Rams upend Woodland Park, but fall to Faith Christian in second round

By Luke Wander Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Friday, March 3, the Roaring Fork Rams boys varsity team defeated the Woodland Park Panthers in a tense 53-48 game in Arvada. Despite a relative height differential in the Panthers’ favor, senior River Byrne led the Rams with 21 points in the program’s first playoff victory since 2019.

The victory earned the Rams a chance to face up against Faith Christian Academy Eagles the following day. The Eagles, with a 21-1 record and ranked #1 in the 3A bracket, are a heavy favorite to take home the state title this month, but the Rams came out in the first quarter and showed that it would not be a straightforward win. “We did get good looks at the rim and could get into the paint,” said Coach Krieling, “but the presence of a six foot, seven inch center definitely had an effect on finishing shots that are usually easy for us.”

Though not for lack of effort, the Rams could not stop the Eagles, and their season came to an end with a 70-37 loss. When asked to reflect on a season in which the Rams went 17-7 and 11-1 in the 3A Western Slope League, Coach Krieling could not hold back his pride. “We have great leaders in our seniors in how much they care about this team and the example that they make for the younger players. Some of these guys have not had a winning record in four years of Roaring Fork basketball. They came together as a team right after Christmas and it continued through the end of our season.”

River Byrne scores from the free throw line with seconds remaining in Roaring Fork’s playoff win against Woodland Park last Friday.

Coach Krieling will lose six seniors to graduation, but he remains upbeat about his team’s chances next season. “We’ll be young, but I do expect us to be competitive in our league.”

The Faith Christian Eagles will play Yuma later today for a spot in the state semifinals.

Garfield County Report

Roaring Fork Quilt Guild

people outside of the guild to bring their own quilting projects as well. It’s an opportunity not just to see amazing quilts, but to mingle with fellow community members — quilters and laypeople — and pick each others’ brains about stitching and such. Come for the cookies, stay for the view — and lots of laughs, which there are sure to be plenty of with this crew — and leave with a new or renewed appreciation for the power of quilting. For more information about the RFQG, and to follow their journey and perhaps become a member, search “Roaring Fork Quilt Guild” on Facebook. To browse some of their lovely quilt projects, visit www.flickr.com/photos/ roaringforkquiltguild

Banned And The Courthouse Is Too Cold

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Sometimes funding request grants from the Garfield County Commissioners are like an awards ceremony. “And the winner is!” This time local dogs and cats won big. The commissioners approved Colorado Animal Rescue’s (CARE) request of $230,000 to continue its work.

Wes Boyd, CARE director, and program director Maggie Niehoff listed the shelter’s programs, including the community feral cat program, emergency/disaster boarding, in-house vet care, the pet food bank, vaccination clinics, free IDs, medical/ behavioral support and more. Last year, fewer animals came into the facility but stays were longer, and there were fewer transfers from other shelters. CARE treated 85 strays from Glenwood Springs, 50 from Silt and 24 from Carbondale.

The housing crunch is the main reason behind pet relinquishments, they said. “A big issue in our community is the problem people face with housing,” said Boyd. “That impacts a lot of pet owners especially.” Animal behavior challenges also pose a problem. Eighteen animals were euthanized at CARE last year, some of which were those with behavior problems. “Sometimes we have to make a difficult decision and protect the community from a pet who might be a danger to either people or other animals,” Boyd explained.

The good news is that 427 animals were adopted in 2022, 120 were reunited with owners, and 278 were spayed or neutered. In total, CARE served 729 animals last year and distributed over four tons (9,117 pounds) of dry dog food. CARE’s request approval comes close on the heels of Rifle’s Journey Home Animal Care Center request of the same amount last week. Funding for both is budgeted and comes out of the county’s Non-Profit General Fund.

In other news, the Board approved $20,000 to Carbondale-based Coventure, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Despite numerous start-up successes, one promising participant, Spring Born hydroponic lettuce in Silt, closed late last year. Coventure Director Mike Lowe said distribution problems and the loss of a major investor forced closure in December 2022.

