Pages of the Past: In Satank, hydrant trickles as house burns

From the Archives of the Roaring Fork Valley Journal

Aug. 18, 1977

An investigation was underway after a series of issues plagued fire department attempts to douse a burning home in Satank, which was completely consumed. It reportedly took 20 minutes for word of the fire to reach the volunteer department after the dispatcher put out the call on the wrong channel. When crews did arrive, they were unable to get any usable pressure out of a nearby hydrant, while Fire Chief Ron Richards had reportedly taken one of the tanker trucks and the coupling for the other one to a fire in New Castle. Most of the (metaphorical) heat fell on Richards as solutions were sought for each problem.

In other news… Future Garfield County Treasurer Georgia Chamberlain and future Carbondale Trustee John Foulkrod were featured in a Mutual Savings and Loan Association as they bought a home in town.

Aug. 20, 1987

Basalt Town Council had already approved $2000 to move the Basalt Chamber of Commerce’s little red caboose into the park downtown, but were initially disinclined to place it exactly where the chamber wanted it. After a petition and some backing from the chief of the police, however, the council changed its tune and agreed to have it located on the east end of the property close to the town hall.

In other news… Garfield County Sheriff and former Carbondale Police Chief Verne Soucie was balking at a 15 percent cut to his department, which commissioners asserted was not affecting services.

Aug. 21, 1997

The first phase of Crystal River Elementary School was preparing to open its doors as a kindergarten and first grade, with the old Carbondale Elementary School accommodating 410 second through fifth graders. (CRES was eventually added onto until it replaced CES — with fifth grade moving to the middle school.)

In other news… The final phase of the Ranch at Roaring Fork was approved, with 22 homesites slated for five acres.

Aug. 23, 2007

The North Thompson Four Mile Mineral Land Company granted Pitkin County a 4,773 acre conservation easement in Jerome Park west of Carbondale. The nearly $10 million deal assured the space would remain open for cattle crazing and cross country skiing, with future development potential limited to four homesites. Said Open Space Director Dale Will, “This deal proves that agriculture, habitat and recreation can coexist in a landscapes that provides both sustenance and inspiration to all.”

In other news… Trustees approved the second in a series of new developments along Dolores Way, which was viewed as particularly desirable for its proximity to the RFTA park and ride.