heidi Burkemper 742nd: Lucy Morgan  743rd: Irene Greiser 754th: Kathryn Henderson 78\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from June 25LOW GROSS1st Flight1st: “The Young Dominator” Lanese 712nd: Matt Wells 713rd: “Schanzy” 762nd Flight1st: Steve Eitel 772nd: Kyle Lapp 813rd: Brad Mosier 803rd Flight1st: “The Dominator” Lanese 822nd: Gary LaCouter  853rd: Phil “The Aga” McKeague  874th Flight1st: Mark “Rico” Stout 852nd: Luke Daley 883rd: Garrett Dalton 92LOW NET1st Flight1st: A.J. Morris 722nd: Patrick Lyle 733rd: Matt Proctor 742nd Flight1st: Robert Barrett 702nd: Zachary Hopkins 723rd: Robbie Parker 733rd Flight1st: Jimmy “Mack” McManus 712nd: Norm Adams 733rd: James Peterson 754th Flight1st: John Crowder 652nd: Cesar Vazquez 683rd: Sergio Laborde 68Closest to Pin: Hayes Kennedy\n\n\n\nThe Trashmasters 2026 from June 29Women’s Division: Alexis AnzlovarMen’s Division: Ben BarshopSenior Division: Bryan McShaneChampionship Division: Miles McConnell","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-june-24-25-plus-trashmasters/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T05:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F08%2F11191619%2FAHSgolf-atd-081125-25-1024x819.jpg","slug":"local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-june-24-25-plus-trashmasters"},{"id":"qeyr2d","title":"Amid extreme fire danger, here are 8 things every Coloradan should have in their wildfire go-bag","excerpt":"The risk of wildfires is high across Colorado, and officials say residents and visitors need to be ready for the possibility that evacuation orders could be issued at a moment’s notice.\n\n\n\nThe American Red Cross recommends every household have an emergency supply kit ready long before a wildfire ...","content":"The risk of wildfires is high across Colorado, and officials say residents and visitors need to be ready for the possibility that evacuation orders could be issued at a moment’s notice.\n\n\n\nThe American Red Cross recommends every household have an emergency supply kit ready long before a wildfire occurs. \n\n\n\nHere’s what the American Red Cross suggests to keep in a wildfire go-bag:\n\n\n\n\nThree-day supply of nonperishable food and water, with one gallon per person per day\n\n\n\nFirst aid kit and sanitation supplies, including toilet paper and baby wipes\n\n\n\nFlashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries\n\n\n\nPersonal electronic devices and chargers\n\n\n\nAn extra set of car keys, credit cards and cash\n\n\n\nExtra eye glasses, contact lenses, prescriptions and medications\n\n\n\nImportant documents and contact numbers, including insurance documents\n\n\n\nA map marked with evacuation routes because it is important to have a printed map in case your phone dies","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/amid-extreme-fire-danger-here-are-8-things-every-coloradan-should-have-their-wildfire-go-bag/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T02:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F25132355%2FAspen-Times-News-graphic-summer.png","slug":"amid-extreme-fire-danger-here-are-8-things-every-coloradan-should-have-in-their-wildfire-go-bag"},{"id":"in9606","title":"Independence Pass reopens following accident","excerpt":"Update: As of 9:10 p.m., Highway 82 has reopened in both directions on Independence Pass.\n\n\n\nAn accident has closed Independence Pass from the winter closure gate to Lincoln Creek in both directions on Highway 82.\n\n\n\nAs of 7:47 p.m., the expected length of the closure is unknown, according to a P...","content":"Update: As of 9:10 p.m., Highway 82 has reopened in both directions on Independence Pass.\n\n\n\nAn accident has closed Independence Pass from the winter closure gate to Lincoln Creek in both directions on Highway 82.\n\n\n\nAs of 7:47 p.m., the expected length of the closure is unknown, according to a Pitkin Alert.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/accident-closes-independence-pass/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T01:51:22.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02195017%2FIMG_3272-preview-768x1024.jpg","slug":"independence-pass-reopens-following-accident"},{"id":"z56of9","title":"She left her dad as flames from the Aspen Acres fire closed in. Hours later, a deputy found him alive.","excerpt":"Daisy Weeks fled to safety after her father refused to evacuate his Beulah home, spending hours believing he was dead. Then a sheriff's deputy found him walking down a dark road with his cat","content":"Daisy Weeks fled to safety after her father refused to evacuate his Beulah home, spending hours believing he was dead. Then a sheriff's deputy found him walking down a dark road with his cat","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/02/aspen-acres-beulah-colorado-evacuation/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel and Mike Sweeney","publishDate":"2026-07-02T21:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FB-Peyton-D-Weeks-01.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C586%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"she-left-her-dad-as-flames-from-the-aspen-acres-fire-closed-in-hours-later-a-deputy-found-him-alive"},{"id":"yrthtc","title":"Colorado’s wildfires scorch 129,000 acres as critical fire danger persists","excerpt":"More than 300 firefighters are battling the 50,187-acre Aspen Acres fire, the state’s largest active fire, which remained 0% contained. Officials warn more growth is inevitable.","content":"More than 300 firefighters are battling the 50,187-acre Aspen Acres fire, the state’s largest active fire, which remained 0% contained. Officials warn more growth is inevitable.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/02/colorado-wildfires-update-tuesday-red-flag-warning-evacuations-2/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-02T16:12:07.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Colo_City_01-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C549%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"colorados-wildfires-scorch-129000-acres-as-critical-fire-danger-persists"},{"id":"6y1pq5","title":"Trump qualifies as ‘vandal in chief’","excerpt":"Craig Chisesi — President Trump has intimated that “vandals” are responsible for the recent cesspool problems with the Lincoln...","content":"Craig Chisesi — President Trump has intimated that “vandals” are responsible for the recent cesspool problems with the Lincoln...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/trump-qualifies-as-vandal-in-chief/article_e4f47569-ecd6-463e-b573-a486c924d1d5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"trump-qualifies-as-vandal-in-chief"},{"id":"xkbdt5","title":"Margo: Aspen is ‘so fire’ — like literally","excerpt":"“I say let’s get the heck out of here,” I told Ryan’s parents as a mountain of black smoke billowed over downtown Basalt, dark...","content":"“I say let’s get the heck out of here,” I told Ryan’s parents as a mountain of black smoke billowed over downtown Basalt, dark...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/margo-aspen-is-so-fire-like-literally/article_8847be2a-eadc-4317-8dad-5093dbcf9f50.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Ali Margo, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fe8%2F0e8fb356-db1e-4051-8e16-96d013595ed3%2F68f2dcfe26565.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","inBriefing":true,"slug":"margo-aspen-is-so-fire-like-literally"},{"id":"42vdks","title":"Grueter: Please stay away from the matches today","excerpt":"The United States’ birthday looks a little different this year. There are many reasons. What we call a 250-year-old nation...","content":"The United States’ birthday looks a little different this year. There are many reasons. What we call a 250-year-old nation...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/grueter-please-stay-away-from-the-matches-today/article_7fa54999-baf3-4c42-b5f5-2e81f36ea93b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Annalise Grueter, Aspen Daily News columnist","publishDate":"2026-07-04T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F60%2F26045bd3-caa1-40b5-bca7-69838d48553e%2F68f2d7890c03e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C338","slug":"grueter-please-stay-away-from-the-matches-today"},{"id":"dhlm0x","title":"David Hoffmann","excerpt":"David Hoffmann believes newspapers are vital to the health of a local community. He became chairman of the Lee Enterprises Board of Directors in February.","content":"David Hoffmann believes newspapers are vital to the health of a local community. He became chairman of the Lee Enterprises Board of Directors in February.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/david-hoffmann/image_8078932d-d425-5057-9764-88cda95774dc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Derek Gee/Buffalo News","publishDate":"2026-07-03T10:50:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F07%2F8078932d-d425-5057-9764-88cda95774dc%2F6a459705a7de3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"david-hoffmann"},{"id":"ef4kef","title":"Lee Enterprises Buffalo","excerpt":"Chairman David Hoffmann held a roundtable discussion with business and community leaders in June from Buffalo, New York. He believes businesses and newspapers need to support each other to thrive.","content":"Chairman David Hoffmann held a roundtable discussion with business and community leaders in June from Buffalo, New York. He believes businesses and newspapers need to support each other to thrive.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/lee-enterprises-buffalo/image_3585c3fe-3971-553c-b43f-9a64164feed1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Derek Gee/Buffalo News","publishDate":"2026-07-03T10:50:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F58%2F3585c3fe-3971-553c-b43f-9a64164feed1%2F6a4597073542c.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"lee-enterprises-buffalo"},{"id":"l3kfkj","title":"David Hoffmann is investing millions to preserve local newspapers","excerpt":"The Lee Enterprises chairman explains why he believes community newspapers remain essential — and why he's investing millions to help ensure their future.","content":"The Lee Enterprises chairman explains why he believes community newspapers remain essential — and why he's investing millions to help ensure their future.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local/business/david-hoffmann-is-investing-millions-to-preserve-local-newspapers/article_6f7f6315-55fa-51d2-a9cc-6d9940ccdbfb.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"David McCumber david.mccumber@lee.net","publishDate":"2026-07-03T10:50:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F07%2F8078932d-d425-5057-9764-88cda95774dc%2F6a459705a7de3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"david-hoffmann-is-investing-millions-to-preserve-local-newspapers"},{"id":"9x1e2s","title":"Greg Hoffmann","excerpt":"Greg Hoffmann","content":"Greg Hoffmann","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/greg-hoffmann/image_a1b5e80e-9f0c-58d9-b548-d05055f478b4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-03T10:50:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F1b%2Fa1b5e80e-9f0c-58d9-b548-d05055f478b4%2F6a467e178cdef.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C442","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"greg-hoffmann"},{"id":"4jjc85","title":"Penguins","excerpt":"The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate a goal by right wing Anthony Mantha. The National Hockey League Board of Governors in June approved the Hoffmann Family of Companies acquiring the team.","content":"The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate a goal by right wing Anthony Mantha. The National Hockey League Board of Governors in June approved the Hoffmann Family of Companies acquiring the team.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/penguins/image_6ea8f25b-632a-5d50-90e4-8fc3cf172700.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"USA Today","publishDate":"2026-07-03T10:50:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2Fea%2F6ea8f25b-632a-5d50-90e4-8fc3cf172700%2F6a467e194e3b8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"penguins"},{"id":"zhjlf7","title":"Geoff Hoffmann","excerpt":"Geoff Hoffmann","content":"Geoff Hoffmann","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/geoff-hoffmann/image_ca3a75c0-c08b-53a3-8dcb-d83a945a9a9d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-03T10:50:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2Fa3%2Fca3a75c0-c08b-53a3-8dcb-d83a945a9a9d%2F6a467e1bbc3f2.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C330","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"geoff-hoffmann"},{"id":"psrldt","title":"Lo-Fidelity: It’s America’s birthday, and I’ll cry if I want to","excerpt":"In my travels around Aspen, I’ve been asking fellow townsfolk about what it really means to be an American. \n\n\n\nThe answers have ranged anywhere from seeking the “American Dream,” being patriotic, the right to vote, citizenship and the inalienable right to “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happin...","content":"In my travels around Aspen, I’ve been asking fellow townsfolk about what it really means to be an American. \n\n\n\nThe answers have ranged anywhere from seeking the “American Dream,” being patriotic, the right to vote, citizenship and the inalienable right to “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” to being a being a ski bum. Most, if not all, the replies are nebulous at best. When listening to people’s answers, sometimes I feel as if an impossibly good-looking, flag-draped huckster trying to sell them something has gotten to them right before me. \n\n\n\nSpeaking of flags, I’ve been flying Ol’ Glory in my backyard for decades. This week, I’m upping the virtue-signaling patriot flex ante by flaunting multiple American flags at my humble abode — six of them to be exact, and three Colorado flags as state-pride garnish. \n\n\n\nI can only imagine what my neighbors and passers-by must think. In reality, I’m a conservative’s worst nightmare: a flag-flying, America-loving, longhaired, tie-dye-wearing Democrat freak who votes. Whose flag is, anyways? I call the fun little game I’m playing “re-capture the flag.”\n\n\n\nI see being an American as a somewhat abstract theory, deep-rooted in the concept of freedom. While my freedoms may be micro in nature — like the ability to say, wear, do, eat, read, write, watch, listen to, behave and ski however I see darn fit — freedom is not without consequence. I’ve bounced off society’s guardrails enough times to know that a key tenet of freedom is the ability to live happily within the societal norms, aka “stay in your lane, dude.”\n\n\n\nKnowing, and being told — over and over again — people have died for out freedom, there’s a great deal of pressure to use said “freedom,” or risk losing it. While I do believe soldiers in previous world wars died for my freedom (my dad very nearly did), I’m not entirely convinced that’s what’s happening now. Then again, what would I possibly know about war? Nothing. \n\n\n\nRight now, I observe America as being in the throes of immense growing pains. I feel ill at ease, argumentative, combative and disenchanted. The cannon of American politics has been of impeccable aim, its scattershot cannonballs remorseless in their destruction. America’s had multiple chances to live up to our ideals, but we squandered the opportunity. \n\n\n\nThe last time I sensed our country rallying around a unifying cause was 9/11, right up until the point I realized the commonality was an unquenchable blood thirst. When I heard we killed Bin Laden, I punched the sky. Then Covid came waltzing in like a diseased debutante with the prospect of rallying us together as a nation, only to have an acutely opposite, irreparable effect. I’m optimistic another golden, unifying opportunity will soon present itself, aaaaand we’ll blow that one, too.\n\n\n\nAs an exercise in civics, I’ve been watching episodes of Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” on PBS. The series has instilled a profound sense of patriotism in me. One hundred years from now, documentarians are going to have a field day with the today’s chaotic version of America. Most self-proclaimed patriots wouldn’t know what freedom was if it bit ’em on the arm.\n\n\n\nI consider myself a patriot, simply because I love where I live. Not only do I love America and Colorado, I love Aspen — with an unbridled passion. The naming of, and our town’s proximity to, “Independence” Pass is not lost on me. I’m happy to be alive now and bear witness to the transformation locally. When things get hectic in town, I’m inclined to run into the fire. I proudly wear the burn marks on my psyche to prove it.\n\n\n\nAs a dutiful American, I follow rules, try and be of service to community and foster humanistic connections with everyday people of all different ethnicity and strata. It’s the only plausible antidote I can muster to counter the incessant whining and moaning I hear from locals. There are lots of victims in Aspen. Our problems are always someone else’s fault. Everyone’s an armchair expert on everyone else’s business. Entitlement chowder is the soup du jour.\n\n\n\nUnless we’re talking vichyssoise, it’s a tad hot for soup, so on July 4, I’ll likely be gorging on bacon-wrapped hot dogs and cherry pie á la mode to the point of extreme discomfort. That’s either freedom or gluttony. By the way, the best version of “Star-Spangled Banner,” if anyone’s asking, is Whitney Houston’s rendition from Superbowl XXV. It’s not even up for debate. I’m the guy who cries during our national anthem. \n\n\n\nSo what does it really mean to be an American? What I’ve ultimately gleaned from my queries is: There are infinite answers, and they’re all somewhat nonsensical if not correct. Scratch that. They’re nonsensical and correct. Democracy is a real pigsty, issues are complex and there aren’t always solutions to problems. \n\n\n\nHappy 250th, Lady Liberty, and happy 150th, Colorado! I hope everyone has a fun, historic and meaningful Aspen Fourth.\n\n\n\nContact Lorenzo via suityourself@sopris.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lo-fidelity-its-americas-birthday-and-ill-cry-if-i-want-to/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lorenzo Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-03T01:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02130333%2F20260702_125431-768x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"lo-fidelity-its-americas-birthday-and-ill-cry-if-i-want-to"},{"id":"xnbl97","title":"White Elephant Aspen brings new restaurant to town","excerpt":"A new culinary chapter begins as Lola 41 opens at White Elephant Aspen, with a menu inspired by the eclectic, global flavors stemming from the 41st parallel.\n\n\n\n“We’ve really enjoyed the opening. It’s taken off even more than we expected it to, which is amazing. The word has gotten out quickly, a...","content":"A new culinary chapter begins as Lola 41 opens at White Elephant Aspen, with a menu inspired by the eclectic, global flavors stemming from the 41st parallel.\n\n\n\n“We’ve really enjoyed the opening. It’s taken off even more than we expected it to, which is amazing. The word has gotten out quickly, and it’s been very exciting to have the restaurant fill up every night,” Lola 41’s General Manager Kelly O’Neill said.\n\n\n\nThe location in Aspen, 110 W. Main St., will be the brand’s second partnership within the White Elephant hotels. Lola Hospitality has now expanded to five locations.\n\n\n\n“It’s very exciting, our partnership with The White Elephant Hotel, and I do see this working really well in the future,” O’Neill said. \n\n\n\nShe said the collaboration with the luxury boutique hotel has been a strong fit for the restaurant’s energetic setting.\n\n\n\nInside Lola 41 in Aspen.Connie Zhou/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lola 41’s culinary program, led by Aspen Executive Chef Seth Halpin, will blend the brand’s staple menu items with locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal offerings.\n\n\n\n“This summer, we’re playing into the classics from our four other locations. There are a lot of known entities on our menu that people really love,” Halpin said of the culinary program, noting that many Aspen guests are already familiar the menu from Lola 41’s flagship restaurant in Nantucket and its location in Palm Beach.\n\n\n\nLola 41’s first location, White Elephant Nantucket, is named for the position near the 41st parallel (about 41.28 degrees north latitude) — it opened on June 6, 2006. The restaurant’s Boston location is “Lola 42,” a nod to the 42nd parallel (at 42.36 north latitude degrees). The Palm Beach location opened in 2019, followed by Naples, Fla., in 2021. \n\n\n\nAlthough Aspen sits a little farther south, the restaurant — which officially opened June 15 — retains the Lola 41 brand name. \n\n\n\nIn addition to its three main meal services, the restaurant offers a strong local energy around happy hour. \n\n\n\n“We have an amazing daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m at the bar. … having a lot of locals come in and checking out the happy hour and getting drinks,” O’Neill said. “The energy is really, really high.”\n\n\n\nHalpin added that a chef’s box showcases the restaurant’s seasonal offerings. \n\n\n\n“Our chef’s box is a separate menu from our broader menu, and it will have chef’s specials, drink specials, wine specials and more seasonal items and alpine offerings” he said.\n\n\n\nCapitalizing on Aspen’s setting and clientele, he noted the restaurant’s emphasis on what he called “more mountaineering kind of dishes,” including ingredients like trout or wild game like elk.\n\n\n\n“When I get a delivery from just down the road, I have confidence in its quality and ethical sourcing,” he said in a press release. “Sourcing locally allows us to know who and where our food comes from and supports our local business owners and economy. We believe that growth and success without community involvement becomes far less meaningful.” \n\n\n\nBoth him and O’Neill have been in the valley for a number of years already, and he said they’re aware of the standards of what they need to deliver.\n\n\n\nLola Hospitality enlisted Boston-based architectural firm EMBARC to design Lola 41’s 1,000-square-foot, 50-guest dining room, 1,200-square-foot, 60-guest patio and intimate 300-square-foot, 15-guest private dining area in Aspen, according to the release. \n\n\n\n“When designing Lola 41 Aspen, our goal was to reinterpret the globally inspired Lola 41 brand through an elevated Western lens, creating a restaurant that feels distinctly rooted in Aspen while remaining connected to the broader brand identity,” EMBARC Associate Principal Michelle Acosta said in the release. “The design balances bold architectural gestures with a welcoming atmosphere, creating a setting that feels local while remaining true to Lola 41’s adventurous spirit and global influences.” \n\n\n\nEMBARC also collaborated with art curator Emily Santangelo on several large-scale statement pieces found throughout the space. \n\n\n\n“Being in the White Elephant, we are … really in our design, in our application, our service and our hospitality and our approach going for bespoke luxury,” Halpin said.\n\n\n\nO’Neill added, “The outside space has 60 seats. The roof opens and closes, which is nice for any type of weather. We have heaters, we have fans, we have blankets. We’re ready for every season.” \n\n\n\nThe ambiance offers a classic, fun and “red velvet look,” according to her.\n\n\n\n“It’s very old-school Aspen — a lot of people have described it as classic, fun, energetic,” she said. \n\n\n\nKatharine Schade, CEO of Lola Hospitality that encompasses all of the five restaurants, said she is thrilled to welcome everyone to the newest Aspen dining space.\n\n\n\n“Lola 41, like Aspen itself, is the great escape. Every night is a celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, girls’ nights and family reunions in an atmosphere created for guests to share special moments over amazing food in the most exciting room in town,” Schade said. “Aspen is the ultimate destination for Lola 41, with its thriving art and music scene and world-class outdoor recreation.”\n\n\n\nThe restaurant always welcomes walk-ins, but encourages reservations. For more information, visit lola41.com/location/aspen. For reservations, visit resy.com/cities/aspen-co/venues/lola-41-aspen?seats=2&date=2026-07-01.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/white-elephant-aspen-brings-new-restaurant-to-town/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-03T00:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F01084024%2F1-1024x684.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"white-elephant-aspen-brings-new-restaurant-to-town"},{"id":"u2el8n","title":"BANDALOOP aims to awe Aspen audiences","excerpt":"Vertical dance company BANDALOOP debuts in Aspen to perform at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. July 4 at the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., for a special event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.\n\n\n\nThe internationally-known dance company, based in West Oakland, Calif., will turn the faca...","content":"Vertical dance company BANDALOOP debuts in Aspen to perform at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. July 4 at the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., for a special event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.\n\n\n\nThe internationally-known dance company, based in West Oakland, Calif., will turn the facade of the 137-year-old Wheeler Opera into a series of 20-minute outdoor performances. \n\n\n\n“We hope to inspire a sense of awe,” the world-renowned dance company’s Executive Director and Executive Producer Thomas Cavanagh said.\n\n\n\nAccording to Wheeler Opera House Executive Director Mike Harrington, presenting BANDALOOP on Independence Day is bringing a sense of scale and imagination to the Wheeler that feels particularly meaningful. \n\n\n\n“It’s a celebration of freedom expressed through movement and perspective — transforming a familiar space into something extraordinary and creating a shared moment for the community to experience together,” Harrington said.\n\n\n\nArtistic Director and Choreographer Melecio Estrella created the performance, which will feature six core company members.\n\n\n\nPerforming at the historic Wheeler Opera House aligns with BANDALOOP’s goal of reshaping how people experience public space. \n\n\n\n“I want to get people to look up at the historical amazingness of the opera house. Our work marries the choreography created by Melecio Estrella with the architecture of place,” Cavanagh said. “The Wheeler Opera House has real presence — it has survived fire and trauma, been rebuilt and now stands as a cultural cornerstone in a vibrant city.”\n\n\n\nWhen approaching a new site, next is exploring the risk management steps, talking with the team and identifying how BANDALOOP can work safely at that height. \n\n\n\nThe team first considers where audiences will gather, then assesses rooftops, ledges, window access and easements below. At the Wheeler, the curved one-way road and adjacent public plaza will shape sightlines and staging. The company then works through risk-management protocols to ensure safe, precise movement at height.\n\n\n\nThe event is free and open to the public.\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit wheeleroperahouse.com/event/bandaloop-july-4th-celebration.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/bandaloop-aims-to-awe-aspen-audiences/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T23:54:42.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F19102959%2F2022_VAF_Basil_Tsimoyianis-6522-1024x682.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"bandaloop-aims-to-awe-aspen-audiences"},{"id":"e9nxdd","title":"PitCo Open Space and Trails approves updated Nordic Trail Plans","excerpt":"Pitkin County Open Space and Trails have approved the updated Nordic Trail Plans in an attempt to prioritize the long-term viability of Nordic skiing by enhancing the current trail system in the face of shorter, warmer and drier winters.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System currently spans 1...","content":"Pitkin County Open Space and Trails have approved the updated Nordic Trail Plans in an attempt to prioritize the long-term viability of Nordic skiing by enhancing the current trail system in the face of shorter, warmer and drier winters.\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System currently spans 106 kilometers of machine-groomedtrails, comprising the largest free Nordic ski trail network in North America, according to a staff report provided prior to Thursday’s meeting.\n\n\n\n“The Nordic trails have become a pillar of winter recreation in the community and are host to numerous iconic community and competitive events each season,” the report reads. “The trail system still embodies the original vision of a connected community trail network from Snowmass Village to Aspen to Woody Creek and Basalt.” \n\n\n\nThe trails have provided training grounds to numerous Olympic and World Cup Nordic athletes, as well as been home to thousands of local residents and recreationalists.\n\n\n\n“Nordic skiing is not just a recreation sport,” said John Wilkinson, president of the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council. “It’s woven into the very fabric of our valley community and identity.”\n\n\n\nThe Nordic program was initially developed in the 1980s, moving under the funding umbrella of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails with operations remaining under the city of Aspen in 2006. The first Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System Management Plan was adopted in 2008, based on what the staff report calls “a robust public outreach process” that included over 800 responses. \n\n\n\nThat original plan was updated in 2015, according to the staff report, following the formation of a Nordic council subcommittee in 2014 with the aim of providing updates to the 2008 plan with a focus on trail expansion opportunities.\n\n\n\nMost recently, Aspen staff initiated an update and review of the existing plan in summer 2025, in coordination with the Nordic Council, with the aim of establishing “contemporary goals,” a stronger focus on climate resiliency and more, the staff report outlines.\n\n\n\n“It’s been a little long in the tooth,” Gary Tennenbaum, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails director, said of needing to update the 2015 plan. “A lot has changed, including how warm our world is becoming, so they wanted to redo the plan.”\n\n\n\nThe 2026 Nordic Trail Plans take into consideration feedback from Nordic Council review meetings, Nordic Program staff and the community, while aligning with current regional and national Nordic trends.\n\n\n\n“This management plan prioritizes the long-term operation and maintenance of the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System to ensure Nordic Skiing for the community for years to come,” the report states.\n\n\n\nThe key 2026 updates include a complete program history, an updated program operations and trail system structure, new management actions with an increased focus on climate resiliency and an updated vision and goals. The 2026 Management Plan Goals are ensuring high quality Nordic trails with easy user access throughout Pitkin County, securing long-term or permanent access to existing and future trails through formalized easements and access agreements and developing climate-resilient Nordic trail options and operational systems to mitigate effects of warmer and dryer winter weather fluctuations.\n\n\n\n“The emphasis now is on a more resilient plan going forward,” Wilkinson said. “We are ready to chart a path toward quality, climate-resilient skiing for generations to come.”\n\n\n\nAspen’s Assistant Nordic Coordinator Scott Lacy reiterated that the focus of the new plan is climate resiliency in order to ensure both quality and access going into the future.\n\n\n\nWith regard to access, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board of Trustees District 2 member Howie Mallory emphasized that maintaining the free public access to the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System should continue to be a critical part of the plan and mission.\n\n\n\n“One thing that needs to be remembered is that this is a free trail system, and it’s been that way all along,” Mallory said. “We shouldn’t overlook that as one of our strongest suits.”\n\n\n\nThe draft of the 2026 Nordic Trails Plan has been approved by the Nordic Council and received preliminary approval from the town of Snowmass and Aspen City Council in work sessions. With the approval of the Open Space and Trails, the Nordic Trails Plan will now be presented to Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners, Aspen City Council, Snowmass Village and Basalt for adoption.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitco-open-space-and-trails-approve-updated-nordic-trail-plans/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T23:30:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02082307%2FNordic-1024x481.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitco-open-space-and-trails-approves-updated-nordic-trail-plans"},{"id":"a058ku","title":"More than 1,700 personnel are battling 5 major fires in Colorado as hot, dry weather continues into holiday weekend","excerpt":"Wildfires fueled by hot, windy weather and extremely dry conditions have ravaged more than 125,000 acres across Colorado’s mountains in the past week, according to federal wildfire officials.\n\n\n\nThere are more than 1,700 personnel battling five major wildfires across the state. Combined, those fi...","content":"Wildfires fueled by hot, windy weather and extremely dry conditions have ravaged more than 125,000 acres across Colorado’s mountains in the past week, according to federal wildfire officials.\n\n\n\nThere are more than 1,700 personnel battling five major wildfires across the state. Combined, those five wildfires have burned just shy of 200 square miles, an area larger than the city and county of Denver.\n\n\n\nSince the last weekend in June, wildfires in Colorado have killed three firefighters, destroyed dozens of homes and forced multiple communities to evacuate. With the extreme fire risk in the mountains, communities have instituted Stage 2 fire restrictions banning campfires and fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.\n\n\n\n“Red flag” warnings advising of heightened fire risk due to gusty winds and hot, dry weather remained in place across much of the Western Slope on Thursday. While winds are expected to die down somewhat ahead of the weekend, there is little — if any — precipitation in the forecast for the mountain region and temperatures are expected to be above-average, according to the National Weather Service.\n\n\n\nA record-breaking hot and dry winter has left Colorado’s mountains parched and ready to burn, according to wildfire officials. The National Interagency Coordination Center’s Predictive Service Unit has issued a “fuels and fire behavior” advisory for the Western Slope and Front Range, warning that prolonged heat and wind have rapidly dried out grasses, trees and other fuels, helping to drive “extreme fire behavior.”\n\n\n\n“Even routine activities can spark new ignitions,” the advisory states. “Extreme caution is critical as fire danger escalates.”\n\n\n\nDrivers over the Fourth of July holiday are being urged to take precautions, like double checking that no chains are dragging and making sure not to park vehicles on dry grass, where the hot undercarriage could spark a fire.\n\n\n\nSmoke, mostly from the wildfires in Colorado, is expected to continue to waft through the mountains through the holiday weekend. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory on Thursday, warning of smoke impacts for more than 20 counties, including Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, Lake and Park.\n\n\n\nWildfires have also continued to pop up across the West this week. There were 250 new wildfires reported nationwide on Wednesday alone. The National Interagency Fire Center has set its preparedness level to 4 of 5, higher than the average of 3 for the month of July. That means national firefighting resources are “heavily committed.” There are more than 9,000 personnel battling fires nationwide.\n\n\n\nHere’s a look at the major wildfires burning in Colorado:\n\n\n\nFire burns near the base of several trees during the Aspen Acres Fire, which has destroyed more than 125 homes in Custer and Pueblo counties.Aspen Acres Fire Information/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAspen Acres Fire is nation’s top priority\n\n\n\nPhilip Daniels, the deputy chief of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, said during a news briefing on Wednesday afternoon that the Aspen Acres Fire burning in Custer and Pueblo counties is the “No. 1” priority fire in the country.\n\n\n\nAfter it was first reported on Monday, the fire had exploded to nearly 48,000 acres as of Thursday morning, destroying more than 125 homes and forcing evacuations, according to wildfire officials. Even more resources were reportedly en route to the fire on Thursday as about 320 personnel battled the blaze, focusing on protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure.\n\n\n\n“When we ask for it, we get it,” Daniels said of federal firefighting resources. “But we can’t bend the laws of physics. Sometimes things have to come from a long way away. … This has become a national fight.”\n\n\n\nA Complex Incident Management Team out of Alaska assumed command of the Aspen Acres Fire on Wednesday morning, according to a daily update. Throughout the day, “very large air tankers” dropped fire retardant on the blaze, aiming to “slow the fire’s advance” and protect homes and infrastructure near Beulah Valley, Rye, Colorado City, Lake Isabel and Red Creek, the update states. \n\n\n\nAs red-flag conditions drive extreme fire behavior, handcrews also reportedly worked to construct a fireline “where conditions allowed.” But the fire remained uncontained as of Thursday morning.\n\n\n\nWhile the cause of the Aspen Acres Fire remains under investigation, wildfire officials have determined it to be human-caused.\n\n\n\nA helicopter assisting with the Willow Fire takes off near Leadville. Willow Fire Information/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWillow Fire threatening Leadville, cancels Fourth of July festivities\n\n\n\nSix miles outside of Leadville, the Willow Fire had burned more than 2,200 acres as of Thursday morning, about five days since it was first discovered burning near Turquoise Lake, according to wildfire officials.\n\n\n\nThe wildfire — which remains uncontained — has forced evacuations near Turquoise Lake and led to neighborhoods in Leadville being placed on pre-evacuation notice. It has also closed trails in the area and led the town to cancel its Fourth of July festivities.\n\n\n\nWilliam Dudley, the operations manager for the Willow Fire, said in a Thursday morning update that fire crews are working to use trails, including a section of the Continental Divide Trail, to create potential containment lines around the fire.\n\n\n\nSeveral crews on Thursday were also assigned to assess structures and neighborhoods around the periphery of the wildfire to “identify what prep needs to be done to make them the most defensible in the coming days,” Dudley said. Air assets, including three helicopters, are also working to slow the fire and protect powerlines, he added.\n\n\n\nLake County Sheriff Heath Speckman said in a video update on Thursday morning that there have been no reports of injuries from the wildfire, the fish from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Leadville National Fish Hatchery have been evacuated and the community should stay alert for any changes to evacuation and pre-evacuation alerts.\n\n\n\n“I wanted to give a huge shoutout to our community. I see a lot of efforts and am hearing of a lot of efforts of people helping each other and wanted to say thank you for that,” Speckman said. “I ask today that we keep doing that and also help our neighbors out.”\n\n\n\nThe cause of the fire remains undetermined.\n\n\n\nA huge plume of smoke from the Gold Mountain Fire billows over the mountains on June 30. The fire is burning approximately 2 miles northeast of Ouray.Gold Mountain Fire Information/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nGold Mountain Fire\n\n\n\nThe Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County had burned 18,000 acres and remained uncontained as of Thursday morning, roughly six days after crews first responded to the fire, according to a daily update.\n\n\n\nRed-flag warnings have continued to drive “very active fire behavior” this week, prompting officials to issue mandatory evacuations and pre-evacuation notices, the update states. “Very high” to “extreme” fire behavior was expected again on Thursday amid continued high winds and hot, dry weather.\n\n\n\nJeramy Dietz, the operations section chief for the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 on scene, said in a briefing on Thursday that much of the focus in recent days has been on protecting homes and infrastructure along U.S. Highway 550.\n\n\n\nCrews on Thursday were working on structure triage along the highway, while others scouted the terrain around the edges of the fire for the best locations to set up containment lines, Dietz said.\n\n\n\n“This country is very rugged and we want our folks to be safe; we want the public to be safe,” he said. “So, we’re spending our time to try to figure out where we can get a good spot for our folks to be safe as we’re working on firefighting.”\n\n\n\nSmoke from the Snyder Fire rises in the distance behind burnt trees and vegetation.Snyder Fire 2026/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nFirefighters gain containment on Snyder Fire that killed 3\n\n\n\nAlong the Colorado-Utah border, the Snyder Fire had burned about 30,200 acres, mostly in Mesa County, as of Thursday morning. Despite “critical fire conditions,” wildfire officials said in an update that the fire has seen minimal growth in recent days.\n\n\n\nFirefighters have been able to contain about 49% of the fire’s perimeter, including around its northwest edge along the part of the Colorado River and its southeast corner near the border.\n\n\n\nOn June 27, fast-moving flames from the Knowles and Gore fires — which have since merged with the Snyder Fire — overtook five firefighters, killing three and injuring the other two, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.\n\n\n\nThe Mesa County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday lifted pre-evacuation orders that were in place for the fire, which is burning in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. \n\n\n\nThe fire has also closed the Colorado River to recreation downstream of Fruita.\n\n\n\nFire retardant covers the ground on July 2 near where the Ferris Fire is burning in Dolores County. Ferris Fire Information/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nFerris Fire\n\n\n\nThe Ferris Fire burning northwest of McPhee Reservoir in Dolores County had burned more than 27,300 acres and remained uncontained as of Thursday morning, according to a daily update.\n\n\n\nThursday marked the sixth straight day of red flag conditions in the area as firefighters attempt to get a handle on the fire, which has led to evacuation orders for multiple homes and private lands.\n\n\n\nThe 282 personnel and four helicopters on scene are focused on protecting homes and infrastructure.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-fires-hot-dry-holiday-weekend/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T22:09:58.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02160252%2F735776145_122099634687383446_8434510068196788209_n-768x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"more-than-1700-personnel-are-battling-5-major-fires-in-colorado-as-hot-dry-weather-continues-into-ho"},{"id":"npc2td","title":"Opinion | O’Neil: Holy Cross Energy committed to wildfire mitigation","excerpt":"Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is committed to safely providing reliable electric power services to our more than 46,500 cooperative members throughout the Eagle, Roaring Fork, and Colorado River valleys. This commitment extends to taking all the steps we can to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from...","content":"Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is committed to safely providing reliable electric power services to our more than 46,500 cooperative members throughout the Eagle, Roaring Fork, and Colorado River valleys. This commitment extends to taking all the steps we can to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from the operation of our electric infrastructure used to deliver electricity to you. Given the persistent drought in our area, it is no surprise that we are already experiencing a summer with hotter and drier conditions conducive to wildfire. \n\n\n\nHCE’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan (available at holycross.com) outlines the many steps we are taking to protect our members and their communities from the potential risk of wildfire started by our electric system operations. We track the important variables defining wildfire risk, such as temperature, humidity, wind, and portions of the National Fire Danger Rating System, to inform each day’s operational procedures, which are designed to reduce the risk of a spark from our activities.  \n\n\n\nWe use drone flights, visual and thermal inspections to determine when it is time to replace aging equipment that might fail and start a fire, and we use satellite data and field surveys to trim or eliminate vegetation that may fall into an HCE line, starting a fire. We have partnered with first responders and other local authorities to deploy a network of fire cameras that allow rapid response to any fire, regardless of cause, in a way that increases the likelihood it can be controlled before it becomes big enough to cause damage to life or property. We have also taken steps to harden our own system against fire by installing fire-retardant pole wraps, using covered conductors, and undergrounding lines in high-risk wildfire zones. \n\n\n\nMost importantly, on days when elevated fire risk is indicated, we use our “fire safety settings” to more quickly de-energize power lines that come into contact with a tree, an animal, or another piece of equipment, shutting off the flow of power to avoid ignition and fire. These fire settings are effective in reducing fire risk, but they can result in more frequent service disruptions in the form of short momentary “blinks” and possibly longer outages. \n\n\n\nThe use of fire safety settings may mean that power will be out for some time until our crews can come out and visually inspect the line to make sure it is clear and can be returned to service safely. We appreciate your understanding should you be affected by outages more this summer than in previous years — it’s most likely our fire settings working to protect you! \n\n\n\nOnly when all these wildfire mitigation measures have been exhausted and it remains — in our opinion — simply unsafe to continue operating the electric system in our area, we may need to call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). If we should have to do so, we promise to provide you with as much information and advance notice as possible, along with suggestions on steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones in the absence of our electric service should you be affected.  \n\n\n\nOur team at HCE has been working diligently with local governments and emergency management agencies to develop a plan for potential PSPS outages should we ever need to use them to protect our communities against wildfire risk. Please be assured that calling a PSPS event is the absolute last thing we want to do — we pride ourselves on reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric service, but the safety of that service must be the basis of everything that we do. We thank you for your continued support of HCE and for granting us the opportunity to serve you and help keep you safe. \n\n\n\nCody O’Neil is the vice president of operations for Holy Cross Energy, based in Glenwood Springs.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/opinion-oneil-holy-cross-energy-comitted-to-wildfire-mitigation/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Cody O'Neil Valley Voices","publishDate":"2026-07-02T23:56:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F02164408%2FHoly_Cross_Energy_High_Mesa_Solar__Storage_site_in_Parachute_Colorado-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"opinion-oneil-holy-cross-energy-committed-to-wildfire-mitigation"},{"id":"cfxfo0","title":"WineInk: Wine — as American as apple pie","excerpt":"This year is a “Big One.”\n\n\n\nAs we all know, the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the “Semiquincentennial” if you will, will be celebrated on Saturday. If you are a wine lover, I hope you plan on raising a glass in a toast to our mutual good fortune of being a part of this great count...","content":"This year is a “Big One.”\n\n\n\nAs we all know, the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the “Semiquincentennial” if you will, will be celebrated on Saturday. If you are a wine lover, I hope you plan on raising a glass in a toast to our mutual good fortune of being a part of this great country. And as is the custom for this column, I would like to suggest that the wine you pour for your Fourth of July toast be made right here in America.\n\n\n\nAs I have noted in the past, when the Declaration of Independence was signed by the 56 delegates of the Second Continental Congress announcing the independence of the colonies over the summer of 1776, the act was toasted with Madeira, the fortified Portuguese wine. There was not much domestically for the patriots to choose from, as most of the wine consumed in the American colonies at the time was still imported from Europe. So Madeira it was.\n\n\n\nAccording to expense accounts retained at the Library of Congress of George Washington, the first president and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, there were significant orders for large purchases of Madeira made throughout his tenure as a general. It appears that the summer of 1775 required extra “fortifications” for the war efforts, as records show Washington ordered close to 2,000 bottles of Madeira. There is a bill from 1776 from the still-serving Fraunces Tavern on the corner of Pearl and Broad streets in lower Manhattan that indicates that then-Gen. Washington once ordered 78 bottles of Madeira for a banquet with his troops.\n\n\n\nThen there is the evidence that Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, both of whose signatures are also on the Declaration, also had a healthy respect — some at the time called it a weakness — for wine. Jefferson is well-known for having discovered the joys of French wines from his days spent in Paris as Foreign Minister. He imported many bottles of fine Bordeaux that he arranged to purchase directly from the houses of Château Lafite, Haut-Brion and the sweet Château d’Yquem.\n\n\n\nA bottle of one of those wines, a 1787 Château Lafite from Bordeaux that famously featured the initials “Th. J.”, later became the object of scandal outlined in the book “The Billionaires Vinegar,” which details the deceptive sale of fake bottles purported to be Jefferson’s wines. It is said that during his presidency he maintained a cellar under the west wing of the White House dubbed “the Icehouse,” which held a stash of his personal wine collection. It is reported that in the two terms of his presidency, from 1801 to 1809, he purchased 20,000 bottles of wine.\n\n\n\nFor his part, Franklin, who many considered to be a wine mentor for the younger Jefferson, also spent time in Paris on official business where he maintained a cellar full of fine Burgundy and Bordeaux. In a letter dated 1779, he wrote to a friend with an ode to biblical references: “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” Amen.\n\n\n\nCompared to some other parts of the world, the country of Georgia, for example, whose wine history extends back as far as 8,000 years, the U.S. is a comparative newcomer to wine production. Though there was wine made on the North American continent by French immigrants in Florida in the 1500s and Spanish missionaries in the west in the 1600s, according to Ray Isle, the executive editor of FOOD & WINE magazine, winemaking in America “didn’t really get going until the 1800s.” In an impressive, extensive and well-researched piece in the current (July 2026) issue of the magazine, he has told “The History of American Wine in 25 Bottles.”\n\n\n\nIsle has been a significant figure at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and prominent in wine journalism since at least 2005, when he first joined FOOD & WINE. Over the years, I have come to know and appreciate him, not just for his knowledge of wine, but for his approachable writing style. That should come as no surprise, as he does hold an M.A. in creative writing from Boston University, my own alma mater. He is a credit to his profession.\n\n\n\nIn his article, Isle breaks down the evolution of American wines chronologically, beginning in 1847 when Missouri’s Stone Hill Winery made wines from a grape that is native to the region called Norton. Not only does he explain the importance of the moment, but he also creatively recommends a current bottle of American wine to drink that will bring the history of that moment to life in a glass. And to make the story even fuller, he offers tasting notes on the individual wines.\n\n\n\nFor example, Isle details how, in 1912, a professor from UC Davis imported European wine-grape cuttings of chardonnay to California. One of the cuttings would become known as “the Wente clone of Chardonnay, the source material for 75% of all the Chardonnay planted in California today.” He goes on to recommend the “green apple-scented” 2024 Wente Family Vineyards Eric’s Chardonnay, Livermore Valley.\n\n\n\nThere is fun and information throughout as he writes about the emergence of wines from Virginia and Texas (1976), the founding of Opus One in a collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillippe de Rothschild (1984) and, of course, “The Sideways Effect” (2004) about a film that impacted American wine preferences.\n\n\n\nMy favorite inclusion, however, may have been from 1972 and the famed “Toast to Peace,” featuring a toast of Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs offered by President Richard Nixon to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. It is said that the toast opened a new relationship between the two opposing nations. It was a long time ago, but we still have peace with China.\n\n\n\nHappy 250th to all of you. It is a good time to toast with a bottle of Schramsberg if you have one.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/wineink-wine-as-american-as-apple-pie/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kelly J. Hayes Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-02T20:21:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2017%2F03%2F10010954%2Fflights-atw-111216-1-6.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wineink-wine-as-american-as-apple-pie"},{"id":"v9i1sw","title":"How the Western Slope voted in Colorado’s primary elections for governor","excerpt":"Colorado’s urban-rural divide was on display in Tuesday’s primary elections for governor. \n\n\n\nAmid a surge in voter turnout, the bulk of candidates’ votes were largely concentrated either along the populous Front Range corridor, or in smaller western and eastern communities.\n\n\n\nOn the Democratic ...","content":"Colorado’s urban-rural divide was on display in Tuesday’s primary elections for governor. \n\n\n\nAmid a surge in voter turnout, the bulk of candidates’ votes were largely concentrated either along the populous Front Range corridor, or in smaller western and eastern communities.\n\n\n\nOn the Democratic side, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser beat his opponent, three-term U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, by a nearly 12-percentage-point margin, largely thanks to a strong showing in Denver and surrounding suburban areas. \n\n\n\nAs of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, Weiser was beating Bennet in Denver County by a 32-percentage-point margin, securing 66% of the vote to Bennet’s 34%, according to preliminary results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. Weiser was also leading Bennet in surrounding Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Boulder, Broomfield and Douglas counties. \n\n\n\nBennet outperformed Weiser in Eastern Plains counties and across much of the Western Slope, including in Summit, Pitkin, Routt and Moffat counties, though his margin in some areas was tight. In Pitkin County, home to Aspen, Bennet was leading Weiser by just 73 votes, or less than two percentage points. \n\n\n\nStill, Weiser led Bennet in a handful of other western counties, including Grand, Eagle and Garfield. \n\n\n\nIt was a similar story for Republican primary candidates Barb Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx. Though the race was too close to call on Wednesday — Kirkmeyer leads Marx by fewer than 1,400 votes, or less than half a percentage point — the two candidates’ strengths were largely contained to either urban or rural counties. \n\n\n\nKirkmeyer, a state senator, outperformed Marx, a nonprofit ministry leader, along the Front Range corridor, securing 52% of the vote in Denver County to Marx’s 30%. The third Republican candidate, State Rep. Scott Bottoms, was trailing with 18% of the vote. Bottoms is trailing both Marx and Kirkmeyer statewide and was leading in just one county, Sedgwick, in northeast Colorado. \n\n\n\nPreliminary election results for the Republican primary for governor are shown as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1. Counties were state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer was leading are shown in light green, while counties where nonprofit ministry leader Victor Marx was leading are shown in dark green. The only county where state Rep. Scott Bottoms was leading is Sedgwick, shown in purple.Colorado Secretary of State’s website/Courtesy image\n\n\n\nKirkemyer also held leads in Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Boulder, Broomfield and Douglas counties. \n\n\n\nMarx, however, outperformed in the state’s southeast corner and most of the Western Slope, though his lead in some counties was tight. In Eagle County, Marx was leading Kirkmeyer by just 31 votes, or just over one percentage point. In other counties, including Garfield, Grand and Moffat, Marx led by a wider margin. \n\n\n\nKirkmeyer was beating Marx in a handful of other Western Slope mountain-resort counties, including Summit, Pitkin and Routt.\n\n\n\nMore than 1.2 million votes had been cast statewide in June’s primary election as of 2 p.m. Wednesday. That represents nearly a third of the state’s active voters and is a more than 10% increase in turnout from the last primary in June 2024, when just over 20% of ballots from active voters were cast. \n\n\n\nJust over half of all ballots cast were for the Democratic primary, while just under a third were for the Republican primary, while the rest were for minority parties’ primaries or were still being processed, according to data from the secretary of state as of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. \n\n\n\nUnaffiliated voters make up the largest share of Colorado’s electorate at over 51% but must choose to vote in one party’s primary. As of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, 41% of unaffiliated voters returned a Democratic ballot compared to 17% who returned a Republican ballot. Forty-one percent of ballots from unaffiliated voters were still being processed. ","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colorado-western-slope-primary-elections-governor/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T21:30:14.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2F01153022%2FGraphic1_1-1024x751.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"how-the-western-slope-voted-in-colorados-primary-elections-for-governor"},{"id":"xe4neu","title":"CareFlight airlifts hiker from Conundrum Hot Springs","excerpt":"Mountain Rescue Aspen, assisted by CareFlight of the Rockies, airlifted an ill hiker who was unable to hike themselves out from Conundrum Hot Springs, a popular backcountry hike in the Elk Mountains, on Wednesday. \n\n\n\nThe ill hiker was one of a party of two. The other hiker was able to send a tex...","content":"Mountain Rescue Aspen, assisted by CareFlight of the Rockies, airlifted an ill hiker who was unable to hike themselves out from Conundrum Hot Springs, a popular backcountry hike in the Elk Mountains, on Wednesday. \n\n\n\nThe ill hiker was one of a party of two. The other hiker was able to send a text message to 911 dispatch around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, reporting that their hiking companion was suffering from severe abdominal pain and vomiting and was unable to exit the field without assistance, according to a press release. \n\n\n\nThe party of two had been staying at a campsite near the hot springs. \n\n\n\nA CareFlight helicopter took off around 7:50 a.m., the release confirms. Mountain Rescue Aspen also dispatched a team on foot to hike into Conundrum Hot Springs to help the reporting party. The ill hiker was successfully extricated from the field and flown to the hospital at Aspen Valley Health.\n\n\n\n“A total of 19 Mountain Rescue Aspen members participated in the approximately seven-hour mission, and all rescuers returned safely from the field,” the press release reads.\n\n\n\nMountain Rescue Aspen team members also assisted in helping the other member of the party, the flight team and flight medic hike out of the field and carry the ill hiker’s personal belongings back to the trailhead.\n\n\n\nThe Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office in the press release stated that common medical incidents can become more complicated in the backcountry and that hikers should carry stocked first-aid kits and be prepared to be self-reliant during long rescues. The press release also emphasizes the importance of two-way satellite communication devices, more than just a cell-phone, that are reliable in limited cell coverage.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/careflight-airlifts-hiker-from-conundrum-hot-springs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T20:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2023%2F06%2F06231515%2F0e2b3f81-1951-5b31-8ff7-c761ac0e7c4f-1024x576.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"careflight-airlifts-hiker-from-conundrum-hot-springs"},{"id":"hebn1","title":"Lawson: A busy summer and the work behind it","excerpt":"Editor’s note: This appeared in and was taken from a city of Aspen newsletter July 1.\n\n\n\nI joined the city of Aspen in late March as the new public works director. I grew up in Colorado and spent most of my career with the National Park Service, leading operations on some of the country’s most vi...","content":"Editor’s note: This appeared in and was taken from a city of Aspen newsletter July 1.\n\n\n\nI joined the city of Aspen in late March as the new public works director. I grew up in Colorado and spent most of my career with the National Park Service, leading operations on some of the country’s most visited public lands. What drew me to Aspen was the chance to do meaningful work in a mountain community I care about, alongside people who hold themselves and their public servants to a high standard.\n\n\n\nI support four departments: streets, parking, transportation and engineering. If you’ve driven, biked, ridden public transit or walked through town, you’ve seen our work — from maintained roads to the construction zones that come with keeping them that way.\n\n\n\nSummer is many people’s favorite time of year in Aspen. Longer days, trails in every direction and the mountains arguably at their seasonal best. It also comes with construction, detours and traffic. But much of what you’re seeing comes down to a basic reality: infrastructure ages, and a community that depends on its roads, sidewalks, trails, utilities and stormwater systems must keep investing in them.\n\n\n\nAspen’s stormwater system is a good example. Much of it is decades old and was built for different conditions. Today, we’re seeing more intense storms, earlier runoff and growing pressure on our watersheds from drought and wildfire.\n\n\n\nAddressing that means investing in our infrastructure to reduce flooding risk and protect water quality, both through capital projects and by making sure new development manages stormwater effectively.\n\n\n\nCongestion is something we take seriously year-round. Smart parking management, free local buses, WE-cycle, Zipcar, the Downtowner and carpool incentives all exist to get cars off our roads. Our parking and transportation teams work on this every day. Take advantage of them. They make our roads safer and more enjoyable for our community and our visitors.\n\n\n\nThe Entrance to Aspen project ties much of this together: transportation, aging infrastructure and the long-term question of how people move in and out of this community. If you haven’t engaged with this project yet, I’d encourage you to. Your input matters. Learn more at entrancetoaspen.co.\n\n\n\nI’m glad to be here, and I take our work seriously. If you have questions about anything Public Works touches, I welcome the conversation. I can be reached at daniel.lawson@aspen.gov.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lawson-a-busy-summer-and-the-work-behind-it/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Daniel Lawson","publishDate":"2026-07-02T19:40:35.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F20155720%2FDaniel_Lawson-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"lawson-a-busy-summer-and-the-work-behind-it"},{"id":"4zas65","title":"US Forest Service seeks public comment on Sweetwater Lake plan","excerpt":"The White River National Forest is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement that outlines possible recreation management plans for the Sweetwater Lake area in Garfield County.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Sweetwater L...","content":"The White River National Forest is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement that outlines possible recreation management plans for the Sweetwater Lake area in Garfield County.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project on Thursday. The document analyzes four alternatives for managing 844 acres at Sweetwater Lake, including 433 acres acquired in 2021 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and 413 acres of previously existing National Forest System lands.\n\n\n\nThe acquisition significantly increased public access to the area, prompting the Forest Service to develop a proactive recreation management plan aimed at addressing increased use while protecting sensitive resources.\n\n\n\n“Public involvement is an important part of determining the future of the Sweetwater Lake,” Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis said in a news release. “We developed these alternatives with significant input from the public and other stakeholders.”\n\n\n\nThe draft analyzes four possible management alternatives. While the Forest Service has identified a proposed alternative, officials said the final plan could include a combination of elements from multiple alternatives based on public and stakeholder feedback.\n\n\n\nAlternative 1 is the no-action alternative, which would keep the current Forest Service management direction and level of management intensity in place.\n\n\n\nAlternative 2, the proposed action, would focus on maintaining and improving existing recreation opportunities while protecting sensitive resources. It would create eight recreation zones designed to spread out use and reduce conflicts among visitors. Under that alternative, Colorado Parks and Wildlife would manage the area through a 20-year special use permit.\n\n\n\n“We have proposed partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife because they have the expertise to effectively manage this long-cherished area,” Veldhuis said in the release. “We could achieve more working together.”\n\n\n\nAlternative 3 would provide fewer recreation improvements and facilities than the proposed action. The goal would be to maintain a more primitive recreation experience with limited facilities and staffing. It would not include a long-term partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.\n\n\n\nAlternative 4 would manage the area for greater visitor capacity without limiting visitation. That alternative would include more facilities and infrastructure to accommodate more day-use and overnight visitors than the proposed action. Colorado Parks and Wildlife would also manage the area under a special use permit.\n\n\n\nThe Forest Service developed the alternatives with input from the public and cooperating agencies, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Garfield County, Eagle County and Gypsum.\n\n\n\nTwo public meetings are scheduled in July. The first will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. July 22 at the Glenwood Springs Library, Glenwood Classroom, 815 Cooper Ave. The second will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. July 23 at the Gypsum Town Council Chambers, 50 Lundgren Blvd.\n\n\n\nBoth meetings will be open-house format, and members of the public may stop by at any time during the meetings.\n\n\n\nComments on the draft environmental impact statement must be received by Sept. 23. More information, including the proposal and instructions for submitting comments, is available on the White River National Forest project website.\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from postindependent.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/forest-service-seeks-public-comment-on-sweetwater-lake-plan/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T19:16:47.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02131143%2FSweetwater-Lake-June-2025-ALongwell-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"us-forest-service-seeks-public-comment-on-sweetwater-lake-plan"},{"id":"efaqag","title":"Eagle County Volunteer event addresses food insecurity on a local level","excerpt":"On June 18, through the national nonprofit Meals of Hope and in partnership with Vail Edwards Rotary Club, more than 60 volunteers packaged 10,000 servings of food for the Eagle community. The event was a part of a larger, national effort fighting high food insecurity levels. \n\n\n\nPenny Wilson, a ...","content":"On June 18, through the national nonprofit Meals of Hope and in partnership with Vail Edwards Rotary Club, more than 60 volunteers packaged 10,000 servings of food for the Eagle community. The event was a part of a larger, national effort fighting high food insecurity levels. \n\n\n\nPenny Wilson, a Vail Edwards Rotary member who helped arrange the packaging event, said it was years in the making ever since she moved to the valley 12 years ago and found that Eagle County had one of the highest rates of food insecurity in Colorado. \n\n\n\nHer realization is played out more recently in the numbers from Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s Community Market, as they reported an uptick from 4,800 earlier this year to 6,000 people who receive nutritious meals at no cost in Eagle County.\n\n\n\n“The families we serve are working incredibly hard, but the cost of living continues to rise faster than many household budgets can keep up,” said Veyra Gamboa, operations manager for The Community Market. “When someone comes to The Community Market, they are not just receiving food. They are gaining a little more stability, a little more choice, and a little more space to care for their family.”\n\n\n\nThe servings from the packaging event will be distributed through The Community Market’s two locations in Edwards and Gypsum, more than 22 outreach programs, The Salvation Army Vail Valley Center and the MIRA bus. \n\n\n\n“Rotary exists to bring people together in service to the community, and this project is that commitment in action,” said Robin Litt, President-Elect of the Vail Edwards Rotary Club. “By partnering with The Community Market, Rotarians are helping address food insecurity right here at home. It’s meaningful, hands-on impact our members are proud to lead.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-volunteer-event-addresses-food-insecurity-on-a-local-level/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T18:36:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F30131257%2FOBP_Z8B69331-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"eagle-county-volunteer-event-addresses-food-insecurity-on-a-local-level"},{"id":"dr03s1","title":"Basalt seeks public input on updating town’s Land Use Code","excerpt":"The town of Basalt is opening an online survey for public input on an update to the town’s Land Use Code, along with hosting a public open house where community can give feedback from 4 to 6 p.m. July 8 at the Basalt Regional Library.\n\n\n\nThe Land Use Code guides how land is used and developed in ...","content":"The town of Basalt is opening an online survey for public input on an update to the town’s Land Use Code, along with hosting a public open house where community can give feedback from 4 to 6 p.m. July 8 at the Basalt Regional Library.\n\n\n\nThe Land Use Code guides how land is used and developed in Basalt through its regulations, which cover zoning, design standards and subdivision procedures, according to a press release. \n\n\n\n“The update is intended to modernize the Code, improve clarity and organization, make the code more user-friendly, and align the Town’s development regulations with the community vision outlined in Basalt’s 2020 Master Plan,” the press release states. “While the Land Use Code is a technical document, it shapes many issues that affect daily life in Basalt and public input is imperative as issues such as mobility, parking, growth, and regulation around emerging land use issues like locations of data centers are under consideration.”\n\n\n\nCommunity members can access the online survey at Let’s Talk Basalt: letstalk.basalt.net. Everyone is also invited to drop in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. on July 8 at the Basalt Regional Library to learn more about the project and offer in-person feedback with the staff and consultant team.\n\n\n\nAdditional information about the Land Use Code update, including survey details and project updates, can also be found at letstalk.basalt.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/basalt-seeks-public-input-on-updating-towns-land-use-code/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T18:16:22.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F03%2F04160245%2FIMG_1037.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"basalt-seeks-public-input-on-updating-towns-land-use-code"},{"id":"f7ca0b","title":"Aspen 360° program returns for 2026","excerpt":"The city of Aspen has announced that Aspen 360° — a free community education program designed to give residents, employees and community members an inside look at how local government works — will return for 2026.\n\n\n\nThe program also offers insight into the essential services that help keep Aspen...","content":"The city of Aspen has announced that Aspen 360° — a free community education program designed to give residents, employees and community members an inside look at how local government works — will return for 2026.\n\n\n\nThe program also offers insight into the essential services that help keep Aspen running, according to a press release. Applications for Aspen 360° are open now through July 31, with classes beginning Aug. 27 through Oct. 8. \n\n\n\nParticipants will attend seven sessions, with classroom meetings scheduled 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays and field trips from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.\n\n\n\n“Through a combination of interactive presentations, behind-the-scenes tours and field experiences, participants will meet city staff, learn how decisions are made, and explore the departments and services that shape daily life in Aspen,” the release reads. \n\n\n\nClass topics will include a city overview, city services, environmental protection, the built environment and infrastructure, how tax dollars are invested, special services and opportunities for community involvement.\n\n\n\n“Whether you’re new to Aspen or have lived here for years, Aspen 360° offers a unique opportunity to connect with local leaders, build relationships with fellow community members and gain a deeper understanding of local government,” the release states.\n\n\n\nFor more information and to apply, visit aspen.gov/Aspen-360.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-360-program-returns-for-2026/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T17:44:56.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F07210138%2Fcityhall-atd-050726-01-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-360-program-returns-for-2026"},{"id":"5ttld1","title":"Victor Marx cuts into Barb Kirkmeyer’s razor-thin lead in Republican primary for Colorado governor","excerpt":"The Republican primary for Colorado governor is teetering on a knife’s edge, with state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer narrowly leading minister Victor Marx by less than a quarter of a percentage point, according to preliminary results as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. \n\n\n\nMarx has steadily been cutting into ...","content":"The Republican primary for Colorado governor is teetering on a knife’s edge, with state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer narrowly leading minister Victor Marx by less than a quarter of a percentage point, according to preliminary results as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. \n\n\n\nMarx has steadily been cutting into Kirkmeyer’s early razor-thin lead from election night and into Wednesday morning, as ballots continue to be counuted. He now trails by fewer than a thousand votes. Of the more than 470,000 ballots cast, Kirkmeyer was winning nearly 39.9% of the vote to Marx’s 39.7%. State Rep. Scott Bottoms was in a distant third place with just over 20% of the vote. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press estimated that 84% of ballots had been counted in the race as of 2 p.m. on Wednesday. \n\n\n\nThe close results come despite Marx’s commanding fundraising lead over both his opponents and a poll commissioned by a super PAC supporting his campaign that showed Marx as the race’s clear frontrunner. \n\n\n\nNeither candidate provided a comment on Wednesday when asked through their spokespeople. During their respective watch parties on election night, both projected confidence as the results rolled in, showing a tight race. \n\n\n\n“I think we all know that tonight is not the finish line, that it’s the starting line, and I’ve got to tell you, I look forward to debating the future of Colorado, of our state, with Phil Weiser,” Kirkmeyer said of Weiser, who the Associated Press declared the winner of the Democratic primary shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday. \n\n\n\n“Somebody asked me, ‘Are you worried?'” Marx told a crowd of supporters Tuesday night. “I’m like, ‘No.’ We’ve run a campaign that has inspired thousands — tens of thousands. It’s incredible. We have stood up against the establishment.”\n\n\n\nIn social media statements on Wednesday, Kirkmeyer and Marx said they were focused on curing ballots, which allows voters to fix issues, such as their ballot signature or ID, that may have prevented their vote from being counted. \n\n\n\nColorado voters have until July 8 to cure their ballots for the primary. \n\n\n\nThe race could also face an automatic recount if the final margin of victory is close enough. In Colorado, a recount is triggered when the margin is less than or equal to 0.5% of the leading candidate’s vote total. \n\n\n\nIn Kirkmeyer and Marx’s case, the margin stood at 0.3% as of 2 p.m. on Wednesday. \n\n\n\nEstablishment candidate versus political outsider \n\n\n\nThe winner of the GOP primary will face an uphill battle in November’s general election. Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens in 2002, with the state’s electorate continuing to shift more blue in the years since. \n\n\n\nGov. Jared Polis, a Democrat who cannot run for reelection this year because of term limits, won his first election in 2018 by a more than 10-percentage-point margin. He was reelected in 2022 by nearly 20 percentage points. \n\n\n\nKirkemyer focused much of her campaign for governor on experience, framing herself against Marx and Bottoms as a proven conservative leader with a strong legislative record. \n\n\n\nShe is one of just two Republicans in the legislature who serve with four Democrats on the Joint Budget Committee, which writes the state’s annual multibillion-dollar budget. Before becoming a state senator in 2021, Kirkmeyer served two decades as a Weld County commissioner, during which time she supported a controversial 2013 ballot measure that asked voters in 11 northern Colorado counties whether they should pursue secession and form their own state. It failed to pass. \n\n\n\nKirkmeyer also worked in the administration of former Gov. Bill Owens — the last Republican governor of Colorado — from 2001 to 2006. And she was the Republican nominee in 2022 for Colorado’s newly created 8th Congressional District, which she narrowly lost to Democrat Yadira Caraveo. \n\n\n\nMarx is a Marine Corps veteran who leads a nonprofit, All Things Possible Ministries, that focuses on humanitarian work primarily in the Middle East and South Asia. He has positioned himself as an anti-establishment political newcomer willing to take on the status quo, something Marx said resonated with voters and helped propel his campaign. \n\n\n\nMarx has faced criticism from his opponents and questions from reporters about claims he has made about his life, which have garnered national media attention. Marx said he was forced by his stepfather to shoot and kill a man at the age of 7. In an interview with 9News reporter Kyle Clark, part of which was featured in a recent segment by late-night show host John Oliver, Marx inferred that he has killed people in self-defense during his missionary work, but would not say how many people. \n\n\n\nOther claims made by Marx include calling in an airstrike to kill ISIS fighters, being the first American to enter Gaza after war broke out with Israel, and stopping human smuggling at the U.S.-Mexico border. Marx’s opponents labeled him a liar who makes up “tall tales.” \n\n\n\nMarx defended those critiques in a previous interview, saying, “There’s far more evidence out there of who I am, what I’ve done, decades of it. But some who don’t want me and know that I’m a threat, all they can do is make accusatory remarks.”\n\n\n\nTight race despite Marx’s fundraising advantage \n\n\n\nMarx built a commanding fundraising lead over Kirkmeyer and Bottoms throughout the primary campaign, with $2,926,865 raised and $2,759,157 spent as of June 29, according to filings with the secretary of state. \n\n\n\nHe was also aided by two super PACs, Victory for Colorado, which raised and spent $133,924, and Freedom IEC, which raised $502,930 and spent $481,372. \n\n\n\nIn comparison, Kirkemyer raised $655,232 and spent $654,922. She was also supported by a super PAC, Colorado Strong, which spent $343,716 to boost her campaign. Bottoms, who did not have any super PAC support, raised $240,498 and spent $235,466. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-primary-republican-victor-marx-barb-kirkmeyer-governor/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T22:40:19.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F01163804%2FMarx-Kirkmeyer-1024x744.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"victor-marx-cuts-into-barb-kirkmeyers-razor-thin-lead-in-republican-primary-for-colorado-governor"},{"id":"tpwucr","title":"Semi cleared, 10th Street reopened following diesel spill in Glenwood Springs","excerpt":"Update, 5:36 p.m.: A semi has been cleared from Colorado Highway 82 following a large diesel fuel spill in Glenwood Springs, and the intersection at 10th Street has reopened, according to a Facebook post from the Glenwood Springs Police Department.\n\n\n\nThe eastbound and southbound lane closure on ...","content":"Update, 5:36 p.m.: A semi has been cleared from Colorado Highway 82 following a large diesel fuel spill in Glenwood Springs, and the intersection at 10th Street has reopened, according to a Facebook post from the Glenwood Springs Police Department.\n\n\n\nThe eastbound and southbound lane closure on Colorado Highway 82 is expected to remain in place for about three more hours as cleanup work continues.\n\n\n\nOriginal 4:15 p.m.: Motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays on eastbound Colorado Highway 82 and Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs due to a gasoline spill, according to an alert from the city of Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\nThe lane closure is in place on eastbound Highway 82, headed upvalley, from milepost 116 near the main Glenwood Springs exit to 10th Street. Westbound lanes, headed downvalley, are not affected.\n\n\n\nTurns west from Highway 82 between Eighth and 10th streets are not allowed while crews respond to the spill.\n\n\n\nCleanup crews are on scene. Drivers should use caution in the area and expect delays.\n\n\n\nThere is no estimate for when the lane will reopen.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/semi-cleared-gasoline-spill-closes-lane-on-eastbound-colorado-highway-82-in-glenwood-springs/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T22:11:14.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F08%2F18112049%2FPI-breaking-news-1920x1080-1024x576-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"semi-cleared-10th-street-reopened-following-diesel-spill-in-glenwood-springs"},{"id":"deq3he","title":"Colorado officials to crack down on impaired driving, boating under the influence this Fourth of July","excerpt":"The Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcements will be upping enforcement of driving under the influence laws during the Fourth of July holiday.\n\n\n\nDrivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty to crack down on drunk drivers through...","content":"The Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcements will be upping enforcement of driving under the influence laws during the Fourth of July holiday.\n\n\n\nDrivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty to crack down on drunk drivers through July 7, according to a news release from the State Patrol.\n\n\n\n“Troopers don’t give warnings to impaired drivers,” Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard said in a statement. “Choosing to drive after using any impairing substance is gambling with your life and everyone else sharing the road. You risk your license, your finances, and your freedom.”\n\n\n\nIn 2025, law enforcement officers made 207 arrests for driving under the influence, with seven fatal crashes involving suspected impairment during the weeklong Fourth of July enforcement period, according to the State Patrol. In Colorado, penalties for driving under the influence can exceed $13,500.\n\n\n\nOver the past five years, there have been 143 fatal crashes involving suspected impairment during the month of July — more than any other month, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. So far this year, 60 people have died in crashes involving suspected impairment.\n\n\n\nAnyone who is planning to drink or consume marijuana over the Fourth of July should plan ahead to have a sober driver, according to state officials.\n\n\n\nColorado Parks and Wildlife officers will also be upping patrols to enforce boating under the influence laws over the Fourth of July holiday. Penalties for boating under the influence can include fines, boat impoundment, potential jail time and loss of boating privileges, according to a news release.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-officials-imparied-driving-boating-fourth-july/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T22:09:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F01%2F28161950%2FGettyImages-900894072-scaled-1-1024x682.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-officials-to-crack-down-on-impaired-driving-boating-under-the-influence-this-fourth-of-july"},{"id":"q2lp3z","title":"Wildfire danger is ‘through the roof’ as Fourth of July travel kicks off busiest time of year for I-70 traffic","excerpt":"One of the busiest travel periods of the year is underway on Colorado’s Interstate 70 corridor as tens of thousands of drivers head to the mountains to celebrate the Fourth of July.\n\n\n\nWith so many people hitting the roads for the holiday, transportation officials are urging travelers to plan ahe...","content":"One of the busiest travel periods of the year is underway on Colorado’s Interstate 70 corridor as tens of thousands of drivers head to the mountains to celebrate the Fourth of July.\n\n\n\nWith so many people hitting the roads for the holiday, transportation officials are urging travelers to plan ahead — not only to avoid the worst of the congestion but to ensure that their vehicles are prepared for the extreme fire danger in the mountains.\n\n\n\n“It’s going to be busy out there,” AAA Public Affairs Director Skyler McKinley said. “Despite high gas prices heading into the holiday, despite some economic uncertainty, we think a record number of Americans will be traveling — 72.2 million Americans traveling overall, 61.4 million by car.”\n\n\n\nThat trend is reflected in Colorado, with the vast majority of travelers choosing to drive by car to their holiday destinations, McKinley said. He also noted that AAA booking data also shows Denver among the top 10 destinations in the U.S. for air travel this Fourth of July, and many of those who fly into the state will be renting cars to drive up to the mountains.\n\n\n\n“It’s great news for the High Country economy after a rough winter,” McKinley said. “What’s unique to Colorado is there is an incredible wildfire risk across the state, and certainly in the High Country and along the Western Slope. What I don’t think most folks consider is that their car can be a major source of sparks that can then burn acreage and can take lives.”\n\n\n\nFourth of July is busiest holiday of the year on I-70\n\n\n\nOn I-70, the Fourth of July is the busiest holiday of the year, even busier than holiday weekends during the ski season, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.\n\n\n\nEvery year since 2019, CDOT has counted more than 200,000 vehicles passing through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70 over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, except last year when a fatal crash led to closures.\n\n\n\n“It’s actually the Fourth of July weekend that we see the most traffic on the I-70 mountain corridor,” said Emily Wilfong, the communications manager for the GoI70 campaign. “Especially with this summer, it’s the 250th anniversary of the United States. It’s a big celebration weekend, so we’re anticipating that there’s going to be a lot of traffic on the corridor.”\n\n\n\nTo help ease congestion over the holiday, CDOT has announced plans to suspend state construction and maintenance projects from midday Thursday through Monday morning.\n\n\n\nWith Friday being a federal holiday, Wilfong said drivers can expect westbound traffic on I-70 to start picking up in the early afternoon on Thursday as people get off work early and head up to the mountains. Westbound traffic will probably remain heavy on Friday morning and afternoon, then ease Saturday, she said.\n\n\n\nAfter the Fourth of July, eastbound traffic on I-70 is expected to peak on Sunday morning and afternoon. Wilfong suggested that those looking to avoid the congestion should look to leave early or stick around to Monday morning.\n\n\n\nFor those who don’t want to deal with driving on busy roads, Wilfong noted that the state’s Bustang and Pegasus bus services offer travel between cities like Denver and mountain towns, many of which have free buses that tourists can use to get around.\n\n\n\n“All of the Bustang and Pegasus buses have Wi-Fi, so you can stream, catch up on work,” Wilfong said. “It’s a really nice relaxing way to get to the mountains, versus that kind of knuckle gripping that you’re doing in the stop-and-go traffic along the corridor.”\n\n\n\nThe “saving grace” for the Fourth of July weekend is that travel is spread out over two weeks, from about Saturday, June 27, to Sunday, July 5, and is already underway, McKinley said. The extended holiday travel period should help spread out the traffic on the I-70 corridor over several days, leading to fewer “pinch points,” he said.\n\n\n\nOne thing that could significantly delay travel over the Fourth of July is if a wildfire were to ignite along a major roadway, McKinley said. He noted that there are several major wildfires burning in Colorado heading into the holiday weekend and a wildfire earlier this year closed I-70 for several hours, leading to lengthy detours.\n\n\n\n“In addition to making sure that your vehicle is well-maintained and not sparking a fire, know that wildfires might spark and there could be lengthy detours,” McKinley said. “Plan for that as you’re budgeting your time. The worst thing you can be is in a rush during one of these holiday travel periods, and the easiest way to avoid the rush is to plan ahead.”\n\n\n\nDrivers can stay up to date on road closures and traffic conditions by visiting COTrip.org or downloading the COTrip mobile app.\n\n\n\nHow to prepare your car for extreme fire danger\n\n\n\nAs Colorado faces widespread drought and extreme fire danger, visitors will find that most mountain communities have instituted Stage 2 fire restrictions that ban all campfires and fireworks.\n\n\n\nIn addition to respecting fire restrictions, visitors to the mountains are also being urged to inspect their vehicles before hitting the roads to ensure there is nothing that could spark or potentially ignite a wildfire.\n\n\n\n“With Colorado, especially the High Country, so dry right now, this summer is different and the risk of starting a wildfire is through the roof,” said Austyn Dineen, the state transportation department’s communication manager for the I-70 mountain corridor. “Safe driving this summer is about preventing sparks before they cause a disaster.”\n\n\n\nDrivers should never pull off the roadway where dry grass could touch the hot undercarriage of their vehicle and should always make sure to secure trailer chains so that they cannot drag and spark, according to the transportation department.\n\n\n\nIn the mountains, Dineen said it is important not to overheat brakes on steep descents since the friction can ignite a vehicle’s tires. Drivers can use a low gear while going downhill to reduce the need to brake.\n\n\n\nCigarettes should never be tossed out the window, where they could land on dry ground and spark a fire.\n\n\n\nWith the risk of wildfires in the mountains over the Fourth of July holiday, the Colorado State Patrol said in a news release that travelers should do their best to avoid driving in or near an active wildfire.\n\n\n\nHowever, if travelers do have to drive near an active wildfire “it is important to remain calm, check for road closures and promptly leave,” the release states. Drivers should keep windows and doors closed to prevent toxic smoke from entering the vehicle, use their headlights but not their high beams, drive slower than the posted limit and leave extra space between the vehicle in front of them.\n\n\n\nWhen safely out of the range of the fire, drivers should pull over and check their vehicle for mechanical issues, such as a clogged air filter, tire damage and ash buildup, according to the release. The State Patrol also said a vehicle fire extinguisher could prove helpful in an emergency.\n\n\n\n“Driving during a brushfire or wildfire is extremely dangerous,” State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard said in a statement. “If you feel unsafe, you don’t have to wait for an evacuation order. Pack up and leave.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/wildfire-danger-fourth-july-busy-i-70-traffic/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T21:40:13.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F01153627%2Fbrushcreek-atd-061126-01-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wildfire-danger-is-through-the-roof-as-fourth-of-july-travel-kicks-off-busiest-time-of-year-for-i-70"},{"id":"7xhdyv","title":"Arts and Entertainment Agenda, July 3-9","excerpt":"‘Knox Kronenberg: An Exhibition Honoring 250 Years of America,’ July 2-4\n\n\n\nThrough the stark beauty of the American West, a special exhibition entitled ‘Knox Kronenberg: An Exhibition” will honor 250 years of America from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 2 at The Aspen Times Building, 330 E. Main St. T...","content":"‘Knox Kronenberg: An Exhibition Honoring 250 Years of America,’ July 2-4\n\n\n\nThrough the stark beauty of the American West, a special exhibition entitled ‘Knox Kronenberg: An Exhibition” will honor 250 years of America from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 2 at The Aspen Times Building, 330 E. Main St. The show features large-format, limited-edition black-and-white photographs. The images capture the landscapes, people and stories that continue to define the nation’s identity. The artist will be present for the event. \n\n\n\nTo RSVP, email info@knoxkronenberg.com.\n\n\n\nDeVon at Aspen Grove Art, July 2-3\n\n\n\n“America” by DeVon.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAspen Grove will present “Celebrating America’s 250th birthday with DeVon in Attendance” from 4 to 7 p.m. July 3 at Aspen Grove Fine Art, 525 E. Cooper Ave., Suite 105. The acclaimed pop artist DeVon will be on site, with an artist’s demo at 6 p.m. He is joining the gallery to celebrate American’s 250th birthday, with tastings available from Aspen Vodka, Marble Distillery and La Pulga Tequila. Mentored by an assistant to Andy Warhol, DeVon’s latest works bridge generations, reinterpreting iconic Western, pop and music figures from Clint Eastwood and Marilyn Monroe to Pink Floyd. He layers collage, diamond dust or Swarovski crystals beneath a thick, high-gloss resin finish to create his signature originals. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspengrovefineart.com.\n\n\n\nAspen Farmers Market shifts to holiday schedule, July 3\n\n\n\nAspen Farmer’s Market shifts to Friday from 8:30 am to 2 p.m. July 3. The highly-popular market offers Colorado’s produce and artisan products, live music and a food court. Located in downtown Aspen, the market forms a U-shape along Galena Street, Hopkins Avenue and Hunter Street. Admission is free and leashed dogs are welcome. Parking is limited. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspen.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/957.\n\n\n\nCity of Aspen’s festivities, July 3-4\n\n\n\nPeople enjoy the city of Aspen’s Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2025, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nFrom a two-day carnival and downtown parade to a 250-drone light show, Aspen’s Fourth of July festivities run at various locations and times to celebrate the Fourth in style. The city will host a  community carnival that will run from noon to 8 p.m. July 3-4 at Rio Grande Park. This year’s theme is “1776,” with free rides, including a 65-foot Ferris wheel, carousel, fun slide and more. Charlie Tarver hosts bike decorating from 10-11 a.m. at Paepcke Park for kids. The city’s annual Fourth of July parade begins at 11 a.m. until approximately 12:30 p.m. July 4 in downtown Aspen. Belly Up Aspen will host a  free community concert, “The Record Company,” from 7 to 9 p.m. in Wagner Park. Aspen Chamber Resort Association will then present an evening drone light show lighting up the sky above Aspen Mountain on July 4 from 9 to 9:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspenspecialevents.com/events/july-4th. \n\n\n\nAspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club picnic, July 4\n\n\n\nAfter the parade, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club keeps the family-friendly vibes going with a public picnic from noon to 3 p.m. at Koch Park (Garmisch and Cooper). Activities and games for all ages include bouncy castles, dunk tanks and live music. Food will be on site. Highlights include Wagyu burgers from The Viceroy (veggie options available), beer and wine. \n\n\n\nFor tickets and information, visit teamavsc.org.\n\n\n\nAspen Music Festival and School Fourth of July Concert, July 4\n\n\n\nThe annual free Fourth of July celebration will bring The Aspen Music Festival and School band to perform at 4 p.m. in the Klein Music Tent stage with “stirring patriotic favorites.” \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/fourth-of-july-concert.\n\n\n\n‘Sounds & Spirits at Bad Harriet,’ July 3-5\n\n\n\n‘Sounds & Spirits’ will take place from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 3 to 5 at Hotel Jerome. The series typically takes place from Thursdays to Saturdays. This week will feature live DJs Romy Ancona, Ima Garcia and crafted cocktails. For more information, visit auberge.com/hotel-jerome/experiences/#!/e/sounds-spirits-at-bad-harriet-524ea0c8.\n\n\n\nAspen Isis Theatre movies, July 3-9 \n\n\n\nThe exterior sign for the Isis Theater is seen on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAspen’s Isis Film Theatre is featuring “Minions and Monsters,” “Toy Story 5,” “Supergirl” and “Obsession” as of July 3. The Summer Kids Film Series will screen “How to Train Your Dragon (2025)” July 8. Showtimes run from matinees to evening programming. The venue is located at 406 E. Hopkins Ave. \n\n\n\nFor more information and showtimes, visit btmcinemas.com/our-locations/g01ie-btm-isis-theatre-aspen-com.\n\n\n\nBANDALOOP, July 4\n\n\n\nBANDALOOP will awe audiences at the Wheeler Opera House.Basil Tsimoyianis/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nVertical dance company BANDALOOP will perform at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. July 4 on — “yes, on”— the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave. The special event celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with the internationally-known vertical dance company based in West Oakland, Calif. The facade of the 137-year-old Wheeler Opera will transform into a series of 20-minute outdoor performances that are free to the public. Community members are encouraged to stop by rehearsals ahead of the event. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit wheeleroperahouse.com/event/bandaloop-july-4th-celebration.\n\n\n\n‘The Great American Festival at Hotel Jerome,’ July 4\n\n\n\nHotel Jerome is a highly regarded viewing area for the July 4 parade in Aspen.Hotel Jerome/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nCelebrate Independence Day with the annual ‘The Great American Festival at Hotel Jerome,’ from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4 in the newly-reimagined Garden at Hotel Jerome, 330 E. Main St. Festivities run all day for all ages, including a front-row seat to the excitement of this year’s parade. Entertainment will feature a special performance from acclaimed violinist Bobby Yang, whose “dynamic style blends classical virtuosity with modern energy,” according to a release. The setting offers unobstructed views of Aspen Mountain for one of summer’s most anticipated celebrations. Hotel Jerome silver tokens can be purchased to redeem for food and drink items. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit auberge.com/hotel-jerome/experiences/#!/e/the-great-american-festival-at-hotel-jerome-july-4th-dc99e8a7.\n\n\n\nLane 8, July 4\n\n\n\nLane 8 to perform in Aspen.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nDenver-based Lane 8 will perform from 8:30-11 p.m. at Belly Up Aspen, 450 S. Galena St. Born in California, Lane 8 is best known for melodic house music in a phone-free, in-the-moment “This Never Happened” show concept. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit ellyupaspen.com/events/lane-8. DJ Lo-G will open. \n\n\n\nAuthor Kari Wells at Explore Books, July 8\n\n\n\nAuthor Kari Wells will present at Explore Books July 8.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nExplore Books is hosting author Kari Wells to discuss “From Attitude to Gratitude,” about transforming pain into purpose and discovering and committing to gratitude from 5:30-7 p.m. July 8 at 221 E. Main St. British-born businesswoman and reality TV personality (“Married to Medicine”) offers a roadmap to emotional freedom through her latest book. She shares 15 powerful practices to help readers transform pain into purpose. Through her personal challenges, she shares candid stories and deep reflections, as well proven tools to rewrite limiting beliefs and reclaim personal agency. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit explorebooks.org/event/2026-07-08/kari-wells-attitude-gratitude.\n\n\n\nSnowmass Free Concert Series, July 9\n\n\n\nThe Snowmass Free Concert Series will continue for the 2026 summer until Aug. 27. The shows take place every Thursday evening, with the venue opening at 5:30 p.m. The Texas Gentlemen — Blues/Rock — will perform at 6:30 p.m. at Fanny Hill. C.A.R.P. will be the opening act July 2. Following them, the North Mississippi Allstars — Blues/Southern Rock — will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. July 9. Me Like Bees will open. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit gosnowmass.com/activity/summer-music-series.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/arts-and-entertainment-agenda-july-3-9/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T16:59:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F02095024%2FStatue_of_Liberty_Buffer_8853_72x48_email_2-683x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"arts-and-entertainment-agenda-july-3-9"},{"id":"939055","title":"Taylor: Our local climate contradiction","excerpt":"Aspen and Pitkin County frequently present themselves as national leaders in environmental stewardship. Climate action, sustainability...","content":"Aspen and Pitkin County frequently present themselves as national leaders in environmental stewardship. Climate action, sustainability...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/taylor-our-local-climate-contradiction/article_28ba32f9-d241-4aa3-888a-e72c88dafb04.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Susan Taylor, Guest Commentary","publishDate":"2026-07-02T20:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fac%2Fbac4032b-786e-411c-82ae-b56690bce87f%2F6a45b71d5aad0.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C299","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"taylor-our-local-climate-contradiction"},{"id":"fmc6ve","title":"Wagner Park ready to party like it’s July 3","excerpt":"The Record Company plays Friday","content":"The Record Company plays Friday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/wagner-park-ready-to-party-like-it-s-july-3/article_7671d3fc-2873-43a1-9306-4eb9f266a525.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-02T09:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F91%2Ff9104465-fb66-424d-b84e-df957151c17c%2F6a45b645cb87b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wagner-park-ready-to-party-like-its-july-3"},{"id":"s0heiy","title":"Court hearings held on whether to put Belly Up in receivership","excerpt":"Ownership litigation continues between co-founders Goldberg, Gitlitz","content":"Ownership litigation continues between co-founders Goldberg, Gitlitz","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/court-hearings-held-on-whether-to-put-belly-up-in-receivership/article_9363d3d0-869d-479c-b790-6dd9ee168952.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-07-02T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F8f%2F58fca473-dbe8-427c-819a-682d76372f78%2F6a45b3a7624a9.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"court-hearings-held-on-whether-to-put-belly-up-in-receivership"},{"id":"dln1r8","title":"Remembering Cheryl Ann Towning","excerpt":"Feb. 12, 1948 — June 27, 2026","content":"Feb. 12, 1948 — June 27, 2026","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/obituaries/remembering-cheryl-ann-towning/article_91313e69-767a-4566-ae54-f55ff7199efa.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-02T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F5f%2F65f575c1-faed-441b-8a90-cc2ca7de43d6%2F6a45b26a37c06.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"remembering-cheryl-ann-towning"},{"id":"waaspx","title":"Local news in brief, July 2","excerpt":"Basalt seeks feedback on land use code update","content":"Basalt seeks feedback on land use code update","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-july-2/article_0414dc71-3278-4392-9c15-63d0777da530.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-02T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fed%2Fdedb6be4-2961-4a1f-9a0b-c1e8bf2d604c%2F68e710dcf2f72.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C189","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"local-news-in-brief-july-2"},{"id":"cm4gc2","title":"record company","excerpt":"Alex Stiff, Chris Vos and Marc Cazorla make up The Record Company. The power trio from Los Angeles plays at Wagner Park at 7 p.m. Friday.","content":"Alex Stiff, Chris Vos and Marc Cazorla make up The Record Company. The power trio from Los Angeles plays at Wagner Park at 7 p.m. Friday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/record-company/image_f9104465-fb66-424d-b84e-df957151c17c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Kim Zsebe","publishDate":"2026-07-02T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F91%2Ff9104465-fb66-424d-b84e-df957151c17c%2F6a45b645cb87b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"record-company"},{"id":"t3fmtj","title":"trc","excerpt":"Chris Vos, Marc Cazorla and Alex Stiff have been playing together as The Record Company for almost 15 years. The band has played Belly Up several times and now returns to Aspen to play Wagner Park Friday at 7 p.m.","content":"Chris Vos, Marc Cazorla and Alex Stiff have been playing together as The Record Company for almost 15 years. The band has played Belly Up several times and now returns to Aspen to play Wagner Park Friday at 7 p.m.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/trc/image_dd3fdf9d-23b2-4154-bd10-0ec6a125af9b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Libby Gray","publishDate":"2026-07-02T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fd3%2Fdd3fdf9d-23b2-4154-bd10-0ec6a125af9b%2F6a45b68eb2b62.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C199","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"trc"},{"id":"m7ffza","title":"cheryl ann towning obit","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cheryl-ann-towning-obit/image_65f575c1-faed-441b-8a90-cc2ca7de43d6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-02T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F5f%2F65f575c1-faed-441b-8a90-cc2ca7de43d6%2F6a45b26a37c06.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"cheryl-ann-towning-obit"},{"id":"wnf2ka","title":"Charles Yang at Ideas Fest","excerpt":"Violinist, composer and singer Charles Yang performs at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Monday afternoon.","content":"Violinist, composer and singer Charles Yang performs at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Monday afternoon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/charles-yang-at-ideas-fest/image_324ceaaf-9ed8-4abf-be37-f375331667b3.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-02T08:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F24%2F324ceaaf-9ed8-4abf-be37-f375331667b3%2F6a45b5e07d489.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"charles-yang-at-ideas-fest"},{"id":"8obgww","title":"High Points: Independence Day","excerpt":"Of all the national holidays, the Fourth of July has always been my favorite. And this year it is especially noteworthy, as we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood.\n\n\n\nStart with the idea that July 4 is the day ...","content":"Of all the national holidays, the Fourth of July has always been my favorite. And this year it is especially noteworthy, as we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood.\n\n\n\nStart with the idea that July 4 is the day that we celebrate independence. Not just the independence of our nation from the tyranny of British rule, as was the intent of the founders who authored and signed the greatest document in modern history, the Declaration of Independence. But also, it is the day we honor the powerful notion that we all, every one of us, are blessed with the independence and the liberty to pursue whatever happiness that we personally deem to be necessary.\n\n\n\nAspen has always been a great place to be on the Fourth of July. For years, the day began in town at 6 a.m. with a massive boom as the miner Jay Parker set off cannons at the Smuggler Mine to honor the late Stephan Albouey, who founded the tradition. Dogs would howl, car alarms would screech and tourists would wake in horror to the sound of the blast. But hey, it was a local tradition. Of course, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this year mean that anything that can kick off a spark is prohibited. And for good reason. Please, no cannons or fireworks.\n\n\n\nAn ongoing tradition that we can continue is the annual Boogie’s Buddy 5-Mile Race, which begins and finishes in the Rio Grande Park at 8 a.m. This year, the epic “got-to-do-it-at-least-once” race celebrates its 40th anniversary. There is also a 5K and a one-mile family fun walk. The race is a benefit for the Buddy Program and is not just a beautiful run but an important fundraiser for the program. Be sure to wear your old running shirts from past Boogie Buddy 5s. Oh, and HOKAs are allowed.\n\n\n\nOf course, everybody loves a parade, and in all of America, few are as authentic as the homegrown one we have here in Aspen. The parade, which begins at 11 a.m., has roots that date to the 1880s, when the wagons of the fire brigade would lead a procession of locals through the heart of town. These days, the fire trucks are still the main attraction on Main Street. This year, the race will be even more memorable thanks to a special appearance by Aspen’s own Olympic Gold Medalist Alex Ferreira, who will be the parade’s Grand Marshal.\n\n\n\nThe afternoon, post-run and parade, are tailor-made for a quick nap in the grass before the orchestra takes the stage at 4 p.m. in the Klein Music Tent for the annual free Fourth of July concert. This is a rite of summer as the orchestra brings fans to a frenzy when they perform a selection of patriotic fare ranging from “76 Trombones” from “The Music Man” to a stirring rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”\n\n\n\nAnd to wrap things up, just after dark at 9:30 p.m., the Aspen Chamber Resort Association presents a special drone show over Aspen Mountain. Yes, we all miss the fireworks of Fourth of Julys of the past, but the drones, produced by Sky Elements, is a safer solution to lighting up the night sky in a celebratory salute.\n\n\n\nOn a personal note, the first time I came to Aspen was for the Fourth of July weekend in 1974. I was in college at the University of Colorado, and a fellow freshman and I hitchhiked from Boulder over Independence Pass to Aspen. We spent the first night at Difficult Campground and came into town the following morning for the parade. It was beautiful, festive and fun. I did not know at the time that I would make this valley my home, but as I look back to that week 52 years ago, I realize that it was inevitable.\n\n\n\nThis is what I did with my independence.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/high-points-independence-day/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Paul E. Anna Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-02T16:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F12%2F04163836%2FHigh-Points--1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"high-points-independence-day"},{"id":"fxl4ux","title":"Doyle and Ittner look to Pitkin County District 1 Commissioner seat","excerpt":"John Doyle and Rob Ittner are heading into campaign season for the Nov. 3 election after winning 40.6% and 39.2% of votes, respectively, for the position of District 1 Pitkin County Commissioner, which will replace Commissioner Patti Clapper. \n\n\n\nAccording to the unofficial results from Wednesday...","content":"John Doyle and Rob Ittner are heading into campaign season for the Nov. 3 election after winning 40.6% and 39.2% of votes, respectively, for the position of District 1 Pitkin County Commissioner, which will replace Commissioner Patti Clapper. \n\n\n\nAccording to the unofficial results from Wednesday morning, Doyle received 1,910 votes and Ittner received 1,844.\n\n\n\nTorre will not advance after receiving 19.6% of the vote — 951 votes — but he said he plans to continue to hold elected officials accountable to their voter base. \n\n\n\nBoth Doyle and Ittner are prioritizing addressing the airport modernization in their campaigns. Beyond that, Doyle said he is particularly passionate about the climate, especially given the effects in Aspen from the fires burning throughout the state and the ash that has been in the air from the nearby Willow Fire that has been burning outside of Leadville.\n\n\n\n“The time is now,” Doyle said. “We’re not moving fast enough on environmental causes, all of them.”\n\n\n\nIttner shared similar sentiments about climate, public lands and wildfires, with a plan to continue his work on the conservation of Pitkin County by limiting excess growth and protecting the environmental resources that are valued by the county’s constituents.\n\n\n\n“My efforts and the record that I have put out there — from being involved with the community, from my past services being county commissioner, preserving water, protecting the natural lands and protecting the growth within our community — is proven,” Ittner said.\n\n\n\nDoyle also expressed a commitment to limiting excess development, framing his views on limiting growth as part of his environmental activism. He noted that he was opposed to the Pandora’s Lift expansion and the Lift One redevelopment in the face of the climate crisis.\n\n\n\n“I’ve been fighting the environmental cause even before I got into office, and that’s going to be how I move forward, especially given the winter we just had, and the fact that ash is raining down from the skies,” Doyle said.\n\n\n\nBoth candidates said they will continue their door-knocking and outreach campaigns, with Ittner planning to continue his sidewalk campaigning, where he believes he impacts people directly when they are able to ask him questions.\n\n\n\n“You have to be willing to put yourself out there, and you can’t do these campaigns behind closed doors,” Ittner said.\n\n\n\nDoyle said he’s planning to spread his outreach to parts of the county he hasn’t previously been as involved in, including Redstone and other Aspen neighborhoods like Burlingame, so he can make sure he hears the concerns of all Pitkin County constituents.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“I’m definitely looking forward to meeting more voters and getting more voters behind the environmental cause,” Doyle said.\n\n\n\nEven though Torre will not be moving onto the next election cycle, he confirmed he will still be involved civically and still support the constituents who backed him during this election cycle. He put a particular emphasis on holding elected officials accountable, and is choosing not to back either Doyle or Ittner at this time.\n\n\n\n“I think candidates should come clean about who they are beholden to and who they are answering to,” Torre told The Aspen Times, “and I think that, then on top of that, I would love to hear any kind of plans, ideas, solutions or suggestions from either candidate on any issue.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/doyle-and-ittner-look-to-pitkin-county-district-1-commissioner-seat/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T00:30:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2018%2F09%2F11042454%2Felection-slideshow-atd-110817-9.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"doyle-and-ittner-look-to-pitkin-county-district-1-commissioner-seat"},{"id":"wk9ff4","title":"Crews continue fighting Willow Fire as area grows and containment remains 0%","excerpt":"The Willow Fire, which started June 28 outside Leadville, has grown to 2,011 acres, and a higher-level incident management team has taken command of the response, according to updates posted by the management team and the Lake County Office of Emergency Management.\n\n\n\nSouthwest Area Complex Incid...","content":"The Willow Fire, which started June 28 outside Leadville, has grown to 2,011 acres, and a higher-level incident management team has taken command of the response, according to updates posted by the management team and the Lake County Office of Emergency Management.\n\n\n\nSouthwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 took over June 30, according to the office of emergency management, and is a higher level of team than the Type 3 incident management team that had taken command June 29. Team member William Dudley said in a June 30 video update that the fire remains at 0% containment, a number reflected on InciWeb.Wildfire.gov and Watch Duty, a fire detection app.\n\n\n\nDudley gave an overview of firefighting efforts made June 30, which included crew members analyzing the west and northwest sides of the fire to determine the best ways to contain it. Firefighters on the east side of the fire worked on creating a fire break between the fire and the Leadville National Fish Hatchery to protect the hatchery and the rest of Leadville from the fire.\n\n\n\n“We’re going to be working on that over the next 48 hours, to have a good solid line to keep fire from moving east into Leadville,” Dudley said.\n\n\n\nInciWeb and the management team’s Willow Fire Facebook page both report that the cause of the fire remains undetermined, there are 197 personnel on the fire, and the fuels include lodgepole pine and mixed conifer.\n\n\n\nA post on the Willow Fire page Wednesday morning stated the fire remained active Tuesday as air and ground teams worked to fight it. Steep high-elevation terrain, limited road access and “critically dry” vegetation all present challenges to firefighters, the post stated. It also stated that Red Flag conditions are expected Wednesday, with low relative humidity and strong winds.\n\n\n\nCrews are using a “full suppression strategy” to contain the fire and protect communities, infrastructure, natural resources and recreation areas, the post stated. On Tuesday, June 30, crews assessed structures and installed hoses and portable water tanks to protect at-risk values. On July 1, they will continue assessing structures and improving fire break lines, according to the post.\n\n\n\nIn a video update from Lake County Sheriff Heath Speckman on Wednesday morning, he said the fire has caused no new road closures or evacuations. Areas around Turquoise Lake and the fish hatchery have evacuation orders, while pre-evacuation areas in a few communities include about 400 homes, according to Speckman.\n\n\n\nFirst responders will go door-to-door today at those homes in the pre-evacuation areas to make sure they are aware of the order and give them information about what an evacuation order would look like, Speckman said.\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from summitdaily.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/crews-continue-fighting-willow-fire-as-area-grows-and-containment-remains-0/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Kyle McCabe Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tkmccabe@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T21:06:31.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F07%2F01144328%2F735157884_1327780106205146_9221406511374296824_n-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"crews-continue-fighting-willow-fire-as-area-grows-and-containment-remains-0"},{"id":"hyt48u","title":"Baker pulls away in unofficial Garfield County sheriff results","excerpt":"Brent Baker holds a wide lead over Dan Loya in the Republican primary for Garfield County sheriff, according to unofficial election results from the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.\n\n\n\nAs of 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, Baker had 4,961 votes, or 67.6%, while Loya had 2,378 votes, or 32.4%, ac...","content":"Brent Baker holds a wide lead over Dan Loya in the Republican primary for Garfield County sheriff, according to unofficial election results from the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.\n\n\n\nAs of 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, Baker had 4,961 votes, or 67.6%, while Loya had 2,378 votes, or 32.4%, according to the clerk and recorder’s office. A total of 7,339 votes had been counted in the race.\n\n\n\nUnofficial countywide voter turnout stood at 36.56%, with 14,200 ballots cast out of 38,837 active voters, according to the clerk and recorder’s office.\n\n\n\nNo Democrat is running for the office, making Tuesday’s Republican primary the decisive race for Garfield County sheriff.\n\n\n\nBaker, a patrol lieutenant with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, has worked for the office since 2002. He won the Republican nomination at the Garfield County Republican Party assembly in March.\n\n\n\nLoya, the undersheriff for the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, petitioned onto the primary ballot after the assembly. Thomas Wright was another candidate in the race but did not make the primary ballot.\n\n\n\nBaker said Tuesday night that he was excited to continue serving Garfield County and lead the sheriff’s office.\n\n\n\n“I’m humbled and honored by the support I’ve received,” Baker said. “My team, my supporters, they’ve all been great. Super proud of the campaign we ran. We ran a positive campaign that was built on positivity, integrity and character, and we never got into the weeds or down into the mud.”\n\n\n\nBaker said his campaign’s door-to-door outreach made him feel confident heading into Election Day.\n\n\n\n“When we went door to door and talked to people at their door, it was very positive,” Baker said. “We’re not a big enough county where we can spend $20,000 to go out and run a poll, but if you run a poll by knocking on doors and talking to people, we felt good about it.”\n\n\n\nBaker said his goals include improving the climate and culture at the sheriff’s office, keeping turnover low and providing better service to residents.\n\n\n\n“I want to work with the community as a team, and I want to be a team that listens to all parts of the county and takes that into consideration,” Baker said. “I don’t want this just to be my way or the highway Brent Baker show. It’s the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, it’s not my sheriff’s office.”\n\n\n\nThe winner will succeed longtime Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario, who is not seeking reelection after six terms in office.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/brent-baker-holds-wide-lead-in-garfield-county-sheriff-race/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T03:12:50.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F30211106%2Floyabaker-1024x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"baker-pulls-away-in-unofficial-garfield-county-sheriff-results"},{"id":"2tuz7u","title":"Paige Price returns to Theatre Aspen to direct ‘A Chorus Line’","excerpt":"One singular sensation comes to Aspen, via Theatre Aspen, July 3-25 in the form of “A Chorus Line.” \n\n\n\nThis summer marks the first time Paige Price has returned to Theatre Aspen as a guest artist in the past nine years, since moving on as the executive artistic director at Theatre Aspen —  a pos...","content":"One singular sensation comes to Aspen, via Theatre Aspen, July 3-25 in the form of “A Chorus Line.” \n\n\n\nThis summer marks the first time Paige Price has returned to Theatre Aspen as a guest artist in the past nine years, since moving on as the executive artistic director at Theatre Aspen —  a position she had for 10 years, up until 2017. \n\n\n\n“Any excuse I have to come back to Colorado, I am happy to take advantage of,” she said. “It’s sort of a mixture of pride — remembering my time here and what we built and expectations to want to deliver something that is worthy of the place.” \n\n\n\nShe has helped update Theatre Aspen’s “A Chorus Line” while still honoring the legacy of the original show, which debuted off-Broadway in April 1975 and moved on to Broadway by July of the same year. \n\n\n\n“We are not changing a word of the script, but we are changing the choreography — it is all new choreography except for the finale, the iconic number, ‘One,'” she said, adding that costumes have also been updated a bit. \n\n\n\nWhile part of the motivation in altering the choreography stems from the shape of the theater and the desire to embrace the environment, the other comes from wanting to include more dancing. \n\n\n\n“I would venture to say this is a very athletic version of ‘A Chorus Line,'” she said. “Many of the numbers in the original involved the person who’s telling their story stepping in front of the line to take stage by themselves. In our version, I would say that is the rarity. Most of the numbers involve the entire ensemble. They participate in the memories of all the dancers.” \n\n\n\nFor example, the original version of “A Chorus Line” did include some dancing upstage during the number “At the Ballet,” but in this one, an entire world of ballet swirls around the main characters. \n\n\n\n“Every inch of the stage is used by the whole company,” she said. \n\n\n\nOther formerly static highlights, such as one of the characters, Greg, telling his story, now involve backup singers. \n\n\n\n“It’s just a little bit more kinetic,” she said. “Athletic, kinetic: Those two words say it all.” \n\n\n\nOverall, the musical showcases the stories of 17 dancers auditioning for hard-won roles in the chorus of a new production. Throughout the show, many get cut, while others step into the spotlight to share some of their deepest experiences — and personalities — as part of the audition process. One describes struggling to find her artistic voice yet feeling “nothing” in a particularly emotive acting class; others share the magic of ballet as an escape from unhappy childhoods; still others reflect upon the awkward transition into adolescence. \n\n\n\n“I like the connection from the past to the future,” she said. “The dreams don’t change. The dancer’s devotion doesn’t change. The dancer sacrifice doesn’t change. So it’s actually the same story … There’s a timelessness to this story. That’s what we’re trying to accomplish: the timelessness of the actual experience of the dancer hasn’t changed.” \n\n\n\nRecreating a musical without changing it a bit limits freedom of expression, but this version builds upon the individuals within the company. \n\n\n\nDirector Paige Price at rehearsal.Lucy McIver/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“So sometimes when I say, ‘Well, what would you do?’ they’re a little surprised. The people that have done the show, like (Antonia Vivino as) Maggie, for instance … she found it really refreshing and said that the newness of how the characters relate makes it a rich experience,” Page said.\n\n\n\n“That’s really refreshing for the people that have done the show before. It makes them watch the other actors even more and look for opportunities. That’s what we have invited them to do — to look for opportunities, to tell a story that might only be yours, that the audience might not even pick up, but it makes your throughline more interesting in this full day that we are depicting where you’re in the trenches with these people, some of whom you don’t know, and maybe by the end of the day, you have a new friend or maybe by the end you have someone you never want to see again. It’s a day in the life. It’s an opportunity for them to bring relationships to life, as well as characters.” \n\n\n\nAs usual, the caliber of talent is top notch. Paige said that she’s “extremely impressed” with the apprentices in the company. \n\n\n\n“They are not backups in any way. They have a big job to do, and they’re college kids, (but) they are on stage with Broadway veterans, and they hold their own,” she said. \n\n\n\nThe cast of “A Chorus Line” in rehearsal.Lucy McIver/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe contemporary version allows the dancers to create different on-stage relationships with various characters. Paige recalls that when she danced in the show — her first big break — the standard version didn’t allow her to interact with the characters as much, because relationships remained bound by the construct of the original staging. \n\n\n\nWhether a traditional or contemporary version, “A Chorus Line” demands characters to extend beyond their comfort zones — a theme that resonates with any generation. \n\n\n\n“I think that is something people really can relate to. They are asked to go deep, and some people embrace it more than others. And I think that’s universal, that there is always some bit of yourself that you have to expose or reckon with in order to realize your dreams,” she said. \n\n\n\nThe show runs two hours and 10 minutes without an intermission, fully immersing audiences into the story. \n\n\n\n“I think they’re going to feel like they’re in it,” she said. “That is the vibe of Theatre Aspen. It’s just so close and so intimate.”\n\n\n\nShe added that she loves how there are no exclusive stars in the show. \n\n\n\n“I think in this moment, watching a group collectively make something — a group that is so full of different histories and different types of people — is just a really good exercise,” she said.\n\n\n\nThe company has spent eight hours a day for the last three and a half weeks to perfect their “thrilling combination (and) every move that (they) make.” \n\n\n\nNote: Due to strong language, mature themes including sexuality and gender identity, references to drug use and frank discussions of body image and personal trauma, this show is not recommended for those younger than 13. \n\n\n\nThe description goes on to state: “The content is handled with honesty and compassion, and we believe it makes for a deeply moving and unforgettable theatrical experience.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/paige-price-returns-to-theatre-aspen-to-direct-a-chorus-line/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-01T22:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F01154351%2FACL_Mountain_Photo-1024x622.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"paige-price-returns-to-theatre-aspen-to-direct-a-chorus-line"},{"id":"w22j6w","title":"Kirkmeyer carries slight edge over Marx in Republican primary for governor, as race remains too close to call","excerpt":"State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, a longtime Colorado politician with decades of experience in state and local government, has a slight lead over her two Republican opponents in the GOP primary for Colorado governor.   \n\n\n\nResults as of Wednesday at 7 a.m. show Kirkmeyer leading nonprofit ministry leade...","content":"State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, a longtime Colorado politician with decades of experience in state and local government, has a slight lead over her two Republican opponents in the GOP primary for Colorado governor.   \n\n\n\nResults as of Wednesday at 7 a.m. show Kirkmeyer leading nonprofit ministry leader Victor Marx by around 1,356 votes in Tuesday’s primary election. Kirkmeyer and Marx were each carrying around 39% of the vote, while State Rep. Scott Bottoms had 20%, according to preliminary results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. AP News estimated that 88% of the votes had been counted as the race remained too close to call.\n\n\n\nKirkemyer focused much of her campaign for governor on experience, framing herself against Marx and Bottoms as a proven conservative leader with a strong legislative record. Marx has positioned himself as an anti-establishment political newcomer willing to take on the status quo, something he said resonated with voters and helped propel his campaign. \n\n\n\nThe winner of the Republican primary will face an uphill battle in November’s general election, taking on Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who won the Democratic primary on Tuesday against three-term U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens in 2002, with the state’s electorate continuing to shift more blue in the years since. \n\n\n\nKirkmeyer’s lead in the GOP primary election results comes despite underperforming Marx in fundraising and spending. Marx, who was also shown to be the race’s frontrunner in a poll commissioned by a super PAC supporting his campaign, raised $2,926,865 and spent $2,759,157 as of June 29, according to filings with the secretary of state. \n\n\n\nHe was also aided by two super PACs, Victory for Colorado, which raised and spent $133,924, and Freedom IEC, which raised $502,930 and spent $481,372. \n\n\n\nIn comparison, Kirkemyer raised $655,232 and spent $654,922. She was also supported by a super PAC, Colorado Strong, which spent $343,716 to boost her campaign. Bottoms, who did not have any super PAC support, raised $240,498 and spent $235,466.\n\n\n\nRegional reporter Ryan Spencer contributed to this article.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/early-results-show-kirkmeyer-with-slight-edge-over-marx-in-republican-primary-for-governor/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T02:25:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F08165814%2FCandidates-1024x413.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"kirkmeyer-carries-slight-edge-over-marx-in-republican-primary-for-governor-as-race-remains-too-close"},{"id":"l0cvn2","title":"Vail area women’s hockey community mourns loss of fallen firefighter Emily Barker","excerpt":"The Vail-area women’s hockey community is reeling from the loss of wildland firefighter Emily Barker, an Eagle resident who played defense for the Downvalley Divas, one of several Eagle County women’s teams.\n\n\n\nThe Vail area is home to one of the country’s most robust women’s hockey communities, ...","content":"The Vail-area women’s hockey community is reeling from the loss of wildland firefighter Emily Barker, an Eagle resident who played defense for the Downvalley Divas, one of several Eagle County women’s teams.\n\n\n\nThe Vail area is home to one of the country’s most robust women’s hockey communities, shaped by women like Barker, 38, who was killed Friday fighting the Snyder Fire on the Colorado-Utah border.\n\n\n\nBarker was one of the league’s best defenders, a role that symbolized her commitment to her teammates, who formed a close-knit group both on and off the ice.\n\n\n\nRemembering Barker this week, friends from the Downvalley Divas shared a lot of tears, but a lot of laughs as well, reminiscing on the decade or so they got to spend with Barker playing hockey here in Eagle County.\n\n\n\nNatural leader\n\n\n\nWhen Barker arrived in Eagle County from Summit County in 2014, she moved in with Eagle resident Sarah Brubeck, who had taken out a classified ad for a roommate. The two immediately bonded over hockey.\n\n\n\n“When she was moving in, she had a hockey bag,” Brubeck said. “I said ‘we play on a hockey team, do you want to come and check it out?’ So she came and it very quickly became her second family.”\n\n\n\nEmily Barker, right, with friend and teammate Sarah Brubeck.Courtesy image\n\n\n\nBarker had moved to Colorado from Michigan, where she was born and raised and attended college, studying ski area management, snow science and fire science. She found a career as a snowmaker at Vail Resorts, where she rose through the ranks to become the resort’s first female crew leader in snowmaking. She then turned to wildland firefighting in the summers, where she spent many years working as a BLM engine captain stationed out of Dubois, Idaho.\n\n\n\n“She had a subtle confidence, and an ability to lead, and I think that came from the fact that she cared about people,” Brubeck said. “She was always looking out for people and what they needed.”\n\n\n\nIn between her career roles, she dedicated the remainder of her time to passions like snowmobiling and dirt biking, and to her friends and teammates on the Downvalley Divas. Team captain Erin Jarvis said Barker stood out in an environment where extraordinary women are the norm.\n\n\n\n“I don’t know how she would manage her schedule,” Jarvis said. “She would come to practice on a Friday night, and then go do her overnight snowmaking.”\n\n\n\nThe hockey season starts in October each year, and oftentimes Barker was still on active fire duty during the first few games.\n\n\n\n“She would figure it out and drive in from Idaho just in time for our first game,” Jarvis said.\n\n\n\nThe Downvalley Divas women’s hockey team.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOne of Barker’s closest friends on the team was fellow defender Kat Ruark, who grew up in Eagle County but met Barker at a hockey tournament in Nevada.\n\n\n\n“I was put on a d-line with Emily that weekend, and she became my favorite defensive partner of all time,” Ruark said. “A few years later, I moved back to Eagle County and joined the team that she was on, and we were paired up a lot — she was No. 12, and I’m No. 11. The two of us would have fun and giggle and she always had good little one-liners for the other team when they were in the crease, challenging our goalie.”\n\n\n\nRuark said at a tournament in Breckenridge Barker broke her glasses at one of the games, so she taped them together and added a mustache and furry eyebrows, playing “in disguise” for the rest of the game.\n\n\n\n‘More like sisters’\n\n\n\nThe team was close off the ice, as well, traveling together and being there for each other during special moments — “job changes, breakups and different life events that we experience together,” as Brubeck described it. “We became more like sisters.”\n\n\n\nA few years ago, the group planned a team trip to Honduras to enjoy a vacation in the sun. Barker was flying in from Idaho a couple hours ahead of the rest of the team, which was coming in from Colorado. \n\n\n\n“Her plane ended up landing heavy and broke the tarmac, and all of us got rerouted, so it became a running joke that Emily broke the tarmac and shut down an entire airport,” Jarvis said. “She was sending us pictures the whole time of her having a cocktail by the pool saying ‘got the whole place to myself!'”\n\n\n\nEmily Barker, lower right, with Kat Ruark, left. Behind them, from left, are Downvalley Divas teammates Gus Turner,Cappie Green and Erin Jarvis.Courtesy image\n\n\n\nBack home, Brubeck said Barker would often watch firefighting documentaries in her free time. Brubeck said Barker was well studied on the details of the Storm King incident and Colorado’s terrible history of wildland firefighting deaths.\n\n\n\n“She was very picky about which documentary she would watch, anything that was slightly inaccurate she wasn’t into,” Brubeck said.\n\n\n\nRuark said she didn’t realize how extensive Barker’s career had been until Barker began working on a transfer from Idaho to Colorado, and they started working on her resume together. \n\n\n\n“It was stressful for her, so she came over to my house, we had a glass of wine and sat down on the couch, and she got out her calendar,” Ruark said. “I started writing down all that she had done. She had years and years and years of experience on so many different fires.”\n\n\n\nRuark’s career is connected to wildland firefighting, as well, as she works for a nonprofit that helps distribute funds for wildfire mitigation and restoration. She took a class recently about community wildfire mitigation best practices in Glenwood Springs. “I met two firefighters from Idaho who had worked with Emily,” she said.\n\n\n\nWhile Ruark said Barker was deeply knowledgeable about the science of wildfire, it was the adrenaline of the job that kept her returning each summer, never knowing how many nights she would spend in a sleeping bag on the fire line.\n\n\n\nEmily Barker, left, with Downvalley Divas teammate Laura Foster.Courtesy image\n\n\n\nBrubeck said the adrenaline rush was what also attracted Barker to her passions — hockey, snowmobiling and dirt biking — and the same went for her other career in snowmaking, as well. The early morning hours out on the mountain working amid the loud noise, the pressurized water lines creating the intense spray out of the gun — it’s an exciting job, despite its difficult nature.\n\n\n\nBut it also takes a toll, and Brubeck said in recent years Barker had stepped away from it.\n\n\n\n“She worked such hard shifts, in both of her lives — she would work all night long, all winter long snowmaking, and then she would go to fire, and had these long, two-week stints fighting fire, and I think both jobs kind of burned her out a little bit,” Brubeck said.\n\n\n\nBarker pivoted to working in retail at the North Face and Patagonia stores in Vail, and — after a few late night sessions working on her resume with Ruark — she got a job with the U.S. Forest Service’s Rifle Helitack crew, based in Rifle, which she hoped would cut down on the travel across the West.\n\n\n\nWith the extra time, she was able to commit to her friends in an even deeper way.\n\n\n\n“She house sat for me when I was on vacation in November,” Brubeck said, “and when I came home she had stocked the fridge, cleaned the house and made fresh banana bread.”\n\n\n\nAnd in that commitment to her friends, Barker seemed to know exactly when to be there, Brubeck said.\n\n\n\n“She has shown up at more than one appointment when one of us had to put our dogs down,” Brubeck said. “She was always there when we needed a friend.”\n\n\n\nWhen Barker was traveling, Ruark said she and her dog, Gordie, could always count on receiving a postcard.\n\n\n\n“At the end of every one, she’d write ‘give Gordie a scratch behind the ear for me,’ or ‘rub Gordie’s belly for me,'” Ruark said. “So now I’m reading those postcards and giving him one more scratch, from Emily.”\n\n\n\nA memorial fund has been set up for Barker’s family at gofundme.com/f/support-for-travel-after-wildfire-heros-loss.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-area-womens-hockey-community-mourns-loss-of-emily-barker/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-02T01:22:51.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F07%2F01161742%2Fimage000000-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"vail-area-womens-hockey-community-mourns-loss-of-fallen-firefighter-emily-barker"},{"id":"yv9c5u","title":"Gasoline spill closes lane on eastbound Colorado Highway 82 in Glenwood Springs","excerpt":"Motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays on eastbound Colorado Highway 82 and Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs due to a gasoline spill, according to an alert from the city of Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\nThe lane closure is in place on eastbound Highway 82, headed upvalley, from milepost 116 n...","content":"Motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays on eastbound Colorado Highway 82 and Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs due to a gasoline spill, according to an alert from the city of Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\nThe lane closure is in place on eastbound Highway 82, headed upvalley, from milepost 116 near the main Glenwood Springs exit to 10th Street. Westbound lanes, headed downvalley, are not affected.\n\n\n\nTurns west from Highway 82 between Eighth and 10th streets are not allowed while crews respond to the spill.\n\n\n\nCleanup crews are on scene. Drivers should use caution in the area and expect delays.\n\n\n\nThere is no estimate for when the lane will reopen.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/gasoline-spill-closes-lane-on-eastbound-colorado-highway-82-in-glenwood-springs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T22:29:41.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F25132433%2FBreaking-news-aspen-times-graphic-black-and-white.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"gasoline-spill-closes-lane-on-eastbound-colorado-highway-82-in-glenwood-springs"},{"id":"fozcrq","title":"Phil Weiser wins Democratic primary for Colorado governor","excerpt":"Phil Weiser, who has served as Colorado’s attorney general since 2019, beat three-term U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in Tuesday’s Democratic primary election for governor.\n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race around 7:55 p.m. on Tuesday. Preliminary results as of Wednesday morning from the Colorado...","content":"Phil Weiser, who has served as Colorado’s attorney general since 2019, beat three-term U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in Tuesday’s Democratic primary election for governor.\n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race around 7:55 p.m. on Tuesday. Preliminary results as of Wednesday morning from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office show Weiser beating Bennet by more than 11 percentage points, with Weiser winning just under 56% of the vote to Bennet’s 44%.\n\n\n\n“For over a year, the establishment pundits and so many others said this wouldn’t be a race at all, it would be a coronation,” Weiser said in a victory speech Tuesday night. “They counted us out, and they underestimated all of you. Together, we pushed forward. We did the hard work, and we proved the establishment wrong.”\n\n\n\nOn the Republican side, state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer retains a slight lead over nonprofit ministry leader Victor Marx, but the race remains too close to call. \n\n\n\nThe winner of the Democratic primary will be the favorite to win the governor’s seat in November. Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens in 2002, with the state’s electorate continuing to shift more blue in the years since. \n\n\n\nGov. Jared Polis, a Democrat who cannot run for reelection this year because of term limits, won his first election in 2018 by a more than 10-percentage-point margin. He was reelected in 2022 by nearly 20 percentage points.\n\n\n\nIn the race to replace Polis, Bennet and Weiser took similar policy positions. Both wanted to increase housing supply, reduce regulatory burdens for builders and businesses, expand healthcare access and change the state’s decades-old revenue and spending limit. \n\n\n\n“Tonight, Colorado, you chose fresh, energetic and bold leadership that starts by asking, ‘How can I help?'” Weiser said. “How can I help to make healthcare, childcare and housing more affordable? How can I help protect our land, air and our water? How can we invest in our economy and jobs with infrastructure that supports inclusive growth?”\n\n\n\nBut much of the race has been defined by who has done more to take on the Trump administration.\n\n\n\nWhile Bennet claimed he’s been a fighter against Trump’s policies in the Senate, Weiser and other Democrats criticized him for voting to support several key Trump cabinet members. Weiser touted the dozens of lawsuits his office has filed against the Trump administration, but he has been challenged by Bennet on why he did not join other states on certain lawsuits during Trump’s first term. \n\n\n\n“In Colorado, in the face of a lawless, bullying Trump administration trying to intimidate us, rip away our rights and freedoms, you made clear that we need a leader who will fight back and never bend the knee,” Weiser said.\n\n\n\nWeiser, the first major Democratic candidate to jump into the race at the start of 2025, was widely seen as the underdog in the Democratic primary after Bennet announced his candidacy last April. Early polling showed Bennet beating Weiser by double digits.\n\n\n\nBut the race tightened in recent months as both candidates raked in significant fundraising, with Weiser setting a new record for a self-funded candidate in a Democratic primary. Weiser raised $6,794,306 and spent $6,615,199, while Bennet raised $5,018,224 and spent $5,705,915, according to filings with the secretary of state’s office as of June 29.\n\n\n\nBennet’s campaign, however, was also supported by a massive amount of cash from a super PAC that spent heavily on advertising to help boost the senator’s gubernatorial bid. Super PACs, which are a type of political action committee, can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support a candidate, but are not allowed to coordinate or donate directly to that candidate’s campaign. \n\n\n\nOf the $11,409,223 raised by the political action committee Rocky Mountain Way, more than $5 million came from one donor: former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who has an estimated net worth of $109.4 billion and is one of the biggest political donors in the country. \n\n\n\nRocky Mountain Way spent $10,912,819. By comparison, Fighting for Colorado, a super PAC supporting Weiser, raised $1,464,191 and spent $1,372,238, according to the most recent campaign finance reports. \n\n\n\nMuch of Weiser’s campaign focused on what he called his grassroots support. If elected governor, Weiser pledged to listen to communities to help shape policy, which he said has been his guiding principle as attorney general. That includes listening to the Western Slope on issues like wolves and water, which Weiser acknowledged can often feel alienated from the Front Range, where much of the state’s political power and decision-making is concentrated.\n\n\n\n“The future of Colorado will not be decided by out-of-state billionaires, by corporations or special interests,” Weiser said. “Colorado’s future belongs to all of us. I am excited for the work do here in Colorado, including getting corporate money out of our politics and making sure our government delivers for all of us, not only the wealthy few.”\n\n\n\nRegional reporter Ryan Spencer contributed to this article.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/phil-weiser-takes-early-lead-in-democratic-primary-for-colorado-governor/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T02:25:28.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F08172431%2FBennet-Weiser-1024x783.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"phil-weiser-wins-democratic-primary-for-colorado-governor"},{"id":"mjn8yz","title":"Colorado lawmakers celebrate Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold birthright citizenship","excerpt":"Colorado Democratic lawmakers are celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold birthright citizenship, rejecting one of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders from the president’s first day in office.\n\n\n\nOn Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected the order with a 6-3 vote, upholdi...","content":"Colorado Democratic lawmakers are celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold birthright citizenship, rejecting one of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders from the president’s first day in office.\n\n\n\nOn Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected the order with a 6-3 vote, upholding that children born on United States territory — regardless of the parents’ legal status — are American citizens.\n\n\n\nChief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, held by both conservatives and liberals. Three conservative justices — Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas — voted to uphold Trump’s proposed restrictions.\n\n\n\n“Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the long-standing right to citizenship enshrined in the Constitution: If you are born in this country, you are a U.S. citizen,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in a June 30 news release. “The president issued his birthright citizenship executive order with blatant disregard for the Constitution. It’s astonishing that we had to fight this case because the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment is so plainly clear.”\n\n\n\nThe 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”\n\n\n\nTrump’s day one order fulfilled one of his campaign promises, kicking off his administration’s crackdown on immigration.\n\n\n\nThe order declared that any future children born in the United States to individuals who are in the country illegally or temporarily — including those with student and tourist visas — would no longer be granted citizenship.\n\n\n\nOn the second day of Trump’s term, Colorado joined a coalition of 18 states in suing to block the executive order. The lawsuit, filed in the Federal District Court in Massachusetts, claimed the order violated the constitutional rights afforded to all children born in the United States and sought to halt any actions that would implement it.\n\n\n\nThe suit argued that, if upheld, the order would “strip citizenship from thousands of babies born in Colorado and across the country, denying them basic rights and protections,” according to Weiser’s office. Children would have lost access to Social Security numbers, federal programs, lawful employment, and would have been unable to obtain passports, vote, serve on juries or run for certain offices. \n\n\n\nThe lawsuit was successful, obtaining nationwide preliminary injunctions that blocked Trump’s executive order from taking effect.\n\n\n\n“Birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of our Constitution and rests on the belief that all Americans are equal under the law. Any attempt to revoke or undermine that constitutional guarantee is unlawful, and the Supreme Court agrees,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet in a Tuesday news release.\n\n\n\n“Just a few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to question the legality of birthright citizenship,” reads a statement from the General Assembly Democrats, including Elizabeth Velasco from Glenwood Springs. “While today’s decision reaffirms common sense and the fundamental promise of our democracy, it is a sobering reminder of how this administration is willing to undermine our rights, restrict our constitutional freedoms, and divide our communities for political gain.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-ruling-colorado-lawmakers-react/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T02:13:34.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F30195836%2FCapitol_1-4-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-lawmakers-celebrate-supreme-courts-ruling-to-uphold-birthright-citizenship"},{"id":"evza8q","title":"Incumbent Rep. Jeff Hurd wins Republican primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District","excerpt":"U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a first-term Republican congressman, beat his GOP primary opponent, Ron Hanks, in his bid to hold onto his Western Slope congressional seat. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Preliminary results as of Wednesday morning from the Colo...","content":"U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a first-term Republican congressman, beat his GOP primary opponent, Ron Hanks, in his bid to hold onto his Western Slope congressional seat. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Preliminary results as of Wednesday morning from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office show Hurd beating Hanks, a former state representative, by a 33-percentage-point margin. Hurd was winning 66% of the vote to Hanks’ 33%.\n\n\n\n“This campaign has always been about who will fight for Colorado — not who will fall in line with Washington,” Hurd said in a text message statement shared through his spokesperson. “In November, voters will have a clear choice between a proven conservative who delivers results for western and southern Colorado and a Democrat who would help advance the same agenda that’s made life more expensive, weakened our energy independence, and ignored the challenges facing rural America. I’ll continue putting this district first every single day.”\n\n\n\nOn the Democratic side, Army veteran Dwayne Romero beat businessman Alex Kelloff, the co-founder of Armada Skis. \n\n\n\nHurd was first elected in 2024 to represent Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, which stretches from the northwestern corner of Colorado throughout most of the Western Slope and also swings east to include Pueblo. \n\n\n\nThe district favors Republicans and hasn’t been represented by a Democrat since 2011, though former Aspen City Council member Adam Frisch came close to flipping the seat in 2022 when he ran against then-incumbent Rep. Lauren Boebert, who won reelection by just 546 votes. \n\n\n\nAfter Boebert switched districts in 2024, Hurd beat Frisch by a much wider margin — nearly 20,000 votes.\n\n\n\nHanks challenged Hurd in the 2024 Republican primary, which he lost. Hanks launched a last-minute bid in April to unseat Hurd after Hurd’s initial primary opponent dropped out. \n\n\n\nHanks has positioned himself to the right of Hurd ideologically. He participated in the Jan. 6, 2020, protest in Washington that resulted in a riot at the U.S. Capitol building, and he denies that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. He has criticized Hurd’s record in Congress for not being conservative enough and said he would be a better ally to President Donald Trump if elected to Hurd’s seat. \n\n\n\nHurd has largely supported Trump’s agenda while in Congress, voting last summer to pass the president’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act that contained much of his domestic policy goals. The sweeping measure extended and expanded a suite of tax cuts for individuals and businesses, incentivized more mining and drilling on federal land, boosted funding for immigration enforcement, and cut funding and placed new eligibility requirements on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. \n\n\n\nBut Hurd has also broken with Trump and the majority of his party on several key issues, including his vote in February to oppose Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The move temporarily cost Hurd Trump’s endorsement, though Trump re-endorsed him about a month later. \n\n\n\nHurd was also one of just four Republicans who voted last year to keep Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar in her committee seats after she was criticized for comments she made following the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. He was also among a small group of Republicans who worked with Democrats in the House to pass an extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act in January, an effort that died in the Senate. \n\n\n\nHurd’s willingness to buck his own party has made him the subject of criticism amongst some conservatives, including his primary challenger, Hanks, who said he felt Hurd has not governed as an effective conservative. \n\n\n\nHurd has defended those votes and others, framing himself as a pragmatic conservative and a free thinker willing to work across the aisle to get results. \n\n\n\nThe most recent campaign finance filings show Hurd has raised over $3.2 million and spent over $1.6 million for his reelection. Hanks had raised over $11,600, with $9,240 in loans, and spent over $10,700. ","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/jeff-hurd-ron-hanks-republican-primary-3rd-congressional-district/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T01:52:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F06%2F09173053%2FHanks-Hurd-1024x786.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"incumbent-rep-jeff-hurd-wins-republican-primary-for-colorados-3rd-congressional-district"},{"id":"f39gi","title":"Western Slope lawmakers take Colorado River managers to task","excerpt":"Western Slope lawmakers had harsh words for water managers at a state committee hearing last week, questioning whether Colorado has done enough to avoid a lawsuit with its downstream neighbors.\n\n\n\nColorado Sen. Dylan Roberts, a District 8 Democrat who represents several Western Slope counties, in...","content":"Western Slope lawmakers had harsh words for water managers at a state committee hearing last week, questioning whether Colorado has done enough to avoid a lawsuit with its downstream neighbors.\n\n\n\nColorado Sen. Dylan Roberts, a District 8 Democrat who represents several Western Slope counties, including Eagle, Grand, Garfield, Routt and Summit, asked Colorado’s lead negotiator, Becky Mitchell, whether the people of Colorado should have confidence that negotiations among the seven states that share the Colorado River have put the state in the best possible position. The states have been at an impasse for more than two years without a deal for future management as reservoirs continue to decline to record-low levels.\n\n\n\n“My constituents just see fighting and intransigence,” Roberts said. “And it’s concerning to me, especially as a Western Slope lawmaker … that the strategy is just ‘Let’s hire more lawyers; we’re going to court no matter what.’ That doesn’t give me confidence, because I don’t think Colorado fares well when we go to court against Arizona and California and Nevada, throwing our fate to the nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court.”\n\n\n\nThe remarks came at Thursday’s meeting of the state Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee in Denver. Along with Mitchell, in the hot seat were state engineer Jason Ullmann and Amy Ostdiek, interstate section chief at the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The three are employees of the state Department of Natural Resources and have the backing of the Attorney General’s Office in negotiations.\n\n\n\nRoberts’ line of questioning seemed prompted by recent projections that show river flows dipping below a threshold that could trigger litigation. The Lower Basin states (Arizona, California and Nevada) believe that the Upper Basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) are bound by the 1922 Colorado River Compact to deliver 82.5 million acre-feet of water over a 10-year rolling average. According to the Upper Colorado River Commission, the 10-year average will dip later this year to about 81.3 million acre-feet because of persistent drought. \n\n\n\nSome experts believe that this amounts to a “trip wire” that could trigger a lawsuit from the Lower Basin states (Arizona, in particular, has been openly preparing for litigation) that could result in mandatory cuts in water use for the Upper Basin. Upper Basin water managers don’t subscribe to this interpretation, saying their states are only required not to deplete the river’s flows by more than 75 million acre-feet over 10 years.\n\n\n\nA boat ramp on Lake Powell boat ramp is pictured. Current river management guidelines expire this year, and in the absence of a seven-state deal to share shortages and operate the nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the feds are poised to step in.Heather Sackett/Aspen Journalism\n\n\n\nMitchell was reluctant to share details of Colorado’s legal strategy in a public forum, but she answered “absolutely” that her team’s work was putting Colorado in the best position. She said cutting back prematurely just to satisfy the Lower Basin’s interpretation of the century-old agreement would be bad for the state.\n\n\n\n“If we initiate curtailment now, that is worse for Coloradans,” Mitchell said. “I think that is an important thing to remember.”\n\n\n\nWracked by drought, climate change and a management crisis, the situation on the river has never been more dire. The current management guidelines expire this year, and in the absence of a seven-state deal to share shortages and operate the nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the feds are poised to step in. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation plans to release a more detailed, short-term plan to manage the river for the next two years by mid-to-late summer.\n\n\n\nState Rep. Julie McCluskie, a District 13 Democrat, said communities in her district have been living with the incredible angst, anxiety and pain of no snow and low reservoirs. \n\n\n\n“The frustration I hear in my community is that we have missed multiple deadlines; they are becoming a funny joke,” McCluskie said. “There is such a fear about the lengthy litigation process, the fear of an outcome that is far worse for Colorado than a compromise that we have some control over.”\n\n\n\nConservation conversation is the ‘bare minimum’\n\n\n\nState Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, speaks during a news conference at the Colorado Capitol on March 25, 2026. Robert Tann/Sky-Hi News\n\n\n\nLawmakers also had strong words for state officials regarding conservation, saying legislators must be involved in the creation of any program. \n\n\n\nColorado has dabbled with pilot conservation programs in the past, but traditional programs that pay farmers and ranchers to temporarily cut back on water use remain controversial. This is especially true on the Western Slope, which has long been the target for these types of programs, and where some worry that they could harm rural communities if not done carefully. After two years of exploring how the state could set up a temporary, voluntary and compensated conservation program, officials shelved the idea in favor of focusing on drought-resilience initiatives.\n\n\n\n“Other states out of the seven have very clear and actionable roles for their general assemblies, their legislatures,” McCluskie said. “We have less so, and yet the stakes are so high. So I beg of you, decision-makers, that it is essential that we be a part of those next steps.”\n\n\n\nColorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, speaks at the Capitol with reporters about Democrats’ agenda for the legislative session on Jan. 13, 2026. McCluskie was a lead sponsor of a bill in 2022 that extended Medicaid coverage to immigrants who are children and pregnant women, which is now facing cuts as lawmakers work to close a $1.5 billion budget shortfall. Robert Tann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nOstdiek said that any program would need to start slow and make sure it incorporates input from people throughout the state.\n\n\n\n“I think that we can continue to assess as we go what we might need from you all, and what a program like that might look like,” Ostdiek said. “I think what we can certainly commit to is continuing this dialogue and continuing the discussion about what we might need to make this a success.”\n\n\n\nIn 2023, Colorado lawmakers tried to force stakeholders to come up with recommendations on conservation programs by creating a statewide task force, which met 10 times over six months. But the group failed to find a consensus, with some saying it was “premature” to create a conservation program.\n\n\n\nAs part of a post-2026 framework, the Upper Basin states plan to create a “contribution” pool in Lake Powell, which could be used to help stabilize the system, keeping water levels above critical thresholds to protect hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam and acting as an insurance pool against forced cutbacks. In a May 22 letter to federal officials, the Upper Basin states said they have a goal of saving 100,000 acre-feet by the end of water year 2028, but only if sufficient federal funding is available and hydrologic conditions allow.\n\n\n\nThree Upper Basin states have different methods for contributing to this pool: Utah has its own demand management program; Wyoming lawmakers passed a law this year allowing for a conservation program; and New Mexico plans to release water from Navajo Reservoir. \n\n\n\nBut precisely how — and how much — Colorado would contribute to this pool is unclear. The state’s share of the Upper Basin’s allocation is 51.75%, meaning Colorado could be on the hook for 51,750 acre-feet. \n\n\n\nAnd ensuring that saved water actually gets into a pool in Lake Powell remains part of the problem. Currently, conserved water that stays in the river can just be picked up by a downstream user, with no net gain to Lake Powell. Colorado officials say they do not have the authority to “shepherd” water past other water users to the state line unless it is specifically for compact compliance. \n\n\n\nLast year, some Delta County ranchers asked lawmakers to take up the issue and pass a law that would address this issue, allowing water users to conserve and get credit for contributing water to a Lake Powell pool. But legislators did not take up a bill in the 2026 session.\n\n\n\nColorado officials told lawmakers they were continuing to explore what a program might look like and whether legislation would be needed.\n\n\n\nRoberts said conversations with the legislature should be the bare minimum if Colorado is going to have a conservation program. \n\n\n\n“If the department or any agency of the state were to pursue a conserved consumptive use program or demand management program that used state tax dollars to pay for it and did not go through the legislature in a formal process, I imagine that all of us on this panel and many of our colleagues would raise holy hell about the unilateral decision-making coming from Denver about programs impacting all parts of the state,” Roberts said. “So, please, let’s just cut that off at my recommendation. Let’s work together on this.”\n\n\n\nOfficials opened the hearing by highlighting the impacts of this year’s severe drought on Colorado’s farmers and ranchers, noting how even some of the most senior water users will experience shortages as streamflows dwindle. Orchards in the North Fork Valley and row crops in the Uncompahgre River Valley already have unprecedented shortages. \n\n\n\nIn response to Roberts’ concerns about the failure to find a compromise among the seven states, Mitchell posed a high-stakes rhetorical question: “I would ask, ‘What else do you think we can give?'”\n\n\n\nAspen Journalism is a nonprofit investigative news organization covering water, environment, social justice and more. Visit AspenJournalism.org.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/western-slope-lawmakers-take-colorado-river-managers-to-task/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Heather Sackett Aspen Journalism","publishDate":"2026-07-02T00:26:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F30203403%2FLakePowell_Aerial_McBride_259_2022-04-14_-1024x588.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"western-slope-lawmakers-take-colorado-river-managers-to-task"},{"id":"by7woh","title":"Get to know your neighbors at ACES’ Raptor Fair","excerpt":"Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the visiting birds of prey will no longer be able to attend due to evacuation from a wildfire.\n\n\n\nAspen Center for Environmental Studies is bringing back its Raptor Fair at Hallam Lake on Friday, July 3, showcasing program residents and visi...","content":"Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the visiting birds of prey will no longer be able to attend due to evacuation from a wildfire.\n\n\n\nAspen Center for Environmental Studies is bringing back its Raptor Fair at Hallam Lake on Friday, July 3, showcasing program residents and visiting birds in order to foster awe, connection and discovery of the area’s natural neighbors.\n\n\n\nThe event, which has been hosted for over a decade, runs from 3 to 5 p.m., with a presentation and flight demonstration at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required and can be found at https://aspennature.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/aspennature/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2354&.\n\n\n\n“Whether you’re seeing a Golden Eagle up close for the first time or returning as a longtime raptor enthusiast, the Raptor Fair offers a memorable way to connect with these raptors and deepen your appreciation for these powerful and inspiring birds,” ACES’ website states.\n\n\n\nThe event will welcome ACES’ three resident raptors: a Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle and Great Horned Owl. \n\n\n\n“Our raptor fair is meant to foster this connection with nature and that sense of awe that you get when you meet these creatures up close and personal,” O’Leary said. “You rarely come into contact with a Turkey Vulture, but they live in the same state as us. They’re all here — they’re all our neighbors.”\n\n\n\nAccording to O’Leary, there is a lack of knowledge about raptors when compared to what people know about the larger, charismatic megafauna in the valley like bears, moose, elk and more. ACES’ aim is to provide the opportunity to learn more about the specific birds of prey species — like how an Osprey is more specialized to catch fish than a Bald Eagle — in order to better appreciate them and care for their habitat. \n\n\n\n“For ACES, it’s always about educating for environmental responsibility and ensuring we’re all being responsible caretakers,” O’Leary said. “We want to deepen folks’ appreciation for the natural world so they take interest in protecting our natural world, because that’s where these neighbors, these birds, live.”\n\n\n\nThe event will include hands-on and interactive experiences across the preserve, which include owl pellet dissections to the live raptor presentations and family-friendly activities like a scavenger hunt. \n\n\n\n“There’s something for everyone there — people come back regularly to see our birds of prey,” O’Leary said. “I love seeing some of our adult guests who come to this event, people who are so psyched about raptors.”\n\n\n\nClark’s Market is the sponsor of the entire event, making it accessible to all.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/get-to-know-your-neighbors-at-aces-raptor-fair/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T22:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F02163249%2FEDLraptor-atd-070225-06-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"get-to-know-your-neighbors-at-aces-raptor-fair"},{"id":"4mp3wf","title":"Hickenlooper wins Colorado’s Democratic Senate primary election","excerpt":"Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper took the victory in Colorado’s Democratic Senate primary race against state Sen. Julie Gonzales.\n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the win at 7:36 p.m. Tuesday. Unofficial results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office show Hickenlooper leading with 55% o...","content":"Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper took the victory in Colorado’s Democratic Senate primary race against state Sen. Julie Gonzales.\n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the win at 7:36 p.m. Tuesday. Unofficial results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office show Hickenlooper leading with 55% of the vote as of 9 a.m. Wednesday.\n\n\n\nHickenlooper will face off in November against Republican state Sen. Mark Baisley for one of Colorado’s two U.S. Senate seats, both currently held by Democrats. Baisley, a member of the Colorado State Senate representing District 4, is running unopposed in his party.\n\n\n\nCharacterized as a moderate Democrat, Hickenlooper, 74, is currently serving his first six-year term as U.S. Senator. The senator has been in office since 2003, after serving as Denver mayor and governor.\n\n\n\n“Coloradans have once again made their voices clear; We are not going to accept Trump’s broken promises and cost of living emergency or his constant corruption,” Hickenlooper said in a Facebook video Tuesday night. “…Thank you to State Senator Julie Gonzalez. Thank you for your passion and your fight for working Coloradans. To your supporters, I hope you will join our fight. I’ve always believed that we’re our strongest when we are united together.”\n\n\n\nIf reelected in November, Hickenlooper has stated his top priority would be to control the increases in residents’ cost of living, particularly through tackling rising costs in healthcare, housing and food accessibility. The senator has also stated that his reelection bid will be the last of his career.\n\n\n\nThe race to represent Colorado and the Democratic Party in the U.S. Senate has been largely dominated by issues including immigration, healthcare and standing up to the Trump Administration.\n\n\n\n“Our democracy is at risk like we’ve never seen before,” Hickenlooper said. “But stopping Trump is just the beginning. We need to unrig the system and deliver the big solutions that Coloradans deserve.”\n\n\n\nWhile Hickenlooper and Gonzales have both expressed support for dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement and replacing it with an alternative system, the two disagree on whether jumping to “Medicare for All” right away is the best approach for healthcare reform. \n\n\n\nDespite Gonzales’ active campaigning for a public debate with Hickenlooper, the two never participated in any transitional, face-to-face debates ahead of the June 30 Democratic primary. Hickenlooper previously said that weekly trips between Colorado and Washington, D.C., have made it difficult to accept debate invitations.\n\n\n\nHickenlooper collected around $7.7 million in contributions since 2025 and spent just under $6.2 million as of the most recent June filing deadline with the Federal Election Commission. Gonzales gathered almost $870,000 and spent $643,000 during the same period. \n\n\n\nGonzales had formally pledged to take zero contributions from corporate political action committees or the American Israel Public Affairs Committee early on in her campaign. Meanwhile, Hickenlooper has drawn attention from progressive advocacy groups like Track AIPAC for accepting contributions from pro-Israel PACs.\n\n\n\nColorado has shifted left over the past decade, securing Democratic majorities at the state and federal levels and leaving Republicans without a statewide election win since 2016. Hickenlooper’s seat in the Senate has alternated between Democrats and Republicans for most of the state’s history, with Republican Cory Gardner occupying the office from 2015 to 2021.