As of late, sunsets have been spectacularly colorful and horizon lines remain hazy. The air carries a distinct scent many associate with camping — some with fear — and air quality ratings oscillate between moderate to hazardous. Understandably, wildfire is at the top of many folks’ minds. And it’s no surprise that the Roaring Fork […]
August 2025
Posted inLocal Government
When First Amendment rights blur harassment allegations
Editor’s note: The Sopris Sun elected not to list a party’s name in this article, out of respect for their privacy, but did reach out for comment without success. The Carbondale Historic Food Forest doesn’t seem like it’d be the place for a controversy to unravel. It’s off the beaten path, tucked away compared to […]
Posted inSports
Maroon Belles Volleyball Club launches a summer program for girls and open event for everyone
For over an hour after the start time of 9am, organizers from the Maroon Belles Volleyball Club delayed its first-ever Carbondale Open, intended to be an annual tournament, checking and rechecking wind forecasts and air quality numbers. At 7am, as they set up nets, the numbers were moderate, but by 8am, they worsened. Then at […]
Posted inEducation
Mark Johnson Memorial Fund success forms another step in funding school music programs
On Feb. 15, Mark Johnson, a local music educator and beloved community figure, tragically died in a car accident on Highway 82. In response to this, Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS), in collaboration with the Aspen Music Festival and School, created the Mark Johnson Memorial Fund, a “community fundraising campaign in support of the Carbondale music […]
Posted inLocal Government
GarCo Report: Town hall with Hurd, new natural gas pad, nonprofit grants
After thanking firefighters for their work on local fires and praising Aspen’s gondola transit system idea, Steve Kuschner of 350 Roaring Fork asked the Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) Monday to support an in-person town hall with Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-CD3). Hurd has been on the hook with constituents since last March for having tele-town halls […]
Posted inNonprofits
New senior apartments fulfill long-held wish of late Aspen couple
A philanthropic intent to provide more affordable housing in the Roaring Fork Valley that’s been three decades in the making is finally about to become a reality. Officials from the Denver Archdiocese Catholic Charities Housing were joined on Aug. 7 by state and local housing advocates and relatives and friends of the late Fritz and […]
Posted inNews
Changes to SNAP will impact local immigrants
In May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced states were to submit detailed information on all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants from the past five years. This move has raised concerns among immigrant-rights advocates, who warn that data sharing will lead to targeted deportations of undocumented people and further deny families the food […]
Posted inEnvironment
Wilderness Workshop to host conversation with former BLM leaders
On Thursday, Aug. 21, outdoor enthusiasts will gather at the Third Street Center for a conversation about United States public lands, changing government policies and citizen conservation responses. From 5:30pm to 7:00pm, Carbondale-based nonprofit Wilderness Workshop will facilitate the free conversation with Tracy Stone-Manning, current president of The Wilderness Society and former director of the […]
Posted inNews
Scuttlebutt & Calendar
Lee and Elk firesThe Lee and Elk fires blazing a combined 135,200 acres (as of noon on Aug. 12) have placed the towns of Meeker and Rifle on high alert, with heavy smoke impacting nearby communities. Track air quality online at fire.airnow.gov and fire activity with Watch Duty, a nonprofit resource. Additionally, Colorado Parks and […]
Posted inLocal Government, News
Library Report: Trustees dismiss age-restricted library card idea
Garfield County Public Library District trustees voted on Aug. 7 to keep the status quo of current library cards without introducing a new age-restricted one, saying they could discuss the issue again in the future if desired. The vote was 4-1, with trustee Tony Hershey giving the dissenting vote and trustee Stephanie Hirsch absent. Following […]