I-70 westbound reopens at No Name following Saturday afternoon rockslide
A rockslide closed I-70 westbound near the No Name rest area for over three hours Saturday afternoon.
CDOT Regional Communications Manager Lisa Schwantes said she was notified of the incident, just east of Glenwood Springs at mile marker 119, around 2:15 p.m.
Westbound traffic was being stopped at Dotsero as maintenance crews cleared rocks and debris from the roadway.
No serious injuries were reported as a result of Saturday’s rockslide according to Schwantes. However, a semi-truck required towing and rocks scattered along the interstate were large enough to require a front-end loader, Schwantes said.
I-70 westbound reopened at around 5:20 p.m.
In the immediate area of the rockslide, I-70 westbound was limited to one lane and CDOT urged motorists to use caution.
Saturday’s rockslide was the first of the season to cause an interstate closure, Schwantes said.
Snow day: Re-1 schools, CMC campuses, Adventure Park closed Friday, PI e-edition free to read today
Editor’s note: The weather isn’t making it easy for many folks to get a print copy of Friday’s paper, so we’ve made the e-edition free to access today. Go here to read Friday’s paper.
Roaring Fork School District has canceled school Friday in anticipation of continued adverse weather.
All after-school and extracurricular activities are also canceled, although Glenwood Springs High School’s girls swim team had already left for an event in Grand Junction and would still compete.
In a statement Thursday night, district public information officer Kelsy Been said early reports point to unsafe road conditions continuing Friday.
“Although we do not usually make snow day decisions this early, we’ve received earlier than usual reports from road and highway plowing operations departments of expected unsafe and hazardous road conditions,” Been writes. “Any decision to cancel school is based on student and staff safety.”
Colorado Mountain College’s Glenwood Center, Spring Valley, Carbondale, Rifle and Leadville campuses will be closed Friday for the entire day. The Aspen campus remains open. Central Services in Glenwood is closed. For more information, call the CMC Rifle snow line at 625-6990 or the CMC Spring Valley/Glenwood Center snow line at 947-8153.
Glenwood Springs City Hall will open at 10 a.m. Friday, instead of 8. The Community Center will open at 6 a.m. for normal business hours.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is closed Friday. Friday Afternoon Club is canceled.
Interstate 70 westbound from Golden to the Eisenhower Tunnel is closed. No alternate routes are available, and CDOT strongly recommends people don’t travel during today’s storm.
Garfield School District 16 schools in Parachute are not canceled for Friday, and Friday is a normal off day for Garfield Re-2 schools.
Call 511 for the most up-to-date road conditions.
Obituary: Shirley Boulton
May 16, 1935 – April 13, 2024
Shirley I. Allen Boulton was born May 16, 1935 in Winterset, Iowa to Frank E. and M. Oleta Allen. She had one sister, Cleda, and two brothers, Bill and John. She graduated from Winterset High School in 1953, and shortly thereafter married Lewis Young. They had two sons, Kenneth and Thomas. They divorced in 1962, and in 1966, she married Bob Peters and they and the boys moved to Rifle, Colorado. When that marriage ended in 1972, she later married J.R. Boulton.
Shirley worked for attorneys Gavin D. Litwiller and Stephen L. Carter for twenty years, and then for the Garfield County Treasurer’s office for eighteen years. She also worked for Sam Patter Agency and Commonwealth Title for short periods of time.
Shirley never met a stranger and was loved by everyone who knew her. She was “Mom”, “Gramma Shirley”, and “Aunt Shirley” to so many people. Her hobbies were reading and playing cards, and she enjoyed horseback riding and playing golf. The highlights of her life were spent with her sons, whether pinning the wings on Kenny at the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Jump School Graduation or traveling with her son Tommy as they attended Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concerts and sold merchandise.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, sister Cleda, Brothers Bill and John. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth and Thomas, as well as many special nieces and nephews. She passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family April 13, 2024, at the age of eighty-eight. Her positive influence through her great example and wonderful two boys leaves a legacy and tradition of love and service.
Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 27th at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Rifle, Colorado.
Obituary: Jerry Pluger
December 22, 1948 – March 23, 2024
Beloved teacher, father, and friend Jerry William Pluger passed away at his home in Des Moines, Washington on March 23, 2024. Jerry was born to Ione Elaine Pluger on December 22, 1948, and spent his cheerful childhood with her and his grandparents, Bill and Augusta Pluger, on their dairy farm on Pluger Road in Shiocton, Wisconsin. He was the valedictorian of his high school and the first of his family to attend college.