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/hickenlooper-wins-colorados-democratic-senate-primary-election/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T02:00:08.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F12161736%2FUntitled_design-3-1024x576.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"hickenlooper-wins-colorados-democratic-senate-primary-election"},{"id":"26mtuf","title":"Kelley Anne Dennison wins GOP race for Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District","excerpt":"Estes Park massage therapist Kelley Anne Dennison has won the Republican primary in a race to represent Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District.\n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the win at 7:57 p.m. Tuesday. Unofficial results show Dennison leading with 58% of the vote over her opponent, Fort Collins...","content":"Estes Park massage therapist Kelley Anne Dennison has won the Republican primary in a race to represent Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District.\n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the win at 7:57 p.m. Tuesday. Unofficial results show Dennison leading with 58% of the vote over her opponent, Fort Collins hairstylist Christina Blunt, as of 9 a.m. Wednesday. Dennison will face off against incumbent Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Boulder, in November. Neguse ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.\n\n\n\n“I feel incredibly humbled that I am trusted, and I’m excited that the will of the people is being heard,” Dennison said about the results.\n\n\n\nDennison, a 27-year-old business owner, got her start in politics working as a staffer for Republican Adam DeRito’s campaign for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District primary, though he did not make it onto the June ballot.\n\n\n\nDennison has credited her youth for giving her a wider range of relatability to unaffiliated voters, calling herself the “tactical nuke option” for the Republican Party.\n\n\n\n“It’s definitely a heavy lift,” Dennison said about facing Neguse in the November general election. “It definitely is a David and Goliath story. It’s going to be really hard. But I have faith, and as far as strategy goes, my heart is toward the unaffiliated and libertarians. That’s my strategy.”\n\n\n\nBoth of the Republican candidates’ campaigns have focused on some of the state’s most contested issues, including immigration, affordability and federal spending.\n\n\n\nIf elected to office, Dennison said her No. 1 priority would be expanding federal funding for trade and vocational education. She has also identified economic affordability, financial stewardship, pro-family policies, education reform and Second Amendment rights as her top issues.\n\n\n\nDennison said her approach to immigration policy — one of the more contested issues in the race — would focus on strengthening both border security and lawful paths to citizenship. \n\n\n\nColorado’s deeply blue 2nd Congressional District covers much of the north-central part of the state, encompassing roughly 728,000 residents across Boulder, Larimer, Jackson, Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Eagle, Grand, Summit, Routt and Weld counties.\n\n\n\nThe district has been represented by a Democrat for more than 50 years, though Dennison said she’s banking on longstanding frustrations with the Democratic Party to flip the district. The Cook Partisan Voter Index identified that the district has voted 20% more Democratic in the past two presidential elections than the national average, making it the 56th most Democratic district nationwide.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/kelley-dennison-leads-christina-blunt-in-race-for-colorados-2nd-congressional-district/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T01:59:57.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F05173129%2FCD2candidates-scaled-1-1024x576.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"kelley-anne-dennison-wins-gop-race-for-colorados-2nd-congressional-district"},{"id":"wcjctz","title":"Army veteran Dwayne Romero wins Democratic primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District","excerpt":"Dwayne Romero, an Aspen-area resident and Army veteran with decades of local political experience, won the Democratic nomination for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District seat in Tuesday’s primary election. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race for Romero around 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Preliminary ...","content":"Dwayne Romero, an Aspen-area resident and Army veteran with decades of local political experience, won the Democratic nomination for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District seat in Tuesday’s primary election. \n\n\n\nThe Associated Press called the race for Romero around 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Preliminary results as of Wednesday morning from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office show Romero beating his Democratic opponent, businessman and Armada Skis co-founder Alex Kelloff, by a 10-percentage-point margin. Romero was winning just under 55% of the vote, while Kelloff held onto 45%.\n\n\n\nOn the Republican side, incumbent Rep. Jeff Hurd, a first-term congressman, beat his primary challenger, former state lawmaker Ron Hanks. \n\n\n\nRomero’s win comes despite his late entrance into the Democratic primary. While Kelloff had been campaigning since last year, Romero jumped into the race in March shortly before the deadline for candidates to file.\n\n\n\n“We deserve a fighter in Congress who actually knows what it’s like to struggle with the cost of living or to worry about keeping a business afloat,” Romero said in a text message statement shared through his campaign’s spokesperson. “Time and time again, Jeff Hurd has chosen his political bosses over families in Colorado. He has voted to cut their healthcare and prolong Trump’s reckless wars, even as gas prices keep rising out of control. I am ready to take down Jeff Hurd and make sure the voices of Coloradans are heard in Congress.”\n\n\n\nColorado’s 3rd Congressional District, which stretches from the northwestern corner of Colorado throughout most of the Western Slope and also swings east to include Pueblo, favors Republicans and hasn’t been represented by a Democrat since 2011. \n\n\n\nDemocrats came close to flipping the seat in 2022, when then-incumbent Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican, won reelection by just 546 votes against former Aspen City Council member Adam Frisch. Those margins widened, however, in 2024 after Boebert switched districts. Hurd beat Frisch, who launched a second campaign that year, by nearly 20,000 votes. \n\n\n\nBut Romero believes this election will be different, hoping that growing discontent with President Donald Trump will help him flip the seat. \n\n\n\nIf elected, Romero has pledged to reverse cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, that were passed last year as part of Trump and congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act. \n\n\n\nHe said he wants to protect public lands from being sold and that he would help reassert Congress’ role as a coequal branch of government that can serve as a check on the Trump administration. \n\n\n\nRomero’s career in local and state politics spans three decades and includes stints on the Aspen City Council, Aspen School District Board of Education, his local fire district board and his local water and sanitation board, on which Romero currently serves. \n\n\n\nAdditionally, he worked for several months as economic development director under former Gov. John Hickenlooper, sat on the state’s economic development commission for three years and served 11 years in the U.S. military. He also currently runs a real estate business, Romero Realty. \n\n\n\nRomero raised over $338,000, with $350,000 in loans for his campaign, while Kelloff raised over $661,000, with $550,000 in loans, according to the most recent campaign finance reports. Romero spent over $317,000, while Kelloff spent over $996,000. ","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/dwayne-romero-alex-kelloff-democratic-primary-3rd-congressional-district/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T01:38:58.000Z","category":"government","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2026%2F06%2F30205335%2FKelloff-Romero-10-1024x847.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"army-veteran-dwayne-romero-wins-democratic-primary-for-colorados-3rd-congressional-district"},{"id":"sfpxst","title":"All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in most Colorado mountain communities this Fourth of July","excerpt":"Personal fireworks, including sparklers, are not allowed to be part of the Fourth of July festivities in most Colorado mountain communities this year due to the widespread drought and extreme fire danger.\n\n\n\nWildfires are burning across the West, including six major wildfires in Colorado, after o...","content":"Personal fireworks, including sparklers, are not allowed to be part of the Fourth of July festivities in most Colorado mountain communities this year due to the widespread drought and extreme fire danger.\n\n\n\nWildfires are burning across the West, including six major wildfires in Colorado, after one of the worst winter snowpacks on record. As festivities kick off, officials are reminding those who are celebrating that state law prohibits many kinds of fireworks — and most communities have local fire restrictions in place banning all fireworks.\n\n\n\n“Living in Colorado, we all know that there’s wildfire risk here,” said Chris Brunette, the chief of the Fire and Life Safety Section at the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. “About 50% of our residences are built in the wildland-urban interface. We want to make sure that people are still having fun, but we’re protecting them as they’re having that fun.”\n\n\n\nUnder Colorado law, it is illegal to possess or set off fireworks that make a sound when they explode or leave the ground. There are only a few select types of fireworks, such as sparklers, that are allowed under state law.\n\n\n\nColorado counties can also pass their own rules instituting stricter bans on fireworks, Brunette said — and many across the state have done so due to the high fire danger.\n\n\n\nMore than 50 of Colorado’s 64 counties have instituted some level of fire restrictions, according to the Department of Fire Prevention and Control. Summit, Grand, Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin, Routt, Lake, Chaffee and Park counties are among the counties that have Stage 2 fire restrictions in place, banning all fireworks, including sparklers. \n\n\n\nSummit County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mike Schilling emphasized the importance of abiding by these restrictions after several major wildfires sparked during the last weekend in June. The wildfires forced evacuations across the state and one burning along the Colorado-Utah border grew so quickly that it overtook five firefighters, killing three.\n\n\n\n“That just drives home how serious the situation is for all of us and the risk we’re facing as a state as we move into this holiday weekend,” Schilling said. “As far as fireworks go, in Summit County, all fireworks are prohibited under the Stage 2 fire restrictions.”\n\n\n\nUnder Stage 2 fire restrictions, all campfires are also banned. Summit County has taken a zero-tolerance approach to violations of fire restrictions and has issued court summonses with misdemeanor charges for violations.\n\n\n\nSchilling noted that setting off fireworks or having an illegal campfire is not only dangerous due to the high fire risk, but it can also tie up law enforcement resources during the busy Fourth of July holiday.\n\n\n\n“Every time somebody lights off a firework or starts an illegal fire, people report that to the sheriff’s office — as they should — but that results in a deputy going out to investigate the situation,” he said. “A lot of this stuff happens in remote areas of the county. So, that can take a deputy off of our regular rotation on an already extremely busy weekend.”\n\n\n\nThis Fourth of July, most mountain communities have also cancelled professional fireworks due to the high fire danger, leaning into other activities like parades, live music, drone shows and more.\n\n\n\nViolations of the state’s fireworks law are punishable as a petty offense. But Brunette noted that if a firework sparks a wildfire, it is possible the individual who set it off could be held “criminally and civilly” liable for the fire. So, the best way to celebrate the holiday is to stay safe and follow local fire restrictions, he said.\n\n\n\n“We’re one errant illegal firework away from starting a big fire under the windy and dry conditions we’re experiencing,” Brunette said. “We shouldn’t be in the position of relying on our first responders, who are already responding to many fires across the state, to put out a fire that shouldn’t occur in the first place because we’re using illegal fireworks.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/fireworks-banned-colorado-fourth-of-july-fire-danger/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T23:17:03.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F30170354%2Fextreme_fire_risk_sign_June_20_ALongwell-2-1024x767.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"all-fireworks-including-sparklers-are-illegal-in-most-colorado-mountain-communities-this-fourth-of-j"},{"id":"1shigl","title":"Healthcare Careers: A Pathway to Success for Kansas City Professionals","excerpt":"You can do well while doing good with a career in healthcare—and getting started in one may be easier than many people realize.","content":"You can do well while doing good with a career in healthcare—and getting started in one may be easier than many people realize.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/online_features/community_cares/healthcare-careers-a-pathway-to-success-for-kansas-city-professionals/image_d1dbd154-9cf2-5c5d-b36f-e4fd46074cf6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-02T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F1d%2Fd1dbd154-9cf2-5c5d-b36f-e4fd46074cf6%2F6a3b967105fbc.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C402","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"healthcare-careers-a-pathway-to-success-for-kansas-city-professionals"},{"id":"9zipk0","title":"Harris: Inhumane, dangerous and it’s back","excerpt":"M-44 Cyanide Bombs are back, and we must act quickly.\n\n\n\nM-44s, more descriptively called “cyanide bombs,” are inhumane, spring-loaded traps that are designed to spray sodium cyanide into the faces of unsuspecting wildlife lured by their sweet, scented bait.\n\n\n\nAfter reintroduction by the current...","content":"M-44 Cyanide Bombs are back, and we must act quickly.\n\n\n\nM-44s, more descriptively called “cyanide bombs,” are inhumane, spring-loaded traps that are designed to spray sodium cyanide into the faces of unsuspecting wildlife lured by their sweet, scented bait.\n\n\n\nAfter reintroduction by the current administration, a government agency with little oversight has partnered with private businesses to scatter deadly poison bombs across our public lands. A federal program called Wildlife Services, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has been slaughtering wildlife deemed “undesirable” by agribusiness. \n\n\n\nThese traps are designed to indiscriminately kill predators — horribly, cruelly, releasing the toxic chemical, cyanide.\n\n\n\nThey had been banned because of the deadly impact they have on wildlife, children and pets.  They’re even more dangerous now because of the volume of people and pets that venture out into wildlife areas and BLM land.\n\n\n\nThe bait used on these bombs attracts any animal that will eat meat.\n\n\n\nBirds: Raptors, including our national bird the bald eagle, golden eagles, turkey vultures and many other birds attracted to the scent of meat.\n\n\n\nMammals: All omnivores and carnivores, including bears, foxes, bobcats and endangered wildlife.\n\n\n\nPets: Dogs, cats and any other animal that pulls on the baited trigger can suffer torturous poisoning followed by a slow, agonizing death or severe injury.\n\n\n\nChildren and adults: Any that may be curious or try to save a pet.\n\n\n\nContact your county commissioners now and ask that they immediately prohibit this practice on our public lands. It involves a simple search that could yield profound and life-saving results.\n\n\n\nContact Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd and request that they vote down this legislation that was recently reintroduced.\n\n\n\nMary Harris\n\n\n\nCarbondale","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/harris-inhumane-dangerous-and-its-back/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Mary Harris","publishDate":"2026-07-01T20:39:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"harris-inhumane-dangerous-and-its-back"},{"id":"6ng28n","title":"Branham: Can we talk to trees — and will they talk back?","excerpt":"Earlier this week, the question about our capacity to talk to the forest landed in the Washington Post, where climate columnist Michael Coren spotlighted my book “Heartwood” in his Climate Coach newsletter. Can we talk to trees? The short answer? Yes.  \n\n\n\nHow? Through interoceptive awareness. In...","content":"Earlier this week, the question about our capacity to talk to the forest landed in the Washington Post, where climate columnist Michael Coren spotlighted my book “Heartwood” in his Climate Coach newsletter. Can we talk to trees? The short answer? Yes.  \n\n\n\nHow? Through interoceptive awareness. Interoception, also known as our “eighth sense,” is our ability to feel our bodies, from the inside. These signals, like our heartbeat, the sensation of fullness, temperature, pressure and the ever-elusive gut instinct, are part of a coherent neurobiological mechanism. Research from Critchley and Garfinkel found that interoception underpins emotional regulation, the foundation for strong bonds between people. \n\n\n\nIn my doctoral research at the University of Cambridge, I was curious if interoception had another potential impact: our connection to the living world. I found that it does. When we are attuned to our inner signals, our receptivity to the language of the Earth heightens, and our bond to nature deepens. \n\n\n\nIn sum, we can hear nature. Not just through our ears, but through our bodies. What if interoception is, in some ways, the language of the Earth? What if the language of the senses is also the language of the trees? \n\n\n\nThe multi-voiced world is always speaking, if we could but hear them. The capacity to talk to trees is in many ways the same skill of mindfulness. Slow down, slow down more. Quiet your system. Listen beyond the mental chatter to hear through the landscape of the entire breathing body. Feel your own heartbeat. Now, in that open awareness, can you hear the trees? \n\n\n\nNot just the rustling and swoosh of the quiver of the Aspen trees’ leaves. Not just the whistle of the wind through the Douglas Fir. But can you hear their stillness? Their reverence? Their endurance? \n\n\n\nWhen I consider that it might seem to be a radical proposition for some to talk to trees, I also remember this: we live in a world in which human life is inextricably tied to the life of trees. Every single breath we take is in some way a gift from the forest. Right now, thousands of acres of forest are burning across the West. It is not reason, but hubris, to think these beings are wordless, silent and voiceless. \n\n\n\nMost children are born into the capacity to talk to nature. They speak to dragonflies and hear stories whispered from the tree canopies. Over time, this capacity is lost. The hyper-rational Western mind values proof over magic. \n\n\n\nBut what if we can have both? Talking to trees has given me the greatest embodied and felt sense of belonging I have ever known. Listening to trees has taught me great wisdom about mutual flourishing and collective care. \n\n\n\nWe share a surprising fraction of our genetic code with trees — by some measures, half. They are our ancestors and our kin. What might we learn from them if we were willing to listen? \n\n\n\nDr. Lindsay Branham is an environmental psychologist, scholar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work explores embodied kinship between humans and the Earth. Her book Heartwood: The Wisdom and Healing Kinship of Trees is available now. She is the Founder of The Heartwood Institute and is leading a writing retreat on deep ecology with ACES at Toklat Aug. 29-30. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/branham-can-we-talk-to-trees-and-will-they-talk-back/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lindsay Branham Follow","publishDate":"2026-07-01T18:00:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F18143726%2FLindsay-Branham-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"branham-can-we-talk-to-trees-and-will-they-talk-back"},{"id":"bmbuky","title":"Nicholas Ward exhibits first solo show in Aspen","excerpt":"Roaring Fork Valley artist Nicholas Ward will present his first-ever solo show in Aspen, “Between the Real,” along with an opening reception from 6 to 10 p.m. July 2 at Aspen Collective.\n\n\n\nThe gallery is located at 213 Mill St. Community members are invited to attend, meet the artist and enjoy c...","content":"Roaring Fork Valley artist Nicholas Ward will present his first-ever solo show in Aspen, “Between the Real,” along with an opening reception from 6 to 10 p.m. July 2 at Aspen Collective.\n\n\n\nThe gallery is located at 213 Mill St. Community members are invited to attend, meet the artist and enjoy complimentary cocktails. Ward said he is looking forward to connecting with locals and visitors in person during the event.\n\n\n\n“So much of painting is hearing what people see as stories in my work, with half the story told, and the rest left to the viewer,” Ward told The Aspen Times.\n\n\n\nHis new show of 15 works showcases a new body of oil paintings and charcoal drawings. He centered his latest work on searching for the link between the evolution of technology and the human desire to connect, and by extension the connection to the natural world. \n\n\n\n“It’s been a great experience putting it all into the gallery space and seeing how the different pieces kind of talk to one another,” Ward said, who studied art at the University of Denver and graduated in 2017.\n\n\n\nHis visual narratives play with scale and proportion as he seeks to explore the reliability of memory and the challenge of it shifting, distorting and evolving over time. He questions how personal experiences influence perspective.\n\n\n\n“En Masse No. 2” by Nicholas Ward.Nicholas Ward Studios/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Ward’s paintings acknowledge the wonder and possibility of technological innovation while also questioning how we preserve meaningful connections to nature and one another,” a press release for the opening event states.\n\n\n\nWard added in the release, “The feeling of interacting with something powerful that cannot quite be fully seen, like artificial intelligence, is a wholly unique sensation. At the same time, what still feels most real and meaningful is often the simplest human experiences: attention, ritual, the natural world, and connection to one another.” \n\n\n\nThe show will be on view at Aspen Collective from Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through July 15.\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspencollective.com. To learn more about Nicholas Ward and his work, visit nicholaswardstudios.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/nicholas-ward-exhibits-work-for-first-time-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T15:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F07%2F01075839%2FGunning_for_Gold_at_the_Tunbridge_Worlds_Fair_Nicholas_Ward_Studios-681x1024.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"nicholas-ward-exhibits-first-solo-show-in-aspen"},{"id":"c43lq9","title":"Road work brings delays, detours to Rifle","excerpt":"Drivers in and around Rifle should expect lane closures, delays and detours this week as resurfacing work continues on Interstate 70 and several city road projects move forward.\n\n\n\nThe City of Rifle provided updates via Facebook on Monday regarding I-70 travel impacts tied to resurfacing work bet...","content":"Drivers in and around Rifle should expect lane closures, delays and detours this week as resurfacing work continues on Interstate 70 and several city road projects move forward.\n\n\n\nThe City of Rifle provided updates via Facebook on Monday regarding I-70 travel impacts tied to resurfacing work between Rulison and west Rifle.\n\n\n\nEastbound lane closures are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, while westbound lane closures are scheduled from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. Drivers should expect 20 minute delays and 55 mile per hour speed limits. \n\n\n\nA 12-foot width restriction will also be in place, with wide-load detours using U.S. Highway 6. \n\n\n\nBeginning Monday, July 6, and continuing through Friday, July 17, the eastbound off-ramp to west Rifle, exit 87, will be closed all day and night for paving operations. Motorists should use Rulison exit 81 or Rifle exit 90 as alternative routes.\n\n\n\nConstruction work on Interstate 70 will halt July 3-5 in observance of Independence Day. \n\n\n\nRoad work is also occurring in Rifle. The Park Avenue Bridge Project has closed West Third Street, West Second Street and Park Avenue while asphalt preparation and Xcel Energy utility work continue. \n\n\n\nTo access the Prefontaine neighborhood, drivers should use the Highway 13 bypass or West 16th Street to Prefontaine Avenue. \n\n\n\nAs part of the Whiteriver Avenue Improvement Project, crews are completing waterline connection work at east 16th Street and Whiteriver Avenue. An eastbound lane closure with traffic flaggers is expected for two to three days, weather permitting. \n\n\n\nThe Graham Mesa Avenue Reconstruction Project is also continuing, with crews focusing on road reconstruction and sidewalk improvement. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit facebook.com/CityofRifle/.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/construction-updates-and-travel-routes-in-and-near-rifle/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T21:57:08.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F08%2F20160302%2FDSC_0618-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"road-work-brings-delays-detours-to-rifle"},{"id":"hq3f4h","title":"Ittner, Doyle will advance to Nov.3 election","excerpt":"After three rounds of election returns Tuesday night, John Doyle and Rob Ittner emerged as the top two candidates in the Democratic primary for the District 1 seat on the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners, advancing to the November general election. Former Aspen Mayor Torre finished thi...","content":"After three rounds of election returns Tuesday night, John Doyle and Rob Ittner emerged as the top two candidates in the Democratic primary for the District 1 seat on the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners, advancing to the November general election. Former Aspen Mayor Torre finished third.\n\n\n\nWith unofficial results reported as of 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Doyle led with 1,910 votes, or 40.6%, followed closely by Ittner with 1,844 votes, or 39.2%. Torre received 951 votes, or 19.6%. Doyle and Ittner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.\n\n\n\nThe three candidates were competing for the District 1 seat being vacated by Commissioner Patti Clapper, who is barred from seeking another term because of term limits. Doyle serves on the Aspen City Council, while Torre is a former three-term Aspen mayor. Ittner previously represented District 1 on the Board of County Commissioners from 2011 to 2015, making him the only commissioner besides Clapper to hold the seat since 1999. After sitting out one term because of term limits, Clapper returned to the board in 2015, defeating Ittner in his bid for reelection.\n\n\n\n Ittner and Doyle are registered Democrats, while Torre is unaffiliated. Primary races for county commissioner are nonpartisan in that all candidates compete in the same primary regardless of party affiliation.\n\n\n\nVoter turnout was slow throughout early voting, according to Clerk Ingrid K. Grueter. But the pace picked up dramatically on election day.\n\n\n\n“We almost doubled our count today,” Grueter said on Tuesday night. The polling center in the County’s administration building saw a steady stream of in-person voters from 7 a.m. until it closed at 7 p.m. There was also a lot of activity at the three drop boxes in Aspen, Snowmass Village and Basalt.\n\n\n\nStill, the turnout is considered “rather average for a primary election,” Grueter said.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/ittner-doyle-lead-in-early-bocc-returns/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T02:49:27.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F03%2F04192807%2F7-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ittner-doyle-will-advance-to-nov3-election"},{"id":"wboxnc","title":"Rocky Mountain Taco now outside Home Depot","excerpt":"Eagle County’s original taco truck is parked in a new location.\n\n\n\nThe truck that has served guests for more than a decade in Eagle County has been moved to Home Depot in Avon, where it is operating every day starting at 7 a.m. with a full menu that includes breakfast burritos.\n\n\n\nThe truck will ...","content":"Eagle County’s original taco truck is parked in a new location.\n\n\n\nThe truck that has served guests for more than a decade in Eagle County has been moved to Home Depot in Avon, where it is operating every day starting at 7 a.m. with a full menu that includes breakfast burritos.\n\n\n\nThe truck will stay open to 7 p.m. each day with the standard Rocky Mountain Taco menu that includes favorites like the alambre bacon/steak mix and the popular “Hippy Crack” vegetarian potato taco.\n\n\n\nJohn LaConte/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nRocky Mountain Taco was started by locals Jose Reza, Chris McGinnis and Dan Purtell in 2015 with a truck parked outside Vail Mountain Brewing in EagleVail, but a change in that arrangement left the truck without a new home for several months. \n\n\n\nThe Home Depot location is the latest in a number of different ventures that has brought Rocky Mountain Taco trucks up and down Eagle County in both temporary and semi-permanent locations. \n\n\n\nIn 2020, the business expanded to include a brick-and-mortar location in Minturn. \n\n\n\nHome Depot is located in Traer Creek Plaza in Avon, next to Walmart.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/rocky-mountain-taco-now-outside-home-depot/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T20:08:50.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F05%2F05141341%2FIMG_9673-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"rocky-mountain-taco-now-outside-home-depot"},{"id":"x761xq","title":"A last-minute guide to voting in today’s primary election","excerpt":"Colorado’s primary Election Day is here as Democratic, Republican, Unity and Libertarian candidates face off to represent their parties in a number of key local, state and federal elections this November. \n\n\n\nWhile it’s too late for Coloradans to return their ballots by mail, residents still have...","content":"Colorado’s primary Election Day is here as Democratic, Republican, Unity and Libertarian candidates face off to represent their parties in a number of key local, state and federal elections this November. \n\n\n\nWhile it’s too late for Coloradans to return their ballots by mail, residents still have a variety of options to cast their votes. Registered voters can return their ballots in person up until 7 p.m. on election night at official drop boxes, or vote in person at polling centers on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nIt’s also not too late to register to vote. In Colorado, residents can register on Election Day in person at the county’s voter service and polling center. \n\n\n\nA list of polling places and ballot drop boxes can be found at GoVoteColorado.gov.\n\n\n\nVoters who mailed their ballots ahead of the June 22 deadline can check its status via BallotTrax at BallotTrax.ColoradoSOS.gov. \n\n\n\nVoters registered with a specific party will only be allowed to cast the ballot associated with their affiliation. Unaffiliated voters — who account for nearly half of all registered voters in the state — can cast a ballot in either the Democratic or Republican party primary. Unaffiliated voters can also request a ballot for the Unity Party primary from their local county clerk. They can only vote in one party primary. \n\n\n\nColorado’s Libertarian Party does not allow unaffiliated voters to cast a vote in their election. \n\n\n\nThe Post Independent election page has coverage of key races as well as candidate columns and responses to questions about critical issues on Colorado’s Western Slope for voters to reference in the run-up to today’s election. \n\n\n\nVisit the page for coverage on Democratic and Republican primaries for state and regional offices, including governor, secretary of state, state attorney general, University of Colorado Board of Regents, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congressional Districts and state house districts. \n\n\n\nLive results will be posted and updated online tonight after polls close.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/election-day-2026-primaries-colorado-last-minute-guide/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T11:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F03%2F04154821%2FVotingBox-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"a-last-minute-guide-to-voting-in-todays-primary-election"},{"id":"v0qe1s","title":"Tuesday letters: Community thanks, sheriff voting, Cavern Springs concerns and more","excerpt":"A shout-out for intersection cleanup\n\n\n\nA couple weeks ago, and I apologize for waiting, but I want to give a big shout-out to the two gentlemen that cleaned up the island at the intersection of Highway 133 and Highway 82. I know it wasn’t CDOT employees. These guys had pulled their truck and tra...","content":"A shout-out for intersection cleanup\n\n\n\nA couple weeks ago, and I apologize for waiting, but I want to give a big shout-out to the two gentlemen that cleaned up the island at the intersection of Highway 133 and Highway 82. I know it wasn’t CDOT employees. These guys had pulled their truck and trailer on the island and they swept, scraped and shoveled all the debris, weeds and sand then hauled it all away. You did a great job! You had no traffic control or even safety vests on so I prayed for your safety. This intersection as most in this valley is very dangerous and I hope you see this and know you made a difference. Thank you!\n\n\n\nMary James, Carbondale\n\n\n\nMVDS expands Special Olympics partnership\n\n\n\nMountain Valley Developmental Services is pleased to announce an extended partnership with Special Olympics Western Region.\n\n\n\nPartners for many years with many wonderful experiences for our athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are now welcoming any athlete to be on one of our teams.\n\n\n\nAthletes with or without disabilities are welcome to join the MVDS teams; previous affiliation with MVDS is not required.\n\n\n\nWe are gathering more athletes on our teams, playing sports together and experiencing unique friendships!\n\n\n\nFor more information about being an athlete or a coach, contact March Petzinger, SOWR senior manager: mpetzinger@specialolympicsco.org or 720-359-3124.\n\n\n\nThank you,\n\n\n\nSara Sims, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nSheriff’s race gives voters an important choice\n\n\n\nOur next Garfield County sheriff will be decided by Republican, unaffiliated and yet-to-be-registered voters. With no Democratic challengers, the winner of the Republican primary between Dan Loya and Brent Baker will be our sheriff for the next four years.\n\n\n\nA very important cautionary note for unaffiliated voters is that you will receive two ballots, one for Democratic candidates and another for Republican ones. You can and must vote one or the other. If both are returned neither will count and your choices of all your best persons to represent you will be invalidated and not counted. For some unaffiliated voters choosing which ballot to choose may be difficult, choosing the “R” one will select our sheriff or the “D” one that has important up-ballot candidates to choose from who will move onto the general election.\n\n\n\nAn encouraging note for those unregistered is to register. Your vote can make the difference in our county which is closely divided almost by thirds between registered Democrats, Republican and unaffiliated. Deadlines to register is June 22 to be able to vote by mail and June 23 to vote in person or to drop off your ballot.\n\n\n\nResources to compare candidates and help inform your decision include:\n\n\n\nBaker website: https://www.baker4sheriff.com/\n\n\n\nLoya website: https://danloya4sheriff.com/\n\n\n\nLoya Facebook interview in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F6YHr0Ihko\n\n\n\n90-minute archived CO River Valley Chamber forum to view: https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/P8wyVTR2qr3_LDUHnb_mF4AFW6RckIeS/playlists/2078/media/1026620\n\n\n\nYour vote matters, always and especially now.\n\n\n\nGreg Jeung, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nGarfield County should help Cavern Springs\n\n\n\nThe residents at Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park are competing with a group of outside investors from Texas, attempting to purchase the land on which their homes sit. The price is $23 million and the residents need to raise almost half that amount as a downpayment. Recognizing that their workforce lives there, Pitkin County, Snowmass Village, and Aspen contributed nearly 20% of that to kickstart the effort. Glenwood Springs and Carbondale don’t have that kind of money but nonetheless, they came up with a million bucks between them.\n\n\n\nAnd then there’s Garfield County. The commissioners, sitting on over $115 million in reserves, cited budget constraints and refused to even agenda the request. When the BOCC adopted their 2026 budget (Nov. 2025) commissioner Samson said, “We are able to draw down $10.5 million out of those reserves to cover what we need to do, and we still have $115 million in reserves to help us. We’re in good shape.”\n\n\n\nApparently, the commissioners don’t think keeping rich Texans from uprooting our local population is something we “need to do.” What do you think? What do you need to do on the first Tuesday in November?\n\n\n\nRon Kokish, Two Rivers Universalist-Unitarian Social Justice Committee, Carbondale","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/tuesday-letters-community-thanks-sheriff-voting-cavern-springs-concerns-and-more/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-30T10:53:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F06%2F25080510%2FLetters-Graphic-2-300x169-1.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"tuesday-letters-community-thanks-sheriff-voting-cavern-springs-concerns-and-more"},{"id":"fzhjn9","title":"Calling all artists for the Vail Art Studio Challenge","excerpt":"Visual artists who live in Eagle County are invited to apply to compete in the Second Annual Vail Art Studio Challenge taking place on Thursday, Aug. 13. This will be a high-energy, live art challenge on the patio of Avanti Vail, located at Golden Peak. Selected artists will have three hours from...","content":"Visual artists who live in Eagle County are invited to apply to compete in the Second Annual Vail Art Studio Challenge taking place on Thursday, Aug. 13. This will be a high-energy, live art challenge on the patio of Avanti Vail, located at Golden Peak. Selected artists will have three hours from 4 to 7 p.m. to create a work from start to finish. \n\n\n\nAt the conclusion of the challenge, a panel of guest jurors will award a $5,000 grand prize stipend, sponsored by Vicki and Kent Logan, and the opportunity to create in the new Vail Art Studio for a two-week period this fall. Each participating artist will receive a $50 food/beverage gift card for use at Avanti. \n\n\n\nSpace is limited, with applications due by 9 a.m. on July 13. Selected artists will be announced at the at a Vail Art Studio reception for regional artist MarSha Yi Robinson on Thursday, July 23 from 4 – 6 p.m. The facility is located at the lower bench of Ford Park, near the Manor Vail bridge. Artists will also be notified by email on July 24.\n\n\n\nApplicants must be current residents of Eagle County and be at least 18 years of age. All traditional 2D and some 3D visual art forms will be considered, including painting, drawing, mixed media and more. Artists are asked to email artinvail@vail.gov with the following: \n\n\n\n\nA brief letter of interest including current Eagle County address and contact information, artist statement, proposed medium, previous art experience, and a resume if available.  \n\n\n\n\n\nA proposed concept sketch and/or description of the planned art piece. Vail’s Art in Public Places program seeks to create an inclusive, neutral space for the community, free from divisive or polarizing subject matter. \n\n\n\n\n\nContact information for two references.  \n\n\n\n\n\nExamples of previous work and accompanying detail including medium, scale and year, shared via website link or attached photos with five images maximum, not to exceed eight MB. Please note that ZIP files are not accepted. If files are too large, a Dropbox link can be used. One of the submitted artworks should be in the artist’s possession so it can be displayed as a completed work during the challenge.  \n\n\n\n\nArtists will be responsible for their own supplies, easels, pop-up tents and other materials and will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to the event. Parking will be available at Avanti Vail or in the Vail Village parking structure. \n\n\n\nThe winning artist will enter into an agreement with the Town of Vail prior to occupying the Vail Art Studio at an agreed upon date this fall for a two-week duration. Overnight stays are not permitted in the studio, and the artist must adhere to guidelines regarding studio usage.\n\n\n\nQuestions can be directed to artinvail@vail.gov or by calling Molly Eppard, Art in Public Places at 970-479-2344.\n\n\n\nFor more information about Art in Public Places and the Vail Art Studio visit Art in Vail","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/calling-all-artists-for-the-vail-art-studio-challenge/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T19:00:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F30135742%2FArtChallenge-VDN-070126-1-1024x563.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"calling-all-artists-for-the-vail-art-studio-challenge"},{"id":"9ae9fx","title":"Eagle County advances draft zoning map as part of Land Use Regulation Rewrite","excerpt":"Eagle County is in the process or rewriting its land-use codes, and the Eagle County Planning Commission made a significant step to that end in June, reviewing a draft zoning map from the Eagle County Land Use Regulation Rewrite Advisory Committee.\n\n\n\nThe draft map is a remapping of existing zoni...","content":"Eagle County is in the process or rewriting its land-use codes, and the Eagle County Planning Commission made a significant step to that end in June, reviewing a draft zoning map from the Eagle County Land Use Regulation Rewrite Advisory Committee.\n\n\n\nThe draft map is a remapping of existing zoning into a new framework “designed to better reflect current land uses, reduce nonconformities, simplify development processes, and support the long-term vision established through the multi-year rewrite effort,” according to a news release from Eagle County. “Staff noted that the draft remains a work in progress and will continue to be refined based on Planning Commission feedback, public input, and additional technical review.”\n\n\n\nAt a recent work session, commissioners discussed zoning designations in several areas of the county, including Edwards, Wolcott, Missouri Heights and portions of the Interstate 70 corridor. Discussions focused on balancing future redevelopment opportunities with existing community character, preserving rural landscapes and ensuring zoning districts accurately reflect current land uses.\n\n\n\n“This is one of the most important components of the rewrite process because it determines how the new regulations will apply across the county,” said County Attorney Beth Oliver. “Our goal is to create a zoning map that is easier to understand, better reflects existing development patterns, and provides a clearer path forward for property owners while protecting the character and resources that make Eagle County unique.”\n\n\n\nStaff also highlighted the extensive work underway to correct inconsistencies in the current zoning map, including the review of public lands, mining claims, open space properties and historical zoning designations.\n\n\n\nThe zoning map is one element of the broader Land Use Regulation Rewrite, which seeks to modernize Eagle County’s development code while supporting housing, environmental stewardship, economic vitality and community resilience.\n\n\n\nAdditional review of the draft zoning map will continue throughout the summer, including June 18 with the Roaring Fork Valley Planning Committee in El Jebel, providing opportunities for public input on that part of Eagle County, as well.\n\n\n\n“Interactive mapping tools will be made available to help residents explore proposed zoning designations and understand how they may affect individual properties,” according to the release. “These proposed zoning district designations are for discussion purposes only, and are subject to change.”\n\n\n\nMore information about the Land Use Regulation Rewrite, including upcoming meeting dates and project materials, is available at online.encodeplus.com/regs/eaglecounty-co/page/lurreform.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-advances-draft-zoning-map-as-part-of-land-use-regulation-rewrite/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T18:04:14.000Z","category":"government","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F04%2F29174518%2Feagle-county-tour-of-riverhouse-1-082625-1536x1152-1-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"eagle-county-advances-draft-zoning-map-as-part-of-land-use-regulation-rewrite"},{"id":"nl8g8x","title":"Time Machine: A brief history of July 4 celebrations, or lack thereof, in Eagle County","excerpt":"100 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 2, 1926\n\n\n\nOn the Saturday before Independence Day, the McCoy community put on its annual celebration, attracting several hundred people from Eagle, Routt and Grand counties, the Eagle Valley Enterprise reported.\n\n\n\n“The rodeo — riding bucking broncos, calf roping, horse rac...","content":"100 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 2, 1926\n\n\n\nOn the Saturday before Independence Day, the McCoy community put on its annual celebration, attracting several hundred people from Eagle, Routt and Grand counties, the Eagle Valley Enterprise reported.\n\n\n\n“The rodeo — riding bucking broncos, calf roping, horse racing, steer riding, wild cow milking, and all of the conventional features of such an entertainment — was good and full of fun and wholesome amusement,” the Enterprise reported. “Everything went off in a good natured manner, no quarreling or rowdyism — just a dandy neighborhood show and picnic, where everyone had a good time and an opportunity to visit with their neighbors. There was a dance in the hall at night, which those who stayed to attend report was the climax to the day’s entertainment.”\n\n\n\n90 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 3, 1936\n\n\n\nThe Eagle Valley Enterprise reported that for the first time in 25 years, there would be no celebration of the Fourth of July anywhere in Eagle County.\n\n\n\n“For many years a custom prevailed whereby the towns at Red Cliff, Eagle and Gypsum took turns at holding a celebration, and the one whose turn it was never failed to furnish entertainment on this occasion,” the Enterprise reported. “And then every year McCoy community always held a celebration on the Saturday preceding the Fourth of July, thus giving their citizens an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of the nation somewhere else. But Red Cliff first fell out of line and now there is no celebration in the county on that date any place a the county. And McCoy gave up its pre-Fourth celebration a few years ago.”\n\n\n\nThe Enterprise reported that instead of a town-organized celebration, Eagle citizens would be on their own to celebrate privately.\n\n\n\n“Many will hold neighborhood or family picnics at nearby mountain retreats, some will go to Meeker, others to Aspen, and still others will take advantage of the Saturday holiday for a two-day weekend trip,” adding, however, that “the great majority of us will probably stay quietly at home.”\n\n\n\n80 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 5, 1946\n\n\n\nThe Eagle Valley Enterprise lamented the absence of an Independence Day celebration in its “About Town” column, and advocated for a fall harvest celebration to make up for it.\n\n\n\n“It would have been nice if Eagle could have been wide awake enough to have had a celebration on the Fourth; wonder if we will let this fall slip by again with no sort of old fashioned celebration, with barbecue, harvest festival and flower show all rolled into one?” the Enterprise wrote. “Probably we will skip it.”\n\n\n\nSuch a celebration would be “A sure way to regain one’s health” while spending “the same amount of money, time and effort that one did in losing it.”\n\n\n\n70 years ago\n\n\n\nJune 28, 1956\n\n\n\nSteamboat and Dillon both had Independence Day celebrations planned, but there was no mention of an Eagle County event in the June 28, 1956 edition Eagle Valley Enterprise newspaper.\n\n\n\nA week later, on July 5, 1956, the only mention of a local Fourth of July event detailed the arrest warrants that had been issued as a result.\n\n\n\n“Warrants have been issued for six men in upper Eagle Valley, and more may be in order before Sheriff W. M. Wilson is thru investigating a fight at the Union Club south of Minturn, during the Fourth of July,” the Enterprise reported.\n\n\n\n60 years ago\n\n\n\nJune 30, 1966\n\n\n\nAn aerial fireworks celebration planned for Eagle City Park was set to be “the biggest July 4th display in Eagle to date,” the Eagle Valley Enterprise reported.\n\n\n\n“And when it is said that this is the biggest July 4th display in Eagle to date — it is no snow job,” the Enterprise reported. “The fireworks arrived this week — boxes of them. And looking at the size of the larger aerial bombs — there should be plenty of noise in town for a while.”\n\n\n\n50 years ago\n\n\n\nJuly 2, 1976\n\n\n\nThe massive Vail America Days schedule for 1976 was set to span nearly a week and included soccer and volleyball tournaments, a fair, daily theater events and dramatics workshops, daily barbecues, several black powder shooting events, the Vail Centennial Rodeo in EagleVail, a brass consort concert, the annual fireworks display, a Charlie Vail Day dedication, a historic Western music and dance festival, and a junior fishing derby, the Vail Trail reported.\n\n\n\nThe Vail Trail, in an editorial, wrote that some had grown cynical about America’s bicentennial celebration, and that was understandable.\n\n\n\n“What with every get rich quick schemer marketing useless plastic doo-dads in memory of our nation’s 200th birthday, it’s enough to try even the most tolerant,” the Trail wrote. “But maybe that tolerance is exactly what we should be thinking about this 200th national birthday, 100th state birthday and Vail’s 14th birthday. It’s just this Yankee attitude of live and let live, this ability to accept another’s individuality, that has made the United States the world power it is today.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/time-machine-a-brief-history-of-july-4-celebrations-or-lack-thereof-in-eagle-county/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T18:01:51.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F28164335%2FScreen_Shot_2026-06-28_at_4.41.18_PM-1024x801.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"time-machine-a-brief-history-of-july-4-celebrations-or-lack-thereof-in-eagle-county"},{"id":"zfpd3o","title":"“This has become a national fight”: More resources ordered as Aspen Acres fire in Pueblo, Custer counties expands, scorching 35,000 acres","excerpt":"The Aspen Acres fire is roughly 2 miles from Bishop Castle, a popular roadside attraction in Custer County, and 7 miles from the unincorporated community of Wetmore","content":"The Aspen Acres fire is roughly 2 miles from Bishop Castle, a popular roadside attraction in Custer County, and 7 miles from the unincorporated community of Wetmore","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/01/wednesday-update-colorado-fires/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-07-01T16:05:19.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FColo_Sun_Aspen_Acres_Mason_Gulch-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C658%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"this-has-become-a-national-fight-more-resources-ordered-as-aspen-acres-fire-in-pueblo-custer-countie"},{"id":"t521tq","title":"Colorado mountain towns must tighten taps, but water shortages could have been much worse","excerpt":"Western Slope growers cut their own water use and that, plus careful planning before the drought really showed itself, is lessening the pain","content":"Western Slope growers cut their own water use and that, plus careful planning before the drought really showed itself, is lessening the pain","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/01/water-shortages-colorado-mountain-towns-drought-planning/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Jerd Smith","publishDate":"2026-07-01T10:20:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2FGreen-Mtn.-Reservoir-JC-06-scaled.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C683%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-mountain-towns-must-tighten-taps-but-water-shortages-could-have-been-much-worse"},{"id":"8hzwfu","title":"A reader’s take on SkiCo’s recent confessions","excerpt":"Tom Martin — (Re: “SkiCo execs paint uncertain future, describe reinvestment as at risk,” June 28, Aspen Daily News) Aspen One...","content":"Tom Martin — (Re: “SkiCo execs paint uncertain future, describe reinvestment as at risk,” June 28, Aspen Daily News) Aspen One...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/a-reader-s-take-on-skico-s-recent-confessions/article_a8346cd3-d290-480d-9349-63ebbb323784.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-01T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"a-readers-take-on-skicos-recent-confessions"},{"id":"9y9o54","title":"GarCo gives superwealthy a $10M tax-dodger handout","excerpt":"PJ Breslin — One week into fire season and the West is ablaze. Our mostly volunteer firefighting forces are hard at work.","content":"PJ Breslin — One week into fire season and the West is ablaze. Our mostly volunteer firefighting forces are hard at work.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/garco-gives-superwealthy-a-10m-tax-dodger-handout/article_97fe6422-ac34-49af-ab93-b5c01346928a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-01T08:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"garco-gives-superwealthy-a-10m-tax-dodger-handout"},{"id":"34xkch","title":"Writers on the Range: West to inherit more abandoned oil wells","excerpt":"Here’s a true story about the West: An oil company leases some public land, drills a well, pumps the oil and posts a $10,000 bond...","content":"Here’s a true story about the West: An oil company leases some public land, drills a well, pumps the oil and posts a $10,000 bond...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/writers-on-the-range-west-to-inherit-more-abandoned-oil-wells/article_2ef888b5-1e9b-486b-b6a3-c062c8971918.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Will Pattiz, Writers on the Range","publishDate":"2026-07-01T08:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2Ff6%2F1f66ad24-b16d-4423-9a87-f475f6a67a19%2F6a443f29c600f.image.jpg","slug":"writers-on-the-range-west-to-inherit-more-abandoned-oil-wells"},{"id":"nwsd85","title":"Raab: Curating a crisis of identity","excerpt":"Aspen One executives Dave Tanner and Geoff Buchheister have been meeting with local elected officials in recent weeks, trying...","content":"Aspen One executives Dave Tanner and Geoff Buchheister have been meeting with local elected officials in recent weeks, trying...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/raab-curating-a-crisis-of-identity/article_85c9be23-467e-4d05-9bd3-f425c2f0376e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Michael Raab, Guest Commentary","publishDate":"2026-07-01T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fe4%2F0e4510dd-d940-4c22-828c-c5d8087184e5%2F6a4441c1778c3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C260","slug":"raab-curating-a-crisis-of-identity"},{"id":"ed840j","title":"The Cost of Cutting Funding to US Scientific Research","excerpt":"Cuts to federal science agencies don’t save money, says one good government group. These cuts lower economic growth and push costs onto communities and families, while making Americans less secure and less healthy.","content":"Cuts to federal science agencies don’t save money, says one good government group. These cuts lower economic growth and push costs onto communities and families, while making Americans less secure and less healthy.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/online_features/community_cares/the-cost-of-cutting-funding-to-us-scientific-research/image_a19813e4-fc8d-57d4-82ef-0173a3e4475b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-01T08:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F19%2Fa19813e4-fc8d-57d4-82ef-0173a3e4475b%2F6a29228da9108.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C300","slug":"the-cost-of-cutting-funding-to-us-scientific-research"},{"id":"ro684a","title":"How Playing A Quick Puzzle Can Improve Your Workday","excerpt":"A quick puzzle can be a simple way to reset, refocus, and recharge during the workday.","content":"A quick puzzle can be a simple way to reset, refocus, and recharge during the workday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/online_features/food_recipes_entertaining/how-playing-a-quick-puzzle-can-improve-your-workday/image_d4ce2832-8264-5e01-b8e1-2d9552a642b9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-01T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F4c%2Fd4ce2832-8264-5e01-b8e1-2d9552a642b9%2F6a2d16a99a935.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C337","slug":"how-playing-a-quick-puzzle-can-improve-your-workday"},{"id":"guc9kn","title":"Documentary exploring legacy of sustainability leader set for Silverthorne screening","excerpt":"A Colorado-made documentary honoring Eagle County sustainability advocate Adam Palmer will screen in Silverthorne on Thursday, July 2. \n\n\n\n“The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer” will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Silverthorne Pavilion. \n\n\n\nThe film explores Palmer’s life and work as an outdoor enthusia...","content":"A Colorado-made documentary honoring Eagle County sustainability advocate Adam Palmer will screen in Silverthorne on Thursday, July 2. \n\n\n\n“The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer” will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Silverthorne Pavilion. \n\n\n\nThe film explores Palmer’s life and work as an outdoor enthusiast, musician, Eagle Town Council member, Holy Cross Energy board member and former Eagle County sustainability director. \n\n\n\nThe documentary, produced by the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund, features interviews with friends and colleagues highlighting Palmer’s influence on clean energy, housing, transportation and other environmental initiatives in Colorado’s mountain communities. \n\n\n\nA post-screening panel in Silverthorne will include state Sen. Dylan Roberts of Frisco, Summit County Water Commissioner Troy Wineland, High Country Conservation’s climate action director, Jess Hoover, and energy expert Cameron Millard.\n\n\n\nDoors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Tickets and information are available at apsfund.org/film.","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/documentary-exploring-legacy-of-sustainability-leader-set-for-silverthorne-screening/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Summit Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnews@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T20:06:36.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F06%2F30125942%2FSilverthornePavilion-768x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"documentary-exploring-legacy-of-sustainability-leader-set-for-silverthorne-screening"},{"id":"wz0ez1","title":"Dwayne Romero beats fellow Aspenite Alex Kelloff in 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary","excerpt":"Romero had 55.2% of the vote to Kelloff’s 44.8% when the Associated Press called the race for Romero at 8:01 p.m.","content":"Romero had 55.2% of the vote to Kelloff’s 44.8% when the Associated Press called the race for Romero at 8:01 p.m.","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/30/colorado-primary-election-district-3-alex-kelloff-dwayne-romero/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Nancy Lofholm","publishDate":"2026-07-01T02:06:51.000Z","category":"government","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Felex-2026-cd3-dem.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C768%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dwayne-romero-beats-fellow-aspenite-alex-kelloff-in-3rd-congressional-district-democratic-primary"},{"id":"csqfao","title":"Anderson leading Boston in Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Democratic Primary voting","excerpt":"Vail Police Sgt. Rebecca Anderson was decisively leading 5th Judicial District chief district attorney’s investigator Jason Boston after the final round of preliminary, unofficial election results was recorded Tuesday at 11:48 p.m. The two Democrats were vying for their party’s primary nominatio...","content":"Vail Police Sgt. Rebecca Anderson was decisively leading 5th Judicial District chief district attorney’s investigator Jason Boston after the final round of preliminary, unofficial election results was recorded Tuesday at 11:48 p.m. The two Democrats were vying for their party’s primary nomination to take on incumbent Republican Eagle County Sheriff James van Beek in the Nov. 3 general election.\n\n\n\nWith 10,264 ballots cast out of 35,096 active voters (29.25% turnout), Anderson had 3,779 votes to 2,647 votes for Boston, or a 58.81% to 41.19% advantage in preliminary, unofficial results.\n\n\n\nWednesday morning (July 1) in the wake of the final, unofficial results, Anderson offered the following statement:\n\n\n\n“I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me throughout this campaign,” Anderson said. “Your encouragement, trust, and hard work have meant more than I can express. I also want to thank Jason Boston for running a respectful and hard-fought campaign. I look forward to the next step in the process and the opportunity to continue working toward serving the people of Eagle County as your sheriff. Thank you for your confidence and support.”\n\n\n\nBoth Anderson and Boston were running on sheriff’s office reform campaign platforms to oust van Beek, whom they both allege has mismanaged the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office to the point of losing high-quality deputies.\n\n\n\nWith the final result still not in at press time, Anderson was encouraged by the initial tallies but far from celebrating. She said in a phone interview before the first preliminary results that the campaign against Boston has been a positive experience overall.\n\n\n\n“One of the biggest things is I’ve just been very grateful how supportive everybody’s been,” Anderson said. “Whether they’re on Team Boston or Team Anderson, I feel like everybody’s just been very supportive and very open to hearing what I’ve had to say and what my thoughts are for the sheriff’s office. So that’s been very encouraging.”\n\n\n\nWhile the campaign against Boston has stayed fairly positive, she said, voters have been asking her a great deal about her experiences working for the sheriff’s department for 17 years.\n\n\n\n“It’s been tough trying to keep it a positive sort of spin on things because a lot of people want to hear the negative and try to have me go into some of the negative things that I experienced at the sheriff’s office,” Anderson said. “So it’s been difficult trying to keep things positive while still showing people what changes I think need to take place there just to make it a better work environment for the deputies that are there.”\n\n\n\nAnderson, 50, lives in Gypsum and worked for the sheriff’s office as a field training officer and a master patrol deputy from 2005 to 2022. She now serves in the Vail Police Department as a patrol sergeant, team leader of the crisis negotiation team and a K-9 handler. She first announced she was seeking the Democratic nomination in January.\n\n\n\nChief DA’s investigator Jason Boston is running for Eagle County Sheriff in the June 30 Democratic primary.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nBoston, 48, also from Gypsum, started at the Aspen Police Department after serving overseas in a U.S. Army infantry division, then joined the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office as resident deputy in the Basalt-El Jebel area of Eagle County in the Roaring Fork Valley. \n\n\n\nBoston then worked briefly for the Basalt Police Department before landing his current job with the 5th Judicial District that includes Eagle, Summit, Clear Creek and Lake counties. Boston announced his candidacy in February.\n\n\n\nBoth Anderson and Boston graduated from the police academy in Glenwood Springs. Anderson was one of Boston’s training officers when they both worked for the sheriff’s office.\n\n\n\nVan Beek first won the office by just 58 votes in 2014, faced no opposition in 2018 and a very weak challenge in 2022. He is seeking his fourth term in office.\n\n\n\nEditor’s note: This story has been updated with a new statement from Anderson and the final unofficial results as of 11:48 p.m., Tuesday. It will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/anderson-leading-boston-in-eagle-county-sheriffs-office-democratic-primary-voting/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-07-01T02:11:34.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F30214050%2FRebecca_Anderson-1024x962.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"anderson-leading-boston-in-eagle-county-sheriffs-office-democratic-primary-voting"},{"id":"6v4qf2","title":"Aspen Mountain to host highest elevation Daybreaker event ever","excerpt":"Aspen Snowmass and Daybreaker are bringing the renowned sober morning dance party and community gathering to new heights — 11,212 feet to be exact — on Aspen Mountain Friday, July 3, for the highest elevation Daybreaker ever experienced.\n\n\n\nFor Geoff Buchheister, CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, the ...","content":"Aspen Snowmass and Daybreaker are bringing the renowned sober morning dance party and community gathering to new heights — 11,212 feet to be exact — on Aspen Mountain Friday, July 3, for the highest elevation Daybreaker ever experienced.\n\n\n\nFor Geoff Buchheister, CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, the partnership on the event is expanding the ways that guests get to experience one of the area’s four iconic mountains.\n\n\n\n“Aspen Mountain is such an extraordinary setting, and summer gives guests the opportunity to experience it in new ways,” Buchheister said. “Partnering with Daybreaker for the first time brings a one-of-a-kind experience to the top of the mountain, with music, movement, wellness and connection all at 11,212 feet. Events like this expand what our summer mountain programming can look like — it will be the kind of morning that gives our guests and community a whole new experience of Aspen Snowmass.”\n\n\n\nDaybreaker was founded in New York City as a global morning dance experience centered around movement, connection and substance-free celebration, according to the event’s website. Daybreakers have been held in more than 28 cities worldwide before landing in Aspen, where the website notes “the experience feels right at home” this week.\n\n\n\n“Daybreaker has always been about creating moments that shift perspective: through sober, intergenerational, morning experiences that bring together movement, music and human connection,” Daybreaker Founder Radha Agrawal shared with The Aspen Times. “Hosting our highest-elevation dance experience on Aspen Mountain brings that idea to life in a powerful way. There’s something special about gathering above the everyday, surrounded by nature, where people can disconnect from their routines and reconnect with themselves and each other. It feels like a natural evolution of our mission to inspire joy, presence and community in extraordinary settings.”\n\n\n\nThe Silver Queen Gondola will begin loading participants starting at 8:30 a.m., carrying guests to the top of Aspen Mountain for a 9 a.m. Body ALIVE yoga and movement session led by Jayne Gottlieb, followed by Intentionality Breathwork with Finnian Kelly. After, DJ Alex Cruz will turn the peak into an open-air dance floor until the event closes with a song and reflections from Agrawal.\n\n\n\n“Aspen Mountain offers a combination of natural beauty, adventure and a community that values wellness and shared experiences — all things that resonate deeply with Daybreaker,” Agrawal said. “The setting encourages people to be present, embrace the outdoors and celebrate together in a way that’s both energizing and meaningful. We couldn’t imagine a more fitting place to bring our community together for this experience. We’re excited!”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter the event, participants can stay for lunch or drinks at Sundeck and continue to enjoy the Elk Mountain views or explore nearby hiking trails before heading back down for the July 4 weekend.\n\n\n\nFor those not participating in the event, the Silver Queen Gondola and the Sundeck will still be open and operating as usual from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A gondola sightseeing ticket (or season pass) and a Daybreaker event ticket are required to attend Daybreaker — tickets can be purchased at https://www.daybreaker.com/event/aspen-07-03/.\n\n\n\nThere will be no regular Aspen Mountain Yoga on July 3.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-mountain-to-host-highest-elevation-daybreaker-event-ever/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T23:10:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F06095745%2F01-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-mountain-to-host-highest-elevation-daybreaker-event-ever"},{"id":"u1tzf2","title":"YouthZone column: Investing opioid settlement funds where they matter most — Our Youth","excerpt":"Here at YouthZone, we’re comfortable talking about substance use and its harmful impacts on communities. One of the most pressing crises of our generation is the misuse of opioids, including the dangerous pathway from prescription pills to heroin and fentanyl.\n\n\n\nOver the last decade, local and s...","content":"Here at YouthZone, we’re comfortable talking about substance use and its harmful impacts on communities. One of the most pressing crises of our generation is the misuse of opioids, including the dangerous pathway from prescription pills to heroin and fentanyl.\n\n\n\nOver the last decade, local and state governments have pursued litigation against pharmaceutical manufacturers, arguing that misleading promotion and insufficient controls contributed to this crisis. These efforts have resulted in more than $56 billion in settlements, which communities nationwide must now allocate thoughtfully. YouthZone — one of Western Colorado’s only youth-focused, trauma-informed, Medicaid-credentialed behavioral health providers — is uniquely positioned to convert these funds into Hopeful Youth, Strong Families, and Safe Communities.\n\n\n\nFor 50 years, YouthZone has partnered with municipalities, schools, law enforcement, and courts to provide court diversion, substance use education, mental health, and restorative justice services for youth across Pitkin, Garfield, Rio Blanco, and Eagle counties. We serve nearly 500 youth and more than 1,200 additional community members each year and consistently produce strong outcomes: 84% of clients do not reoffend during services, 92% complete their contracts, and 56% report measurable improvement in key life skills such as drug and alcohol refusal skills, school and community engagement, optimism and problem-solving, and trauma resilience. These aren’t just program metrics — they represent long-term cost savings for taxpayer-funded courts, schools, hospitals, and governments.\n\n\n\nIn response to growing need, YouthZone has invested heavily in its Substance Use Prevention and Intervention program over the past five years. Most youth are referred for possession of marijuana or alcohol, while many others present underlying substance use concerns regardless of referral reason. Our Medicaid and Behavioral Health Administration (BHASO) credentialed program is staffed by an incredibly talented team of five Certified Addiction Technicians, a Certified Addiction Specialist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Licensed Addiction Counselor, all delivering evidence-based approaches such as Seeking Safety for Adolescents and Moral Reconation Therapy.\n\n\n\nWe’re proud that our work directly aligns with a vast array of approved opioid settlement fund uses. We serve court-involved or at-risk youth and their families, support individuals in treatment and recovery through stigma reduction and community partnerships, provide prevention-focused education on opioid misuse to families and community members, and maintain a highly trained workforce through ongoing certification and licensure. \n\n\n\nYouthZone’s recent funding successes reflect strong alignment with state and local priorities. We’ve been awarded a $220,000 grant from the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and Department of Law, leveraging opioid settlement funds to directly offset the cost of program delivery and expand access to care. At the local level, the Garfield Board of County Commissioners awarded $100,000 in opioid settlement funding in January 2026, recognizing YouthZone as a strong and appropriate partner in addressing substance use among youth.\n\n\n\nWe’re also expanding our physical capacity to meet growing demand. In partnership with the City of Rifle, we have been awarded a $750,000 Opioid Settlement Infrastructure Grant to modernize our Rifle facility, and project implementation is now underway. This investment will expand access to services across the lower Grand Valley, bring the space up to modern behavioral health standards, and support long-term community revitalization. By strengthening local infrastructure, this funding ensures that opioid settlement dollars create lasting capacity to serve youth and families well into the future.\n\n\n\nYouthZone is one of the few organizations in Western Colorado ready to immediately translate opioid settlement dollars into meaningful, youth-centered behavioral health services. For elected officials and budget staff evaluating how to allocate these one-time funds, YouthZone offers proven impact, financial sustainability, regional reach, and deep community trust.\n\n\n\nOpioid settlement funds represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen Colorado’s behavioral health system, and while public funding plays a critical role, lasting community impact depends on broad support. Community members who believe in prevention, early intervention, and giving young people a second chance also play an important role in sustaining this work. To support YouthZone’s programs and help expand access to care for local youth and families, please consider donating at www.YouthZone.com/give. With the right investments, we can ensure that rural communities have the capacity needed to support youth and families for years to come.\n\n\n\nYouthZone Deputy Development Director Ali Naaseh-Shahry is a Colorado native who holds degrees in international public policy from the University of Colorado (BA) and University College London (MSc). He moved to western Colorado in 2015 to teach six-and-under ski school at the Aspen Skiing Company. Ali has taught a wide variety of academic and experiential subjects to people of all ages. Most recently, he worked as a special education teacher with the Roaring Fork School District, where he used data-driven decision making to improve his delivery of specialized instruction. Ali enjoys lift-access powder skiing, raft-access fly fishing, and spending time with his cats.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/youthzone-column-investing-opioid-settlement-funds-where-they-matter-most-our-youth/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Naaseh-ShahryYouthZone","publishDate":"2026-06-30T10:13:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F04%2F16141350%2FAli-768x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"youthzone-column-investing-opioid-settlement-funds-where-they-matter-most-our-youth"},{"id":"poz60e","title":"Obituary: Elizabeth McMichael-Pitts","excerpt":"May 4, 1946 – June 13, 2026\nElizabeth “Liz” Allyson Ross McMichael passed away on June 13, 2026, in Peoria, Arizona, after a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband and her sons.\nLiz was born on May 4, 1946, in Florence, South Carolina. Her life journey eventually brought her ...","content":"May 4, 1946 – June 13, 2026\nElizabeth “Liz” Allyson Ross McMichael passed away on June 13, 2026, in Peoria, Arizona, after a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband and her sons.\nLiz was born on May 4, 1946, in Florence, South Carolina. Her life journey eventually brought her to Aurora, Colorado, where she raised four sons. During those early years, she worked as many as three jobs at a time to provide for her family, demonstrating remarkable strength and determination.\nShe later met her husband, Jim Pitts, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on family and hard work. Liz played a key role in helping establish the family business, Landscape Workshop, Inc. In 1990, she and Jim relocated the business to Carbondale, Colorado, where it flourished. In later years, they enjoyed dividing their time between Colorado and Arizona.\nLiz will be remembered as funny, intelligent, and full of life. She was a devoted wife, a generous and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to a large and close-knit family.\nShe is survived by her husband, her four sons and daughters-in-law; Tim and Melanie, Scott and Shelly, Greg and Renee, and Steve and Leslie; fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Herb and Mark, and her sister, Sharon.\nShe was preceded in death by her father, Lt. Col. Herbert Ross; her mother, Alice Ross; and her brother, Frank Ross.\nIn accordance with her wishes, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a cancer research organization of your choice, such as the American Cancer Society.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-elizabeth-mcmichael-pitts/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-30T03:04:06.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29210412%2FW0020302.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-elizabeth-mcmichael-pitts"},{"id":"o952lh","title":"Former Aspen Daily News owners sued over alleged ‘secret’ buyout renegotiation","excerpt":"Greg Adler has filed a lawsuit against former Aspen Daily News owners David Cook and Spencer McKnight, alleging they secretly renegotiated payments owed to his son, Gabriel, under a 2024 buyout agreement while bypassing contractual notice requirements.\n\n\n\nAccording to the lawsuit, the contractual...","content":"Greg Adler has filed a lawsuit against former Aspen Daily News owners David Cook and Spencer McKnight, alleging they secretly renegotiated payments owed to his son, Gabriel, under a 2024 buyout agreement while bypassing contractual notice requirements.\n\n\n\nAccording to the lawsuit, the contractual notice requirements were intended to protect Gabriel Adler, who struggled with addiction. He inherited a 33.3% ownership stake in Paperbag Media LLC, which owned the Aspen Daily News, following the death of his stepmother in 2023. Cook and McKnight held a majority interest in the company.\n\n\n\nThe lawsuit centers on the sale of Gabriel’s ownership stake and whether Greg Adler had enforceable rights under the resulting purchase agreement.\n\n\n\nThe complaint, Case No. 2026CV30101, was filed June 12 in Pitkin County District Court on Greg Adler’s behalf by Denver-based Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow & Farbes. It names Cook and McKnight individually and through their companies, Cook Media Consulting Inc. and McKnight & Mayo Productions LLC, alleging breach of contract; alternatively, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing; and extreme and outrageous conduct. The allegations have not been proven in court.\n\n\n\nAttorney Sara Bodner, representing Greg Adler, said in an email to The Aspen Times that her client “stands by the complaint as filed and has confidence that the court system will resolve the issues fairly.”\n\n\n\nIn an emailed statement, Cook and McKnight’s attorney, Jeffrey A. Springer, claimed that “Greg Adler was not a party to the contract, was not an intended beneficiary of the contract and has absolutely no claim against anyone related to the contract.” He described the lawsuit as “without merit and nothing short of a groundless attempt to harass Spencer McKnight and David Cook.” \n\n\n\nAccording to the complaint, Greg Adler was actively involved in negotiating Cook and McKnight’s purchase of his son’s interest in Paperbag Media, emailing in October 2023 that he was “Watching out for Gabriel.”\n\n\n\nThe parties signed a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement on March 12, 2024. It called for an upfront payment of $215,000, plus a promissory note requiring three annual payments of $77,113.80 in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Gabriel Adler signed through JSPB Media LLC.\n\n\n\nThe lawsuit alleges the agreement required notices, approvals, demands and modifications to be sent to Greg Adler, whose name and contact information were included in the contract. \n\n\n\nThe complaint says the notice provision existed because Cook and McKnight knew Gabriel Adler struggled with addiction and relied on supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship that allows individuals to retain the legal authority to make their own decisions while receiving guidance from trusted supporters of their choosing.\n\n\n\nAccording to the complaint, that notice requirement became the central issue in the months that followed. The lawsuit describes three occasions in 2025 when Cook and McKnight allegedly renegotiated payments directly with Gabriel Adler without notifying Greg Adler.\n\n\n\nThe first allegedly occurred in March 2025, when Cook and McKnight informed Gabriel they could not make the first scheduled payment in full and proposed delaying part of it. Greg Adler says he learned of the arrangement only through his son and emailed the pair, reminding them that Gabriel was “not in a good place to negotiate on his own behalf” and that he expected to receive all notices required under the agreement.\n\n\n\nThe complaint alleges Cook and McKnight later continued negotiating directly with Gabriel over reduced payments without notifying Greg Adler. According to the lawsuit, one proposal would have settled future obligations for substantially less than the remaining balance. The complaint alleges that Greg had obtained counsel for his son, but that Cook continued to call Gabriel directly despite knowing he was represented and later texted that hiring a lawyer was “really brutal and unnecessary.”\n\n\n\nAccording to the complaint, a third round of negotiations followed in October 2025 after Gabriel said he urgently needed cash for his “crypto fund.” Cook and McKnight’s attorney drafted a revised agreement reducing a scheduled payment to $34,900, less than half the amount originally due, the lawsuit alleges. \n\n\n\nThe complaint further alleges the attorney acknowledged Greg Adler’s earlier objections but told Gabriel the notice provision had been “drafted for the seller’s benefit” and that Cook Media and McKnight Productions “have no interest or stake in notifying your father.”\n\n\n\nHours after Gabriel signed the agreement, according to the lawsuit, Cook texted asking whether he had informed his father, writing, “It’s in the contract that he must be notified,” adding, “I don’t want to get sued.”\n\n\n\nThe complaint alleges that those negotiations culminated in a final buyout of the remaining balance during a period when Gabriel Adler was experiencing mental health crises in early November 2025. According to the lawsuit, Gabriel ultimately accepted $18,000 in exchange for extinguishing the final payment of $77,113.80. Greg Adler alleges that he was again not notified despite the contract’s notice provision.\n\n\n\nOverall, the lawsuit alleges the undisclosed renegotiations reduced the value of the original promissory note by roughly $100,000.\n\n\n\nGreg Adler contends that the repeated lump-sum payments worsened his son’s addiction and mental health, which led to behavior that required him to pay for two stays in detoxification and rehabilitation facilities in late 2025. He is seeking monetary damages, attorney fees, and a jury trial.\n\n\n\nHoffman Media Group acquired the Aspen Daily News in January 2026. McKnight has since left the company, while Cook remains publisher.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/former-aspen-daily-news-owners-sued-over-alleged-secret-buyout-renegotiation/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T23:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F30174128%2FDailyNewsSale-atd-123025-01-1024x819.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"former-aspen-daily-news-owners-sued-over-alleged-secret-buyout-renegotiation"},{"id":"d9tkhb","title":"Pitkin County reports ‘surprising’ number of bat exposures in past week","excerpt":"As of Tuesday, Emergency Response and Epidemiology Program Administrator for Pitkin County Carlyn Porter has sent a total of six bats to Denver to get tested for rabies, with five negative, one pending and one more bat reported and awaiting capture. \n\n\n\nOf those, the five that tested negative wer...","content":"As of Tuesday, Emergency Response and Epidemiology Program Administrator for Pitkin County Carlyn Porter has sent a total of six bats to Denver to get tested for rabies, with five negative, one pending and one more bat reported and awaiting capture. \n\n\n\nOf those, the five that tested negative were found within a single house in Aspen last week, the one with results pending was found in a flower vase in Snowmass over the weekend and the one that is still alive and needs to be captured was found in a shoe at Aspen Highlands, according to Porter. All three cases created exposure risks for individuals who lived at the residences.\n\n\n\n“It is extremely busy for this early in the season,” Porter said. “It just warmed up really fast. The five were from a single household, so that was surprising. We had an eventful afternoon.”\n\n\n\nAccording to her, each bat collected so far was reportedly acting normal — the one reported at Aspen Highlands is the only one she said whose behavior sounded “weird,” which could indicate the presence of rabies. According to Dr. Kelly Voss at Aspen Animal Hospital, most rabies cases identified in Pitkin County are associated with the bat variant. Just last summer, a woman was exposed to rabies after being bitten by a bat near Aspen’s Weller Lake that tested positive.\n\n\n\n“It is a reality of living in the mountains,” Porter said.\n\n\n\nShe noted that, in particular, broken screens have been a common denominator of homes that report having bats inside. And once a bat roosts inside a home, they like to return, Porter said.\n\n\n\n“They like to go to the same houses over and over,” she shared.\n\n\n\nA lot of the time, she said, she’s hearing bat reports from the same people.\n\n\n\nFor those who do find a bat inside their home, it can be released only if there has been zero exposure. Voss stressed, however, that it can be very difficult to notice if a person has been bitten or exposed. Sending a bat to be tested is the only way to definitely know for sure if there is a potential rabies risk.\n\n\n\n“The whole reason you should test them is because bat bites can be really difficult to pinpoint,” Voss said. “Living with bats is not normal and or safe. If you do have evidence of bats in your home, you need to alert the authorities.”\n\n\n\nPorter recommended those with a bat in the home immediately call dispatch to see if animal control is available. She doesn’t encourage individuals to attempt to catch bats on their own due to increased risk of exposure, but for those who are attempting to capture themselves, she underscored the importance of capturing a bat when it’s not flying. Wearing leather gloves or using a fluffy towel or Tupperware is also important so no one is handling a bat without some form of a buffer.\n\n\n\nShe added that people should not put captured bats in the freezer or smash them, since the brain needs to be intact for testing.\n\n\n\nIn order to test the bats, Voss humanely euthanizes them and they get picked up by a courier to Denver, where brain tissue is tested for rabies. According to Porter, the standard time to receive results is 48 hours, but she said often with human exposure cases it can be prioritized for same-day testing. \n\n\n\n“I wish we had a lab on this side of the state,” Porter said. “It’s a pretty specialized skill to do rabies testing.”\n\n\n\nIf a bat is not available for testing, Porter said it’s important to err on the side of caution. According to her, there are currently a number of individuals going through post-exposure prophylaxis — a life-saving medical treatment administered after suspected rabies exposure — in Pitkin County who were exposed to bats that were not able to be captured for testing.\n\n\n\nPorter noted that individuals who have two doses of pre-exposure vaccination just need two booster doses at Community Health, not at the hospital, which can save people the high cost of a visit to the emergency room and the high cost of Human Rabies Immune Globulin.\n\n\n\nVoss added that pet owners should always make sure cats and dogs are current on their rabies vaccination as well.\n\n\n\n“Make sure pets are up-to-date on the rabies vaccine, it just makes everything so much simpler,” she said. \n\n\n\nPorter confirmed there are a couple of cats in Pitkin County currently in quarantine after catching bats and being exposed — the cats were overdue on their rabies vaccines and needed immediate boosters with a 45-day home observation period.\n\n\n\nThere have also recently been a number of cats, mostly in Garfield County, that have tested positive for Tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” which is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease, according to Porter.\n\n\n\nAnyone with questions about rabies, whether or not they’ve experienced an exposure risk, can reach out to rabies@pitkincounty.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitco-reports-surprising-number-of-bat-exposures-in-past-week/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T22:30:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F30150632%2FCalifornia_myotis_cropped-1024x912.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitkin-county-reports-surprising-number-of-bat-exposures-in-past-week"},{"id":"cjiyms","title":"What to know about evacuating Snowmass in case of a wildfire","excerpt":"What is Snowmass Village’s evacuation plan if a wildfire were to threaten the town? \n\n\n\nThere’s a complicated answer, according to Chief of Snowmass Village Police Brian Olson.\n\n\n\nSnowmass is fully surrounded by forests and shrubland, and much of that vegetation is moderately to highly likely to ...","content":"What is Snowmass Village’s evacuation plan if a wildfire were to threaten the town? \n\n\n\nThere’s a complicated answer, according to Chief of Snowmass Village Police Brian Olson.\n\n\n\nSnowmass is fully surrounded by forests and shrubland, and much of that vegetation is moderately to highly likely to burn at a high intensity, the Colorado State Forest Service wildfire risk viewer map confirms. While Snowmass is dedicating resources to wildfire resilience and mitigation, the risk is still high. \n\n\n\nOlson explained that there are two main routes into Snowmass, but several other ways to leave the town if those routes were unsafe or unusable. And leaving town isn’t the only way that Snowmass expects they could protect their population. \n\n\n\n“Where is the wildfire?” Olson asked. “It could be 360 degrees in any one place in Snowmass Village, and that would absolutely change the dynamics of where we might want people to go.”\n\n\n\nOlson said no evacuation route can be defined at any time before a disaster actually impacts Snowmass, noting that people shouldn’t set their hopes on any one route — that could jeopardize them if they tried to leave that way before the safest way out of town was defined. \n\n\n\nBecause of Snowmass’ integration with the surrounding forests, even specific neighborhoods might also have different routes from each other.\n\n\n\n“We may ask certain segments of the village to shelter in place and not get in their cars and drive away, so that they don’t drive directly into the path of a fire or into a particular hazard,” Olson said.\n\n\n\nThe town also has several areas that Olson designated as points of refuge, where people could wait out a disaster like a wildfire safely if evacuation were difficult or impossible.\n\n\n\n“It might be a shelter in place in the larger hotels, or we might direct people into the garage as a point of refuge,” Olson said. “We could do the same thing with the golf course if we were in a position where certain elements couldn’t utilize evacuation routes, or they’re not physically able to move their group or the people in their party.”\n\n\n\nSnowmass uses “ready, set, go” evacuation notices, with ready equating to an alert stage and having a go-bag ready, set meaning individuals should be packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice and go meaning mandatory evacuations for an area. Olson explained that packing up and leaving during “set” levels of evacuation is recommended for people that are nervous or think they could be in danger.\n\n\n\n“If someone were to be risk-averse and uncomfortable with waiting, I would always recommend that at ‘set,’ maybe you just pack up and leave,” Olson said. “Don’t wait for the government, don’t wait for law enforcement to tell you to evacuate if you’re worried and you’re unsure. Leave early with plenty of time, that way you can be much more organized, you can take with you what you want.”\n\n\n\nOlson noted that the primary way that the town will issue evacuation notices is through online alerts, and he recommended everyone sign up for Pitkin Alerts and the ReachWell app as the first step of preparedness.\n\n\n\n“If you’re signed up and you’re half prepared, then you’ll be way ahead of the curve and the evacuation won’t be as stressful,” Olson said.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/what-to-know-about-evacuating-snowmass-in-case-of-a-wildfire/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T22:12:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F30154059%2FDSC8286-1024x819.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-to-know-about-evacuating-snowmass-in-case-of-a-wildfire"},{"id":"d8mcjq","title":"What to know about running at altitude","excerpt":"At over 7,000 feet above sea level, running in the upper Roaring Fork Valley can pose a significant challenge for those used to running at lower elevations. \n\n\n\nBut the answer isn’t to simply “try harder.” Science-backed reasons why exercising at high elevations is difficult also reveal strategie...","content":"At over 7,000 feet above sea level, running in the upper Roaring Fork Valley can pose a significant challenge for those used to running at lower elevations. \n\n\n\nBut the answer isn’t to simply “try harder.” Science-backed reasons why exercising at high elevations is difficult also reveal strategies that visitors and community members can use to adjust to the altitude more easily. \n\n\n\n“Everything is about oxygen. It’s living energy,” Bill Fabrocini said. \n\n\n\nFabrocini is a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, sports performance coach and trainer at Ajax Fitness in Aspen, with over 30 years of experience in these fields. \n\n\n\nHe explained that when a person moves from lower to higher elevation, their lungs must work extra hard to take in oxygen. This occurrence is not due to “less oxygen” in the air — a common misconception. While the percentage of oxygen remains the same, the lower atmospheric pressure at high elevation means oxygen molecules are spaced further apart. \n\n\n\nConsequently, a person inhales less oxygen with each breath.\n\n\n\nAs a result, a person enters a state called hypoxia, meaning low levels of oxygen in the body. In response, the kidneys begin releasing a hormone called erythropoietin, or EPO. EPO stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. \n\n\n\n“Think of red blood cells as buses,” Fabrocini said. “The oxygen is the passenger that goes on the bus, and the more buses you have carrying oxygen molecules, the better the transfer of oxygen. When you run at high altitude, your muscles need oxygen. You’re producing more red blood cells at high altitude to adapt to the thinner oxygen.”\n\n\n\nIt typically takes two to three weeks for a person’s red blood cell count to grow and for the body to adapt. During this time, it is harder for a runner to keep the pace and endurance that they maintained at lower elevations. \n\n\n\n“If you’re just focusing on trying to match your pace, it can be a disastrous result,” Fabrocini said. “If you’re trying to run without as much oxygen utilization, you can run low on energy very quickly and burn out.”\n\n\n\nFortunately, there are ways to make training easier and to help the body adapt to both running and other types of exercise. Staying well-hydrated is key, especially in dry climates, he said. Good nutrition is also important, with an emphasis on iron-rich foods, such as red meat, spinach and lentils, which support red blood cell production. Carbohydrates for fuel and high quality protein to aid in muscle recovery are essential. People should also be aware that alcohol can dehydrate the body. \n\n\n\nHe stressed rest and recovery are vital for high elevation training as well. \n\n\n\nLocal runner and outdoorsman Alex Olson — a participant in the local run group Roaring Fork Valley Tuesday Trails — echoed this sentiment, adding that it’s good to listen to one’s body. \n\n\n\n“It’s important to slow it down and take it easy,” Olson said. “Let your body tell you what it’s capable of. It’s going to be a slower pace than what you’re used to at first until you become more adjusted.” \n\n\n\nHe added, “Running is one of the most accessible kinds of exercise you can do. You can just put on a pair of shoes and go.”\n\n\n\nThere are physiological benefits of exercising at high elevation before returning to sea level, according to Fabrocini. As a result, many athletes train at high elevation. \n\n\n\n“When an athlete returns to sea level, they have access to these additional red blood cells,” he said. “Red blood cells transfer oxygen, and oxygen is your energy. The more oxygen you have, the more efficient you are at producing energy for activity, building muscle and breaking down food. This can last for up to three weeks.”\n\n\n\nUltimately, running and other exercise require patience at high elevation, he said. \n\n\n\n“Build confidence and give your body time to adapt,” he said. “It’s incredible at adapting if you allow it to. If you rush it, it’s going to tell you you’re rushing it. And just enjoy the process.” \n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from aspentimes.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/what-to-know-about-running-at-altitude/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Sonia Alizadeh Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsalizadeh@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:40:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29174007%2Fragnar-atd-060526-15-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-to-know-about-running-at-altitude"},{"id":"jz8gjd","title":"Glenwood Springs engineering firm celebrates 40 years of service","excerpt":"SGM first opened its doors in Glenwood Springs in 1986 with a goal of serving its community’s unique engineering needs. Now, 40 years later, the firm has grown into one of Western Colorado’s largest locally owned engineering and surveying companies. \n\n\n\nOver the past 40 years, the firm has grown ...","content":"SGM first opened its doors in Glenwood Springs in 1986 with a goal of serving its community’s unique engineering needs. Now, 40 years later, the firm has grown into one of Western Colorado’s largest locally owned engineering and surveying companies. \n\n\n\nOver the past 40 years, the firm has grown from a handful of employees at its headquarters in Glenwood Springs to more than 140 employees, with operating offices in Aspen, Durango, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Meeker, Salida and Mountain Village. \n\n\n\n“We have four core values that guide SGM, one of them being community-minded,” SGM President Warren Swanson said in a news release celebrating the milestone. “Celebrating 40 years is meaningful not just because of the projects we’ve delivered, but because of the lasting impact we’ve made through community investment, volunteerism, and mentorship.”\n\n\n\nOver the past 40 years, SGM has helped design, survey or engineer thousands of infrastructure projects across Western Colorado, including RFTA’s 27th Street Bridge in Glenwood Springs, the all-electric Ascendigo building in Carbondale, and the ongoing Redstone South Bridge project. \n\n\n\nJeff Simonson, SGM’s civil service sector leader and one of the firm’s founding employees, said when he looks back on the past 40 years, the source of his greatest pride comes from serving the community that served him. \n\n\n\n“Let me put it this way, I don’t think I’ve had a job because I’ve enjoyed my career so much,” he said.\n\n\n\nThe fifth-generation New Castle resident got a job as an engineer at what ultimately became SGM a year out of college and couldn’t imagine his life going any other way. From watching the birth of the company to becoming one of the business’s longest-tenured employees, Simonson said there was still plenty left in the tank. If it weren’t for his age, he would be looking forward to another half-century of serving his hometown community. \n\n\n\n“This has always been where I want to be, and to be a part of the company from the get-go and working on the projects that help our community grow,” he said. “We want to be part of that growth and try to put forward the best product you can for the community as well. \n\n\n\n“I still really enjoy what I do, and I don’t feel my age,” Simonson continued with a laugh. “There’s a lot of like-minded folks that want to keep the company moving forward and maintain our core values. It’s a great thing we started way back when, and it’s continuing today.”\n\n\n\nIn addition to serving as the on-call engineering firm for the City of Aspen, the Town of Snowmass Village, the City of Glenwood Springs, and the Town of New Castle, SGM is investing in scholarships for students who may become the next generation of engineers, surveyors, and community leaders in Western Colorado. \n\n\n\nAccording to the release, SGM’s investment in the youth community totaled $170,416 in 2025 through sponsorships, youth programs, in-kind services, and school fundraising efforts. \n\n\n\n“The firm continues to support the community through a board-driven goal of giving a percentage of its annual profits back to the communities it serves,” the release reads. \n\n\n\nNot only does the firm seek to bolster the education coming out of the valley, but it also fosters a culture that encourages locals to return and begin their careers in the same community they grew up in. \n\n\n\nStephen Morris, a first-year bridge engineer at SGM’s Glenwood Springs location, grew up in the valley and is a product of the Roaring Fork School District. Just five years after earning his high school diploma from Glenwood Springs High School, Morris is back in his hometown, gaining experience in his career field in the same valley that nurtured him as a child. \n\n\n\nHe said that the second he saw the job opening after graduating from Montana State University, it all clicked into place. \n\n\n\n“Growing up, I always saw SGM working on local projects, which is really cool, but it didn’t really hit me until after I came back from college,” Morris explained. “I was like, ‘Holy Cow, this is perfect. This is the place I want to be, and it would be amazing to give back to the community that I love so much.'”\n\n\n\nMorris will celebrate his first anniversary in November, but said it doesn’t feel that way given all the support he’s received from coworkers and how much he’s learned in a short time. \n\n\n\n“It has been really rewarding coming back,” he said. “I have learned so much already, and everybody here at SGM is really great at teaching. It’s cool because they love to see the next generation of engineers grow, which makes the environment very comfortable.”\n\n\n\nThe firm will celebrate its 40th anniversary throughout the year with local open houses and a curated fall forum speaker series. For more information, visit sgm-inc.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/glenwood-springs-engineering-firm-celebrates-40-years-of-service/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T22:02:33.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29155518%2FDSC_0236_copy-1024x686.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"glenwood-springs-engineering-firm-celebrates-40-years-of-service"},{"id":"d5j3pp","title":"Ticket sales begin for Changemaker Series at Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House","excerpt":"Inside presale tickets for the Changemaker Speaker Series at the Wheeler Opera House are available as of June 30, with public tickets set to go on sale online starting July 2.\n\n\n\nThe Changemaker Speaker Series is a touring program of notable and esteemed thought leaders, which debuted in 2025. \n\n...","content":"Inside presale tickets for the Changemaker Speaker Series at the Wheeler Opera House are available as of June 30, with public tickets set to go on sale online starting July 2.\n\n\n\nThe Changemaker Speaker Series is a touring program of notable and esteemed thought leaders, which debuted in 2025. \n\n\n\nChangemaker Speaker Series: Deanne Fitzmaurice A250 Portrait of a Nation \n\n\n\n\nThursday, July 2 at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nThe event is free with an advance RSVP.\n\n\n\n\nIn honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice will bring “A250 Portrait of a Nation” to the stage as an illustrated talk drawing from almost 40 years documenting what a press release calls “the country’s defining moments.” \n\n\n\nFitzmaurice’s work spans the AIDS crisis, the Loma Prieta earthquake, marriage‑equality rulings, global conflict, climate events and cultural touchstones from professional sports to Route 66. She was a longtime photojournalist for the San Francisco Chronicle and her work has appeared in National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and ESPN. \n\n\n\n“Fitzmaurice combines personal reflection with striking imagery. Her Pulitzer‑winning essay chronicling the recovery of a young Iraqi war victim anchors a broader exploration of resilience, humanity, and the power of visual storytelling to preserve national memory,” the release reads. \n\n\n\nThis is a free but ticketed community event; advance RSVP is encouraged to secure reservations.\n\n\n\nThe Wheeler will host the following events in association with The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies — promo code ACES members ONLY is set up for a 10% discount starting on July 3. \n\n\n\nChangemaker Speaker Series Kiliii Yuyan: Indigenous Wisdom for a Modern World\n\n\n\n\nOct. 20\n\n\n\n\nNational Geographic Explorer Kiliii Yüyan will share stories molded by indigenous knowledge, fieldwork and life experience. He looks into what modern conservationism and climate solutions can learn from Indigeneous communities, utilizing photography and storytelling to “showcase the resilience, responsibility and the enduring relationship between humans and the planet.” \n\n\n\nChangemaker Speaker Series Keith Ladzinski: Forces of Nature\n\n\n\n\nJan. 26, 2027\n\n\n\n\nNational Geographic photographer and Emmy‑nominated director Keith Ladzinski will bring immersive imagery and stories from “Forces of Nature,” which highlights the planet’s most extreme environments. \n\n\n\n“Witness storm chasing in Tornado Alley to underwater encounters in the Everglades or first ascents in Antarctica. Ladzinski lifts the veil on the natural world through a perspective of adventure and conservation,” the release reads.\n\n\n\nLadzinski’s photographs and films have appeared in National Geographic, The New York Times and The Washington Post, with a compelling perspective on conservation, climate and adventure. \n\n\n\nChangemaker Speaker Series Casey Anderson: Among Wild Predators\n\n\n\n\nMarch 16, 2027\n\n\n\n\nFor more than three decades, wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic explorer Casey Anderson has walked toward grizzlies, mountain lions, tigers and other dangerous predators. In Among Wild Predators, Casey will take attendees on what the release calls “a powerful visual and emotional journey into the hearts of these animals, and into our own hearts as well.”\n\n\n\nIt adds, “Through breathtaking encounters and deeply personal stories, he dismantles the myths that have fueled humanity’s fear of predators and reveals what they truly are: mirrors of our own courage, empathy, and survival.” \n\n\n\nTickets can be found at aspenshowtix.com or by calling the box office at 970-920-5770.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/ticket-sales-begin-for-changemaker-series-at-aspens-wheeler-opera-house/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T20:30:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F23124535%2Fwheelersign-atd-052326-01-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ticket-sales-begin-for-changemaker-series-at-aspens-wheeler-opera-house"},{"id":"eb5rxo","title":"Sparlin: Human safety must be a top priority","excerpt":"As the first priority of elected officials is to keep the public safe, it was suggested to the Board of County Commissioners last Wednesday that they invest in production of Highway 82 motion sensors, powered by solar at the critical elk migratory areas of the Highway 82. These sensors would oper...","content":"As the first priority of elected officials is to keep the public safe, it was suggested to the Board of County Commissioners last Wednesday that they invest in production of Highway 82 motion sensors, powered by solar at the critical elk migratory areas of the Highway 82. These sensors would operate between dusk and dawn.  \n\n\n\nIt was also suggested that the highway speed limit be significantly lowered in these areas. The Roaring Fork Safe Passages is sadly years off; motion sensors could be ready by the fall migrating season, saving deadly collisions with a 900 pound elk, 6 ½ feet long. Human safety must be a top priority. \n\n\n\nCamilla K. Sparlin \n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/sparlin-human-safety-must-be-a-top-priority/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Camilla K. Sparlin","publishDate":"2026-06-30T18:03:16.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"sparlin-human-safety-must-be-a-top-priority"},{"id":"1bci3u","title":"Wildfires are spreading quickly in Colorado’s drought-stricken mountains as demand for firefighting resources tightens nationwide","excerpt":"Wildfires fueled by high winds and historic drought conditions raged across Colorado and the West this weekend — burning thousands of acres, forcing evacuations and resulting in the deaths of three firefighters.\n\n\n\nFirefighters on Friday achieved full containment on the Dry Creek Fire that burned...","content":"Wildfires fueled by high winds and historic drought conditions raged across Colorado and the West this weekend — burning thousands of acres, forcing evacuations and resulting in the deaths of three firefighters.\n\n\n\nFirefighters on Friday achieved full containment on the Dry Creek Fire that burned 316 acres near Rifle, with no other major fires burning in Colorado as of that day. But by Monday, more than a dozen new wildfires had burned through more than 40,000 acres across the state.\n\n\n\n“We are trying to get ahead of these and keep these fires small so that they don’t turn into large destructive fires,” Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control public information officer Tracy LeClair said. “The more fires that are on the landscape, obviously, the more thinly our resources are going to be stretched.”\n\n\n\nColorado wildfires explode over the weekend\n\n\n\nColorado Gov. Jared Polis has issued disaster declarations for the Willow Fire burning near Leadville, the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County, the Snyder Mesa Fire in Mesa County and the Aspen Acres Fire burning in Pueblo and Custer Counties. These disaster declarations allow state funds and resources to be dedicated to these wildfires.\n\n\n\nOn Saturday, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service announced that fast-moving flames overtook five firefighters assigned to the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border, killing three and injuring two. The Gore and Knowles fires have since merged with the Snyder Fire, which had burned on more than 28,000 acres with no containment as of Sunday, according to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit.\n\n\n\nIn Ouray County, the Gold Mountain Fire grew quickly after it was discovered burning on about a quarter acre on Sunday afternoon. Estimated at 7,100 acres as of Monday afternoon, the wildfire has led to evacuation and pre-evacuation notices for residents in the area and closed U.S. 550 south of Portland, according to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBurning just a few miles west of Leadville, the Willow Fire also exploded to more than 1,000 acres within a few hours of being discovered Sunday afternoon near the popular Turquoise Lake recreation site. As of Monday morning, the wildfire was estimated to have burned about 1,200 acres, with no containment.\n\n\n\nLake County Sheriff Heath Speckman said Monday morning that the fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service lands, and emergency officials helped evacuate about 50 campers and thru-hikers. \n\n\n\n“We’re just trying to prepare for the worst,” Speckman said.\n\n\n\nBut while the fire is burning just a few miles outside of Leadville, he noted there are several “natural breaks” — like the Arkansas River — helping to protect the town. There has also been wildfire mitigation work completed in the area near the fire.\n\n\n\nThe Ferris Fire burns in the San Juan Mountains on Monday, June 29. Wildfire officials said Monday that winds were substantially lighter allowing crews to engage key areas of the fire. Ferris Fire Information/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIn the San Juan Mountains, three smaller wildfires that started this weekend merged Sunday night into the Ferris Fire, which was estimated to have burned about 16,000 acres with no containment as of Monday morning. The Dolores County Office of Emergency Management has ordered evacuations and closures in the area.\n\n\n\n“The strong winds we’ve been getting have certainly made for a lot of fire growth in the last few days and our main concern there is protecting life and property,” said Toby Cook, operations section chief with San Juan Team 8, in a morning update. “The primary thing there being life — and that includes our firefighters. So, when those winds get too strong, the fire activity is a little too much, we have to pull back.”\n\n\n\nOn Monday, the Aspen Acres fire was discovered southwest of Pueblo and quickly grew more than 2,400 acres, according to the Colorado Wildland Fire Status Dashboard.\n\n\n\nWildfire activity is increasing nationwide\n\n\n\nThe number of wildfires burning simultaneously across the West is increasing the pressure on the nation’s firefighting force. With 37 large fires burning across the country, the National Interagency Fire Center increased the national preparedness level to 4 of 5 on Monday, indicating that national resources are “heavily committed.”\n\n\n\nSo far this year, the fire center reports that wildfires have burned more 3 million acres across the country, which is 160% higher than the 10 year average — and there are few signs that the wildfire activity will let up anytime soon.\n\n\n\n“Significant wildland fire activity is occurring across multiple geographic areas, resulting in a substantial commitment of incident management teams,” the National Interagency Fire Center wrote in its Monday report. “… Forecasts also indicate a continued high potential for new large fires to emerge across multiple geographic areas in the coming days.”\n\n\n\nWith wildfire activity so prolific across the state and nation, LeClair said that following local fire restrictions and practicing fire safety is important to prevent additional fires that could further strain the state’s resources. She noted that the National Weather Service has continued to issue “red flag” warnings for counties across the mountains advising of high winds and hot, dry weather through at least Tuesday.\n\n\n\nWhile there were enough firefighting resources to go around on Monday, LeClair said if the fires continue to grow — or if there are new wildfire starts — resources could become tight, requiring fire officials to prioritize how they’re used. She said fires that threaten “values at risk,” like homes and infrastructure, would be of high priority.\n\n\n\n“There’s still availability to order more resources, but I think especially as more of these fires start to grow, we’ll move into what’s probably going to be a very busy Fourth of July weekend,” LeClair said. “We’ll have a lot of visitors up in the High Country. Hopefully we’ve done our job making sure that everyone knows what fire restrictions are in place. Hopefully, we can get people to behave themselves and do the right thing, because the last thing we need is more fires starting right now.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-wildfires-spreading-drought-mountains-firefighting/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:59:47.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29155637%2FGoldMountainFire-1024x771.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wildfires-are-spreading-quickly-in-colorados-drought-stricken-mountains-as-demand-for-firefighting-r"},{"id":"n4e44o","title":"Garfield Re-2 budget reduces planned deficit","excerpt":"The Garfield Re-2 school board approved a $90.3 million budget for the 2026-27 school year on Wednesday, reducing its planned General Fund deficit. \n\n\n\nFinance Director Jason Lynch told the board that the district’s financial outlook has improved from earlier projections, though numbers can shift...","content":"The Garfield Re-2 school board approved a $90.3 million budget for the 2026-27 school year on Wednesday, reducing its planned General Fund deficit. \n\n\n\nFinance Director Jason Lynch told the board that the district’s financial outlook has improved from earlier projections, though numbers can shift quickly as grants and other funding sources come in.\n\n\n\n“There’s lots of changes that happen fast,” Lynch said. “Today, we got in $4.5 million. Yesterday we got $600,000 worth of grant, so in the last 24 hours, we got $5 million to different funds.”\n\n\n\nThe district entered the current fiscal year with a planned General Fund deficit of about $2.2 million. Lynch said current projections show Garfield Re-2 will finish the year closer to a $1.2 million deficit, nearly $1 million better than originally planned. \n\n\n\nNumbers presented at the time noted the district spends around $6 million a month and brings in around $5 million. \n\n\n\nIn the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, Lynch said they’re projecting $500,000 of deficit spending, much less than a projected $2.2 million at the start of fiscal year 2025-26, a huge improvement. \n\n\n\nPart of the deficit spending comes from an increase to payroll, around $2.6 million total to the budget, for retaining staff, to give the employees that come back an extra incentive. \n\n\n\nRe-2’s budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year neared $71 million, with $67 million used throughout the year, leaving around $4 million of unused budget. \n\n\n\n“This was from about nine days ago, and we don’t expect any big changes,” Lynch said. “There’s still some payroll that has to be moved back next month, so we’ll see some adjustments in that.”\n\n\n\nDespite large changes of an extra $5 million, most of the numbers remained unchanged from last month’s estimates and projections. \n\n\n\nProjected revenues through Tuesday put the district at around $71.3 million instead of $71.1 million. Payroll came in at over $40.5 million in the budget, but projections shared Tuesday bring payroll down to $40 million. \n\n\n\nLynch said payroll numbers are not projected with savings in an effort to be conservative. \n\n\n\nThe proposed General Fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which is expected to be $73.9 million, would leave around $18 million to roll over to the next year after expenditures and revenues are calculated. \n\n\n\nA number of supplemental resolutions that required board approval, one for the student activity fund. \n\n\n\n“Our student fee account went over $32,000 this year,” Lynch said. “Which may have meant that the football team raised $20,000 and spent $24,000, they each have their own student accounts.”\n\n\n\nLynch said he’s asking for an extra $50,000, totaling around $82,000, so he won’t have to come back for another request for this fund. \n\n\n\nA resolution for a total budget of $90 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year was also on the table, along with a second part of the resolution for $500,000 in deficit spending. \n\n\n\nAll resolutions were passed unanimously.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-re-2-budget-reduces-planned-deficit/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:33:18.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F05%2F22171026%2Fgarfield_re-2_office-1024x690.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"garfield-re-2-budget-reduces-planned-deficit"},{"id":"o1t1yi","title":"Burkholder: Retain wild at Cattle Creek and the Roaring Fork River","excerpt":"We know Harvest Roaring Fork will soon return with a revised development proposal. We don’t yet know what changes will be presented, and it would be premature to judge a plan none of us has seen. What we can do now is ask an important question: What kind of valley do we want to leave for future g...","content":"We know Harvest Roaring Fork will soon return with a revised development proposal. We don’t yet know what changes will be presented, and it would be premature to judge a plan none of us has seen. What we can do now is ask an important question: What kind of valley do we want to leave for future generations? Before approving one of the largest residential developments ever proposed in Garfield County, we should first understand the housing market we already have. Is the challenge simply a shortage of housing units, or is it a shortage of housing that local workers can afford?\n\n\n\nRecent market information suggests the answer is more complex than a single phrase like “housing shortage.” In communities, inventory remains elevated, homes are taking longer to sell, while affordable housing remains difficult to find. Understanding both the ownership and rental markets is essential if we hope to identify solutions that truly meet the valley’s housing needs. They deserve thoughtful solutions rather than assumptions.\n\n\n\nGood planning begins with good information. Before making decisions that will shape this valley for generations, I hope our elected officials will carefully examine the existing housing inventory, “affordable/workforce” units, the long-term rental market, approved but unbuilt developments and the specific affordability needs throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nThe Roaring Fork Valley is more than a place to build. It is a place where wildlife still moves through open landscapes, where the river remains the heart of our communities and where we carry a responsibility to preserve the possibility that those raised here can stay, strengthening our traditions, culture and sense of belonging.\n\n\n\nWhatever proposal comes before our community, I hope we measure it not only by the number of homes it creates, but by the legacy it leaves. For me, that legacy is simple: Retain wild at Cattle Creek and the Roaring Fork River.\n\n\n\nRosemary Burkholder\n\n\n\nCarbondale","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/burkholder-retain-wild-at-cattle-creek-and-the-roaring-fork-river/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Rosemary Burkholder","publishDate":"2026-06-30T18:02:22.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"burkholder-retain-wild-at-cattle-creek-and-the-roaring-fork-river"},{"id":"mwzwak","title":"Public access, recreation closed on Colorado River downstream of Fruita amid fire danger","excerpt":"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife has issued an emergency closure for all public access and downstream recreation on the Colorado River from James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita to the Utah state line. \n\n\n\nWorking with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, CPW implement...","content":"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife has issued an emergency closure for all public access and downstream recreation on the Colorado River from James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita to the Utah state line. \n\n\n\nWorking with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, CPW implemented the closure to ensure public safety and support firefighting efforts on the Snyder Fire amid anticipated high fire-weather conditions and the potential for rapid fire spread, according to a June 29 news release.\n\n\n\nAll boating and floating are prohibited within the restricted area, including jet boats, rafts, kayaks, canoes, tubes and paddleboards.\n\n\n\nBoaters and floaters are encouraged to take out in Grand Junction at the Blue Heron boat launch or upstream.\n\n\n\nThe closure is expected to remain in effect through the Fourth of July weekend and applies only to the river from Fruita downstream to the state line. The river upstream of Fruita remains open.\n\n\n\nCPW is urging the public to respect the closure for safety and to allow firefighters and emergency responders to work unimpeded. Violations may result in fines, citations and trespassing charges.\n\n\n\nCPW said that Horsethief State Wildlife Area and Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area are also closed to the public.\n\n\n\nSeparately, the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office has issued an emergency public closure of all BLM-managed public lands in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/public-access-recreation-closed-on-colorado-river-downstream-of-fruita-amid-fire-danger/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Sky-Hi Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnews@skyhinews.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:20:45.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29151754%2FCO-River-Oct-2025-ALongwell-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"public-access-recreation-closed-on-colorado-river-downstream-of-fruita-amid-fire-danger"},{"id":"tpyq1h","title":"Pickleball proposal draws criticism in Eagle","excerpt":"Back in May, Eagle County approached the Eagle Town Council to propose a partnership with the town to transform land disturbed by a recently completed geothermal energy project into the town’s first public pickleball courts.\n\n\n\nThe site, located east of Eagle Town Park on county-owned property, w...","content":"Back in May, Eagle County approached the Eagle Town Council to propose a partnership with the town to transform land disturbed by a recently completed geothermal energy project into the town’s first public pickleball courts.\n\n\n\nThe site, located east of Eagle Town Park on county-owned property, was previously a turf lawn that was removed during the installation of geothermal wells and underground transmission lines serving the Eagle County Building.\n\n\n\nCounty officials say the redevelopment would replace the former high-water-use grass area with a more drought-friendly community amenity. The proposal calls for either six or eight pickleball courts surrounded by shade structures, outdoor workspaces, seating areas and low-water landscaping. The location was selected because of its proximity to Eagle Town Park, the downtown business district and a Core Transit bus stop, making it easily accessible on foot, by bicycle or by public transit.\n\n\n\nBut local residents have been expressing opposition to the idea, saying the sport of pickleball can be very disturbing to those living near its courts.\n\n\n\nNearby resident Cheryl Russell, who was at the Eagle Town Council meeting on Tuesday, said she’s concerned that the proposal has advanced too far into the planning stages in closed-door meetings.\n\n\n\n“As a taxpayer and community member, my primary concern as this stage is not whether the project ultimately moves forward, but whether the public has been provided sufficient information to understand and evaluate the potential impacts before decisions are made,” she said.\n\n\n\nRussell said the Eagle County fairgrounds would be a better place for the courts.\n\n\n\n“It is set up out there for large groups, for parking, and the lighting is there,” she said.\n\n\n\nArthur Wessel, who lives nearby, cited information from Paddletek, one of the nation’s largest pickleball equipment manufacturers, which recommends locating new courts at least 500 feet from homes to reduce noise impacts.\n\n\n\n“Pickleball creates a loud, random, high-pitched pop, at a frequency that humans can’t tune out, and over time can be psychologically damaging,” he said.\n\n\n\nBrenda Wyatt said she lives 50 feet from the proposed courts, and is one of dozens of residents who would be affected.\n\n\n\n“Sixty-six homes is what I counted that would be in direct affect from these proposed pickleball courts,” she said.\n\n\n\nWhile the Town Council did not immediately respond to the comments on Tuesday, Mayor Pro Tem Jamie Woodworth Foral said she has been responding personally to the emails the town has been receiving.\n\n\n\nDuring a presentation to the town of Eagle from Eagle County in May, the county said the pickleball proposal was currently in the preliminary plan and design phase, and would need a commitment from the town of Eagle before moving forward.\n\n\n\nThe Town Council, in May, suggested the county come back before the town with more information, opting not to vote on the proposal at that time.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/pickleball-proposal-draws-criticism-in-eagle/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T23:19:31.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F16182901%2Falex-saks-KO6QJcddk28-unsplash-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pickleball-proposal-draws-criticism-in-eagle"},{"id":"kpl1dr","title":"VVMTA’s Adopt A Trail program celebrates ten years of community stewardship in Eagle County","excerpt":"When Jamie Malin learned about what goes on behind the scenes to take care of a natural trail, he never saw them the same way and began dreaming of a way to bring a trail restoration program to the Vail Valley.\n\n\n\nIn 2016, Malin, alongside Lee Rimel, launched the Adopt A Trail Program through the...","content":"When Jamie Malin learned about what goes on behind the scenes to take care of a natural trail, he never saw them the same way and began dreaming of a way to bring a trail restoration program to the Vail Valley.\n\n\n\nIn 2016, Malin, alongside Lee Rimel, launched the Adopt A Trail Program through the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance — which Malin founded in 2011 — to create a public lands volunteer and stewardship program across Eagle County in an effort to aid U.S. Forest Service Trails after the federal agency faced budget cuts and couldn’t find the support to care for trails on its own. \n\n\n\nIn the beginning, 30 local volunteer teams cared for 30 trails across Eagle County. Ten years later, Adopt A Trail has grown into a force of nature for trail stewardship, engaging over 8,000 volunteers who have contributed over 30,000 volunteer hours and have covered 1,400 miles of trail. \n\n\n\n“Having (volunteer) teams not only instills that level of stewardship that we need in order to take care of our trail in this valley and also be advocates for public lands when they are at threat, but it really is important for our community,” said Natalie Neurwirth, a VVMTA Trail Stewardship manager. “I’ve never had a job where I felt so integrated in the community just because of how many people I work with.” \n\n\n\nSome of the teams who have been partners for the full 10 years include Alpine Bank, Venture Spots and Walking Mountains. Teams go out two to three times a year to maintain a trail. \n\n\n\nAdopt A Trail Volunteers work on a trail. VVMTA Courtesy photo Adopt A Trail\n\n\n\n“There’s just so much more awareness,” Malin said. “People realize now that it’s up to us to take care of these things that we love.” He said a lesson he’s learned along the way is that there is no “they” to take care of trails, only the “we” — the members of the community. \n\n\n\nOf the program, there is a nine-person, full-time, seasonal trail crew working 40 hours a week, along with trail ambassador educators who also work full-time.\n\n\n\n“It’s still beneficial and tremendously impactful to have our community engaged and educated and stewards of our lands and trails that we have in our backyard because there are trails, it’s public land,” said Ernest Saegar, the executive director of VVMTA. “We all own a piece of those and the people who use them, going back and taking care of them creates a community, creates a connection to the lands that really has a tremendous impact over many years and generations.” \n\n\n\nThe VVMTA and Adopt A Trail has also earned national recognition and received the U.S. Forest Service Chief’s Honor Award, which recognized the program’s approach to maintaining public lands and trails through community partnerships. \n\n\n\n“What if we didn’t have all these volunteers out there,” said Saeger. “The trails would probably be in pretty bad shape.” \n\n\n\nThe conundrum of it all was that this program was formed because of lacking funding to the Forest Service, however, it has created a space of community stewardship, relationship building and so many more benefits to Eagle County, he said.\n\n\n\n“I do wish that our land managed partners had better staffing and funding, but I also think that this is a necessary program for our community and people to engage and have some ownership and some enjoyment,” Saeger said. ","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vvmtas-adopt-a-trail-program-celebrates-ten-years-of-community-stewardship-in-eagle-county/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T23:13:08.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F30160127%2FEverkrisp_DSCN7014-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"vvmtas-adopt-a-trail-program-celebrates-ten-years-of-community-stewardship-in-eagle-county"},{"id":"i1efwt","title":"What to expect from Aspen’s July 4 carnival","excerpt":"Aspen will be hosting free amusement rides in Rio Grande park from noon to 8 p.m. on July 3 and 4, including a 65-foot ferris wheel, merry-go-round and other amusement park attractions for Colorado’s 150th and the U.S.’ 250th anniversaries.\n\n\n\nAndy Curtis, marketing coordinator for the city of As...","content":"Aspen will be hosting free amusement rides in Rio Grande park from noon to 8 p.m. on July 3 and 4, including a 65-foot ferris wheel, merry-go-round and other amusement park attractions for Colorado’s 150th and the U.S.’ 250th anniversaries.\n\n\n\nAndy Curtis, marketing coordinator for the city of Aspen special events department, shared that the idea for the amusement park came around because of this July 4’s overlap with the weekend, in addition to it being major anniversaries for Colorado and the U.S. \n\n\n\n“We knew that it would be a nice thing if the special events team could go a little bit bigger this year for July 4, and celebrate a little harder than we normally do,” Curtis said. “We kicked around a bunch of ideas … and we did have this small feeling, ‘what if we could get a carnival to come into town?'”\n\n\n\nThe attractions have been outsourced to Brown’s Amusement, an Arizona company, for around $150,000 according to Curtis. There will be carnival food and games that are available for purchase, as well as five rides that will be free of charge. While four rides will be open to all ages, one ride that Brown’s Amusement General Manager Mark Cockerham described as a “tornado type ride” is marketed towards older children and teenagers.\n\n\n\nThe other rides will include a spinning teacup ride and a 100 foot slide, as well as three games that patrons can pay for to win prizes, and several carnival food vendors. Cockerham emphasized that patrons should expect a lot of fried food.\n\n\n\n“It gives the city something to do outside and have some joy and have the experience for the 250th celebration,” Cockerham said.\n\n\n\nCurtis noted that the city landed on an Arizona-based company because the cost of shipping a carnival from some of the other companies further east would have been too cost prohibitive. Curtis did say, however, that the public shouldn’t expect carnivals every year because of the cost.\n\n\n\n“The Special Events Department always wants to just put on good events that bring the community together, and so we’re always open to new ideas and new fun activities that we can do to make this place feel more like a community,” Curtis said.\n\n\n\nHe added that Belly Up will also host free music at Wagner Park from artist Record Company on July 3 starting at 7 p.m. The celebrations will also include a drone show in lieu of fireworks due to the fire danger.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/what-to-expect-from-aspens-july-4-carnival/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T16:48:27.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F04160726%2Ffourthparade-atd-070425-05-819x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-to-expect-from-aspens-july-4-carnival"},{"id":"wgncbk","title":"Beyond the Algorithm: Matter, and all its forms","excerpt":"Aspen’s design world is polished, expensive and exacting. At Matter Planning + Design, the firm founded by Noelle Hernandez and now carried forward with her daughter, Nicole, the work is also more intimate than it may seem. Their elevated designs are crafted around perfecting the flow of daily li...","content":"Aspen’s design world is polished, expensive and exacting. At Matter Planning + Design, the firm founded by Noelle Hernandez and now carried forward with her daughter, Nicole, the work is also more intimate than it may seem. Their elevated designs are crafted around perfecting the flow of daily life: how a family cooks, where a couple drops their keys and even where someone reaches for socks in the morning. \n\n\n\nIn this conversation, Bryan speaks with Noelle and Nicole Hernandez about building a lasting design business in Aspen. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBryan: How did you get to Aspen, Noelle — and how did that become a business? \n\n\n\nNoelle: I was born and raised in Denver and worked for my father-in-law’s kitchen manufacturing company there. When they sold the business, my husband and I decided to try Aspen for a year. That one-year experiment turned into 38 years. \n\n\n\nAt first, I was mostly a full-time mom. Then Aspen Country Day decided to build a new building, and I volunteered for the committee. I interviewed contractors, interviewed architects and helped accomplish County Day’s vision on schedule and under budget. \n\n\n\nAfter that, someone asked if I would help with a private development. I was only meant to keep things moving, but I could not help myself. I would walk in and think, “That door swings awkwardly,” or “those light switches are too far from the bed.” Before Aspen, I was designing kitchens for my father-in-law’s company and was learning the construction side of things by asking endless questions. Once I got here, one project led to another by word of mouth. \n\n\n\nLater, clients started asking for furniture too. When Nicole moved back from California, I told her, “You do the furniture so I can stay focused on construction.” Eventually, my sister Soraya joined us as well, and the business became a family one. \n\n\n\nBryan: Aspen can be a hard town to build a lasting business in. Why do you think yours has lasted? \n\n\n\nNoelle: A lot of it comes back to giving people your whole heart. I loved the work, and I responded quickly. If a client had a question on a blueprint, a budget or a decision, they got an answer that day or the next. That built trust. \n\n\n\nI was always transparent about budget, and I often acted almost like an owner’s rep — thinking about the client’s best interest with the architect, contractor and everyone else involved. I have also renovated 12 homes myself, so I understand how emotional the process is. It is not just about money. It is expectations, stress and the fact that a home is deeply personal. \n\n\n\nMost importantly, I never want a house to feel like a monument to Matter. I want it to feel like a home. By the time we are done, we know how our clients live. If we do our job right, the house fits the client — not the other way around. \n\n\n\nNicole: That trust really is the core of it. My mom has always operated with honesty and integrity. She is transparent about budget, she advocates for the client and she thinks like an owner. That has shaped our reputation. \n\n\n\nBryan: What changed for the business through periods like 9/11, 2008 and COVID? \n\n\n\nNoelle: Each period was different, but the common thread was staying true to who we are. During COVID, especially once the initial shutdown passed, things became very busy, very fast. A lot of new people arrived with expectations based on where they moved from. \n\n\n\nWe had to be disciplined. We did not want to take every job just because it was there. We wanted to protect our process, our quality, and our values. \n\n\n\nNicole: Post-COVID, families also started thinking differently about how they lived. Homes became more multi-generational, people were working full-time from home and people started approaching design through the lens of how a whole family spends time together, with multi-use demands on spaces and homes. \n\n\n\nBryan: What is it like working together as mother and daughter? \n\n\n\nNoelle: I feel blessed. How lucky am I to work with my daughter and my sister — people I trust completely? If one of us needs to step away, someone else can carry it. That kind of trust is invaluable. \n\n\n\nNicole: It really is the best part. I am proud to carry the business forward, but what I have learned from my mom goes beyond process. I have learned how to handle hard conversations, set expectations and keep your integrity when things get emotional. \n\n\n\nConstruction can be emotional. You open a wall and find surprises. Clients get upset, and sometimes rightly so. I have learned from my mom how to sit with that, be honest, not take it personally and help bring the joy back into the process. \n\n\n\nBryan: What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur trying to make it in Aspen? \n\n\n\nNoelle: Patience. Thick skin. And stay true to yourself. Aspen can be intimidating, but you have to remember what you bring to the table. \n\n\n\nAlso, do not confuse appearances with substance. We built this business with very low overhead. For years, we worked out of my house. We did not need shiny bells and whistles to prove who we were. \n\n\n\nNicole: And community matters. Meet people. Be involved. Give back. In Aspen, people remember how you show up. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat stands out in this conversation is the way that Matter has been built through relationship as much as design: a mother bringing her daughter into the work, a sister joining in and a way of working shaped by trust, patience and shared standards. \n\n\n\nBryan Welker lives and breathes business and marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. He is President, Co-founder, and CRO of WDR Aspen, a boutique marketing agency that develops tailored marketing solutions. Who should we interview next? Reach out and let us know bryan@wdraspen.com. The full extended interview will be published on the WDR website.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/beyond-the-algorithm-matter-and-all-its-forms/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Bryan Welker and Stefan le Roux","publishDate":"2026-06-30T16:24:50.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F30102323%2FNicoleHernandez_0029-682x1024.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"beyond-the-algorithm-matter-and-all-its-forms"},{"id":"887kr0","title":"Snowmass Village announces July events lineup","excerpt":"Snowmass Village is delivering a lineup of events this July — from patriotic celebrations and nationally recognized comedy acts to world-class endurance races, youth sports tournaments, art programming, live music and more.\n\n\n\nVisitors and locals are invited to connect, explore and celebrate.\n\n\n\n...","content":"Snowmass Village is delivering a lineup of events this July — from patriotic celebrations and nationally recognized comedy acts to world-class endurance races, youth sports tournaments, art programming, live music and more.\n\n\n\nVisitors and locals are invited to connect, explore and celebrate.\n\n\n\n“July truly showcases everything that makes summer in Snowmass special,” Julia Theisen, tourism director of Snowmass Tourism, said in a press release. “Whether you’re bringing the family for an ice cream social, cheering on athletes during the Power of Four race series, enjoying live music on Fanny Hill, or experiencing the incredible arts and cultural programming throughout the village, there’s an energy in Snowmass this time of year that brings people together and creates unforgettable summer memories.” \n\n\n\nJuly 2026 event lineup\n\n\n\nJuly 2: Ice Cream Social \n\n\n\n\n3:30 to 5:30 p.m.\n\n\n\n\nSnowmass Town Park will host a community gathering offering free ice cream from The Dreamery, lawn games and community fun. For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/ice-cream-social/.\n\n\n\nJuly 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31: Rock Garden Concert Series \n\n\n\nSpend every Friday evening in July at the Rock Garden Concert Series, featuring free live music from local bands. Hosted at the Rock Garden Stage at the end of the Snowmass Mall, local brews and bites are available at adjacent restaurant patios. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 Lineup features Wild Flight, Damian Smith & the True Story Band, Josefina Mendez Band, Hugh Phillips Band and Sweet Jessup and The Dirty Buckets. For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/rock-garden-concert-series/2026-07-10/. \n\n\n\nJuly 4: 4th of July Celebration \n\n\n\n\nDoors at 5:30 p.m.\n\n\n\n\nA festive evening with a free concert on Fanny Hill will feature the Spazmatics, returning for a third year of festive fun. Free patriotic swag and glow in the dark goodies will be available, and patriotic or 80’s throwback attire is encouraged. For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/july-4th-celebration/.\n\n\n\nJuly 10-12: COMEDY WKND! \n\n\n\nThe Collective Snowmass and Snowmass Live present the third annual COMEDY WKND! This event brings top-notch national comedic talent to the Roaring Fork Valley; for the full weekend schedule, visit www.eventbrite.com/cc/snowmass-comedy-wknd-2026-4842483.  \n\n\n\nEvent organizer Sarah Sanders tosses swag to the Comedy WKND! audience on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Snowmass Conference and Events Center.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nJuly 14: Triple Crown World Series\n\n\n\nThe Triple Crown World Series returns this summer with the opportunity to watch the best of youth baseball. Headquartered in Snowmass, the Triple Crown World Series is a Roaring Fork Valley-wide sporting event, featuring youth baseball games (9D2, 11D2, 12D2, 14D2) with regional and national attendees. \n\n\n\nOpening ceremonies take place in Snowmass on July 14, with spectator opportunities available throughout the week. Play takes place on fields in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass Village and Aspen from July 14-19. For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/the-triple-crown-world-series/. \n\n\n\nJuly 13-18: Ranch Week\n\n\n\nRanch Week will feature special activations and lectures in celebration of this year’s International Artist Honoree: Marilyn Minter. \n\n\n\nProgramming includes a series of performances, conversations and gatherings that support and celebrate Anderson Ranch’s long-standing impact on contemporary art and art-making. For more information, visit www.andersonranch.org/ranch-week.\n\n\n\nJuly 18: Anderson Ranch Picnic and Auction\n\n\n\nAs Anderson Ranch celebrates its 60th anniversary this summer, this special event will honor six decades of artistic excellence, arts education and community impact in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Live music, hands-on children’s art activities, a picnic lunch and the Ranch’s renowned Silent Auction featuring more than 130 works by leading contemporary artists and talented local creators will be available to attendees. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit www.andersonranch.org/ranch-picnic-and-auction/.\n\n\n\nJuly 18: Audi Power of Four Trail Run\n\n\n\nThe Audi Power of Four Trail Run is a premier endurance race series utilizing the unique terrain of each of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains. Each race is designed to test the limits and skills of both elite and recreational athletes. \n\n\n\nThe event’s signature race is a 50K Ultra that covers the four Aspen Snowmass mountains with a mix of singletrack and dirt road. The event also offers a 25K race along the Government Trail spanning Buttermilk and Snowmass mountains and a 10K race that starts at Elk Camp Restaurant and traverses across Snowmass down to Fanny Hill. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/audi-power-of-four-trail-run.\n\n\n\nJuly 19: Snowmass Dog Wash \n\n\n\n\nNoon to 2 p.m.\n\n\n\n\nSnowmass Base Village will host an afternoon dedicated to the dogs, where local groomers, pet stores and Lucky Day Animal Rescue will all be in attendance and dog costumes and photo opportunities are available. There will also be a do-it-yourself dog washing station. For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/dog-days-of-summer/. \n\n\n\nGermany’s Jochen Bohringer, who would finish fourth overall, competes in the Snowmass 50 mountain bike race on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Snowmass Village.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nJuly 25: Audi Snowmass 50 Mountain Bike Race \n\n\n\nThe Audi Snowmass 50 Mountain Bike Race features 25 miles of premier single track mountain bike trails. Divisions are broken into 50-mile solo racer (two loops), 25-mile solo racer (one loop) and 50-mile teams of two where each rider completes one 25-mile lap. The course covers 25 miles, 5,000 feet of ascent across a diverse range of Snowmass Village’s best singletrack trails ranging from high desert sage meadows to dark and loamy forest. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/audi-power-of-four-mountain-bike. \n\n\n\nSummer 2026 on-going events \n\n\n\nEvery Tuesday: Sunset Tuesday\n\n\n\n\nEvery Tuesday through Aug. 4\n\n\n\n\nEnjoy summer nights at Elk Camp in Snowmass during Sunset Tuesdays, where the Snowmass Bike Park and Elk Camp Restaurant will stay open later every Tuesday for food, drinks, sunset views and a few late laps. \n\n\n\nSign up to compete in the Snowmass Bike Park race series, also on select Tuesdays. \n\n\n\nSunset Tuesday includes complimentary Elk Camp Gondola ride, with free service beginning at 5 p.m. and the last ride up at 7:30 p.m., Lost Forest Base activities available with a ticket and Bonus Bike Night in the Snowmass Bike Park until dusk, with late arrival tickets available starting at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/activities/summer/sunset-tuesdays-at-elk-camp. \n\n\n\nEvery Wednesday: Snowmass Rodeo\n\n\n\n\nDoors at 5 p.m., rodeo at 7 p.m.\n\n\n\n\nThe iconic Snowmass Rodeo celebrates 52 years of Western tradition this summer. Rodeo classics include barrel riding, saddle bronc, bull riding and more.. The Snowmass Rodeo takes place rain or shine. \n\n\n\nStart with a BBQ dinner, bespoke shopping experiences and activities before the rodeo begins. \n\n\n\nFor ticket prices, rodeo descriptions and audience participation events, visit www.SnowmassRodeo.org. \n\n\n\nEvery Thursday: Snowmass Free Concert Series\n\n\n\n\nDoors at 5:30 p.m., music begins at 6:30 p.m.\n\n\n\n\nIn its 34th year, the Snowmass Free Concert Series returns to Fanny Hill every Thursday evening throughout the summer. The outdoor series showcases a diverse range of live music from rock and alternative, Latin to bluegrass and beyond. For more information and artists, visit www.gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-free-concerts/2026-06-18/.\n\n\n\nEvery Friday: Ice Age Explorer Tours \n\n\n\n\n3:30 p.m. meeting in the Limelight Snowmass lobby\n\n\n\n\nAs the site of the finest ice age fossil discovery in the world, Snowmass offers the opportunity to learn the full story of this discovery from an Aspen Science Center educator. Every Friday, anyone can learn about the mammoths and mastodons who used to live in Snowmass, and see replicas of Ice Age animal bones, teeth, tusks and more. Following will be a guided Ice Age Passport Walk through Base Village and the Snowmass Mall to see art inspired by the discovery and earn an Ice Age prize.\n\n\n\nAppropriate for adults and children of all ages (adult supervision required for kids under 12). For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/activity/snowmass-ice-age-discovery/. \n\n\n\nDaily: The Collective Snowmass\n\n\n\nThe Collective Snowmass in Snowmass Base Village has its own jam-packed calendar for summer 2026. Returning favorites include Community Bingo, Chess Club, Fitness on the Rink, Movies Under the Stars, Snowmass Live Comedy Series and Comedy WKND!. New events include Two-Step Tuesday, musical open mics, art & wellness workshops, ecstatic dance sessions and other pop-up activities. \n\n\n\nThe Collective also features yard games, splash pads, fountains and playground throughout Snowmass Base Village. The Game Lounge and Selfie Den are open daily from 2 to 8 p.m.; free for children 5 and under and $10 for everyone 6 and over. \n\n\n\nFor a full calendar, visit www.thecollectivesnowmass.com. \n\n\n\nDaily: ACES guided hikes\n\n\n\n\nTwice daily: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.\n\n\n\n\nAspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is returning to Snowmass this summer to lead twice daily hikes: The Snowmass Wildflower Walk begins at 10 a.m. on the Nature Trail and the Ice Age Discovery Walk starts at 1 p.m. on the Discovery Trail. \n\n\n\nHikes are led by a knowledgeable ACES Naturalist guide and feature natural history, facts about local flora and fauna, possible wildlife sightings and species identification. Hikes leave from the Snowmass Mall Ticket Pavilion. For more information, visit www.gosnowmass.com/activity/aces/. \n\n\n\nFor the full summer 2026 event calendar, visit www.gosnowmass.com/events. \n\n\n\n ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-village-announces-july-events-lineup/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T15:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F19144902%2Ftrailrun-atd-071925-01-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-village-announces-july-events-lineup"},{"id":"w655ar","title":"Colorado Supreme Court rejects redistricting plan that sought to flip congressional seats for Democrats — including on the Western Slope","excerpt":"The Colorado Supreme Court unanimously shot down a package of ballot initiatives on Monday, June 29, that sought to redraw the state’s congressional maps in favor of Democrats. \n\n\n\nColoradans for a Level Playing Field, a group formed earlier this year to support the redistricting effort, had been...","content":"The Colorado Supreme Court unanimously shot down a package of ballot initiatives on Monday, June 29, that sought to redraw the state’s congressional maps in favor of Democrats. \n\n\n\nColoradans for a Level Playing Field, a group formed earlier this year to support the redistricting effort, had been in the midst of gathering signatures to place the proposals on the November ballot. \n\n\n\nThe proposals sought to temporarily replace the state’s current congressional map, which was drawn by the state’s independent redistricting commission in 2021, with a new map for the 2028 and 2030 elections. The new map would have made Democrats the favorites to win seven of the state’s eight congressional districts, up from the four they currently hold. \n\n\n\nThat includes the 3rd Congressional District, which is currently represented by Republican Jeff Hurd and encompasses much of western and southern Colorado. \n\n\n\nThe redistricting group had also been pushing for a ballot measure that would have moved the state’s independent redistricting commission from the state constitution to state statute. This would have allowed the commission and its maps to be changed through state legislation, rather than a constitutional amendment, which requires approval from voters. \n\n\n\nThe measures were tied to one another, with each taking effect only if the other passed. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that doing so violated a provision in the state constitution that prohibits ballot measures from encompassing multiple subjects. \n\n\n\n“When a measure’s effectiveness is expressly contingent on the passage of a separate and independent measure, the measure contains multiple subjects, just as if the measures were combined into one,” wrote Justice Richard Gabriel in one of the court’s opinions. \n\n\n\nGabriel continued that to “allow initiative proponents to proceed with interlocking measures like those at issue here would allow proponents to achieve indirectly what they could not achieve directly and would endorse an end run around the single subject requirement. This we cannot do.”\n\n\n\nColorado’s current congressional district map, shown in the first image, and a new map proposed by Coloradans for a Level Playing Field, shown second. Coloradans for a Level Playing Field had hoped to ask state voters this November to institute the new map for the 2028 and 2030 elections, but their ballot language was rejected by the Colorado Supreme Court.Shelby Valicenti/Summit Daily News\n\n\n\nThe court’s decision is a win for Colorado Republicans, who challenged the legality of the ballot proposals. \n\n\n\nColoradans for a Level Playing Field raised $2,247,165 and spent $2,023,379 on its effort to gather signatures and place the redistricting measures on this year’s ballot, according to filings with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. \n\n\n\nMuch of the campaign’s funding came from The Fairness Project, a nonprofit that supports ballot initiatives focused on progressive causes in states across the country. Funding also came from the Democratic-aligned advocacy group American Opportunity Action and the nonprofit House Majority Forward, a groupfocused on electing Democrats to Congress that has ties to U.S. House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat. \n\n\n\nIn a statement, Coloradans for a Level Playing Field spokesperson Curtis Hubbard said, “The success of this partisan attempt to sideline Coloradans from responding to Donald Trump’s unprecedented mid-decade redistricting scheme is disappointing.”\n\n\n\nHe added, “While Trump and his MAGA allies regularly sidestep the law and ignore voters, efforts to respond have once again been dealt a legal setback over a technicality.”\n\n\n\nColoradans for a Level Playing Field had said a new map was needed to counteract President Donald Trump’s push to redraw congressional districts across the country in favor of Republicans. \n\n\n\nTexas last year was the first state to redraw its map at Trump’s urging, with the state legislature giving Republicans an opportunity to net up to five additional seats in Congress in November. California voters later responded by passing their own map, which could give Democrats in the state five new seats next year. \n\n\n\nSeveral more states have since jumped into the nation’s redistricting war, with the vast majority of new maps being approved by Republican-controlled legislatures. \n\n\n\nA map approved by voters in Virginia that would have netted up to four congressional seats for Democrats was struck down by the state’s highest court. In April, the U.S. The Supreme Court in April ruled against a Louisiana map that was drawn to include a second majority-black district that favored Democrats. The court’s ruling also repealed elements of the Voting Rights Act that governed how states ensure fair congressional representation for racial minorities, which could pave the way for more states — particularly in the South — to redraw their maps. ","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colorado-supreme-court-rejects-redistricting-plan/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:19:30.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F06%2F29144023%2FMap-1024x589.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-supreme-court-rejects-redistricting-plan-that-sought-to-flip-congressional-seats-for-democr"},{"id":"xy87sq","title":"First returns in BOCC race show Ittner, Doyle leading over Torre","excerpt":"Romero well ahead of Kelloff in Democratic primary for CD3","content":"Romero well ahead of Kelloff in Democratic primary for CD3","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/first-returns-in-bocc-race-show-ittner-doyle-leading-over-torre/article_2b88a665-7756-456c-a28d-e917d31eb7ea.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-07-01T01:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Ff1%2F0f1a23fb-0a6d-48f3-9c64-7c9140e9055a%2F6a2df37429fa5.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C158","slug":"first-returns-in-bocc-race-show-ittner-doyle-leading-over-torre"},{"id":"rzrhte","title":"Doyle.Ittner.Torre.jpg","excerpt":"The three candidates for the Pitkin County District 1 commissioner seat are John Doyle, Rob Ittner and Torre.","content":"The three candidates for the Pitkin County District 1 commissioner seat are John Doyle, Rob Ittner and Torre.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/doyle-ittner-torre-jpg/image_0f1a23fb-0a6d-48f3-9c64-7c9140e9055a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Rob Ittner and Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-07-01T01:15:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Ff1%2F0f1a23fb-0a6d-48f3-9c64-7c9140e9055a%2F6a2df37429fa5.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C158","slug":"doyleittnertorrejpg"},{"id":"3dnn20","title":"Father sues over son’s sale of newspaper ownership stake","excerpt":"Lawsuit alleges ‘secret’ negotiations","content":"Lawsuit alleges ‘secret’ negotiations","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/father-sues-over-son-s-sale-of-newspaper-ownership-stake/article_24a5a7be-5335-4be9-9de3-86ee7453eb5a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-06-30T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"father-sues-over-sons-sale-of-newspaper-ownership-stake"},{"id":"8uhuyx","title":"Defendant’s bond conditions modified due to pregnancy","excerpt":"Public defender requests stay of court proceedings","content":"Public defender requests stay of court proceedings","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/defendant-s-bond-conditions-modified-due-to-pregnancy/article_4273cb87-eb07-4d86-a6d8-437faf0fb1a4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-30T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F60%2Fc60a3def-eec5-4662-9182-670e7a273b96%2F6a4327aee59f8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"defendants-bond-conditions-modified-due-to-pregnancy"},{"id":"goticr","title":"Aspen explores fee deferrals for locals redeveloping free-market homes","excerpt":"Council doesn’t want ‘cost-prohibitive’ permits to push out longtime residents","content":"Council doesn’t want ‘cost-prohibitive’ permits to push out longtime residents","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/aspen-explores-fee-deferrals-for-locals-redeveloping-free-market-homes/article_cc648124-1429-457f-8d1b-269a6bc2dde0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-30T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2F80%2F980a5279-cbbd-4c32-b564-edc1775be922%2F6a432ad69314d.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"aspen-explores-fee-deferrals-for-locals-redeveloping-free-market-homes"},{"id":"ccmaa6","title":"A brave new world of journalism","excerpt":"Perils and opportunities in the new media landscape","content":"Perils and opportunities in the new media landscape","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-brave-new-world-of-journalism/article_dcde7a04-4276-4425-9267-1f1232e76019.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-30T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2Fa0%2F2a0bffb8-83c2-4718-b6a7-546768ae6531%2F6a432a0d2689d.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"a-brave-new-world-of-journalism"},{"id":"56f2zc","title":"ideas journalism a","excerpt":"Jelani Cobb, Katie Couric, Jerusalem Demsas and Aaron Parnas participated in an Aspen Ideas panel called “Journalism’s Next Chapter” on Saturday.","content":"Jelani Cobb, Katie Couric, Jerusalem Demsas and Aaron Parnas participated in an Aspen Ideas panel called “Journalism’s Next Chapter” on Saturday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ideas-journalism-a/image_2a0bffb8-83c2-4718-b6a7-546768ae6531.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-30T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2Fa0%2F2a0bffb8-83c2-4718-b6a7-546768ae6531%2F6a432a0d2689d.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"ideas-journalism-a"},{"id":"bwsfa","title":"ideas journalism b","excerpt":"Katie Couric, former co-host of NBC’s “Today” and anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” has moved into new media with her company Katie Couric Media.","content":"Katie Couric, former co-host of NBC’s “Today” and anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” has moved into new media with her company Katie Couric Media.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ideas-journalism-b/image_56b5b368-bf80-4fbc-a8bd-39d08c2c565d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-30T08:45:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F6b%2F56b5b368-bf80-4fbc-a8bd-39d08c2c565d%2F6a432a53346f2.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"ideas-journalism-b"},{"id":"eqbzpn","title":"courthouse","excerpt":"Hearings were held in Pitkin County District Court on Monday for defendants Vanessa Leighton and Nathan Keen, who face numerous felony charges in connection with an alleged assault and kidnapping of a local woman in early July 2025.","content":"Hearings were held in Pitkin County District Court on Monday for defendants Vanessa Leighton and Nathan Keen, who face numerous felony charges in connection with an alleged assault and kidnapping of a local woman in early July 2025.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/courthouse/image_c60a3def-eec5-4662-9182-670e7a273b96.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-30T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F60%2Fc60a3def-eec5-4662-9182-670e7a273b96%2F6a4327aee59f8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"courthouse"},{"id":"7r202l","title":"790 castle creek road","excerpt":"This home at 790 Castle Creek Road is under construction. The property’s homeowners requested a fee waiver from the Aspen City Council last year because of the high cost of fees, which launched a conversation about fee deferrals for local…","content":"This home at 790 Castle Creek Road is under construction. The property’s homeowners requested a fee waiver from the Aspen City Council last year because of the high cost of fees, which launched a conversation about fee deferrals for local…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/790-castle-creek-road/image_980a5279-cbbd-4c32-b564-edc1775be922.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-30T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2F80%2F980a5279-cbbd-4c32-b564-edc1775be922%2F6a432ad69314d.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"790-castle-creek-road"},{"id":"oomiek","title":"Dwayne Romero declares victory","excerpt":"At an election watch party held Tuesday evening at Rock Island Oyster Bar & Grill in Snowmass Village, Dwayne Romero declares victory in the Democratic primary for U.S. House District 3.","content":"At an election watch party held Tuesday evening at Rock Island Oyster Bar & Grill in Snowmass Village, Dwayne Romero declares victory in the Democratic primary for U.S. House District 3.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/dwayne-romero-declares-victory/image_0c5e0d83-0110-42d1-a4fe-6bb0826d1b36.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-07-01T01:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fc5%2F0c5e0d83-0110-42d1-a4fe-6bb0826d1b36%2F6a44808f822f1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"dwayne-romero-declares-victory"},{"id":"tpc7xc","title":"BLM pursues changes to oil and gas leasing in hopes of spurring new development, but environmental groups have concerns","excerpt":"The U.S. Department of the Interior is proposing changes to the Bureau of Land Management’s oil and gas leasing process. While the industry is lauding the proposal as a repeal of punitive measures implemented during former President Joe Biden’s administration, environmental advocacy groups say it...","content":"The U.S. Department of the Interior is proposing changes to the Bureau of Land Management’s oil and gas leasing process. While the industry is lauding the proposal as a repeal of punitive measures implemented during former President Joe Biden’s administration, environmental advocacy groups say it will stifle critical public participation and reduce incentives for companies to clean up drilling sites.\n\n\n\nThe department announced its proposal on Monday, June 22, issuing two proposed rule changes that it argues will “eliminate the significant and overburdensome regulatory requirements” on oil and gas operators. The proposals cover a variety of measures from shortening public comment periods, reducing bonding requirements, repealing a waste minimization rule and more. \n\n\n\nSecretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the energy dominance sought by President Donald Trump’s administration since the day one executive order to “unleash” American energy “requires regulatory clarity” in a press release.\n\n\n\n“These targeted updates cut through the red tape that has historically deterred investment, ensuring our public lands remain a reliable engine for economic growth and innovation,” Burgum said. \n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\nTo view or comment on the BLM proposed rules, visit FederalRegister.Gov and search “91 FR 38084” and “91 FR 37906.”\nPublic comments for both proposals are open until Aug. 24, 2026.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\nOn Tuesday, June 23, a group of environmental policy advocates — including The Wilderness Society, Taxpayers for Common Sense, the National Wildlife Federation and Public Land Solutions — hosted a press call to express concerns with the proposals. \n\n\n\n“The agency is effectively saying that our public lands are on sale to the highest bidder,” said Greg DeBie, senior staff attorney at The Wilderness Society. “Interior is letting the oil industry dominate over any other use of the public lands, which will come at the cost of community wellbeing and the ability of future generations to access and enjoy those lands.”\n\n\n\nUnder the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, the BLM is required to hold quarterly oil and gas lease sales when eligible lands are available for leasing. Over 80% of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management is open to oil and gas leasing. In Colorado, where the agency manages 8.3 million surface acres and 27 million subsurface mineral acres, the BLM oversees around 4,700 leases spanning 3.7 million acres.\n\n\n\nThe proposed rule changes are the latest move by the Trump administration to increase oil and gas production on public lands, including the reduction of royalty rates in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\n\n\nBLM Colorado has held four lease sales since Trump took office — including one initiated under Biden — that have resulted in the lease of 266 parcels, spanning over 215,000 acres and amassing nearly $54.94 million. \n\n\n\n(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();\n\n\n\nIs public participation burdensome or critical?\n\n\n\nAmong the proposed changes is reducing public participation from 90 days to 10 days. In the Federal Register notice, the Interior Department said the goal is to “significantly expedite” the process. \n\n\n\n“By reducing the time spent in public comment and review, the BLM could still draft strong analyses while facilitating quicker decision-making, thus allowing for more timely access to resources,” the agency reports. \n\n\n\nAshley Korenblat, managing director of Public Land Solutions, said on the Tuesday call that under these changes, “the industry, without local input, will end up with an increased number of questionable leases on their balance sheets.”\n\n\n\nAaron Kindle, director of sporting advocacy at the National Wildlife Federation, said it would harm those who live, work and play near public lands the most. “We really firmly believe that the public should be given plenty of time to analyze any proposal from the BLM, leasing on public lands, any type of activity that would occur on public lands,” he said. \n\n\n\nReversal of Biden-era rules, bonding requirements \n\n\n\nIn 2024, Biden’s administration issued its own reforms of the BLM oil and gas leasing rules, including increasing royalty rates and the statewide minimum bonding requirement — which assures that companies, not taxpayers, will foot the bill for plugging and reclaiming well sites after production ceases — from $25,000 to $500,000. It also introduced a waste prevention rule, aimed at reducing natural gas flaring, venting and leaks. \n\n\n\nAt the time, the Interior Department said the changes were meant to modernize regulations in light of evolving market conditions and technologies as well as an increased understanding of the programs’ “significant and environmental and climate impacts,” amid the administration’s push away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy. \n\n\n\nIn its June notice, the BLM is now proposing to rescind the waste prevention rule and return the bonding requirement to the previous $25,000 standard. This is in addition to other proposed changes, including filing fee changes, authorization of non-competitive leases after competitive auctions and more. \n\n\n\n(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();\n\n\n\nIn an emailed statement, Melissa Simpson, president of the Western Energy Alliance, said the trade group, which represents industry interests in Colorado and 12 other western states, viewed the proposed rule as a return to “more reasonable policies that existed prior to 2020.”\n\n\n\n“Under the Biden Administration, the leasing rule was a primary vehicle to restrict oil and natural gas development on lands explicitly open to multiple uses that include energy development,” Simpson said. “It did so through excessive increases to bonding rates that targeted small and mid-sized operators and by placing significant limits on lands made available for leasing.”\n\n\n\nEnvironmental groups, however, view it as a return to policies and bonding minimums set in the 1950s and 1960s that could ultimately harm public lands and taxpayers. \n\n\n\n“Those outdated minimums bear little relationship to the actual cost of plugging wells and restoring sites today,” said Autumn Hanna, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, on the Tuesday call. “Adequate minimum bond requirements are important. They establish the baseline level of financial assurance across the federal program and help ensure taxpayers are not left exposed when operators fail to meet their obligations.” \n\n\n\n(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();\n\n\n\nKorenblat argued that reducing the bonding requirements “puts many places on a path toward a growing number of orphaned wells, because when bonding is woefully inadequate, taxpayers have to pick up the tab, and when wells are sold to local, smaller operators, who often don’t have sufficient capital to make up the difference, that’s when they end up unplugged.”\n\n\n\nAaron Johnson, vice president of public and legislative affairs for Western Energy Alliance, pushed back on this claim and said that the issue of orphan wells — inactive oil and gas wells that have no solvent owner to plug and reclaim them — on public lands is “overstated.” Johnson cited a 2019 Government Accountability Office report, in which the BLM identified 296 orphan wells on its lands. That same year, the agency had over 96,000 producible or service wells. \n\n\n\nThe report concluded that the existing bond amounts, including the $25,000 statewide bond minimum, were insufficient to prevent orphaned wells, and recommended that BLM “take steps to adjust bond levels to more closely reflect expected reclamation costs.” The report recommended the statewide bond minimum be set at $198,000. \n\n\n\nJohnson said the $500,000 minimum set in 2024 was too high and meant to be “punitive” and meant to fulfill the administration’s campaign promise to end oil and gas production on public lands. He cited that the actual cost is likely lower based on a 2023 report from the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. The report said the average cost of plugging an orphan well across 26 states increased from $20,502 in 2018 to $41,955 in 2023. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/bureau-of-land-management-oil-gas-environmental-groups-concerns/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:13:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29150852%2FBLM_oil_and_gas-courtesy.jpg","slug":"blm-pursues-changes-to-oil-and-gas-leasing-in-hopes-of-spurring-new-development-but-environmental-gr"},{"id":"6rm8oq","title":"Snowmass history: Mutton Bustin","excerpt":"“Welcome to the Snowmass Rodeo,” started a column in the Aspen Daily News June 30, 2005. \n\n\n\n“… The game is called Mutton Bustin’ where kids ages 4-7 years old, 50 pounds or less, wrap their arms around the necks of these little farm animals and hold on tight. It’s a little rodeo for kiddies. The...","content":"“Welcome to the Snowmass Rodeo,” started a column in the Aspen Daily News June 30, 2005. \n\n\n\n“… The game is called Mutton Bustin’ where kids ages 4-7 years old, 50 pounds or less, wrap their arms around the necks of these little farm animals and hold on tight. It’s a little rodeo for kiddies. The baby who stays on the longest wins … So the action starts, and little baby after little baby gets bucked off … Once they got bucked, the little ones rolled onto their head like those punchin’ bags from Toys R Us that you hit and they just seem to roll right back to center. The kiddies legs were up in the air all flailing around … So boy after boy continued to get bucked off, and the leapin’ lambs do a little jump-a-roo, after freeing themselves from the little wool pullers … Then — finally — the only little girl comes on stage. Her little blonde pigtails stick out from the helmet. She has little white sandals on as she’s walking in the manure mud. She gets bucked off right away … After Mutton Bustin’, the announcers call down all the kids in the stands. There’s a mass exodus and just me and the folk are sittin’ there wondering what’s happenin’. This is truly a family-friendly event. All the spectators are kids, in fact, I felt like one nearly leapin’ from my bum to run down there to the arena and play the game they were about to enjoy. They line up, a gun goes off and them kids start runnin’ around like ‘chickens with their heads cut off,’ like my parents like to say. They start chasing wild animals. OK, so they were little calves with ribbons tied to their tails, but nonetheless. The kiddies were tryin’ to snatch the ribbons from their small cow bums.” \n\n\n\nAnd that explains mutton bustin’ and calf scramble events kids could enjoy at the Snowmass Rodeo, now in their 55th year of consecutive rodeos.