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Volume 18, Number 5 | March 12-18, 2026

STATE BOUND!

Roaring Fork junior co-captain Hazel Jenkins basks in the spotlight as the Lady Rams starting lineup is announced to open the 3A Regional state basketball playoff round against Manual on Friday, March 6, at the Roaring Fork High School gymnasium in Carbondale. The girls team went on to win the regional tournament and earn a trip to the 3A State Championships this weekend at the University of Denver. For the full story, flip to page 11.

Photo by John Stroud

Would You Rather…?

VOICES Radio Hour is brought to you by VOICES in partnership with KDNK, The Sopris Sun and the Connection is Medicine Foundation. With each episode we share stories from members of our community. We hope this serves to preserve an oral history of who we are, where we come from and who we aspire to be, through the tradition of storytelling.

This story is an excerpt from the episode of VOICES Radio Hour called “Simple Gifts.” It’s about the treasures in life that reveal themselves to us when we take the time to look for them, a gift from the universe that lit up your world in the least expected ways. The storytellers for this episode are Caitlin Causey, Shannon Ewing and Raleigh Burleigh, moderated by Mitzi Rapkin. Catch the debut on KDNK at 6pm, Sunday, March 22.

having been visited by the three Spirits? The part when he throws open his windows in a burst of euphoric love for all mankind, reveling in the glory of morning light and pealing church bells? “I don’t know how long I’ve been among the Spirits,” he proclaims.

“I don’t know anything. I’m quite a baby.”

That’s precisely how I felt. I could have run out and frolicked in the streets if I wasn’t currently being sewn back together in an operating room. There, in my daughter’s face, I could suddenly see “it,” the inherent worth and purity of the human spirit. Unlike Scrooge, however, the Spirits hadn’t shown me Death; they’d shown me Life. And better yet, I had somehow borne that Life into this world of pealing bells and morning light. I didn’t see my future, I saw my past, and the past of everyone who had ever lived. Everybody is somebody’s baby.

“Mom, would you rather eat worms And that’s when things got a little weird. My or roaches?” inner Scrooge kind of morphed into Oprah. I VOICES We’re in our truck, driving home from a hike, was like, “You’re somebody’s baby! And you’re and my kids are playing “Would You Rather...?”

RADIO HOUR somebody’s baby! And you’re somebody’s baby!”

You know, the classic road trip game where The doctor was somebody’s baby, the nurse, the

By Caitlin Causey everyone takes turns choosing between two grumpy cashier in the hospital cafeteria. The dude equally horrible — or wonderful, or impossible — things. “Would who flipped me off on I-70 was somebody’s baby. My grandma was you rather eat ice cream forever or pizza forever?” “Would you somebody’s baby. Even the scoundrels, liars and tyrants — they were rather be able to fly or be invisible?” You get the picture. just…. somebody’s… baby! Now, when I hear of someone who’s But, after a few rounds they really catch me off guard. My made a big mistake, my first instinct is not to think: “What a deranged daughter asks, “Would you rather be able to relive something lunatic,” but, “Oh. They were somebody’s baby. What happened?” from the past or be able to see the future?”

I always say that my kids are my greatest teachers (and not the Hmm. I pause, but this is actually the easiest one I’ve ever other way around). They teach me every single day to be able to answered: I would relive something from the past, of course. Who perceive the hue of inborn goodness that we all possess, innocares about the future? There’s the possibility that nothing good cent as the day we were born. It’s always in there, though it’s often resides there, and if so, then I definitely don’t want to see it ahead buried deep. When I in my human frailty forget this and lose my of time. But something from my past? Easy. I would choose to way, I need only to cast my memory back to my daughter and relive the moment I saw her face for the first time. son’s tiny faces on their first days, and I am reminded.

So, rewind. There I was on the operating table after hours of So here we are, back in the truck. My dear and precious chilstalled labor, body numb with chest-down anesthesia for the dren, yes, I would choose to relive the past. I would choose the C-section and head somewhere on Mars, when they brought her first moments I saw your faces over, and over, and over again — in to me. My first child. Oh, her eyes! They were wide open. And this and every lifetime. her mouth, it was so tiny tucked underneath her nose! Her foreNowadays you’re big kids, and you tied your own shoes this head — it was so wrinkly! The veil between our world and divine morning and packed your own backpacks and brushed your own mystery had parted, and here she was, before me, an astonish- teeth — and even flossed! I marvel at these things; they’re my ment. The great doors of existence were flung wide open, and pealing bells on Christmas, my glorious morning light. nothing, nothing would ever be the same. We were babies, both Forever, you are somebody’s babies. of us, she and I. Both seeing the world for the first time together, in our own distinct ways.

Caitlin Causey lives in Glenwood Springs with her family.

Ok, so you know that pivotal scene in “A Christmas Carol” She is the VOICES communications manager and believes when Ebenezer Scrooge wakes up on Christmas morning after that stories are Life.

OPINION

LETTERS E-bikes on Red Hill The Bureau of Land Management is currently taking public comment on its e-bike policy in Eagle County and the Roaring Fork Valley. Red Hill Council, Carbondale Parks and Recreation Commission and the Carbondale Bikes Peds and Trails Commission oppose allowing e-bikes on the front side of Red Hill as user conflicts will increase and trail damage will make maintenance that much harder.

Please make your public comment on the BLM website: www.bit.ly/blm-e-bikes Meanwhile, Shout out to Red Hill trail volunteers and those who support them by respecting the rules and recommendations regarding keeping dogs on leash, hiking and biking on dirt NOT mud and being friendly to other users. (Shout down to those who think your track “isn’t that bad” or your dog stays on trail and doesn’t bother other users or the off trail environment.)

Shout out to Red Hill volunteers who established clear paths on the hikeronly trails on the front side; it was so much easier to travel the best path last week than last year, now clearly marked by sticks and strings. Please, when you hike there, honor the sticks and strings

protection so the revegetated areas have a chance to recover.

Susan Rhea Carbondale

Harvest Village So now the Texas developer wants to change the name of Harvest Roaring Fork to cutesy and misleading Harvest Village.

One of the definitions of harvest is “to take or kill for food, sport or population control.” How appropriate.

The definition of village is “a small group of dwellings in a rural area.” Hmmm.

Let the developer soil his own nest deep in the heart of Texas and leave our valley alone.

Kay Maynard Carbondale

Be a hero One billionaire could win a heartfelt legacy of thousands if he/she purchased the land from Harvest development on Highway 82 between Carbondale and Glenwood. The proposed development will RUIN so many things in our valley.

Look for ads from Cattle Creek Coalition and visit the website (www.cattlecreekcc. com). Imagine what this land could be for

2 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

our valley with your purchase away from these out-of-state developers who have a questionable reputation due to issues at the Tree Farm in Basalt. There will be NO place left for the elk if this project is approved.

Nature park, elk habitation, beavers and heron and eagles safe in their dwellings… those are only a few of the benefits you could add to the Valley. Once you purchase the land you could donate it to Aspen Valley Land Trust for their supervision of further use. This will protect the Roaring Fork River and Cattle Creek whose banks are considered conserved via the Roaring Fork River Conservancy.

Who would manage the usage once this horrendous development began? And the traffic it will cause is indescribable and would demand major reconstruction on Highway 82.

It would only take one billionaire to buy out this proposed development as they paid around $33 million for it. It is our understanding that the Aspen Valley Land Trust made an offer, but Harvest did not consider it large enough.

So, billionaires, if you don’t want the property in your hands, you could donate enough money to Aspen Valley Land Trust continued on page 22

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Contributing Editor James Steindler Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soldelvalle.org Digital Editor Ingrid Celeste Zúniga ingrid@soldelvalle.org Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie Partnerships & Engagement Manager Luise Nieslanik Advertising Department adsales@soprissun.com Sol del Valle Marketing & Development Manager Margarita Alvarez margarita@soldelvalle.org Advertising Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Youth Journalism Instructor Skyler Stark-Ragsdale Proofreaders Lee Beck Tracy Kallassy Ken Pletcher Hank van Berlo Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 todd@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Eric Smith Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips Anna Huntington • Loren Jenkins Carlos Ramos • Gayle Wells

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Kathy & Carter Barger Lee Beck & John Stickney Karen & Roger Berliner Emily & George Bohmfalk Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Frances Dudley Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Michael & Nancy Kish Gary & Jill Knaus Jan & Warren Koster Bob & Dori Libson Donna & Ken Riley Eric Smith Patti & George Stranahan Gayle & Dick Wells Elizabeth Wysong

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District

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Highway 133 tragedy

OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!

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prohibition could apply to coyotes, beavers, bobcats, mink, pine martens, badgers, foxes, racoons, skunks, weasels, opossums and muskrats. A proposed rule will be drafted in the coming months.

The evening of March 1, Diana Quinn, a 76-year-old woman from the Carbondale area, lost her life after colliding with the back of a semi and trailer on Highway 133 south of Carbondale. At the time of the crash, the semi was parked in the northbound lane of the highway and unoccupied while “farm operations” were being conducted, according to a spokesperson with Colorado State Patrol (CSP).

The semi’s hazard lights were reportedly on. The case is being investigated by CSP as a fatal crash, according to the CSP spokesperson, who added that a conclusive report could take weeks or even months pending an investigation. According to the Coroner’s Office, an autopsy was completed on March 2, and the manner of death is being investigated as an accident.

The Colorado Times Recorder recently published an extensive article, “Secret ICE Detention Facilities Exist Around Colorado, Data Shows,” that details Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) regularly utilizing temporary holding rooms in Colorado to detain people beyond the federal agency’s own 72-hour limitation for such facilities. The 2025 data, which was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, only spans January to October “due to ongoing FOIA litigation,” the report stated. During that time, 3,182 individuals, between the ages of 1 and 91 years old, were held in such facilities throughout the state, including 83 in Glenwood Springs. To read the full article, visit www.coloradotimesrecorder.com/ content/news

Your voice, your radio Kicking off its spring membership drive, KDNK Community Radio initiated a comment line whereby listeners can leave a message professing their love for the station. Messages left may then be played on the airwaves. To comment, call 970-510-3250.

GCPLD executive director search The Garfield County Public Library District has launched a nationwide search for an experienced and community-focused executive director to lead its six-branch system. Applications are due by March 20. Find details at www.gcpld.org/ about-us/careers

Meadow Creek Lake With the completion of a dam rehabilitation project, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has removed an emergency fish salvage in place since August of 2024 at Meadow Creek Lake, north of Rifle. All regular bag and possession limits have been reinstated.

“We want to thank the public for their support in reducing the loss of fish while water levels in the reservoir were lowered,” said aquatic biologist Kristina Morben.

‘Death Cards’ investigation Residents of Aspen Equestrian Estates, neighboring the polo fields east of Carbondale, were unable to stop their HOA from “removing” a weeping willow (Salix babylonica) estimated to be at least 50 years old. Kristin Melbye, the resident whose house is closest to the tree, considers herself a conservationist and offered to pay for annual inspections and maintenance, and to indemnify the HOA should the tree cause damage to her home. Since 2019, Melbye had already been paying for the tree’s maintenance.

“I purchased my lot because of the proximity to the willow where a great horned owl perches,” Melbye wrote to neighbors, requesting help to prevent the tree’s demise. SavATree arrived on March 10 to cut it down, at a cost of around $11,500 to residents. The HOA board declared the tree, which extends over Equestrian Way, a liability due to its age and condition and acted “in the interest of and for the safety and wellbeing of the community as a whole.” A letter to the community detailed how the HOA’s insurance carrier considered the tree a known hazard due to documented issues including a large branch failure, which Melbye denies. “I’m devastated,” she told The Sopris Sun. “The tree could be providing joy and beauty for a possible six more years with adequate pruning.”

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Houseplant sale Botany Houseplant Shop in Carbondale is offering 25% off all houseplants for the month of March. The store is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Fur sales At its March meeting, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission voted to initiate rulemaking related to a citizen petition to amend regulations to “prohibit the commercial sale of wildlife fur in Colorado.” The

Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet are demanding that the Department of Homeland Security disclose which ICE field office is conducting the investigation into reports that ace of spades “death cards” were left in cars belonging to individuals detained by ICE agents in Eagle County. The letter follows a February request for an immediate, independent investigation. The cards, historically used by white supremacist groups to intimidate people of color, had the address and phone number of the Aurora ICE detention facility printed on them.