He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated with his teaching degree through UW/Whitewater after student teaching in Wales. He received his Master’s in Reading from the University of Northern Colorado in 1996. He married Deborah Holt in 1973 and they welcomed their first child, Joshua, in 1974. After camping and skiing in Aspen for several years, they left Wisconsin and moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1977. The family grew when Molly was born in 1978, and Jerry was proud to deliver Megan in 1981. Jeremy was adopted from Korea in 1986. Although he and Deb later divorced, they remained lifelong friends.
Jerry began his legendary teaching career at Carbondale Elementary School and later moved to Sopris Elementary in Glenwood, where he taught for the remainder of his 34-year career before retiring in 2011 “Being able to laugh at yourself is healthy and makes life easier,” Jerry once said. “My wish is for each of my children, be it my own four, or the hundreds I have taught, because they are also my children, to be able to find a job that they really love. Getting to laugh, learn, explore, and be challenged and excited each day is unbelievable. I try to face each day with my eyes smiling and ready for whatever adventure comes my way. Life is good.” Jerry was a big kid himself, often saying that he never left 3rd grade. He loved silly humor and took any chance to find the humor in every situation.
Jerry had a special place in his heart for Disney and visited Disneyland over 115 times in his life. He admired Walt Disney’s ability to bring out the child in everyone. After his retirement, he moved to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to his kids and grandkids and spent his days traveling to visit friends, with his family, or on the beach in his “office”.
He loved teaching, travel, dogs, and the Packers, wore shorts year-round, and treasured his family and friends. He often heard from students who will never forget him and consider him their favorite teacher ever. He was part of a close-knit group of hikers from the Roaring Fork Valley who often walked for days along the coasts of England, Scotland, and even New Zealand.
Jerry leaves behind a joyful legacy – his son Josh Pluger and wife Carrie and grandkids Olivia and Dylan of Seattle, daughter Molly Pluger and grandson Charlie Johnson of Tacoma, daughter Meg Pluger of Tacoma and grandson Anthony Cox of Glenwood Springs, and Jeremy Pluger of Tempe, AZ. He is also missed by Deb Williams and her son Ben and friends and family in Wisconsin.
A celebration of his life will be planned for the Roaring Fork Valley, sometime this summer. Friends and relatives can share thoughts and memories on Jerry Pluger’s Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society in your local area, as Jerry loved dogs, or to any of the wonderful projects by teachers looking for funding on Donors Choose, including these projects that were special to Jerry:
Carbondale set to host 17th Annual 5Point Film Festival
Adventure and inspiration return to Carbondale with the 17th annual 5Point Film Festival slated for April 25-28. The event celebrates the spirit of adventure through films, art and community activities at various local venues, including the Carbondale Recreation Center.
The festival will open with New York Times bestselling author Jedidiah Jenkins hosting the evening on Thursday and carry throughout the rest of the week with numerous filmmakers and artists in attendance.
“Our flagship festival happens here and it’s where we got started, so it’s a way to really bring our community together around inspiring film content that we show throughout the five days,” 5Point Executive Director Luis Yllanes said. What began in Carbondale in 2007, the festival has turned into a national tour that features and premieres films throughout the country.
The festival has evolved following COVID, introducing live music last year and an art exhibition this year at the Launch Pad. The exhibition will feature work from film guests Tre’Lan Michael, whose film premieres Thursday, and more.
A highlight of the festival is the Saturday Changemakers program. Hosted by professional rock climber Timmy O’Neill, the program will showcase Ben Knight’s film “Mirasol” and a documentary by environmental activist John Francis, “Symphony of Tiny Lights.”
The festival also features a live podcast by Fitz Cahill from “Dirtbag Diaries” on Saturday and concludes with a concert by Austin band Rattlesnake Milk at Thunder River Theatre. Included will also be the 5Point 5K run, which will take place Saturday at 8 a.m.
“Saturday is our biggest day because we start early with that 5K and we go till late at night,” Yllanes said. “There is so much to do throughout the course of the week and we can’t wait to bring this event back to Carbondale, where it all began.”