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-history-mutton-bustin/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Historical Society Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tinfo@aspenhistory.org","publishDate":"2026-06-30T14:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F30060747%2F1_2023.013.5981_Aspen_Historical_Society_Bob_Krueger_Collection-1024x680.jpg","slug":"snowmass-history-mutton-bustin"},{"id":"nt6o0v","title":"A last-minute guide to voting in Tuesday’s primary election","excerpt":"Colorado’s primary Election Day is here as Democratic, Republican, Unity and Libertarian candidates face off to represent their parties in a number of key local, state and federal elections this November. \n\n\n\nWhile it’s too late for Coloradans to return their ballots by mail, residents still have...","content":"Colorado’s primary Election Day is here as Democratic, Republican, Unity and Libertarian candidates face off to represent their parties in a number of key local, state and federal elections this November. \n\n\n\nWhile it’s too late for Coloradans to return their ballots by mail, residents still have a variety of options to cast their votes. Registered voters can return their ballots in person up until 7 p.m. on election night at official drop boxes, or vote in person at polling centers on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nIt’s also not too late to register to vote. In Colorado, residents can register on Election Day in person at the county’s voter service and polling center. \n\n\n\nA list of polling places and ballot drop boxes can be found at GoVoteColorado.gov.\n\n\n\nVoters who mailed their ballots ahead of the June 22 deadline can check its status via BallotTrax at BallotTrax.ColoradoSOS.gov. \n\n\n\nVoters registered with a specific party will only be allowed to cast the ballot associated with their affiliation. Unaffiliated voters — who account for nearly half of all registered voters in the state — can cast a ballot in either the Democratic or Republican party primary. Unaffiliated voters can also request a ballot for the Unity Party primary from their local county clerk. They can only vote in one party primary. \n\n\n\nColorado’s Libertarian Party does not allow unaffiliated voters to cast a vote in their election. \n\n\n\nThe Aspen Times election page has coverage of key races as well as candidate columns and responses to questions about critical issues on Colorado’s Western Slope for voters to reference in the run-up to today’s election.   \n\n\n\nVisit the page for coverage on Democratic and Republican primaries for state and regional offices, including governor, secretary of state, state attorney general, University of Colorado Board of Regents, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congressional Districts and state house districts. \n\n\n\nLive results will be posted and updated online on this page tonight after polls close.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/election-day-2026-primaries-colorado-last-minute-guide/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T11:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F10%2F24143409%2FIMG_5678-1024x768.jpg","slug":"a-last-minute-guide-to-voting-in-tuesdays-primary-election"},{"id":"x00ibz","title":"Aspen Ideas Festival: Journalism’s next chapter","excerpt":"In the past two decades, 40% of local newspapers nationwide have folded, leaving approximately 50 million Americans with limited or no access to a reliable source of local news, according to a report by Northwestern University. Fewer than 1,000 daily print newspapers still exist in the United Sta...","content":"In the past two decades, 40% of local newspapers nationwide have folded, leaving approximately 50 million Americans with limited or no access to a reliable source of local news, according to a report by Northwestern University. Fewer than 1,000 daily print newspapers still exist in the United States, and they’re vanishing at a rate of two per week. That leaves one in seven Americans living in a “desert” of news, without local coverage, said Katie Couric, renowned journalist and founder of Katie Couric Media. \n\n\n\n“It’s a really horrible situation,” she said Saturday afternoon during a standing-room only session titled Journalism’s Next Chapter at Aspen Ideas in the Koch Building’s Lauder Room, adding that many local and national organizations are trying to address it, but they haven’t quite kept up with the pace of local newspapers’ decline. \n\n\n\nJerusalem Demsas, founder of the online media company The Argument, and Aaron Parnas, an independent journalist, political commentator, strategist and attorney with 5.3 million followers on TikTok, completed the panel, moderated by Jelani Cobb, dean of the Columbia Journalism School. \n\n\n\nParnas pointed out the job losses as a result of local media decline, largely driven by financial pressures and digital shifts. \n\n\n\nViewership data indicates that Americans who still watch traditional television news sources are typically 50 or older, according to the Pew Research Center. \n\n\n\nParnas noted that many young people don’t know where to get accurate information, and that AI can be very dangerous. For example, when he asked AI for a factual photo of President Trump, it generated a false one. He — and the rest of the panelists — support teaching everyone, young and old, where and how to obtain factual information. \n\n\n\nThe problem often stems from content creators posting information with little or no fact checking, as compared to legacy media, which moved relatively slowly but included employees whose sole jobs involved fact checking before releasing stories to the public. While many digital content creators do meticulously check accuracy, many aren’t so exact. \n\n\n\nParnas approaches his posts as if he were speaking in front of a judge. Yet, stating false information on social media obviously does not carry the consequences of speaking in a court of law. He said there will never be 100% accuracy on social media, which is why consumers should become media literate. \n\n\n\nPart of that involves asking why a source is stating what it is and questioning its trustworthiness, Couric said, pointing out that it’s a bit like the Wild West these days, with views coming “left, right and center,” along with mis- and mal-information. \n\n\n\nMuch of the panel focused on the differences and similarities of legacy media and new media. Couric joked that she’s the “avatar” of legacy media, adding that she got into journalism when “harassed” was two words instead of one (say it aloud, and you’ll get the joke).  \n\n\n\nThe standing-room only session during Saturday afternoon’s Journalism’s Next Chapter at Aspen Ideas in the Koch Building’s Lauder Room.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWhile legacy media refers to traditional, pre-internet forms of mass communication, from television and radio to newspapers and magazines, panelists agreed that just about everything fits into the new media category these days, because even legacy brands are adapting to the way people obtain news in the modern age. For example, traditional newspapers now write “explainers,” or stories about, say, boxing explained, rather than just relying on breaking news —  it’s a method they picked up from digital media. \n\n\n\n“When you have upcoming generations that get their news digitally, you have to adapt,” Parnas said, pointing out that new media is simply an evolution of the traditional form. \n\n\n\nAnd yet, there was a time when a CBS executive thought it was beneath the outlet to be on Twitter, Couric said, saying there initially was an unwillingness to change their ways, but now legacy media see themselves as dying on the vine, so they must adapt. \n\n\n\nNew media is challenging the problems that exist in legacy media, such as how slow it can be when multiple editors review a piece before releasing it. New media emphasizes immediacy, Parnas said. \n\n\n\nThe relationship between legacy and new media has become a symbiotic one, Demsas said, adding that the relationship between the two is often underrated, but that journalists (and other digital influencers) are riffing on ideas that traditional media originally reports. \n\n\n\nClearly, social media is a de-centralizing force, she said, adding that another big shift involves AI — the conversation of which now includes who will be in charge of deciding what “truth” is. As Couric pointed out, what people believe is factual often differs, and they may or may not disseminate information ethically. \n\n\n\nAnd, yet, once society starts restricting speech, “you will restrict free speech,” Parnas said. \n\n\n\nOverall, the issue remains complex — and not necessarily well regulated. \n\n\n\n“The idea of being an author is very new … society is still grappling with that,” Demsas said. \n\n\n\nThe ability to create one’s own content has allowed all kinds of people — from those who don’t self-impose strict guidelines regarding disseminating information to highly trained and experienced journalists like Couric — to speak out on topics they believe are important. Couric said she’s much more liberated to speak out on issues she feels need to be brought to light, compared to the overall freedom she experienced working for a network. \n\n\n\n“It has re-energized me,” she said. “It’s just really given me a new, second life journalistically that I wouldn’t have had if I stayed in network television.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/journalisms-next-chapter/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-30T11:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F29130645%2FIMG_7658-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"aspen-ideas-festival-journalisms-next-chapter"},{"id":"86yyc6","title":"willow fire smoke","excerpt":"Lake County wildfireSmoke from the Willow Fire west of Leadville is seen from the Aspen Meadows campus on Sunday evening. As of press time on Monday, the fire was still burning, about two miles northwest of the Leadville Fish Hatchery…","content":"Lake County wildfireSmoke from the Willow Fire west of Leadville is seen from the Aspen Meadows campus on Sunday evening. As of press time on Monday, the fire was still burning, about two miles northwest of the Leadville Fish Hatchery…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/willow-fire-smoke/image_41cb70b1-0405-4570-9b78-31bb532d13c0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-30T08:30:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F1c%2F41cb70b1-0405-4570-9b78-31bb532d13c0%2F6a43282c42400.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"willow-fire-smoke"},{"id":"byvoow","title":"PHOTOS: Actress Jodie Foster highlights the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival","excerpt":"The Aspen Institute’s annual Aspen Ideas Festival reached its peak on Sunday with the Afternoon of Conservation, the centerpiece discussion held inside the Michael Klein Music Tent.\n\n\n\nHighlighting the talk was famed actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster — “Freaky Friday,” “The Silence of the Lambs,...","content":"The Aspen Institute’s annual Aspen Ideas Festival reached its peak on Sunday with the Afternoon of Conservation, the centerpiece discussion held inside the Michael Klein Music Tent.\n\n\n\nHighlighting the talk was famed actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster — “Freaky Friday,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Contact,” etc. — who was joined on stage by Harvard Professor Sarah Lewis.\n\n\n\nAlso featured as speakers were acclaimed bassist Christian McBride — who recently played as part of Jazz Aspen Snowmass’s June Experience this past weekend — former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson. Charles Yang, the celebrated violinist, composer and singer, gave a quick performance to close out the event.\n\n\n\nThe conversation began with an introduction by Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield, who is stepping down after the festival to become the new CEO of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation this July. Maria Acebal, who is the Institute’s current executive vice president for strategy and corporate secretary, with temporarily fill Porterfield’s void until its new president and CEO, Dr. Ángel Cabrera, takes over in November. He is currently the president at Georgia Tech.\n\n\n\nAspen Ideas Festival — a three-part event that included the Health portion from June 22-25, will wrap up its 2026 version with the closing picnic on Wednesday.\n\n\n\nFormer U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, left, and former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson take part in the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAcclaimed violinist, composer and singer Charles Yang performs as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nCelebrated jazz bassist Christian McBride, right, talks with John Dickerson, a writer for The Atlantic, as part of the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield makes introductions ahead of the Afternoon of Conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen. Porterfield is stepping down to become the CEO of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation this summer.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAcclaimed photographer and Roaring Fork Valley native Pete McBride talks about the Colorado River system as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-442579-978').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Acclaimed actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster, right, chatting with Harvard Professor Sarah Lewis, highlights the Afternoon of Conversation as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster, right, chatting with Harvard Professor Sarah Lewis, highlights the Afternoon of Conversation as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster highlights the Afternoon of Conversation as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jinhee Kim, executive vice president of public events and engagement for the Aspen Institute, introduces musician Charles Yang (not pictured) before his short performance as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed violinist, composer and singer Charles Yang performs as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed violinist, composer and singer Charles Yang performs as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrated jazz bassist Christian McBride, right, talks with John Dickerson, a writer for The Atlantic, as part of the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrated jazz bassist Christian McBride, right, talks with John Dickerson, a writer for The Atlantic, as part of the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrated jazz bassist Christian McBride, right, talks with John Dickerson, a writer for The Atlantic, as part of the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrated jazz bassist Christian McBride, right, talks with John Dickerson, a writer for The Atlantic, as part of the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A display for the Aspen Ideas Festival is seen on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Signs for Aspen Ideas Festival are seen on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster, right, chatting with Harvard Professor Sarah Lewis, highlights the Afternoon of Conversation as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Maria Laura Acebal, the Aspen Institute’s executive vice president for strategy and corporate secretary, talks ahead of the Afternoon of Conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Maria Laura Acebal, the Aspen Institute’s executive vice president for strategy and corporate secretary, talks ahead of the Afternoon of Conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield makes introductions ahead of the Afternoon of Conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen. Porterfield is stepping down to become the CEO of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation this summer.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Maria Laura Acebal, the Aspen Institute’s executive vice president for strategy and corporate secretary, talks ahead of the Afternoon of Conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n From left, NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson walk on stage to take part in the Afternoon of Conversation as part of Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n From left, NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson take part in the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n From left, NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson take part in the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n From left, NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson take part in the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People gather for the Afternoon of Conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield makes introductions ahead of the Afternoon of Conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen. Porterfield is stepping down to become the CEO of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation this summer.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, left, and former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson take part in the Afternoon of Conversation at Aspen Ideas Festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, inside the Michael Klein Music Tent in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People wander around the Aspen Ideas Festival campus on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Aspen Institute.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Physicist Tammy Ma, the director of the Livermore Institute for Fusion Technology at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, gives a talk about the “next frontier of climate tech” as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n From left, Laurie Santos, Catherine Price and Elizabeth Dunn speak on the topic of “fun” as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed photographer and Roaring Fork Valley native Pete McBride talks about the Colorado River system as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed photographer and Roaring Fork Valley native Pete McBride talks about the Colorado River system as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed photographer and Roaring Fork Valley native Pete McBride talks about the Colorado River system as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed photographer and Roaring Fork Valley native Pete McBride talks about the Colorado River system as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed photographer and Roaring Fork Valley native Pete McBride gets ready to talk about the Colorado River system as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Acclaimed photographer and Roaring Fork Valley native Pete McBride, left, talks about the Colorado River system as part of the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Aspen Ideas Festival returned to the Aspen Institute campus as seen on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Aspen Ideas Festival returned to the Aspen Institute campus as seen on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A sign welcomes guests to the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A sign welcomes guests to the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Women pose for a photo in front of the sign that welcomes guests to the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A sign welcomes guests to the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-actress-jodie-foster-highlights-the-afternoon-of-conversation-at-aspen-ideas-festival/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-30T01:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F29133522%2FIdeasFest-atd-062826-01-1024x768.jpg","slug":"photos-actress-jodie-foster-highlights-the-afternoon-of-conversation-at-aspen-ideas-festival"},{"id":"brmado","title":"As Eagle County towns cancel shows, fire officials watch for uptick in personal fireworks use on July 4","excerpt":"Eagle River Fire Chief Mick Woodworth is no stranger to an uptick in personal firework activity surrounding Independence Day. From smaller sparklers and firework cones to giant bottle rockets, he’s seen it all. However, this year, while he hopes not to see any firework activity, chances are he mi...","content":"Eagle River Fire Chief Mick Woodworth is no stranger to an uptick in personal firework activity surrounding Independence Day. From smaller sparklers and firework cones to giant bottle rockets, he’s seen it all. However, this year, while he hopes not to see any firework activity, chances are he might see more. \n\n\n\nThis year, with Stage 2 fire restrictions currently in place, all firework activity is prohibited, including professional shows that are typically hosted all across Eagle County, which, following the restrictions, have been cancelled. \n\n\n\nThis isn’t the first year that Eagle County has been in Stage 2 during the Fourth of July. However, the concern, Woodworth said, is that without these big firework shows, more people could use their own fireworks, despite the ban. \n\n\n\n“We’re truly concerned that people will say ‘we didn’t get this big (firework show)’ so let’s go get some small ones and let them go,’ but now any of them are illegal,” he said. \n\n\n\nBetween 1980 and 2016, over 11,000 wildland fires were started by fireworks in the U.S., with 63% occurring during a two-week period surrounding July 4, according to American Forest Management. The National Fire Protection Agency reported that in 2024, 34,079 fires were started by fireworks, and of those, 29,517 were outside. \n\n\n\nWith recent fire activity in Colorado and Utah, there is large concern about the fast spread of fires, where once one is ignited, it’s hard to stop. On Saturday, three firefighters died after a burnover incident at the Utah-Colorado border. Separately in Leadville, only about 40 miles south of Vail, a wildfire there escalated from 10 acres to 1,500 acres in just 45 minutes, according to Woodworth. \n\n\n\nThe plan for the American holiday, he said, is to have two extra wildland fire engines patrolling Eagle County over July 3 and 4 and if they see any firework usage, they’ll ask people to stop. “If they don’t, then that escalates to however far they want to escalate it,” he said. \n\n\n\n“If we find your fireworks and you’re starting a fire, you’re going to have to talk to the sheriff,” Woodworth added. \n\n\n\nA recent email from the Eagle County Sheriff’s department reiterated the firework ban. \n\n\n\n“Deputies not only respond to and investigate reported violations but also actively educate the public about current restrictions and fire danger conditions. We work alongside local fire agencies and take enforcement action when warranted, where citations require court appearances,” it read. \n\n\n\nThe department is also working with local fire agencies, emergency management and other public safety partners to monitor conditions and prepare for potential wildfires, and have evacuation plans in place. \n\n\n\nIn addition, the statement said that the department is working to provide a message on fire restrictions and wildfire preventions across various channels, like social media, in order to reach residents and tourists. However, they also recognized that it’s not feasible to cover all ground in Eagle and called on the public to play a role in mitigation. \n\n\n\n“Community members play a vital role by staying aware of restrictions and reporting any concerning activity they see,” the statement said.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/as-eagle-county-cancels-shows-fire-officials-watch-for-uptick-in-personal-fireworks-use-on-july-4/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:36:06.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2018%2F07%2F27092650%2FFourthOfJulyTips-VDW-062918-4.jpg","slug":"as-eagle-county-towns-cancel-shows-fire-officials-watch-for-uptick-in-personal-fireworks-use-on-july"},{"id":"e21xib","title":"Confluence tax district names first executive director","excerpt":"The Confluence Early Childhood Development Special Service District has named Samantha Markovitz as executive director, following a nationwide search.\n\n\n\nMarkovitz will begin July 27, according to a news release from the district. \n\n\n\nThe district, approved by voters in November 2025 as ballot me...","content":"The Confluence Early Childhood Development Special Service District has named Samantha Markovitz as executive director, following a nationwide search.\n\n\n\nMarkovitz will begin July 27, according to a news release from the district. \n\n\n\nThe district, approved by voters in November 2025 as ballot measure 7A, was created to enhance early childhood services from Aspen to Parachute. Funded by a 0.25% sales and use tax, the special tax district is “grounded in Colorado’s Early Childhood Framework and focused on aligning services, leveraging funding, and strengthening outcomes for young children and families,” according to the release.\n\n\n\nMarkovitz currently serves as early childhood initiatives manager for Eagle County, where she directs a portfolio of early childhood public funds totaling $6 million annually. \n\n\n\nHer knowledge of public fund stewardship, cross-sector governance, and the design of high-impact, equitable early childhood initiatives will help her in her new role, where she will partner with providers, families, municipalities, school districts, and community organizations to expand access to affordable care and education.\n\n\n\n“I am deeply honored to step into this role,” Markovitz said in the release. “Launching this new special tax district gives us a dedicated framework to address the regional childcare crisis head-on. I’m committed to working alongside our partners and communities to build a stronger, more sustainable early childhood infrastructure that improves access and begins lowering barriers for working families across the region.”\n\n\n\nAccording to the release, the nationwide search was initially led by the Duffy Group, a recruitment firm that uses its research-based process, Duffy Recruitment Research. Of the 68 candidates vetted through the process, eight were presented to the Board of Directors, who then conducted open-session panel interviews with four finalists. \n\n\n\n“We conducted a rigorous, transparent search because our families and providers deserve leadership with both deep experience and a commitment to equity,” Confluence Early Childhood Development Special Service District Board President Carly Kraemer said in the release. \n\n\n\n“Samantha’s fiscal stewardship, collaborative approach, and track record of building accessible systems make her the right leader to translate voter intent into measurable results for children, families, and our regional economy,” Kraemer said in the release.\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit confluencedistrict.org.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/7a-special-district-names-executive-director/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:25:56.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29143039%2FSamanthaMarkovitz_Headshot_CMYK_26.jpg","slug":"confluence-tax-district-names-first-executive-director"},{"id":"ieoy10","title":"Carbondale educator creates self-guided, comprehensive path to understanding college applications","excerpt":"It is never too early to start laying out a path to higher education, but for some, compiling essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation and extracurriculars can feel like navigating space. \n\n\n\nCarbondale resident Robin Colt first realized the complex nature of the college application process...","content":"It is never too early to start laying out a path to higher education, but for some, compiling essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation and extracurriculars can feel like navigating space. \n\n\n\nCarbondale resident Robin Colt first realized the complex nature of the college application process while teaching environmental science and serving as a dorm parent at Colorado Rocky Mountain School. From learning the ropes of high school education to inspiring the next generation to pursue higher education, Colt continues to make her mark on the educational landscape in the Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nIn the nearly two decades since moving to the Roaring Fork Valley, Colt has gone from a green scientist just out of her master’s program to running her own college consulting firm and creating Star Map, a comprehensive college-planning course.\n\n\n\n“I named it Star Map because I see Common Application, the widely used application form accepted by most colleges in the country, as different stars,” Colt explained. “Things like the activities, the letters of recommendation, their standardized test scores, transcripts, and essays need to be connected in a compelling way that paints a positive picture of the student to an admissions reader.”\n\n\n\nStar Map is a self-paced course designed for high school students, ranging from those just entering ninth grade to seniors months away from receiving their diplomas. The video course covers the full arc of planning for higher education — anything from finding the right school to applying for financial aid to essay workshops. \n\n\n\n“Star Map is a video-based course that spans the full arc of college planning from ninth through 12th grade,” Colt said. “I built it to provide students access to college counseling in a space that either they lack because there aren’t substantial college counseling resources in their schools, or they just can’t afford to work one-on-one with an independent counselor. This program covers the full college counseling resources and content that I work one-on-one with, but at a fraction of the price.”\n\n\n\nColt, a University of California, Los Angeles-certified college counselor, has 15 years of experience in education and one-on-one work with students. She said the course, launched two weeks ago, has already been adopted by college-prep institutions from Colorado to Connecticut. \n\n\n\nShe said she worked to make sure the students using Star Map get the same sort of guidance that those who work with her one-on-one receive. \n\n\n\n“Everyone comes into this at their own pace,” she said. “Students who work with me one-on-one are going to get 40 hours of face-to-face meetings, and I tried to build that into Star Map through these accessible five to 10-minute video chunks that cover the same content, but students can do them at their own pace.\n\n\n\n“A big part of what I do in the one-on-one work is getting to know the student and really figuring out what their goals, interests, and values are and how those might fit into a college setting,” Colt continued. \n\n\n\nThe content includes eight modules and over five hours of instruction, plus live Q&A sessions with Colt during peak application season. She said her initial audience is turning out to be college-access programs that can’t afford full-time counselors.\n\n\n\n“(Star Map) is truly comprehensive,” Colt said. “A real differentiator of the course is that I’m offering live office hours in the fall. There are plenty of courses that you can sign up for online, where you can kind of plug and play, but it’s really critical that students can receive expert advice and be engaged with a college counselor during peak admission season — September to December.\n\n\n\n“I’m finding that it’s college access programs who are like ‘We can’t afford full-time year-round college counselors, but this has everything we need,'” Colt continued. \n\n\n\nSince growing up in New Hampshire to moving to Boulder for her master’s degree, Colt has always known her career would flow through education, but didn’t find her niche until she began teaching at Colorado Rocky Mountain School in 2012. She explained that the teachers at CRMS aren’t just teachers. \n\n\n\n“We wear so many hats there. I was a coach, a trip leader, a dorm parent, and I was in charge of the senior dorms,” Colt said. “I was in there many nights and would help students by working through their essays and applications. We would talk about their goals, what they were looking for, and how they envisioned their lives, and I really loved that work.\n\n\n\n“You get to know these kids so well and really be able to build relationships with them,” she continued. “It is really a magical thing when you’re able to leverage that rapport into them wanting to do work correctly, and they feel seen and heard — they’re willing to show up.”\n\n\n\nColt said the most magical part for her is seeing the students grow into contributing members of the community. \n\n\n\n“I really try to make the college access piece the forefront of my work,” she said. “It is just so incredible to see where these students end up and the incredible things they go on to accomplish.”\n\n\n\nFor more information about Colt’s counseling firm or the Star Map program, visit Robincoltconsulting.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/local-educator-creates-self-guided-comprehensive-path-to-understanding-college-applications/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:48:14.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29134251%2F346006b8-67e0-48da-adac-6e2f3eac688a.jpeg","slug":"carbondale-educator-creates-self-guided-comprehensive-path-to-understanding-college-applications"},{"id":"p10pov","title":"More than 150 structures destroyed in Aspen Acres fire burning in Pueblo and Custer counties, officials say","excerpt":"Between eight and 10 aircraft dropped water and retardant on the flames when conditions allowed crews to fly, but winds are expected to pick up Tuesday afternoon, officials say","content":"Between eight and 10 aircraft dropped water and retardant on the flames when conditions allowed crews to fly, but winds are expected to pick up Tuesday afternoon, officials say","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/30/colorado-wildfires-update-tuesday-red-flag-warning-evacuations/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel and David Krause","publishDate":"2026-06-30T16:17:14.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2FColo_Aspen_Acres_Fire_08-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C579%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"more-than-150-structures-destroyed-in-aspen-acres-fire-burning-in-pueblo-and-custer-counties-officia"},{"id":"7yqmgq","title":"Aspen Snowmass hopes to battle warmer winters by storing snow. Here’s how.","excerpt":"If the new storage system works, terrain parks at Buttermilk and Snowmass will be built next season using last season’s snow","content":"If the new storage system works, terrain parks at Buttermilk and Snowmass will be built next season using last season’s snow","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/30/aspen-snowmass-snow-storage-system/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Betsy Welch","publishDate":"2026-06-30T10:14:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":75,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2FIMG_4125-scaled.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C819%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"aspen-snowmass-hopes-to-battle-warmer-winters-by-storing-snow-heres-how"},{"id":"c4i9nc","title":"Butterfly action","excerpt":"Two western tiger swallowtails fly between milkweed plants near Catherine's Store Road outside of Carbondale on Thursday afternoon.","content":"Two western tiger swallowtails fly between milkweed plants near Catherine's Store Road outside of Carbondale on Thursday afternoon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/butterfly-action/image_3d3f549f-5b64-4d48-9ffe-d9ac97111ef1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-30T08:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fd3%2F3d3f549f-5b64-4d48-9ffe-d9ac97111ef1%2F6a4328a59a83e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"butterfly-action"},{"id":"jyzu4v","title":"Mountain Rescue Aspen responds to West Maroon Pass medical emergency","excerpt":"Mountain Rescue Aspen successfully rescued a subject experiencing a medical emergency roughly five miles up the West Maroon Pass trail, at approximately 11,200 feet, Sunday afternoon.\n\n\n\nMountain Rescue Aspen was notified at about 2:04 p.m., according to a press release, and dispatched three fiel...","content":"Mountain Rescue Aspen successfully rescued a subject experiencing a medical emergency roughly five miles up the West Maroon Pass trail, at approximately 11,200 feet, Sunday afternoon.\n\n\n\nMountain Rescue Aspen was notified at about 2:04 p.m., according to a press release, and dispatched three field teams with oxygen and medical equipment.\n\n\n\n“You send resources as fast as you get them,” President of Mountain Rescue Aspen Jordan White told The Aspen Times.\n\n\n\nAccording to him, given the Red Flag Warning, it was unclear if air assets were going to be able to assist — he noted that a MEDEVAC helicopter turned down the call due to the erratic winds. Because of this, sending as many people into the field as possible who could rotate carrying the subject out of the backcountry was critical to the operation.\n\n\n\n“If you have to carry somebody out five miles, it’s beyond exhausting,” White said.\n\n\n\nThe first Mountain Rescue Aspen field team was able to make contact with the subject at approximately 4:23 p.m., according to the release. They began providing care as additional teams arrived shortly afterward to assist.\n\n\n\nOnce the subject was stabilized, rescuers loaded them into a litter and transported them down the trail to a helicopter landing zone, where the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site — otherwise known as HAATS — was able to respond with Mountain Rescue Aspen rescue technicians, transporting the subject to the Aspen Airport Operations Center, the release confirms.\n\n\n\nThe subject was then transferred to a waiting ambulance and taken to Valley View Hospital for further medical care, with all Mountain Rescue Aspen field teams returning to the trailhead after the helicopter evacuation.\n\n\n\nThe Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office in the release thanks all volunteer teams of Mountain Rescue Aspen, HAATS, Colorado Search & Rescue (CSAR), Pitkin County backcountry resource officers and responding ambulance personnel, stating, “Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office remind backcountry users to be prepared for medical emergencies in remote terrain.” \n\n\n\nAccording to White, this medical emergency call came a day after another call on West Maroon Pass, although the previous day’s subject was ultimately able to self-rescue.\n\n\n\n“The gamut is wide for the different medical emergencies that we’ve seen up there,” he said, adding that all high-traveled trails in the area have increased risk for medical emergencies to occur.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhenever residents or visitors are recreating in the surrounding mountains, he emphasized having the 10 essentials for backcountry travel — navigation, sun protection, extra clothing, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire, repair kits and tools, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter — in addition to always recreating with others.\n\n\n\n“It’s important to make people aware that voluntary separation from your party can often cause many issues in the backcountry,” he said, noting that, while this wasn’t the case for Sunday’s emergency, it remains good standard practice to not travel through the backcountry alone.\n\n\n\nThe release adds, “Even well-traveled trails can become difficult to access quickly due to distance, elevation, weather, and terrain.” A reliable communication device capable of contacting emergency services where cell service may be unavailable is also crucial for those recreating out of service.\n\n\n\nUltimately, proper preparation is what White recommends in order to prevent a good number of problems in the backcountry. And when problems do arise, like on Sunday, he expressed specific thanks to HAATS and the national guard for assistance.\n\n\n\n“They are an incredible asset for our state and our team,” he said. “Between them and our members, it all contributed to a life-save yesterday.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/mountain-rescue-aspen-responds-to-west-maroon-pass-medical-emergency/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T23:30:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F29061817%2FIMG_8300-770x1024.jpg","slug":"mountain-rescue-aspen-responds-to-west-maroon-pass-medical-emergency"},{"id":"4uwdxv","title":"Albert Schweitzer Days highlight humanitarianism in Aspen, Basalt","excerpt":"When Albert Schweitzer visited Aspen in 1949, he made such an impact that his purpose is still being honored in 2026, as the second annual “Albert Schweitzer Days Celebration” graces The Arts Campus at Willits in Basalt on June 30 and Aspen on July 1. \n\n\n\nThe events are aimed at inspiring others ...","content":"When Albert Schweitzer visited Aspen in 1949, he made such an impact that his purpose is still being honored in 2026, as the second annual “Albert Schweitzer Days Celebration” graces The Arts Campus at Willits in Basalt on June 30 and Aspen on July 1. \n\n\n\nThe events are aimed at inspiring others to join humanitarian causes. This year’s two days will continue the efforts from last year’s inaugural Albert Schweitzer Days celebrating Schweitzer’s historic visit to Aspen.\n\n\n\nSchweitzer was a renowned 20th-century polymath, philosopher, musician, medical missionary and humanitarian who won the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. His first and only visit to the United States brought him to Aspen as a keynote speaker in 1949 for the Goethe Bicentennial Convocation and Music Festival, according to the Reverend J.R. Atkins. \n\n\n\nAccording to Vice President of Education and Programming for the Aspen Historical Society Amy Honey, Schweitzer’s headlining of the event “ultimately catalyzed and created these cultural institutions that we have in Aspen that eventually made Aspen the center for important conversations, wonderful music and all these cultural things that we have today.”\n\n\n\nShe added, “He was someone people were amazed to be able to hear speaking. There are newspaper accounts of him walking through town, smiling at everyone. He just had this incredible personality and presence, and it was electrifying and important for this big event.”\n\n\n\nThat historic event, which also had a large music component, is believed to have led to the creation of the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies — now The Aspen Institute and the Aspen Music Festival and School, according to Honey. \n\n\n\nAspen’s Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke were very connected to the University of Chicago — the university that orchestrated Schweitzer’s visit to Aspen — and he stayed with them in their yellow Victorian house on Bleecker Street, which remains to this day, according to Honey.\n\n\n\nAtkins ended up coming to the local church July 1, 2024, the same time of year that Schweitzer came in 1949. \n\n\n\n“So from the first Sunday that I was here, I was asked by church members to put up a picture of Albert Schweitzer, and I have been encouraged by church members that this is important history to keep alive,” Atkins said.\n\n\n\nThe declared holiday further emphasizes Schweitzer’s impact on the values of service, compassion and philanthropy. He spent decades in West Africa as a medical doctor, providing essential medical care for locals. \n\n\n\n“A lot of the reason why he came to the United States was to raise money for his hospital — that was his focus,” Honey said. “Later, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for … being this incredible person who’s serving others.”\n\n\n\nSchweitzer won the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his tremendous humanitarian efforts and his ethical philosophy, which, translated in English, articulates “reverence for life.”\n\n\n\n“What I want is to continue to be part of what I refer to as the ‘living legacy,'” Atkins said. “It’s great storytelling, but how do we continue the same acts and intentions that Albert Schweitzer had carried out — that doesn’t mean everybody needs to go from being a theologian to a doctor, or go to Africa, but we all have some version of our calling. We have a gift. We have a nudge. And then we take action on that. We help make the world a better place.”\n\n\n\nThe events on June 30 and July 1 honor Schweitzer’s legacy of service that Atkins highlighted can be exemplified throughout the Roaring Fork Valley — namely volunteerism and philanthropy — and showcase the standout humanitarians working around the world today.\n\n\n\nBefore Schweitzer became a humanitarian, he was also a Johann Sebastian Bach music scholar, musician and theologian. He wrote books on Bach and played the piano at Paepke’s home during his stay, according to accounts by Elizabeth Paepcke.\n\n\n\nAlbert Schweitzer Days programming \n\n\n\nAll programming is free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested by June 30. The community is welcome to join for both days.\n\n\n\nJune 30\n\n\n\nDoors open for “Albert Schweitzer Days” at 5:30 p.m. at The Arts Campus at Willits, 400 Robinson St. in Basalt. The featured Equity Speakers Series, “Reverence for Life on The Streets, Medicine as a Moral Act in an Unequal World,” will begin shortly after at 6:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nThe event will feature a panel that includes Dr. Kaitlin Schwan, director of California Street Medicine Collaborative at USC, as moderator and Dr. James O’Connell, president of Boston Healthcare for the Homeless and assistant professor of Medicine at Harvard University.\n\n\n\n“Dr. O’Connell’s a phenomenal doctor, who has been taking care of the homeless for decades,” Pitkin County Commissioner and Co-Producer of Albert Schweitzer Day Greg Poschman said. \n\n\n\nDr. Jim Withers, founder of Operation Safety Net at Street Medicine Institute and a CNN Hero, along with Harsh Mander, Human Rights and Peace worker, former Special Commissioner to the Supreme Court of India and Indian Prime Minister’s National Advisory Council, will also be on the panel. \n\n\n\n“Harsh has been on the shortlist of nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize. His father was one of the people who escorted the Dalai Lama safely when he escaped Tibet in 1959,” Poschman added.\n\n\n\nFollowing the panel, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a reception offering complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.\n\n\n\nJuly 1\n\n\n\nThe celebration will continue with a “Schweitzer, the Organist” concert/presentation by Dr. James Welch, who will perform selected works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelsohn, Cesar Franck and Charles Widor” at 4 p.m. at the Aspen Community Church, located at 200 E. Bleeker St. Following, there will be a complementary picnic reception at 5 p.m. and a book launch at 6 p.m. of “Investing Our Humanity,” published this June, at the Aspen Historical Society’s Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 620 W. Bleeker St. in Aspen. \n\n\n\n“Investing Our Humanity” officially launches during the Albert Schweitzer Days.Greg Poschman/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nAt 7 p.m., a keynote address with Mander will take place.\n\n\n\nFrancis Guthleben, an author of the original French version, will be present, along with Christoph Wyss, board president of The Albert Schweitzer Museum in Gunsbach, France. The book highlights contemporary humanitarians and others inspired by Schweitzer. Copies will be available for purchase.\n\n\n\nCommunity members who are passionate about Schweitzer’s history have led the organizing efforts for the second annual celebration. Co-producers include the Aspen Historical Society’s Honey, Poschman and Atkins — in partnership with The Arts Campus at Willits’ hosting, and support by donors and other organizations. \n\n\n\nFor more information and RSVPs, visit tacaw.org/calendar/equity-speaker-series-reverence-for-life-on-the-streets-medicine-as-a-moral-act-in-an-unequal-world.\n\n\n\n“You don’t have to be a celebrity or a Nobel Prize winner,” Poschman added. “Anybody can do good stuff.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/albert-schweitzer-days-highlight-humanitarianism-in-aspen-basalt/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T21:54:44.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F29103550%2F2DrWelch202551-768x1024.jpeg","slug":"albert-schweitzer-days-highlight-humanitarianism-in-aspen-basalt"},{"id":"rqzopl","title":"Amid firework cancellations, Colorado’s mountain towns look to alternative celebrations for the country’s 250th Independence Day weekend","excerpt":"Fourth of July celebrations are heating up for Colorado mountain resort towns — figuratively and physically\n\n\n\nAs more counties face increasing wildfire risk and respond with stricter fire restrictions, many are looking to firework alternatives to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.\n\n\n\n“It...","content":"Fourth of July celebrations are heating up for Colorado mountain resort towns — figuratively and physically\n\n\n\nAs more counties face increasing wildfire risk and respond with stricter fire restrictions, many are looking to firework alternatives to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.\n\n\n\n“It’s a little risky to be playing with fire in such a dry year, this year especially,” Andy Curtis, special events marketing coordinator for the city of Aspen, said. “It’s becoming more and more difficult to plan a firework show … things aren’t getting any wetter, we’ve had 10 years of really, really dry Julys.”\n\n\n\nAs of Friday, June 26, several Western Slope counties have enacted stage 2 fire restrictions, including Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Routt, Pitkin and Grand counties. White River National Forest and the Upper Colorado River District of the Bureau of Land Management also entered stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday.\n\n\n\nThe decision to enact restrictions is based on moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors, such as predicted weather and available resources.\n\n\n\nThough restrictions vary by municipality, stage 2 fire restrictions typically limit the use of fireworks, outdoor wood burning and other activities capable of producing sparks or flames. Gas grills and other gas appliances are still allowed, meaning Fourth of July hot dogs and barbecues are still on the table.\n\n\n\nPersonal fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal in Colorado, making smaller options like sparklers and fountains more popular — though the list of permissible fireworks can vary from town to town. Stage 2 restrictions completely ban the use of all personal fireworks, however, including those typically permissible under state law. \n\n\n\nWhile professional fireworks are still allowed under stage 2 restrictions — granted that operators have obtained the necessary permissions from local authorities — individual cities may decide to cancel shows if conditions are too risky.\n\n\n\nSome Western Slope towns including Vail, Avon, Rifle and Craig had originally included firework displays in their programming for Independence Day celebrations, but have since announced cancellations in response to the stage 2 restrictions. \n\n\n\nA lack of fireworks isn’t slowing down the festive spirit of resort towns, however, with plenty of family-friendly activities to go around the Western Slope.\n\n\n\n“As much as we do for July Fourth, what really makes it a July Fourth is what the community brings to the table,” Curtis said.\n\n\n\nFirework-free celebrations expand on the Western Slope\n\n\n\nVail’s traditional Fourth of July celebration features a parade in the morning, inviting community-organized floats, marching bands and performances. Family-friendly activities in the afternoon and a free electronic music show on the Gondola One lawn in the evening ensure that guests will be entertained long into the evening — even without a fireworks display.\n\n\n\n“We trust our experts, and this is absolutely the right decision given the dry summer we’ve had,” Vail Mayor Barry Davis said about the fireworks show cancellation in a news release. “And while the fireworks may be missed, there will still be plenty to see and do in Vail over the Fourth of July weekend.”\n\n\n\nThe last time that the town of Vail canceled its Fourth of July fireworks was in 2021, though there have been several prior cancellations due to extreme weather conditions. After a 2022 drone show that was “not the most popular thing ever,” the town pivoted back to fireworks in 2023, 2024 and 2025, depending on weather conditions.\n\n\n\nBecause of the cancellation, Vail Director of Communications Kris Widlak said the fireworks not used this summer will be added to the town’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show.\n\n\n\n“The fireworks are obviously a draw, but it’s 15 minutes,” she said. “We have so much going on, so it’s not really a pivot for us.”\n\n\n\nOther resort towns had already shifted their attention to firework-free events long before knowing what the weather would bring in 2026. \n\n\n\nAspen’s two-day Fourth of July celebration, held downtown, will feature live music, family activities, a downtown parade, bike decorating, aerial dance performances, free carnival rides and a nighttime drone show. Carnival attractions are expected to include a 65-foot ferris wheel, carousel, fun slide, Dizzy Dragon ride and additional family-friendly activities.\n\n\n\n“We knew we wanted to go a little bit bigger this year for Fourth of July,” Curtis said. “It’s on a weekend, it’s the 250th anniversary of Americans, the 150th anniversary of the state of Colorado.”\n\n\n\nIndependence Day is a big day for Aspen, which closes down Highway 82 and Main Street for the annual parade. Curtis said the city’s primary reason for ending its summer firework shows was fire danger, choosing instead to invest in other kinds of entertainment.\n\n\n\n“We’ve had multiple years of very dry springs and summers, and so fire danger has always been an issue,” Curtis said. “It’s kind of been expected at this point that we won’t have fireworks, and it doesn’t look like we’re going to be having fireworks in the near future either. I think for the most part, a lot of people who live in Colorado completely understand that shooting off fires in a dry year is inherently dangerous, more dangerous than it needs to be.”\n\n\n\nReplacing what would have otherwise been professional fireworks is a drone show organized by Aspen Chamber Resort Association. Last year was the city’s first time replacing fireworks with drones, Curtis said. The 2025 drone show cost north of $150,000, while a typical 10-15-minute firework show costs around $40,000.\n\n\n\n“We tried to do it last year to quell some of the ‘there’s nothing happening at night’ kind of sentiments that we heard,” he said. “Last year we got hot and cold responses for the drone show. Some thought it was really cool … (but) it can’t compare to a fireworks show that has concussive sound and dynamic lights.”\n\n\n\nSteamboat Springs removed fireworks from its programming several years ago, according to city marketing director Laura Soard. Previously held in Steamboat Lake State Park, the fireworks have rarely been the city’s main attraction in past years, thanks to long-standing traditions that have been around for over 100 years, such as the Cowboys’ Roundup Days.\n\n\n\nThe crowd reacts as Bob Walter, a rough stock rider from Trinidad, Colorado, competes in the bareback riding competition at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series on June 27, 2025. John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today\n\n\n\nSteamboat’s celebrations begin a full day before the fourth, featuring three days of rodeos, a hometown parade and even some Nordic jumping.\n\n\n\n“(No fireworks) is kind of the new normal of Fourth of July at this point,” Soard said. “We do still hear disappointment from locals and visitors about a lack of a fireworks show. It’s just so ingrained in our July Fourth celebrations across the country, that people are nostalgic for fireworks. But I think, for the most part, people definitely understand the extreme conditions that we’re in right now.”\n\n\n\nBreckenridge’s 2026 Independence Day Celebration also chose to leave out fireworks, with town officials stating that the community places a high value on wildfire prevention. The activity-packed schedule includes a 10K trail running race, a family-friendly bike race, a parade, live music, a drone show and even a live reading of the Declaration of Independence.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs’ celebration at Two Rivers Park will include lawn games, axe throwing and bull riding, with live music and performances in the evening.\n\n\n\nThough few professional firework shows remain on the calendar — the majority of which are located on the Front Range — mountain towns are confident that their absence won’t make the holiday any less memorable.\n\n\n\n“We’re not able to do things like firework shows, but we really showcase our heritage in other ways,” Soard said. “I think a lot of mountain towns are doing that now, just to be able to celebrate in ways that are responsible and showcase our heritage and culture at the same time.”","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/fourth-of-july-celebrations-colorado-mountain-towns-no-fireworks/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:13:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2022%2F08%2F02184100%2Fd71a3e82-b74e-5e80-9c01-90b380c58cf8-1024x674.jpg","slug":"amid-firework-cancellations-colorados-mountain-towns-look-to-alternative-celebrations-for-the-countr"},{"id":"s1m4e9","title":"GreenPal lawn care launches in Rifle","excerpt":"GreenPal, a lawn care app described by co-founder Gene Cabellero as the “Uber for lawn care,” has launched in Rifle, allowing homeowners to book same-day or next-day lawn care appointments directly from their phone. \n\n\n\n“We saw people signing up in Rifle already, so we knew there was a market th...","content":"GreenPal, a lawn care app described by co-founder Gene Cabellero as the “Uber for lawn care,” has launched in Rifle, allowing homeowners to book same-day or next-day lawn care appointments directly from their phone. \n\n\n\n“We saw people signing up in Rifle already, so we knew there was a market there,” Cabellero said. “We saw we needed to launch there.”\n\n\n\nCabellero, who lives in Tennessee, said he has spent most of his life in the landscaping industry and developed GreenPal after seeing the rise of app-based services such as Uber.\n\n\n\n“I’ve been in the landscaping industry my whole life,” he said. “I knew everything would be touch of a button eventually.”\n\n\n\nCaballero said he began building the service in Tennessee before expanding into Florida and other markets.\n\n\n\n“I started in Tennessee and our second market was in Florida,” Cabellero said. “We grow organically, through word-of-mouth.”\n\n\n\nThrough GreenPal, homeowners enter the property address where they need lawn care, and receive bids from local lawn care businesses, rather than calling companies individually for quotes. \n\n\n\n“We take about 5% of the transaction, it’s not a huge portion,” Cabellero said. “We’ve aggregated vendors for people in Rifle.”\n\n\n\nGreenPal serves around 1 million homeowners and works with more than 70,000 lawn companies across the country.\n\n\n\n“You can download the app or go to our website to get lawn care,” Cabellero said. “In the winter, we do snow removal for hard surfaces too.”\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit yourgreenpal.com.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/greenpal-lawn-care-launches-in-rifle/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:40:04.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F29132024%2Fmow_main-1024x579.jpg","slug":"greenpal-lawn-care-launches-in-rifle"},{"id":"be6c4s","title":"Forest Service seeks public comment on Sweetwater Lake plan","excerpt":"The White River National Forest is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement that outlines possible recreation management plans for the Sweetwater Lake area in Garfield County.\n\n\n\nThe Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Sweetwater Lake R...","content":"The White River National Forest is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement that outlines possible recreation management plans for the Sweetwater Lake area in Garfield County.\n\n\n\nThe Forest Service released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project on Thursday. The document analyzes four alternatives for managing 844 acres at Sweetwater Lake, including 433 acres acquired in 2021 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and 413 acres of previously existing National Forest System lands.\n\n\n\nThe acquisition significantly increased public access to the area, prompting the Forest Service to develop a proactive recreation management plan aimed at addressing increased use while protecting sensitive resources.\n\n\n\n“Public involvement is an important part of determining the future of the Sweetwater Lake,” Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis said in a news release. “We developed these alternatives with significant input from the public and other stakeholders.”\n\n\n\nThe draft analyzes four possible management alternatives. While the Forest Service has identified a proposed alternative, officials said the final plan could include a combination of elements from multiple alternatives based on public and stakeholder feedback.\n\n\n\nAlternative 1 is the no-action alternative, which would keep the current Forest Service management direction and level of management intensity in place.\n\n\n\nAlternative 2, the proposed action, would focus on maintaining and improving existing recreation opportunities while protecting sensitive resources. It would create eight recreation zones designed to spread out use and reduce conflicts among visitors. Under that alternative, Colorado Parks and Wildlife would manage the area through a 20-year special use permit.\n\n\n\n“We have proposed partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife because they have the expertise to effectively manage this long-cherished area,” Veldhuis said in the release. “We could achieve more working together.”\n\n\n\nAlternative 3 would provide fewer recreation improvements and facilities than the proposed action. The goal would be to maintain a more primitive recreation experience with limited facilities and staffing. It would not include a long-term partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.\n\n\n\nAlternative 4 would manage the area for greater visitor capacity without limiting visitation. That alternative would include more facilities and infrastructure to accommodate more day-use and overnight visitors than the proposed action. Colorado Parks and Wildlife would also manage the area under a special use permit.\n\n\n\nThe Forest Service developed the alternatives with input from the public and cooperating agencies, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Garfield County, Eagle County and the town of Gypsum.\n\n\n\nTwo public meetings are scheduled in July. The first will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. July 22 at the Glenwood Springs Library, Glenwood Classroom, 815 Cooper Ave. The second will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. July 23 at the Gypsum Town Council Chambers, 50 Lundgren Blvd.\n\n\n\nBoth meetings will be open-house format, and members of the public may stop by at any time during the meetings.\n\n\n\nComments on the draft environmental impact statement must be received by Sept. 23. More information, including the proposal and instructions for submitting comments, is available on the White River National Forest project website.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/forest-service-seeks-public-comment-on-sweetwater-lake-plan/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:26:08.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F14175958%2FSweetwater-Lake-June-2025-ALongwell-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","slug":"forest-service-seeks-public-comment-on-sweetwater-lake-plan"},{"id":"mql35d","title":"‘The calm in the storm’: Mesa County range rider fills gap outside of state wolf program","excerpt":"Collbran resident Christina Vander Berg had a 25-year career investigating fires and built a life as a Western Slope cattle producer and rodeo judge. Over the past two years, she’s stepped into a new role that draws on her passions and experience: serving as a range rider amid Colorado’s controve...","content":"Collbran resident Christina Vander Berg had a 25-year career investigating fires and built a life as a Western Slope cattle producer and rodeo judge. Over the past two years, she’s stepped into a new role that draws on her passions and experience: serving as a range rider amid Colorado’s controversial wolf reintroduction. \n\n\n\nIt’s a role that she pursued after seeing the need in her community. The work offered a way for her to spend more time outside with her horses after her second battle with breast cancer, while blending her investigation and livestock experience to help producers ranch with wolves on the landscape. \n\n\n\n“Somebody needed to be the person,” Vander Berg said, adding that she came in willing to “mute out all the noise, controversy and chaos, find the facts” and “be the calm in the storm between all the different sides.” \n\n\n\n“I’m coming to the table with an analytical, problem-solving skill set, and as somebody who can read the landscape, read cattle behavior, read wildlife behavior — and see the impact that all of that is having on the landscape and be prepared for conflict with the right tools,” she added. \n\n\n\nVander Berg is one of three range riders contracted this year by environmental nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife in Colorado. She rode for the first time last summer, supporting producers and over 2,000 head of cattle on a 50,000-acre allotment in Mesa County. \n\n\n\nIt’s an area that hasn’t been covered by the state’s range rider program, which launched last year. \n\n\n\nColorado Parks and Wildlife, partnering with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, initially contracted 11 riders in 2025. Only eight completed the five-month season and were spread across nine northwest counties that were identified as having the “greatest need.” This year, the state has 15 riders under a five-year contract, deployed in similar areas as well as in the southwest. Where they ride is based on producer requests, conflict, wolf collar data, where packs are localizing and rider availability.\n\n\n\nWhile no rider was assigned to Mesa County, Vander Berg saw how it could serve producers in her county. Parks and Wildlife pointed her to Defenders of Wildlife, which had funding from grants, fueled by donors and family foundations, to put toward riders.\n\n\n\n“We were in a county that was surrounded by all the areas that they were going to release wolves on, and (wolves) don’t know boundary lines,” Vander Berg said. “(The producers) were willing to give me an opportunity to start this whole process. They wanted to be a part of the conversation but didn’t know how to be. I saw the need and put all the puzzle pieces together and was able to tap into resources that needed to be allocated to support this.”\n\n\n\nMost of Christina Vander Berg’s time in her first summer range riding was spent on a Mesa County allotment putting up game cameras, scanning and learning the landscape, identifying when things were amiss and helping producers with a variety of needs from moving and doctoring cattle to fixing broken fences. Christina Vander Berg/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWhile she is not contracted by Parks and Wildlife, Vander Berg has built a relationship with the agency and its riders. She’s attended their training for the past two years and can reach out to Parks and Wildlife with questions or concerns. She stays in contact with the other riders to share tips and get feedback. Similarly, Vander Berg can be a resource for the agency should the need arise.\n\n\n\nDefenders of Wildlife has had range riders in Western states since 1999, but adapted its prior work to Colorado with one rider in 2024, according to Kaitie Schneider, Defenders’ Rockies and Plains representative. This year, in addition to Vander Berg, the nonprofit funded two riders in the One Ear wolf pack’s territory, which is predominantly in Jackson and Grand counties.\n\n\n\n“For now, funding is first-come, first-served,” Schneider said. “I can’t take on additional riders this year, but the more people show interest in my program, the greater my capacity is to fundraise for more riders in the future.” \n\n\n\nWhat it’s like being a range rider \n\n\n\nGenerally speaking, range riders serve as an extra set of hands and eyes for producers. \n\n\n\n“Range riders are one of few wolf conflict mitigation approaches that actually add capacity to the ranch, rather than adding to the running list of to-dos,” Schneider said. “With each producer, I try to get at the root of what their greatest concern or need is around wolves and how a range rider could help address that. I want to know how I can help them rest more easily at night.” \n\n\n\nDuring her first summer, Vander Berg said she was contracted to ride between four to six days a week from June 1 to Oct. 31. However, she ended up riding an average of six days a week, and for around 102 days of the 153-day season. Defenders of Wildlife focuses on having range riders during the summer grazing season because this is when livestock are dispersed far away from ranches and in remote areas, according to Schneider. \n\n\n\n“Because range riding requires people-power, it is the most expensive way to mitigate conflict, which means we have to prioritize the rider’s time where that capacity and energy are needed most,” she added. \n\n\n\nChristina Vander Berg adjusts a game camera as part of her job as a Defenders of Wildlife range rider on a Mesa County allotment. Setting up cameras is one way riders monitor wildlife and livestock to identify patterns and be able to recognize when something is amiss. \nChristina Vander Berg/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nRiders’ time is spent between monitoring livestock, using game cameras and observation to track wolves and other wildlife to learn patterns, providing data to producers that can inform decisions that proactively mitigate conflict and reducing stress of all the unknown for Colorado producers dealing with a new predator. During times of conflict between wolves and livestock, range riders can also deploy other non-lethal tools to deter or reduce attacks.\n\n\n\n“While the primary focus of our program is wolves, they are not the only (or the highest) risk to livestock in the high country,” Schneider said. “When we keep a holistic outlook on the situation, much of what these riders are doing can help mitigate other causes of livestock loss, benefiting the economic viability of the ranch as a whole and keeping these folks on the landscape.”\n\n\n\nIn some ways, Vander Berg’s first season met her expectations — “being outside all the time, on horseback, was a dream come true” — but in others, it was more challenging. \n\n\n\nWhile Vander Berg said she came into the summer prepared to mediate debates about wolves, the difficult and even scary situations she faced were different, including her seasoned, 16.1-hand (or 5.5-foot-tall) horse flipping over on top of her and a disagreement that escalated over a campsite she had reserved. These situations can be exacerbated by riders being alone, in highly remote areas, for multiple days and nights at a time. \n\n\n\n“We’re very vulnerable and in a spot where, given the wrong set of circumstances, we could be in a bad situation,” she said. \n\n\n\nA lot of skills and resources are required for range riders in Colorado.Christina Vander Berg/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nBeing a range rider also requires a lot of gear. In addition to paying the riders, Defenders of Wildlife provides hands-on guidance and technical assistance, a Garmin InReach backcountry safety device, and trail cameras, but the riders have to supply their own horses, tack, truck, trailer, fuel and other tools, which Vanderberg said can be “cumbersome.” \n\n\n\n“I think the biggest disconnect is around what it costs to (be a range rider), what it costs to be qualified, what it costs to maintain it and what it costs to replace (everything needed for the job at hand),” she said. “We’re here. We’re willing to work. We’re skilled. We’re committed. We want to support our community and we have the equipment and the resources to do it. However, in order to be able to sustain and continue showing up, there needs to be some consideration taken on how that financially comes together for everybody.”\n\n\n\nThis could go beyond money, Vander Berg said, adding that, this year, producers in her community have offered to share resources like trailers, horses and other gear. \n\n\n\nVander Berg is taking all that she has learned into her second year of riding. But with the extreme drought conditions, she expects there will be additional challenges that will require heightened awareness. \n\n\n\n“I think that the cows are going to be a little bit more stressed this year until they get up to higher country,” she said. “I have a lot more to look out for this year to prevent them from being unecessarily stressed because when they’re stressed, sick, underfed or weak because they’re not hydrated, that increases the risk for conflict.” \n\n\n\nAll about trust, communication and collaboration \n\n\n\nChristina Vander Berg said being a good range rider comes down to having heart, passion to do the right thing, willingness to collaborate, good communication and motivation to get job done. \nChristina Vander Berg/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nLast year, Vander Berg said that one of the producers’ biggest complaints was that the communication and coordination with Parks and Wildlife and the state Department of Agriculture fell short of expectations. \n\n\n\n“The communication was bare minimum, and I really had to fight for information, because everybody was just really afraid to share anything in the beginning,” Vander Berg said. “But we were able to turn that around this year, and the communication is exponentially better across the board everywhere.” \n\n\n\nTo Schneider, communication and collaboration are critical to the success of its range riders and the other conflict minimization work Defenders is doing. \n\n\n\n“I think a lot of the fear and frustration around having wolves back boils down to communication, so a big priority of mine is to establish solid communication channels with these projects,” she said. “For each project, I organize everyone involved before and after the season to narrow the scope to the task at hand and what we can actually control.” \n\n\n\nSchneider said the goal is to meaningfully support those living and working with wolves.\n\n\n\n“I want to show that it’s possible — and actually pretty easy — for an NGO, a rancher, a rider and agency staff to have shared goals and agree on a path forward. I hope to build relationships with more producers and reshape the way we approach wolf-livestock conflict as a state,” she said. \n\n\n\nAs a rider, Vander Berg serves many of these goals daily — acting as a middleman for these entities and people, which share the goal of problem solving and minimizing and addressing conflict.\n\n\n\n“I’m not going to sugarcoat it; this has not been easy to show up for,” Vander Berg said. “There’s been some not so-fun days, especially because everybody does not have the same opinion, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. It’s what we accomplish that matters — the prevention, communication, collaboration and the solutions that occur. And it’s incredible to be a part of it.” \n\n\n\nAll of it, she added, comes down to trust, which she began building well before she was a rider by showing up and helping her community. \n\n\n\n“A lot of what’s happening on the ground is just misunderstood and misinformation,” she said. “On all the levels, across all the agencies, across all the public land, between all the interested parties — it is a total trust thing. It’s about having character. It’s about having integrity, doing the right thing when nobody’s looking, being a good advocate, being a sound, logical voice in all of the chaos.” ","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colroado-wolves-range-rider-program-mesa-county/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T18:15:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F06%2F29061533%2Fimage5-1.jpeg","slug":"the-calm-in-the-storm-mesa-county-range-rider-fills-gap-outside-of-state-wolf-program"},{"id":"gt95d2","title":"Rifle police increasing enforcement of bike, e-bike and scooter violations","excerpt":"The Rifle Police Department will increase enforcement of bicycle, e-bike, e-moto and scooter violations in the coming weeks after officers observed a growing number of unsafe riding behaviors throughout the community.\n\n\n\nPolice said officers have become increasingly concerned about children ridin...","content":"The Rifle Police Department will increase enforcement of bicycle, e-bike, e-moto and scooter violations in the coming weeks after officers observed a growing number of unsafe riding behaviors throughout the community.\n\n\n\nPolice said officers have become increasingly concerned about children riding e-bikes, e-motos, bicycles and scooters without helmets and without following traffic laws. Common violations include weaving through traffic, ignoring stop signs, riding against traffic, riding on sidewalks where prohibited and crossing busy intersections without slowing down.\n\n\n\n“These aren’t just traffic violations, they’re behaviors that can have life-changing consequences,” Rifle Police Department Public Information Officer Angela Mills said in a news release. “Our goal is not to take away anyone’s fun. Our goal is to make sure every child makes it home safely.”\n\n\n\nOfficers will focus on violations involving bicycles, e-bikes, e-motos, electric scooters and other motorized vehicles, including riders under 16 operating Class 3 e-bikes, riders under 18 operating Class 3 e-bikes or electric scooters without helmets, riders under 16 operating electric scooters and Class 3 e-bikes being ridden on pedestrian paths where they are prohibited.\n\n\n\nPolice will also enforce traffic violations, including riding against traffic and failing to obey stop signs and traffic signals, as well as riders failing to yield to pedestrians or exceeding 6 mph when passing pedestrians on sidewalks while operating an electric scooter.\n\n\n\n“Our priority is safety,” Mills said in the release. “We’ll continue educating riders and families, but officers will also be taking enforcement action when violations are observed.”\n\n\n\nUnder Colorado law, electric scooters that travel under 20 mph may be operated on public roads, bike lanes and multiuse paths where bicycles are allowed. Sidewalk riding is generally allowed, but riders must yield to pedestrians and slow to 6 mph when passing. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and anyone under 18 must wear a helmet. A driver’s license, registration and insurance are not required for electric scooters.\n\n\n\nGas scooters and mopeds with engines up to 50cc must be registered with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles and operated by a rider with a valid driver’s license and insurance. Scooters with engines larger than 50cc are classified as motorcycles and require a motorcycle endorsement, registration and insurance.\n\n\n\nPolice also emphasized the difference between e-bikes and e-motos. E-bikes are designed to function like traditional bicycles with electric assistance and must have fully operable pedals. Colorado law classifies e-bikes into three categories: Class 1, which provides pedal assist up to 20 mph; Class 2, which uses a throttle or pedal assist up to 20 mph; and Class 3, which provides pedal assist up to 28 mph.\n\n\n\nClass 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old, and anyone under 18 riding a Class 3 e-bike must wear a helmet.\n\n\n\nE-motos, including electric motorcycles and dirt bikes, are powered primarily by a motor and are not classified as e-bikes under Colorado law. Although some resemble bicycles, they are generally not allowed on bike paths, sidewalks or trails unless specifically authorized. Many e-motos require registration, licensing and insurance when operated on public roads.\n\n\n\nVehicles such as Sur-Ron, Talaria, E Ride Pro and similar electric dirt bikes are not considered e-bikes, according to the Rifle Police Department.\n\n\n\nMore information about Colorado’s e-bike laws and the differences between e-bikes and e-motos is available at rifleco.org/1098/E-bikes-E-motos.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rifle-police-increasing-enforcement-of-bike-e-bike-and-scooter-violations/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:42:01.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F05%2F07121830%2FScreenshot-2025-05-07-at-12.17.26%25E2%2580%25AFPM-2-e1746641994551-1024x852.png","slug":"rifle-police-increasing-enforcement-of-bike-e-bike-and-scooter-violations"},{"id":"hf1b0i","title":"Rifle cancels fireworks for July 3 Celebration","excerpt":"The City of Rifle is canceling fireworks for its July 3 Celebration after consulting with the Colorado River Fire Rescue due to extreme fire danger, the city announced in a press release on Thursday. \n\n\n\nRifle is under Stage 2 fire restrictions along with the rest of Garfield County, which took e...","content":"The City of Rifle is canceling fireworks for its July 3 Celebration after consulting with the Colorado River Fire Rescue due to extreme fire danger, the city announced in a press release on Thursday. \n\n\n\nRifle is under Stage 2 fire restrictions along with the rest of Garfield County, which took effect on Friday. Under the restrictions, all use of fireworks are prohibited. \n\n\n\nDespite the fireworks cancellation, the July 3 Celebration will still take place at Metro Park and Pool from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with bounce houses, a dunk tank, inflatable slip and slide, foam cannon and face painting available. Lemon Swirl Oasis, Frosty Freeze, and Real World Coffee Company will be on site. \n\n\n\nThe celebration will then move to Centennial Park, where live music from Symphony in the Valley, A Band Called Alexis, and The Violet Pines will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. \n\n\n\nAdmission to Rifle Metro Pool will be reduced to $3 per person from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nFor event updates and additional information, visit visitrifle.com/event/july-3rd-celebration-2026/. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocal news from across Western Garfield County—right to you.\n\n\n\nSign up for the weekly newsletter: TheCitizenTelegram.com/Newsletter","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rifle-cancels-fireworks-for-july-3-celebration/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:23:17.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F12%2F11115325%2Ffirework-1-fixed-772x1024.jpg","slug":"rifle-cancels-fireworks-for-july-3-celebration"},{"id":"tp6kag","title":"Aspen Ideas Festival: What will music sound like in 250 years?","excerpt":"Damian Woetzel, artistic director of Vail Dance Festival, spoke on a panel at Aspen Ideas festival on Monday along with Charles Yang and Caroline Shaw about music — and what it might sound like in 250 years, in alignment with Aspen Ideas’ theme: “Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and Fu...","content":"Damian Woetzel, artistic director of Vail Dance Festival, spoke on a panel at Aspen Ideas festival on Monday along with Charles Yang and Caroline Shaw about music — and what it might sound like in 250 years, in alignment with Aspen Ideas’ theme: “Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and Future.”\n\n\n\nAs a way of answering what music might evolve into by the year 2276, the three artists took a look back at music.\n\n\n\nBoth Yang and Shaw grew up highly influenced by classical music within their families. Yang’s parents are immigrants from China, so traditional Chinese music also shaped him. Of course, the two accomplished artists eventually found inroads into music through popular genres, from classic rock and blues. Yet, both perform from a place of love for classical music.\n\n\n\nShaw said that something within classical music turned her heart in a way that she continues to search for — and capture again. She approaches her compositions by “making new doors and windows out of the old material.”\n\n\n\nOf course, the visual arts, including dance, as well as theater, influence music in very tangible ways. Yang noted that dance steps are vastly different from how Bach wrote on the page, but “it all comes together,” he said.\n\n\n\n“The context always matters,” Woetzel said.\n\n\n\nYet what remains the same is heartfelt innovation and curiosity. Shaw says she strives to create music that has always existed but has never been composed. She “goes internal and imagines a sound” that “needs to happen,” one that hasn’t been constructed before yet feels inevitable and necessary. She pointed out that humans began imitating sounds around them in efforts to express themselves and their ideas.\n\n\n\nCharles Yang, Caroline Shaw and Damian Woetzel explore what music might look like in 250 years at Aspen Ideas Festival.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“It’s this idea of: ‘If the moon was a sound, what might that be?'” she said.\n\n\n\nYang and Shaw shared an improvisational, nonverbal music conversation on stage on June 29. They also enlisted the audience to sing “awwww,” which Shaw efficiently coached the collective to shift from sounding like moaning to sounding truly robust and revitalizing. After the experience, she described a sense of delight and joy, as well as a gentle respect for one another, rather than one-upmanship. Yang described it as a call-and-response effect that built.\n\n\n\n“There’s so much inside that sense of sound,” Woetzel said.\n\n\n\nOf course, discovering new music involves collaboration. For instance, when Shaw composed music for Lil Buck to dance to, she asked what Memphis sounded like to him. Then, together, they emerged with something fresh that hadn’t previously existed.\n\n\n\nAs the trio dreamed up what music might be in 2276, Yang said: “We’re not even sure what kind of people we’ll be … (but) the music will grow with that.”\n\n\n\n“What it will be is this function of conversation … not an isolated experience,” Woetzel said, adding that it starts one on one and then evolves together.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/what-will-music-sound-like-in-250-years/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:57:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F29145056%2FIdeasFest-atd-062826-11-1024x768.jpg","slug":"aspen-ideas-festival-what-will-music-sound-like-in-250-years"},{"id":"5nsfo1","title":"Fire southwest of Pueblo explodes to 23,000 acres amid 100-mph wind gusts","excerpt":"The Aspen Acres fire was the latest wildfire to ignite across southern Colorado and the Western Slope amid extremely dry conditions, strong winds and extreme heat","content":"The Aspen Acres fire was the latest wildfire to ignite across southern Colorado and the Western Slope amid extremely dry conditions, strong winds and extreme heat","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/29/southern-colorado-fires-red-flag-warnings-monday/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:06:21.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":45,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2FColo_.Aspen_Acres_13-copy.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C682%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","slug":"fire-southwest-of-pueblo-explodes-to-23000-acres-amid-100-mph-wind-gusts"},{"id":"8eqfk7","title":"Two Rifle Helitack firefighters among three killed in Knowles Fire incident","excerpt":"The U.S. Department of the Interior on Monday released the names of three firefighters who died Saturday while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, including two assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew.\n\n\n\nThe firefighters were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire w...","content":"The U.S. Department of the Interior on Monday released the names of three firefighters who died Saturday while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, including two assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew.\n\n\n\nThe firefighters were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the incident occurred, according to the department.\n\n\n\nFederal officials identified the firefighters as Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack; Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest; and Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.\n\n\n\nTwo additional firefighters were injured in the incident and are receiving medical care.\n\n\n\nThe Knowles Fire has since been overtaken by the larger Snyder Fire, after the Snyder Fire merged with the Jones Fire and overtook the Knowles and Gore fires. All fire activity is now being managed and reported as the Snyder Fire, which is estimated at more than 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border.\n\n\n\nAn interagency complex incident management team has assumed command of the Snyder Fire.\n\n\n\n“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said in a news release. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service.”\n\n\n\nForest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher called the deaths “an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community.”\n\n\n\n“Our heavy hearts are with the families during this unimaginable time,” Fisher said in the release. “We recognize the tremendous impact this loss has on them and are deeply grateful for the devotion their loved ones brought to our organizations.”\n\n\n\nThe Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service are coordinating response efforts and providing support to the families, coworkers and loved ones of those affected.\n\n\n\nA serious accident investigation team has been mobilized and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/two-rifle-helitack-firefighters-among-three-killed-in-knowles-fire-incident/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T17:02:13.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.postindependent.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2FE5GQBSAP7RBVPFETCJB7XDZUBQ.avif","slug":"two-rifle-helitack-firefighters-among-three-killed-in-knowles-fire-incident"},{"id":"pfo0dj","title":"Bank sees long lines, increased calls at Western Slope locations following conversion of FirstBank accounts","excerpt":"Nine months after PNC Financial Services Group announced it would be acquiring Colorado-based FirstBank — one of its many efforts toward westward expansion — the bank faced droves of inquiries from Western Slope customers encountering challenges with their new accounts.\n\n\n\nPNC Bank completed its ...","content":"Nine months after PNC Financial Services Group announced it would be acquiring Colorado-based FirstBank — one of its many efforts toward westward expansion — the bank faced droves of inquiries from Western Slope customers encountering challenges with their new accounts.\n\n\n\nPNC Bank completed its conversion of roughly 780,000 former FirstBank accounts across Colorado and Arizona on Monday, June 22. Over 1,600 employees and 95 branches were also converted in the acquisition — including several located throughout the Western Slope.\n\n\n\nPNC Bank, based in Pennsylvania and operating in 27 states, acquired FirstBank in January for $4.1 billion. Prior to the conversion, FirstBank held the title of the largest locally owned, homegrown bank in Colorado.\n\n\n\nNot everyone experienced a smooth transition. In a Monday Facebook post from PNC Bank, former FirstBank customers took to the comments section to air frustrations over account access issues and trouble reaching support staff.\n\n\n\n“We’re aware that some customers are experiencing intermittent issues with individual accounts and are working to support them,” PNC Bank said in a statement to the Aspen Times. “At this time, we are not seeing evidence of a broader system issue. Our teams are assisting customers in person, by phone, and online, and additional information is available at PNC FirstBank support page.”\n\n\n\nBranch locations in Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Avon, Vail and towns across the Roaring Fork Valley reported increased visits on Monday, resulting in long lines and wait times. Chandra Brin, PNC’s head of communications for the western region, said wait times at those branches have largely returned to normal as of Thursday, June 26.\n\n\n\nThe Silverthorne location saw the largest rise in activity, which the bank credited to its proximity to nearby communities and Interstate 70.\n\n\n\n“While we don’t have specific figures to share, the majority of customer inquiries and interactions have been related to the conversion. That’s to be expected with a change of this scale,” Brin said.\n\n\n\nHaving undergone several acquisitions over the decades to expand its national footprint, Brin said PNC Bank had anticipated the possibility of increased branch traffic and call volume following the conversion of FirstBank accounts. To prepare, the bank deployed over 600 ambassadors to its care center and branch locations earlier in the week, including several on the Western Slope.\n\n\n\nSome of the commenters on social media, disappointed to no longer be part of a Colorado-based bank, announced their intentions to close their accounts and switch to a different bank.\n\n\n\nAs of Thursday, Brin said the company hasn’t seen account attrition outside of typical historical ranges.\n\n\n\nNew PNC Bank customers experiencing difficulties navigating their converted accounts are encouraged to visit a local branch or call the bank’s customer service line. PNC Bank also has a welcome page with resources for former FirstBank customers: PNC.com/en/welcome/first-bank.html\n\n\n\n“We know some customers are experiencing longer-than-usual wait times, and we appreciate their patience,” Brin said.","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/pnc-first-bank-acquisition-colorado-challenges/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-27T20:51:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2026%2F06%2F26135134%2FPNCmerger-1024x683.jpg","slug":"bank-sees-long-lines-increased-calls-at-western-slope-locations-following-conversion-of-firstbank-ac"},{"id":"77uthy","title":"Voss: Hidden dangers of mountain waterways for pups","excerpt":"One of the joys of a warm summer day in the Roaring Fork Valley is the variety of water activities we have to explore. Our dogs enjoy splashing around in alpine lakes, rivers and streams just as much as we do — while this can be a great way to spend an afternoon with your pup, mountain waterways ...","content":"One of the joys of a warm summer day in the Roaring Fork Valley is the variety of water activities we have to explore. Our dogs enjoy splashing around in alpine lakes, rivers and streams just as much as we do — while this can be a great way to spend an afternoon with your pup, mountain waterways can pose several hidden dangers that every pet guardian should know about.\n\n\n\nMany mountain streams appear crystal clear, but that does not mean they are free of parasites. Giardia is a microscopic parasite commonly found in water sources throughout Colorado. Dogs can become infected by drinking contaminated water or licking it from their fur after a swim. \n\n\n\nSome dogs remain asymptomatic, while others develop diarrhea and other gastrointestinal signs as early as five days after exposure. There are several different types of Giardia, some of which are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and people. Because of this, it is an infection I always take seriously in my patients. Routine fecal screening can help identify asymptomatic cases and prevent further transmission. \n\n\n\nIt can be difficult to prevent every exposure, but pet guardians can reduce risk by bringing fresh water on hikes and discouraging dogs from drinking from natural water sources when possible.\n\n\n\nAnother serious water-related danger is blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. These harmful algae blooms can produce toxins that affect the liver and nervous systems in both humans and animals. Algal blooms occur when cyanobacteria rapidly multiply in stagnant water, often appearing as green scum or paint-like streaks floating on the surface or collecting along the shoreline. They are most common during periods of warm weather and low water flow. \n\n\n\nDogs become poisoned after drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Unfortunately, we can’t definitively know if water is contaminated just by looking at it, but you can check the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s toxic algae data webpage for the most up-to-date information (coepht.colorado.gov/toxic-algae). Symptoms can develop within minutes to hours after exposure and may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, collapse, respiratory distress, muscle tremors, seizures or even sudden death.\n\n\n\nThere is no antidote for blue-green algae toxicity. Treatment focuses on managing the patient’s clinical signs and supporting organ function while the toxin is cleared from the body. The sooner veterinary care is initiated, the better the prognosis. However, this remains a very serious and often fatal toxin, making avoidance the best form of protection. \n\n\n\nFish hooks and fishing gear are another seasonal hazard for our pets. Dogs are naturally curious and often investigate bait, tackle boxes and fishing gear left along shorelines. Fish hooks can become lodged in the mouth, tongue, paws or stomach, and fishing line is a serious foreign body risk. Most cases require a sedated procedure to safely remove the barbed hook, and some require endoscopic retrieval or surgery if the hook travels farther into the gastrointestinal tract. \n\n\n\nIf your dog becomes hooked, avoid attempting to pull it out yourself. This can cause additional tissue damage and significant pain. If possible, secure the exposed portion of the hook to prevent further injury and seek veterinary care promptly. Be careful not to get hooked yourself in the process! I have also seen pets come into the hospital with fishing line hanging out of their mouth. While tempting to tug on it, there is often a hook attached to the other side that they’ve swallowed — so again, the best thing to do is seek veterinary care ASAP. Pet guardians can help protect wildlife and fellow recreationalists by properly disposing of fishing line and tackle after every outing.\n\n\n\nAn often overlooked hazard for our dogs is fast moving water. Many dogs love to swim, but mountain rivers can have powerful currents that are easy to underestimate. Water levels may fluctuate throughout the day, and rivers can appear deceptively calm on the surface while concealing strong currents below. Steep banks and slippery rocks can make it difficult for dogs to safely enter and exit the water and can complicate rescue efforts if a dog gets into trouble.\n\n\n\nBefore allowing your dog to enter moving water, consider their swimming ability and fitness level. A properly fitted canine life jacket can provide an extra layer of safety, particularly for less confident swimmers.\n\n\n\nI also commonly treat paw lacerations sustained while dogs scramble over sharp rocks and uneven terrain around rivers and lakes. Taking a moment to assess the surrounding environment before letting your dog loose can help prevent an otherwise avoidable injury.\n\n\n\nAspen’s waterways provide endless opportunities for fun summer days with our pups, but extra consideration and precautions are important to help keep them safe. Bring fresh drinking water, watch for algae warnings, keep an eye out for fishing gear and supervise closely around moving water. A little preparation and awareness can go a long way toward preventing emergencies.\n\n\n\nDr. Kelly Voss is a veterinarian at Aspen Animal Hospital, where she practices small animal medicine and surgery. She has a background in emergency and critical care and is passionate about bringing high-quality veterinary care to the mountains. Have a question for the column? Email her at dr.kellyvoss@gmail.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/voss-hidden-dangers-of-mountain-waterways-for-pups/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Dr. Kelly Voss Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdr.kellyvoss@gmail.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:30:04.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F13172355%2FScreenshot_2026-04-13_at_5.23.31%25E2%2580%25AFPM-1024x1024.png","slug":"voss-hidden-dangers-of-mountain-waterways-for-pups"},{"id":"jadi6v","title":"The smoke in the Colorado mountains has cleared, but gusty winds will lead to ‘red flag’ fire conditions","excerpt":"The smoke that blanketed Colorado mountain skies for much of the week has dissipated, but officials are warning that high winds this weekend will increase the wildfire danger amid widespread drought. \n\n\n\nThe National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings across the Western Slope for Saturd...","content":"The smoke that blanketed Colorado mountain skies for much of the week has dissipated, but officials are warning that high winds this weekend will increase the wildfire danger amid widespread drought. \n\n\n\nThe National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings across the Western Slope for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The warnings advise of “critical fire weather” conditions, with gusts up to 50 mph and dry vegetation that will ignite easily.\n\n\n\n“Elevated fire danger is expected,” the red flag warnings state. “Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.”\n\n\n\nCounties across the mountains have entered Stage 2 fire restrictions, which ban all campfires and charcoal grills, as severe drought persists after a historically hot and dry winter. All of the White River National Forest — the nation’s most visited national forest — also entered Stage 2 fire restrictions this week.\n\n\n\nIn the Dillon Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service rangers placed “No Campfire” flagging in over 120 rock fire rings last weekend and extinguished two abandoned campfires, according to White River National Forest Public Affairs Officer David Boyd.\n\n\n\nNearly 85% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by humans, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Some of the most destructive wildfires in Colorado’s history have been sparked by human activities. \n\n\n\nCampfires, which are banned in most parts of the mountain due to restrictions, should never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished until embers are cool to the touch, according to wildfire officials. Drivers should also ensure chains that could spark are not dragging and cigarettes are disposed of properly.\n\n\n\nSmoke from large wildfires burning in Utah is not expected to reach Colorado. The Dry Creek Fire near Rifle, which is now 90% contained, is also not producing noticeable smoke, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. But officials said that could change if a new wildfire were to spark and spread quickly due to the red flag conditions this weekend.","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/colorado-mountains-smoke-cleared-red-flag-fire-conditions/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Steamboat Pilot & Today staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnews@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:42:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2026%2F06%2F26160825%2Fextreme_fire_risk_sign_June_20_ALongwell-1024x767.jpg","slug":"the-smoke-in-the-colorado-mountains-has-cleared-but-gusty-winds-will-lead-to-red-flag-fire-condition"},{"id":"oop6uw","title":"Laughter as Medicine event coming to Vail","excerpt":"SpeakUp ReachOut, whose mission is to prevent suicide in Eagle County, is proud to present the second annual Laughter As Medicine Comedy Show in partnership with Vail Comedy Show. This dual language comedy event will take place at Manor Vail Lodge in Vail and will feature performances in both Eng...","content":"SpeakUp ReachOut, whose mission is to prevent suicide in Eagle County, is proud to present the second annual Laughter As Medicine Comedy Show in partnership with Vail Comedy Show. This dual language comedy event will take place at Manor Vail Lodge in Vail and will feature performances in both English and Spanish — highlighting laughter as a form of self-care and a powerful tool to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.\n\n\n\nThe event will showcase nationally recognized comedians Steven Gillespie (in English) and Rojo Pérez (in Spanish), along with special guest Finn Mott, an Eagle County native performing in English. Audience members ages 16 and older are invited to choose the language experience that best suits them and enjoy an evening of connection, humor and community.\n\n\n\nJoining Steven Gillespie is comedian Rojo Pérez, who will perform comedy in Spanish. Both shows will take place at Manor Vail Lodge on Thursday as part of a collaboration between SpeakUp ReachOut, a nonprofit whose mission is to prevent suicide in the Vail Valley and Vail Comedy Show. SpeakUp ReachOut/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Comedy creates a unique space where people can breathe, connect and feel less alone,” said Laura Alvarez, SpeakUp ReachOut’s program and events director. “Laughter doesn’t replace support — but it opens the door to it. This event is about reminding our community that healing and hope can show up in many forms, including joy.”\n\n\n\nSpeakUp ReachOut continues to expand innovative, community-based approaches to suicide prevention, including programs that emphasize connection, resilience and stigma reduction. Events like Laughter As Medicine help normalize conversations around mental health while creating welcoming spaces for individuals and families across Eagle County. \n\n\n\nSteven Gillespie, whose comedy career includes appearances on “CONAN” and Amazon Prime’s “Inside Joke,” brings a style described as a blend of absurdity and high-energy storytelling. Rojo Pérez, a New York-based comedian originally from Puerto Rico, has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Netflix’s “Survival of the Thickest,” and HBO’s “Entre Nos: Spot On.” Eagle County native Finn Mott brings a reflective and creative perspective shaped by lived experience and work exploring trauma, storytelling and healing. The event is designed as a shared community experience where laughter becomes a bridge to conversation, connection and awareness.\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t If you go …\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat: Laughter As Medicine Comedy Show\nWhere: Manor Vail Lodge – Vail Village\nWhen: Thursday, July 2\nTime: Doors 7 p.m. | Show 7:30–8:30 p.m.\nMore information: speakupreachout.org/upcoming-events\nRecommended age: 16 years and older\nTickets: $10, with some packages available","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/laughter-as-medicine-event-coming-to-vail/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T20:36:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F29085946%2FSpeakUpComedy-VDN-063026-1_-819x1024.jpg","slug":"laughter-as-medicine-event-coming-to-vail"},{"id":"n65thw","title":"Simon: Transportation needed from Denver, not just Eagle","excerpt":"I understand plans are underway to provide ground transportation from the Eagle County Regional Airport to Aspen when the Aspen Airport is closed next year. While this will be needed, ground transportation from the Denver Airport all the way to Aspen will be much more important. At present, fligh...","content":"I understand plans are underway to provide ground transportation from the Eagle County Regional Airport to Aspen when the Aspen Airport is closed next year. While this will be needed, ground transportation from the Denver Airport all the way to Aspen will be much more important. At present, flights to and from Eagle are very limited and only include a few cities. Further, these flights are quite expensive. \n\n\n\nSo unless things change dramatically, Denver will remain the primary destination for travel to/from Aspen. This will involve a greatly increased use of rental cars driving the tedious four hour ride, resulting in increased traffic, congestion and pollution. In addition, the availability of providing sufficient rental cars may be a problem. Alternative means of ground transportation should be provided.\n\n\n\nEric Simon\n\n\n\nSnowmass Village","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/simon-transportation-needed-from-denver-not-just-eagle/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Eric Simon","publishDate":"2026-06-29T19:11:44.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"simon-transportation-needed-from-denver-not-just-eagle"},{"id":"ycq2pa","title":"Mack: One valley, one plan, one gondola","excerpt":"Some of the most impactful conversations of my life have happened on the gondola — with friends, family and strangers. Imagine that gondola camaraderie woven into daily life in Aspen, not just powder days.\n\n\n\nAspen is about to spend $410 million improving employee housing and nearly a billion mor...","content":"Some of the most impactful conversations of my life have happened on the gondola — with friends, family and strangers. Imagine that gondola camaraderie woven into daily life in Aspen, not just powder days.\n\n\n\nAspen is about to spend $410 million improving employee housing and nearly a billion more moving people through the entrance corridor — two plans that have never shared a desk. The new Lumberyard housing, the hospital and the schools sit behind the valley’s worst bottleneck. And we’re still arguing over the Entrance to Aspen, a controversial plan that threatens our beloved Marolt Open Space.\n\n\n\nThe ledger is staggering: an airport rebuild, the Lumberyard, the Entrance to Aspen, a school bond, the Armory, a new Castle Creek Bridge and a separate RFTA rail-corridor study penciled in for 2028 — well over $1.5 billion. In one decade. Much of it landing in the same 2027 season. Without a masterplan across all projects.In real estate, the most expensive word is “separately.” The first question on any nine-figure bet is whether it makes sense in 30 years. But we’re building a circa 1998 highway alignment in 2027 and calling it a “plan.”\n\n\n\nThat corridor carries over 20,000 vehicles a day — 29,000 at the peak — through the S-curve that moves only 700–800 an hour. Sixty-two percent of the workforce commutes daily, most alone. Unfortunately, as fantastic as the bus is, it doesn’t replace a car for everyone.\n\n\n\nA modern gondola for our corridor would cost around $400–600 million (based on recent builds in Mexico City and rebuild plans in Telluride). After federal grants, IRA credits, a SkiCo partnership and station value capture, the local share would near $150–200 million, about the cost of one bridge. All-electric and largely automated, it costs far less per rider to run and maintain than a fleet of buses. It’s cleaner, produces no exhaust and offers better throughput, outperforming the Preferred Alternative in any weather without paving any highway over our Marolt open space. Aspen paragliders, cyclists, hounds and gardeners rejoice. \n\n\n\nStart where the pain is: Connect the Brush Creek lot to Rubey Park with stations at the airport, the hospital and schools, Highlands and 8th Street. Later, extend to Snowmass and down valley. Four mountains, one ropeway. And we may never need to rebuild the Entrance to Aspen at all.None of this is new. Toni Kronberg and others have urged a Highway 82 gondola for years. What’s new is timing: The airport terminal is being drawn now to reserve space for a gondola station. Decide it in the same room this year, or we’ll argue over it for the next 30 years.\n\n\n\nAnd Aspen gets its streets back: less gridlock, fewer cars circling for parking and safer conditions for pedestrians. A license-plate toll on driving and parking (phased in only once the gondola proves itself) will adjust with congestion. Parking at Brush Creek will be abundant and free, of course. Over time, we can convert previously congested road space into parks and pedestrian corridors. New York and Banff already do exactly this.\n\n\n\nAnd picture the upside. Step off your flight at ASE, or exit a bus or car at the Brush Creek lot, to sit down in a heated gondola cabin and be whisked straight to work or onto the mountain. No traffic, no parking frustrations, no cold bus stop. A café and bar at each end turn the ride into an experience — use your phone at the Brush Creek terminal to order a hot coffee and a breakfast sandwich delivered from a platform bistro window directly into your cabin, as you pass through the airport/AABC station. You can eat and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views while gliding above 82 into town, without wasting a minute of your morning.So, my request is to complete a gondola study this year for the valley’s busiest and most contested stretch of land. Fund a real corridor strategy in the 2027 EOTC budget including an innovative ropeway alternative to address the Entrance to Aspen project, the buses, the airport, the housing underway and the workforce this town runs on. If the Preferred Alternative still wins, we’ll have spent a rounding error to confirm it. If it doesn’t, we’ll have saved a billion dollars and 40 years of arguing.\n\n\n\nSpend the billion on improvements for a real mountain-town transit solution: a town gondola that becomes part of our culture and community for generations to come.\n\n\n\nPeter Mack is a 13-year Aspen resident.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/mack-one-valley-one-plan-one-gondola/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Peter Mack","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F11094951%2F803d1e13-247d-4e90-bee2-07059bdb63c7-1024x1024.png","slug":"mack-one-valley-one-plan-one-gondola"},{"id":"molty8","title":"Identities released of 3 firefighters who died responding to Knowles Fire in Colorado","excerpt":"MESA COUNTY, Colo. — Federal wildland fire officials released the identities of three firefighters who died while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on Saturday.\n\n\n\nThe firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowl...","content":"MESA COUNTY, Colo. — Federal wildland fire officials released the identities of three firefighters who died while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on Saturday.\n\n\n\nThe firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the incident occurred, according to a June 29 press release from the Department of Interior.\n\n\n\nThe deceased firefighters have been identified as:\n\n\n\n\nEmily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack\n\n\n\nNick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest\n\n\n\nSydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack\n\n\n\n\nTwo additional firefighters were injured during the incident and are receiving medical care.The Snyder Fire has merged with the Jones Fire and subsequently overtook the Knowles and Gore fires. All fire activity is now being managed and reported as the Snyder Fire. The fire is currently estimated at over 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border.\n\n\n\nAn interagency complex incident management team has assumed command of the Snyder Fire.\n\n\n\n“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service.”\n\n\n\n“This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher. “Our heavy hearts are with the families during this unimaginable time. We recognize the tremendous impact this loss has on them and are deeply grateful for the devotion their loved ones brought to our organizations.”\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service are coordinating response efforts and providing support to the families, coworkers and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy. \n\n\n\nAn accident investigation team has been mobilized and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, the release states.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/identities-released-of-3-firefighters-who-died-responding-to-knowles-fire-in-colorado/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sky-Hi Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnews@skyhinews.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T16:13:01.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F29100349%2Fwildfire-atd-070418-2-2048x1536-1-1-1024x768.jpg","slug":"identities-released-of-3-firefighters-who-died-responding-to-knowles-fire-in-colorado"},{"id":"iv0vz5","title":"3 firefighters killed, 2 injured while tackling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border","excerpt":"BEAVER, Utah — Three firefighters were killed and two sustained burn injuries when they were overcome by flames from fast-moving wildfires in hot, windy conditions near the Colorado-Utah border.\n\n\n\nThe firefighters deployed emergency shelters for themselves during the so-called burnover — which o...","content":"BEAVER, Utah — Three firefighters were killed and two sustained burn injuries when they were overcome by flames from fast-moving wildfires in hot, windy conditions near the Colorado-Utah border.\n\n\n\nThe firefighters deployed emergency shelters for themselves during the so-called burnover — which occurs when a fire spreads and closes off all escape routes — on Saturday in Mesa County, Colorado, the U.S. Interior Department said.\n\n\n\nThey worked for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service and were part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires, which merged with other fires to form the Snyder Fire. So far, about 44 square miles have burned.\n\n\n\nThe Wildland Fire Service, created earlier this year to streamline firefighting and fire reduction across public lands, said in a statement that it “stands united” with the Forest Service in grief and “in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind.”\n\n\n\n“Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the statement said.\n\n\n\nThe names of the firefighters who perished were being withheld pending notifications to their loved ones, the Interior Department said.\n\n\n\nTemperatures in Grand Junction — east of the fire — hit a high of 93 degrees Fahrenheit, with winds gusting to 44 mph, according to the National Weather Service.\n\n\n\nThe Mesa County Sheriff’s Office was asking people to evacuate the potential path of the fire and to turn on irrigation water to saturate the land. The federal Bureau of Land Management closed public access to lands it manages nearby.\n\n\n\n“Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority,” the agency said in a statement. “The temporary closing of the lands is to reduce exposure to hazardous situations due to the rapid rates of spread and fire behavior that the fire has exhibited. The public is to remain clear of these closed lands.”\n\n\n\nSmoke rises from the Snyder Fire burning near Thompson Springs, Utah, on Sunday, June 28, 2026.AP Photo/Noah Berger\n\n\n\nHot, dry and windy conditions\n\n\n\nWildfire activity has intensified across the Western United States, as consecutive days of hot, dry and windy weather have fueled flames in Utah, Arizona and elsewhere as new fires popped up across the region.\n\n\n\nThe largest blaze, the Cottonwood Fire, was burning out of control in rugged terrain in southwest Utah. It ballooned Sunday to more than 146 square miles after marching through canyons and mountainsides, destroying part of a ski resort and other summer cabins along the way. The cause is under investigation.\n\n\n\nFirefighters were working on multiple fronts to slow the blaze, including using bulldozers to scrape away brush and trees to starve the fire of fuel it needs to burn.\n\n\n\nAuthorities in Beaver County began working with fire teams on Saturday to assess the extent of the damage, but no estimates were immediately available. Gov. Spencer Cox in a post on social media called it bleak, but he thanked crews for what he called “several miraculous stops and saves.”\n\n\n\nThe cliffs and steep slopes have made the job even harder, said Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson assigned to the fire.\n\n\n\n“It’s hard to get dozers and other heavy equipment into that. It’s hard to get engines into that,” she said. “It doesn’t make it impossible to firefight, but it does just kind of slow things down.”\n\n\n\nHundreds of firefighters have been arriving in the arid state to battle new starts as well as those that have been growing because of what forecasters called critical fire weather — dangerously low humidity levels, warm temperatures and gusty winds.\n\n\n\nThe danger is even higher this year because of Utah’s record-low snowpack and its warmest winter on record. Much of the West is grappling with similar conditions, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Some 12 fires were burning in Utah, including four that were new. None were contained by late afternoon Sunday.\n\n\n\nFires across the U.S. burn thousands of square miles this year\n\n\n\nNationally, nearly 4,688 square miles have burned since the start of the year. That is more than the 10-year average.\n\n\n\nSome dozen fully or largely uncontained wildfires were burning across the desert Southwest on Sunday, according to Forest Service data, including in Utah, Colorado, Nevada and Arizona. Their area totaled nearly 469 square miles.\n\n\n\nEmergencies declared in Utah and Colorado\n\n\n\nThe conditions in Utah were critical enough for Cox to declare an emergency earlier this week and clear the way for the state to ban fireworks ahead of the July Fourth holiday.\n\n\n\nState officials said that over the past week, Utah has seen an increase in wildfire starts, with each fire showing unprecedented behavior. These starts have stretched the state’s wildland firefighting capabilities, State Forester Jamie Barnes said.\n\n\n\nColorado Gov. Jared Polis also declared an emergency on Saturday, and authorized the use of the National Guard to tackle the fires.\n\n\n\nForecasters with the National Weather Service over recent days have been issuing red flag warnings for a wide swath of the West, from California to Arizona and New Mexico.\n\n\n\nSouth of Grand Canyon National Park, authorities said the flames of a new wildfire were moving away from Grand Canyon Village and the nearby community of Tusayan on Saturday. But about 50 miles away, another fire prompted Coconino County officials to issue evacuation orders for those near Kendrick Mountain.\n\n\n\nParts of northern Arizona were without power Saturday as the utility serving the area initiated a safety shut-off in hopes of lessening the wildfire risk. On Sunday, officials said power had been restored to much of Grand Canyon National Park.\n\n\n\nPower shutoffs have become more common in the West as wildfire risk has expanded. It is usually a last resort after utility forecasters weigh factors like sustained wind and gust speeds, available fuels and topography.\n\n\n\nWith extreme fire conditions persisting in Utah, Rocky Mountain Power also shut off power lines serving Beaver County and other areas.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/3-firefighters-killed-2-injured-while-tackling-wildfires-on-the-colorado-utah-border/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Ty Oneil, Michael R. Sisak and Julie Carr Smyth Associated Press","publishDate":"2026-06-29T15:19:30.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F29091842%2FAP26178802865191-scaled-1-1024x682.jpg","slug":"3-firefighters-killed-2-injured-while-tackling-wildfires-on-the-colorado-utah-border"},{"id":"wg0b8a","title":"Willow Fire grows to 1,066 acres near Leadville","excerpt":"Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect new growth of the Willow Fire.\n\n\n\nA wildfire that grew to more than 1,000 acres in a matter of hours near Leadville in the evening Sunday, June 28, sent smoke rolling into Summit County and led emergency officials to ask residents not to call ...","content":"Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect new growth of the Willow Fire.\n\n\n\nA wildfire that grew to more than 1,000 acres in a matter of hours near Leadville in the evening Sunday, June 28, sent smoke rolling into Summit County and led emergency officials to ask residents not to call 911 unless they detect a distinct column of smoke or flames.\n\n\n\nSummit County’s emergency alert system notified residents shortly before 6 p.m. that smoke from what has been dubbed the Willow Fire had entered the county and may remain visible through the evening and coming days.\n\n\n\n“Please do not call 911 unless you see a defined column of smoke originating from a single point of origin and/or can confirm you see flames,” the alert stated.\n\n\n\nThe Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District posted a similar message to social media, informing residents that smoke visible over the Tenmile Range is coming from the blaze that has spread quickly in Leadville and Twin Lakes area. \n\n\n\nThe Willow Fire ignited Sunday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. on U.S. Forest Service land near Twin Mounds below Mount Massive — about two miles northwest of the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, according to the fire detection app Watch Duty and the Lake County Office of Emergency Management. \n\n\n\nInitial estimates placed the fire at three to five acres, but by around 4:38, incident commanders estimated it had nearly quadrupled in size, according to Watch Duty. Around 5 p.m., firefighters shifted focus toward evacuating residents near Turquoise Lake and the hatchery ahead of the advancing fire. \n\n\n\nBy Sunday evening around 6:50 p.m., Watch Duty and Egp.Wildfire.gov estimates the Willow Fire has grown to 1,066 acres.\n\n\n\nAnother view from Peak 1 just south of Frisco shows the smoke traveling from Lake County, where officials have ordered mandatory evacuations.Ryan Spencer/Post Independent\n\n\n\nLake County Emergency Management issued mandatory evacuation orders early Sunday evening for multiple roads, campgrounds and trails around Turquoise Lake, including County Roads 4, 5A, 9, 9D, 48 and 99. All campgrounds surrounding the lake, all trails from the fish hatchery and trails leading to the treeline were also evacuated. Officials urged residents not to wait for an evacuation notice if they felt they were in danger, according to the county emergency management’s social media page.\n\n\n\nDisplaced residents are asked to report to the Family Assistance Center at Colorado Mountain College, while large animal owners were directed to bring livestock to the rodeo grounds on McWethy, where gates opened and first responders provided water. \n\n\n\nLocal, state and federal firefighting resources have responded to the fire, according to Lake County Emergency Management. As of Sunday evening, no containment information has been released. \n\n\n\nResidents can monitor official updates through Lake County Emergency Management as firefighters continue responding to the incident. \n\n\n\nA photo from the fire district serving the southern portion of Summit County shows clouds of smoke above the tree line. Local officials have cautioned residents not to call 911 unless they detect a concentrated column of smoke or a visible flame.Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from summitdaily.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/growing-300-acre-willow-fire-near-leadville-sends-smoke-into-summit-county/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Allison Moore Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tamoore@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:59:54.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F28205544%2FWillowFireSmoke-1024x768.jpg","slug":"willow-fire-grows-to-1066-acres-near-leadville"},{"id":"uarmfx","title":"New, Low Cost Technology Extends Roof Life","excerpt":"Have you heard about insurance cancellations because your roof is 10–15 years old?\n\n\n\nWhy invest in an expensive roof replacement when you can now affordably refurbish your existing roof with advanced nanotechnology — and gain even better extreme weather protection than many brand-new roofs?\n\n\n\nS...","content":"Have you heard about insurance cancellations because your roof is 10–15 years old?\n\n\n\nWhy invest in an expensive roof replacement when you can now affordably refurbish your existing roof with advanced nanotechnology — and gain even better extreme weather protection than many brand-new roofs?\n\n\n\nStorm Help Pro is certified to install the GoNano NuRoof Extreme Weather Protection System, designed to restore and protect asphalt shingle roofs up to 15 years old. Instead of spending tens of thousands on a full roof replacement, homeowners can often refurbish their existing roof for less than $5,000.\n\n\n\nThe system is engineered for long-lasting performance, helping keep your home and family safer while extending the life of your roof. Even better, the warranty is transferable, adding value and peace of mind.\n\n\n\nWhy waste thousands on a full replacement if you may not need one?\n\n\n\nGoNano NuRoof uses proven, patented nanotechnology that strengthens and protects shingles at the molecular level — creating what many describe as “asphalt on steroids.” The result is a roof that is more durable, more weather-resistant, and better protected against the elements.\n\n\n\nNanotechnology has already been heavily invested in by industries such as the military, Mercedes-Benz, and GE Appliances because of its proven protective capabilities. Now, that same level of innovation is available for your roof.\n\n\n\nSpecifically, the GoNano NuRoof Extreme Weather Protection System provides:\n\n\n\n\nUp to 50% greater impact resistance to help reduce storm damage\n\n\n\nHydrophobic protection that prevents water penetration while still allowing moisture to escape\n\n\n\nProtection against algae and mold growth, helping eliminate ugly roof discoloration\n\n\n\nA system that does not void manufacturer warranties\n\n\n\nEnhanced durability and weather resistance\n\n\n\n\nGoNano NuRoof has already been installed on more than 50,000 homes across North America.\n\n\n\nWhy replace your roof?\n\n\n\nIf your roof is not leaking or structurally failing, a full replacement may be unnecessary. GoNano NuRoof refreshes, rejuvenates, and protects the roof you already have — helping slow the aging process and postpone costly replacement for years.\n\n\n\nIt’s like getting the benefits of a new roof without the cost and disruption of tearing the old one off.\n\n\n\nA new roof without the mess\n\n\n\nWith GoNano NuRoof, there are:\n\n\n\n\nNo dumpsters\n\n\n\nNo loud tear-offs\n\n\n\nNo major disruption\n\n\n\nNo massive replacement bill\n\n\n\n\nJust a cleaner, stronger, longer-lasting roof.\n\n\n\nSave thousands\n\n\n\nA full roof replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars. GoNano NuRoof helps homeowners extend the life of their existing roof at a fraction of the cost — without the stress and inconvenience of a full replacement project.\n\n\n\nMaintenance Vs. Replacement\n\n\n\nMost roofs do not suddenly fail — they gradually wear down over time. GoNano NuRoof helps slow that process by rejuvenating and protecting your shingles, allowing homeowners to get more life and value from the roof they already own.\n\n\n\nStorm Help Pro can be reached at 970-315-3448 or jeffp@stormhelppro.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/new-low-cost-technology-extends-roof-life-sponsored/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Written by Storm Help Pro","publishDate":"2026-06-27T12:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F19164748%2FStorm_Help_Pro-552x1024.jpg","slug":"new-low-cost-technology-extends-roof-life"},{"id":"xvl95r","title":"PHOTOS: Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Experience gets funky in Aspen","excerpt":"Jazz Aspen Snowmass hosted its annual June Experience over the weekend at various venues across Aspen. Numerous artists took part, headlined by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles playing at Belly Up Aspen. Other acts included The Family Stone, Robert Cray and Jimmie Va...","content":"Jazz Aspen Snowmass hosted its annual June Experience over the weekend at various venues across Aspen. Numerous artists took part, headlined by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles playing at Belly Up Aspen. Other acts included The Family Stone, Robert Cray and Jimmie Vaughan, among others.\n\n\n\nUp next for JAS is its annual Labor Day concerts, with this year’s headliners including Benson Boone, Tim McGraw and Red Clay Strays. For more on the event, scheduled for Sept. 4-6 at Snowmass Town Park, visit jazzaspensnowmass.org/labor-day-experience/.\n\n\n\nThe Family Stone performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nRobert Cray performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, inside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nVincen Garcia performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Aspen Art Museum.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAlly Venable and her band play as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nChiara Izzi, left, and Diego Figueiredo perform on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as part of the JAS June Experience at Felix inside the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nSue Foley performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nCory Henry & the Funk Apostles perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-442469-367').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Ally Venable and her band play as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Ally Venable and her band play as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Ally Venable and her band play as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ally Venable and her band play as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Jazz Aspen Snowmass President and CEO Jim Horowitz introduces Christian McBride (not pictured) before he performed as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Limelight in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Christian McBride performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Limelight in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Christian McBride, left, is introduced by Jazz Aspen Snowmass President and CEO Jim Horowitz before he performed as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Limelight in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Tony Monaco’s B-3 Funk and Groove Unit perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Sterling in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Tony Monaco’s B-3 Funk and Groove Unit perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Sterling in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Family Stone performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Family Stone performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Ally Venable and her band play as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A guitar sits on stage ready to go on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A backup singer with Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Sue Foley performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A member of Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Vincen Garcia performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Aspen Art Museum.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Vincen Garcia performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Aspen Art Museum.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Sue Foley performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A backup singer with Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The Robert Cray Band performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, inside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Sue Foley performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chiara Izzi, left, and Diego Figueiredo perform on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as part of the JAS June Experience at Felix inside the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chiara Izzi, left, and Diego Figueiredo perform on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as part of the JAS June Experience at Felix inside the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Robert Cray performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, inside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n An illuminated sign lights up the stage on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Seen reflected off a picture frame, Cory Henry performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Robert Cray performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, inside the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles perform as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Sue Foley performs as part of the JAS June Experience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the W Hotel in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A microphone waits for a singer on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Belly Up Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe scene in Aspen—don’t miss a beat.\n\n\n\nSign up for our weekly Arts and Entertainment newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-jas-june-experience-sings-the-blues-around-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T04:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F27174822%2FJASjuneday1-atd-062626-01-1024x768.jpg","slug":"photos-jazz-aspen-snowmass-june-experience-gets-funky-in-aspen"},{"id":"vepp40","title":"Delk ready to learn, increase efficiency","excerpt":"Appointee named RFSD board president","content":"Appointee named RFSD board president","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/delk-ready-to-learn-increase-efficiency/article_600a087c-2c4f-43e7-b08e-4750b9684aa1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Faf%2F5af6b855-a0c4-4077-aed2-4499f9932f6a%2F6a41d1bb77873.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C216","slug":"delk-ready-to-learn-increase-efficiency"},{"id":"f0yaz1","title":"New head of GarCo libraries wants to protect the ‘freedom to read’","excerpt":"Korah takes the helm amid censorship efforts, growing use","content":"Korah takes the helm amid censorship efforts, growing use","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/new-head-of-garco-libraries-wants-to-protect-the-freedom-to-read/article_208a6455-e038-4fa4-af9b-eb2d2365e281.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Eleanor Bennett, Aspen Journalism and Aspen Public Radio","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2F03%2Fb0347b1d-208b-4930-8ce8-d68463000daa%2F6a41d220882ed.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C195","slug":"new-head-of-garco-libraries-wants-to-protect-the-freedom-to-read"},{"id":"o3cp24","title":"All the JAS that’s fit for print","excerpt":"Scenes from the weekend’s June Experience","content":"Scenes from the weekend’s June Experience","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/all-the-jas-that-s-fit-for-print/article_ae2b87fe-8c64-4c51-8524-af335ca07242.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme, Aspen Daily News Staff Photographer","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F17%2F417e04a4-1634-4e29-a26b-13e8aa02795a%2F6a41d4051e427.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"all-the-jas-thats-fit-for-print"},{"id":"4qd0rh","title":"Ask a Broker: How do off-market deals work in Aspen?","excerpt":"In a real estate market as nuanced and relationship-driven as Aspen and Snowmass, not every transaction plays out...","content":"In a real estate market as nuanced and relationship-driven as Aspen and Snowmass, not every transaction plays out...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/business/ask-a-broker-how-do-off-market-deals-work-in-aspen/article_a8c9d1ad-e8e2-48de-804d-9de3b4f43032.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Krista Klees, Ask a Broker","publishDate":"2026-06-29T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F05%2F1057c107-fb17-4145-b65c-86e97a2af24c%2F697fd61b953f1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C350","slug":"ask-a-broker-how-do-off-market-deals-work-in-aspen"},{"id":"7c5ao1","title":"jonathan delk","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/jonathan-delk/image_5af6b855-a0c4-4077-aed2-4499f9932f6a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Faf%2F5af6b855-a0c4-4077-aed2-4499f9932f6a%2F6a41d1bb77873.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C216","slug":"jonathan-delk"},{"id":"57urvj","title":"korah and staff","excerpt":"Newly appointed Garfield County Libraries Executive Director Abraham Korah, left, and Branch Director Nancy Barnes, right, stand with three staff members at the Glenwood Springs Library in front of their “summer reading” posters on Tuesday. According to the library district,…","content":"Newly appointed Garfield County Libraries Executive Director Abraham Korah, left, and Branch Director Nancy Barnes, right, stand with three staff members at the Glenwood Springs Library in front of their “summer reading” posters on Tuesday. According to the library district,…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/korah-and-staff/image_b0347b1d-208b-4930-8ce8-d68463000daa.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Eleanor Bennett/Aspen Journalism-Aspen Public Radio","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:45:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2F03%2Fb0347b1d-208b-4930-8ce8-d68463000daa%2F6a41d220882ed.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C195","slug":"korah-and-staff"},{"id":"ddd56o","title":"jamie larue","excerpt":"Then-Garfield County Libraries Executive Director Jamie LaRue stands in front of the Glenwood Springs public library in this photo from early 2025. LaRue, who retired April 9, has been a staunch advocate for intellectual freedom amid local and national efforts…","content":"Then-Garfield County Libraries Executive Director Jamie LaRue stands in front of the Glenwood Springs public library in this photo from early 2025. LaRue, who retired April 9, has been a staunch advocate for intellectual freedom amid local and national efforts…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/jamie-larue/image_c370a90c-1f9f-44b6-b450-1bf4eb0a36ec.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Eleanor Bennett/Aspen Journalism-Aspen Public Radio","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:45:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F37%2Fc370a90c-1f9f-44b6-b450-1bf4eb0a36ec%2F6a41d261eeacd.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C378","slug":"jamie-larue"},{"id":"9hl1zd","title":"nancy barnes","excerpt":"Garfield County Libraries Branch Director Nancy Barnes stands in front of the “summer reading challenge” prizes at the Glenwood Springs Library on Tuesday. Barnes served as the interim executive director during the library district’s hiring process and was one of…","content":"Garfield County Libraries Branch Director Nancy Barnes stands in front of the “summer reading challenge” prizes at the Glenwood Springs Library on Tuesday. Barnes served as the interim executive director during the library district’s hiring process and was one of…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/nancy-barnes/image_3e52831a-9cc4-4c64-86fa-39abcd037afc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Eleanor Bennett/Aspen Journalism-Aspen Public Radio","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:45:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fe5%2F3e52831a-9cc4-4c64-86fa-39abcd037afc%2F6a41d2a1e63ef.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C235","slug":"nancy-barnes"},{"id":"of0d9l","title":"christian mcbride","excerpt":"Christian McBride performs a tribute set called “Remembering Ray Brown” at the Limelight Hotel Aspen.","content":"Christian McBride performs a tribute set called “Remembering Ray Brown” at the Limelight Hotel Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/christian-mcbride/image_417e04a4-1634-4e29-a26b-13e8aa02795a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F17%2F417e04a4-1634-4e29-a26b-13e8aa02795a%2F6a41d4051e427.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"christian-mcbride"},{"id":"ap7vh9","title":"family stone","excerpt":"Dancers get lost in the music of The Family Stone on Friday at the Paul JAS Center.","content":"Dancers get lost in the music of The Family Stone on Friday at the Paul JAS Center.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/family-stone/image_26cc5ded-058c-44ac-bf01-b30ce6ced938.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F6c%2F26cc5ded-058c-44ac-bf01-b30ce6ced938%2F6a41d4537fdf9.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"family-stone"},{"id":"jd289p","title":"Vail music venue revival raises the question: How many live shows will Eagle County support?","excerpt":"In 2005, when Michael Goldberg was first opening Belly Up Aspen, rival ski town Vail still had 8150 – a legendary music venue named for Vail’s elevation and steeped in a tradition of intimate, local talent and frequently big-name musicianship served up to a few hundred people on a high-energy, bo...","content":"In 2005, when Michael Goldberg was first opening Belly Up Aspen, rival ski town Vail still had 8150 – a legendary music venue named for Vail’s elevation and steeped in a tradition of intimate, local talent and frequently big-name musicianship served up to a few hundred people on a high-energy, bouncing dance floor.\n\n\n\nTwo years later, in 2007, 8150 hosted its last live show – a mashup of The Band’s famed “The Last Waltz” concert-film sendoff featuring 20 local and Colorado musicians and lasting into the early morning hours of April 22. That summer, the demolition of Crossroads for what’s now called Solaris Vail left a gaping hole in the musical soul of Vail many fans felt at the time.\n\n\n\nTen years on, in 2017, the Vail Daily was still mourning the loss with headlines such as “Days the music died” and looking to the future of the ski area’s less-vibrant local music scene. Nearly another decade later, Belly Up Aspen is still going strong and Vail is in the planning stages of a music venue that could someday replace 8150 and its predecessor Garton’s Saloon.\n\n\n\nIn fact, Vail could go from no Belly Up-style venues to two year-round indoor concert and event spaces even as a fully renovated $55.4 million Dobson Arena comes online this coming ski season with the capacity to host 3,000-seat concerts.\n\n\n\nA venue with the capacity of up to 450 people is envisioned for the renovation of the Red Lion building and is currently on track to begin construction in the spring of 2027. And the town of Vail, Vail Resorts and developers East West Partners are collectively considering a concert and event venue as part of the West Lionshead redevelopment, although that proposal is years away.\n\n\n\nIn both cases, the redevelopers and developers have pointed to Belly Up Aspen for their inspiration. Musician and Shakedown Bar owner Scott Rednor has been tasked by the Red Lion building owners to plan the new venue there, even as Shakedown remains in its space.\n\n\n\n“They’re remodeling the building around it, which is an honor in itself,” said Rednor, who played New Year’s Eve shows at Garton’s in ’96, ’97 and ’99 and feels the pain of Vail’s missing music venue. “Vail deserves an event space at the top of Bridge Street. It’s the iconic Seibert Circle. It needs to have a place where concerts can take hold, where corporate events can take hold, where people can have their rehearsal dinners and their band there.”\n\n\n\nHe sees the new space as much more than a live-music venue, although that will be a big part of its success, he said.\n\n\n\n“People could get married there and have their after parties there — all of the things that Shakedown is too small for and can’t handle because we don’t do food,” said Rednor, who recently opened a sandwich shop with a full bar and small stage above Shakedown.\n\n\n\nThe question, though, is can Vail go from zero Belly Up-style indoor live-music venues for nearly two decades to at least one, if not eventually two or three, and see all of them succeed. Rednor said he’s been in touch with the Goldbergs and had those very conversations.\n\n\n\n“… How can we make it better for bands that are traveling through? How can we make it better for our (music) community, giving them a place to stop?” Rednor said. “It’s better for everybody because we get them to stop here. We don’t have to travel to Aspen to see a show within a 450-capacity room.”\n\n\n\nBut he acknowledges the geographic competition with Belly Up and Summit County venues such as the 10 Mile Music Hall (where he says the stage is too high and therefore curtails intimacy): “Radius is a thing. Michael (Goldberg) said, ‘It’s not not a thing. It’s a thing.’ We’re going to have to talk about it. He said, ‘some shows will work to share and some shows won’t.'”\n\n\n\nBig-name bands like the Fray, in promotion of its album, “How To Save a Life”, played 8150 in the early 2000s. Special to the Daily\n\n\n\nThen there’s the local competition of the 530-seat Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) in Beaver Creek, although that’s a theater-style venue with no open dance floor, so obviously a very different space. The man whose organization books the Vilar, Vail Valley Foundation VP of Sales & Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Dave Dressman, said that sometimes The Amp even finds itself in competition with the Vilar for summer acts. But he’s pulling for Rednor at the Red Lion.\n\n\n\n“Rednor’s great,” Dressman said. “I think what he’s done with Shakedown. I always say, it’s kept the soul of Vail. It’s got a vibe. What Rednor has done with Shakedown and what he has the potential to do with the new space, it’s in great hands. He cares about the community. He does a great job with Shakedown. Whether he’s able to book the acts he is going to wants to book, like, he’s going to win some and lose some, just like everyone else.”\n\n\n\nFor Dressman, what makes booking live music in the Vail area tough is its relative geographic and economic isolation from the major metro Denver-Boulder market. Vail is 100 miles and two mountain passes from all those people, and hotels rooms are not necessarily cheap in Eagle County. Venues need to appeal to both locals and tourists, Dressman said.\n\n\n\n“Whether the market can sustain additional venues, time will tell. Rednor is going to be fine with his project. Dobson, we are talking with the town and our partners at AEG, and we’re probably going to be involved in some bookings there, but there’s no exclusive arrangement currently,” Dressman added. “It remains to be seen how successful Dobson can be as a music venue.”\n\n\n\nWith a year-round population of just 55,000 (and a fifth of that is in the Roaring Fork Valley near Aspen), Dressman said it’s tough to tell what acts will sell out at the 2,600-seat outdoor Amp.\n\n\n\n“You win some and you lose some, and the goal is to have more wins than losses,” Dressman said. “But I’ll tell you, man, it’s hard to sell out shows in Eagle County. We don’t have a huge population to fill all the shows.”\n\n\n\nRednor knows the music scene has changed quite a bit since 8150 closed down. He has all sorts of ideas for keeping the new Red Lion building venue hopping.\n\n\n\n“Number one, a good, fair priced food,” Rednor said. Then it’s all about what the people want.\n\n\n\n“Everyone has always loved the DJ space, right? It’s a big thing now with the younger crowd,” Rednor said. “So I’m planning on basing it with DJs sort of as a foundation, having nationally renowned DJs coming in, doing four nights, hanging out, doing that kind of thing.”\n\n\n\nRednor said not everyone loves live music, although there’s a hardcore following of those who do love live shows in a wide variety of genres — not just the jam-band ski-town scene.\n\n\n\n“Or they just might not like what we’re doing at Shakedown, and maybe we’re going to book a country act that’s coming through that’ll sell out,” Rednor said. “I want to do whatever the community wants.\n\n\n\n“Because in the end, I’m just using my expertise in design to kind of get us to build a great, sexy space that’s outfitted properly and can host the people that we want to bring in in a way that they’ll want to come back,” Rednor said. “But it’s the community’s venue. It’s our venue. It’s here for longer than me, hopefully, you know?”\n\n\n\nFans of the old Garton’s/8150 space in Crossroads, which could handle between 400 and 500 bouncing concertgoers, will love the sound of that. Of course, a ticket to that final concert in 2007 cost $20 day of the show. Belly Up’s Goldberg told the Aspen Times in 2015 he catches he heat – even in Aspen – if tickets exceed $200.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-music-venue-revival-raises-the-question-how-many-live-shows-will-eagle-county-support/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"David O. Williams Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdwilliams@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T03:25:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":45,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2016%2F08%2F01084905%2FVD_VD200710070419011AR.jpg","slug":"vail-music-venue-revival-raises-the-question-how-many-live-shows-will-eagle-county-support"},{"id":"atnik1","title":"Leadville wildfire column visible from Pitkin County","excerpt":"A “significant wildfire column” from the Willow Fire that has broken out west/northwest of Leadville in Lake County was visible from Pitkin County as of 5:48 p.m., according to a Pitkin Alert.\n\n\n\nThe fire grew to more than 1,000 acres in a matter of hours Sunday evening. Evacuations have been iss...","content":"A “significant wildfire column” from the Willow Fire that has broken out west/northwest of Leadville in Lake County was visible from Pitkin County as of 5:48 p.m., according to a Pitkin Alert.\n\n\n\nThe fire grew to more than 1,000 acres in a matter of hours Sunday evening. Evacuations have been issued for areas in Lake County.\n\n\n\nThis comes after Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office posted to its social media Saturday that the smoke throughout the valley is coming from several new fires burning in southwestern Colorado and a number of large fires in southern Utah. According to the Sheriff’s Office, there have been two small fires in Pitkin County following Friday’s lightning strikes, but both were confined to a single tree and effectively extinguished by local firefighters.\n\n\n\nPitkin County Sheriff’s Office is directing those seeking information about smoke conditions to https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com. According to the website, “Particle pollution is currently spiking in places like Grand Junction, Paonia, Aspen and Eagle as massive plumes of wildfire smoke push rapidly northeastward across Colorado.”\n\n\n\nThe Aspen Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/leadville-wildfire-column-visible-from-pitkin-county/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:13:49.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F07%2F25132433%2FBreaking-news-aspen-times-graphic-black-and-white.png","slug":"leadville-wildfire-column-visible-from-pitkin-county"},{"id":"fuz816","title":"Feinsinger column: Herbs and spices contribute to optimal health","excerpt":"Previous columns on Dr. Michael Greger’s “Daily Dozen” have noted that plant foods with intense color are loaded with antioxidants and other micronutrients. The same applies to foods with intense flavor: herbs and spices.\n\n\n\nMany of these have been used for centuries by various cultures as folk m...","content":"Previous columns on Dr. Michael Greger’s “Daily Dozen” have noted that plant foods with intense color are loaded with antioxidants and other micronutrients. The same applies to foods with intense flavor: herbs and spices.\n\n\n\nMany of these have been used for centuries by various cultures as folk medicine. Today’s column is about some herbs and spices that have been shown to be effective in recent studies, according to the 2026 edition of Greger’s book “How Not to Die.”\n\n\n\nGreger’s favorite herbs and spices are allspice, barberries, basil, bay leaves, cardamom, chili powder, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry powder, dill, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, horseradish, lemongrass, marjoram, mustard powder, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, pepper, peppermint, rosemary, saffron, sage, smoked paprika, thyme, turmeric and vanilla.\n\n\n\nHis daily recommendation is one-quarter teaspoon of turmeric, along with any other salt-free herbs and spices you enjoy.\n\n\n\nTurmeric has an intense flavor and color, and is considered the “king of spices.” It has been shown to play a role in preventing or treating lung disease, brain disease and several cancers. It helps speed recovery after surgery. It treats rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis, along with other inflammatory conditions, such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.\n\n\n\nIt works as well for pain and inflammation as drugs such as ibuprofen, without the side effects. Turmeric is often sold as curcumin, which is just part of turmeric. Only whole turmeric should be used.\n\n\n\nFor prevention and repair of DNA damage, cooked turmeric is best, while raw turmeric is best for inflammation. The one-quarter teaspoon dose of powdered turmeric is about the same as one-quarter inch of grated raw turmeric root, and both can be found at Natural Grocers.\n\n\n\nOne option is to put a small amount of turmeric in tea or coffee, which serves as the cooked turmeric, and drink the rest in juice or water as raw turmeric. Adding a sprinkle of black pepper markedly increases blood levels of turmeric, but it is controversial because it could result in too much of a good thing.\n\n\n\nBlack cumin, or Nigella sativa, is not actually related to cumin. It comes as tiny seeds, which need to be ground in a coffee grinder. One-quarter teaspoon a day improves cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and blood sugar control. It also helps menopause symptoms, reduces body mass index, lowers markers of inflammation and improves inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it helps get rid of kidney stones.\n\n\n\nFennel seeds, sometimes candy-coated, are often offered in a bowl as people leave Indian restaurants as a mouth freshener. They contain nitrate, and chewing them can increase nitric oxide, which improves blood flow by causing arteries to dilate. They also help maintain oxygen levels at high altitudes.\n\n\n\nFennel seeds contain estrogen-like compounds that can increase breast milk production, treat painful periods and, when used in creams, decrease unwanted hair growth in women.\n\n\n\nFenugreek raises estradiol levels in women, and 1 1/2 teaspoons a day can reduce menopausal symptoms. It raises testosterone levels, increasing libido in men and women. One-quarter to two-thirds teaspoon a day for three months improves sexual performance in men. It also improves muscle strength, lowers LDL and triglycerides, and improves blood sugar levels.\n\n\n\nCilantro, at a dose of 20 sprigs a day for two months, reduces inflammation in arthritis sufferers. By lowering levels of uric acid, it also helps prevent and treat gout.\n\n\n\nCapsaicin cream, from chili peppers, desensitizes nerves when applied daily. It has been used for aches and pains and for painful conditions such as post-shingles pain and other neuropathy.\n\n\n\nGinger powder, at a dose of one-eighth teaspoon, has been shown to treat migraines as effectively as the prescription medication Imitrex. One-quarter teaspoon three times a day, starting a day before the onset of a period, decreases menstrual pain as well as 400 milligrams of ibuprofen, without the side effects. It also decreases the amount of menstrual bleeding.\n\n\n\nIn addition, ginger reduces nausea. Although it is safe for morning sickness, pregnant women should avoid doses over 4 teaspoons, which can stimulate the uterus to contract.\n\n\n\nPeppermint is the most antioxidant-packed common herb and is useful for treating gastrointestinal discomfort.\n\n\n\nOregano, marjoram and savory are related herbs. Oregano has anti-inflammatory, anticancer and radioprotective properties. Marjoram inhibits the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in the lab. Savory reduced LDL cholesterol by 27 points in a double-blind study.\n\n\n\nCloves are the most antioxidant-packed common spice.\n\n\n\nAmla is powdered dry Indian gooseberry and is the most antioxidant-packed uncommon spice. The typical American breakfast has 25 antioxidant units; a teaspoon of amla powder provides 753 units. It can be bought online or at an Indian spice store. It does not taste good but can be mixed with a small amount of juice or water and swallowed in one gulp.\n\n\n\nCinnamon improves blood sugar control as well as metformin, the leading diabetes drug, according to Greger, so sprinkle some on your morning oatmeal. There are two types: Ceylon and cassia, also known as Chinese cinnamon.\n\n\n\nIn the U.S., most cinnamon is cassia, which contains a compound that may cause liver toxicity in large doses. Therefore, Greger recommends only Ceylon cinnamon, which can be purchased online.\n\n\n\nSpice mixes are an option. Several varieties of Mrs. Dash salt-free seasoning blend are available at City Market and are a good salt substitute.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/feinsinger-column-herbs-and-spices-contribute-to-optimal-health/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Dr. Greg Feinsinger Doctor's Tip","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:41:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F10%2F02094755%2FDr.-G.-Feinsinger-683x1024.jpg","slug":"feinsinger-column-herbs-and-spices-contribute-to-optimal-health"},{"id":"koa5ba","title":"Moon Mondays: Hot tips for the best Mercury retrograde of your life","excerpt":"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Mercury is going retrograde today. What impending catastrophe is going to befall us now? Aren’t things already bad enough? \n\n\n\nTonight’s a double whammy, the full moon and Mercury reversing simultaneously. If there ever was a time to relinquish control, it’...","content":"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Mercury is going retrograde today. What impending catastrophe is going to befall us now? Aren’t things already bad enough? \n\n\n\nTonight’s a double whammy, the full moon and Mercury reversing simultaneously. If there ever was a time to relinquish control, it’s now. \n\n\n\nLet’s pause the doomsday astrology here for a sec. What if this Mercury retrograde were about to be the best three weeks of your entire life? What if tonight’s full moon actually helped you laser focus on everything you’re doing right? \n\n\n\nThis full moon is in Capricorn, and Mercury is spinning retrograde in Cancer — opposite signs on the zodiac wheel. Capricorn teaches us how to build a meaningful life in the outer world, while Cancer reminds us to nurture the inner one. \n\n\n\nThis is a good opportunity to free yourself from Mercury retrograde always being negative. Mercury’s not the bad guy. That’s just old superstition and self-fulfilling prophecies. Instead of panicking, let the backward motionopen your mind and help you become more conscious. Putting Mercury in your rearview mirror can widen your field of vision. \n\n\n\nI aspire to take each Mercury retrograde as a writing retreat. When Mercury reverses direction, it invites reflection, while it activates our right brains and our creative sides. What is your favorite artistic endeavor? Use this retrograde to go for it. Open the box and let yourself rip. Trust Capricorn’s full moon wisdom to guide your exploration. Let the Cancer Mercury and sun reinforce your ingenuity with motherly love. \n\n\n\nWhat if you don’t fancy yourself a creative? I’ll bet you’re wrong. Your talent may emerge in unexpected ways, like your parenting style or an original flair given to your work. You may craft innovative ways to deal with your problems, inspiring your friends to rely on you for help. You might curate the best playlists or add just a touch of cumin to your egg salad, and everyone goes nuts for it. \n\n\n\nYou’re a human being, so by default, you’re creating your life whether you acknowledge yourself or not. Capricorn and Cancer see you. \n\n\n\nTonight’s full moon means it’s time to party. Like Kool & The Gang sang, “Let’s all celebrate and have a good time.” That’s exactly what our ancestors did. They’d share food, build a bonfire, make some music and dance the night away. The current Stage 2 Fire Restrictions nix the bonfire, but the rest we can still pull off. “Celebrate good times, come on.” \n\n\n\nModern astrology focuses on purging what doesn’t serve you at the full moon. But that can wait until tomorrow, when the moon begins shedding its light. I think we accidentally turned a party into a self-help assignment. The full moon was meant for cutting loose. Let’s liberate ourselves and release the white-knuckled control — for one night. \n\n\n\nWhat is something you can celebrate about yourself right now? Where could you give yourself a pat on the back? For 24 hours, could you stop obsessing about everything you do wrong and acknowledge one thing, however teeny tiny, that you got right? \n\n\n\nI work with the full moon energy to applaud something about myself that I’m proud of. For the past month, I’ve stopped streaming TV shows and have read every night. That is gargantuan for me. I’ve been trying to make this change for years — dare I say decades? And I’ve done it! I’m really freaking proud of myself. I’ve read so many books over the past month, I feel like my mind is blowing up. \n\n\n\nHow can you lean into this full moon, the activated Capricorn and Cancer energies and Mercury stationing retrograde to free yourself? You can come back to self-help and the grind of growth later in the week — like on July 4, our nation’s 250th birthday. Turn your creative mind toward one minuscule thing we’ve done right as a country lately. What bright spot can you acknowledge amidst this five-alarm dumpster fire? Warning: you might have to enter the dream world of imaginary fireworks, rainbows and unicorns.  \n\n\n\nSheridan Semple is an astrologer and life coach who helps women untangle from trauma, shift their stuck patterns, and take practical steps to reclaim their lives. If you’d like monthly support and community, join Moon Sisters Circle at sheridansemple.com. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/moon-mondays-hot-tips-for-the-best-mercury-retrograde-of-your-life/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sheridan Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-29T02:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F10%2F18100421%2FSheridan-Semple-AT-Photo-1024x666.png","slug":"moon-mondays-hot-tips-for-the-best-mercury-retrograde-of-your-life"},{"id":"y6gkze","title":"Temporary art installations engage the senses at Aspen Ideas festivals","excerpt":"As part of the Aspen Ideas festivals, which run through July 1, the Aspen Meadows Campus showcases several temporary art installations. While people need a pass to attend the Ideas’ sessions and activities, all but two of the temporary art installations stand outdoors, so the public can walk thr...","content":"As part of the Aspen Ideas festivals, which run through July 1, the Aspen Meadows Campus showcases several temporary art installations. While people need a pass to attend the Ideas’ sessions and activities, all but two of the temporary art installations stand outdoors, so the public can walk through campus and enjoy the creative spirit.\n\n\n\nCollectively, the art pieces stimulate at least four of the five senses: sight, of course, as well as smell, hearing and touch. Though it’s not necessarily recommended, taste could emerge if someone ate the sage within “Native(s)” by Hood Design Studio, outside the Greenwald building. \n\n\n\n“Native(s)” by Hood Design Studio, outside the Greenwald building.Kimberly Nicoletti/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe artwork helps Ideas festivals attendees slow down and ground themselves within their senses in-between complex and varied sessions that demand critical thinking. \n\n\n\nFor example, “Native(s),” located near the edge of campus, provides semi-shaded benches to sit and smell the sage and other aromatic dried plants. Meanwhile, Poetic Kinetics’ “Chasing Zenith: A Skynet,” placed above the main path to and from various venues, amplifies sound as robust wind ruffles the hanging ribbons; the resonance reflects surrounding quaking aspens.\n\n\n\n“It fits in an audio capacity in our environment completely naturally, and that’s part of what we were looking for,” said Anthony Hesselius, executive producer of the Aspen Institute’s public programs, about the Poetic Kinetics installation. “We tried to make everything as engaging as possible with our art … It comes down to sensory exploration.”\n\n\n\nEvery morning, “The Reverse Side Bell,” designed by Paula Crown, literally rings in the day at Paepcke Lawn. The bell reflects the theme of Aspen Ideas: Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and Future. \n\n\n\n“The Reverse Side Bell,” designed by Paula Crown, literally rings in the day at Paepcke Lawn.Kimberly Nicoletti/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nShe collaborated with Factum Arte to fashion the bell, cast in bronze and rooted in London’s traditional bell-making methods. The reverse side incorporates embossed text and drawings that create both a visual and acoustic rhythm when struck with a wooden or metal mallet, both of which have been employed throughout the festivals.\n\n\n\n“We read into (the reverse side) this really interesting dialogue around American democracy and how we have these ebbs and flows of public discourse and feelings around certain issues. We thought the bell was an appropriate commentary that compliments a lot of what is happening in our sessions this year,” Hesselius said.\n\n\n\nAccording to the artist statement, the bell is “an object that holds past, present and future in a single form (inviting) us to look — and listen — more deeply.”\n\n\n\n“It looks very different than the Liberty Bell, but (it’s) this idea of: Let freedom ring,” said Ava Hartmann, program manager with the public programs division at Aspen Institute.\n\n\n\nMusicians from The Julliard School contribute to a pop-up aptly called the Julliard Station, where students showcase their work in unconventional places. Indeed, it was the first time the team hauled a baby grand piano into the now-tent-covered field on campus.\n\n\n\nProbably the most prominent piece people can’t help but notice through sound, sight and even touch, comes in the form of “Chasing Zenith: A Skynet.” Its name takes inspiration from wind moving in from the west and catching the net, often lifting it 15-20 feet. The piece is both representative and complementary to the campus’ 40 acres.\n\n\n\n“It creates this wave of color that takes over the treetops, and then it ends in this beautiful comet of color,” Hesselius said. “It’s interesting how people have experienced it as we put it up and neighbors were walking their dogs. We found them lingering under it … Families were enjoying the space, and I heard everything from: It looks like a stingray to it looks like a jellyfish; it looks like a wave; it looks like a comet. So, of course, it’s up for interpretation.”\n\n\n\nIdeas Festival impacted Walter Hood so profoundly after he spoke on a panel last year that he asked if he could return and build an art installation. His “Native(s)” pays tribute to the valley’s native flora, salvaged from the forest floor and placed into overhanding pouches throughout the structure. His goal: to offer a space for attendees to retreat and experience moments of quiet reflection.\n\n\n\n“Walter was so thrilled about having this majestic landscape as the backdrop to whatever anyone wants to experience here — the conversations that might take place under this canopy,” Hesselius said.\n\n\n\nJanet Echelman’s two installations punctuate each end of the campus, at Paepcke Auditorium and Doerr Hosier Center. \n\n\n\n“Butterfly Rest Stop,” by Janet Echelman, hangs overhead as a yellow, red and orange meticulously knotted net in the Doerr Hosier Center.Janet Echelman/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe most noticeable, “Butterfly Rest Stop,” hangs overhead as a yellow, red and orange meticulously knotted net in the Doerr Hosier Center with sunlight shining from above and the side through windows and artificial lights illuminating it from below at night. \n\n\n\nWhile most of the temporary installations have been up since the Aspen Ideas: Health festival, which began June 22, her artwork debuted at the beginning of Aspen Ideas June 25. The exhibitions present two- and three-dimensional works revolving around her ongoing interest in the interconnected systems of the natural world. \n\n\n\n“Butterfly Rest Stop” reminds viewers that Aspen lies along the Monarch butterfly’s migration path. \n\n\n\n“The series is also a conceptual inquiry into perception, asking how a flower might appear to a species whose compound eyes see the world in a radically different way from human vision,” Echelman said.\n\n\n\nThe Paepcke Auditorium also showcases a series of cyanotypes she produced from digital design models and photo negatives of the sculptures. \n\n\n\n“This new cyanotype series translates my sculptural language through one of the oldest photographic printing processes, using ultraviolet light to produce rich blue images of rope, pattern, structure and sky,” she said. “The Aspen Ideas Festival brings these works together to position ‘Butterfly Rest Stop’ not as a single installation, but as an evolving body of work — one that moves between public space, exhibition space, digital model, photographic trace and ecological awareness.”\n\n\n\nSasha Stiles’ “American Experiment,” located in the registration tent and displayed through multiple digital screens, draws viewers a bit more back into the mind.\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-442475-749').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation  — see in the background, with wildflowers as the foreground — was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Created by artist Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kentics team, this large-scale kinetic art installation was made for Aspen Ideas Festival and is seen here on Friday, June 26, 2026, on the Aspen Institute campus in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People wander around the Aspen Ideas Festival campus on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Aspen Institute.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\nThrough it, AI combines lines from Stiles’ poems, words from the Declaration of Independence and transcripts from Ideas’ sessions in real time, creating immediate and unique output based both on our nation’s documents and present, ongoing commentary. As a result, each phrase that pops up on the screen will never emerge again.\n\n\n\nThe description of Stiles’ piece states that “at a moment when shared notions of truth are under increasing pressure, ‘American Experiment’ revisits the Declaration of Independence as a living text with urgent contemporary relevance. The installation functions as an evolving reflection on freedom, identity and the role of citizens in reimaging the systems that shape our world.”\n\n\n\nOverall, art has been core to the identity of the campus. The first temporary installation, which colorfully spelled IDEAS, debuted 10 years ago and has been displayed every year afterward, as the quintessential photo opportunity.\n\n\n\n“To understand the campus is to understand the totality of the art on campus. … The additions from the Ideas festival are so incredible, but they are just augmenting what is already a complete, total work of ours,” said Lissa Ballinger, executive director of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, naming just a few of the many permanent installations integrated into the land, from the Marble Garden to the Anaconda.\n\n\n\nThe festivals’ temporary installations elevate Bayer’s original art, ushering in contemporary flair. This year, Aspen Ideas showcases the highest number of temporary installations than any other year.\n\n\n\n“It’s one of the most fun parts of the festival. It’s just great for people to be having these heavy conversations and then to walk out and have a moment with the art,” Hartmann said, adding, “We wanted works that were in conversation with awe — works that inspire contemplation and some that just make people feel excited and connected to the natural environment.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/temporary-art-installations-engage-the-senses-at-aspen-ideas-festivals/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-29T00:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F26234728%2FIDEASartwork-atd-062626-02-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"temporary-art-installations-engage-the-senses-at-aspen-ideas-festivals"},{"id":"x7phpn","title":"5 wild berries to forage this summer in the Aspen area","excerpt":"With wild berry season around the corner in the Roaring Fork Valley, locals and visitors can soon discover a plethora of wild treats while in nature. \n\n\n\nThere are over 10 varieties of edible wild berries that grow in the Roaring Fork Valley, according to Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Na...","content":"With wild berry season around the corner in the Roaring Fork Valley, locals and visitors can soon discover a plethora of wild treats while in nature. \n\n\n\nThere are over 10 varieties of edible wild berries that grow in the Roaring Fork Valley, according to Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Naturalist and Ethnobotanist Penelope Thornton. Peak berry season runs through July and August. \n\n\n\nWild berries play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems. They serve as food for several animals including birds, bears, deer and small mammals. \n\n\n\n“Berries are super important for feeding everybody,” Thornton said. “Before we were cultivating things, we were gathering berries. Berries have evolved to be tasty and have high sugar content because they want to be eaten in order to spread and maintain their populations.”\n\n\n\nTo preserve the vitality of local ecosystems, individuals can follow the “honorable harvest” principle by author and botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer while foraging, according to Thornton: the principle highlights intentionality, restraint and giving back to nature. \n\n\n\nAfter spotting wild berries, foragers should evaluate the plant’s health in order to make an informed decision on whether or not to pick its berries. If picking berries, it’s important to never take more than one needs. Individuals can express gratitude to the plant by watering it or teaching others about it. \n\n\n\n“How can we engage with the natural world in a way where we’re using reciprocity and thinking about how we can contribute to the health of ecosystems?” Thornton said. “It’s really important to note that wildlife everywhere depends on these wild foods while we have access to the grocery store. When you do see something that is abundant, limit what you take and harvest in a way that can promote the growth of the plant.”\n\n\n\nFor her, foraging brings her back to childhood memories of her family foraging for mushrooms and berries together in the Roaring Fork Valley. She described her love for foraging as an “ancestral remembering.” \n\n\n\n“We as humans evolved to have relationships with plants — to recognize their patterns and how to find them,” she said. “That realization has such a profound effect on how I engage with these beings and share this knowledge and continue foraging.” \n\n\n\nThornton is leading an ACES summer series in the Aspen area called “Mountain Medicine and Wild Foods: A Seasonal Ethnobotany Series.” Individuals can register for remaining sessions on the ACES website.\n\n\n\nHere are five wild berries to forage in the Roaring Fork Valley, according to her:\n\n\n\nA handful of wild raspberries.Penelope Thornton/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWild raspberries\n\n\n\nWild raspberries’ sweet and sour flavor makes them a well-sought after treat. Historically, raspberry leaves were used in teas by women all over the world to regulate menstruation and aid the uterus. Raspberry leaf tea was typically consumed after giving birth to help decrease swelling in the uterus.