Funding for farmers The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding over $26.8 million to help local and regional food-related businesses develop, coordinate and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional markets and local food enterprises.

The programs require a 25% cost share amount of federal funds being requested.

Learn more at www.bit.ly/LAMP-grants

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Laura Bartels, Dean Bowlby, Hilary Burgess, Rose Rossello, Laura Segura and Lee Swidler (March 12); Alex Alvarado, Mike Cuseo, Jared Kennedy, Justin McBride, Denise Moss, Mark Nieslanik, Nancy Thal and Caitlin Walker (March 13); Sonya Meyer and Athena Wright (March 14); Paula Stepp and Sierra Thompson (March 15); Hannah Burleigh, Jordan Clingan and Trae Moxley (March 16); Annie Tempest and John Foulkrod (March 17); Michelle McGrory (March 18).

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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 3

Douglas fir beetle management addressed at Naturalist Nights

ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent

The wood-accented room was full. Adults of all ages sat in rows from wall to wall, filling the space from the lit projector screen in front to the conference table in the back at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ Hallam Lake location. Dr. Dan West of Colorado State University (CSU) and the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) stood at the front, preparing to give a presentation on forest health and Douglas fir beetles.

West made the trip from Fort Collins to deliver the final presentation of the 2026 Naturalist Nights speaker series, hosted initially by Wilderness Workshop in Carbondale on Wednesday, March 4, then Hallam Lake that Thursday. The presentation was grounded in the local landscape.

West and his CSFS research team work in the Roaring Fork Watershed annually, managing forest health and insect impacts.

West, who holds a Ph.D. in entomology, started by sharing facts about tree health and basic information on how beetles use trees as habitat. He reminded attendees that the water trees draw from the ground depends

Dr. Dan West of Colorado State University presents on Douglas fir beetles and Colorado forest health at Hallam Lake on Thursday, March 5. Photo by Annalise Grueter

on precipitation. Therefore, drought and other weather patterns affect how much resin trees are able to produce. Resin acts as a sort of immune system.

The sticky substance allows trees to close wounds and transport compounds that help deter insects. This is crucial, as West’s team has observed that over 90% of tree mortality is due to damage from bark beetles.

Douglas fir beetles (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae [Hopkins]) are named for the trees they rely on for habitat and food. West

referred to them interchangeably as fir beetles and dendroctos.

Female beetles can locate weak and sick trees due to unhealthy trees releasing chemical smells like ethanol or alcohol. Once female beetles have colonized a tree, other beetles track aggregation pheromones and join in. From there, more and more congregate and expand to neighboring trees.

Fir beetles lay eggs vertically in the bark of trees, with females channeling up under the bark surface while male beetles guard

the entry point. When the larvae emerge, they eat the phloem of the tree, the water channel below the bark. But beetle larvae, unlike adults, move laterally through the phloem. The resulting scarring cuts off the water flow of a targeted tree, which girdles it and produces the red coloration associated with beetle kill as the tree dies.

“It’s harder and harder to be a tree in Colorado, because of higher temperatures and less water,” West said. He pointed out that increasing average

temperature lows is a factor. In the past, low winter temperatures could kill bark beetles. But temperatures below the surface of the bark that eliminate the insect start at negative 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that low almost never occur in Colorado anymore.

During a drought it is more difficult for trees to use resin as a defense. With adequate water, trees produce a strong resin that is toxic to adult beetles and their larvae. Trees in drought may not have the water to spare. Fire also kills beetles and removes unhealthy trees, but fires during drought are more dangerous.

“In the absence of fire or removal, we have an ever-growing quantity of fuel,” West emphasized.

He reminded the audience that bark beetles serve an important ecosystem role by thinning forests, and that the goal is not complete eradication of the insects. “There’s a lot of benefits to small, localized outbreaks of bark beetles,” West said.

CSFS scientists are not addressing healthy forests, but managing stressed ones. “We just don’t want beetles gone wild,” West quipped.

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Carbondale developing advanced wildfire mitigation modeling KEN PLETCHER Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Town of Carbondale and the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) have joined forces with the Wildfire Collaborative Roaring Fork Valley (WCRFV) aiming to develop what will be the most detailed and accurate prediction of how a wildfire could affect our community. To implement this, they have teamed up with Dr. Hussam Mahmoud of Vanderbilt University, who has developed a highly sophisticated computerized wildfire modeling program.

In a Feb. 9 CRFPD press release announcing the endeavor, Carbondale Town Manager Ryan Hyland said, “This project represents a significant step forward in how Carbondale plans for wildfire,” adding that it will be “equipping Carbondale with better information to protect people, homes and critical infrastructure in a very real and growing risk environment.”

The project is part of a regionwide initiative coordinated by WCRFV that includes studies for Aspen, Snowmass Village, two high-risk areas near Glenwood Springs, and Marble.

Wildfire risk The Sopris Sun met recently (via Zoom) with CRFPD Chief Rob Goodwin, Deputy Chief Jenny Cutright and WCRFV Executive Director Angie Davlyn to discuss wildfire risk and the modeling project. Davlyn stated outright, “Where we live, everything is problematic.

It’s hard for us to figure out where we should invest limited resources” to implement fire mitigation (e.g., prescribed burns, tree thinning) and slow a fast-moving fire.

Goodwin elaborated on current conditions: “For the last 18 months we’ve been in kind of drought mode. The soil moisture around here … is nonexistent.”

Plant life is drought-stressed. He added, “This winter has been a

double-whammy,” with low snow totals and warm and breezy conditions. The prospect of a hot, dry summer “is concerning for us.”

He plans to start wildland fire patrols possibly at the beginning of May (about a month early), utilizing more equipment and firefighters. He said, “We believe that if we can keep small fires small, then we won’t wind up on CNN.” Davlyn again: “Traditionally, wildfire planning relies on risk maps that look at data that we have — vegetation, slope, fuels, wind, weather.” As useful as they are, “All of the critical parts, where all the people live … are treated as ‘urban areas,’ and they don’t show how wildfires move from home to home.”

Indeed, what they depict for these urban areas (including the map accompanying this article) typically is described as “Non-burnable/Developed.” That assumption has been resoundingly debunked by the recent horrific Marshall Fire on the Front Range and massive urban conflagrations in California and Hawaii.

As Goodwin put it, “Most of our fire district is in the high-medium to high-risk [category] for wildfire,” notably Missouri Heights and the area surrounding Carbondale.

Goodwin has been fighting wildfires here “since 1987,” including the deadly Storm King fire in 1994. The Waldo Canyon subdivision fire outside of Colorado Springs in 2012, Goodwin said, “showed us something completely different.” Embers whipped down the canyon by high winds caught wooden fences connected to houses on fire, which then set the houses ablaze. “No one had thought of that; it was a complete surprise.” He noted that the subdivision was “almost exactly like River Valley Ranch.”

AGNI-NAR Enter Dr. Mahmoud. His modeling program, called Asynchro-

Map of wildfire risk probability created in 2022 for Pitkin County. Included in the upper left is Carbondale and environs, much of which is depicted, inaccurately, as “Non-Burnable/Developed.” That traditional assumption is what the highly accurate AGNI-NAR wildfire modeling intends to correct. Courtesy illustration

nous Graph Nexus Infrastructure for Network Assessment of Wildland-Urban Interface Risk (AGNI-NAR), has been shown to be nearly 90% accurate at predicting how fire can run through an urban area and the extent of structural damage it can cause.

Davlyn explained: “What Hussam’s work does is radically different from these other maps.”

Utilizing his understanding on how fire can travel — connection, radiation and ember-spotting — he can build “a 3-D model of a community that is incredibly detailed,” including factors such as plotting thousands of ignition points. She added, “No other models that we have can do that.”

As the press release states, “Using advanced graph-based modeling, [AGNI-NAR] simulates how wildfire spreads, not only through surrounding vegetation but through neighborhoods, capturing how fire can move from structure to structure based on building materials, landscape conditions and environmental factors.”

Goodwin commented, “It allows us to better understand how … smoke will travel and where it will settle, where evacuation challenges may arise, and how targeted mitigation could slow fire

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spread. That kind of clarity directly supports much safer operations for first responders and significantly better outcomes for the community,” including, importantly, “a detailed and effective evacuation planning process.”

Wildfire survey This modeling only works, however, if it has highly detailed information. To that end, the CRFPD has put together a short online survey (see the link below) and is strongly urging residents to fill it out. Cutright reminded people that the survey is in English and Spanish “to make sure that everyone takes the survey.” She emphasized that, “You don’t have to live in the Town of Carbondale to take the survey.” Those in the surrounding area should take it as well. And Davlyn added that the survey is “judgement free,” and that personal information will not be shared.

Davlyn said that about 250 people have taken it so far, and that a mailer will be going out soon. She continued, “Bottom line is that we are committed to getting to 100%,” which will include “home-to-home data collection if we need to.”

Once the data is collected, it

will be sent to Dr. Mahmoud, who will incorporate it into a compilation of maps with different scenarios that are likely to start fires (e.g., lightning strikes, trucks dragging chains). As Davlyn put it, “We will have this incredibly robust picture of, almost regardless of ignition spot, how a fire would run through our community,” adding that the real value was in “help[ing] us identify which interventions produce the greatest reductions and fire spread.”

Although Goodwin doesn’t want to be a “fear-monger,” wildfire is “the biggest threat our community faces — period, paragraph, full stop.” He anticipates that the AGNINAR model will provide “real, effective areas and targets that we can mitigate around Carbondale,” noting that “practiced mitigation is the best thing we can do to preserve life and property.”

The collection of survey data for Marble, Glenwood and Snowmass has been completed, with reports on each expected this spring. Surveys for Carbondale and Aspen will be solicited until the end of April; those reports are slated for release in December.

Here is a link to the survey: www.bit.ly/Cdale-fire

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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 5

MOTHER’S DAY IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING All local mothers who have welcomed a baby into their lives this past year are invited to have a portrait taken to run in The Sopris Sun’s May 7 edition.

Our professional photographer is taking reservations now for photo sessions: • Sunday, April 19 and Saturday, April 25 from 9am-1pm at The Sopris Sun office at the Third Street Center, 520 S. Third Street, #26 in Carbondale • Sunday, April 26 at the Glenwood Springs Library from 10am-12pm.

Please email Terri Ritchie at terrir@soprissun.com or call 970-510-3003 to schedule.

Llame a 970-274-6513 Klaus Kocher o mande un correo electrónico a klauskocherfotograf@gmail.com parahacer una reservación.

Se habla español.

Please reserve by Friday, April 17.

Can't make any of these dates?

Reach out and we'll see what we can do.

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6 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

JC Food Truck and Crystal Theatre to hold a whistling contest ALISON OSIUS Sopris Sun Correspondent

Trino Comacho has never run a whistling contest before.

He’s never even been to one.

“First time,” he says.

His motivation is both simple and resonant. “People just like to whistle,” he says from his perch in the JC Food Truck, parked off Highway 133 in Carbondale.

“It’s universal. Everyone can whistle. You don’t have to have one language.

“A lot is happening about immigration. It’s something to bring the community together.”

The event was announced in the Crystal Theatre Alliance’s March 2 newsletter, describing a Whistling Competition / Competición de Silbidos on March 26. The poster read, “$10 for adults, $5 for kids.

Prizes for competitors!”

“Some people don’t speak any English, but they know how to whistle, so they can come,” says Camacho.

An onstage emcee (possibly Camacho’s wife, Jessica Palomarez, whom he met at Basalt High School) will speak in both English and Spanish. The event will be judged, and contestants will have 30-second spots in which to whistle their stuff. The format is one round only, with generous prizes for first, second and third in both adult and children’s divisions.

Wait, does Camacho whistle?

“I do, but I’m really bad at it,” he says with a laugh. He’d be happy to whistle to start the contest, though, “to tell them, ‘It’s OK if you’re bad.’”