The community is integral to the festival’s success. Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk appreciates the event’s impact.
“It’s probably the biggest kind of spotlight event that comes to Carbondale and gives us some attention and I think it’s really well aligned with Carbondale’s identity and values,” Bohmfalk said. “Every year, this is an event that Carbondale and Roaring Fork Valley residents, and even visitors, mark on their calendars.”
Tickets for the main film events are priced at $35 for the Changemakers program and $50 for evening film programs. The festival will close with a free family program on Sunday at noon, followed by an ice cream social, ensuring the event ends on a sweet note for all attendees.
Glenwood Springs Chamber hosts first ever ‘Let’s Talk Business’ event for Latino business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs
In celebration of Diversity Month, the Glenwood Springs Chamber and FirstBank hosted the city’s first “Let’s Talk Business” event on Wednesday.
The bilingual event, called Hablemos de Negocios in Spanish, invited local Latino business owners and community members to share their stories of success and learn from local vendors.
“Recognizing the rich diversity and entrepreneurial spirit within the Latino business community, we seek to create opportunities to promote collaboration, business growth, and mutual success,” Glenwood Springs Chamber Latino Business Advisory Council member Giovanna Kennedy said.
The event itself kicked off with a social hour with food catered by Hugo’s Restaurant and Taquería el Yaqui, followed by an introduction of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Latino Business Advisory Council and its new members.
The Glenwood Springs Chamber Latino Business Advisory Council is a committee of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Board of Directors with the goal of building relationships between the board and the Latino business community.
Some of its members include Jorge Rojas López with First Bank, Margarita Alvarez, Gladys Arango, Breanna McCallum and Kennedy.
“In my work with the community, I have had the fortune and privilege to listen and detect some concerns that become potential points of interest that we can work on, and one of them is the desire and need of our Latino community to form and own their own business,” Arango said.
She continued by stating that entrepreneurship can help Latinos achieve economic independence and improve their quality of life, which is precisely what the event hopes to inspire people to do.
Several vendors set up tables at the ‘Let’s Talk Business’ event to advertise their services to Latino entrepreneurs. Andrea Teres-Martinez/Post Independent
The second half of the night invited three Latino business owners to share the challenges, struggles and triumphs of opening a business in Glenwood Springs, accompanied by a panelist Q&A where representatives from Colorado Mountain College, First Tech and Garfield County Public Health responded to questions about the resources and steps available for attendees hoping to kick off a new business venture.
The first to share their story was Katya Robledo Ortiz, owner of Kumbala Hair Salon and member of the Latino Business Advisory Council.
Robledo Ortiz arrived in the valley in 1997, during a time when there weren’t very many Latino-owned businesses.
She took jobs at restaurants and cleaning houses, all the while being a young mother and wife. Her cleaning schedules would keep her at work from 6 in the morning to midnight.
“When I got home, everything seemed super small to me, because the houses I cleaned were castles in my eyes,” Robledo Ortiz said. “I got home sad but at the same time happy because I knew that I was coming home to a place where I had a lot of love, and I knew that I had to raise a little angel of mine.”
Her career eventually took her into nursing, and she was able to go to school to work as a certified nursing assistant caring for the elderly. In 2001, her mother came to Colorado. Robledo Ortiz’s mother had owned a beauty salon in California, where she had helped her out since a young age.
“I opened my clothing business to share the rent of the local shop where my mother would also open her beauty salon together (in Colorado),” Robledo Ortiz said. “One day my husband advised me to leave everything and dedicate myself to studying cosmetology, I was excited and super happy because I knew that I no longer had to have so much stress and I would only dedicate myself to studying one thing.”
Katya Robledo Ortiz, owner of Kumbala Hair Salon.Claudia Perez-Rivas/Post Independent
Robledo Ortiz opened her beauty salon in 2008, though the partnership with her mother didn’t work out, meaning she was completely on her own. She signed a three-year lease for her shop — 16 years later, Kumbala Hair Salon still sits in the same spot.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, I would like to do so much,” she said. “I hope (my children) follow in my footsteps and (that) whatever they want to do, they do it with love and dedication.”
Mirella Ramirez, co-owner of Specialist Auto Body Repair with her husband, was the second to tell her story.
She started her career working in accounting in Guadalajara, Mexico. However, at the age of 23 she decided she would move to the United States to fulfill her two biggest goals: to learn English, and to learn how to drive.
