Mandy and I chatted after a concert last week. She told me that she usually likes this column, but she wasn’t so sure about the last one. Kind of a downer, she thought. The column was about death becoming an ever more present companion when we are old. It was about losing loved ones and […]
August 2024
Posted inBusiness
Small keys, big impact: Carbondale entrepreneur seeks to make hotel industry more sustainable
Sustainable living practices have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, especially among those who travel. From the banning of single-use plastic straws and water bottles to 10-cent grocery bags (20 in Carbondale), Americans are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint, raising societal interest and often financial incentives for folks to go green. […]
Posted inBusiness
Strange Imports to depart Main by month’s end
Carbondale has had a taste of Eastern culture and tradition on Main Street for quite some time. Those who lived here in the ‘90s and early 2000s likely remember perusing incensed Sherpa Imports; and Strange Imports has been nestled near the center of the Dinkel Building on Main Street in Carbondale for more than 10 […]
Posted inEducation
CMC trustees approve $94.3 million budget
The Colorado Mountain College (CMC) board of trustees approved a $94.3 million budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 at their June 25 meeting in Breckenridge, according to college spokesman Brian Barker. General Fund personnel costs are the biggest budget item at $67.5 million, followed by services, other, phone and supplies, travel and training, supplies, rental […]
Posted inLocal Government
GarCo Report: Axtell Park kerfuffle resolved, ambulance licensing, 2023 air quality update
The Garfield County commissioners (BOCC) jumped right into the final regular meeting of the month on Monday. The BOCC approved the county’s Board of Equalization adjustments for tax year 2024 and the consent agenda. They also heard updates from nonprofits Literacy Outreach and Valley Settlement. Lori Goodwin, deputy director of Human Services, presented the monthly […]
Posted inEnvironment
Fire protection agencies focus on mitigation to confront increasing threats
With wildfires breaking records for acreage and destruction and insurance prices steadily climbing in recent years, firefighters are shifting their approach to fire management. These days, it’s normal to see regular headlines about small lightning-sparked or other accidental wildfires being allowed to burn. Firefighters are present and active when this happens. Still, instead of smothering […]
Posted inBusiness
Exploring alternative healthcare options
The reason Ali Margo stumbled upon Zion Healthshare was because her husband’s company took away the option to add spouses to insurance coverage. The company’s decision was prompted by high premiums and set Margo, a self-employed writer, on a search for individual plans. But the most affordable plan that met her needs included a $700 […]
Posted inNews
Scuttlebutt & Calendar
Snow on SoprisWill Grandbois, previous editor of The Sopris Sun and an all-around Carbondalian, thinks we will wake up to snow on Mt. Sopris as early as Aug. 26. Care to counter his guesstimate? Tell us when you think the first snow will appear on Sopris by emailing news@soprissun.com The winner will get a shout-out […]
Posted inSports
Combined Basalt High golf team tees up good start to season
Among the first local high school fall sports teams to see action this season is the combined Basalt High School (BHS) boys golf team, which is already four competitions in and establishing itself as one of the top Class 3A teams on the Western Slope. The Longhorns’ top three players, senior Jackson Stewart and sophomores […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
SoL Theatre wows audiences with ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
On Aug. 15, youth theater company SoL Theatre premiered “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Thunder River Theatre (TRTC) — the second show in their summer stock season. The theater was practically full and the cast was met with a standing ovation at the end of the final number. Despite a COVID scare which resulted in the […]