Dry Creek Fire
As of Wednesday morning, June 24, the Dry Creek Fire outside of Rifle was estimated at 315 acres, according to Colorado River Fire Rescue. At the time, management of the blaze transitioned to Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Unit Type 3 Team.” Crews are utilizing a full suppression strategy with direct and indirect tactics to slow the fire’s spread and construct containment lines around the fire,” a press release stated. Evacuation orders remained in effect and a public health notice was issued encouraging people experiencing heavy smoke to remain indoors when possible. For updates, visit garfieldcounty.net/
Tiny prints
The deadline to submit work for Carbondale Arts’ Tiny Print Showcase is fast approaching. Colorado-based artists can submit prints until July 1 for a chance to be featured in the showcase, on display at the Carbondale Arts Gallery from Aug. 21 to Sept. 24. Prints must be under 6 square inches. There are $1,200 in awards available to competitors and submissions will be judged by a panel of accomplished printmakers from Colorado. For more information, visit carbondalearts.com/exhibitions/tiny-print-showcase
GarCo library director
Garfield County Public Library District announced last week the selection of New Castle resident Abraham Korah as its new executive director. Korah served as the Glenwood Springs Library branch manager for the previous three years, during which he led the library to expand programming, improve community engagement and reimagine the building’s space so users’ needs could be better met, according to a press release. He also built a team that saw zero staff turnover during his time at the helm. “I am honored to serve as executive director and excited to work with our dedicated staff, Board of Trustees, community partners and residents throughout Garfield County to continue expanding the impact of our libraries,” Korah said.
SOL nominations
Carbondale’s Stage of Life Theatre Company (SOL) received 10 Henry Award nominations from the Colorado Theatre Guild for its 2025 production “Cabaret.” Operating at an annual budget of just $425,000, SOL is a nominee alongside The Arvada Center, Theatre Aspen, Parker Arts, The Lone Tree Arts Center and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) — some of the most established theater organizations in the state. DCPA’s annual budget is roughly $89 million, according to a press release. “Cabaret” saw three artists nominated who were former SOL students: Luke Ryan, Maura Fawley and Simon Cox.
Fire restrictions
The White River National Forest will transition to stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday, June 26. Under the restrictions, no campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere on the White River National Forest, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, according to a press release. For more information, visit fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts. Garfield County and its seven fire districts are also implementing stage 2 restrictions on June 26 at 1am, prohibiting fireworks and recreational fires and allowing smoking only in developed areas and more. For details, visit garfieldcountyco.gov/emergency-management/fire-restrictions/
Warm waters
The Roaring Fork Watershed is flowing at 15-38% below normal for this time of year, according to a June 18 report by Roaring Fork Conservancy. Hot weather combined with the lower flows have increased stream temperatures, with temperatures jumping by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 64.6 degrees the week preceding June 18. The conservancy reminds anglers to stop fishing when the water reaches 68 degrees. Aquatic organisms, including trout, are stressed in warmer water, which contains less dissolved oxygen, according to the conservancy.
AVSC appointment
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC) announced the appointment of William Hadden as the organization’s new alpine director. Bringing with him 11 years experience coaching alpine racing in Chile, at the Stratton Mountain School in Vermont, with the U.S. Ski Team and with the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Hadden believes the best way to develop athletes is by accompanying them through early to late stages of their racing development. “It is incredibly valuable to see an athlete through all ages,” he said. “That’s something I am excited to be able to do with the Alpine Program at AVSC.”
Wildfire resiliency code
Garfield County will adopt the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code on July 1, mandating that both residential and commercial developments abide by new siding and fencing requirements and obtain roofing and reroofing permits. “Wildfire risk is a real concern on the Western Slope and by adopting the state-mandated Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, Garfield County is taking a proactive, responsible step to reduce risk, support safer development and protect the people and places we value,” Garfield County Chief Building Official John Plano said in a press release. According to a study in California, the construction cost of building wildfire-resistant homes is only 2-3% higher than typical builds, the press release stated.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Mark Burrows, Olivia Pevec and Michael Quint (June 25); Jaspen Mackin, Emilee Phelan, Zack Ritchie, Lucy Sontag and Jake Zamansky (June 26); Roberto de Leon, Erica Pincomb and Colton Mesner (June 27); Michael Black, Adele Craft, Niki Delson, Erin Galbreath, Claire de L’Arbre and Beth Mulry (June 28); Zuleika Pevec, Patty Phelan and Drew Sorenson (June 29); Melina Laroza, Erin Rigney and John Stickney (June 30); Cory Feldman, John Matchael, Jax Moss and Kyle Obuhanick (July 1).