“I got here, and I thought being in the United States, I would know how to speak English,” Ramirez laughed. “So I found myself with my first obstacle.”
She enrolled into English language classes, and soon after met the man who would become her husband. His dream since he was young was to open his own auto repair shop, and Ramirez said the things she learned working as an accountant in Guadalajara prepared her for starting the business.
“But there were lots of trials,” she said in Spanish. “We didn’t have the resources, we didn’t have the team, we didn’t have a lot of things we needed to open a business.”
Mirella Ramirez, co-owner of Specialist Auto Body Repair with her husband.Claudia Perez-Rivas/Post Independent
Thanks to the help they received from friends and a loan from First Bank, they were able to open Specialist Auto Body Repair.
Today, she has three children, one of which works at the shop, and continues to serve the Latino and overall community through her work.
“A lot of friends helped us through this process, and now it is our dream to continue to help them,” Ramirez said.
The third and final success story came from Hugo Muñoz, owner and chef of Hugo’s Restaurant in Glenwood Springs.
Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, Muñoz immigrated to the United States at the age of 22 and worked as a dishwasher in New Jersey. It wasn’t long before the chef noticed his cooking skills and gave him the opportunity to work as a cook.
Once in Colorado, he worked as a breakfast cook in Snowmass Village. Muñoz said he had a lot of mentors that pushed him to improve and introduced him to the business side of things.
“I didn’t even know how to use a computer because I only studied up through middle school,” he said. “(My mentors) really pushed my career.”
“I put a lot of effort into it, like every dreamer,” Muñoz continued. “It was something I enjoyed … I was lucky to have good chefs that to this day are my friends.”
Hugo Muñoz, owner and chef of Hugo’s Restaurant in Glenwood Springs.Claudia Perez-Rivas/Post Independent
After two years of working in Aspen and commuting from his home in Rifle, Muñoz decided he would open a restaurant in Glenwood Springs.
“I always passed through Glenwood and thought, ‘I want to open a restaurant here,'” he said. “The people here are very nice. I’ve been at Hugo’s for three years and I feel that the community appreciates me a lot, like I do my customers.”
“I feel very proud to be part of this community,” Muñoz added.
The Q&A portion of the event explored questions such as: What educational resources are available for immigrants who didn’t finish high school? What banking services are available for people with an ITIN number? What are the requirements to open a business account, or to get a bank loan? What types of permits or licenses are required to open a business in the food industry?
Those interested in having these discussions can reach out to the panelists from CMC, First Bank and Garfield County Public Health.
Garfield County Court denies Rifle man’s request to relocate, citing extensive criminal history
Tyson McLemme faced a court hearing Thursday, where his legal representation requested a restructuring of his bond, with a specific plea to allow him to reside in Nevada to be with his newborn daughter. Public Defender Desiree Palomares advocated for converting McLemme’s bond to a personal recognizance bond and permitting him to leave the state due to his ongoing parole in Nevada.
“Mr. McLemme would like to first be allowed to leave the state and live in Nevada,” Palomares said. “He is on zero tolerance supervision there, would be happy to sign any waiver of extradition, and he wants the court to convert his bonds to PR bonds.”
However, District Attorney Virginia Sorrell opposed the modification, highlighting McLemme’s extensive criminal record and the severity of the charges he faces, which include vehicular eluding and property damage following an incident near Joyce Park in September 2022. During that incident, McLemme allegedly struck his mother with a Jeep, hit several vehicles and a fence, and led Rifle Police on a chase before fleeing on foot.
“The people are opposing any modification to bond across these two cases,” Sorrell said. “This is a very aggravated vehicular eluding case in the town of Rifle causing a myriad of property damage. Mr. McLemme then left the state of Colorado and was arrested in New Mexico for felony possession of a controlled substance.”
In Farmington, New Mexico, McLemme was arrested in November of 2022 for shoplifting and found in possession of fentanyl. This arrest came after McLemme and an accomplice allegedly shoplifted meat from a local grocery store, leading to their identification through the vehicle they used.
Tyson McLemee
Amid the legal discussions, McLemme’s mother, Myrna McLemme-Raymer, delivered a heartfelt statement about her son’s character and struggles.
