Aspen Public Radio went to Washington, D.C. earlier this month to testify in the United States District Court against President Donald Trump’s executive order directing federal entities to withhold funds from NPR due to what the administration labels “biased” reporting. The executive order also prohibits stations from using federal funds for NPR content. The lawsuit argues that the entire public media system has a First Amendment right to be free from government attempts to control private speech as well as from retaliation aimed at punishing protected speech. “When the government tries to decide what news can or can’t be broadcast, every American should be concerned,” said Breeze Richardson, executive director of Aspen Public Radio, pictured far-left with Tami Graham, executive director of KSUT, Steve Zansberg, legal counsel representing the Colorado stations, and Stewart Vanderwilt, president/CEO of Colorado Public Radio. Courtesy photo

Carbondale burglary
Just after midnight, Dec. 3, Carbondale police responded to a residential burglary in the area of Garfield Avenue. The homeowner was awoken by the sound of someone inside their house and confronted the intruder, who fled with several stolen items. Carbondale officers located a vehicle connected to the suspect based on the homeowner’s descriptions. At a residence associated with the vehicle, police contacted the suspect. Felix Gutierrez-Gnecco was arrested without incident. Searching his residence, stolen items were recovered. Suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Snowpack Report
Roaring Fork Conservancy sent its first Snowpack Report of the season on Dec. 4, gauging snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed at 49% of normal for this time of year. Snowpack is measured at SNOTEL sites at the top of McClure Pass, Schofield Pass, North Lost Trail, Independence Pass, Ivanhoe, Nast Lake and Kiln. Find daily, statewide updates at www.bit.ly/CO-SNOTEL 

Riverside Botanical Gardens
A community group, Glenwood Springs Riverside Botanical Gardens, seeks to relocate the historic Glenwood Gardens greenhouse and establish a riverside botanical garden in the heart of Glenwood Springs, at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers. Phase one involves dismantling and relocating the historic greenhouse, commissioned by John Cleveland Osgood in 1903 and originally located at his Redstone castle. To learn more and make a donation, visit www.glenwoodspringsriversidebotanicalgardens.com 

Spring Gulch
Last week’s snowfall was sufficient for Spring Gulch to open on Sunday, Dec. 7 for Nordic and skate skiing. Keep up with the Mt Sopris Nordic Council and consider making a donation at www.springgulch.org/membership 

Clay Center grant
The Carbondale Clay Center was awarded $35,000 from the Boettcher Foundation to go toward its “Shaping the Future” campaign, intended for the design and construction of a new building at the Clay Center’s current location. The center has raised $3.6 million toward the campaign’s goal of $10 million. 

Outdoor equity grants
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced Dec. 5 recipients of $2 million in equity grants supporting outdoor experiences for youth, including $78,000 for Stepping Stones in Carbondale and $48,580 for Outward Bound in Leadville. CPW is currently recruiting new members to serve on the Outdoor Equity Grant Board. Applications are due by Dec. 21. Learn more at  cpw.state.co.us/committees/outdoor-equity-grant-board 

Coroner’s award
The Garfield County Coroner’s Office received prestigious accreditation from the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners. “This distinction marks a significant milestone for our office and underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence, professionalism and compassionate service to the Garfield County community,” explained the press release. Eight other coroner officers in the state hold this accreditation, with Summit County being the only other one on the Western Slope. 

Aspen Valley Health CEO
Dr. Richard Becker has been named CEO of Aspen Valley Health, effective Jan. 26. Dr. Becker brings nearly three decades of healthcare experience to the role and will be transitioning to Aspen from his current position as systems executive in residence at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare system.  Current CEO Dave Ressler will remain at the helm through the transition. 

PCOST calendar
The Pitkin County Open Space & Trails (PCOST) 2026 wall calendar is now available, featuring scenic images donated by local photographers. Free copies are available while supplies last throughout Pitkin County, including at post offices in Meredith, Old Snowmass and Snowmass Village, the Basalt and Pitkin libraries, Pitkin County Administration Building and Redstone General Store. 

They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Marc Bruell, Gerald DeLisser, Leslie Johnson and Lea Linse (Dec. 11); Teresa Fink, Mackenzie Gates, Sarah Kelly, Beth Mohsenin, Sarah Moore and Andy Weidmann (Dec. 12); Amy Broadhurst, Ericka Crampton, Claire Markoya and Sander Olson (Dec. 13); Alex Curtis, Steve Keohane, Brianda Cervantes and Natalie Spears (Dec. 14); Lynn Burton, Rachel Filter, Alya Howe, Frank McGuirk, Arturo Ortiz, Anthony Ortiz and Chip Winn Wells (Dec. 15); Deborah Anderson and Tamarah Howard (Dec. 16); Aiden Knaus and Cooper Marshall (Dec. 17).