\n\n\n\nThese berries contain large amounts of nutrients including vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They also have a high pectin content, making them a great choice for jams and jellies. \n\n\n\nWild raspberries grow on moist slopes on montane foothills and in forests. They often grow near water sources. \n\n\n\nServiceberries \n\n\n\nServiceberries, also called Saskatoon serviceberries, are a species that are described as tasting like an apple and a blueberry combined. These berries are an important part of the history of local indigenous groups. In the past, serviceberries were often mixed into pemmican, a traditional food made with meat and animal fat. Serviceberry juice was also used to treat stomachaches.\n\n\n\nServiceberries contain antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory. Local varieties can be slightly mealy but pack a lot of fiber. They are a favorite among bears. \n\n\n\nServiceberries can be found on montane foothills and drier open spaces such as Marolt Open Space in Aspen. \n\n\n\nCurrants\n\n\n\nThere are 13 native species of currant in Colorado, varying in color from red to black. Currants were traditionally planted and eaten by miners to prevent scabies, as they are very high in vitamin C. \n\n\n\nThese small, round berries can be found in drier areas across the valley. Many grow near old buildings in the ghost town of Ashcroft, and there is a plaque in the historic site that references them. \n\n\n\nThimbleberries\n\n\n\nThimbleberries, like the name suggests, resemble tiny red thimbles. They have a sweet, complex flavor profile. This species grows in large patches and can also be identified by their large, rounded-star shaped leaves. \n\n\n\nThimbleberries grow in moist areas near water sources. They are commonly found on trails on Independence Pass. \n\n\n\nWild strawberries\n\n\n\nWild strawberries are sweet, low-lying berries that can also be identified by their red vines. Like raspberries, this species has also been used medicinally to soothe the uterus after birth. Wild strawberries contain a small amount of naturally-occurring salicylic acid. \n\n\n\nWild strawberries grow in open forests and partly shaded areas close to the ground. \n\n\n\nPoisonous lookalikes \n\n\n\nIt’s important for foragers to familiarize themselves with poisonous berries in the area, such as baneberries. Baneberries are bright red, slightly oval-shaped berries that grow in dense clusters; they can also be white. Because of cardiogenic toxins, they are extremely poisonous. \n\n\n\nIndividuals should always err on the side of caution when foraging. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/5-wild-berries-to-forage-this-summer-in-the-aspen-area/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sonia Alizadeh Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsalizadeh@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-28T23:30:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25075028%2Fservice-1024x636.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"5-wild-berries-to-forage-this-summer-in-the-aspen-area"},{"id":"a7a1rt","title":"The Blind Spot: The silent fire in your mouth","excerpt":"You’ve had this moment. The hygienist finishes your cleaning, glances at her notes and says it almost as an afterthought: “Just a little bleeding back here. Nothing to worry about.”\n\n\n\nYou nod. You forget about it before you’ve left your parking spot. That sentence may be the most dangerous thing...","content":"You’ve had this moment. The hygienist finishes your cleaning, glances at her notes and says it almost as an afterthought: “Just a little bleeding back here. Nothing to worry about.”\n\n\n\nYou nod. You forget about it before you’ve left your parking spot. That sentence may be the most dangerous thing said in your dentist’s office all year.\n\n\n\nAsk yourself: What other part of your body do we consider fine if it bleeds every time we wash it? If your scalp bled every time you brushed your hair, you’d call a doctor that afternoon. If your skin bled in the shower, you’d assume something was seriously wrong. Somewhere along the way, we decided gums were the exception. They’re not.\n\n\n\nA fire that doesn’t announce itself\n\n\n\nInflammation has a public-relations problem.\n\n\n\nWe picture it as the redness around a cut — loud, visible, temporary. But another kind never announces itself. It doesn’t swell. It doesn’t hurt. It just smolders for years inside gum tissue most people never think about between cleanings.\n\n\n\nYour mouth hosts over 700 species of bacteria. In balance, they’re harmless — even helpful. But when harmful strains take hold, your gums mount a continuous immune response. Pockets as small as 4 millimeters are enough to keep it running indefinitely. Here’s what most patients, and more than a few physicians, don’t grasp: You don’t need visible bleeding or loose teeth for the damage to be underway. It can look completely normal.\n\n\n\nThat low-grade battle doesn’t stay contained. It floods your bloodstream with inflammatory messengers that travel to your heart, your brain, your joints, your organs. Your gums are not some minor, self-contained corner of your health. They are the most common source of chronic inflammation in the entire human body. And chronic inflammation is the leading driver of most chronic disease — and thus why many longevity researchers refer to it as inflammaging.\n\n\n\nThe numbers behind the headlines\n\n\n\nA 2008 meta-analysis in the “Journal of General Internal Medicine” found a 24 to 34% higher risk of coronary heart disease in people with periodontal disease — independent of smoking, diabetes and other known risk factors. Heart disease remains America’s leading cause of death. Almost no one screens for this version of the risk.\n\n\n\nThen there’s the brain. A 2019 study in “Science Advances” found Porphyromonas gingivalis — the bacterium behind advanced gum disease — directly inside the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients, its toxic proteins correlating with the tau tangles that define the disease. \n\n\n\nResearchers stop short of claiming causation. They don’t stop short of suggesting this organism may have a hand in one of medicine’s most feared diagnoses.\n\n\n\nAnd then cancer. A 2018 “Journal of the National Cancer Institute” study tracking over 7,000 adults for a decade found severe periodontitis linked to a 24% higher cancer risk, strongest for lung and colorectal cancer. \n\n\n\nHeart disease. Alzheimer’s. Cancer. Three of the conditions people fear most, each one showing a measurable thread running back to the same source: a mouth nobody was watching closely enough.\n\n\n\nWhy no one connects the dots\n\n\n\nHere’s the part that should bother you more than the statistics. Your cardiologist checks your cholesterol. Your neurologist checks your cognition. Your oncologist screens for tumors. Almost none ask about your gums. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile, the provider who sees this tissue twice a year may never connect it to anything beyond your teeth. This isn’t malice. It’s specialization — and somewhere along the way, the mouth’s connection to the rest of the body became no one’s job to track. But it is someone’s job. It’s ours. We have the most direct view of low-grade inflammation anywhere in the body. No cardiologist gets that vantage point. No oncologist gets it either. \n\n\n\nFor too long, we treated it as local, not an early warning system. The mouth isn’t a blindspot because no one can see it. It’s a blindspot because the people best positioned to see it didn’t say so loudly enough, and medicine never thought to ask.\n\n\n\nWhat this actually costs\n\n\n\nNot dollars. Years. A 25-year study published in the “Annals of Periodontology,” following men through the VA Dental Longitudinal Study, found that subjects with the deepest periodontal pocket depths had a 74% higher risk of death than those with healthy gums. Not 74% higher risk of gum disease getting worse. Seventy-four percent higher risk of dying, from any cause, over the course of the study.\n\n\n\nThat’s not a hypothetical. That’s time with your children, your grandchildren, your own future quietly priced into a number nobody shows you. Here’s what makes the oversight almost unforgivable: prevention costs close to nothing. Two minutes of proper brushing. Flossing once a day. A cleaning twice a year. No prescription, no specialist referral, no insurance fight required.\n\n\n\nThe old proverb had it right long before any of this research existed: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here, the ounce costs you almost nothing — and the cure, if you wait too long, may not exist at all.\n\n\n\nWhat to actually do about it\n\n\n\nYou don’t need a CRP blood test to start taking this seriously, although that’s a conversation worth having with your physician. What you can do this week: Ask your hygienist directly for your pocket depth numbers at your next cleaning, not just whether things “look fine.” Pay attention to whether your gums bleed when you brush or floss — not just whether they hurt. Bleeding without pain is not nothing. It’s often the only signal this disease gives you.\n\n\n\nAnd if you have a family history of heart disease, Alzheimer’s or cancer, treat your gum health with the same seriousness you’d treat your blood pressure or your cholesterol. Because right now, in most medical systems, nobody else is going to make that connection for you. So the next time you spit and see pink in the sink, don’t shrug it off the way you always have. Ask why.\n\n\n\nThat question is where my work begins. It’s where yours should too.\n\n\n\nDr. Andrew Turchin brings his backgrounds in dentistry and exercise physiology to his Aspen practice, The Ageless Smile, where he helps patients uncover the hidden factors affecting their health and aging. TheAgelessSmile.com | andrewturchindmd@gmail.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/the-blind-spot-the-silent-fire-in-your-mouth/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Dr. Andrew Turchin Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-28T21:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03163646%2FT4A5262-shorter-2.1-798x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"the-blind-spot-the-silent-fire-in-your-mouth"},{"id":"bfiiia","title":"Spencer: Vote John Doyle","excerpt":"John Doyle has a proven record of presenting practical solutions to solve our valley’s transit and housing issues, and he prioritizes our natural environment in all decisions. He is a public servant who listens, does his homework and consistently puts the community’s best interests first.\n\n\n\nPlea...","content":"John Doyle has a proven record of presenting practical solutions to solve our valley’s transit and housing issues, and he prioritizes our natural environment in all decisions. He is a public servant who listens, does his homework and consistently puts the community’s best interests first.\n\n\n\nPlease vote John Doyle for Pitkin County commissioner.\n\n\n\nJames Spencer\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/spencer-vote-john-doyle/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"James Spencer","publishDate":"2026-06-28T16:56:39.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"spencer-vote-john-doyle"},{"id":"xg1lkg","title":"Aspen Fire recommends wildfire hardening for APCHA HOAs","excerpt":"Andy Fisher, deputy chief of Aspen Fire Protection District, presented to the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority board on Wednesday, June 17, about wildfire hardening procedures for APCHA-owned building complexes, urging hardening against ember showers and vegetation removal around houses.\n\n\n\n...","content":"Andy Fisher, deputy chief of Aspen Fire Protection District, presented to the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority board on Wednesday, June 17, about wildfire hardening procedures for APCHA-owned building complexes, urging hardening against ember showers and vegetation removal around houses.\n\n\n\nFisher used the Fairway Three housing development wildfire hardening in Snowmass Village as a prime example of the kind of work he would like to see done by other developments owned and managed by APCHA. According to him, Fairway Three has been working on adding fire-resistant siding to the houses and removing vegetation within five feet of the house while reimbursing residents to purchase new plants that can be placed outside the five-foot radius. \n\n\n\nCouncil Member and Mayor Pro Tem John Doyle told The Aspen Times that Fairway Three has a relatively large capital fund compared to other APCHA developments, which was instrumental in their ability to perform the work. He noted that not all HOAs have the funds to do this kind of mitigation work, and that they will likely require assistance from the city to apply these hardening regulations to all their properties. \n\n\n\n“I imagine it’s probably going to take some help from the city, not unlike other programs that APCHA is running, but I think it’s really important to do this fire mitigation, not just for HOA, but the whole of the built environment in the city,” Doyle said.\n\n\n\nWhile APCHA owns its own buildings, the department doesn’t have the power to order each building’s HOA to implement regulations in alignment with wildfire mitigation work, which could lead to problems getting the work done across all properties. APCHA Board Member Ted Mahon expressed interest in finding ways to encourage HOA members to meet with Aspen Fire and possibly take advantage of the free wildfire risk assessments that Aspen Fire provides. \n\n\n\n“I don’t think anyone has actually called for the free assessment, and it’s not that hard to do,” Mahon said. “Maybe they just need a little more of a nudge or maybe they just need to be told to come in (and meet with Aspen Fire).”\n\n\n\nFisher noted that having wooded vegetation, mulch or woodchips within five feet of a building increases the chances of ignition, most significantly when the wood is less than 8 inches in diameter. He explained that some larger, more fire-resilient wood like aspen trees can be left, but that branches low on the tree must be removed to prevent fires from being able to climb them.\n\n\n\nAli Hammond, the director of community wildfire resilience, said that the mitigation being done is part of creating a “firewise community” that is able to coexist with wildfire, which Hammond noted is an inevitability. She also explained that defensible space is vital to the safety of a home.\n\n\n\n“What we are proposing here is starting with the most basic level of a ‘fire-free five’, the first five feet around your home, and not only does this meet the Firewise standards, it also can be a very successful model for community adoption,” she said. \n\n\n\nShe said that mitigation needs to be done to defend houses from embers in the event the house is defended up close but the surrounding landscape is burning. She noted that if vents can be meshed, fire-resistent siding and roofing can be added and dry flammable material can be kept away from buildings, they will be very likely to survive more ember showers. \n\n\n\n“Embers are typically how structures catch on fire, and so if we put an eighth of an inch mesh, like metal mesh screening, over a vent, then we prevent an ember from being able to get into that space within the house and be able to burn the house from the inside out,” Hammond said.\n\n\n\nFisher added that mitigation could improve insurance rates, although, according to Hammond, at this point it is hard to determine if that is possible for every property. Because mitigation is only recently becoming more widespread, even if one house is “hardened,” the rest of the neighborhood may still be primed to burn, leaving that one house at continued risk. \n\n\n\nHammond also explained that insurance companies currently don’t have a way to catalogue and metric what work has been done, and HOAs and local fire protection districts need to solve this communication barrier before rates can lower.\n\n\n\n“One of our biggest challenges at the moment is figuring out the right avenues to be able to communicate in two directions with insurers, because of course insurers are going to tell you what they want you to do, but having a mechanism where they can understand the full resilience effort from a holistic standpoint is where we’re at,” she said.\n\n\n\nTo schedule a free wildfire resiliency assessment for your property, visit aspenfire.com/schedule-an-assessment.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-fire-recommends-wildfire-hardening-for-apcha-hoas/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-28T16:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25091843%2FDSC8267-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-fire-recommends-wildfire-hardening-for-apcha-hoas"},{"id":"1xq9ya","title":"PHOTOS: Art parade celebrates 50 years of the Aspen pedestrian mall","excerpt":"Much like the entrance to Aspen, affordable housing, the airport modernization project and a host of other popular topics today, the creation of the pedestrian mall in the downtown core was hotly debated for years before becoming reality.\n\n\n\nCreated in 1976, this summer marks the 50th anniversary...","content":"Much like the entrance to Aspen, affordable housing, the airport modernization project and a host of other popular topics today, the creation of the pedestrian mall in the downtown core was hotly debated for years before becoming reality.\n\n\n\nCreated in 1976, this summer marks the 50th anniversary of the Aspen pedestrian mall and to celebrate that milestone, Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen hosted the free Mall Fest 50 Art Parade and community block party on Saturday in the downtown core.\n\n\n\n“The creation of the pedestrian mall is a unique part of Aspen’s history. The seed of the idea was first planted in the 1950s and the conversation continued well through the ’60s and ’70s,” said Sarah Roy, the executive director of the Red Brick Center for the Arts, in a short speech to the crowd at Sister Cities Plaza. “They saw the vision of creating this quiet, calm oasis in the middle of downtown.”\n\n\n\nInitially approved in 1972, the pedestrian mall became the first of its kind in Colorado. Dubbed Aspen’s “living room,” it has long been at the heart of the city’s public art collection.\n\n\n\nFollowing the parade, Mayor Rachael Richards — dressed as Lady Liberty — read a proclamation that highlighted the mall’s 50 years in Aspen.\n\n\n\n“We recognize its central role in Aspen history and its enduring power to foster community, preserve our heritage, and promote a pedestrian-first lifestyle for all who walk its brick paths,” she said.\n\n\n\nThe quick, eight-block parade that began and ended at Wagner Park was just the appetizer as Aspen’s annual Fourth of July parade will take over the downtown core this coming Saturday, July 4, as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.\n\n\n\nAspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe band plays in front of the Elks Building as part of the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-442412-133').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Mayor Rachael Richards leads the procession during the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Kids enjoy the cupcakes at the community block party hosted by Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen after the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen. The event was meant to celebrate five decades of the Aspen pedestrian mall.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Honored guests listen to Aspen Mayor Rachael Richards, at right, as she reads a proclamation following the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen. The event was meant to celebrate five decades of the Aspen pedestrian mall, with many of those honored guests having a direct hand in their creation.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nika Meyers was honored for having one of the best costumes as part of the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Sarah Roy, who is executive director at the Red Brick Center for the Arts, talks following the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Lara Whitley with Aspen Public Art gets a shout out following the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Cupcakes wait for hungry mouths during the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Bubbles float through the air during the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Mayor Rachael Richards reads a proclamation following the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen. The event was meant to celebrate five decades of the Aspen pedestrian mall.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The band plays in the street during the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young girl plays in the bubbles during the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People take part in the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Torre, Aspen’s former mayor, takes part in the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The band plays in front of the Elks Building as part of the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Aspen Public Art and the city of Aspen host the Mall Fest 50 Art Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in downtown Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-art-parade-celebrates-50-years-of-the-aspen-pedestrian-mall/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-28T05:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F27123959%2Fartparade-atd-062726-03-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"photos-art-parade-celebrates-50-years-of-the-aspen-pedestrian-mall"},{"id":"scirza","title":"Willoughby: Two kinds of geological treasure","excerpt":"We think Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake are two of our greatest treasures. The geology that produced them also provided Aspen’s other great treasure: silver deposits. Looking back over time, you can see how the definition of treasure has changed. \n\n\n\nThe first photo of Maroon Bells was taken by one...","content":"We think Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake are two of our greatest treasures. The geology that produced them also provided Aspen’s other great treasure: silver deposits. Looking back over time, you can see how the definition of treasure has changed. \n\n\n\nThe first photo of Maroon Bells was taken by one of the most famous photographers of the time for the United States Geological Survey in the 1870s on the Hayden survey. The task of the survey was to inventory the West, and at that time, Hayden was focusing on Wyoming and Colorado. The survey mapped the surface geology, and since minerals had already been discovered in Colorado, their mapping was vital to those looking for potential sites. \n\n\n\nThe same operation had examined the Yellowstone area, and the report, photos and paintings made by the survey highlighted the unique scenery for the eyes of those in the East who had a hard time believing what was there. The survey party, in the Aspen area, climbed many of the peaks because they used the highpoints for mapping triangulation. However, there was a particular interest in attaining the heights as they were looking for which peak in Colorado was the highest. The survey maps drew silver prospectors to Aspen in 1879, but the report did not feature the Bells and the Lake as it had for Yellowstone features. \n\n\n\nThe earliest reporting about anything concerning Maroon began in 1881. At the end of the valley closest to town, W.A. Moore offered care for horses and mules for $2.50 a month. That same year, what was referred to as Maroon Gulch or East Maroon Gulch, was mentioned for mining discoveries. The ore had high copper content, lead and sufficient silver to make them viable. This was during the period when prospectors examined every acre surrounding Aspen and Ashcroft. \n\n\n\nThe details of those claims show that they were either in East Maroon valley, very near the top of the ridge on the opposite side of the ridge at the end of Conundrum Valley or on the Gothic side of the range. There was even talk of building a road from Aspen to Gothic that would have gone up Maroon Creek, then up East Maroon Creek and then over the mountain to Gothic. The Maroon valley, except for those discoveries, had no mineral deposits. \n\n\n\nThe other definition of treasure, the beauty, had its first mention in The Aspen Times in 1882. McIville Reed, an artist, was selling pictures, and it was suggested that “Every person should buy one to send to his friends in the East — The Pictures of Maroon gulch is worth double the money.” \n\n\n\nMaroon Lake is not mentioned until later, usually when a group would go there to camp and fish. In 1887, the paper suggested, “A good scheme would be for some person to take up and improve the grounds around Maroon Lake. It is full of fish and the place can be made one of the summer resorts for picnics for Aspen and the valley. The scenery in the vicinity of the lake is grand.” \n\n\n\nThe next mention was in 1893, when it was reported that fishing would stop because a local received a grant from the game warden to make it into a fish hatchery. Fortunately, nothing came of that. \n\n\n\nTrips to the lake increased, and in 1895, the paper reported, “a party of gentlemen report having caught no fish, but they fell out of the boat and were thoroughly drenched — one man lost his watch — they searched but just got muddy — then they failed to find the case of beer that had been cached near their camp — yet they claim they were sober.”\n\n\n\nWhat is considered treasure certainly changes over time. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/willoughby-two-kinds-of-geological-treasure/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tim Willoughby Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-28T02:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25080836%2Fbells.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"willoughby-two-kinds-of-geological-treasure"},{"id":"gyrgp8","title":"James Hunter Six to debut at Aspen’s Paul JAS Center","excerpt":"Grammy-nominated British soul and R&B act The James Hunter Six will debut in Aspen. The ensemble will perform two jazz cafe performances at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday, July 3, at the Paul JAS Center, located at 422 E. Cooper St.\n\n\n\nThe British rhythm-and-soul and R&B ensemble is fronted by ac...","content":"Grammy-nominated British soul and R&B act The James Hunter Six will debut in Aspen. The ensemble will perform two jazz cafe performances at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday, July 3, at the Paul JAS Center, located at 422 E. Cooper St.\n\n\n\nThe British rhythm-and-soul and R&B ensemble is fronted by acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist James Hunter. He’s known as one of the United Kingdom’s greatest soul singers who continues to top the Billboard Blues charts. He’s toured with top performers, such as Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt.\n\n\n\n“He plays vintage soul from the 1960s but in a fresh way. He’s a Brit with grit, with an international following. This show will be his highly anticipated debut at JAS and well worth the wait,” said Jim Horowitz, the founder, president and CEO of JAS. “His horn-driven, back-up band is fantastic and sets the tone perfectly!”\n\n\n\nA couple of standout tracks leading up to their latest album are “Here and Now, “Drop on Me” and “A Sure Thing.”\n\n\n\n“The show heavily features their latest album ‘Off the Fence’ with a sprinkling of stuff from previous albums — the popular tracks,” Hunter said. “We have a good handful of news ones.”\n\n\n\nHe finds inspirations for his albums in curious ways. One of the 12 tracks on the new album sprung out of a conversation he overheard between his wife and her former piano teacher.\n\n\n\n“They just happened to use the phrase ‘two birds and one stone,’ and I decided to take that as a nice title,” he shared. \n\n\n\nAnother single on the album, “Gun Shy,” came about because Myles (the double bass player) pitched the title with a basic concept for a song, prompting Hunter to ask for permission and write the song. \n\n\n\n“It sounded quite intriguing. It was a nice metaphor,” Hunter said. \n\n\n\nUltimately his version ended up on the album. The song is an upbeat, retro jam and soul song capturing the nervous energy of sharing romantic feelings.\n\n\n\nHe debuted his first solo album, “Believe What I Say,” in 1996, which was later re-promoted in 2006, and features a guest appearance with Van Morrison who sings on the track “Ain’t That a Trip.” His latest effort, “Off the Fence,” marks his 11th studio album, released January 2026. He currently lives in Brighton, East Sussex. \n\n\n\n“He’s collaborated for decades with the legendary Van Morrison, including many 2026 tour dates. Simply put, Van is a huge fan!” Horowitz said.\n\n\n\n“I’ve known Van Morrison since 1989 — that’s when I first met him. We were playing in South Wales, in Newport, at the King’s Hotel. The hotel was owned and the gig was run by a mutual friend called ‘Mac.’ He invited Mac to the gig, so we met him after and started chinwagging about music,” Hunter said.\n\n\n\nA few weeks later, Mac called Hunter declaring that they could do something with his music. There was a time lag of about a year, and this time Hunter reached out, and almost immediately Van Morrison started booking them out for some rehearsals and a couple of gigs.\n\n\n\nHunter recounts he did learn something specific from Van Morrison about his technique. He didn’t impart it to him directly; he just picked it up.\n\n\n\n“What happened was — in the mid-1990s, we did an album on Ace Records. We asked Van if he would guest on a couple of tracks, and he was up for it,” Hunter said. “He turned up one morning, and we did two Bobby Bland covers, ‘Ain’t Nothing You Can Do’ and ‘Turn on Your Love Light”; We hammered into it, and Van was great. Afterwards, the engineer made this interesting observation about him. He said it sounds as if Van has a built-in compressor. He’s got this marvelous way of keeping a consistent volume level throughout — his quiet notes are at the same level as his loud ones. I’ve tried to copy that.”\n\n\n\nHe added, “I told Van that recently — that’s what the engineer said about him. It might be that the band is not even conscious of it.”\n\n\n\nHe is on tour in the U.S. for just shy of three months.\n\n\n\nLooking further down the road, Hunter is open to other passion projects. He said he would enjoy making more 16 mm films — a skillset he has. He would also take the time to illustrate the autobiography he began during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the highlights of his life and the funniest things that have happened over the years. \n\n\n\nAs he looks forward to his concerts, he recalled Aspen’s elevation.\n\n\n\n“After you leave, you feel like Superman because you go back to a more typical altitude,” he joked.\n\n\n\nFor more information, visit jazzaspensnowmass.org/event/james-hunter-six-early.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/british-soul-act-to-debut-at-jas-june-experience/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-27T22:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F26171113%2FTJHS_CreditJimHerrington_DSC_1234c-Edit-2-Editb-2-1024x701.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"james-hunter-six-to-debut-at-aspens-paul-jas-center"},{"id":"n2e9m3","title":"M.S. Rau showcases American treasures","excerpt":"M.S. Rau has extended its mini exhibition, “From Court to Cocktail,” through July 6, in consideration of Aspen’s Fourth of July weekend celebration. It showcases dining items from the 16th century and beyond, including a sterling silver coffeepot handmade by Paul Revere himself. The gallery also ...","content":"M.S. Rau has extended its mini exhibition, “From Court to Cocktail,” through July 6, in consideration of Aspen’s Fourth of July weekend celebration. It showcases dining items from the 16th century and beyond, including a sterling silver coffeepot handmade by Paul Revere himself. The gallery also features collections honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Titled American Icons, the latter highlights paintings, medallions and a diamond ring.\n\n\n\nFrom Court to Cocktail\n\n\n\nA 40.1-Troy-ounce coffee pot Paul Revere handcrafted around 1775Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo.\n\n\n\nWhile many people associate Revere with exclaiming, “The British are coming,” he didn’t actually shout that throughout the streets. Rather, he quietly warned that the redcoats planned to ransack military supplies.\n\n\n\nAnother detail some people don’t know about him is that he was an expert silversmith. M.S. Rau’s “From Court to Cocktail” showcases a 40.1-Troy-ounce coffee pot he handcrafted around 1775. It is one of only six armorial coffee pots crafted before the Revolutionary War, two of which reside in museums and four that remain in private collections.\n\n\n\n“In terms of maker, quality and provenance, this coffee pot is the most significant American silver object available today,” according to the press release, which later states: “He was the only silversmith in the colonies capable of crafting a finished product from the silver ingot to a finished engraved treasure all by himself.”\n\n\n\nIt depicts Revere’s stamped marker’s mark. The number of troy ounces far exceeded the average silver objects he made, which weighed about 5 troy ounces. It currently sells for $1.28 million.\n\n\n\nCoffee, served in mismatched cups, became the beverage new Americans embraced, as opposed to drinking tea from matching sets, said John Rawley, sales consultant at M.S. Rau.\n\n\n\nThe oldest relic in the “From Court to Cocktail” curation is a 1589 silver and coconut goblet. Its rarity stems from not only 16th-century silver but also from the fact that coconuts were so rare in England.\n\n\n\n“A coconut, at this time, would’ve been seen as totally exotic. … It would’ve been like me showing you a moon rock. This would’ve been a status symbol,” he said, explaining how, at the time, banks didn’t exist, so people stored their wealth in household items, such as this goblet partially made of silver.\n\n\n\nPeople believed that these “exotic” coconuts held magical properties, with the ability to detect and even neutralize poison.\n\n\n\n“Your drink might be poisoned, especially if you were a member of nobility or the court,” said Rawley, explaining why those in power highly regarded coconuts.\n\n\n\nMuch of the silver from the 16th century didn’t survive, given that warfare in England caused officials to melt down the precious metal to pay for troops; Oliver Cromwell demanded that people surrender all of their silver objects to him after he found out that his opposition financed their efforts predominantly with silver. Later, the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed much of London, including a majority of its silver.\n\n\n\n“Pieces crafted prior to these tragic events are extremely scarce and highly desirable,” according to the press release, which added that it’s one of the small number of pre-Cromwellian English silver objects, particularly from the 1500s, known to exist.\n\n\n\nOf the 14 items within the mini exhibition, an Art Deco-period silverplate cocktail shaker by Asprey & Co. also stands out. The shaker carries a sense of humor, as it’s dubbed the Thirst Extinguisher, due to its resemblance to an old fire extinguisher. It features a rotating base, engraved with classic cocktail recipes from the 1920s and ’30s. It comes complete with a handy cigar lighter on the lid.\n\n\n\nA rare coconut and silver goblet from 1589.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo.\n\n\n\nAmerican Icons\n\n\n\nWithin the American Icons collection, Norman Rockwell’s 1943 “A Scout is Friendly” represents one of his beloved works for the Boy Scouts of America. The painter earned a reputation for capturing the heart and soul of America in the 20th century, and he believed the Boy Scouts organization embodied the nation’s highest values.\n\n\n\nOther items within American Icons include a Tiffany & Co. Art Deco carved agate, enamel and diamond clock from circa 1925; an 11.3-carat Harry Winston flawless Golconda diamond ring; a 1918 Louis Comfort Tiffany Victory Favrile Glass Medallion; and Marcia Gaylor’s 2010 painting, “Remembering the Bill of Rights.”\n\n\n\nTiffany & Co., renowned for its innovation in American luxury, created the 4-inch Art Deco clock, which reflects the height of the company’s Art Deco history. It features gem-studded hands, 18-karat gold and old-cut diamonds.\n\n\n\nClassified as Type IIa, the 11.3-carat diamond is the most chemically pure, representing the highest standard of excellence. The Golconda diamond was mined centuries ago in the Indian region. The GIA has rated it Triple Excellent for its cut, polish and symmetry.\n\n\n\nThe glass medallion, set in a bezel to wear as a pendant, was designed to celebrate the Allied victory in WWI. The patriotic décor depicts an eagle with outstretched wings holding the Liberty Bell, with a banner above reading: VICTORY. Experts believe a socialite commissioned it to invite people to an exclusive party.\n\n\n\nGaylor’s painting portrays Americans sitting on the steps of Federal Hall, near the famed George Washington statue. Gaylor is known for art that illustrates powerful symbols of our economy.\n\n\n\n“(It) reminds the viewer of the Founding Fathers’ wisdom and values, which every American citizen is indebted to,” according to the description.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/m-s-rau-showcases-american-treasures/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-27T20:21:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F27130632%2FUnknown-2-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ms-rau-showcases-american-treasures"},{"id":"x9zrm2","title":"Aspen Music Festival and School supports 50 years of concerts in Salida","excerpt":"The 2026 Salida Aspen Concerts series will celebrate 50 years of music, community and summer traditions with six Saturday evening performances at 7 p.m. July 11 through Aug. 15 at Salida High School Auditorium. \n\n\n\nThe world-class musical acts are presented in a partnership with the Aspen Music F...","content":"The 2026 Salida Aspen Concerts series will celebrate 50 years of music, community and summer traditions with six Saturday evening performances at 7 p.m. July 11 through Aug. 15 at Salida High School Auditorium. \n\n\n\nThe world-class musical acts are presented in a partnership with the Aspen Music Festival and School.\n\n\n\n“In recognition of the support we have received for all of these years, our first concert and the following reception is free, our gift to the public,” President of the Board of Directors for Salida Concerts, Inc. Sheryl Wight said.\n\n\n\nWight added, “For 50 years, Aspen Music Festival and School has shared outstanding musicians with our community. Newcomers who discover this concert series are astounded that our small mountain town has concerts from the world’s top musicians in their field and at small town prices. These concerts have been an inspiration to generations of aspiring musicians who have enjoyed front row seats to these performances. We are grateful for the relationship that has enriched our community.”\n\n\n\nThe opening celebration concert will take the stage at 7 p.m. July 11 at Salida High School auditorium. \n\n\n\nJuly 11: William Yeh will perform violin with piano accompaniment. At 14, Yeh is one of the youngest recipients ever of Aspen’s Dorothy DeLay Fellowship Prize. He has been attending the Aspen Music School since age 11. He is currently enrolled in Juilliard’s pre-college program. His Grand Prix winning performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major Op 35 during the 2025 Concerto Competition is available on YouTube. \n\n\n\nJuly 18: Angel Stanislav Wang performs solo piano. Wang was the top six finalists out of 340 competitors at the 2025 Cliburn International Piano Competition and, at 23, was the youngest competitor to reach the finals.\n\n\n\nJuly 25: Piano-Palooza brings together some of the festival’s finest pianists performing beloved classical repertoire. \n\n\n\nAug. 1: Hao Yang performs classical guitar. Yang studies under Sharon Ibsin — Aspen’s head of guitar and founder of Julliard’s classical guitar program. Yang serves as her teaching assistant. Ibsin, who spends her summers in Aspen, selects her top guitarists to perform in Salida. Originally from China, Yanghas performed in many major venues, including Carnegie Hall, as well as in Salida last year.\n\n\n\nAug. 8: Steven Spooner joins the Aspen Music Festival and School this year as a new faculty member. Spooner is known worldwide for his uniquely compelling performances. Spooner has released more than 45 recordings, highlighted by a landmark 10-volume survey of Liszt’s work. He is also known for a daring reinvention of the solo recital, letting audiences vote on the spot for one of five programs he has prepared. \n\n\n\nAug. 15: Edgar Meyer, double bass, and Amy Yang, piano, will perform. Meyer’s work crosses classical, bluegrass, newgrass and jazz. He has won seven Grammy Awards and been nominated 10 times. Visiting professor of double bass at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, he has performed with many other musicians and in a great variety of venues. Yang is an alumna of three prestigious conservatories: the Curtis Institute of Music, the Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music. Yang has performed at major music venues from Carnegie Hall to Salida. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegular admission is $30 per concert, with free admission for all K-12 students. An adult accompanying a K-12 student will receive half-price admission.\n\n\n\nTickets are available at the door and online through Salida Aspen Concerts. Season tickets are available now through July 11 online and at the first concert. Season packages offer added value — purchase four concerts and receive the fifth free. Memberships are also available online at salidaaspenconcerts.org. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-music-festival-and-school-supports-50-years-of-concerts-in-salida/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-27T20:00:00.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F26165250%2F2Willima_Yeh_631089-1024x577.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-music-festival-and-school-supports-50-years-of-concerts-in-salida"},{"id":"ueziz8","title":"Pitkin County vacancy rates exceed Garfield","excerpt":"A report on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys was presented during a joint meeting between Aspen City Council and the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners last week, the first step in a process to identify current affordable housing needs...","content":"A report on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys was presented during a joint meeting between Aspen City Council and the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners last week, the first step in a process to identify current affordable housing needs. \n\n\n\nThe assessment is the result of bill SB 24-174, passed by the Colorado legislature in 2024 and requiring local governments to have an assessment completed by the end of 2026. \n\n\n\n“This is the final step for us, bringing this document to all the boards and councils for their review and then submitting it to the state. It’s an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions,” Liz Axberg, housing policy analyst for Aspen, said.\n\n\n\nThe meeting was one of many that will be taking place over the next month, presenting initial findings to local governments throughout the region. Axberg was joined by Rachel Shindman and Sushma Pramod-Meyer of the Denver division of EPS, the land economics consulting firm that produced the report. \n\n\n\n“Everyone from Aspen to Parachute was involved because we know that housing here really is a regional challenge and will require regional solutions,” Shindman added. \n\n\n\nThe study is aimed to serve three key purposes: to support applications for the state affordable housing fund (Proposition 123), to facilitate planning for affordable housing needs and to build regional collaboration on housing between local governments. \n\n\n\nThe final report for this region focused on Pitkin and Garfield counties, although data from a small section of Eagle County, representing the area around Basalt, was included in an effort to capture a more complete picture.\n\n\n\nVacancy rates and locations of family households were two data points that stood out in the meeting, illustrating the continuing trend of residents being priced out. \n\n\n\nAccording to data presented, vacancy rates are much higher in Pitkin County (41%) than in Garfield County (8%), and these rates have steadily increased since 2010. Such a large disparity points to an increase in non-primary (second or third) homes, specifically in Pitkin County, which remain unoccupied for much of the year. \n\n\n\nWhen combined with findings that the population in Garfield County is growing (while Pitkin remains steady), and that mid- and downvalley towns have a significantly larger proportion of family households when compared to Aspen, the trend of working families being unable to afford housing upvalley was apparent.\n\n\n\n“It is pretty much impossible, if you work locally, to afford a home locally. There is nowhere in the region where the median price of a single-family home is less than $1.5 million and a townhome is less than $1.25 million,” Shindman said. \n\n\n\nThere were some silver linings in the assessment, however, with the report finding nearly 4,500 units of affordable housing in the region — over 90% of those are in Pitkin County, and 65% percent of that is in Aspen proper. \n\n\n\n“We are not starting anywhere close to scratch. There’s a lot already being done in this region. That’s great, that means we can look at what works and expand on it and what might not be working, and tweak it,” Shindeman said. “We know, especially in a lot of our mountain communities, we cannot build our way out of this. There’s just not enough land. So that is not what we’re trying to create as the takeaway. More affordable housing can be produced through a lot of means. It could be rental assistance, buy down programs, deed-restricting existing housing units; there are a lot of ways to meet these needs.” \n\n\n\nAspen City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem John Doyle noted that the council recently met with Aspen One and received information from the valley’s largest employer that aligned with what Shindman presented.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Their employees are also aging out,” Doyle said. “As those employees age out, a lot of them own their own homes. And when they sell, a lot of those homes are not going to go to employees. They’re going to go to most likely second-home owners; these are the trends we’re seeing. So we’re losing housing units, and that’s why I think these numbers are important.” \n\n\n\nAxberg emphasized the importance of the assessment in the broader context that included what Doyle highlighted.\n\n\n\n“We want to make sure we’re accurately representing what’s going on in our community in terms of housing need,” she said, “and then use this information to make informed decisions as a community.”\n\n\n\nNo formal action was requested of the county or the city at this time.\n\n\n\nThe presenting group will now follow up with eight other local governments over the next month to share their findings, and will then submit the report to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The next stage in the process involves creating a significantly more detailed and structured Housing Action Plan, which will then be adopted by the regional councils.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitkin-county-vacancy-rates-exceed-garfield-county-as-residents-get-priced-out/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Anthony Prochaska Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-27T20:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F24153941%2Fecoflight-atd-062325-22-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitkin-county-vacancy-rates-exceed-garfield"},{"id":"wqsacm","title":"What 2 hours at Aspen Ideas revealed about AI","excerpt":"‘Life, Optimized’ — What We Gain (and Lose) When AI Takes Over\n\n\n\n With Joanna Stern, Manoush Zomorodi, Jenn White, and Fanny Elahi\n\n\n\nFrom L to R: Jenn White, Manoush Zomorodi, Joanna Stern and Fanny Elahi.Daniel Bayer/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nI walked into “Life, Optimized” expecting a conversation a...","content":"‘Life, Optimized’ — What We Gain (and Lose) When AI Takes Over\n\n\n\n With Joanna Stern, Manoush Zomorodi, Jenn White, and Fanny Elahi\n\n\n\nFrom L to R: Jenn White, Manoush Zomorodi, Joanna Stern and Fanny Elahi.Daniel Bayer/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nI walked into “Life, Optimized” expecting a conversation about technology. I walked out thinking about my arteries.\n\n\n\nModerated by WBEZ’s Jenn White, the conversation brought together Wall Street Journal tech columnist Joanna Stern, NPR host and author Manoush Zomorodi, and Columbia neurologist Dr. Fanny Elahi — three people who’ve spent years, in very different ways, reckoning with what our screen-saturated lives are actually doing to us. The room was packed. People were nodding before anyone had said anything particularly surprising, which told me something about where we all are right now.\n\n\n\nZomorodi, whose new book “Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being” grew out of a collaboration with Columbia physiologist Keith Diaz that enrolled more than 20,000 participants, shared the finding that’s stayed with me most. Diaz had been trying to answer a deceptively simple question: What’s the minimum amount of movement the human body needs to offset the damage of a sedentary day? The answer was five minutes of gentle movement for every 30 minutes of sitting. Not a workout but a walk to the window. Even that modest interruption lowered blood pressure, stabilized blood glucose, improved mood and focus, and reduced fatigue. The mechanism is almost embarrassingly basic: when we sit for long stretches, we kink the arteries, blood backs up and less oxygen reaches the brain. The exhaustion we blame on too many meetings or too much screen time is, at least partly, just the body asking for something it’s not getting.\n\n\n\nStern, whose New York Times bestseller “I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything” documents her year of surrendering nearly every task to artificial intelligence, was the one who named the thing a lot of us have felt but couldn’t quite articulate. Cognitive offloading. The creeping awareness that skills which once felt effortless now require effort, because we are no longer doing them. She could still write the email, draft the outline or work through a problem, she said, but it just felt harder than it used to. I think most people in that room had experienced some form of this. From no longer memorizing phone numbers to relying on our devices to track how many steps we’ve taken, we all have given up some basic tasks for more time and convenience.\n\n\n\nDr. Elahi brought the sharpest edge to that observation. Her concern isn’t adults making conscious choices about what to delegate; that’s a reasonable trade-off we can all navigate. It’s the kids who are growing up without ever having to struggle through the things AI now does for them instantly, and what that means for the cognitive architecture they’re building. “What do we want our brains to do?” she asked, and it landed less like a rhetorical question than a genuine one worth sitting with. She asked it again at the end of the session. I’m still sitting with it.\n\n\n\nThere was a moment toward the end that reframed everything for me. Dr. Elahi described the 3 a.m. hospital transfer: an exhausted resident, a critically-ill patient just arrived from another facility and a stack of documentation that could take hours to parse. AI can synthesize that accurately and fast, she said, which means the physician gets to do what only a physician can do: actually be with the patient. That’s not a cautionary tale about AI. That’s the thing, working exactly as it should. The difference between a tool that replaces human connection and one that makes space for it turns out to matter enormously.\n\n\n\n ‘AI and the End of Loneliness’ — Or Is It?\n\n\n\n With Paul Bloom and Manoush Zomorodi\n\n\n\nPaul Bloom speaks at Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday, June 26.Leah Vogel/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nPaul Bloom opened by saying loneliness is a terrible form of suffering, and he meant it plainly. The University of Toronto psychologist and author of “Psych: The Story of the Human Mind” wasn’t building to a reassuring pivot. In conversation with Zomorodi, who moderated with her characteristic mix of curiosity and precision, Bloom spent an hour making the case that AI’s relationship with loneliness is more complicated and more dangerous than most people want to believe.\n\n\n\nAccording to him, the data shows that the loneliest group in America isn’t the elderly. It’s young adults, 43% of whom report feeling lonely regularly. A growing number of them are turning to chatbots for companionship, support, and in some documented cases, love. And here’s what makes this genuinely complicated: studies consistently find that people rate AI interactions as more empathic and more satisfying in the short term than conversations with actual humans. Chatbots are present in a way people often aren’t. They don’t get distracted, impatient or make it about themselves. A third of teenagers have already had what they describe as serious personal conversations with one.\n\n\n\nThe long-term data is less encouraging. Extended reliance on AI companions appears to predict increased loneliness, not less. Bloom pointed to something structural: Human relationships have asymmetry baked in. You need people; they need you. Something real is at stake on both sides. A chatbot needs nothing from you. To illustrate what that actually feels like, he cued up a scene from the 2013 film “Her,” in which the protagonist discovers his AI companion is simultaneously in love with hundreds of other users. The intimacy felt completely real to him. To her, he was one of many.\n\n\n\nBloom called the related problem sycophancy, and it’s worth understanding. A study published in Science found that when people brought moral conflicts to AI, the chatbots overwhelmingly most often sided with the user, raising concerns that they reinforce beliefs instead of encouraging reflection. Human respondents called people out roughly 60% of the time. AI rarely did. The people who spent time with sycophantic AI came away more convinced of their own rightness, less willing to apologize and less inclined to examine themselves. Loneliness, Bloom argued, works like hunger, a biological signal pushing us toward what we actually need and that friction and suffering are what make us human. An AI that soothes the signal without meeting the underlying need isn’t a cure. It’s a painkiller, and painkillers have side effects.\n\n\n\nHe was careful not to make this a blanket argument. For a 90-year-old living alone, having outlived her friends and her family, an AI that engages her mind, nudges her to move, draws out her memories and plays music from her past could be genuinely meaningful. For a teenager who’s never had to sit with the discomfort of social failure, never had to apologize, repair or try again, the same tool may be quietly stunting the exact capacities it seems to be nurturing.\n\n\n\nWhat Bloom said he’d actually want to see is AI companions designed to be outgrown, good enough to offer real comfort in hard moments, imperfect enough that people eventually replace them with real flesh and blood people. He said he knew that was probably a bad business model, but he hoped someone would build it anyway. It’s a funny kind of hope, one that knows exactly what it’s up against and decides to mean it regardless.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/what-2-hours-at-aspen-ideas-revealed-about-ai/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sarah Girgis Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsgirgis@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-27T17:15:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F26154641%2FAspenIdeasSign-atd-062626-02-1024x819.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-2-hours-at-aspen-ideas-revealed-about-ai"},{"id":"okili3","title":"Alumni in Action: 6 Eagle County athletes compete at Nike Outdoor Nationals","excerpt":"Six Eagle County athletes competed at Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon from June 18-22. Hayward Field played host to the USATF U20 championships alongside Nike Outdoor Nationals, which annually attracts hundreds of the top middle and high school track athletes. Participants are divided in...","content":"Six Eagle County athletes competed at Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon from June 18-22. Hayward Field played host to the USATF U20 championships alongside Nike Outdoor Nationals, which annually attracts hundreds of the top middle and high school track athletes. Participants are divided into ‘championship’ and ’emerging elite’ fields based on qualification standards met during the spring season. \n\n\n\nRecent Eagle Valley graduates Lily Brueck and Tyler and Dylan Blair made the trip, along with rising senior Tiago Horruitiner and soon-to-be sophomore Paisley Kraft. \n\n\n\nEagle Valley’s Lily Brueck competes in the 300-meter hurdles at the Eagle Valley Invitational on April 4, 2026.Rex Keep/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nBrueck, an all-state 300-meter hurdler, placed 64th in the emerging elite 400-meter hurdles in a time of 1 minute, 10.27 seconds. Horruitiner competed in the championship long jump. He took 25th with a mark of 22 feet, 1.75 inches a bit shorter than his season best of 23-08.75. In the emerging elite high jump, the returning senior went 6-02.75.\n\n\n\nTyler Blair, who ran 1:52.99 at the state meet in May, clocked a 1:54.77 in the boys championship 800, finishing 50th. He returned to run 4:13.76 in the championship mile — including a school-record time of 4:12.19 for 1600-meters en route. Five of the top-7 finishers were from Colorado, including champion Abdinasir Hassan (4:01.88). Dylan Blair split 4:15.48 for 1600 and finished in 4:16.95 for the full mile in the emerging elite division. Both marks were personal bests for the Northern Arizona commit. Kraft competed in the freshman girls mile, finishing 59th in 5:26.15. \n\n\n\nBattle Mountain’s Eden DeMino competed in the championship girls 2-mile. The rising junior finished 27th overall in a time of 10:49.04. New Jersey sophomore Leah Starkey won the race in a time of 9:46.57. \n\n\n\nDeMino — who ran an altitude school-record time of 10:51.14 in the 3200-meters at the state track meet in May — ran her first mile in the June 21 race in 5:10. She was in a pack with Summit runner and Ski and Snowboard Club Vail mogul skier Kayla Broecker, who wound up finishing 16th in 10:28.57. DeMino’s 3200-meter time en route to the full 2-mile finish was 10:46.09, which is the fastest in Battle Mountain history. \n\n\n\nVail mountain biker competes in Lenzerheide World Cup\n\n\n\nBayli McSpadden rides to victory in the U23 women’s race at the Orange Seal Pro Cup in Temecula, California on March 8, 2025.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nVail’s Bayli McSpadden made her sixth-career World Cup start in Lenzerheide, Switzerland last weekend. The former Ski and Snowboard Club Vail skier turned mountain biker competed in the women’s elite cross-country event on June 21. Sixty-one athletes representing 23 nations competed in the 28-kilometer race at the Bike Kingdom Lenzerheide, the fourth of nine World Cup cross-country stops on the 2026 calendar.\n\n\n\nSweden’s Jenny Rissveds won in a time of 1:24:24 as Swiss rider Ronja Blochlinger (1:25:22) and American Savilia Blunk (1:25:34) rounded out the podium in third. McSpadden finished in 56th.\n\n\n\n“Coming into mountain biking later than many of my competitors meant I didn’t get as much time racing in the U23 ranks, but I’m gaining that experience now and learning every time I line up,” McSpadden stated on her Instagram page. “There are no shortcuts in this sport. Every race, every challenge, and every setback is another step forward.”\n\n\n\nMcSpadden said she’s leaving Lenzerheide “motivated, hungry and excited for what’s ahead.”\n\n\n\nMcSpadden has raced a full international slate since the year started in late February. She opened the year with a pair of UCI Junior Series races in Puerto Rico before competing in the US Pro Cup in Fayetteville in March. She also raced in Temecula, California at the Orange Seal Pro Cup in April and the World Cup in YongPyong, Korea on May 3, where she was 45th. At the Canmore MTB Classic on June 10, McSpadden finished 13th out of 33 women in the elite cross-country Olympic event.\n\n\n\nBayli McSpadden recently competed in a UCI World Cup mountain bike race in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.Vail Recreation District/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOther alumni in action\n\n\n\nUniversity of Oregon sophomore Sage Sappenfield placed 12th in the giant slalom in the United States Collegiate Snowsports Association national championships this March in Lake Placid. The former Ski and Snowboard Club Vail racer, a friend of current University of Denver golfer Logan Hale and Argentinian Olympian Nicole Begue, also finished 26th in the slalom to guide the Ducks to a ninth-place team finish out of more than 30 squads. \n\n\n\nSappenfield was Oregon’s top skier throughout the winter. She won the first two Northwest Conference races of the season at Silver Mountain, Idaho on Jan. 24 and 25 and was second on back-to-back days the following weekend as well. She posted two third-place finishes at the final qualifier events on Feb. 14 and 15 at Snowqualmie Pass, Washington to help Oregon finish second as a team.\n\n\n\nVal Constien wins the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase final during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. Charlie Neibergall/AP photo\n\n\n\nTwo-time Olympian Val Constien injured her Achilles tendon landing in the water during the steeplechase at the LA Track Festival on May 23. After receiving treatment at The Steadman Clinic in Denver, Constien said she’s shifted her focus to getting her tendon back to full strength.\n\n\n\n“The goal is to salvage the season but obviously I’ll have to wait and see how the recovery goes,” she posted on Instagram on May 28. \n\n\n\nConstien — who returned from a torn ACL to make the 2024 Olympic team — opened the year with an 8:56.91 indoor 3,000-meters on Jan. 30 at the John Thomas Terrier Classic. She kicked off her outdoor campaign with a 4:11.29 1500-meter effort on April 18 at the Bryan Clay Invitational.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/alumni-in-action-eagle-county-athletes-compete-at-nike-outdoor-nationals/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Ryan Sederquist Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trsederquist@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-27T15:43:36.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F03%2F30123638%2FTrack_Meet_03_28_2026-66.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"alumni-in-action-6-eagle-county-athletes-compete-at-nike-outdoor-nationals"},{"id":"6ydcmq","title":"Documentary celebrates life of Eagle County sustainability pioneer Adam Palmer","excerpt":"Adam Palmer’s legacy is remembered in pieces of Eagle County — in the trails, the ice, in the waves and in the energy that powers people’s homes. On Thursday, June 25, Palmer was remembered by his beloved community, as locals attended a sold-out screening of “The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer” a...","content":"Adam Palmer’s legacy is remembered in pieces of Eagle County — in the trails, the ice, in the waves and in the energy that powers people’s homes. On Thursday, June 25, Palmer was remembered by his beloved community, as locals attended a sold-out screening of “The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer” at Capitol Theatre in Eagle. \n\n\n\nThe film not only captured the lasting impact that Palmer made on the people in his life, but also the many hats he wore in the environmental world of Eagle County, and beyond. After the sudden loss of Palmer, along with Andy Jessen and Seth Bossung in a 2021 avalanche near Silverton, Colorado, the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund was created in alignment with Palmer’s efforts as a leader in sustainability. \n\n\n\nPart of the mission of the Palmer Fund is to aid the town of Eagle in reaching its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030, an initiative in which Palmer himself played a substantial role. The film showed how Palmer was ahead of his time in sustainability efforts, being an early advocate for electric car charging infrastructure and solarized electric grids. \n\n\n\n“His sustainability and environmental work at the county level was putting Eagle County on the map,” Eagle County Senator Dylan Roberts said in the film. \n\n\n\nThe fund raises money through donors, grants and other revenue sources to give it back to projects in the Eagle community that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Right now, the fund is trying to set up a $5.6 million endowment. Kicking off that effort is the documentary, which is touring across the state, including screenings in Eagle, Silverthorne and Boulder. \n\n\n\n“We think this is a pretty amazing story,” executive producer of the film, Geoff Grimmer, said in an interview prior to the screening. “I think there’s a lot of excitement and pride.” \n\n\n\nSome of Palmer’s more public titles included Holy Cross Energy Board Member, founder of EnergySmart, Eagle County Director of Sustainability and Eagle Town Councilman. However, community members also knew him as band member, trail coalition leader, avid skier, river surfer, biker, husband, son and dad. \n\n\n\nAdam Palmer was constantly in motion, whether it was biking, skiing, river surfing or jamming with his band.Special to the Daily\n\n\n\nTwenty-five people were interviewed for the film, including Palmer’s family members, friends and peers in local government. \n\n\n\n“Obviously, I went along [for] the ride with Adam through everything that he was involved in, but just to see it reflected back in all the different areas, for me, it’s a lot,” said Palmer’s wife Kalie Palmer. “And then just to see the people that just loved him and how much he means to so many people … it just kind of fills your heart.” \n\n\n\nKalie, along with her and Palmer’s daughters, Savanna and Montana, were at the film’s screening. While Kalie had been a part of the editing process, this was the first time her girls were seeing the film. \n\n\n\nIncluded in it was a song written by Montana Palmer herself called “Rain and Shine,” which she premiered later that night, after the screening, in a gathering down the road at Second Street Tavern. \n\n\n\n“You don’t know what your legacy is. I don’t think Adam went about thinking that he was doing this to create a legacy, but we’re each out there just doing our best,” Kalie said. \n\n\n\nAfter the screening, tears, soft smiles and longing memories created an atmosphere of togetherness. A panel discussion afterwards allowed movie viewers to reflect on Palmer’s legacy and share ongoing environmental efforts in Eagle County. \n\n\n\n“(Adam) was just larger than life … he just made everything so fun,” said Ellen Bodenheimer, who ran alongside Palmer for town council and is a close friend of the Palmer family. “He was always gathering people.” \n\n\n\nA lesson she took from Palmer? “Leaning into your community,” she said. ","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/documentary-celebrates-life-of-eagle-county-sustainability-pioneer-adam-palmer/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-27T13:57:21.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F26135544%2FIMG_1081-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"documentary-celebrates-life-of-eagle-county-sustainability-pioneer-adam-palmer"},{"id":"mn50lm","title":"Peak Glam: A chef’s tale","excerpt":"I was away from Food & Wine this year, the first time in ages. But, I had my own little Food ‘n’ Wine moment in London over said weekend where I was visiting my family, as I met up with a gal who’d been working the Jägermeister promotion at Shaun White’s Snow League event in Laax Switzerland back...","content":"I was away from Food & Wine this year, the first time in ages. But, I had my own little Food ‘n’ Wine moment in London over said weekend where I was visiting my family, as I met up with a gal who’d been working the Jägermeister promotion at Shaun White’s Snow League event in Laax Switzerland back in March. She kept for me a gift from the brand, a bottle of commemorative Jäger that will now make its way home to the mountains (I used ShipSkis after Laax and did not have a check-in bag). But I digress. \n\n\n\n“I won’t be with you this year!” I told my normal F&W partner-in-food-crimes, Velvet Valentine, a long-time friend and Aspen private chef who splits time between our bubble and San Fran. \n\n\n\n“Oh no, I’ll miss you!” she said, fondly. \n\n\n\n“I’ll need to hear all about it!” I demanded, sharing an invite or two that piqued my interest. \n\n\n\nVelvet is a versatile chef, eats mostly vegetarian herself while cooking up canapés for some of town’s biggest art crowd bashes and intimate West End dinners. During our decade-long culinary history, we’ve eaten together everywhere. I’ve enjoyed her campfire food in deepest Arizona, watched her effortlessly cater a “milestone” birthday for me at home and gratefully eaten every morsel she produced when nourishing food arrived post-surgically for my fastest healing (more than once). \n\n\n\nI may have been a few thousand miles east of my normal “east of Aspen” home base, but she kindly reported back, and here’s the chef’s tale:\n\n\n\n“So, what was trending?” I started. \n\n\n\n“Well, in general, there was less swine, less wine!” she said. \n\n\n\n“Wow, less swine, that is new!” I said, genuinely surprised. \n\n\n\n“And no mine, I take it?” joking along about the Smuggler party that we’d been to multiple times but not since it became a ticketed event.  “What else?” I added. \n\n\n\n“I think ‘longevity’ has moved to an actual food group now,” she stated. “It’s not just a coffee shop discussion topic anymore, and there was ethical and sustainable cacao sourced by a brand named Coco Polo Bliss.” \n\n\n\nThis does not surprise me one bit. Our town’s health-forward educated overachievers are in-step with this. \n\n\n\n“Yes, healthy drinks featured highly, the first one I had, ‘Aero,’ was at the first party, the Auberge resorts kick off.” \n\n\n\nJerome kickoff. Just pouring away …Velvet Valentine/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Also, after chatting with Mark Oldman (the wine expert) who had a ‘Not 100% Sober’ pin, I got the vibe that he’s aware not everyone wants to be plastered as much.” \n\n\n\n“Not 100% sober” Mark Oldman with Velvet Valentine.Velvet Valentine/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“I copy that” I said. “Any foods trending? Anything unexpected?”\n\n\n\n“Yes, very creative seafood,” she said. \n\n\n\n“How so?” I pushed. \n\n\n\n“Crispy plantains, topping a lobster roll, they’d be my pick.” \n\n\n\n“Huh, why did they work?” I said.\n\n\n\n“It was a curious collaboration and mix of things. Crispy plantains feel very unexpected at Food & Wine. I liked the use of them as a topper or a crumble idea. I’m inspired to cook with them like that, crunch is always good,” she added. \n\n\n\n“Okay, what was your splurgy rich-dish pick?” \n\n\n\n“Ooh, I named it a ‘Caviar Oreo’!” she said. “A Kampachi-marinated raw macadamia milk and lime confection. Two cookies with fish, black noristacked with caviar, sweet onion gel, so savory and salty, most indulgent.” \n\n\n\nOn the rich list: Napa’s Stanley Ranch Chef Anthony Stegnaro’s ‘Caviar Oreo’ made Chef Velvet’s list.Velvet Valentine/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Okay!” I inadvertently licked my lips from 6,000 miles away. \n\n\n\n“Who presented that?” (How could I get some?!) \n\n\n\n“The Chef from the Jerome’s sister hotel in Napa, Anthony Stagnaro, from Stanley Ranch.” \n\n\n\n“Alright! Good to know!” I said. “Sober or not sober, best drink, GO!”\n\n\n\n“‘Sunrise Silk’ or ‘Far & Fresh,’ both sober protein-packed health drinks concocted using Garden of Life products. Especially the one that was a cloud-like Lassi with cardamom and mango. The other was spiked with the Mexican condiment, Chamoy.” \n\n\n\nNow I was jones-ing for a Lassi. \n\n\n\n“Close behind though, were the Peach Jalapeno, Strawberry, Balsamic and Strawberry and Blueberry Lavender, all non-alcoholic Shrubs from our very own Marble Distillery — pretty labels, too.”  \n\n\n\nMarble Distillery shrubs, or mixers, in great flavors.\nVelvet Valentine/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“Okay, hand it to me. What would have been my true FOMO reality” I said, bracing for a hit. \n\n\n\n“The opening of the Tequila bar atop the MOLLIE was a very Aspen night. But top of list was the Casa Tua party,” she said. “It was fun! Moët are doing Tequila for sipping not slamming,” she added, without missing a beat.  \n\n\n\nYup, felt the FOMO from across the pond. The news slammed hard even if the Tequila didn’t! ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/peak-glam-a-chefs-tale/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Susan Redstone Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-27T02:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F02%2F23111330%2FSR-image-blurred-683x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"peak-glam-a-chefs-tale"},{"id":"ypffmv","title":"Saddle Sore: Where have all the cowgirls gone?","excerpt":"Where have all the cowgirls gone? \n\n\n\nSomeone said a while back there were no real cowgirls left in the area. My reply was that one needed to get off the asphalt, go down a dusty road and take a look around. You probably won’t find them in town showing off a brand-new hat and spotless boots that ...","content":"Where have all the cowgirls gone? \n\n\n\nSomeone said a while back there were no real cowgirls left in the area. My reply was that one needed to get off the asphalt, go down a dusty road and take a look around. You probably won’t find them in town showing off a brand-new hat and spotless boots that might not survive a day working cattle. You’ll find them where they’ve always been: on horseback, in the corrals, fixing fence, checking water, moving cows and doing whatever else the day requires.\n\n\n\nOne I’ve worked with for years is Niki Burtard Day. Along with her husband, Brad, she manages the McCabe Ranch and its commercial Angus herd. If the cattle are content, chances are Niki can be found somewhere nearby putting time on a young colt, working through the long and patient process of turning a horse into a partner.\n\n\n\nShe raised two daughters on that ranch. They attended brandings and pregnancy checks not because it was educational, although it certainly was, but because there wasn’t always a babysitter available. Ranch life has a way of involving everyone.\n\n\n\nToday, Emma is a professional engineer. Josie followed a different path and became a certified cowgirl herself, working ranches in Florida and Texas and lending a hand around here when things slow down in the South.\n\n\n\nA memorable scene with Niki and her daughters: Coming down from the mountains checking cattle late in the day, I saw about 15 or 20 cows coming my way. Pulled my trailer over and waited, and before long, here came her daughters, Josie and Emma, trailing those cows up the road to a turnout on an upper pasture. About four or five miles from home. They were probably about 8 and 10 — and somewhere behind them came Niki, pulling a horse trailer to take her daughters home.\n\n\n\nNot easily impressed, one spring as Niki and I were cleaning out a spring pasture, the cows were a little reluctant to go through the gate. They’d break my way, and as I went to block them off, my horse, Billy, wouldn’t go until he had a bucking fit first. I apologized to Niki, saying my horse was acting a little green, slowing me down. “Yeah, I noticed that,” she said, and up the trail we went.\n\n\n\nOne close to my heart is my daughter, Lauren Vagneur Burtard, who grew up between the Vagneur ranch in Woody Creek and the Fender spread on Sopris Creek. She and I spent innumerable days up at our cow camp, cutting deadfall off trails, getting up early and pushing cows up the trail toward Kobey Park. She helped the Braun Ranch crew. There were days where she led the horses while her hard-working dad either took down, or put back up, depending on the time of year, the lay-down fences that covered a part of our range. \n\n\n\nOn the other side of the coin, she helped doctor cows on the Fender place, got an early education on roping when branding time came around and was good at making sure the calves got vaccinated and helped with weaning. Lauren had the Vagneur cow camp — she also had the Fender cow camp on West Sopris Creek. And now, their current cow camp on Thompson Creek.\n\n\n\nTime for college arrived: She enrolled at Colorado State University, majoring in animal science. One summer, she worked at the McCabe Ranch in Capitol Creek, moving cows, fixing fence, branding and whatever else needed to be done. \n\n\n\nShe married Ty Burtard, manager of the Chaparral Ranch in Woody Creek, a historical Vagneur family ranch, where they raise commercial Angus, with a few Charolais. Lauren keeps the barns running, the horses fed and, when necessary, drives a pretty mean hay machine. \n\n\n\nWhen branding time comes at Chaparral, Lauren did the same as Niki — putting her two kids in the back of a pickup truck, out of the way, and as they grew, they became a part of action, giving injections, moving calves between pens and doing whatever else they can now do. Charli, her 9-year-old daughter, forever a cowgirl in training, keeps track of the day in an official notebook, detailing steers, heifers, tag numbers and other pertinent information. She’s there horseback when we turn out in the spring or bring them home in the fall. And she shares chores at their Thompson Creek cabin with the rest of the family.\n\n\n\nIn a valley where farming and ranching have steadily declined as open land has disappeared, it is worth noting that both Niki and Lauren are fifth-generation valley cowgirls. They can throw a rope, doctor cattle, start colts, handle a difficult horse or back a 30-foot horse trailer into a space that barely seems possible. More importantly, they are passing those skills along to the next generation.\n\n\n\nIf you’re wondering where all the cowgirls have gone, you might try looking behind a bunch of cattle somewhere up a dusty road. Chances are you’ll find one there.\n\n\n\nTony Vagneur writes here on Saturdays and welcomes your comments at ajv@sopris.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/saddle-sore-where-have-all-the-cowgirls-gone/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tony Vagneur Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tajv@sopris.net","publishDate":"2026-06-27T00:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2022%2F06%2F11060856%2FVagneurTony.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"saddle-sore-where-have-all-the-cowgirls-gone"},{"id":"mhuts8","title":"Destination Summer Permanent 2026","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/magazines/destination-summer-permanent/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-26T20:20:25.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F07%2F26141331%2FScreenshot_2026-06-26_at_2.13.19%25E2%2580%25AFPM-784x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"destination-summer-permanent-2026"},{"id":"7ywppu","title":"Colorado public land advocates say Interior Department review of highly protective wilderness policies ‘is laying the groundwork for an attack’","excerpt":"Public land advocates are speaking out after the U.S. Department of Interior launched a broad review of its policies that protect remote and undeveloped places recognized under federal law as “wilderness.”\n\n\n\nThe Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ...","content":"Public land advocates are speaking out after the U.S. Department of Interior launched a broad review of its policies that protect remote and undeveloped places recognized under federal law as “wilderness.”\n\n\n\nThe Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service all began soliciting public feedback on wilderness-related policies earlier this month, according to the federal register. Wilderness areas, which are designated by Congress, receive among the highest levels of environmental protection under federal law and are free from motorized vehicles, resource extraction and human development.\n\n\n\nIn Colorado, the policies under review apply to more than one million acres of public land, including beloved backcountry areas. The Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness, for example, comprises about 95% of the park and is governed by the Interior Director’s Order on Wilderness Stewardship, one of the documents that is under review.\n\n\n\nThe Interior Department has not proposed any specific changes to wilderness policies. A June 10 news release from the department states that the 60-day public comment periods will help determine whether policies should be “updated or clarified to improve consistency, increase transparency and ensure public lands continue to be managed effectively in accordance with applicable laws.”\n\n\n\nBut the review has raised red flags for public land advocacy groups in Colorado and across the country that see the effort as the latest attempt by President Donald Trump’s administration to roll back environmental protections.\n\n\n\nRichard Mylott, the communications manager for the Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop, in an email described the review as “a thinly veiled corporate giveaway and far-reaching poison pill that would change how we experience the best and rarest parts of our state’s natural heritage.”\n\n\n\nA hiker stands in an alcove in Mee Canyon in the Black Ridge Canyon Wilderness. The U.S. Department of Interior has launched a review of wilderness-related policies that protect areas like this. (Matt McGrath/Wilderness Connect\n\n\n\nThe wilderness-related documents subject to the review cover topics including oil and drilling leasing policies, grazing regulations, protection of paleontological resources and management of wildlife. The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”\n\n\n\nThe Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management did not respond to questions emailed to their press offices Wednesday about the purpose of the review and whether there were specific changes to wilderness-related policies federal officials would like to see.\n\n\n\n“Over the last 16 months, the administration has waged a war on wildlands that targets these places, and we have every reason to believe that this review is part of it,” said Abby Tinsley, the vice president of conservation programs at the national nonprofit The Wilderness Society. “Their goal is to make it easier to push reckless development, drilling, mining and unchecked motorized activity on the tiny sliver of our wildest public lands that remains.”\n\n\n\nDuring Trump’s second term, his administration has sought to end federal land protections, including the “public lands rule” that put conservation on equal footing with other uses of federally-managed land, the “roadless rule” that protects certain public lands from road development and parts of the National Environmental Policy Act. \n\n\n\nThe administration has also gutted public land management agencies, including those at the Interior Department, through mass firings and early retirement offerings.\n\n\n\nWhile facing scrutiny for his ties to the oil and gas industry, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has led the department with a policy of “energy dominance” that has prioritized expanding fossil fuel and mineral extraction. Burgum has referred to the nation’s public lands as “assets” on “America’s balance sheet” that should be developed to grow the economy and help pay down the national debt. He has also advocated for selling “underutilized” federal land.\n\n\n\n“The Trump administration is laying the groundwork for an attack on America’s wilderness with these reviews,” said Kate Groetzinger, the communication director for the Denver-based Center for Western Priorities. “While these notices themselves don’t tell us much about the administration’s intentions, we know President Trump and Secretary Burgum aren’t interested in increasing protections for America’s public lands.”\n\n\n\nAt the Bureau of Land Management, the review covers policies not only for designated wilderness areas but also for “wilderness study areas” and places with “wilderness characteristics.” \n\n\n\nWilderness study areas are places that have been identified for potential designation as wilderness areas, but which Congress has not officially adopted as wilderness areas. Under existing policies, these lands are to be managed so that their suitability for future designation as wilderness is not impaired.\n\n\n\nIn Colorado, the Bureau of Land Management oversees five designated wilderness areas — the Black Ridge Canyons, Dominguez Canyon, Gunnison Gorge, Powderhorn and Uncompahgre wildernesses — and more than 50 wilderness study areas. Wilderness study areas in the state include popular areas like Castle Peak and Bull Gulch in Eagle County, as well as 14ers like Handies Peak, Red Cloud Peak and Sunshine Peak.\n\n\n\nThe U.S. Forest Service also manages wilderness areas in Colorado, but has not proposed a similar policy review. The New York Times, however, has reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is preparing to release a secretarial memorandum that would open the door for development and motorized vehicles on lands that the Forest Service manages as “recommended wilderness.”\n\n\n\n“These are high-stakes attacks that threaten the very core of Colorado’s identity,” Mylott said. “They would degrade the best of our remaining wild landscapes and harm communities and recreational economies across the state.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-public-land-wilderness-federal-law/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T19:41:25.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F26133609%2FTim-Devine-ROMO-1-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-public-land-advocates-say-interior-department-review-of-highly-protective-wilderness-polici"},{"id":"z7q1sq","title":"Carsten column: Ultraviolet light and dog eyes","excerpt":"Colorado is well known for its sunshine, with 245 to 285 sunny days each year. With all that sunshine comes blue skies and plenty of ultraviolet light, or UV.\n\n\n\nAt Colorado’s high altitude, UV exposure is estimated to be 20% to 30% higher than at sea level. That matters because UV exposure can c...","content":"Colorado is well known for its sunshine, with 245 to 285 sunny days each year. With all that sunshine comes blue skies and plenty of ultraviolet light, or UV.\n\n\n\nAt Colorado’s high altitude, UV exposure is estimated to be 20% to 30% higher than at sea level. That matters because UV exposure can contribute to a specific eye condition in dogs called chronic superficial keratitis, commonly known as pannus.\n\n\n\nPannus is an immune-mediated disease aggravated by UV exposure. Any dog breed can be affected, but German shepherds, German shepherd mixes, Belgian Tervurens, border collies and greyhounds are most commonly affected. It is usually first observed in middle-aged dogs.\n\n\n\nAffected dogs have changes in the cornea that can lead to blindness if untreated. The cornea is the clear part at the front of the eye. Pannus can appear as a pink or reddish thickening that later flattens and turns brown. Often, it is first recognized as brown pigment spreading across the cornea from the outside corner of the eye.\n\n\n\nThere may be cloudiness ahead of the brown pigment. A thick, mucus-like discharge and inflamed tissue around the eye also can be seen. Both eyes are usually affected, and the condition is not painful.\n\n\n\nDiagnosis is generally straightforward, but a veterinarian may run several tests to rule out other causes of eye changes. These tests may include measuring tear production, staining the eye to check for deeper damage, scraping the conjunctiva or cornea, and measuring eye pressure.\n\n\n\nRuling out other causes is important because treatment can be very different for each eye problem.\n\n\n\nThe basic treatment for pannus involves the daily application of steroid eye drops or an immune-suppressive drug such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus. In certain situations, an injection into the tissue around the eye can be used and may have long-acting effects.\n\n\n\nThere is currently no cure for pannus. The goal is to limit progression and push back the pigment if possible. Some dogs need a topical antibiotic because they have a secondary bacterial infection. This means the first round of treatment may include an antibiotic, with ongoing therapy relying on steroids.\n\n\n\nIntegrative therapy considers the eye as the focus of the problem but also looks for ways to provide broader support beyond immune suppression of the eye tissue.\n\n\n\nOral administration of nutrients such as vitamins A, C and D can be valuable for supporting cornea function. Vitamin D also contributes anti-inflammatory effects. Interestingly, blood levels of vitamin D are often low in middle-aged dogs.\n\n\n\nMinerals such as zinc and selenium also can support the cornea. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can support the tear film. Extracts from eye tissue can provide overall eye support.\n\n\n\nIndirect support for the eye also can involve support of the liver and thyroid. Low thyroid function can affect tear production and inflammation.\n\n\n\nSome dogs tolerate wearing goggles that protect the eyes from UV exposure when outside. This may help manage pannus. UV exposure is not just a summertime issue. If goggles are not possible, avoid time outdoors during peak sunlight.\n\n\n\nIt is important to recognize that pannus requires lifelong therapy. Pannus is a progressive disease that can lead to blindness, especially when it is not managed with regular treatment.\n\n\n\nTherapy should be modified based on regular eye exams, response to changes in the eye condition and the dog’s overall health. Treatment takes time to work, so consistency is essential.\n\n\n\nIf you have concerns about your pet’s eyes, contact your veterinarian and request an examination.\n\n\n\nRon Carsten, DVM, Ph.D., CVA, CCRT, was one of the first veterinarians in Colorado to use an integrative approach. He has lectured widely to veterinarians and has been a pioneer in the therapeutic use of food concentrates to manage clinical problems. He also is the founder of Colorado Animal Rescue. In addition to his doctor of veterinary medicine degree, he holds a doctorate in cell and molecular biology and is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and certified canine rehabilitation therapist. He practices integrative veterinary medicine in Glenwood Springs. Carsten is the 2022 Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award recipient.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/carsten-column-ultraviolet-light-and-dog-eyes/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Dr. Ron CarstenIntegrative Pet Vet","publishDate":"2026-06-26T11:35:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F03%2F26143950%2FRonCarsten_DVM_SP24_-878x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"carsten-column-ultraviolet-light-and-dog-eyes"},{"id":"gbl0fr","title":"Friday letters: ICE facility enforcement, Weiser support and Highway 82 concerns","excerpt":"City should enforce its own codes\n\n\n\nAfter the City of Glenwood Springs Planning and Zoning board voted to revoke a permit for the operation of an ICE detention facility in Suite 210 in the commercial center at 100 Midland Avenue, I assumed City Council would follow the law and shut it down. Inst...","content":"City should enforce its own codes\n\n\n\nAfter the City of Glenwood Springs Planning and Zoning board voted to revoke a permit for the operation of an ICE detention facility in Suite 210 in the commercial center at 100 Midland Avenue, I assumed City Council would follow the law and shut it down. Instead they did….nothing. But the revocation is final, and the appeal period has passed. Isn’t the city legally obligated to enforce its own building and fire codes against the private landlord who owns the building? Every other business in town must follow these rules. (Contrary to what Glenwood’s lawyer seems to have told council, federal supremacy doesn’t apply to private buildings, only to government-owned buildings.) The City of Glenwood Springs is now exposed to lawsuits, which could, and will, waste taxpayer money. The city of Glenwood Springs should enforce its own codes and close the facility. If not, the building owner, Florida-based private landlord JG Housing Solutions, LLC, should eject its tenant to protect itself and the community from liability.\n\n\n\nAuden Schendler, Basalt\n\n\n\nPhil Weiser for governor, not Bennet\n\n\n\nOver my almost 50-year career in urban community development and affordable housing, I’ve worked closely with a lot of elected officials. The truly genuine, dedicated public servants stand out. I’ve spent a bunch of time with Phil Weiser. He’s one of the very best I’ve ever met. Weiser will be a great governor and his accomplishments as Colorado attorney general over the past eight years attest to that.\n\n\n\nWeiser has sued polluters and led on a $7.4B opioid settlement against Purdue Pharma. He’s held vaping companies accountable for targeting kids and secured millions to fund prevention and school-based mental health programs. He’s filed more than 30 lawsuits against the Trump administration and won most of them. Phil Weiser takes action and he’s a fighter.\n\n\n\nMichael Bennet has been a good senator for 16 years, but I was particularly disturbed to see a TV ad based on inaccurate information attacking Weiser. It was paid for by Rocky Mountain Way, the super PAC supporting Bennet. I looked up Rocky Mountain Way and found that they’ve raised over $8 million, with $4.5 million coming from one East Coast billionaire. We don’t want billionaires messing with our elections. In addition, Bennet talks a lot about affordable housing but I’m troubled by all the money he’s raked in from the organized landlord political committees.\n\n\n\nThe fact that Weiser’s campaign is being powered by the people of Colorado, not out-of-state billionaires, says a lot to me about who Phil is and his commitment to being a true public servant.\n\n\n\nBennet should stay in the Senate. We need Phil Weiser as our next governor.\n\n\n\nPat Morrissy, Carbondale\n\n\n\nHighway 82 is at a breaking point\n\n\n\nOur infrastructure is failing. Critical intersections along the Highway 82 corridor are already operating at a “Level of Service F” — essentially, a failing grade. Yet, development continues, and regional coordination is ineffective or nonexistent. This is not merely an inconvenience for commuters; it is a profound public safety crisis.\n\n\n\nConsider the reality of an emergency. The recent brush fire in South Canyon was a stark warning. If a relatively small event caused chaos on our roadways, what happens in a major wildfire? When our highways are already paralyzed by daily congestion, emergency services cannot maneuver, and residents are trapped. We are effectively gambling with human lives for the sake of unchecked growth.\n\n\n\nI do not want to find myself, like the people in the Pacific Palisades fire, sitting in dead-stopped traffic, running for my life out of my car to try to flee a fire. That is the direction I fear we are headed.\n\n\n\nIt is time for CDOT and local leaders to stop viewing development through the lens of individual permits and county lines. We need an honest, region-wide assessment of our safe carrying capacity from both CDOT (daily traffic) and fire evacuation (emergency) perspectives. We need leadership that prioritizes public safety over developer pressure.\n\n\n\nWe must demand a pause. We need to stop the silos, look at the aggregate reality of our growth, and hold our officials accountable for the infrastructure we actually have — not the one we wish we had. We moved here for the character of this valley, not to live in an endless, unsafe traffic jam. If we do not act now, we are failing the current residents of this region.\n\n\n\nSusan Sullivan, Carbondale","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/friday-letters-ice-facility-enforcement-weiser-support-and-highway-82-concerns/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-26T10:51:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F06%2F25080510%2FLetters-Graphic-2-300x169-1.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"friday-letters-ice-facility-enforcement-weiser-support-and-highway-82-concerns"},{"id":"v28eow","title":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society archive: Tom Mix in Glenwood Springs","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/galleries/glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-tom-mix-in-glenwood-springs/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Historical Society Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:46:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F25144443%2FBB17_2024.07.961-738x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"glenwood-springs-historical-society-archive-tom-mix-in-glenwood-springs"},{"id":"6j6z0q","title":"Obituary: JoAnn Lynn Nystrom","excerpt":"March 21, 1949 – June 10, 2026\nJoAnn Lynn Nystrom entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 10, 2026.\nBorn March 21, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Richard and Frances Blair, JoAnn was known for her strong faith, joyful spirit, compassion, and love for others. She de...","content":"March 21, 1949 – June 10, 2026\nJoAnn Lynn Nystrom entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 10, 2026.\nBorn March 21, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Richard and Frances Blair, JoAnn was known for her strong faith, joyful spirit, compassion, and love for others. She devoted her career to healthcare information systems and medical coding working at Valley View Hospital and CommonSpirit Health, and served faithfully in her church and community.\nJoAnn married the love of her life, Todd Nystrom, on October 29, 1989. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and adventure.\nA gifted singer, artist, gardener, and prayer warrior, JoAnn served for many years on the worship team at New Creation Church and participated in mission work around the world. Her greatest joy was her family and watching her children and grandchildren flourish.\nJoAnn is survived by her husband, Todd Nystrom; brothers Michael and Martin Blair; children David Daniels, Mark Daniels, Tony Nystrom, Scott Nystrom, and Michelle Nystrom; and 10 beloved grandchildren.\nA Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at New Creation Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Dunamis International or Bungoma Bible Ministries.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-joann-lynn-nystrom/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-26T03:04:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F25210604%2FW0020290.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-joann-lynn-nystrom"},{"id":"a543y7","title":"Obituary: Alexis “Lex” Carter","excerpt":"January 27, 1963 – April 14, 2026\nSurrounded by family and friends, Lex passed peacefully at home. Born in Anchorage Alaska, Lex grew up an army brat in both Europe and the US, before settling in Colorado and graduating from Loveland High. Attending CMC she made many life long friends and fell in...","content":"January 27, 1963 – April 14, 2026\nSurrounded by family and friends, Lex passed peacefully at home. Born in Anchorage Alaska, Lex grew up an army brat in both Europe and the US, before settling in Colorado and graduating from Loveland High. Attending CMC she made many life long friends and fell in love with the roaring fork valley where she spent most of her adult life. Barefoot in Barefoot Bay FL is how Lex spent her final years. Long days at the pools, listening to the grateful dead, playing dominoes and tossing darts with friends. Lex is survived by husband Mike Schlicher, sisters Monica Carter and Christina LeMay,and niece Crystal. She was proceeded in death by parents Edd and Andrea Carter. Life celebration will be held at Veltus Park in Glenwood from 4-7 on Saturday August 1\nFare Thee Well","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-alexis-lex-carter/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-26T03:04:07.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F25210558%2FW0020221.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-alexis-lex-carter"},{"id":"m74tpt","title":"County commissioners approve Rifle airport taxiway, apron work","excerpt":"Garfield County commissioners approved nearly $10 million in construction and engineering contracts for Rifle Garfield County Airport projects meant to improve safety, ease congestion and prepare the airport for continued growth.\n\n\n\nThe unanimously approved contracts include new taxiway construct...","content":"Garfield County commissioners approved nearly $10 million in construction and engineering contracts for Rifle Garfield County Airport projects meant to improve safety, ease congestion and prepare the airport for continued growth.\n\n\n\nThe unanimously approved contracts include new taxiway construction and the first phase of a main apron reconstruction project. Phoenix Industries Ltd. and Gould Construction, both Garfield County-based companies, were awarded the construction work.\n\n\n\nPhoenix Industries was awarded a construction contract not to exceed $5.08 million to build the new Taxiway B, Connector Taxiway B3 and an aircraft run-up pad. The project is expected to allow aircraft to bypass congested areas near Taxiway A5 and Runway 26.\n\n\n\nCommissioners also approved a professional services agreement with Woolpert Inc. for construction administration and management on the taxiway project for just over $503,000. Airport Director Sam Carver told commissioners the agreement came in below the original estimate.\n\n\n\n“This one came in under the estimate, which is nice,” Carver said. “This originally came in about $640,000, and we met with them and got to trim a lot of the fat to get it down to that $503,000.”\n\n\n\nCarver told commissioners the taxiway work is expected to be completed by November.\n\n\n\nFil Meraz, airport operations coordinator at Rifle Garfield County Airport, said the taxiway work is meant to address both current congestion and future growth.\n\n\n\n“It’s for current congestion and future growth,” Meraz said. “We’ve noticed that through the years we have been getting a little more busy, so we are trying to plan ahead and make this airport a little more safe for the traveling passengers that come through.”\n\n\n\nMeraz said the airport can become especially busy during the winter, when aircraft sometimes stack up while waiting to access the runway.\n\n\n\n“Sometimes the planes do get stacked up on a taxiway, and we need an extra taxiway to line up the planes for safety to get them out onto the runway,” Meraz said.\n\n\n\nCommissioners also approved the first phase of the airport’s main apron reconstruction project. Gould Construction, based in Glenwood Springs, was awarded a construction contract not to exceed $4.04 million for the apron work. The apron is the paved area used for aircraft parking, fueling and access to hangars.\n\n\n\nCommissioners also approved a $292,892 professional services agreement with Lochner for construction administration, testing, observation and management on the apron project.\n\n\n\nMeraz said the existing ramp is aging and in poor condition, making the project a safety priority.\n\n\n\n“A lot of this is a safety issue,” Meraz said. “The ramp for one project we’re doing is rehabbing a ramp. It’s actually really aged. It’s probably about 40 years old, if not older.”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocal news from across Western Garfield County—right to you.\n\n\n\nSign up for the weekly newsletter: TheCitizenTelegram.com/Newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe apron reconstruction was initially planned as one larger project, but higher-than-expected costs led the county to divide the work into three phases. The county was awarded a $6.66 million Federal Aviation Administration grant toward the overall apron reconstruction project, but that amount is being adjusted to cover only the first phase.\n\n\n\n“It was supposed to be three phases, and just due to the funds, we had to cut back and only do phase one,” Meraz said.\n\n\n\nPhase 1 is estimated at roughly $4.34 million, including construction, engineering and administrative costs.\n\n\n\nGarfield County is also accepting a Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics discretionary aviation grant tied to the apron project. The county was initially expected to receive $175,000, but because the apron work was divided into phases, the award was reduced to $108,470. The county will provide $108,471 in matching funds.\n\n\n\nWill said he is confident the airport will be able to move forward with the remaining apron phases in the future, noting that much of the work is supported by federal funding and that the airport is financially strong.\n\n\n\n“The airport’s in good shape financially, so these are some things that we just kind of need to do as that airport grows,” Will said.\n\n\n\nWill said the projects will also help position the airport for additional traffic when the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport closes for planned construction.\n\n\n\n“Obviously, some increased use, and a lot of it’s going to be in preparation for the Aspen airport being closed,” Will said. “There’s going to be a lot of traffic diverted toward Rifle.”\n\n\n\nMeraz said the projects were not driven solely by the Aspen airport work. The apron reconstruction was already part of the airport’s capital improvement program, while the taxiway project is also tied to other airport development, including another fixed-base operator and growth near Taxiway B4.\n\n\n\nWill said the airport continues to be an economic driver for Garfield County, with about $70 million worth of projects underway or planned at the airport, including hangars, taxiways and paving work.\n\n\n\n“That creates local jobs and all kinds of things, so that economic development part of the thing is excellent,” Will said.\n\n\n\nOver the past five years, the airport has employed between 277 and 391 full-time workers, with a payroll of $16 million to $25 million, and generated $42 million in business revenue, according to county information.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/county-commissioners-approve-rifle-airport-taxiway-apron-work/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:27:38.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F11%2F25190102%2F5ca042bb-c7ba-5509-a51f-3df8d505dc67.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"county-commissioners-approve-rifle-airport-taxiway-apron-work"},{"id":"wq5lh2","title":"How a network of 12 mountain communities across the West is ‘moving the needle’ on mental health","excerpt":"As Colorado mountain communities grapple with mental and behavioral health issues, many are getting involved with a project to share data between resort areas across the Rocky Mountain West.\n\n\n\nDespite picturesque surroundings and abundant recreation, mountain resort communities have long struggl...","content":"As Colorado mountain communities grapple with mental and behavioral health issues, many are getting involved with a project to share data between resort areas across the Rocky Mountain West.\n\n\n\nDespite picturesque surroundings and abundant recreation, mountain resort communities have long struggled with issues of mental and behavioral health, including high rates of loneliness, substance use and suicide. This is sometimes known as the “paradise paradox.”\n\n\n\nSince 2020, the Katz-Amsterdam Foundation — founded by Vail Resorts CEO Robert Katz and his late wife Elana Amsterdam — has supported a public health survey that quantifies mental and behavioral health indicators across mountain resort communities. The survey results are published in an online dashboard.\n\n\n\nThere are now 12 mountain communities involved in the effort. Steamboat Springs just finished their first round of the survey, while Winter Park is launching its inaugural survey. In Colorado, Summit and Eagle counties, Aspen, Crested Butte and Telluride have also been involved with the project. Jackson, Wyoming; North Tahoe, California; Sun Valley, Idaho; Big Sky, Montana and Park City, Utah all contribute as well.\n\n\n\n“We really heard from communities that this was a critical issue,” said Beth Ganz, the executive director of the Katz-Amsterdam Foundation. “Thinking back a decade ago, there wasn’t as much focus and attention on these issues. So, Rob and Elana felt it was really important to show up as a good partner to mountain communities.”\n\n\n\nIn coordination with local communities, Ganz said the Katz-Amsterdam Foundation set out to understand the challenges — like “party cultures,” attitudes and stigmas around mental healthcare, provider capacity and affordability of care — that these mountain resort communities share and identified 14 categories of indicators to track. \n\n\n\nLocal mental health officials say the dataset has allowed them to identify specific issues that need to be addressed in their communities, chart progress over time and show the impact of taxpayer dollars spent on mental health resources.\n\n\n\nKellyn Ender, the executive director of Building Hope Summit County, said in an email that the data shows how far the community has come with mental health issues. The data shows that in Summit County, compared to 2020, around two-thirds fewer residents go without care and more believe it is easier to talk about mental health in 2026.\n\n\n\n“Having data is essential to programming and acknowledging where we have come from as a community,” Ender said. “We have made significant improvements in the mental health system in Summit County, in large part due to the Strong Future funding, and this data shows the picture of where we are doing better and where we still need more attention as a community.”\n\n\n\nIn Summit County, a significant portion of mental health services are supported through a 2018 ballot measure known as Strong Future.\n\n\n\nEnder shared that when the data highlighted the rising need for mental health services for men, it led the nonprofit to launch “Dude Talk Dinners” and “Guys’ Nights.”\n\n\n\nThe mountain communities involved in the Katz-Amsterdam Foundation’s network aren’t just sharing data — they’re sharing ideas.\n\n\n\nEnder said data from the program also helped inform Summit County’s “Booze Less, Do More” campaign, which encouraged people to be thoughtful about their alcohol consumption. Other communities with high substance use rates have since adopted their own versions of the campaign, she said.\n\n\n\nIn the Steamboat Springs area, The Health Partnership Executive Director Brittney Wilburn said that while the community is still working to process its first year of data, she expects that getting involved with the network will help track progress on work already being done in the community, while continuing to identify areas that need to be addressed.\n\n\n\n“Resort communities have a unique culture — play hard, party hard,” Wilburn said. “People are lonely and don’t know where to turn when they need support. These challenges are where future opportunities lie and we are excited to move the needle in these areas over the next few years.”\n\n\n\nWhile mountain communities have made progress on mental health issues in recent years, those involved with the Katz-Amsterdam Foundation agreed that there is still a lot of work to be done and continued collaboration is key.\n\n\n\n“Shared data creates shared learning, which is essential for behavioral health,” said Katz in a statement. “After a decade of working alongside mountain community leaders, we’ve seen firsthand how sustained partnerships lead to sustained results. This dashboard is one example of how leaders can learn from one another to better understand their communities and respond more effectively to behavioral health needs.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-resort-mountain-communities-mental-health-project-data/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:21:31.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F02%2F23104727%2FDSC_0219-copy-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"how-a-network-of-12-mountain-communities-across-the-west-is-moving-the-needle-on-mental-health"},{"id":"w8mefz","title":"Nike Outdoor Nationals track meet features 2 Garfield County athletes","excerpt":"Eugene, Oregon, has long been one of the country’s landmark running destinations, from the evolution of the modern running shoe to hosting the Olympic track and field qualifiers.\n\n\n\nIn June, two Garfield County athletes got their chance to compete on that same stage.\n\n\n\nRecent Rifle High School g...","content":"Eugene, Oregon, has long been one of the country’s landmark running destinations, from the evolution of the modern running shoe to hosting the Olympic track and field qualifiers.\n\n\n\nIn June, two Garfield County athletes got their chance to compete on that same stage.\n\n\n\nRecent Rifle High School graduate Rylan Petree and incoming Coal Ridge High School freshman Rhyan Whelan traveled to TrackTown USA over the weekend of June 17 to compete in the Nike Outdoor Nationals, held at Hayward Field.\n\n\n\nThe Nike Outdoor Nationals is an annual championship for middle and high schoolers across the nation and is widely regarded as one of the premier and most exclusive events for young athletes. Sanctioned by USA Track and Field and organized by the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation, the weeklong event hosts hundreds of the nation’s most elite track and field stars.\n\n\n\nFor Petree and Whelan, the trip came at very different points in their running careers.\n\n\n\nPetree, a recent Rifle graduate and school record holder for the 400-meter dash, is committed to run at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs this fall. Whelan, meanwhile, celebrated her eighth-grade continuation just a month prior and is preparing to begin her high school career at Coal Ridge in August. \n\n\n\nPetree and Whelan both competed in the 400-meter dash, though in different divisions. Petree competed in the girls’ championship division, while Whelan competed in the middle school division. Petree finished 35th (56.48 seconds) in the girls’ championship division. Whelan finished 33rd (1:01.71) in the girls middle school division. \n\n\n\n“Since I was a freshman, it has been a dream of mine to compete at Nike Outdoor Nationals, and I’ve been working towards being able to compete against the top athletes in the nation since then,” Petree said. “It was by far the biggest meet I’ve ever run at, and to be able to run at Hayward Field was truly a dream come true. It was so cool to step onto the track and know I was about to run on one of the world’s biggest stages.”\n\n\n\nWhelan found out about the competition just this year, but just because she hadn’t revered the event for years doesn’t mean she didn’t see the event for what it is. She described the chance to run the singular race as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and a “true blessing from God.”\n\n\n\n“It was amazing. Knowing that I was running on the same track the pros run on for the Olympic trials is still mindblowing,” she said. “The stadium was huge, I could feel the difference in the track as I was running, the number of people there was huge, and the energy of the crowd was infectious.”\n\n\n\nPetree, a much more experienced runner, had an equally tough time wrapping her head around the stadium where she was competing.\n\n\n\n“When I first arrived at Hayward, I thought the track was definitely bigger than 400 meters,” she laughed. “The facilities at Hayward Field were so incredibly nice, and when I walked into the practice facility where they were staging us, I was shocked at the quality of the facilities.”\n\n\n\nPetree said the next-level atmosphere helped her take a step back.\n\n\n\n“I learned to sit back and take it all in, and really enjoy the moment,” she said. “It really helped me learn to stay calm throughout the craziness, which I think will really help me in my next steps at UCCS.”\n\n\n\nWhelan said the lead-up to her race became increasingly more nerve-wracking until she met a fellow racer who would eventually race in the lane beside her. \n\n\n\n“Having never competed in an environment like that, I was really nervous about it, and I started getting it in my head,” she said. “When I went to the Athlete lounge, I met a girl from Fort Collins who was in my heat and the lane next to me. We talked for a little bit before our race, which really helped with my nerves because I knew she was just as nervous as I was.”\n\n\n\nPetree wasn’t exempt from the nerves either. She explained that what helped her recenter was remembering that the hard work was done; all she had to do was the part she enjoyed most. The ability to believe in yourself like that is an ability only acquired over time, and one Whelan will surely develop through her next steps at Coal Ridge High School. \n\n\n\n“Going into my event, I was really nervous,” Petree said. “I recentered myself by remembering that I’d earned my place there and all my hard work had already paid off; this was just another chance to do what I love.\n\n\n\n“As I was walking out to the track to set my blocks, I was thinking about all the people back home supporting me, which really helped me stay composed,” she continued. “I was very nervous, but was super thankful for the opportunity to represent Western Colorado. Once the gun went off, and I pushed out of the blocks, all of the nerves went away, and it was just another race.”\n\n\n\nWhelan said her mind was clear as she got to her line. She repeated three bible verses to herself that helped her run to the best of her ability while competing against the nation’s top talent. \n\n\n\n“When I got to the line for the race, I had three bible verses that I say to myself to help with nerves,” Whelan explained. “Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. And 2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of peace and a sound mind.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/nike-national-track-meet-features-two-garfield-county-athletes/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:25:07.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F25153422%2FRhyan_NON2-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"nike-outdoor-nationals-track-meet-features-2-garfield-county-athletes"},{"id":"3sbbuj","title":"A&E Lineup for June 27 – July 5","excerpt":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nTouch-A-Truck with Glenwood Springs Parks and Rec\n\n\n\nWhat: Let your kids climb into the driver’s seat of community vehic...","content":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nTouch-A-Truck with Glenwood Springs Parks and Rec\n\n\n\nWhat: Let your kids climb into the driver’s seat of community vehicles and explore in an hands-on event. Jump in bounce houses, do crafts, facepainting and get a sweet treat. Children of all ages are invited. $10 Preregister at gwsco.info/YouthEvents.\n\n\n\nWhen: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 27\n\n\n\nWhere: Glenwood Springs Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601\n\n\n\nCost: $12 per child, $10 if pre-registered.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs Market on Seventh\n\n\n\nWhat: Join downtown Glenwood Springs every Tuesday evening to shop unique local vendors, listen to free live music, and soak up the sun and community vibes.\n\n\n\nWhen: 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 30 – Sept. 8\n\n\n\nWhere: Seventh Street and Bethel Plaza, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nMountain Madrigals’ Auditions\n\n\n\nWhat: Mountain Madrigal Singers are looking for singers who read music and pianists are also needed. If interested, please bring sheet music that shows off your range. The volunteer choir sings Christmas music and rehearses once a week on Tuesday evenings, beginning in September. There are a few Saturday rehearsals, one per month, and Christmas concerts are free and take place the first two weekends in December.\n\n\n\nWhen: 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 30\n\n\n\nWhere: Glenwood Church of Christ, 260 Soccer Field Road, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: None\n\n\n\nPaws for a Cause: Summer Pet Food & Supply Drive Benefiting C.A.R.E.\n\n\n\nWhat: Sopris Lodge will host a pet food and supply drive benefiting Colorado Animal Rescue throughout the month of July. Donations to support local shelter pets will be accepted daily in collection boxes located at the senior living community’s main entrance. Canned or wet food, dry food, treats, toys, collars, leashes, and blankets for dogs and cats, pill pockets for dogs, black gallon trash bags, tall kitchen drawstring bags, and clean towels will be accepted. Pillows, foam bedding, medications and open food or treats will not be accepted. \n\n\n\nWhen: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 1-31. \n\n\n\nWhere: Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, 295 Rio Grande Ave., Carbondale\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nClay National Exhibition\n\n\n\nWhat: Carbondale Clay National is an annual exhibition of ceramic art. Each year CCC’s selected jurors develop a theme for the exhibition, invite a handful of contemporary ceramic artists who emulate the theme, and choose about 25-30 works from the jury pool.\n\n\n\nWhen: 6-8 p.m., Friday, July 3\n\n\n\nWhere: Main St. Gallery & The Framer, 399 Main St., Carbondale\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nJuly Third Celebration\n\n\n\nWhat: A full day of free, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food vendors, and community festivities. Activities at Metro Park include bounce houses, a dunk tank, an inflatable slip and slide, a foam cannon, face painting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with food and drink trucks Frosty Freeze, Lemon Swirl Oasis, and Real West Coffee Company. In addition, admission to the Rifle Metro Pool will be reduced to $3 per person for open swim from 1 p.m. to 4:50 pm. Centennial Park activities include live music with visits from Frosty Freeze, Lemon Swirl Oasis, and Sweets N’ Treats. The Symphony in the Valley will open the evening with a patriotic concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Amphitheater. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Following the symphony, festivities will move to the Great Bowl for more live entertainment. A Band Called Alexis will open for headliner The Violet Pines.\n\n\n\nWhen: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, July 3\n\n\n\nWhere: Metro Pool and Park, 1718 Railroad Ave., RifleCentennial Park, 300 W. Fifth St., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nFourth of July Celebration\n\n\n\nWhat: Join Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation for a family-friendly Fourth of July. Enjoy an evening packed with fun, including Super Fiesta bounce houses, axe throwing, lawn games, Big Bull Entertainment, food and beverage vendors and live music featuring Emotional Rescue and Dance X Band. Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and patriotic spirit for a summer evening in the park. More information: Cogs.us/July4th. \n\n\n\nWhen: 4:30-9 p.m., Saturday, July 4\n\n\n\nWhere: Two Rivers Park, Devereux Rd., Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: Free","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ae-lineup-for-june-27-july-5/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:40:40.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F25132650%2FPost-Independent-Arts-and-Entertainment-graphic-1024x683.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ae-lineup-for-june-27-july-5"},{"id":"w8undm","title":"Garfield County Libraries schedule for June 29 – July 5","excerpt":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Dino Sip and Paint at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nTake & Make Craft Kits for Adults all day/Kits de Manualidades para Adultos todo el día. \n\n\n\nTeen-Rex Takeover at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Last Monday Book Clu...","content":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Dino Sip and Paint at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nTake & Make Craft Kits for Adults all day/Kits de Manualidades para Adultos todo el día. \n\n\n\nTeen-Rex Takeover at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Last Monday Book Club at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 6 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 6 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nIn Stitches Knitting Club at 1:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish in Action: Open Hours at 6:30 p.m./Inglés en acción: Horario de atención a las 6:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nTuesday\n\n\n\nParachute: \n\n\n\nBonus Round: Game Night for Adults at 5 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nWomen’s Strength & Climbing Class at 9 a.m./Clase de Fuerza y Escalada para Mujeres a las 9 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nBilingual Sensory Storytime at 1 p.m./Hora del cuento sensorial bilingüe a las 1 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCooking Matters with Lift-Up: Simple Meals, Stronger Families at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nZumba Baila & Burn at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nStorytime at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Arts and Crafts at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nHappily Ever After Dark at 6 p.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nStorytime 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nIce Cream Social at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nMah Jongg at 1:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nClub de Abuelitos a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nToddler Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nBaby Storytime at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nIce Cream Social at 2 p.m./Helado Social a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nWednesday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Victoria Pennock at 6 p.m. \n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 7 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 7 de la tarde.\n\n\n\nRifle:Workforce Center in Your Library at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nPlaygroup at the Library at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish/Spanish Conversation Circle at 6:45 p.m./Círculo de Conversación Inglés/Español a las 6:45 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nIce Cream Social at 2 p.m./Helado Social a las 2 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nIce Cream Social at 11 a.m./Helado Social a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nCMC Open Office Hours at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nThursday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nIce Cream Social at 11 a.m./Helado Social a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nRifle:Storytime at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nIce Cream Social at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nGolden Years Social at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Movies at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nMeditation for Members of 12 Step Recovery Programs at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nAdd Water to Your Wiggles at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nBoard of Trustees Meeting at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nSmash Bros & Craft Bros at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nGet the Wiggles Out! at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nEntre Dos Mundos a las 3:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nFriday \n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nIce Cream Social at 11 a.m./Helado Social a las 11 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nBaby & Me Storytime at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nSPARK at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Victoria Pennock at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nShake Your Sillies Out at 10 a.m. \n\n\n\nMeal Monkey at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nSTEM Exploration Hour with the Aspen Science Center at noon. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Your Story, Your Life at 10 a.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Genealogy Group at noon. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSketch…Paint…Play at 1 p.m.\n\n\n\nSaturday\n\n\n\nClosed for Independence Day","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-june-29-july-5/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:39:11.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F05%2F29163650%2FLibraryNews-GPI-071813-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-june-29-july-5"},{"id":"wk7ph3","title":"Where to find information on Colorado’s candidates for the June 30 primary","excerpt":"Colorado’s primary election — with consequential party races for local, state and federal offices — is rapidly approaching. \n\n\n\nThe Post Independent election page has coverage as well as candidate columns and responses to questions about key issues on Colorado’s Western Slope for voters to refere...","content":"Colorado’s primary election — with consequential party races for local, state and federal offices — is rapidly approaching. \n\n\n\nThe Post Independent election page has coverage as well as candidate columns and responses to questions about key issues on Colorado’s Western Slope for voters to reference in the run up to Election Day on Tuesday, June 30.  \n\n\n\nVisit the page for coverage on Democratic and Republican primaries for state and regional offices, including governor, secretary of state, state attorney general, University of Colorado Board of Regents, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congressional Districts and state house districts. \n\n\n\nBallots were mailed to registered voters starting on Monday, June 8. In Colorado, residents can register to vote up until polls close on Election Day. \n\n\n\nWhile the deadline has passed to return ballots via mail, voters can return their ballots in person up until 7 p.m. on election night at official drop boxes, or vote in person at polling centers on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nAll registered voters — including those registered as unaffiliated or with the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Unity parties — can vote in the June 30 primary. Unaffiliated voters received ballots for both the Democratic and Republican party primaries — but can only vote in one. \n\n\n\nColorado’s Libertarian Party does not allow unaffiliated voters to cast a vote in their election. They can request a ballot for the Unity Party primary from their local county clerk. The Libertarian and Unity parties have one contested race each for the June primary. \n\n\n\nWinners from each political party in the June 30 primaries will face off in the general election on Nov. 3. \n\n\n\nVisit postindependent.com/election for more information. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-election-primary-june-30-information/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T20:06:28.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F25191142%2F5-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"where-to-find-information-on-colorados-candidates-for-the-june-30-primary"},{"id":"9ini9q","title":"West Nile virus detected in Garfield County mosquitoes","excerpt":"West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Battlement Mesa, an early-season sign that the virus is circulating in western Garfield County.\n\n\n\nGarfield County Public Health officials said there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Garfield County this season, but the pos...","content":"West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Battlement Mesa, an early-season sign that the virus is circulating in western Garfield County.\n\n\n\nGarfield County Public Health officials said there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Garfield County this season, but the positive mosquito test prompted the department to remind residents to take precautions outdoors, especially around dusk and dawn.\n\n\n\nThe virus was found in a mosquito pool, or a group of mosquitoes tested together, as part of the county’s seasonal mosquito surveillance program. Each summer, Garfield County Public Health traps and tests adult mosquitoes in areas where the virus is more likely to appear and treats mosquito larvae to help reduce mosquito populations.\n\n\n\nGarfield County Public Health Public Information Officer Carrie Godes told the Post Independent that West Nile virus is not new to Colorado, but the detection came earlier than usual this year.\n\n\n\n“We do see it every year,” Godes said. “It is rare for people to get that particular bite, but when you do get West Nile, it can be really serious.”\n\n\n\nWest Nile virus spreads when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite people. It does not spread from person to person, Godes said.\n\n\n\n“West Nile is spread when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then feed on humans,” Garfield County Public Health Director Joshua Williams said in a news release. “These mosquitoes tend to live in stagnant standing water, which is why homes near wetland areas or agricultural spaces tend to see more of the virus. We are asking people to take precautions when they are outdoors so that they don’t become sick with the virus.”\n\n\n\nWilliams told the Post Independent that the county began testing earlier this year after a human case of West Nile virus was reported in Jefferson County. The highest concern for West Nile virus is typically later in the summer and into the fall, but precautions should continue through the first hard frost, he said.\n\n\n\n“Since we have got an indicated positive sample, then these precautions should be taken all the way until first hard frost,” Williams said.\n\n\n\nSo far, Battlement Mesa is the only area in Garfield County where a mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile virus this season. Williams told the Post Independent that mosquito pools large enough to test have also been collected from Silt, Rifle and Parachute.\n\n\n\nThe main concern is Culex mosquitoes, which are known to carry West Nile virus between birds and humans. Williams said there are about 50 mosquito species in Colorado, but Culex mosquitoes are the primary species targeted for West Nile virus surveillance in Garfield County.\n\n\n\nCulex mosquitoes typically do not travel long distances, Williams told the Post Independent.\n\n\n\n“They usually stay around less than a mile radius area,” Williams said. “They don’t necessarily migrate greater distances.”\n\n\n\nSymptoms of West Nile virus usually appear two to six days after a bite from an infected mosquito, but can take up to 14 days to develop. Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five people infected develop an illness that can include headache, muscle aches, joint pain, rash or gastrointestinal symptoms.\n\n\n\nOlder adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Public health officials recommend contacting a health care provider for new or worsening symptoms, especially severe headaches or confusion.\n\n\n\nThere is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Mild illness usually improves on its own, and rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medication may help relieve symptoms.\n\n\n\nPublic health officials recommend using insect repellent, including products that contain DEET, when outdoors. People should also limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, and wear loose-fitting long pants, long-sleeved shirts and tall socks.\n\n\n\nResidents can help reduce mosquito habitat around their homes by draining standing water at least once a week. That includes water in tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys and puddles. Public health officials also recommend installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/west-nile-virus-detected-in-garfield-county-mosquitoes/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:54:12.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F25135253%2Fmosquito.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"west-nile-virus-detected-in-garfield-county-mosquitoes"},{"id":"5xtrum","title":"Pedestrian Mall Lanes","excerpt":"During the Mall Fest 50 art parade on Saturday to celebrate 50 years of Aspen’s pedestrian mall, Tim Sack, executive director of Buckhorn Public Arts, bowls a keg down East Hyman Avenue — recreating an old Aspen tradition frequently organized…","content":"During the Mall Fest 50 art parade on Saturday to celebrate 50 years of Aspen’s pedestrian mall, Tim Sack, executive director of Buckhorn Public Arts, bowls a keg down East Hyman Avenue — recreating an old Aspen tradition frequently organized…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/pedestrian-mall-lanes/image_faa25956-ca85-45b6-b8f5-884a8c10b549.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Faa%2Ffaa25956-ca85-45b6-b8f5-884a8c10b549%2F6a41d1553c764.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"pedestrian-mall-lanes"},{"id":"1obxpb","title":"Aspen old-timer endorses Doyle for BOCC","excerpt":"Jim Wingers — I am a certified “Aspen geezer,” since I am over 80. I am a non-affiliated voter who leans right. John Doyle is my...","content":"Jim Wingers — I am a certified “Aspen geezer,” since I am over 80. I am a non-affiliated voter who leans right. John Doyle is my...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/aspen-old-timer-endorses-doyle-for-bocc/article_759ee2bb-b4e7-477d-869d-747bef6338d0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1610736576962-1b0e0b6e8e2a%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","inBriefing":true,"slug":"aspen-old-timer-endorses-doyle-for-bocc"},{"id":"ffi7m9","title":"Vote Torre, who stands up for locals","excerpt":"Lisa Markalunas — Torre is excellent and he is my choice for Pitkin County commissioner in District 1. He is well-versed...","content":"Lisa Markalunas — Torre is excellent and he is my choice for Pitkin County commissioner in District 1. He is well-versed...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/vote-torre-who-stands-up-for-locals/article_91482748-af7b-45f9-8669-264071c840ae.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1605540436563-5bca919ae766%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","slug":"vote-torre-who-stands-up-for-locals"},{"id":"ljdzoe","title":"Romero has earned a place in Congress","excerpt":"Erin Rigney — Please vote for Dwayne Romero for U.S. House District 3. I cannot say enough positive things about Romero’s integrity...","content":"Erin Rigney — Please vote for Dwayne Romero for U.S. House District 3. I cannot say enough positive things about Romero’s integrity...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/romero-has-earned-a-place-in-congress/article_489fd940-8bca-4108-b18b-45c886111b22.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"romero-has-earned-a-place-in-congress"},{"id":"dubew3","title":"Ireland: No need to whine — just vote","excerpt":"Celebrate the 250th for what really counts. Better than a cage match on the White House lawn. More important than...","content":"Celebrate the 250th for what really counts. Better than a cage match on the White House lawn. More important than...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/ireland-no-need-to-whine-just-vote/article_ab04fc13-de53-40a9-b8e0-ae86970663c0.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Mick Ireland, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fc5%2F0c5299e7-e00a-463c-ae8e-a99b71b9b93a%2F68f57a05c990e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","slug":"ireland-no-need-to-whine-just-vote"},{"id":"2bnke3","title":"Parrott: Long love Aspen, long love skiing","excerpt":"The Aspen Daily News article on Aspen One’s plea for help (June 10, “Aspen One’s success relies on community support...","content":"The Aspen Daily News article on Aspen One’s plea for help (June 10, “Aspen One’s success relies on community support...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/parrott-long-love-aspen-long-love-skiing/article_5534f90a-89fb-4ac6-8bf3-5178917869a5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andrew Parrott, Guest Commentary","publishDate":"2026-06-29T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F79%2F8792df58-4d5c-11ee-a684-03fa38419653%2F64f9908a8d2f2.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C267","slug":"parrott-long-love-aspen-long-love-skiing"},{"id":"y0zpe0","title":"voting","excerpt":"In-person voting for the primary elections is available at the Pitkin County administration building, 530 E. Main St., today from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and also on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ballot drop-off locations (deadline is…","content":"In-person voting for the primary elections is available at the Pitkin County administration building, 530 E. Main St., today from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and also on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ballot drop-off locations (deadline is…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/voting/image_6b468f34-54af-4189-9034-1aabb7f091f5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-29T07:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2Fb4%2F6b468f34-54af-4189-9034-1aabb7f091f5%2F6a41bc49cbb80.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C197","slug":"voting"},{"id":"m8i1nf","title":"andrew","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/andrew/image_8792df58-4d5c-11ee-a684-03fa38419653.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-29T07:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F79%2F8792df58-4d5c-11ee-a684-03fa38419653%2F64f9908a8d2f2.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C267","slug":"andrew"},{"id":"i6q3ah","title":"SkiCo execs paint uncertain future, describe reinvestment as at risk","excerpt":"Presentations to elected officials focus on downward industry trends, valley’s housing and traffic problems","content":"Presentations to elected officials focus on downward industry trends, valley’s housing and traffic problems","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/skico-execs-paint-uncertain-future-describe-reinvestment-as-at-risk/article_d6ee6d99-eb0c-4b72-9774-8242fdaed9f5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"By Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-28T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F3f%2Fc3f509ac-0cda-40ff-9d27-fdad8750a038%2F6a407bc8c31b4.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"skico-execs-paint-uncertain-future-describe-reinvestment-as-at-risk"},{"id":"qj9kri","title":"COVER Copy of 241205_Coney Express Grand Opeing_Snowmass_JC-1.jpg","excerpt":"Aspen Skiing Co. CEO Geoff Buchheister celebrates the opening of Coney Glade lift at Snowmass resort in 2024.","content":"Aspen Skiing Co. CEO Geoff Buchheister celebrates the opening of Coney Glade lift at Snowmass resort in 2024.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cover-copy-of-241205-coney-express-grand-opeing-snowmass-jc-1-jpg/image_c3f509ac-0cda-40ff-9d27-fdad8750a038.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F3f%2Fc3f509ac-0cda-40ff-9d27-fdad8750a038%2F6a407bc8c31b4.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"cover-copy-of-241205coney-express-grand-opeingsnowmassjc-1jpg"},{"id":"xi6ulo","title":"241127_Gondola Plaza Line_Aspen Mountain_JC-2.jpg","excerpt":"Skier visits to Aspen/Snowmass have been declining for three years in a row, say Aspen Skiing Co. executives. Last year, with record-low snow, they dropped by 21.5%.","content":"Skier visits to Aspen/Snowmass have been declining for three years in a row, say Aspen Skiing Co. executives. Last year, with record-low snow, they dropped by 21.5%.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/241127-gondola-plaza-line-aspen-mountain-jc-2-jpg/image_80613ade-56e9-4ffc-97b0-58b86b47241a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F06%2F80613ade-56e9-4ffc-97b0-58b86b47241a%2F6a407bc1b3a82.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"241127gondola-plaza-lineaspen-mountainjc-2jpg"},{"id":"8w0ku0","title":"260626_Ski Co Snowmass Housing_JC.jpg","excerpt":"The Aspen Skiing Co.’s Shop employee housing in Snowmass is planning an expansion.","content":"The Aspen Skiing Co.’s Shop employee housing in Snowmass is planning an expansion.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260626-ski-co-snowmass-housing-jc-jpg/image_3ac2f85c-03ff-48d5-b720-e668c110d56c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:45:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fac%2F3ac2f85c-03ff-48d5-b720-e668c110d56c%2F6a407bc428440.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"260626ski-co-snowmass-housingjcjpg"},{"id":"rz1uxu","title":"Copy of 250208_Snowmass Ski Area_Charme.jpg","excerpt":"The Aspen Skiing Co. touts its massive investments in infrastructure at Snowmass Ski Area, but says future investments are at risk.","content":"The Aspen Skiing Co. touts its massive investments in infrastructure at Snowmass Ski Area, but says future investments are at risk.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/copy-of-250208-snowmass-ski-area-charme-jpg/image_d9113e05-27a7-4d12-9859-f5a4773538ab.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F91%2Fd9113e05-27a7-4d12-9859-f5a4773538ab%2F6a407bc4a581b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"copy-of-250208snowmass-ski-areacharmejpg"},{"id":"meii7o","title":"Copy of EDL.Ullrhof_JC.jpg","excerpt":"The Aspen Skiing Co. is spending $43 million on a new Ullrhof restaurant at Snowmass, scheduled to open next ski season.","content":"The Aspen Skiing Co. is spending $43 million on a new Ullrhof restaurant at Snowmass, scheduled to open next ski season.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/copy-of-edl-ullrhof-jc-jpg/image_85ef80c8-ede4-47fa-bba5-b8dbbf24a05f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:45:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F5e%2F85ef80c8-ede4-47fa-bba5-b8dbbf24a05f%2F6a407bc73c9c6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"copy-of-edlullrhofjcjpg"},{"id":"r21hv0","title":"260626_EJ Crossing_JC.jpg","excerpt":"The proposed EJ Crossing affordable housing project sits along Highway 82 in El Jebel next to the Blue Lake subdivision.","content":"The proposed EJ Crossing affordable housing project sits along Highway 82 in El Jebel next to the Blue Lake subdivision.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260626-ej-crossing-jc-jpg/image_a59bd1b8-209d-49f8-ae88-9057e1077669.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F59%2Fa59bd1b8-209d-49f8-ae88-9057e1077669%2F6a407bc9209dd.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"260626ej-crossingjcjpg"},{"id":"s063q1","title":"Screenshot 2026-06-27 at 3.56.01 PM.png","excerpt":"From left, Aspen Skiing Co. CEO Geoff Buchheister, Aspen One CEO Dave Tanner, and Aspen One Vice President of Sustainability Chris Miller present to the Snowmass Village Town Council and mayor on June 15.","content":"From left, Aspen Skiing Co. CEO Geoff Buchheister, Aspen One CEO Dave Tanner, and Aspen One Vice President of Sustainability Chris Miller present to the Snowmass Village Town Council and mayor on June 15.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/screenshot-2026-06-27-at-3-56-01-pm-png/image_32da8f8b-1b5b-47e5-bba5-9a0b0f6752f9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of the Town of Snowmass Village","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F2d%2F32da8f8b-1b5b-47e5-bba5-9a0b0f6752f9%2F6a407bc91bbfe.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C166","slug":"screenshot-2026-06-27-at-35601-pmpng"},{"id":"d07x0e","title":"Climate change could shutter ski resorts","excerpt":"Patrick Hunter — Leaders of Aspen One recently held a meeting with the Aspen City Council. The ski company leaders said they need support from the community...","content":"Patrick Hunter — Leaders of Aspen One recently held a meeting with the Aspen City Council. The ski company leaders said they need support from the community...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/climate-change-could-shutter-ski-resorts/article_962493fa-d44a-4845-98f7-a82fcbfc02a2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"climate-change-could-shutter-ski-resorts"},{"id":"307md7","title":"Reflections on a Woody Creeker’s last party","excerpt":"Allen Jones — I went to my friend Bill Dinsmoor’s last birthday party. Bill was happy that day and laughing a lot...","content":"Allen Jones — I went to my friend Bill Dinsmoor’s last birthday party. Bill was happy that day and laughing a lot...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/reflections-on-a-woody-creeker-s-last-party/article_df63c6d7-308c-40bc-b76e-56eb8a74ead9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-28T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"reflections-on-a-woody-creekers-last-party"},{"id":"ptxg07","title":"Circadian Coffee Co launches new drive-thru option in El Jebel","excerpt":"Something’s been brewing in El Jebel.\n\n\n\nNow, after years in the making, Circadian Coffee Co soft-launched on Friday, offering convenience coupled with an assortment of coffee options, from blended drinks to lattes with homemade syrups, along with local food menu items.\n\n\n\nHow did it all come tog...","content":"Something’s been brewing in El Jebel.\n\n\n\nNow, after years in the making, Circadian Coffee Co soft-launched on Friday, offering convenience coupled with an assortment of coffee options, from blended drinks to lattes with homemade syrups, along with local food menu items.\n\n\n\nHow did it all come together? Founder and owner Heather Short said that the story began in 2021, when she started operating a coffee shop out of a shared space with another restaurant in town. As her business grew, her landlords, the Crawfords, approached her with what she called “a simple but significant question” about what her vision for the future looked like.\n\n\n\n“It was a big question, but for me the answer was always clear,” Short said. “My vision has always centered around a drive-thru coffee concept — one that reflects the pace of modern life while still creating a welcoming, community-focused experience. I wanted to build a place that values people’s time without sacrificing quality, service or connection. A place that supports local growers, partners with other small businesses and serves as a gathering point for the mid-valley community and beyond.”\n\n\n\nFor Short, her passion for drive-thru comes from growing up in the state of Washington, where she said drive-thru coffee stands were a staple of her everyday life. Her first job was at a drive-thru coffee shop, and throughout college, she worked within the drive-thru coffee franchise Dutch Bros Coffee while pursuing a business degree, which she said helped shape her understanding of efficient service, strong community relationships and the impact a local coffee shop can have.\n\n\n\nShe added that now, as she and her husband — Keith Gabel, a Paralympic snowboarder who trained out of Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club — are parents, the convenience of a drive-thru is an even bigger draw.\n\n\n\n“We’re parents, we’re always on the go, we need convenience,” she said. “There’s a lack of that in this valley.”\n\n\n\nWhen she shared her business plan and vision with the Crawfords, she said they not only listened but believed in it. It was with their support navigating resources and obstacles to development that she began bringing Circadian Coffee Co to life — powering through roughly three years of permitting, meetings, pouring concrete, landscaping, inspections and more.\n\n\n\nHeather Short has opened Circadian Coffee Co, as seen on Friday, June 26, 2026, in El Jebel.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\n“What has emerged is exactly what we hoped for: a quality mid-valley operation built around community, connection and convenience,” Short said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to work alongside the Crawfords to create something that honors the needs of busy people while maintaining a commitment to exceptional products, meaningful service and local partnerships.”\n\n\n\nCircadian Coffee Co’s starter menu offers both caffeinated — served hot, iced or blended — and non-caffeinated drinks — smoothie bombs, juice and hot chocolate, among other items. Pastries are both sourced from local bakers and made in-house.\n\n\n\n“It’s exciting to see a locally owned business create a new spot for locals in the mid-valley — especially one that comes with caffeine and fancy toasts!” Basalt Mayor Pro Tem Hannah Berman said.\n\n\n\nOwner Heather Short, right, helps fill a customer’s order at Circadian Coffee Co on Friday, June 26, 2026, in El Jebel.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAs of Friday, the community walk-up window is open at 70 El Jebel Road, serving coffee, açaí bowls and a variety of pastries. The drive-thru will open on Monday, June 29.\n\n\n\n“This project has been years in the making, and seeing it come to fruition is both humbling and exciting,” Short said. “More than a coffee shop, it represents what can happen when a shared vision is met with trust, collaboration and a genuine investment in community.”\n\n\n\nOwner Heather Short, second from left, poses with her friends and employees at Circadian Coffee Co on Friday, June 26, 2026, in El Jebel.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nHours of operation are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed on Wednesdays, according to the company Instagram. For more information, follow @circadian_coffee_co_333.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/circadian-coffee-co-launches-new-drive-thru-option-in-el-jebel/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F26162041%2Fcoffeeshop-atd-062626-02-1024x768.jpg","slug":"circadian-coffee-co-launches-new-drive-thru-option-in-el-jebel"},{"id":"oxqt96","title":"Colorado wolves are traveling east and south as summer begins","excerpt":"For the first time since beginning the reintroduction of gray wolves, Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed a wolf traveled east across Interstate 25. \n\n\n\nThe collared wolf’s trip was captured in the latest wolf activity map, which illustrates the watersheds where Colorado’s collared wolves were ...","content":"For the first time since beginning the reintroduction of gray wolves, Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed a wolf traveled east across Interstate 25. \n\n\n\nThe collared wolf’s trip was captured in the latest wolf activity map, which illustrates the watersheds where Colorado’s collared wolves were located between May 26 and June 23. According to Parks and Wildlife, the wolf only traveled east briefly into watersheds in Pueblo, Otero and Las Animas counties before heading back west across I-25. \n\n\n\nIn a news release, the agency said this activity “highlights the broad movements made by dispersing wolves,” adding that it has been “in active communication with producers who have known wolf activity near their operations and is coordinating access to conflict minimization resources.” \n\n\n\nIf a watershed is highlighted, it means that at least one GPS point from one wolf was recorded in that watershed during the 30-day period. GPS points are recorded roughly every four hours. \n\n\n\nWhile the latest map shows Colorado’s collared wolves moving more broadly to the east and south than the previous couple of months, there also continues to be activity condensed in the northwest where the state’s four confirmed wolf packs are located. This includes presence within watersheds across Eagle, Summit, Grand, Jackson, Routt, Rio Blanco, Fairfield, Mesa, Pitkin and Gunnison counties. \n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife has only confirmed four packs in the state: the Copper Creek Pack in Pitkin County, the King Mountain Pack in Routt County, the One Ear Pack in Jackson County and the Three Creeks Pack in Rio Blanco County. All but the Copper Creek Pack originally formed in spring 2025. The agency has not yet confirmed whether additional dens or packs formed this spring, with denning season for wolves spanning from mid-March through May. \n\n\n\nWith the latest map, Parks and Wildlife said it is monitoring the state’s wolves “for the formation of additional packs and indication of successful reproduction.”\n\n\n\nColorado’s nascent wolf population is still a large mix of pack wolves and dispersing wolves — lone animals traveling broadly in search of a mate and quality habitat. Parks and Wildlife estimated there were at least 32 wolves in Colorado this past winter, including 18 adults and 14 pups. \n\n\n\nA gif compares Colorado’s June and May wolf activity map. Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThe state wildlife agency killed a nearly two-year-old wolf on June 12. The uncollared wolf — born to the Copper Creek pack in spring 2025 but separated from the group in September 2025 — was tied to attacks on at least 22 sheep in Rio Blanco and Routt counties since 2025. This was the fourth wolf death this year, following a one still under investigation in January and the death of both breeding adults in the King Mountain Pack. The matriarch died in March and, according to a public statement made to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was shot by a ranch hand in Eagle County, purportedly while attacking cattle. The patriarch died during a Parks and Wildlife collaring operation in January.  \n\n\n\nWhat are wolves up to in the summer? \n\n\n\nBy June and July, any new pups born will begin to explore 100 to 200 yards outside their den, according to a talk given in April at a range rider training by Brenna Cassidy, the wolf monitoring and data coordinator for Parks and Wildlife. Pups start to leave the den gradually, but remain “super, super tied to a location,” Cassidy said of the pups during these months. \n\n\n\n“When the pups are weaned, the female goes straight back out and is hunting with the rest of the pack; she usually doesn’t spend that much more time than any other wolf at the den,” she added. \n\n\n\nWeaning, according to the International Wolf Center, begins when wolves are around five weeks and can last until they’re about 10-weeks-old. \n\n\n\nAs the summer progresses and the pups are weaned, Cassidy said many packs will move the pups out of dens, often in mid-July, and to “rendezvous sites,” where they will often stay for the remainder of the season. She described these sites as “a safe area … and it could be one spot over the summer. It could be two, could be three, could be four. It just all depends on what’s going on in that area.” \n\n\n\nBy early August, most wolf pups in the Northern Rockies hit around 40 pounds, Cassidy said. As fall begins, she said the pups are likely traveling more broadly and going on excursions within their territories with other pack members. \n\n\n\nRegardless of what the packs are up to, the dispersing wolves will continue to make large exploratory movements — as seen in June’s map — until finding mates and settling into their own packs.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-wolves-june-2026-activity-map-i-25/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:43:15.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F25101559%2Fwolf_map_june.jpg","slug":"colorado-wolves-are-traveling-east-and-south-as-summer-begins"},{"id":"hypvf5","title":"ACES hosts event looking at health impacts of climate change","excerpt":"Dr. Mark Gladwin, the dean of University of Maryland School of Medicine and the vice president of Medical Affairs, is slated to speak with Aspen Center for Environmental Studies from 6 to 7 p.m. July 2 on the worsening health impacts in the face of human-driven climate change.\n\n\n\nThe talk, which ...","content":"Dr. Mark Gladwin, the dean of University of Maryland School of Medicine and the vice president of Medical Affairs, is slated to speak with Aspen Center for Environmental Studies from 6 to 7 p.m. July 2 on the worsening health impacts in the face of human-driven climate change.\n\n\n\nThe talk, which will take place in Paepcke Auditorium, is centered around the growing impacts on human health that are driven by anthropogenic, meaning due to human activity, climate change. Gladwin will look at impacts on both an international scale and specific to the Mountain West. \n\n\n\nAccording to him, rising temperatures are leading to the spread of disease, especially as more historically warmer, more tropical viruses are able to move north. Worsening air quality from things like forest fires and pollution compound the issue. \n\n\n\n“I’ll be talking in my lecture about the four horsemen of the apocalypse from Revelations, where you have the red horse of war, and the concept of heat and fire,” Gladwin said. “As temperatures rise, we’re seeing increasing mortality in heat vulnerable populations.”\n\n\n\nHe explained that Aspen’s risk of wildfire and exposure to lower air quality from wildfire smoke leaves people vulnerable to those health impacts, not all of which are yet understood. He noted that the specific chemicals that are released by wildfires have been worsening due to burning structures and high heat.\n\n\n\n“During forest fires, there’s a tremendous level of volatilized organic compounds, and so we’re breathing those compounds,” Gladwin said. “We have no idea the impact of those compounds on human health, but what we see with smoke and fire is that it leads to a highly significant increase in cardiovascular events and pulmonary events, and we see chronically a reduction in lung function.”\n\n\n\nHe added that climate change is also leading some species to migrate into regions they previously did not occupy. One of the most notable examples of this are ticks, which have had a record-breaking season in the U.S. this summer, he confirmed, and which are expanding into higher elevations in the Colorado mountains. This is creating the risk of a number of viruses, including exposure to Lyme disease, Colorado tick fever and more.\n\n\n\nDroughts and flooding, both of which follow patterns of worsening weather shifts due to climate change, are also likely to lead to even more health impacts, he added.\n\n\n\n“There’s a number of bacteria that are directly linked to flooding events, so I’ll talk about things … things like that, and how we’re seeing dramatic increases in those related complications,” Gladwin said. \n\n\n\nHe also said he hopes this talk can be the first step towards a partnership between ACES and the University of Maryland, emphasizing that the university has science funding but might miss some of the public outreach and education that ACES can provide.\n\n\n\n“(The University of Maryland) doesn’t have the policy and educational experience of ACES, and so it could be an ideal East Coast, West Coast partnership,” he said.\n\n\n\nThe talk is free, but registration is required. To register, visit aspennature.org/activity/jessica-catto-dialogue-the-generational-challenge-of-climate-medicine.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aces-hosts-event-looking-at-health-impacts-of-climate-change/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T23:13:36.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F24160843%2Fecoflight-atd-062325-06-1024x731.jpg","slug":"aces-hosts-event-looking-at-health-impacts-of-climate-change"},{"id":"48549m","title":"Intersect Aspen Art + Design Fair premiers new film featuring Colorado artists","excerpt":"Intersect Aspen Art + Design Fair will be hosting the Aspen premiere of “Time and Other Materials” in partnership with Aspen Film at 6:30 p.m. July 30 at the Isis Theatre. \n\n\n\nFilmmaker Amie Knox will attend, alongside the five Colorado artists featured in the film, according to a press release. ...","content":"Intersect Aspen Art + Design Fair will be hosting the Aspen premiere of “Time and Other Materials” in partnership with Aspen Film at 6:30 p.m. July 30 at the Isis Theatre. \n\n\n\nFilmmaker Amie Knox will attend, alongside the five Colorado artists featured in the film, according to a press release. A Q&A moderated by Peter Waanders, president and CEO of Anderson Ranch Arts Center, will follow. \n\n\n\n“Each year, Aspen becomes a global meeting point for art, ideas and creative exchange, and Intersect Aspen is proud to create space within that conversation for the artists shaping Colorado’s cultural landscape,” Tim von Gal, CEO of Intersect Art and Design, said in the release. “‘Time and Other Materials’ offers an intimate look into the lives and practices of five remarkable Colorado artists, and we’re honored to bring their stories to a broader audience during a week when the international art world is looking toward Aspen.”\n\n\n\nThe 60-minute documentary explores the creative processes of five prominent Colorado women artists: Rebecca DiDomenico, Stacey Steers, Martha Russo, Ana María Hernando and Kim Dickey. It is produced by Amie Knox and Chad Herschberger and was the winner of the Austin International Art Festival in May 2026, the official selection of 2025 LA Femme International Film Festival, a nominee of the New York Independent Art Film Fest in 2025 and the official selection of the 2025 Montreal Women Film Festival.\n\n\n\n“Each with their unique perspective and medium — be it animation, ceramics, installation art, or large-scale sculpture — they unveil their inner worlds through a series of intimate studio sessions,” the press release states. “This revealing documentary delves into their collective need to create and connect, not only with each other but with the broader world and beyond. Emphasizing themes such as discovery, mystery, femininity, and the vision of a better future, the film illustrates what it truly means to live a life devoted to creativity. Through five individual chapters filled with personal reflections and artistic processes, the documentary highlights the profound significance of art for both its creators and audience.”\n\n\n\nThe film features the following Colorado-based artists:\n\n\n\n\nStacey Steers: Steers’ films are composed of thousands of handmade works on paper, with images appropriated from early cinematic sources to build experimental narratives inviting reflection and contemplation; \n\n\n\nAna María Hernando: A multidisciplinary artist, Hernando’s work explores the sacred feminine and its power, questioning the long-imposed labels of “decorative,” “inconsequential” and “superficial” that have been historically equated to the art of women. In 2024, the Red Brick Center for the Arts exhibited Hernando’s work, “My Longing Doesn’t Quiet / Mi añoranza no se calla,” with sculptural installations in Wagner Park and Rubey Park alongside recordings of her poems;\n\n\n\nKim Dickey: Dickey’s ceramic work explores how meaning is constructed through the objects and environments, blending psychological space with theatrical artifice to invite reverie and reflection; \n\n\n\nMartha Russo: All of Russo’s work is intentionally obscure, presenting sculptures and installations that are just out of the grasp of language and force viewers back to a rudimentary way of collecting information, namely, through the senses and the body;\n\n\n\nRebecca DiDomenico: DiDomenico’s work explores the reinvention of natural environments as acts of illumination and care, reimagining fragile systems and wild spaces. She aimes to draw attention to the urgent need to protect what remains, as one would a beloved ancestor or small child. \n\n\n\n\nColorado’s 150th anniversary has been an inspiration for Intersect Aspen to emphasize the stories and work by Colorado artists in the 2026 edition of the fair, which runs July 28 to Aug. 1. \n\n\n\n“Celebrating its 16th year, Intersect Aspen Art + Design Fair … continues to evolve with its most expansive gallery presentations to date at the Aspen Ice Garden, bringing together leading local, national, and international galleries alongside artists, collectors, curators, and cultural voices from around the world,” the press release states.\n\n\n\nIntersect Aspen VIP passholders can RSVP for a ticket at form.jotform.com/261665334581158, which is included in their Intersect Aspen VIP pass purchase. Non-VIP ticket holders and the Aspen community are invited to purchase tickets for $25 to the screening at isistickets.btmcinemas.com/checkout/seats/3424659.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/intersect-aspen-art-design-fair-premiers-new-film-featuring-colorado-artists/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:45:48.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F26154210%2F55353047806_dcf4f86ccd_o-1024x576.png","slug":"intersect-aspen-art-design-fair-premiers-new-film-featuring-colorado-artists"},{"id":"137l5x","title":"RFTA, USFS offer free Maroon Bells access to library card holders","excerpt":"Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to allow free access to Maroon Bells for library card holders in Pitkin, Basalt and Garfield counties (Glenwood location) on a first-come, first-served basis. \n\n\n\nThe program is aimed at providing access to families ...","content":"Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to allow free access to Maroon Bells for library card holders in Pitkin, Basalt and Garfield counties (Glenwood location) on a first-come, first-served basis. \n\n\n\nThe program is aimed at providing access to families and individuals who might see day-use fees as a barrier to visiting one of the Roaring Fork Valley’s most popular outdoor recreation sites, according to Jamie Tatsuno, the public information officer for RFTA.\n\n\n\n“It’s just making the Maroon Bells more accessible to everybody,” Tatsuno said. “We know reservations fill up fast. We know sometimes people can’t afford it or they don’t want to pay for it, especially maybe a family of four. Those parking costs and shuttle costs can add up quickly.”\n\n\n\nThe pass does not require a reservation for the shuttle, added Tatsuno — visitors can use the pass to walk onto the next available shuttle without having reserved space beforehand.\n\n\n\nGreg Poschman, chair of the RFTA board and a Pitkin County commissioner, added how important access to the Maroon Bells are for the local public.\n\n\n\n“Part of this is to try to keep it affordable and accessible to people in the face of high volumes of people wanting to go,” Poschman said, “so we’re trying to make it fair for everybody and make it accessible for everyone.”\n\n\n\nEach of the three county libraries has one pass for each day of the week that library card holders are able to check out. Passes will cover free parking at Aspen Highlands, day-use fees and transportation on the Maroon Bells shuttle for the card holder and three others, totaling more than $50 in savings for a family of four, said Tatsuno.\n\n\n\nThe pass can be checked out for the valid day and returned up to seven days later at the Glenwood and Basalt libraries and up to three days later at Pitkin County Library.\n\n\n\n“It is more accessible to our locals, being able to get out there and enjoy the outdoors and visit the Maroon Bells,” Tatsuno said.\n\n\n\nFor more information on the pass system at each library, visit the Basalt Regional Library, Garfield County Libraries or Pitkin County Library websites.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/rfta-usfs-offer-free-maroon-bells-access-to-library-card-holders/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T22:30:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F26133052%2F90BEB40D-B9F9-4002-B75A-D741D031A563-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"rfta-usfs-offer-free-maroon-bells-access-to-library-card-holders"},{"id":"vtvoj7","title":"Aspen’s new wildfire code could increase some costs","excerpt":"Aspen’s recently adopted wildfire resilience code is slightly increasing the costs of new developments and some renovations that include square footage expansion, according to contractors and architects.\n\n\n\nBonnie Muhigirwa, Aspen’s chief building official, noted that while the city was consideri...","content":"Aspen’s recently adopted wildfire resilience code is slightly increasing the costs of new developments and some renovations that include square footage expansion, according to contractors and architects.\n\n\n\nBonnie Muhigirwa, Aspen’s chief building official, noted that while the city was considering the new code, they believed it wouldn’t lead to notable increases in the costs of new development, mostly because Aspen’s building code already included so many wildfire protection clauses. According to Muhigirwa, the city already mandated Class A roofs, which are highly fire resistant; the biggest change is the “hardening” of the siding.\n\n\n\n“From what we’ve seen, it’s been very doable for our (building permit) applicants to find materials that work for them,” she said.\n\n\n\nBut Bryan Hanlen, the director of constructability at the architecture firm POSS, explained that the true cost comes from renovations that add square footage to an existing house. According to Hanlen, if a homeowner exceeds a certain threshold of square footage increase, not only does the new build have to be brought up to code, but the entire existing building has to be as well.\n\n\n\n“If you’re doing what you thought was a small addition to your house and all of a sudden you have to tear all the siding off of your house and … you’re forced to upgrade the insulation and fire rating of the entire exterior of your house, that could be seen as being significantly punitive,” he said.\n\n\n\nChris Madigan, the owner of a general contracting firm Madigan + Company, said that a special liner is added to the exterior walls of houses that helps protect from a fire igniting the entire house. As of now, this liner is not as readily available as the demand for construction might need it to be, but Hanlen hopes this will change over time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHe added that permitting takes so long in Aspen that it often takes over a year for construction to start after plans are submitted for permitting. He hoped that this delay will allow the industry that creates the fireproof materials required in new builds to reach a manufacturing capacity that can keep up with demand. He noted that if this lag from permitting to construction didn’t exist, it would be a “painful start.”\n\n\n\n“Everybody in the state, in theory, is going to be doing this,” Hanlen said. “So, if everybody’s doing it, then I would expect the wood companies to step up to the plate, stock products where there’s not some insane wait time because you’re not ordering this super unique one-off product. It should be fairly stocked.”\n\n\n\nHe added that it will take time before the exact cost increase will be understood.\n\n\n\nMadigan noted that with new developments in Aspen, the new materials aren’t exceptionally more expensive than what was used before, and the new construction shouldn’t be that much more expensive with the new materials, with the exception of the new liner. However, he emphasized the complexity of a remodel that would require bringing the whole building up to code.\n\n\n\n“With regards to anything dealing with a remodel, it’s always more complicated because number one, you don’t really know what you’re dealing with, and you have to deal with existing conditions, and it just adds an extra variable to the process,” he said.\n\n\n\nHanlen also said that there’s more than one way to design a resilient house. He explained that the code isn’t completely rigid, and that there are multiple interpretations that can all lead to a building design or rework that achieves the same fire-resistant goal. Madigan also explained that the code not being totally binding doesn’t mean architects and contractors will “skirt” the rules and build unsafe developments. Hanlen added that with how extreme fire weather is becoming, most people will want their house to be resilient.\n\n\n\n“It’s not skirting it, it’s just finding a different solution for the unique circumstances of their project,” Madigan said. “There have been multiple different solutions. It’s not a one size fits all type of situation.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspens-new-code-wildfire-code-could-increase-some-costs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T21:39:54.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F05%2F07184813%2Ffire-atd-090523-5-2048x1463-1-1024x732.jpg","slug":"aspens-new-wildfire-code-could-increase-some-costs"},{"id":"u1enp3","title":"Climate Curve to celebrate award winners on Wednesday","excerpt":"Comedian Seth Meyers will emcee Aspen ceremony","content":"Comedian Seth Meyers will emcee Aspen ceremony","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/climate-curve-to-celebrate-award-winners-on-wednesday/article_a05b16a1-c99e-4ff7-954c-4244a1502200.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aubree Miller, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-27T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F48%2F848d6789-9489-4f0d-baa8-af40b056f665%2F6a3f1d9ae458b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"climate-curve-to-celebrate-award-winners-on-wednesday"},{"id":"lnhkwt","title":"Back-up bricks for pedestrian mall running out","excerpt":"City officials discuss how to appropriately replace aging walkways","content":"City officials discuss how to appropriately replace aging walkways","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/back-up-bricks-for-pedestrian-mall-running-out/article_b66a793d-0bbf-42b0-b02a-e7eabfdee930.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-27T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F03%2F403a47a8-d3cc-4bbe-b0fd-90e94f3f23a6%2F6a3f1eac9fe84.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"back-up-bricks-for-pedestrian-mall-running-out"},{"id":"wmydiu","title":"Zakaria, Brooks predict the pessimism will pass","excerpt":"Aspen Ideas Festival opens with hope for better days","content":"Aspen Ideas Festival opens with hope for better days","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/zakaria-brooks-predict-the-pessimism-will-pass/article_664c1b95-c787-4847-941b-de8ef73d9906.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-27T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2F28%2F02868134-4912-4b66-adc0-6c5f3ba5fd5a%2F6a3f201a9e61c.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"zakaria-brooks-predict-the-pessimism-will-pass"},{"id":"yy7tsc","title":"The strong persuader comes to the Wheeler","excerpt":"Robert Cray Band plays JAS June Experience","content":"Robert Cray Band plays JAS June Experience","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/the-strong-persuader-comes-to-the-wheeler/article_59004466-cc77-4390-b4e8-9dc9252118f7.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-27T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2F9d%2Fb9dba74d-3855-4278-83b8-08345cdabc86%2F6a3f1b85b9143.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"the-strong-persuader-comes-to-the-wheeler"},{"id":"lgtvmk","title":"robert cray a","excerpt":"The 72-year-old blues guitar legend Robert Cray and his band will play the Wheeler Opera House at 5:30 p.m. today as part of the JAS June Experience.","content":"The 72-year-old blues guitar legend Robert Cray and his band will play the Wheeler Opera House at 5:30 p.m. today as part of the JAS June Experience.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/robert-cray-a/image_b9dba74d-3855-4278-83b8-08345cdabc86.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Melanie Lemahieu","publishDate":"2026-06-27T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2F9d%2Fb9dba74d-3855-4278-83b8-08345cdabc86%2F6a3f1b85b9143.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"robert-cray-a"},{"id":"ahji3v","title":"robert cray b","excerpt":"Robert Cray has won five Grammys and is regarded as one of the main artists that brought the blues back to the mainstream in the 1980s.","content":"Robert Cray has won five Grammys and is regarded as one of the main artists that brought the blues back to the mainstream in the 1980s.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/robert-cray-b/image_ed2c1ee7-d354-43c5-981e-b77aaad5397b.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Melanie Lemahieu","publishDate":"2026-06-27T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2Fd2%2Fed2c1ee7-d354-43c5-981e-b77aaad5397b%2F6a3f1bcc3677a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"robert-cray-b"},{"id":"quhex2","title":"jacqui francis","excerpt":"Jacquelyn Francis is founder and executive director of the Aspen-based Climate Curve (formerly Global Warming Mitigation Project). The nonprofit will hand out Keeling Curve awards to ambitious projects aiming to address climate change during a Wednesday event in Aspen.","content":"Jacquelyn Francis is founder and executive director of the Aspen-based Climate Curve (formerly Global Warming Mitigation Project). The nonprofit will hand out Keeling Curve awards to ambitious projects aiming to address climate change during a Wednesday event in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/jacqui-francis/image_848d6789-9489-4f0d-baa8-af40b056f665.