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Volume 11, Number 47 | December 26, 2019
2019 - a colorful year (in review)
Between Green is the New Black's Oz theme, Mountain Fair's Rainbow Connection (top left, photo by Renee Ramge) the Pride Parade (top right, photo by Mark Burrows) and Our Town One Table's Over the Rainbow aesthetic (center, photo by Will Grandbois), it seemed like bright colors where the style of the season. The Redstone Castle players got in on it (top center, photo by Sue Rollyson), True Nature contributed a flower mandala (bottom left, photo by Will Grandbois) and a wet year meant plenty of real rainbows (bottom right, photo by Lewis Cooper). Of course, there was more to the year than that — let's take a look back.
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A year of transition
Sincerest thanks to our
By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Editor
Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
This isn’t really the same newspaper it was a year ago. For one thing, it’s a different team. Other than myself, Tommy Sands has been the sole remaining fixture on the staff in 2019. (Lee Beck has also held down her volunteer proofing position). Terri Ritchie, Carol Fabian and Megan Tackett have all left voids that Ylice Golden, Todd Chamberlin and Roberta McGowan have worked admirably to fill, and it has taken a crew of talented freelancers to cover Jane Bachrach. Indeed, in addition to an array of new bylines we have also seen some occasional contributors become consistent. While it’s bittersweet to look at our impressive collection of 2018 Colorado Better Newspaper Contest awards — many presented to folks who are no longer on the team — I had no trouble finding a whole new set of nominees for the next round. That’s a real blessing, because Todd has been selling ads at a prodigious rate. If you’ve enjoyed the larger papers lately, thank our advertisers. Even without the new perspectives fresh blood brings, it was a good time to shake things up. Our 10th birthday party in February left little room for Classic Movie Night, a tradition we’re still considering whether or not to resurrect it. Then there was our spectacular concert at the Redstone Castle featuring pianist John Robin Sutherland — an event the likes of which we’d never before attempted. I hear the board is working on something else for the spring. I myself gave up our our little “Vampires vs. Humans / Monster Mash” game, as well as our “Everything Under The Sun” show on KDNK. Instead, I put my energy toward improving my own photography — to take advantage of our return to higher quality paperstock — and even dabbling in video in conjunction with a burger taste test which we may soon be emulating with tacos. I also took a pair of vacations which I’m hoping you didn’t even notice thanks to John Colson and Trina Ortega, who fill in for me. Linda Fleming and Nicollette Toussaint have similarly covered production, Laurie Loeb, Carol Craven and Ken Pletcher occasionally step in to proof and Debbie Bruell is a great backup ad salesperson. Speaking of Bruell, we’ve certainly felt the absence of her and fellow longtime board member Barbara Dills, as well as a handful of others who had shorter, but no less meaningful stints. Luckily, we have a host of new members, including one of the aforementioned departing staffers and several other former news professionals. And you’ll notice our 2020 officer lineup looks much like 2019, but with Raleigh Burleigh stepping into the big chair while Marilyn Murphy slides into second. I’m also honored to announce that I’ve been asked to serve on the Colorado Press Association Board, a term which happens to coincide with the annual convention taking place in Glenwood Springs. In fact, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be at the helm of The Sopris Sun. After a year of transition, we’re settling into a new groove with big hopes and big plans. Thanks for joining us on the journey.
Email barbara.dills@gmail.com for more information.
Through the solstice and beyond By John Colson Sopris Sun Board A great big “thank you” is due to our growing legion of friends, readers and supporters as we enter the new year and, we hope, the final stretch of our Winter Solstice 2019 fundraising drive. As of Dec. 20, according to an unofficial tally by our crack accounting department, we had received nearly $11,000 in donations sent to us starting on Nov. 1, the beginning of the drive. We still have a ways to go before meeting our goal of $15,000 for the current drive, and we urge anyone who reads the paper, appreciates its role in telling the stories of our community and informing our voters about political issues and candidates, and who would like to see the paper continue its mission, to please give what you can as soon as you can. Over the course of the entire year of 2019, the numbers showed that The Sopris Sun had gathered in a total of more than $21,400, which went a long way toward filling in the annual gap between advertising income and the amount of money we spend each year putting out the paper. In 2019, for instance, that gap amounted to $50,000, as reflected in a summary report that it is expected our total production cost for the year will have come to $270,000, while ad sales are expected to top out at $220,000 or so for the year, which represents a fabulous effort by our ad manager, Todd Chamberlin. So far, the Sun's board of directors's fundraising efforts, the only way a nonprofit newspaper can supplement ad revenues, have brought in a total of just over $45,300, according to the aforementioned tally. That has come to
LETTERS Cosmic fabric Dear Editor: Star dotted night sky A faraway tapestry Woven light years past JM Jesse Glenwood Springs
In defense of Meredith Dear Editor: In response to Ron Kokish’s letter which appeared in The Sopris Sun December 12. There are a number of threads to pull on, but I’ll limit myself to two. 1) Paige Meredith is not guilty of bigotry. I’ve known him for close to forty years. He is respected in our community for his probity of judgment. He is not one who is hasty to jump to conclusions. Quite the opposite: he is willing to examine and question his own opinions and to alter them when the situation warrants. The Oxford Dictionary of English defines bigotry as intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from one’s own.
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020
us in the form of $15,500 from our Honorary Publishers program; a stand-alone grant from the folks over at True Nature Healing Arts in the amount of $4,000; $4,000 earned from events and other sources; and individual and business contributions totaling nearly $22,000. I should note that at least 90 percent of the donations mentioned at the end of the above paragraph came from a mass mailing to our known readers and supporters, and that a healthy list of 23 donors are helping The Sun shine on a monthly basis. The mailing has yielded a return rate of 23 percent, which reportedly is better than twice the average for such mailings. But what all that means is that, just to cover the year's expenses, we still need to come up with just over $4,600, which we sincerely hope will be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks. That's right, we have extended the Winter Solstice fundraising drive into January, to provide an opportunity for those who have not yet contributed, or who feel a need to add to an earlier contribution, to do so soon. As readers of all stripes have noticed and remarked upon, The Sopris Sun has grown and deepened its connection to the community in its first decade of operations (see Editor Will Grandbois' column on this page for more on that question), and expects to keep that trend up in the coming years. But we cannot do it without your help, dear reader, and we ask that you give what you, when you can, to help your community newspaper do its job. So, thank you again for all your have done, you Sun Worshipers, and for all that you undoubtedly will continue to do. The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect I like to jokingly those of The Sopris Sun. The say, “Anyone community is invited to submit letters of up to 250 words to who disagrees P.O. Box 399 or 500 words to with me is a news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on bigot.” a case-by-case basis. The 2) Religion deadline for submission is noon on can be narrowly Monday.
defined as the service and worship of God or the supernatural, but there are also broader senses of the word. The Oxford Dictionary includes this idea: a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion. There was some national discussion about this back in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s following the Supreme Court case Torcaso v Watkins. A prominent jurist of the twentieth century, Antonin Scalia, said, “In Torcaso v Watkins (1961) we did indeed refer to secular humanism as a religion.” Stan Badgett Carbondale Continued on page 14
Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert – Habitat for Humanity RFV Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman
Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.