“Everybody whistles at some point,” he adds. “One friend in Mexico, he passed away, was always whistling. I said, hey, you’re really bad at whistling, stop. But” — Camacho smiles

— “[whistling] reminds me of him.” The friend, Cristian Viaira, died at 24 in an automobile accident.

In the background as Camacho speaks, Saul Soto, his partner in the business, trills an impressive multi-note whistle, and another, and another.

“He whistles in the morning, all day, when we’re busy, when we’re slow,” says Camacho. “He sometimes sings, too.”

Camacho lives in Basalt, Soto in Silt. The food truck has been in operation for two years.

As a child in Mexico, Soto explains (translated by Camacho), he took singing lessons. “I memorized songs first by whistling, then singing them.”

Will Grandbois, general manager at the Crystal Theatre, says the whistling-comp notion arose when he visited the food truck for a meal.

“Trino mentioned to me that he had this idea and he’d love to do it at the theater,” Grandbois says. Later they sat down together and worked out details.

“He’s very much taking the lead.

“We remain a movie theater, but we’re really looking to branch out.”

Kate Schwerin, the nonprofit theater’s executive director, has a background in events — with several (such as a comedy night and a dating social) happening there lately — but management needs local expediters.

“We’re grateful to have Trino as a collaborator,” Grandbois says. “It’s a full-court press to make these things happen.” He sees this event as entertaining, family-friendly and “uplifting.”

Wondering what to whistle?

Well, anything. A few numbers that contain whistling include

two Premier Lots in a Low-Density Neighborhood

“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” from Paul Simon or “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People has a cheerful riff that contrasts to its grim subject material. Others among many are “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding, “Different” by Ximena Sarinaña and “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles.

People whistle blues, show tunes, carols. This author has been trying, without success, to whistle passages from the symphonic children’s tale “Peter and the Wolf” while driving. In “Catcher in the Rye,” a garrulous, boring, raspy-voiced roommate whistles such sweet and easy renditions of jazz tunes like “Tin Roof Blues,” he teaches the cynical narrator Holden Caulfield that people he dismisses might have redeeming features.

Says Grandbois, “One of the great things about running a venue is having people come to us with new, fresh events, saying, ‘Hey, let’s try something.’”

Camacho says, “I hope we do more, other things, to bring the community together, Latinos and Anglos. To do things together, participate.”

To register as a contestant for the March 26 (6pm) Whistling Competition at the Crystal Theatre, stop by JC Food Truck.

The truck operates in the Tumbleweed parking lot from 9:30am to 7pm weekdays and 11am to 3pm on Saturdays.

Contest information will also be posted on JC Food Truck’s Facebook page.

Trino Camacho (left) and Saul Soto, partners at JC Food Truck, enjoy a quiet moment. Camacho has come up with the idea to hold a whistling contest at Crystal Theatre. Practice up for March 26! Photo by Alison Osius

WINNING PRIZES! First, second and third place prizes — including cash and theater and food truck vouchers — will be awarded in both the adult and children’s divisions. Here’s a breakdown …

ADULTS

CHILDREN, Age 7 to 16

FIRST PLACE $200 cash $100 JC Food Truck certificate $100 value Crystal Theatre Alliance movie punch pass

FIRST PLACE $150 cash $50 JC Food Truck certificate $56 in Crystal Theatre Alliance vouchers (tickets, food)

SECOND $150 cash $50 JC Food Truck certificate $50 Crystal Theatre Alliance passes THIRD $50 cash $50 JC Food Truck certificate $28 Crystal Theatre Alliance vouchers (tickets, food)

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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 7

Stepping Stones posits intentional growth for greater impact KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent

Rooted in its vision to create a community where youth and their families are empowered, connected and thriving, the nonprofit Stepping Stones is sprouting new growth — and serving more youth — having recently opened its latest drop-in center in Glenwood Springs.

Located at 1630 Grand Avenue, the new center opened in October 2025 and serves young people ages 15 to 24 years olds. Like the Carbondale site, the Glenwood center provides free essential services, including one-on-one mentoring, nourishing meals, experiential learning, drop-in programming, recreational activities and academic support. Currently, only Carbondale provides on-site bilingual therapy, laundry and showers.

“Our expansion into Glenwood Springs and the opening of our young adult drop-in center was a major highlight [of 2025],” said Kyle Crawley, executive director of Stepping Stones.

“We have served 103 individual youth in Glenwood Springs since expanding.”

The expansion has been a long awaited goal for the nonprofit. Similar to Carbondale, it was identified that youth in Glenwood Springs and along the I-70 corridor were in need of critical services, such as housing and basic needs.

Furthermore, youth and their families faced economic pressure, limited access to mental health services and lack of consistent, trusted adults. Ultimately,

Specializing in authentic community, laughter and, of course, delicious food, the new Stepping Stones drop-in center in Glenwood Springs is open on Fridays from 3 to 6pm.

Courtesy photo

the Stepping Stones team knew that Glenwood Springs could be a major hub for safety and support.

“Our goal was to bring the same holistic, relationship-based model that has been so effective in Carbondale,” said Crawley. “Expansion was carried out with intentionality, ensuring that the depth and integrity of our Carbondale site remained strong. This thoughtful, relational growth has allowed us to serve more youth and families without compromising the quality of mentoring, experiential programming or holistic

support we provide.”

In 2025, the drop-in centers were visited 8,008 times by 462 individual youth, and bilingual staff members facilitated 2,656 one-on-one mentoring and case management sessions. Impressively, many youth spend 15 to 20 hours per week at the drop-in centers and 95% of them stay for more than one year.

“Our model depends on consistent, long-term connections with trusted adults,” said Crawley. “The consistency of those relationships is what drives impact.”

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Assistant Director Jonathan Greener added that word-of-mouth referrals have also contributed to the drop-in center’s increased visits. “When friends vouch for the program, it’s a testament to the trust and belonging we cultivate every day,” he elaborated.

The atmosphere at the drop-in centers is warm and inviting and naturally allows authentic relationships to flourish. In a recent video call with The Sopris Sun, laughter could be heard in the background as youth prepared an afternoon meal together.

“It’s a place full of peace and tranquility,” one youth shared. “I really enjoy cooking when I am here.” Another smiled as she explained how everyone can be themselves in a family-like environment.

Dani Rivera, youth advocate, has been working at the Glenwood center since it opened, and emphasized the importance of individualized support.

“We really build the program around the needs of our youth,” she said. “Fridays are very busy, but we really make sure they are getting what they need.”

Last year, youth mentees achieved 655 self-identified goals related to academics, substance use, employment, life skills, mental health, community engagement and social and emotional skills. In terms of financial support, 319 funders generously contributed $1,284,000, 83% of which went directly to services and programming for youth and families, including nearly $70,000 of direct assistance for continued on page 19

RFSD confirms Carrie Hassel as principal of Sopris Elementary ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent

Last month, the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) announced its pick for the new Sopris Elementary School principal, who will assume the role, permanently, next school year.

Carrie Hassel has been serving as the school’s interim principal this year, after nearly a decade spent as its vice principal. She was selected to step into the interim role when the school’s former principal, Dave Lindenberg, announced his retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Previously, Hassel was the principal of Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle for three years, following ample experience as a teacher.

The Sopris Sun reached out to learn more about her background and her vision for Sopris Elementary moving forward.

What about a career in education appealed to you?

I loved being with kids and helping them do more than they ever thought they could. My first few years, I taught sixth grade and was able to work with kids to create an Egyptian tomb, have a Shakespearean banquet and “travel” to the Channel Islands with actual scientists working in the field … all while learning so much.

What is something you appreciate about Sopris Elementary?

I appreciate the dedicated, experienced staff. This team can do anything when they work together!

What has been a highlight this school year?

Our students are doing outstanding this year. It has been so wonderful to see them be more successful with their learning and behavior. Our data has never looked better.

What are some priorities for the remainder of this school year, and next?

We want to finish strong. The end of the school year can be a challenge, as everyone gets weary. We are facing budget cuts resulting in system changes for next year. But we will be resilient and continue the excellent learning that happens at Sopris.

What else would you like to share?

Being a principal is an interesting job. I chose to move into school leadership after many years of teaching. My mom helped me understand that I could make an impact on an entire school — rather than one classroom — by leading.

Carrie Hassel is in her ninth year as an administrator at Sopris Elementary, stepping in as the interim principal at the beginning of the current school year. Courtesy photo

I am able to get to know all the kids in a school, improve school systems and coach staff to become even better educators. It is very rewarding.

Hassel has been an advocate for open communication between teaching staff, administrators and parents. She referred to Collective Teacher Efficacy, an educational philosophy of teamwork across a school. While the concept uses data like test scores, it emphasizes

a shared perspective of empowerment and solution identification for respective students. Implementing the philosophy means establishing a shared understanding among staff, practicing dynamic intervention when supporting student development and clear goal setting.

Hassel was selected using RFSD’s established hiring process for school leaders. That process includes full-day leadership auditions for final candidates, with presentations to school staff and parents. The interview committee included staff, parents and district leadership. There was also a separate student panel made up of Sopris Elementary students. The committee noted that Hassel is a data-focused instructional leader with a track record of success who focuses on the power of collaboration. The committee also highlighted her dedication to the school and its community.

“We are thrilled that Mrs. Hassel will continue to bring her unique leadership capabilities to Sopris Elementary School and continue to guide [the school] in fulfilling the mission to create a diverse community of engaged learners ready for the world,” said Joel Hathaway, executive director of schools.

“Fly Eagles, fly!”

Principal Hassel is prioritizing staying connected with students and keeping the focus on what Sopris Elementary staff can do to support its learning community.

“I am so excited to continue leading our dedicated staff and fantastic students to future success,” she concluded.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 9

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64 hours of unbroken sound

RAMS REPORT

Lady Rams state bound after winning regional crown at home; face No. 1 Denver Christian Thursday JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent

Finally! The Roaring Fork High School girls basketball team can say they’re regional champions.

The prize: A trip to the Colorado 3A State Basketball Championships this week.

The Lady Rams secured the school’s first appearance in the “Great 8” in 21 years by virtue of a pair of wins on their home court last weekend to open the playoffs — 74-46 over Denver’s Manual High on Friday, and 69-56 over the Thomas MacLaren School out of Colorado Springs on Saturday.

After consecutive secondround losses on the road in 2024 to Strasburg and last year to Highland, Roaring Fork — including a trio of multi-year varsity starters — finally punched a ticket to the premier Colorado high school basketball event.

“It feels amazing,” senior co-captain Nikki Tardif said after the Saturday win. “We’ve honestly worked so hard to get here. We deserve this, and we are going to show that next week.”

“Next week” is actually Thursday, March 12, when eighthseeded Roaring Fork (23-2) opens the championships against No. 1 Denver Christian (24-1) at the University of Denver Hamilton Gymnasium. Game time is 4pm, livestreamed on the NFHS Network by subscription and aired live on KMTS radio.

The winner will advance to the semifinals of the tournament on Friday, with a shot at a state championship on Saturday.

After taking care of business against Manual, the Lady Rams overcame watching an emotional loss by the No. 8 Roaring Fork boys in front of a fired up home crowd Friday night, 64-54 to No. 25 Brush.

“They deserved to take it further, but I think it helped us to see that and know that each game [in the playoffs] could be our last,” said Tardif, who earned a first-team All-Conference selection for the 3A Western Slope League (WSL) this season.

“It was important for us to walk into the gym again on Saturday morning and give it our all.”

Junior co-captain Riley Bevington, the team’s points leader (26 per game) who was named the 3A WSL Player of the Year, said it was important to set the tone early.

“It gets back to our motto this season, ‘No Mercy,’” she said. “You have to step up quickly against these playoff teams, because we know it could be over like that.”

Step up they did, opening a 30-14 halftime lead and overcoming a late surge by the Highlanders to hold on for the 13-point victory. Five Rams scored in double digits, led by Bevington with 18, Tardif with 16, sophomore Annelise Bumgarner

The energy palpitated from the court following the final buzzer of the game on Saturday. The win solidified the Lady Rams as regional champions and placed the team among the Great 8 for the first time since the 2004 and 2005 seasons. Photo by James Steindler

with 12, junior co-captain Hazel Jenkins with 11, and freshman Abby Harris with 10.