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-27T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F48%2F848d6789-9489-4f0d-baa8-af40b056f665%2F6a3f1d9ae458b.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"jacqui-francis"},{"id":"8smdh2","title":"seth meyers","excerpt":"Seth Meyers attends the Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner at Tribeca Grill on June 8 in New York. Meyers will host the Climate Curve Awards in Aspen on Wednesday.","content":"Seth Meyers attends the Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner at Tribeca Grill on June 8 in New York. Meyers will host the Climate Curve Awards in Aspen on Wednesday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/seth-meyers/image_246dccd8-ed0b-4695-a040-8a3e3344241e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP","publishDate":"2026-06-27T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F46%2F246dccd8-ed0b-4695-a040-8a3e3344241e%2F6a3f1e075949a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"seth-meyers"},{"id":"nhwue8","title":"mall bricks","excerpt":"Bricks on the Cooper Avenue pedestrian mall in front of the former Bidwell Building are in need of repair. The city of Aspen is running out of its historic brick reserves and is trying to decide next steps for the…","content":"Bricks on the Cooper Avenue pedestrian mall in front of the former Bidwell Building are in need of repair. The city of Aspen is running out of its historic brick reserves and is trying to decide next steps for the…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/mall-bricks/image_403a47a8-d3cc-4bbe-b0fd-90e94f3f23a6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-27T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F03%2F403a47a8-d3cc-4bbe-b0fd-90e94f3f23a6%2F6a3f1eac9fe84.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"mall-bricks"},{"id":"8jfpt2","title":"brooks-zakaria a","excerpt":"Journalists David Brooks and Fareed Zakaria kick off the 22nd annual Aspen Ideas Festival with a discussion about America’s future on Thursday evening.","content":"Journalists David Brooks and Fareed Zakaria kick off the 22nd annual Aspen Ideas Festival with a discussion about America’s future on Thursday evening.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/brooks-zakaria-a/image_02868134-4912-4b66-adc0-6c5f3ba5fd5a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-27T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2F28%2F02868134-4912-4b66-adc0-6c5f3ba5fd5a%2F6a3f201a9e61c.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"brooks-zakaria-a"},{"id":"swcbww","title":"Crews fighting Dry Creek fire in Garfield County get reprieve after overnight rains","excerpt":"The size of the fire that started Tuesday south of Rifle did not grow and remains around 315 acres as of Thursday morning","content":"The size of the fire that started Tuesday south of Rifle did not grow and remains around 315 acres as of Thursday morning","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/25/colorado-dry-creek-fire-garfield-county-rains/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"David Krause","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:11:04.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fdrycreekfire-e1782406474846.jpeg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C713%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"crews-fighting-dry-creek-fire-in-garfield-county-get-reprieve-after-overnight-rains"},{"id":"igoykh","title":"Recent data offers more details on winter-spring slowdown","excerpt":"Airport-travel decline not as sharp as retail, occupancy decreases","content":"Airport-travel decline not as sharp as retail, occupancy decreases","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/recent-data-offers-more-details-on-winter-spring-slowdown/article_a3d6ce75-064b-46e4-99c7-8213d4a006c5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andre Salvail, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-26T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F0d%2F80d5b8f1-9e92-45e9-a16f-adb98091e662%2F6a3debccbc0d3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"recent-data-offers-more-details-on-winter-spring-slowdown"},{"id":"tswl0","title":"Phillips redevelopment project moving forward","excerpt":"P&Z finding of nonconformance officially overruled in 5-0 vote","content":"P&Z finding of nonconformance officially overruled in 5-0 vote","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/phillips-redevelopment-project-moving-forward/article_f9fb96a9-3c5d-4713-be62-6b6382c1b427.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-26T09:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F08%2Fe08f965f-198a-4697-a6f3-b57644740f73%2F6a3deaec92ed7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"phillips-redevelopment-project-moving-forward"},{"id":"djxjb6","title":"Early childhood tax district taps executive director","excerpt":"Markovitz brings 6 years of ECE experience with Eagle County","content":"Markovitz brings 6 years of ECE experience with Eagle County","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/early-childhood-tax-district-taps-executive-director/article_5fbbb933-ca01-44bd-b986-b876145b20bc.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-26T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Faa%2F0aa63d0a-58b2-434a-8afd-41343e959d2f%2F6a3dec557339a.image.jpg%3Fcrop%3D467%252C371%252C1%252C15%26amp%3Bresize%3D300%252C238%26amp%3Border%3Dcrop%252Cresize","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"early-childhood-tax-district-taps-executive-director"},{"id":"4vprn5","title":"APR awarded for on-air excellence","excerpt":"Station recognized by 3 different organizations","content":"Station recognized by 3 different organizations","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/apr-awarded-for-on-air-excellence/article_c0d79c31-3d61-43f5-9beb-2e839f439464.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-06-26T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F8b%2Fd8bcd495-1a0d-4b3f-8799-f6c9851da71a%2F6a3decd3ee5b2.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C247","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"apr-awarded-for-on-air-excellence"},{"id":"mtp18l","title":"260624_Phillips Trailer Park_JC.jpg","excerpt":"The redevelopment of Phillips Mobile Home Park — a plan eight years in the making — will now begin after the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners voted to overrule the Planning and Zoning Commission’s finding of nonconformance.","content":"The redevelopment of Phillips Mobile Home Park — a plan eight years in the making — will now begin after the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners voted to overrule the Planning and Zoning Commission’s finding of nonconformance.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260624-phillips-trailer-park-jc-jpg/image_e08f965f-198a-4697-a6f3-b57644740f73.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fe%2F08%2Fe08f965f-198a-4697-a6f3-b57644740f73%2F6a3deaec92ed7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"260624phillips-trailer-parkjcjpg"},{"id":"acikki","title":"Filling a void","excerpt":"A sage plant fills the spot of a missing light post on the Mill Street pedestrian mall on Tuesday.","content":"A sage plant fills the spot of a missing light post on the Mill Street pedestrian mall on Tuesday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/filling-a-void/image_f2fa61c1-8a78-4fe5-8a31-478704812841.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2F2f%2Ff2fa61c1-8a78-4fe5-8a31-478704812841%2F6a3dea39e6a1d.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"filling-a-void"},{"id":"89pq0b","title":"Basalt to hold river festival","excerpt":"Rapidgrass will be the headlining musical act at Saturday’s Basalt River Jams, a free festival featuring food trucks, beverages, river activities and live music set for noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday at Basalt River Park. Activities include tubing, kayak…","content":"Rapidgrass will be the headlining musical act at Saturday’s Basalt River Jams, a free festival featuring food trucks, beverages, river activities and live music set for noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday at Basalt River Park. Activities include tubing, kayak…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/basalt-to-hold-river-festival/image_67327ad4-8477-4634-81be-bcd7aabd3caa.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Mark Morris","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F73%2F67327ad4-8477-4634-81be-bcd7aabd3caa%2F6a3de9ff84a2c.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"basalt-to-hold-river-festival"},{"id":"o1rosr","title":"260623_ASE baggage claim_JC.jpg","excerpt":"Passengers wait for their luggage at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport on Tuesday. Local tourism stakeholders and workers are hoping for a strong summer season to offset the decline in visitation and sales that occurred during the winter-spring ski season.","content":"Passengers wait for their luggage at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport on Tuesday. Local tourism stakeholders and workers are hoping for a strong summer season to offset the decline in visitation and sales that occurred during the winter-spring ski season.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/260623-ase-baggage-claim-jc-jpg/image_80d5b8f1-9e92-45e9-a16f-adb98091e662.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F0d%2F80d5b8f1-9e92-45e9-a16f-adb98091e662%2F6a3debccbc0d3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"260623ase-baggage-claimjcjpg"},{"id":"wkqhi4","title":"Aspen Public Radio team.jpeg","excerpt":"Aspen Public Radio’s newsroom in 2025 included, from left, Eleanor Bennett, Regan Mertz, Halle Zander, Sarah Tory and Michael Fanelli. The team received awards in April and May for work done in 2025.","content":"Aspen Public Radio’s newsroom in 2025 included, from left, Eleanor Bennett, Regan Mertz, Halle Zander, Sarah Tory and Michael Fanelli. The team received awards in April and May for work done in 2025.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/aspen-public-radio-team-jpeg/image_d8bcd495-1a0d-4b3f-8799-f6c9851da71a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Aspen Public Radio","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F8b%2Fd8bcd495-1a0d-4b3f-8799-f6c9851da71a%2F6a3decd3ee5b2.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C247","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-public-radio-teamjpeg"},{"id":"wky90","title":"Samantha Markovitz headshot.jpg","excerpt":"The Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District Board of Directors unanimously approved the contract for Samantha Markovitz to be the organization’s first executive director on Thursday.","content":"The Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District Board of Directors unanimously approved the contract for Samantha Markovitz to be the organization’s first executive director on Thursday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/samantha-markovitz-headshot-jpg/image_0aa63d0a-58b2-434a-8afd-41343e959d2f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of the Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Faa%2F0aa63d0a-58b2-434a-8afd-41343e959d2f%2F6a3dec557339a.image.jpg%3Fcrop%3D467%252C371%252C1%252C15%26amp%3Bresize%3D300%252C238%26amp%3Border%3Dcrop%252Cresize","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"samantha-markovitz-headshotjpg"},{"id":"tv5am7","title":"Citing water restrictions, Avon cancels July 3 fireworks","excerpt":"Avon Town Manager Eric Heil on Friday made the decision to cancel Avon’s fireworks display for the Salute to the USA event. \n\n\n\n“This decision is based on the designation of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions by the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and the lack of any rain in the forecast over the next week...","content":"Avon Town Manager Eric Heil on Friday made the decision to cancel Avon’s fireworks display for the Salute to the USA event. \n\n\n\n“This decision is based on the designation of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions by the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and the lack of any rain in the forecast over the next week,” the town of Avon said in a news release issued Friday. “Stage 2 Fire Restrictions do allow commercial fireworks displays; however, proceeding with the display would require significant watering of Nottingham Park and the adjacent railroad right-of-way prior to the event, which would conflict with the exceptional drought conditions and watering restrictions.”\n\n\n\nHeil said the celebration will still be an amazing event for the community with performances by Grace Potter and Sophia Scott. \n\n\n\n“It is always disappointing to cancel the fireworks display for Salute to the USA, which is a beloved feature of Avon’s signature event,” Heil said. “We hope everyone will join us for a beautiful evening in Harry A. Nottingham Park for the 40th Annual Salute to the USA.”\n\n\n\nGates open at 5 p.m. for Salute to the USA in Harry A. Nottingham Park, with live music beginning at 6 p.m. Complete event details can be found at Avon.org/Salute.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/citing-water-restrictions-avon-cancels-july-3-fireworks/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:20:29.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2024%2F06%2F28120851%2FJuly4Happenings-VDN-063024-2.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"citing-water-restrictions-avon-cancels-july-3-fireworks"},{"id":"vk48er","title":"On the Fly: Go up in elevation and find some solitude","excerpt":"High Country fishing is officially on the menu now, which provides some of the most spectacular views and beautiful fish you will find anywhere. Some anglers tire of busy rivers here in the valley during July and August, and hiking up to higher altitude waters offers a nice respite. You don’t nee...","content":"High Country fishing is officially on the menu now, which provides some of the most spectacular views and beautiful fish you will find anywhere. Some anglers tire of busy rivers here in the valley during July and August, and hiking up to higher altitude waters offers a nice respite. You don’t need waders — just a rain jacket, plenty of water and a cup of flies will provide for a fun day on the water. Keep in mind that our monsoonal rains will be here soon in the afternoons, so hiking up early is key to avoid lightning in the high country.\n\n\n\nFlies of note are damsels, water boatmen, scuds, chironomids, callabaetis, hoppers and small streamers.  It seems to be more effective to “sight fish” on lakes, casting to a particular fish versus casting and hoping, so to say. Find a cruising fish and lead it by a few feet with a delicate cast, and most brookies and cutthroat will oblige you and inhale that well-presented fly. Most fish in local lakes relate to the bank more than the deep water, so cruising the shoreline usually seems more effective than utilizing a belly boat or canoe. In early summer, most vegetation and food are near the edges, so that is where the fish will be.\n\n\n\nAmerican lake is quite popular with the local set, as well as Cathedral, Chapman, Lost Man, Petroleum, Savage and the Fryingpan lakes.  Most of these lakes contain brook and cutthroat trout exclusively, and many have small streams to enjoy on your way up and down the trail. We hope you get some nice time on our multitude of High Country lakes in the Roaring Fork Valley this summer!","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/on-the-fly-go-up-in-elevation-and-find-some-solitude/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Scott Spooner Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-26T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25081236%2FIMG_0674.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"on-the-fly-go-up-in-elevation-and-find-some-solitude"},{"id":"2q7zuj","title":"Copper Mountain selected to host two World Cup ski and snowboard events","excerpt":"Last week, U.S. Ski and Snowboard announced that, for the second year in a row, Summit County was chosen to host two World Cup events during the 2026-2027 winter season. \n\n\n\nCopper Mountain Resort will be hosting the Stifel Copper Cup on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, the Alpine skiing event wi...","content":"Last week, U.S. Ski and Snowboard announced that, for the second year in a row, Summit County was chosen to host two World Cup events during the 2026-2027 winter season. \n\n\n\nCopper Mountain Resort will be hosting the Stifel Copper Cup on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, the Alpine skiing event will showcase men’s super-G and giant slalom races. Their female counterparts return to Killington, Vermont, after competing last year in Copper Mountain alongside the men. \n\n\n\nThe resort will also be hosting the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix on Dec. 19 and 20. Copper Mountain’s Superpipe will be the site of the the event’s halfpipe tournament for snowboarders and freeskiers. \n\n\n\n“From World Cup Alpine racing to another season of halfpipe competition, these events showcase the world-class venues, training environment and operational expertise that define Copper as the Athlete’s Mountain,” said Dustin Lyman, the president and general manager of Copper Mountain, in a recent press release. \n\n\n\nFor a full list of domestic World Cup events — including at nearby Beaver Creek Resort and Aspen Snowmass Resort — visit USSkiAndSnowboard.org. \n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from summitdaily.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/copper-mountain-selected-to-host-two-world-cup-ski-and-snowboard-events/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Summit Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnews@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T07:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25193733%2FCM_Winter_Copper_Cup_Men_Giant_Slalom_11.28.25_IZ_High_Rez_254_CM_06581-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"copper-mountain-selected-to-host-two-world-cup-ski-and-snowboard-events"},{"id":"1hjib1","title":"PHOTOS: Ridin’ dirty with Snowmass Rodeo now in its 52nd season","excerpt":"The 52nd season of the popular Snowmass Rodeo is well underway with weekly events each Wednesday evening at Snowmass Town Park.\n\n\n\nOrganized by the Snowmass Western Heritage Association, the 7 p.m. rodeo is always preceded by a 5 p.m. barbecue along with many activities for the kids. Tickets do s...","content":"The 52nd season of the popular Snowmass Rodeo is well underway with weekly events each Wednesday evening at Snowmass Town Park.\n\n\n\nOrganized by the Snowmass Western Heritage Association, the 7 p.m. rodeo is always preceded by a 5 p.m. barbecue along with many activities for the kids. Tickets do sell out and the rodeo does run, rain or shine.\n\n\n\nFor more, visit snowmassrodeo.org.\n\n\n\nA bronc rider competes at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA cowgirl carries the American flag around the arena during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nKids take part in the calf scramble during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA kid competes in mutton bustin’ during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA cowgirl competes in breakaway roping during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nTeam ropers compete at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA kid wipes her hands clean of dirt after competing in mutton bustin’ during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nLivestock make it through the pens during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-442233-582').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = 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\n \n A team roper competes at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A cowgirl competes in breakaway roping during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young girl tries her luck on the mechanical bull during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bronc rider competes at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young child enjoys the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A cowgirl competes in breakaway roping during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A sheep waits for its turn at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A cowgirl carries the American flag around the arena during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A young mutton buster gives a smile after a solid ride during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bronc rider competes in the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Kids line up to take part in the calf scramble during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Kids take part in the calf scramble during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bronc rider competes in the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A cowgirl competes in breakaway roping during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bronc rider hits the dirt during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park. This is the rodeo’s 52nd season.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A cowgirl tries out the mechanical bull during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A kid competes in mutton bustin’ during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Team ropers compete at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A team roper gets ready to compete at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Goats play with the kids during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests explore the various vendors during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A kid wipes her hands clean of dirt after competing in mutton bustin’ during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Team ropers compete at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A kid competes in mutton bustin’ during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Kids take part in the calf scramble during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Team ropers compete at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A cowgirl carries the American flag around the arena during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A kid competes in mutton bustin’ during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Team ropers compete at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Fans fill the grandstands during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A child pokes her head through the display for a photo during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Hats sit for sale during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A kid competes in mutton bustin’ during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bronc rider competes at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Darce Vold, executive director of the Snowmass Western Heritage Association, keeps things running during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bronc rider competes at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Livestock make it through the pens during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A bronc rider competes at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A cowgirl carries the American flag around the arena during the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Team ropers compete at the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Snowmass Town Park.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-ridin-dirty-with-the-snowmass-rodeo-in-its-52nd-season/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T06:35:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25134351%2Frodeo-atd-062426-01-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"photos-ridin-dirty-with-snowmass-rodeo-now-in-its-52nd-season"},{"id":"8mr94u","title":"High Points: Living with Stage 2 fire restrictions","excerpt":"The High Point? Well, as of this writing, it is that, thus far in this very dry June, there has yet to be a fire of severe consequence in the Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nI use the word “severe” because, although we have had fires, they have been stymied by the outstanding work of our local fire depar...","content":"The High Point? Well, as of this writing, it is that, thus far in this very dry June, there has yet to be a fire of severe consequence in the Roaring Fork Valley.\n\n\n\nI use the word “severe” because, although we have had fires, they have been stymied by the outstanding work of our local fire departments. Speaking on Monday in a presentation to the Aspen City Council and Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners, Pitkin County Emergency Manager Chris Breitbach noted five fires had started within the region in the previous seven days — four of which have been determined to be human-caused. Scary stuff, and most of us didn’t even know that we have had any fires.\n\n\n\nAnd let’s not forget the great work of the fire department in limiting the Grant’s Cabin fire on the back side of Aspen Mountain to just one structure the final Saturday of May. That fire could have been catastrophic had it not been for their efforts.\n\n\n\nWe are in unprecedented times. Not only was this past winter one of the driest on record, but it was also marked by extensive heat. June has seen little rain, and there doesn’t seem to be many raindrops in sight. Extreme is the best word to describe the potential fire danger.\n\n\n\nAdd it all up, and it was officially announced that as of one minute after midnight on Friday, June 26, Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Pitkin County. It is a significant announcement and one that calls for everyone in the community to be mindful and vigilant. This one is serious. We have already been in Stage 1 fire restrictions since June 10, but this ups the ante.\n\n\n\nIt should be obvious, but let’s review the Stage 2 rules:\n\n\n\nOpen fires of any kind are prohibited. Yes, that means no campfires, even in fire rings or in grates in private homes or campsites. There will be no using charcoal grilling or pellets or smokers or wood stoves for the foreseeable future. Gas grills with an on-off valve can be used as long as they are at least 10 feet away from any flammable materials such as trees, grass, leaves or pine needles. I know it is a bummer not to have a campfire, but for the time being, please abstain.\n\n\n\nFireworks are prohibited. Yes, it is that time of year, and we are celebrating a special American July 4 with the 250th birthday. Just don’t do it with fireworks. No sparklers either. If it creates fire, smoke or sparks of any kind, then it is prohibited.\n\n\n\nSmoking is prohibited. Don’t let your butts be the spark that lights a raging inferno. You can still smoke in your house or in an enclosed car, but be sure to use your ashtray, and don’t flick ashes out the windows. This goes for joints as well.\n\n\n\nOff-road driving is prohibited. Stick to the designated roads, paved or dirt, and do not drive your cars through open fields or vegetated areas. One spark from the heated undercarriage of a car can ignite the tinder-dry brush beneath it. And, if you have any chains or metal objects hanging from your vehicles, be sure to secure them, so they don’t create sparks from contacting the road.\n\n\n\nSpark producing devices are prohibited. Many of us are clearing brush around our homes, but make sure that your chainsaws, grinders or generators have spark arrestors to keep them from throwing sparks into the very brush you are removing. Or better yet, just don’t use them if you have any doubts.\n\n\n\nWelding and torches are prohibited. This one is for those who work with fire. You can apply for a special permit with the fire department if you are planning to do some needed work.\n\n\n\nThese are the official mandates of Stage 2 fire restrictions, and fines do apply for breaking them. But that is beyond the point — the bottom line is that you don’t want to be the one whose mistake caused a fire.\n\n\n\nLet’s all get through this challenging time together. That will be a High Point.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/high-points-living-with-stage-2-fire-restrictions/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Paul E. Anna","publishDate":"2026-06-26T02:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F12%2F04163836%2FHigh-Points--1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"high-points-living-with-stage-2-fire-restrictions"},{"id":"mdqble","title":"Nike Outdoor Nationals track meet features pair of Garfield athletes","excerpt":"Eugene, Oregon, has long been one of the country’s landmark running destinations, from the evolution of the modern running shoe to hosting the Olympic track and field qualifiers.\n\n\n\nIn June, two Garfield County athletes got their chance to compete on that same stage.\n\n\n\nRecent Rifle High School g...","content":"Eugene, Oregon, has long been one of the country’s landmark running destinations, from the evolution of the modern running shoe to hosting the Olympic track and field qualifiers.\n\n\n\nIn June, two Garfield County athletes got their chance to compete on that same stage.\n\n\n\nRecent Rifle High School graduate Rylan Petree and incoming Coal Ridge High School freshman Rhyan Whelan traveled to TrackTown USA over the weekend of June 17 to compete in the Nike Outdoor Nationals, held at Hayward Field.\n\n\n\nThe Nike Outdoor Nationals is an annual championship for middle and high schoolers across the nation and is widely regarded as one of the premier and most exclusive events for young athletes. Sanctioned by USA Track and Field and organized by the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation, the weeklong event hosts hundreds of the nation’s most elite track and field stars.\n\n\n\nFor Petree and Whelan, the trip came at very different points in their running careers.\n\n\n\nPetree, a recent Rifle graduate and school record holder for the 400-meter dash, is committed to run at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs this fall. Whelan, meanwhile, celebrated her eighth-grade continuation just a month prior and is preparing to begin her high school career at Coal Ridge in August. \n\n\n\nPetree and Whelan both competed in the 400-meter dash, though in different divisions. Petree competed in the girls’ championship division, while Whelan competed in the middle school division. Petree finished 35th (56.48 seconds) in the girls’ championship division. Whelan finished 33rd (1:01.71) in the girls middle school division. \n\n\n\n“Since I was a freshman, it has been a dream of mine to compete at Nike Outdoor Nationals, and I’ve been working towards being able to compete against the top athletes in the nation since then,” Petree said. “It was by far the biggest meet I’ve ever run at, and to be able to run at Hayward Field was truly a dream come true. It was so cool to step onto the track and know I was about to run on one of the world’s biggest stages.”\n\n\n\nWhelan found out about the competition just this year, but just because she hadn’t revered the event for years doesn’t mean she didn’t see the event for what it is. She described the chance to run the singular race as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and a “true blessing from God.”\n\n\n\n“It was amazing. Knowing that I was running on the same track the pros run on for the Olympic trials is still mindblowing,” she said. “The stadium was huge, I could feel the difference in the track as I was running, the number of people there was huge, and the energy of the crowd was infectious.”\n\n\n\nPetree, a much more experienced runner, had an equally tough time wrapping her head around the stadium where she was competing.\n\n\n\n“When I first arrived at Hayward, I thought the track was definitely bigger than 400 meters,” she laughed. “The facilities at Hayward Field were so incredibly nice, and when I walked into the practice facility where they were staging us, I was shocked at the quality of the facilities.”\n\n\n\nPetree said the next-level atmosphere helped her take a step back.\n\n\n\n“I learned to sit back and take it all in, and really enjoy the moment,” she said. “It really helped me learn to stay calm throughout the craziness, which I think will really help me in my next steps at UCCS.”\n\n\n\nWhelan said the lead-up to her race became increasingly more nerve-wracking until she met a fellow racer who would eventually race in the lane beside her. \n\n\n\n“Having never competed in an environment like that, I was really nervous about it, and I started getting it in my head,” she said. “When I went to the Athlete lounge, I met a girl from Fort Collins who was in my heat and the lane next to me. We talked for a little bit before our race, which really helped with my nerves because I knew she was just as nervous as I was.”\n\n\n\nPetree wasn’t exempt from the nerves either. She explained that what helped her recenter was remembering that the hard work was done; all she had to do was the part she enjoyed most. The ability to believe in yourself like that is an ability only acquired over time, and one Whelan will surely develop through her next steps at Coal Ridge High School. \n\n\n\n“Going into my event, I was really nervous,” Petree said. “I recentered myself by remembering that I’d earned my place there and all my hard work had already paid off; this was just another chance to do what I love.\n\n\n\n“As I was walking out to the track to set my blocks, I was thinking about all the people back home supporting me, which really helped me stay composed,” she continued. “I was very nervous, but was super thankful for the opportunity to represent Western Colorado. Once the gun went off, and I pushed out of the blocks, all of the nerves went away, and it was just another race.”\n\n\n\nWhelan said her mind was clear as she got to her line. She repeated three bible verses to herself that helped her run to the best of her ability while competing against the nation’s top talent. \n\n\n\n“When I got to the line for the race, I had three bible verses that I say to myself to help with nerves,” Whelan explained. “Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. And 2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of peace and a sound mind.”\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from postindependent.com","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/nike-national-track-meet-features-two-garfield-county-athletes/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-26T01:20:08.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25191847%2FRhyan_NON2-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"nike-outdoor-nationals-track-meet-features-pair-of-garfield-athletes"},{"id":"av8fwa","title":"Lo-Fidelity: Aging into the Paul JAS Center","excerpt":"As I careen haphazardly through the four-way stop of my midlife-crisis, the newborn Paul JAS Center on the Cooper Street Mall is a venue I feel like I’ve very effectively “aged-into.” \n\n\n\nAfter willingly enduring countless late nights seeing, hearing and dancing-to live music at the Belly Up in v...","content":"As I careen haphazardly through the four-way stop of my midlife-crisis, the newborn Paul JAS Center on the Cooper Street Mall is a venue I feel like I’ve very effectively “aged-into.” \n\n\n\nAfter willingly enduring countless late nights seeing, hearing and dancing-to live music at the Belly Up in various states of consciousness, finally having a venue and schedule that more suits my age is a showgoer’s lifetime achievement award. Now, with the early gigs at the Paul JAS Center, I can dress-up, get-down and be safely back at home in bed with my reading glasses on by 9:30 p.m. For years, we’ve joked: If only the Belly Up only had shows during the day …\n\n\n\nGod bless and long live the hallowed subterranean show-box, the Belly Up. I sense the very above-ground 2nd floor Paul JAS Center actually compliments the Belly Up. They yin each other’s yang. This weekend is a prime example: There will be JAS June Experience events at the Belly Up. I’m thrilled that these two local live music magnates can be so simpatico. After the amusing cover shot last year of the two owners engaged in what appeared to me to be a heated conversation (finger-wagging included) outside of a commissioners meeting, I wasn’t so sure. \n\n\n\nIf you haven’t been to the new Paul JAS Center yet, dive in. The space is getting rave reviews. I’m curious to know what you think. Most all the talent I’ve seen there is either super award-winning or acutely Grammy-adjacent. Jim Horowitz has to be commended for having a clear vision and seeing it through. Thank you to mega donor Andy Paul and all the other generous sponsors, of which we are very fortunate to have I might add. I was so impressed by my first experience at the new venue last year, I told one of the nice staff I felt compelled to donate. She humbly replied buying a ticket and attending on my best behavior would suffice. \n\n\n\nThe Paul JAS Center location successfully accomplishes a specific task: the direly needed re-activation of the Cooper Street Mall. If you time it just right, then one can hear the groovy musical stylings spilling out onto the bricks below. I went to a show there last spring, and a whole gaggle of folks I met were hitting the Paul JAS Center early show, then the Belly Up — venue hopping. \n\n\n\nI gotta say, it’s refreshing to go into a venue and see a bunch of familiar faces. Hororwitz has done what I feel is an outstanding job of curating and cultivating an acutely local feeling venue. Right away, I knew waiters, waitresses, bartenders and staff — and the food by Julia and Alan was delicious, nourishing and reasonably priced. I really dig the atmosphere of the Paul JAS Center.\n\n\n\nIntrepid photographer (and Elvis Presley look-alike) Steve Mundinger has painstakingly photo-documented and archived every single JAS Aspen show, and his greatest hits are up on the walls at the center — much as the walls of the Belly Up are plastered with all those staggering, archival shots. \n\n\n\nI’m embarrassed to admit, but it seems like I know fewer and fewer of the artists coming through town these days. I’m clearly out of touch, with limited time. The upside of this inevitable conundrum is I’m sitting pretty to have my mind blown when I do go out to “see” live music. I am psyched to experience Bonnie Raitt this Labor Day — one of the three out of eight names on the bill I actually recognized.\n\n\n\nJAS Aspen has brought me so much joy over the years. I remember seeing Robert Cray (in 1996 maybe?) play a poignant version of  “Strong Persuader” in a tent at Lot 3 in Snowmass many, many moons ago. Now, the old venue site looks like the Hong-Kong skyline. \n\n\n\nI then recalled the time I went to see David Byrne (local architect Charles Cunniffe’s old roommate at RISD) at JAS fest over 20 years ago. It was snowing up on Snowmass and cold rain down low. I was huddled underneath a trusty blue tarp in the front row of the gritty GA section with local legends Grant Timroth, Hank Thurston and his lovely wife Lisa. As the rain pattered our impromptu shelter, out came the flask and accompanying party favors. “High and dry,” I believe the saying goes. When we lifted the tarp, it looked like a depraved scene from a “Cheech and Chong” movie. \n\n\n\n“When we lifted the tarp it looked like a depraved scene from a ‘Cheech and Chong’ movie.” Lorenzo Semple\n\n\n\nDue to the rain, Byrne’s accompanying Tosca string section understandably balked at coming out onstage. Instead, we were treated to a blistering 50-minute set of Talking Heads songs. The show will go down in history as one of my all-time concert highlights. \n\n\n\nI’m psyched to attend the JAS June Weekend shows and do some venue-hopping myself, starting tonight. I just scored a GA pass, and I’m putting my party-pants on tight. Summer’s pitching up-quickly, like a very jazzy, rideable wave. Catch it if you can. Thanks again, Jim Hororwitz, for all the memories and many, many more to come.\n\n\n\nContact Lorenzo via suityourself@sopris.net.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lo-fidelity-aging-into-the-paul-jas-center/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lorenzo Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-26T00:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F01%2F22132924%2F20251224_134304-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"lo-fidelity-aging-into-the-paul-jas-center"},{"id":"bvtgbm","title":"Bob Moses returns to ‘home away from home’ at Belly Up Aspen","excerpt":"After almost a decade of playing Aspen, Bob Moses will be returning to Belly Up for a club set on Friday, July 3, bringing with them their signature sound, new versions of songs and a love of the Colorado mountains.\n\n\n\nThe Vancouver-bred duo, made up of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance, started in th...","content":"After almost a decade of playing Aspen, Bob Moses will be returning to Belly Up for a club set on Friday, July 3, bringing with them their signature sound, new versions of songs and a love of the Colorado mountains.\n\n\n\nThe Vancouver-bred duo, made up of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance, started in the Brooklyn underground scene in 2012 before debuting in Aspen in 2017. Since then, they’ve maintained a tradition of coming back year after year, becoming familiar not only with Belly Up’s venue but with the broader local landscape and community as well.\n\n\n\n“Because we have had that experience of going back every year and because we have the connection to the people and the place, it does make it feel like a home away from home,” Howie said.\n\n\n\nAccording to him, over the years they’ve been able to witness Aspen’s evolution, in particular the growth of the party scene they’re a part of.\n\n\n\n“Aspen has changed quite a bit even in the time we’ve been going — it feels like it’s gotten bigger and the party scene has become more of a thing,” he said. “It’s been kind of cool to watch that and be a part of that as it’s grown … feeling like we’re a small part of the culture of Aspen because we do play there every year. It brings us closer to the locals.”\n\n\n\nHe added that they’ve also gotten to know the towns around Aspen, making the drive between Aspen and Denver many times. For Vallance, Aspen represents the duo’s broader appreciation for Colorado and the way it aligns with what they create.\n\n\n\n“Colorado as a state has been extremely loving and accepting of our music,” he said. “It reminds us of our home … we just have a loving relationship with Colorado.”\n\n\n\nBelly Up in particular has always been a special spot, evocative of their early days in smaller clubs around the country. The caliber of talent on the calendar that they get to be a part of on the corner of S. Galena Street and E. Durant Ave. is what Vallance called “insane.”\n\n\n\n“They’ve cultivated an amazing thing,” he said of Belly Up. “There’s not another venue that’s had the level of talent they’ve had play at a capacity that small. They’ve really put a lot of care and effort into it, but it also feels like you can really cut loose and have fun.”\n\n\n\nBoth Vallance and Howie noted the beauty of having such a prestigious venue that still feels like a ski town bar.\n\n\n\n“There’s nowhere on Earth like it,” Howie said.\n\n\n\nFor those who will be there next Friday night, he said the audience can expect Bob Moses’ version of a DJ set with remixes of their own songs, new versions of songs and new records they’ve found that they’ll be playing for first time — summed up: a mix of trusted favorites and unexpected sounds.\n\n\n\n“We very much play to the room, so it’s different every time,” he said. “We vibe it out. We’ll just feel the vibe of the show and try to put on the best party we can. We have a few starting songs that we cycle through, (and) we wing it from there. Because the band show is so planned and rehearsed, we really like to go full DJ and off the cuff when we play our club set. It’s more of a feeling rather than thinking about it.”\n\n\n\nVallance noted that, paired with the whimsy and intuition of the club set, the two also put a lot of time and effort into envisioning what they’re trying to convey to a crowd.\n\n\n\n“We really want to make sure the audience that comes to see us is happy with the show that they get,” he added. “We try to take our best guess at servicing the audience that’s come to see us but finding a way to still surprise them. Every time we go back up there, we try to distill to the essence what we think the best Bob Moses show is.”\n\n\n\nAfter over a decade of collaborating, Howie said their process hasn’t changed too much. The biggest evolutions, according to him, have been getting more confident in their partnership and getting what he called “a lot less precious.” \n\n\n\n“At the beginning, we had to do everything ourselves,” he said. “The beginning of it was very much Jimmy and I alone in a room for hours on end.”\n\n\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic, however, created a shift in the source of their material — because they couldn’t see anyone other than each other, it led them to want to reach out for collaborations more.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe scene in Aspen—don’t miss a beat.\n\n\n\nSign up for our weekly Arts and Entertainment newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“That taught us a lot about not being too precious about where ideas come from, and letting the idea lead,” Howie said. “We’ve grown a lot in that way … So long as it’s passing through both of our filters, the process of how it gets to that point and through that filter is up for experimentation. That’s the part we’ll continue to explore and evolve, finding new ways to get creative excitement going. We’ve opened our sights up to getting that from anywhere.”\n\n\n\nOutside of the music, Aspen also holds a special place for Howie in his snowboarding journey.\n\n\n\n“I would credit Aspen and Belly Up for getting me back into snowboarding,” he said. \n\n\n\nAfter growing up with the sport, it fell by the wayside for a while, according to him, until he started coming to Aspen during the winter to play sets.\n\n\n\n“Booking a couple extra days in Aspen in the winter was the first way I got back to snowboarding,” he said. “I had the best day of my season the year before last at Ajax.”\n\n\n\nHe and Vallance admitted they still need to book some extra days in Aspen during the summer season to explore fishing, rafting and more.\n\n\n\nThe Bob Moses (Club Set) doors are at 8:30 p.m. For tickets, visit tickets.bellyupaspen.com/link/event?event=bob-moses-7-3-26.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/bob-moses-returns-to-home-away-from-home-at-belly-up-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T23:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25132825%2FJjG2vqKh-1024x683.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"bob-moses-returns-to-home-away-from-home-at-belly-up-aspen"},{"id":"3nrdxn","title":"Aspen’s Main Street improvements project moves from design to construction","excerpt":"Aspen City Council approved on Tuesday two resolutions that move the Main Street Inlets and Pedestrian Improvements project into the construction phase. \n\n\n\nPhase two — construction — is set to take place between July and October, with crews mobilizing in mid-July, according to Aspen Project Mana...","content":"Aspen City Council approved on Tuesday two resolutions that move the Main Street Inlets and Pedestrian Improvements project into the construction phase. \n\n\n\nPhase two — construction — is set to take place between July and October, with crews mobilizing in mid-July, according to Aspen Project Manager Wyatt Young.\n\n\n\nThe project addresses two primary areas of need: failing drainage infrastructure and accessibility deficiencies.\n\n\n\nConstruction will include replacing stormwater inlets and updating ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps and sidewalk panels. The work will ensure the long-term success of stormwater management and help make the sidewalks easier to navigate for individuals with disabilities. \n\n\n\n“Main Street is Aspen’s main corridor, and the stormwater inlets along this stretch have reached the end of their useful life,” Young said. “Replacing them now helps prevent drainage issues and protects the roadway heading into winter. At the same time, we’re upgrading several pedestrian ramps that don’t currently meet ADA standards, which makes the corridor safer and more accessible for everyone.” \n\n\n\nThe project will focus on each southwest corner of 1st to 6th Street and Main Street. Traffic impacts are expected, with lane shifts, short sidewalk detours and temporary parking restrictions. Each phase of construction will affect one intersection at a time, with the goal of minimizing disruptions for locals and commuters. Temporary traffic control will also be provided. \n\n\n\nMain Street Inlets and Pedestrian Improvements project map.City of Aspen/Courtesy image\n\n\n\n“We’ll keep the community updated as work progresses,” Young said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience while we get these important upgrades done.”\n\n\n\nPhase one — design and cost estimates — was finalized in late April, according to an Aspen staff report. The total project budget is $1.075 million. While not the lowest-cost option, the city selected a proposal from the construction firm Stutsman Gerbaz Inc. for its project experience and management capability.\n\n\n\nThe staff report stressed the importance of completing the project prior to the winter season to ensure success, as snow-removal operations could create challenges. Delaying construction would also put the current infrastructure at risk of deteriorating further and increasing project costs. \n\n\n\nCouncil unanimously approved both resolution #083, the phase two construction contract, and resolution #084, a 15% project contingency, as part of its consent calendar. Mayor Rachael Richards was absent from the regular meeting.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspens-main-street-improvements-project-moves-from-design-to-construction/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sonia Alizadeh Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsalizadeh@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T22:02:29.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F03%2F26172836%2Fmainstaspen-atd-032626-01-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspens-main-street-improvements-project-moves-from-design-to-construction"},{"id":"e3uret","title":"Peak 10 Classic canceled due to low snowpack, plans to return for free in 2027","excerpt":"For the first time since its inception as an official event in 2017, Breckenridge’s Peak 10 Classic will not be happening this Independence Day. \n\n\n\nTypically, the classic draws hundreds of attendees to ski the Fourth of July Bowl — a high-Alpine basin near Peak 10 where snow usually lasts long i...","content":"For the first time since its inception as an official event in 2017, Breckenridge’s Peak 10 Classic will not be happening this Independence Day. \n\n\n\nTypically, the classic draws hundreds of attendees to ski the Fourth of July Bowl — a high-Alpine basin near Peak 10 where snow usually lasts long into the summer season. But this year, with Colorado facing record-low snowpack, organizer Zach Ryan says the terrain could not sustain such an event. \n\n\n\n“The bowl would not support continuous skiing right now, it would not be a good experience for really anybody that’s up there,” Ryan said. “There are a few small patches of snow, it certainly is skiable, but by the Fourth of July, we don’t expect that it would be feasible to have 500 people up there skiing.”\n\n\n\nBoth Ryan and Bec Metras, a Peak 10 Classic volunteer who skied the Fourth of July Bowl on June 21, say that snowmelt seems to be around one month ahead of schedule.\n\n\n\n“I’ve been eyeing the bowl for the past couple weeks, and it just looks like the end of July right now,” Metras said.\n\n\n\nWhile weather conditions have impacted the event in the past, it’s usually due to too much snow, rather than too little. Organizers have postponed the event to August in previous years to allow snow more time to melt. Until now, the event has never, in its near-decade of being a formal event, not happened at all. \n\n\n\n“I think everybody who lives here in high country is fully aware that this is one of the lowest snow years on record,” Ryan said. “It just wasn’t going to be feasible to have the event the way it has been this year.”\n\n\n\nBec Metras at Peak 10 in Breckenridge, Colo. on June 21, 2026.Bec Metras/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nStill, aspects of the classic will live on, particularly through the Peak 10 Classic Beer, which is available beginning June 26 at four local breweries: Broken Compass Brewery, Breckenridge Brewery, Syndicate Brewing and Angry James Brewing. Proceeds from beer sales go, in part, to Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, a partner of the classic. \n\n\n\n“In the absence of a formal Peak 10 Classic this year, we are encouraging the community to support our community partners, like Friends of Dillon Ranger District,” Ryan said. “FDRD is a great organization that has a lot of the same values and mission that most of the folks who attend the Peak 10 Classic do — supporting our public lands, being good stewards of the land — so we’re certainly encouraging people to give back.” \n\n\n\nBeer profits will also go back to the Peak 10 Classic Foundation, which works to ensure that the event remains free to the public. \n\n\n\n“We’re really seeking to make sure that our public lands are free to access, and that this unique tradition that can really only happen in a couple places across the country, like Breckenridge, can continue to happen — skiing on the Fourth of July for free for anybody who wants to come,” Ryan said.\n\n\n\nHe says that costs associated with the event have increased — particularly insurance and shuttle costs — in recent years. Proceeds from alternate efforts this summer will help ensure that the event remains free when it returns in 2027, so long as snow conditions allow. \n\n\n\n“The beer sales help us put a little bit of money in the bank and make sure that, going into 2027, we’ll be able to continue to keep this event free for everyone to attend,” he said.\n\n\n\nCommunity members like Metras are already looking forward to it.\n\n\n\n“It does stink for the community to lose this event. It’s iconic,” she said. “It sucks for the community, but I am totally just thinking that it’s a temporary thing, and we’ll see it again next year.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/peak-10-classic-cancelled-lack-of-snow-2026/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jessica Sachs Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjsachs@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:34:24.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25152850%2Fbec_2-1024x822.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"peak-10-classic-canceled-due-to-low-snowpack-plans-to-return-for-free-in-2027"},{"id":"xk88x4","title":"Aspen Ideas: Health fellows","excerpt":"Every year, the Aspen Ideas: Health and Aspen Ideas festivals collectively sponsor more than a hundred professionals under 40 years old from various fields — including nonprofit leaders, scientists, artists, educators and more —  to further innovative solutions and insights into complex problems....","content":"Every year, the Aspen Ideas: Health and Aspen Ideas festivals collectively sponsor more than a hundred professionals under 40 years old from various fields — including nonprofit leaders, scientists, artists, educators and more —  to further innovative solutions and insights into complex problems. \n\n\n\nThe fully-funded attendees network with others, connecting the next generation of global innovators to support their positive impact globally. Many would not be able to attend the Ideas festivals if it weren’t for the program. \n\n\n\n“There is no better opportunity to build interpersonal skills, discuss various topics in such intellectual depth and enjoy the overall community and landscape like at the Aspen Ideas Festival,” said former fellow and award-winning director, writer and producer Anthony Devon, founder of Bedrock Cinema, an independent film and video production studio that helps expand opportunities for Black adolescents to learn about the entertainment industry. \n\n\n\nThe fellows are often challenged to consider diverse perspectives, which contributes to their leadership skills. \n\n\n\nSenior staff members of the Aspen Institute, as well as the festivals’ advisors and previous fellows, nominate current fellows. They strive to gather groups that represent different genders, ethnicities, industries and political affiliations. \n\n\n\nThe fellows of Aspen Ideas: Health, who represent 68 cities in 26 states and two other countries, just finished up their fellowship June 25. New fellows at Aspen Ideas began coming in for the festivals, which run through July 1. \n\n\n\nThe Health fellows were some of the biggest thinkers when it comes to healthcare, science and medicine. \n\n\n\nJessica Tarin, director of digital marketing at Aspen Institute, nominated one of the Health fellows, Arcelia Mendoza. The two met in their first semester of college, and ever since, Tarin has followed Mendoza’s work on disability advocacy. \n\n\n\n“As a Mexican Hispanic with cerebral palsy, I’ve publicly presented content intended to advocate, educate, integrate and advance the notion that diversabilities are part of society. My mission is to empower diversabilities through the media outlets to positively dispel disability marginalization and stigmatization. Giving visibility to ignored abilities is my mission, which, therefore, brings innovation to the world,” Mendoza communicated through her computer on her wheelchair.  \n\n\n\nShe noted that, while attending the Ideas festivals, fellows have opportunities to connect with others who also want to bring positive changes to the world. \n\n\n\n“By attending sessions, asking questions, learning and putting new ideas into perspective, speakers, attendees and other fellows can come together to develop a better future in health. Personally, I want to connect with people who are actually willing to normalize and embrace disabilities,” she said, adding that she’s learning that networking is the best way to bring ideas to the table. “Personally, I’m contributing by showing up as both an Aspen Ideas: Health fellow and disability advocate with lived experience. \n\n\n\nJasmine Greenamyer, vice president of Global Purpose and Patient Experience at Bristol Myer Squibb, nominated Kelly Day-Watson, Global Patient advocate at Bristol Myers Squibb, for Day-Watson’s work on Bristol Myers Squibb’s neuroscience patient advocacy team, as well as her ability to raise awareness about brain health. \n\n\n\n“A big part of my work is helping raise awareness that brain health is not just about treating disease. It is about taking a more holistic approach to health. That includes pairing innovative medicines with everyday behaviors like sleep, nutrition, movement and social connection to support cognitive and emotional well-being across the lifespan,” Day-Watson said. “While we are here, the fellowship creates a very intentional space for connection and collaboration.” \n\n\n\nThe Aspen Institute organizes experiences solely for fellows, including fireside chats, networking workshops, small group discussions and receptions, so they can all connect more deeply. Fellows also participate in the broader Aspen Ideas Health sessions and can engage in online seminars. \n\n\n\n“One of the biggest things we are learning is how to be more intentional about translating ideas into impact,” she said. “The fellowship helps prepare you to get the most out of the festival by building meaningful connections and advancing your work. There is a strong emphasis on storytelling, helping you define your narrative, articulate your big idea in health and confidently ask others to help bring it to life.” \n\n\n\nFellows contribute to the larger conversation by sharing their own big ideas. For her, that’s talking about how Bristol Myers Squibb is advancing brain health, particularly by integrating medical innovations with lifestyle and behavioral approaches. \n\n\n\n“We are also contributing by connecting people,” she said. “I have been able to introduce fellows to folks in my network who are working on similar challenges in neuroscience, advocacy and community health.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-ideas-health-fellows/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:17:31.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25151701%2FIMG_7508-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-ideas-health-fellows"},{"id":"33j6lm","title":"Obituary: Jim Crown","excerpt":"Jim CrownJune 25Remembered with love today and always.","content":"Jim CrownJune 25Remembered with love today and always.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/obituaries/obituary-jim-crown/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-06-25T21:05:10.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25150438%2FJim-Crown.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-jim-crown"},{"id":"fzhqzm","title":"Pitkin County behavioral health responders release annual report","excerpt":"The Pitkin Area Co-Responder Teams program, or PACT program, served 249 individuals in 2025 with a total of 1,294 visits.\n\n\n\nThis is according to Raleigh Bacharach-Hope, the PACT administrator for Pitkin County Public Health. PACT serves Pitkin County residents who struggle with substance abuse, ...","content":"The Pitkin Area Co-Responder Teams program, or PACT program, served 249 individuals in 2025 with a total of 1,294 visits.\n\n\n\nThis is according to Raleigh Bacharach-Hope, the PACT administrator for Pitkin County Public Health. PACT serves Pitkin County residents who struggle with substance abuse, mental health and other behavioral health challenges that normal police officers or first responders aren’t specifically trained in. Bacharach-Hope said that this helps alleviate pressure on first responders while also providing better, more continuous support for Pitkin County residents from Aspen to Redstone. \n\n\n\nThis support includes visits during times of crisis, connecting individuals with support networks and continued check-ins and meetings with behavioral health clinicians and peer-supporters.\n\n\n\n“(PACT’s) primary goals are to decriminalize behavioral health challenges, and that’s by reducing unnecessary reliance on our jail and emergency departments whenever it’s really most safe and appropriate to do so,” Bacharach-Hope said.\n\n\n\nShe explained that, while other municipalities and counties in the Roaring Fork Valley have mental health support networks, like the Hope Center for Basalt, they are often more oriented toward individuals in a crisis. PACT offers continued support to individuals even when they are further along in their recovery, with Bacharach-Hope confirming that Pitkin County sees a similar number of calls to other networks of comparable size in the state.\n\n\n\n“We were one of the first rural communities in Colorado to have a co-responder program, and that was thanks to funding from a state agency from the Behavioral Health Administration,” shhe said. “Co-responder models are becoming more popular as years go on.”\n\n\n\nPACT responded to 52 calls that required a mental health professional to relieve the first responders already on-scene, according to her, which then allowed those first responders to continue their other work.\n\n\n\n“(Law enforcement officials) do a wonderful job at being trauma-informed, meeting our community where they’re at, but we also want to recognize that they are not trained as social workers, so another part of our program goal is to alleviate our law enforcement partners from jobs that they’re not trained necessarily to do,” Bacharach-Hope said.\n\n\n\nPACT also employs a peer-support specialist, who has “lived experience of behavioral health challenges,” according to her, which helps them serve the individuals who struggle with substance abuse and behavioral health issues.\n\n\n\n“When I say behavioral health, that can mean mental health, substance use and unhoused domestic violence,” she said. “It’s a big umbrella term instead of just those smaller mental health challenges.”\n\n\n\nPACT’s follow-up check-ins, of which over 1,000 were conducted during 2025, can be from referred encounters with law enforcement or from previous encounters with PACT professionals. \n\n\n\n“(PACT’s) clients might need help navigating the system and our community resources, and that’s really hard to do on your own sometimes, and so having a case manager or a peer to guide you through that process with that trauma-informed, client-centered approach has been really helpful for our program, and I think our partners really see that benefit,” Bacharach-Hope said.\n\n\n\nFor immediate assistance, call or text 988 to reach the Colorado Mental Health Line or reach the Aspen Hope Centers’ 24/7 Hopeline. For more long-term, affordable behavioral health support, call Health Solutions West at 877-603-7045. Health Solutions West does not require an appointment, and they can help support clients through their support network virtually or on the phone.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitkin-county-behavioral-health-responders-release-annual-report/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:51:56.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F02%2F11161627%2FIMG_0506-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitkin-county-behavioral-health-responders-release-annual-report"},{"id":"sh1o0r","title":"Lo-Fidelity: Doing a double-take on Herbert Bayer","excerpt":"To know Herbert Bayer’s artwork is to know, and better understand, Aspen.\n\n\n\nI was reminded of this self-born concept once again while touring the latest exhibit at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies — “Double Take: Recurrent Dialogues in the Art of Herbert Bayer.” The gallery must be s...","content":"To know Herbert Bayer’s artwork is to know, and better understand, Aspen.\n\n\n\nI was reminded of this self-born concept once again while touring the latest exhibit at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies — “Double Take: Recurrent Dialogues in the Art of Herbert Bayer.” The gallery must be seen to be believed. A visit to the museum and an awareness of his contributions are key components to being the consummate all-knowing, well-rounded Aspenite.\n\n\n\nThe new installation has me doing a bit of a double-take myself because I feel like the more Bayer artwork I absorb and know, the more there is to truly know about him and his life here in Aspen — a very Bayer-esque enigma if there ever was one.\n\n\n\nWho is Herbert Bayer? To me, he is one of the people largely responsible for the Aspen I know and love today. His subtle influence through his art and architectural design has left a lasting impression on our town’s trajectory, ethos and design. An armchair observer like myself could make a cogent argument that, architecturally, Aspen has entered a post-COVID Bayer-inspired modern design era.\n\n\n\n“I’ve been feeding my head with Bayer since grade school.”– Lorenzo Semple\n\n\n\nI’ve been feeding my head with Bayer since grade school. I find solace and grounding in cause-and-effect from his artworks. His creations bring me comfort and a distinct connection to my childhood. The older I become, the more I get out of his art. That’s likely why I spend a good deal of my time over at the Aspen Institute/Music Tent/Aspen Meadows campus. It’s a heady place. If you go, be sure to bring your thinking cap and strap it on tight.\n\n\n\nI grew up near the Aspen Meadows and Aspen Institute campus, playing on Bayer’s 3-dimensional artworks and visually absorbing his 2-dimensional drawings, sculptures, paintings, tapestries and prints. Over the years, his artworks have been indelibly burned into my DNA through a crude clinical form of osmosis. \n\n\n\nMy first paycheck was at age 16 from the Aspen Institute of Humanistic Studies. The work environment there was a Bayer-immersion crash course. As a result, when the Bayer museum opened, I was one of the first people there. I consider myself a bit of a groupie; my profile picture is under one of his sculptures, and on an apt occasion, I proudly sport a Bayer T-shirt. Funny to think that posthumously, he has his own line of swag in Aspen.\n\n\n\nI love the way Aspen works. I was strolling through the Saturday farmers market when I happened upon Chase (F’n) Carter’s ceramics booth. She throws a mean hunk of clay. Her father is beloved artist Dick Carter, who is perhaps the valley’s most authoritative, still-living connection to Bayer. Chase suggested I call him, and next thing you know, I’m touring the new Bayer exhibit with Bayer’s studio assistant, Dick Carter.\n\n\n\nOne of Bayer’s recurring themes: the eyes of Aspen, omniscient and watching. Always watching.Lorenzo Semple/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nDick Carter was literally Bayer’s right-hand man for roughly 8 years (1972-1979) on Red Mountain. He landed the job by a fluke encounter in a local gallery and drove up and down the perilous hill to work, five days a week, in a 1950 Buick Special. \n\n\n\n“I was so scared when I first got that job, I couldn’t tell you,” Dick said.\n\n\n\nI asked him if he thought there was an event in Bayer’s life that spawned his success and enduring legacy. \n\n\n\n“I think coming out here to Aspen and meeting Walter Paepcke saved his life. That’s when his painting really took off,” he said.\n\n\n\nI’m astounded we’re witnessing the fifth Bayer exhibit. What a lasting legacy. A sincere “thank you” to Lynda and Stuart Resnick for their generosity in providing Aspen with the Bayer nerve center. What a gem amongst our local bounty of treasures. I’m a huge fan of the entire Resnick Center staff as well.\n\n\n\nIf you haven’t been there yet, here’s your opportunity. On Friday, June 12, there’s an opening reception, complete with free refreshments, at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies from 4-6 p.m. Be there, and be square: You might find some odd solace in his thought-provoking, geometric works.  Many of his pieces remind me of album cover art. Check it out. I’m curious to know what you think.\n\n\n\nMan, it was so cool to get to meet and tour the exhibit with Dick Carter, Bayer’s studio assistant during perhaps one of his most prolific eras as an artist. After the tour, we sat on a bench outside and let the exhibit sink in. Dick reflected on his time working with Bayer in a way we can all glean some inspiration from: “He really pursued his interests fearlessly.”\n\n\n\nContact Lorenzo via suityourself@sopris.net","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/lo-fidelity-doing-a-double-take-on-herbert-bayer/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Lorenzo Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:41:41.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F01%2F22132924%2F20251224_134304-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"lo-fidelity-doing-a-double-take-on-herbert-bayer"},{"id":"95cc7a","title":"WineInk: A historic wine celebration at Hotel Jerome","excerpt":"Well, that came and went quickly.\n\n\n\nIt has only been a week since the 43rd Food & Wine Classic in Aspen weekend, and already it seems to be a bit of a blur. I guess that is how these things play out, sips and snippets and bits run together to become a collection of hazy memories. The good news i...","content":"Well, that came and went quickly.\n\n\n\nIt has only been a week since the 43rd Food & Wine Classic in Aspen weekend, and already it seems to be a bit of a blur. I guess that is how these things play out, sips and snippets and bits run together to become a collection of hazy memories. The good news is that, despite the concerns of some about the Classic’s plans for next year when the airport is scheduled to close for construction, it has been announced that the event will return. The 44th Food & Wine Classic in Aspen will be held June 18 to 20, 2027.\n\n\n\nAnd fortunately, it appears that the same will hold true for Hotel Jerome’s magnificent Epicurean Passport Weekend, which just completed its sixth edition. The event — which is built on a foundation of creative culinary and wine experiences as well as a special opening evening “Farmer’s Market” in the hotel’s courtyard that has become a signature gathering to start the weekend — has plans for a seventh year as well.\n\n\n\nMy favorite wine happening of this past week actually was an event that was a part of the Epicurean Passport Weekend. On Friday afternoon, Christel Stiver, the director of Wines & Spirits at Hotel Jerome, hosted an exceptional wine tasting to honor the famed 1976 “Judgement of Paris” wine competition. The setting was perfect, the wines sublime and the presentations were as fun as they were informative.\n\n\n\nThis year marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. of A. and the 150th anniversary of the great state of Colorado. But for wine historians, 2026 is celebrated as the 50th anniversary of an historic wine event, which was dubbed the “Judgment of Paris” by the only journalist who attended, George Taber, then of TIME magazine. A half-century later, a group of wine professionals who have ties to the wineries that were part of the “Judgment of Paris” came together at Hotel Jerome to pour vintage wines, talk about the legacy of the event and toast to the impact it had on the growth of the American wine industry.\n\n\n\nThe lineup of wines at the Judgement of Paris tasting at the Hotel Jerome.Daniel Colvin/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOn hand were David Reuss, the National Education director for Jackson Family Wines; Kristy Melton, head winemaker at Freemark Abbey; longtime local wine distributor and sommelier (and very happy Knicks fan) Perrin Wolf; William Davis of Wilson Daniels distributors; and Carlton McCoy, a Little Nell alum who is CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates, whose portfolio includes Heitz Cellar.\n\n\n\nDavid Reuss, the National Education director for Jackson Family Wines and recent Master Sommelier, shares the story behind the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.Daniel Colvin/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nReuss, who in September was the only candidate of the 23 candidates who sat for the Court of Master Sommelier Diploma Exam to pass and earn his MS designation, began the proceedings by providing some historical perspective on the “Judgment of Paris.”\n\n\n\nIn 1976, a British wine afficionado named Steven Spurrier, who ran a wine shop in Paris called Les Caves de la Madeleine, was struck by the idea of hosting a wine competition that would match the wines of the Old World, France, against the wines of emerging American regions in California. The plan was to introduce the French to the best of California’s wines during the American Bicentennial summer. Spurrier, along with American wine educator Patricia Gallagher, traveled to California that spring to find wines that might fare well versus their French counterparts. If you have seen the film “Bottle Shock,” then you have seen the Hollywood version of their quest.\n\n\n\nOn May 24, 1976, in a ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel in Paris France, a panel of nine elite French wine experts came together to blind taste two flights, one of chardonnay and one of cabernet sauvignon, from France and California side by side. There were six California chardonnay wines and four wines from Burgundy amongst the white wines as well as six California reds and four Bordeaux red wines, including Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion. The judges were told to grade each wine on a 20-point scale as they saw fit.\n\n\n\nAspen Epicurean Passport — 2026. A glass of chardonnay is examined at the Judgment of Paris retrospective tasting.Daniel Colvin/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIncredibly, two wines from America came out at the top of their respective categories. A Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay won the white wine competition, and a Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon beat out the great Grand Cru Bordeaux wines for the honor in the red category. The result gobsmacked the French judges themselves, who were suspicious as to the intentions of Spurrier. So earth-shaking was the result that one of the judges, Odette Kahn, the editor of “La Revue du vin de France,” actually demanded her rating card be returned to her. “Mon dieu!” was all the French could say about this outcome.\n\n\n\nTaber’s TIME article ran in the June 7, 1976, (that would be 6/7/76) issue and ushered in a new era of confidence amongst American winemakers who took the results as a validation of their skills.\n\n\n\nNow, 50 years later, Christel Stiver was able to coordinate a collection of wines of various vintages representing seven of the 10 cabernet producers and three of the chardonnay producers for the celebration tasting at the Jerome along with the esteemed speakers.\n\n\n\nA bottle of the 2012 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon from Martha’s Vineyard.Daniel Colvin/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe event began, appropriately, with a pair of Chardonnay wines from Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, from the 2018 and 2023 vintages. Lush and plush, these wines were exceptional, and one could see why the French judges deemed their ancestor from the 1973 vintage as worthy. The other whites, a young Freemark Abbey from the 2024 vintage and a 2022 Domaine LeFlaive Puligny-Montrachet, were also outstanding wines.\n\n\n\nThe reds were revelatory, beginning with the 2012 and 2019 vintages of Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard. There were wines from Mayacamas, Ridge Vineyards and Freemark Abbey and, of course, two vintages of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (2016 and 2023). But there were two special treats that spoke to the age of the anniversary: a 1976 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon that was still hanging in there and a 1999 Château Haut-Brion that was ready to roar a quarter century after its birth.\n\n\n\nIt was an homage to a historic event in the confines of a historic hotel and a highlight of the Epicurean Passport Weekend. I look forward to the seventh edition in 2027.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/wineink-a-historic-wine-celebration-at-hotel-jerome/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kelly J. Hayes Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-25T19:05:45.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F24230948%2F0620_WheelerAndBadHarriet_Selects_0015-769x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wineink-a-historic-wine-celebration-at-hotel-jerome"},{"id":"968s91","title":"Holloway: Protect Woody Creek’s character","excerpt":"My family has been part of the Woody Creek community for generations, and I am writing to oppose the proposed commercial rezoning and expansion of the Woody Creek racetrack.\n\n\n\nThe racetrack has existed in Woody Creek for more than 50 years, and many residents have accepted its current seasonal o...","content":"My family has been part of the Woody Creek community for generations, and I am writing to oppose the proposed commercial rezoning and expansion of the Woody Creek racetrack.\n\n\n\nThe racetrack has existed in Woody Creek for more than 50 years, and many residents have accepted its current seasonal operations as part of the area’s history. However, the proposed expansion into a year-round facility with approximately 300,000 square feet of development and a shooting range is a dramatic departure from what has existed for decades.\n\n\n\nThis proposal threatens the very qualities that make Woody Creek special: its rural character, open space, natural beauty and quiet way of life. Once commercial zoning of this scale is approved, the impacts are permanent and difficult to reverse.\n\n\n\nTraffic and safety are also major concerns. Even under current operations, residents regularly encounter visitors driving aggressively on McLain Flats Road and surrounding rural roads. Expanding the facility will bring additional traffic to roads that were never designed to accommodate a large commercial destination.\n\n\n\nThe proposed shooting range is equally troubling. Increased gunfire would further disrupt nearby residents, wildlife and pets, many of which are highly sensitive to repeated shooting activity. For those of us who live nearby, this is not a minor inconvenience but a significant quality-of-life issue.\n\n\n\nPerhaps most concerning is that this project appears designed to serve a very small group of affluent users while placing the burdens on the broader community. Woody Creek should not be transformed into an exclusive entertainment destination for the ultra-wealthy at the expense of the residents who call this valley home.\n\n\n\nI urge county leaders to protect Woody Creek’s character and deny this proposal.\n\n\n\nBinnie and Christina Holloway\n\n\n\nLower Bullwinkle W/J Ranch Residents","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/holloway-protect-woody-creeks-character/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Binnie and Christina Holloway","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:51:28.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"holloway-protect-woody-creeks-character"},{"id":"w2l3m1","title":"Compass for Lifelong Discovery Board of Directors: Thank you for the support","excerpt":"On behalf of the Compass for Lifelong Discovery Board of Directors, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Aspen School District Board of Education for its partnership and support of Aspen Community School.\n\n\n\nWe are deeply appreciative of the district’s allocation of $2.6 million ...","content":"On behalf of the Compass for Lifelong Discovery Board of Directors, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Aspen School District Board of Education for its partnership and support of Aspen Community School.\n\n\n\nWe are deeply appreciative of the district’s allocation of $2.6 million in bond funding to support deferred maintenance projects and capital improvements on the ACS campus. This investment will help ensure that our students continue to learn in a safe and well-maintained environment.\n\n\n\nWe also want to thank the Aspen School District Executive Team — Tharyn Mulberry, Max Marolt and Joe Wenaka — for their thoughtful collaboration, leadership and commitment to supporting the needs of schools across the district. Their partnership has been invaluable throughout this process.\n\n\n\nMost importantly, we are grateful to the members of our community who voted in support of the bond. Your investment in public education reflects a shared commitment to our students, our educators and the long-term strength of our valley.\n\n\n\nCompass for Lifelong Discovery and Aspen Community School are grateful for the opportunity to work in partnership with Aspen School District to support the continued success of all of our students and schools. Through the investment from our local tax-payers, support of the ASD Board of Education and collaboration with our district leaders, our school communities can continue to thrive now and in the future.\n\n\n\nCompass for Lifelong Discovery Board of Directors\n\n\n\nWoody Creek","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/compass-for-lifelong-discovery-board-of-directors-thank-you-for-the-support/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Compass for Lifelong Discovery Board of Directors","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:50:15.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"compass-for-lifelong-discovery-board-of-directors-thank-you-for-the-support"},{"id":"ezdg31","title":"Brough: Defender of the working class","excerpt":"I am writing to express my strong support for former Aspen Mayor Torre in his campaign for Pitkin County commissioner.\n\n\n\nThroughout his years of public service, Torre has consistently demonstrated that he understands and advocates for the people who make this community work every day. From teach...","content":"I am writing to express my strong support for former Aspen Mayor Torre in his campaign for Pitkin County commissioner.\n\n\n\nThroughout his years of public service, Torre has consistently demonstrated that he understands and advocates for the people who make this community work every day. From teachers and first responders to hospitality workers, small business employees and local families, he has always been a champion for the working class.\n\n\n\nIn a county facing ongoing challenges around affordability, housing and preserving the character of our communities, we need leaders who listen, lead with integrity and never lose sight of the people who live and work here year-round. Torre has repeatedly shown that he is willing to tackle difficult issues while keeping working residents at the center of the conversation.\n\n\n\nPitkin County deserves a commissioner who understands that a thriving community depends on supporting the people who call it home, not just those who visit. He has proven that he will continue to fight for those voices.\n\n\n\nI encourage my fellow residents to support Torre for Pitkin County commissioner.\n\n\n\nAlex Brough\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/brough-defender-of-the-working-class/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Alex Brough","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:48:57.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"brough-defender-of-the-working-class"},{"id":"56gntd","title":"Business Briefs: Business news from up and down the Eagle Valley … and beyond","excerpt":"Rocky Mountain Taco now serving at Home Depot in Avon\n\n\n\nEagle County’s original taco truck is parked in a new location.\n\n\n\nThe truck that has served guests for more than a decade in Eagle County has been moved to Home Depot in Avon, where it is operating every day starting at 7 a.m. with a full ...","content":"Rocky Mountain Taco now serving at Home Depot in Avon\n\n\n\nEagle County’s original taco truck is parked in a new location.\n\n\n\nThe truck that has served guests for more than a decade in Eagle County has been moved to Home Depot in Avon, where it is operating every day starting at 7 a.m. with a full menu that includes breakfast burritos.\n\n\n\nThe truck will stay open to 7 p.m. each day with the standard Rocky Mountain Taco menu that includes favorites like the alambre bacon/steak mix and the popular “Hippy Crack” vegetarian potato taco.\n\n\n\nRocky Mountain Taco was started by locals Jose Reza, Chris McGinnis and Dan Purtell in 2015 with a truck parked outside Vail Mountain Brewing in EagleVail, but a change in that arrangement left the truck without a new home for several months.\n\n\n\nThe Home Depot location is the latest in a number of different ventures that has brought Rocky Mountain Taco trucks up and down Eagle County in both temporary and semi-permanent locations. \n\n\n\nIn 2020, the business expanded to include a brick-and-mortar location in Minturn. \n\n\n\nHome Depot is located in Traer Creek Plaza in Avon, next to Walmart.\n\n\n\n— John LaConte\n\n\n\nVail Valley Partnership honored for sustainable tourism campaign\n\n\n\nThe Vail Valley Partnership was recently named one of 12 Communications Award of Excellence winners by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) — a national association with more than 1,600 members including chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations.\n\n\n\nThe Vail Valley Partnership won the award for its sustainable tourism campaign, theydidwhat.org, trans-created in Spanish as quehicieron.org. Created in 2024 and launched in 2025 with the Basalt Chamber of Commerce, the bilingual effort focused on how visitors and residents alike can adventure responsibly and protect cherished local destinations. The no-nonsense travel guide advocates for sustainable adventuring in Eagle County and is free for anyone to share via the English and Spanish online toolkits.\n\n\n\nThe 16-judge panel noted, “Vail Valley Partnership identified a real and pressing issue and responded by engaging community partners in a campaign that is beautiful, fun, creative and bilingual. The result is a truly successful 360-degree campaign that speaks to both residents and visitors in a way that feels authentic, inclusive and genuinely inspiring.”\n\n\n\nLocal creative agency Hyfyve was integral in creating the campaign. Founder and long-time local Dennis McMahon said, “Everyone can learn something here, and leading the creative execution has been a heartfelt reminder that I, too, can always take better care of the place I love.” \n\n\n\nThe 12 winning entries will now go on to compete for the Best in Show title within their total annual revenue range category. The three winning entries will be revealed at ACCE’s annual convention in New Orleans during the July 21 awards show.\n\n\n\nVelvet & Sage clothing store opens in Gypsum\n\n\n\nVelvet & Sage, a new retail shop located at 620 Red Table Drive, opened late last year in Gypsum.\n\n\n\n“Given the recent growth in the down-valley area, we believe our shop fills a unique niche by offering affordable yet stylish clothing and shoes right here in Gypsum for the local ladies (including teens)!” Velvet & Sage owner Wendy Martin wrote in an email.\n\n\n\nA member of both the Eagle and Gypsum chambers of commerce, Velvet & Sage is a bit off the beaten track, but word is spreading quickly, Martin added.\n\n\n\nDescribed as “a women’s boutique offering thoughtfully curated, chic, and affordable clothing,” Velvet & Sage is on Instagram and Facebook and can be reached by phone at 970-279-3372.\n\n\n\nWestin Riverfront Resort & Spa gets Condé Nast nod\n\n\n\nThe Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa has been nominated among the world’s top resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.\n\n\n\n“We are honored to be named in the RESORTS category, and we would love your support. Voting is unlimited and closes June 30, 2026,” Westin Riverfront shared in a recent email.\n\n\n\nThe Readers’ Choice Awards are decided 100% by travelers, giving the honor extra credibility.\n\n\n\n“If The Westin Riverfront has been part of a memorable experience, we’d be grateful if you took a moment to vote for us”\n\n\n\nGo to the Condé Nast Traveler website to vote.\n\n\n\nInntopia reports Mountain West summer lodging holding strong\n\n\n\nOverall summer occupancy in lodging properties across the Mountain West remains up 3.7%, with increased occupancy in all months except October, according to DestiMetrics’ monthly Market Briefing released by Inntopia (with data collected through May 31).\n\n\n\nThe report revealed that daily rates and aggregated revenue for the summer are up, the Fourth of July weekend is looking strong, length-of-stay is surging, and even Canadian bookings are starting to rebound, if only modestly.\n\n\n\nOccupancy during May was up 3.9 % compared to May 2025, and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) was up a solid 8.2 %, with the increase in both leading to a considerable 12.6 % increase in revenues, the report states.\n\n\n\n“We are launching into the summer on an optimistic note this month — even with the slight dip in booking pace — as we have been watching consumers buying into summer travel during the past two weeks despite one of the most dramatically mixed bag of economic indicators we’ve seen in a long time,” Tom Foley, director of business intelligence for Inntopia said in a release.\n\n\n\n“That pent-up demand from the dismal winter helped get the summer off to a good early start and allowed properties to tinker with rates and determine the rate tolerance from consumers with the Luxury category doing particularly well,” Foley added.\n\n\n\n— Compiled by David O. Williams","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-valley/business-briefs-business-news-from-up-and-down-the-eagle-valley-and-beyond/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:00:36.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F05%2F05141341%2FIMG_9673-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"business-briefs-business-news-from-up-and-down-the-eagle-valley-and-beyond"},{"id":"y5mmqt","title":"Town of Vail cancels fireworks as stage 2 fire restrictions set to begin Friday","excerpt":"Stage 2 fire restrictions will go into effect across Eagle County on Friday, banning campfires, personal fireworks and other spark-producing activities.\n\n\n\nThe notice prompted the town of Vail to cancel its regularly scheduled Independence Day fireworks event, citing conditions at the Golden Peak...","content":"Stage 2 fire restrictions will go into effect across Eagle County on Friday, banning campfires, personal fireworks and other spark-producing activities.\n\n\n\nThe notice prompted the town of Vail to cancel its regularly scheduled Independence Day fireworks event, citing conditions at the Golden Peak site as well as current and forecast weather and wildfire outlooks.\n\n\n\nMayor Barry Davis, in a prepared statement, said the town relied on the advice of its advisers in making the call.\n\n\n\n“We trust our experts, and this is absolutely the right decision given the dry summer we’ve had,” he said.\n\n\n\nCoordinated effort\n\n\n\nThe escalation to stage 2 fire restrictions is a coordinated effort between Eagle County, the White River National Forest and the Upper Colorado River District of the Bureau of Land Management.\n\n\n\nRestrictions include a ban on most forms of open flame or spark-producing devices, including but not limited to personal fireworks, portable outdoor fireplaces, campfires, wood or charcoal grills. Liquid or gas-fueled stoves with shut-off valves may be utilized.\n\n\n\nSmoking will be illegal unless it occurs within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in a barren area free of vegetation, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office said in a release issued Wednesday.\n\n\n\nNo use of explosive materials, including explosive targets or incendiary rounds, will be allowed, and no welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame, or any other spark-producing device, will be allowed without a permit.\n\n\n\n“A ‘HOTWORK’ permit can be issued through your local fire department with a site inspection,” the sheriff’s office said.\n\n\n\nAll internal combustion engines must contain a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order, as well, and no agricultural burning will be allowed “unless a valid permit has been duly issued by the appropriate fire authorities,” the sheriff’s office said.\n\n\n\nGypsum plans to keep gun range open\n\n\n\nThe town of Gypsum, on Tuesday, acknowledged the advancement of restrictions, as well, with Town Manager Jeremy Rietmann now able to implement new restrictions without waiting for prior council approval under a new resolution recently approved. The council then upholds, denies or alters the restrictions at the next meeting.\n\n\n\nAt the Gypsum Town Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, the council upheld the stage 1 restrictions that Rietmann put into place on June 9, and Assistant Town Manager Jim Hancock said he expects Rietmann (who was not present at the meeting) to implement phase 2 restrictions in Gypsum on Friday, as well.\n\n\n\nHancock said he is still clarifying whether or not the town will be able to operate the Gypsum Shooting Sports Park, but he believes it will be allowed to stay open for firearm target practice under the stage 2 restrictions.\n\n\n\n“I believe we’ll be OK to operate the gun club under stage two,” he said. “We’ll have a permit from the fire department and we’ll have fire suppression.”\n\n\n\nAvon still deciding\n\n\n\nAfter the town of Vail made the decision to cancel its Vail Mountain fireworks display, attention turned to the town of Avon and its July 3 fireworks over Nottingham Lake.\n\n\n\nAt the Avon Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Council member Ruth Stanley — in referencing all that will be happening at the annual Salute to the USA celebration — said the event will include “live music from Sophia Scott and Grace Potter, lots of family activities, food vendors and of course, or possibly, or maybe not, an incredible fireworks show over Nottingham Lake.”\n\n\n\nIn an email to the Vail Daily on Wednesday, Avon Deputy Town Manager Patty McKenny said the town is “assessing multiple factors including weather conditions and outlooks as it relates to fireworks launch for Salute to USA on July 3,” and a final decision will be made soon.\n\n\n\nNot quite the earliest stage 2 we’ve ever seen\n\n\n\nThe stage 2 announcement came as fire crews were being dispatched to nearby Rifle, where the Dry Creek Fire grew to 315 acres on Wednesday.\n\n\n\nBut that’s not what’s causing the hazy skies in Vail and other areas, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Smoke Blog. The smoke wafting across the Western Slope is primarily from three major wildfires burning out of control in Utah and Nevada, states which have also been affected by low snowpack across the West this year.\n\n\n\nIn the Vail area, while 2026 has been the worst on record in terms of snowpack, wildfire activity thus far has not been as bad as it was five years ago, when stage 2 restrictions went into effect on June 25, 2021. That was considered to be the earliest on the calendar the area had seen stage 2 restrictions go into effect, although historical records on the matter are limited.\n\n\n\nThe Sylvan Fire started on June 20, 2021, near Sylvan Lake State Park south of Eagle, growing rapidly to several thousand acres, triggering evacuations and at one point becoming the top priority incident in the Rocky Mountain Region.\n\n\n\nThat year was much better than this year in terms of lingering snowpack, with area SNOTEL sites reaching their highest recorded three-station average on March 17 at 8.3 inches. That’s more than 10 inches less than the median peak of 18.5 inches, and it came 42 days earlier than the typical peak date of April 28.\n\n\n\nThe Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, at its regular meeting on Thursday, will give an update on how the low snowpack has affected area stream flows, with Gore Creek at Red Sandstone flowing at 124 cubic feet per second on June 14, and the Eagle River in Avon flowing at 305 CFS.\n\n\n\n“These flows are well below the average flows of 569 CFS and 1,580 CFS, respectively, because of the record-breaking low snowpack and early melt in March,” the district said in an update published this week.\n\n\n\nOn June 9, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor, prepared by the National Drought Mitigation Center, classified 100% of Eagle County as experiencing exceptional drought, the most severe category, saying Eagle County has been in the exceptional drought classification since March 31.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/town-of-vail-cancels-fireworks-as-stage-2-fire-restrictions-set-to-begin-friday/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:27:33.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F24142834%2F730570342_983545327618140_1544990808968339815_n.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"town-of-vail-cancels-fireworks-as-stage-2-fire-restrictions-set-to-begin-friday"},{"id":"alh9xl","title":"Eagle County government gets fired up during the celebration of the new geothermal system","excerpt":"On June 25, Eagle County flipped the switch of the new geothermal heating and cooling system that lies just below the Eagle County building in Eagle. The new $14 million system, which replaced the building’s dying boiler, will aid Eagle County’s greenhouse gas reduction goal of 50% by 2030 and 10...","content":"On June 25, Eagle County flipped the switch of the new geothermal heating and cooling system that lies just below the Eagle County building in Eagle. The new $14 million system, which replaced the building’s dying boiler, will aid Eagle County’s greenhouse gas reduction goal of 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. \n\n\n\nIn the crowd, onlookers were grant-givers, county employees, project workers and interested community members, all of whom were invited to witness Eagle County history. \n\n\n\nThe renewable heating and cooling system has been running since March 31, and has been operating well, said Jesse Meryhew, the Eagle County director of facilities.\n\n\n\nDuring the event, Meryhew, along with Kate Kirkman, the county climate programs coordinator, took the liberty to explain — in a digestible way — how geothermal energy works. \n\n\n\nA cold loop geothermal system circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze below the Earth’s surface through high-density polyethylene piping. The Eagle County building’s setup is a vertical system that has 66, 506-feet-deep boreholes drilled into the ground. The piping from each borehole supplies fluid carrying the earth’s thermal energy to and from the heat pumps. \n\n\n\nIn the winter, the fluid will absorb natural heat from the Earth’s constant temperature and carry it to the five heat pumps that will distribute the warmth throughout the county building. In the summer, the loop reverses: The system will absorb heat coming from the building and transfer it to underground piping before dumping the heat back into the Earth. \n\n\n\n“These systems operate at incredibly high efficiencies by moving heat, rather than burning fuel to create it,” said Meryhew at the event. He described that the ground source heat pumps — used to transfer the heat — do not generate heat using electricity. Instead, he said the pumps will use electricity to power the actual movement of the heat. \n\n\n\nFor every kilowatt of electricity consumed during the process, Meryhew said, the system transfers three to five kilowatts of thermal energy from the ground, making the heat pumps 300% to 500% more efficient than conventional heating and cooling systems. \n\n\n\n“We’re extremely efficient, there’s cost savings in our utility bills, and the simplicity of the system makes it easier for our team to work on this system, to maintain the system, and it’s a very durable system,” he said. \n\n\n\nUtility costs are hard to quantify because of unknown future weather conditions, Kirkman said in a message following the event. However, the greenhouse gas reduction amount could be 142 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year, equivalent to taking about 33 cars off the road. \n\n\n\nFrom Left to Right: Jeanne McQueeney, Kate Kirkman, Matt Scherr, Jesse Meyhew and Tom Boyd. Kate Kampner/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nMatt Scherr called this new system a demonstration for others in the area. “We felt that it was our role to be a leader in this space to show what can happen with geothermal, why it’s better not just from an environmental perspective, but from an economic perspective, from a comfort perspective, maintenance perspective,” he said. \n\n\n\nFrom the economic side of things, he said, “You’re only paying utility for a little bit of energy to move that heat around, as opposed to actually having to create heat out of gas.”\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, the comfort aspect does not go unnoticed in the building, especially by County Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney, who shared her experience of the “jungle-like” conditions of the building in the summer, brought on by the faltering boiler in need of a replacement. Now, she said, you don’t notice it at all. \n\n\n\nThe boiler that started it all was in need of a replacement — “holding on by a Band-Aid and a prayer,” as Jesse Meryhew put it. McQueeney said if they simply bought a new boiler — with the grants supporting most of the costs — it would have cost them the same, without the environmental benefits. And with grant opportunities on the horizon, they knew they needed to take a risk with a legacy-long system.\n\n\n\nThe year-long operation was completed on time; however, a question still remains on what to do about the vacant field that is the veil of the operation, partially covering the piping system that sits underground. \n\n\n\nIn a recent comment from the town of Eagle, a representative said they are working with the county on efforts to replace the existing turf. The county is looking at options that would use less water and has developed concepts exploring gathering space and recreational opportunities. Separately, the idea of a pickleball court was also brought to the town’s attention, which is under consideration. \n\n\n\nDespite some questions left unanswered, Tuesday’s event was a celebration of all the work put into the finished system. \n\n\n\nMindy Nastal, a senior structural engineer from SGM, the engineering company that worked on the project, expressed her pride in the project, even though it remains underground. \n\n\n\n“When everything’s working, regular users aren’t gonna know,” she said.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-government-gets-fired-up-during-the-celebration-of-the-new-geothermal-system/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-25T03:24:55.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F24162412%2FIMG_1023-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"eagle-county-government-gets-fired-up-during-the-celebration-of-the-new-geothermal-system"},{"id":"rtscvf","title":"Smoky skies prompt health advisories in Colorado’s mountains as wildfires balloon across the West","excerpt":"A haze from out-of-state wildfires is choking the Colorado mountains as widespread drought and persistent hot, dry weather continue to elevate the fire danger.\n\n\n\nThe smoke wafting across the Western Slope is primarily from three major wildfires burning out of control in Utah and Nevada, accordin...","content":"A haze from out-of-state wildfires is choking the Colorado mountains as widespread drought and persistent hot, dry weather continue to elevate the fire danger.\n\n\n\nThe smoke wafting across the Western Slope is primarily from three major wildfires burning out of control in Utah and Nevada, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Smoke Blog. Smaller wildfires burning near Rifle and Grand Junction could also be contributing to local conditions.\n\n\n\n“Smoke levels are going to vary widely across western Colorado today and they could rapidly change with very little warning,” said the Colorado Smoke Blog on Wednesday. “The source of the smoke, wildfires burning in Utah and Nevada, could see chaotic weather conditions today that include strong thunderstorms.”\n\n\n\nThe state health department has issued an air quality health advisory through at least Thursday morning for communities across the Western Slope, including Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, Mesa and Delta counties. The advisory warns that smoke is at unhealthy levels when visibility is less than 5 miles. It recommends people, especially those with medical conditions, consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present.\n\n\n\nThe air quality index — a measurement that translates air pollution data into a standardized scale from 0 to 500 — was above 150, which is considered “unhealthy,” in the Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs area on Wednesday afternoon. Further east near Vail, the air quality remained elevated above 100, which is considered “unhealthy for sensitive people.” In Summit County and along the Front Range, it was closer to 80, or “moderate.”\n\n\n\nSevere drought conditions resulting from the historically low snowpack in the West are fueling the increased wildfire activity. \n\n\n\nA haze hangs over Eagle County, which was one of several counties under an advisory for wildfire smoke on Wednesday, June 24. The smoke was largely from major wildfires burning in Utah and Nevada, but a the Dry Creek Fire near Rifle also contributed to the plume.Ali Longwell/Post Independent\n\n\n\nIn Utah, the still-uncontained Cottonwood Fire exploded to 60,000 acres within days of being discovered as drought and hot, dry weather fueled “extreme fire behavior,” according to local reports. The 37,000-acre Iron Fire and 26,000-acre Hastings Fire in Utah as well as the 23,000-acre Grapevine Fire and 17,000-acre Kane Springs Fire in Nevada have also ballooned this week, contributing to the smoke plume.\n\n\n\nIn Colorado, the Dry Creek Fire grew to nearly 300 acres within hours of being discovered off the Interstate 70 corridor near Rifle on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, Colorado River Fire Rescue wrote on social media that evacuation orders for the fire remained in place amid continued “extreme fire behavior conditions.”\n\n\n\nWith hot, dry weather continuing on the Western Slope, several mountain communities — including Summit, Grand, Pitkin, Routt and Garfield counties — are planning to move into Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning this Friday. Stage 2 fire restrictions ban all campfires, including those within developed campgrounds with metal fire rings.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-mountains-smoky-skies-wildfires/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:45:28.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F24143206%2FDryCreekFire.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"smoky-skies-prompt-health-advisories-in-colorados-mountains-as-wildfires-balloon-across-the-west"},{"id":"51finz","title":"Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Friday in Garfield County, White River National Forest","excerpt":"Stage 2 fire restrictions will take effect across Garfield County and the White River National Forest at 1 a.m. on Friday, June 26, as hot, dry and windy conditions continue to increase fire danger across the region, according to press releases from both the county and the forest service. \n\n\n\nThe...","content":"Stage 2 fire restrictions will take effect across Garfield County and the White River National Forest at 1 a.m. on Friday, June 26, as hot, dry and windy conditions continue to increase fire danger across the region, according to press releases from both the county and the forest service. \n\n\n\nThe restrictions apply to all of Garfield County, including lands overseen by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and the county’s seven fire districts.\n\n\n\nCurrent active wildfires and the potential for significant wildfires in Colorado have already stretched available resources and affected necessary responses from all parties. Both releases were released in the midst of the Dry Creek Fire, which is currently burning at 315 acres south of Rifle. \n\n\n\nUnder Garfield County Stage 2 fire restrictions, fireworks are prohibited, no burn permits will be issued, previously issued burn permits are cancelled and recreational fires are not allowed.\n\n\n\nCooking fires are still allowed with caution, but cooking devices must be clean and in proper working order. Gas grills do not require a permit. Charcoal and other solid-fuel grills and cookers are allowed without a permit in only developed areas. In undeveloped areas, a permit from the local fire department may be required. \n\n\n\nSmoking is allowed in developed areas. In undeveloped areas, smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings.\n\n\n\nIn the White River National Forest, no campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere in the forest, including developed campgrounds and picnic areas. \n\n\n\n“We are urging everyone to be extremely vigilant,” White River National Forest Deputy Forest Supervisor Alicia Bell-Sheeter said in a news release. “Dragging trailer chains, parking in dry grass, even setting hot equipment down in dry vegetation can start fires right now.”\n\n\n\nWelding and spark-emitting cutting, or hot work, is allowed in developed areas but use extreme caution and take preventative measures. In undeveloped areas, industrial use welding and hot work is allowed, but may need a permit from the local fire department. This use must be in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter with a designated lookout. Class A fire extinguishing capabilities must be readily available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOperating internal combustion engine-powered equipment such as chain saws, hand-held tools, or generators without a spark-arresting device is prohibited. If equipment does have a spark-arresting device, Class A fire-extinguishing capabilities and a round-point shovel at least 36 inches long must be readily available. \n\n\n\nOther internal combustion engine-powered equipment, like tractors and mowers, must be operated with extreme caution, paying attention to areas subject to extreme conditions that are susceptible to ignition like dry weeds and grass.\n\n\n\nExplosives, explosive targets and steel or tracer bullets are not allowed. Firearms with steel jacket or core bullets and tracer bullets are prohibited. \n\n\n\nIndependent ranges are responsible for ensuring safe fire conditions at all times the range is in use. That includes mitigating fuels, monitoring downrange conditions and impacts, maintaining the ability to access and rapidly extinguish fires, notifying local fire departments about fires, and keeping a usable fire-extinguishing application on hand.\n\n\n\nIf shooting at an unattended range, including public and private property, the responsibility for ensuring safe fire conditions falls on the independent shooter. \n\n\n\nA “Developed Area” is defined as land, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by the land owner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.\n\n\n\n“Undeveloped Areas” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered; where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured parklands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.\n\n\n\nThe restriction order, detailing the specific prohibitions, are available at fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/stage-2-fire-restrictions-begin-friday-in-garfield-county-white-river-national-forest/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:34:54.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F24143206%2FDryCreekFire.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"stage-2-fire-restrictions-begin-friday-in-garfield-county-white-river-national-forest"},{"id":"vtf1u9","title":"Ballot measure to force more money to roads will face Colorado voters in November","excerpt":"An initiative that could force Colorado’s legislature to redirect hundreds of millions of dollars annually to road projects is headed to voters’ ballots this fall. \n\n\n\nSupporters of the Restore Our Roads campaign have gathered the required number of signatures to place an amendment to the state c...","content":"An initiative that could force Colorado’s legislature to redirect hundreds of millions of dollars annually to road projects is headed to voters’ ballots this fall. \n\n\n\nSupporters of the Restore Our Roads campaign have gathered the required number of signatures to place an amendment to the state constitution on the Nov. 3 ballot, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office said Tuesday, June 23. \n\n\n\nIf passed, the amendment would require the legislature to spend all the money it collects from vehicle registration, motor parts and gas taxes on roads. While these taxes already provide revenue for transit projects, the legislature has, at times, reduced that funding to help address budget shortfalls. In 2025, lawmakers cut over $100 million in road funding across two years to close a $1.2 billion gap. \n\n\n\nSince this year’s ballot measure is a constitutional amendment, it requires support from at least 55% of voters to pass. Restore Our Roads, the issue committee created to fund the campaign, has raised over $2.5 million and spent more than $1.4 million to support the ballot initiative, according to filings with the secretary of state’s office. \n\n\n\n“Coloradans are tired of dodging potholes and wondering why their tax money isn’t making their daily drive any safer or faster,” said Tony Milo, President and CEO of the Colorado Contractors Association, one of the main groups backing the initiative, in a statement. “Now Colorado voters will finally have the opportunity to say enough is enough: we want money generated from roads to fix our roads — without raising taxes.”\n\n\n\nAn analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff shows the measure could force the legislature to appropriate roughly $700 million annually in state funds toward road projects. The bulk of that, nearly $540 million, would come from the state’s general fund, which primarily supports Medicaid and K-12 education. \n\n\n\nLawmakers have warned that, since the measure does not increase state funding but instead reallocates existing funds, it could lead to cuts to healthcare and education. The legislature over the past two years has already grappled with billion-dollar shortfalls that have forced spending cuts. During this most recent session, which ended in May, lawmakers approved a budget that cut Medicaid, affordable housing and other key programs. \n\n\n\nA bill passed by Democrats in the final days of the 2026 session and signed by Gov. Jared Polis will effectively neutralize the ballot measure for four years by temporarily reducing taxes used to generate road funding. The law, House Bill 1430, would go into effect only if the ballot measure is passed. \n\n\n\nLawmakers sought a compromise with the Restore Our Roads group that they hoped would lead the group to withdraw the ballot measure, offering to create a task force to address road funding and establish a new funding source for roads. \n\n\n\nThe four lawmakers who were lead sponsors for HB 1430 said in a joint statement that contractor groups rejected their offer. \n\n\n\n“Now, Coloradans are left with only bad choices when what we deserve is better roads and transit,” said Democratic Reps. Andy Boesenecker of Fort Collins and Emily Sirota of Denver, and Sens. Judy Amabile of Boulder and William Lindstedt of Broomfield. “It is troublesome that this still-harmful ballot measure is moving forward after we made several good-faith efforts to find an agreement, and it is a shame that instead of pursuing a solution, special interests are selling Coloradans a false promise so they can line their pockets.”\n\n\n\nRestore Our Roads, in a Tuesday news release, called lawmakers’ bill to undermine their ballot measure an “unprecedented power grab by the governor and Democratic-controlled legislature that strips voters of their right to decide how road dollars are spent with the stroke of a pen.”\n\n\n\nThe group said that lawmakers’ actions will cost the state $2.5 billion over the next several years, which would otherwise be directed to roads under the ballot measure. It said a silver lining is that the temporary reduction in road revenue will mean $1.8 billion in tax relief over the next four fiscal years, citing a recent study by the free-market group Common Sense Institute. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-roads-voters-ballot-measure-money/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:55:32.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F02120550%2FGlenwood-I-70-Traffic-Chelsea-Self.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ballot-measure-to-force-more-money-to-roads-will-face-colorado-voters-in-november"},{"id":"slj7e2","title":"Aspen Snowmass announces Community and Discount Pass programs for 2026/27 season","excerpt":"Aspen Snowmass announced the launch of the 2026/27 Community and Discount Pass programs Wednesday, offering discounted season passes to Roaring Fork Valley Chamber member businesses, local teachers, eligible active-duty military members and area students and youth organizations in a continued eff...","content":"Aspen Snowmass announced the launch of the 2026/27 Community and Discount Pass programs Wednesday, offering discounted season passes to Roaring Fork Valley Chamber member businesses, local teachers, eligible active-duty military members and area students and youth organizations in a continued effort to provide local access to all four mountains.\n\n\n\nPasses go on sale July 1 at AspenSnowmass.com.\n\n\n\n“The people who live and work in the Roaring Fork Valley community are core to what makes Aspen Snowmass such a special place. These programs exist because we want our neighbors to be on our mountains with us,” Geoff Buchheister, CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, said in a press release. “We’re proud to expand what we offer this year and to make it easier than ever for our valued local community to access our mountains.”\n\n\n\nHe added to The Aspen Times that in a place where lodging and other prices beyond the mountains have increased at up to four or more times inflation, the price of entry with Passes has paced with inflation for the past 25 years as a way to balance the cost of business with the preservation of the ski community.\n\n\n\n“We recognize that, in partnership with the community, it takes all of us to run one of the best destinations in the world,” Buchheister said. “We want people to take advantage of that with us and our team.”\n\n\n\nChamber Passes\n\n\n\nQualifying employees of Chamber of Commerce member businesses in the Roaring Fork Valley will notice several updates to their discounted Passes while eligibility requirements remain unchanged.\n\n\n\nPremier Chamber Pass \n\n\n\nAs Aspen Snowmass’ flagship Pass product, the Premier Chamber Pass includes the same benefits as the standard 2026/27 Premier Pass: unlimited skiing and riding across all four mountains with no blackout dates, a complimentary Ikon Base Pass, expanded Friends & Family and Summer Sightseeing vouchers and enhanced rental, retail, tuning, dining and lodging benefits (full benefits details are available at aspensnowmass.com/premierpass). \n\n\n\nThe Premier Chamber Pass starts at $2,139, but renewing and new Chamber Pass holders are eligible for a $100 early redemption benefit if redeemed by Dec. 4. Securing this redemption benefit results in only a $15 increase in Pass price from the previous season.\n\n\n\n“There’s a way for the loyalists, for the people that really love it, that know they’re going to be part of what we do … that they can get in without a huge price increase,” Buchheister said of the drive behind the early redemption benefit.\n\n\n\nFlex 15-Day Pass\n\n\n\nA Chamber-exclusive Pass, this offers 15 days of skiing with no blackout dates — what the press release calls “more access than the publicly available Flex Pass options and available only to Chamber member employees.” \n\n\n\nThe Flex 15-Day Pass starts at $1,499.\n\n\n\nAccording to Buchheister, this new flexible option is aimed at allowing a skier or snowboarder to take advantage of a good snow cycle, which he acknowledged is becoming fewer and farther between, and maximize fresh powder by stringing a handful of days together during a storm.\n\n\n\nAlpine 2-Day Pass and the new Weekday Pass\n\n\n\nBoth of these Passes start at $1,899. \n\n\n\nChamber employees who upgrade to a Chamber Premier Pass from an Alpine 2-Day, Weekday or Flex-15 Day Pass by Dec. 4 will also be able to receive a $100 early redemption benefit that is applied toward the upgrade cost of a Premier Chamber Pass. The $100 early redemption benefit is also available to new Pass holders.\n\n\n\nCommunity access\n\n\n\nAs previously reported by The Aspen Times, Aspen Snowmass is doubling its military discount for the 2026/27 season and offering eligible military members 50% off an Aspen Snowmass Premier Pass and lift tickets — up from the previous discount of 27%. Active duty, reserve, retired veterans (20+ years of service) and their dependents are eligible for military discounts. \n\n\n\nBuchheister emphasized the significant impact that getting out in the mountains can have on mental health — Aspen One also supports the wellbeing of military members and veterans through the Aspen Elevation Institute, which “uses the restorative power of mountain environments and outdoor experiences to support healing, resilience, and connection,” the press release confirms.\n\n\n\nDiscounts have also been expanded for eligible Roaring Fork Valley teachers, with three new 2026/27 discounted options: a Premier Pass for $1,000 (down from $1,234), an Alpine 2-Day Pass for $700 (down from $864) or a Flex-7 Day Pass for $400. \n\n\n\nDiscounted Student Pass programs continue for grade and high school students throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and students of the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club. Eligible grade school students and AVSC participants qualify for a Pass with unlimited winter and summer access starting at $309, and eligible high school students qualify for a Premier Pass starting at $519.\n\n\n\n“From a student and youth perspective, we need to make sure our kids are experiencing the mountains, with all the distractions that are out there today,” Buchheister said. “My worry is that they’re not out in nature enough.”\n\n\n\nAnd he added, “Who’s teaching those kids? When you gather back in the classroom on a Monday morning and you talk about how was the weekend, my preference would be that someone is talking about how great it was up in the mountains and how great the skiing was … As affordability and housing and childcare and all those other things get more expensive in our town, we wanted to make sure our educators have a better shot at skiing and riding every year.”\n\n\n\nAll Community and Discount Pass programs are available for purchase beginning July 1, and pricing will increase at various points starting on Sept. 19 — this means Sept. 18 is the final day to purchase a Pass before prices go up.\n\n\n\nTransition for Valley Pass holders\n\n\n\nAspen Snowmass is also enhancing its transition benefit for 2025/26 Valley Pass holders in light of the Valley Pass being discontinued for the 2026/27 winter season. \n\n\n\n“In an effort to ensure the transition to Flex Pass feels more like a fair value exchange for loyal local skiers, the discount available to 2025/26 Valley Pass holders on any 2026/27 Flex Pass has been increased from 20% to 33%,” the press release reads.\n\n\n\nThis brings the effective price of the Flex 7-Day Pass to $595 for qualifying holders, which is comparable to last season’s Valley Pass price of $529, and a Flex 4-Day Pass starting at $455 for 2025/26 Valley Pass holders. Pass holders who have already purchased a Flex Pass at the previous discount will receive a refund for the difference. \n\n\n\nAccording to Buchheister, this increased discount was a result of listening to community feedback following the first discount launch and adjusting accordingly to better reflect local needs.\n\n\n\nAll non-Community Pass program prices will increase on June 27. \n\n\n\n80 years of skiing and riding\n\n\n\nAs Aspen Snowmass moves into its 80th year of skiing and riding, Buchheister is leaning into the continued evolution of the company while maintaining a commitment to keeping Aspen first and foremost a ski community, town and experience.\n\n\n\n“I’m grateful to be the current leader of something that’s been going for 80 years,” Buchheister said. “I’ll share two things Jim Crown talked to me about when I started — one was, he said I want you to focus on making sure that people love Aspen, because a lot of people love Aspen now and I want to make sure that they continue to love it. And the other was, I want you to focus on staying in business forever.”\n\n\n\nWith those guideposts, Buchheister underscored the importance of sustaining access to the mountains, adding that the Community and Discount Pass offerings are a way for Aspen Snowmass to continue to show up for Roaring Fork Valley residents.\n\n\n\n“I’m really proud of our company — from those that started it 80 years ago to those that made it what it is to the people we’re working with today that are doing everything we can to make it what we want it to be and preserve the right things and innovate in the right ways,” Buchheister said. “We’re just grateful to be here and to have the opportunity to show up every single day.”\n\n\n\nOriginal reporting from aspentimes.com","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/aspen-snowmass-announces-community-and-discount-pass-programs-for-2026-27-season/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:39:44.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F24113831%2FEDLajax-atd-032825-02-1-scaled-1-1024x576.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-snowmass-announces-community-and-discount-pass-programs-for-202627-season"},{"id":"q51550","title":"Colorado to roll out new rules for retail electric vehicle chargers July 1","excerpt":"Colorado will implement new rules July 1 for retail electric vehicle charging stations meant to increase transparency and ensure consistency for consumers and business owners. \n\n\n\nWhile the requirements will be enacted this year, the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety will not pursue enfo...","content":"Colorado will implement new rules July 1 for retail electric vehicle charging stations meant to increase transparency and ensure consistency for consumers and business owners. \n\n\n\nWhile the requirements will be enacted this year, the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety will not pursue enforcement measures until July 1, 2027. \n\n\n\nIn a news release, Mahesh Albuquerque, the division’s director, called the new regulations a “significant step forward in ensuring consumer protection and marketplace consistency.” \n\n\n\n“As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across our state, it is vital that drivers have confidence in the accuracy of the charging infrastructure, and that business owners have clear, fair standards to operate by,” Albuquerque said. “These rules establish that foundation of trust.”\n\n\n\nAccording to the division, the goal is to ensure that consumers are charged accurately based on the electricity dispensed. \n\n\n\nThese rules do not apply to free charging stations, private residences where there are no retail transactions or wholesale electricity delivery. They do apply to all owners and operators of retail electric vehicle charging stations in the state and require the following: \n\n\n\n\nAny owner or operator of an existing retail EV charging station that charges a fee specifically for electricity to charge a vehicle and was placed into service before July 1, 2026, must register their equipment with the Division of Oil and Public Safety by Jan. 1. \n\n\n\nAny owner or operator of a new retail EV charging station (as described above) placed into service after July 1, 2026, must register their equipment with the division within 30 calendar days after the first day the device is placed into service.\n\n\n\nAll retail EV charging devices must be installed, tested and placed in service by a registered service agent. Results of this testing must be submitted to the division. \n\n\n\nDevices installed after July 1, 2026, must submit a Placed in Service Form within 90 calendar days after the first day the device is placed into service.\n\n\n\n\nForms for new and existing chargers — as well as for the test results from the registered service agent — can be found on the Division of Oil and Public Safety’s website at OPS.Colorado.Gov/retail-electric-vehicle-charging. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-electric-vehicle-chargers-new-rules/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:14:30.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F24111029%2FEVcharging-atd-051526-AustinColbert-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-to-roll-out-new-rules-for-retail-electric-vehicle-chargers-july-1"},{"id":"1izuny","title":"Wheeler Opera House unveils free summer lineup","excerpt":"The Wheeler Opera House has announced a new lineup of free summer programming. \n\n\n\nThe upcoming summer season will showcase a special edition of the Changemaker Speaker Series, outdoor July 4 performances and Commedia dell’arte by Camille Henrot, as well as an early-evening music series called “T...","content":"The Wheeler Opera House has announced a new lineup of free summer programming. \n\n\n\nThe upcoming summer season will showcase a special edition of the Changemaker Speaker Series, outdoor July 4 performances and Commedia dell’arte by Camille Henrot, as well as an early-evening music series called “Traffic Jams,” which will take place inside The Vault.\n\n\n\n“We never want cost to be the reason our community can’t gather to enjoy live performance, so this July and August the Wheeler Opera House is thrilled to offer a series of free events: a special America 250 edition of our popular Changemaker Speaker Series, a unique July 4th performance, a world premiere collaboration with the Aspen Art Museum and the launch of our new Traffic Jams series. There’s something for everyone, so please join us,” Executive Director of the Wheeler Opera House Mike Harrington said in a press release.\n\n\n\nTickets and advance RSVPs are required.\n\n\n\nPhotographer Deanne Fitzmaurice, July 2\n\n\n\nAmerica 250: Changemaker Speaker Series will host “Deanne Fitzmaurice A250 Portrait of a Nation.” The Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Fitzmaurice will share defining moments of recent American history at 7 p.m. July 2 at the Wheeler Opera House, located at 320 E. Hyman Ave. \n\n\n\nDrawing from nearly 40 years as a photojournalist, she will discuss the human stories behind major events. She will examine resilience, empathy and the role of visual journalism in shaping national memory. Her work spans the AIDS crisis, the Loma Prieta earthquake and marriage‑equality rulings. She’s covered global conflict, climate events and cultural touchstones ranging from professional sports to Route 66. She is a longtime photojournalist for the San Francisco Chronicle, with a Pulitzer-Prize winning essay chronicling the recovery of a young Iraqi war victim. \n\n\n\nShe uses the power of visual storytelling to preserve national memory, according to the release. This free, ticketed event requires an advance RSVP.\n\n\n\nBandaloop, July 4\n\n\n\nBandaloop will deliver a free vertical dance event following the July 4 parade at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. outside of the Wheeler Opera House. The event celebrates the legacy of the Wheeler Opera House, bringing Aspen live performances for more than 137 years with outdoor performances by internationally-known dance innovators showcasing immersive, perspective‑changing choreography to the Wheeler’s facade, transforming the building into a shared civic stage, according to the release. \n\n\n\nLed by Artistic Director Melecio Estrella, Bandaloop re‑imagines dance by turning public art into vertical performances, seamlessly weaving dynamic physicality and intricate choreography with climbing technology to activate public spaces and awaken wonder and imagination. \n\n\n\nBandaloop has performed live for millions of people across 40 countries and nearly 400 locations worldwide.\n\n\n\nNo reservations are required for this all-ages event.\n\n\n\n‘Commedia dell’arte’ by Camille Henrot, July 30\n\n\n\nFor the first time, “Commedia dell’arte” by Camille Henrot will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. July 30 at the Wheeler Opera House. Henrot will bring her interdisciplinary practice with the world premiere of “Commedia dell’arte,” co-commissioned by Performa, Aspen Art Museum, the Wheeler Opera House and LYRA Art Foundation. \n\n\n\nHenrot’s performance incorporates the characters and comic ploys of the Italian Renaissance theatrical tradition within a modern-day New York City apartment building. The delivery of a package triggers a series of strange occurrences among tenants, as the tragi-comedic play attempts to make sense out of the senseless, ultimately collapsing into it. \n\n\n\nTraffic Jams concert series, Aug. 3 to 13\n\n\n\nA free concert series, “Traffic Jams,” will run for two weeks from Aug. 3 to 13 in The Vault at the Wheeler this August. It features two back-to-back weekly residencies in The Vault, featuring indie-folk-pop trio Bandits on the Run from daily 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 3 to 6 and the bilingual duo Larry & Joe daily from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 10 to 13.\n\n\n\nThe first act, Bandits on the Run, is a Brooklyn-based trio formed by busking in NYC subways. Adrian Blake Enscoe, Sydney Shepherd and Regina Strayhorn make up the indie-folk pop group, well-known for three-part harmonies and use of instruments like cello, accordion and suitcase drum. They create theatrical and collaborative music and are in the midst of developing musicals and working on projects with Netflix.\n\n\n\nLarry & Joe are a Venezuelan-Appalachian musical duo. Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop formed the duo in North Carolina in 2023, blending their respective folk traditions — Venezuelan música llanera and Appalachian bluegrass — to create “latingrass.” Larry & Joe perform banjo, harp, cuatro, fiddle and vocals, emphasizing how their varied roots can foster intercultural harmony.\n\n\n\nThe free ticketed concert series will be presented in partnership with the city of Aspen Transportation Department. The series aims to reimagine the late-afternoon commute, and audiences are invited to slip into The Vault, rather than sitting in traffic on Main St.\n\n\n\nThe concerts will feature full sets by the artists. Each will culminate in the premiere of a new song inspired by Aspen at the end of each week. \n\n\n\nTraffic Jams encourages audiences to take a breather, stay local and bask in some live music. It’s time to “shift your trip and trade traffic headaches for a better kind of jam,” according to a release.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/wheeler-opera-house-unveils-free-summer-lineup/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:48:21.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F23164654%2F2Wheeler-night-credit_Jordan_Curet.jpg-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wheeler-opera-house-unveils-free-summer-lineup"},{"id":"q5vju0","title":"What the polls say about the primary races for Colorado governor","excerpt":"Colorado voters next week will decide which Democratic and Republican candidates will face off in November to be the state’s next governor. \n\n\n\nTwo Democrats, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, are running for their party’s nomination. In the Republican primary, n...","content":"Colorado voters next week will decide which Democratic and Republican candidates will face off in November to be the state’s next governor. \n\n\n\nTwo Democrats, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, are running for their party’s nomination. In the Republican primary, nonprofit leader Victor Marx is facing off against two state legislators, Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and Rep. Scott Bottoms. \n\n\n\nThe primaries will be held on Tuesday, June 30. Polling on the race has largely been carried out by firms with partisan leanings on behalf of candidates or groups supporting their campaigns. While some polls show certain candidates with strong leads, around a quarter of voters said they were still undecided in recent surveys. \n\n\n\nUnaffiliated voters make up roughly half the state’s electorate and have the opportunity to vote in either primary, though they cannot vote in both. Here’s what the latest polls show about the state of the race.\n\n\n\nRace tightens between Bennet and Weiser \n\n\n\nPublicly available polling shows the race between Bennet and Weiser has tightened over the past year. \n\n\n\nThe two most recent polls show each candidate with a modest single-digit lead over the other. That comes after earlier polling this year and last showed Bennet with commanding double-digit leads. \n\n\n\nA poll conducted June 1-2 shows Bennet with a six-percentage-point lead over Weiser. The poll of 505 likely Democratic primary voters was conducted by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-aligned national polling group, via landline and text. It was commissioned by Fighting for Colorado, a political action committee that supports Weiser. Fighting for Colorado has raised $1,282,311 and spent $714,785 to support Weiser’s campaign, according to filings with the Secretary of State’s Office. \n\n\n\nAsked which candidate they’d vote for if the election were held at the beginning of June, 36% said Bennet, 30% said Weiser and 34% were unsure. The same poll also showed 50% of likely voters viewed Bennet favorably, 21% viewed him unfavorably and 29% were unsure. For Weiser, 41% viewed him favorably,13% viewed him unfavorably and 46% were unsure. It has a margin of error of 4.4%. \n\n\n\nShelby Valicenti/Summit Daily News\n\n\n\nAnother poll conducted May 22-28 by Colorado Community Research shows Weiser with an eight-percentage-point lead over Bennet. Weiser’s lead drops slightly to seven percentage points when accounting for likely voters who are leaning toward either candidate. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed said they were undecided. \n\n\n\nThe poll was conducted among 796 likely Democratic primary voters through an online survey link sent via text. Colorado Community Research has largely worked with Democratic candidates and progressive groups. The polling group said it conducted the survey independently and that it had a margin of error of 4%. \n\n\n\nThe poll also showed a stronger preference for Weiser among voters who expressed more frustration with the Democratic Party. \n\n\n\nOf the likely voters who described Democrats as “ineffective,” 48% supported Weiser, 24% supported Bennet and about 29% were undecided. Of voters who said they view the party as more “reactionary” than “visionary,” 47% supported Weiser, 27% supported Bennet and 27% were undecided.\n\n\n\nShelby Valicenti/Summit Daily News\n\n\n\nThese recent polls show a much tighter race compared to several months ago. \n\n\n\nA poll of 800 likely Democratic primary voters conducted by Keating Research, Inc., a Colorado-based firm, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1 showed Bennet with a 27-percentage-point lead. Fifty-three percent of surveyed voters said they would back Bennet compared to 26% for Weiser. Twenty percent were undecided. \n\n\n\nThe poll had a 3.5% margin of error.\n\n\n\nA poll of 600 likely Democratic primary voters commissioned by Bennet’s campaign last year showed the senator had a 31-percentage-point advantage, with 53% of voters supporting Bennet, 22% supporting Weiser and 25% undecided. The survey was conducted June 9-11 by Global Strategy Group, a national Democratic-aligned polling firm, and had a 4% margin of error. It did not state how voters were contacted. \n\n\n\nMarx has a commanding lead in GOP poll \n\n\n\nThe first, and so far only, publicly released poll of Republican candidates shows Marx with a large lead over his two GOP opponents. \n\n\n\nThe poll of 606 likely voters in the Republican primary was conducted May 7-8 by Cynal, a national polling firm that works with conservative candidates and groups. It was commissioned by Freedom IEC, a political action committee supporting Marx. Freedom IEC has raised $497,850 and spent $476,203 to support Marx’s campaign, according to filings with the Secretary of State’s Office.\n\n\n\nOf those surveyed for the poll, 59.2% said they would vote for Marx compared to 15.1% who backed Kirkmeyer and 6.3% who backed Bottoms. Just over 19% were undecided. \n\n\n\nThe poll did not specify how voters were contacted. \n\n\n\nShelby Valicenti/Summit Daily News\n\n\n\nThe poll reported that the top three issues facing voters were taxes and government spending at 21.2%, cost of living at 17.7% and illegal immigration at 16.2%. \n\n\n\nThe survey also asked voters about the direction of Colorado and their appetite for change. Nearly 86% said the state was headed in the wrong direction, while 12% said it was headed in the right direction and nearly 2% were unsure. \n\n\n\nOver 75% of respondents said the state needed a change in leadership, while over 8% said there should be some change, nearly 13% said there should be continuity and 3% were unsure. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-governor-primary-races-polls/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:14:12.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F23161025%2FCandidates-5-1024x591.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-the-polls-say-about-the-primary-races-for-colorado-governor"},{"id":"gvrm9l","title":"Letter to the editor: White River National Forest needs to live within its means","excerpt":"When families face financial strain, they cut non‑essentials and sell assets. The White River National Forest now admits it’s in the same position.\n\n\n\nForest officials recently told Pitkin County that the Maroon Bells Scenic Area runs a yearly deficit of nearly $300,000 and has been propped up fo...","content":"When families face financial strain, they cut non‑essentials and sell assets. The White River National Forest now admits it’s in the same position.\n\n\n\nForest officials recently told Pitkin County that the Maroon Bells Scenic Area runs a yearly deficit of nearly $300,000 and has been propped up for years by draining other White River National Forest programs. Budgets are “tight across the Forest,” yet White River National Forest expects local taxpayers to fill the gap for a federal recreation site that draws more than 300,000 visitors a year.\n\n\n\nIf White River National Forest can’t afford to maintain its most iconic destinations, it should stop giving away valuable assets and start strengthening its balance sheet. Sweetwater Lake is the obvious place to start. Recent Colorado state park acquisitions have exceeded $25,000 per acre. Selling or leasing Sweetwater’s 832 acres at comparable value could generate more than $20 million — money that could immediately support trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and the Maroon Bells itself.\n\n\n\nThis is not radical. The Forest Service routinely issues leases, easements, and special‑use authorizations to outside entities. Divesting Sweetwater to Colorado Parks and Wildlife is entirely consistent with existing practice — just more fiscally responsible.\n\n\n\nIf White River National Forest wants local taxpayers to subsidize federal recreation facilities, White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell should be required to explain why he refuses to consider the most basic financial tool available: divesting an asset Colorado Parks and Wildlife already wants instead of simply handing it over for free.","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-white-river-national-forest-needs-to-live-within-its-means/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Ken Wright Gypsum","publishDate":"2026-06-26T01:55:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":75,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2020%2F08%2F22223352%2FWebPhoto_LetterToEditor.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"letter-to-the-editor-white-river-national-forest-needs-to-live-within-its-means"},{"id":"mgus47","title":"Foster: Just figure it out","excerpt":"I am crying, I am laughing, I am crying and now I am rolling on the floor laughing. The absurdity of it all. \n\n\n\nThe airport terminal is going to be 130,000 square feet, no, wait, it’s going to be 30,000 square feet, the same size of at least three houses on Willoughby Way, not including the thre...","content":"I am crying, I am laughing, I am crying and now I am rolling on the floor laughing. The absurdity of it all. \n\n\n\nThe airport terminal is going to be 130,000 square feet, no, wait, it’s going to be 30,000 square feet, the same size of at least three houses on Willoughby Way, not including the three-car garages. Now it’s going to be 90,000 square feet. All jet bridges, to keep passengers out of the cold and so they don’t board the wrong plane. No jet bridges, well, maybe a few jet bridges. A big terminal to make the passengers (tourist) comfortable. No, smaller so we make sure during delays they have to sit on top of each other. More parking, less parking, no employee parking. Make employees go through behavioral changes to take nonexistent public transportation for the 4 a.m. shift and when they get off to go to their third job.\n\n\n\nSounds like we need to send the powers that be to a critical-thinking seminar. I’ll go with you just to make sure you pay attention. \n\n\n\nJust stop it! \n\n\n\nThe citizens have voted. Enough with the committees and the meetings and the public input groups. Just figure it out!\n\n\n\nDavid Newton Foster\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/foster-just-figure-it-out/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"David Newton Foster","publishDate":"2026-06-25T17:47:55.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"foster-just-figure-it-out"},{"id":"ntnt37","title":"Dry Creek Fire reaches 90% containment","excerpt":"Update, 5:45 p.m. Thursday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle reached 90% containment Thursday evening, Colorado River Fire Rescue Chief Leif Sackett said.\n\n\n\nSackett said conditions are looking good around most of the fire, though crews are still working along the west and northwest edge, where ...","content":"Update, 5:45 p.m. Thursday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle reached 90% containment Thursday evening, Colorado River Fire Rescue Chief Leif Sackett said.\n\n\n\nSackett said conditions are looking good around most of the fire, though crews are still working along the west and northwest edge, where steep, rough terrain has made suppression work more difficult.\n\n\n\n“They’ll hit it hard again tomorrow on that side,” Sackett said.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue Division Chief Zach Pigati, who oversees wildland and special services, said crews have handline and hose lays in place and are continuing to secure and mop up the fire area.\n\n\n\nPigati said overnight rain helped suppression efforts.\n\n\n\n“They took a shot of rain last night, which helped out with firefighting efforts,” Pigati said.\n\n\n\nOne home and one outbuilding have been destroyed, Sackett said.\n\n\n\nEvacuation orders have been lifted for Grass Mesa, though some evacuation areas remain in place near the fire. Sackett said officials will continue evaluating remaining evacuation orders as crews work toward full containment.\n\n\n\nThe cause of the fire remains under investigation.\n\n\n\nUpdate, 11:30 a.m. Thursday: Overnight rain helped create favorable conditions on the Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle, which is estimated at 316 acres and remains 35% contained, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nCrews will focus Thursday on securing the fire perimeter and extinguishing hot spots inside the fire area. Smoke dispersal is expected to improve this afternoon.\n\n\n\nResources assigned to the fire include three Type 2 hand crews, one suppression module, 11 fire engines, two water tenders and one aircraft available if needed.\n\n\n\nEvacuation orders have been lifted for Grass Mesa, though firefighters remain active throughout the incident area and increased fire apparatus traffic is expected. Officials are asking people to avoid the area if possible.\n\n\n\nEvacuation orders have been lifted for Grass Mesa, though evacuation statuses remain in place near the fire area.\n\n\n\n“Go” status, meaning evacuate immediately, remains in place east of Grass Mesa along the ridge line east of Grass Mesa Road, including Gage Road and east of County Road 319. Officials said no one should access that area at this time.\n\n\n\n“Set” status, meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice, is in place for the area near Hunter Mesa and Grass Mesa.\n\n\n\nThe Hunter Mesa “Set” area includes the area east of the fire around Hunter Mesa, from the junction of County Road 315 and Brandon Way northeast to a half-mile south of County Road 333 and County Road 315 southeast. The southern boundary is a half-mile north of County Road 322, also known as Shaeffer, and the northern boundary heads west from the Brandon Way and County Road 315 junction.\n\n\n\nThe Grass Mesa “Set” area includes Grass Mesa Road south from the intersection with County Road 319, including Sunset Lane, Rodeo Drive, Coyote Trail, Arrowhead Trail and roads north to Mustang Mesa Trail, including Cedar Breaks Road, Quicksilver Way and Quicksilver Court.\n\n\n\nEvacuation updates are available through Garfield County’s evacuation map.\n\n\n\nUpdate, 5:15 p.m. Wednesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle is now 35% contained, according to watchduty.org.\n\n\n\nFirefighters have made progress constructing direct handline and installing hose lays along the western perimeter of the fire, according to a Wednesday evening Facebook post from Colorado River Fire Rescue. The eastern perimeter is secure, and crews are focused on extinguishing interior hot spots.\n\n\n\nCurrent resources assigned to the incident include three Type 2 hand crews, a suppression module, nine fire engines and two water tenders, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Aircraft are in the area and available if needed.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are expected to remain in effect as forecast winds are expected to test established fire lines and electric lines are inspected. Evacuation updates are available through Garfield County’s evacuation map.\n\n\n\nUpdate, 9 a.m. Wednesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle has grown to an estimated 315 acres as of Wednesday morning, according to an update from Colorado River Fire Rescue on Facebook.\n\n\n\nManagement of the fire transitioned at 7 a.m. Wednesday to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 team. Crews reviewed current fire conditions and operational objectives during a morning briefing before heading into the field, according to the update.\n\n\n\nCrews are using a full-suppression strategy with direct and indirect tactics to slow the fire’s spread and build containment lines around the fire, according to the update.\n\n\n\nEvacuation orders remain in effect for affected areas and are expected to remain in place throughout the day because of extreme fire behavior conditions. Forecasted winds are expected to test fire lines Wednesday afternoon, officials said.\n\n\n\nLevel 3 “Go” evacuation orders are in place for Grass Mesa Road north of Gage Road, Sunset Lane and Gage Road north of mile marker 1. Level 2 “Set” evacuation warnings are in place for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue said Tuesday night that one residence and one outbuilding had been confirmed lost. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.\n\n\n\nUpdate, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 288 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been destroyed.\n\n\n\nResponding agencies include Colorado River Fire Rescue, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, Nechkash said.\n\n\n\nTwo airplanes, two helicopters and an air attack aircraft are supporting crews, Nechkash said. Additional aircraft and ground resources, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers and hand crews have been requested, according to Watch Duty updates posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nThe fire has jumped County Road 319, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Winstead, citing a unit on scene.\n\n\n\nA pre-evacuation notice has been issued for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nEvacuated residents can go to the Garfield County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle, according to Garfield County 911 information shared through ReachWell.\n\n\n\nOriginal, 4 p.m. Tuesday: Crews are responding to a structure fire and wildfire south of Rifle on Gage Road, where additional structures and gas wells are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and are moving into the Grass Mesa area, according to the fire agency.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Orrin Moon said three aircraft are on scene as crews work the fire.\n\n\n\nMoon said the fire is moving quickly, with wind pushing the flames. He said the fire is around 28 acres, though he has not yet been able to get all the way around it.\n\n\n\nA large air tanker and two hand crews have been requested by incident command, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nAdditional structures and gas infrastructure are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Moon said some gas wells in the area are in the process of being shut down.\n\n\n\n“We have some gas wells that are being threatened too, which we’re in the process of shutting down,” Moon said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAir resources, mutual aid and interagency resources have been ordered, Colorado River Fire Rescue Administrator Courtney Valencia said Tuesday.\n\n\n\nThe fire was initially reported as a structure fire and wildfire near Gage Road. Valencia said there is a home in the area, but it is not immediately clear whether the fire started in the structure or in nearby brush.\n\n\n\nEmergency officials are asking people to avoid the area and give responders room to work. Drivers traveling nearby should use caution and watch for emergency vehicles.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/evacuations-underway-grows-316-acres-for-structure-90-containment-wildfire-south-of-rifle/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:00:37.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F24090737%2F730570342_983545327618140_1544990808968339815_n.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dry-creek-fire-reaches-90-containment"},{"id":"7cdt5j","title":"Colorado streamflows projected to be a quarter of normal this summer","excerpt":"Colorado’s rivers and streams are expected to flow at only a quarter of normal levels during June and July, following what the Natural Resources Conservation Service referred to as an “unusual volatile winter” in its June water supply outlook. \n\n\n\nOn the Western Slope, the outlook is even more gr...","content":"Colorado’s rivers and streams are expected to flow at only a quarter of normal levels during June and July, following what the Natural Resources Conservation Service referred to as an “unusual volatile winter” in its June water supply outlook. \n\n\n\nOn the Western Slope, the outlook is even more grim, with the Colorado River headwaters basin expected to see streamflows 21% of normal and the Yampa-White-Little Snake basin 19% of normal during these two months. \n\n\n\nThis year, Colorado’s snowpack accumulation was the lowest on record, affirmed Nagam Bell, a hydrologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the state, at the June 16 Colorado Water Conservation Board’s water conditions monitoring meeting. \n\n\n\nIn March, a heat wave spurred an early meltoff of the snowpack, causing streamflows to rise ahead of schedule. Bell reported that March streamflow was 140% of normal, “typically because we don’t have runoff that early.” \n\n\n\nWhile this depleted nearly half of the snowpack, the Natural Resources Conservation Service reported that cooler conditions and late-season snowfall “hastened the decline throughout April.” In mid-May, Colorado’s streams saw a second rise and peak that’s not uncommon to see that time of year, Bell said. The May peak, however, is normally the first — not the last — of the season. \n\n\n\n“In some rivers the May peak became the seasonal maximum,” according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service June supply outlook. Typically, Colorado streamflow peaks in early June.\n\n\n\nStatewide, observed streamflows from March through May were 50% of normal, Bell reported. April and May alone saw streamflows at 41% of normal due to the March runoff skewing the agency’s seasonal comparison. \n\n\n\nMeltoff this year was 36 days ahead of schedule, Bell said. \n\n\n\nBy June 1, owing to this early and accelerated melt, the Natural Resources Conservation Service reported that 91% of its SNOTEL stations were fully melted out — compared to the normal 56% for that date. Within the Colorado River headwaters, only 3% of normal snowpack for this date remained. The Yampa, White and Little Snake basin was the highest in the state, sitting at 30% of normal on June 1. \n\n\n\n“This is the third-lowest June snowpack in the NRCS Snow Survey period of record, surpassed only by 2002 and 2012 — years which both contained a higher seasonal (snow-water equivalent) peak in mid-March but experienced rapid meltout in early April and May,” the June outlook reported. \n\n\n\nStatewide snowpack was 100% melted by June 10.\n\n\n\nA June 1, 2026 map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service showing the forecasted streamflows from June through July in Colorado’s major river basins. The 50% exceedance probability means these forecasts are more likely than not to take place.Natural Resources Conservation Service/Courtesy Photo\n\n\n\nThe statewide streamflow forecasts now show that June and July will see flows at 24% of normal. \n\n\n\nWithin the Colorado River basin, the forecasts go as low as 16% of normal along Muddy Creek below Wolford Mountain Reservoir near Kremmling. The highest forecast is at Willow Creek below the Willow Creek Reservoir near Granby, which is projected to see 36% of normal for the two months. \n\n\n\nThe Yampa, White and Little Snake basin is projected at a slightly lower range, from 11% of normal at the Little Snake River near Dixon to 30% of normal on the North Platte River near Northgate.\n\n\n\nAs the dismal snowpack begets low streamflows, some of Colorado’s reservoirs are beginning to see impacts. \n\n\n\nBell said that while statewide reservoir storage was 75% of normal — down from 85% of normal in May — this was largely due to the significant precipitation events in the state’s southern basins in October as well as existing storage. \n\n\n\n“We started the water year out (in October) at 103% (of normal), so that carryover has definitely been helpful,” she added. \n\n\n\nAs of June 1, the Natural Resources Conservation Service reported that Colorado was utilizing 54% of total reservoir capacity compared to 61% at the same time last year. In some basins — including five on the Western Slope — the reservoir storage fell below the normal for the past 30 years. \n\n\n\nAcross the Colorado River headwaters, storage was at 80% of normal compared to 101% at the start of June 2025. Storage in the basin ranged from Vega Reservoir near Collbran, which sat at 46% of normal on June 1, to Shadow Mountain Reservoir near Granby, which was 97.5% of normal. \n\n\n\nIn the Yampa, White, Little Snake basin, storage for its four reservoirs was 78% of normal, down from 96% of normal at the start of June 2025. High Savery Reservoir in Wyoming was the lowest as of June 1, sitting at 49.4% of normal. Elkhead Reservoir near Craig was at 100% of normal. \n\n\n\nWith June marking the ninth month of the water year that will be memorialized for its record-low snowpack and streamflows as well as its extreme, record-setting heat, drought conditions persist in 100% of the state, according to the June 16 U.S. Drought Monitor. As Colorado’s climate experts and forecasters look for any bright spot or relief for the drought, many are looking at the June 11 arrival of El Nino at the expected arrival of a Super El Nino by the end of the year. \n\n\n\nStill, when asked at the June water conditions meeting whether El Nino — dictated by a rise in sea surface temperatures — will guarantee improvements, Colorado State Climatologist Russ Schumacher was cautious in his response.\n\n\n\n“The signal for El Nino is quite strong to our south; the southern tier of states tend to be cooler and wetter than average during falls and winters in El Nino, and the opposite for the northern tier of states and up into Canada. We sit right in the middle, so it’s always more of a wild card here in Colorado than it is in other places,” Schumacher said. “There’s never any guarantees with this, but I think at least it tilts the odds in a better direction than what we’ve had over the last year or so.” ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-streamflows-rivers-streams-normal-level/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:43:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F23153851%2FYampa-June_23-JC-CDP-scaled-1-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-streamflows-projected-to-be-a-quarter-of-normal-this-summer"},{"id":"j3e7ij","title":"Tuesday letters: Community support, banking praise, governor’s race and sheriff support","excerpt":"Mountain Valley thankful for community support\n\n\n\nWe are very thankful these days at Mountain Valley Developmental Services.\n\n\n\nFirst, we received a generous grant from the Defiance Thrift Store — a partner in many ways for many years.\n\n\n\nSecondly, we have started a new program with Special Olymp...","content":"Mountain Valley thankful for community support\n\n\n\nWe are very thankful these days at Mountain Valley Developmental Services.\n\n\n\nFirst, we received a generous grant from the Defiance Thrift Store — a partner in many ways for many years.\n\n\n\nSecondly, we have started a new program with Special Olympics Western Region to include any person with a disability, or not, on our sports teams.\n\n\n\nToday, we enjoyed a fortuitous donation from Lift-Up that not only helped us at the Strawberry Days parade but also provided soil to the Mountain Valley Greenhouse.\n\n\n\nMostly, we are thankful that in a trying political climate, we are continuing programs to the 500 individuals with I/DD we serve while maintaining our irreplaceable staff.\n\n\n\nSummer has officially begun and we couldn’t be happier with the community support and partnership we receive throughout the year!\n\n\n\nSara Sims, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nA thank you to Gabriela Berdeja\n\n\n\nI have banked at U.S. Bank in Glenwood Springs for about 40 years. Gabriela Berdeja has worked there for about 20 years. I don’t believe, in the short space that I have available, that I can describe all the superlatives that I want to, but here goes. She is the best banker that I have had. She is knowledgeable, professional, helpful, insightful, friendly, good-looking, humorous, personable and caring. She took me under her wing last month when I was a victim of a sophisticated Mexican cartel bank scam. She helped me wiggle out of it, change my account information, and smooth out all of the ensuing rough spots. Note to U.S. Bank Glenwood Springs branch executives that you have a very valuable employee in your hands and I hope that you will appreciate her. Thank you, Gabriela.\n\n\n\nFrederic Kirschbaum, New Castle\n\n\n\nPhil Weiser would better serve public schools\n\n\n\nThis public school teacher is here to tell you that our students need Phil Weiser, not Michael Bennet, for governor.\n\n\n\nTwenty years ago, fueled by neoliberal “Race to the Top” fervor, Bennet’s actions as Denver Public Schools superintendent led to the closure of 40 neighborhood schools and put 60 charter schools in their places, with no measurable improvement in state test scores. Bennet chastised teachers and ignored communities, instead running schools like businesses — although paying for 60 schools instead of 40 doesn’t sound like good business to me.\n\n\n\nWho profited from Bennet’s school closures? Millionaire backers of charter schools. Who stands to profit from Bennet in the governor’s mansion? The millionaires and billionaires who are trying to put him there.\n\n\n\nWho will stand strong for public schools and against privatizing or profiting from our public schools? Phil Weiser.\n\n\n\nThe only people that should be profiting from Colorado state tax dollars are hard-working Coloradans and their children. Please join me in voting for Phil Weiser for governor in the June Democratic primary.\n\n\n\nLisa Dameron, Carbondale\n\n\n\nDan Loya offers experience and leadership\n\n\n\nTo the residents of Garfield County:\n\n\n\nAre you seeking “Solid Experience & Leadership” for the Sheriff’s Office?\n\n\n\nDan Loya needs your vote to bring his excellent qualifications, leadership and years of experience in handling and solving countywide issues!\n\n\n\nDan has true integrity and leadership to handle the county issues and law enforcement. His experience speaks true volumes over most!\n\n\n\nA vote for Dan means experience, loyalty and dedication to this office.\n\n\n\nJoe and Joyce Gornick, New Castle","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/tuesday-letters-community-support-banking-praise-governors-race-and-sheriff-support/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-23T10:42:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F06%2F25080510%2FLetters-Graphic-2-300x169-1.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"tuesday-letters-community-support-banking-praise-governors-race-and-sheriff-support"},{"id":"m7g9uj","title":"Blumenthal: Gearing up for summer in the valley","excerpt":"I’ve been packing the car this week for our return to the Roaring Fork Valley in time for all the Fourth of July...","content":"I’ve been packing the car this week for our return to the Roaring Fork Valley in time for all the Fourth of July...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/blumenthal-gearing-up-for-summer-in-the-valley/article_aad7914e-597b-4b75-98a4-4a4406ca0462.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Mel Blumenthal, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F82%2F8824a83e-01f3-46cd-b4bb-082702430211%2F68834a732af38.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C359","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"blumenthal-gearing-up-for-summer-in-the-valley"},{"id":"ytfyeb","title":"Kelloff: What the Roaring Fork Valley told me","excerpt":"When I stopped in the Roaring Fork Valley as part of my By The People Tour, I came to hear directly from the people...","content":"When I stopped in the Roaring Fork Valley as part of my By The People Tour, I came to hear directly from the people...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/kelloff-what-the-roaring-fork-valley-told-me/article_a44763e1-2e32-4158-b0c1-31d08b0ed687.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Alex Kelloff, Guest Commentary","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F8f%2F48f94a2e-ac5b-42e2-9759-1a0950f0ab02%2F6a3dc5ec9cc39.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C326","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"kelloff-what-the-roaring-fork-valley-told-me"},{"id":"z4mf3m","title":"McCready: The billion-dollar problem in youth sports","excerpt":"Nearly every day, we see another story about the absurdity of what youth sports have become and the staggering amount of money spent...","content":"Nearly every day, we see another story about the absurdity of what youth sports have become and the staggering amount of money spent...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/mccready-the-billion-dollar-problem-in-youth-sports/article_cd932f10-3d1f-442d-bfd1-1cb58b872001.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Eric McCready, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-06-26T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Fc9%2Ffc9abd78-e9d4-11ef-b194-6b63644f4746%2F67ad93563a0b3.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C280","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"mccready-the-billion-dollar-problem-in-youth-sports"},{"id":"a7vawq","title":"alex-kelloff-headshot_bw.jpg","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/alex-kelloff-headshot-bw-jpg/image_48f94a2e-ac5b-42e2-9759-1a0950f0ab02.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-26T00:21:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F8f%2F48f94a2e-ac5b-42e2-9759-1a0950f0ab02%2F6a3dc5ec9cc39.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C326","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"alex-kelloff-headshotbwjpg"},{"id":"4bimcn","title":"New Orleans Suspects bring the 504 to the 970","excerpt":"Crescent City rockers kick off JAS June today with two shows","content":"Crescent City rockers kick off JAS June today with two shows","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/new-orleans-suspects-bring-the-504-to-the-970/article_c0a8a956-e06e-40d2-b7b8-467bdc23091d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-25T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2F87%2F9876391b-49c3-4f1d-8867-205fe14643c3%2F6a3c806eee2a7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C237","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"new-orleans-suspects-bring-the-504-to-the-970"},{"id":"4fgwb4","title":"Air quality advisory issued today due to wildfire smoke","excerpt":"Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Friday; fire weather watch in effect Saturday","content":"Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Friday; fire weather watch in effect Saturday","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/air-quality-advisory-issued-today-due-to-wildfire-smoke/article_f2e7d691-dcdd-4f3f-a9a8-92239f3f95cd.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News Staff Report","publishDate":"2026-06-25T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2Fbc%2F4bcb42fa-5aae-419f-9102-dc7ddab90772%2F6a3c35150440a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C232","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"air-quality-advisory-issued-today-due-to-wildfire-smoke"},{"id":"47lb5p","title":"Armory Hall price tag reaches $60.6M","excerpt":"Final cost includes $6.9M for ‘contingency,’ nearly $1M in other fees","content":"Final cost includes $6.9M for ‘contingency,’ nearly $1M in other fees","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/armory-hall-price-tag-reaches-60-6m/article_59678d5b-a5c7-4780-9e6a-bb04ecaeb0c4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-25T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F84%2F684fcc77-bf11-4b00-82eb-eb34ee2fb29e%2F6a3c7e1c5eee4.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"armory-hall-price-tag-reaches-606m"},{"id":"bx6iya","title":"JAS June Experience transforms the Aspen core today","excerpt":"Karl Denson, Robert Cray, Cory Henry and more","content":"Karl Denson, Robert Cray, Cory Henry and more","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/jas-june-experience-transforms-the-aspen-core-today/article_224ff924-a950-42aa-ab04-fd41aeebdd2a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-25T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F5f%2Fc5fa2187-deb0-4c3d-b675-ab27c1b79495%2F6a3c7fcf032c6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"jas-june-experience-transforms-the-aspen-core-today"},{"id":"3avra3","title":"jake eckert","excerpt":"Jake Eckert is the co-founder, lead guitarist and lead vocalist of the New Orleans Suspects. The four-piece band kicks off the JAS June Experience on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.","content":"Jake Eckert is the co-founder, lead guitarist and lead vocalist of the New Orleans Suspects. The four-piece band kicks off the JAS June Experience on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/jake-eckert/image_9876391b-49c3-4f1d-8867-205fe14643c3.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Jake Eckert","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F9%2F87%2F9876391b-49c3-4f1d-8867-205fe14643c3%2F6a3c806eee2a7.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C237","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"jake-eckert"},{"id":"t8cvg4","title":"armory hall","excerpt":"A trailer sits outside of Armory Hall on Wednesday ready to be loaded with furniture and other belongings to move the existing city offices to the Old Powerhouse building. Construction will start in July on the Armory once the building…","content":"A trailer sits outside of Armory Hall on Wednesday ready to be loaded with furniture and other belongings to move the existing city offices to the Old Powerhouse building. Construction will start in July on the Armory once the building…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/armory-hall/image_684fcc77-bf11-4b00-82eb-eb34ee2fb29e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F84%2F684fcc77-bf11-4b00-82eb-eb34ee2fb29e%2F6a3c7e1c5eee4.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"armory-hall"},{"id":"9oyu07","title":"Wind-driven wildfire burns two structures in Rifle, forces evacuations","excerpt":"The Dry Creek fire was estimated at 315 acres as of Wednesday morning after starting Tuesday in Garfield County","content":"The Dry Creek fire was estimated at 315 acres as of Wednesday morning after starting Tuesday in Garfield County","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/24/dry-creek-fire-rifle-garfield-county-evacuations/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Olivia Prentzel","publishDate":"2026-06-24T15:37:37.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Fdry-creek-2.jpeg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C768%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"wind-driven-wildfire-burns-two-structures-in-rifle-forces-evacuations"},{"id":"9eby50","title":"cr gruver","excerpt":"C.R. Gruver plays piano and keyboards for the New Orleans Suspects. He has been with the band since it formed in 2008. Before moving to New Orleans, he lived in Colorado and played with the band Polytoxic.","content":"C.R. Gruver plays piano and keyboards for the New Orleans Suspects. He has been with the band since it formed in 2008. Before moving to New Orleans, he lived in Colorado and played with the band Polytoxic.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/cr-gruver/image_c36ec417-861c-4ef4-ae22-65bdf51cdd0e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Jake Eckert","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F36%2Fc36ec417-861c-4ef4-ae22-65bdf51cdd0e%2F6a3c80bd3c68e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C393","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"cr-gruver"},{"id":"jh26z5","title":"samantha fish","excerpt":"Samantha Fish rips a guitar lead at Belly Up Aspen during last year’s JAS June Experience. This year’s festival starts today and runs through Sunday.","content":"Samantha Fish rips a guitar lead at Belly Up Aspen during last year’s JAS June Experience. This year’s festival starts today and runs through Sunday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/samantha-fish/image_c5fa2187-deb0-4c3d-b675-ab27c1b79495.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fc%2F5f%2Fc5fa2187-deb0-4c3d-b675-ab27c1b79495%2F6a3c7fcf032c6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"samantha-fish"},{"id":"w3clkh","title":"Parade preparation","excerpt":"Lissa Ballinger creates a costume during a workshop at the Red Brick Arts Center for Saturday’s Mall Fest 50 Art Parade. The final free costume-making workshop takes place today from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Red Brick. Mall Fest celebrates the…","content":"Lissa Ballinger creates a costume during a workshop at the Red Brick Arts Center for Saturday’s Mall Fest 50 Art Parade. The final free costume-making workshop takes place today from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Red Brick. Mall Fest celebrates the…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/parade-preparation/image_874dd3af-71cb-43f7-8e17-4864b1ecdabd.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Lara Whitley","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:30:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F74%2F874dd3af-71cb-43f7-8e17-4864b1ecdabd%2F6a3c7d4954390.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"parade-preparation"},{"id":"yxdyoh","title":"Aspen Ideas: Health last full day","excerpt":"Wednesday, Aspen Ideas: Health presented its last day of full programming. The festival ended on Thursday. \n\n\n\nOne of the tracks included Grey Matters, highlighting topics that fall into areas with no cut-and-dried, right-or-wrong answers. Wednesday morning offered a Grey Matters talk on “Are We ...","content":"Wednesday, Aspen Ideas: Health presented its last day of full programming. The festival ended on Thursday. \n\n\n\nOne of the tracks included Grey Matters, highlighting topics that fall into areas with no cut-and-dried, right-or-wrong answers. Wednesday morning offered a Grey Matters talk on “Are We Ready for Psychedelics?”