Snow on Sopris?
The verdict is still out for the first snow on Sopris. The Sopris Sun received a postulation of a “very light dusting” on Aug. 30, but it was hard to say for sure. The SNOTEL site on McClure Pass detected 0” of snowfall so far this season, as of Sept. 1. Send your guesses of when snow will first reach Sopris to news@soprissun.com
Bears update
According to an Aug. 31 Post Independent article, 39 bears have been killed in vehicle collisions within Garfield County this year based on data from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. That’s compared to just one case last year, the article continued. Additionally, Aspen Daily News reported on Aug. 30 that the Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation has taken in 25 cubs, all of which were born in January and abandoned by their mothers this year. The wildlife foundation “rehabilitates [bears], then releases them into the wild,” the article stated. For tips to help the bears remain wild and prevent human-bear conflicts, visit bearwise.org
Highway 82 traffic lights
On Aug. 31, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began a region-wide effort to upgrade more than 200 intersections across Northwest Colorado, including along Highway 82 from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. The work, which will be conducted at night to minimize commuter impact, will include installing traffic light backplates — reflective borders around the lights that improve visibility. CDOT will also refresh light emitting diode (LED) traffic bulbs.
Governor for a Day
Interested in learning the ins and outs of civic life at the state level? The governor’s office is offering one seventh- or eighth-grade student from Colorado an opportunity to shadow Gov. Jared Polis. The winner of this new contest, Governor for a Day, will get “the chance to see firsthand how state government works, from sitting in on meetings to learning what it takes to lead Colorado,” according to a press release. The competition opened on Monday, Aug. 31, and closes Monday, Sept. 7. The winner will be announced on Sept. 14. Applicants can include a short video explaining their interest, along with a completed submission form at tinyurl.com/governorforaday2026
Carbondale Fire
Equipment and three outdoor sheds caught fire midday Sunday, Aug. 30, at 455 Buggy Circle in Carbondale, across from Gianinetti Park. No injuries were reported. Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District responded at 12:14pm, and quickly extinguished the blaze, keeping it from spreading to nearby structures or residences, according to a press release. Carbondale Fire was still investigating the cause, as of Sept. 1. Property and equipment from Roaring Fork Sign and Lighting Company and from excavation company Aspen Diggers, Inc. were damaged, according to Carbondale Fire Public Information Officer Jenny Cutright. Cutright said the total monetary and physical loss is yet to be determined.
High Country Volunteers
Honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with High Country Volunteers, which is looking for up to 120 volunteers to take part in a 9/11 Day of Service at Colorado Mountain College’s Glenwood Center. Volunteers will pack 911 Project Sunshine activity kits for pediatric hospital patients in the region. “[Sept. 11] is a day of history that naturally causes us to stop and reflect,” High Country Volunteers Executive Director Mary Moon said in a press release. “It can also be a day that provides an opportunity to join our neighbors in acts of service to rekindle the spirit of unity and service that swept our nation after that tragic day.” Register to volunteer at highcountryvolunteers.org
Ruedi release decrease
The Ruedi Reservoir releases decreased nearly 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) between Aug. 30 and Sept. 1, with the flow rate falling on Fryingpan river below the reservoir from 415 cfs to 156 cfs, according to the Ruedi Water & Power Authority. This release rate decrease of roughly 100 cfs per day will continue until further notice, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Ruedi releases began in early August to aid Grand Valley irrigators.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Samuel Bernal, Kim Kelly, Pat Pier, Ken Pletcher, Jeannine Ravenscraft and Kathy Webb (Sept. 3); Terry Kirk, Andrea Slaphake and Ralph Pitt (Sept. 4); Heather Craven, Stephanie Dibacco and Janelle Johnson (Sept. 5); Linda Bishop, Brisella Escalante, Ben Hoffmann, Randy Lowenthal, Lora Meraz, Jesse Payne, Peter Robinson, Nancy Taylor, Haley Thompson and Mindy White (Sept. 6); Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza, Richard Hart and Mario Tarin (Sept. 7); Jane Bachrach, Janet Boyle, John Bruna, Tris and Tag Speaker, Whitney Will and Halle Zander (Sept. 8); Ben Bohmfalk, Clay Hawkins, Kathleen Shannon and Annie Worley (Sept. 9).