Mary Lilly
And all our SunScribers and community members for your support.
It truly takes a village to keep The Sun shining.
Donate online or by mail. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Tom Sands Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Marilyn Murphy, President Raleigh Burleigh, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer John Colson • Kay Clarke • Carol Craven Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m on second Mondays at the Third Street Center. Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them.
Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
YEAR IN REVIEW JANUARY Forest Serviceless The U.S. Forest Service was deemed “nonessential” and had been closed since the government shutdown began, as evidenced by the bare flagpole outside the Carbondale office of the U.S.F.S. Aspen-Sopris Ranger District.Someone neatly tied a yellow ribbon around the pole — a symobl once used to signify a loved one away, serving the country during a time of war. One furloughed U.S. Forest Service employee saw that ribbon around the otherwise bare flagpole at the office and nearly started crying. “It made me feel missed, wanted back, supported,” she said.
Ice flows down 'Fork After an alert was issued by the Roaring Fork Conservancy, Basalt residents gathered near the banks and along bridges overlooking the Roaring Fork River to safely witness a series of ice flows. Massive chunks of ice — some estimated at 12 to 18 inches thick and the size of a car’s hood — along with wooden debris including whole trees, rushed down the river. The river’s CFS (cubic feet per second) measurement more than doubled in some locations as the torrent charged through the channel. While ice flows can pose a danger to humans, especially unsuspecting winter anglers, the Basalt police department reported no incidents of harm among people or pets, perhaps due in part to RFC’s dutiful public warning.
Winter Tri debuts The Town of Carbondale, together with Aloha Mountain Cyclery and Independence Run & Hike, sponsored its first three-part athletic event with the cooler months in mind. It had been a vision of Recreation Coordinator Margaret Donnelly’s for years: a 5k run, then a 5k cross-country ski race, then finally a 5k bike ride. It wasn’t for the hyper competitive ultra athlete, Donnelly noted. It’s more about getting the community out together in a fun, healthy
environment. There is one aspect of the race that everyone agreed on: if you’re planning on biking, get thee a fat bike.
Grande is the wastewater treatment plant, which has been the subject of several efficiency upgrades of late with continued incremental improvements.
FEBRUARY Mini storage rejected
Lacrosse girls go varsity
Carbondale Planning and Zoning submitted comments to Garfield County opposing two seperate mini storage proposals near, but not in, town. GO Self Storage would have occupied 2.7 acres on the former Planted Earth property. The Blue Mountain Mini Storage Facility sought to develop almost six acres at the Highway 82 and County Road 100 intersection, near Catherine Store. The County ultimately denied both applications.
After years of program building, the Rams’ girls lacrosse team officially made varsity status — although it still has a ways to go for total school funding. It actually draws students from Basalt and Glenwood Springs as well, just as the Glenwood boys’ team includes kids from Roaring Fork. As is often the case, it starts with a solid feeder program. The 501c3 nonprofit Roaring Fork Lacrosse Club is in its 10th year and, according principal Joe Lang, has grown from around 15 kids to 250. With a dearth of girls’ teams in particular, Roaring Fork has to compete against schools of all sizes in the 5A Mountain Conference. Still, the girls had already proven themselves competitive with a victory over Telluride’s varsity team.
PD gets mental health grant The Colorado Department of Local Affairs awarded the Carbondale Police Department a $177,000 grant to engage the support of mental health professionals whenever necessary. Carbondale Police Chief Gene Schilling said that years ago, if an officer encountered someone experiencing a mental health crisis, the officer’s best option was often to charge that person with a criminal offense in order to put the person in jail, where the person could (hopefully) receive mental health services. The grant also includes funding for a 24-hour crisis hotline, expanded training for police officers on mental health topics, and technology for clinicians in the field.
Sutey closed in winter The Bureau of Land Management announced its intended approach for managing the Sutey Ranch near Carbondale. Under the proposed plan for the Sutey parcel, the BLM would maintain irrigated fields to provide critical forage for big game and allow public access between April 16 and Nov. 30 to reduce disturbance to wildlife in the
Terri Ritche had one big project to finish before leaving her decade-long role as our graphic designer: a Green is the New Black line made from newspaper. Photo by Nicollette Toussaint winter. The Haines parcel would be included in the adjacent Crown Special Recreation Management Area with an emphasis on mountain bike recreation. RFVHC Communication Chairman Holly McLain said the organization was still reviewing the 67-page document but was initially pleased with the plan. Mike Pritchard, director of the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association, declined to comment until RFMBA’s own review was complete.
MARCH
Town power goes renewable Eight years after an entirely different set of trustees opted out of Holy Cross’s out-of-state wind program around eight years ago in hopes of saving up for more local, renewable energy, Carbondale had bought into several such partnerships and was expected to reach full renewable offset for all but its smallest facilities in the Xcel part of town by the end of the year. With a similar situation within spitting distance for Holy Cross, Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman proposed buying back in to the company’s now mostly in-state wind program. The main electric user in the Holy Cross service area north of the Rio
Highlighting senior needs The seniors behind the Carbondale Age-Friendly Community Initiative (CAFCI) were finding their voice. Niki Delson first came across the American Association of Retired People (AARP) Network of AgeFriendly States and Communities when she was researching how to audit an intersection for the Bike Pedestrian and Trails Commission. She started talking about it with Ron Kokish, who in turn spends much of his retirement talking with local seniors as a Medicare consultant. The group presented a draft of the initiative asking the Carbondale Board of Trustees to “work with Carbondale seniors to actively pursue strategies that enhance mobility for people of all ages around our beautiful town.”
A record year online While we have no intention of becoming clickbait, we do pay attention to what folks pay the most attention to on our website and social media. We want to be responsive to the interests of our readers, after all, and we don’t get the same metrics from the print edition. In general, we must be doing something right, because we topped 100,000 sessions for the first time ever. To top 2018, which saw record traffic in July due to the Lake Christine Fire, was extremely gratifying. And our top stories were a bit more uplifting this time around: 1: “PATINA BAR AND GRILLE BRINGS AMERICAN BISTRO TO CARBONDALE” 2: “ OUTGOING ROARING FORK PRINCIPAL SEES OPPORTUNITY IN TRANSITION” 3: “ WAVES OF SUMMER VISITORS LEAVE MARBLE LOOKING FOR RELIEF”
There’s a theme of change there that we’ll explore deeper into the paper. As for our social media, it seems like y'all prefer pictures of happy local celebrities and Mount Sopris. We're with you.
Continued on page 6
The Sopris Sun Board of Directors thanks all who have given generously to our community, nonprofit newspaper this year. If you have been inspired, informed, or connected thanks to The Sopris Sun in 2019, and have not yet donated... it's not too late. Please consider supporting independent journalism by donating on the web, mailing us a check, or visiting our office. www.soprissun.com | The Sopris Sun, PO Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623 | Third Street Center, 520 South Third Street, #36, Carbondale, CO 81623 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT
How does she do it?