\n\n\n\nRachel Yehuda — director of The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing and Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai — and Matthew Zorn — deputy general counsel, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — discussed the pros and cons of psychedelics and how they might be safely be introduced into society. \n\n\n\nWhen employed within a clinical setting, psychedelics can be transformative. Research has indicated that more epigenic changes occur within clinical administration of MDMA than with therapy alone, Yehuda said. For example, they can allow people to talk about what they previously couldn’t discuss or experience transformations, such as self-forgiveness. \n\n\n\n“I don’t want to be quoted as this molecule can be transformative. I want to be quoted that this treatment can be transformative,” Yehuda said, distinguishing actual psychedelic substances from the substances integrated with therapy within a clinical setting. \n\n\n\nShe also noted that taking psychedelics for first time tends to be one of the top 10 mystical experiences in a person’s life. \n\n\n\nOf course, psychedelics can penetrate society through a couple routes: They can solely be administered in a medical context, or they can enter mainstream society where untrained people use them for various reasons in different contexts. If the FDA approves psychedelics, it will give people a green light to use them in many ways. \n\n\n\nZorn advocated safely introducing psychedelics into the medical system because “some of these substances can cause lasting psychological effects,” he said, comparing the drugs to a powerful sledgehammer that can be positive or damaging. \n\n\n\n“That’s why the container is important,” he said. \n\n\n\n“If you’re taking a drug that opens your mind and opens your heart and opens your consciousness,” Yehuda said, comparing it to a surgeon cutting you open, “you want someone there that knows what to do when you’re open.” \n\n\n\nShe pointed out that introducing psychedelics into medical settings is going to be a radical change — and very expensive. \n\n\n\n“It’s not a cure-all, it’s not a panacea, but it reminds us that we are more than our symptoms,” she said, referring to treatment for those who have experienced trauma (as opposed to complex mental health diagnoses). \n\n\n\nVitality Lab Track: Wellness to the Max \n\n\n\nWellness washing, the practice of pushing something that’s not well researched, is running rampant. \n\n\n\nRina Raphael, a journalist and author of “The Gospel of Wellness,” likened it to fashion — something that, these days, goes in and out of style — as opposed to remaining grounded in solid science. \n\n\n\nFruits and vegetables aren’t sexy, so they don’t get a lot of air time, so to speak. Instead, wellness is being treated by many influencers like entertainment, or fun — and that’s hard for professionals to fight. \n\n\n\n“I’m concerned because I don’t see it getting better,” she said. \n\n\n\nBut, we’re starting to see a more skeptical consumer, she added. \n\n\n\nBased on surveys, only 10% of people say they trust all of the information on wellness, and 65% trust some of it, said Galen Stocking, associate director of Research on the Science and Society Team at Pew Research Center. \n\n\n\nPart of the problem is that legislation in 1994 ruled that supplements don’t need to be regulated by the FDA like they are in other countries — and even if they were, it’d be an incredibly enormous job, with hundreds of thousands of companies worldwide selling to Americans. \n\n\n\nSo it’s tough for consumers to make good decisions, unless consumers ensure that third-party testing has been done on each product — but that’s expensive for companies, so many don’t carry it out. As a result, a supplement may not even contain an ingredient in which it claims. One study showed that out of six creatine gummies, only four actually contained creatine, and of those, two of them barely contained traceable amounts. More than 90% of the supplements generating a buzz don’t involve third-party research. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile, the industry is extremely lucrative, and there are plenty of people, from influencers to some doctors, plugging products they have financial stakes in, rather than products that are truly effective. Furthermore, some doctors receive death threats by talking about evidence-based research, particularly when it comes to topics people are polarized on, like vaccines. \n\n\n\nTo make matters worse, many companies rely on a six-month popularity cycle related to supplements; they make money on the latest buzz for six months, then feed consumers something else. \n\n\n\nOn top of that, a lot of people believe natural is better, and while that may or may not be true, it can also cause them to refuse potentially life-saving treatments, from chemotherapy to vaccinations, without fully understanding the research behind everything and instead rely on an unresearched supplement that they heard is a cure-all. \n\n\n\nHowever, Stocking is encouraged by trends of people who are living healthy lifestyles, as opposed to believing one thing, such as a supplement, will solve everything. \n\n\n\n“Long-term, they’re putting the work in versus what’s going to (instantly, supposedly) solve the problem,” he said. \n\n\n\nNextGen Health Track: The Chatbot Will See You Now \n\n\n\nChatbots are the fastest growing technology in healthcare. So, we would all benefit from becoming digitally literate. \n\n\n\nThey’re trained to sound confident and often reaffirm what we’re already saying, which can be positive or negative. \n\n\n\n“If you know how to prompt them, you can get good information; but if you’re being general, you’ll get general (answers),” said Amelia Burke-Garcia, director of the Center for Health Communication Science at NORC at the University of Chicago. \n\n\n\nYet, what we’re able to do today wouldn’t be possible without artificial intelligence. \n\n\n\nEven with all the digitalization in healthcare, professionals really haven’t been able to extract or aggregate information efficiently, the panelists said, but maybe they can with AI. Currently, if a patient sees multiple providers, the doctors don’t always know what the others are doing, and that’s where AI can be useful. \n\n\n\nThey advocated using AI to offload menial, boring tasks, as opposed to challenging or complex tasks in healthcare. \n\n\n\nThey don’t want people asking AI for a diagnosis, but they do think it can be helpful to educate patients about issues they’re facing, such as cancer, so that time spent with doctors can be more productive and enriching. Asking AI: “What are the questions I should be asking my doctor about (a specific issue)?” and “What is the range of options?” can help patients prepare for office visits. \n\n\n\n“A lot of people are using basic models. When people are using those, there’s all sorts of garbage that gets pulled up in the algorithms that they can get exposed to. There’s a lot of risk,” Burke-Garcia said, adding that there haven’t been a lot of large-scale studies on how AI affects patients. \n\n\n\nThe discussion turned to how AI might be able to influence people to make better behavioral decisions for health. Currently, people know smoking or junk food are bad for them, but they still engage in harmful patterns. AI might be able to combine information about genetics, demographics and other personal history and present more compelling reasons to implement healthier behaviors and avoid unhealthy ones. \n\n\n\nThe panelists discourage using AI as a companion and warn that it’s easy to fall into that. When treated as companions, AI can start to replace human relationships, especially as it becomes more sophisticated. \n\n\n\nHealthy Buildings for Healthy Lives \n\n\n\nSick buildings result in sick people. \n\n\n\nDiana Araoz-Fraser, vice president and studio design leader of HKS Architects; Joe Allen, director of Healthy Buildings Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; and Rachel Hodgdon, president and CEO of International WELL Building Institute, spoke about the power of healthy buildings Wednesday afternoon. \n\n\n\nHealthy environments include a lack of clutter, so they can be easily cleaned. But it goes way beyond that. \n\n\n\nHodgdon’s mother became ill after working in a building for 22 years with mold, without any active ventilation. Other workers experience what’s known as the 2:30 headache, and plenty of kids suffer from asthma until they move into healthy buildings, she said. \n\n\n\nMany of her clients see double-digit retention and improvements in health and well-being and perceived productivity, she added. \n\n\n\n“Healthy buildings are the holy grail,” she said, adding that 92% of people’s time is spent in the workplace. “Businesses are seeing a dramatic improvement in productivity (with healthy buildings). Everyone benefits from it.” \n\n\n\nHealthy buildings can include elements such as warm and dim lights to entrain circadian rhythms and calming rooms. \n\n\n\n“It is very subtle. When you don’t notice, I think that’s where success happens,” Araoz-Fraser said. \n\n\n\n“Air quality measurements consistently provide data that people feel better,” Allen said. \n\n\n\nHe busted the myth that healthy buildings, such as those with good air quality, can’t be energy efficient as well. \n\n\n\n“It’s one of the biggest public health opportunities that we have. And we have to get over the false barrier that it will demand more energy use because it’s not true,” he said. \n\n\n\nAll of the panelists want to see healthy buildings as simply the way we build, as opposed to “special.” \n\n\n\n“We have momentum coming out of the pandemic,” he said, adding that state requirements are calling for healthier buildings. “We wouldn’t need healthy building experts because it’s just part of the code.” \n\n\n\nYet, many mental health facilities and some college dorms still don’t have a minimum standard of quality of spaces, Araoz-Fraser said. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile, healthy buildings support sleep quality — a strong component in overall health. \n\n\n\n“We spend a third of our life in bedroom — that better be a place where the air quality is (good),” Allen said. \n\n\n\nIn the end, consumer demand will create healthy buildings, Hodgdon noted. \n\n\n\nNextGen Health Track: The Gut and Brain in Conversation \n\n\n\nEverything in the body is connected, including gut and brain health, but we haven’t always treated it that way. \n\n\n\n“Anything that has to do with the GI track is run by the nervous system,” said Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist, director at UCLA Gail and Gerald Oppenheimer Family Center for Neurobiology of Stress, and co-director ofCURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center at University of California, Los Angeles. \n\n\n\nAnd, as Tricia Pasricha, a  physician-scientist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, pointed out, people can be brain dead but survive if the GI track is functioning. \n\n\n\nThe brain communicates with the gut and vice versa — think about butterflies when you get nervous — and a lot of that communication occurs through the vagus nerve. Yet, we don’t perceive that consciously. \n\n\n\n“That’s why it’s been neglected for so long; it’s been happening under the radar,” she said. \n\n\n\nMayer asserted that the gut is the basis of human consciousness, in evolutionary terms, and that communication actually occurs from the bottom up, as opposed to top down. \n\n\n\n“Our gut knows what’s going on in brain. Just like muscles in face express emotions, the same thing happens with the gut; the gut recognizes emotion … microbes know when you’re stressed because secreted molecules change gene expression of microbes,” he said. \n\n\n\nAnd, for at least a subset of people with Parkinson’s, the disease started in the gut, with constipation, years before any other symptoms manifested, Pasricha said. \n\n\n\nMoreover, 70% of immune function lies in the gut, Mayer said. \n\n\n\nWhen it comes to the microbiome, more diversity is better, he added. \n\n\n\nBut, there’s just not enough research to know exactly how to diversify and strengthen the microbiome. Consumers may hear information that sounds black or white in terms of having too much bad bacteria and not enough good — and how to fix it — “but the science is just not there,” Pasricha said. “One species can behave differently than another.” ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-ideas-health-last-full-day/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-25T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F25071021%2FIMG_7525-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-ideas-health-last-full-day"},{"id":"iic0ji","title":"Obituary: Marlene C Hawkins","excerpt":"September 22, 1939 – June 9, 2026\nMarlene C. Hawkins, age 86, passed away on June 9, 2026. Born on September 22, 1939, in Cripple Creek, CO, she was the cherished daughter of Miles and Viola Fleetwood. Marlene grew up with a deep love for the Colorado landscape. After attending Blair Business Col...","content":"September 22, 1939 – June 9, 2026\nMarlene C. Hawkins, age 86, passed away on June 9, 2026. Born on September 22, 1939, in Cripple Creek, CO, she was the cherished daughter of Miles and Viola Fleetwood. Marlene grew up with a deep love for the Colorado landscape. After attending Blair Business College, she channeled her meticulous nature into a fulfilling career in public service.\nMarlene dedicated many years to the City of Rifle as a police dispatcher and records clerk. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she also volunteered as a local EMT and at the Basalt library. Following her retirement, her lifelong love for animals found a perfect outlet working part-time at a veterinary clinic.\nShe shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Lee R. Hawkins. Together, they filled their lives with outdoor adventures, including camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. In her later years, Marlene found great comfort, solace, and deep friendships within the Maxfield Heights senior housing community in Rifle.\nMarlene is survived by her devoted daughters, Laurie Hawkins and Sharon Archuleta, and her beloved son-in-law, Donnie Archuleta. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, community service, and compassion. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Maxfield Heights for the warmth and companionship they shared with her. She will be forever cherished in our memories.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-marlene-c-hawkins-2/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-23T03:04:17.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22210424%2FW0020265.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-marlene-c-hawkins"},{"id":"u190kc","title":"Obituary: Marsha Ann Brendlinger","excerpt":"November 19, 1938 – May 29, 2026\nOn May 29, 2026 the cookie timer dinged one last time for Marsha Ann Brendlinger. She passed with her children by her side assisting her in a smooth, peaceful transition. Marsha was born on her mother’s birthday on November 19, 1938.\nMarsha baked almost every sing...","content":"November 19, 1938 – May 29, 2026\nOn May 29, 2026 the cookie timer dinged one last time for Marsha Ann Brendlinger. She passed with her children by her side assisting her in a smooth, peaceful transition. Marsha was born on her mother’s birthday on November 19, 1938.\nMarsha baked almost every single day of her adult life, delivering bread and cookies to everyone in her sphere. Her culinary delights were sprinkled with love and dispensed with appreciation for each individual, signaling they were important and adored. Her radiant aura was actually an aroma of fresh chocolate chip cookies swirling around and evoking happiness and smiles.\nMany stories have been told around the family dinner table that “somewhat” explained how a nice Mormon girl from Provo Utah and her roommate Lola, got mixed up with the dashing but mischievous CU Kappa Sigma’s, Jack Alan Brendlinger and Robert Redford. After the first double date, between Marsha and Robert and Lola and Jack, there was a realization between the four that they should switch, and that is what happened. She married Jack and started a life in a little Town called Aspen in 1963 to build and run The Applejack Inn and then The Tower Restaurant in Snowmass in 1967. Marsha and Jack were integral to the formation of “a place”, lucky enough to have known the people they did, and to become etched in that time of history. They built community by being the community. Marsha and Jack were inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame in 2009.\nMarsha worked at the Wildwood Pre-school, choregraphed high school plays, fed everyone at the Aspen World Cup Ski Races, was a board member for the Aspen School District, the Aspen Youth Center and Carbondale Council of the Arts. Marsha joined Rotary and lived up to their “service above self” during the initial Ducky Derby fundraisers. Many Aspenites learned and perfected their shuffle, ball, change moves in Marsha’s tap-dancing classes (she even taught tap to the Rugby Team to work on their footwork, and they showed up to one of her classes all in pink leg warmers!). So many stories!\nMarsha loved to ski so she sold tickets for 23 years at the base of Tiehack. Sleepy little Buttermilk always had a long line at her ticket counter. Conversation and cookies were present and the skiing could wait.\nHer husband Jack had a special nickname for her, …..”Velcro”‘. Everything and everybody seemed to stick to her. She opened her house and her heart over the years to numerous exchange students from around the world, from New Zealand, Belgium, Argentina, Spain, and Sweden. Due to her open arms, a multitude of people would call her “Ma B”.\nHowever, her greatest crown she wore was as a daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.\nMarsha loved the color purple in all of its forms. It brought her happiness. It is what she held onto when Alzheimer’s slowly took away her stories and the myriad memories of an exceptional life. Her spirit will live on in nature’s purple bounty. Let that purple butterfly alight upon your paddle, the fragrant lupine line your hike, and the violet hummingbird buzz by your ear, knowing that Marsha is there with you.\nMarsha Ann Brendlinger is survived by her four children: Kurt Brendlinger (Kimberly), Eric Brendlinger (Patty), Dina Farnell (John Wald), Kira Kearsey (Tommy). Six grandchildren: Remi Stern (Johnathan), Chloe, Camden, Macie, Jack and Addie. Marsha had two great grandchildren: Juliette and Austin Stern. She is survived by her sister Debbie Stafford (Bob) and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Max and Helen Bray, her brothers Garth Bray and Richard Bray and her husband of sixty-two years, Jack Brendlinger.\nA memorial service will be held on September 26, 2026.\nIn lieu of flowers please donate and earmark the funds to support outdoor education programs at the Aspen Education Foundation and/or The Carbondale Education Foundation.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-marsha-ann-brendlinger/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-23T03:04:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22210432%2FW0020286.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-marsha-ann-brendlinger"},{"id":"3dmzbe","title":"‘Mr. Unlimited’ speaks in Aspen","excerpt":"Former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson talks about mental wellness during an Ideas: Health panel session on Monday called “Reimagining Youth Mental Health.” Wilson, who recently retired from pro football to join CBS Sports as a studio analyst, is the co-founder…","content":"Former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson talks about mental wellness during an Ideas: Health panel session on Monday called “Reimagining Youth Mental Health.” Wilson, who recently retired from pro football to join CBS Sports as a studio analyst, is the co-founder…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/multimedia/mr-unlimited-speaks-in-aspen/image_53a209a6-e5ee-47a4-86ec-2cc4ec7e07f4.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F3a%2F53a209a6-e5ee-47a4-86ec-2cc4ec7e07f4%2F6a3c7db3029d4.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"mr-unlimited-speaks-in-aspen"},{"id":"3cuedq","title":"Brandon: Training for the Olympics of middle age","excerpt":"Remember the good ol’ days of eating and drinking whatever you wanted without recourse? How about filling in for someone on a coed...","content":"Remember the good ol’ days of eating and drinking whatever you wanted without recourse? How about filling in for someone on a coed...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/brandon-training-for-the-olympics-of-middle-age/article_6d731198-7c45-460e-ac52-2d75906d8534.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Beth Brandon, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F41%2F74196ac4-f053-48c1-b199-689567d6294d%2F68ddc244b421c.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C169","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"brandon-training-for-the-olympics-of-middle-age"},{"id":"j8bxq","title":"Aspen moves ‘extraordinarily expensive’ Armory Hall project to construction phase","excerpt":"Aspen City Council unanimously approved four resolutions required to move the Armory Hall Adaptive Reuse Project from pre-construction into construction Tuesday, authorizing the construction-phase contracts and contingency approval authority needed.\n\n\n\nMayor Rachael Richards was absent from the r...","content":"Aspen City Council unanimously approved four resolutions required to move the Armory Hall Adaptive Reuse Project from pre-construction into construction Tuesday, authorizing the construction-phase contracts and contingency approval authority needed.\n\n\n\nMayor Rachael Richards was absent from the regular meeting.\n\n\n\nThe four resolutions included a Shaw Construction change order establishing the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $44,684,905 — developed through the CM/GC process using subcontractor bidding and open-book cost review — and authorizing construction phase services, according to a staff report submitted to council prior to the meeting. The report adds that Shaw Construction was selected through a “competitive” Request for Proposal process for construction manager/general contractor pre-construction services and has finished pre-construction pricing and bidding of subcontracts. \n\n\n\nThe current construction phase budget is $55,746,376.04. The total all-in project budget is $60,663,606.90.\n\n\n\n“I think it needs to be acknowledged, by me at least, that this is an extraordinarily expensive project,” Council Member Bill Guth said in response to the resolutions. “From my perspective, I think the money was going to be spent on this building by this council, next council or a future council no matter what, and I think that this use of the building is the highest and best use for the community.”\n\n\n\nAccording to the report, prior estimations of a $54 million construction cost reflected a construction phase planning estimate before the final 28-month construction duration and related owner costs were fully defined. \n\n\n\n“The refinement from that earlier estimate is not driven by an increase in Shaw’s GMP (direct costs); it is primarily the result of finalizing construction-phase costs that depend on project duration and final contract scope, including construction administration, owner’s representation, permit and regulatory fees, testing and inspection, builder’s risk insurance, and owner-held contingency (soft costs),” the report reads.\n\n\n\nThe 2026 appropriation is sufficient, however, for the anticipated 2026 expenditures based on the current schedule and cash flow forecast, the report confirms, and the remaining funding need after existing 2026 appropriations is $42,776,387.90 for 2027/28. \n\n\n\n“This updated amount is largely unchanged from the $41,000,000 placeholder value included in FY 2027 that was incorporated into the long-range financial plan when the 2026 Budget was adopted,” the report reads.\n\n\n\nThe companion actions to the Shaw Construction change order authorize construction phase owner’s representative services with Concept One Group for $342,255, construction administration services with CCY Architects for $1,732,160 and city manager authority to approve eligible change orders within the owner’s construction and design contingency for $6,962,559.75.\n\n\n\nThe contingency is calculated as 15% of Shaw’s GMP plus 15% of CCY’s construction administration services, is owner-held and not part of Shaw’s GMP and is only used for what the report outlines as “approved changes, unforeseen conditions, or related design and construction coordination during project execution.” \n\n\n\nThe staff report continues, “The requested contingency authority does not increase the project budget; it only allows timely use of contingency already included in the budget.”\n\n\n\nGuth raised a slight concern with the request to approve changes without coming back to council within the owner’s construction and design contingency.\n\n\n\n“I want to make sure that we are really informed of how that contingency is being spent and when,” Guth said. “I’d request quarterly updates on a minimum of change orders being approved … I want to make sure we’re all apprised of what’s happening.”\n\n\n\nCouncil Member and Mayor Pro Tem John Doyle responded that, “I think that’s a reasonable request.”\n\n\n\nStaff agreed to provide project status updates to council going forward.\n\n\n\nThe project schedule anticipates construction of Armory Hall, Conner Memorial Park improvements and adjacent parkway work along South Galena Street and East Hopkins Avenue to begin in July of this year, with “substantial completion” expected in late September 2028 and final completion in November 2028, according to the report. \n\n\n\nBuilder’s risk coverage will be incorporated into the Shaw construction phase contract, the report confirms, so the required policy is in place before construction begins — the project budget includes an owner-held allowance for this policy, with the final premium expected to be confirmed before construction begins.\n\n\n\nConcept One Group will provide construction phase owner representation, which includes field coordination, schedule and cost review, change order review and support to city staff.\n\n\n\nCCY will provide construction administration including RFI responses, submittal review, site observations, pay application review and construction-phase design coordination.\n\n\n\nConstruction will comply with the city’s Construction and Demolition Debris Program, including “required diversion of recyclable construction materials from the landfill,” according to the report. The project also supports the city’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, converting the building to all-electric systems so as to reduce on-site fossil fuel combustion and associated operational emissions.\n\n\n\n“Adoption of these contracts reflects a significant investment in the development of new community gathering spaces and exhibits the commitment Council has made in prioritizing this asset for public enjoyment,” the report states. “Understanding the importance of this project, staff are eager to advance this vision forward. But as mentioned previously, as it considers approval of these collective contracts, Council should continue to weigh this investment in context of other long-term public infrastructure needs to ensure it remains the highest and best use of funds.” \n\n\n\nWhile there are no immediate negative financial concerns that are identified as a result of this project moving forward, the report adds that “the financial lift for this endeavor is sizable.” Without any outside donations, some internal financing through a loan from the Arts and Culture Fund might be required.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-moves-extraordinarily-expensive-armory-hall-project-into-construction-phase/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T23:30:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F08%2F28172235%2Farmoryhall-atd-082825-02-1024x731.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-moves-extraordinarily-expensive-armory-hall-project-to-construction-phase"},{"id":"nchuj1","title":"Pitkin County approves Aspen Airport schematic design","excerpt":"The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the schematic design for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport terminal redesign Wednesday, with plans to continue finalizing more employee amenities, parking availability and passenger comfort. \n\n\n\nCarter Strothman, the project manag...","content":"The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the schematic design for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport terminal redesign Wednesday, with plans to continue finalizing more employee amenities, parking availability and passenger comfort. \n\n\n\nCarter Strothman, the project manager for the terminal redesign, emphasized that the acceptance of the schematic design does not solidify the design as the final design. Strothman assured commissioners that the next six to eight weeks will be devoted to finding a design that meets the needs of the community and the recommendations of the BOCC and Airport Advisory Board. \n\n\n\n“Initial phase one … falls in line with the common ground recommendations, i.e. getting closer to a 90,000 square foot terminal footprint and something that’s more affordable, allowing the project to stay on schedule for the 2027 construction season and without limiting future expansion,” Strothman said.\n\n\n\nStrothman noted he doesn’t believe the terminal is likely to be shrunk below the design’s 90,000 square feet, but that it could grow to accommodate needs brought up by commissioners.\n\n\n\nThe cost of the terminal redesign is not yet finalized, but is expected to continue being updated during the design process, according to Strothman. One solution that was preferred by the board to keep costs acceptable was to move less immediate needs, such as an eighth gate or more jet bridges, into a second phase of upgrading. That phase will be done after the new terminal is completed and the old terminal is demolished. \n\n\n\nThe design is supposed to allow for easy additions in the future that don’t compromise the function of the building, a method Commissioner Patti Clapper called “future proofing.”\n\n\n\nCommissioner Francie Jacober expressed concern, however, with the terminal being undersized and not accommodating employee needs, in addition to providing too little holding space for passengers. She wanted to continue the conversation about how to improve conditions for employees by possibly increasing parking and enclosing the baggage handling area.\n\n\n\n“No one wants to go to ribbon cutting, go to the airport and feel like nothing has changed from what we have,” Commissioner Ted Mahon said. “So it’s good for people to hear that it is growing.”\n\n\n\nCommissioner Greg Poschman also proposed a new design concept to use less or no jet bridges to save on costs, which Strothman said could be part of the ongoing conversation. \n\n\n\nStrothman also noted that the amount of aircraft parking sites on the apron is set at around 10 aircraft, and that can’t change due to site limitations, meaning more gates may not change flight availability. \n\n\n\nG.R. Fielding, the airfield project manager, added that two to three of those sites will be needed for ground service equipment and overnight parking for aircraft.\n\n\n\nStrothman also addressed the parking concerns, confirming that they are not decreasing parking below the needs of the airport for employee, traveler and rental car space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Our plan is that we are not providing any less parking for the airport that is required for employee activity, for the traveling public needs — which is also parking revenue source for the airport — and addressing ready return rental car operations,” Strothman said. “We are still assessing the mix today between the public parking and the employee parking, because they all share one lot.”\n\n\n\nClapper warned against increasing the size of the terminal too much, as any size increase would also increase operational costs. She noted that if more space is needed, it can be added during the Phase 2 construction. \n\n\n\nToni Kronberg, who spoke during public comment, brought up that the common ground recommendations that limited the size of the terminal could be considered outdated, as they didn’t account for the increase in workforce size.\n\n\n\nThe board agreed that accommodating the needs of the traveling public should be the number one priority. The board also expressed interest in adding a small third floor “penthouse,” as Mahon framed it, which would allow passengers to enjoy fresh air and the “best views” of Aspen’s mountains.\n\n\n\n“We know it’s going to be beautiful, it’s going to be stunning, and it’s going to be unique,” Clapper said.\n\n\n\nAccording to Strothman, Phase 2 terminal upgrades could be completed as early as 12 to 18 months after Phase 1 is completed.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitco-approves-aspen-airport-schematic-design/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T22:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F10%2F06100247%2Fairport-atd-062325-05-2048x1463-1-1024x732.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitkin-county-approves-aspen-airport-schematic-design"},{"id":"ra7nn5","title":"Yacoub: Torre has earned this position","excerpt":"If you haven’t voted yet, be sure to vote for Torre for commissioner, District 1. The other candidates are nice guys, but they haven’t earned this position like Torre. He has been serving this community for 25 years in and out of public office. He has always worked for the environment, bettering ...","content":"If you haven’t voted yet, be sure to vote for Torre for commissioner, District 1. The other candidates are nice guys, but they haven’t earned this position like Torre. He has been serving this community for 25 years in and out of public office. He has always worked for the environment, bettering housing, community building and quality of life for residents and visitors. He has always fought for the values and people that make this county so great. Vote Torre for commissioner!\n\n\n\nEvan Yacoub\n\n\n\nSnowmass","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/yacoub-torre-has-earned-this-position/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Evan Yacoub","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:37:08.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"yacoub-torre-has-earned-this-position"},{"id":"43p4gx","title":"Highlights of Aspen Ideas: Health, day two","excerpt":"On Tuesday, Aspen Ideas: Health ushered in the actual first full day — and evening — of programming. Here are some highlights from different tracks, or themes. \n\n\n\nNextGen Health Track: On the Frontiers of Brain Health \n\n\n\n“As belly size gets larger, the memory center in the brain gets smaller,” ...","content":"On Tuesday, Aspen Ideas: Health ushered in the actual first full day — and evening — of programming. Here are some highlights from different tracks, or themes. \n\n\n\nNextGen Health Track: On the Frontiers of Brain Health \n\n\n\n“As belly size gets larger, the memory center in the brain gets smaller,” said Richard Isaacson, director at Atria Precision Prevention Program at Atria Health and Research Institute. “You are what you eat when it comes to brain health. Food is medicine, and there is a science to this.” \n\n\n\nSome of the strategies he recommends involve eating less and combining omega 3 fatty acids with B-complex vitamins to slow brain shrinkage over time. Exercise-wise, walking quickly for 45-60 minutes in the morning and strength training speeds up metabolism, he said. \n\n\n\nPreventive neurology tries to get ahead of neurodegenerative diseases, which start in the body years and years before symptoms emerge. He advocates knowing your body fat, bone density and muscle mass numbers, as well as other risk factors. \n\n\n\n“Two out of every three brains affected by Alzheimer’s are women’s brains,” he said, adding that prevention starts in perimenopause, as estrogen drops. \n\n\n\nWendy Short Bartie, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at Bristol Myers Squibb, reminded the audience that quality sleep, human connection and stress reduction is also essential. Sleep has been largely overlooked, but it’s the fastest and best way to clear toxins from your brain, said moderator Arianna Huffington. \n\n\n\nTwelve billion days of productivity per year are lost in the workplace due to mental health issues. Furthermore, every three seconds, someone in world is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Short Bartie said. This means that brain health affects everyone. \n\n\n\n“Brain health is health,” she said. “Every day, practice gratitude … practicing joy and gratitude can do so much for every one of us to improve our mental health, which improves our brain health.” \n\n\n\nMedical Enterprise 2.0 Track: The Future of Aging \n\n\n\nThe oldest wave of approximately 67 million Baby Boomers is just starting to turn 80, and as they do, older North Americans are becoming a majority population. \n\n\n\n“The Centenarian population is the fastest growing,” said Zayna Khayat, an applied health futurist and chief program officer of AMS Healthcare. \n\n\n\nAnd, those 80 years and older exceed the population of Gen Z, said Jamie Justice, executive vice president of the Health Domain, XPRIZE Foundation. \n\n\n\nAs a result, the future of aging is a big topic. Granted, overall, aging encompasses every stage of life, since time always marches on. For example, the first wave of Millennials turn 50 in four years. \n\n\n\nThe current older aging population wants to maintain mobility and security, from financial to physical — while doing it safely, according to panelists Khayat, Justice and AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan. \n\n\n\n“Living to 100 isn’t if — it’s when. We are living longer than we had before,” Justice said. “We’re fundamentally changing our relationship to aging.” \n\n\n\nBut, our healthcare systems are not designed for aging, Minter-Jordan said, adding that a more prepared healthcare system that ties in issues like companionship, sense of purpose, financial security and aging in place is in the process of improving. \n\n\n\n“The goal should be: Maximize life span with health span and (sufficient) financial (resources),” Khayat said. “You want to maximize your health span and life span and die as fast as possible, which our species used to do.” \n\n\n\nSixty percent of aging Americans don’t feel that technology is designed for them, but AARP is bringing solutions to everyday Americans as they age, Minter-Jordan said. They involve technology for remaining in the home safely as people age, with tools like communicating with doctors over the internet or technological products to carry out physical therapy at home. \n\n\n\nMechanizing daily labor has been around for a very long time; just think about washing machines. But now, robotics stand posed to play an even larger role in daily life. \n\n\n\nTech-enabled age fluidity means that people can extend what they do with support from technology. Back in the day, the invention of washing machines was just one way technology began supporting daily tasks. In the future, experts envision humanoid robots carrying out instrumental activities. In fact, Elon Musk just received $1 trillion pay package from his board for robotic advancement. \n\n\n\n“It’s an age-tech sector that we’re continuing to grow. … There’s so much potential that we’re increasing funding,” Minter-Jordan said. “We’re really excited about the age-tech sector … and we want them to be widely available.” \n\n\n\nAnother topic in aging involves retirement age. When 65 became the typical age to retire, the average person only lived three more years. These days, we’re living longer, and 32% of Americans after 65 are earning income after age 65, mostly due to need, Khayat said. Compare that to Germany’s data, where the percentage is just 13%. \n\n\n\nMinter-Jordan pointed out that workplaces for aging populations need to promote care-giving and other flexible leave that allows them to bring their “best self” to work. \n\n\n\nEnd-of-life planning and self-agency also comprise the vast topic. Decline is ultimately inevitable, so experts are researching how to slow decline. \n\n\n\nPanelists also pointed out that as people grow older, it’s important to shift definitions of peak performance. Instead of regularly running marathons, new goals might involve staying in a job, playing with grandchildren or optimizing daily tasks within the home. \n\n\n\nKhayat said we need to move from trying to avoid mortality discussions to possessing full agency by preparing for death, not just physically, but also digitally, financially and socially. \n\n\n\nThe panel also noted that agism hasn’t been fully addressed, whereas society has made more headway in sexism, racism and other “isms.” \n\n\n\nCreative Rx Track: Let’s Play \n\n\n\nThe concept of this session, featuring Cas Holman, author of “Playful,” revolved around learning through play. \n\n\n\nPlay is important for both kids and adults because it can help us get comfortable with uncertainty, since there are few or no rules and you don’t know how it’s going to come out. With kids, it can improve social skills like impulse control and conflict resolution. \n\n\n\n“When we do these things in the context of play, we’re motivated to keep doing it,” Holman said. \n\n\n\nThere’s a misconception that play looks like loud, giant, leaping through fields; it can be quiet. \n\n\n\n“There’s a playful mindset. There’s a way we can approach anything playfully,” she said. “In play, we can really explore and connect to who we are.” \n\n\n\nShe pointed out that adults don’t often listen to their “play voice,” but rather suppress it because they don’t want to take what seem like socially unacceptable risks. But risk is relative; risky play for adults can involve singing in grocery store line, whereas that activity can be perfectly normal for 5-year-olds. \n\n\n\n“(We can) reconnect with our play and use it in our own human development,” she said. \n\n\n\nThe play workshop concluded with groups of attendees assembling wooden pieces in an amazing variety of “toys” to measure time. Holman placed a 12-minute time constraint on the activity to circumvent too much intellectualizing, so everyone would jump right into active play. \n\n\n\n“I kind of tricked you into play, so you didn’t think you needed to assess the situation,” she said, adding that the collaborative element also motivates us to play. \n\n\n\nAttendees at Aspen Ideas: Health Let’s Play workshop spend time “playing.”Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nVitality Lab Track: Back to the Future, The Power of Nostalgia \n\n\n\nSteve Burns and Clay Routledge talked about power of nostalgia on Tuesday night. The overall definition of nostalgia: memories you cherish from the past, even if they have a bittersweet feeling because you miss it. But at the end of the story, you recognize the redemptive arc — things you want to carry forward into the world. \n\n\n\nThere’s a misconception that if you’re focused on the past, you’re stuck in it. But Burns and Routledge asserted that to improve the future, you have to be thinking about the past. They pointed out that most innovative artists and scientists mine the past for ideas — what we’ve been passionate about and what has moved us forward. In that way, nostalgia is critical to moving forward. In other words, we find ways to be nostalgic for a reason. \n\n\n\nPeople can be nostalgic for things that they haven’t lived through. Studies show that Gen Zers, the first of whom were born in 1997, are making things from the 1990s “cool” again. It’s as if they’re using the past to bring balance to their lives, the panelists said. \n\n\n\nGen Z is driving old-school experiences, from listening to records and cassette tapes (analog, as opposed to digital) to shopping at malls. \n\n\n\n“There’s a tactile process to it … it’s about connection,” Burns said. \n\n\n\nBuying a record involves talking to people and curating what you like within a community to share it with, Routledge said. \n\n\n\nAnd yet, nostalgia can be dangerous, by romanticizing a past that never was, moderator Kate Bowler pointed out. \n\n\n\nDifferent kinds of nostalgia exist, from personally experienced experiences to historic nostalgia and collective, or group-based nostalgia, the latter of which can be a mixed bag, Routledge said, because it can support a pessimistic belief that the future will be worse than the past. \n\n\n\nNostalgia works best when it generates a belief that the future can be better and gives people the boldness to improve things. In other words, the past can help us by looking at human examples of resilience to generate hope. \n\n\n\n“Nostalgic memories are meaningful memories (that make) you feel that you matter —  that I have an important role to play — I have something to offer,” Routledge said. \n\n\n\n“A lot of things that I hear at these fan conventions is that: You heard me, when no one else did,” Burns said. \n\n\n\n“Nostalgia offers that feeling to look back and say: I am still that person,” Bowler said. \n\n\n\nJournaling and creative activities that review life and highlight what defines us is important, Routledge noted, as is talking to people about the past to have personal experience within a broader world. It’s also a great ice breaker to open vast conversations between generations. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/highlights-of-aspen-ideas-health-day-two/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:23:09.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F24142135%2FIMG_7493-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"highlights-of-aspen-ideas-health-day-two"},{"id":"gq22hx","title":"Obituary: George S. Weaver Jr.","excerpt":"Longtime Aspen homeowner George S. Weaver Jr., whose love for the Rocky Mountains and the American West spanned nearly half a century, died peacefully at his home in Wheeling, W.Va., on June 22. He was 92.\n\n\n\nFor 45 years, Aspen served as a second home for Weaver and his wife, Shirley. What began...","content":"Longtime Aspen homeowner George S. Weaver Jr., whose love for the Rocky Mountains and the American West spanned nearly half a century, died peacefully at his home in Wheeling, W.Va., on June 22. He was 92.\n\n\n\nFor 45 years, Aspen served as a second home for Weaver and his wife, Shirley. What began as a passion for skiing evolved into a deep connection to the Roaring Fork Valley, where generations of family and friends gathered to share in the outdoor lifestyle and mountain traditions he cherished. George and Shirley traveled extensively throughout their 71-year marriage, but the West always called them back. Aspen became the center of countless family gatherings, holiday celebrations and lifelong friendships.\n\n\n\nWhether taking on Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands or Buttermilk, Weaver embraced his time on the slopes. He remained active into his later years, taking his final downhill run at age 87.\n\n\n\nBorn May 29, 1934, in Wheeling, Weaver spent his professional life building businesses, strengthening communities and serving numerous civic and charitable organizations. Weaver helped guide several successful financial enterprises during his career, including the Wheeling-based Hazlett, Burt & Watson Inc., which earned a seat on the New York Stock Exchange during his tenure as president and chief executive officer. In 2000, he assembled a group of investors to establish Security National Trust, a nationally chartered trust company headquartered in Wheeling.\n\n\n\nThroughout his life, Weaver possessed an uncommon ability to bring people together. Friends and colleagues frequently sought his counsel, as he had a gift for seeing opportunities where others saw challenges.\n\n\n\nHis commitment to service was strong. He served a term in the West Virginia House of Delegates and held leadership positions with numerous educational, healthcare and charitable organizations throughout the Upper Ohio Valley.\n\n\n\nAbove all, Weaver was devoted to family. He was the bedrock of an ever-expanding circle of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passing along lessons about integrity, curiosity, hard work and gratitude. Many of those lessons were offered not in a classroom but on chairlifts, mountain trails and around family dinner tables in Aspen.\n\n\n\nHe is survived by Shirley McElhinney Weaver, his wife of 71 years; four children: George Weaver III (Ann), John Weaver (Bridget), David Weaver (Beth), and Mary Renner (Tad); 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.\n\n\n\nThose who knew him will remember a man who never lost his sense of adventure, who believed deeply in family and community, and who found enduring joy in the mountains he loved.\n\n\n\nIn lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shirley M. Weaver Cancer Research Fund No. 3R088, Attn: Brandon Cook, P.O. Box 9300, Morgantown, WV 26509-9300.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/obituary-george-s-weaver-jr/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"John McCabe","publishDate":"2026-06-24T20:06:54.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F24132025%2FGeorge_Weaver_obituary_photo-843x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-george-s-weaver-jr"},{"id":"ujqa96","title":"Aspen to host public safety event","excerpt":"Aspen community members are invited to a drop-in public safety event, “Community Safety Conversations: Pedals, Paws and Preparedness,” from 1-3 p.m. July 2 on Galena Plaza and in the Dunaway Room at the Pitkin County Library. \n\n\n\nThe event will feature a variety of educational booths and demonstr...","content":"Aspen community members are invited to a drop-in public safety event, “Community Safety Conversations: Pedals, Paws and Preparedness,” from 1-3 p.m. July 2 on Galena Plaza and in the Dunaway Room at the Pitkin County Library. \n\n\n\nThe event will feature a variety of educational booths and demonstrations on public safety topics including drought, wildfire and emergency preparedness, living alongside wildlife and staying safe on the streets of Aspen — whether on foot, bike or car — according to a press release. Each topic will be explored through its own interactive station. \n\n\n\n“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and events like this help bring our community together around topics that affect all of us,” city of Aspen Communications Co-Manager Carolyn Sackariason said in the release. “Whether it’s preparing for drought and wildfire season, learning how to coexist with wildlife, or understanding how to safely navigate our streets and trails, this open house provides an opportunity for community members to connect with experts, ask questions and gain practical information that can help keep our community safe.”\n\n\n\nCommunity members will also have the opportunity to speak with representatives from Aspen Fire, Pitkin County Emergency Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and several city departments. \n\n\n\nPizza, beverages and ice cream will also be available at the event. \n\n\n\nTo learn more, visit aspencommunityvoice.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-to-host-public-safety-event/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:30:06.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F06%2F07144735%2Fairportexercise-atd-060724-07-1024x819.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-to-host-public-safety-event"},{"id":"er6l63","title":"Colorado to roll out new rules for retail electric vehicle chargers","excerpt":"Colorado will implement new rules July 1 for retail electric vehicle charging stations meant to increase transparency and ensure consistency for consumers and business owners. \n\n\n\nWhile the requirements will be enacted this year, the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety will not pursue enfo...","content":"Colorado will implement new rules July 1 for retail electric vehicle charging stations meant to increase transparency and ensure consistency for consumers and business owners. \n\n\n\nWhile the requirements will be enacted this year, the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety will not pursue enforcement measures until July 1, 2027. \n\n\n\nIn a news release, Mahesh Albuquerque, the division’s director, called the new regulations a “significant step forward in ensuring consumer protection and marketplace consistency.” \n\n\n\n“As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across our state, it is vital that drivers have confidence in the accuracy of the charging infrastructure, and that business owners have clear, fair standards to operate by,” Albuquerque said. “These rules establish that foundation of trust.”\n\n\n\nAccording to the division, the goal is to ensure that consumers are charged accurately based on the electricity dispensed. \n\n\n\nThese rules do not apply to free charging stations, private residences where there are no retail transactions or wholesale electricity delivery. They do apply to all owners and operators of retail electric vehicle charging stations in the state and require the following: \n\n\n\n\nAny owner or operator of an existing retail EV charging station that charges a fee specifically for electricity to charge a vehicle and was placed into service before July 1, 2026, must register their equipment with the Division of Oil and Public Safety by Jan. 1. \n\n\n\nAny owner or operator of a new retail EV charging station (as described above) placed into service after July 1, 2026, must register their equipment with the division within 30 calendar days after the first day the device is placed into service.\n\n\n\nAll retail EV charging devices must be installed, tested and placed in service by a registered service agent. Results of this testing must be submitted to the division. \n\n\n\nDevices installed after July 1, 2026, must submit a Placed in Service Form within 90 calendar days after the first day the device is placed into service.\n\n\n\n\nForms for new and existing chargers — as well as for the test results from the registered service agent — can be found on the Division of Oil and Public Safety’s website at OPS.Colorado.Gov/retail-electric-vehicle-charging. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-electric-vehicle-chargers-new-rules/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:08:03.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F24110709%2FEVcharging-atd-051526-AustinColbert-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-to-roll-out-new-rules-for-retail-electric-vehicle-chargers"},{"id":"vowfac","title":"Dry Creek Fire grows to 315 acres south of Rifle","excerpt":"Update, 9 a.m. Wednesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle has grown to an estimated 315 acres as of Wednesday morning, according to an update from Colorado River Fire Rescue on Facebook.\n\n\n\nManagement of the fire transitioned at 7 a.m. Wednesday to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Mana...","content":"Update, 9 a.m. Wednesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle has grown to an estimated 315 acres as of Wednesday morning, according to an update from Colorado River Fire Rescue on Facebook.\n\n\n\nManagement of the fire transitioned at 7 a.m. Wednesday to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 team. Crews reviewed current fire conditions and operational objectives during a morning briefing before heading into the field, according to the update.\n\n\n\nCrews are using a full-suppression strategy with direct and indirect tactics to slow the fire’s spread and build containment lines around the fire, according to the update.\n\n\n\nEvacuation orders remain in effect for affected areas and are expected to remain in place throughout the day because of extreme fire behavior conditions. Forecasted winds are expected to test fire lines Wednesday afternoon, officials said.\n\n\n\nLevel 3 “Go” evacuation orders are in place for Grass Mesa Road north of Gage Road, Sunset Lane and Gage Road north of mile marker 1. Level 2 “Set” evacuation warnings are in place for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue said Tuesday night that one residence and one outbuilding had been confirmed lost. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.\n\n\n\nUpdate, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 288 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been destroyed.\n\n\n\nResponding agencies include Colorado River Fire Rescue, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, Nechkash said.\n\n\n\nTwo airplanes, two helicopters and an air attack aircraft are supporting crews, Nechkash said. Additional aircraft and ground resources, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers and hand crews have been requested, according to Watch Duty updates posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nThe fire has jumped County Road 319, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Winstead, citing a unit on scene.\n\n\n\nA pre-evacuation notice has been issued for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nEvacuated residents can go to the Garfield County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle, according to Garfield County 911 information shared through ReachWell.\n\n\n\nOriginal, 4 p.m. Tuesday: Crews are responding to a structure fire and wildfire south of Rifle on Gage Road, where additional structures and gas wells are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and are moving into the Grass Mesa area, according to the fire agency.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Orrin Moon said three aircraft are on scene as crews work the fire.\n\n\n\nMoon said the fire is moving quickly, with wind pushing the flames. He said the fire is around 28 acres, though he has not yet been able to get all the way around it.\n\n\n\nA large air tanker and two hand crews have been requested by incident command, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nAdditional structures and gas infrastructure are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Moon said some gas wells in the area are in the process of being shut down.\n\n\n\n“We have some gas wells that are being threatened too, which we’re in the process of shutting down,” Moon said.\n\n\n\nAir resources, mutual aid and interagency resources have been ordered, Colorado River Fire Rescue Administrator Courtney Valencia said Tuesday.\n\n\n\nThe fire was initially reported as a structure fire and wildfire near Gage Road. Valencia said there is a home in the area, but it is not immediately clear whether the fire started in the structure or in nearby brush.\n\n\n\nEmergency officials are asking people to avoid the area and give responders room to work. Drivers traveling nearby should use caution and watch for emergency vehicles.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/evacuations-underway-grows-315-acres-for-structure-wildfire-south-of-rifle/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T17:03:49.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F24110220%2F730570342_983545327618140_1544990808968339815_n.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dry-creek-fire-grows-to-315-acres-south-of-rifle"},{"id":"31cdfw","title":"White River National Forest moves into Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Friday","excerpt":"All lands managed by the White River National Forest will be under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, June 26, the agency announced Wednesday.\n\n\n\nUnder Stage 2 restrictions, campfires and charcoal are prohibited everywhere on the White River National Forest, including in developed campgr...","content":"All lands managed by the White River National Forest will be under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, June 26, the agency announced Wednesday.\n\n\n\nUnder Stage 2 restrictions, campfires and charcoal are prohibited everywhere on the White River National Forest, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. According to a press release, continued hot, dry and windy weather through June resulted in an increased fire danger, and little change is expected in the forecast.\n\n\n\n“We are urging everyone to be extremely vigilant,” Deputy Forest Supervisor Alicia Bell-Sheeter said in the release. “Dragging trailer chains, parking in dry grass, even setting hot equipment down in dry vegetation can start fires right now.” \n\n\n\nThis announcement follows Pitkin County’s decision to move into Stage 2 Friday as well, which was announced at a joint Aspen City Council and Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday.\n\n\n\n“County, state and federal officials coordinate and consider many factors when determining the need to implement fire restrictions; these include current and anticipated fire danger, availability of resources to fight the fire, and concerns of neighboring jurisdictions,” the press release reads.\n\n\n\nThe restriction order detailing the specific prohibitions are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/white-river-national-forest-moves-into-stage-2-fire-restrictions-friday/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:57:14.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F13134815%2Fforestservice-atd-050625-05-2048x1463-1-1024x732.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"white-river-national-forest-moves-into-stage-2-fire-restrictions-friday"},{"id":"8ho2uc","title":"Blues Music Award winner Sue Foley to perform at JAS June Experience","excerpt":"Grammy-nominated and five times Blues Music Award winner Sue Foley will perform at 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. June 27 at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival at 39 Degrees at W Aspen, 550 S. Spring St. \n\n\n\nThe Canadian blues guitarist and singer-songwriter is known for her fiery Texas blues style and gu...","content":"Grammy-nominated and five times Blues Music Award winner Sue Foley will perform at 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. June 27 at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival at 39 Degrees at W Aspen, 550 S. Spring St. \n\n\n\nThe Canadian blues guitarist and singer-songwriter is known for her fiery Texas blues style and guitar-driven music. She will perform a hybrid show — part acoustic, part electric — and bring along her full band for the fun. It will be her first time at the festival.\n\n\n\n“I’ll do an acoustic portion, but the main show will be with the band playing electric. We have a fabulous piano player from Japan joining us, who’s gonna be great. We’re really excited to have her on the show,” Foley said. \n\n\n\nLee Kanehira is a blues pianist specializing in Chicago blues and boogie-woogie, who goes by the nickname Miss Lee. She won a 2018 Chicago Blues Piano contest. \n\n\n\nFoley shares that there are two female instrumentalists doing the lead work and a fantastic rhythm section.\n\n\n\n“It’s high-energy, musical and it’s blues,” Foley said. \n\n\n\nFoley recently released an album “One Guitar Woman” with Stony Plain Records, which earned her a 2025 Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album and a 2025 Juno Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year. She won the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) five times — winning 2020,  2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.\n\n\n\n“I love to do the work and, if it gets acknowledged, I think that’s wonderful,” Foley said, adding that she and the band just want to grow and continue to do more gigs, and do good work.\n\n\n\nSue Foley acoustic.Todd V. Wolfson/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe multi-talented performer has also released her first book, “Guitar Women: Conversations and Life Lessons with Six String Heroines.” The book is centered on interviews with many of her female inspirations and heroes: trailblazing women who shaped the sound of guitar.\n\n\n\n“I’ve always been interested in … what came before and who sort of paved the way for me,” Foley said. \n\n\n\nShe noted that her album was somewhat of a tribute to those guitar pioneers. \n\n\n\nFor tickets, attendees can purchase a single-day-pass or multi-day festival pass to the JAS June Experience. For more information and tickets, visit jazzaspensnowmass.org/event/sue-foley-early.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/blues-music-award-winner-sue-foley-to-perform-at-jas-june-experience/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:49:58.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23171303%2FSue_Foley-Doug_Hardesty-1_hires-1024x736.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"blues-music-award-winner-sue-foley-to-perform-at-jas-june-experience"},{"id":"68fqzj","title":"La Greca: The words we choose","excerpt":"A glass of milk hits the floor.\n\n\n\nFor a second, everyone freezes. The child looks at the puddle. You look at the child. And in that tiny pause, the adult brain starts loading its usual script.\n\n\n\n“Why did you do that?” “You need to be more careful.” “Look at this mess.”\n\n\n\nBut what if the better...","content":"A glass of milk hits the floor.\n\n\n\nFor a second, everyone freezes. The child looks at the puddle. You look at the child. And in that tiny pause, the adult brain starts loading its usual script.\n\n\n\n“Why did you do that?” “You need to be more careful.” “Look at this mess.”\n\n\n\nBut what if the better response is not a question or a correction at all? What if it is simply noticing what happened?\n\n\n\nOver the years, I have found that one of the most useful tools in childcare is also one of the simplest: describing what you see without turning the child into the problem. Many positive parenting approaches encourage adults to limit the questions they ask in tense moments and instead calmly describe the situation. It sounds almost too simple, but this small shift can change the whole energy in the room.\n\n\n\nWhen we describe instead of criticize, we take shame out of the moment. We give the child information. We help them understand what happened, what needs to happen next, and how they can repair it.\n\n\n\nLet’s go back to the spilled milk. The instinct might be to say, “You need to be more careful.” But another way in is: “That milk came out faster than you expected.”\n\n\n\nOr: “There is milk on the floor now. We need a towel.”\n\n\n\nThe difference is subtle, but important. The child is not being labeled as careless or clumsy. They are being shown the problem and invited into the solution. This does not mean we ignore the problem. The milk still needs to be cleaned up. The child still needs to help. But instead of making the child feel like the mistake by saying something bad about them, we make the next step clear.\n\n\n\nThis same idea also works when a child wants something they cannot have. Let’s say they are asking for ice cream after dinner, but it is already close to bedtime. The instinct might be, “No, you already had enough sugar today.” But sometimes, acknowledging the wish first can soften the whole moment. “That ice cream sounds really good. You wish you could have some right now.”\n\n\n\nThen comes the boundary. “It is too close to bedtime for ice cream tonight. We can save it for tomorrow.”\n\n\n\nThis is where positive parenting is often misunderstood. It does not mean saying yes to everything. It does not mean avoiding limits. It means holding the limit while still seeing the child’s feeling. The boundary stays. The child feels heard. Those two things can exist at the same time.\n\n\n\nAnother important piece of positive guidance is focusing on what we want children to do, not only what we want them to stop doing. \n\n\n\nWhen the playroom looks like a tornado passed through, the instinct might be: “Why is this such a mess?” Or: “You never clean up your toys.” But that puts the focus on blame. A more helpful approach is to name what you see and guide the child toward the next action.\n\n\n\n“I see Legos all over the rug, and it is almost dinner time. We need a clear floor so nobody trips.” Then, when the child starts helping, name the positive. “Thank you for putting the Legos back in the bin. Now the floor is safe.” That part matters. Children need to know what they did right, not only what they did wrong. A generic “good job” is fine, but specific praise gives them a clearer roadmap.\n\n\n\n“Thank you for helping.” “Thank you for using gentle hands.” “Thank you for asking instead of grabbing.”\n\n\n\nWhen we name the positive, we are not just complimenting them. We are teaching them what cooperation, responsibility and kindness actually look like in real life. This is the heart of positive parenting and conscious caregiving. It is not permissive. It is not pretending everything is fine. It is choosing to guide instead of shame. It is noticing the behavior we want to grow, not only reacting to the behavior we want to stop.\n\n\n\nOf course, this does not mean we will always get it right. Adults get tired. We get frustrated. Sometimes we snap, and sometimes the words come out before we have a chance to choose them. That is human.\n\n\n\nBut the more consciously we care for children, the more we can practice pausing, noticing and responding instead of reacting. The next time something goes wrong, try pausing before the lecture. Describe what you see. Name the problem without naming the child as the problem. Then, when they take even one small step in the right direction, name that too.\n\n\n\nSometimes the calmest discipline tool is not a consequence, a speech or a question. Sometimes it is simply saying: “I see what happened. Let’s figure out what comes next.”\n\n\n\nGabriela La Greca is the founder of Snowmass Nannies, a boutique childcare agency serving Aspen, Colorado. Originally from Argentina, she brings over 10 years of hands-on experience in childcare and education, along with a thoughtful and playful approach to supporting families. She continually reads and learns about childcare, with a focus on mentoring her team of nannies and building collaborative partnerships with families. Her work is rooted in connection, creativity, and the belief that children thrive when caregivers step fully into their world.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/la-greca-the-words-we-choose/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Gabriela La Greca Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-24T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F02%2F03132225%2FUnknown-12.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"la-greca-the-words-we-choose"},{"id":"ufa8jn","title":"Opinion | Noble: Why I’m running for Eagle County coroner","excerpt":"“We do these things … not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”\n\n\n\nThat’s President Kennedy in September 1962, at Rice University in Houston, making the case for putting an American on the Moon. I have always found inspiration and motivation in that quote since I first heard it.\n\n\n\nI...","content":"“We do these things … not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”\n\n\n\nThat’s President Kennedy in September 1962, at Rice University in Houston, making the case for putting an American on the Moon. I have always found inspiration and motivation in that quote since I first heard it.\n\n\n\nI thought of it again recently when someone asked me why I am running for Eagle County coroner.\n\n\n\nIt is a hard job. The coroner is the official Eagle County families turn to on what may be the worst day of their lives. The office requires composure under pressure, communication across languages and cultures, deep partnerships with law enforcement and healthcare and behavioral health, and the rigor to investigate what happened and the compassion to communicate that to the family. Whoever runs the office shapes one of the hardest days a family will ever have, sometimes for generations.\n\n\n\nThat is why I want it.\n\n\n\nFor 10 years my family has lived in this valley full time, and 12 years part time before that. I raised my son and daughter here. For four and half years I’ve worked as Eagle County’s public information officer, the person responsible for communicating with our community on behalf of county government in emergencies, in public health responses, in the daily work of serving residents and visitors. This valley is home.\n\n\n\nA few weeks ago I met with a hospital chaplain in Denver. I left that meeting with powerful insights and more than a few action items. Chaplains do, every shift, the most painful version of what a coroner does: tell a stranger their person has died. I called her because I served in the United States Air Force during the First Gulf War, in an institution that has thought hard, over generations, about how a family hears the worst. Hospital chaplains are among the few civilians who wrestle with that same question. I wanted to learn from people who do this work for a living.\n\n\n\nWhat I learned is that the words matter. The pauses matter. Who stands next to you matters. The language you speak matters. Decades of grief get shaped in the first 60 seconds.\n\n\n\nColorado statute is clear that the coroner’s role is determining cause and manner of death in the event of an unattended death. The coroner leads the office, manages the staff, communicates with families and the public, and makes sure the system runs with rigor. Voters have always understood this when they’ve elected coroners.\n\n\n\nA few years ago, my office spent taxpayer dollars promoting a public safety alert app. Our intentions were solid, but we used the generic stock images the app creator provided. Sign-ups disappointed. I realized our community doesn’t want generic. They want communication designed for them, by people who know them. That insight has shaped every public message I’ve sent since.\n\n\n\nThe coroner’s office owes every family that same standard. Every family deserves notification by someone who understands the cultural weight of the words. A backcountry death deserves an office that is familiar with the terrain and knows the family is waiting at the trailhead.\n\n\n\nI’m already in the work. I’m enrolled in the University of North Dakota’s death investigation training program, and I’m registered for the Rocky Mountain Death Investigator Training. I’m in conversation with coroners in neighboring counties, and with the Colorado Coroners Association. I’m talking with hospital chaplains and clergy here and in Denver. I’m honest about what I’m still learning, and I’m committed to learning it before I’m sworn in.\n\n\n\nIf you give me your vote, here is what you’ll have. An office that treats every family the way you would want your own to be treated. Transparency about how this office runs, before any family is in crisis. Working partnerships across every agency the office touches: the sheriff, paramedics, hospitals, behavioral health teams, hospice nurses, funeral directors. But above all, an independent coroner committed to following the law and the evidence.\n\n\n\nPresident Kennedy chose the moon because it was hard, because the hard things, he said, are the ones that organize and measure the best of our energies and skills. That was true of going to the moon. It is true of running this office.\n\n\n\nIt’s hard. That’s why.\n\n\n\nClaire Noble is a candidate for Eagle County coroner. She is a United States Air Force Gulf War veteran, the county’s public information officer, and a 10-year resident of Eagle County. Learn more at clairenobleforcoroner.com.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/opinion-noble-why-im-running-for-eagle-county-coroner/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Claire NobleSpecial to the Daily","publishDate":"2026-06-24T13:50:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F17130646%2FOB16856-1024x684.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"opinion-noble-why-im-running-for-eagle-county-coroner"},{"id":"16zt5n","title":"5 wildflowers to look for in Snowmass this summer","excerpt":"With peak wildflower season around the corner in Snowmass, residents and visitors have the chance to see many colorful blooms this summer, despite the drought. \n\n\n\nSnowmass boasts a wide array of local wildflowers that thrive at high elevation. They play an important role in local ecology and sup...","content":"With peak wildflower season around the corner in Snowmass, residents and visitors have the chance to see many colorful blooms this summer, despite the drought. \n\n\n\nSnowmass boasts a wide array of local wildflowers that thrive at high elevation. They play an important role in local ecology and support natural ecosystems, according to Snowmass Village Animal Services Officer Lauren Martenson. \n\n\n\nWildflower roots help prevent erosion, retain nutrients in the soil and filter out water pollutants. Pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds maintain a symbiotic relationship with those wildflowers, meaning they depend on each other for survival — wildflowers rely on pollinators to transport their pollen, which supports reproduction, while pollinators enjoy their nectar. \n\n\n\n“Pollinators are essential for our ecosystems and food supply, and currently face several threats leading to their decline,” Martenson told The Aspen Times. “Anything we can do to protect and preserve their habitat is essential.” \n\n\n\nMartenson stressed the importance of staying on marked trails and not picking wildflowers in order to preserve the local ecosystems. \n\n\n\n“It’s important to stay on the trail and leave wildflowers growing, as picking them can rob pollinators and other animals of their food sources, which are already threatened by extreme drought,” Martenson said. “It can also cause erosion and prevent others from having the pleasure of viewing them. We encourage the ‘leave no trace’ principle to protect our outdoor resources.” \n\n\n\nWildflowers also provide food for members of the deer family including deer, elk and moose, according to Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Vice President of Programs Jim Kravitz. Kravitz credited flowering plants for their essential role in mammalian evolution.\n\n\n\n“Everything we eat comes from flowering plants,” Kravitz said. “Everything you had for breakfast — even if it was an egg — it came from a chicken that ate something that grew from a flowering plant. Flowers provide energy for so many mammals and birds and high metabolism creatures.”\n\n\n\nHe added, “That’s why when we see flowers, we smile, because this is the thing that allows us to exist.”\n\n\n\n“That’s why when we see flowers, we smile, because this is the thing that allows us to exist.”Jim Kravitz\n\n\n\nKravitz noted that, despite the drought, wildflowers are still blooming all over Snowmass. The green gentian in particular — a giant green flower that blooms four years after a period of high precipitation — is having a moment. \n\n\n\n“The wildflowers in Snowmass are incredible, especially right now,” Snowmass Tourism Public Relations Manager Sara Stookey Sanchez told The Aspen Times. “Check out fields of Lupine on the Tom Blake, yellow flowers — better known as Arrowleaf Balsamroot — all over the Rim Trail and Columbines on the west side of Snowmass Ski Area.”\n\n\n\nHere are five common wildflowers to look out for this summer in Snowmass, according to Kravitz:\n\n\n\nColorado blue columbine \n\n\n\nColorado blue columbine growing in Snowmass Village on June 20.Sonia Alizadeh/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Colorado blue columbine is Colorado’s state flower. This elusive wildflower likes to grow near aspen groves, open forests and alpine meadows. While its typical colors are white, yellow and lavender, this wildflower can be white or pink as well. The columbine has five long spurs that house nectar, meaning it is particularly suited to pollinators like long-tongued moths and butterflies who are able to reach the nectar.\n\n\n\nLook for columbines in partly sunny areas along the Ditch Trail, Tom Blake Trail, Government Trail and in neighborhoods in Snowmass Village with lots of aspen trees. \n\n\n\nSilvery lupine and Indian paintbrush growing together on the Ditch Trail in Snowmass on June 14.Sonia Alizadeh/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nSilvery lupine \n\n\n\nThe silvery lupine is a common high altitude wildflower, easily identified by its tall, purple blooms and silvery green leaves. It can grow up to four feet in height and typically grows in large patches. \n\n\n\nA member of the pea family, the silvery lupine acts as a natural fertilizer, converting atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients that it and surrounding plants can use for fuel. This species thrives in full sun. \n\n\n\nIt can be found all over the village and on several trails including the South Rim Trail, Ditch Trail and Tom Blake Trail. \n\n\n\nIndian paintbrush \n\n\n\nThe Indian paintbrush features bright, orange-red petals that resemble paintbrush strokes. While it is most commonly red, variations of Indian paintbrush can be yellow, pink, orange or blue, giving the species a “sunset-like” appearance. This species likes to grow near other wildflowers including silvery lupine. It thrives in meadows, open forests and rocky hillsides. \n\n\n\nVisitors and residents can look for it on the Ditch Trail, Rim Trail and Nature Trail. \n\n\n\nArrowleaf balsamroot\n\n\n\nArrowleaf balsamroot blooming near the Rim Trail in Snowmass on June 23. Sonia Alizadeh/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe arrowleaf balsamroot boasts large, yellow petals. This sunflower-like wildflower is an especially drought-tolerant species, meaning it can grow in very dry areas. It is one of the first flowers to bloom in the Rockies, and it continues to bloom through June and July. \n\n\n\nIt likes to grow near oak serviceberries and it can be found on the Rim Trail and other drier areas. \n\n\n\nRichardson’s geranium \n\n\n\nRichardson’s geranium at dusk in Snowmass Village on June 20.Sonia Alizadeh/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nRichardson’s geranium is a small, light pink or white flower with thin, dark lines on its petals. The lines are called nectar guides, ultraviolet markings that attract pollinators and act as landing pads. This wildflower thrives in moist environments with partial shade. \n\n\n\nIt can be found on the Tom Blake Trail, Ditch Trail and Nature Trail.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/5-wildflowers-to-look-for-in-snowmass-this-summer/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sonia Alizadeh Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsalizadeh@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23161540%2Fcolorado_blue_columbine_-1024x688.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"5-wildflowers-to-look-for-in-snowmass-this-summer"},{"id":"3tz6m2","title":"PitCo, Holy Cross Energy and RFTA collaborate on AABC microgrid","excerpt":"Pitkin County, Holy Cross Energy and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority announced Tuesday the successful commissioning of the Aspen Airport Business Center Integrated Clean Energy Microgrid, a first-of-its-kind regional project designed to keep essential public services operating during gr...","content":"Pitkin County, Holy Cross Energy and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority announced Tuesday the successful commissioning of the Aspen Airport Business Center Integrated Clean Energy Microgrid, a first-of-its-kind regional project designed to keep essential public services operating during grid outages aligned with the county’s long-term sustainability goals.\n\n\n\nThe commissioning of the microgrid represents what a press release confirms is the culmination of years of planning, feasibility studies and state-supported innovation, calling it “one of Colorado’s most advanced examples of a clean-energy microgrid designed for public-sector resilience.” \n\n\n\n“We’re creating a model for how communities can prepare for future challenges while reducing emissions and increasing energy independence,” Holy Cross Energy President and CEO Bryan Hannegan said in the release. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when local governments, utilities, and community partners work together toward a shared vision. The AABC microgrid strengthens the resilience of critical public services while advancing our transition to a cleaner, more flexible energy system.”\n\n\n\nThe microgrid integrates the 5-megawatt Pitkin County Solar array, a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System and advanced controls to enable the AABC — including the RFTA operations center — to operate as “an energy island” during emergencies like wildfires, extreme weather or other grid disruptions, according to the release.\n\n\n\nHoly Cross Energy provided technical expertise, system planning and coordination in order to ensure that the project could connect renewable energy generation, battery storage and critical facilities. \n\n\n\n“As the local electric cooperative serving the Roaring Fork Valley, HCE worked closely with Pitkin County and RFTA to design a solution that enhances grid reliability, supports local energy resilience and advances shared clean energy goals,” the release reads. “The project reflects HCE’s commitment to delivering innovative energy solutions that benefit both its members and the broader communities it serves.”\n\n\n\nThe three organizations came together, along with other partners, following the Lake Christine Fire in 2018 with the aim of exploring ways to enhance the resiliency of the upper Roaring Fork Valley. The result of the collaboration, which was published in an RMI report Working Together Towards a More Resilient Future, outlines how to re-engineer electric grids for increased disaster resilience while transitioning to clean energy. \n\n\n\nAccording to the report, “distributed, clean energy resources and community-driven, iterative planning can effectively replace reliance on fossil fuels during emergencies.”\n\n\n\nJeffrey Woodruff, Pitkin County Commissioner Board Chair, added, “Continuity planning and disaster recovery are part of our resiliency team’s efforts to stay ahead of natural disasters and provide vital services within the county. We are thankful for our technology and funding partners, in Holy Cross Energy and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, in building out this phase of our critical technology assets.”\n\n\n\nAccording to the release, the microgrid also strengthens RFTA’s ability to provide essential transit services during emergencies, while supporting their long-term sustainability goals.\n\n\n\n“We are proud to partner with Pitkin County and Holy Cross Energy on an innovative project that enhances resilience for the entire Roaring Fork Valley,” said RFTA CEO Kurt Ravenschlag.\n\n\n\nQuestions regarding the microgrid can be directed to Michael Port, Climate Action analyst for Pitkin County, at Michael.Port@pitkincounty.com or 970-379-2031.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitco-holy-cross-energy-and-rfta-collaborate-on-aabc-microgrid/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T23:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F01175534%2Fbizcenter-atd-050126-12-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitco-holy-cross-energy-and-rfta-collaborate-on-aabc-microgrid"},{"id":"ypkxc3","title":"Pitkin County and Aspen discuss airport closure impacts, solutions","excerpt":"Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect that Kara Silbernagel is the official county manager.\n\n\n\nAspen City Council and the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners met on Monday to discuss community impacts they expect from the 2027 airport closure and redesign, including work...","content":"Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect that Kara Silbernagel is the official county manager.\n\n\n\nAspen City Council and the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners met on Monday to discuss community impacts they expect from the 2027 airport closure and redesign, including workforce housing, local employment opportunities and ground transportation.\n\n\n\nKara Silbernagel, the county manager, noted that the county is still working on solutions to help support local workforce members that may be out of a job with less tourism coming to Aspen, although she said she expects the increase in construction projects that many businesses are planning during the 2027 summer to create more employment opportunities than people realize. \n\n\n\n“I think, on one hand, we’re looking at people that might not have jobs, on the other hand we’re looking at potentially really strong competition for many of the construction jobs that are out there,” Silbernagel said.\n\n\n\nCouncil Member John Doyle added that the requirements for working hours will likely be adjusted for the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority during the closure. While Doyle told the Aspen Times that the reduction in hours has not yet been finalized, he expects hours will be lowered in some capacity to support locals who are at risk of having reduced hours. He does not expect, however, that the working hour requirement will be removed entirely during the closure.\n\n\n\n“We will be reducing the hours to try and make life easier for people who are going to be on reduced hours,” Doyle said.\n\n\n\nAt the meeting, Aspen Mayor Rachael Richards also floated the idea of a “man camp” as a creative solution to housing for workers during the airport construction, allowing construction employees to live and work on the airport property in temporary housing. She said this would not only accommodate housing solutions and changing construction start and end times, but mitigate for traffic as well.\n\n\n\nAlongside traffic, round transportation was emphasized as one of the key issues on the redesign, especially how to transport workforce members throughout the valley and beyond in the face of more highway construction in the broader region during the airport closure period.\n\n\n\nAccording to Eliza Voss, Aspen Chamber Resort Association’s vice president of destination marketing, two-thirds of Aspen visitors reported in a recent survey to still be likely to visit, and many visitors are more excited to come back to Aspen without the airport, which Voss attributed to people expecting the town to be less busy.\n\n\n\nDue to survey results, traffic to Aspen is still expected to be high, if not worse, during the airport closure with more folks driving in.\n\n\n\nChris Miller, Aspen One’s vice president of sustainability, said that the airport closure should facilitate more ground transport options, like better long-range buses, that will limit some of the rental car traffic over-burdening roadways. \n\n\n\n“We do believe that there is a need for a service that helps people come from DIA and the regional airports to the region, even without the airport culture,” Miller said. “It’s something like 50% of the visitors that arrive here (that) don’t come through the airport, so we think there’s an opportunity to create a better experience for people coming to the valley.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBill Tomcich, an advocate for Fly Aspen Snowmass, added that the Amtrak and Bustang are options — riders can arrive at Grand Junction on the Bustang, which takes two hours from Denver.\n\n\n\nThe closure is also expected to increase flights to Eagle County Airport, including a new daily route between Eagle and Los Angeles and more flights between Eagle and Chicago and Houston. Tomcich noted that this is not expected to increase traffic on Highway 82, as flight schedules will likely have drivers heading downvalley in the morning, and upvalley in the evening against the normal commute. \n\n\n\nBut because of weight restrictions with certain aircraft with the atmospheric conditions often seen in the evening hours in Eagle and Rifle, flights out of the mountains will likely be early in the morning, meaning travelers will have to leave Aspen around 3:30 or 4 a.m. Miller noted that there is AI-powered software being developed to help people planning trips to Aspen figure out what options are available to get them to the valley.\n\n\n\nDiane Jackson, the airport director, mentioned there will not be rental cars or other parking on site during the closure, but there will be rental car alternatives during terminal construction, likely taking up part of Brush Creek Park and Ride. \n\n\n\nJackson added that parking will be available during the interim before the new terminal is completed, but may be limited.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitco-and-aspen-discuss-airport-closure-impacts-solutions/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:04:08.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F02233744%2Frftaairport-atd-120225-1-1024x731.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitkin-county-and-aspen-discuss-airport-closure-impacts-solutions"},{"id":"8ybj0x","title":"Dry Creek Fire reaches 35% containment","excerpt":"Update, 5:15 p.m. Wednesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle is now 35% contained, according to watchduty.org.\n\n\n\nFirefighters have made progress constructing direct handline and installing hose lays along the western perimeter of the fire, according to a Wednesday evening Facebook post from Co...","content":"Update, 5:15 p.m. Wednesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle is now 35% contained, according to watchduty.org.\n\n\n\nFirefighters have made progress constructing direct handline and installing hose lays along the western perimeter of the fire, according to a Wednesday evening Facebook post from Colorado River Fire Rescue. The eastern perimeter is secure, and crews are focused on extinguishing interior hot spots.\n\n\n\nCurrent resources assigned to the incident include three Type 2 hand crews, a suppression module, nine fire engines and two water tenders, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Aircraft are in the area and available if needed.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are expected to remain in effect as forecast winds are expected to test established fire lines and electric lines are inspected. Evacuation updates are available through Garfield County’s evacuation map.\n\n\n\nUpdate, 9 a.m. Wednesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle has grown to an estimated 315 acres as of Wednesday morning, according to an update from Colorado River Fire Rescue on Facebook.\n\n\n\nManagement of the fire transitioned at 7 a.m. Wednesday to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 team. Crews reviewed current fire conditions and operational objectives during a morning briefing before heading into the field, according to the update.\n\n\n\nCrews are using a full-suppression strategy with direct and indirect tactics to slow the fire’s spread and build containment lines around the fire, according to the update.\n\n\n\nEvacuation orders remain in effect for affected areas and are expected to remain in place throughout the day because of extreme fire behavior conditions. Forecasted winds are expected to test fire lines Wednesday afternoon, officials said.\n\n\n\nLevel 3 “Go” evacuation orders are in place for Grass Mesa Road north of Gage Road, Sunset Lane and Gage Road north of mile marker 1. Level 2 “Set” evacuation warnings are in place for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue said Tuesday night that one residence and one outbuilding had been confirmed lost. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.\n\n\n\nUpdate, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 288 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been destroyed.\n\n\n\nResponding agencies include Colorado River Fire Rescue, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, Nechkash said.\n\n\n\nTwo airplanes, two helicopters and an air attack aircraft are supporting crews, Nechkash said. Additional aircraft and ground resources, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers and hand crews have been requested, according to Watch Duty updates posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nThe fire has jumped County Road 319, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Winstead, citing a unit on scene.\n\n\n\nA pre-evacuation notice has been issued for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nEvacuated residents can go to the Garfield County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle, according to Garfield County 911 information shared through ReachWell.\n\n\n\nOriginal, 4 p.m. Tuesday: Crews are responding to a structure fire and wildfire south of Rifle on Gage Road, where additional structures and gas wells are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and are moving into the Grass Mesa area, according to the fire agency.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Orrin Moon said three aircraft are on scene as crews work the fire.\n\n\n\nMoon said the fire is moving quickly, with wind pushing the flames. He said the fire is around 28 acres, though he has not yet been able to get all the way around it.\n\n\n\nA large air tanker and two hand crews have been requested by incident command, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nAdditional structures and gas infrastructure are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Moon said some gas wells in the area are in the process of being shut down.\n\n\n\n“We have some gas wells that are being threatened too, which we’re in the process of shutting down,” Moon said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAir resources, mutual aid and interagency resources have been ordered, Colorado River Fire Rescue Administrator Courtney Valencia said Tuesday.\n\n\n\nThe fire was initially reported as a structure fire and wildfire near Gage Road. Valencia said there is a home in the area, but it is not immediately clear whether the fire started in the structure or in nearby brush.\n\n\n\nEmergency officials are asking people to avoid the area and give responders room to work. Drivers traveling nearby should use caution and watch for emergency vehicles.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/evacuations-underway-grows-315-acres-for-structure-35-containment-wildfire-south-of-rifle/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:00:37.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F24090737%2F730570342_983545327618140_1544990808968339815_n.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dry-creek-fire-reaches-35-containment"},{"id":"7k47n6","title":"Snowmass Rendezvous to celebrate 10-year anniversary","excerpt":"Snowmass residents and visitors are invited to attend the 10th annual Snowmass Rendezvous, an event featuring a variety of craft adult beverages and other activities, from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Snowmass Base Village.\n\n\n\nThe event, which is open to the public, is hosting 20 beverage ve...","content":"Snowmass residents and visitors are invited to attend the 10th annual Snowmass Rendezvous, an event featuring a variety of craft adult beverages and other activities, from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Snowmass Base Village.\n\n\n\nThe event, which is open to the public, is hosting 20 beverage vendors spanning beer, cocktails, wine and more. Outside of beverages, there will also be an array of vendors featuring snacks and games. This year’s new vendors include Strange Craft Beer, Casa Lotos, Prost Brewing, Aspen Soap Company and Après Cookies. There will also be live music. \n\n\n\n“Snowmass Rendezvous is perfect for families and those who may be sober-curious because while you need a wristband to taste, the event is still open to the public,” Snowmass Tourism Public Relations Manager Sara Stookey Sanchez told The Aspen Times. “Anyone can come and listen to the DJ, shop, sit under the shade and hang out.”\n\n\n\nShe added, “This is a great event for families because it means that while mom and dad can imbibe, kids can still run around and have a good time, all while feeling part of the event.”\n\n\n\nTickets for beverage tastings are $49. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.snowmassrendezvous.com/. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-rendezvous-to-celebrate-10-year-anniversary/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:41:49.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F08%2F18105204%2Frendezvous-atd-061425-02-2048x1463-1-1-1024x732.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-rendezvous-to-celebrate-10-year-anniversary"},{"id":"vuj9co","title":"U.S. Forest Service initiates paid camping on Homestake Road","excerpt":"The former free camping area along Homestake Road in Eagle County is now the Homestake Valley Campground, managed by the White River National Forest’s campground concessionaire.\n\n\n\nThe campsites cost $20 per night. \n\n\n\nThe area used to be open to what the Forest Service calls “dispersed camping,”...","content":"The former free camping area along Homestake Road in Eagle County is now the Homestake Valley Campground, managed by the White River National Forest’s campground concessionaire.\n\n\n\nThe campsites cost $20 per night. \n\n\n\nThe area used to be open to what the Forest Service calls “dispersed camping,” which is camping outside of official campgrounds in the national forest, but after people began camping in more sensitive areas, the Forest Service decided to turn it into a proper campground consisting of more than three dozen individual campsites. \n\n\n\nA total of 46 campsites have been created in an area that was formerly used for dispersed camping on Homestake Road near Red Cliff.Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nThe dispersed camping was beginning to cause impacts to streams and wetlands, said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis. The Homestake Valley contains wetland habitats known as peat-forming fens, some of which may be more than 10,000 years old.\n\n\n\nFens store water, prevent soil erosion, recycle nutrients, filter out chemical pollutants and sequester atmospheric carbon. They occupy less than 1% of the landscape in the Rocky Mountains, making them “a rare and irreplaceable natural resource of outsized importance,” according to Wilderness Workshop, which studies the fens of the Homestake Valley.\n\n\n\n“Having the concessionaire provide more consistent management of this new campground will help reduce impacts and provide visitors a safer, more enjoyable experience,” Veldhuis said. \n\n\n\nThe new camp sites on Homestake Road near Red Cliff now contain picnic tables and fire rings and cost $20 per night. Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nThe Homestake Valley Campground includes 44 individual camp sites at $20 per day and two group sites at $80 per day. The new camping fees will cover cleaning the campsites and fire rings, managing and collecting trash, maintaining and replacing infrastructure, and making visitor contacts.Visitors will be able to pay for the campsites with cash or check at the kiosks located near the start of Homestake Road and across from the Gold Park Campground. Dumpsters for campers’ use are available at these locations as well. Firewood can be purchased from the campground host at Gold Park. All Homestake Valley campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis this year. About half of the sites are expected to be available for reservation in 2027.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/u-s-forest-service-initiates-paid-camping-on-homestake-road/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"John LaConte Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjlaconte@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:55:28.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F23140830%2F1H1A6524-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"us-forest-service-initiates-paid-camping-on-homestake-road"},{"id":"ioiu9u","title":"Opinion | Climate Action Collaborative: Eagle County gears up for Bike to Work Day","excerpt":"On Wednesday, June 24, Eagle County residents are invited to trade traffic for trail time and celebrate Bike to Work Day, Colorado’s annual event promoting healthy, sustainable and fun ways to get around.\n\n\n\nWhether you’re commuting to work, grabbing coffee, running errands, or simply looking for...","content":"On Wednesday, June 24, Eagle County residents are invited to trade traffic for trail time and celebrate Bike to Work Day, Colorado’s annual event promoting healthy, sustainable and fun ways to get around.\n\n\n\nWhether you’re commuting to work, grabbing coffee, running errands, or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy a morning ride, Bike to Work Day is a chance to experience Eagle County from a different perspective, on two wheels.\n\n\n\nAcross Colorado, thousands of people participate each year by choosing a bike instead of a car for at least one trip. Here in Eagle County, riders can stop at one of nine Bike to Work Day stations throughout the valley for free refreshments, community connections, swag, and a little extra encouragement to start the day on a bike.\n\n\n\nBike to Work Day participants celebrating their bikes with donuts at the Walking Mountains’ station. Courtesy of the Climate Action Collaborative\n\n\n\nSmall ride, big impact\n\n\n\nMost of us do not think twice about hopping in the car for a quick trip, but transportation is now the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County and can be addressed by utilizing different types of transportation.\n\n\n\nThe average passenger vehicle emits about 400 grams of carbon dioxide for every mile traveled. That means a typical 10-mile round-trip commute produces nearly 9 pounds of carbon emissions. A bicycle, on the other hand, produces virtually none.\n\n\n\nIf just 500 Eagle County residents choose to bike instead of drive for a single 10-mile round-trip commute on June 24, our community could prevent more than 4,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere in one day. That is roughly equivalent to the carbon absorbed by dozens of mature trees over an entire year.\n\n\n\nThe benefits go well beyond reducing emissions. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic congestion, cleaner air, quieter streets, and more opportunities for people to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.\n\n\n\nBuilt for biking\n\n\n\nBike to Work Day is especially fitting in Eagle County, where the Eagle Valley Trail already serves as an important transportation corridor for residents traveling to work, school, transit stops, shopping centers, and recreation destinations.\n\n\n\nMany locals use portions of the trail every day. For some, it provides a completely car-free commute. For others, it creates safe connections between neighborhoods and destinations throughout the valley.\n\n\n\nBike to Work Day highlights the importance of continuing to invest in active transportation infrastructure. The Eagle Valley Trail currently spans nearly 58 miles, with just five miles remaining to complete the full 63-mile corridor from Dotsero to Vail Pass. Completing the trail will create safer transportation options, improve connectivity between communities, and make it even easier for residents and visitors to choose low-impact ways to travel.\n\n\n\nJoin the celebration\n\n\n\nWhether you’re a daily bike commuter, an occasional rider, or someone dusting off a bicycle for the first time this season, Bike to Work Day is for everyone.\n\n\n\nGrab your helmet, invite a friend or coworker, and enjoy a commute that comes with fresh mountain air, beautiful scenery, and a lighter environmental footprint.\n\n\n\nEvery mile ridden is one less mile driven. That is something worth celebrating. And speaking of celebrations, don’t miss the Sole Power Plus Happy Hour events celebrating Bike to Work Day! You can find a happy hour at Vail Brewing Company in EagleVail for those up valley, and at Moe’s BBQ in Eagle for those down valley! Both will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6p.m. Hope to see you there!\n\n\n\nBike to Work Day takes place Wednesday, June 24. You can find station locations, event details, and ride information on the Bicycle Colorado web page. To learn more about the Eagle Valley Trail and efforts to complete the final five miles, visit the Eagle Valley Trail page.\n\n\n\nChantel Recksiedler is the Climate Action Collaborative coordinator. The Climate Action Collaborative is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/opinion-climate-action-collaborative-eagle-county-gears-up-for-bike-to-work-day/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Chantel Recksiedler Climate Action Collaborative","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:13:37.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F23121010%2FCACVD1-scaled-e1782238235255-1024x971.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"opinion-climate-action-collaborative-eagle-county-gears-up-for-bike-to-work-day"},{"id":"wmq9yp","title":"Obituary: Kenneth H Smith","excerpt":"October 14, 1955 – June 15, 2026\nKenneth H. Smith (Ken) was born to James E. and Vivian A. Smith in Tucson, Arizona and passed away on June 15, 2026 at home with his loving wife of 21 years by his side. Shortly after Ken’s birth the family returned to Urbana, Illinois where he was raised with is...","content":"October 14, 1955 – June 15, 2026\nKenneth H. Smith (Ken) was born to James E. and Vivian A. Smith in Tucson, Arizona and passed away on June 15, 2026 at home with his loving wife of 21 years by his side. Shortly after Ken’s birth the family returned to Urbana, Illinois where he was raised with is older sisters and grandparents close by.\nKen graduated from Urbana High School in 1973 and the University of Illinois School of Architecture in 1981, putting himself through school working as a foreign vehicle auto mechanic. He moved to Vail, Colorado where he met his wife, Patricia. They later moved to Glenwood Springs and then New Castle where he lived until his passing. Ken worked for several Architectural firms in the Vail and Roaring Fork Valleys until opening his Architectural Firm, Smith Associates Architects in 1985. He had a love for the outdoors enjoying camping, canoeing, 4-wheeling and golf. He recently took up woodworking. He was an active member of Explorer Post 12 in Urbana – which forged life long friendships and shaped his future.\nKen is survived by his wife Patricia Tomasko and Dexter their Golden Retriever, older sister Nancy Joseph (Alan Joseph), brother-in-law Ronald Green, niece and nephews Cyndi Ray (Wayne), Andrew Joseph (Holly) and Randy Green (Theresa). He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister Pamela Green. Cremation has taken place and a private service with be held later.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-kenneth-h-smith/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-23T03:04:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22210429%2FW0020285.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-kenneth-h-smith"},{"id":"4qfr1c","title":"Obituary: Darshon Walker Pina","excerpt":"January 14, 1982 – June 12, 2026\nDarshon Walker was born in Wyoming to Terry Walker and Sharleen Rowley. Her children, Rosalie Montover and Lukas Montover, were her whole world. Darshon was outgoing and bubbly. Her love was unconditional. She was a bright ray of sunshine in our lives. She was di...","content":"January 14, 1982 – June 12, 2026\nDarshon Walker was born in Wyoming to Terry Walker and Sharleen Rowley. Her children, Rosalie Montover and Lukas Montover, were her whole world. Darshon was outgoing and bubbly. Her love was unconditional. She was a bright ray of sunshine in our lives. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. See Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose, Colorado for the full obituary.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-darshon-walker-pina/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-23T03:04:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22210429%2FW0020272.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-darshon-walker-pina"},{"id":"cmison","title":"Glenwood Springs advances South Bridge land acquisition","excerpt":"Glenwood Springs City Council voted 4-3 Thursday to authorize the city to acquire property interests needed for the South Bridge project, including through eminent domain if negotiations fail.\n\n\n\nMayor Marco Dehm, Mayor Pro Tem Erin Zalinski and Councilors Mitchell Weimer and Sumner Schacter vote...","content":"Glenwood Springs City Council voted 4-3 Thursday to authorize the city to acquire property interests needed for the South Bridge project, including through eminent domain if negotiations fail.\n\n\n\nMayor Marco Dehm, Mayor Pro Tem Erin Zalinski and Councilors Mitchell Weimer and Sumner Schacter voted in favor. Councilors David Townsley, Ray Schmahl and Steve Smith voted against it.\n\n\n\nThe vote came days after Garfield County commissioners unanimously directed staff to file a lawsuit asking Garfield County District Court to determine whether the city must comply with the county’s 1041 regulations for South Bridge. The county is also seeking an injunction to stop construction activity in unincorporated Garfield County until the court decides whether those regulations apply.\n\n\n\nSouth Bridge would connect Airport Road in Glenwood Springs with Colorado Highway 82 south of the city, crossing the Roaring Fork River, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority corridor and Jackson Ranch. City officials have long described the project as a public safety and mobility improvement that would create a second route out of south Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\nCity Attorney Karl Hanlon said the resolution is needed to finalize right of way for the project. Remaining property issues involve Holy Cross Energy property, the Jackson property and a conservation easement held by Aspen Valley Land Trust across the Jackson property.\n\n\n\nHanlon said the Holy Cross issue will likely be resolved without going to court, but the AVLT easement may require condemnation.\n\n\n\n“AVLT has taken the position that the only way to transfer that property is through condemnation,” Hanlon said. “I would vastly prefer a different outcome, but that’s where we’re at.”\n\n\n\nIf condemnation is needed, Hanlon said the city would file a case in district court and seek an order of immediate possession, allowing the city to take possession of the property interest while compensation is determined later.\n\n\n\nThe city is trying to keep the project on schedule for bidding between September and November. Hanlon said $2.4 million in federal right-of-way funding has been obligated and is being administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The city is also working toward final obligation of the remaining portion of a roughly $49 million federal grant tied to the project.\n\n\n\nThe county’s lawsuit centers on whether the city must go through Garfield County’s 1041 review process, which includes review by the Garfield County Planning Commission and a final decision by the Board of County Commissioners.\n\n\n\nThe city has maintained that a Location and Extent, or L and E, review is all that is required. Garfield County says the city submitted an incomplete L and E application June 2 and does not have legal authority to request L and E review for the portion of the project crossing Jackson Ranch, where AVLT holds a real property interest through the conservation easement.\n\n\n\n“The county will send a detailed list of deficiencies to the city this week,” Garfield County Attorney Heather Beattie told commissioners June 15. “We have been in discussions with the city since at least October of 2025, regarding the 1041 application. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to move anywhere on this, and the city continues to state that they disagree with the application of the 1041 for the South Bridge project.”\n\n\n\nAspen Valley Land Trust Deputy Director Torrey Udall urged council not to move forward with condemnation. He said AVLT holds a perpetual conservation easement on Jackson Ranch that “expressly prohibits roads, bridges, grading, excavation, topographic alteration and other activities required for the city’s proposed public improvements.”\n\n\n\n“The conservation easement on the Jackson Ranch protects significant public values that were intentionally preserved forever,” Udall said.\n\n\n\nUdall said the easement protects open space, agricultural and cultural heritage, scenic views, wildlife habitat, wetlands and the river corridor. He said the property provides habitat for bald eagles, river otters, elk, mule deer, black bears, northern leopard frogs, migratory birds and the federally threatened Ute ladies’-tresses orchid.\n\n\n\n“The public has already paid for this conservation, and the property is already dedicated to a public purpose,” Udall said.\n\n\n\nUdall also warned that condemnation could carry higher costs for the city than expected, including damages beyond fair market value for harm to scenic, aesthetic, ecological and conservation values.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCouncilor Steve Smith questioned whether the city should acquire property before the project is fully funded and fully approved.\n\n\n\n“I think it’s premature to move on this if indeed it’s going to be exercised immediately,” Smith said.\n\n\n\nTownsley said he could not support the resolution because the city is assuming the risk for a project that benefits people beyond Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\n“We’re picking up all the liability for something that appears to be benefiting a lot of other people,” Townsley said.\n\n\n\nSchmahl also opposed the resolution, citing concerns about the project’s financial risks and the impact on protected land.\n\n\n\nHanlon later said the Jackson property’s underlying zoning is commercial, despite the conservation easement, and that the city and Jackson family’s appraisal teams both valued the property based on that zoning.\n\n\n\nDehm said he wished conversations with AVLT and others had happened earlier, but said he still views South Bridge as a needed emergency access route for south Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\nWith the resolution approved, the city can continue pursuing remaining property interests while the broader legal dispute over county review remains unresolved.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/glenwood-springs-advances-south-bridge-land-acquisition/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:38:46.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F11%2F23202618%2FIMG_6545-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"glenwood-springs-advances-south-bridge-land-acquisition"},{"id":"2j11it","title":"Colorado could see more haze this week from wildfires burning elsewhere in the West","excerpt":"Colorado could continue to see hazy skies this week as wildfire activity in the West picks up.\n\n\n\nSmoke from three large wildfires burning in Utah and Nevada pushed across the Western Slope over the weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. The light-to-m...","content":"Colorado could continue to see hazy skies this week as wildfire activity in the West picks up.\n\n\n\nSmoke from three large wildfires burning in Utah and Nevada pushed across the Western Slope over the weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. The light-to-moderate smoke was not enough for the department to issue public health advisories, but similar conditions could continue.\n\n\n\n“Modelling of weather conditions, fire behavior and smoke impacts generally agree on broad features, and combined with observed trends and impacts, leads to an unsurprising conclusion: That smoke will continue to affect Colorado at times over the coming days,” the department wrote in its Smoke Blog on Sunday.\n\n\n\nThere are no large wildfires in Colorado contributing to the smoke at this time. The smoke seen across Colorado’s mountains over the weekend came from the about 24,000-acre Iron Fire in central Utah and the nearly 15,000-acre Kane Springs Fire and the roughly 13,000-acre Grapevine fires burning in southern Utah, according to the Colorado health officials.\n\n\n\nBecause wind and fire conditions can change quickly, the state health department cannot pinpoint where or when the heaviest smoke will be, Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment communications specialist Zachary Aedo said in an email. The department does not expect to issue any health advisories this week.\n\n\n\nAs of Monday, wildfires this season had burned roughly 2.7 million acres nationwide, an area about two-thirds the size of Rhode Island, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. That’s an increase of 160% in total acres burned compared to the 10-year average for this point in the fire season.\n\n\n\nWith more large fires burning across the country, the Interagency Fire Center last week upped its wildfire preparedness status to Level 3 of 5, indicating that wildfire resources are being mobilized nationwide and moving resources from non-active areas could pose an added risk, if conditions change.\n\n\n\nWhile Colorado has not seen any large wildfires so far this season, there have been a number of smaller wildfires. A wildfire north of Hayden burned nearly 100 acres this month before firefighters contained it. The Spring Creek Fire also burned about 20 acres in the White River National Forest near the border of Pitkin and Eagle counties earlier this month, before it was contained, and firefighters were able to quickly contain small wildfires that broke out in Glenwood Canyon, closing Interstate 70 for several hours. \n\n\n\nFire danger remains elevated across the Colorado mountains, where nearly every county has issued fire restrictions banning most campfires. The National Weather Service has also issued a “red flag warning” advising of a combination of hot, dry and windy conditions that are “favorable for rapid fire spread” that will remain in place through Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nWith the fire restrictions in place, law enforcement officers in the mountains are cracking down on illegal fires. Summit County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Mike Schilling said Monday that the sheriff’s office takes a “zero tolerance” approach to enforcing fire restrictions.\n\n\n\nThis weekend, Schilling said that the sheriff’s office issued court summons to three campers for misdemeanor charges related to violating the county’s fire restrictions. While deputies are not able to patrol remote backcountry areas for illegal fires at all times, he said there is abundant messaging, including signage at most trailheads, indicating that the fire restrictions are in place.\n\n\n\n“The messaging is out there,” Schilling said. “It’s so well posted that somebody’s got to really be willingly going out of their way to do what they want with a disregard to public safety if they’re still having campfires.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-why-is-it-hazy-smoky-wildfires-utah-june/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T22:31:13.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22162757%2F726432104_1535726654655975_6739685915177020755_n-1024x768.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-could-see-more-haze-this-week-from-wildfires-burning-elsewhere-in-the-west"},{"id":"1vagm3","title":"Trump’s tax cut law will cut into Colorado’s budget next year, but not as much as previously expected","excerpt":"Colorado lawmakers could be looking at a smaller budget gap in 2027 when they return for their annual legislative session, according to a recent update from state economists. \n\n\n\nThe forecast, presented on June 18 to lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee, is welcome news for legislators who hav...","content":"Colorado lawmakers could be looking at a smaller budget gap in 2027 when they return for their annual legislative session, according to a recent update from state economists. \n\n\n\nThe forecast, presented on June 18 to lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee, is welcome news for legislators who have had to contend with billion-dollar deficits for the past two years, which have forced cuts to healthcare, housing and other social programs. One factor behind the rosier outlook: a smaller-than-expected drop in tax revenue as a result of President Donald Trump’s and congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act. \n\n\n\nThe sweeping legislation, passed last summer, extended and expanded a suite of tax cuts for individuals and businesses. While the tax cuts reduced Colorado’s income tax revenue by about $1 billion in the last fiscal year budget, economists don’t expect the impact to be as extreme next year. \n\n\n\n“I think that the (One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s) impacts on individual income taxes were a lot smaller than we had expected, and the (act’s) impacts on corporate income may have been quite a bit larger than we had expected,” said Greg Sobetski, chief legislative economist for the Legislative Council Staff. \n\n\n\nBecause Colorado essentially mirrors the federal tax code, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s impacts were immediately felt by the state when it became law last July. Tax breaks that were retroactive applied to the start of 2025. That led to a $1 billion reduction in tax revenue and a roughly $800 million deficit in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget, which lawmakers had to plug during a special session in August. \n\n\n\nThe tax law’s reduction to individual income tax revenue next year is expected to be less than previously projected, though reductions to corporate income taxes could be greater. Because the state’s general fund relies more on income taxes from individuals than corporations, the revenue hit won’t be as severe. \n\n\n\nOther factors are also affecting the state’s budget outlook. \n\n\n\nThose include increased inflation, which has raised the state’s revenue cap under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR. Passed by voters in 1992, TABOR is an amendment to the state constitution that limits state tax collection to the rate of population growth plus inflation. Any revenue collected above that limit must be returned to taxpayers in what is known as TABOR refunds. \n\n\n\nTABOR surpluses are expected to return in the next budget year, meaning refunds would be paid out in the 2028 tax year. Economists for the Legislative Council Staff said the state could owe $329.9 million next budget year, $206.1 million of which would go to covering a program that provides property tax breaks to senior homeowners. The year after, the state is projected to owe $521 million, nearly half of which would cover the property tax cuts for seniors. \n\n\n\nLawmakers this year also lowered the required threshold for the state’s reserve, which serves as its rainy day fund. State law previously required the reserve to be no less than 15% of the general fund, but that was lowered to 13%. \n\n\n\nIf lawmakers restored the reserve to a 15% threshold, they’d be looking at a $315 million shortfall for the 2027-28 fiscal year budget, down from the $1 billion shortfall that lawmakers had to close in the current 2026-27 budget. If they choose to keep the reserve at 13%, economists said that would effectively mean no deficit next year. \n\n\n\n“This is the best that your budget might look,” Sobetski said. \n\n\n\nRepublican lawmakers remain skeptical of how much Trump’s tax law is affecting the state budget. While Democrats have pointed to the tax cuts and subsequent reduction in revenue as a key driver of the state’s budget woes, Republicans have largely defended the tax law and say the state’s fiscal challenges are due to overspending and money mismanagement. \n\n\n\nRep. Rick Taggart, a Grand Junction lawmaker and one of two Republicans who sit on the six-member Joint Budget Committee, said attributing the state’s revenue shortfalls to the tax law is a “misrepresentation.”\n\n\n\n“Corporate America has also seen, and Colorado, significant increases in regulations,” Taggart said. “It bears the brunt of inflation when it tries to absorb those inflationary costs and it absorbs, in many cases, increases in tariffs.”\n\n\n\nSkyler Schuck, a principal economist for the Governor’s Office of State Budgeting and Planning, said despite those challenges, corporate profits in the U.S. “remain strong.”\n\n\n\nWhile the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may not have as severe an impact on income tax revenue as initially assumed, economists warned that its other provisions could still strain the state’s general fund. \n\n\n\nStarting next year, the law will reduce federal funding for administering Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, or SNAP, and shift more of those programs’ costs to states. \n\n\n\nIn Colorado, that could increase state costs by $251.5 million next year, and by over $1 billion the following year, according to the Governor’s Office of State Budgeting and Planning. \n\n\n\nMike Ferrandino, executive director for the planning office, said lawmakers will have to decide how much they want the state to absorb those costs, much of which would likely come from the general fund. \n\n\n\n“This will be a big conversation, I think, going into the next legislative session,” he said. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-budget-trump-tax-cut-law/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T22:22:42.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22161654%2FCapitol_1-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"trumps-tax-cut-law-will-cut-into-colorados-budget-next-year-but-not-as-much-as-previously-expected"},{"id":"mzvm34","title":"Ehlers returns home, sweeps women’s Strawberry Shortcut races","excerpt":"Nearly 600 runners and walkers gathered Sunday morning at Bethel Plaza in Glenwood Springs for the 50th running of the Strawberry Shortcut races, a milestone year for one of Strawberry Days’ longtime traditions.\n\n\n\nThe anniversary race brought familiar faces back to Glenwood Springs, including fo...","content":"Nearly 600 runners and walkers gathered Sunday morning at Bethel Plaza in Glenwood Springs for the 50th running of the Strawberry Shortcut races, a milestone year for one of Strawberry Days’ longtime traditions.\n\n\n\nThe anniversary race brought familiar faces back to Glenwood Springs, including former race director, Glenwood Springs High School graduate and longtime Glenwood Springers Track Club coach Abbey Ehlers, who returned home and won both the women’s 10-kilometer and 5K divisions.\n\n\n\nEhlers finished the women’s 10K in 40 minutes, 30 seconds, then came back to win the women’s division of the Willey Coyote 5K in 20:47.\n\n\n\n“It was so fun to be back in town for the 50th anniversary and to spend time with my dad, Ed Walters, for Father’s Day,” Ehlers said. “It’s amazing to see how much this race has grown.”\n\n\n\nEhlers moved away about three and a half years ago, but continued coming back to help with the race until missing last year’s event. This year, she experienced the Strawberry Shortcut from the other side.\n\n\n\n“I think this is the first time I’ve ever won the race,” Ehlers said. “I’m usually on the other side of things.”\n\n\n\nEhlers said she entered the race hoping to get in some fast miles as part of her marathon training. She is preparing for the Jack and Jill Downhill Marathon in Washington next month.\n\n\n\n“The altitude was definitely challenging, but I greatly enjoyed experiencing it as a participant,” Ehlers said.\n\n\n\nThe day was also a family affair for Ehlers, who said one of the highlights came after her own races, when she joined her nephew, Copeland, and daughter, Berkleigh, for the Nancy Reinisch 1-mile fun run.\n\n\n\n“It was their first-ever race, and they both loved it,” Ehlers said.\n\n\n\nThe mile is named in honor of Nancy Reinisch, a longtime Glenwood Springs triathlete, coach and community advocate who founded the Mother’s Day Mile and helped lead the Roaring Fork Women’s Triathlon Team while battling breast cancer for many years.\n\n\n\nThe 5K is named in honor of Bob Willey, a longtime Glenwood Springs educator, counselor and runner who was deeply involved in the community.\n\n\n\n“I loved seeing all of the pictures of Bob Willey and Nancy Reinisch,” Ehlers said.\n\n\n\nOn the men’s side, Cameron Phillips won the 10K in 35:46, followed by Alex Koehler in 38:26 and Brian Burkhardt in 39:35.\n\n\n\nIn the women’s 10K, Ehlers took first, followed by Sarah Koehler in 43:14 and Jenna Smith in 44:15.\n\n\n\nRifle’s Jeovanni Mendez won the men’s Willey Coyote 5K in 16:53. Justin Allen finished second in 17:19, while New Castle’s Wesley Toews placed third in 17:23.\n\n\n\nEhlers led the women’s Willey Coyote 5K, followed by Smith in 21:55 and Glenwood Springs’ Amy Moyer in 22:08.\n\n\n\nSunday’s races also marked the final time longtime race director Mike Kishimoto fired the starting pistol. Kishimoto will pass race director duties to Glenwood Springs High School track and cross country coach Brian Passenti in 2027.\n\n\n\nAll proceeds from Sunday’s races will benefit Special Olympics Colorado.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ehlers-returns-home-sweeps-womens-strawberry-shortcut-races/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T21:43:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22150108%2Fabbeyehlers.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ehlers-returns-home-sweeps-womens-strawberry-shortcut-races"},{"id":"cho4a0","title":"Garfield Clean Energy column: What if we BikeThere?","excerpt":"Colorado’s Bike Month is here, and Bike to Work Day is rapidly approaching. In celebration, BikeThere! Returns on Wednesday, June 24. BikeThere! is an annual celebration of biking across, between, and within our communities in the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys.\n\n\n\nWhy “BikeThere!”? Yes,...","content":"Colorado’s Bike Month is here, and Bike to Work Day is rapidly approaching. In celebration, BikeThere! Returns on Wednesday, June 24. BikeThere! is an annual celebration of biking across, between, and within our communities in the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys.\n\n\n\nWhy “BikeThere!”? Yes, that exclamation point is intentional. Not everyone in our region can ride their bike to work. Challenges include commute distance, after-work obligations, or profession. BikeThere! emphasizes that you can bike somewhere — the grocery store, the swimming pool, the Park n’ Ride, the park, a friend’s house — and still help make a difference. \n\n\n\nI would hazard a guess that at least some of those trips are 3 miles or less, a bikeable distance for most. In 2021, more than 52% of trips in the United States were less than 3 miles, and 28% were less than one mile. Ask yourself: could you shift one of your short trips per week to a bike ride? If we all did, we could help reduce local traffic. Taking that a step further, if everyone in Glenwood Springs transitioned their short trips around town to a bike ride, Grand Avenue’s 27,000 and increasing average daily vehicles could move 28% faster. While that is a hypothetical, I imagine you just took a deep breath of hope.\n\n\n\nIf you still struggle to imagine how biking can fit into your life, allow me to share a bit about my e-bike journey.\n\n\n\nAbout a year and a half ago, I sold my car and bought an e-bike. I’m grateful to live and work in the same town, which allows my e-bike to replace my commute trips. But even if it’s not possible to commute via bike, there are so many shorter around-town trips that could be a perfect fit for two wheels: errands, dining out, and even journeying to trailheads or river put-ins.\n\n\n\nI was not always an avid biker. Prior to getting an e-bike, anyone would tell you that I did not like biking — I was slow, and it was hard to do errands with just a bike. The electric component allows me to load my groceries, dog, or thrifting finds into the trailer and arrive not sweaty. That is key. Moreover, I have put almost 1,000 miles on my e-bike and not paid one cent in maintenance or gas. I can also avoid worrying about parking in most cases.\n\n\n\nI’ve found that embracing the creativity around how you get around — or asking yourself, “should we BikeThere?” — is key to shifting trips out of our cars. The answer may sometimes be no, biking doesn’t work right now, but asking the question will help get you there.\n\n\n\nWhile my experience may not apply directly to you, I hope it offers some insight and inspiration into how alternative ways of getting around could fit into your life. The beauty of biking, or any alternative to driving solo, is that it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. One trip a week by bike saves you money, time, and hassle. One carpool saves emissions. One bus ride counts. \n\n\n\nIf you need a little extra motivation to shift that first trip, we have a few upcoming events and campaigns to help out.\n\n\n\nOn Wednesday, June 24th, BikeThere! kicks off. This year features a series of Bike to Work Day stations from Parachute to Aspen where you can stop by, log your ride, earn points for a prize drawing, and grab some swag from the station host. There are stations at places you probably already go: the Carbondale Farmers Market, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) Park and Rides, along the Rio Grande Trail, at local businesses, community centers, and bike shops. BikeThere! stations have variable times, locations, giveaways, and activities, so be sure to check out the website and BikeThere! Station Map for all the details. Pick the station or stations that work for you, and we’ll see you out there! \n\n\n\nWe also want to give a shoutout to our BikeThere! partner organizations: Garfield Clean Energy, Clean Energy Economy for the Region, Two Rivers Connect, City of Glenwood Springs, RFTA, and City of Aspen. There are also a lot of other great organizations who have helped this year by hosting a station, donating prizes and more. You can check out the whole list of the BikeThere! website.\n\n\n\nThen, through July 24th, Two Rivers Connect is running Way to Roll, a summer campaign where you can log any multimodal trip — biking, walking, taking the bus, carpooling, vanpooling — and earn points toward prizes. These include items like bus passes, bike supplies, gift cards to local businesses, an e-bike (for those who qualify), and more. Hint: all points earned by logging your participation at BikeThere! stations roll right into the Way to Roll campaign. Make a Two Rivers Connect account here.\n\n\n\nIf you’ve never biked for transportation, or if you tried once and it didn’t stick, I get it. But maybe try one trip a week this summer. See how it feels. See if it changes how you move through your town, how you experience where you live. You might be surprised at what you’re capable of. I was.\n\n\n\nDova Castañeda Zilly is the clean mobility manager for CLEER (Clean Energy Economy for the Region), the nonprofit that manages the programs of Garfield Clean Energy.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/garfield-clean-energy-column-what-if-we-bikethere/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Dova Castañeda ZillyGarfield Clean Energy","publishDate":"2026-06-22T21:19:35.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22151848%2FDova_Headshot-835x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"garfield-clean-energy-column-what-if-we-bikethere"},{"id":"uts2y5","title":"Green: A weekend of alcoholic abundance","excerpt":"Food & Wine just wrapped in Aspen. Three days of pouring. Tasting. Toasting. Streets full of people who flew in from everywhere...","content":"Food & Wine just wrapped in Aspen. Three days of pouring. Tasting. Toasting. Streets full of people who flew in from everywhere...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/green-a-weekend-of-alcoholic-abundance/article_d653a5f8-3ba2-48e0-8ca3-bd3a5d473791.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Sophia Green, Aspen Daily News Columnist","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F6%2F22%2F6228de99-d6b8-42e4-b88d-eec0e010e4e5%2F68e305892073c.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"green-a-weekend-of-alcoholic-abundance"},{"id":"wz956u","title":"Lives can be saved with organ donation","excerpt":"Mary Ryerson — (Re: “Aspen family urges everyone to consider kidney donation,” June 23, Aspen Daily News) Thank you for spotlighting...","content":"Mary Ryerson — (Re: “Aspen family urges everyone to consider kidney donation,” June 23, Aspen Daily News) Thank you for spotlighting...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/lives-can-be-saved-with-organ-donation/article_0eeceeea-2375-4022-b795-cae9588faef1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"lives-can-be-saved-with-organ-donation"},{"id":"jcohvn","title":"Torre will keep environment front and center","excerpt":"Alex Mueller — I support Torre for Pitkin County commissioner, District 1. He has introduced and supported environmental action...","content":"Alex Mueller — I support Torre for Pitkin County commissioner, District 1. He has introduced and supported environmental action...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/torre-will-keep-environment-front-and-center/article_3c8a8040-fb56-46a9-b616-f36da5c9ef20.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"torre-will-keep-environment-front-and-center"},{"id":"udnz9","title":"A bored Sen. Bennet wants to be governor","excerpt":"David Bentley — U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet has disgraced his office by primarying state Attorney General Phil Weiser in the Colorado...","content":"David Bentley — U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet has disgraced his office by primarying state Attorney General Phil Weiser in the Colorado...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/a-bored-sen-bennet-wants-to-be-governor/article_f3208e14-3feb-4701-b6b9-a50ea90e5990.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"a-bored-sen-bennet-wants-to-be-governor"},{"id":"xl90fe","title":"Torre defends Pitkin County’s working class","excerpt":"Alex Brough — I am writing to express my strong support for Torre in his campaign for Pitkin County commissioner.","content":"Alex Brough — I am writing to express my strong support for Torre in his campaign for Pitkin County commissioner.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/torre-defends-pitkin-county-s-working-class/article_37579d48-3fbd-4f29-9c8b-d219bb1cc86e.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-25T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"torre-defends-pitkin-countys-working-class"},{"id":"7x0xqn","title":"Fire on the Mountain","excerpt":"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory today for Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley and many Western Slope counties due to smoke from out-of-state wildfires.","content":"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory today for Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley and many Western Slope counties due to smoke from out-of-state wildfires.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/fire-on-the-mountain/image_4bcb42fa-5aae-419f-9102-dc7ddab90772.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-24T19:30:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2Fbc%2F4bcb42fa-5aae-419f-9102-dc7ddab90772%2F6a3c35150440a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C232","slug":"fire-on-the-mountain"},{"id":"n3i6je","title":"Ski more, live longer","excerpt":"Aspen Ideas: Health panelists discuss benefits of altitude on aging","content":"Aspen Ideas: Health panelists discuss benefits of altitude on aging","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/ski-more-live-longer/article_ff654976-a3dc-4570-a3cd-5b40f68aca96.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fcc%2F0cc0d23d-33ae-4279-8bd6-c525cdf93194%2F6a3bbe0a8a547.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"ski-more-live-longer"},{"id":"75ykk7","title":"250 years of America, thousands of ideas","excerpt":"Aspen fest explores a country at a crossroads","content":"Aspen fest explores a country at a crossroads","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/250-years-of-america-thousands-of-ideas/article_59f55f02-b041-4009-affb-f609235a03cb.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F2c%2Fd2cddc1b-d331-40ca-8f18-d9e4fe1e0d35%2F6a3b3365b5e61.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"250-years-of-america-thousands-of-ideas"},{"id":"37u1gf","title":"Bonfire Coffee upgrades to larger roasting facility","excerpt":"New space in Glenwood Springs welcoming customers","content":"New space in Glenwood Springs welcoming customers","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/business/bonfire-coffee-upgrades-to-larger-roasting-facility/article_807ad5c0-6fbb-405f-9c0b-6ad8afa40d51.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aubree Miller, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fab%2F3ab5692a-5030-42b8-b414-d803913f6ef1%2F6a3b3450e4862.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","slug":"bonfire-coffee-upgrades-to-larger-roasting-facility"},{"id":"n3psn6","title":"Officials planning ground transportation during ASE closure","excerpt":"Community advisory group evaluating suite of options from surrounding airports","content":"Community advisory group evaluating suite of options from surrounding airports","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/officials-planning-ground-transportation-during-ase-closure/article_07cb53e4-311c-43c5-bb4d-7bc1a65fdce6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F46%2F7464029b-3d48-42ed-a02b-4e95ba825cde%2F6a3b321071b66.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"officials-planning-ground-transportation-during-ase-closure"},{"id":"qusysj","title":"ideas health","excerpt":"Aspen Valley Health physician Megan Hiles, anti-aging researcher Jamie Justice, and NPR Health and Science Reporter Allison Aubrey discuss longevity at altitude during a community Aspen Ideas: Health event on Tuesday at the Wheeler Opera House.","content":"Aspen Valley Health physician Megan Hiles, anti-aging researcher Jamie Justice, and NPR Health and Science Reporter Allison Aubrey discuss longevity at altitude during a community Aspen Ideas: Health event on Tuesday at the Wheeler Opera House.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/ideas-health/image_0cc0d23d-33ae-4279-8bd6-c525cdf93194.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F0%2Fcc%2F0cc0d23d-33ae-4279-8bd6-c525cdf93194%2F6a3bbe0a8a547.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ideas-health"},{"id":"pa4g16","title":"aspen airport","excerpt":"Rental cars are parked at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport on Tuesday. The airport is planning for temporary rental car parking off-site from the airport as part of several transportation planning arrangements during the eight-month airport closure next summer.","content":"Rental cars are parked at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport on Tuesday. The airport is planning for temporary rental car parking off-site from the airport as part of several transportation planning arrangements during the eight-month airport closure next summer.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/aspen-airport/image_7464029b-3d48-42ed-a02b-4e95ba825cde.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F46%2F7464029b-3d48-42ed-a02b-4e95ba825cde%2F6a3b321071b66.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-airport"},{"id":"8ckw0n","title":"katie couric","excerpt":"At the 2018 Aspen Ideas Festival, Katie Couric interviewed former FBI Director James Comey about his book “A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership,” his controversial decisions leading up to the 2016 election, and his legacy at the FBI.","content":"At the 2018 Aspen Ideas Festival, Katie Couric interviewed former FBI Director James Comey about his book “A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership,” his controversial decisions leading up to the 2016 election, and his legacy at the FBI.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/katie-couric/image_d2cddc1b-d331-40ca-8f18-d9e4fe1e0d35.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News file","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2F2c%2Fd2cddc1b-d331-40ca-8f18-d9e4fe1e0d35%2F6a3b3365b5e61.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"katie-couric"},{"id":"eo75o2","title":"paolo benanti","excerpt":"Paolo Benanti is one of the leading theologians on AI in the world. He advises the Vatican on emerging technologies and the rise of generative AI and will be featured in two discussions at the 2026 Aspen Ideas Festival.","content":"Paolo Benanti is one of the leading theologians on AI in the world. He advises the Vatican on emerging technologies and the rise of generative AI and will be featured in two discussions at the 2026 Aspen Ideas Festival.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/paolo-benanti/image_7b8d886a-ee18-423b-af5b-4d0f7041584c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of the Aspen Institute","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2Fb8%2F7b8d886a-ee18-423b-af5b-4d0f7041584c%2F6a3b33c7a23e8.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C375","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"paolo-benanti"},{"id":"2pw3zu","title":"Remembering Kay Simons","excerpt":"Dec. 20, 1934 — May 28, 2026","content":"Dec. 20, 1934 — May 28, 2026","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/obituaries/remembering-kay-simons/article_59e14d32-f2ba-4085-9f62-5789bd042307.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F44%2F84446c67-8943-42ab-a09d-ad58f0d936b6%2F6a3b2110bbf79.image.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"remembering-kay-simons"},{"id":"r0wct6","title":"bonfire 1","excerpt":"Bonfire Coffee Founder Charlie Chacos, right, stands with head roaster Clay Gailey in front of equipment at their new roasting facility in Glenwood Springs on June 11.","content":"Bonfire Coffee Founder Charlie Chacos, right, stands with head roaster Clay Gailey in front of equipment at their new roasting facility in Glenwood Springs on June 11.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/bonfire-1/image_3ab5692a-5030-42b8-b414-d803913f6ef1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Gina Sheldrake","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:45:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fab%2F3ab5692a-5030-42b8-b414-d803913f6ef1%2F6a3b3450e4862.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"bonfire-1"},{"id":"8s31q2","title":"Dry Creek Fire grows to 288 acres south of Rifle","excerpt":"Update, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 288 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been de...","content":"Update, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 288 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been destroyed.\n\n\n\nResponding agencies include Colorado River Fire Rescue, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, Nechkash said.\n\n\n\nTwo airplanes, two helicopters and an air attack aircraft are supporting crews, Nechkash said. Additional aircraft and ground resources, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers and hand crews have been requested, according to Watch Duty updates posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nThe fire has jumped County Road 319, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Winstead, citing a unit on scene.\n\n\n\nA pre-evacuation notice has been issued for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nEvacuated residents can go to the Garfield County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle, according to Garfield County 911 information shared through ReachWell.\n\n\n\nOriginal, 4 p.m. Tuesday: Crews are responding to a structure fire and wildfire south of Rifle on Gage Road, where additional structures and gas wells are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and are moving into the Grass Mesa area, according to the fire agency.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Orrin Moon said three aircraft are on scene as crews work the fire.\n\n\n\nMoon said the fire is moving quickly, with wind pushing the flames. He said the fire is around 28 acres, though he has not yet been able to get all the way around it.\n\n\n\nA large air tanker and two hand crews have been requested by incident command, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nAdditional structures and gas infrastructure are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Moon said some gas wells in the area are in the process of being shut down.\n\n\n\n“We have some gas wells that are being threatened too, which we’re in the process of shutting down,” Moon said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAir resources, mutual aid and interagency resources have been ordered, Colorado River Fire Rescue Administrator Courtney Valencia said Tuesday.\n\n\n\nThe fire was initially reported as a structure fire and wildfire near Gage Road. Valencia said there is a home in the area, but it is not immediately clear whether the fire started in the structure or in nearby brush.\n\n\n\nEmergency officials are asking people to avoid the area and give responders room to work. Drivers traveling nearby should use caution and watch for emergency vehicles.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/evacuations-underway-grows-288-acres-for-structure-wildfire-south-of-rifle/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:00:37.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F23174029%2F727571620_10214759580459897_1206542829660111917_n.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"inBriefing":true,"slug":"dry-creek-fire-grows-to-288-acres-south-of-rifle"},{"id":"9hmsms","title":"Anderson Ranch announces date for Picnic and Auction","excerpt":"Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass is hosting its annual Ranch Picnic and Auction from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 18.\n\n\n\nIn light of Anderson Ranch’s 60th anniversary this year, the free, public event will honor six decades of artwork, arts education and community impact. It will feature a sil...","content":"Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass is hosting its annual Ranch Picnic and Auction from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 18.\n\n\n\nIn light of Anderson Ranch’s 60th anniversary this year, the free, public event will honor six decades of artwork, arts education and community impact. It will feature a silent auction with more than 130 works by leading contemporary and local artists. The event will also include live music, children’s art activities and a picnic lunch. \n\n\n\n“The Picnic and Auction offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant creative community that has made Anderson Ranch a nationally recognized destination for art and learning,” Anderson Ranch Director of Marketing and Communications Lindsy Fortier told The Aspen Times. “This free event brings together art lovers, families, collectors, artists and visitors for a day of creativity, culture and connection.”\n\n\n\nThe auction’s pieces span across several mediums including ceramics, painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture and woodworking. \n\n\n\nThe event is being sponsored by the Snowmass Club, Sunset Framing and the town of Snowmass Village. Proceeds will fund Anderson Ranch’s arts programming. \n\n\n\nOn the day of, parking at Anderson Ranch will be available for VIP passholders only. Public parking will be available at Town Park Station with free shuttle service running every 10 minutes to and from Anderson Ranch. \n\n\n\nThe schedule for the event is as follows: \n\n\n\n\n11 a.m. Silent auction, lunch, and children’s art activities begin\n\n\n\n11:30 a.m. Live music by Wild Flight\n\n\n\n2:30 p.m Bidding concludes and the silent auction closes\n\n\n\n3-4 p.m. Check out and packaging","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/anderson-ranch-announces-date-for-picnic-and-auction/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:16:06.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23150326%2Fauction-1024x668.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"anderson-ranch-announces-date-for-picnic-and-auction"},{"id":"d6h040","title":"What to know about proper waste disposal in Snowmass","excerpt":"With summer tourism kicking off in Snowmass, disposing of waste properly is critical to avoid harming the natural landscape. \n\n\n\nWaste generation in Snowmass is highest during peak visitation periods, including the summer recreation season and the ski season, according to Snowmass Village Assista...","content":"With summer tourism kicking off in Snowmass, disposing of waste properly is critical to avoid harming the natural landscape. \n\n\n\nWaste generation in Snowmass is highest during peak visitation periods, including the summer recreation season and the ski season, according to Snowmass Village Assistant Town Manager Greg LeBlanc. Litter can damage the environment in several ways, including by becoming entangled around or ingested by animals and entering waterways — where it can impact water quality and fragile aquatic ecosystems. It can also negatively affect the natural beauty of Snowmass.\n\n\n\n“When everyone takes responsibility for their waste, our trails, parks, waterways, neighborhoods and public spaces remain clean, safe and enjoyable,” LeBlanc told The Aspen Times. \n\n\n\nFood waste and unsecured trash in particular can attract bears and other animals, which can create unwanted and potentially dangerous interactions between humans and wildlife. Because of this, trash should be disposed of in designated bear-proof containers and dumpsters. \n\n\n\nTrash and recycling containers can be accessed easily throughout the village in high-traffic areas such as the Snowmass Mall and Base Village, as well as in parks and near trailheads. Dumpsters are also available across the village. \n\n\n\nResidential food waste can also be dropped off for composting at the Public Works facility. Acceptable items include fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, seafood, grains, dairy, bread, coffee grounds and tea bags. \n\n\n\n“Visitors should always use designated receptacles, secure trash bags properly and never leave garbage beside dumpsters or outside containers,” LeBlanc said. “If a receptacle is full, individuals should locate another nearby container or take their waste with them until it can be disposed of appropriately.”\n\n\n\nDisposing of waste properly helps to protect local wildlife and preserve the vitality of Snowmass’ ecosystems. \n\n\n\n“One of the most important messages for residents and visitors is that small actions make a big difference,” LeBlanc said. “Stewardship of our community is a shared responsibility and everyone who lives, works and visits here plays a role in keeping Snowmass clean and beautiful.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/what-to-know-about-proper-waste-disposal-in-snowmass/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sonia Alizadeh Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsalizadeh@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T21:04:41.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F09%2F13161837%2FIMG_8708-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"what-to-know-about-proper-waste-disposal-in-snowmass"},{"id":"tdg1w2","title":"‘Just Beyond Your Backyard’: Aspen’s tie to California’s Route 66 sites","excerpt":"It’s a big year for travel in terms of destinations highlighting a number of milestones: America’s 250th, Colorado’s 150th and Route 66’s 100th. \n\n\n\nMaybe it started with visions of driving my dad’s 1969 GTO down at least a portion of Route 66, or maybe it’s my general obsession with the decade ...","content":"It’s a big year for travel in terms of destinations highlighting a number of milestones: America’s 250th, Colorado’s 150th and Route 66’s 100th. \n\n\n\nMaybe it started with visions of driving my dad’s 1969 GTO down at least a portion of Route 66, or maybe it’s my general obsession with the decade of flappers, but when I heard about Route 66’s anniversary, I started planning — long before many of the key-city players listed celebratory events. \n\n\n\nHaving grown up in Chicago, I’ve already explored the beginning of the Mother Road  — though I’m hoping to return this year. And although I’ve been to Santa Monica, I had to revisit it in 2026 as a tribute to Route 66. \n\n\n\nI’ve always joked with my California-native husband about how California seems, let’s just say, a little more carefree when it comes to lasting commitments  —  the opposite of my loyal, Midwestern-rooted family. Take, for instance, California’s approach to naming the official endpoint of Route 66. \n\n\n\nWhile Chicago has always maintained its claim to the place Route 66 begins, the famous road’s ending point in California has shifted fairly significantly throughout history. \n\n\n\nIt originally officially ended at the intersection of 7th Street and Broadway in Los Angeles, but in 1936, the route extended 13 miles west into Santa Monica to connect with Route 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway. In 1964, they somehow shortened the route, naming Pasadena as the Mother Road’s formal ending. \n\n\n\nAs if that wasn’t enough change, Route 66 was once again truncated in Needles. These days, Santa Monica Pier has reasserted its station as the official end of Route 66, with numerous signs. Though I wanted to hit every historic end-point of Route 66 in California, logistics of dealing with traffic in L.A. at 5 p.m. on a Friday and time involved driving to Needles led us to focus on the Pasadena and Santa Monica endings. \n\n\n\nIf you like the idea of Aspen’s carnival games and rides that are coming this Fourth of July weekend to Rio Grande Park (complete with a 65-foot Ferris Wheel and carousel), then you’ll love Santa Monica Pier’s permanent amusement park. An unlimited-ride wristband is just $45 — $35 for kids 7 and under — and includes all kinds of rides, like the Pacific Plunge, the Shark Frenzy Tilt-a-Whirl, a Scrambler and a roller coaster. It features a 130-foot high Ferris Wheel, which happens to be the world’s first and only solar-powered wheel, complete with 174,000 LED lights displaying custom animations. \n\n\n\nWhile plenty of fine dining establishments exist in Santa Monica, from Michelin-starred restaurants to classic steakhouses and seafood, if you want a quick bite at the last place to grab a burger on land, Pier Burger offers a fresh ono burger for under $12. \n\n\n\nSpeaking of burgers, remember when Aspen had a McDonald’s? Well, if you care to visit the original McDonald’s, which Dick and Mac McDonald opened in 1937 in Monrovia, Calif., and then moved to San Bernadino in 1940, it’s part of the Route 66 tour. \n\n\n\nThe original McDonald’s emblem at the museum.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThey focused on their “speedy service system” as McDonald Hamburgers in 1948, and the building still stands, hosting a free museum showcasing all things big and small related to the now-huge franchise (in 1955, Ray Kroc visited the brothers and convinced them to let him franchise the fast-food joint). Outdoor mascot statues and Play Place relics offer plenty of fun photo opps, and you can spend a lot of time studying all the tiny toys that span various countries indoors. Colorful murals on the building highlight Route 66 history. \n\n\n\nPuttering down the streets of Route 66 from San Bernadino to Santa Monica will take hours upon hours, so I recommend stopping at the Wigwam Motel Village in Rialto/San Bernadino after the McDonald’s museum, and then hopping back on the highway to Pasadena. The Wigwam Motel is a classic; it’s one of only three remaining Wigwam motels of the original seven, and the old cars make for great photos. A gift shop offers all kinds of Route 66 souvenirs. \n\n\n\nThe Wigwam Motel on California’s Route 66.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOne of Pasadena’s Route 66 claims-to-fame comes in the form of the Saga Motor Hotel. Architect Harold Zook designed the mid-century hotel to catch motorists’ eyes, complete with a neon sign in Moorish-inspired script and adorned concrete blocks. It has been featured in television series, commercials and films, including Apple TV’s “Palm Royale,” ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat” and Showtime’s “Ray Donovan.”  \n\n\n\nOn June 22, Aspen Ideas: Health featured Ezekiel Emanuel, author of “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life” who talked about longevity habits. Of course, indulging in ice cream followed. That said, if you’re a fan of old-time ice cream shops, plan a stop at The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain on Route 66, just outside of Pasadena (across from another historic Route 66 restaurant, Gus’s BBQ). \n\n\n\nEven if you don’t order a softball-size ice-cream scoop, all of the memorabilia makes it worth the jaunt. It’s been serving sweets since 1915 and features plenty of old-time candy, from retro-wrapped Hershey’s bars to Pop Rocks and more. Don’t miss the adjoining room, stocked full of games and other goodies organized by decade. For example, in the 1960’s section, you’ll find everything from 60sOPOLY to high-wheel robot toys, Fly’s Eyes, lava lamps and TEEN magazine. \n\n\n\nMy dog, Hani, on the Snoopy star.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nFinally, the route to Santa Monica provides plenty of boutiques on Sunset Boulevard, as well as legendary rock ‘n’ roll bars like The Rainbow Bar & Grill and Whisky a Go Go (prepare to stand in line to see a band) and, of course, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. \n\n\n\nHappy historic travels! \n\n\n\nKimberly Nicoletti is a freelance writer and editor whose trips usually revolve around anywhere she can take her terrier-mix rescue. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/just-beyond-your-backyard-aspens-tie-to-californias-route-66-sites/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-23T20:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23112126%2FSanta_Monica_Piers_Route_66_sign_with_the_130-foot_high_Ferris_Wheel_in_the_background_photo_by_Kimberly_Nicoletti_jpeg-768x1024.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"just-beyond-your-backyard-aspens-tie-to-californias-route-66-sites"},{"id":"bppnki","title":"The Collective Snowmass hosts Two-Step Tuesdays this summer","excerpt":"The Collective Snowmass will be hosting Two-Step Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday evening this summer from June 30 to Aug. 25, with free live music and line dancing creating country nights at Base Village.\n\n\n\nLive music will run from 5 to 6 p.m., with line dancing instruction by Brian and ...","content":"The Collective Snowmass will be hosting Two-Step Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday evening this summer from June 30 to Aug. 25, with free live music and line dancing creating country nights at Base Village.\n\n\n\nLive music will run from 5 to 6 p.m., with line dancing instruction by Brian and Claudia of Mezcla Socials Dance from 6 to 7 p.m. and live music, dancing and coaching on the floor from 7 to 8 p.m.\n\n\n\n“We’ll be bringing energy to the heart of summer with live country music, dance instruction, and plenty of opportunities to get out on the dance floor — whether you’re a total beginner or already know your way around a two-step,” the website reads.\n\n\n\nBrian and Claudia have spent over a decade building community through dance across the Roaring Fork Valley, the website continues, adding, “Their classes blend fun, inclusivity, and connection, making dance approachable for everyone.”\n\n\n\nBoth have backgrounds spanning Country, Swing, Salsa, Bachata, Tango, Folklorico, Contemporary and more, inviting all ages and experience levels to participate with the simple mission: dance is for everyone.\n\n\n\nLive music will be provided by Richard Ganson and Randy Utterback. Ganson has opened for artists including Vince Gill, Travis Tritt, Asleep at the Wheel and John Conlee, in addition to performing on the main stage at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Utterback is a world-class, multi-instrumentalist playing acoustic & electric guitar, fiddle, mandolin and dobro, bringing decades of experience from Nashville, Colorado and beyond. He’s shared stages and projects with artists including members of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Poco, Buffalo Springfield and more.\n\n\n\n“Listen to tunes by Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Brooks & Dunn, and Garth Brooks to Chris Stapleton and Thomas Rhett — plus special nods to beloved Colorado musicians and surprise guest appearances throughout the summer,” the website states.\n\n\n\nFor all upcoming dates, visit https://thecollectivesnowmass.com/series/two-step-tuesday/.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/the-collective-snowmass-hosts-two-step-tuesdays-this-summer/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F01%2F30153317%2FMawas-Holiday-Opening-1000010-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"the-collective-snowmass-hosts-two-step-tuesdays-this-summer"},{"id":"j7d3sj","title":"‘Ready Together’ Aspen event to provide update on airport runway closure plans","excerpt":"Community members are invited to a public information event from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 14 at the Limelight Aspen to learn how local and regional partners are preparing for the 2027 closure of Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, with the opportunity to submit questions for panel discussions. \n\n\n...","content":"Community members are invited to a public information event from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 14 at the Limelight Aspen to learn how local and regional partners are preparing for the 2027 closure of Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, with the opportunity to submit questions for panel discussions. \n\n\n\nThe airport closure will take place Sunday, April 4, 2027, starting at 11 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 19, 2027. \n\n\n\nThe event will feature updates from airport project leaders on runway improvements, transportation agencies on local and regional travel options and destination marketing organizations on visitor communication strategies, according to a press release. Because the 2027 airport closure is what the release calls “a critical phase of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Modernization Project,” meeting attendees will be able to hear updates from several organizations involved in preparing for the closure that include Aspen One, Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Snowmass Tourism and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.\n\n\n\n“The airport closure is necessary to complete critical improvements that will serve our region for generations,” Kara Silbernagel, Pitkin County Manager, said in the release. “Planning for the 2027 closure is not just an airport project, it is a community-wide preparedness effort. The more we collaborate, communicate, and plan together now, the better equipped we’ll be to minimize disruptions and support our residents, workforce, businesses, and visitors during the closure period.”\n\n\n\n“Ready Together” is one of a number of opportunities for community members to hear directly from project partners, ask questions and better understand how the region is working together to maintain connectivity, support local commerce and keep the community moving throughout the closure period, the release states.\n\n\n\nIt adds, “Local and regional organizations are committed to providing regular updates and engagement opportunities to help the entire community prepare for this significant milestone.”\n\n\n\nIn order to ensure community concerns and questions get addressed, the public is asked to submit questions in advance of the meeting at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoBK2C1bb-kYVVvT_xXfgrhXbu7m8Wxy1oq8g-I03zGrT1Ug/viewform.\n\n\n\nWhile the event is free, space is limited and the event is currently full. Interested individuals can put their name on a waitlist at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOo5OAQJPIfzbjJk3lf2MM7nweUC4ZSIDlQaAC5RCOlrIucA/closedform.\n\n\n\nFor those who do not attend in person, the event will also be broadcast live on GrassRoots TV and YouTube, allowing community members throughout the region to participate remotely, with a recording available for on-demand viewing following the event. \n\n\n\nFor more information, visit aspenairport.com/communityevents.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/ready-together-aspen-event-to-provide-update-on-airport-runway-closure-plans/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T19:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F26100039%2Fairport-atd-062325-04-2048x1366-1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"ready-together-aspen-event-to-provide-update-on-airport-runway-closure-plans"},{"id":"4nqhdc","title":"Colorado River experts say agriculture must make permanent cuts to water use","excerpt":"Some Colorado River experts are floating a concept to address the basin’s water woes that is both radical and mundane: permanently reducing the amount of water used by agriculture.\n\n\n\nMany cities have already reduced their water use in recent decades while adding residents, proving that populatio...","content":"Some Colorado River experts are floating a concept to address the basin’s water woes that is both radical and mundane: permanently reducing the amount of water used by agriculture.\n\n\n\nMany cities have already reduced their water use in recent decades while adding residents, proving that population growth doesn’t have to be tied to an increase in water use. A 2024 study by Colorado River scientists found that agriculture is responsible for about 74% of water used by people in the basin, meaning urban conservation alone cannot solve the crisis.\n\n\n\n“I think we need to have permanent reductions in use on the table and agriculture will have to be part of that,” said Anne Castle, a Colorado River expert and a former federal representative to the Upper Colorado River Commission. \n\n\n\nCastle was the lead author on a June 1 paper that urgently called on the entire basin to permanently decrease consumptive uses to avoid the worst impacts to reservoirs and water users. Castle and the paper’s other authors are Colorado River experts and academics, and are the brain trust of the basin sometimes referred to as the Traveling Wilburys, a joking reference to the rock music supergroup. But their message is anything but humorous. \n\n\n\nThe latest paper says another dry winter would deplete remaining storage and result in devastating consequences like run-of-the-river operations where the nation’s two largest reservoirs can only release downstream the same amount of water that flows into them. It’s the last stop before deadpool, when levels are too low to release water. The authors urge water managers to act immediately to reduce use and avoid a system crash. \n\n\n\nBut permanently cutting the amount of water that goes to agriculture remains a controversial topic, and water managers from both the Upper and Lower basins say drying up land is not a solution for their basin. Most conservation programs up until now either have been temporary or have allowed the saved water to be used elsewhere. Castle said the problem is especially difficult when people’s livelihoods are on the line.\n\n\n\n“The folks who are vulnerable to those kinds of permanent reductions are understandably resistant,” Castle said. “But there’s not enough water. The river won’t allow us to use the same amount of water that we’ve been accustomed to using in the past.”\n\n\n\nThe seven states that share the Colorado River are under increasing pressure to cut water use as one of the worst droughts on record threatens the water supply for millions of people. On the heels of one of the hottest and driest winters since measuring began, spring flows into Lake Powell this year are projected to be the lowest on record.\n\n\n\nMuch of the $4 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act earmarked for drought mitigation has gone toward short-term conservation. Water users in the Lower Basin states (California, Arizona and Nevada) were paid to temporarily leave water in Lake Mead. And in the Upper Basin (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming), the feds paid irrigators $45 million to leave fields dry during a two-year reboot of a pilot conservation program.\n\n\n\nBut in the midst of a climate change-fueled megadrought that has already robbed the river of at least 20% of its flows, experts say temporary measures no longer cut it. Water managers are reckoning with the reality that the river will probably never again deliver what was promised a century ago by the Colorado River Compact. The demand for water now far outstrips the dwindling supply.\n\n\n\n“Are we going to continue to spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year and not have a permanent solution?” said author and Colorado River expert Eric Kuhn. “I think, at some point, it just makes economic sense to go ahead and say, ‘Let’s buy out the existing demand.'”\n\n\n\nBuying out demand\n\n\n\nAgainst this backdrop, some in the academic community are advocating for the federal government to either set up a voluntary program to buy and retire lands that use a lot of water or pay landowners who agree to permanent restrictions on water use. \n\n\n\nA paper released last year and authored by Kathryn Sorensen and Sarah Porter, who are Colorado River experts at the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State, lays out how this could be done. Eligible land would have to meet certain characteristics, including being in an area where the economic impacts of not using water are least painful and where impacted crops could be feasibly grown outside of the Colorado River basin, among others.\n\n\n\nAccording to Porter, the federal government should be the entity that buys down demand. The large infrastructure projects funded by the feds in the 20th century are what created booming irrigated agriculture in the West to begin with. And the other entities in the basin that have the ability to buy agricultural water want to use it themselves, not keep it in the system.\n\n\n\n“A reset in the Colorado River basin really is needed,” Porter said. “We have a lot of agriculture that’s really a legacy of how the United States was settled… . And now we’re grappling with overallocation and shortage and struggling to figure out a way to manage the Colorado River.”\n\n\n\nThe proposal is different from the much-derided “buy-and-dry” which usually involves an opportunistic transferring of water from agriculture to cities, not an overall reduction in water use. Still, the potential negative impacts to rural communities have to be considered.\n\n\n\n“You have to have a provision for what happens to the land when you remove agriculture and what happens to the local economy when you remove agriculture,” Porter said. \n\n\n\nAnd experts say there is a precedent for the type of federal buyouts that could help the drought-stricken river: the Bankhead-Jones Tenant Farm Act from 1937. This New Deal piece of legislation was a response to the Dust Bowl and allowed the federal government to buy and retire badly eroded or economically unproductive farmland. \n\n\n\nThe paper says a Colorado River program could start not with those that grow valuable vegetables in winter but, rather, with lands that use a lot of water but have low economic output. The paper says retired agricultural lands could be used for alternative purposes that support local economies such as recreational opportunities or low water-use industries.\n\n\n\nFiguring out how to implement conservation programs without harming rural agricultural communities has been a main focus in recent years of the Colorado River Water Conservation District, which works to keep water on the Western Slope. River District General Manager Andy Mueller said that agriculture has a role to play in reducing water consumption, but that permanently retiring agricultural land is a misguided approach that will put the country in danger of not being able to feed itself. Programs should remain temporary, and focus on efficiency improvements and growing less-thirsty crops, he said.\n\n\n\n“If it’s temporary, if it’s well-designed in a way that respects local communities, traditions and practices, is custom-built for each community in a way that really tries to do as little economic damage as possible — potentially even bringing some benefits to those farming families that participate — there are ways to do it,” Mueller said. \n\n\n\nOn the fringe\n\n\n\nAlthough certain academics and experts are talking about permanently drying up agricultural lands as a means of saving water, the concept remains on the fringe of Colorado River politics. It’s both the third rail and the elephant in the room.\n\n\n\n“It’s going to pull away from the fringe really quickly when you’ve got to really justify continuing to pay on an annual basis forever,” Kuhn said. “We’re just trying to get the discussion out there, make it acceptable to have the discussion.”\n\n\n\nOn top of the abysmal hydrologic conditions, the basin is also in the midst of a management crisis. After two years of negotiating, the Upper Basin and Lower Basin states have failed to reach a consensus on how they will share future cuts and have blown past deadlines to come up with a plan. The responsibility for river management now falls to the federal government, which is scheduled to release this summer a short-term operating plan for Lake Powell and Lake Mead.\n\n\n\nPart of what makes the problem so tricky is that water managers are still guided by the Colorado River Compact, a century-old agreement that splits the river’s flows evenly between the two basins. Upper Basin water managers still cling to the notion that because their states are already living within the 7.5 million acre-feet of water allotted to them annually, cutbacks are the responsibility of the Lower Basin, which they say uses more than its fair share.\n\n\n\nBecky Mitchell, Colorado’s lead negotiator in talks among the seven states, said that permanent dry-up of agriculture in the Upper Basin isn’t necessary because the Upper Basin states already send more than 8 million acre-feet — more than legally required — of water downstream per year. Dry-up may be part of the overall solution, she said, but each state should take its own individual approach to making cuts. \n\n\n\n“Those durable reductions are going to be required (for the Lower Basin) to first get in line with their apportionment, but then getting in line with the available supplies is a whole ‘nother conversation,” Mitchell said.\n\n\n\nCalifornia’s representative, JB Hamby, said permanent fallowing doesn’t have a place in reducing the state’s demand either. California is home to the biggest urban and agricultural water districts, as well as the largest allocation of Colorado River water of any of the seven states that share the river. \n\n\n\n“In the case of California, there’s no real discussion or interest whatsoever in the retirement of ag lands,” Hamby said. “Land in Southern California that receives Colorado River water is so extremely productive. There is a year-round growing season where every single day of the year there are things being grown.”\n\n\n\nPast water savings in Southern California have mostly come from efficiency improvements on farms and in delivery systems, and from deficit irrigation programs in which water is temporarily taken off fields for part of a season. In the absence of a seven-state deal, the Lower Basin states have offered up 700,000 acre-feet of cuts per year through 2028, which is on top of an initial 1.5 million acre-feet in cuts. Most estimates say the basin needs to cut water use by 2 million to 4 million acre-feet.