Hero support
Alpine Bank recently opened an account to help the families of the five firefighters impacted by the Snyder Fire, and invites the community to contribute. The bank started the account off with an initial $25,000. Donations can be made in person or over the phone at any Alpine Bank branch through Aug. 31; just reference the “Snyder Fire Fighter Family Benefit Account.” For more information, visit alpinebank.com/snyderfire
Warm waters
As drought conditions persist and intensify, Roaring Fork Conservancy encourages anglers to “reel it in” when temperatures exceed 67 degrees Fahrenheit. “Rivers and streams throughout the Roaring Fork Watershed are flowing at one third of what is normal for this time of year,” they inform. Low flows equal warmer water, which results in less dissolved oxygen for aquatic life, causing stress for these species.
Smoked out
Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment encourage Coloradans in areas affected by wildfire smoke to use available air quality resources, including Colorado.gov/airquality, the Colorado Smoke Blog, www.AirNow.gov and the AirNow mobile app. “Colorado is coordinating across state and local agencies to track air quality in real time and get accurate, timely information to every affected community,” stated Polis. “We’re urging Coloradans, especially those with respiratory conditions, children and older adults, to limit strenuous or extensive outdoor activity and stay informed as conditions change.”
Basalt land use
The Town of Basalt is updating its land use code, which establishes the regulations that guide how land is used and developed. The update is intended to modernize the code, improve clarity and organization, make the code more user-friendly and align the Town’s development regulations with the community vision outlined in Basalt’s 2020 Master Plan. Find details and a public survey at letstalk.basalt.net
Basalt facility
The Town of Basalt invites the community to learn about the proposed Public Services Facility project that would combine the Police and Public Works departments into one centralized building. An open house will be held this Friday, July 10, from noon to 2pm at 101 Midland Avenue. Participants can meet the Wold Architects and Engineers team contracted to design the building, ask questions and offer feedback. A site visit is planned for Monday, July 20, from 5 to 7pm. Learn more at letstalk.basalt.net/public-facilities
Educator recruitment and retention
The Colorado Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Educator Recruitment and Retention program, which offers up to $7,500 in financial assistance to help aspiring educators cover the cost of tuition and fees. The program supports individuals pursuing teaching careers in shortage areas who commit to serving in those positions for at least three years. Applications are due by Sept. 30. Find details at www.bit.ly/CDE-ERR
Glenwood signage
Residents in downtown Glenwood have likely noticed yield signs, and a few stop signs, popping up at intersections that previously went without, termed “uncontrolled intersections,” according to a press release. “These sign additions were recommended as part of the recent Community Safety Action Plan,” the press release stated.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Kristin Garwood, Will Grandbois, Barbara Jackson and Judith Ritschard (July 9); Peter Gilbert and Rita Marsh (July 10); Joanne Kaufman, Monica Munoz, Danny Muse, Mellie Rose and Bill Spence (July 11); Ian Bays, Ariana Gradow, Solomon Liston, Rebecca Self and Summer Scott (July 13); Ben Isak Green, Andrew Halloran-Taylor, John Tolan and Britney White (July 14); Meghan Gillespie and Lauren Kaiser (July 15).