Willow Fire
Colorado River Fire Rescue responded to a fast-moving structure and wildland fire on June 10 that originated near Willow Creek Circle and spread along Government Creek to the Rifle Creek Apartments area, destroying four apartments. The fire was contained at 10 acres and an investigation into its origin is underway. The City of Rifle has now entered Stage 1 fire restrictions.
Maroon Bells partnership
In an effort to make outdoor recreation more accessible, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, White River National Forest and local libraries are teaming up to provide free daily shuttle passes from Aspen Highlands to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. The Basalt Regional, Glenwood Springs Branch and Pitkin County libraries will have one pass available for check-out each day, valid for up to four people. The passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
RFSD update
Jonathan Delk has been appointed by a unanimous vote to serve as chair of the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education. Delk was recently appointed to the board to fill a vacancy left by Betsy After. “It is a profound honor to begin my service on the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education and, on that same day, to be entrusted by my colleagues with the responsibility of serving as board chair,” said Delk. “I understand that this is an unusual moment to step into leadership, but I also understand the obligation that comes with it: to listen carefully, lead steadily and keep the Board focused on the students, families, educators and communities we serve.”
Basalt economy
The Town of Basalt and Basalt Chamber of Commerce will host two community listening sessions to hear from local businesses and individuals about the Town’s economic landscape and future. The first takes place on June 23 at The Element (499 Market Street in Willits) and the second, June 25, at Basalt Regional Library, each from 8 to 9:30am with coffee and snacks provided. For those unable to attend, comments can be emailed to Gloria Kaasch-Buerger at gloria.kb@basalt.net
Meeting Place hiring
The Meeting Place in Carbondale, a nonprofit that hosts several free recovery meetings a week, is seeking a part-time executive director, “passionate about recovery and community building,” to steer the ship. The outgoing executive director, Karlynn Fulmer, who recently graduated with a master’s in counseling and accepted a full-time position at Basalt Middle School, shared, in part, that “The Meeting Place is in a strong position, and I will continue supporting the organization through the transition process to ensure a smooth hand-off.” Interested candidates can find more information at meetingplacecarbondale.org
TRTC’s 31st season
Thunder River Theatre Company (mostly) announced its 2026-27 mainstage season, kicking it off with “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan this September. “Beyond Reason,” by local playwright Kristin Carlson, will see its world debut in November. The first show of 2027 remains a mystery, but “The Revolutionists” by Lauren Gunderson will conclude the season. Secondary programming has also been scheduled including a speaker series, cabarets, concerts and more! Find details and season passes at thunderrivertheatre.com
Best hot springs
Avalanche Ranch, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Iron Mountain are all in the running for USA Today’s “Best Hot Springs” competition. Penny Hot Springs aficionados will likely be pleased to know it didn’t make the list. Readers can vote daily through June 29 at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-hot-springs
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Tenzin Byrne, Bill Flanigan and Nancy Smith (June 18); Jennifer Bauer, Forrest Fulker, Matt McBrayer and Garrett del Castillo (June 19); Veronica Lamaak (June 20); Alyssa Barsanti, Robin Bundy, Ty Burtard, Todd Fugate, Arleen Ginn, Brandon Jones and Ernie Kollar (June 21); Jessica Kollar and Elliot Forrest Willey Lamb (June 22); Keith Edquist, Marc Loggins, Daniel Pulver, Hattie Rensberry, Donna Riley, Felix Tornare and Lauren Whittaker (June 23); Brian Keleher (June 24).