\n\n\n\n“There’s full agreement that water should be reduced,” he said. “There’s not agreement in how or where it should be reduced. So the Lower Basin is moving forward, doing our thing, making reductions.”\n\n\n\nUltimately, discussions about permanently reducing the amount of water that goes to farmlands in the basin remain difficult, in part because agricultural water rights are some of the biggest, oldest and most politically powerful in the basin. But there is also an attachment to the American West’s farming and ranching heritage.\n\n\n\n“We love agriculture; it’s part of our roots,” Porter said. “We don’t like to think about losing agricultural production. I think we are generally hesitant to have that conversation, and we really haven’t had it as a basin.”\n\n\n\nAspen Journalism is a nonprofit, investigative news organization covering water, environment, social justice and more. Visit aspenjournalism.org. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-river-experts-say-agriculture-must-make-permanent-cuts-to-water-use/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Heather Sackett Follow\n\t\t\t\t\theather@aspenjournalism.org","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23081009%2FCrystal_River_Ranch_1-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorado-river-experts-say-agriculture-must-make-permanent-cuts-to-water-use"},{"id":"8wrxp8","title":"Anderson Ranch Arts Center presents ‘Critical Dialogue — Contemporary Design: Object and Identity’","excerpt":"Three of the design world’s most influential voices will convene in Aspen on June 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center for a rare public conversation on culture, identity and the objects we live with.\n\n\n\nThe new Critical Dialogue entitled “Contemporary Design: Object and Iden...","content":"Three of the design world’s most influential voices will convene in Aspen on June 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center for a rare public conversation on culture, identity and the objects we live with.\n\n\n\nThe new Critical Dialogue entitled “Contemporary Design: Object and Identity” is a free, public program exploring the ways in which culture, identity, commerce and global system shape the evolving field of contemporary design, according to a press release. The event will take place in Schermer Meeting Hall with internationally recognized Nigerian artist and designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello, Director of Design with The Donald Judd Foundation Alexandra Cunningham Cameron and Creative Director at MillerKnoll Kelsey Keith in conversation on how designers draw on personal histories and cultural contexts to create objects with global influence.\n\n\n\n“This conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear from leaders working across the museum, creative, and commercial sectors of design,” Liz Ferrill, moderator and senior artistic director at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, said in the release. “By examining how identity and culture inform the objects we create and use every day, audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for design’s power to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.”\n\n\n\nMarcus-Bello bridges commercial and artistic disciplines through what the release calls “an intuitive and resourceful approach to materials and form.” Pulling from his Nigerian heritage, he explores the social, cultural and economic systems embedded in everyday objects in his work, which is held in the collections of major institutions that include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Brooklyn Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Design Museum London.\n\n\n\nMuktar Onifade/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nHe has received numerous international honors, such as a Special Mention at the Loewe Craft Prize, the Hublot Design Prize and Monocle’s Emerging Designer Award, in addition to being named Design Miami’s 2025 Designer of the Year. \n\n\n\nCameron will provide historical context for the intersections of design, art, fashion and media, according to the release. Most recently, she was curator of Contemporary Design at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York — where her work explored how design reflects and influences cultural change — and she now serves as the first director of Design at the Judd Foundation — “bringing curatorial rigor to one of the most influential legacies in American minimalism,” the release reads. \n\n\n\nBoth Marcus-Bello and Cameron have been appointed as jury members for Apple Inc.’s Designers of Tomorrow initiative at Design Miami Paris.\n\n\n\nKeith will be offering insight into the commercial dimensions of contemporary design through her role as vice president and creative director at MillerKnoll. There, she oversees enterprise-level brand and creative direction for the global design company, the release confirms. Before joining Herman Miller in 2021, she spent 12 years leading some of design media’s most influential outlets, from the New York Times to Artforum, in addition to penning two Phaidon books and creating Ground Condition, a widely read design newsletter on Substack. \n\n\n\nKelsey Keith.Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe program is free and open to the publics. Registration is appreciated and can be accessed at https://www.andersonranch.org/events/critical-dialogue-contemporary-design-object-and-identity/.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/anderson-ranch-arts-center-presents-critical-dialogue-contemporary-design-object-and-identity/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T18:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23114325%2FAlexandra_Cunningham_Cameron-801x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"anderson-ranch-arts-center-presents-critical-dialogue-contemporary-design-object-and-identity"},{"id":"27pt02","title":"Beyond the Algorithm: Building on reputation","excerpt":"In 1995, Tom Sherlock and his wife packed up a car and a U-Haul, left the East Coast and headed west for what they thought would be a single ski season. \n\n\n\nWhat followed was years of hands-on work, a reputation built project by project and eventually a construction company shaped as much by rela...","content":"In 1995, Tom Sherlock and his wife packed up a car and a U-Haul, left the East Coast and headed west for what they thought would be a single ski season. \n\n\n\nWhat followed was years of hands-on work, a reputation built project by project and eventually a construction company shaped as much by relationships as by craftsmanship. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBryan: Tell me about how you got to Aspen? \n\n\n\nTom: My wife and I came in 1995. We were just out of college, and we thought we were coming out for the ski season. We ended up staying. We had friends living in Carbondale, so we lived there for many years, then in Marble, and eventually moved to Snowmass around 2002.  \n\n\n\nBryan: What were those early years like? \n\n\n\nTom: We both worked at the ski company. We learned how to ski ourselves, and then learned how to teach it. In the summers, I did painting, carpentry and whatever hands-on work I could find. \n\n\n\nI grew up in the construction industry. My dad thought he had taught me how awful it was, but what he really did was give me a taste of every trade. I consider myself a jack of all trades, master of none. I started doing home maintenance for property managers and, over time, that turned into bigger projects. \n\n\n\nBryan: When did that become a company? \n\n\n\nTom: I worked for a couple of years as a superintendent for other builders, then started doing maintenance work on my own. That led to someone asking, “Do you think you can remodel this place for us?” I said, “Yeah, let’s give it a try.” \n\n\n\nWe performed well, and that helped propel us into the next project and the next one. In 2005, we made the company official. \n\n\n\nBryan: What is different about building and remodeling in Aspen? \n\n\n\nTom: Building and remodeling in Aspen is a whole different ballgame. With remodeling, you have a team of designers and advisors, and everyone needs to agree on preferences and decisions. It takes time to get everyone on the same page to ensure everything is just right. Then there’s the neighbors, the building department, homes built long ago with challenging existing conditions and clients who expect the best! \n\n\n\nBuilding a new home can be more fluid. However, the same attention to quality, schedule and budget expectations is still required.  \n\n\n\nBryan: What has changed most since COVID? \n\n\n\nTom: Cost is the biggest variable. The residential real estate market and construction costs both seem to have doubled. The cost of living is higher, and materials cost more, so all trades cost more.  \n\n\n\nThe Aspen demographic feels like it has broadened as well. More people are coming from more places than before. Expectations are higher than ever. The ability to work remotely is a contributing factor. \n\n\n\nBryan: A lot of businesses talk about the labor pool. How do you deal with that? \n\n\n\nTom: It is definitely a challenge. For us, it is not only about finding people. It is about making sure subcontractors have enough bandwidth to handle our project, are properly qualified and insured and bring a strong crew in. \n\n\n\nThat pushes us toward working with more established companies. They tend to offer better pay and benefits, which attracts a more sophisticated tradesman and that creates a more elevated product for our clients. \n\n\n\nThen it becomes about communication and expectations for the subs. We aim to build success for everyone on the team — clients get what they want and we manage fair agreements with the subcontractors. \n\n\n\nBryan: What do you attribute your staying power to? \n\n\n\nTom: Fortitude, a need to survive in a challenging market, and wanting to always do my best. Reputation matters, and so does understanding what clients expect. Some people are more budget-driven, while some have a very specific design intention, which could put budget or the schedule as a lower priority. The important thing is constant communication. \n\n\n\nWhen I first moved here, I was a pretty high-strung East Coast person. I have slowly learned to be more patient, but still persistent. This is a small valley. You cannot just say, “We’ll get a new plumber.” You have to make it work with people — subs and clients included. Reputation matters with both. \n\n\n\nBryan: What is the hardest part of building in Aspen? \n\n\n\nTom: It is not one thing. We are building very complex, high-performing homes in a very challenging mountain environment, for the world’s leaders as clients who expect their money, quality controls and their schedule to be managed exceptionally well. \n\n\n\nAs construction managers, we are in the middle. We need things from the architect, the building department, the client and the consultants. We work hard to manage & balance quality, schedule and budget. In the industry, the old saying is “quality, schedule, budget: pick two,” but in Aspen, people expect all three. \n\n\n\nBryan: What is your favorite summer activity in Aspen? \n\n\n\nTom: Mountain biking. I live bike-in, bike-out in Snowmass, and I bike every morning. I ride North Rim, Seven Star and Skyline Ridge. I love hiking too, and I love eating al fresco in town. Sitting outside on a 65-degree evening in Aspen is as good as life can get. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are few industries more demanding than construction, and few places more exacting than Aspen in which to build a life over time. For Tom, the reward lies not only in handing over a home after all the blood, sweat, tears and heart that went into it, but in the life that work has made possible: mornings on the bike, time on the trail and evenings in the mountains with his family. \n\n\n\nBryan Welker lives and breathes business and marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. He is President, Co-founder, and CRO of WDR Aspen, a boutique marketing agency that develops tailored marketing solutions. Who should we interview next? Reach out and let us know bryan@wdraspen.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/beyond-the-algorithm-building-on-reputation/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Bryan Welker and Stefan le Roux","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:45:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23110733%2FTom_Sherlock_Owner_MHP2-683x1024.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"beyond-the-algorithm-building-on-reputation"},{"id":"uhmcdw","title":"Aspen Ideas: Health features four days of ‘big ideas’","excerpt":"Aspen Ideas: Health opened on Monday with remarks from experts, including two-minute big-idea summaries from seven health industry professionals. Since artificial intelligence is such an all-encompassing and rapidly expanding force, at least half of the big ideas revolved around AI.\n\n\n\nKris Alexa...","content":"Aspen Ideas: Health opened on Monday with remarks from experts, including two-minute big-idea summaries from seven health industry professionals. Since artificial intelligence is such an all-encompassing and rapidly expanding force, at least half of the big ideas revolved around AI.\n\n\n\nKris Alexander encouraged employing AI to help others by developing video games that enhance social skills and education, from math to reading. \n\n\n\nMary Claire Haver asserted that menopause is not women’s health; it’s about aging science. When estrogen falls, the entire body losses regulation mechanisms, often leading to problems like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and more. \n\n\n\n“Everyone benefits when women are healthy,” she said. \n\n\n\nNworah Ayogu noted that AI will maximize whatever we point it at —  how we save lives and relieve suffering by helping invent medications faster, offer more insight for patients and more. \n\n\n\nJessica Jackson asserted that everyone should know their mental health baseline, and that mental health should be as routine as eye exams and dental prevention. She pointed out that we don’t wait until we lose a tooth before we visit a dentist, but we tend to wait until stress becomes an impairment. She believes mental health checkups should extend beyond a simple symptom checklist, since the cause of symptoms of depression or anxiety vary wildly, from grief to hormones and much more. Instead, check-ups should identify what stresses we’re carrying and if early signs of concern exist. \n\n\n\nAndrea Downing emphasized that it is time for new social contracts to place patients’ privacy and rights first. She wants to make the internet safer. \n\n\n\n“We all give consent,” she said, adding that 71% of Americans don’t trust tech companies, yet over 40% of us upload our health records — as do doctors. “I work with AI frontier models, and what I’m learning is both exciting and terrifying.” \n\n\n\nShe demands no aggregation without representation. \n\n\n\nSharmila Makhija said that in the age of AI, medical education needs to be more human than ever. \n\n\n\n“AI cannot replace human understanding,” she said, adding that future physicians will need both technological fluency and human insight so that patients feel seen, heard and understood.  \n\n\n\nZeke Emanuel, who also talked at the community event on longevity at Wheeler Opera House, pointed out that, “One idea, no matter how big, will not solve the dysfunctional American healthcare system.” \n\n\n\nCéline Gounder (left) interviewed Zeke Emanuel at Aspen Ideas: Health’s community session at Wheeler Opera House on June 22.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nHe proposes a practical, simple, yet very extensive healthcare coverage plan, which would offer prescription, vision, hearing and dental benefits, as well as early childhood interventions. His plans include zero deductibles and copays for office visits and generic drugs, as well as capped hospital charges. \n\n\n\nThe opening session concluded with guessing games; audience members voted which photos AI generated, and which were “real.” Most of the time, at least half of the participants couldn’t decipher which were which. \n\n\n\nThen three doctors read short descriptions of symptoms and decided whether or not they needed more information, such as family history, vaccination history and further testing. AI agreed with the doctors’ assessments a couple times, but a couple other times, AI’s snap diagnosis could’ve killed the patients, or at least prescribed possibly unnecessary antibiotics. It proved the point that AI’s success rate lowers our guard, especially since it’s programmed to sound confident, but confidence doesn’t always equate to competence. \n\n\n\nMonday’s community session at Wheeler Opera House featured Emanuel commenting on his book “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life.” \n\n\n\nHe’s currently 68, and in 2014, he wrote an essay in “The Atlantic” saying he hoped to die by age 75 — and he hasn’t changed his mind. \n\n\n\n“What hell is for me — hell is: The body’s working great, and the mind isn’t there. If I had dementia, I’d rather be dead,” he said, providing data about how 30% of people at age 75 experience cognitive decline, and 10% have dementia. The rates increase by age 80. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s happening in Aspen, in one click.\n\n\n\n Sign up for our morning newsletter at AspenTimes.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough the talk was titled “The Inside Scoop on Longevity,” he spent a lot of time talking about how the healthcare system is broken. The fragmentation and complexity results in hundreds of billions of dollars wasted, he said, and allows entities to make billions with “little tricks.” \n\n\n\nHe recommends simplifying, standardizing and digitalizing insurance processes to save enough money to cover everyone in America. He provided an example of how a hospital visit costs $215 in fees to bill insurance, and office visits cost $30, whereas running a credit card costs about a dollar. By digitalizing insurance cards, he said the results could save hundreds of billions. \n\n\n\nHe also would like to see insurance companies cover the same individuals for five years, so they can invest in people’s preventative healthcare. \n\n\n\n“Since 2000, hospital (costs) have gone up more than doctor fees and education … and it’s a problem,” he said. \n\n\n\nHe reviewed how social relationships are the strongest predictors of a long and healthy life — weighing in more heavily than sleep, diet and exercise, though he admitted all are important. \n\n\n\n“We ignore social needs,” he said, adding that the topic often falls into the psychological realm, but it affects essential biological processes, such as which genes turn on and off. \n\n\n\nSocial needs especially fell by the wayside during the pandemic. His main takeaways from the way the pandemic was handled involved the emotional, mental and physical “cost” of social isolation and how “we could have made a generational change and improved everybody’s health” by upgrading indoor air quality in every school and office building in the nation. “It was a huge missed opportunity,” he said. \n\n\n\nHe also explained how wellness is a permanent lifestyle, not something you do for just awhile. Therefore, healthy habits must be enjoyable. \n\n\n\n“You can’t do something you don’t enjoy for decades. Willpower easily fatigues, and willpower takes a long time to recover,” he said. “Diets about deprivation are not going to work. Wellness is about changing habits that you can get pleasure from. Wellness is not about being perfect. It’s about moderation.” \n\n\n\nHe noted that most Americans get enough protein, but 93% of the population doesn’t consume enough healthy fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. \n\n\n\n“Sixty percent of the calories Americans eat are from ultra-processed foods,” he said. \n\n\n\nUltimately, he said he’s not selling anything in his book. \n\n\n\n“I wrote the book to challenge you to have your own philosophy about what you can do to stay healthy as long as possible without cognitive decline,” he said. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-ideas-health-features-four-days-of-big-ideas/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-23T17:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2023%2F06%2F07002917%2Fideashealth-atd-062323-5-1024x731.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-ideas-health-features-four-days-of-big-ideas"},{"id":"fbv9pr","title":"Street closures planned for Mall Fest 50 in Aspen","excerpt":"Galena Street between Hopkins Ave and Cooper Ave will be closed from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on June 27 for Mall Fest 50. \n\n\n\nMall Fest 50 is an art parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Aspen Pedestrian Mall. The free event will feature art from local artists, costumes and performances. Mall Fe...","content":"Galena Street between Hopkins Ave and Cooper Ave will be closed from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on June 27 for Mall Fest 50. \n\n\n\nMall Fest 50 is an art parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Aspen Pedestrian Mall. The free event will feature art from local artists, costumes and performances. Mall Fest 50 will culminate with a block party at Sister Cities Plaza. \n\n\n\nFor the event, 10 parking spaces on Monarch Street near Hyman Ave will be reserved for ADA-accessible and event parking. The Aspen Saturday Market will remain open throughout the event duration.\n\n\n\nThe event schedule is as follows:\n\n\n\n\nParade staging at Wagner Park: 9-10 a.m.\n\n\n\nMall Fest 50 Art Parade: 10-11 a.m.\n\n\n\nBlock party at Sister Cities Plaza: 11 a.m. to noon\n\n\n\n\nFor more information about Mall Fest 50, visit https://www.redbrickaspen.com/. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/street-closures-planned-for-mall-fest-50-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:30:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F15224811%2Fartdisplay-atd-051526-02-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"street-closures-planned-for-mall-fest-50-in-aspen"},{"id":"m6kjfu","title":"Snowmass history: King at Jazz","excerpt":"“B.B. King Leads Off First Weekend Of Summer” headlined the Aspen Daily News on June 24, 1995. “The Jazz Aspen Snowmass musical festival, which runs through Sunday, continues tonight with Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson and featuring 1995 Grammy-winner Herbie Hancock … Sunday morn...","content":"“B.B. King Leads Off First Weekend Of Summer” headlined the Aspen Daily News on June 24, 1995. “The Jazz Aspen Snowmass musical festival, which runs through Sunday, continues tonight with Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson and featuring 1995 Grammy-winner Herbie Hancock … Sunday morning a free Fanny Hill concert will feature the Gospel Hummingbirds, part of the festival, starting at 11:30 a.m. The Burlingame Chair #2 will run for free from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the concert. The chairlift will also be open Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. as part of the regular fee summer lift schedule … Sunday night’s closing concert will open at 5 p. m. with the Sammy Mayfield Blues Band and later that night feature the ‘King of Blues,’ B.B. King and acoustic solo blues musician John Hammond. Jazz Aspen Snowmass also launches its summer educational program next week with free one-hour master classes led by seasoned performers and musicians. One session, conducted by the King, will take place Sunday at the Anderson Ranch arts Center.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowmass-history-king-at-jazz/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Historical Society Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tinfo@aspenhistory.org","publishDate":"2026-06-23T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F23065638%2F4_2023.013.5775_Aspen_Historical_Society_Bob_Krueger_Collection-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"snowmass-history-king-at-jazz"},{"id":"ohyxbe","title":"Aspen opens community survey to all residents","excerpt":"Following the city of Aspen’s launch of its biennial community survey earlier this month with mailed participation invitations to randomly selected households, all community members are now invited to answer a variety of questions surrounding quality of life in Aspen and their level of satisfacti...","content":"Following the city of Aspen’s launch of its biennial community survey earlier this month with mailed participation invitations to randomly selected households, all community members are now invited to answer a variety of questions surrounding quality of life in Aspen and their level of satisfaction with city services. \n\n\n\nTo access the community survey, visit https://www.aspencommunityvoice.com/projects. \n\n\n\nThe survey will help city staff and Aspen City Council identify areas of need in the community and understand resident sentiment. Responses from the survey play an important role in directing the city’s work, according to a press release.\n\n\n\nThe survey closes on July 20. After, data findings will be presented to council and published on the city of Aspen website.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-opens-community-survey-to-all-residents/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F05%2F07210138%2Fcityhall-atd-050726-01-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-opens-community-survey-to-all-residents"},{"id":"z74lhx","title":"Obituary: Kay Simons","excerpt":"December 20, 1934 – May 28, 2026\nIn loving memory of Kay Simons\nKay Simons grew up in Denver , Colorado as Kay Frances Kranz. She graduated from Colorado University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Masters from University of Wyoming. She taught first and second grade in Boulder and B...","content":"December 20, 1934 – May 28, 2026\nIn loving memory of Kay Simons\nKay Simons grew up in Denver , Colorado as Kay Frances Kranz. She graduated from Colorado University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Masters from University of Wyoming. She taught first and second grade in Boulder and Brookfield, and began teaching second grade at Aspen Elementary around 1962. She married Bob Simons in 1967, who was an 8th grade English teacher at Aspen middle school, and continued to teach for almost 24 years.\nKay was an avid horse woman from her childhood days. She is known and beloved for her involvement with the Aspen Lions Club, Aspen Saddle Tramps, 4-H, and her many years as Secretary of the W/J Rodeo and a board member of the Pitkin County Fair .\nKay rode Quarter Horses in shows and competed successfully in National Reining Horse Shows for 20 years. She also had been a volunteer at St Mary’s Hospital for 8 years and was a member of St Josephs Catholic Church until the time of her death.\nShe enjoyed singing in the choir, playing the guitar, and served on a board which donated time and free lessons on Classical Guitar to Middle and High School students.\nKay and Bob moved out of Aspen to Carbondale in 1991, and again to Grand Junction in 1995.\nBob Simons , who was an avid fisherman all his life, passed in 2006.\nKay started a horse training business in Junction with Gary Day and rode every day until they retired in 2013. She still rode every day after that, and continued to have a close friendship with Gary and his wife Bonnie, who passed in 2017.\nKay moved into assisted living in Grand Junction several years ago, and then moved to Memory care last year. She led a lively and contented life there, mildly afflicted with dementia, which did not affect her enthusiasm for living life and meeting people. Kay died suddenly and unexpectedly after a very short illness.\nKay Simons was a legend in Aspen. The memories and comments upon the announcement of her passing were overwhelmingly about how dearly beloved she was as a second grade teacher, and as a mentor and teacher to those who loved horses. She had trophies and awards everywhere in her home from her years in Reigning events and Quarter Horse Shows. She never stopped wearing her blue jeans and cowgirl shirts, though she did give up the boots for a pair of sneakers, but she was cowgirl through and through and will be remembered from Aspen to Grand Junction as a loving, cheerful, giving mentor, teacher and friend.\nShe was preceded in death by her mother and father, Frances and Elliot Kranz, and her brother, Jay Kranz.\nShe is survived by her niece and nephew, Kristi (Jack) and Karl (Dawn) Kranz, and her three step-sons, Geoff(Nancy), Robbie (Alice) and Thomas Simons.\nWe are planning to hold memorial services in the Aspen area before winter and will be announcing dates and details as soon as those arrangements are made.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/obituaries/obituary-kay-simons/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-06-23T03:04:06.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F22210420%2FW0020287.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"obituary-kay-simons"},{"id":"b4bgx6","title":"Vail Mountain School named ‘2025 Volunteer Group of the Year’","excerpt":"Eagle Valley Community Foundation, an Eagle County nonprofit, recognized Vail Mountain School as its 2025 Volunteer Group of the Year. \n\n\n\nThe award recognized the school’s outstanding commitment to service, experiential learning and the meaningful connections it built across the community, accor...","content":"Eagle Valley Community Foundation, an Eagle County nonprofit, recognized Vail Mountain School as its 2025 Volunteer Group of the Year. \n\n\n\nThe award recognized the school’s outstanding commitment to service, experiential learning and the meaningful connections it built across the community, according to a statement from the Eagle Valley Community Foundation. Vail Mountain School, an independent K-12 school in Eagle County, was formally recognized for this accolade on May 14 at the school’s town hall. \n\n\n\n“Vail Mountain School has created a model for what it looks like when education meets community impact,” said Grace Anshutz, director of development and marketing at the Eagle Valley Community Foundation, in a recent statement. “Students are not just learning, they are building relationships, strengthening trust, and showing up for their neighbors in powerful ways.” \n\n\n\nThe school’s Spanish program, led by educator Angela Alonso, was highlighted for its work to provide students the ability to apply their language skills in real-world settings — volunteering to support food access with The Community Market and assisting Spanish-speaking community members at MIRA Health Fairs with registration, directions and access to critical health services. \n\n\n\n“Students gain confidence communicating with native speakers and deepen their understanding of the diverse community they live in,” Alonso said in a recent statement. “They strengthen their ability to empathize with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.” \n\n\n\nThe school’s work providing for its Eagle County community also goes beyond the classroom.\n\n\n\nVail Mountain School has an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service where students, faculty and families come together to provide support to The Community Market and other local initiatives. The school also regularly donates excess meals to the market in an effort to provide meals to local families in need and in an effort to reduce food waste, partnering with the Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s REcover Program. Parents of the young students have also played a role in community efforts with their own parent group. \n\n\n\n“Volunteering helps students grow as thoughtful, community minded young adults,” Alonso said. “They develop responsibility, maturity, and a genuine sense of civic engagement.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-mountain-school-named-2025-volunteer-group-of-the-year/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T22:34:04.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F22161215%2FVMS_Health_Fair1-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"vail-mountain-school-named-2025-volunteer-group-of-the-year"},{"id":"4tvf3l","title":"Short-term funding solution proposed for Hogback Route","excerpt":"The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) presented to Rifle City Council on Wednesday, June 17, to keep the Hogback bus route running from Glenwood Springs to New Castle, Silt and Rifle.\n\n\n\nRFTA CEO Kurt Ravenschlag spoke during Wednesday’s work session about the proposal, which would pro...","content":"The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) presented to Rifle City Council on Wednesday, June 17, to keep the Hogback bus route running from Glenwood Springs to New Castle, Silt and Rifle.\n\n\n\nRFTA CEO Kurt Ravenschlag spoke during Wednesday’s work session about the proposal, which would provide temporary funding through 2029 at the latest while local governments look for a more sustainable long-term solution.\n\n\n\nFunding for the Hogback has been uncertain beyond November, when RFTA has said it would be unable to keep the line running without additional support.\n\n\n\nThe route began in 2002 with support from Garfield County commissioners, who originally contributed $750,000. Their contributions to the route have dwindled over the years, and the county has indicated it plans to eliminate funding for the route in 2027, citing financial issues. \n\n\n\nRifle and Silt currently contribute $40,000 each, this year being Silt’s first year of contributions. Both municipalities are not apart of RFTA. New Castle and Glenwood Springs are current members of RFTA, which contributed $407,000 to the Hogback route in 2026. While other possible funding solutions were raised, nothing conclusive has come of the discussions yet. \n\n\n\n“RFTA has indicated, if there’s not really a funding solution figured out here, they’re looking at a final service day of November 21,” said Rifle City Manager Patrick Waller. “The workshop discussion is RFTA has organized a meeting with Silt and Rifle to look at these possible opportunities to keep the service.”\n\n\n\nCosts are going up, so RFTA, working with Waller and Silt Town Manager Jim Mann, have come up with contributions from Silt, Rifle, RFTA, and hopefully Garfield County. \n\n\n\nUnder the proposal, 2027 funding would include $575,000 from RFTA, $80,000 from Rifle, $45,000 from Silt and $200,000 from Garfield County.\n\n\n\nIn 2028, RFTA would contribute $567,000, Rifle would contribute $100,000, Silt would contribute $60,000 and Garfield County would contribute $200,000.\n\n\n\nIn 2029, RFTA would contribute $544,810, Rifle would contribute $130,000, Silt would contribute $80,000 and Garfield County would contribute $200,000.\n\n\n\nWaller said, from his perspective, the issue with the Hogback service is that there’s no dedicated funding source for it, since Rifle is not a member of RFTA and the money Rifle, Silt and Garfield County contributes come from their general funds. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“I think the general sense we’ve had this past year, once we received notification from the County, that they’re intending to reduce their contribution of the service to zero, it really didn’t give the affected parties enough time to identify a more sustainable, dedicated funding source,” Ravenschlag said. “This proposal that Patrick, Jim, and myself came up with was a solution to buy us some time, a little bit of a runway, so that the town of Silt, city of Rifle, and hopefully Garfield County can have a conversation about what we all want to do.”\n\n\n\nRavenschlag said the proposal is not sustainable long-term for any of the parties as they project costs to rise by about $25,000 each year.\n\n\n\n“We think we could pull this off for a few years here, to allow for that time for discussions and public engagement to occur,” Ravenschlag said. \n\n\n\nRavenschlag said RFTA has notified Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, a nonvoting member of the RFTA board, about the upcoming request. Ravenschlag, Waller and Mann have also attempted to contact Garfield County Manager Fred Jarman.\n\n\n\nRifle Mayor Clint Hostettler asked Waller if Garfield County had been in attendance at the meetings where Waller, Mann and RFTA came up with a funding solution. Waller said the county has not. \n\n\n\n“The County is aware that there will be a funding request,” Waller said. “This is really intended to be some sort of short-term solution.”\n\n\n\nWaller also said that RFTA would like an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the entities, but that they’re open to discussing the terms of the agreement so not everyone is locked in for three years if they come up with another solution before 2029. \n\n\n\n“If we contribute $80,000, but we’re still sitting here next summer, and there’s no solution, I’m going to be frustrated,” Hostettler said. \n\n\n\nRavenschlag agreed, saying that the funding partners would want to see progress being made, and they’d have to identify what the progress goals are, and they’d be built into the IGA. \n\n\n\nOne of the longer term solutions suggested in the session was putting the question to the people of Rifle about joining RFTA, but even if the question is put forth, ballot questions aren’t decided until November. Another possibility could be creating a contract between RFTA and other entities for the Hogback service, similar to how the county originally supported the route. \n\n\n\n“Our citizens of Silt and Rifle are used to having the bus,” Hostettler said. “We’ve been hoping for this, we’ve been waiting for RFTA to reach out.”\n\n\n\nRifle City Council directed Waller to keep working on this short-term solution with RFTA, Silt, and hopefully Garfield County.\n\n\n\nRavenschlag said the municipalities of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys, from Aspen to Parachute, want to see a robust public transportation system where people have options, but the question is how do they get there.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/short-term-funding-solution-proposed-for-hogback-route/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T20:27:15.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F04%2F27101155%2FDSC_0247-2048x1486-1-1024x743.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"short-term-funding-solution-proposed-for-hogback-route"},{"id":"ue32db","title":"PHOTOS: Strawberry Days celebrates 129 years","excerpt":"For 129 years, Strawberry Days has brought Glenwood Springs together for a weekend of art, music, food and summer tradition. This year’s festival featured artists from across Colorado and around the country, offering visitors the chance to support independent makers while finding something one of...","content":"For 129 years, Strawberry Days has brought Glenwood Springs together for a weekend of art, music, food and summer tradition. This year’s festival featured artists from across Colorado and around the country, offering visitors the chance to support independent makers while finding something one of a kind to keep or give as a gift.\n\n\n\nUnder the hot sun, the festival stayed lively with bands playing, food trucks serving steady crowds and activities keeping kids busy throughout the day.\n\n\n\nThe Pottery Bunker was offering strawberry ceramic tumblers in honor of Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs on Saturday in the Arts Village. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nYumi Jewelry + Plants uses real flowers in their pieces, from bracelets and ornaments to rings and earrings at Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs on Saturday. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nChoo-choo, coming through, a train ride around the Arts Village and Main Stage of Strawberry Days for kids who need a break on Saturday in Glenwood Springs. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nAustin Cole of Solar Neighbors makes Skillipeas, creatures of clay and shell, which he uses to make his creations in stop-motion films. The Skillipeas were on sale at Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs at Two Rivers Park on Saturday. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nCloudy Constellations was at Strawberry Days, offering cute berets to look like cherry and blueberry pies at Two Rivers Park on Saturday in Glenwood Springs.\nKatherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nMom and daughter dance to the music by the 101st Army Mountain Brass Band at Strawberry Days on Saturday at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nVintage Box Guitars on display with cigar box guitars at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs for the Strawberry Days festival on Saturday. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nA juggler caught at the worst moment with his face almost perfectly obscured at Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs on Saturday at Two Rivers Park. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nGlassTreasureBox or Reflections of Glass are boxes made with mirrored insides, usually for jewelry, but anything can be put inside, glittering in the sun on Saturday at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs for the Strawberry Days festival. Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThe crowd walked in between artist booths, looking at local and non-local handmade wares at Strawberry Days in Two Rivers Park on Saturday in Glenwood Springs.Katherine Tomanek/Post Independent","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/photos-strawberry-days-celebrates-129-years/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T20:24:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22120654%2FSD_Front-1024x623.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"photos-strawberry-days-celebrates-129-years"},{"id":"saeoyq","title":"Sylvan Lake among state parks experiencing water shortages, reduced boating access","excerpt":"Impacts from Colorado’s extreme drought conditions are hitting several state parks in the state’s northwest corner. \n\n\n\nColorado Parks and Wildlife announced emergency water conservation measures and boating restrictions at both Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle County and Rifle Gap State Park in G...","content":"Impacts from Colorado’s extreme drought conditions are hitting several state parks in the state’s northwest corner. \n\n\n\nColorado Parks and Wildlife announced emergency water conservation measures and boating restrictions at both Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle County and Rifle Gap State Park in Garfield County, according to a Monday, June 22 news release. \n\n\n\nBoth parks are located within some of the more extreme drought conditions in Colorado. According to the June 18 U.S. Drought Monitor, Eagle County and western Garfield County are experiencing exceptional drought conditions — the worst measured by the monitor. \n\n\n\nSylvan Lake State Park\n\n\n\nAt Sylvan Lake State Park outside of Eagle, the park’s main source and well, Zurcher Spring, has run completely dry and shows no signs of recovery due to the extreme drought conditions in the region. \n\n\n\nTo maintain basic operations at the park, Parks and Wildlife has transitioned to using a secondary water source, Cowboy Spring. This spring is producing 2,000 gallons of water per day, and with park usage ranging between 2,500 and 3,000 gallons daily, park staff shut off all 17 public water spigots in the state park. \n\n\n\n“We are using more water than we can currently produce, and are on track to run out,” said Sylvan Lake State Park Manager Matt Westerberg in the news release. “We know turning off the water spigots isn’t ideal, but our hope is this will save enough water to keep the main campground shower building operational for visitors.”\n\n\n\nDespite having a workaround, Parks and Wildlife is asking visitors to help out by bringing their own water. Visitors can fill their tanks at the visitor center, which operates on a separate, functioning well system. \n\n\n\nRifle Gap State Park\n\n\n\nA little further west in Garfield County, Rifle Gap State Park is experiencing impacts brought on by the winter’s historically low snowpack and early snowmelt. While the park typically experiences water declines in the late summer, they are hitting the state park months ahead of schedule, Parks and Wildlife reported. \n\n\n\nTo combat this, Parks and Wildlife is reducing motorized boat launching to a single lane and has pulled all courtesy docks from the water. Access for hand-launched vessels like kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards will remain unaffected by the closure.\n\n\n\n“With our boat ramp down to a single lane, launching and loading will take significantly longer than usual,” said Rifle Gap State Park Manager Brian Palcer in the release. “We are asking all boaters to practice patience, pack an extra dose of courtesy for their fellow recreators at the ramp, and expect delays. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable day on the water despite these challenging conditions.”\n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife encourages boaters to exercise caution as low water levels have also exposed shallow, unmarked hazards across the reservoir, including uneven bottom topography, fish habitat structures, rocks and tree stumps. With these conditions, the agency also issued a reminder that life jackets are required on all vessels. \n\n\n\nIf the reservoir continues to recede at its current rate, Parks and Wildlife said the water levels will drop entirely below the concrete boat ramp, forcing a complete closure of the ramp to motorized watercraft for the remainder of the season in early July.\n\n\n\nAt both parks, the most current information can be found on their individual Facebook pages and websites on cpw.state.co.us/state-parks.","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-state-parks-water-shortage-reduced-boat-access/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Vail Daily staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnewsroom@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T20:23:44.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F04%2F20180620%2FCvrFeature-VDN-042126-1024x683.jpeg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"sylvan-lake-among-state-parks-experiencing-water-shortages-reduced-boating-access"},{"id":"pxwn93","title":"Hodge Pottery opens in New Castle for creative fun, relaxation","excerpt":"The cup sits on the table, blank, pale and serene, able to become anything. With a few strokes of color, it’s become a meadow, green dotted with multihues of flora, or a fish with an open mouth, teeth lining the rim.\n\n\n\nAaron Frakes and Shelly Haddon started Hodge Pottery in January this year in ...","content":"The cup sits on the table, blank, pale and serene, able to become anything. With a few strokes of color, it’s become a meadow, green dotted with multihues of flora, or a fish with an open mouth, teeth lining the rim.\n\n\n\nAaron Frakes and Shelly Haddon started Hodge Pottery in January this year in New Castle along Main Street, a paint-your-own-pottery store. \n\n\n\n“We’ve been bringing our kids to Grand Junction to do this, Fat Cat and Angelo’s, and it’s just such a far drive, we thought our community could use something like this,” Frakes said. “It’s for kids or people who want something to do.”\n\n\n\nThe store is roomy, able to hold around 40 people, with wide windows to let in sunshine while painting pottery. \n\n\n\nHaddon and Frakes met around 20 years ago while returning from a concert in Costa Rica. They later married, moving from Minnesota to New Castle, then back to Minnesota, before returning to Colorado. They have lived in Silt for the past 12 years. \n\n\n\nHaddon has been teaching Spanish for 23 years, currently at Two Rivers Community School. Frakes is a handyman, working on projects when he’s not at Hodge Pottery. They have two children, Neena and Micah, whose projects are all around the store. \n\n\n\n“We thought it’d be a nice space for people to have birthday parties or events,” Haddon said. “When our daughter became a tween, we were always looking for things for her and her friends to do together where they wouldn’t need to have their parents right there.”\n\n\n\nWhile Garfield County offers plenty of outdoor activities, Frakes and Haddon are looking to offer a calm outlet. \n\n\n\n“It really allows people to create personal gifts for family and friends for holidays and birthdays,” Haddon said. “With all the technology of the world today, it’s a great way for people to put their phones down, focus on the company they’re with and the painting.”\n\n\n\nAll the bisque pottery is ordered in different shapes and sizes, some coming with their own lights. \n\n\n\nFrakes has also been picking up some larger pieces for when families come in. \n\n\n\n“Parents come with their kids and the kids get done more quickly, but the parents would like to sit and paint a little longer,” Frakes said. “So I’ve just been getting some larger furniture for kids to paint on while their parents work on their pottery.”\n\n\n\nWhile not an official service, Frakes said he’s looking into these larger pieces being community art projects. \n\n\n\n“I’m thinking maybe having a sign-up sheet and they can come and paint on whatever, and if that project goes to sale or auctioned off, all the kids on that list can get a cut of that maybe,” Frakes said. “I’m not sure yet, but I’m thinking about it.”\n\n\n\nHaddon said that’s what’s great about paint-your-own-pottery: anyone can do it. \n\n\n\n“You don’t have to be an artist to paint pottery, you can be a beginner or an expert, but it’s all about having a relaxing time,” Haddon said. \n\n\n\nWalking into Hodge Pottery, attendees pick a table and choose a bisqueware piece to paint. Pieces range from coasters to mugs to fairies to dragons and more. \n\n\n\nThen, go pick some paint, settle in, paint your piece, and when you’re finished, Frakes takes it back to their house, where their kiln is. \n\n\n\n“We don’t charge firing fees, we just charge by the piece itself,” Frakes clarified. “We take it, fire it, then we bring it back, and you can come pick it up in about a week after painting.”\n\n\n\nA finished piece is put into a little bag and sent off with the painter. Some pieces can be saved if the painter isn’t done yet, and they can come back to finish at a later date. \n\n\n\nHodge Pottery is located at 240 West Main St., New Castle. Reservations are not required, but large parties and event plans should call ahead at 970-355-8739 or email info@hodgepottery.net. For more information, visit hodgepottery. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/hodge-pottery-open-in-new-castle-for-creative-fun-and-relaxation/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T19:42:39.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F22133945%2Fhodge_pottery-1024x703.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"hodge-pottery-opens-in-new-castle-for-creative-fun-relaxation"},{"id":"5q949","title":"June 10 Rifle fire ruled human-caused, investigators seek tips","excerpt":"Investigators have determined the June 10 structure and wildland fire near Willow Creek Circle and Government Creek in Rifle was human-caused, though the specific ignition source has not been identified.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue and the Rifle Police Department are asking for the public’s hel...","content":"Investigators have determined the June 10 structure and wildland fire near Willow Creek Circle and Government Creek in Rifle was human-caused, though the specific ignition source has not been identified.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue and the Rifle Police Department are asking for the public’s help as the investigation continues. Investigators have identified an area of origin and are seeking more information about a female reportedly seen leaving the area around the time of the fire with soot visible on her face.\n\n\n\nThe June 10 fire damaged an apartment building and burned nearby wildland area before crews contained the incident. The fire prompted evacuations near Willow Creek Circle, West 30th Street and surrounding areas as firefighters from multiple agencies worked the scene.\n\n\n\nThe fire was later mapped at 10 acres and contained June 11. Most residents were allowed to return home after the fire, though residents of the damaged apartment building remained displaced.\n\n\n\nThe investigation comes as Garfield County continues to deal with dry conditions that have prompted Stage 1 fire restrictions across the county.\n\n\n\nAnyone with information related to the fire is asked to contact the Rifle Police Department at 970-625-8095 and ask to speak with Sgt. Dewey Ryan.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/june-10-rifle-fire-ruled-human-caused-investigators-seek-tips/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T19:41:28.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F10221927%2F719679761_1509869931173226_2329532805319974856_n-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"june-10-rifle-fire-ruled-human-caused-investigators-seek-tips"},{"id":"n850ln","title":"Northwest Colorado state parks experiencing water shortages, reduced boating access","excerpt":"Impacts from Colorado’s extreme drought conditions are hitting several state parks in the state’s northwest corner. \n\n\n\nColorado Parks and Wildlife announced emergency water conservation measures and boating restrictions at both Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle County and Rifle Gap State Park in G...","content":"Impacts from Colorado’s extreme drought conditions are hitting several state parks in the state’s northwest corner. \n\n\n\nColorado Parks and Wildlife announced emergency water conservation measures and boating restrictions at both Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle County and Rifle Gap State Park in Garfield County, according to a Monday, June 22 news release. \n\n\n\nBoth parks are located within some of the more extreme drought conditions in Colorado. According to the June 18 U.S. Drought Monitor, Eagle County and western Garfield County are experiencing exceptional drought conditions — the worst measured by the monitor. \n\n\n\nSylvan Lake State Park\n\n\n\nAt Sylvan Lake State Park outside of Eagle, the park’s main source and well, Zurcher Spring, has run completely dry and shows no signs of recovery due to the extreme drought conditions in the region. \n\n\n\nTo maintain basic operations at the park, Parks and Wildlife has transitioned to using a secondary water source, Cowboy Spring. This spring is producing 2,000 gallons of water per day, and with park usage ranging between 2,500 and 3,000 gallons daily, park staff shut off all 17 public water spigots in the state park. \n\n\n\n“We are using more water than we can currently produce, and are on track to run out,” said Sylvan Lake State Park Manager Matt Westerberg in the news release. “We know turning off the water spigots isn’t ideal, but our hope is this will save enough water to keep the main campground shower building operational for visitors.”\n\n\n\nDespite having a workaround, Parks and Wildlife is asking visitors to help out by bringing their own water. Visitors can fill their tanks at the visitor center, which operates on a separate, functioning well system. \n\n\n\nRifle Gap State Park\n\n\n\nA little further west in Garfield County, Rifle Gap State Park is experiencing impacts brought on by the winter’s historically low snowpack and early snowmelt. While the park typically experiences water declines in the late summer, they are hitting the state park months ahead of schedule, Parks and Wildlife reported. \n\n\n\nTo combat this, Parks and Wildlife is reducing motorized boat launching to a single lane and has pulled all courtesy docks from the water. Access for hand-launched vessels like kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards will remain unaffected by the closure.\n\n\n\n“With our boat ramp down to a single lane, launching and loading will take significantly longer than usual,” said Rifle Gap State Park Manager Brian Palcer in the release. “We are asking all boaters to practice patience, pack an extra dose of courtesy for their fellow recreators at the ramp, and expect delays. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable day on the water despite these challenging conditions.”\n\n\n\nParks and Wildlife encourages boaters to exercise caution as low water levels have also exposed shallow, unmarked hazards across the reservoir, including uneven bottom topography, fish habitat structures, rocks and tree stumps. With these conditions, the agency also issued a reminder that life jackets are required on all vessels. \n\n\n\nIf the reservoir continues to recede at its current rate, Parks and Wildlife said the water levels will drop entirely below the concrete boat ramp, forcing a complete closure of the ramp to motorized watercraft for the remainder of the season in early July.\n\n\n\nAt both parks, the most current information can be found on their individual Facebook pages and websites on CPW.State.CO.US/state-parks. ","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/colorado-state-parks-water-shortage-reduced-boat-access/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Steamboat Pilot & Today staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tnews@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T19:35:16.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2024%2F08%2F02101220%2FIMG_1892-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"northwest-colorado-state-parks-experiencing-water-shortages-reduced-boating-access"},{"id":"z3sofs","title":"Rifle hires former police chief to return to department","excerpt":"Thomas Klein Jr. was confirmed Wednesday evening during Rifle City Council’s meeting as the city’s next chief of police. \n\n\n\nKlein will return to the role he previously held from 2017 to 2021, bringing more than 30 years of law enforcement and municipal leadership experience back to Rifle.\n\n\n\nTh...","content":"Thomas Klein Jr. was confirmed Wednesday evening during Rifle City Council’s meeting as the city’s next chief of police. \n\n\n\nKlein will return to the role he previously held from 2017 to 2021, bringing more than 30 years of law enforcement and municipal leadership experience back to Rifle.\n\n\n\nThe city began searching for a new chief after Debra Funston retired in April. The search produced two finalists: Cory Huff and Klein. \n\n\n\nKlein, a Raleigh, North Carolina native, most recently served with the Airport Division of the Orlando Police Department after moving to Florida in 2024 after serving Rifle as city manager. \n\n\n\nKlein held the Rifle police chief position from 2017 to 2021 and brings more than 30 years of law enforcement and municipal leadership experience back with him, spending 24 years with the Raleigh Police Department, serving in patrol, investigations, intelligence, and district operations. \n\n\n\nHe retired as a district captain, championing community-oriented policing, collaborative problem-solving, and data-driven strategies to strengthen public safety and build trust in the community.\n\n\n\n“I’m ready to get back to doing something I love, and my wife, Kimberly, loves Rifle, and so do I,” Klein said. “We always wanted to come back.”\n\n\n\nKlein recounted his movement from police chief to city manager before he left for Florida.\n\n\n\n“There had been some concern about hiring outside for the city manager role, and a few people asked me to do it, and I decided try it,” Klein said. “I told them I wasn’t a city manager, I’m a cop, and I would prefer to be a police chief over anything, but I did enjoy my time as city manager.”\n\n\n\nKlein said he learned a great deal from the role. \n\n\n\n“I never would’ve learned about those things before, where, as a department head, I understood what the city manager did, but in that role, I understood so many more details about what every department is dealing with,” Klein said. “Sometimes it’s complicated, but you get to see how different divisions work, you get to know more about the senior center, Parks and Recreation, wastewater, and it was interesting to step outside my area of expertise. \n\n\n\nKlein is grateful for the opportunity he had to be city manager. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocal news from across Western Garfield County—right to you.\n\n\n\nSign up for the weekly newsletter: TheCitizenTelegram.com/Newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“It gave me a real appreciation for how much work goes into operating a municipality correctly,” he said. “I’m excited to bring that back to being chief of police for Rifle.”\n\n\n\nKlein will most likely be sworn in sometime in July at one of the city council meetings. \n\n\n\n“Kimberly and I are really excited to have an opportunity to return to the city,” Klein said. “It’s a great place to work, to live, it’s got great people, a great community. Rifle is a special place.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rifle-hires-former-police-chief-to-return-to-department/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T19:24:34.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2024%2F03%2F13133128%2Fklein-fixed-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"rifle-hires-former-police-chief-to-return-to-department"},{"id":"jc93bm","title":"kay simons obit","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/kay-simons-obit/image_84446c67-8943-42ab-a09d-ad58f0d936b6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F44%2F84446c67-8943-42ab-a09d-ad58f0d936b6%2F6a3b2110bbf79.image.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"kay-simons-obit"},{"id":"k1cqj8","title":"Dónde se posicionan los demócratas Alex Kelloff y Dwayne Romero sobre los principales temas en las elecciones primarias del 3er Distrito Congresional de Colorado","excerpt":"Read in English | Traducido por Rossana Longo Better Dos demócratas compiten entre sí en las elecciones primarias demócratas para el 3er Distrito Congresional de Colorado el próximo 30 de junio: el empresario Alex Kelloff y Dwayne Romero, exintegrante del Concejo Municipal de Aspen y veterano de ...","content":"Read in English | Traducido por Rossana Longo Better Dos demócratas compiten entre sí en las elecciones primarias demócratas para el 3er Distrito Congresional de Colorado el próximo 30 de junio: el empresario Alex Kelloff y Dwayne Romero, exintegrante del Concejo Municipal de Aspen y veterano de los Rangers del Ejército de Estados Unidos. La […]","url":"https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/23/alex-kelloff-y-dwayne-romero-sobre-los-temas-elecciones-primarias-3er-distrito-congresional-de-colorado/","source":"Colorado Sun","author":"Taylor Dolven","publishDate":"2026-06-23T15:19:13.000Z","category":"government","localScore":30,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fnewspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F06%2Felex-2026-cd3-dem.jpg%3Ffit%3D1024%252C768%26amp%3Bssl%3D1","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dnde-se-posicionan-los-demcratas-alex-kelloff-y-dwayne-romero-sobre-los-principales-temas-en-las-ele"},{"id":"cgz08r","title":"Summit commissioner endorses Doyle for PitCo seat","excerpt":"Eric Mamula — My name is Eric Mamula and I am a Summit County commissioner and former Breckenridge mayor. If I lived in Pitkin...","content":"Eric Mamula — My name is Eric Mamula and I am a Summit County commissioner and former Breckenridge mayor. If I lived in Pitkin...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/summit-commissioner-endorses-doyle-for-pitco-seat/article_96623a67-e8d6-4db0-a476-c508e685a969.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1605540436563-5bca919ae766%3Fw%3D800%26h%3D500%26fit%3Dcrop","inBriefing":true,"slug":"summit-commissioner-endorses-doyle-for-pitco-seat"},{"id":"nlr62f","title":"Reader supports Weiser for governor","excerpt":"Colin Laird — As a local elected official working on solutions to affordable housing, climate, transportation and the economy...","content":"Colin Laird — As a local elected official working on solutions to affordable housing, climate, transportation and the economy...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/reader-supports-weiser-for-governor/article_2d14ca2a-3031-4c9c-87c1-e34d629f2bb5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","inBriefing":true,"slug":"reader-supports-weiser-for-governor"},{"id":"59567j","title":"bonfire 2","excerpt":"A woman holds a bag of Bonfire Coffee in the new Glenwood Springs store on June 11.","content":"A woman holds a bag of Bonfire Coffee in the new Glenwood Springs store on June 11.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/bonfire-2/image_3cf89016-97c7-4ea4-9b7c-8069d0a1223c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Gina Sheldrake","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2Fcf%2F3cf89016-97c7-4ea4-9b7c-8069d0a1223c%2F6a3b3498a0682.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C232","inBriefing":true,"slug":"bonfire-2"},{"id":"rzqmlc","title":"Writers on the Range: When hiking is touted as a piece of cake","excerpt":"Overconfidence can ruin a good hike. When I surf through outdoor sites on social media, here’s the essence of what I usually find...","content":"Overconfidence can ruin a good hike. When I surf through outdoor sites on social media, here’s the essence of what I usually find...","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/writers-on-the-range-when-hiking-is-touted-as-a-piece-of-cake/article_a8c30c21-547c-43cf-8a62-a934f9bf276a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff, Writers on the Range","publishDate":"2026-06-24T08:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fad%2F5ad82d03-fe43-45a5-bd22-8890749783f5%2F6a3b0a5d4be43.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C420","slug":"writers-on-the-range-when-hiking-is-touted-as-a-piece-of-cake"},{"id":"7840b0","title":"slim woodruff wotr","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/slim-woodruff-wotr/image_5ad82d03-fe43-45a5-bd22-8890749783f5.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-24T07:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fad%2F5ad82d03-fe43-45a5-bd22-8890749783f5%2F6a3b0a5d4be43.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C420","slug":"slim-woodruff-wotr"},{"id":"q4rcmw","title":"grand canyon hikers","excerpt":"Hikers descend into the Grand Canyon.","content":"Hikers descend into the Grand Canyon.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/grand-canyon-hikers/image_1d46ae21-ff03-4891-87ab-8ad41eafd493.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Photo by Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff","publishDate":"2026-06-24T07:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2Fd4%2F1d46ae21-ff03-4891-87ab-8ad41eafd493%2F6a3b0a2041ab1.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","slug":"grand-canyon-hikers"},{"id":"9dt685","title":"Growing Community: The distance between us","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/opinion/growing-community-the-distance-between-us/article_272e1d22-30e4-4ccd-8d0d-a4a8691f14e6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kayla Bailey, Renee Giles and Katherine Sand, Growing Community","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:24:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fa%2F7d%2Fa7d8071b-9151-4ee3-a079-2fec44336300%2F69c3047bf0f3e.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C208","slug":"growing-community-the-distance-between-us"},{"id":"rq64a1","title":"KOTA! Releases “MORE,” the 2026 Self-Love Anthem We All Need — Out Now","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/online_features/press_releases/kota-releases-more-the-2026-self-love-anthem-we-all-need-out-now/article_63bff259-462a-5f1d-8994-e01bd5277fd2.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T13:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fcustom%2Fimage%2F50acd222-91f5-11e9-aea3-9b4d2e149062.jpg%3Fresize%3D600%252C314","slug":"kota-releases-more-the-2026-self-love-anthem-we-all-need-out-now"},{"id":"u4n1ss","title":"Eagle County case alters national climate law","excerpt":"Local railroad debate steams into Supreme Court","content":"Local railroad debate steams into Supreme Court","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/eagle-county-case-alters-national-climate-law/article_80410270-44a2-4587-a609-f6374a4e69f6.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Austin Corona, Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F11%2F71166a61-b372-4774-b468-b16b8669b50a%2F6a39dc71dc867.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"eagle-county-case-alters-national-climate-law"},{"id":"kmzb2v","title":"Aspen family urges everyone to consider kidney donation","excerpt":"Melville: Saving a life is a no-brainer","content":"Melville: Saving a life is a no-brainer","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/aspen-family-urges-everyone-to-consider-kidney-donation/article_f93608cb-7afd-4cdd-b38b-daf55ad51830.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-23T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fee%2Fbeef54ef-0524-4ba4-8eac-31eb337bd3cd%2F6a39dea671e56.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"aspen-family-urges-everyone-to-consider-kidney-donation"},{"id":"2wub1y","title":"A decade of excess, neon jumpsuits and shocking murders","excerpt":"Aspen Historical Society hosts exhibit on ’80s","content":"Aspen Historical Society hosts exhibit on ’80s","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-decade-of-excess-neon-jumpsuits-and-shocking-murders/article_9e715585-513c-4295-ab45-61bae118c290.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-23T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F04%2F50421318-efaa-4022-81c4-3fb90cba535f%2F6a39e117dab77.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"a-decade-of-excess-neon-jumpsuits-and-shocking-murders"},{"id":"56z2sw","title":"Local news in brief, June 23","excerpt":"Community survey open until July 20","content":"Community survey open until July 20","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-june-23/article_32ecb9d6-c478-4d2e-a0fa-9c80f66034c8.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fed%2Fdedb6be4-2961-4a1f-9a0b-c1e8bf2d604c%2F68e710dcf2f72.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C189","slug":"local-news-in-brief-june-23"},{"id":"9sfbcz","title":"oil train","excerpt":"Tank cars, often used to transport oil, line a rail track near Parachute in June.","content":"Tank cars, often used to transport oil, line a rail track near Parachute in June.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/oil-train/image_71166a61-b372-4774-b468-b16b8669b50a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Andre Salvail/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F7%2F11%2F71166a61-b372-4774-b468-b16b8669b50a%2F6a39dc71dc867.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"oil-train"},{"id":"dtab70","title":"anna and karen","excerpt":"Anna Battista and Karen Thacker of Aspen’s Melville family seek to raise awareness about the impact of organ donation as Anna awaits a kidney transplant.","content":"Anna Battista and Karen Thacker of Aspen’s Melville family seek to raise awareness about the impact of organ donation as Anna awaits a kidney transplant.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/anna-and-karen/image_beef54ef-0524-4ba4-8eac-31eb337bd3cd.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Anna Battista","publishDate":"2026-06-23T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fb%2Fee%2Fbeef54ef-0524-4ba4-8eac-31eb337bd3cd%2F6a39dea671e56.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"anna-and-karen"},{"id":"n06pxq","title":"susan and craig","excerpt":"Susan Gomes’ deceased husband, Pepper Gomes, received the gift of life in the form of a kidney donation from Craig Melville in 2014. Melville wants to encourage others to consider paying it forward through a kidney donation.","content":"Susan Gomes’ deceased husband, Pepper Gomes, received the gift of life in the form of a kidney donation from Craig Melville in 2014. Melville wants to encourage others to consider paying it forward through a kidney donation.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/susan-and-craig/image_1b06d882-76d9-47a9-af0f-e90615a9da9c.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kari Dequine/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-23T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2Fb0%2F1b06d882-76d9-47a9-af0f-e90615a9da9c%2F6a39deeecf673.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"susan-and-craig"},{"id":"jv6wk2","title":"anna battista","excerpt":"Anna Battista, 34, is on dialysis awaiting a kidney donation. She is the granddaughter of legendary Aspen innkeepers Marian and Ralph Melville.","content":"Anna Battista, 34, is on dialysis awaiting a kidney donation. She is the granddaughter of legendary Aspen innkeepers Marian and Ralph Melville.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/anna-battista/image_de7a9c61-72ec-4c47-bbc2-a2e8b5fb53fa.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Anna Battista","publishDate":"2026-06-23T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Fd%2Fe7%2Fde7a9c61-72ec-4c47-bbc2-a2e8b5fb53fa%2F6a39df35db0c6.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","slug":"anna-battista"},{"id":"qtpoee","title":"Dry Creek Fire grows to 189 acres south of Rifle","excerpt":"Update, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 189 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been de...","content":"Update, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Dry Creek Fire south of Rifle on Gage Road is estimated at 189 acres, Colorado River Fire Rescue spokesperson Maria Nechkash said Tuesday evening.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and part of the Grass Mesa area, Nechkash said. No structures have been destroyed.\n\n\n\nResponding agencies include Colorado River Fire Rescue, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, Nechkash said.\n\n\n\nTwo airplanes, two helicopters and an air attack aircraft are supporting crews, Nechkash said. Additional aircraft and ground resources, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers and hand crews have been requested, according to Watch Duty updates posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nThe fire has jumped County Road 319, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Winstead, citing a unit on scene.\n\n\n\nA pre-evacuation notice has been issued for Grass Mesa south of Rodeo Drive and Coyote Trail.\n\n\n\nEvacuated residents can go to the Garfield County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle, according to Garfield County 911 information shared through ReachWell.\n\n\n\nOriginal, 4 p.m. Tuesday: Crews are responding to a structure fire and wildfire south of Rifle on Gage Road, where additional structures and gas wells are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and are moving into the Grass Mesa area, according to the fire agency.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Orrin Moon said three aircraft are on scene as crews work the fire.\n\n\n\nMoon said the fire is moving quickly, with wind pushing the flames. He said the fire is around 28 acres, though he has not yet been able to get all the way around it.\n\n\n\nA large air tanker and two hand crews have been requested by incident command, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nAdditional structures and gas infrastructure are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Moon said some gas wells in the area are in the process of being shut down.\n\n\n\n“We have some gas wells that are being threatened too, which we’re in the process of shutting down,” Moon said.\n\n\n\nAir resources, mutual aid and interagency resources have been ordered, Colorado River Fire Rescue Administrator Courtney Valencia said Tuesday.\n\n\n\nThe fire was initially reported as a structure fire and wildfire near Gage Road. Valencia said there is a home in the area, but it is not immediately clear whether the fire started in the structure or in nearby brush.\n\n\n\nEmergency officials are asking people to avoid the area and give responders room to work. Drivers traveling nearby should use caution and watch for emergency vehicles.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/evacuations-underway-grows-189-acres-for-structure-wildfire-south-of-rifle/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:00:37.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F08%2F18112049%2FPI-breaking-news-1920x1080-1024x576-1.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"dry-creek-fire-grows-to-189-acres-south-of-rifle"},{"id":"noxnxf","title":"Evacuations underway for structure, wildfire south of Rifle","excerpt":"Crews are responding to a structure fire and wildfire south of Rifle on Gage Road, where additional structures and gas wells are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and are moving into the Grass Mesa area, according to the fire agency....","content":"Crews are responding to a structure fire and wildfire south of Rifle on Gage Road, where additional structures and gas wells are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue.\n\n\n\nEvacuations are in progress for Gage Road and are moving into the Grass Mesa area, according to the fire agency.\n\n\n\nColorado River Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Orrin Moon said three aircraft are on scene as crews work the fire.\n\n\n\nMoon said the fire is moving quickly, with wind pushing the flames. He said the fire is around 28 acres, though he has not yet been able to get all the way around it.\n\n\n\nA large air tanker and two hand crews have been requested by incident command, according to a Watch Duty update posted by Liam Winstead, manager of operational intelligence and mapping.\n\n\n\nAdditional structures and gas infrastructure are threatened, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. Moon said some gas wells in the area are in the process of being shut down.\n\n\n\n“We have some gas wells that are being threatened too, which we’re in the process of shutting down,” Moon said.\n\n\n\nAir resources, mutual aid and interagency resources have been ordered, Colorado River Fire Rescue Administrator Courtney Valencia said Tuesday.\n\n\n\nThe fire was initially reported as a structure fire and wildfire near Gage Road. Valencia said there is a home in the area, but it is not immediately clear whether the fire started in the structure or in nearby brush.\n\n\n\nEvacuated residents can go to the Garfield County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle, according to Garfield County 911 information shared through ReachWell.\n\n\n\nEmergency officials are asking people to avoid the area and give responders room to work. Drivers traveling nearby should use caution and watch for emergency vehicles.\n\n\n\nThe Post Independent will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/evacuations-underway-for-structure-wildfire-south-of-rifle/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T22:00:37.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F08%2F18112049%2FPI-breaking-news-1920x1080-1024x576-1.jpg","inBriefing":true,"slug":"evacuations-underway-for-structure-wildfire-south-of-rifle"},{"id":"fhrcqo","title":"Pitkin County to enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday","excerpt":"Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, which was announced at a joint Aspen City Council and Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday.\n\n\n\nThis follows Pitkin County’s move into Stage 1 on June 10.\n\n\n\nAccording to Pitkin Co...","content":"Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, which was announced at a joint Aspen City Council and Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday.\n\n\n\nThis follows Pitkin County’s move into Stage 1 on June 10.\n\n\n\nAccording to Pitkin County Emergency Manager Chris Breitbach, who presented at the meeting, “the eight to 14 day outlook looks … not real promising.” \n\n\n\nBreitbach’s presentation highlighted that the process of implementing Stage 2 requires at least three of the following elements to be present: an Energy Release Component (or ERC, meaning the the nationally recognized index to predict how dry vegetation is) of 97% or higher forecasted for the next five to seven days; a high, human-caused risk that is experienced or anticipated; live fuel moistures anticipated to exceed thresholds for ignitions with high resistance to control; and no significant relief in fire weather forecast over the next seven days.\n\n\n\nAt lower elevations, fire danger ratings are forecasting ERCs in an excess of 90% for the next seven days. At middle and high elevations, “the ERCS are at 100% almost every day for the next seven days,” he said. Pitkin County remains in exceptional (D4) drought, with five fires started within the region in the last seven days, four of which have been determined to be human-caused.\n\n\n\n“Based on all that science, Sheriff Buglione will be entering Pitkin County into Stage 2 Fire Restrictions,” he confirmed.\n\n\n\nHe added that colleagues in Eagle and Garfield counties are having the same conversations, along with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.\n\n\n\n“They’ll make their announcement tomorrow morning at 9:30,” he said. “They’re aware of what our stance is.”\n\n\n\nStage 2 Fire Restrictions include all restrictions outlined in Stage 1, which determines that fires are only allowed in designated fire grates at developed recreation sites, in permanent fire pits or fire rings at private residences enclosed in steel or concrete and in devices that can be turned on and off with a valve, like gas grills, propane fire pits and gas fireplaces, along with prohibiting the possession, use or discharge of fireworks and other devices that create fire, smoke or sparks. Smoking is also restricted and only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, enclosed building or in an outdoor urban area free of flammable materials. It is illegal to dispose of a cigarette out of a vehicle under Stage 1. \n\n\n\nActivities that produce sparks, like welding, torch work and the operation of engines without approved spark arrestors are restricted under Stage 1 and can only be conducted in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation, with a fire extinguisher readily available. \n\n\n\nStage 2 adds restrictions that prohibit fires, fireworks, smoking, off-road driving (meaning leaving a road to drive through dry grass), spark-producing devices and welding and torch use. Using gas fireplaces is still allowed.\n\n\n\nAdditional information and details of stage restrictions can be found through pitkinemergency.com.\n\n\n\nCouncil Member Bill Guth asked why there would be a delay in enacting Stage 2 between now and Friday, to which Breitbach responded that mobilizing everything needed for Stage 2 takes a bit of time.\n\n\n\n“When you’re going into Stage 1, it’s a lot more of an awareness, and it doesn’t take very long,” Breitbach said. “Going into Stage 2, there’s a lot more action that has to be taking place. It’s going to take us a little bit longer.”\n\n\n\nWith regard to the messaging that will be prepared for Stage 2, Guth recommended highlighting for people what behaviors can create dangerous situations based on past human-caused fires.\n\n\n\n“I think it might be valuable to exemplify some of the human behaviors that have caused those fires,” he said, noting the education that came from learning what started the Lake Christine Fire.\n\n\n\nPitkin County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy of Operations Parker Lathrop agreed on the importance of making people aware of what they can control — like trucks dragging chains near grass, which he said is often overlooked as a risk.\n\n\n\n“Messaging is huge. We really want to educate the public and say, most campfire starts come from Colorado residents,” Lathrop said, not visitors.\n\n\n\nHe added that natural causes like dry lightning can also pose threats to the community, particularly if the monsoonal season brings dry lightning with less rain.\n\n\n\n“Natural starts can also be a huge hazard,” he said.\n\n\n\nLathrop assured the county and the city that there is currently what he considers enough manpower, both internally and through partnerships, to canvas and enforce all the areas where fires can start seven days a week this summer.\n\n\n\n“We thank all of the wildland firefighters and the fire districts and the Sheriff’s Office and the first responders for helping us out during this rather fragile time,” Commissioner Patti Clapper said.\n\n\n\nThose with questions and concerns can reach out to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.\n\n\n\n“Please call with questions,” Lathrop said. “We’re more than happy to talk, to answer questions, to be ahead of someone’s mistake.”","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/pitkin-county-to-enter-stage-2-fire-restrictions-friday/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"River Stingray Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trstingray@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-23T00:17:06.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F10214424%2Fflagaspen-atd-061026-01-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"pitkin-county-to-enter-stage-2-fire-restrictions-on-friday"},{"id":"7kwg14","title":"Aspen receives update on Cozy Point Ranch expenses","excerpt":"Following Aspen City Council’s work session June 1 that featured an update on Cozy Point Ranch projects, staff were asked to provide more information on the current Cozy Point expenses and a summary of all the Open Space parcels beyond city limits that the city owns or has played a part in the pu...","content":"Following Aspen City Council’s work session June 1 that featured an update on Cozy Point Ranch projects, staff were asked to provide more information on the current Cozy Point expenses and a summary of all the Open Space parcels beyond city limits that the city owns or has played a part in the purchase of. \n\n\n\nThe June 1 meeting saw Council Member Bill Guth float the question: Should the city remain the steward of the ranch?\n\n\n\n“I just don’t think we at the city of Aspen are the right stewards of this property today,” Guth said at the meeting, as previously reported by The Aspen Times. “I don’t think that it makes sense for the city of Aspen to manage and own this complex piece of ranch property that’s so far outside of what we should be focused on for our community.”\n\n\n\nIn order to assess Cozy Point Ranch in the broader context of all the city’s landholdings, staff prepared two information updates for council. This first is a summary of expenses at Cozy Point Ranch for the past five years, summarized as total five-year aggregate expenses grouped by type: $834,025 for operations (annual expenses, labor); $4,029,295 on land and site improvements; $273,542 on structures and facilities; $180,146 on tractors and equipment; and $729,497 on the Farm Collaborative Learning Center Contributions.\n\n\n\nThe second is a summary of 17 Open Space parcels owned by the city, organized into three categories: Open Space owned by the city but outside of city limits, Open Space that the city owns in partnership with Pitkin County and Open Space parcels that the city contributed funds to the purchase but do not have ownership. \n\n\n\nOpen Space owned by the city but outside of city limits include Aspen Mass, Cozy Point, Hunter Valley Way, Lindsay Parcel, Little Cloud, Mascotte 99, Millionaire Mill Site, Ute Mesa and Smuggler Mining Claims. \n\n\n\nOpen Space that the city owns in partnership with Pitkin County include Smuggler Mountain, Mills and James H. Smith (North Star). \n\n\n\nOpen Space parcels that the city contributed funds to the purchase but do not have ownership of include Sky Mountain Park, Wapiti Meadows, Hummingbird, Axtell & Protection and Cozy Point South.\n\n\n\nPurchase price and history of all listed parcels.City of Aspen/Courtesy image\n\n\n\n No further action on this request is anticipated at this time, according to the information update. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-receives-update-on-cozy-point-ranch-expenses/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T23:08:16.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F01170535%2Fcozy_point-1024x582.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"aspen-receives-update-on-cozy-point-ranch-expenses"},{"id":"oe5jtv","title":"Colorado’s mountains summers are getting warmer, exacerbating drought and wildfire risk","excerpt":"Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.\n\n\n\nAcross most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if an...","content":"Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.\n\n\n\nAcross most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if any — precipitation, according to Colorado State Climatologist Russ Schumacher. One weather station in Dillon with 130 years of temperature data recorded the second-hottest first half of June ever, and just 1/100th of an inch of rain so far this month.\n\n\n\n“On the one hand, June tends to be the driest month on the Western Slope before the monsoon season starts, but the average is not zero — we usually get some rain in June,” Schumacher said. “It’s been warm and dry up to this point in the month and at least for the next several days to a week, it looks like that is going to continue.”\n\n\n\nColorado is facing widespread and severe drought conditions after experiencing the worst snowpack on record this past winter. The winter was also the hottest in the state’s history, with a March heatwave that brought summerlike warmth to the mountains and rapidly melted the snowpack.\n\n\n\nAfter the exceptionally hot and dry winter, May offered temperatures and precipitation levels that were closer to normal for most parts of the mountains. Some parts of northwestern Colorado saw above-average precipitation, offering a slight reduction in the drought conditions.\n\n\n\n“Having a month like May was good news,” Schumacher said. “The mountains got some snow, which slowed down the rapid meltout that had started in the March heatwave. It wasn’t nearly as warm. I think we’d be in worse shape now had it not been like that in May.”\n\n\n\nAll of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought, with the worst conditions centralized in the mountain region in and around the Interstate 70 corridor, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map.U.S. Drought Monitor/Courtesy illustration)\n\n\n\nStill, exceptional drought — the highest level — continues to impact vast swathes of Summit, Grand, Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield, Rio Blanco and Moffat counties, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report published Thursday, June 18. \n\n\n\nSchumacher noted that the drought conditions on the Western Slope didn’t begin this past winter but carried over from last summer, when above-average temperatures and dry weather also dominated. He said the hot weather that Colorado has seen is a symptom of climate change and the amount of heat-trapping gases, like carbon dioxide, that humans have pumped into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels.\n\n\n\nFrom Aspen to Steamboat Springs, temperatures across the mountains this weekend are expected to be between five and 10 degrees above average for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service.\n\n\n\n“Summer is when it’s the hottest naturally, and then we’re adding additional heat to that to warm up summers even further,” Schumacher said. “It’s really apparent in June that, especially in the mountains and in western Colorado, we’ve seen June getting a lot warmer.”\n\n\n\nClimate Central’s daily attribution tool, the Climate Shift Index, applies the latest peer-reviewed methodology to map the influence of climate change on temperatures across the globe every day. On June 19, the climate shift index showed that temperatures across broad swathes of Colorado’s mountains were made at least five times more likely by climate change. Climate Central/Courtesy illustration\n\n\n\nOn average, temperatures in Colorado have risen by about 3 degrees since 1970, reflecting an overall warming trend that is also occurring on a global scale, according to Climate Central. The nonprofit’s Climate Shift Index shows that temperatures on much of the Western Slope over the past week were made three to five times more likely by climate change.\n\n\n\nAs summers get warmer, Colorado is also seeing more periods where hot, dry and windy weather combine to create dangerous fire conditions. An analysis by Climate Central found that the Western Slope is experiencing between 32 and 48 more fire weather days with hot, dry and windy conditions compared to the 1970s.\n\n\n\nWith winds expected in addition to hot weather this weekend, the National Weather Service has issued a “red flag” warning for most of the Western Slope, advising of “critical fire weather conditions” Saturday afternoon. Most mountain communities have implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions that prohibit most campfires as the fire danger increases.\n\n\n\n“Our mountains in Colorado are windy places. Most people are familiar with that,” Schumacher said. “That combination of conditions — hot, dry and windy — that’s what you don’t want if there is a fire going, but those are also the conditions that dry out the vegetation.”\n\n\n\nLooking ahead, forecasters expect the above-average temperatures to continue through the remainder of the summer. However, the start of monsoon season could offer some relief from drought, with long-term forecasts showing increased chances of above-average precipitation later in the summer.\n\n\n\nSchumacher said that models are showing indications that the monsoon will be active, but the wetter weather pattern typically doesn’t kick in until mid-July or early August. Still, with signs of a strong El Nino pattern developing over the Pacific Ocean, he said he’s hopeful that there will be plenty of rain in the latter half of the summer.\n\n\n\n“El Nino tends to bring wet conditions to Colorado in the fall, so I think there’s some reason for optimism further out on the horizon,” Schumacher said. “But in the near term, it’s warm and dry, and it’s looking like it’s going to continue for at least the next week or two.”","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/colorados-mountains-summers-are-getting-warmer-exacerbating-drought-and-wildfire-risk/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T20:24:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2026%2F06%2F19162436%2FIMG_2607-scaled-1-1024x769.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"colorados-mountains-summers-are-getting-warmer-exacerbating-drought-and-wildfire-risk"},{"id":"3g09dh","title":"Dillon and Summit County record second-hottest start to June","excerpt":"Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.\n\n\n\nAcross most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if an...","content":"Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.\n\n\n\nAcross most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if any — precipitation, according to Colorado State Climatologist Russ Schumacher. One weather station in Dillon with 130 years of temperature data recorded the second-hottest first half of June ever, and just 1/100th of an inch of rain so far this month.\n\n\n\n“On the one hand, June tends to be the driest month on the Western Slope before the monsoon season starts, but the average is not zero — we usually get some rain in June,” Schumacher said. “It’s been warm and dry up to this point in the month and at least for the next several days to a week, it looks like that is going to continue.”\n\n\n\nColorado is facing widespread and severe drought conditions after experiencing the worst snowpack on record this past winter. The winter was also the hottest in the state’s history, with a March heatwave that brought summerlike warmth to the mountains and rapidly melted the snowpack.\n\n\n\nAfter the exceptionally hot and dry winter, May offered temperatures and precipitation levels that were closer to normal for most parts of the mountains. Some parts of northwestern Colorado saw above-average precipitation, offering a slight reduction in the drought conditions.\n\n\n\n“Having a month like May was good news,” Schumacher said. “The mountains got some snow, which slowed down the rapid meltout that had started in the March heatwave. It wasn’t nearly as warm. I think we’d be in worse shape now had it not been like that in May.”\n\n\n\nAll of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought, with the worst conditions centralized in the mountain region in and around the Interstate 70 corridor, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map.U.S. Drought Monitor/Courtesy illustration)\n\n\n\nStill, exceptional drought — the highest level — continues to impact vast swathes of Summit, Grand, Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield, Rio Blanco and Moffat counties, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report published Thursday, June 18. \n\n\n\nSchumacher noted that the drought conditions on the Western Slope didn’t begin this past winter but carried over from last summer, when above-average temperatures and dry weather also dominated. He said the hot weather that Colorado has seen is a symptom of climate change and the amount of heat-trapping gases, like carbon dioxide, that humans have pumped into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels.\n\n\n\nFrom Aspen to Steamboat Springs, temperatures across the mountains this weekend are expected to be between five and 10 degrees above average for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service.\n\n\n\n“Summer is when it’s the hottest naturally, and then we’re adding additional heat to that to warm up summers even further,” Schumacher said. “It’s really apparent in June that, especially in the mountains and in western Colorado, we’ve seen June getting a lot warmer.”\n\n\n\nClimate Central’s daily attribution tool, the Climate Shift Index, applies the latest peer-reviewed methodology to map the influence of climate change on temperatures across the globe every day. On June 19, the climate shift index showed that temperatures across broad swathes of Colorado’s mountains were made at least five times more likely by climate change. Climate Central/Courtesy illustration\n\n\n\nOn average, temperatures in Colorado have risen by about 3 degrees since 1970, reflecting an overall warming trend that is also occurring on a global scale, according to Climate Central. The nonprofit’s Climate Shift Index shows that temperatures on much of the Western Slope over the past week were made three to five times more likely by climate change.\n\n\n\nAs summers get warmer, Colorado is also seeing more periods where hot, dry and windy weather combine to create dangerous fire conditions. An analysis by Climate Central found that the Western Slope is experiencing between 32 and 48 more fire weather days with hot, dry and windy conditions compared to the 1970s.\n\n\n\nWith winds expected in addition to hot weather this weekend, the National Weather Service has issued a “red flag” warning for most of the Western Slope, advising of “critical fire weather conditions” Saturday afternoon. Most mountain communities have implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions that prohibit most campfires as the fire danger increases.\n\n\n\n“Our mountains in Colorado are windy places. Most people are familiar with that,” Schumacher said. “That combination of conditions — hot, dry and windy — that’s what you don’t want if there is a fire going, but those are also the conditions that dry out the vegetation.”\n\n\n\nLooking ahead, forecasters expect the above-average temperatures to continue through the remainder of the summer. However, the start of monsoon season could offer some relief from drought, with long-term forecasts showing increased chances of above-average precipitation later in the summer.\n\n\n\nSchumacher said that models are showing indications that the monsoon will be active, but the wetter weather pattern typically doesn’t kick in until mid-July or early August. Still, with signs of a strong El Nino pattern developing over the Pacific Ocean, he said he’s hopeful that there will be plenty of rain in the latter half of the summer.\n\n\n\n“El Nino tends to bring wet conditions to Colorado in the fall, so I think there’s some reason for optimism further out on the horizon,” Schumacher said. “But in the near term, it’s warm and dry, and it’s looking like it’s going to continue for at least the next week or two.”","url":"https://www.summitdaily.com/news/colorados-mountains-summers-are-getting-warmer-exacerbating-drought-and-wildfire-risk/","source":"Summit Daily","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@summitdaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T19:25:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F06%2F19162604%2FIMG_2607-scaled-1-1024x769.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dillon-and-summit-county-record-second-hottest-start-to-june"},{"id":"3jad5d","title":"museum 1","excerpt":"The grand opening for the exhibit “Aspen in Excess: The 1980s… Small Town, Global Hotspot!” happens Wednesday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum.","content":"The grand opening for the exhibit “Aspen in Excess: The 1980s… Small Town, Global Hotspot!” happens Wednesday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/museum-1/image_50421318-efaa-4022-81c4-3fb90cba535f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Aspen Historical Society","publishDate":"2026-06-23T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2F04%2F50421318-efaa-4022-81c4-3fb90cba535f%2F6a39e117dab77.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","slug":"museum-1"},{"id":"d965l7","title":"Aspen participates in ‘Here & Now Tour’ to address climate cost","excerpt":"Community members, elected officials and local conservation leaders joined together on Thursday at Aspen One’s Buttermilk Lodge for a local “Here & Now Tour: Building Local Resilience to Climate Disasters,” part of a statewide listening engagement initiative aimed at strengthening Colorado commun...","content":"Community members, elected officials and local conservation leaders joined together on Thursday at Aspen One’s Buttermilk Lodge for a local “Here & Now Tour: Building Local Resilience to Climate Disasters,” part of a statewide listening engagement initiative aimed at strengthening Colorado communities against growing climate impacts.\n\n\n\nThe event, which was co-hosted by groups including 350 Roaring Fork, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Clean Energy Economy for the Region and Aspen One, brought together residents, business and government leaders and staff throughout the Roaring Fork Valley to discuss the increasing effects of climate change. According to a press release, this included worsening wildfires, floods, drought, extreme temperatures and rising economic costs facing local businesses — particularly the winter sports industry — in addition to governments and families.\n\n\n\n“This tour is about empowering communities to prepare for the climate change realities we are already facing while ensuring that the financial burden does not fall solely on taxpayers, and that the biggest historic polluting fossil fuel companies pay their fair share,” Micah Parkin, Executive Director of 350 Colorado and one of the organizers of the event, said in the release. “We truly appreciate everyone who took the time to participate, share experiences, and contribute thoughtful ideas about climate impacts, resilience, and community priorities.”\n\n\n\nFeatured speakers included ACES Forest and Climate Director Adam McCurdy, 350 Colorado Director Micah Parkin, city of Aspen Sustainability Manager Clare McLaughlin, Aspen Fire Chief and CEO Jake Anderson and Aspen One Sustainability & Philanthropy Director and town of Basalt Mayor Pro Tem Hannah Berman. \n\n\n\n“The speakers emphasized the importance of local resilience planning, community collaboration, and long-term climate accountability,” the release reads.\n\n\n\nThe discussion highlighted particular findings from the 2026 Colorado Fiscal Institute report, “Colorado Climate Damages & Adaptation Costs,” estimating that climate-related damages and adaptation efforts could cost Coloradans a minimum of $1.5 billion annually through 2050. \n\n\n\n“Currently these costs fall squarely on taxpayers — local governments, businesses and families,” the release confirms.\n\n\n\nSpeakers and attendees also addressed policy proposals that include the creation of a “Climate Superfund” requiring major fossil fuel corporations that have contributed over one billion tons of climate pollution historically to pay into a fund that helps cover the escalating costs of climate adaptation, disaster response and infrastructure recovery. The release states that the listening tour is gathering public input on what resilience measures communities around the state need most in order to inform the policy that is being developed.\n\n\n\n“We’re proud to stand with ACES, the Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative, and 350 Colorado in helping bring this conversation to the Valley,” Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Advocacy, and Community for Aspen One Chris Miller said in the release. “Vermont and New York have proven that polluters — not taxpayers alone — can be held accountable for the costs of climate change, and that those dollars can be reinvested in the resilience our communities desperately need. The Roaring Fork Valley knows firsthand what’s at stake. Events like this are how we build the political will to bring that same accountability to Colorado.”\n\n\n\nThe Aspen gathering was the fifth stop of the Colorado-wide tour, which will continue in additional communities throughout the state over the summer. \n\n\n\nFor those who missed the event but are still interested in sharing their climate resilience ideas, they can do so in a follow-up survey at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7tf0FYLdy29ugeut6AVfrGbOnYNeXSFPXme6A0AFFSv8KVw/viewform.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-participates-in-here-now-tour-to-address-climate-cost/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T22:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F24155211%2Fecoflight-atd-062325-15-1024x732.jpg","slug":"aspen-participates-in-here-now-tour-to-address-climate-cost"},{"id":"l4whot","title":"Despite naysayers, books are alive and well","excerpt":"The first in a series of six panel and craft talks open to the public at Summer Words took place on June 22. While writers walked away with technical information about pitching books, the overall takeaway was: Despite societal changes — ranging from the popularity of video games and streaming to ...","content":"The first in a series of six panel and craft talks open to the public at Summer Words took place on June 22. While writers walked away with technical information about pitching books, the overall takeaway was: Despite societal changes — ranging from the popularity of video games and streaming to short attention spans — book sales are still thriving. \n\n\n\nWhile readers’ appetites continue to shift and publishers are still trying to figure it all out, publishers are making more money than they ever have, said moderator Ryan Harbage. The number of readers has remained fairly consistent, but the number of books published annually has increased. \n\n\n\nThe panel experts, which consisted of Ashley Lopez, Cece Lyra, Abby Walters and Rebekah Jett, discussed how the publishing industry is shifting, as a large portion of readers want good books that can provide an escape. That said, the literary world, which asks readers to engage more deeply, is still quite relevant. \n\n\n\n“You can’t kill the book,” Lopez said during Monday’s panel on publishing. “Books, as a form, are so important, and they can’t take that away from us. Hollywood looks to us to decide what they’re going to make. We’re the idea makers. We’re the ones who sit and think really intensely (and converse deeply with friends). We’re the ones having the real conversation and bringing it back to the page.” \n\n\n\nAs Walters pointed out, books remain important because a reader can have a completely different experience diving into the same book at different points in his or her life. \n\n\n\n“The book as an object — and its ability to endure — will not go away,” she said. \n\n\n\nAnd, while self-publishing used to be a “dirty word,” she said, the attitude about it has changed. \n\n\n\n“It’s almost like the ecosystems are feeding each other  — they’re not canceling out each other,” she said. \n\n\n\nThe experts also talked about how a good manuscript causes them to think about a subject differently and draws them in emotionally and how writers must be extremely well read. In an industry where rules can be negotiable, avid reading is mandatory. \n\n\n\nSeventy-seven writers are attending the juried workshops this week at Summer Words, and many more are coming to the open panels and craft workshops. \n\n\n\nKatie Daniels, a Snowmass resident who’s entering her senior year in high school this fall, left Monday’s panel full of new insights. \n\n\n\nKatie Daniels, a Snowmass resident about to go onto her senior year.Kimberly Nicoletti/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\n“I’m leaving the seminar with what should’ve been two pages of notes, but it’s only one because I only brought one (blank sheet). However, I go to a seminar on colleges, which is the next stage in my life, and I leave with a quarter page of notes, three doodles and no actual information,” she said, talking about how much she learned during the hour-long publishing panel. \n\n\n\nThe open, ticketed craft talks and panels continue June 23 with a discussion on structure, June 24 with talks on the art of perspective followed by the power of detail and June 25 with techniques for characters and revision. All talks take place at Viewline Resort Snowmass. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/despite-naysayers-books-are-alive-and-well/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Kimberly Nicoletti Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-22T21:39:22.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F22153733%2FIMG_7475-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"despite-naysayers-books-are-alive-and-well"},{"id":"jvmfk8","title":"El Nino has officially arrived in Colorado, and stronger moisture could be next","excerpt":"El Nino has officially arrived, bringing what could be one of the strongest El Nino summers the Northern Hemisphere has seen in decades. \n\n\n\nEl Nino conditions — characterized by above-average sea surface temperatures across the central to eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean — have been developing o...","content":"El Nino has officially arrived, bringing what could be one of the strongest El Nino summers the Northern Hemisphere has seen in decades. \n\n\n\nEl Nino conditions — characterized by above-average sea surface temperatures across the central to eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean — have been developing over the past month and were officially recognized by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on June 11.\n\n\n\nThe transition occurred rather quickly, OpenSnow Meteorologist Alan Smith noted in a June 16 report, as La Nina conditions — characterized by below-average sea temperatures — were present from January to March. Since then, sea surface temperatures have warmed rapidly.\n\n\n\nNow, forecasters predict the event could intensify into a “strong” or “super El Nino” by the end of the year. Based on recent sea surface temperature anomalies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the current El Nino has a 63% chance of reaching the highest strength threshold in the Northern Hemisphere sometime during winter, according to the June 11 advisory.\n\n\n\n“In terms of the strength of this El Nino episode, the questions at this point really are whether or not this will be merely a ‘strong’ El Nino event or a ‘super’ El Nino event, and whether or not this will be a record-setting event as some models are projecting,” Smith wrote in the report.\n\n\n\nForecasters know El Nino conditions have arrived when sea surface temperatures reach an anomaly of at least 0.5 degrees Celcius. “Super El Ninos” are classified by a sea surface temperature anomaly of greater than 2 degrees Celsius, while strong El Ninos see anomalies between 1.5 and 2 degrees.\n\n\n\nWere the anomaly to reach above 2 degrees Celcius, this El Nino would rank among the strongest events in the administration’s historical record going back to 1950. There have been three “Super El Niño” events since 1950, the most recent occurring between 2015 and 2016.\n\n\n\nThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that El Nino has a 63% chance of reaching the highest strength threshold in the Northern Hemisphere between November and January. Climate Prediction Center/Courtesy graphic\n\n\n\nIn the winter, El Niño typically contributes to above-average snow along both coasts and southern-tier states. The snowfall signal is less clear across the interior ski regions, including Colorado, Smith wrote, and requires a closer evaluation of strength and timing of El Nino’s phases.\n\n\n\nWhile El Niño’s most dramatic weather effects typically occur in late fall and winter, its atmospheric setup increases the likelihood of higher precipitation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If forecasts are correct, Colorado — especially the Western Slope — could see a wetter-than-normal summer.\n\n\n\nThe Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal precipitation outlook continues to show above-average chances for rainfall in the western half of the state from July through September, according to estimates released June 18. The seasonal temperature outlook shows Colorado leaning toward a 45-50% chance of above-normal temperatures.\n\n\n\nThe Climate Prediction Center’s three-month seasonal precipitation outlook shows above-normal chances for rainfall in Colorado from July through September.Climate Prediction Center/Courtesy graphic\n\n\n\nAlthough El Nino arrived with weak-to-moderate strength, it could still add more moisture to the promise of an active and fast-approaching monsoon season, typically ramping up in July. While a stronger El Nino doesn’t always translate directly to bigger weather impacts, it does increase their odds.\n\n\n\n“There’s definitely some reason to believe that this monsoon season might be an active one right now … especially for Western Colorado,” said Peter Goble, assistant state climatologist at the Colorado Climate Center, in an interview with the Summit Daily in May. “Like almost anything in the forecast, that’s not a certainty, but it looks more promising than a normal summer.”\n\n\n\nWith Colorado’s statewide mountain snowpack officially hitting zero on June 10, the roughly 40% chance of above-average rainfall for the Western Slope could alleviate some of the fire risk as the region remains in the highest drought intensity, according to June 18 data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.\n\n\n\nShort- and long-term forecasts\n\n\n\nFor now, the Four Corners region west of the Continental Divide remains in a drying trend, according to a June 19 mountain weather forecast from OpenSnow.\n\n\n\nOver the next week, temperatures are expected to remain higher than average for Western Slope counties, while the Front Range and regions east of the Divide could see below-average temperatures.\n\n\n\nOn Saturday, June 20, the northern and central mountains can expect dry conditions and gusty winds, with a slight chance of thunderstorms around Steamboat and the Park Range. Winds are expected to calm on Sunday, while the eastern half of the state sees a growing chance of thunderstorms — and potentially, hail — heading into the next week.\n\n\n\nTemperatures throughout the weekend will range between the 70s and 80s for most northern and central mountain towns, and are forecast to remain consistent throughout the week. A red flag warning is in effect throughout the western half of the state until Saturday night, due to the combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels.\n\n\n\nBeginning around June 24-26, a weak push of monsoonal moisture into the Southwest U.S. should bring an increased threat of thunderstorms to the Four Corners region west of the Divide, according to Smith. \n\n\n\nA weak push of monsoonal moisture into the Southwest U.S. is expected to bring an increased threat of thunderstorms to the Four Corners region west of the Divide from June 24-26. OpenSnow/Courtesy graphic","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/el-nino-colorado-arrived-moisture-strongest/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-21T23:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F19163518%2FRainstorm-CDillmann-VDN_-1.jpeg","slug":"el-nino-has-officially-arrived-in-colorado-and-stronger-moisture-could-be-next"},{"id":"pa7mrt","title":"Colorado’s mountain summers are getting warmer, exacerbating drought and wildfire risk","excerpt":"Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.\n\n\n\nAcross most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if an...","content":"Summer is off to a hot start in the Colorado mountains as soaring temperatures, a lack of precipitation and wind are worsening already severe drought conditions and exacerbating wildfire concerns.\n\n\n\nAcross most of the mountain region, June has featured near-record temperatures and little — if any — precipitation, according to Colorado State Climatologist Russ Schumacher. One weather station in Dillon with 130 years of temperature data recorded the second-hottest first half of June ever, and just 1/100th of an inch of rain so far this month.\n\n\n\n“On the one hand, June tends to be the driest month on the Western Slope before the monsoon season starts, but the average is not zero — we usually get some rain in June,” Schumacher said. “It’s been warm and dry up to this point in the month and at least for the next several days to a week, it looks like that is going to continue.”\n\n\n\nColorado is facing widespread and severe drought conditions after experiencing the worst snowpack on record this past winter. The winter was also the hottest in the state’s history, with a March heatwave that brought summerlike warmth to the mountains and rapidly melted the snowpack.\n\n\n\nAfter the exceptionally hot and dry winter, May offered temperatures and precipitation levels that were closer to normal for most parts of the mountains. Some parts of northwestern Colorado saw above-average precipitation, offering a slight reduction in the drought conditions.\n\n\n\n“Having a month like May was good news,” Schumacher said. “The mountains got some snow, which slowed down the rapid meltout that had started in the March heatwave. It wasn’t nearly as warm. I think we’d be in worse shape now had it not been like that in May.”\n\n\n\nAll of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought, with the worst conditions centralized in the mountain region in and around the Interstate 70 corridor, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map.U.S. Drought Monitor/Courtesy illustration)\n\n\n\nStill, exceptional drought — the highest level — continues to impact vast swathes of Summit, Grand, Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield, Rio Blanco and Moffat counties, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report published Thursday, June 18. \n\n\n\nSchumacher noted that the drought conditions on the Western Slope didn’t begin this past winter but carried over from last summer, when above-average temperatures and dry weather also dominated. He said the hot weather that Colorado has seen is a symptom of climate change and the amount of heat-trapping gases, like carbon dioxide, that humans have pumped into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels.\n\n\n\nFrom Aspen to Steamboat Springs, temperatures across the mountains this weekend are expected to be between five and 10 degrees above average for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service.\n\n\n\n“Summer is when it’s the hottest naturally, and then we’re adding additional heat to that to warm up summers even further,” Schumacher said. “It’s really apparent in June that, especially in the mountains and in western Colorado, we’ve seen June getting a lot warmer.”\n\n\n\nClimate Central’s daily attribution tool, the Climate Shift Index, applies the latest peer-reviewed methodology to map the influence of climate change on temperatures across the globe every day. On June 19, the climate shift index showed that temperatures across broad swathes of Colorado’s mountains were made at least five times more likely by climate change. Climate Central/Courtesy illustration\n\n\n\nOn average, temperatures in Colorado have risen by about 3 degrees since 1970, reflecting an overall warming trend that is also occurring on a global scale, according to Climate Central. The nonprofit’s Climate Shift Index shows that temperatures on much of the Western Slope over the past week were made three to five times more likely by climate change.\n\n\n\nAs summers get warmer, Colorado is also seeing more periods where hot, dry and windy weather combine to create dangerous fire conditions. An analysis by Climate Central found that the Western Slope is experiencing between 32 and 48 more fire weather days with hot, dry and windy conditions compared to the 1970s.\n\n\n\nWith winds expected in addition to hot weather this weekend, the National Weather Service has issued a “red flag” warning for most of the Western Slope, advising of “critical fire weather conditions” Saturday afternoon. Most mountain communities have implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions that prohibit most campfires as the fire danger increases.\n\n\n\n“Our mountains in Colorado are windy places. Most people are familiar with that,” Schumacher said. “That combination of conditions — hot, dry and windy — that’s what you don’t want if there is a fire going, but those are also the conditions that dry out the vegetation.”\n\n\n\nLooking ahead, forecasters expect the above-average temperatures to continue through the remainder of the summer. However, the start of monsoon season could offer some relief from drought, with long-term forecasts showing increased chances of above-average precipitation later in the summer.\n\n\n\nSchumacher said that models are showing indications that the monsoon will be active, but the wetter weather pattern typically doesn’t kick in until mid-July or early August. Still, with signs of a strong El Nino pattern developing over the Pacific Ocean, he said he’s hopeful that there will be plenty of rain in the latter half of the summer.\n\n\n\n“El Nino tends to bring wet conditions to Colorado in the fall, so I think there’s some reason for optimism further out on the horizon,” Schumacher said. “But in the near term, it’s warm and dry, and it’s looking like it’s going to continue for at least the next week or two.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-mountains-summer-heat-wildfire-risk/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T13:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F19162841%2FIMG_2607-scaled-1-1024x769.jpg","slug":"colorados-mountain-summers-are-getting-warmer-exacerbating-drought-and-wildfire-risk"},{"id":"f99iyh","title":"Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers:","excerpt":"Join RFOV, the U.S. Forest Service and Wilderness Workshop for a day of trail improvements and targeted weed removal in the iconic Maroon Bells Scenic Area on Saturday, June 27! We had such a great time at our 30th Anniversary project here that we’re bringing it back for 2026.\n\n\n\nLittle Explorers...","content":"Join RFOV, the U.S. Forest Service and Wilderness Workshop for a day of trail improvements and targeted weed removal in the iconic Maroon Bells Scenic Area on Saturday, June 27! We had such a great time at our 30th Anniversary project here that we’re bringing it back for 2026.\n\n\n\nLittle Explorers: Bring the whole family! Free, structured nature play and an introduction to stewardship is available for kids ages 4–8 during the first half of the project day (8 a.m. – noon), so parents and guardians can volunteer while their little ones explore.\n\n\n\nRegister at rfov.org/calendar.\n\n\n\nRoaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers\n\n\n\nCarbondale","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/roaring-fork-outdoor-volunteers/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-06-22T19:49:41.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"roaring-fork-outdoor-volunteers"},{"id":"xxdkw5","title":"Single-speed successes: Eagle County riders sweep Little Bighorn titles at Bighorn Gravel","excerpt":"A month ago, Erinn Hoban was in the ICU. On Saturday, the Eagle cyclist conquered the grueling 50-mile Little Bighorn route in a time of 4 hours, 44 minutes and 12 seconds — using a singlespeed bike. \n\n\n\n“It was hard,” the 46-year-old said after navigating Bighorn Gravel’s second-longest race of ...","content":"A month ago, Erinn Hoban was in the ICU. On Saturday, the Eagle cyclist conquered the grueling 50-mile Little Bighorn route in a time of 4 hours, 44 minutes and 12 seconds — using a singlespeed bike. \n\n\n\n“It was hard,” the 46-year-old said after navigating Bighorn Gravel’s second-longest race of the weekend, a challenging off-road loop which climbs and descends a daunting 5,690 feet. Hoban has completed six Leadville 100s on single-speed bikes and is no stranger to Bighorn Gravel: She captured the inaugural 85-mile single-speed crown in 2022 and returned to defend that title the following year before winning the Little Bighorn single-speed title in 2024. But when she arrived outside the Gypsum Town Hall on Saturday, finishing time and place seemed somewhat irrelevant.\n\n\n\n“I’m just happy,” she said. “I’m going to do Steamboat 100 next week and this was to prove to myself I could do it.”\n\n\n\nKate Klinker, of Lakewood, crosses the finish line to place second in for women in the 50-mile Little Bighorn race at Bighorn Gravel in Gypsum on Saturday, June 20, 2026.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nOver a spring vacation, Hoban contracted dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites. When detected early, the fatality rate is generally less than 1%, but it can surge to 5% when it develops and even exceed 20% if left completely untreated.\n\n\n\n“It’s not a fun one to be in the hospital for,” Hoban said. \n\n\n\nEven though she was at her physiological ground zero, Hoban not only won her category but inspired a wave of local single-speed successes at the fifth annual event. Mark Nesline won his fourth-straight Ram’s Horn Escape title; the Minturn 41-year-old finished the flagship 85-miler — which climbs 10,000 feet — in 6:45:44. Meanwhile, Matt Razo (3:51:11) was the fastest in the 50. Razo has participated in Bighorn Gravel all five years, but this was his first time doing it sans shifters.\n\n\n\n“It’s even harder,” he said with a laugh. “(You’re) just grinding, full muscle tension. With every pedal stroke, you just don’t know if it’s going to get around on some of those climbs.”\n\n\n\nRazo ran a 2-1 ratio, with 40 teeth on his front chain ring and 20 in the rear cog. He enlisted the expertise of Bighorn events director Jake Wells — an accomplished gravel, cyclo-cross and single-speed rider — the man who inspired him to give up gears in the first place.\n\n\n\n“He’s the one who has encouraged and motivated me, not only with the races but pushing myself into another level and into different disciplines,” he said before explaining the calculus behind his setup. \n\n\n\n“It all has to do with terrain,” he said. “That seemed to work for me, but I talked other people and they were running different ratios. So, it’s what you feel is comfortable.”\n\n\n\nHoban’s unique steed sported drop bars on a mountain bike frame with wide tires and a 38-22 gear ratio.\n\n\n\n“The frame came from one shop, the wheels came from another shop and then a different shop put it together for me,” she said. “Just spreading the love. It’s a burly-looking bike but it’s only 16 pounds.”\n\n\n\nAll told, 95 men and 30 women competed in the Little Bighorn race. Glenwood Springs’ Manasseh Franklin dominated the women’s race in a time of 3:46:46. The 40-year-old was 19 minutes up on runner-up Kate Klinker as Anna Gasiewicz held off Aspen’s Jenya Berino for the final step of the podium.\n\n\n\nOn the men’s side, Littleton cyclist Carlos Casali (3:23:00) took the title, with Aspen’s Greg Strokes (3:26:05) holding off fellow Roaring Fork rider Evan Pletcher (3:26:10) for second. Hagen Strokes, 12, won the U15 division by almost 90 minutes, coming through in 4:20:29. Locals Alex Current and Jack Sargent went 1-2 in the 18-and-under division. Current repped a snazzy green Bighorn Gravel kit across the line.\n\n\n\nAlex Current gets a handshake from race director Jake Wells as he crosses the finish line of the Little Bighorn race on Saturday in Gypsum.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily\n\n\n\n“(It was) a lot of fun,” the former Vail Junior Cycling team member and Ski and Snowboard Club Vail Nordic skier said. “A lot of climbing. Once you get on top of Sylvan, it’s very pretty. Nice meadows. Wasn’t too hot today.”\n\n\n\nCurrent, who is headed to the University of New Hampshire to ski in the NCAA DI ranks next winter, has been logging steady 15-hour training weeks on rollerskis all summer. But Saturday’s effort was just his second time on the bike this season. \n\n\n\n“I just wanted to have fun today. I don’t bike as much anymore,” he said before offering his sales pitch for Bighorn events. \n\n\n\n“I think there are so many different distances you can do and it’s just great to get out there and enjoy the view,” he continued. “And it’s put on by great people.”\n\n\n\nHoban agreed. \n\n\n\n“One of the best things about this race is (the) people are so kind,” she added. “This is one of those races where everyone asks your name, everyone is kind and everyone is awesome.”\n\n\n\nRazo and Hoban are headed to Steamboat next weekend. Razo also hopes to hop in the Breck Epic in August, but isn’t sure if he’ll use the same bike there that he did in Gypsum. Hoban plans to compete at Leadville and Little Sugar. Her single-speed science centers around simplification.\n\n\n\n“I’ve tried Leadville once on a geared bike and it was the longest time it ever took me. So apparently, if given choices, I’ll just goof around,” she said. “So why not just take one gear and do it?”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/sports-and-outdoors/singlespeed-successes-eagle-county-riders-sweep-little-bighorn-titles-at-bighorn-gravel/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Ryan Sederquist Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trsederquist@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-21T20:40:15.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F20165038%2FIMG_1369-1024x1011.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"single-speed-successes-eagle-county-riders-sweep-little-bighorn-titles-at-bighorn-gravel"},{"id":"ahd5hy","title":"Kronberg: More of a mohawk cut","excerpt":"A “haircut” on the new airport terminal square footage by the BOCC? Seems like it might be more of a mohawk cut. \n\n\n\nSardine seating. Views of big houses. Can’t get off the plane — not enough gates. Isn’t that how we describe our current airport?\n\n\n\nVoters and the community specifically said:\n\n\n...","content":"A “haircut” on the new airport terminal square footage by the BOCC? Seems like it might be more of a mohawk cut. \n\n\n\nSardine seating. Views of big houses. Can’t get off the plane — not enough gates. Isn’t that how we describe our current airport?\n\n\n\nVoters and the community specifically said:\n\n\n\n\nBuild the passenger waiting rooms with enough comfortable space for seating (no sardine seating), so when the weather goes north and our planes are delayed, we have a no-elbows touching space to wait in.\n\n\n\nGive us views of our majestic and breathtaking mountains — not of big homes. \n\n\n\nBuild enough gates, so we don’t have to wait for an hour plus to get off the plane once we land because there are not enough gates.\n\n\n\n\nThe architects initially designed a beautiful, three-story terminal right-sized at 130,000 square feet for spacious seating, fabulous views and enough gates so we can promptly get off the plane.\n\n\n\nThen the number crunching started. It appears Pitkin County is short on money to build the “right-sized” terminal at 130,000 square feet.\n\n\n\nThe “mohawk haircut” being proposed is to downsize the terminal to 96,870 square feet, taking off the top floor and cramming the passenger waiting area into the second floor with views of big homes instead of our mountains.\n\n\n\nOn Wednesday, at the noon regular meeting, the BOCC will be looking at both designs for a 130,000 square feet and a 96,870 square feet terminal (public comment will be taken, can also email the BOCC).\n\n\n\nI urge the BOCC to approve the new airport terminal “right-sized” for Opening Day. The last thing we want is for people to say, “This is not what I expected on Opening Day!”\n\n\n\nThe BOCC is smart. Surely, a solution can be found to find a “haircut” somewhere else instead of bringing the wrecking ball to the square footage of the passenger waiting area of the new terminal.\n\n\n\nOn Opening Day, we want people raving about how awesome the new terminal approved by the BOCC is … not wondering “What happened?”\n\n\n\nToni Kronberg\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/kronberg-more-of-a-mohawk-cut/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Toni Kronberg","publishDate":"2026-06-22T18:30:12.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"kronberg-more-of-a-mohawk-cut"},{"id":"6ck39z","title":"Voss: Heat stroke in dogs","excerpt":"The long days and pleasantly warm evenings are a reminder that summer is officially here. We are all excited to get outside and enjoy everything summer in Aspen has to offer, but rising temperatures are also a good reminder that our pets have different tolerances for heat than we do.\n\n\n\nWhen peop...","content":"The long days and pleasantly warm evenings are a reminder that summer is officially here. We are all excited to get outside and enjoy everything summer in Aspen has to offer, but rising temperatures are also a good reminder that our pets have different tolerances for heat than we do.\n\n\n\nWhen people think about heat stroke in dogs, they often picture a dog trapped in a hot car on a scorching summer day. While that certainly can happen, many pet guardians are surprised to learn that heat stroke can occur in far less obvious circumstances, including during a hike at altitude with an otherwise healthy and athletic dog.\n\n\n\nEvery summer, I see dogs that become dangerously overheated during hikes, runs, bike rides and other outdoor adventures. Dogs love joining us on these mountain expeditions, but they’re not always good at recognizing their own limits. \n\n\n\nUnlike people, dogs don’t cool themselves efficiently through sweating. They primarily rely on panting to release heat. When temperatures rise or exercise becomes too strenuous, their bodies can struggle to keep up. Once a dog’s internal temperature climbs too high, heat stroke can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.\n\n\n\nOne common misconception is that heat stroke only occurs when temperatures are extremely high. In reality, multiple factors can predispose a dog to developing heat stroke, such as breed and exercise intensity. Even a speedy run up Smuggler on a sunny 75-degree day can be dangerous under certain circumstances.\n\n\n\nOne of the most common scenarios I see is the enthusiastic dog who pushes their limits too far. Many dogs will continue chasing a ball, running alongside a mountain bike or hiking up a trail long after overheating has begun. Their desire to keep going can override their body’s warning signals to slow down.\n\n\n\nCertain dogs are at particularly high risk, including all brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc). Their airway anatomy makes them less able to tolerate rigorous activity, even at Aspen’s moderate temperatures. Overweight dogs, senior dogs and pets with underlying cardiopulmonary disease are also more susceptible. \n\n\n\nEarly signs can be subtle, starting with excessive panting. You may notice your dog slowing down, seeking shade, drooling more than usual or appearing less interested in continuing the activity. Their gums may become bright red and they can seem restless or anxious. \n\n\n\nAs heat stroke progresses, the clinical signs become more serious. Dogs may vomit, develop diarrhea, become weak or stumble while walking. As shock develops, they can collapse, experience seizures or lose consciousness. If it has progressed this far, immediate veterinary care is critical. \n\n\n\nIf you suspect your dog is overheating, stop the activity immediately and move them to a cool, shaded area. Offer small amounts of water if they’re alert and able to drink. Wetting their body with cool water can help lower body temperature, but avoid ice baths or extremely cold water. \n\n\n\nEven if your dog seems to improve, it is still a good idea to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Heat stroke can cause internal organ damage that is not always immediately visible. Sustained high body temperatures can affect the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract and blood clotting system. Some complications may not be apparent until hours after the initial event. \n\n\n\nFortunately, most cases are preventable. During the summer months, plan outdoor activities with your pet during the cooler parts of the day. Bring plenty of water for your dog and take frequent breaks in the shade. If your dog starts lagging behind, panting excessively or showing signs of overheating, it’s time to rest. \n\n\n\nIt’s also important to remember that asphalt, dirt trails and rocky terrain can become surprisingly hot in direct sunlight. What feels comfortable to us may be much more challenging for a dog covered in fur.\n\n\n\nLiving in the Roaring Fork Valley gives us access to world-class terrain to explore with our pets. A little awareness and preparation can go a long way toward keeping our adventures safe. Your dog may seem eager for one more mile, but sometimes the best thing we can do for them is call it a day before they ask us to.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/voss-heat-stroke-in-dogs/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Dr. Kelly Voss Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tdr.kellyvoss@gmail.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T18:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F04%2F13172355%2FScreenshot_2026-04-13_at_5.23.31%25E2%2580%25AFPM-1024x1024.png","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"voss-heat-stroke-in-dogs"},{"id":"gpzus","title":"PHOTOS: The 43rd Food & Wine Classic comes to a close in Aspen","excerpt":"The Food & Wine Classic wrapped up its 43rd showing in Aspen on Sunday with a last round of seminars and one final grand tasting.\n\n\n\nDespite next summer’s closure of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport for a major modernization project, organizers have confirmed the event will return to Aspen for its...","content":"The Food & Wine Classic wrapped up its 43rd showing in Aspen on Sunday with a last round of seminars and one final grand tasting.\n\n\n\nDespite next summer’s closure of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport for a major modernization project, organizers have confirmed the event will return to Aspen for its 44th year in 2027.\n\n\n\nLooking for more photos from the weekend? See the links below:\n\n\n\nFor Saturday photos, click here.\n\n\n\nFor Friday photos, click here.\n\n\n\nFor Thursday’s opening party, click here.\n\n\n\nFor Thursday’s ACRA luncheon, click here.\n\n\n\nCelebrity chefs Stephanie Izard, left, and Maneet Chauhan, right, meet with fans during the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nA representative with Prosecco Superiore DOCG chats with a guest during the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nChef Andrew Zimmern gives a Father’s Day toast while leading a seminar about sustainable seafood as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nRhoda Magbitang, who recently won Season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef, leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nChef Gregory Gourdet leads a seminar on Caribbean-inspired cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nGuests enjoy the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-441942-242').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = 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-->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Consumers enjoy the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A fresh batch courtesy of Rummo Pasta is made for guests at the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A consumer enjoys the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chefs Stephanie Izard, left, and Maneet Chauhan, right, meet with fans during the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n People enjoy the final few minutes of the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests pose for photos at the conclusion of the final grand tasting of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n The final few treats from The Little Nell wait to be grabbed during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A representative with Prosecco Superiore DOCG chats with a guest during the final grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar about sustainable seafood as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar about sustainable seafood as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Andrew Zimmern gives a Father’s Day toast while leading a seminar about sustainable seafood as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Wine expert Victoria James leads a seminar pairing champagne with fried chicken as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the base of Aspen Mountain.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Stephanie Izard leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Stephanie Izard leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Stephanie Izard leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Rhoda Magbitang, who recently won Season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef, leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Rhoda Magbitang, who recently won Season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef, leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Gregory Gourdet leads a seminar on Caribbean-inspired cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Gregory Gourdet leads a seminar on Caribbean-inspired cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Gregory Gourdet leads a seminar on Caribbean-inspired cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-the-43rd-food-wine-classic-comes-to-a-close-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T01:15:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F21151151%2FFWfinaltasting-atd-062126-01-1024x768.jpg","slug":"photos-the-43rd-food-wine-classic-comes-to-a-close-in-aspen"},{"id":"7o3epa","title":"Moon Mondays: Drift or decide","excerpt":"“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” Or … is it? \n\n\n\nSummer in Aspen totally overwhelms me. It’s the best and the worst. As my great-grandmother used to say, “Damnit to hell,” there’s just too much going on. Forced choices in a river of “I want to do it all.” These are acutely first-world, “oh-I...","content":"“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” Or … is it? \n\n\n\nSummer in Aspen totally overwhelms me. It’s the best and the worst. As my great-grandmother used to say, “Damnit to hell,” there’s just too much going on. Forced choices in a river of “I want to do it all.” These are acutely first-world, “oh-I’m-from-Aspen-and-there’s-too-many-cool-free-things-to-do-thanks-to-all-the-wealth-we-have-here,” problems. I blame the Paepckes. \n\n\n\nI’ll bet a number of you, recovering from too much Food & Wine overindulgence, agree with me today — nodding your throbbing heads while you grip your gassy bellies. I’m a total lightweight — one Grand Tasting and I’m ruined. \n\n\n\nSummer’s just getting rolling, ushered in by yesterday’s solstice and our annual drink heavy and overeat weekend. It’s official, on-season has turned on. \n\n\n\nI adore an early evening stroll through the mall, seeing all the looks, shapes and sizes of visitors and locals alike. The gang’s all here! Time to shine. It’s the solstice after all. \n\n\n\nThe solar light is at its peak right now. Long, hot days and wind — so much wind. Hopefully, summer will persuade the monsoons to arrive shortly. \n\n\n\nThe solstice marks the midpoint of the sun’s yearly traverse across the sky. At its high point now, the sun spends its maximum hours above the horizon. For a few days, our star will stand still where it rises and sets. The pendulum swing suspended briefly, before it migrates south for the winter. \n\n\n\nIf you haven’t taken note of where the sun sweeps across your horizon line, today’s your day. I find it incredibly centering, like deep in my ancestral DNA grounding, to know where we are in the solar cycle simply by watching the sunset from my backyard. No devices needed. My people did this, yours too, for all of time, until very recently. We’re able to reconnect. We have the power. \n\n\n\nThe summer solstice encourages a solar check-in from the new year that commenced at the winter solstice. Remember those intentions you set way back then? Now’s the moment to take a personal inventory and ask yourself how you’re doing with those goals and plans? \n\n\n\nThe sun is how we see. Our vision and the light we shine into the world. Where would you like to focus your light by the winter solstice? Do you want to arrive at winter unintentionally, still much the same as you are today, or do you have specific dreams you want to forge instead? \n\n\n\nIf we don’t know where we’re headed, we get lost. Our internal GPS needs us to drop a pin to steer toward. Otherwise, we’re just flotsam and jetsam — destination unknown. \n\n\n\nGoals don’t have to be “doing.” They can be being-oriented, like stretching, breathing or reading more and scrolling less. Likewise, you could choose whopping objectives like finishing my book, getting a different job or stopping drinking (post-Food & Wine inspired). \n\n\n\nI center my solstice intentions on a few key areas of life: health, relationships, work, creativity and money. Ideally, where do I want to be by the winter solstice? Add your own, like fun, adventure, purpose, contribution or anything that strikes your fancy. \n\n\n\nIt helps me to narrow my goals to six months only. Otherwise, my vision gets too big, too far off, and I easily lose sight of where I want to go. I write my plans down and keep them in immediate view. Then, each new moon, I bite off a portion to concentrate on for that one month.  \n\n\n\nWhen I next see you on the slopes, I’d love to hear how this solstice-to-solstice practice worked for you. Happy summer! \n\n\n\nSheridan Semple is an astrologer and life coach who helps women untangle from trauma, shift their stuck patterns, and take practical steps to reclaim their lives. Explore her work at sheridansemple.com. ","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/moon-mondays-drift-or-decide/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sheridan Semple Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-22T01:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F10%2F18100421%2FSheridan-Semple-AT-Photo-1024x666.png","slug":"moon-mondays-drift-or-decide"},{"id":"1py3or","title":"Reporters’ Notebook: Day 3 of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen","excerpt":"If there’s a diner in Heaven …\n\n\n\nMere minutes into the “Short Orders, Big Flavor: Recipes from Max & Helen’s, LA’s Hottest Diner” seminar in the bowels of the St. Regis, it became blatantly obvious Nancy Silverton was the real star of the show. \n\n\n\nChef Nancy Silverton, right, leads a seminar al...","content":"If there’s a diner in Heaven …\n\n\n\nMere minutes into the “Short Orders, Big Flavor: Recipes from Max & Helen’s, LA’s Hottest Diner” seminar in the bowels of the St. Regis, it became blatantly obvious Nancy Silverton was the real star of the show. \n\n\n\nChef Nancy Silverton, right, leads a seminar alongside famed television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe two menu items being prepared by her were a tuna melt and an egg salad sandwich — both undeniable diner staples, with a deep, emotional connection to all of our memories, hearts and gastrointestinal tracts. \n\n\n\nRight away, I learned how to vastly improve any store-bought mayonnaise: by making a simple aioli with the addition of champagne vinegar, a grated clove of garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a fresh lemon squeeze.\n\n\n\nAnother one of the clever “hacks” Nancy taught us was when extracting lemon juice from a halved lemon, keep the lemon upright, so the seeds don’t menacingly find their way into the mix. \n\n\n\nShe asked someone to please hand her a knife, which Phil Rosenthal did, to which she teasingly replied, “Good, Phil, you did something!” \n\n\n\nWe were hipped to the fact that when making an egg salad mixture to not use all of the egg whites, tear the eggs by hand, keep the yolks whole, and never — I repeat, never — chop the eggs. \n\n\n\nAlso of note: When making a tuna melt, place the cheese on the outside of the bread as to make a cheese crust on the topside of the bread. Very interesting. \n\n\n\nAfter the seminar, I chatted briefly with Phil and his family members, where I professed my undying love for “Redi-chix”: chicken basket roaster at the Brentwood Country Mart. They all agreed wholeheartedly. \n\n\n\nBehind every star is a humble supporting cast. Phil and his family are in fact that classy network. I walked out of the seminar giddy to add a tuna melt and an egg salad sandwich to my idyllic summer sandwich menu. \n\n\n\nIf there is a heaven, there’s undoubtedly a family-run diner on Main Street, and these two classic items are on the menu. \n\n\n\n— Lo Semple\n\n\n\nChampagne, fried chicken, and a little friendly competition\n\n\n\nI’ll admit, when I spotted COCODAQ on the Food & Wine Classic schedule, I had a personal stake in showing up. I’d made the pilgrimage to their New York location back in April for my birthday — walked 40 blocks just to snag two seats at the bar and try the viral chicken nuggets with caviar. So discovering they were coming to Aspen felt like a full-circle moment.\n\n\n\nWine expert Victoria James leads a seminar pairing champagne with fried chicken as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the base of Aspen Mountain.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe format was pure fun: seven unlabeled champagnes, a QR code, and the promise of a case of 12 bottles to whoever correctly ranked them from most to least expensive. Spoiler: It’s a lot harder than it sounds.\n\n\n\nCOCODAQ’s Beverage Director Victoria James walked us through each pour with the kind of storytelling that makes wine genuinely accessible — breaking down why small grower producers differ from big houses, like Louis Roederer; what “non-vintage” actually means; and why rosé champagne is arguably the hardest to make. Along the way, we learned that extended yeast cells aid digestion, which was Marilyn Monroe’s personal champagne justification — and honestly mine now, too.\n\n\n\nFried chicken arrived topped with caviar as part of the “Bubble & Crunch: A Champagne & Fried Chicken Marriage Made in Heaven” seminar on Sunday.Sarah Girgis/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe fried chicken arrived topped with caviar — Chef SK’s creation, the man who spent a decade as Jean-Georges’ number two before perfecting a gluten-free, non-seed-oil nugget that somehow tastes like nostalgia. The pairing was revelatory. The acid cuts the fat, the bubbles cleanse the palate, and suddenly, everything makes sense.\n\n\n\nCOCODAQ has built something genuinely special. I was a fan in April. I’m a convert now.\n\n\n\n— Sarah Girgis\n\n\n\n‘Winner Winner, Fast Dinners’ \n\n\n\nStephanie Izard brought a burst of vibrant pickled flavors to the Food & Wine Classic with her seminar, “Winner Winner, Fast Dinners,” showcasing her cookbook, “Cook Strong.” As the first female “Top Chef” winner, she whipped up three healthy dishes that left us buzzing with excitement!\n\n\n\nChef Stephanie Izard leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nFirst up was the Chile Crunch Salmon with Smashed Cucumber Salad, a spicy delight that paired perfectly with a crisp goblet of Riesling. We devoured every bite while she shared that salmon is her mom’s favorite fish. With a twinkle in her eye, she humorously recounted her grandmother’s hot dog cooking skills, playfully noting, “I didn’t have my grandmother’s favorite recipe for a competition!”\n\n\n\nNext, the Quick Chicken Parm had everyone in stitches. \n\n\n\nStephanie expressed her love for Fresno chiles, jokingly claiming, “I drink fish sauce for breakfast!” \n\n\n\nThe sweet anecdote about her 10-year-old son Ernie’s weekly fried-rice obsession added a charming glimpse into her family life.\n\n\n\nLaura Lederer, left, and Stephanie Izard.Laura Lederer/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nLastly, her Shaking Beef, inspired by Korean cuisine, highlighted her belief that “fat is flavor.” With playful banter about “making it rain parmesan” and her Chicago roots shining through, her infectious energy and radiant smile lit up the room.\n\n\n\nShe mentioned tasting every dish at her Chicago restaurants: Girl & the Goat, Duck Duck Goat, and Cabra, as well as Valley Goat in LA. This led to her cheeky comment about needing to work out. But as she quipped, everything tastes better because “butter makes it taste more better!” \n\n\n\nCount me in!\n\n\n\n— Laura Lederer\n\n\n\nIn the kitchen with Bravo’s Top Chef\n\n\n\n“Top Chef” season 23 winner Rhoda Magbitang closed out Sunday morning’s cooking demonstration, featuring a smoked mahi-mahi dip with crispy ulu wedges, mochi malasada, and ahi katsu.\n\n\n\nRhoda Magbitang, who recently won Season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef, leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nSince she currently lives in Hawaii, her theme revolved around pau hana, which refers to “after work” shared food and drinks. She referred to how so many Hawaiians smoke venison and wild boar they hunt, as well as fish they catch, as a no-waste type of cooking.\n\n\n\nShe demonstrated a slurry with corn starch and water — an easier alternative to using egg yolks — for the ahi tuna wrapped in nori then encrusted it with panko.\n\n\n\nThe smoked mahi-mahi dip, which we all sampled, blended flavors wonderfully, particularly for people like me who don’t love smoked proteins.\n\n\n\nThen, she demonstrated what she essentially described as “fried dough tossed in sugar,” with a mochi mix, noting: “Everything is mochi-fied in Hawaii.”\n\n\n\nShe joked that she’s still getting used to talking to audiences while cooking.\n\n\n\n“It’s weird — it feels like talking to yourself,” she said.\n\n\n\nShe shared certain experiences on “Top Chef,” including challenges — and bonding experiences of cranking music and singing together in between film shots.\n\n\n\n“You have to keep yourself entertained; it makes you feel like normal, and it’s how you bond — you trauma bond,” she said good-naturedly. “It was hardcore and exhausting, but I’d do it again — maybe in five years.”\n\n\n\nShe also touched upon how chefs can fall into patterns of simply creating the cuisine styles of whatever restaurant they’re working at.\n\n\n\n“Along the way, you adapt and forget what brings you joy. ‘Top Chef’ strips (habitual patterns) away. You can’t google recipes, so you start finding ways to find comfort and joy, and food is one of those things. I started thinking about what I loved eating when I was little or what my mom would make me when I wasn’t feeling well. All these memories pop up, and that’s what resonates. It’s such a natural evolution,” she said.\n\n\n\nWhen an audience member asked her what the future holds, she responded: \n\n\n\n“I’m here now. I was talking to a friend of mine who’s done ‘Top Chef,’ and he was basically telling me you have to enjoy the ride. I’m trying. I think it’s going to open a lot of opportunities, but I also don’t want to lose myself in the process, which I think is easy to do.”\n\n\n\n— Kimberly Nicoletti\n\n\n\nThat’s a wrap on the gastrointestinal gallivant through Food and Wine\n\n\n\nMy gastrointestinal journey through this year’s Food and Wine Classic in Aspen started Thursday at the Aspen Institute, and culminated with a ceremonious finale at the Grand Tasting in Wagner Park on Saturday.\n\n\n\nA common theme you hear around town is, “The festival’s too expensive.” Not the case with the free community lecture series with Bobby Flay at the Aspen Institute. For me, Bobby’s talk was a perfect complimentary appetizer for the rest of the weekend. He cheffed-up a wide range of topics that pertained to everything from personal experience, to the industry, to kitchen culture, to his dream restaurant scenario. \n\n\n\nIf you parent young children, and have aspirations for them to grow up to be celebrity chefs, rush-out now and get them an “Easy Bake” oven. That’s how Bobby Flay got his start. A light bulb went-off in his head when he realized you can bake a cake with one. \n\n\n\nTo me, Flay teeters on the knife-edge of arrogant and modest, and then always falls on the side of humility. During the lecture a local chef who used to be a prep chef for Bobby, stood up and thanked him personally, to which Flay responded with deep, genuine recognition and gratitude. \n\n\n\nIn retrospect, I found Flay’s lecture to be even more interesting subsequently, because I kept seeing and hearing the themes he was talking about keep popping-up in other presentations and conversations. It seems as if all I ever hear these days are locals complaining about how expensive restaurants are, yet the establishments all seem to be full.\n\n\n\nThe restaurant industry, he said, is broken. Bobby mentioned paying $60 for a piece of halibut at a local restaurant (a joint I frequent) and explained without apology why food is so expensive. Food costs, labor, rent, etc. Slay then described in detail how electronic reservation systems are inherently detrimental to the dining experience; something I can definitely relate to. His culinary fantasy? To open a restaurant with his girlfriend in NYC. I have a name for them: “No Reservations.”\n\n\n\nAnd from the Food and “whine” department; when asked what people like the most about the Aspen Food and Wine Classic, the latest Aspen Times online poll shows over 57% of respondents choosing “Nothing.” Ain’t we got fun, Aspen?! It’s probably just the crappy Internet talking, but sheesh. \n\n\n\nMy whirlwind-weekend ended on a sky-high-note under the big top in Wagner Park gallivanting around the festival grounds with a cohort of Aspen Times employees wearing our omnipotent “media” laminates. I haven’t felt that important since I was a roadie for Def Leppard. Fashion-wise, I felt like I was nailing the aging ski-bum burnout-chic look.\n\n\n\nThere must be something seriously wrong with me, because even thought the opportunity presented itself on a silver tray with an apple in its mouth and parsley garnish, I couldn’t quite seem to over-indulge at any one of the events. I was in bed safely by 9 p.m. with my reading glasses-on every night. Must be gettin’ old. \n\n\n\n— Lo Semple","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/reporters-notebook-day-3-of-the-food-wine-classic-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T01:00:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F21151111%2FFWfinaltasting-atd-062126-04-1024x683.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"reporters-notebook-day-3-of-the-food-wine-classic-in-aspen"},{"id":"2ysldw","title":"Little Red Schoolhouse expansion provides essential childcare solutions for Snowmass","excerpt":"Everyone from town officials to toddlers joined together on Wednesday to break ground on the new Little Red Schoolhouse expansion project in Snowmass Village.\n\n\n\nSnowmass Mayor Alyssa Shenk said that she hopes this will provide more childcare opportunities to Snowmass residents, which has been an...","content":"Everyone from town officials to toddlers joined together on Wednesday to break ground on the new Little Red Schoolhouse expansion project in Snowmass Village.\n\n\n\nSnowmass Mayor Alyssa Shenk said that she hopes this will provide more childcare opportunities to Snowmass residents, which has been an ongoing challenge.\n\n\n\nThe $8.5 million dollar project is expected to add around 5,000 square feet of learning space to the existing site, creating capacity for more children as well as more community gathering space in the historic building, Shenk said. She and Snowmass Village Town Council Member Susan Marolt both noted that childcare opportunities are essential in Snowmass for young children, with Shenk emphasizing that the schoolhouse addition will support working parents who might struggle to get their children to other childcare centers up-valley. \n\n\n\nMarolt added it can be untenable for parents who live and work in Snowmass to get their infants and children into and out of Aspen every day.\n\n\n\n“There are just limited spaces for childcare in Snowmass and even in just the upper valley, especially for infant care,” she said. “I think this expansion is going to be really valuable because it gives lots more space for and potentially the ability for infant care.”\n\n\n\nCurrently, the little red schoolhouse has a waitlist for prospective parents to get their child a spot. According to Shenk, this is not unusual for childcare facilities. The aim is to ultimately expand the current offerings and to begin offering infant care as well. The new facility is expected to serve up to 60 children in four classrooms, according to a press release. \n\n\n\n“The kids deserve and the community deserves a really nice up-to-date facility that is a great place that people want to bring their kids,” she said. “(We were) able to create a state of the art, updated, modern facility that … doubles the amount of kids we can accommodate.”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best of Snowmass, weekly.\n\n\n\nSign up for the weekly newsletter: SnowmassSun.com/newsletter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSnowmass resident, worker and parent of two Liz Ferril explained how instrumental the existence of childcare was for her life in Snowmass. The new facility will be linked with new pedestrian paths, expanded parking and an improved garden and breezeway to help welcome and drop off children.\n\n\n\n“It made all the difference in the world for a working parent,” Ferril said. “I think there is a huge demand for childcare for young children, and I think so many parents would stay in Snowmass for that reason, like I did. It’s crucial if we want families to live in Snowmass Village.”\n\n\n\nThe existing red schoolhouse being reconverted into not just a childcare facility but a community space as well, honoring what Shenk noted was the original purpose of the building.\n\n\n\n“It could be used for a variety of things, whether it’s some kind of afterschool programming or additional programming to what Woody Creek is offering, or any other community type programming for adults too,” she said.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/little-red-schoolhouse-expansion-provides-essential-childcare-solutions-for-snowmass/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-22T00:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F21093646%2FLRSH_groundbreaking_shovels-1024x768.jpg","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"little-red-schoolhouse-expansion-provides-essential-childcare-solutions-for-snowmass"},{"id":"2jjyn","title":"Local golf results: Aspen men’s and women’s associations from June 17-18","excerpt":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from June 17LOW GROSS1st: Karin Hathaway 842nd: Virginia Newton 863rd: Heather Kroeger 884th: Amy Thompson 91LOW NET1st: Heidi Burkemper 742nd: Lucy Morgan 743rd: Irene Greiser 754th: Kathryn Henderson 78\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from June 18LOW GROSS1st Flig...","content":"Aspen Women’s Golf Association from June 17LOW GROSS1st: Karin Hathaway 842nd: Virginia Newton 863rd: Heather Kroeger 884th: Amy Thompson 91LOW NET1st: Heidi Burkemper 742nd: Lucy Morgan 743rd: Irene Greiser 754th: Kathryn Henderson 78\n\n\n\nAspen Men’s Golf Association from June 18LOW GROSS1st Flight1st: Thomas Doyle 732nd: “Schanzy” 743rd: Matt Wells 752nd Flight1st: Chris Uber 812nd: Brad Mosier 823rd: Kyle Lapp 833rd Flight1st: Robert Plessett 812nd: Norm Adams 843rd: Don Nottingham 844th Flight1st: Mark “Sammy” Sandell 852nd: Paul Gibb 863rd: John Salm 87LOW NET1st Flight1st: Aaron Casteleyn 712nd: Miles McConnell 753rd: Brian Linney 752nd Flight1st: Robbie Parker 732nd: Joe Amato 743rd: Dillon Jones 743rd Flight1st: “The Dominator” Lanese 712nd: Steven Bruening 713rd: Kevin McCann 754th Flight1st: Mike Trecker 732nd: Zach Stuart 733rd: David “Cookie” Cook 75Closest to Pin #8: Mike Trecker","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-june-17-18/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-21T19:18:37.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F08%2F11191619%2FAHSgolf-atd-081125-25-1024x819.jpg","slug":"local-golf-results-aspen-mens-and-womens-associations-from-june-17-18"},{"id":"okae7k","title":"Shannon: ‘Usually safe’ is not good enough","excerpt":"The Aspen Times recently reported that the Bureau of Land Management has once again opened the door to the use of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on public lands (“Federal cyanide traps return to BLM lands, including Pitkin County,” June 14).\n\n\n\nI believe these devices should be banned outright on al...","content":"The Aspen Times recently reported that the Bureau of Land Management has once again opened the door to the use of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on public lands (“Federal cyanide traps return to BLM lands, including Pitkin County,” June 14).\n\n\n\nI believe these devices should be banned outright on all public lands. There is simply no justification for placing lethal cyanide devices in areas where hikers, campers, hunters, mountain bikers, children and family pets may be present.\n\n\n\nSupporters argue that warning signs and regulations protect the public. Yet reports over many years have documented concerns about inadequate notification and signage. When a device has the potential to kill a pet, poison wildlife or expose a child to a highly toxic chemical, “usually safe” is not good enough.\n\n\n\nAlthough I live in Parker, my wife and I spend much of our free time exploring Colorado’s mountains, wildlife areas and public lands. Like millions of other Coloradans and visitors, we enjoy these lands for recreation, wildlife viewing and the simple opportunity to experience the outdoors. We should not have to worry about hidden sodium cyanide devices while enjoying places that belong to all of us.\n\n\n\nPublic lands should be safe for public recreation. Congress should permanently prohibit the use of M-44 devices on public lands before another family experiences the tragedy that these devices can cause.\n\n\n\nDennis Shannon\n\n\n\nParker","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/shannon-usually-safe-is-not-good-enough/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Dennis Shannon","publishDate":"2026-06-21T19:05:47.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"shannon-usually-safe-is-not-good-enough"},{"id":"x6z3sh","title":"What can humans learn from beavers when it comes to drought-proofing the landscape?","excerpt":"Amid a field of “zombie willows” in the Kawuneeche Valley within Rocky Mountain National Park, researchers and water providers are taking lessons from nature’s ecosystem engineers to build drought resilience and restore wetlands. \n\n\n\n“This valley was once a really significant wetland in Colorado ...","content":"Amid a field of “zombie willows” in the Kawuneeche Valley within Rocky Mountain National Park, researchers and water providers are taking lessons from nature’s ecosystem engineers to build drought resilience and restore wetlands. \n\n\n\n“This valley was once a really significant wetland in Colorado … it was just this really thriving beaver-willow-wetland complex, and very biologically diverse,” said Kimberly Tekavec, the senior source water protection specialist for Northern Water. “And over the last 100 years or so — and really significantly in the last few decades — this valley has been severely disrupted, and we’re essentially witnessing, and have witnessed this ecosystem collapse.” \n\n\n\nThe Kawuneeche Valley exists just downstream from the Colorado River headwaters in the Never Summer Mountain Range, following the river through Rocky Mountain National Park to Shadow Mountain Reservoir near Grand Lake. As Tekavec described, the valley was once home to dense stands of tall willows, hundreds of beavers and wetlands that stretched eight miles long and half a mile wide. \n\n\n\n“A healthy and functioning wetland is a sponge,” said Jeremy Shaw, a research scientist with Colorado State University who has led wetland and stream restoration efforts in the valley. “It is a fire break. It is a drought resilience machine. It is a water quality plant. It’s a water treatment plant. So healthy, functional wetlands, particularly ones that support beavers, trap sediment nutrients, output clean, reliable water. It also slows down and spreads out the water.”\n\n\n\nOver time, overgrazing by elk and moose, neglected irrigation systems, changing hydrology and other human activities disrupted this habitat, drove out beavers and transformed the valley into a dry grassland. \n\n\n\nIn an attempt to restore this landscape — and create a habitat beavers can, and will, return to — Northern Water, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado State University, Grand County, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the town of Grand Lake and the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and the Nature Conservancy came together and formed the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative in 2020. To date, the collaborative has raised over $4 million to not only construct its first project, but plan for three additional sites in the national park. \n\n\n\nOnce a thriving wetland, years of overgrazing, neglected irrigation systems, changing hydrology and other human activities transformed the Kawuneeche Valley into a dry grassland. Now, a collaborative is working to revitalize the valley, mimicking the work of beavers. A tour of water experts, state legislatures and media visited the collaborative’s first project site in Rocky Mountain National Park on June 2, 2026. Ali Longwell/Post Independent\n\n\n\nOn Tuesday, June 2, representatives from Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado State University and Northern Water gave state water experts and elected officials a tour of the collaborative’s first project site at Beaver Creek to share how they’re learning from nature and beavers to build resiliency amid the state’s critical drought conditions. \n\n\n\n“Here, with all these structures and resistating these processes that are beaver-dominated systems (the goal) is to slow the water down, let it linger on the landscape longer and rehydrate these wetlands and just create healthy habitats and functional wetlands that provide clean, reliable water sources to downstream users,” Shaw said. \n\n\n\nBeaver Creek Project Site \n\n\n\nThe Kawuneeche Valley is full of “zombie willows,” ancient willow structures that were heavily browsed and are now surviving on long-held sugar stores in their roots. With the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative’s work in Rocky Mountain National Park, the goal is to revive these zombies. Ali Longwell/Post Independent\n\n\n\nThe first thing you notice at the Beaver Creek project site is a tall fence extending around a 35-acre perimeter. It’s meant to prevent overgrazing by the park’s ungulate populations, particularly moose — which Chris Clatterbuck, the natural resources program manager at Rocky Mountain National Park, called “a perfectly-designed willow-eating machine.” \n\n\n\n“During the summer, they’ll eat over 90% of their diet in willow,” Clatterbuck said. “As a result, one moose is about the equivalent of 15 elk in terms of willow impact. They convert over 50 pounds of willow every day.”\n\n\n\nOne of the reasons that the tall willows transformed into “zombie willows” — ancient, heavily browsed willow structures that are surviving on long-held sugar stores — was overgrazing following Colorado’s reintroduction of moose starting in the late 1970s. Before 1978, there were no breeding populations of moose, and when they arrived without any natural predators — wolf or grizzlies — into a national park where hunting is banned, populations flourished and the willows declined, Clatterbuck said. Elk herds have also flourished and impacted the natural flora. \n\n\n\nWithout tall willows, beavers lost the large wood they needed to build dams and lodges, and they lost their winter food supply, Shaw said. “So they left.” \n\n\n\nIn keeping out these ungulates — alongside the project’s other elements to rehydrate the landscape and also replant willows and other riparian vegetation — the willows will regrow. “We’re counting on reviving these zombies back to life,” Clatterbuck said. \n\n\n\nWithin the fence, the collaborative has done a lot of work to reinvigorate the landscape near the stream. This includes the creation of almost 30 structures that mimic beavers. Before the collaborative’s work, Beaver Creek was a single tributary where one molecule of water would speed quickly to the Colorado River,” Shaw said. \n\n\n\n“Now we put all these speed bumps in there and slowed it down,” he added. “So that, especially in a drought year like this, can create stream flow in the stream later in the summer where otherwise the stream might go dry.”\n\n\n\nIt also spreads the water across the surface, rehydrating the wetlands and increasing groundwater storage, decreasing sediment flows downstream in the reservoir — all of which has numerous benefits, not only for drought mitigation, but wildfire risk as well. \n\n\n\n“East Troublesome Fire burned through a huge portion of our collections area,” Tekavec said. “We’ve spent, I think, over $65 million collectively, not just Northern Water, to date on fire watershed restoration. So we kind of see the benefits of this work as well being impactful for that type of resilience too.” \n\n\n\nThe Beaver Creek site is the first of four planned within the national park. The collaborative is set to begin work this fall on the second project downvalley called Onahu Creek. Beyond that, Shaw said the goal is to look for similar projects outside of the park with private landowners in the valley. \n\n\n\nJeremy Shaw, a research scientist with Colorado State University who has led wetland and stream restoration efforts in the valley, Chris Clatterbuck, the natural resources program manager at Rocky Mountain National Park, and Kimberly Tekavec, the senior source water protection specialist for Northern Water, walk toward the Beaver Creek project site for the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative on June 2, 2026. Ali Longwell/Post Independent\n\n\n\nBringing back the beavers \n\n\n\nThe ultimate goal is to build a wetland and willow ecosystem worthy of beavers returning to. While there used to be hundreds of beavers in the valley, today there are only four beaver families residing across the national park’s nearly 266,000 acres, according to Clatterbuck.\n\n\n\n“It’s so much better if beavers can do the work for us because they’re relentless,” Shaw said. “They have nothing else to do. They will just, day after day, maintain and expand these dam complexes. It is time-consuming and expensive for people to do that. So what we’re hoping to do is jumpstart the system, maintain it as much as we need to get it to a place where they can then come in and take over.” \n\n\n\nWith this work ethic, beaver dams and structures are constantly evolving and “breathing,” Shaw said. \n\n\n\n“We don’t just come and impose our ideas and apply recipes to the landscape, but we’re here to learn and adapt to what the river teaches us,” he added. “I think that’s an important approach for successful restoration of natural processes.” ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/rocky-mountain-national-park-kawuneeche-valley-beavers-drought/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ali Longwell Follow\n\t\t\t\t\talongwell@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-19T19:33:15.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F19132242%2FRMNP_BeaverCreek_June_2_ALongwell-1024x767.jpg","slug":"what-can-humans-learn-from-beavers-when-it-comes-to-drought-proofing-the-landscape"},{"id":"v775c8","title":"museum 2","excerpt":"Visitors checked out the exhibit “Aspen in Excess: The 1980s… Small Town, Global Hotspot!” at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. The show, put on by the Aspen Historical Society, opened June 16 and the grand opening is Wednesday from 4 to 7:30…","content":"Visitors checked out the exhibit “Aspen in Excess: The 1980s… Small Town, Global Hotspot!” at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. The show, put on by the Aspen Historical Society, opened June 16 and the grand opening is Wednesday from 4 to 7:30…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/museum-2/image_132964ca-a1cd-4c02-bde5-852f0037701f.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of Aspen Historical Society","publishDate":"2026-06-23T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F1%2F32%2F132964ca-a1cd-4c02-bde5-852f0037701f%2F6a39e15ec453a.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"museum-2"},{"id":"xboqvu","title":"Remembering Lt. Col. Richard (‘Dick’) Merritt","excerpt":"June 29, 1935 — June 11, 2026","content":"June 29, 1935 — June 11, 2026","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/obituaries/remembering-lt-col-richard-dick-merritt/article_c88f5ca5-2074-4f58-ac9f-014e65f7f2b1.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-22T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Ffd%2Fffde2147-0a9f-4659-acc0-23f70b108772%2F6a38956296d79.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"remembering-lt-col-richard-dick-merritt"},{"id":"ge1hi4","title":"How many gates does Aspen’s airport need?","excerpt":"Weather issues, safety regs and earlier flights prompt talk of 8 gates at new terminal","content":"Weather issues, safety regs and earlier flights prompt talk of 8 gates at new terminal","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/how-many-gates-does-aspen-s-airport-need/article_371e03f4-b5da-4a4d-b5ff-05c4e8f0d5ba.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams, Special to the Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-22T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fda%2F5da04a07-1d0d-4ba3-b142-6ad22a304618%2F6a3896a7bcc0e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C255","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"how-many-gates-does-aspens-airport-need"},{"id":"g6advg","title":"Questions surround plans for proposed Basalt hotel","excerpt":"Theater building would be demolished for 94-room facility","content":"Theater building would be demolished for 94-room facility","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/questions-surround-plans-for-proposed-basalt-hotel/article_ea35484d-0f6d-4119-acd7-396909596f0a.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-22T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F85%2F88528bbb-b0bc-4799-b1da-acff7e229fdf%2F6a38977253648.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"questions-surround-plans-for-proposed-basalt-hotel"},{"id":"vb94tu","title":"Walking through the stargate of non-alcoholic brands","excerpt":"NAs have come into their own at F&W Classic in Aspen","content":"NAs have come into their own at F&W Classic in Aspen","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/walking-through-the-stargate-of-non-alcoholic-brands/article_e5f93750-6f63-498d-90c1-2f2b482ead8d.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer","publishDate":"2026-06-22T09:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F2e%2F42e83642-d722-488a-b1b1-3c118ae88c03%2F6a389b14d0b81.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"walking-through-the-stargate-of-non-alcoholic-brands"},{"id":"1gaht6","title":"dick merritt obit","excerpt":"","content":"","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/dick-merritt-obit/image_ffde2147-0a9f-4659-acc0-23f70b108772.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-22T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2Ff%2Ffd%2Fffde2147-0a9f-4659-acc0-23f70b108772%2F6a38956296d79.image.png%3Fresize%3D300%252C400","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"dick-merritt-obit"},{"id":"mzerys","title":"airport crowd","excerpt":"Passengers crowd the terminal of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport on Saturday, when gusty winds were a culprit in some flight delays. Airlines are leaning toward more early-bird departures to take advantage of the morning’s calmer skies, and generally park planes…","content":"Passengers crowd the terminal of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport on Saturday, when gusty winds were a culprit in some flight delays. Airlines are leaning toward more early-bird departures to take advantage of the morning’s calmer skies, and generally park planes…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/airport-crowd/image_5da04a07-1d0d-4ba3-b142-6ad22a304618.