The sound of whistles and upbeat raised voices from sports fields herald the turn of the summer. Autumn sports practices have begun, and the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) is preparing for the start of a new school year, just two weeks away. High schoolers return to classrooms on Wednesday, Aug. 20, while elementary and […]
Education
Posted inEducation
CMC trustees approve new biological science bachelor’s degree
Continuing to elevate the standard for higher education in rural communities, Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC) Board of Trustees unanimously approved a competitive bachelor of science degree in biological science. Pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, the program will launch in fall 2026 at the Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge & Dillon campuses, thus becoming CMC’s […]
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Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival will enrich funga community
On Aug. 8-10, mushroom enthusiasts from around the country will gather to celebrate the world of mycology at the 16th annual Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival (EMWF). Happening at the Brush Creek Pavilion in Eagle, the immersive experience will include hands-on workshops, keynote presentations, expert guided forays, live music by Sweet Jessup & The […]
Posted inEducation
Federal government freezes $71 million in education funding for Colorado schools
As school districts in Colorado prepare for the 2025-26 academic year, a freeze of $71 million in federal education funding by the U.S. Department of Education is affecting districts across the state, including in the Roaring Fork Valley. In an email, the federal government said it is holding $6.8 billion in education funding while they […]
Posted inNonprofits
Cultivating community, connection and fresh food at Highwater Farm
This article originated from Sol del Valle and has been translated for English-language readers. Highwater Farm was founded in 2020 and has since made its mark along a dirt road outside of Silt that leads to a space full of life and connection to the land. From the soil to the table, the farm has […]
Posted inNonprofits
Shining bright — Challenge Aspen celebrates 30 years of service
For the past three decades, Challenge Aspen has facilitated life-changing experiences and opportunities for individuals living with cognitive and/or physical disabilities, transcending limitations through their adaptive recreation and scholarship programs. From sit-skiing and snowboarding to paddleboarding, music and theater, the organization offers customized programming for individuals of all ages and abilities. On July 19, the […]
Posted inColumns
A writing initiation: Awestruck steps into the world of [Aspen] Words
Editor’s Note: Annalise Grueter is a member of the Aspen Writers Network. This column details her recent experience at the Aspen Summer Words juried workshops. If you’ve been reading The Sopris Sun for at least a couple of weeks, you already know that this valley harbors an impressive roster of passionate writers. From local journalists […]
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Senate page experience made politics more tangible for Mali Sparhawk
An up-close and personal peek at the inner workings of the U.S. Senate during the spring semester was an eye-opener for Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) soon-to-be senior Mali Sparhawk. After nearly five months working as a page for the Senate Democrats, Sparhawk said she came away with a better understanding of the political process […]
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Aspen Historical Society hosts ‘Ute Knowledge’ exhibit
History and culture buffs, mark your calendars: a free three-day pop-up exhibition is coming to the Aspen Historical Society (AHS) next week, providing an in-depth exploration of the technologies of the native Ute people — also called Nuche. Titled “Ute Knowledge: Colorado’s Original Science, Technology, Engineering & Math,” the exhibition will teach visitors how the […]
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Ham Radio Field Day brings operators to Spring Valley
During the weekend of June 27-29, members of the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club (SCARC) built temporary radio stations, communicated with other similar stations all across the country and then took the stations down — all on Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus. The weekend’s events were part of the American Radio Relay League’s annual […]