Primary results
Primary election votes were, for the most part, tallied as of Wednesday morning, with some candidates already declared winners. For governor, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser took the Democratic nomination with 55.8% of the vote, beating U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (44.2%), after most votes were counted. The republican side of the race was still too close to call, with Colorado State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer holding a narrow lead (39.9%) over ministry leader Victor Marx (39.6%). Colorado State Representative Scott Bottoms sat in third (20.4%). U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper was reelected to the senate (55.1%), beating Colorado State Senator Julie Gonzales (45%). Snowmass real estate businessman Dwayne Romero beat (55%) Aspen businessman Alex Kelloff (45.0%) for the Congressional District 3 (CD3) U.S. House of Representatives Democratic nomination. Incumbent Jeff Hurd won (66.5%) against former Colorado State Representative Ron Hanks (33.5%) for the CD3 Republican nomination. Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Lieutenant Brent Baker held a wide lead (66.8%) Wednesday morning against Eagle County Sheriff’s Office undersheriff Dan Loya (33.2%) in the race for Garfield County Sheriff. Former Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes won the Democratic nomination for Garfield County Commissioners, running unopposed. In the general election he will face the Republican nominee, Garfield County Planning and Zoning Commissioner Eric Rudd, who also ran unopposed.
Snyder Fire
Governor Jared Polis announced that state buildings will fly flags at half-staff on the days of the memorials honoring three Forest Service firefighters — Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson — who tragically died fighting the Snyder Fire on the Colorado-Utah border. Polis declared the fire a disaster emergency on Saturday, June 28. As of Wednesday morning, the fire was estimated at 30,215 acres and 10% containment. T he Colorado River is closed to public access and all boating activities from the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita all the way to the Utah state line to ensure public safety and support firefighting efforts. All boating activities are prohibited within the restricted area, and the closure is expected to continue through the Fourth of July weekend.
Shooting range closure
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced a temporary closure of the shooting range at Basalt State Wildlife Area on Friday, June 26, due to drought and extreme fire conditions. The closure comes as Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties, as well as the White River National Forest, have entered Stage 2 fire restrictions and wildfires rage across the state. “Over the past few years, including as recently as June 10, our staff has implemented mitigation efforts to lower the risk of wildfire at the shooting range,” Area Wildlife Manager Matt Yamashita said. Tracer rounds fired at the range caused the Lake Christine Fire in 2018.
Sweetwater
The White River National Forest (WRNF) seeks public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project, including alternative federal, state and local government management options. The WRNF acquired 488 acres in 2020, surrounding Sweetwater Lake, located in Garfield County to the north of Dotsero, hoping to provide “nature-based recreational and educational opportunities” for the public, according to a press release. Find the draft at tinyurl.com/drafteis2026 and make public comments online at tinyurl.com/publiccomment2026
Thunder River auditions
Thunder River Theatre is holding next-season auditions from 10am to 5pm on July 11, with casting open to all ages, genders and ethnicities. The company asks those interested to prepare a one-to-two-minute monologue from a published play, and to bring a resume and current headshot. Those unable to attend in person can send video submissions to missy@thunderrivertheatre.com before July 10. All roles are paid a minimum of $1,150. For more information and to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/thunderauditions
Boat sober
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced on Tuesday, June 30, that increased enforcement of boating under the influence (BUI) will be in effect through the Fourth of July weekend, as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign. “Boaters with a blood alcohol content level above the .08 state limit will be arrested for BUI,” a press release stated.
Israeli flags update
Israeli flags were removed eight times during the first annual Flag Day installation on the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale, June 13-22. The Carbondale Police Department (CPD) summoned two suspected juveniles, who acted independently of one another, for criminal mischief and bias motivated crime, according to CPD. One juvenile is suspected of removing one flag, and the other four flags. It’s not known who took the other three. Any information can be reported to CPD at 970-963-2662.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Staci Dickerson, Jeanie Chestnutt, Giana Grossman-Loiola, Miranda Hyer, Bruce Kirk and Laurie Loeb (July 2); Ash Buckberg, Katie Jones, Maggie Jones, Tony Mendez, Dani Ott, Cindy Sadlowski, Sissy Sutro and Luke Turner (July 3); Trevor Allen, Rachel Cooper, Brad Geddes and Dominic Molinari (July 4); Herb Feinzig, H Mavis Fitzgerald, Adele Moss, Fiona Obuhanick, Conor Ward and Chris Wurtsmith (July 5); Teri Bruna and Nannette Weinhold (July 6); Annie Rector (July 7); Jeremy Bennett, Sheija Binshaban and Melanie Finàn (July 8).