“I just can’t believe we’re here,” said Jenkins, a second team All-Conference selection.

“We worked so hard this whole season, and to finally make it here and see all our work pay off is amazing.”

Added Bevington, “To be able to do this in front of our fans and the community, when it hasn’t been done in a while, is rewarding. We’re here and we’re going to show it to those Denver teams.”

Bumgarner and Harris were among a solid core of underclassmen who filled an important support role this season.

“It’s so fun to work with these three,” Bumgarner, who earned Honorable Mention in the league, said of her co-captain teammates.

“This is the funnest team I’ve ever played on, and to be able to keep playing means a lot.”

Added Harris, “They’re all so supportive of me coming in as the little baby freshman, so it’s been an amazing season and I’m so lucky to be a part of it.”

Coaches and team members of the Lady Rams: (left to right) Rick Chavez, Greta Gohring, Yana Irigoyen, Abigail O’Keefe, Nikki Tardif, Riley Bevington, head coach Mike Vidakovich, Annelise Bumgarner, Abby Harris, Hazel Jenkins, Ella Nardechia, Rich Law, (front row) Sydney Ostberg, Lexi Filiss, Mia Contreras, Alexa Pena and Lyrah Kreiling. Photo by Ryan Mackley

Denver Christian will undoubtedly be a tall order for the Rams, but they’re up to the task.

“We’ll take a look at Denver Christian and see what they do,” third-year head coach Mike Vidakovich said of the team’s preparations this week. “They’ve only lost one game all year [a 48-39 loss to 2A Simla on Dec. 12], and they’re probably ranked number one for a reason.

“We’ll definitely need to work on the press break, and we’ll just keep trying to sharpen what we do,” he said. “But I think these girls might just be as talented as anyone there.”

Ram boys fall to Brush Despite losing senior rebounding leader and co-captain Kiko Pena, Jr., to a first-half injury, the Roaring Fork boys kept it close against a stout Brush Beetdiggers team in a hardfought battle Friday night.

Down 19-7 after the first quarter, the Rams battled back to within two, 23-21, at halftime and stayed within striking distance until the final two minutes of play.

“We were OK playing from behind a little bit all season, but at this time of year you have an off game and the other team has a good game, and you’re done, no second chances,” veteran head coach Jason Kreiling said.

“So, that part’s hard,” he said of an emotional locker room after the game, knowing they wouldn’t have a chance to join the Lady Rams at state.

“Our defense kept us in the game, but we just couldn’t get any good momentum going offensively. With that high energy from the home crowd, I thought we’d fall into sync, but we just never got it together.”

Six seniors played their final game in a Rams jersey: Pena and fellow first-team All-Conference selection Lucas Carballeira, who was named 3A WSL Player of the Year; Honorable Mention picks Ryder Tezanos and Ethan Wilson; and classmates AJ McDermott and Blake David.

Junior Quentin Galbraith earned second team All-Conference, and Kreiling was named WSL Coach of the Year.

Rams fans were up out of their seats hooting and hollering for a good part of the game against Thomas MacLaren on Saturday.

Photo by Ryan Mackley

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 11

CALENDAR THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Local Mayors

Forum Invited mayors include: Rachael Richards, Aspen; Alyssa Shenk, Snowmass Village; David Knight, Basalt; Ben Bohmfalk, Carbondale; Marco Dehm, Glenwood Springs; Art Riddile, New Castle; Keith Richel, Silt; Clint Hostettler, Rifle.

Morgridge Commons en Glenwood Springs

March 19

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

815 Cooper Ave., Glenwood Springs

Free & open to the public

Panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities our region faces.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

This is not a campaign event, but an educational forum for the public and elected officials.

More info: Raleigh Burleigh, Sopris Sun Editor, raleigh@soprissun.com

FLUFFY STUFF Fluffy Stuff Co. celebrates the opening of its new studio at 802 Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs from 3 to 6pm.

STORYTIME IN SIGN The Basalt Library hosts storytime for children, reading aloud while using American Sign Language, from 3:45 to 4:45pm.

SUSTAINABILITY SOCIAL CLUB The Sustainability Social Club continues its monthly gatherings at the Third Street Center (Suite 16) today from 4:45 to 6:30pm.

ASPEN LAUGH FESTIVAL The Aspen Laugh Festival continues all weekend at the Wheeler Opera House with Felipe Esparza at 5pm and Ali Siddiq at 8pm tonight. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com SOL THEATRE Catch SoL Theatre Company’s production of “James and the Giant Peach” at Roaring Fork High School at 6pm today, tomorrow and Saturday and at 2pm on Sunday. Tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org GAME NIGHT Club Marble (150 Main Street, Carbondale) hosts an evening of card and board games for adults from 6pm onward.

IMMIGRANT VOICES TACAW hosts English In Action’s signature storytelling event, Immigrant Voices, at 7:30pm with live Spanish-language interpretation and donation-based tickets.

Aikido TRY IT FOR FREE

Learn how to redirect, neutralize or avoid attack with this nonviolent practice of peaceful principles that are relevant to all types of conflict.

FASHION SHOW The Carbondale Arts Fashion Show is back at the Rec Center this Thursday through Saturday with 7pm shows each night. This year’s theme is “Step Right Up.” Tickets are sold out!

Tue &/or Thur, 6-7:30pm, 3/17-5/7

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

More Classes...

PLEASANT DOGS AND PLEASED OWNERS Basic and common sense guidelines for dog owners.

Tue, 5:30-8:30pm, 3/17 ONLINE

UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING Decorated eggs with colored patterns using beeswax resist.

Saturday, 10am-3pm, 3/28

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE II Use AI for your more complex projects, analysis and tasks.

Wed, 1:30-3:30pm, 3/18-4/8

BEGINNER OIL PAINTING Learn the basics of painting and mixing water-based oils.

Tues, 5:30-8:30pm, 3/31-4/28

PILATES BLEND with Natalie A full-body workout to improve balance, strength and stability.

Wed, 9-10am, 3/18-5/6

FUNDRAISING FOR NON-PROFITS Learn development tools to build your resource base.

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SCULPTURE Learn to design in 3-D and create different sculptures.

Sat, 10am-2pm, 3/21-5/2

SWING DANCE - LINDY HOP Build on the basics with Charleston, Lindy Hop. Wed, 6:30-8:30pm, 4/8-4/29

EXPLORATIONS IN MIXED WATER MEDIA Explore watercolor, acrylic, casein, and gouache.

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PLANTING A NATIVE MEDICINAL POLLINATOR PARADISE Plants that attract beneficial insects, and improve soil.

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NONFICTION BOOK CLUB The Carbondale Library invites you to a monthly book club discussing nonfiction books from 2 to 3:30pm. This month’s theme is “any nonfiction book about a recipient of the Nobel Prize.”

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12 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

STUDENT ART SHOW The Powers Art Center opens its “Future Creatives” student art show today featuring works by 35 Marble Charter School students. The gallery is open from 11am to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 11am to 3pm on Saturdays. The show will remain on display through April 9.

TWILIGHT SKIING Sunlight Mountain Resort stays open until 6pm with live music, giveaways and food and drink specials. Lift tickets to ski from 4 to 6:30pm cost only $20.

MARCIA WEESE Marcia Weese reflects on five decades as an artist with “5 DECADES” at The Art Base on display through April 15.

Catch the opening today from 5 to 7pm and a word from the artist at 5:30pm.

GOLD & GREEN The Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Center hosts the Gold & Green St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser, complete with food, drinks, music and more, benefiting the early childhood Mini College, from 5 to 7pm.

LINE DANCING X KARAOKE Native Son in Glenwood Springs hosts country line dancing at 6:30pm followed by karaoke (with a Friday the 13th spooky twist) at 8:30pm.

JONATAVIOUS WILLIS The Paul JAS Center (Cooper Avenue, Aspen) welcomes Jontavious Willis, a Grammy-nominated blues musician, for performances at 6:30 and 8:45pm. Tickets at www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/event CRYSTAL THEATRE “No Other Choice” shows at the Crystal Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Monday at 7pm and Sunday at 1pm (captioned). Youngsters are invited to a screening of “Sing” on Wednesday, March 18 at 2:30pm.

DEAD RECKONING Dead Reckoning plays at Rock Island Oyster Bar in Snowmass from 8 to 11pm.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

ADOPTION EVENT Tractor Supply in Rifle hosts a pet adoption event with Journey Home Animal Care Center from 10am to 1pm.

All adoptions will cost only $50.

‘SHAKE IT OFF’ The Center for Human Flourishing offers a two-day tension and trauma release exercise session, “Shake it Off,” from 10am to 5pm today and tomorrow. Register at www.tcfhf.org LATINO HISTORY The Glenwood Springs Historical Society welcomes history professor Ernesto Sagás for a presentation on the history of Latino populations in western Colorado. The English presentation is at 11am followed by a presentation in Spanish at 3pm.

TREE PRUNING UpRoot Colorado, Colorado Edible Forest and CSU Extension offer a four-hour tree-pruning workshop in Glenwood Springs at noon. A Carbondale workshop will take place on March 21 at noon and in Basalt on March 28 at noon. Register at www.bit.ly/UpRoot-sign-up BOOK SIGNING Glenwood Springs-based entrepreneur and author Christine Zanjanipour hosts a book signing for her new book, “The Manifest Principles,” from 2 to 4pm at Barnes & Noble.

SPAYGHETTI AND NO BALLS Journey Home Animal Care Center (1500 Prefontaine Avenue, Rifle) hosts its Spayghetti and No Balls fundraiser with tickets at the door ($15 for adults, $10 for children) from 4:30 to 7:30pm.

KIDS NIGHT The Glenwood Rec Center hosts special activities for kids, including a dinner, from 4:30 to 9pm. Find details at www.gwsco.info/KidsNight SEASON WRAP Join the Mt Sopris Nordic Council for an end-of-season party at Townline Trucks from 5 to 7pm. The first 50 members to arrive will receive a complimentary drink ticket.

GOLD MEDAL CELEBRATION Aspen Snowmass hosts a congratulatory celebration for Olympic gold medalist Alex Ferreira at the top of Ajax at 5pm followed by a poster signing and gathering at Gondola Plaza at 6:30pm. The Silver Queen Gondola, Bell Chair and Ajax Express Lift will run until 6pm.

CONTRA DANCE Balance and Swing RFV hosts a contra dance at the Carbondale Community School with live music. Beginners can catch a lesson at 7pm before the dance begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the door (cash appreciated).

ONGOING EVENTS

Longtime local musicians Tom and Julie Paxton will perform Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes, waltzes and many favorite Irish sing-a-longs on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17, from 3 to 5:30pm at the Rock Island Oyster Bar in Snowmass Village and again from 7 to 9pm at Townline Trucks in Carbondale. If you’re feeling lucky, come on down to stomp, clog and waltz around with the O’Paxtons! Courtesy photo

ST. PADDY’S DAY Native Son celebrates St. Patrick’s Day early with green beer and salsa dancing (7pm) followed by DJs (9pm).

Wear green!

SHEMEKIA COPELAND The Paul JAS Center welcomes Shemekia Copeland for performances at 7 and 9:15pm. Tickets at www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/event

BOUQUET OF MUSIC The Glenwood Springs Garden Club hosts a fundraising concert with Symphony of the Valley Quartet, Aundrea Ware and Erika Monet Butters at St. Stephen Hall (1885 Blake Avenue, Glenwood Springs) at 6pm. Tickets are available at Sioux Villa Curio, the Frontier History Museum and St. Stephen Catholic Church.

‘BOTH SIDES NOW’ TACAW presents “Both Sides Now,” featuring the music of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen and stories from their lives, at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

SILENT DISCO The Paul JAS Center hosts a silent disco with DJs Dylan, Takki and Jontre at 5pm. Tickets at www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/event

THE DEPTH OF MUSIC DJ John Fields invites participants “to listen more deeply to music as it touches our souls” during a set at A Spiritual Center (Room 31 of the Third Street Center) from 10 to 11:30am.

