Deck the Walls
It’s not too late to shop local this gift-giving season. Carbondale Arts’ Deck the Walls holiday market remains open from 10am to 5pm most days (wrapping up on Dec. 24 at 2pm). This weekend there will be a pop-up farmer’s market at The Launchpad from 10am to 4pm Saturday and 11am to 4pm Sunday. Better yet, the Bonedale Winter Bonanza takes over the Carbondale Creative District with pop-up artists and special deals all day Dec. 20.
Local tragedy
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reported Saturday that 19-year-old Stephen Bull, who went missing earlier this month, was found deceased near Upper River Road in the Woody Creek area following an extensive, multi-agency search effort. Bull had last been seen on Dec. 2. The cause of death was not made public. Community members experiencing personal crises are encouraged to reach out to the Aspen Hope Center (www.aspenhopecenter.org) or 988lifeline.org
Bob Young passes on
J. Robert “Bob” Young, founder and chairman of Alpine Bank, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 11, surrounded by loved ones. For more than 50 years, Young built Alpine Bank into one of Colorado’s most respected financial institutions, always guided by his belief in the power of caring for others. In 1973, he opened the first Alpine Bank, originally called Roaring Fork Bank, in Carbondale. The institution has since grown statewide with 39 locations and $6.8 billion in assets.
Another C’dale burglary
On Friday, Dec. 5, Carbondale police responded to a burglary in the area of 1179 Highway 133. The reporting party saw a male enter her home earlier that day via security cameras. Officers recognized the male from prior contacts as Daniel Carlo Saporita. He was taken into custody the following day and stolen items were recovered from a search warrant. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ann Korologos Gallery
The Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt is under new ownership. Sue Edmonds, gallery director since 2019, and Claire de L’Arbre, marketing director since 2017, are now co-owners of the gallery as of Dec. 1 — marking a new chapter as the gallery enters its 33rd year. “It is our honor to uphold the vision of this gallery as a cultural hub to connect a community that values a world enhanced by creative expression,” said de L’Arbre and Edmonds in a joint statement. “Our shared vision is to deepen our support for contemporary artists and continue cultivating a space where the spirit and stories of the West thrive.”
Outdoor grants
Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado awarded $9.99 million in grants to advance projects relating to outdoor recreation, conservation and climate resilience. Among the 19 awardees, the Roaring Fork Outdoor Coalition received $87,000 to build partnerships, anticipate future recreation needs and promote inclusive recreation while upholding conservation goals. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust and Eagle County Regional Partnership were granted $2.5 million to protect nearly 18,000 acres of ranchland in the Colorado River Watershed through a proposed conservation easement.
Wildfire risks
The American Red Cross of Colorado warns residents that high winds can turn a small spark into a fast-moving wildfire, even in winter. Extreme winds and dry conditions caused the Marshall Fire to spread rapidly on Dec. 30, 2021, destroying 1,084 homes near Boulder. To prepare, residents are advised to clear flammable materials away from their homes, to have a go bag and a plan and to sign up for local emergency alerts.
State budget
Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research organization, recently reported on Colorado’s $50 billion 2026 state budget. Among the findings: The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has grown 459% in 20 years and now comprises 44% of the total state budget. K-12 education funding, meanwhile, dropped from 24% to 17% of total budget spending in the same time period. Find the complete report at www.bit.ly/CO-budget
Tech tyranny
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released a statement following President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting current and future state laws regulating artificial intelligence (AI), saying: “While AI has enormous potential to increase productivity and grow our economy, this unilateral action weakens Colorado’s ability to protect children and consumers.”
Seasonal work
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is accepting applications for field instructors, trail crew members and a crew leader for its 2026 season. Find details at www.rfov.org/careers
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Kathy Ezra, Daisy Tena, Ralph Wanner and Deborah VanCott (Dec. 18); Shirley Bowen and Frances Lewis (Dec. 19); Linnea Fong, Terry Glasenapp, Kenzie Hill, Beatriz Soto, John Taufer, Tyler Thompson, Prema Trettin and Travis Wilson (Dec. 20); Paula Fothergill, Shane Murray, Tommy Sweeney and Robin Waters (Dec. 21); Jessica, Carolyn and Jackson Hardin (Dec. 22); Chandra and Katie Bohannan (Dec. 23).