Commissioners also reduced county landfill fees for the Town of Rifle’s annual Spring Clean-up Day. County Community Development Director Sheryl Bower presented 2022 development stats. A long list of permitted projects included Eagle Ridge in Spring Valley, Half Moon housing in Battlement Mesa, the Scott gravel pit near Rifle, Colorado Mountain College student housing and a 22-acre solar installation at the Spring Valley campus, Royal Mini-Storage behind Glenwood Meadows and more. Projects under review for 2023 include the Flying M Planned Unit Development (PUD) for 170 units near Riverview School south of Glenwood Springs, a 577-unit PUD amendment for Spring Valley Ranch, a PUD near New Castle, a large CPX solar project northwest of Parachute, 12 duplexes off Four Mile Road and more. Only two gas well permits were included in the lists — TEP’s permit south of Rifle and a CPX permit application for new wells on an existing pad southwest of Rifle. Bower also stated that building permits increased from 606 in 2021 to 616 in 2022 with a valuation of more than $57 million.

Attorney and Glenwood Springs City Council Member Tony Hershey made a brief, unscheduled appearance in his winter parka, asking the Board to do something about the freezing temperature inside the courthouse across the street.

Commissioners also approved the weekly consent agenda, with the exception of a liquor license renewal at the Kum & Go in Parachute, which was delayed. A ban on the sale, use or possession of fireworks in unincorporated Garfield County goes into effect April 9.

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

Rambler

Sheila

Markowitz

Glenwood Springs

November 1980

I first thought about selling him when July came and I hadn’t ridden Rambler even once the previous month. I felt uneasy. He was an important part of my life. It seemed the need to be with him had suddenly diminished.

It reminded me of the end of my marriage, four years before. Changes, adjustments, decisions – I always got through them and grew, but initially they always frightened me.

The previous month, I almost sold him twice, but each time the person backed out at the last minute. “It’s just plain fate,” I thought, as I carefully combed his tangled mane and tail.

It was early one Saturday morning at the pasture where I boarded Rambler — at a farm a couple of miles up a mountain road. The sky was pure blue. Almost all of the golden leaves had fallen from the surrounding aspens. A cool autumn wind left me exhilarated and glad to be alone with my horse.

“This is the reason I bought you, Rambler, and I’m sure this is why I’m meant to keep you for a while longer,” I thought. “You’re the one I love to be alone with,” I said affectionately.

He nudged my back as I bent down to get a brush from the bucket of supplies. His coat was fuzzy and thick now, getting ready for winter.

Many times, as I brushed him, my mind would wander, giving me time to contemplate thoughts I was usually too busy to think about. Sometimes I wouldn’t think of anything specific at all. I arranged my life so that my schedule

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 was full with little time left to be by myself. But, my time spent with Rambler was the one thing I preferred to do alone. Now, as I continued to brush his coat and admire the shine I was achieving, I remembered the day I bought him three years before, and how important he’s been to my life since.

After my divorce, the desire to own a horse had been my number one consideration for moving to this small Colorado town, from Chicago where I was raised. As a little girl I would dreamily stare out the kitchen window and imagine my horse running around in the empty lot next to the apartment building where I lived. When another building was erected on the lot next door, I gave up on that dream, but never totally gave up the idea that someday I would have a horse of my own. One that I could ride any time I wanted to.

I bought Rambler just a few months after my move here. My financial situation was a bit precarious. But, when I saw him running around the snowy pasture that cold March afternoon, I knew the money I needed would be found.

The next three years we would spend time together, usually three days a week. My time with him would calm me, no matter what disruptions were going on in the rest of my life. He would always be there, waiting to carry me into the mountains. The wind would make my hair fly, and the smile on my face would reflect the freedom and joy I felt.