SLOWING DOWN The Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists congregation explores “The Practice of Paying Attention” with Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow at the Third Street Center from 10am to noon.

CRAFTERNOON The Art Base hosts arts and crafts for the whole family from 10am to noon.

This month’s theme is “Rainbows & Raindrops (and whispers on kittens).”

No registration necessary.

MOONCATS Straight from North Dakota, the MoonCats perform a bluegrass concert at Sunlight Mountain Resort from 12:30 to 3:30pm.

ST. PATRICK’S DINNER The St. Vincent Catholic Church in Basalt offers an early St. Patrick’s Day dinner (with cabbage and corned beef ) from 4 to 7pm.

OSCARS WATCH PARTY The Crystal Theatre hosts a free watch party for the Oscars at 5pm.

TEEN OPEN MIC The Bluebird Cafe in Glenwood Springs hosts a teen jam and open mic session on the third Sunday of each month from 5 to 7pm.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org

ENGLISH IN ACTION Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm.

Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@englishinaction.org or call 970-963-9200.

ROARING FORK ZEN A Zen meditation community gathers at True Nature to sit from 8 to 9am on Mondays and 7:30 to 8:30pm on Wednesdays weekly.

AFRICAN DANCE Dance to live drumming by the Carbondale Rhythm Collective at the Glenwood Springs Library on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm through March 17.

TAI CHI Community tai chi sessions are hosted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10am at the Third Street Center. Newcomers are welcome. For details, email jhof@rof.net

BABY STORYTIME The Carbondale Library hosts baby storytime at 11:30am on Tuesdays.

GRIEF/LOSS SUPPORT A new support group offering a safe and compassionate environment for individuals grieving any type of loss, regardless of when the loss occurred, gathers at the Third Street Center on the first and third Monday of each month from 1 to 2:30pm.

A licensed, professional counselor will guide participants in a discussion exploring healthy ways to cope and move forward. For more information, contact Dr. Terry Bordan at 516-242-9365.

IN STITCHES The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.

CRYSTAL RIVER AIKIKAI Crystal River Aikikai offers aikido classes for kids from 4:45 to 5:45pm and teens and adults from 6 to 7pm on Mondays at 13 Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale.

CRES TOURS Crystal River Elementary School hosts tours for prospective kindergarten families every Wednesday at 8:30am.

Call 970-384-5620 to sign up!

RAGING GRANNIES All are welcome to join the Raging Grannies, singing for a healthy planet and a kind world, on Wednesdays at the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists office at the Third Street Center from 4:30 to 5:45pm.

TAROT WITH TODD The Crystal Tuning rock shop in Glenwood Springs hosts Todd, a tarot reader, every Thursday from 1 to 3pm. For details, call the shop at 970-230-9684.

GROUP RUN Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6pm.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER American Legion Post 100 dishes up a St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage for $12 a plate at 5pm.

Questions? Call 970-963-2381.

AZYEP AT THE CRYSTAL The Crystal Theatre screens the 1971 adaptation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” benefiting Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program at 6pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/ AZYEPgoldenticket DRAWING CLUB The Roaring Fork Drawing Club sketches within the inviting and chocolatey atmosphere of the Cocoa Club at 6:30pm.

MUSIC OF THE DEAD Easy Jim, Music of the Grateful Dead performs at Belly Up Aspen at 9pm.

Doors open at 8pm. Tickets at www.bellyupaspen.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

COPPER ETCHING The Art Base in Basalt hosts a workshop on using electricity to etch patterns into metal from 10am to noon this week and next. Registration at www.theartbase.org/event POWERS TOUR The Powers Art Center invites all ages for a tour of its exhibits followed by an art activity from 4 to 5pm.

BINGO NIGHT Bilingual Bingo at Carbondale Beer Works raises funds for Sol del Valle, The Sopris Sun’s Spanish-language sister paper, beginning at 6pm.

Find more upcoming events at www.soprissun.com/tag/curated-calendar

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 13

GLENWOOD SPRINGS REPORT

ICE facility concerns, City response riles public comments JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent

Concerns related to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in West Glenwood steered public comment again during the March 5 regular Glenwood Springs City Council meeting.

Earlier that day, the City issued a press release acknowledging that occupancy permits for the entire Midland Center at 100 Midland Avenue were never issued 20 years ago after the commercial plaza was built and a special use permit was approved for the ICE detention and processing facility that occupies suites 110 and 210.

“Based on information available in the site file, the City has found that the unissued [certificate of occupancy] was due to administrative oversight in 2006,” the press release states.

Late last month, the City performed an inspection of the entire building, and is now working with its owners and occupants to resolve several issues.

Among them, the entire building has been yellow-tagged due to the need for sprinkler system testing or upgrades, the City release states.

This must be completed by the end of March. “Failure to resolve the items by the deadline will result in a red tag for all businesses operating at 100 Midland,” City officials said.

“At this time, the City has no evidence that the building is unsafe for occupancy,” the release also states.

In addition to ICE, the federal Drug Enforcement and Social Security administrations have offices in the plaza, along with several businesses, including a gym, dental office, fireplace company, and LIFT-UP’s food pantry warehouse.

The units occupied by the federal agen- oversight and few safeguards against cies are currently being listed for sale human rights violations,” Boughton said. on the open real estate market for $3.9 “Don’t just sweep this under the rug. The million, according to a listing by Northmarq community deserves to know what’s been Commercial Real Estate on LoopNet. Leases taking place.” for those spaces, held by the federal General Commenters also called on the City Services Administration, are reportedly up to implement better privacy protections for renewal at the end of March. over data collected by Flock surveillance “The City understands that the use of cameras along city streets, and questhis facility is a matter of strong opinions tioned the Glenwood Police Department’s within the community,” City Manager involvement in the inter-agency Special Steve Boyd said in the release. “The Problem Enforcement and Response City’s responsibility in this (SPEAR) task force. case is not to evaluSome Council ate federal policy or members responded, agency operations. saying they’re Legally, the City’s equally frustrated. role is limited to “As one counensuring complicilman, I don’t ance with local like being up building codes here and being and public safety late to the game standards. and fairly unin“Our goal is to formed,” Councilor be fair, transparSumner Schachter ent, and consistent said. “And I don’t - City Manager Steve Boyd in applying City regulike that, by association lations, and public safety with other law enforcement remains our top priority.” entities, respect for our local The City’s response did little to appease department is becoming tainted.” members of the public who spoke at the Schachter called for a broader public March 5 council meeting, calling for more forum on the issues. oversight of local ICE operations in light of national concerns about aggressive Other comments, council actions enforcement actions.

The public comments portion of the Glenwood community members meeting lasted more than 30 minutes, with Ashley Stahl and Sally Boughton said their additional comments focusing on growth investigations found that at least 83 people concerns, barking dogs and speeding have been detained in the temporary hold- enforcement, and a potential public transing facility over the past year. portation ballot question possibly taking “These holding rooms are tucked away funding away from the Garfield County in places all across Colorado, with little Public Library District (GCPLD).

The City’s responsibility in this case is not to evaluate federal policy or agency operations. Legally, the City’s role is limited to ensuring compliance with local building codes and public safety standards.

Outgoing GCPLD Executive Director Jamie LaRue said the suggested county-wide sales tax being discussed to fund Roaring Fork Transportation Authority services would cut into support for existing library funding that is also up for renewal.

“Libraries and transit are separate, and they should be funded separately,” LaRue said.

Official action items included a 5-2 approval to apply again for a Colorado Division of Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant; updates on public works projects, including the start of construction on a new shared-use path near the Glenwood Caverns tram to begin March 16, and reconstruction of Coach Miller Drive to begin June 3; policy approval and establishment of a separate budget category for the new speed camera enforcement revenues to go toward public safety improvements, streets and infrastructure (on separate 5-2 and 6-1 votes); and approval of a Master Service Agreement leading up to anticipated construction of the South Bridge project.

The latter item establishes and funds a list of tasks for pre-construction services as the City hopes to put the estimated $80 million project out for bid by June, City Engineer Ryan Gordon said.

Some Council members said it feels premature to prepare for bids when the project, based on estimates, is yet to be fully funded.

“This project doesn’t feel ready to bid, and we need to have that conversation,” Councilor Ray Schmahl said.

Councilor Steve Smith agreed, adding that while it’s “smart work” to get to the next stage, it’s still premature to be spending significant money to prepare for those next steps.

BASALT REPORT

E-bike safety, new Chief of Police and Midland design guidelines WILL BUZZERD Sopris Sun Correspondent

During the March 10 council meeting, Basalt resident Kathleen Brehm came to the podium to voice concerns regarding e-bike safety. Brehm first came to Basalt Town Council on Jan. 27 to share her story. Two years ago, she was injured by an e-bike rider while walking on the Rio Grande Trail. After several surgeries, Brehm began advocating for e-bike safety in the area. After Brehm’s comments in January, council directed Town staff to look into how e-bike safety could be improved.

Town Manager Gloria Kaasch-Buerger organized an interagency meeting on March 3, attended by reps from the Town, the Basalt Police Department, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), WE-cycle and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. The group concluded that there is not currently a collective, regional response to e-bike safety issues. Kaasch-Buerger relayed three main components to address: challenges with enforcement, consistent safety messaging and education, and collecting incident data.

One of the possible strategies suggested was to employ RFTA’s existing free helmet distribution program. Other suggestions included outreach campaigns, updating signage and expanding education programs within schools. “There are resources that each of us have that we can contribute to this cause,” Kaasch-Buerger said.

Council approved the official formation of the e-bike safety group. Town staff intend to invite representatives from Carbondale and Glenwood Springs to the next meeting in hopes of a regional approach.

Chief Munch Town Hall swelled with visitors to Tuesday’s meeting to observe the appointment of Lieutenant Aaron Munch as Basalt’s new Chief of Police.

Friends, family and members of the police department heartily applauded once Munch was sworn in by Mayor David Knight.

Munch succeeds former Police Chief Greg Knott, who retired after 13 years of service. Munch joined the department in 2014, and has worked in the field of law enforcement for more than 25 years.

“Chief Munch’s tenure and excellent rapport with his colleagues and the community makes him the perfect fit for this position,” wrote KaaschBuerger in a press release. “He has the experience, integrity and vision to lead the Basalt Police Department into its next chapter.”

Munch was also presented with a commemorative golden clock by his colleagues as a token of appreciation for his dedication to serve.

“I want to say thank you to everyone here for having the confidence in me,” Munch said, “most importantly my family.”

14 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

continued on page 17

Friends, family and members of the Basalt Police Department packed the room as Lieutenant Aaron Munch was sworn in as the Town’s new Chief of Police. Courtesy photo

CARBONDALE REPORT

ADU updates receive first hearing, historic preservation guidelines revisited, new fire codes adopted RALEIGH BURLEIGH Sopris Sun Editor

All Carbondale trustees were present for a code-heavy meeting on March 10.

Rec Center equipment found temporary storage in the meeting room while the gym is transformed for the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show.

The consent agenda included meeting minutes, an intergovernmental agreement for mosquito control, a resolution affirming the Town’s support for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, which would withdraw the Thompson Divide from future oil and gas leasing, accounts payable and a letter of support for Clean Energy Economy for the Region’s grant application to partner with nonprofit Colorado Carshare for a program serving communities in Garfield and Mesa counties.

Several public comments were heard prior to the agenda items. Jamie LaRue, outgoing Garfield County Public Libraries District (GCPLD) executive director, spoke about GCPLD’s intent to extend a 1-mill property tax approved by voters in 2006 that expires next year. He also mentioned that the town manager of Silt has proposed redirecting $2 million from the libraries toward funding the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s western Garfield County Hogback service. Should the former fail and the latter pass, GCPLD stands to lose $3

ADUs

Congratulations to March’s Student of the Month recipients (left to right): Aniela Hodgson, Connor Walker, Kaleo Nishimoto. Not pictured: Victoria Carreno. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

million annually, LaRue stated, almost 28% of the district’s income.

