Meet Jill Suarez. As the Town of Carbondale’s main meter technician, Suarez has been tasked with assuring local compliance with new federal requirements to assure the replacement of lead pipes bringing water into homes nationwide.The rule change came with a major infrastructure bill passed in 2021 and was catalyzed by mass poisoning in Flint, Michigan […]
February 2024
Posted inNews
Coalition compares Summit County successes with local affordable housing efforts
Breckenridge’s long history of creating a vibrant affordable housing program could prove to be a valuable model as the new West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition looks to up its game in the Roaring Fork Valley and Garfield County.A big difference, though, is the nearly two dozen deed-restricted housing projects and a successful buy-down program in […]
Posted inNews
On to the state playoffs for Rams hoops teams after runners-up showing at Districts
A pair of thrillers in the district championship games on Saturday in Grand Junction for the Roaring Fork High School boys and girls basketball teams ended in close losses for the Rams.The Carbondale kids are headed to the 3A state playoffs nonetheless.After nearly pulling off the upset against the undefeated Grand Valley Cardinals, ultimately falling […]
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RFSD announces superintendent finalists
The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education met online on Feb. 27 for a special meeting with one action item on the agenda: to approve finalists for the district superintendent position. They are current RFSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole, Aspen School District Assistant Superintendent Tharyn Mulberry and Brush School District RE-2J Superintendent […]
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Precinct caucuses 101: Taking the mystery out of the process
Did you recently receive a ballot in the mail for the presidential primary? Great, but were you also aware that Colorado holds precinct caucuses every two years for the essential business of the political parties?The Sopris Sun recently spoke with Garfield County chairs — Debbie Bruell of the Democrats and Gregg Rippy of the Republicans […]
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5Point inspires local middle schoolers
Last week, 5Point Adventure Film went on a mini-tour of the Valley’s middle schools during the very first “5Point Education Week.” This reporter attended the organization’s visit to Carbondale Middle School (CMS). I entered the CMS auditorium a bit too early and walked in on a drama class performing a scene. I tried my best […]
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Carbondale Report: Trustees consider raising successors’ pay
The Carbondale Board of Trustees proposed an increased stipend for its future members at the end of an otherwise routine meeting on Feb. 27.Since the last increase in 2015, trustees have received $900 a month and the mayor $1,500. Mayor Ben Bohmfalk crunched the numbers and suggested an increase to $1,200 and $2,000, respectively. “I […]
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Basalt Report: Black Mountain sketch plan approved
This week, Basalt Town Council convened to discuss — and approve — the much-revised sketch plan for the Black Mountain development on Emma Road.Though not an item of discussion during the night’s meeting, the Town of Basalt posted news for residents of, and visitors to, historic downtown Basalt. On Monday, March 4, construction crews will […]
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Local thespians bring ‘guerilla’ theater to the Valley
The Roaring Fork Repertory Theatre presents “One-Acts in the Stacks” at the Carbondale Library on Saturday, March 2 at 7pm. The performance is directed by local seasoned thespian William “Willie” Moseley and premiered in August at Explore Booksellers in Aspen. The cast is composed of locals (Hattison Rensberry, Scott Elmore, Joshua Adamson and Bostyn Elswick) […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
Write a river The Colorado Water Trust is putting together its first-ever writing contest! You’re invited to submit 300 words or fewer about a river (or rivers) in the state. It can be poetry or prose; silly, serious or sweet; but should inspire your fellow Coloradans to love and care about our rivers. Illustrations and/or […]