Artist grants
Artists of any genre or medium who are in need of funding to further their careers are invited to apply for Carbondale Arts’ 2026 Artist Fellowship Program. Thanks to the Wolfpack Foundation and Carbondale Arts supporters, there is $12,000 worth of grant funding this year. Awardees can use the funding to develop a vision, buy supplies, rent studio space and more, but the grant requests should be specific. The deadline is June 1. To apply, visit tinyurl.com/CarbondaleArtsfellowship Email Staci at staci@carbondalearts.com with questions.
Civics Bee champ
Following an April 30 victory at the first regional-level Civics Bee hosted at Carbondale Middle School, Jude G. of Glenwood Springs is set to compete for the state title this summer, when students will be asked once again to test their knowledge of government structure and processes. Also placing last week were Steamboat Springs Middle School’s Violet B. and Sylvie F., who came in second and third behind Jude at the regional competition and will likewise compete at state.
Outdoors questionnaire
The Roaring Fork Outdoor Coalition, a collaboration between local, state and federal land managers “working together to conserve natural resources and support outdoor recreation across the Roaring Fork Watershed,” is developing a strategic plan for conservation and recreation-focused efforts in the coming years. The coalition is seeking community input to help shape some of those decisions. People can share their two cents by completing a questionnaire at roaringforkoutdoors.org The deadline to chime in is May 18.
Assistant superintendent departure
Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Assistant Superintendent Dr. Stacey Park will depart the district in June, having accepted a position as chief of academics at Denver Public Schools. “It’s been an honor to serve the students, families and staff of the Roaring Fork schools,” Park said in a May 1 press release. During her time at the district, math and language arts proficiency rates increased, according to the release. “We are so grateful for Dr. Park’s leadership and dedication to the Roaring Fork Schools these last four years,” Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole said.
Basalt survey
Basalt is seeking community input regarding the Town’s Public Services Facility funding proposal. The new facility would host both the Basalt Police and Public Works departments in the same building, “designed to improve safety, efficiency and long-term service to the community,” a press release stated. Currently in the planning phase, the project is a priority for Basalt Town Council, according to the release. Find the survey at letstalk.basalt.net
Visitor parks pass
Those with an out-of-state license plate on their vehicle are now subject to a $15-per-day fee to visit Colorado state parks, effective May 1. Individuals with Colorado-plated vehicles can buy state parks passes for $10, or purchase the annual Keep Colorado Wild pass for $29 when registering a vehicle. Chatfield, Elkhead Reservoir, Golden Gate Canyon, Pearl Lake, Stagecoach, State Forest and Steamboat Lake state parks require an additional $2 for vehicle entry, regardless of license plate location. Visit cpw.state.co.us/parks-passes to learn more.
Death investigation
The Garfield County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of a driver in Glenwood Springs following a routine traffic stop Tuesday, May 5 by a Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The deputy conducted the traffic stop on West 6th Street close to Hotel Glenwood Springs, according to a press release. “After the deputy had returned to his patrol vehicle to write a summons, he heard a gunshot,” the release states. “The deputy then discovered the driver of the stopped vehicle had sustained an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Emergency response was initiated; however, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Amanda Leahy (May 7); Judy Milne, Ricky Ross and Karen Tafejian (May 8); Cheyenne Booher, Jillian Livingston and Karen Crownhart-Nieslanik (May 9); Kay Bell, Bianca Godina, Chris Perry and Damian Sequichie (May 10); Mark Chain (May 11); Dylan Rose Emmer (May 12); Camy Britt, Jimmy Byrne, Megan Cook, Bill Jochems, Pat Noel, Renee Prince and Dave Taylor (May 13).