Additionally, Susan Rhea requested consistency across boards and commissions when it comes to public comment protocols and Joe Edwards, who helped create Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, requested that Carbondale consider building a bike trail along the Crystal River.

During trustee comments, Colin Laird voiced support for GCPLD and called the Silt proposal “a bad idea” that “should be killed quickly.” He added, “If it continues, it’s going to create a lot of angst in this region.” Chris Hassig mentioned that the Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission will be talking about summer projects at their next meeting, April 6.

The first action item on the agenda involved a public hearing for code amendments to facilitate the creation of more accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

As outlined in a staff memo, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) met with the Board of Trustees and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in 2023 to begin the process.

This was followed by P&Z public hearings on Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Oct. 23 and Nov. 13, 2025, and Jan. 8, 2026, with public comments heard at four of those meetings. Proposed amendments were published in The Sopris Sun on Feb. 28.

Recommended changes would simplify the process by creating a threetier review system whereby: ADUs internal to an existing structure would go straight to the building permit process; lower-impact ADUs external to existing structures would require an administrative site plan review; larger, taller ADUs external to existing structures would undergo the same minor site plan review with a public hearing that all ADUs currently require.

Other changes expand where ADUs are allowed, remove Old Town Residential district requirements and allow ADUs to be up to 40% the size of the primary unit but no larger than 1,000 square feet. continued on page 17

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www.TheOrchardLife.com 110 Snowmass Dr, Carbondale, CO THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 15

Aspen Art Museum launches Art Incorporated MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

Aspen Art Museum recently launched an educational program, Art Incorporated (or Art Inc.), that is geared toward elementary-aged children living with any sort of disability, with lessons and activities catered to each student. The initial session in February was coined “Sensory Explorers,” when participants were encouraged to dress to make a mess and created several spectacular pieces together.

Lydia Ent, the education programs associate for the museum, looks forward to seeing how the program takes off in tandem with her efforts to expand accessibility within the museum’s education programming.

“The beautiful part about our initial four months of launching our pilot program is that we’re getting to experiment and explore what works and what doesn’t work,” she told The Sopris Sun, “and how we can continue evolving to best fit the needs of the community here in the Valley.”

Ent — who has been with the museum since September last year, but got her start in the local art scene through an internship with Anderson Ranch Arts

Every month, Art Inc. engages children with disabilities with education activities at the Aspen Art Museum.

Pictured: Educator Michael Raab discusses the scale of works by artist Jacqueline Humphries on display during a school tour. Courtesy photo

Center — describes herself as an adaptive art educator.

“I think it can be a common misconception that art is solely for those who can see or solely for those who can use their hands. I disagree, to be frank.

I think there are so many ways to adapt art.” For instance, she

added, “There are amazing tools where you can attach a paintbrush to a wheelchair and paint on a flat surface.”

Upcoming installments of the program include the following: “Calm Creations” (March 29) will entail students exploring sensory-sensitive activities with

mess-free materials, such as paper-based works and sculptural activities; “Texture and Tactiles” (April 26) will focus on exploring different textures and how they can be incorporated into pieces; and “Sound Builders” (May 31) delves into how sound and art combined can

create something dynamic and exciting. Each offering is from noon to 2pm. Beyond the spring season, Ent has hopes to resume sessions in the summer.

The museum is partnering with Emma Martin of Access Creates, LLC to help foster collaboration and exploration among the participants. Ent also hopes to reach students further down valley, and even into the Colorado River Valley.

“I think that’s something that as the program continues to grow is also going to evolve,” Ent said. “Everybody is welcome in this program and in this space. The Museum does a great job of providing assistance with transportation costs and other expenses, especially for our education programs. That’s something that I’m still hoping to grow within this program.”

“I believe that all people are capable of making art and experiencing art with the proper support,” she concluded. “I’m hoping that this program is just a small form of support for the kiddos in the Valley.”

For more information on Art Incorporated, or to sign up for an upcoming session, visit aspenartmuseum.org

MOVIE REVIEW

For the love of music, and Billy Preston

BY SARAH A. PLETTS Special to The Sopris Sun

I love film again! The screening of “That’s the Way God Planned It” last week at TACAW was remarkable.

The title is a song Billy Preston wrote and sang in 1971, during The Concert for Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He also danced brilliantly on stage and, in a voice-over recorded later, said, he “had to rejoice.”

It is no surprise that this screening happened here. I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1976, The Summer of the Big Ships in NYC harbor. My British musician boyfriend played at the top of one of the Twin Towers then, and on break viewed many ships in the waters around Manhattan Island. He described the scene to me as I listened through a payphone in Carl’s Pharmacy. He stayed out east and I began digging roots in here.

We went to art college in Brooklyn in the early ‘70s and he played in pubs and clubs downtown. His band, “Banish Misfortune,” opened in CBGB’s for Blondie and Patty Smith — who also went to our school. One night in the West Village — we were out for a rare dinner, sharing an entrée — he told me casually that George Harrison just walked by the restaurant. I often acted falsely cool, pretending I didn’t care about well known musicians, but holy moly my body rose out of the chair and I ran outside. When I returned to the restaurant, my boyfriend asked, “How did you like Billy Preston?” He was walking alongside my favorite Beatle. Musicians knew.

Now, because of this film, many, including members of Mr. Preston’s family, will appreciate the impact he had on our music. Some of the most telling footage is a recording session at Abbey Road in London in 1969. The boys are having a difficult session working on “Don’t Let Me Down” when young Mr. Preston shows up smiling and saves the day on his keyboard, lifting everyone up

where they wanted to be.

Why is it no surprise that this film showed here? Elizabeth Paepcke individualized our ski areas with a music festival starting in 1949. John Denver settled here. It was and is home to many bards: John Oates, Jimmy Ibbotson, Jimmy Buffett, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Jan Garrett, Frank Martin, Chris Banks, John Sommers, Jennetta Howell and more. Creative voices thrive here.

Not to mention the long-time passion of executive producer and the film’s book writer, Daniel Shaw.

I watched him interview writers in our Valley over the years, but he especially lit up when the writer was a bard.

His interview with David Crosby at Belly Up after Mr. Crosby wrote his autobiography was an instructive milestone for me, literally. The tenacity of investigation with a remarkable artist was rare. I’ve often utilized their sparring as an inspiration when I faced a similar challenge.

They both remained themselves and we benefitted.

And the toughest part of this film, for me as a dance and theatre performer, is the story on screen of a brilliant artist’s struggle to keep working, and living to be an older human being. I’ve been thinking lately about humans being LARGE — not like celebrities, but truly ourselves. Standing inside a bright light and radiating all that we are.

In conversation with a long-time arts administrator recently, a passionate-feeling woman I’ve known for some 20 plus years, I said, “I feel, in part, that I’ve been ostracized for being the best I can be creatively.” She was speechless, but I was glad to be honest. I’ve often asked, “At what age do we tell our students to stop being the best they can be artistically?” And then tell them to, you know, “Get a job.” Why? Two thirds through the film, I felt upset with people who knew Billy Preston who didn’t step in and help him more when he had serious troubles. It’s always

16 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

Billy Preston, photo courtesy of Apple Corps

a balance, isn’t it? To take risks, to stand by someone inventive, but to also stay healthy and cared for in a community, especially if you don’t have family. Powerful artists sometimes don’t have family. They give their all to us. And what do we give back to them?

When asked after the screening why he chose Mr. Preston to tell audiences about, Shaw replied, “He started at age 5. I love him. I danced around my room as a kid to ‘Will It Go Round in Circles.’” Daniel’s love of music, respect for the creative process and how art inspires us radiates in this thoughtful, luminous portrayal of a generous, extremely talented man and artist: Billy Preston.

The film is expected to screen at the Isis — date and time to be determined — and will soon be available to stream.

BEETLES from page 4 He explained how scientists use small planes and trucks to record visually-detectable insect and disease signatures in forests. He added that this work is done by people and, so far, not replicable by drones. West noted that in 2025, aerial survey was not possible due to red tape and budget restrictions brought on by the federal government.

Fir beetle damage tends to spread in dots within a forest, unlike the uniform wave observed when pine beetles spread through an ecosystem. This is, in part, because colonies of Douglas fir beetles select one host tree every year. West explained that the Roaring Fork Valley has been dealing with fir beetle damage for at least a decade.

West and colleagues have treated 185 to 200 acres each year with chemicals that

send a signal to the beetles that the tree is full. They also deploy chemical pheromone traps to lure beetles from forests to open meadows. Elevations most affected by fir beetles are between 8,200 and 9,500 feet. CSFS teams have deployed treatments in forests around the Roaring Fork Valley within that elevation range.

Beetle numbers have been lower in the Valley in the past few years, suggesting that these treatment methods are effective. West said that this summer will likely be a valuable indicator of how well mitigation is working, given the current drought.

More information about fir beetles, pine beetles and other forest management topics can be found at csfs.colostate.edu

BASALT from page 14 Midland design guidelines Representatives of GMSHAY Architects presented a draft of the new Midland Avenue District Design Guidelines.

After the completion of the Midland Avenue Streetscape Project, the council approved a services agreement with GMSHAY to establish architectural design guidelines as a proactive tool to help preserve the area’s existing character when developing in the future.

In the past eight months, the consultant team engaged with the public through two open houses to inform a draft. The document creates guidelines both for new construction and the restoration of existing historic buildings. It also designates essential “contributing” buildings which exemplify various 1800s and 1900s architectural styles, such as the Colorado Midland Depot where Alpine

CARBONDALE from page 15 After hearing public comments, the Board of Trustees pushed back on several staff and P&Z recommendations. The trustees supported allowing short-term rentals, whereas the presented proposal prohibited them.

Trustees also requested to change the one parking space per bedroom requirement (with a possible reduction if approved by P&Z) to one parking space for a second bedroom. They also nixed a less than 20-foot setback trigger that placed projects in the third tier review process. The requirement for ADUs to have a separate heating system from the primary residence came under scrutiny as well.

It was decided to exclude allowing duplexes to build ADUs for now. Sans criteria in the code enabling P&Z to deny an ADU based on impacts to neighboring properties, “We’re just inviting neighborly disputes to air out at P&Z,” Mayor Ben Bohmfalk observed.

The hearing was then continued to March 24. Amendments to rules governing planned unit developments, many of which do not permit ADUs, will be taken up at another time. The public can still comment on proposed changes by emailing trustees@carbondaleco.net

Bank is today and the Railroad Hotel which houses Tempranillo.

The document comprehensively covers standards, from window and door proportions to encouraged and prohibited materials for exterior siding.

It also allows for green certifications for sustainable development and restoration of existing buildings, which could, for instance, take the form of native-vegetation landscaping or rooftop solar arrays set back from the street so as not to disrupt façades.

The document does not replace zoning rules, but will act as an “overlay” to existing codes. Additionally, applicants can file for waivers for individual projects. Due to the size of the document and level of depth, council requested an additional meeting with GMSHAY to clarify how the document will be used before it is approved.

Other business Architect Suzannah Reid presented updated guidelines for historic preservation as reviewed by the HPC. A grant from History Colorado funded the work, which included two public open houses.

This affects the Old Town Residential and Historic Commercial Core zone districts, which require a courtesy site plan review from the HPC for new construction and property alterations. Although HPC recommendations are non-binding, they inform P&Z’s conditions and approvals for projects. At the trustees’ request, registered structures of merit outside these zone districts will also be included in the process. The updated guidelines were unanimously approved.

The Town then approved amendments to its fire code, last updated in 1988, and enacted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code as required by the state. The former will next be reviewed and adopted by the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District board. In addition to technical amendments and regulatory provisions, the new code distinguishes Fire Marshal Karl Oliver with enforcement authority. The state code focuses on wildland-urban interfaces and mostly applies to new construction and certain areas of River Valley Ranch at this time, though the fire risk mapping currently underway could change that.

Spring

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Lab Tests Offered • HealthScreen w/CBC – $79 Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)

• hsCardio CRP – $42 • Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44

• PSA, Total – $47 • Vitamin D – $54 • T3, Free – $32 • T4, Free – $32 • CBC (Complete Blood Count) – $32

Visit aspenvalleyhealth.org/health-fair or scan the code for complete details.