CMC President Carrie Besnette Hauser has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education, the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities. She is also governor’s appointee to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and a member of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Board of Directors, El Pomar Foundation Northwest Regional Council and Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Economic Advisory Council. At the national level, President Hauser serves on the board of American Rivers and is past president of the National Scholarship Providers Association.
Get to the gulch
Spring Gulch is open for the season! Classic track is set on Chris Cross, Bulldogger, Little Dipper, Holdens (except Upper) North Star, Ginny Lane, Finlandia, Out and Back, Sidewinder and Wagon Road. Skate lanes have been groomed everywhere but are particularly good on the upper trails. Early season conditions exist on most trails, meaning there may be shrubs poking through the snow on trails. Big Dipper and the Round About between Lower Holdens and Wagon Road remain closed.
The eagle has landed
Less than a year after their
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com.
old eagle passed away, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies has received a non-releasable Golden Eagle from Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Del Norte, Colorado. The eagle was found with a broken wing approximately 30 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Park in November 2018. The eagle is currently on display in its enclosure at Hallam Lake. Beginning in January, ACES raptor handlers will begin a training program with the new eagle. Incidentally, Naturalist Nights and Potbelly Perspectives, two popular community programs, begin during the second week of January in Carbondale and Aspen. ACES is also launching a brand new speaker series, Wild Perspectives, at The Collective in Snowmass.
Don’t drive drunk The Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and statewide law enforcement agencies recently wrapped up the Holiday Parties heightened DUI enforcement as part of The Heat Is On campaign to keep Coloradans safe from impaired drivers. During the 10-day enforcement period, 514 impaired drivers were arrested, a decrease from the 727 arrests made during this enforcement period last year. In addition, 98 agencies participated in the Thanksgiving Weekend enforcement period and arrested
420 impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2019 is the first year that zero fatalities were reported during that period.
I’m on TV!
Faculty and students of Colorado Mountain College’s avalanche science program will be featured in an upcoming news special airing during the holidays. The half-hour program, “Colorado Avalanches: The Science Behind the Slides,” details last March’s historic avalanches. It aired twice on Christmas and will air once more at 10 a.m. Jan. 1 on KWGN Channel 2. The special features CMC’s avalanche science program in the second segment of the show.
Rising in fall
Almost 120,000 visitors rode the Roaring Fork Transit Authority’s Maroon Bells Shuttle last summer and fall. While this is a slight decrease from the 2018 season — potentially due to the late start — visitation last fall set a new record for visitors per day. In February 2020, meetings with elected officials will be held to discuss transportation challenges associated with the popularity of the Bells and potential solutions to address them.
A free lunch
Carbondale Beer Works is collecting donations to pay off
The holidays bring families together, but the Huck family managed the particular milestone of getting together five generations for Thanksgiving. Irene Staats of Carbondale is surrounded by her son, Mike, of Carbondale, grandson Chad, of Silt, great grandson Garrett and great great grandson Easton, both of Pueblo. Courtesy photo school lunch debt at the middle school. Stop in and see a bartender to support the students and help them start the new year with a blank slate. And look for further coverage of how this national issue looks locally in an upcoming Sopris Sun.
Jaded Roaring Fork High School Athletic Director Jade Bath is no longer with the school as of last week. District officials declined to discuss personnel matters, but said in an email that they can “thank Jade for her years of service and
wish her the best on whatever comes next.” Marty Nieslanik will serve as the interim athletic director, and applications for the new position will be due March 10.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Caitlin Causey and Emma Danciger (Dec. 26); Chip Bishop (Dec. 28); Randy Schutt, Sue Edelstein, Nick Walgren and Mark Gray (Dec. 29); Beymar Silva (Dec. 30); Kris Cook (Dec. 31) Anne Grice and Ryan Camp ( Jan. 1).
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Year in Review from page 3 APRIL
Kids nab big scholarships
Changing places The business landscape is always in flux. Sometimes an ownership transfer is big news, such as the RVR golf course, which also led to Homestead Bar and Grill. Other transitions are subtle, keeping the same name or owners. Regardless, here are some places you might want to (re)visit: 450° TEPPANYAKI & SUSHI 568 HIGHWAY 133 AXKAWA (SEÑOR TACO SHOW) 46 N. FOURTH ST. THE BEAT 968 MAIN ST. COVENTURE (GLENX) 201 MAIN ST. LANDMARK CAFE (A WAY HOME) 689 MAIN ST. MAGIC WORLD 584 HIGHWAY 133 MI CASITA 580 MAIN ST. PROPAGANDA PIE 467 REDSTONE BLVD. PATINA BAR & GRILLE 1054 HIGHWAY 133
Lux Andrade and Solana Teitler each were awarded the danies fund and the Boettcher scholarship respectively. Both kids had older siblings who were offered the same scholarships.Teitler will be enrolling in the honors program at the University of Colorado’s Engineering School. Andrade was considering Colorado State University, with acceptance letters from several strong out-of-stateschools to consider.
Tourney honors Goscha After chaotic weather in March curtailed organizers’ initial plans to host a Trent Goscha Memorial Baseball Tournament, sunshine graced the rescheduled event. In the end, the Rams came up short against the MontezumaCortez Panthers (9-13 and 3-5, respectively), but the scores weren’t the most important part of the day. Trent passed away in November 2016; he was 13 years old.
CORE crew goes to D.C. Legislative withdrawal of the Thompson Divide from future oil and natural gas leasing got its first congressional hearing in Washington, DC as part of an overall hearing on the Colorado
Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE). Roaring Fork Valley residents were on-hand for support. Stacey Bernot, former Carbondale mayor, Bill Fales, owner of Cold Mountain Ranch, Mike Pritchard of the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association and the Thompson Divide Coalition, and current Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson listened to pros and cons of the CORE Act plus two other bills. Congressman Scott Tipton also appeared before the committee, stating that he has heard from constituents who are not in favor of the Act in its current form. It later passed the House, but faces an uphill battle in the Senate.
MAY
Red Hill Lofts inked Carbondale’s trustees formally joined into a public-private partnershipwith an organization planning to build a 30-unit apartment building in the Dolores Way neighborhood in northwest Carbondale, which is intended to help fill the region’s need for affordable rental housing. The project was proposed by a private, non-profit group called Aspen/ Pitkin Employee Housing, Inc. The entire deal depends on financial assistance in the form of lowincome housing tax credits from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. If that doesn’t come
Carbondale Middle School’s GSA organized a pride parade. With support from True Nature, Aspen Out and Gay for Good, it turned out to be a diverse and well-attended success. Photo by Mark Burrows through, the Town’s commitments to the project would be considered “null” until APEHI comes up with another financing plan and reapplies.
Temporary shuts its doors It was always meant as a temporary space but when the lease was signed in August of 2017, the initial vision was a little longer, but The Arts Campus at Willits received a letter of notice, and that was that. Executive Director Ryan Honey is taking it as an opportunity to ramp up the organization’s original plans to open The Permanent, another land parcel in Willits “down the street.” The Town of Basalt has a 99-year lease on the land on which The Permanent will be built, and TACAW has extensive building plans available on its website (tacaw.
org/the-permanent). Meanwhile, Honey was working on transitioning programming to a pop-up model — which included an all-aroundtown jazz event later in the year.