“Tyson and I have always been very close,” McLemme-Raymer said. “He’s in need of counseling. I think he needs counseling most because he does love the Lord. He’s the guy preaching in the prisons and has them standing up to do the prayer at the end of the evening.”
She also expressed a desire for the court to consider an alternative to incarceration, emphasizing rehabilitation and counseling over further prison time.
“I wish that he could get counseling. He’s a good man and son. I want the court to please have mercy and not send him to prison but for more treatment,” she added.
Judge Deborah Grohs ultimately decided against modifying the bond, citing McLemme’s history of fleeing and obtaining new charges in different states.
“I’m not going to modify the bond,” Judge Grohs stated. “It is doubtful that he will be out and be supervised to do anything while on parole with two pending cases in two different states.”
McLemme will next appear for a preliminary hearing on May 6.
Celebrate the 2024 Locals’ Choice winners next week
The votes are cast, counted and finalized: Now it’s almost time to celebrate this year’s Locals’ Choice winners.
The Glenwood Springs Post Independent is celebrating 25 years of Locals’ Choice from 6-8 p.m. at the Hotel Colorado, 526 Pine St. The event will feature a photo booth and music from DJ Tenza, small plates catered by the Hotel Colorado and a cash bar.
“Every year, the community helps us out by voting for their friends and neighbors who help make Garfield County great,” Publisher Peter Baumann said. “We’re excited to bring people together for a celebration party for the first time in years, and hope you can join us.”
Event sponsors will also be on hand to talk about their services and join in the fun in the Devereaux Room.
Big thank you to A-1 Heating & Cooling, Alpine Bank, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Justin Floors Inc. for their partnership.
Friday letters: Question A, Loteria and English in Action
Vote no on A
I find myself having more than a few issues with Ballot Question A. But my biggest issue is we are about to essentially give property owners in this city the power to increase the value of their own properties. High demand + low supply = increased costs, and we all know what voting for this will do to supply… Decrease it. Why would any property owner vote to approve housing knowing that more housing means reducing their property value? If this passes, watch. Because you’re going to see a very small number of concerned property owners voting to keep the cost of their property value high, while citing an argument to “Keep Glenwood Glenwood”….
Let’s all be real:
The people are here, the traffic is here, but the housing is not. The median individual income of our city is $38,954 (~$2700 monthly take home), while the average cost for a room is $1,430 per month (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/glenwoodspringscitycolorado/PST045222). Our rental housing is currently 41% higher than the national average (https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/glenwood-springs-co/), while our individual median income is right on with the national average ($37,585) per year). If we won’t build more housing, will we increase workers’ pay to keep up with living costs?… We all know the answer to that.
We have a clear problem here, and “Keeping Glenwood Glenwood” is not the solution.
Build more housing.
Vote No on A.
Kiefer Brocker, Garfield County
A gives locals a voice
The citizens of Glenwood have a unique opportunity on April 23 to vote for ballot issue A. If passed it would allow us to vote on the sale or development of city owned land before it can be sold or given away. Issue A also assures us a vote on future annexations; you know, the ones where we supply developers with ever scarcer water resources, sewer, police and fire protection, roads and road maintenance, on the taxpayers dime, while developers increase their bottom line. Measure A gives us a vote on mixed use housing planned on city land as well.
Keep Glenwood Glenwood has done hard work to get this opportunity before us. With its approval we can secure a say in our quality of life.
There is a lot of investment money sloshing around with investors and stockholders looking for investment in a desirable place like Glenwood and our valley where profit is assured. City Council with an honest concern for affordable housing is being short sighted to propose city property to solve this essentially unsolvable problem. People will continue to move from elsewhere to escape heat, fire, floods and social discomfort, to our beautiful, temperate area. City property needs to be saved for parks and open space and perhaps a few well planned living spaces for city {school district] workers.
The confluence area needs to come out from behind barbed wire and become a series of parks, playing fields and open space.
Please pass ballot issue A and create the people power to keep Glenwood, Glenwood.
Barb Coddington, Glenwood Springs
Buddy Program hosting Loteria fundraiser
I didn’t grow up with Monopoly or Scrabble — I grew up with Loteria. I learned to shout “Buenas” before I learned to shout “Bingo.” I remember the excitement building in me as my grandma got out the Lotería cards, the beans, and my grandma giving me her stash of coins so that I could place bets too. My family could play for hours. It’s something that brought my family together and a memory that I hold very dear to my heart. It’s exciting to share that the nonprofit I work for, The Buddy Program, is going to host our own Loteria Event.