Make your appointment starting April 22.

For you. For life. aspenvalleyhealth.org aspenvalleyhealth

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 17

Reducing harm I’m running for re-election to build on successes over the last 4 years:

Affordable Housing Helped support resident purchase of two mobile home parks—protecting homes for 139 families (about 500 residents)—and helped over 20 families create affordable housing units.

Livability Invested in safer streets with crosswalks and bike lanes, and expanded mobility through WeCycle and the Downtowner.

Please Vote April 7

Community Resilience Upgrading water and wastewater systems, transitioning town facilities to cleaner energy, and working with the fire district to reduce wildfire risk.

Community Investment Smart planning and fiscal responsibility to keep Carbondale a thriving place to live, work, and raise a family.

I’d appreciate your vote!

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You can’t get better if you’re not alive. doesn’t exist in isolation, but is a sympThis simple sentence can change a lot. tom of other underlying issues. Most It can change how people view the world people who try illicit drugs don’t become and how they provide care to others. It addicted, but with increasing mental can change the tools we’re willing to use. health concerns more people are at risk.

It’s the phrase I’ve seen spark light in But the solution isn’t necessarily abstipeople’s eyes, helping nence from drugs and them see a different way alcohol, though that of thinking, a different can definitely help. We way of recovering. must look at the root When I started a harm source of these obsesreduction program in sive behaviors, namely Carbondale back in 2020, trauma and other giving out free Narcan (an mental health issues. overdose-reversing nasal Abstinence can help — spray), I expected pusha lot — with addressing back. I expected people these issues, but just to not understand at first. being sober isn’t always “I don’t know anybody GUEST OPINION enough. And drugs and who uses drugs.” medications can often

By Mugsy Fay Seldeen “I don’t need Narcan.” be part of the solution.

“We don’t have a problem here.”

How do we heal trauma? Not through “Abstinence is the only way to recover.” inhumane incarceration and mandated These are the most common, and incor- therapy, but through love, compassion rect, statements I hear on a regular basis. and kindness, especially for ourselves.

Ninety-five percent of Americans use We aren’t just in recovery from drugs drugs on a regular basis. It might not be and alcohol, or whatever other addiccrack or fentanyl, but we use drugs like tions we may have. We are in recovery caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and sugar from trauma, abuse, anxiety, depresincessantly. We are a drug-based society, sion, chaos, capitalism and the crushing as all drugs have very real benefits and weight of a cruel world. very real risks.

Consider the adage of the healing forest Whether you know it or not, you know that was first introduced to me by White someone who uses drugs.

Bison, a Native American recovery organiThe most common trajectory to any zation out of eastern Colorado: “If a single opioid (heroin, fentanyl, etc.) addiction tree is removed from a sick forest, treated and/or overdose starts with a prescrip- and replanted, it will become ill again tion painkiller. Here in the mountains, we because its environment remains toxic.” have a high rate of opioid prescriptions This is why so many people attend because people are prone to injuries rehab just to return to use once they’re related to outdoor recreation and occu- back home. pations. We are all likely to be prescribed It is tiresome and terrifying to watch an opioid at some point, and having someone go through the ups and downs Narcan around, in the home or in the car, of addiction, but compassion yields can save a life. greater results than criticism. The more Then there’s the historic party culture we push on people, the more we push of towns like Aspen and Carbondale. We them away, while the evidence shows have so many great opportunities for that pulling them closer is generally more recreation, theater, dance, art, music, but effective. Harm reduction does just that. with that often comes drugs and alcoThe real question isn’t how we, the hol. Some of us party, paint and perform individuals, recover from addiction, but without illicit drugs, but many do not. how are we, as a society, going to recover We absolutely have a drug problem from centuries of trauma? here and if you’re lucky enough to not To heal the individual, we have to notice it, you are living a wonderful life! heal the entire forest. We have to come But EVERYONE should have Narcan in together as a community and address all their emergency first aid kits. Whether the ways our current society was set up to it’s at a concert, a library, a park, or in fail us, or we’re just going to be chasing your own home, overdoses can happen the tail of addiction in circles forever. anywhere and it doesn’t hurt to have Harm reduction is a part of everyone’s the antidote to America’s most common recovery journey in some way, because poison on hand. we can’t help people if they’re not alive.

And this isn’t a new problem. Garfield However you manage to stay alive today, County had record-setting overdose your coping mechanisms are valid. And deaths in 2006, 2009, 2016 and 2021. We we are all capable of redemption. see more drug use in times of greater Can we save the forest? Only if we economic and political uncertainty, so come together from a place of love while we have finally seen declines in and compassion. We are all different, overdoses for the first time in 20 years with different obsessions, perspec(thanks to all that Narcan we’ve been tives and values, but we all share the handing out), we’re still far from the goal same forest and we are all responsible of zero overdose deaths. for its healing.

We have a narrow understandWe can reduce harm today through ing of drugs (that I’ll expand on next the simple step of carrying Narcan and time!) but the evidence of addiction is looking out for each other, because no becoming clearer all the time. Addiction one else is coming to save us.

Learn more about harm reduction in the Valley and where to get Narcan at www.highrockiesharmreduction.com or by emailing Mugsy at mugsy@highrockiesharmreduction.com

18 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

How much is your storage unit?

An estimated 70% of U.S. residents report feeling yucky, uncomfortable, wretched at times, horrible and significantly financially stressed. Meanwhile, 33% of U.S. many other negative things. Your nervous system will say, residents have at least one storage unit. The average cost “No! Don’t go over there!” But in order to live the life you for an American storage unit is $121 per month or $1,452 want to, you simply must go over there. You must. Why is per year. it so much easier to rent a storage unit and fill it with crap You have been misguided! You have been raised to feel than take 15 minutes to learn what a Roth IRA is and fund financially stressed for no great reason other than feeling it with $121 per month? bad about yourself. And you have been Why is buying so much more doparaised to keep so much stuff that you need mine-filled than saving? Can you name a separate place to put it. Math: If you 10 things that are sitting in your storremove $121 from your monthly budget, age until right now? Can you name the the goal amount to save for in retirement last 10 things you bought? Can you, with drops by $36,300 (​based on the 4% rule​). certainty, say that you are saving 20-30% If you then invested that $121 per of your income? month for 25 years and received 7% The best and easiest way to change compounding interest, it would be worth is with a buddy. Or many buddies. Find $98,018. Read that again. someone to keep you accountable. Find Don’t let stress get the better of you. someone who will say, “Yes, keep going, I Lose the drama, know you are smart know you feel yucky but you’re doing great.” enough to be financially swole.

Find someone who will celebrate the small So, what are you complaining about but oh-so-important victories you will inevMONEY JUICE right now? Why are you giving that thing itably ignore. Find someone who is doing

By Megan Janssen so much power? Complaining is just the something better than you and follow them action of power leaking out of your body. through the deep dark tunnel of muck until Does any of this sound familiar? you emerge, a new baby butterfly on the other side. This is the • “I can’t ever get ahead.” only way to actually change your life.

• “I’m so bad at X.” Grab the bull. Be in charge. Accept the yuck and the • “My boss sucks.” anger and the “this-feels-wrong” of the whole thing and • “My job sucks.” get a different life. What if you emptied your storage unit, • “My president sucks.” sold everything inside, put the money in a money market My current complaint is that I can never seem to get a account and then automatically deposited the rent saved? haircut I like. I have curly hair and I inevitably wind up with You’d be richer, happier and everything would be less a 90s pageboy middle-part ‘do. So it’s time for me to get complicated. Good luck! educated. Interview hair stylists, watch YouTube videos, read books for beauty school, etc.

Megan Janssen is the founder of Money Juice When we complain, we’re squarely in the bubble of our (www.money-juice.com) and a financial advisor with comfort zone, looking out and pointing at all the things Forum Financial Management, LP. The ideas and encroaching on our space. We must expand our comfort language written here are those of the author and do not zones and get to know new surroundings. This will feel necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Forum.

OPINION

STEPPING STONES from page 8 those facing urgent challenges.

“We’re fortunate to have a network of trusted community members who connect with young people in authentic ways,” said Crawley. “These relationships add richness to our programming. Youth aren’t just interacting with staff, they’re building connections with artists, educators, therapists and community leaders who expand their sense of possibility.”

Notably, academic tutor Gretchen Strom and resident artist Gabriela Mejia have reinforced the reality that mentees matter beyond Stepping Stones’ walls. Strom provides individualized academic support to build strong study habits, improve grades and show that academic success is possible. Mejia, a local artist, connected with Stepping Stones through a grant for arts programming. During her yearlong residency, she led multiple art classes highlighted by the “Breaking Open, Together” art show last summer. The grant has recently been approved for a second year.

“Art gives the youth a space to express themselves, build confidence and feel proud of what they create,” said Mejia. “I see them open up, support each other and realize their ideas and voices matter. It also gives them a positive outlet where they can slow down, focus and experience the joy of making something with their own hands.”

Looking toward the future, Crawley envisions a permanent Glenwood Springs site where youth can receive wraparound services five days per week. In the meantime, the Stepping Stones team will continue to grow from its roots by tending to those who matter the most — the Roaring Fork Valley’s youth.

Visit www.steppingstonesrfv.org to learn more.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 19

ASPEN & SNOWMASS Pitkin county Library Hyman Avenue Box Wheeler Opera House Box Snowmass Town Park Station Aspen Valley Hospital Mi Chola Snowmass Clarks Market Snowmass Mall Alpine Bank in Snowmass Alpine Bank in AABC BASALT & EL JEBEL Willits General Store Alpine Bank ANB Bank Basalt Quick Lube Basalt Regional Library Big O Tires El San Miguel Box Casa Tequila CC’s Cafe Whole Foods Eagle County Courts Crown Mountain Express Lube El Jebel Mobile Offices El Korita Hightone Autobody El Jebel Laundromat Mountain Family Health Cazadores Skotties The Basalt Store Timbo’s Hightone Automotive and Tires CARBONDALE 3rd St. Center Alpine Bank Carbondale Library Main St. Box Catherine’s Store Food Truck Carbondale Recreation Center City Market Carbonaldale CMC Edna’s Hair Salon Gloria’s Boutique Garcia’s Jalisco Grill La Fogata La Perla La Placita La Roca Lift-up Sunburst Valley Meats First Bank GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Springs Library Centennial Park Box Comfort Dental Coin Laundromat Glenwood Recreation Center Glenwood CMC El Yaqui First Bank Frida’s Glenwood Hot Springs Yampa Hotsprings Valley View Hospital Impuestos Seguros La Michoacana Mountain Family Health Post Office Gafield County Human Resources Sal Mex Tequila’s Tony’s Bakery Super Taco Alpine Bank on Grand Ave New Castle New Castle Library City Market Carniceria Elias Hacienda San Miguel Post Office Tapatios Alpine Bank SILT Silt Library La Placita 2 La Placita Market LeMora Pizza Silt Roundabout RIFLE Cafe y Pasteleria Galea East Ave & 3rd St. Box City Hall Box E 12th St. Box El Patron El Rincon Jalisco Grill Mercado San Jose Momma’s Nachos Mexican Dining Paleteria La Korita Promex Bakery Remignton Square Spyderwash Tapatios La Baja Espresso Rifle Library Imperio Variedades Dinora Diversity Salon Alpine Bank on 4th St Alpine Bank on Airport Rd PARACHUTE Nalini’s Taqueria Jalisco El Tapatio City Hall Box Parachute Library Running Burrito Lift-up Fifty Shadz Salon Sinclair Vero’s Mexican Bakery

Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!

Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen

A letter from Sol del Valle’s editora On Feb. 21, 2026, I marked my second soon. Because I know we will meet again — anniversary at the helm of Sol del Valle. I perhaps through a poem in the Rincón de la never imagined that this same moment Creatividad, in a column or in a story that still would also mark the beginning of a farewell. carries my byline.

Today I write these words with a knot in In June, I leave the valley I love so dearly to my throat and many mixed emotions. begin a new chapter in the Valley of the Sun. Alongside that anniversary came difficult But a part of my heart will always remain news and an even more difficult decision. here — in every story, every page and every My family is beginning a new chapter, and voice that makes Sol del Valle possible. with it come new horizons.