Public trails on private land
Crystal Basin Holdings LLC, owned by cousins Sam and Tom Walton had big plans for their private land in Coal Basin. The biking enthusiasts were building a 4.5-mile trail system for public use that will transform the landscape. First, the project team had to gain favor with Pitkin County and the U.S. Forest Service — the land is surrounded by forest land. Current plans include trails to appeal to riders of all levels. The goal was to open in summer 2020
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020
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JUNE
The Bard comes to Basalt After a 12-year run in Aspen, the Hudson Reed Ensemble moved Shakespeare in the Park to the midvalley. Artistic Director Kent Reed said the move was a year in the making and was necessary because of the loss of rehearsal and performance space in Aspen. The hour-long evening of scenes in Midland Park mirrored the birth and first season of Shakespeare in the Park in Aspen.
Breaking down barriers Thunder River Theatre’s adaptation of “Tribes” proved a perfect opportunity to talk about accessibility. Michelle Mary Schaefer, who came to town to star in the show, submitted an op-ed: “Many hearing people do not realize how much they take their life for granted,” she wrote. “This is where the production of "Tribes," by Nina Raine and recently produced by Thunder River Theatre, comes into the picture — especially in small-town Carbondale — to make a difference in yours and our lives. It is such an honor to carry on the role of Billy, a person who struggles with a Deaf identity raised in a Hearing family, constantly being oppressed by both society and family.”
Shooting range recs released The Basalt Shooting Range Working Group presented its recommendations to Colorado Parks and Wildlife about the future of the Basalt gun range. The Group was composed of six volunteer citizens with “diverse backgrounds,” all residents of the town, who first convened in late 2018 and met at least once a month to hash out the issues and concerns surrounding the controversial shooting range in the wake of the Lake Christine Fire. Their goal was to present a cohesive set of recommendations for the agency to consider moving forward.
After a year haitus, the Earthbeat choir rocked Mountain Fair. Photo by Will Grandbois
JULY
Broadband access expands High-speed internet service was rolled out to residents of the Crystal River Valley, areas of Old Snowmass and in the mid-valley El Jebel area. Improvements to Pitkin County’s existing mountaintop tower sites made it possible for high-speed internet providers to serve rural users in the region who have previously had few or no internet options. Anyone within line-of-sight of mountaintop towers on Williams Peak, Crown Mountain, and Elephant Mountain should be able to access the new service via two new Internet Service Providers Pathfinder and Visionary Broadband. Translator tower sites on Lower Red Mountain in Aspen, the Jackrabbit site above Snowmass Village, a site above Ruedi Reservoir and Thomasville and additional
relay locations to be identified throughout the region are slated for improvements and development for broadband in two to three years.
AUGUST Anti-plastic crusade snags An expansion of Carbondale’s plastic bag ban was put on hold after the managers of several affected businesses raised concerns about communication.
The consequences of the Lake Christine Fire continued to unfold, with flooding causing alarm on the fringes of Basalt. Photo by Will Grandbois
While the Environmental Board had reportedly taken the town’s temperature on the possibility of including non-grocery businesses in the ban, word didn’t make it to the top at every establishment. That prompted one head honcho to contact the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, with the resulting story eliciting surprise from several other business leaders and consternation among the trustees, who weren’t inclined to proceed without further community feedback and, potentially, formal consulting.
Trustees take more steps against vaping
The Town of Carbondale expanded its hard stance on tobacco with licensing and a flavor ban. The decision came a year after trustees opted to increase the consumption age to 21, and may be followed by a tax increase in 2020. For Mayor Dan Richardson, the sense of urgency is building to combat youth vaping. “The more I learned, the more I dug in, the more I experienced on the home front, the more I felt it just wasn’t enough,” he said. Representetatives from other juristdictions attended and incidated that the move may become a trend. Continued on page 8
LaFontana Plaza | Hwy 133 | Carbondale, CO 81623 | 704-0909 | www.IndependenceRunAndHike.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020 • 7
Year in Review from page 3 OCTOBER
Equine virus cancels rodeo
Town hires single hauler
Trustees agree to ditch Columbus Day and celebrate Indigenous People's Day instead, with a special ceremony for and by the Nuche (Ute) at Sopris Park. Photo by Sue Rollyson
SEPTEMBER Pickleball grows up To meet the growing interest in what NBC news recently claimed is the fastest growing sport in the world, the Roaring Fork Pickleball Association (RFPA) and town of Carbondale broke ground on the construction of six new pickleball courts at the North Face Park on the south edge of town. The 1/4-acre site, next to the tennis courts, skate park and athletic fields on Meadowood Drive, will be home to six new post-tension courts that adhere to size guidelines (minimum 1,800 square feet) for sanctioned tournament play. The six new courts have an estimated price tag of $300,000, and while the Town provided land for the new courts, all of the money has been raised by RFPA.
Town backs Glenwood on quarry The Glenwood Springs City Council requested that the Carbondale Board join in opposition to the proposed expansion of the Rocky Mountain Resources limestone quarry near Transfer Trail — a step Rifle, Silt and Snowmass Village have already taken.“It is a huge expansion, and we’re looking at a lot of impacts to Glenwood Springs,” Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Kaup said. “While we’re just a small city, together in the Roaring Fork Valley, we can have a strong voice.” It wasn’t a hard sell, and trustees backed the motion unanimously. Said Mayor Dan Richardson, “while I think it’s clearly a local issue for Glenwood, it has much broader implications.”
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Carbondale gave up on a quarter-century experiment with multiple companies picking up trash from local homes and apartment buildings. The move was made in hopes of reducing traffic and noise on the streets of Carbondale, step up its diversion of trash from area landfill sites, and provide better protection for wildlife, mostly bears, that annually drift into town to forage for food in local dumpsters. To take on all this work, the town’s board of trustees contracted with Mountain Waste & Recycling. In the middle of the process, the local company was aquired by Waste Connections, which, according to Public Works Dir. Kevin Schorzman, is the third largest trash hauling company in North America.
Vesicular stomatitis was going around the Valley. The disease is spread by flies and causes blister-like sores on the mouths, lips, tongues, ears or feet of infected animals. Since horse shows, rodeos and local county fairs may accelerate the spread of VSV as horses travel from many different locations, some were canceled in the wake of the disease. There were hopes that cold weather would slow the spread.
Resurrecting poatoes past In conjunction with the ghostly theme of Potato Day, The Carbondale Historical Society hosted a ghost walk. Originally intended for the cemetary, it was moved to the Thompson House — which ended up adding to the experience. Characters included Samuel Bowles, Sarah Jane Grubb, William Dinkel, Edna Sweet and the Thompsons. Historical Society
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Libraries get funded
Garfield County voters approved by a narrow margin Ballot Initiative 6A . The measure will provide additional funding for the county library district by adding a 1.5 mill levy on property tax bills. This will supplement the sales tax revenue that funds daily operations and the 1 mill levy enacted in 2006 to fund capital improvements and property maintenance. The increase is expected to provide about $4 million more for the 2020 fiscal year, or roughly 75 percent over estimates for the budget without the mill increase. It will also give the library district a more reliable revenue source than currently exists with the fluctuations in sales tax receipts. A statewide education-funding measure did not receive as much support.