I felt unsettled when I realized I had ridden him so seldom the last few months. What was changing in my life? Had whatever I had moved here for been accomplished? Was I ready to move on?

Now, on this chilly fall morning, as I lifted myself onto the saddle, I knew I could contemplate this question without a feeling of panic. The right answer would come. The indecision I felt quickly passed away. As Rambler cantered off, I was thankful I had my horse and the freedom to make these decisions on my own.

LETTERS continued from page 2 and Scenic status would ensure the greatest level of protection against dams, and the very real threat of water being diverted out of our local watershed. It would preserve water quality and keep the Crystal River flowing free for future generations.

I’m grateful to The Wild and Scenic Feasibility Collaborative for selecting highly experienced professional mediators to facilitate the process and engage with the community. I believe the stakeholder committee will provide a valuable forum for addressing the specific concerns of residents and informing the public of the finer points of the designation.

I encourage fellow Gunnison County and Crystal Valley residents to participate in the process by voicing your support or concerns in the upcoming meetings or surveys. By sitting down together we can work toward solutions for the river we all love.

Teri Havens Marble

Proposed traffic 'rules'

New Carbondale “rules”: Anywhere between Prince Creek Road and Highway 82, you get a point for each vehicle you help to enter or exit from Highway 133, without modifying the flow of traffic by more than three miles per hour. Pro tip: To maximize points, maintain space before and behind your vehicle; adjust those buffers as you see what the cross traffic needs. Generate flow, people.

Jay Coursey Carbondale

Glenwood safety

Glenwood Canyon is approximately 13 miles long. Driving a constant 30 mph takes 26 minutes.

40 mph takes 19.5 minutes.

50 mph takes 15.6 minutes.

60 mph takes 13 minutes.

Why can't we all agree to drive 40 mph, “waste” a few minutes, leave approximately 60 feet between cars and eliminate virtually all accidents?

It seems like a small price to pay for safety. Nobody hurt, no damage to vehicles or structures, no road closures or delays.

Think we should try it?

John Kleinwachter Carbondale

Letter policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Letters of 500 words or less stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. Please include your name and place of residence. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

How do you spell regal?

Spellebration is a joint fundraiser benefiting local nonprofit Literacy Outreach and the Colorado Mountain College Learning Labs. The annual event was held on March 3 at the Hotel Colorado. This year's theme, "A Royal Spelling Bee," had participants sporting crowns and golden (toilet plunger) scepters, enjoying the puns delivered by Sir Spellsalot (Steve Shute) and Merlin (Bruce Leland). First-place honors were bestowed on Her Royal Highness Heather Exby's Exquisite Exponents, sponsored by Colorado Mountain College, pictured in the photo on the left (from left to right: Yesenia Silva Estrada, Shute, Leland, Kevin Cote and Virginia Nicolai). Pictured top-right, Garfield County Libraries sponsored Lisa's Linguistic Librarians in Waiting, a team dedicated to Lisa Detweiler, who worked at the New Castle Library and died tragically late last year (from left to right: Rifle branch manager Amy Tonozzi, Carbondale branch manager Tracy Kallassy and library substitute Carolyn McCann) won thirdplace honors. Meanwhile, Literacy Outreach student coordinator Brisa Morales played The Queen of Hearts (bottom-right photo).

Legal

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering a combined application for a Major Site Plan Review, Minor Plat Amendment, Rezoning Application, and Alternative Compliance to allow the construction of a 50-unit residential development.

The property is located at Lots 2A and 2B, North Face Base Camp Subdivision (East of the Meadow Wood Dr and High School Access Road intersection).

The property is approximately: Lot 2A - 3.439 acres (149,781 sq. ft.); Lot 2B 23.822 acres (1,037,672 sq. ft.) and is zoned Community Arts (Lot 2A) and Commercial Business Park (Lot 2B).

The Applicant is Robert Schultz Consulting LLC

The Owner is Roaring Fork School District

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on March 28, 2023.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org

Jared Barnes, Planning Director