To the future editor of Sol del Valle Trading my beloved Valley for the deserts I leave in your hands one of the most treaof Arizona has been a difficult decision. But sured projects of our valley. there is a coincidence that I like to think is not For me, Sol del Valle has been an extraordimerely a coincidence: I will be leaving Sol del nary opportunity — not only professionally, Valle to move to the Valley of the Sun. but also personally and as a mother. With Two years ago, I was given the opportua strong interest in communication and a nity and the trust to take the reins of Sol del degree in psychology, I had the chance to Valle. To be completely honest, I had no idea Bianca Godina, photo by Raleigh Burleigh step into the world of journalism and fall in what this challenge would bring into my life. love with it every day.

Today, with deep gratitude, I can say it has Our mission states it clearly: To provide a Over these two years, I learned somebeen a chapter that will mark me for life.

Sol del Valle began with the intention thing very clear: Sol del Valle is not just a reliable and growing source of information of bringing our community a newspaper newspaper. It is an ongoing conversation in Spanish that supports and strengthens the health, impact and well-being of the diverse in Spanish. In its early days, it was just four with our community.

From the beginning, my goal as editor Latino community from Parachute to Aspen. pages within The Sopris Sun. Thanks to the But Sol del Valle is more than that. It is a initiative of my dear friend and colleague was clear: that Sol del Valle truly reflected the space for the Spanish language — so beauRaleigh Burleigh, outgoing editor of The diversity of our community.

During this time, alongside my colleagues tiful and so diverse; a place for reliable Sopris Sun, a project was born that is now Margarita Alvarez and Ingrid Zúniga, our information about our valley and this region approaching its fifth anniversary.

By the time I arrived, the project had contributors and with the support of our of Colorado and also a corner where culture, already grown. It was handed to me as a advisory board — Carlos Ramos, Gladys the arts and knowledge come together.

This newspaper has become something 16-page insert within Aspen Daily News Arango-Marcon, Klaus Kocher, Martha Elena and a four-page insert within The Sopris Márquez, Raleigh Burleigh and Rosa Santi- special thanks to the support of our commuSun, in addition to its independent publi- ago — we worked to build a newspaper that nity and the local media organizations that cation. Over time, Sol del Valle came to be connects our two valleys, the Roaring Fork believe in it. Above all, because it reflects an admirable community, a community that published by The Sopris Sun as an indepen- and Colorado River valleys.

A newspaper that shares the stories of our always knows how to look out and care for dent newspaper.

Not long ago, I heard someone say that Sol community leaders, informs readers about each other.

If you decide to take Sol del Valle to its del Valle is one of the most complete news- the issues that impact our daily lives, celepapers in the region. I believe that is thanks brates our events and reflects the heart of our next level — with new stories, new voices to the collaborations we have built with other communities, Sol del Valle is, and always will and new ideas — always remember something important: This newspaper belongs to be, a special newspaper. media outlets in our valley.

Today I say farewell and “see you again,” the community that reads it. Care for it, listen Through the CoWest Noticias Collaborative — which brings together Aspen Daily with the hope and faith that this newspa- and allow yourself to be guided by it.

Because in the end, Sol del Valle has News, Aspen Public Radio, The Aspen Times, per will continue to be present in our valley, always been, and will always be, a reflection Post Independent, Radio La Tricolor, KDNK week after week.

This is not a goodbye — it is a see you of our people.

Community Radio and The Sopris Sun, our publisher — we have been able to share resources, stories and perspectives. This collaboration has allowed us to strengthen something fundamental: ensuring that our community has access to information in Spanish.

A few days ago, during an interview, I was asked about the importance of collaboration between news organizations. After thinking about it for a moment, I responded that although there is healthy competition to publish first or tell the best story, there is something even greater: our commitment to the community.

Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.

Bianca Godina — Editor • bianca@soldelvalle.org | Margarita Alvarez — Advertising • margarita@soldelvalle.org www.soldelvalle.org • info@soldelvalle.org • 970-510-0234

20 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com

Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores.

Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com

There will come a time

By Nancy Bo Flood Four Mile

When our grandchildren will sit In their eighth-grade social science class And yawn.

So today we must tell them our story That once there was a time When we nearly lost this democracy.

Who saved it?

You.

Quinn Miller and her Redstone grandma bid farewell to the Redstone South Bridge.

Courtesy photo

PeopleCare. That’s Valley View.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 21

LETTERS under the condition that it purchase Harvest (previously Sanders Ranch). They could name our new nature park after you!!

What say you? Would you be our valley’s hero? And save the elk and our creek and river.

Wewer & Steve Keohane Cattle Creek

Derangement I have been accused of having Trump Derangement Syndrome because I oppose having masked, mostly untrained thugs profile and terrorize people of color.

I have been told ICE is “just doing its job,” that these people are criminals. I have been told to give Trump a chance.

Possibly, but doubtful. If there were true justice in America, Trump would be in jail; if not for being a pedophile, then for insurrection. If not for insurrection, then for tax fraud. If not for tax fraud, then for obstructing Congress. Or for hiding classified documents, or rape, or embezzlement, or election manipulation. It’s sad that the “Grand Old Party” has lost its morals to become the aider and abettor to a dictatorial egomaniac. It’s sad that almost 40% of Americans think this is acceptable behavior.

If you’re a Trump supporter, I challenge you to ask AI: Did Biden steal the 2020 election? Has ICE only arrested violent criminals? Is voter fraud rampant? Does the economy do better under Republicans or Democrats? It might surprise you to learn that you are the one with Derangement Syndrome.

Join us at the next No Kings rally on March 28 from 1 to 3pm in Sayre Park, Glenwood Springs, to help stop this madness.

Peter Westcott Missouri Heights

Re: Re: Bruno Kirchenwitz Upon reading Valarie Gilliam’s letter about me last week, I thought we might have some common beliefs. She quoted a study by the libertarian Cato Institute and libertarians believe in individual liberty, limited government and peace. So do I, but Val’s perspective on this topic trio varies greatly from mine.

Cato’s “factual” analysis that illegals are a fiscal benefit to our economy is contradicted by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) in 2024 under Biden. CIS found that 59% of households headed by green card holders and undocumented people used at least one form of welfare.

Only 37% of U.S.-born families used any welfare. That report excludes all us oldsters on SSI, Medicare and Medicare.

Valarie’s wailing about due process rings hollow when her beloved illegals spat on due process and our sovereignty while invading the U.S. And who said ICE agents aren’t well trained, “The View” or Tampon Timmy?

Unless one can’t read English you can’t miss the IDs emblazoned on their uniforms. ICE agents wear masks so illegal-loving protesters can’t dox them and their families.

Calling ICE agents murderers sans a trial or even charges seems a bit premature. And that 5-year-old was abandoned by his illegal daddy while deluding an arrest by ICE, who later returned the kid to his family.

Ms. Gilliam asserted, with a firm grasp of the obvious, that no other POTUS 22 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | March 12-18, 2026

from page 2

achieved Trump’s level of enforcing immigration laws. Biden’s big border blunder allowed unvetted, unvaxxed illegals to invade the U.S.. THE Donald didn’t need comprehensive immigration reform to seal our borders. He just did it.

There are two reasons Biden’s handlers humanely opened up our borders for 48 months. Dems envisioned a future voting block of illegals and businesses are addicted to cheap, malleable labor.

In any case, her slandering Trump as immoral is beyond the pale. While Barack tried bribing Iran with pallets of C notes and Biden was in China’s pocket, Trump resurrected the Monroe (Donroe) Doctrine in our hemisphere.

I believe in Trump’s tenet of peace through strength. Val sounds more like a timid appeaser. Biden whimpered, “Don’t.” Trump avowed, “Done,” cutting Venezuela and Iran off at the knees. The cartels and Cuba are next.

Dems are too funny to cry over yet too sad to laugh at. So I can only shake my head at Ms. Gilliam’s misplaced empathy.

Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle

Re: Hind Rajab I recently attended the screening of “The Voice of Hind Rajab” at the Crystal Theater.

The story it reenacted, of the failed attempt to rescue a 6-year-old girl in the midst of a 2024 Israeli offensive in Gaza, was so harrowing that it left me speechless.

What made it even more heartbreaking was knowing that it’s happening again.

The killing has not even stopped in Gaza (more than 70,000 dead), and now we’re at war with Iran.

These tragic, bloody wars are being waged in our name, supposedly on our behalf. In Gaza, we’re supporting the slaughter with our tax dollars; in Iran, we’re leading the charge.

When will we learn that we don’t make ourselves safer by making more enemies?

Can we collectively stand up and say, this is not who we are?

Call out the madness.

Dave Reed Carbondale

Re: Agrivoltaics Last week the Crystal Theatre showed “Save The Farm, Save The Future” a movie focused on “agrivoltaics,” or farming and grazing under solar arrays. It certainly has some good points, but I think it exaggerates the land use and other impacts of most new solar farms, and I’ve been to many.

Current solar farm construction now avoids some of the worst land scraping from the early days. With a little effort, revegetation supports biodiverse plant and soil life, which supports the many critters able to get over, under or through the fences required by electric and security codes. Some small modifications to enhance that habitat or support grazing are great. Some crops even grow better and with less water under solar. But modifications to accommodate agriculture can’t add excessive costs to solar construction and electricity production. It’s a low margin business already and social justice is best served by not adding costs to electricity unnecessarily.

Much is made of soil carbon cycling in agriculture versus the resources used for continued on page 23

PARTING SHOTS

Photos by Will Sardinsky

LETTERS solar. However, the carbon and resource savings from solar overwhelm anything going on with the land. CSU scientists measured plant-soil-air carbon cycling under solar arrays and determined it was the same as out in the open. Regenerative agriculture might sequester five tons of CO2e per acre annually. Also annually, and per acre, a solar farm produces electricity that would otherwise emit almost 500 tons of CO2 from a coal plant’s stacks.

One could say that PV is 100x as “land-efficient” at GHG reductions.

Yes, the emissions from materials and construction of the solar farm are about 500 tons per acre, but that’s once, and offset in the first year of operation. After 30

from page 22

years, the half-inch thick panels may need to be replaced. Over that time, equivalent energy from a coal plant would have consumed a “seam” nine feet thick over the same land.

I’m also not too worried about “food security” if 1% of Colorado ag land is turned over to solar. But maybe that belies my roots; as a kid I could look at the docks of the sugar refinery across the river from my father’s NYC office, knowing that 1,000-mile trade had started with sailing ships in the 1600s. A settler-colonialist nightmare of slavery for a long time, but that’s another story.

Fred Porter Carbondale

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Town of Carbondale is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to provide seasonal yard waste drop-off services. Service will be provided every other Saturday from 9 AM to Noon from mid-April through September. Proposals are due by noon on March 17, 2026. The full proposal can be found on the Town’s website at the following link: https://www.carbondalegov.org/i_want_to/apply_for/rfps.php.

Published in The Sopris Sun on March 12, 2025

The Carbondale Arts gallery debuted “Sweet Excess” by William Lanzillo on First Friday, March 6. Lanzillo, a sculptor originally from Chicago, Illinois, assembled a machine in the gallery built to produce a giant cannoli — sweet cream inside a fried shell. The first attempt resulted in a normal-sized cannoli, but Lanzillo will try again to produce a giant one during the next First Friday, April 3.

Also on display, “Structures Inachevées” is a solo exhibition by abstract painter Ludivine Gérard. Each work remains open, unfinished, inviting the viewer to complete the story or let it remain in motion.

Carbondale Arts is accepting 2027 gallery proposals through May 4, waiving application fees for proposals submitted by March 15 at www.carbondalearts.com/ exhibitions/2027-proposals Artisans wishing to participate in the Bonedale Flea market (May 1) must apply by March 18 at www.bit.ly/Bonedale-Flea

We don 't charge for obits The death of a loved one costs enough. The Sopris Sun is happy to publish local obituaries of a reasonable length, including a picture, for free.

Email news@soprissun.com to submit one or for more information.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | March 12-18, 2026 23

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