The soccer boys went all the way to the state finals, and although they fell to Kent Denver, their town was behind them. Photo by Will Grandbois Continued on page 9
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8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020
Marty Silverstein and Kathy Webb wish all of our friends and neighbors a happy new year. Feliz ano nuevo.
DECEMBER Euclid permit voided
The Carbondale Clay Center and KDNK gave up on competition and combined their big auction events, providing yet another opportunity to shop local. Photo by Laurel Smith
Change coming for Penny Hot Springs Increased awareness of Penny Hot Springs has brought an increase in use, which has become a cause of concern and consternation for locals. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails cites social media as a contributing factor in the increased attention the hot springs are getting. In an effort to provide a cleaner and more pleasant soaking experience, the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board created the Penny Hot Springs Steering Committee and tasked it with working with local agencies and collecting public feedback regarding the best strategy for use of the hot springs. The steering committee’s draft management plan is open for public review and comment at pitktinostprojects.com through Jan. 17, 2020.
The debate over the building permit for 728 Euclid Ave. boiled down to whether quantitative or qualitative zoning interpretations should take precedent. The two other words playing a major role in the board’s decision were mass and scale.That was settled, at least for now, by the Board of Adjustment recently voiding the building permit originally issued in 2017. Property owner Patrick Kiernan has already filed legal action with the Garfield County District Court. By law, Kiernan was given 28 days to appeal.
Town acquires lot downtown Carbondale closed on the property at the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Colorado Avenue across from Town Hall, which it has long leased for parking, leaf and tree recycling and other municipal purposes. The lot is one of several downtown properties put up for sale last August by LLCs connected with local landowner and philanthropist Bren Simon. Among the remaining properties for sale are the old Town Center lots, the grassy area adjacent to the Fourth Street Plaza and two properties currently leased for parking. Thanks to its size and position against the Rio Grande trail right-ofway, the Town’s new property has the surface capacity for 80-90 cars when it’s not hosting leaf days or the like. As lots currently leased for parking get developed, a parking garage may even be on the table down the road.
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Changing faces When one person has done the same job for a long time, it's easy to equate the role with them — and vice versa. But nothing lasts forever, and folks have a right to reinvent themselves and move on. There seem to have been an unusual number of major transitions — or announcements of pending transitions — in the last year: • Following Brett Stringer's departure as Roaring Fork High School principal, the district tapped longtime Bridges High School Principal Lynn Bair for the job. Suzanne Fitzgerald stepped into Bair’s job, though the position has been posted again. • With the departure of Aspen/Sopris District Ranger Karen Schroyer, longtime Forest Service employee Kevin Warner stepped in to the role. • State Representative Bob Rankin was appointed to fill Randy Baumgardner’s seat in the State Senate. That left his own position to be filled by Perry Will, a New Castle resident who had previously been a fixture at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. • The Two Rivers Unitarians said goodbye to Minister Shawna
The November election left Roaring Fork School District with an allfemale board with a diverse set of backgrounds. Foster, who is now serving as faith outreach coordinator for presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Rev. Laurie Bushbaum is now heading up the church, although her current contract only runs through June. • Carbondalian Brian Murphy settled in as CEO of Valley View Hospital following Gary Brewer’s retirement after 21 years in the position. Last, but certainly not least, both Police Chief Gene Schilling and Luitenent Chris Wurtsmith announced that they would be leaving the force in 2020. According to Town Manager Jay Harrington, a profile for the new chief is expected to go out Dec. 30, with applications closing around Feb. 10. After that, a group
of around 10 semifinalists will be winnowed down to a handful for onsite interviews. A law enforcement committee, mock council and community panel will all have a chance to vet the candidates and a public reception is likely. The Valley Settlement Project is already pitching in to ensure the local Latino population is included in the process. If all goes well, an offer should be on the table in early April, giving the top choice a chance to overlap with the existing leadership and fill Wurtsmith’s shoes for a few months before taking on the top job and hiring his own second in command in the fall. “It’s rare to have a chief retiring on their terms,” Harrington noted. “You’re not coming in to fix something; you’re coming in to grow something.”
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020 • 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR THURSDAY DEC. 26
ROCK ‘N ROLL
Enjoy the Goodman Band and a midnight toast from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with no cover at Wild Flight performs a mix of classic and The Black Nugget (403 Main St.). new music including folk, jazz, light rock and original tunes from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Carbondale Beer Works (647 Main St.). HOLIDAY MUSIC
INDIE POP
WEDNESDAY JAN. 1 GLOBAL MEDITATION
The Sound and Color takes the stage at 7 p.m. New Year's Day Meditation with Yogarupa at Marble Distilling (150 Main St.) Rod Stryker from 3 to 5 p.m. at True Nature (100 N. Third St.) Go to eventbrite.com for $35 to $45 tickets.
FRI DEC. 27 - THU JAN. 2 MOVIES
The Crystal Theatre (427 Main St.) presents FURTHER OUT “Parasite” (R) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27-Jan. 2, “Fantastic Fungi” (NR) at 5:30 p.m. Dec. THURSDAY JAN. 2 27, “JoJo Rabbit” (PG-13) at 5 p.m. Dec. 28, CONSENSUAL IMPROV “Harriet” at 5 p.m. Dec. 29-30 and “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (PG-13) at Enjoy improv games with spontaneous hilarity, audience interaction and lightning5:30 p.m. Dec. 31. fast wit. Show from 8 p.m. at the Thunder River Theatre Company (67 Promenade) Tickets at thunderrivertheatre.com for $15.
SATURDAY DEC. 28 HOW TO MIX DRINKS
Learn the art of mixology to wow your guests FRIDAY JAN. 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Redstone Inn. (82 SKIER APPRECIATION Redstone Blvd.). Sunlight Mountain Resort offers $20 lift tickets, a kids' donut eating contest, islandthemed costume contested, hula hooping, limbo and a prize giveaway from 9 a.m. to SUNDAY DEC. 29 5 p.m. FUNDAY SUNDAY MOVIE
Watch “Abominable,” and bring your own blankets. Enjoy free movie and popcorn from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Redstone Inn. (82 Redstone Blvd.).
SKATE NIGHT
SACRED SOUND
LET’S GO SLEDDING
Swing by the Fourth Street Plaza Ice Rink from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a fire pit, roast hot dogs and marshmallows and hot chocolate .
Participate in mantra, meditation, teachings and purifying gong from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at True Nature (110 N. Third St.) on a by-donation basis.
