On May 22, Colorado 3rd Congressional District Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Grand Junction, announced the release of $40 million to the Colorado River District (CRD) for the purchase and permanent protection of the Shoshone Water Rights. This funding release marks a milestone in the Colorado River District campaign, which was officially launched in December 2023, when […]
Nonprofits
Posted inEnvironment
Saving soil with AVLT
Founded in 1967, Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) is a local, nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting special places and open spaces. It serves a region stretching from the Roaring Fork and Middle Colorado River valleys from the top of Independence Pass and out west to De Beque. Through conservation easements on private land, the […]
Posted inNonprofits
Near New donations dip
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the Near New is bringing in about $200 to $300 less daily compared to last year, not weekly. After swinging open the door to the Near New, a shopper’s eyes dance to a kaleidoscope of items, from housewares to sporty outfits. A volunteer is there to […]
Posted inSports
Chris Klug Foundation’s Jessi Rochel puts rubber to pavement
Jessi Rochel is a runner with a cause. For nearly four years, the Carbondale local and executive director of the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF) has been quietly chipping away at the elusive Six Star Medal presented by Abbott World Marathon Majors all while raising critical funds and awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. “Running […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
No Script, No Exit: ‘The Long Conversation’ comes to Carbondale
On Sunday, May 3, two people will walk onto the stage at the Crystal Theatre with no moderator, no set topic, and only one instruction: pick up where the last conversation left off. Then they’ll talk for 30 minutes, step off, and hand it to the next pair. Over 12 hours, that relay will repeat […]
Posted inNews
Claims circulate that accredited rep. misrepresented himself as attorney
Following some accusations that Gypsum-based accredited representative Hector Gonzalez has misrepresented himself as an attorney, he told The Sopris Sun that he is not a lawyer and has never told anyone otherwise. A recent article in the Vail Daily covered a specific claim that Gonzalez misrepresented himself as an attorney. The newspaper had previously identified […]
Posted inNonprofits
Stepping Stones posits intentional growth for greater impact
Rooted in its vision to create a community where youth and their families are empowered, connected and thriving, the nonprofit Stepping Stones is sprouting new growth — and serving more youth — having recently opened its latest drop-in center in Glenwood Springs. Located at 1630 Grand Avenue, the new center opened in October 2025 and […]
Posted inNonprofits
HeadQuarters closes after a decade of service
The Basalt-based mental health nonprofit HeadQuarters is currently winding down operations after announcing in early February that it would close its services. The organization was founded in 2016 with a focus on connecting people with preventive mental health services, resources, peer groups and workshops. HeadQuarters also raised money to directly help clients access professional services. […]
Posted inNonprofits
The Buddy Program: Hitting marks and other fortunate events
Rafael, 11, tipped his head, stared at a spot on a massive elk target, its rack curving skyward, in a stand of trees. He drew his bow, intent, and released an arrow. Thwack. “That was a perfect shot,” Mike said. My husband, Mike Benge, and his friend Franz Froelicher were walking courses with Rafael Gonzalez, […]
Posted inNews
‘Newspaper isn’t dying yet, not as long as I’m around!’
A look inside the newspaper printing process Last Thursday, Jan. 5, after sending Sol del Valle to print, the Sol del Valle and Sopris Sun teams traveled through the Glenwood Canyon to the printing press where both newspapers, along with many other local publications, come to life on paper. The Colorado Mountain News Media (CMNM) […]