Drought and bears
Colorado’s drought has prompted a record number of bear sightings this year as natural food sources dwindle, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). CPW urges residents to “be especially vigilant about securing trash and other food sources.” The agency saw nearly twice as many bear reports and conflicts between Jan. 1 and Aug. 13, 2026, compared to the same period last year — the highest number of reports since it installed a digital reporting system in 2019.
Vintage at the Crystal
Age-Friendly Carbondale is sponsoring a special event “to help our vintage theater thrive,” the group noted in an email to The Sun. “Vintage people watching vintage movies can do just that.” Age-Friendly is bringing Mel Brook’s 1974 film “Blazing Saddles” to the Crystal Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 3pm.The film is rated R. “In case you have never seen it, this is a movie with something to offend EVERYONE,” wrote Age-Friendly. Folks who are older than 60 get in for half price, and “everyone gets free candy cigarettes.” Tickets are available at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/blazing-saddles
Women’s triathlon results
The Roaring Fork Women’s Triathlon Team showed up in full force to the 2026 Coeur Sports Outdoor Divas Sprint Triathlon in Longmont, making up 57 of 552 total participants. Of the local team, Sydney Pena took second overall, Jamie Boutillier placed first in the 40-44 age group, Amy Moyer first (35-39), Ellie Rippy first (15-19), Eva Jankovsky second (45-49), Deedee Rippy (Ellie’s mom) third (45-49), Sherrie Setterberg second (65-69), Makaela Richardson second in the Athena Division, Jillian Sutherland third in the Athena Division and Angie McDonald, who was competing in a triathlon for the first time, also placed first (75-79).
Shoshone support
The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners is urging local entities and communities to help fund the final $1.7 million needed by the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition to complete the $99 million water-rights purchase associated with the Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant. The plant is located about eight miles upstream from Glenwood Springs on the Colorado River. Garfield County in 2024 approved a $3 million commitment to the purchase of the rights, which is currently owned by Xcel energy. The purchase would allow the Colorado River Water Conservation District to preserve the downstream section of the river into the future.
Ruedi releases
The Ruedi Reservoir increased its release on Monday, Aug. 17, by 122 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs), bumping the flow of the Fryingpan River to 500 cfs and continuing releases, which began in early August, to aid Grand Valley irrigation users, according to the Ruedi Water & Power Authority. “The release rate will continue until further notice,” the authority said.
AVSC
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC) is opening registration for Aspen Supports Kids, the club’s youth recreational program, at 5pm on Sunday, Aug. 23. Serving preschool through 12th grade, Aspen Supports Kids is an important starting point for those wishing to pursue AVSC’s snowsports programming, according to a press release. “We’re so excited to welcome families back for another incredible winter with Aspen Supports Kids,” Program Director Meredith Elwell said in the release, which “has an option for everyone, and we’re here to help families find the right fit.” The registration opening gives local families an opportunity to sign up before winter programs are full. Details at teamavsc.org/ask-programs
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Emily Bohmfalk, Kirsten Keenan, Eric Skalac, Sid Smock, Sarah Tory, Torrey Udall, Dan Whitney and Katherine Whitney (Aug. 20); Jan Edwards, Rick Norman and Kevin Schorzman (Aug. 21); Raine Beau, Chris Hassig, Ryan Honey, Kathy McCann and Jeannie Perry (Aug. 22); Susan Brady, Brett Haynes, Chrissy Leonard and Sarah Mac (Aug. 23); Dalton Handy, Sarah Meyer and Andrea Porter (Aug. 24); John Hoffmann, Alli O’Neal and Danielle Rozga (Aug. 25); Larry Day, Linda Froning, Julie Goldstein and Julia Tallmadge (Aug. 26).