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-22T08:45:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F5%2Fda%2F5da04a07-1d0d-4ba3-b142-6ad22a304618%2F6a3896a7bcc0e.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C255","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"airport-crowd"},{"id":"46x1vj","title":"airport gate","excerpt":"For the new design of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport terminal, adding gates above the recommended total of six must be approved by county resolution or ordinance following public hearings and input. Last week at a Board of County Commissioners meeting,…","content":"For the new design of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport terminal, adding gates above the recommended total of six must be approved by county resolution or ordinance following public hearings and input. Last week at a Board of County Commissioners meeting,…","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/airport-gate/image_22b9962f-1d5e-4f58-9ea2-1f9c3aa83ac9.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Kaya Williams/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-22T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F2%2F2b%2F22b9962f-1d5e-4f58-9ea2-1f9c3aa83ac9%2F6a3896e823511.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C225","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"airport-gate"},{"id":"6nr7b2","title":"movieland","excerpt":"The former Movieland 7 theater lot in Basalt, which closed in January after decades of operation, is the subject of an application to be developed into a Residence Inn by Marriott franchise.","content":"The former Movieland 7 theater lot in Basalt, which closed in January after decades of operation, is the subject of an application to be developed into a Residence Inn by Marriott franchise.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/movieland/image_88528bbb-b0bc-4799-b1da-acff7e229fdf.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Rich Allen/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-22T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F8%2F85%2F88528bbb-b0bc-4799-b1da-acff7e229fdf%2F6a38977253648.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"movieland"},{"id":"ca72sf","title":"basalt screenshot","excerpt":"In this screenshot, Ben Moss, left, presents to the Basalt Planning and Zoning Commission regarding a proposed hotel on the property of the former Movieland 7 theater during the body’s meeting on Tuesday.","content":"In this screenshot, Ben Moss, left, presents to the Basalt Planning and Zoning Commission regarding a proposed hotel on the property of the former Movieland 7 theater during the body’s meeting on Tuesday.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/basalt-screenshot/image_30f7de86-f12b-4061-90c5-902df0407626.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Courtesy of the town of Basalt via YouTube","publishDate":"2026-06-22T08:45:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F3%2F0f%2F30f7de86-f12b-4061-90c5-902df0407626%2F6a3897b8e8a97.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C209","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"basalt-screenshot"},{"id":"l55mza","title":"stephanie honig","excerpt":"Stephanie Honig is founder of the non-alcoholic wine brand Missing Thorn, born from the expertise of Napa Valley’s finest winemakers. The wine was poured at the Grand Tasting tent at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.","content":"Stephanie Honig is founder of the non-alcoholic wine brand Missing Thorn, born from the expertise of Napa Valley’s finest winemakers. The wine was poured at the Grand Tasting tent at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspendailynews.com/stephanie-honig/image_42e83642-d722-488a-b1b1-3c118ae88c03.html","source":"Aspen Daily News","author":"Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News","publishDate":"2026-06-22T08:45:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com%2Faspendailynews.com%2Fcontent%2Ftncms%2Fassets%2Fv3%2Feditorial%2F4%2F2e%2F42e83642-d722-488a-b1b1-3c118ae88c03%2F6a389b14d0b81.image.jpg%3Fresize%3D300%252C200","needsImageFetch":false,"slug":"stephanie-honig"},{"id":"qhmy4t","title":"Hopkins: Make a difference on the local level","excerpt":"I’m sure many of us can attest to hearing our own conscience more than ever in recent times with what has felt like a hostile takeover of our governing bodies and human morals, that voice of ours feeling overwhelmed by the ability to have an individual impact. \n\n\n\nHere to remind you that, in Pitk...","content":"I’m sure many of us can attest to hearing our own conscience more than ever in recent times with what has felt like a hostile takeover of our governing bodies and human morals, that voice of ours feeling overwhelmed by the ability to have an individual impact. \n\n\n\nHere to remind you that, in Pitkin County, within the confines of our incredible little valley, we can actually make more of a difference on this local level. One of those current impacts we can have is by voting on our current ballots, specifically by electing a District 1 county commissioner — a large role in our city that will oversee local infrastructure, land use, budgeting and other public policy for the next four years. \n\n\n\nI will be voting for John Doyle because he is the obvious choice with a longstanding presence in the RFV, continuing to base his work efforts off two critical backbones that contribute so largely to what makes our valley special and — more than anything — function! Those have always been the 1.) unbelievable environment that surrounds us here and 2.) the challenging nature of employee housing that supports so much of the staff in this ski town. \n\n\n\nI know my vote and continuous support of John is in great hands to see real, tangible change that benefits the people who live and work here full-time.\n\n\n\nChris Hopkins\n\n\n\nAspen","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/hopkins-make-a-difference-on-the-local-level/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Chris Hopkins","publishDate":"2026-06-21T19:05:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F12%2F03151539%2FAT-letters-to-the-editor-441x346-1.jpg","slug":"hopkins-make-a-difference-on-the-local-level"},{"id":"ud2aux","title":"El Niño has officially arrived in Colorado, and stronger moisture could be next","excerpt":"El Niño has officially arrived, bringing what could be one of the strongest El Nino summers the Northern Hemisphere has seen in decades. \n\n\n\nEl Niño conditions — characterized by above-average sea surface temperatures across the central to eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean — have been developing o...","content":"El Niño has officially arrived, bringing what could be one of the strongest El Nino summers the Northern Hemisphere has seen in decades. \n\n\n\nEl Niño conditions — characterized by above-average sea surface temperatures across the central to eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean — have been developing over the past month and were officially recognized by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on June 11.\n\n\n\nThe transition occurred rather quickly, OpenSnow Meteorologist Alan Smith noted in a June 16 report, as La Nina conditions — characterized by below-average sea temperatures — were present from January to March. Since then, sea surface temperatures have warmed rapidly.\n\n\n\nNow, forecasters predict the event could intensify into a “strong” or “super El Niño” by the end of the year. Based on recent sea surface temperature anomalies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the current El Niño has a 63% chance of reaching the highest strength threshold in the Northern Hemisphere sometime during winter, according to the June 11 advisory.\n\n\n\n“In terms of the strength of this El Niño episode, the questions at this point really are whether or not this will be merely a ‘strong’ El Niño event or a ‘super’ El Niño event, and whether or not this will be a record-setting event as some models are projecting,” Smith wrote in the report.\n\n\n\nForecasters know El Niño conditions have arrived when sea surface temperatures reach an anomaly of at least 0.5 degrees Celcius. “Super El Niños” are classified by a sea surface temperature anomaly of greater than 2 degrees Celsius, while strong El Niños see anomalies between 1.5 and 2 degrees.\n\n\n\nWere the anomaly to reach above 2 degrees Celcius, this El Niño would rank among the strongest events in the administration’s historical record going back to 1950. There have been three “Super El Niño” events since 1950, the most recent occurring between 2015 and 2016.\n\n\n\nThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that El Niño has a 63% chance of reaching the highest strength threshold in the Northern Hemisphere between November and January.Climate Prediction Center/Courtesy graphic\n\n\n\nIn the winter, El Niño typically contributes to above-average snow along both coasts and southern-tier states. The snowfall signal is less clear across the interior ski regions, including Colorado, Smith wrote, and requires a closer evaluation of strength and timing of El Niño’s phases.\n\n\n\nWhile El Niño’s most dramatic weather effects typically occur in late fall and winter, its atmospheric setup increases the likelihood of higher precipitation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If forecasts are correct, Colorado — especially the Western Slope — could see a wetter-than-normal summer.\n\n\n\nThe Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal precipitation outlook continues to show above-average chances for rainfall in the western half of the state from July through September, according to estimates released June 18. The seasonal temperature outlook shows Colorado leaning toward a 45-50% chance of above-normal temperatures.\n\n\n\nThe Climate Prediction Center’s three-month seasonal precipitation outlook shows above-normal chances for rainfall in Colorado from July through September.Climate Prediction Center/Courtesy graphic\n\n\n\nAlthough El Niño arrived with weak-to-moderate strength, it could still add more moisture to the promise of an active and fast-approaching monsoon season, typically ramping up in July. While a stronger El Niño doesn’t always translate directly to bigger weather impacts, it does increase their odds.\n\n\n\n“There’s definitely some reason to believe that this monsoon season might be an active one right now … especially for Western Colorado,” said Peter Goble, assistant state climatologist at the Colorado Climate Center, in an interview with the Summit Daily in May. “Like almost anything in the forecast, that’s not a certainty, but it looks more promising than a normal summer.”\n\n\n\nWith Colorado’s statewide mountain snowpack officially hitting zero on June 10, the roughly 40% chance of above-average rainfall for the Western Slope could alleviate some of the fire risk as the region remains in the highest drought intensity, according to June 18 data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.\n\n\n\nShort- and long-term forecasts\n\n\n\nFor now, the Four Corners region west of the Continental Divide remains in a drying trend, according to a June 19 mountain weather forecast from OpenSnow.\n\n\n\nOver the next week, temperatures are expected to remain higher than average for Western Slope counties, while the Front Range and regions east of the Divide could see below-average temperatures.\n\n\n\nOn Saturday, June 20, the northern and central mountains can expect dry conditions and gusty winds, with a slight chance of thunderstorms around Steamboat and the Park Range. Winds are expected to calm on Sunday, while the eastern half of the state sees a growing chance of thunderstorms — and potentially, hail — heading into the next week.\n\n\n\nTemperatures throughout the weekend will range between the 70s and 80s for most northern and central mountain towns, and are forecast to remain consistent throughout the week. A red flag warning is in effect throughout the western half of the state until Saturday night, due to the combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels.\n\n\n\nBeginning around June 24-26, a weak push of monsoonal moisture into the Southwest U.S. should bring an increased threat of thunderstorms to the Four Corners region west of the Divide, according to Smith. \n\n\n\nA weak push of monsoonal moisture into the Southwest U.S. is expected to bring an increased threat of thunderstorms to the Four Corners region west of the Divide from June 24-26. OpenSnow/Courtesy graphic","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/el-nino-colorado-arrived-moisture-strongest/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-21T19:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F19165126%2FRainstorm-CDillmann-VDN_-5.jpeg","slug":"el-nio-has-officially-arrived-in-colorado-and-stronger-moisture-could-be-next"},{"id":"lqcpy2","title":"Ski Country Amateur Radio Club to participate in National Field Day","excerpt":"Since 1933, clubs and amateur radio enthusiasts throughout North America have come together to set up temporary transmitting stations in public to demonstrate the science behind ham radio and how it still remains important nearly a century later. \n\n\n\nThe National Field Day event now includes over...","content":"Since 1933, clubs and amateur radio enthusiasts throughout North America have come together to set up temporary transmitting stations in public to demonstrate the science behind ham radio and how it still remains important nearly a century later. \n\n\n\nThe National Field Day event now includes over 31,000 stations throughout the continent, according to the National Association for Amateur Radio, one of them being in the Roaring Fork Valley. \n\n\n\n“It goes for the weekend. We go up on Friday and set up our stuff, and it’s an emergency communications exercise,” Ski Country Amateur Radio Club Vice President Mike Ferguson said. “It is an exercise that occurs all across the country, and it’s about mobilizing and setting up a temporary emergency communications facility on short notice. \n\n\n\n“It also becomes a contest of sorts between the different radio stations that get set up,” he continued. “Once we have the equipment operational, we try to exchange information with as many other setups like that around the country as we can. The actual on-air event starts midday on Saturday, and it actually runs for 24-hours contiguously.”\n\n\n\nThe event that combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach and technical skills will be on display through the last weekend of June at the Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley campus thanks to the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club (SCARC). \n\n\n\n“Shortwave radio has existed for over 100 years, and it encompasses a wide range of radio and electronic technologies,” Ferguson said. “It’s a hobby with multiple facets, but I think largely due to the internet, a lot of people don’t get exposed to it. They’re not really aware of the fact that there are people locally that engage in this and there are opportunities for people to get involved.”\n\n\n\nSCARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Glenwood Springs, with members across most of western Colorado, including Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, and Gunnison Counties. The club has operated for over 50 years. \n\n\n\n“This is just one of our local club’s activities,” Ferguson said. “We meet once a month for a good portion of the year, and we provide training, mentoring, and we administer license testing. There’s almost 100 members, and maybe 40 of us are in the Roaring Fork Valley.”\n\n\n\nFerguson got his first ham radio license in 1965. He said the ability to communicate worldwide was what first got him interested in amateur radio, but the then-12-year-old could never have expected it would eventually lead to his lifelong career. \n\n\n\n“One of the characteristics of shortwave radio is that under favorable conditions, you can communicate worldwide,” he said. “I was learning about electronics, theory, antenna design, and was able to develop a solid electronics base. Ultimately I ended up being able to use my electronics background to get into the cable television industry, and it led to a fulfilling 34-year career in electronics.”\n\n\n\nSet up for National Field Day will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, at the CMC Spring Valley Campus and is expected to wrap up by 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29. The public is invited to visit and learn more about the event at any time throughout the weekend. For more information, visit the SCARC website. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ski-country-amateur-radio-club-to-participate-in-national-field-day/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-19T19:03:17.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F19125636%2FDSC_0686-1024x683.jpg","slug":"ski-country-amateur-radio-club-to-participate-in-national-field-day"},{"id":"d9pf2p","title":"Friday letters: Paradise Creek Fire response, Baker support and more","excerpt":"Grateful to our community\n\n\n\nI was just one of thousands forced off the interstate or stuck on it June 9 due to the Paradise Creek Fire near South Canyon exit. I was stuck at the West Glenwood exit for seven hours. I was lucky enough to watch the rafters and kayakers on the river. I enjoyed talki...","content":"Grateful to our community\n\n\n\nI was just one of thousands forced off the interstate or stuck on it June 9 due to the Paradise Creek Fire near South Canyon exit. I was stuck at the West Glenwood exit for seven hours. I was lucky enough to watch the rafters and kayakers on the river. I enjoyed talking with a young French couple trying to drive to Moab. I then walked up and over the hill to Chili’s for dinner. They were very crowded yet I was seated in 35 minutes and had a delicious dinner served quickly. Shout out to the staff. What impressed me was observing other stranded people at the restaurant, sitting in their cars and then slowly creeping westward once the interstate reopened. I noticed how pleasant everyone was. No horn honking, cussing and allowing others into traffic.\n\n\n\nI felt bad for the workers coming from upvalley and just wanting to be home after a long day on the job. Glenwood was gridlocked for hours and now those apartments above Lowe’s just add to the congestion. I thought the commissioners announced last year that Glenwood was “closed to new development.” What about connecting Devereux Road at the curve next to Two Rivers Park to Midland Avenue? I realize it would not help what happened on the interstate, but it does give an option to cut across town. Yes, yes I have heard the railroad would be involved and are difficult to work with. Sorry Glenwood I am just glad I live in Rifle. What I witnessed that night inspired me to be more patient, kind and take in the natural beauty in our unique valley.\n\n\n\nTrish O’Grady, Rifle\n\n\n\nBetter jobs closer to home could help\n\n\n\nThe Paradise Creek Fire was another hard reminder of how fragile daily life can be when I-70 closes through South Canyon. In one afternoon, people were stranded on the wrong side of their lives. Workers could not get home to pick up kids, let out pets, attend meetings, make activities, or simply sleep in their own beds.\n\n\n\nFor many, it was far more than an inconvenience. It brought stress, uncertainty, and difficult questions about where to go and what to do if the road stayed closed. Glenwood Springs and the surrounding corridors remained overwhelmed late into the night, and closures like this carry major economic costs, often reaching into the millions, along with the obvious risks to public safety.\n\n\n\nThis was not the first time. It will not be the last.\n\n\n\nWe need to realize that building our way out of this is realistically not the answer. I do not believe the usual plans and ideas are going to solve what South Canyon is. It is, and will continue to be, an expensive pinch point with steep terrain, limited access, fire risk, rockfall risk, traffic pressure, and no real detour options.\n\n\n\nSo maybe we should ask a different question. Do all employees need to commute through that pinch point every day, or can some of the work be brought closer to where people already live? Everyone needs to ask themselves the question “What is your time worth?”\n\n\n\nSome businesses can explore Better Jobs Closer to Home by locating offices, satellite workspaces, or flexible work options in the Colorado River Valley. It will not work for every job, but it could work for more than we think.\n\n\n\nThere are better ways to live, work, and recreate here. It is time to challenge the status quo and try something different. Reach out to us at the CRVEDP to learn about your options info@crvedp.org 970-306-1899\n\n\n\nAlicia Gresley, Rifle\n\n\n\nSupport Brent Baker for sheriff\n\n\n\nGarfield County residents,\n\n\n\nI ask for your support for Brent Baker for Garfield County sheriff. I have worked with Baker for the past 19 years. Baker will lead the Sheriff’s Office with his unquestioned integrity and with the support of the dedicated staff who have worked with him.\n\n\n\nBaker is known for boots-on-the-ground leadership and teamwork, he spends time in many areas of the organization to build relationships with staff and know what is happening. Baker has a proven track record of dedication to the community in Garfield County in his personal and professional life.\n\n\n\nI have witnessed the effects on agencies of selecting the right versus wrong leaders. Selecting the wrong leader will lead to high turnover and decreased safety in the community. I have watched Dan Loya repeatedly attack the Sheriff’s Office. I know many who previously worked for Loya and would not want his style here. Loya brings up ideas of things that he wants to bring to the agency many of which already exist. Loya has little actual knowledge of the agency he wants to lead. Loya is now trying to use wildfires to score points and mislead the community. He has blocked people who ask questions.\n\n\n\nMost damaging to me, Loya selected a campaign team member who was investigated by the Sheriff’s Office for embezzlement, found guilty by a jury and was sent to prison. Loya selecting someone with an obvious conflict of interest, leads me to question his judgment and character. This year, Loya was endorsed by and embraced a man who was a known criminal and drug dealer in Garfield County; only two weeks later, the man was arrested for an outstanding warrant and has since been sent to prison. Loya either has little knowledge of the crime and criminals in Garfield County or looks the other way as it benefits his campaign.\n\n\n\nI hope that the community selects Brent Baker to be the next sheriff of Garfield County as he has the knowledge and integrity to move the Sheriff’s Office forward.\n\n\n\nRespectfully,\n\n\n\nMatt Jenness, Rifle\n\n\n\nAspen One should fund required infrastructure\n\n\n\nAspen One frames the El Jebel Crossing project as a solution to our housing crisis, but even, as the public and referral agencies express concern over the traffic it will generate, Aspen One is revising their application to increase from 111 to 163 units. This appears to prioritize corporate convenience over public safety.\n\n\n\nAspen One is also seeking a “Variance from Improvement Standards” for the JW Drive/Highway 82 intersection — an admission that the project is too large, as the intersection currently operates at a failing Level of Service (LOS) F. Rather than funding necessary upgrades, they are asking Eagle County to legalize gridlock.\n\n\n\nWe anticipate that the developer’s third Traffic Impact Study will likely adjust housing types to manipulate trip counts and bypass safety requirements. By selectively applying ITE standards to maintain trip increases below the 20% threshold, the developer appears to be avoiding the CDOT permits necessary for necessary road upgrades.\n\n\n\nRather than juggling numbers, they should step up and fund the infrastructure this project requires. This is the best path, if they want less neighborhood resistance, and ultimately county approval.\n\n\n\nAspen One’s current strategy appears to be a calculated effort to externalize costs. By forcing traffic into a failing bottleneck and apparently manipulating data to avoid state-mandated upgrades, they seem to prioritize profit over public safety and regional evacuation routes.\n\n\n\nIt is not too late for them to agree to fund the necessary improvements — perhaps by partnering with “The Fields,” another developer requesting a variance on the same stretch of Highway 82.\n\n\n\nWhile Aspen One emphasizes the housing needs of their workforce, they appear to disregard the safety and quality of life of existing midvalley residents — many of whom are long-term community members, season passholders, and/or Skico staff/alumni.\n\n\n\nWe cannot grant variances to developers contributing to systemic failure.\n\n\n\nSusan Sullivan, Carbondale","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/friday-letters-paradise-creek-fire-response-baker-support-and-more/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-19T11:54:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2019%2F11%2F25234148%2FLetters-Graphic-2.png","slug":"friday-letters-paradise-creek-fire-response-baker-support-and-more"},{"id":"uwfnz2","title":"Bruell column: Let’s elect leaders who will serve us, not billionaires","excerpt":"Whether we consider ourselves conservative, moderate or progressive, we all want leaders who make decisions based on what’s best for the people they were elected to serve. We want a government that protects our freedoms, including our freedom to make a good living and care for our families.\n\n\n\nTh...","content":"Whether we consider ourselves conservative, moderate or progressive, we all want leaders who make decisions based on what’s best for the people they were elected to serve. We want a government that protects our freedoms, including our freedom to make a good living and care for our families.\n\n\n\nThe MAGA regime running our country right now is fixed on amassing its own wealth and power at the expense of the vast majority of us. They’re cutting the economic supports we rely on to thrive in order to line the pockets of their billionaire backers. They’re taking away our freedoms and trying to decide our futures for us. In short, they want to rule over us, not represent us.\n\n\n\nSince Trump’s election in 2024, his family’s net worth has increased by at least $3 billion, and he has given himself and his family immunity from ever being prosecuted for tax fraud. Meanwhile, the Trump regime is using our hard-earned tax dollars to finance senseless wars, concentration camps and Trump’s self-aggrandizing vanity projects. They know how wildly unpopular their actions are and that they could never win the support of voters. So they’re trying to block eligible Americans from voting in order to rig their victories and lock themselves into power.\n\n\n\nEven if you’re not a fan of the two-party system, the primary elections are an opportunity for us to influence the two major political parties and push for leaders who will stand up to the MAGA regime. In Colorado, you don’t have to be affiliated with either major party in order to vote in one of the major party primaries.\n\n\n\nSince Trump was elected in 2024, we’ve seen examples of both Democratic and Republican officials who have bowed down to Trump, abandoning their oath to the Constitution and their commitment to their constituents.\n\n\n\nTake our Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. He recently succumbed to pressure from Trump and commuted the sentence of Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk who was convicted by a jury of her peers on multiple felony charges related to tampering with elections. Peters was prosecuted by her county’s Republican district attorney with support from Colorado’s Democratic attorney general, Phil Weiser. Polis unilaterally cut her sentence in half, setting her free on June 1.\n\n\n\nOur Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd showed a speck of courage when he first arrived in Washington, stating he was “deeply disappointed” in Trump’s pardoning of the nearly 1,600 Jan. 6 insurrectionists. Since then, Hurd has buckled under the pressure to display blind loyalty to Trump. Hurd refused to take a stand to stop Trump’s plan to give himself a slush fund of nearly $1.8 billion of our tax dollars to reward Jan. 6ers and others who do his bidding.\n\n\n\nIn Trump’s second term, every single one of Trump’s federal judge nominees has refused to answer simple questions under oath about the 2020 election or the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol — yet 19 Senate Democrats buckled to the pressure to fall in line behind Trump and voted to confirm at least one of these nominees, giving them a lifetime seat on the bench.\n\n\n\nFortunately, we’ve also seen examples of officials across the political spectrum who have stood up to MAGA’s cruelty and corruption. A federal judge put the brakes on Trump’s outrageous slush fund plan thanks to pressure from a group of 35 former federal judges — both Democrats and Republicans.\n\n\n\nThe bipartisan, Republican-led Colorado County Clerks Association issued a harsh rebuke of Polis’ decision to commute Tina Peters’ sentence, stating, “We are furious, disgusted, and deeply disappointed by the governor’s decision. … Election officials across Colorado, Republicans and Democrats alike, have stood up at every turn to tell the truth about our elections, even while facing harassment, intimidation, [and] threats. … Rather than standing with those public servants … Gov. Polis is bending the knee to the same political forces and conspiracy movements that are actively undermining confidence in our democratic institutions.”\n\n\n\nThe Democratic and Republican officials who have failed to use their positions of power to fight back against the MAGA regime’s illegal and corrupt moves have failed us. The primaries offer an opportunity for us to push for leaders with the strength, courage and tenacity to protect the rights and freedoms of everyday Americans, not serve billionaires and special interests.\n\n\n\nDo some research to find the candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to everyday people. Find out which candidates have accepted dark money from out-of-state billionaires and special interest PACs — AIPAC is one of the nastiest — and which candidates have grassroots people-power fueling their campaigns.\n\n\n\nIf you’ve already voted, talk with your friends about what’s at stake and encourage them to vote. Ballots can be dropped in any of the 24/7 ballot boxes throughout Garfield County until 7 p.m. June 30.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/bruell-column-lets-elect-leaders-who-will-serve-us-not-billionaires/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Debbie Bruell","publishDate":"2026-06-19T11:39:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F06%2F25082144%2FDebbie-Bruell-942x1024.jpg","slug":"bruell-column-lets-elect-leaders-who-will-serve-us-not-billionaires"},{"id":"x10tag","title":"Feinsinger column: Unprocessed whole grains are important for optimal health","excerpt":"This is another column in a series on Dr. Michael Greger’s daily dozen — foods we should eat every day. Dr. Greger’s favorite grains are barley groats, buckwheat, yellow corn tortillas, millet, oat groats, popcorn, quinoa, rye groats, sorghum, teff, whole-wheat pasta and wild rice. Groats are the...","content":"This is another column in a series on Dr. Michael Greger’s daily dozen — foods we should eat every day. Dr. Greger’s favorite grains are barley groats, buckwheat, yellow corn tortillas, millet, oat groats, popcorn, quinoa, rye groats, sorghum, teff, whole-wheat pasta and wild rice. Groats are the original grain, before anything has been done to it.\n\n\n\nInflammation contributes to many diseases, and grains are anti-inflammatory. People who eat whole grains every day reduce their risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer and inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. They also tend to live longer. Dr. Greger recommends three servings of whole grains a day. A serving is a half-cup of hot cereal or cooked grains, pasta or corn kernels; a cup of cold cereal; one tortilla or slice of bread; or 3 cups of popped popcorn.\n\n\n\nUnprocessed means nothing taken away and nothing added. For example, brown rice is unprocessed, but white rice isn’t because many of the nutrients are lost in the processing. Old-fashioned oatmeal is a whole grain, but Cheerios aren’t because cornstarch, sugar, salt and multiple other ingredients have been added.\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of whole versus refined is whether the structure of the grain remains intact. Anything made from flour is ultra-processed: A healthy whole grain is pulverized into a powder, which changes the way it acts in your body. Flour goes right through your stomach and directly into your bloodstream, resulting in a rapid and significant rise in your blood sugar. Whole grains are digested gradually, with little to no rise in blood sugar. Glycemic index is a measure of rise in blood sugar after eating something. Plain sugar has a glycemic index of 100. Many breads made out of flour have a glycemic index in the 70s; flourless Ezekiel bread made from sprouts has a glycemic index of 30 to 50, depending on which variety.\n\n\n\nOats deserve special mention because they contain unique anti-inflammatory compounds called avenanthramides. Historically, oatmeal baths have been used to treat skin inflammation, and oatmeal lotion relieves skin itching and irritation. When eaten, oatmeal reduces inflammation in our bodies. Oat groats, available at Natural Grocers, are unprocessed; they take longer to cook, but the health benefits are worth it. Steel-cut oats are minimally processed; rolled oats are flattened out, so they are slightly more processed; instant oatmeal should be avoided. Instead of making oatmeal every morning, make a big pot of it once a week, refrigerate it and just heat your serving for the morning in a microwave. Overnight oats involve putting rolled oats in a bowl the night before and adding unsweetened organic soy milk — eat hot or cold the next morning. If you add cinnamon, berries, flaxseed and walnuts to your oatmeal, you will have eaten six of Dr. Greger’s daily dozen when you finish breakfast.\n\n\n\nWhat about gluten? Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects 1% of the population, and it’s very important that sufferers avoid these grains. There is another small percentage of people who seem to have “gluten sensitivity” unrelated to celiac disease. But many people avoid gluten because it’s a current fad. This is unfortunate because it’s difficult to find gluten-free food with adequate fiber, and Dr. Greger points out that “there is some evidence suggesting that a gluten-free diet in people who don’t need one may adversely affect gut health …”\n\n\n\nWhat about rice? In the first 2015 edition of Dr. Greger’s “How Not to Die,” brown rice was included in his favorite grains. He left rice out of favorite grains in the 2026 edition because of the arsenic problem if you eat a lot of rice, especially if it’s grown in the Southeast United States or in Texas.\n\n\n\nHow about diabetics? Type 2 diabetes is a disease caused by cells being clogged with fat, resulting in insulin resistance. As Dr. Neal Barnard points out in his book “Reversing Diabetes,” the best way to get the fat out of cells is to avoid animal products. Whole grains are fine for diabetics, but they, like the rest of us, should avoid processed grains.\n\n\n\nDon’t fall for the food industry’s tricks: Dr. Greger notes that “if you buy packaged grain products, anything boasting labels like ‘multigrain,’ ‘stone-ground,’ ‘cracked wheat,’ ‘seven grain,’ or ‘bran’ is likely NOT a whole-grain product.” Color may not help because “ingredients like ‘raisin juice concentrate’ are used to darken white bread to make it look healthier.”\n\n\n\nImportance of the total carb-to-fiber ratio: Fiber is a special type of carbohydrate that has several health properties, including feeding the health-promoting organisms in our gut microbiome. When shopping for anything made from grains such as bread, pasta, tortillas, cereal and crackers, it’s important to look at the food label and make sure the total carb-to-fiber ratio is 5:1 or less. Multiply the fiber number by five, and the result should be the same or higher than the number for total carbs. For example, Ezekiel bread has 15 for total carbs and three for fiber. Multiply 3 by 5, which equals 15, so this product has adequate whole grains and fiber.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/feinsinger-column-unprocessed-whole-grains-are-important-for-optimal-health/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Dr. Greg FeinsingerDoctor's Tip","publishDate":"2026-06-19T11:33:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F10%2F02094755%2FDr.-G.-Feinsinger-683x1024.jpg","slug":"feinsinger-column-unprocessed-whole-grains-are-important-for-optimal-health"},{"id":"ribpyb","title":"Obituary: Donald L Haywood Sr.","excerpt":"August 3, 1937 – August 21, 2025\nPlease join us in a memorial service for Donald L Haywood Sr on June 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Columbarium at Rosebud Cemetery in Glenwood Springs, CO. A gathering of friends and family will follow at the Burning Mountain Park in New Castle, Colorado starting ar...","content":"August 3, 1937 – August 21, 2025\nPlease join us in a memorial service for Donald L Haywood Sr on June 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Columbarium at Rosebud Cemetery in Glenwood Springs, CO. A gathering of friends and family will follow at the Burning Mountain Park in New Castle, Colorado starting around 3:45 pm.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-donald-l-haywood-sr-2/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-19T03:04:13.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2021%2F07%2F25091509%2Fgspi-facebook-thumbnail-1200.jpg","slug":"obituary-donald-l-haywood-sr"},{"id":"vp89wx","title":"Colorado destinations see higher booking pace for Fourth of July weekend","excerpt":"Colorado resort destinations are seeing higher bookings for Independence Day weekend than last year, even as falling consumer confidence slows discretionary spending.\n\n\n\nAs counties in Colorado’s Western Slope implement stricter fire restrictions amid an uptick in wildfire activity and above-aver...","content":"Colorado resort destinations are seeing higher bookings for Independence Day weekend than last year, even as falling consumer confidence slows discretionary spending.\n\n\n\nAs counties in Colorado’s Western Slope implement stricter fire restrictions amid an uptick in wildfire activity and above-average temperatures, many mountain towns are pivoting away from traditional firework displays in favor of safer alternatives, like drone and laser light shows.\n\n\n\nFortunately for tourism markets recovering from a slow winter, the state’s hot and dry conditions aren’t deterring bookings for the holiday weekend, according to Inntopia’s latest market briefing report.\n\n\n\nIndependence Day lands on a Saturday in 2026, meaning longer weekend trips for higher rates. According to Tom Foley, director of business intelligence for Inntopia, more people are booking stays in Colorado’s resort destinations this year compared to last.\n\n\n\nOccupancy for Friday, July 3, is flat year over year. The rest of the weekend is seeing notable increases: up 6% for Saturday, 3.8% for Sunday and 2.5% for Monday. \n\n\n\n“Our Fourth of July eve, on a (Friday) this year, is actually performing as strongly as the Fourth of July did last year,” Foley said. “That’s actually really good news. … We’ve got a full week of gains coming out of the Fourth of July where all seven days are up.”\n\n\n\nFoley said one likely explanation for the increase in bookings is that the holiday landed on a Friday last year, making it more difficult for mid-week travel. With Friday, July 3, being a federal holiday in 2026, more travelers are capitalizing on a longer travel weekend.\n\n\n\nAverage daily rates for the month of July are also up 3% from last year, contributing to a $480 average rate per night.\n\n\n\nThis year’s Fourth of July celebrations overlap with two major events: the country’s 250th anniversary, and Colorado’s 150th anniversary less than one month later. Vacation demand from these anniversaries could be contributing to the summer’s existing strength, Foley said.\n\n\n\n“It’s truly kicking off the summer. It’s looking really positive,” he said.\n\n\n\nSummer bookings slow, but revenue remains strong\n\n\n\nApril’s lively booking pace, driven by pent-up demand for deferred mountain vacations after a slow winter, weakened slightly during May — but not enough to set back the full summer season.\n\n\n\nColorado destinations saw a 5.4% drop in occupancy pace during May for arrival during the summer season compared to the same month last year. With stronger daily rates, however, a slow booking month doesn’t mean lower revenue.\n\n\n\n“In March and April we saw a lot of summer bookings come in as people said, ‘… I’m going to take those winter dollars and invest them in the summer,’ and that’s what created those positive gains that we’re now seeing,” Foley said. “So even with the softer May, as that pent-up demand starts to run its course, we’ve got that buffer in place.”\n\n\n\nDespite May’s drop in booking pace, occupancy for the full summer season (May through October) remains up 5.3% with increased occupancy in June (6%), July (13%) and September (3%) as of May 31.\n\n\n\nThe average room rate for May bookings was $405 — up 3.1% compared to last year — boosting overall summer revenues by 8.6% when coupled with higher overall occupancy. Revenues for May, June and July are up 9%, 11% and 16%, respectively. August and October saw slight revenue declines from May bookings, which Foley said was largely due to rates remaining flat toward the end of summer.\n\n\n\nInntopia tracked several economic factors that have discouraged potential tourists from booking trips during the month of May — the most glaring being inflation.\n\n\n\nPro Rodeo Cowgirls wave to the crowd at the 2025 Fourth of July Parade in downtown Steamboat Springs. Presented by the Steamboat Springs Chamber and Yampa Valley Bank, the 2026 theme is “250/150: Celebrating Our Pioneers, Patriots & Peaks.”Colorado Tourism Office/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Consumer Confidence Index, tracked by the Conference Board, and the Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan, retreated in May, pointing to growing consumer anxiety as inflation rises and gas prices remain high. The Consumer Sentiment Index fell a full five points to 44.8 points — its lowest level in its 48-year history, the report states.\n\n\n\nAdditionally, while wages were up an average of 3.4% during May across states tracked by Inntopia — Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho — they did not keep up with the 4.2% inflation rate, translating to an aggregated 0.8% wage cut. This marks the second consecutive month of decline, which puts more pressure on travel and other forms of discretionary spending.\n\n\n\n“The price of gas and airfare are the primary concerns for the travel industry right now, but there is also concern about overall discretionary spending as consumers face these considerable increases in their travel budgets,” Foley said in the report. “In these kinds of economic crunches, travel purchases can be one of the most obvious expenses to reduce or eliminate.”\n\n\n\nEven with poorer consumer confidence, luxury properties (priced at $401 per night and above) continue to perform better than moderate and economy properties, up 7.6% in occupancy and 6.5% for daily rates across all seven states tracked by Inntopia. That combination is delivering an aggregated 14.6% gain in summer revenues, according to the report.\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, economy properties priced up to $250 per night saw a smaller 2.4% gain in occupancy, despite reducing rates by 1.1%.\n\n\n\nLength-of-stay across the west also increased to 2.8 nights from 2.28 nights last year during May, as visitors opted for longer vacations. International bookings remain down sharply from 2024 (a roughly 42.1% decrease across the west), but are up 10.3% for the four primary international markets compared to 2025.\n\n\n\nThough Foley said he remains optimistic about the summer season, a few concerning trends still linger.\n\n\n\n“There remain some significant issues of concern going forward including the spike in inflation, decreasing discretionary spending dollars, the cost of even getting to resorts up 40% by car and nearly 30% by air, and with the price of lodging, meals, recreation and souvenirs all going up,” Foley said in the report. “So, for the moment, western mountain destination properties are in good shape and recovering from a grim winter but there are undeniable headwinds blowing that could have a potentially small or large impact.”\n\n\n\nShanee Pettengill, owner of Splash Hounds, makes her way down Lincoln Avenue, and through some bubbles that were hanging in the air during the annual Fourth of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2025.John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today","url":"https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/colorado-resorts-higher-booking-summer/","source":"Steamboat Pilot","author":"Andrea Teres-Martinez Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tateres-martinez@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-19T18:24:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F8%2F2025%2F07%2F04155023%2FFourth-sbt-070525-19-1024x796.jpg","slug":"colorado-destinations-see-higher-booking-pace-for-fourth-of-july-weekend"},{"id":"1z56bi","title":"Aspen Public Radio to broadcast Aspen Ideas Festival live talks","excerpt":"Aspen Public Radio is continuing its longstanding tradition of airing select live sessions from Aspen Ideas: Health and Aspen Ideas beginning June 23. \n\n\n\nCommunity members and visitors are invited to tune in on 91.5 FM in Aspen and 88.9 FM throughout the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley and the ...","content":"Aspen Public Radio is continuing its longstanding tradition of airing select live sessions from Aspen Ideas: Health and Aspen Ideas beginning June 23. \n\n\n\nCommunity members and visitors are invited to tune in on 91.5 FM in Aspen and 88.9 FM throughout the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley and the Colorado River Valley. \n\n\n\nThe guiding theme for this year’s Aspen Ideas Festival — “independence” — is a nod to America’s 250th. Through its theme, the festival aims to thoughtfully explore the issues and innovations that are relevant in the world today. Coverage will include discussions on geopolitics, energy production, how democracies can protect their integrity and how individuals can pursue freedom through well-being, purpose and creativity. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 live broadcast schedule on Aspen Public Radio includes:\n\n\n\n\nTuesday, June 23: 10:20 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. MT | On the Frontiers of Brain Health with Wendy Short Bartie, Arianna Huffington and Richard Isaacson\n\n\n\nTuesday, June 23: 1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. MT | Navigating DIY Health Data with Vin Gupta, Ami Bhatt, Andrea Downing and Michael Howell\n\n\n\nWednesday, June 24: 9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. MT | Finding Joy, in Spite of It All with Kate Bowler and Manoush Zomorodi\n\n\n\nWednesday, June 24: 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MT | The Chatbot Will See You Now with John Torres, Steve Brown, Dhruv Khullar and Amelia Burke-Garcia\n\n\n\nFriday, June 26: 11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. MT | The University in a Democracy with Daniel R. Porterfield and Chris Eisgruber\n\n\n\nFriday, June 26: 1 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. MT | AI and the End of Loneliness with Paul Bloom and Manoush Zomorodi\n\n\n\nMonday, June 29: 11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. MT | Do Workers Matter? with Jennifer Wallace, Donna Morris, Greg Bulanow, Jenn White and Martin Whittaker\n\n\n\nMonday, June 29: 1 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. MT | News You Can Trust, Maybe with Vivian Schiller, Sam Gregory, Nabiha Syed and Laurie Richardson\n\n\n\nTuesday, June 30: 11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. MT | The American Wellness Paradox with Marion Nestle, Calley Means and Corby Kummer\n\n\n\nTuesday, June 30: 1 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. MT | Who Owns the Future of Hollywood? with Jodie Foster and Michael Lynton\n\n\n\nWednesday, July 1: 9:15 a.m. – 10:05 p.m. MT | Uncharted Waters: Navigating the Next Chapter of the Transatlantic Relationship with Mary Louise Kelly, Jeff Flake, Ian Brzezinski, Emma Ashford and Jane Harman \n\n\n\n\nAspen Public Radio will also broadcast the following sessions at 8 p.m. each evening:\n\n\n\n\nTuesday, June 23 | How GLP-1s Are Transforming the Economy with Bertha Coombs, Ali Furman, Laura Steele and Kosali Simon \n\n\n\nTuesday, June 23 | Beyond Hot Flashes: Understanding Menopause with Kate Snow, Mary Claire Haver and Sharon Malone \n\n\n\nWednesday, June 24 | Longevity in Unexpected Places: The Road to Helping People Live to 100 with Céline Gounder, Jaime Wesolowski and Dan Buettner \n\n\n\nWednesday, June 24 | What the Dying Can Teach the Living with Flora Lichtman, Darnell Lamont Walker and Tig Notaro\n\n\n\nFriday, June 26 | Life, Optimized: What We Gain (and Lose) When AI Takes Over with Joanna Stern, Manoush Zomorodi, Jenn White, and Fanny Elahi \n\n\n\nFriday, June 26 | The Underrated Science of Connection with Laurie Santos, Elizabeth Dunn and Catherine Price \n\n\n\nMonday, June 29 | What Is College For Now? with Ted Mitchell, Aneesh Sohoni and Shavar Jeffries \n\n\n\nMonday, June 29 | Across the Aisle, Into the Future with Cynthia Lummis, Kirsten Gillibrand and Jonathan Capehart \n\n\n\nTuesday, June 30 | America at 250: Economic Leadership in Our Next Era with Lynn Martin, Rosie Rios and Hanne LeCount \n\n\n\nTuesday, June 30 | The Cost of Intelligence: The Race for Data Center Dominance with Rich Powell, Melissa Lott, Manish Bapna and Krishna Jonnalagadda \n\n\n\nWednesday, July 1 | Should a River Have Rights? with Samuel Kimbriel, Chuck Sams and Michael Livermore \n\n\n\n\nFor the Aspen Ideas complete schedule, visit aspenideas.org/schedule.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-public-radio-to-broadcast-aspen-ideas-festival-live-talks/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-21T18:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2025%2F06%2F28184011%2FEDLideas-atd-062825-26-1024x683.jpg","slug":"aspen-public-radio-to-broadcast-aspen-ideas-festival-live-talks"},{"id":"xhnxsj","title":"Obituary: Mary Kopf","excerpt":"– June 4, 2026\nMary Kopf died on Thursday, 6/4/2026, peacefully, at home, with hospice, from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, (PSP), a rare and very aggressive form of Parkinson’s. She was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, grew up in Florida, earned 3 masters degrees, worked in microbiology in Switzerl...","content":"– June 4, 2026\nMary Kopf died on Thursday, 6/4/2026, peacefully, at home, with hospice, from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, (PSP), a rare and very aggressive form of Parkinson’s. She was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, grew up in Florida, earned 3 masters degrees, worked in microbiology in Switzerland for 3 years after graduate school, and worked in hospital administration in Southern California.\nShe was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Edward, her brother John, her sister Carol, and first husband Jerry Chamberlin. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Clem Kopf, two step children, Luther (Sheila) and Leslie (Bill), four grand children, and two nieces. She was an original member of the 100 club in Glenwood Springs along with the Shermans and Sundeens.\n“It is an honor of my life to have loved, lived, foreign and domestic traveled extensively, kayaked, climbed, hiked, adventured, biked, and especially skied as much as 120 days per year with Mary” – Clem Kopf.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-mary-kopf/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-19T03:04:13.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F18210453%2FW0020269.jpeg","slug":"obituary-mary-kopf"},{"id":"fmx4fb","title":"PHOTOS: Food & Wine Classic hits its full stride on Saturday in Aspen","excerpt":"The Food & Wine Classic continued Saturday with its biggest day in Aspen. The annual event concludes Sunday afternoon.\n\n\n\nA patron goes in for the big bite while visiting the Verlasso Salmon table during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in As...","content":"The Food & Wine Classic continued Saturday with its biggest day in Aspen. The annual event concludes Sunday afternoon.\n\n\n\nA patron goes in for the big bite while visiting the Verlasso Salmon table during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nBarclay Dodge, center, who is chef and owner of the MICHELIN-starred Bosq Restaurant in Aspen, visits with guests during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nCelebrity chef Tyler Florence signs autographs during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nWine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nFood is prepared by Aspen’s own Hickory House during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t$('#imageGallery-441889-8').lightSlider({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tgallery: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\titem: 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloop: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tthumbItem: 9,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tslideMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableTouch: true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tenableDrag: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcurrentPagerPosition: 'left',\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonSliderLoad: function(el) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t//$( '.gallery-loading' ).hide();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$('.swift-gallery').css('opacity', 1);\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t/*var maxHeight = 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer = $(el),\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren = container.children();\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tchildren.each(function () {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvar childHeight = $(this).prop( 'scrollHeight' );\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif (childHeight > maxHeight) {\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tmaxHeight = childHeight;\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcontainer.height(maxHeight);*/\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n \n \n Chef Brooke Williamson leads a seminar on California-style brunches as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Brooke Williamson leads a seminar on California-style brunches as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n With popcorn as a side treat, wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin, at left, leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films — in this case, Pretty Woman — as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin, at left, leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n With help from the crowd, wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin, right, leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Maneet Chauhan leads a seminar on Indian cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Maneet Chauhan leads a seminar on Indian cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Maneet Chauhan leads a seminar on Indian cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Tiffany Derry leads a seminar on Southern cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Tiffany Derry leads a seminar on Southern cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Tiffany Derry leads a seminar on Southern cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Hunter Lewis, editor of Food & Wine magazine, introduces chef Tiffany Derry before her seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Hunter Lewis, editor of Food & Wine magazine, introduces chef Tiffany Derry before her seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Hunter Lewis, editor of Food and Wine magazine, introduces chef Tiffany Derry before her seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Hunter Lewis, editor of Food & Wine magazine, introduces chef Tiffany Derry before her seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Barclay Dodge, who is chef and owner of the MICHELIN-starred Bosq Restaurant in Aspen, visits with guests during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chef Ayesha Nurdjaja, left, poses with fans during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A sign welcomes guests to the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests visit with Silvers Bagel Bar during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Food is prepared by Aspen’s own Hickory House during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Soccer’s World Cup plays on a TV during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A patron goes in for the big bite while visiting the Verlasso Salmon table during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chefs Gregory Gourdet, left, and Tyler Florence, right, pose for photos with fans during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chef Tyler Florence signs autographs during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chef Gregory Gourdet signs autographs during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Small bites courtesy of Verlasso Salmon in Chile await guests during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests visit the Wise Bar display during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n A drink is made by Barbados-based Planteray Rum during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Barclay Dodge, center, who is chef and owner of the MICHELIN-starred Bosq Restaurant in Aspen, visits with guests during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests visit the Partytrick and Maine Oyster Company booth during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Guests enjoy the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Wine is poured at the Sip Channé booth during the grand tasting at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wagner Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar on iconic American dishes during the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar on iconic American dishes during the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar on iconic American dishes during the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar on iconic American dishes during the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Rapper El-P of Run the Jewels takes part in a seminar called “tales and cocktails” as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef LT Smith takes part in a seminar called “tales and cocktails” as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Actress Regina King takes part in a seminar called “tales and cocktails” as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Food & Wine’s Justin Chapple introduces chef Claudette Zepeda ahead of her seminar on U.S.-Mexico border cuisine as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Food & Wine’s Justin Chapple introduces chef Claudette Zepeda (not pictured) ahead of her seminar on U.S.-Mexico border cuisine as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Food & Wine’s Justin Chapple, right, hugs chef Claudette Zepeda after introducing her ahead of her seminar on U.S.-Mexico border cuisine as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Claudette Zepeda leads a seminar on U.S.-Mexico border cuisine as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Rapper Killer Mike takes part in a panel discussion as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Melanie Hansche, left, the editorial director at Food & Wine, leads a panel discussion called “Tales and Cocktails” as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen. The panelists, from left, included actress Regina King, chef LT Smith, and both rappers El-P and Killer Mike of Run the Jewels.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Nancy Silverton, right, leads a seminar alongside famed television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Nancy Silverton leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \n \n Chef Nancy Silverton leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n \n \n \n -->\n \n -->\n \n \n \n \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tShow CaptionsHide Captions","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/photos-food-and-wine-classic-hits-its-stride-on-saturday-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Austin Colbert Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tacolbert@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-21T16:00:00.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F20143031%2FFWday2tasting1-atd-062026-13-1024x768.jpg","slug":"photos-food-wine-classic-hits-its-full-stride-on-saturday-in-aspen"},{"id":"qerbuv","title":"Durango cyclist edges Eagle rider in battle of former Fort Lewis College teammates at Bighorn Gravel","excerpt":"Sam Brown and Henry Nelson know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Nelson can climb. Brown can descend. Nelson is from Kansas and lives in Durango. Brown — born and raised in Eagle County — knows the Bighorn Gravel course like the back of his hand. On Wednesday, the former Fort Lewis College ...","content":"Sam Brown and Henry Nelson know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Nelson can climb. Brown can descend. Nelson is from Kansas and lives in Durango. Brown — born and raised in Eagle County — knows the Bighorn Gravel course like the back of his hand. On Wednesday, the former Fort Lewis College teammates — staying together at Brown’s house for the weekend — went for a little pre-ride outside Eagle. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday, they duked it out for the Ram’s Horn Escape title in Gypsum. \n\n\n\n“We worked together for a little while,” said Nelson, who wound up with the win, making amends for a failed first trip to the event back in 2023. \n\n\n\n“I think I was almost DFL — I was just way out of shape and I just got destroyed,” the 24-year-old said of that race, somewhat incorrectly recalling his not-too-shabby 28th-place overall finish. \n\n\n\n“It feels great to come back and have a clean run at it,” Nelson continued. “I like the climbing and elevation, so I wanted to come back for sure.”\n\n\n\nNelson stopped the clock outside the Gypsum Town Hall in 4 hours, 54 minutes and 47 seconds. Brown — who was fourth overall the previous two years — took silver, coming home a little more than 16 minutes later.\n\n\n\nDurango cyclist Henry Nelson rounds the final corner en route to winning the 2026 Bighorn Gravel Ram’s Horn Escape race on Saturday in Gypsum.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily\n\n\n\n“I’m happy with second, but I wanted to win,” a somewhat bittersweet Brown said. “Henry was stronger today. I can’t say I’m not a little bummed. I felt good in general — maybe not my best — but I felt good enough.”\n\n\n\nA police escort led the 76-person men’s field, along with 15 female starters, out of Gypsum at 7 a.m. for the long loop, which climbed about 10,000 feet. Brown normally doesn’t check the start lists before races, but he knew Nelson would be a good guy to key off of. A different trio, however, pushed the initial climb up Spring Creek Road. \n\n\n\nBrown said he felt confident in his ability to reel them back over the early singletrack portions of the course. Plus, the 26-year-old knew the entire group would likely come together on Brush Creek Road. \n\n\n\n“A lot of time in the mornings — especially when it’s windy like this (and) when it’s still cold up there — we’ll have a headwind going up Brush Creek,” he said, demonstrating just a tidbit of his vast, intimate knowledge of local bike routes. “So, it’s good to have a group.”\n\n\n\n“It was a little more chill through the first part than I thought it would be,” Nelson added. “I think people were just worried about the big climb.”\n\n\n\nOnce the leaders turned onto the gravel of East Brush Creek Road, Nelson surged. Brown responded to the move, got on Nelson’s wheel and helped initiate the first real gap. A couple chasers rallied once, but the Fort Lewis alumni’s persistent pace-pushing along the 5% gradient eventual splintered the peloton apart for good. Just prior to the Hat Creek aid station at mile 31, Nelson stomped on the pedals again.\n\n\n\n“There’s a couple steep switchbacks. He went and I just couldn’t close it,” Brown admitted. Not giving up, the local rider ripped the descent from the 11,100-foot high point down to the top of Crooked Creek Pass. At the bottom of Powerline, he trailed by only a few minutes. With a couple extended downhill sections still to navigate over the final 35 miles, Nelson wasn’t celebrating yet.\n\n\n\n“Sam goes fast on the downhill,” Nelson said. “So that was definitely part of (pushing the uphill) is I wanted to have some time on him before he hit the downhill. And he knows everything really well.”\n\n\n\nHenry Nelson crosses the finish line to win the 2026 Bighorn Gravel men’s title on Saturday in Gypsum.Ryan Sederquist/Vail Daily\n\n\n\nFortunately for Nelson, he’d done enough to savor his stroll across the grassy finish line, where he was met with a celebratory Champagne shower from race director Jake Wells. After finishing sixth at the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in May and posting a DNF at Unbound Gravel in June, the Lauf cyclist was happy to finally put together a complete race from start to finish.\n\n\n\n“I’ve had a couple instances this year where I haven’t been able to have a clean go,” he said. “And today, legs were good, bike worked great and it was just a good day.”\n\n\n\nFlorida cyclist Coulton Hartrich (5:17:31) rounded out the podium as Aspen’s Matt Fox (5:23:19) took fourth. Meanwhile, Edwards rider Nate Maddox (5:25:01) held off Vail’s Josiah Middaugh (5:25:08) for fifth and sixth, respectively. Even though a home win continues to allude him, Brown took several positives from his performance. \n\n\n\n“Where Henry and I went off the front, that’s usually a place where I kind of lose some touch with the leaders,” he said. “So going with him there was good. I know Hat Creek is long for me. It gets to a point for me where I’m tired and it’s hard. So having him go there was just like, ‘OK, it kind of makes sense.'”\n\n\n\nBrown, who is now well-positioned to win the combined Bighorn Gravel and Bighorn Road title if he returns to Gypsum in September, said even if he could go back to the proverbial drawing board, there weren’t too many adjustments he’d make from Saturday’s effort.\n\n\n\n“I don’t think so,” he said. “It can just come down to the day.”","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/durango-cyclist-edges-eagle-rider-in-battle-of-former-fort-lewis-college-teammates-at-bighorn-gravel/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Ryan Sederquist Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trsederquist@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T23:46:16.000Z","category":"local","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F20172635%2FIMG_1351-1024x706.jpg","slug":"durango-cyclist-edges-eagle-rider-in-battle-of-former-fort-lewis-college-teammates-at-bighorn-gravel"},{"id":"yjp2ap","title":"Eagle County volunteer event bridges the food gap for neighbors in need","excerpt":"On June 18, the Vail Edwards Rotary Club took on local food insecurity with a meal packaging event through Meals for Hope, a nonprofit playing a role in eradicating hunger nationally. \n\n\n\nFrom 8:30 a.m to noon, volunteers packaged meals at the Vail Health Behavioral Health Campus in Edwards. \n\n\n\n...","content":"On June 18, the Vail Edwards Rotary Club took on local food insecurity with a meal packaging event through Meals for Hope, a nonprofit playing a role in eradicating hunger nationally. \n\n\n\nFrom 8:30 a.m to noon, volunteers packaged meals at the Vail Health Behavioral Health Campus in Edwards. \n\n\n\nMeals for Hope was founded in 2007 and since then has packed more than 100 million meals through organized meal-packing events. \n\n\n\nThe event added 1,700 more meals to the organization’s numbers. From that, 10,000 servings of food will be distributed to community members in the Vail Valley. \n\n\n\nThe food will be given out by organizations in the area, including the Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s Community Market and MIRA bus, as well as the local Salvation Army. \n\n\n\n“Food insecurity in our valley is real, it’s growing, and it’s something we can actually do something about,” said board member of the Vail Edwards Rotary Club, Penny Wilson, in a recent statement. \n\n\n\n“Holding a Meals of Hope event has been on my radar for years, and the time is right. We hope this is the first of many events like this in the future,” she added. ","url":"https://www.vaildaily.com/news/announcements/upcoming-eagle-county-volunteer-event-bridges-the-food-gap-for-neighbors-in-need/","source":"Vail Daily","author":"Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T20:43:09.000Z","category":"schools","localScore":15,"priority":2,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F7%2F2026%2F06%2F15170848%2Fimage2-796x1024.png","slug":"eagle-county-volunteer-event-bridges-the-food-gap-for-neighbors-in-need"},{"id":"k19ou4","title":"Obituary: Margie Davis","excerpt":"April 14, 1955 – October 10, 2025\nMargie Ann Davis\n4/14/1955 – 10/10/2025\nMargie was born in Denver. She was adopted by Gladys and Cotton Davis at about 2 years of life. She will be remembered for her vivacious spirit and willingness to help others. Margie was a great lover of country music, anim...","content":"April 14, 1955 – October 10, 2025\nMargie Ann Davis\n4/14/1955 – 10/10/2025\nMargie was born in Denver. She was adopted by Gladys and Cotton Davis at about 2 years of life. She will be remembered for her vivacious spirit and willingness to help others. Margie was a great lover of country music, animals, and art. She loved reading and dreamed of having her own library. In her youth, she was a Certified Nursing Assistant. \nMargie was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Huffine, her parents and her brother, and is survived by her nephew, Bobbi Davis and her child, Penelope Davis.\nMargie’s Celebration of Life will be held on 6/26 at 12:45pm at the New Castle Community Center. Denis from The Lazy Bear Restaurant will be offering hors d’oeuvres at 2pm at the Lazy Bear Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, donations to Margie’s estate can be made the account for her and her husband at Alpine Bank.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/obituary-margie-davis/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","publishDate":"2026-06-19T03:04:13.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F18210446%2FW0020266.jpeg","slug":"obituary-margie-davis"},{"id":"rn430b","title":"Obituary: Ellen Roeser","excerpt":"August 30, 1934 – June 15, 2026\nFort Worth, Texas – Ellen Roeser, daughter of a Texas oil tycoon, champion markswoman, and staunch advocate for cat adoption, passed away on Monday, June 15. She was 91.\nBorn on August 30, 1934, to Charles and Maxine Roeser, Ellen was part of a prominent Fort Worth...","content":"August 30, 1934 – June 15, 2026\nFort Worth, Texas – Ellen Roeser, daughter of a Texas oil tycoon, champion markswoman, and staunch advocate for cat adoption, passed away on Monday, June 15. She was 91.\nBorn on August 30, 1934, to Charles and Maxine Roeser, Ellen was part of a prominent Fort Worth oil family that made significant contributions to the city, state, and country. She and her older sister, Emily, grew up at 23 Westover Road—a grand estate referred to as the McKee-Roeser-Kimbell-Van Cliburn home due to its notable owners throughout history.\nEllen attended Arlington Heights Elementary and Stripling Junior High. She cherished the mornings when her father—a renowned wildcatter who served on the Petroleum Industry War Council during World War II—would drive her to school after they had breakfast together. His work often took him to Washington, D.C., and beyond, so one-on-one time with her father remained some of her fondest memories.\nSadly, when she was just 14, Ellen’s father passed away from a heart attack after suffering complications from cancer surgery.\nEllen attended The Hockaday School, a prestigious all-girls boarding school in Dallas, where she served as president of the athletic board. At her graduation ceremony, Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, delivered the keynote address.\nEllen continued her education at Finch Junior College in New York City and later at the University of Texas at Austin. Along the way, she made her debut at The Assembly Ball in Fort Worth and served as Duchess at Fiesta San Antonio, revered traditions that marked her formal introduction into society.\nEllen’s life in the following decades was a tapestry of adventure, love, philanthropy, and tragedy. In her late 20s, Ellen discovered a passion for marksmanship and traveled the world, competing in pigeon shoots. A quick shot with a 12-gauge, she competed in Spain, France, and Mexico, winning numerous championships.\nShe married several times and had two sons, Charles Meeker and Tony Brants, who were 13 years apart. A lover of the outdoors and physical activity, Ellen treasured the time spent with her boys skiing on Possum Kingdom Lake. They also spent time together at her late father’s lake house on Eagle Mountain Lake, which is still enjoyed by family members today.\nTragically, on June 9, 1989, Ellen lost her youngest son, Tony, in a car accident when he was 19 years old. He was driving back to Fort Worth from Austin, where he had just completed his freshman year in college. The tragedy devastated Ellen, who never fully recovered from the loss of her beloved son.\nThe year before Tony’s death, Ellen bought a condominium in Aspen and began splitting her time between Fort Worth and Aspen. She became a daily visitor at the Aspen Animal Shelter, where she helped feed and care for the cats waiting for adoption.\nShe donated generously, both her time and money, to the shelter and helped establish the cat sanctuary. She had a special place in her heart for cats, often taking in stray or abandoned felines and providing them with a safe and loving home.\nAside from her passion for adventure and animal welfare, Ellen was known for her generosity.\nEllen was always very active and independent. At age 90, she still worked out regularly at Rivercrest Country Club and drove daily to Roy Pope Grocery, where they knew her coffee order by heart.\nEllen will be remembered for her vivacious spirit, generous heart, and love for animals.\nEllen was preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Roeser; father, Charles Roeser; sister, Emily Parker; and son, Tony Brants. She is survived by her son, Charles Meeker, and his wife, Tracey; nieces, Shannon Parker and Kelli Parker; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.\nThe family would like to extend their gratitude to Community Healthcare of Texas and Comfort Keepers of Fort Worth for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Ellen’s final days.\nA Committal Service will be held at 2 pm Thursday, June 18, at the Roeser Mausoleum in Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth.\nMemorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aspen Animal Shelter, 101 Aspen Shelter Road, Aspen, CO, 81611; The Saving Hope Foundation, 1320 S. University Drive, Suite 701, Fort Worth, TX 76107, or the charity of your choice.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/obituaries/obituary-ellen-roeser/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times","publishDate":"2026-06-21T03:04:05.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F20210410%2FW0020277.jpeg","slug":"obituary-ellen-roeser"},{"id":"uj7lmc","title":"Reporters’ Notebook: Day 2 of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen","excerpt":"Delight in the bubbly at ‘Films and Fizz’\n\n\n\nWhat better time to have champagne than morning? \n\n\n\nWith help from the crowd, wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin, right, leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at ...","content":"Delight in the bubbly at ‘Films and Fizz’\n\n\n\nWhat better time to have champagne than morning? \n\n\n\nWith help from the crowd, wine personality and sommelier Amanda McCrossin, right, leads a seminar connecting wine with certain films as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nMimosa’s were created for that reason and so was Sommelier Amanda McCrossin’s extremely popular “Films and Fizz: Sparkling Wines for Movie Night” seminar at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at 422 E. Cooper St. at the 2026 Food & Wine Classic. \n\n\n\nThe JAS Paul Center room filled up with attendees to hear the bubbly and talented McCrossin lead the event. Similar to last year, her mother was present. For 2026, McCrossin took attendees through a journey of her favorite films, like “Field of Dreams,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Casino Royale,” pairing each with Champagne or sparkling wine along the way. \n\n\n\nShe chose bubbly selections with easily accessible price points up to more luxurious choices. She is always one to bring the audience into the mix and a volunteer joined her on stage to create a unique cocktail everyone can try at home. She explains the nuances of creating Champagne, then opens up the floor to questions at the end. \n\n\n\nAfter the event, people lined up to speak to McCrossin with a couple from Scottsdale, sharing that it was their best seminar yet.\n\n\n\n— Jennika Ingram\n\n\n\nStories in Spice: A journey through Indian cuisine\n\n\n\nSaturday morning, Maneet Chauhan busted up the misconception that Indian food is difficult to make. She said it only goes downhill when the spices are not used — and cooked — properly.\n\n\n\nChef Maneet Chauhan leads a seminar on Indian cooking as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nShe began her energetic cooking demonstration by showing us “how it’s done” when it comes to masterfully popping a cork with a knife.\n\n\n\nWhile Indian food seems like a very distinct cuisine, an amazing variety of cultures have contributed to the flavors. More than 5,000 years of migration, trade, and colonization have resulted in a fusion of Central Asian, Portuguese, Middle Eastern, Persian, and, of course, British.\n\n\n\nGranted, the Britts found Indian food a bit too spicy for their palette, so they added their own flair — or, you might say, tamed it a bit. They’re responsible for adding specific cuts of meat and such European vegetables as cauliflower and carrots.\n\n\n\nOn Saturday, Chauhan highlighted “where Indian food ended up,” she said, adding that she was showcasing layers of flavors.\n\n\n\nShe demonstrated making a lentil soup with chicken and apples, smoked haddock with rice, and a Bombay club sandwich, complete with white bread, which happens to be a favored carbohydrate in India, due to its “neutral” background to carry flavors.\n\n\n\nHer “simple” soup celebrated a variety of flavors, from sweetness to spice, beginning with coconut oil for natural creaminess and building layers of flavors from there “because that’s when you make memorable dishes,” she said. “Whenever you’re using spices, just make sure you make the spices sing and dance. Happy spices make delicious meals.”\n\n\n\nShe pureed the simmered soup and then added unsalted butter, following a French cooking tradition to “lift” it.\n\n\n\nShe admitted she was doing something “controversial” by not washing the basmati rice in her smoked fish dish, but “I can, and I will,” she said with the sweetest — and fun — demeanor.\n\n\n\nShe created her own spice blend from scratch for the sandwich, which included sweet and sharp spices, as well as a healthy dose of cilantro.\n\n\n\nIn addition to cooking techniques, she answered audience questions about moving to Nashville and getting into cooking competitions.\n\n\n\nHer answer to the Nashville move initially was: “How much time do you have?” But her one-word answer is: karma. And it’s not the kind of karma you might think. While working in New York, she received an offer to open a restaurant in Nashville — before Nashville and food were synonymous.\n\n\n\nA six-month project turned into two years (it’s the South, as she pointed out), and their second child decided to come into the world three months early, while they were still in Nashville, so they named him Karma.\n\n\n\n“We fell in love with Nashville, even though we didn’t need to move — or want to (at first),” she said, explaining her long-term residence.\n\n\n\nShe also didn’t set out to enter competitions and said they’re crazier in person than on television.\n\n\n\n“Your entire life’s training boils down to those 30 minutes. But it’s fun, regardless,” she said, adding that the whole reason she ended up on television and Nashville is: “My entire philosophy is: Show up, and do your best, and then things will follow.”\n\n\n\nAnd, indeed, they have followed well.\n\n\n\n— Kimberly Nicoletti\n\n\n\n‘Tall Tales and Cocktails’\n\n\n\nI walked into what I thought was a cocktail-and-storytelling session at the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday afternoon and walked out completely undone — in the best possible way.\n\n\n\nActress Regina King takes part in a seminar called “Tall Tales & Cocktails” as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nOscar and Emmy Award-winning actress, director, and producer Regina King took the stage and shared stories about her late son Ian, including a beautiful, funny memory of a childhood car ride that revealed his rare gift for holding his own truth while still reaching toward someone else’s feelings. Then she read from his journal. She is in Aspen launching MianU, her new wine label created in his honor, with the debut release being an orange wine because Ian had been the one to introduce her to it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, including mine.\n\n\n\nChef LT Smith takes part in a seminar called “Tall Tales & Cocktails” as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nFrom there, the afternoon became a kind of relay of grief, reinvention, and hard-won perspective. Chef LT Smith talked about losing his NFL career and finding his purpose in a Phoenix kitchen. El-P from Run the Jewels described watching his father play piano to an indifferent restaurant crowd — a memory that first made him angry, then, after his own label collapsed and he was surviving on one egg sandwich a day, became his most clarifying lesson. Killer Mike delivered a sprawling, warm tribute to his grandfather, a moonshine runner who believed that alcohol, music, and food were the great equalizers.\n\n\n\nRapper El-P of Run the Jewels takes part in a seminar called “Tall Tales & Cocktails” as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paul JAS Center in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nI don’t think anyone was thinking much about the cocktails by the end, but no one in that room will soon forget the vulnerability and honesty of these wonderful storytellers. \n\n\n\n— Sarah Girgis \n\n\n\nAmerican Classical: Iconic dishes from restaurants that defined an era\n\n\n\nAndrew Zimmern welcomed us at 3 p.m. Saturday during his American Classicals seminar “American Classics: Iconic Dishes from Restaurants that Defined an Era,” exclaiming, “It’s a beautiful day in Aspen. It’s a beautiful day to be cooking. We are here celebrating innovation. But, today, I’m celebrating innovation from the 1870s.”\n\n\n\nCelebrity chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar on iconic American dishes during the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nHe demonstrated how to make authentic Oysters Rockefeller — named after the businessman himself because they were famed to be as rich as Rockefeller — and bet us we’ve never tasted a true version of it, as it was created in the 1800s. Though it could’ve been a lost recipe, chef notes and diaries explain exactly how it was made.\n\n\n\nHe called celery leaves the magical ingredient of the Oysters Rockefeller, as they’re harvested during the prime of oyster season — and a little goes a long way.\n\n\n\n“They’re stronger than you think,” he said.\n\n\n\nAs he allowed the moisture to cook off from the butter and flour combination, he encouraged us to use all of our senses when cooking: seeing the shiny texture after everything cooks, hearing the sizzling, smelling exactly when it’s time to take the lid off, feeling the temperature to assure it’s not too hot, and, of course, tasting.\n\n\n\nHe also made Lobster Newberg. But first, he described three ways to “euthanize” the lobster. Then he focused on the sauce.\n\n\n\n“This sauce is a historic document,” he said.\n\n\n\nDuring his demonstration, he threw in plenty of humor, talking about how using nutmeg and Cognac back then was akin to the modern-day age of using truffles while cooking on social media.\n\n\n\n“That shows: ‘Look at me; I can buy truffles and shave them. I may not be able to cook worth a sh*t, but I shave truffles,'” he said jokingly. “(Back then), nutmeg said you knew how to cook with expensive ingredients … Cognac — that flavor — said you really knew how to cook.”\n\n\n\nWhile he promotes history, when an audience member asked him what he wanted people to say about him, he replied: “That I tried to leave the world a better place.”\n\n\n\n— Kimberly Nicoletti","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/reporters-notebook-day-2-of-the-food-wine-classic-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-21T01:00:00.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F20114108%2FFWday2seminar1-atd-062026-17-1024x768.jpg","slug":"reporters-notebook-day-2-of-the-food-wine-classic-in-aspen"},{"id":"cdm69v","title":"Aspen’s e-bike only business expands fleet, moves locations","excerpt":"Aspen’s Best E-Bikes, one of Aspen’s only e-bike exclusive rentals and sales businesses, has officially moved to its new location — 409 South Hunter Street.\n\n\n\nThe business, which began as a small operation in 2022, has now grown to a fleet of about 60 e-bikes. The fleet’s expansion required a la...","content":"Aspen’s Best E-Bikes, one of Aspen’s only e-bike exclusive rentals and sales businesses, has officially moved to its new location — 409 South Hunter Street.\n\n\n\nThe business, which began as a small operation in 2022, has now grown to a fleet of about 60 e-bikes. The fleet’s expansion required a larger space, according to co-owners Andrew Amato and Austin Nelson. \n\n\n\n“Our first year, we started with six bikes,” Amato said. “We saw demand for it. The second year we grew to 10 bikes, and so we grew very slowly and organically.” \n\n\n\nNelson attributed some of the growth in the business to a surge in demand for e-bikes in the market abroad. \n\n\n\n“In Europe, e-bikes are leading the bike industry,” he said. “The U.S. market is pretty far behind — we’ll start seeing the usage of e-bikes shooting up in the next couple years. We’re trying to get ahead of the curve.” \n\n\n\nThe new location, which is only a short distance from the original one, is set in an outdoor patio area that was previously a part of Harper and Hudson, a gift shop that closed in 2025. \n\n\n\nAspen’s Best E-Bikes sells and rents out a variety of e-bike models from the leading brand Aventon, including road e-bikes, mountain e-bikes, kids e-bikes and models built for comfort or athleticism. While e-bike rentals and sales typically cost more than regular bikes, they offer a different kind of accessibility between the array of models and the faster ground coverage, Nelson said.\n\n\n\n“E-bikes really allow every type of rider and age to explore and have more fun,” he said. “It’s such a phenomenal sport and an easy way to get outside. A ride that would have taken me three to four hours on a normal mountain bike, I could do in about an hour and a half. When I simply don’t have the time in my day to go on such a big ride, it’s pretty nice to be able to cover more ground faster and go further.”\n\n\n\nHe also mentioned that e-bikes provide an easy way for locals to commute to Aspen without having to park a car. \n\n\n\nCurrently, e-biking is generally allowed on streets, and Class 1 e-biking is also allowed on paved and gravel trails in Pitkin County, such as the Rio Grande Trail, Owl Creek Trail and Brush Creek Trail. E-biking is mostly not allowed on single-track trails within Pitkin County Open Space and Trails areas or on the White River National Forest. \n\n\n\nWith the growth in demand, Snowmass Village recently approved a summer-long Class 1 e-bike trial for select trails on Snowmass Mountain. Amato and Nelson are hoping for more e-bike restrictions to be lifted. \n\n\n\nBoth share a love for e-bikes and entrepreneurship, which led them to pursue the business in 2022. Nelson noted that the two also connected over the fact that they are both part of the hearing-impaired community, which helped them form a strong friendship followed by a business partnership. The two are looking forward to expanding the business and using the new space.\n\n\n\n“There’s a lot of opportunity to grow,” Nelson said. “We’re excited that the demand is increasing year after year, and we will continue to offer the newest and best e-bikes to our clientele. We’re hoping to come back every summer and be out here on the patio.”\n\n\n\nTo learn more about Aspen’s Best E-Bikes, visit aspensbestebikes.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspens-e-bike-only-business-expands-fleet-moves-locations/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Sonia Alizadeh Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tsalizadeh@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T23:00:00.000Z","category":"business","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F18094656%2Febike-1024x676.png","slug":"aspens-e-bike-only-business-expands-fleet-moves-locations"},{"id":"fg9pl0","title":"Willoughby: Coal, hoppers and clinkers","excerpt":"Home heating at 8,000 feet is vital for survival. Innovations for efficiency, convenience and cost were implemented. The last phases were employed when I was a child. \n\n\n\nIn early decades, home heat was fueled by wood and coal. Homes had fireplaces and stoves, including kitchen stoves that provid...","content":"Home heating at 8,000 feet is vital for survival. Innovations for efficiency, convenience and cost were implemented. The last phases were employed when I was a child. \n\n\n\nIn early decades, home heat was fueled by wood and coal. Homes had fireplaces and stoves, including kitchen stoves that provided room heat as well as cooking heat. Many businesses, in one story buildings, used coal stoves. The larger buildings used coal, but the heat was steam heat delivered to radiators. Homes, then, often had a separate shed to house the coal. \n\n\n\nEven though Aspen was one of the early cities to have electricity and there was talk about the potential of it being used for home heating, it was not used in that era.  \n\n\n\nCoal and wood were often interchangeable in many of the stoves. During the Depression years, many locals used only wood because they could harvest firewood with only their labor as the cost. \n\n\n\nIt wasn’t until the 1940s when change began with the introduction of propane. The Jerome was one of the first to use it — not to heat the building but to fuel the kitchen stoves. The Four Seasons (a project using the old mining-era buildings where the Music School campus is now), used propane to heat one building in 1949. \n\n\n\nOil heaters were also introduced, in 1946, with Aspen Supply providing them. For most of these, the fuel was not the only change; the heaters had to be different, too. I remember my aunt and uncle’s house adding an oil heater in the 1950s with the oil in a storage tank outside the house. \n\n\n\nThe major change was that new homes were built using new heater technology. Most of the new homes used propane. Electricity became a viable heating source for some new homes. \n\n\n\nWhen I was very young, living in the Cowenhoven building, our home heating was steam heat — steam boiled in a giant boiler, burning coal, and then sent to radiators. That was not a new system; many of the downtown buildings were heated that way. And some homes had similar systems, especially the larger ones with basements. \n\n\n\nWhat was new were coal hoppers, one brand name was Stokermatic, connected to the boiler with a revolving auger in a pipe to move coal automatically from the hopper to the boiler. Before, someone had to shovel the coal into the boiler frequently. Oil, electricity and propane not only were better and more efficient for producing heat for homes, but they ended the unpleasant and physically taxing daily chores that included handling coal that left you with coal dust.  \n\n\n\nMy father had me tag along when the hopper needed to be filled, and through helping him, I learned how everything worked. It was in the basement, the only section of the large building that had a basement, and it was designed for it. The coal was fed into the large boiler. Part of the chore list was to open the door to the fire areas and clean out the clinkers — the leftovers of burning coal — that we hauled out and dumped outside the building. \n\n\n\nWe shoveled the coal into the hopper from the coal pile that was close by. It was a small area that went beyond the end of the building where the sidewalk was. A steel plate covered it, and when the coal was delivered, the plate was moved, and the dump truck unloaded the coal into that storage area. There were two Aspen coal providers, P.B. Heman and Ed Tiedeman. Tiedeman’s granddaughter, Eva, and Heman’s son, Phil, were classmates of mine. \n\n\n\nThe final major change did not happen until 1961. Natural gas lines were being constructed in western Colorado. A company in Glenwood was set up, and Aspen signed on with it. Construction was completed to Aspen in January 1962.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/willoughby-coal-hoppers-and-clinkers/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Tim Willoughby Follow","publishDate":"2026-06-20T22:00:00.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F19070724%2FB-34.jpeg","slug":"willoughby-coal-hoppers-and-clinkers"},{"id":"4epdt1","title":"Garfield County seeks court ruling on Glenwood Springs’ South Bridge project","excerpt":"Garfield County is asking a district court judge to determine whether the city of Glenwood Springs must comply with the county’s 1041 regulations before moving forward with the South Bridge project.\n\n\n\nThe Garfield County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to direct staff to file a request fo...","content":"Garfield County is asking a district court judge to determine whether the city of Glenwood Springs must comply with the county’s 1041 regulations before moving forward with the South Bridge project.\n\n\n\nThe Garfield County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to direct staff to file a request for declaratory judgment and a motion for a preliminary injunction in Garfield County District Court. The lawsuit asks the court to determine whether the project is subject to the county’s 1041 process and to prohibit construction activity in unincorporated Garfield County until that question is answered.\n\n\n\nThe filing is not a determination on the merits of the South Bridge project itself. Instead, it focuses on which county land use process applies to the project.\n\n\n\nThe city has maintained that a location and extent review, commonly known as an L&E review, is all that is required for the project to move forward. Garfield County has said the project requires a 1041 review because the county has designated site selection of interchanges, arterial highways and collector highways as an activity of state interest.\n\n\n\nThe proposed bridge would connect Airport Road in Glenwood Springs with Colorado Highway 82 south of the city. The project would cross the Roaring Fork River, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority corridor and the Jackson Ranch, all of which are in Garfield County. The connection with Highway 82 would be located on Colorado Department of Transportation right of way near Holy Cross Energy.\n\n\n\nThe county’s 1041 process includes a major level of review that would go before the Garfield County Planning Commission and then the county commissioners for a final decision. The process includes a broader review of project impacts, including environmental impacts on local areas.\n\n\n\nColorado’s 1041 regulations were created through House Bill 1041 in 1974. According to the state of Colorado’s Planning for Hazards 1041 regulations webpage, the law gives local governments additional authority over planning decisions related to areas or activities of statewide concern. It allows communities to identify, designate and regulate those areas or activities through a local permitting process.\n\n\n\nAn L &E review is part of the county’s land use and development code and allows the county to review projects proposed by public or quasi-public entities in relation to the policies and goals of the county’s adopted comprehensive plan.\n\n\n\nAccording to Article 4, Section 111 of the county’s land use and development code, projects subject to L&E review include roads, public buildings or structures, parks, public utilities, public and charter schools and other public projects.\n\n\n\nOnce an L&E application is submitted, the Garfield County Planning Commission approves or denies the application. If the planning commission denies the application, the decision can be appealed to the Glenwood Springs City Council. The L&E process is often considered a courtesy review for government projects.\n\n\n\nGarfield County Attorney Heather Beattie told commissioners Monday that Glenwood Springs emailed an incomplete L&E application to the county June 2.\n\n\n\n“The county will send a detailed list of deficiencies to the city this week,” Beattie said. “We have been in discussions with the city since at least October of 2025, regarding the 1041 application. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to move anywhere on this, and the city continues to state that they disagree with the application of the 1041 for the South Bridge project.”\n\n\n\nThe county determined the L&E application is incomplete for several reasons, including that the city does not have legal authority to request an L&E review for the portion of the project that crosses the Jackson Ranch, according to county officials.\n\n\n\nJackson Ranch dedicated a portion of its property in a conservation easement to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, which has a real property interest in the ranch and has not consented to the application, according to the county.\n\n\n\nGarfield County met with outside counsel for Glenwood Springs in late April and provided a pre-application conference summary for the 1041 regulations application. The county also provided a draft pre-application conference summary for the L&E review, which explained that the county would not process that review without a court determination on the 1041 application.\n\n\n\nCommissioners discussed their legal options during an executive session at their June 15 regular meeting before returning to open session to vote on the lawsuit.\n\n\n\nAs of Wednesday, the city had not been served, and nothing had been accepted for filing with the court. The Glenwood Springs City Council was scheduled to discuss South Bridge on Thursday, June 18, but that meeting was unavailable by print deadline.\n\n\n\nAs a matter of general policy, the city does not comment on pending litigation.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-seeks-court-ruling-on-glenwood-springs-south-bridge-project/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T23:33:53.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F04%2F22160556%2FPI-Garfield-county-news-small-2-1.jpg","slug":"garfield-county-seeks-court-ruling-on-glenwood-springs-south-bridge-project"},{"id":"ettkvb","title":"Multi-year, $4.9 million Hanging Lake Trail restoration project completed","excerpt":"From Native Americans to gun-slinging gamblers to visitors from around the world, Hanging Lake, with its turquoise waters and waterfalls, has rested high in Glenwood Canyon for centuries. Now, after years of uncertainty, restoration work has positioned the world-famous trail to endure for generat...","content":"From Native Americans to gun-slinging gamblers to visitors from around the world, Hanging Lake, with its turquoise waters and waterfalls, has rested high in Glenwood Canyon for centuries. Now, after years of uncertainty, restoration work has positioned the world-famous trail to endure for generations to come.\n\n\n\nDozens gathered Thursday morning at the Hanging Lake trailhead to celebrate the completion of a multi-year, $4.9 million restoration project that rebuilt the trail after the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire and subsequent flash floods damaged the route and raised concerns about its long-term sustainability.\n\n\n\nRepresentatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Lottery, National Forest Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, city of Glenwood Springs and other partners attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.\n\n\n\nThe project included a full reconstruction of the trail, hundreds of new stone steps and the replacement of all seven bridges along the route. A new boardwalk was also installed at Spouting Rock. The work was designed with long-term sustainability and flood resilience in mind.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs Mayor Marco Dehm said Hanging Lake is more than a hike for those who call the area home.\n\n\n\n“For those who call this place home, Hanging Lake is more than a landmark; it’s part of our story,” Dehm said. “It has created countless memories, strengthened our connections to the magnificent landscape, and serves as a daily reminder of the responsibility we share to protect these treasures that make this area so special.”\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe restoration effort stood out not only because of the number of organizations that collaborated to bring back the trail, but also because the work was centered on making the hike sustainable for future generations.\n\n\n\n“This project ensures that the trail at Hanging Lake will remain viable for the next century,” U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region Deputy Regional Forester Bunni Maceo said Thursday morning. “This is an extraordinary legacy we are proud to pass on to future generations.\n\n\n\n“What I want to emphasize most today is that none of this was done alone,” she continued. “Hanging Lake stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when people come together with shared vision and purpose across the country. Public land agencies are facing increasingly tough demands, and meeting these challenges requires exactly what you see today: federal agencies, local governments, nonprofit partners, businesses, volunteers, and community members all working together side by side.”\n\n\n\nAfter thanking the organizations involved in the restoration, Dehm said protecting places like Hanging Lake is a shared responsibility.\n\n\n\n“We do not own places like Hanging Lake; we are merely stewards of them,” he said. “As Hanging Lake reopens, I hope those experiencing it for the first time take a moment to appreciate not only the beauty before them, but also the dedication and collaboration that made this moment possible. Protecting places like Hanging Lake is worth the investment, because these treasures cannot be replaced.\n\n\n\n“By caring for them today, we ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder that has inspired so many before us. Hanging Lake represents our past, our present and our future. It’s more than a landmark; it is part of our identity and a true reflection of Glenwood Springs — a community that values adventure, beauty and responsible stewardship.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/multi-year-4-9-million-hanging-lake-trail-restoration-project-completed/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T23:24:49.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F18163547%2FDSC_0916_copy-1024x683.jpg","slug":"multi-year-49-million-hanging-lake-trail-restoration-project-completed"},{"id":"elzko4","title":"Longtime volunteer helps keep Strawberry Days rolling","excerpt":"Before the music starts, before the crowds fill Two Rivers Park and before the beer tent becomes one of the busiest gathering spots at Strawberry Days, Rolf Hermanson is usually somewhere nearby, helping make sure the festival is ready.\n\n\n\nHermanson moved to Glenwood Springs in 1999 and began vol...","content":"Before the music starts, before the crowds fill Two Rivers Park and before the beer tent becomes one of the busiest gathering spots at Strawberry Days, Rolf Hermanson is usually somewhere nearby, helping make sure the festival is ready.\n\n\n\nHermanson moved to Glenwood Springs in 1999 and began volunteering with Strawberry Days around 2003, the same year he joined the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association as an ambassador. More than 20 years later, he is still showing up.\n\n\n\nThis year, Hermanson planned to help with festival setup, work the beer tent Friday night and make announcements Sunday for the Kiwanis Club of Glenwood Springs’ annual ball drop.\n\n\n\nFor Hermanson, Strawberry Days has never been about one job. Over the years, he has helped with setup, cleanup and whatever else needed to be done.\n\n\n\n“Always like to help with the beer tent,” Hermanson said.\n\n\n\nThat spot has become one of his favorite places to volunteer, not just because it is busy, but because it brings people together.\n\n\n\n“That’s where everyone seems to show up,” Hermanson said. “You get to see a lot more people that you may not see just walking around the park.”\n\n\n\nHermanson’s path to Glenwood Springs started with a life spent moving. His father was an Air Force chaplain, and Hermanson grew up relocating about every three years. After college, he followed a similar pattern while working in college cafeteria food service for 17 years.\n\n\n\nThat work eventually brought him to Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus in 1999. After a couple of years, Hermanson moved into investments and insurance, and he began looking for ways to become more involved in the community.\n\n\n\nThe chamber and Kiwanis became that connection.\n\n\n\nHermanson joined the chamber ambassador program in 2003 and got involved with Kiwanis around the same time. He is now a Kiwanis member and a two-time past president. After stepping away from the chamber ambassador program for a period while life and work changed, he recently rejoined.\n\n\n\n“I love to help out the chamber,” Hermanson said.\n\n\n\nToday, Hermanson manages Royal Mini Storage, a locally owned family business. He said the job gives him flexibility to volunteer, meet people and stay connected to Glenwood Springs.\n\n\n\nThat desire to stay connected is part of what has kept him coming back to Strawberry Days year after year.\n\n\n\nHermanson said it can be hard to measure how much the festival has grown, but the feeling is clear once people walk into the park.\n\n\n\n“You see people everywhere, and it’s a great gathering place,” Hermanson said. “You see some people you haven’t seen for years, and possibly decades. So it’s always nice to reconnect, and you see your neighbors, and your friends, and coworkers, and pretty much everyone, and then you meet some new people as well.”\n\n\n\nTo Hermanson, Strawberry Days is part festival, part reunion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNews you can trust. Straight to your inbox.\n\n\n\nSign up for our morning newsletter: PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSome visitors happen upon the celebration while they are in Glenwood Springs. Others return year after year with their families. Locals run into people they saw the day before and people they have not seen in years.\n\n\n\n“It’s a great reunion spot,” Hermanson said.\n\n\n\nThe festival’s draw, he said, is its mix of live music, food vendors, artisans, children’s activities and community traditions. The beer tent may be his usual post, but Hermanson said the event’s family atmosphere is just as important.\n\n\n\nHis youngest daughter, now a teenager, grew up enjoying the children’s activities, including the small train pulled by a tractor around the park. Now, Hermanson has grandchildren who are beginning to enjoy the festival, too.\n\n\n\n“It’s neat to have that family atmosphere to it,” Hermanson said.\n\n\n\nThat family feel also carries into the Kiwanis Ball Drop, which Hermanson helps promote during the festival. The event was once known as the ball race, when balls raced down a hill. Now, they are dropped down a ramp toward a circle as part of a Kiwanis fundraiser for children.\n\n\n\nFor Hermanson, the ball drop is another example of the way local groups help give Strawberry Days its character.\n\n\n\n“The chamber does a lot of great things for the community,” Hermanson said. “That’s just like Kiwanis, so I just like to help out where I can.”\n\n\n\nAfter more than two decades, Hermanson still sees Strawberry Days as one of Glenwood Springs’ best reminders of itself — a place where longtime residents, new families, volunteers and visitors all end up in the same park for the same weekend.\n\n\n\n“Just seeing old friends and people you haven’t seen for quite a while, and actually friends you saw yesterday, but seeing new people show up,” Hermanson said. “You can’t tell a tourist sometimes from locals that you’ve never met.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/longtime-volunteer-helps-keep-strawberry-days-rolling/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T23:18:25.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F18154238%2FDSC_0817_copy-1024x653.jpg","slug":"longtime-volunteer-helps-keep-strawberry-days-rolling"},{"id":"fa1c1y","title":"Redstone art festival returns with plein air painting across Crystal River Valley","excerpt":"By the time the paintings are hung on the walls at Joy and Wylde Redstone Gallery, much of the work will already have happened outside.\n\n\n\nIt will have happened along the Crystal River, on Redstone Boulevard, in Marble and anywhere else an artist can find the right mix of light, color and mountai...","content":"By the time the paintings are hung on the walls at Joy and Wylde Redstone Gallery, much of the work will already have happened outside.\n\n\n\nIt will have happened along the Crystal River, on Redstone Boulevard, in Marble and anywhere else an artist can find the right mix of light, color and mountain backdrop.\n\n\n\nThe Redstone Plein Air Festival returns June 22-28 for its third year, bringing more than 30 artists to the Crystal River Valley for a week of outdoor painting, artist talks, live music, awards and art sales.\n\n\n\nHosted by the Redstone Art Foundation and Joy and Wylde Redstone Gallery, the festival has grown from a small paint-out into a weeklong event that organizers say is becoming one of Redstone’s signature arts gatherings.\n\n\n\n“It’s really kind of equally a celebration of and for the artists themselves and the creativity in the valley, as well as a way for the public to interface with those artists,” Joy and Wylde Redstone Gallery owner Stephen Springfield said. “It gives people a feel for the kind of talent that we have here and the legacy of art in the valley.”\n\n\n\nPlein air painting, from the French phrase meaning “in the open air,” asks artists to work outside and respond quickly to the scene in front of them. In Redstone, that could mean the river, historic buildings, mountain slopes, changing clouds or the activity of the town itself.\n\n\n\nArtists will arrive Monday and begin painting throughout the area. During the early part of the week, visitors may see artists working in Redstone, Marble or along the Crystal River corridor from Avalanche Creek toward the upper valley.\n\n\n\nA group paint-out is planned from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday in Marble, giving artists another setting and giving visitors a chance to watch the process unfold.\n\n\n\n“It brings people to Marble,” said Cindy Cole, a former Redstone Art Foundation board member and one of the festival organizers. “It’s so pretty up there.”\n\n\n\nThursday will bring one of the festival’s faster-moving events, the Quick Draw. From 2 to 4 p.m., artists will have two hours to complete a piece within walking distance of the gallery. The event includes judging and a cash prize.\n\n\n\nThe main public celebration begins Friday, June 26, when the week’s paintings will be displayed at Joy and Wylde Redstone Gallery. The awards ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will include live music, cocktails and snacks.\n\n\n\nEvents continue at 11 a.m. Saturday with artist demonstrations, live music, exhibits and art sales.\n\n\n\nHealthy Rivers is sponsoring a $500 award for the best river painting, Cole said. Additional prizes will be awarded for work created during the week.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s playing. What’s showing. What’s next.\n\n\n\nDon’t miss a beat—sign up for our weekly Arts & Entertainment newsletter at PostIndependent.com/newsletter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe festival’s growth has been steady and, for organizers, encouraging. Cole said the earliest version of the event was organized by Becca Trembley and included just four artists. A later version was held during the Redstone Labor Day Art Show and drew about 20 artists, but the event still needed a stronger venue for displaying the finished work.\n\n\n\nThat changed when the Redstone Art Foundation partnered with Joy and Steve Springfield at Joy and Wylde Redstone Gallery.\n\n\n\n“This turned into a festival where we have lots of stuff going on all week,” Cole said.\n\n\n\nThis year’s festival includes mostly Colorado artists, with painters coming from the Western Slope, Denver and southern Colorado. Cole said three artists are also coming from Georgia.\n\n\n\n“We’re just growing and growing and growing,” Cole said. “It’s just getting better, and we’re getting better artists.”\n\n\n\nCole credited much of that growth to the Springfields and the environment they have created at the gallery.\n\n\n\nStephen Springfield said the festival is meant to serve both artists and the public. For the artists, it offers several days to work in a valley with a deep artistic history. For visitors, it offers a chance to see paintings take shape before they are judged, displayed and sold.\n\n\n\nThe festival also includes a Saturday tour of the late Jack Roberts’ studio. Roberts was known for Western art and for drawings and paintings that captured historic characters and scenes from the valley. The tour costs $15, with proceeds benefiting the Redstone Art Foundation.\n\n\n\nCole said artist registration fees, sponsorships and money from the studio tour help support the nonprofit foundation and the festival. Art sales help support the gallery, artists and the event itself.\n\n\n\nFor Redstone, organizers see the festival as another way to bring people into town and remind them of the creative community already there.\n\n\n\n“We just like to get the word out that here we are,” Cole said.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/redstone-art-festival-returns-with-plein-air-painting-across-crystal-river-valley/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Taylor Cramer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\ttcramer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T23:14:23.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F18152743%2FIMG_2077-13-scaled.jpg-1024x682.webp","slug":"redstone-art-festival-returns-with-plein-air-painting-across-crystal-river-valley"},{"id":"ex9tdy","title":"Outfitted: Campsite Comfort","excerpt":"Summer camping in the mountains is all fun and games until you realize the campsite still needs a little strategy. The days can be hot and dusty, the nights can still get chilly, and the afternoon forecast has a charming little habit of throwing in wind or rain right when you’re lighting the stov...","content":"Summer camping in the mountains is all fun and games until you realize the campsite still needs a little strategy. The days can be hot and dusty, the nights can still get chilly, and the afternoon forecast has a charming little habit of throwing in wind or rain right when you’re lighting the stove. That’s also what makes summer car camping so good: you can keep things simple, bring a few comfort upgrades and make camp feel less like survival cosplay and more like a place you actually want to linger. Here are six items that earn their space when the goal is good food, cold drinks, cozy evenings and staying outside a little longer.\n\n\n\n1. Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho\n\n\n\nTherm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho.1. Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe Honcho Poncho is my favorite kind of camping item: the one that solves multiple problems without trying to be precious. It’s an insulated poncho that doubles as a blanket, which means you can wear it while you’re cooking dinner, then wrap up in it by the fire without changing anything. It uses eraLoft synthetic insulation and a 20-denier polyester ripstop shell, so it’s built for damp shoulder-season air. Size-wise, it’s tent-like, as ponchos tend to be (about 79 by 56 inches), but it packs down reasonably for how much warmth it brings. Available in multiple colors. $160, CascadeDesigns.com.\n\n\n\n2. Owala FreeSip Sway 40 oz.\n\n\n\nOwala FreeSip Sway 40 ozx2. Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nHydration is the least glamorous part of camping, which is exactly why a bottle that’s easy to use matters. The Owala FreeSip Sway is cup holder-friendly, leak-proof and designed to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. It includes Owala’s signature FreeSip spout with a built-in straw that lets you sip or chug. The 40-ounce size is the right call for camp because you can fill it once and stop thinking about it, and the handle makes it easy to carry around while you’re juggling everything else. If you’re bouncing between sun and sudden cold, having ice water that stays ice water is a weirdly satisfying luxury, especially when the campsite is dusty or the hike is windy and dry. Available multiple colors. $45, OwalaLife.com.\n\n\n\n3. Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair\n\n\n\nYeti Trailhead Camp Chair.3. Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nIf you’ve ever tried to “make do” with a flimsy camp chair in varying ground conditions, you know the ending: cold legs, weird posture and the feeling that your chair is slowly losing the will to live. The Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair is the opposite. It uses Yeti’s FlexGrid fabric designed to conform and eliminate pressure points, and it supports up to 500 pounds. The crossover frame makes set-up easy and the included bag has backpack straps for easy transport. It’s far from the lightest chair out there, but that’s not the assignment. This is the chair you bring when you want to actually sit by the fire, eat comfortably, linger over coffee and not stand up feeling like you just did a core workout you didn’t sign up for. $300, Yeti.com.\n\n\n\n4. MSR Alpine Deluxe Kitchen Set\n\n\n\nMSR Alpine Deluxe Kitchen Set.4. Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nHaving to dig in the bottomless pit of the kitchen bin for that one knife while saying, “I know it’s in there somewhere,” can seriously mess with your camping mojo. The Alpine Deluxe Kitchen Set is a full utensil kit that’s designed to keep essentials tidy and easy to find in one go: a cutting board, tools for stirring and flipping, a salt and pepper shaker, a kitchen knife, a dish towel and a few other little essentials. The whole set packs down into a compact case, which is totally reasonable for car camping and still manageable if you’re building a longer road-trip kit. This is the set that keeps you from swearing off camping forever just because you can’t find that tiny bottle of olive oil you swear you packed the night before. $73, CascadeDesigns.com.\n\n\n\n5. Benchmade Osborne knife\n\n\n\nBenchmade Osborne knife.5. Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nA good pocketknife is one of those camping things that quietly does a hundred jobs, and the Benchmade Osborne is a classic for a reason. The 940 Osborne has a 3.4-inch stainless steel blade and anodized aluminum handles, and it’s built to be slim in the pocket while still feeling sturdy in hand. I like a knife like this for everyday camp tasks: opening food packaging, trimming cord, fixing small gear annoyances and dealing with the endless parade of tags, tape and plastic that comes with new equipment. It’s the tool you reach for without thinking, which is exactly what you want when your hands are cold and the light is fading. $300, Benchmade.com.\n\n\n\n6. Travoca Rigel 35 Dual Zone eCooler and Vega 1500 Power Station\n\n\n\nTravoca Rigel 35 Dual Zone eCooler and Vega 1500 Power Station.6. Courtesy phot\n\n\n\nThis combo is for the camper who is done with ice runs, soggy food and playing the “is this still safe?” game with raw meat on day two. The Rigel 35 is a dual-zone electric cooler that can run as fridge/freezer or fridge/fridge, with independently controlled zones and a temperature range down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a 35-liter capacity, and the specs are legitimately impressive: about 25.8 by 16.9 by 17.7 inches, roughly 51.6 pounds, and it cools fast (Travoca says it can go from 79 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in about 20 minutes). It’s also rated around 48 decibels, which matters when you’re trying to enjoy a quiet campsite and not listen to a loud compressor all night. Add in the vacuum-insulated panel build, and it starts to feel less like a luxury gadget and more like a real solution for messy weather and longer trips. \n\n\n\nPowering it is where the Vega 1500 comes in. The Vega 1500 is a 1,536Wh LiFePO4 power station with 1,800W output and three AC ports, plus USB-A, USB-C and a car-style port, so it can handle the cooler and still keep phones, lights and small camp appliances going. Travoca lists an input power of 1,500W and a battery designed for up to 4,000 charge cycles, which is the kind of detail that makes it feel like a long-term buy instead of a one-season fling. On the cooler page, Travoca even estimates about 18 hours of runtime off a 1,500Wh power station, which is a helpful reality check for planning. The best part is psychological: once you know your food and drinks are handled, camp gets easier. You stop opening the lid every 10 minutes and you stop reorganizing ice packs like it’s Tetris. The price tag for this set-up is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it for peace of mind and a healthy tummy when it comes to busting out the chicken strips you packed the day before. $750 for the cooler + $1000 for the power station, Travoca.com.\n\n\n\nMeg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/outfitted-campsite-comfort/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Meg Simon Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmeg@simonfinchcreative.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T18:53:35.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F20122211%2FOutfitted_6_20_image_collage-1024x1024.png","slug":"outfitted-campsite-comfort"},{"id":"1anwzx","title":"Super PACs, corporate money and a New York billionaire: A look at fundraising and spending in the Colorado governor’s race","excerpt":"Millions of dollars from wealthy donors have poured into the race for Colorado governor, much of which has been channeled into an advertising blitz in the lead-up to the June 30 primaries. \n\n\n\nIn the Democratic race, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has set a new fundraising record for a sel...","content":"Millions of dollars from wealthy donors have poured into the race for Colorado governor, much of which has been channeled into an advertising blitz in the lead-up to the June 30 primaries. \n\n\n\nIn the Democratic race, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has set a new fundraising record for a self-funded candidate in a gubernatorial primary, with $6,533,512 raised as of mid-June, according to campaign finance filings with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. \n\n\n\nHis campaign has spent $6,071,643, with over $920,000 spent in the first half of June alone on television, radio, digital and print advertising. \n\n\n\nWeiser’s opponent, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, has raised the second-most on record for a self-funded candidate, bringing in $4,836,223. Bennet also recently loaned his campaign $950,000, and has spent $5,082,079. \n\n\n\nMuch of Bennet’s campaign spending in June was on digital advertising — more than $378,000 — as well as on campaign events, lodging and travel, including airfare, on which his campaign spent more than $6,300. \n\n\n\nBut while Weiser has outraised Bennet in direct donations, a super PAC formed to support Bennet’s campaign has raised nearly as much as both candidates combined. Super PACs, which are a type of political action committee, can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support a candidate, but are not allowed to coordinate or donate directly to that candidate’s campaign. \n\n\n\nMike Bloomberg pours millions into pro-Bennet super PAC\n\n\n\nThe super PAC supporting Bennet, Rocky Mountain Way, has raised $10,294,704, much of which has come from one donor: former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. \n\n\n\nBloomberg, whose estimated net worth is $109.4 billion, has contributed more than $4.5 million to Rocky Mountain Way as of mid-June. A Democrat who ran for president in 2020, Bloomberg is one of the country’s biggest political donors. \n\n\n\nRocky Mountain Way has spent $7,462,203, mostly on pro-Bennet advertising, including television and mailers. \n\n\n\nFundraising and spending by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in the Democratic primary for Colorado governorShelby Valicenti/Summit Daily News\n\n\n\nJordan Fuja, a spokesperson for Bennet’s campaign, did not address the spending by Bloomberg when asked about it directly. Fuja, in an email statement, instead said that Bennet is “honored to have earned the support of more than 21,000 donors with a lower average donation than his opponent.”\n\n\n\nFuja also claimed that Weiser’s campaign has received tens of thousands of dollars from attorneys “with business in front of (the attorney general’s) office,” which Fuja said creates a “conflict of interest.”\n\n\n\nA recent CBS Colorado article reported that Weiser’s campaign received about $75,000 from dozens of attorneys who work for law firms that were engaged in litigation or had reached settlements with the attorney general’s office. It’s not clear if those attorneys were directly involved in the litigation. \n\n\n\nIn an email statement, Weiser campaign spokesperson Nate Jackson said that Weiser “doesn’t take contributions from anyone involved in active litigation against his office or who works at a corporation his office is in litigation with.”\n\n\n\nJackson said the attacks by Bennet’s campaign are “a distraction from the $1 million he personally loaned his campaign,” adding, “The real question voters need to be asking is: Who will pay off Michael Bennet’s $1 million loan?”\n\n\n\nLoans by candidates can be paid back using campaign donations. \n\n\n\nOther major donations to the Bennet-aligned super PAC Rocky Mountain Way include $1.05 million from Brighter Future for Colorado, a nonprofit that does not disclose its donors and is considered to be a dark money group. Rocky Mountain Way also received $825,000 from the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, $50,000 from Uber, $50,000 from Denver-based dialysis company DaVita, $25,000 from health insurer Cigna, and $10,000 each from Colorado PACs associated with American Family Insurance and American Property Casualty Insurance. \n\n\n\nOutside of the super PAC, Bennet’s campaign has also been supported by Voces Unidas Victory Fund, an independent expenditure committee that serves as a campaign-spending arm of the Western Slope-based immigrant advocacy nonprofit, Voces Unidas. \n\n\n\nVoces Unidas Victory Fund spent over $137,000 in May and June on pro-Bennet advertising. \n\n\n\nFighting for Colorado, a super PAC formed to support Weiser’s campaign, has raised $1,282,311 and spent $714,785. Most of its spending in June went to advertising. The super PAC’s funds come largely from individual donors. \n\n\n\nRepublican Victor Marx outraises GOP opponents, paid family for campaign work\n\n\n\nOn the Republican side, Victor Marx, who runs a faith-based nonprofit called All Things Possible Ministries, is leading his two other opponents in fundraising and spending. \n\n\n\nMarx has raised $2,841,691 and spent $2,639,073, much of which has gone to advertising, consulting, lodging and travel. His campaign also paid Marx’s daughter, Brie, a total of $20,040, and his son, Shiloh, $5,000 for work they did on Marx’s campaign. \n\n\n\nIn an email, Roger Hudson, a spokesperson for Marx’s campaign, said Brie has nearly two decades of experience in retail and sales that include “managing multi-location operations, leading high-performing teams, and driving substantial revenue growth.”\n\n\n\nHudson said Brie was brought onto Marx’s campaign to lead the “development and execution of the campaign’s merchandise program, which has generated nearly $200,000 in revenue to date” and that a “significant portion” of the $20,040 was to cover her campaign-related travel expenses.\n\n\n\nHudson said Marx’s son, Shiloh, was paid to do voter data analysis. Hudson said Shiloh has “extensive experience in voter file evaluation and election integrity efforts, including founding Integrity First Alliance, an organization focused on ensuring accurate and up-to-date voter rolls in compliance with the National Voter Registration Act.”\n\n\n\n“All payments were properly disclosed and reflect fair compensation for services rendered,” Hudson said. \n\n\n\nTwo super PACs have also supported Marx’s campaign. This includes Victory for Colorado, which raised $133,924 and spent most of its money on advertising before shutting down in early May. Another super PAC, Freedom IEC, raised $497,850 and spent $476,203, including $ 400,000 in May and June on advertising, which included television and YouTube. \n\n\n\nOne of Freedom IEC’s largest donors is Sema Construction, Inc., a construction firm based in Centennial, which has donated $435,000.\n\n\n\nOther funding, spending by Republican candidates\n\n\n\nFundraising and spending by nonprofit leader Victor Marx, state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and state Rep. Scott Bottoms in the Republican primary for Colorado governorShelby Valicenti/Summit Daily News\n\n\n\nThe other two Republicans in the race, state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and state Rep. Scott Bottoms, have both raised significantly less compared to Marx. \n\n\n\nKirkmeyer has raised $608,024, with $21,000 in loans. Her campaign has spent $541,861, with recent spending largely going to advertising. Kirkmeyer also has a super PAC supporting her campaign, Colorado Strong, which has spent $343,716 on advertising to boost Kirkmeyer and oppose Marx. \n\n\n\nColorado Strong has supported various Republican candidates. It recently received a $25,000 donation from Joe O’Dea, a construction firm executive who was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022, a race he lost to Bennet. \n\n\n\nColorado Strong also recently received a $5,000 donation from Bruce Benson, who served 11 years as president of the University of Colorado from 2008 to 2019 and had an unsuccessful run for governor in 1994. Benson’s wife, Marcy, also recently donated $5,000 to the Colorado Strong super PAC.\n\n\n\nBottoms has raised $227,156 with $15,000 in loans. His campaign has spent $228,520, including a recent $4,000 digital advertising purchase and about $1,800 on yard signs and flyers. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-governor-race-fundraising-spending/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Robert Tann Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trtann@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T22:21:29.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F18162809%2FCandidates-4-1024x591.jpg","slug":"super-pacs-corporate-money-and-a-new-york-billionaire-a-look-at-fundraising-and-spending-in-the-colo"},{"id":"o9qjlh","title":"Popular Colorado mountain destinations, including most-visited national forest, to enter Stage 1 restrictions","excerpt":"The entire White River National Forest will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.\n\n\n\nThe White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the United States, drawing nearly 18 million visitors annually in recent years...","content":"The entire White River National Forest will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.\n\n\n\nThe White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the United States, drawing nearly 18 million visitors annually in recent years. It encompasses roughly 2.3 million acres, covering nine Colorado counties, including popular tourist destinations like Breckenridge, Vail and Aspen.\n\n\n\nThe restrictions prohibit campfires, except within developed campgrounds with permanent metal or concrete pits. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also in place for the Routt National Forest near Steamboat Springs and parts of the Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest near Winter Park.\n\n\n\n“Considering the long-range forecast and the on-the-ground fuel moisture conditions, fire restrictions are provident as we head into the holiday weekend with continued high visitation,” White River National Forest Acting Supervisor Alicia Bell Sheeter said in a statement. “In the sites where fires are permitted, please be sure your fire is out and cold before leaving it unattended.”\n\n\n\nThe restrictions come as Colorado has seen hot, dry weather and an uptick in wildfire activity in recent weeks. The state just experienced its worst snowpack on record, leading to widespread drought conditions.\n\n\n\nLocal evacuations for the Spring Creek Fire — which burned about 20 acres in the White River National Forest near the border of Pitkin and Eagle counties — were lifted June 13 as firefighters were able to contain the fire and stop it from growing, according to the Forest Service. Firefighters also quickly contained small fires that broke out in Glenwood Canyon, closing Interstate 70 for several hours, earlier this month.\n\n\n\nUnder the Stage 1 restrictions, gas stoves are allowed, but charcoal grills are not. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed building or vehicle, a developed recreation site or “while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials,” the release states. Explosives — including fireworks — are also prohibited.\n\n\n\nLocal, county, state and federal officials coordinate fire restrictions weekly during the fire season. Officials consider several criteria when determining when to enter fire restrictions, including the current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions.\n\n\n\nFire restrictions are not uncommon in June, which tends to be drier and hotter than the spring months. Numerous counties across Colorado, including Summit, Eagle, Grand, Pitkin, Garfield, Routt, Rio Blanco, Lake and Chaffee counties, also have fire restrictions in place.\n\n\n\nWith more travelers on the road as the summer season picks up, the Colorado Department of Transportation is also reminding drivers to practice fire safety. Anyone pulling a trailer should ensure that there are no chains dragging that could spark and truck drivers should use a low gear, rather than frequent braking that could result in fires, when traveling downhill, according to the transportation department. Cigarettes should never be discarded on the side of the road, where officials warn they could spark a wildfire.\n\n\n\n“Summer in Colorado means road trips, camping, and exploring, which brings heavy traffic and drivers unfamiliar with our terrain,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said. “But under dry conditions, something as seemingly small as dragging trailer chains, overheated brakes or a tossed cigarette can cause catastrophic impacts.”","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-spring-creek-mountain-destinations/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Ryan Spencer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\trspencer@steamboatpilot.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T22:09:33.000Z","category":"safety","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F06%2F18160554%2FScreenshot_2026-06-12_at_3.03.42E280AFPM-1.png","slug":"popular-colorado-mountain-destinations-including-most-visited-national-forest-to-enter-stage-1-restr"},{"id":"88qr1p","title":"Reporters’ Notebook: Day 1 of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen","excerpt":"Medium-Rare Moments: Bobby Flay serves up steak secrets\n\n\n\nA plated steak dish showcasing a classic sear and precise doneness.Madison Osberger-Low/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe 42nd annual Food & Wine Classic opened on a sizzling note with a seminar led by Bobby Flay, who brought his signature heat, con...","content":"Medium-Rare Moments: Bobby Flay serves up steak secrets\n\n\n\nA plated steak dish showcasing a classic sear and precise doneness.Madison Osberger-Low/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThe 42nd annual Food & Wine Classic opened on a sizzling note with a seminar led by Bobby Flay, who brought his signature heat, confidence and culinary expertise back to Aspen, marking nearly 30 appearances at the event since his debut in 1990. \n\n\n\nIn his seminar — “Steak-Out: Up Your Steak Game with Recipes and Techniques from Around the World” — Flay worked through three classic cuts. The filet mignon, ribeye and T-bone, guiding the audience through his approach to achieving the perfect sear and ideal doneness, which he prefers just over medium-rare.\n\n\n\nA finished steak dish prepared and served to the audience for tasting during the live cooking demonstration.Madison Osberger-Low/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nThroughout the demonstration, he emphasized instinct as much as technique. \n\n\n\n“I touch the steak to know what the story is,” he said, describing how he gauges doneness by feel as much as timing.\n\n\n\n“Before you plate, you must taste,” he added, underscoring his focus on seasoning, balance and precision at every step.\n\n\n\nThe steak prepared for audience tasting.Madison Osberger-Low/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nAs he cooked, Flay called it “the magic of Aspen,” setting the tone for a master class in fire, flavor and finesse.\n\n\n\nWhen asked whether a great steak comes down to the cut or the chef, he pointed back to the foundation: The quality of the meat matters first — what happens next is all about how you handle it.\n\n\n\nExcited to channel my inner Bobby Flay at home: Searing steak in avocado oil, using unsalted butter and flipping it right on the stove like a pro.\n\n\n\n— Madison Osberger-Low\n\n\n\nLuxury wine pairs with luxe fashion\n\n\n\nMark Oldman delivers and ascends — what more can be expected of the 20-year wine expert veteran of the Food & Wine Classic? \n\n\n\nHis first seminar of the weekend, “Luxury is in the Details,” brought showmanship, outstanding wine quality and humor. Attendees lined up an hour early, sharing he’s their “best of the fest,” and they did not want to miss it. \n\n\n\nWine expert Mark Oldman leads a seminar as part of the Food & Wine Classic on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Paepcke Park in Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nHe paired fashion houses like Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren and Christian Dior with top wines. Along with images for understanding and delight, he shared similarities and histories. \n\n\n\nThe audience participated in the wine tasting, shouting out wine attributes and making a component of the seminar a conversation. Or course, Oldman brought his signature swag — and what swag it was — with a hat raffle, luggage tags, pins and a sleeping mask with a slogan, “Not 100% sober.” \n\n\n\nHis pours included the world’s best dessert wine — “a golden nectar”; a Champagne; a burgundy — “the most coveted type of wine in the world”; and an exceptional Pinot Noir, my personal highlight. The audience didn’t want it to end. \n\n\n\nJust as the smooth-silky taste of the wine lingers, so will Oldman’s witty rapporté and approachable wine knowledge for those who were there.\n\n\n\n— Jennika Ingram\n\n\n\nFried at the St. Regis \n\n\n\nMidway through the “Gettin’ Crispy With It: The Secrets of Japanese Frying,” Top Chef alumni Shota Nakajima gently placed a battered shrimp into a pot of boiling oil with the care generally reserved for laying a newborn baby in its crib. His meticulous prep, intention and thought involved in the process was truly inspiring. \n\n\n\nChef Shota Nakajima leads a seminar on Japanese frying secrets during the Food & Wine Classic on Friday, June 19, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nMotivating in the sense that the next time I have a dinner party, I’m definitely serving Japanese-style tempura. \n\n\n\nCan you imagine the sense of “nailing it” by going over to someone’s house for dinner to discover they’re serving tempura? My immediate reaction would be to double-fist-punch the sky with joy.\n\n\n\nMy deep-fried enthusiasm likely stems from an old high school summer job working at Aspen’s premier Japanese restaurant, “Taka Sushi.” I was wildly fortunate to learn to cook tempura under the stoic, watchful eye of Takah himself. Validating in a sense to say many of the techniques employed by Shota were not necessarily new to me but hauntingly familiar. \n\n\n\nThe hour-long demonstration in the breezy Regis courtyard included — but was by no means limited to — Pork tonkatsu, tempura carrot, corn fritters, tempura whole shitake mushrooms, with a side of spinach-tofu salad and a sesame-infused Japanese slaw. Shota shared his and knowledge and craft with the grace and confidence of someone who has truly found their area of expertise and place in life. \n\n\n\nThese Food & Wine Classic in Aspen cooking demonstrations are so entertaining and immaculately produced, I was half-expecting a smiling Guy Fieri to poke his head up from behind the cooking counter right as the food was ready. \n\n\n\nWhile waiting eagerly in line to enter, I was fortunate to meet and chat with a delightful couple here from Chicago — true Food & Wine Classic groupies. After the seminar, we all agreed we’re definitely going to be cooking tempura at home in the near future. \n\n\n\nI left the seminar nourished and knowledgeable. Thanks for the deep-fried secrets, Shota. And thanks to everyone here in Aspen for Food and Wine. I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves — because I sure am. \n\n\n\n— Lo Semple\n\n\n\nTiffany Derry and Sheila Johnson with ‘Big Flavor, Deeper Stories’\n\n\n\nTiffany Derry and Sheila Johnson brought laughter to the Food & Wine Classic in their seminar, “At Tiffany’s Table: Big Flavor, Deeper Stories”! Tiffany, a “Top Chef” alum, infused her Southern charm, while Sheila, founder of the Salamander Collection, celebrated culinary diversity. Together, they prepared a meal that matched their spicy banter.\n\n\n\nSheila Johnson (left) and Tiffany Derry from their Food & Wine Classic seminar “At Tiffany’s Table: Big Flavor, Deeper Stories” on Friday, June 19, 2026.Laura Lederer/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nTiffany created a charred-watermelon salad with brown sugar, quipping, “She be crunchy — it’s the Aspen altitude!” As she urged zesting lemons, Sheila deadpanned, “That’s where all the vitamins are!”\n\n\n\nThe BBQ shrimp, seared with chili crunch and lager, was a hit. Tiffany showcased her umami skills while exclaiming “worcestershire!” Pairing the BBQ shrimp with bubbly champagne for everyone to taste was sheer bliss. \n\n\n\nThe vibrant red rice with chili crunch made her beam: “Oh, I’m back at home!” When a guest asked for a taste, she enthusiastically replied, “Of course! My mama always says, ‘You have not because you ask not!'”\n\n\n\nTiffany and Sheila were the perfect pair, leaving us all craving more of their delightful comedic chemistry!\n\n\n\n— Laura Lederer\n\n\n\nTyler Florence on beef: ‘Marble makes money!’\n\n\n\nMeeting Tyler Florence was an absolute thrill in his seminar, “The Way of Wagyu: Secrets of the World’s Most Coveted Steaks”! His expertise in beef is contagious, especially as he celebrated his 30th year on the Food Network. “Isn’t that crazy?” he asked. His “American Grill Cookbook” is a favorite of mine, and hearing him discuss Wagyu, which comes exclusively from Japan, was enlightening.\n\n\n\nTyler Florence of Food Network fame at his seminar “The Way of Wagyu: Secrets of the World’s Most Coveted Steaks” on Friday, June 19, 2026.Laura Lederer/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nTyler collaborates with the historic Rosewood Beef Ranch in Texas, blending Black Angus with Japanese Wagyu. \n\n\n\n“Marble makes money!” he exclaimed. \n\n\n\nThe smell of beef fat wafting through the air was intoxicating!\n\n\n\nAs he prepared steak tacos, he quipped, “Beef should be eaten as naked as possible … just a little kiss of flavor.” \n\n\n\nA sampling from Tyler Florence’s seminar “The Way of Wagyu: Secrets of the World’s Most Coveted Steaks” on Friday, June 19, 2026.Laura Lederer/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nI savored every bite of his perfectly prepared taco. Love, love, love — as Tyler likes to say, too! \n\n\n\nTasting beef from Australia, Japan and Texas was a true culinary experience. I studied each slice and relished each flavor. The Australian beef was my favorite! The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, leaving me inspired. Yum!\n\n\n\n— Laura Lederer\n\n\n\nHigh altitude wines: A taste of wines created at high altitudes and deep inclines\n\n\n\nWanda Mann is the East Coast Editor of “The SOMM Journal” and “Tasting Panel Magazine” and has more than two decades of wine industry experience including as the past president of Les Dames d’Escoffier. This is her fifth year conducting wine seminars at the Food & Wine Classic; her approach to enjoying wine is all about educated passion and not about the posturing.\n\n\n\nSome of the wines from Wanda Mann’s seminar “Ain’t No Vineyard High Enough: Majestic Mountain Wines” on Friday, June 19, 2026.Shalus McAllister/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nThe eight wines we sampled at “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” range in price from $25 a bottle to $180; she did not reveal prices until the very end of our session, letting our senses make the decision on these “majestic mountain wines.” Based at different elevations, she took us to vineyards from the base of Mount Etna in Sicily to the appellation of Puente Alto in the Chilean Andes to more modest inclines in the Napa Valley. \n\n\n\nSome of the wines from Wanda Mann’s seminar “Ain’t No Vineyard High Enough: Majestic Mountain Wines” on Friday, June 19, 2026.Shalus McAllister/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWe learned why wines produced at higher elevations create grapes with higher acidity levels. Wanda “walked” us through a tasting of four white and four red wines ranging from a mellowed Gewurztraminer from Elena Walch in the Alto Adige region of North East Italy to a smooth Malbec from the Colome winery in Valle Calchaque in Argentina, which boasts the highest altitude vineyards in the world.\n\n\n\n— Shalus McAllister","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/reporters-notebook-day-1-of-the-food-wine-classic-in-aspen/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Aspen Times staff report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T17:57:09.000Z","category":"parks","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F19131604%2FIMG_2570-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"reporters-notebook-day-1-of-the-food-wine-classic-in-aspen"},{"id":"ay059x","title":"Garfield County Commissioners approve $35,000 grant for Valley Meals and More","excerpt":"The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners approved a $35,000 grant on Monday to keep county funding flowing to Valley Meals and More through 2026.\n\n\n\nThe funding will help sustain meal deliveries for older adults at the greatest nutritional risk while broader discussions continue about lo...","content":"The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners approved a $35,000 grant on Monday to keep county funding flowing to Valley Meals and More through 2026.\n\n\n\nThe funding will help sustain meal deliveries for older adults at the greatest nutritional risk while broader discussions continue about long-term support for senior nutrition services throughout the county and its municipalities. \n\n\n\nBecause the contract between the nonprofit and the county, agreed upon in June 2025, is set to expire at the end of the month, Monday’s supplemental grant will keep funding flowing through the end of the year. Funding for 2027 was intentionally left undecided due to a lack of clarity among municipalities and unincorporated citizens. \n\n\n\nValley Meals and More is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in eastern Garfield County. According to its website, the program currently serves approximately 130 meals on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and delivers over 520 nutritious meals every week to over 230 unique older adults. They also provide congregator meals where older adults can meet and eat at a shared location. Their delivery region includes Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Missouri Heights, El Jebel, the Crystal River Valley and other unincorporated parts of Garfield County. \n\n\n\nIn a news release announcing the grant, Valley Meals and More Executive Director Mary Kenyon said part of the program’s mission during this decade has been to teach the community about the nutritional challenges older residents face, especially if they’re homebound. \n\n\n\n“Part of our role over the past five years has been helping the community better understand the nutritional challenges facing some of our older residents,” she said in the release. “Now that we have objective data demonstrating the need, the conversation can shift from whether the need exists to how we work together to address it.”\n\n\n\nThe approved $35,000 is made up of $25,000 from discretionary funds and $10,000 from the general fund, but is almost $15,000 less than what Valley Meals and More was initially seeking. As the nonprofit looks to iron out its 2027 funding, it will need to have deeper conversations with individual municipalities to nail down how much unincorporated residents factor into the discussion. \n\n\n\n“Garfield County is supposed to contribute 40% to the senior nutrition program, and they’ve asked all the other municipalities to make up the difference,” Kenyon said during Monday’s meeting. “Garfield County will pay for all unincorporated individuals, and the towns are only contributing for the people living within their town limits. I’m going to ask the Town of Carbondale, ‘How much of that $18,000 was actually spent on Town of Carbondale residents?'”\n\n\n\nKenyon said the county now has a clearer picture of who the program is serving, and the next step is to determine how best to serve every individual. \n\n\n\n“We didn’t know how many homebound older adults there were in eastern Garfield County; that’s how we started: we had to go out and find them,” she said. “We didn’t have a program because we didn’t know we needed one. So now that the word is out, and we see the data, the question is now, ‘How do we take senior nutrition as an umbrella and address homebound and congregate together?'”\n\n\n\n“It’s how do we together as a community address the issue?” Kenyon continued. “I go back to your goal, Commissioner Jankovsky, and this is at least three years ago; you said that no older adult in Garfield County will go hungry, and by virtue of your decision today, there might only be 20 that we have to figure out how to take care of.”\n\n\n\nIn addition to serving nearly 250 older adults throughout eastern Garfield County nutritious food four days a week, Valley Meals and More volunteers provide friendly visits, wellness checks, safety monitoring, and connections to the community. For more information, visit valleymealsandmore.com. ","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-commissioners-approve-35000-grant-for-valley-meals-and-more/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Jaymin Kanzer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjkanzer@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T21:35:15.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2026%2F04%2F22160556%2FPI-Garfield-county-news-small-2-1.jpg","slug":"garfield-county-commissioners-approve-35000-grant-for-valley-meals-and-more"},{"id":"8rtp0z","title":"Garfield County Libraries schedule for June 22-28","excerpt":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Dinosaur Egg Engineering at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:Baby & Me Bilingual Storytime at 10:30 a.m./Hora de cuentos bilingüe para bebés y sus cuidadores a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Building Dinosaur Enc...","content":"Monday\n\n\n\nParachute:The Fossil Files: Dinosaur Egg Engineering at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:Baby & Me Bilingual Storytime at 10:30 a.m./Hora de cuentos bilingüe para bebés y sus cuidadores a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nSilt:Summer Fun at the Silt Library at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Building Dinosaur Encounters in D&D at 5:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 6 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 6 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nMeet the Author: Deborah Williams at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nIn Stitches Knitting Club at 1:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nEnglish in Action: Open Hours at 6:30 p.m./Inglés en acción: Horario de atención a las 6:30 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nTuesday\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nCooking Matters with Lift-Up: Simple Meals, Stronger Families at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nZumba Baila & Burn at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nStorytime at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Arts and Crafts at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nJiggleJam! at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nMah Jongg at 1:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nClub de Abuelitos a las 4 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nToddler Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nBaby Storytime at 11:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nJiggleJam! at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nWednesday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nSensory Storytime at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nBaila & Burn: Bilingual Zumba at 7 p.m./Baila y Quema: Zumba Bilingüe a las 7 de la tarde.\n\n\n\nRifle:Workforce Center in Your Rifle Library at 10 a.m.\n\n\n\nPlaygroup at the Library at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSewing and Creations with Irma at 5 p.m./Confección y Creaciones con Irma a las 5 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nEnglish/Spanish Conversation Circle at 6:45 p.m./Círculo de Conversación Inglés/Español a las 6:45 de la tarde. \n\n\n\nSilt:A Beatbox Playground with Mr. Kneel at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nJiggleJam! at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nJiggleJam! at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nManos a la Piñata! a las 4 de la tarde./Piñata Workshop at 4 p.m.\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nTai Chi at the Library at 5:30 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nCMC Open Office Hours at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nMake Your Own Pizza at 4:15 p.m.\n\n\n\nThursday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nJiggleJam! at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Aaron Larget-Caplan at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nRifle:Storytime at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nJiggleJam! at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nGolden Years Social at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Fun at the Silt Library – Movies at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nMeditation for Members of 12 Step Recovery Programs at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nAdd Water to Your Wiggles at 11 a.m.\n\n\n\nWriting Workshops at 5 p.m.\n\n\n\nD&D Workshops with Victoria at 6:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nCarbondale:\n\n\n\nGet the Wiggles Out! at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nGeriFit at 12:30 p.m.\n\n\n\nTech Club with the Aspen Science Center at 3:45 p.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Aaron Larget-Caplan at 6 p.m. \n\n\n\nFriday \n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nBaby & Me Storytime at 10:30 a.m.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nSPARK at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSilt:Tai Chi for Seniors at 9 a.m.\n\n\n\nShake Your Sillies Out at 10 a.m. \n\n\n\nMeal Monkey at 11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Aaron Larget-Caplan at 6 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Summer Concert Series: Aaron Larget-Caplan at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nExpress Yo’ Self at 2 p.m. \n\n\n\nCarbondale:Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nSaturday\n\n\n\nParachute:\n\n\n\nThe Last Piece Countdown at noon.\n\n\n\nRifle:\n\n\n\nCommunity Health Screenings at 10:30 a.m./Exámenes de Salud Comunitarios a las 10:30 de la mañana. \n\n\n\nSilt:\n\n\n\nPioneering for the Modern Day at 1 p.m. \n\n\n\nNew Castle:\n\n\n\nThe Last Piece Countdown at noon.\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Aaron Larget-Caplan at 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:Tai Chi at the Library at 9:30 a.m. \n\n\n\nDungeons and Dragons: Storm King’s Thunder at 2 p.m.\n\n\n\nSunday\n\n\n\nRifle:Rifle’s Adventure Guild at 1 p.m.\n\n\n\nSummer Concert Series: Aaron Larget-Caplan at 3 p.m. \n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs:\n\n\n\nDungeons and Dragons: Call of the Netherdeep at 2 p.m.","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-june-22-28/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Katherine Tomanek Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tktomanek@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T20:09:11.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2018%2F08%2F25104239%2FGarfieldLibrary-GPI-logo.jpg","slug":"garfield-county-libraries-schedule-for-june-22-28"},{"id":"5ggfo7","title":"BOCC District 1 candidates discuss key Aspen issues","excerpt":"The Pitkin County Board of County Commission District 1 election is set for June 30, with three Aspen candidates vying for the position.\n\n\n\nThe candidates include former Mayor Torre, current Aspen City Council Mayor Pro Tem John Doyle and former Pitkin county commissioner Rob Ittner, who all spok...","content":"The Pitkin County Board of County Commission District 1 election is set for June 30, with three Aspen candidates vying for the position.\n\n\n\nThe candidates include former Mayor Torre, current Aspen City Council Mayor Pro Tem John Doyle and former Pitkin county commissioner Rob Ittner, who all spoke to The Aspen Times about the airport modernization, the Entrance to Aspen, wildfire resilience and more.\n\n\n\nTorre\n\n\n\nTorre, the former mayor of Aspen, said he’s prioritizing his investment in the climate, affordable housing and limiting excessive growth in his bid for Board of County Commissioners District 1. According to him, he will approach issues with transit and housing through an environmental lens, focusing on ensuring issues are solved in an environmentally-friendly manner. \n\n\n\n“There are a lot of really responsible and ecologically friendly decisions that can be made if you look at things through the lens of ‘environment first’ and what’s good for our environment, both locally and when we talk about climate change. Oftentimes, those decisions are going to be the best for our community as well,” he said.\n\n\n\nHe is also focused on improving public transportation in a way that focuses on environmental sustainability, as well as aiming to “fix APCHA,” according to a campaign flyer, and improve affordable housing in the valley. \n\n\n\nHe also emphasized his stance as a “slow growth representative.”\n\n\n\n“Slow growth as an ethic is really trying to do growth that positively impacts our community or fulfills a need that we have going on right now,” he said.\n\n\n\nTorre expressed his opinion that the BOCC has begun to delineate into “pro-community and against community” lines and said he is hoping to realign the board towards community goals. \n\n\n\nHe has dedicated time to community outreach, including knocking on over 1,000 doors and working to understand community goals in order to apply them to his prospective role as county commissioner.\n\n\n\nWith regard to the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport modernization project, he said he agrees that the terminal and runway need to be improved but believes this can be done while limiting development. According to him, the renovation and continued work with the airport is warranted to “improve it for environmental and growth related aspects.”\n\n\n\nDuring his tenure as mayor of Aspen, he explained he was also an advocate for a “modified split shot” entrance redesign to Aspen to deal with congestion and to improve vehicle emissions. He believed that one of the most valid design concepts was a second bridge near Marolt Open Space and, as county commissioner, he would focus on moving that project forward.\n\n\n\nOn wildfire, he recognized the danger and impacts in Aspen given the historic drought and wildfire conditions that have been impacting the region. He said that “as much as possible” should be devoted to wildfire resilience and control in Aspen, emphasizing that his passion for wildfire-related improvements aligns with his strong dedication to the natural environment.\n\n\n\nJohn Doyle\n\n\n\nDoyle is running with a strong focus on the environment and with the goal of focusing on locals. He noted that he has been able to have a strong impact on Aspen through his role on Aspen City Council but hopes to continue that impact at the county level. \n\n\n\nAccording to him, the county and the rest of the world have been moving too slowly with regard to climate change, and he believes that Pitkin County’s relatively large platform would be a good place to make a positive impact in that work. \n\n\n\n“Pitkin County has a large platform, and I know I can have a greater impact at the county level,” he said.\n\n\n\nHe cited his time in Aspen, his time raising a child through the Aspen School District and time serving the Ruedi Water and Power Authority and Pitkin County Housing Authority Board as markers of his “notable” differences from the other candidates.\n\n\n\nFor the airport, Doyle said he hopes that the new project can be done in a way that improves the functionality that voters have pushed for while also keeping excess growth to a minimum and maintaining the atmosphere of the current airport. He emphasized that, as county commissioner, he would be faithful to what voters have decided, no matter his personal views on an issue. \n\n\n\nHe also emphasized that his goal as county commissioner would focus on environmental policy, pushing the airport to be “the most net-zero” airport in the state or even the world, which he views as an achievable goal.\n\n\n\nHe noted that, with regard to the Entrance to Aspen, he is passionate about a timely redesign in the face of the growing wildfire danger. He said the new entrance is needed to facilitate easier and quicker evacuations, in addition to better public transportation including a possible a light rail that could also serve the airport. \n\n\n\n“It’s a logical starting point to enhance ground transportation between downtown Aspen and the airport,” he said. “We should be studying some type of transportation between Aspen in the airport that doesn’t involve single occupancy cars or ideally even cars at all.”\n\n\n\nHe noted, however, that he believes the traffic up in Aspen is not as bad as it is mid-valley or in downtown Glenwood Springs. \n\n\n\nDoyle also explained that his passion for environmental protections extends to wildfires, hoping that as a commissioner he could focus on extensive mitigation, especially in the forests around Aspen, that would help protect the town from an urban conflagration\n\n\n\n“We need to take this super seriously,” he said. “Anyone with eyes can look around Aspen, the surrounding mountains, and see that there’s a very high percentage of dead timber up there, and it all comes right down into town.”\n\n\n\nRob Ittner\n\n\n\nIttner, former Board of County Commissioner from 2011 to 2015, is running to serve the community again. He said his aim is to be a part of shaping the current community and said his background in customer service will be helpful to this role. \n\n\n\n“Collaboration and experience goes a long way with the Board of County Commissioners, (and) I want to provide service,” Ittner said.\n\n\n\nAccording to him, his experience in “collaboration and communication” will provide valuable insight for the commission and the community, and already working with Aspen’s clientele will prove significant when serving a tourist town.\n\n\n\nWith the airport, he recognized the value of community input on the modernization project, especially in the face of some recent changes made to the terminal redesign. He noted the importance of balancing excess growth with having a well-functioning airport to serve Aspen’s tourist-based economy.\n\n\n\n“We need to consider the fact that in one way or another, economically, people are dependent on our transportation in and out of our community for that tourism economy, so I’m in favor of the modernization,” he said.\n\n\n\nHe is also in support of more “direct flow” into Aspen, with an emphasis on preserving the main Castle Creek bridge in conversations about the Entrance to Aspen. He supports a redesign on the roundabout, which he attributed many of the traffic problems to, and said he hopes that traffic can be improved without significant impacts to the current layout, focusing on improving a “straight shot” into Aspen.\n\n\n\nIttner also emphasized that wildfires are one of the biggest issues facing Pitkin County and deserve a significant commitment of county resources to focus on mitigation. He noted that following a historically dry winter, it is even more apparent that additional work needs to be done to protect the community.\n\n\n\n“It’s of the utmost importance, no question about that,” he said.\n\n\n\nBallots have been mailed to voters, with in-person voting from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 22 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 at the Pitkin County administration building on 530 E. Main Street in Aspen.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/bocc-district-1-candidates-discuss-key-aspen-issues/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Beau Toepfer Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tbtoepfer@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T17:00:00.000Z","category":"government","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2024%2F08%2F14183010%2Fimage00001-2-1024x768.jpeg","slug":"bocc-district-1-candidates-discuss-key-aspen-issues"},{"id":"bt4lxk","title":"Celeb chef Andrew Zimmern returns with a mission beyond the plate","excerpt":"A familiar face at the Food & Wine Classic, Andrew Zimmern returns to Aspen as one of the event’s marquee culinary personalities — a true celeb chef fans have grown to know.\n\n\n\nThe four-time James Beard Award winner and Emmy-Award winning celebrity chef is a global food advocate and television pe...","content":"A familiar face at the Food & Wine Classic, Andrew Zimmern returns to Aspen as one of the event’s marquee culinary personalities — a true celeb chef fans have grown to know.\n\n\n\nThe four-time James Beard Award winner and Emmy-Award winning celebrity chef is a global food advocate and television personality. Best known for “Bizarre Foods,” he has traveled the world highlighting unique eats. Ultimately, his career reflects his longtime dedication to culinary storytelling, and demonstrating how food can change the world.\n\n\n\n“I love teaching. I love the Aspen Classic. I’ve been going for over the course of 30 years,” he said. \n\n\n\nFor 2026, Zimmern is turning his attention to fish and the role seafood consumption could play in reshaping global food patterns. Throughout the weekend, he will share those insights during multiple culinary demonstrations.\n\n\n\nHe started with a cooking demonstration, “American Classics: Iconic Dishes from Restaurants in that Defined an Era” on Saturday, June 20 at St. Regis 1, with a tasting of the dishes that inspired him throughout the years.\n\n\n\n“I’m doing one on lost foods that have fallen out of favor or previously existed somewhere else that you now can’t get — classics that I think are really important. I’m doing it with seafood,” he said. \n\n\n\nHe did a real Oysters Rockefeller and a Lobster Thermidor emulsified with egg yolks. \n\n\n\n“Classics are coming back in style, and I think in some restaurants it’s going to be more popular over the next couple of years. I’m excited about that because classics are classics for a reason. It’s great to see new chefs reinterpret them. I’m using original recipes in both cases from over 100 years ago,” Zimmern said.\n\n\n\nCelebrity chef Andrew Zimmern chats with guests during the Food & Wine Classic opening ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nHe also leads the cooking demonstration: “Hope in the Water: Seafood for a Sustainable” on June 21 at St. Regis Tent 1. The seminar focuses on globally-inspired seafood dishes from “The Blue Food Cookbook” that celebrates sustainability and the future of ocean-friendly fishing.\n\n\n\nZimmern released “The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future” in October 2025 — with his social media referring to it as “the ultimate seafood Bible for home cooks.” It features 145 recipes. \n\n\n\n“I co-authored the book with Barton Seaver, in collaboration with Fed by Blue. It was one of the great projects of my career,” he said. \n\n\n\nThere are an additional 125 pages in front of the recipes, which he hopes will demystify and empower consumers to make better choices. It looks at topics like what sustainability means and the differences between farmed and wild, and fresh or frozen, options.\n\n\n\n“Hopefully, we have empowered the consumer to buy and cook more seafood,” he said. “If we ate one or two more meals a week from the blue world, we would drastically do better things for our planet and its health and for our own health.”\n\n\n\nCelebrity chef Andrew Zimmern leads a seminar on iconic American dishes during the Food & Wine Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Regis Aspen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times\n\n\n\nWhen Zimmern returns to Colorado, he loves being outdoors, flying fishing, fishing for trout and being on the water. At the 2026 Food & Wine weekend, he sees many people he knows.\n\n\n\n“I love seeing friends that I don’t have a chance to see in other places. I love spending time with my Food & Wine family. It’s so great. It feels like coming home,” he said, who has served as a contributing editor and frequent contributor of FOOD & WINE magazine over many years.\n\n\n\nHe is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme and a founding member of the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture. He also works extensively with food and environmental non-profits, serving on the Board of Trustees for AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles.","url":"https://www.aspentimes.com/news/celeb-chef-andrew-zimmern-returns-with-a-mission-beyond-the-plate/","source":"Aspen Times","author":"Jennika Ingram Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tjingram@aspentimes.com","publishDate":"2026-06-20T16:00:00.000Z","category":"local","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F5%2F2026%2F06%2F20155226%2FFWDay2zimmern-atd-062026-01-1024x683.jpg","slug":"celeb-chef-andrew-zimmern-returns-with-a-mission-beyond-the-plate"},{"id":"sj42kf","title":"A&E Lineup for June 19-29","excerpt":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nAlice Feagan Book Tour Stop in Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nWhat: Vail Valley children’s book author Alice Feagan will be visitin...","content":"Note: for a complete list of calendar events from around Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley, go to http://www.postindependent.com/entertainment/community-calendar/.\n\n\n\nAlice Feagan Book Tour Stop in Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nWhat: Vail Valley children’s book author Alice Feagan will be visiting Glenwood Springs’ Barnes and Noble to talk about her new book, “The Lost Board”. Released on June 9, the story follows a young girl named Lana and a treasured family surfboard. Although she loses the board, it goes on to have its own adventures. For more information, visit alicefeagan.com. \n\n\n\nWhen: 1-4 p.m., Saturday, June 20\n\n\n\nWhere: Barnes & Noble, 115 East Meadows Drive, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: None\n\n\n\n129th Annual Strawberry Days Festival\n\n\n\nWhat: Join for a hometown parade, live main stage entertainment, a large arts and crafts festival, food, Family Fest, free strawberries and ice cream and more. Visit strawberrydays.com for more information.\n\n\n\nWhen: noon to 10 p.m. Friday, June 19; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 20; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21\n\n\n\nWhere: Two Rivers Park, 740 Devereux Road, Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: Free\n\n\n\nHilltop Concert Series\n\n\n\nWhat: The Bookcliffs Arts Center presents the Hilltop Concert Series each Sunday throughout the summer. The free concert features some of the best musicians in Western Colorado. It’s a family friendly event that provides a picturesque backdrop, music, and ice cream. For more information, visit bookcliffs.org/hilltop-music. \n\n\n\nWhen: 6-8 p.m., Sunday June 21. Event takes place every Sunday until Aug. 2\n\n\n\nWhere: Sunrise Art Park, 1100 East 16th St., Rifle\n\n\n\nCost: None\n\n\n\nPlaying with Paper\n\n\n\nWhat: Explore your creativity through playful collage. Use recycled magazines, handmade paper, and mixed media to craft unique art in a judgment-free space. No experience is needed, just imagination. All ages welcome. Visit coglenwoodspringsweb for more information and class payment. \n\n\n\nWhen: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Monday, June 29. Event takes place every Monday until July 27\n\n\n\nWhere: Glenwood Springs Community Arts Center, 601 East Sixth St., Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: $195 for six classes\n\n\n\nIntroductory Glass Workshop\n\n\n\nWhat: Discover the art of fused glass in this hands-on introductory workshop. Learn the basic techniques and create your own unique glass piece, guided by best firing practices. Themes are inspired by Colorado’s natural beauty. No experience needed. For ages seven-years-old to adult. Visit coglenwoodspringsweb for more information. \n\n\n\nWhen: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, and Monday, Aug. 3\n\n\n\nWhere: Glenwood Springs Community Arts Center, 601 East Sixth St., Glenwood Springs\n\n\n\nCost: $60 for ages seven to 12, $80 for 13 and older","url":"https://www.postindependent.com/news/ae-lineup-for-june-19-29/","source":"Glenwood Springs Post Independent","author":"Post Independent Staff Report Follow\n\t\t\t\t\tmail@postindependent.com","publishDate":"2026-06-18T20:07:16.000Z","category":"library","localScore":100,"priority":1,"image":"https://aspennew.com/imgp?u=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fmountain.swiftcom.com%2Fimages%2Fsites%2F6%2F2025%2F07%2F25132650%2FPost-Independent-Arts-and-Entertainment-graphic-1024x683.png","slug":"ae-lineup-for-june-19-29"},{"id":"b5eh5d","title":"Foodstuff: Midday meal","excerpt":"Prospect at Hotel Jerome continues to cater to a variety of different tastes and timetables, with a summer weekend brunch newly on offer. This comes just in time to nurse any potential Food & Wine Classic in Aspen hangover you might be pushing through. The 11:45 a.m. start time and hearty plates ...","content":"Prospect at Hotel Jerome continues to cater to a variety of different tastes and timetables, with a summer weekend brunch newly on offer. This comes just in time to nurse any potential Food & Wine Classic in Aspen hangover you might be pushing through. The 11:45 a.m. start time and hearty plates of food may be just what the proverbial doctor ordered this morning, so take note. \n\n\n\nI stopped by the historic hotel a few weeks ago following a fun six-mile hike up and through the Hunter Creek Valley. Once the new puppy’s legs were sufficiently pranced out and my appetite was sufficiently worked up, we ordered quite a few menu items to sample the selection across sweet and savories. \n\n\n\nAs always, the dining room is airy and comfortable, and the throne-like chairs were a welcome respite for our early summer-season hiking legs. I started with the chia bowl, featuring nut milk, berries, pineapple, bee pollen, coconut and hemp seed, which would have been beautiful enough to photograph, even if I didn’t have to do it for the purposes of this column. I liked that the strawberries were sliced extra-thin and the pineapple was finely diced, so you could scoop the perfect spoonful.  \n\n\n\nA beautiful chia pudding.Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nNot one to ignore my salty side, we also ordered the trout rillettes with tapioca crackers and crudité for dipping. More elevated than your average trout dip and topped with chives and salmon roe, it was a nice counterpoint to the sweet chia pudding and led us to the main courses — but not before I polished off a Bloody Mary topped with candied bacon, naturally. \n\n\n\nI ordered the “BLT” omelet for my main course, and my hike and dine companion went with the steak selection. While the current online menu boasts a country fried steak — or a spendier, dry-aged prime New York strip with white miso, sweet potato and broccolini — our beef, a hangar steak, came with crispy potatoes, broccolini, asparagus and kale pesto. The perfectly cooked meat, while perhaps a bit much for some brunch menus, fits in nicely here and sated our craving for some protein after our trek. The BLT omelet, named as such for the bacon, leeks, heirloom tomatoes and farmer’s cheese that is stuffed inside, also comes with crispy potatoes (the best bite on that plate) and a simply dressed green salad. \n\n\n\nProspect steak, anyone?Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nOther selections that caught my eye were the egg sandwich with house-made sourdough, bacon, avocado, Belford cheddar and chipotle aioli … and the huevos rancheros with salsa verde, salsa roja, black beans and avocado. Another time, Prospect! An espresso martini was also in order, and I made the (questionable?) executive decision to share one more sweet treat for brunch dessert.  \n\n\n\nAn espresso martini was in order.Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nWe finished the midday meal with a waffle topped with peaches and vanilla whipped cream. While no longer on the menu at press time, I suspect the brioche French toast with berry compote, vanilla crème brûlée and berries would be a fine sweet substitute. While you’re not getting a divey diner discount (entrees will run you about $30 a pop), this would be an elegant option for visiting guests or as an indulgence after a strenuous stint in the outdoors. Bonus, the staff was extremely gracious about the presence of my puppy, who was served a super-special, gold-trimmed water dish but clearly did not appreciate it and slept under the table the entire time. \n\n\n\nA sweet finish to a delicious midday meal.Katherine Roberts, Carington Creative/Courtesy photo\n\n\n\nFor more information, such as hours, menu and reservations, go to auberge.com/hotel-jerome/prospect/brunch. \n\n\n\nKatherine Roberts is a mid-Valley based writer and marketing professional who is happy to celebrate the return of Food & Wine weekend, her own personal Super Bowl. 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