This Community Sledding Party is open to the public. Have fun in the snow on the driving range sledding hill and then enjoy free kids hot chocolate and s'mores on the Homestead Patio. Yummy roast LOCAL MUSICIALS marshmallows on an open fire tops off Savor an intimate evening of live music with the event. From 3 to 5 p.m. at River Valley Mark Johnson, Liam Laird and Lyle Luckett Ranch. (303 River Valley Ranch Rd.) Call from 7:30 p.m. at Steve’s Guitars. Go to 963-6597.for information. sguitars@sopris.net for information and SMOOTH SWEET HARMONIES tickets. Feeding Giants brings their unique sound to SCHOOLHOUSE CONCERT Marble Distilling (150 Main St.) from 7 to Legendary singer and songwriter Willis Alan 10 p.m. with no cover. Ramsey comes to town thanks to Pastor Mustard and KDNK. Performance at 8 p.m. UNDERGROUND COUNTRY at the Missouri Heights Schoolhouse (498 CR Callin’ Old Souls performs sad songs you 102) Go to houseofmustard.com for tickets at can dance to. Show starts at 9 p.m. at The $35 per person and $65 per couple. Black Nugget (403 Main St.).
CALL FOR CARBONDALE BOARD OF TRUSTEE NOMINATIONS Regular Election Town of Carbondale
The Town of Carbondale will be holding a regular municipal election on April 7, 2020. Three Board of Trustee seats (all four-year terms) are up for election. Those wishing to run for Trustee may pick up Nomination Petitions beginning January 7, 2020 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. from the town clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue. Qualifications: All candidates must be a qualified elector of the Town, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and must have resided in the Town of Carbondale for one consecutive year immediately prior to the date of the election. Petitions must be returned to the town clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2020. The Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, therefore, there is no party affiliation designation. For more information contact town clerk Cathy Derby at 510-1206 or cderby@carbondaleco.net 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020
TUESDAY DEC. 31 CABARET
ONGOING
HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION
Free opportunities include a powerpoint presentation by Dr. Greg Feinsinger about the science behind plant-based nutrition at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month. Also free one-hour consultations for heart attack and other chronic illness prevention are available by appointment Monday mornings (call 379-5718) and come to a plant-based whole-foods potluck at 6:30 p.m. on the PRIX-FIXE DINNER fourth Monday of the month at the Third Reserve your seat at Patina Bar+Grille (1054 Street Center (520 S. Third St.). Highway 133) beginning at 6 p.m. with a BLUEGRASS JAM bubbly toast when the ball drops in Times Bring the instrument of your choice or just Square. your voice for a weekly jam session first and LOCAL MUSICIANS last Sundays at 6 p.m. at Steve’s Guitars (19 Dance your way into 2020 with Callin’ Old N. Fourth St.) and all other Sundays at the Souls from 8 to 10 p.m. and Grim Nymph Glenwood Springs Brew Garden (115 Sixth until at least midnight at The Landmark Cafe St.) / The Way Home (689 Main St.). LOSS SUPPORT Ring in 2020 with Broadway star Beth Malone (Angels in America, Fun Home, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown). Guest appearances by Nina Gabianelli, Mike Monroney, Julie Maniscalchi and David Dyer. Two shows at 5:30 and 8 p.m.at Thunder River Theatre.(67 Promenade) Go to thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets $50 to $75.
PARTY DRAGGIN’
SPEAKEASY
The Compassionate Friends of the Roaring Fork Valley, a group for parents, grandparents or siblings who have lost a child of any age, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at The Orchard (110 Snowmass Dr.).
Come dressed in your finest ‘20s garb and party like it is illegal from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Redstone Inn (82 Redstone Blvd.). $25 per couple or $15 per person covers a costume contest, photo booth, dancing to D.J. Keyo and champagne toast.
Join friends and fellow readers to discuss great books at Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Ccall 963-2889 for this month's selection.
Come to Carbondael Beer Works as your best drag queen or king and dance to C.A.R.P, enjoy specials, a photo booth, party favors and a champagne toast from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
BOOK CLUB
Happy Holidays Don't expect to see Let Them Roar at Steve's on New Year's Eve — they've already celebrated the end of the year with a solstice sanctuary concert lit by candlelight, or less. Photo by Will Grandbois
SHOP WITH A DOC
RF INSIGHT
Greg Feinsinger, M.D. will show how to make healthy food choices from 10 to 11 a.m. Meet in front of the City Market in Carbondale. Event is free and meets the first Saturday of every month. Contact davinikent.com for information.
Monday Night Meditation meets from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at Roaring Fork Aikikai (2553 Dolores Way) and offers instruction in the Buddhist practice of Vipassana. RFI also offers secular mindfulness at the Carbondale Community School and is working with CMC to provide a class on “Zen and the Art of Dying” — roaringforkinsight.org for info.
WALK WITH A DOC
Aspen Valley Hospital (401 Castle Creek Rd.) invites you to meet in the cafeteria at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of the month for a short discussion on health-related topics such as high blood pressure, asthma, and anxiety.
WRITERS GROUP
Wordsmiths of all experience and abilities gather at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.
RUN AROUND
Independence Run and Hike hosts a weekly group run on Thursday nights. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the store, 596 Highway 133 (in La Fontana Plaza) during daylight saving time and at 6 p.m. during the darker months for a four mile loop around town. All paces are welcome. Call 704-0909 for more information.
PUNCH PARKINSON’S
Rising Crane Training Center (768 Highway 133) offers free boxing and fitness classes for folks with Parkinson’s disease from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 2748473 for information.
TAI CHI
All levels are welcome to participate a gentle path to health and flexibility from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays with John Norton. Marty Finkelstein offers a 5 to 5:30 course for beginners before his 5:30 to 7 p.m. class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both classes take place at the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).
MEDITATION
MINDFULNESS
The Mindful Life Program in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) offers group sessions Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation and registration is not necessary. Contact mindfullifeprogram.org or 6330163 for more information. PING PONG
Senior Matters (520 S. Third St. Suite 33) offers a table tennis club for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact Marcel Kahhak at 963-5901 with questions. YOGA
Get a donation-based introduction to Hatha Yoga from 8 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).
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An inclusive, peer-led recovery support group open to anyone with a desire for recovery — independent of faith and regardless of race, gender or orientation — meets Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.) LOVE ADDICTS
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, a 12-step group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Holland Hills United Methodist Church (167 Holland Hills Rd., Basalt). ROTARY
The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Carbondale Fire Station (300 Meadowood Dr.) at 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. STORYTIME
Free silent meditation sessions, The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.) from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 388-3597 for more information.
DHARMA
YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE
The Way of Compassion Dharma Center holds a talk and meditation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and a silent meditation and Buddha of Compassion practice at 8 a.m. Saturdays, the Third Street Center (520 S. Third St.).
A free facilitated workshop for adults, writing your personal history, one story at a time. Facilitated by Shelly Merriam, historian/ writer/genealogist. First and third Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, Glenwood Springs Branch Library, (815 Cooper Ave.). Visit gcpld.org or call 945-5958 for information. Submit one-time calendar events online at soprissun.com by noon on Monday. Have a recurring weekly or monthly event? Email news@ soprissun.com to be listed in our ongoing calendar section on an intermittent basis.
Devika Gurung demonstrates how chant is about more than spirituality, but also breath and rhythm at 4:30 p.m. Sundays, The Launchpad (76 S. Fourth St.).
Shop specials and take advantage of promotions all month long.
