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  • Locations: News Published

    A festival for the Virgin of Guadalupe

    Every Dec. 12, those devoted to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe take the time to pause from the business of daily life to remember and honor the miracle that happened almost 500 years ago. It is believed that Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to a humble Aztec named Juan Diego on Dec. 9, 1531, ten years after the Aztec Empire fell to the Spanish Conquistadores. It was on a hill covered with nopal cactus, by the name of Tepeyac in what is now Mexico City. read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Local organizations provide resources for ‘silence breakers’

    Last week, Time Magazine announced its 2017 person of the year: the “Silence Breakers.” It’s referring to the group of women who spoke out about sexual misconduct in their respective industries, launched the #MeToo movement on social media and generally cultivated the national dialogue that’s led to seemingly unending headlines and allegations. It’s a literal and figurative snapshot of the issue. Yes, sexual misconduct is pervasive in high-profile industries like Hollywood, and those allegations garner equally high-profile media coverage. read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Practice makes perfect for ‘Messiah’ performers

    The spirit was already there in the area’s first performance of George Frideric Handel’s choral epic “Messiah” 40 years ago, but the substance had room for improvement. “We were terrible when I think back,” said Steve Child who, along with his wife, Molly, has been participating almost since Day One. “Over the years we’ve added more parts of it and become more expert… Now the group has really blended.” read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    What’s with this Minnie Pearl character on our cover?

    If you’re too young to recall, Minnie Pearl appeared for decades on the Grand Ole Opry and Heehaw. When Sarah Ophelia Colley created Minnie Pearl, by accident she left a price tag on Minnie’s flower-bedecked hat. Later, Colley decided that the price tag was essential to Minnie’s countrified character. read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Pages of the Past: Unions, lawsuits and global warming

    In something of a surprise vote, miners at the Anschutz Thompson Creek mine west of Carbondale voted to become a non-union operation. The national United Mine Workers of America and local Redstone Workers Association had vied for the votes of 92 eligible hourly workers, but in the end an independent shop won out. read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Quilting together a community of crafters

    Hanging out with the Roaring Fork Quilt Guild feels something like wrapping yourself in one of their creations. Each of the roughly two dozen members brings a different character and experience that somehow stitches together into a warm, welcoming whole. The group usually gathers at the Carbondale Branch Library, but more intimate gatherings and special retreats are all part of the program read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Disaster (mostly) averted for Mobile Maker Bus

    Firefighters snuffed a smoldering battery compartment Rosybelle Mobile Maker Bus on Dec. 8 before it could spread further. read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Zoning change proposed for new housing project

    The Garfield County Planning Commission will consider a developer’s application to amend the county’s comprehensive plan in order to accommodate a vision for a new community of up to 400 small houses in the pasture northwest of the intersection of Catherine Store Road and Highway 82. Ken Arnold, managing member of Florida and Aspen based GatorCap, submitted an application earlier this year that will be formally considered when the Commission meets Dec. 13. read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Our Town: Natalie Spears

    Natalie Spears is perhaps best known as a founding member of the local band Pearl & Wood (pearlandwood.com) that seemed to be playing every venue and event around this summer. She’s also a teacher of music and adventure, and she’s currently helping revive the art of the “crankie” scrolling stories — more at nataliespears.com. Sopris Sun: Where are you from and how did you end up out here? Natalie Spears: I grew up in Washington D.C., but I spent a lot of time upvalley as a kid because my grandpa helped start the hut system. read more →
  • Locations: News Published

    Hometown support sought for hometown trail

    If all goes according to plan, on Friday, Dec. 15, Aspen Valley Land Trust will purchase the long sought-after 25-acre land parcel at the base of Red Hill. The sale is the first step of a larger vision to build a new trailhead and parking for the popular 19-mile trail system. “I’m super confident this is going to happen,” AVLT Executive Director Suzanne Stephens said of the land acquisition. While the land itself — which has been on the organization’s radar for more than five years — will require $825,000, the entire project carries a $1.35m price tag. read more →