Drought Task Force
Governor Jared Polis activated Colorado’s Drought Task Force and Phase 2 of the state’s Drought Response Plan on March 17 given record-breaking warm temperatures and low snowpack. As reported by Aspen Journalism, snowpack in the Roaring Fork River Basin is at 65% of normal as of March 13 and 75% of days from November through February were warmer than average.
Godes runs for GarCo
Democrat Jonathan Godes, former mayor of Glenwood Springs, announced on March 16 his run for the District 1 seat on Garfield County’s Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). That seat is currently occupied by Chairman Tom Jankovsky, a Republican serving his fourth term on the BOCC. Godes will run against Republican Eric Rudd, who announced his candidacy last month. “With energy revenues declining and families feeling squeezed, this is a turning point for our county,” Godes said. “The decisions we make right now will shape whether working families can afford to stay here and whether our kids can build their future here.” A campaign launch party takes place on March 19 at Down Valley Brewing in New Castle at 6pm.
Town Center
The Town of Carbondale is seeking a development partner to lead design, permitting, financing and construction of the Town Center property surrounding Thunder River Theatre. The Town envisions a vibrant infill development featuring 45-60 residential units, primarily serving households earning 80-140% of the area median income (AMI), along with 10,000-20,000 square feet of commercial and creative space. The Town will offer a long-term ground lease for a nominal fee and has secured $2 million in federal funding to support the project. Proposals are due by May 15. Learn more at www.bit.ly/Town-Center-RFP
Closing day
Sunlight Mountain Resort announced March 18 that due to unseasonably warm temps and historically meager snowpack, the mountain will close on Sunday, March 22, two weeks sooner than scheduled.
Breaking bread
The Carbondale Community Oven needs help to make its summer season happen! Email comoven@gmail.com to become a firemaster or join the organizing team.
Basalt Public Art
The Town of Basalt has issued an open call to sculptural artists to apply to display their work for up to two years in Willits. The deadline to apply is May 1, with the goal of a June-July installation. Selected artists will receive a $1,500 honorarium. The art will be installed for two years with an option for the Town to extend the display or purchase the art piece for its permanent collection. Apply for free at www.basalt.net/bpac
Roaring Fork Fencers
The Roaring Fork Fencers Club snagged a triple-podium finish at the Regional Open Circuit of the Rockies in early February. This regional competition took place at the Denver Fencing Center with a new “adult” category for fencers 18 to 39. Congratulations to Asher Rudow, second place, Div III Men’s Foil; Zoe Dillon, third place, Div III Women’s Foil; Caitlyn Tivy, tied for third, Adult Women’s Foil. Learn more at www.RoaringForkFC.com
Scam alert
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is aware of scammers sending fraudulent texts impersonating the agency. These texts falsely claim recipients have unpaid tickets and face consequences. The DMV does not initiate contact via unsolicited text messages. Scams can by reported at www.ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov
Culvert replacement
Construction to replace an existing culvert under JW Drive at its intersection with El Jebel Road is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 23. The project is anticipating five days of single-lane closures and should be completed by April 24. Motorists are asked to slow down, be patient, stay alert and always drive distraction-free.
I-70 construction
Work has resumed in the Glenwood Canyon to replace bridge joint structures and improve guardrails along 17 miles from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero. Traffic impacts will include single-lane configurations and reduced speed limits.
Gray wolf mortality
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported another gray wolf death on March 11. Investigation into the death of the maternal member of the King Mountain pack in northwest Colorado is underway. The wolf’s mate succumbed unexpectedly during a collaring operation on Jan. 28. This marks the third wolf death this year and the 13th death among 25 wolves brought to Colorado as part of voter-approved reintroduction efforts.
Latino voices
In honor of International Day of Action for Rivers, March 14, the Hispanic Access Foundation released a short documentary called “Voices of the River: Latino Stories from the Colorado River.” The film features faith leaders, community advocates and local residents reflecting on what the Colorado River means to their families, their work and their communities, highlighting Latino cultural values, faith traditions and lived experiences. Check it out at www.hispanicaccess.org/CO-River
Scholarships fundraiser
The Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) Carbondale/Basalt chapter has served the Valley for 46 years and is excited to announce its Sip for Scholarship wine-tasting fundraiser, March 20 from 5 to 7pm at The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive, Carbondale). Tickets are available at the door with proceeds providing four scholarships to local young women graduating this spring. PEO’s emphasis is to “educate, celebrate, motivate” women to achieve their highest aspirations. The event includes appetizers, entertainment and a silent auction.
AI accountability
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper has joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues urging the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau to expand data collection and public reporting on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the U.S. workforce. “It is imperative that the federal government serves as an agile, objective and reliable source of information regarding the significant labor market changes that this technological advancement presents,” the senators wrote.
Eagle River Jamboree
Eagle River Jamboree, a new festival produced by the Colorado Music Foundation nonprofit, will feature Robert Randolph, The Band of Heathens and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic County along with emerging Colorado artists Dragondeer, Extra Gold, Graham Good & The Painters, The Runaway Grooms and more. The inaugural festival takes place at the Eagle County Fairgrounds on Aug. 8-9. Learn more at www.eagleriverjamboree.com
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Matthew Eames, Sophia Higbie, Katie Hunter and Michael Schneiter (March 19); Leigh Kauffman (March 20); Judy Bartels, Kerwin Hirro and Miles Phillips (March 21); Tanner Hawkins and Evan Piccolo (March 22); Erin Danneker (March 23); Martin Gerdan and Jammin’ Jim (March 24); Ben Canady and Alta Otto (March 25).