MINDFULNESS IN RECOVERY
Young children (accompanied by an adult) are invited for stories, songs and more beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Carbondale Branch Library (320 Sopris Ave.) — please use the side entrance to the Calaway Room.
SANSKRIT MANTRA
Wishing cheer and health to you and your family!
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020 • 11
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The way Dale McCall sees it, farming has enough uncertainty. Unpredictable weather. Unreliable buyers. Even a year with overproduction can drag produce and meat prices down as a farmer’s costs rise. If only Congress would finalize foreign trade agreements, he’d feel a lot better about 2020. “Luckily in Colorado, we got our sugar beets out,” said McCall, who farmed for years out in Yuma County, where his son and grandson now tend McCall Farms. “But in North and South Dakota, it’s my understanding, a lot of those sugar beets froze in the ground. They have zero income.” It’s a different story over in one Greeley neighborhood. Leprino Foods completed the last phase of its 1.3 million square foot mozzarella cheese plant in a former sugar beet factory two years ago. The company, which now has more than 500 employees in Greeley, buys milk to make the cheese from local dairy farmers. Its revenues, according to Forbes magazine, came in at $3.2 billion in 2017. Large companies like Leprino are giving economists optimism that Colorado’s economy, especially in agriculture, will continue to remain strong in 2020, albeit grow slower than last year, according to the 2020 Colorado Business Economic Outlook from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. This was the same prediction last year for 2019. But the report also acknowledges the incomplete picture of just noting data points, since big companies can skew the results. “Someone is making money in Colorado agriculture and food systems. It just may not be farmers and ranchers,” says the report, which will be released Monday. “The agriculture value chain has many segments, and one often makes money while others experience losses.” With the “growing but slowly” sentiment, the report touches on many industries that are doing just that. The use of geothermal heat pumps, the value of the construction industry, apartment rents all follow that trend. But one “surprisingly optimistic” outlook was agriculture. This year, Colorado net farm income will
reach $1.52 billion, a 21percent increase from last year. Next year, that growth rate will slow to 6percent. But that’s still better than what many in the industry had anticipated. Farmers are still waiting for Congress to pass a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, two of Colorado’s top foreign trading partners. And of course, there’s the ongoing trade war with China that is having indirect effects on the state. For one, Colorado’s not a large soybean producer, but states that are have switched to corn, a big Colorado crop. And besides the weather, other unpredictable events have caused consternation and joy. A fire in August at a Kansas beef-packing plant reduced processing capacity so cattle sellers had to hunt for a new buyer and settle for lower payments. A drought in Australia that is causing the land down under to lower its lamb prices has China gobbling up the meat. That, in turn, is expected to help Colorado’s lamb prices increase since less Australian lamb will be available in the U.S. But McCall, who is also president of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, is concerned for his 20,000 members, many of whom are running family farms and ranches in rural Colorado. “Many farmers are not able to even afford health insurance or they can’t buy new farm machinery,” McCall said. “And again, back to those young farmers, we need them to stay in business, but if they can’t get an operating loan next spring, then … many of those are small, they’re family farmers. And once the family farm’s gone, it kind of gets gobbled up by the bigger farms and the industry.”
Jobs, population and housing Thanks to large companies like Lockheed Martin Space and Amazon expanding their local workforce while others, like Molson Coors Brewing, shrink, job growth continues, though at 1.9percent next year compared to this year’s 2.4percent. In turn, people are still moving to Colorado and finding jobs. The unemployment rate dipped again — 3percent this year, compared to 3.3percent last year. Last year, the state added 77,744 residents for 1.4percent growth, or twice the national rate. Slower birth rates and job growth, however, have economists
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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020
Graphic by the Colorado Sun based on data from the state demography office.
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One of the construction sites in Denver International Airport’s Great Hall on July 3. Photo by Eric Lubbers / The Colorado Sun predicting the state will add 75,700 this year and 72,100 in 2020. El Paso County again saw the largest population growth rate. That also means more people looking for a place to live. There’s not enough new housing, and rising prices are still an issue, said Matthew Leprino, managing broker at The Ridgewood Company and spokesman for the Colorado Association of Realtors. But the industry is seeing appreciation slow, with median home prices going from a 10.6percent growth rate in 2017 to 2.9percent this year. He’s hopeful that 2020 could become a buyer’s market — even in Boulder, where the median sales price hit $629,000 in October, up 7.5percent from a year earlier, according to the association. “Boulder just got so expensive, especially due to the limit-growth initiatives that they have there. But now Broomfield is seeing that spillover while Boulder isn’t getting more expensive,” he said. “Our spokesperson up in Boulder, Kelly Moye, actually forecast that in 2020, it’s going to be a buyers market in Boulder County, and that’s the first time since 2012.” In non-residential real estate, the overall numbers look terrible, a “negative surprise,” said Richard Wobbekind, executive director of Leeds Business Research Division at CU. The value of new construction, remodeling or rehabbing commercial projects like offices and government buildings is expected to be down 40percent this year to $4.7 billion, compared to $8 billion last year. In 2020, the value is expected to jump back up to $6.4 billion. Fewer permits mean the impact will hit beyond 2020. The report sums this up with, “there is a notable dearth of big project announcements for starts after 2020. Large contractors are beginning to be concerned about the diminished backlog of work they are seeing.” But the report tracks data that is available, like building permits. Permits indicate future construction, and right now there’s still a lot of commercial construction, especially in downtown Denver, which means a continued need for labor and supplies. Take the three-year average and you get about $6.3 billion a year, said Michael Gifford, president of the Associated General Contractors of Colorado, which represents the commercial building industry. “What happened is that in the fourth quarter of 2018, two concourse expansions at DIA and the terminal were booked and that was $2 billion,” Gifford said. “We’re having a three-year, really strong run at a historically
high amount of construction in Colorado. So permits really aren’t down, it’s just when they reported it.” The increase in construction projects has made it difficult to find skilled workers, especially in construction. Even with pay for carpenters or cement finishers “anywhere from $26 to $30 an hour,” companies are being creative to attract interest, said Norm Holden, regional manager for Baker Concrete Construction, which opened an office in Littleton after completing the Denver Broncos’ stadium 20 years ago. That’s why Baker Concrete reached out to Warren Tech in Lakewood three years ago and created a week-long course to expose students to concrete construction. “Initially, we went in the first year and showed them how to to build a handicap ramp and some sidewalks,” Holden said. “We had maybe 10 students. And this year was the third time we did it. We had over 50 students.” Now Baker’s working to expand the program and is supporting an effort to create high school curriculum about the construction trade. “I wasn’t able to get 50 new coworkers this year but, you know, hopefully a good portion of them will go into the industry,” he said. “If it’s not with us then with somebody else.”
El Jebel, CO 81623 970-963-1173
970-963-1173
WWW. EAGLECRESTNURSERY.COM
WWW. EAGLECRESTNURSERY.COM SHOPPE HOURS:
Tuesday-Friday 9AM-5PM | Saturday 9AM-3PM SHOPPE Closed New Year’s EveHOURS: and New Year’s Day
Tuesday-Friday 9AM-5PM | Saturday 9AM-3PM Closed New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
SHOPPE HOURS Tuesday-Friday 9AM-5PM Saturday 9AM-3PM Closed New Year’s Day
After-Hours Medical Care in Basalt
More 2020 predictions • Colorado is still one of the youngest states, but it’s aging fast. The 65+ population has the fourth-fastest growth rate in the U.S. • Since state lawmakers approved legislation to significantly overhaul oil and gas regulation, the regulatory uncertainty could mean flat or decelerating job growth in 2020. • Automobile gas prices in the state averaged $2.61 a gallon this year. That’s expected to remain the same or decline slightly, staying between $2.50 to $2.70 for all grades. • Colorado food, computer and electronic exports declined 4.1percent as of September with “significant declines” from Mexico and China. • While the cannabis market is maturing, especially with states like Illinois legalizing it this year, retail growth is slowing. But there’s still growth for 2020 thanks to a few new laws, including allowing new investors, social consumption areas and home delivery. The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported news organization that covers people, places and issues of statewide interest. To sign up for free newsletters, subscribe or learn more, visit ColoradoSun.com
When you have unexpected medical needs, we are here for you. No appointments necessary. Walk-ins welcome! NEW, EXTENDED HOURS! Monday – Friday 3:00 – 11:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 970.544.1250 234 Cody Lane, Basalt aspenhospital.org |
AspenValleyHospital
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020 • 13
LETTERS
Continued from page 2
Kids working with Habitat Dear Editor: My name is Daniela Nunez and I am a Senior at Basalt High School taking a class called “Outdoor Leadership.” This class focuses on students learning skills involving outdoor activities while creating leadership skills. Every semester, John Brasier, Outdoor Leadership teacher, allows us to pick a service project to work on and present to the class. My service group, Daira Gallegos Samuel Perez, and I chose to help with the construction on the new teacher housing with Habitat of Humanity. We wanted to do a project that was related to what the valley was currently involved in and the perfect opportunity struck, to volunteer with Habitat of Humanity. Knowing the struggles that teachers in this valley have gone through, dealing with expensive housing in the valley and very low pay, having a project in the valley that is trying to change that was really inspirational and we wanted to be a part of it, especially after losing great teachers because of this problem. My friend Daira Gallegos organized and scheduled a meeting time for our class to go in and help with whatever the construction guys needed. Overall it was a very enjoyable experience, all of the
students that volunteered said it was something they have never tried. The types of jobs we did were pretty cool, those include installing hard-wood floors, using a circular saw, cleaning the foundations of the houses, putting in window frame and many more. We had a great time and the workers seemed very intrigued with our classes why we chose to work with them. We are very excited to go back in January and work with them again. Daniela Nunez Ruiz Basalt
Protect the pups Dear Editor: Very recently there was an antifreeze leak from a car at the dog park on the parking area. As most dog owners know this can be deadly to dogs. Fortunately, it was frozen in the ice but still a potential hazard. Jesse, who works for the Town, just happened to be driving down that morning and was able to put out kitty litter to absorb the spill. Just wanted to thank him so much for doing that and to remind dog park enthusiasts to beware of any signs of that the ugly green substance that can accidentally leak from cars in the parking area. Amy Krakow Carbondale
SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN SKIER APPRECIATION Corrections The final quote of the Aspen Journalism DAY story on the Marble Diesel spill in last week's paper was truncated. January It should have read, in full:3, “CVEPA is not out to vilify the marble quarry, but$20 we havelift also seen the private sector left to its own devices does not adhere to the highest environmental standards,” Armstrong 2020 tickets said. “(The quarry expansion) is big. And for that little valley, we don’t know what it means.” Jane Bachrach's name was also misspelled throughout the story on her new book.
In remembrance Carbondale area residents said final goodbyes to loved ones and friends in 2019, among them: Ronald “Ron” Anthony Gilcrest Annie Markham Tim Moore Mary Elizabeth Cerise Anderson John James McCormick Audrey Katherine Spaulding Christopher James Schumacher Timothy Leonard Hoffman Reverend Wallace D. Finley Ian Hause Rae Ann Hunter Robert Gordon Buck June Nightingale Stuart R. Vanderhurst, Jr. John Charles McCaulley Kimberley Christyne Morrow Geraldine (Geri) R. Newell Virginia ‘Jinny’ Moore Libby Sullivan The Sopris Sun publishes local obituaries, with pictures, at no cost.
Kids donut eating contest
SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN Island / Ocean theme SKIER APPRECIATION costume DAY contest $20 lift JanuaryAloha! 3, 2020
tickets Hoola
hoop/limbo Kids donut contest eating contest
$3
Island / Coors Ocean theme costume Light contest
Aloha!
Drafts
Hoola hoop/limbo contest
in e s i ad r Pa
ow n S e th
$3 Coors Light Drafts
SHIRTS • HATS • HOODIES • CUSTOM PRINTED WOMENS CLOTHING • UNDERGARMENTS • EMBROIDERED SPECIALTY ITEMS
w no S e th n i ise d ra Pa 9:00: LIFTS OPEN 3:00: COSTUME CONTEST 4:00: PRIZE GIVEAWAY
9:00: LIFTS OPEN 3:00: COSTUME CONTEST 4:00: PRIZE GIVEAWAY
Thanks to our sponsors! All proceeds benefit United Way All proceeds benefit Battlement to the Bells United Way
Thanks to our sponsors!
Battlement to the Bells
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020
PARTING SHOT
While the geese fly south for the winter, visitors flock to the Valley and those of us who live here year round have to decide whose example to follow. Photo by Will Grandbois
SERVICE DIRECTORY
We Sell Tires!
See Thundercat at
CARBONDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Come to Sunburst for your Winter tire changeover!
New location! 289 Main Street, Carbondale on the corner of Third and Main Street
We are open Monday through Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday’s 9am-4pm (car washes only).
(970) 963-2826 Find us on Facebook
Dr. Benjamin Mackin Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
970-963-8800 745 Buggy Circle in Carbondale w w w. s u n b u r s t c a r c a r e . c o m
“don’t trash it – cash it” We pay CASH for METALS! ALUMINUM CANS • COPPER • BRASS • LEAD • STEEL • CARS/TRUCKS APPLIANCES • EXTENSION CORDS • BATTERIES • RADIATORS STAINLESS STEEL *ANYTHING METAL* New Location Glenwood! (2 miles south of Walmart, next to Airgas)
3710 Hwy 82 Glenwood Springs, CO 970-948-0333 Open - Tue-Fri 9-4 • Sat 9-1 • Closed Sun/Mon
Gypsum location accepts large steel quantites please see our Gypsum location by Costco Guaranteed best prices in the mountains!
Trinityrecycle.com
Best way to warm up after playing in the cold HistoricVaporUnderground Caves
Not a KDNK member? Join today!
December’s Special Cranberry-Pomegranate Body Wrap Private Mineral Bath Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage Day pass to Our Historic Vapor Caves “A Day at the Spa” $143
CALL 963-0139 OR GO TO KDNK.ORG AND CLICK DONATE
For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa Open 9-9 Salon Open 9-7 • One Block East of the Hot Springs Pool
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • DECEMBER 26, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020 • 15