On Saturday, April 27, from 6-8 p.m. we will be hosting our very first Loteria event. We will have fun prizes and free traditional food. We are hopeful that this event lets the Latin community know that we value the importance of having Latin mentors. As a Latina, as a big sister, and as the eldest cousin — I understand the significance of allowing young people to comfortably speak the language of their choice, empowering them to connect with adults who share similar life experiences. Additionally, see that an adult who comes from the same culture is valued as a leader/mentor within their community. If you’re interested in learning how to become a mentor or would like to learn more about our organization, then come join us at the Glenwood Springs Community Center . Nos vemos pronto.
Cuídense,
Briana Sanchez, Aspen
Support English in Action’s ability to help our communities in years to come
Editor:
English in Action has come a long way in the thirty years since we started operating out of a few rooms at the Basalt Library, serving just a handful of our valley’s newest residents. In 2023, we served 380 individuals, a substantial increase over those early days.
English in Action, with the help of almost 300 tutors and community members, helps immigrants learn English and develop the skills they need to pursue their dreams. We bridge cultural divides and offer opportunities to celebrate and learn about our diverse community.
Today, we are on the verge of achieving a significant milestone: creating our new home, the English in Action Center for Communication, in the heart of the mid-Valley. The Center will enable us to serve our entire community better.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hundreds of donors, we have raised $4.3 million towards our $5 million goal. With just $730,000 left to raise, we are close to realizing our dream. Yet, to achieve this goal, we need your support now more than ever.
I encourage you to visit the English in Action website and donate. By doing so, you’re not just contributing financially; you’re joining a community that empowers countless individuals.
Working together, we can make the Center for Communication a reality.
With heartfelt thanks,
Patrick Curry, Board of Advisors for English in Action; Carbondale
Guest column: Chamber perspective on Ballot Question A
Glenwood Springs is a special place, where residents passionately care about the community. This dedication is evident in Ballot Measure A, which seeks to shape the way in which future decisions are made about growth and development. While we appreciate the intention of the measure, the Glenwood Springs Chamber encourages residents to carefully weigh the potential impacts of their vote as well as to consider how mechanisms for community engagement already in place might be enhanced or improved.
To assist those who may still be deliberating on their decision, we compiled an analysis of Ballot Measure A. This aims to provide a clear overview of the current charter provisions and the proposed changes, allowing voters to make an informed choice.
Ballot Measure A proposes some changes to how certain residential projects and land decisions are handled in the City. Here’s a simplified summary (more detail is available in the analysis document ):
If a project has between 5 to 8 residential units (should Ballot Measure A pass) it would need to be reviewed by both the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) and City Council. Currently, projects with 8 or less units are not subject to review by P&Z or City Council. However, a public notice is required for units of 5 units or more. This change would add at least two public meetings, one with P&Z and one with the City Council. This could make the application process longer, by an estimated 8 to 12 weeks.
Similarly, projects with 9 to 24 residential units would necessitate City Council review in addition to the existing P&Z review, which includes at least one public meeting. This would add at least one public meeting potentially extending the application process timeline by approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
Measure A also proposes that the City Council must seek residents’ approval through a vote for actions such as annexing land, selling or gifting city-owned land, or constructing mixed-use or residential housing on city-owned properties. This broadens the requirement for a vote to more than the current specific categories of city-owned land. Currently, mixed use or residential housing projects on city-owned land must go through all the same application and review process as projects on privately-owned land. There would be no change to this except the review thresholds would change as noted above should Measure A pass.
While these changes aim to enhance community involvement in decision-making processes, it’s crucial to consider the associated trade-offs. Additional review steps may demand more time and resources from city staff, P&Z, City Council and applicants. This could lead to reduced efficiency and increased project costs.
Furthermore, Measure A’s requirement for elections on annexations, selling or gifting city-owned land and certain land use decisions for city-owned property would reshape the City’s governance framework. The current representative governance model would shift to direct citizen decision-making in these instances. While citizen input is valuable, it is important that decisions are grounded in expertise, research and a comprehensive understanding of policy.
Additionally, elections come with a cost to the city and taxpayers. How frequently might these elections need to take place? From where in the City’s budget will these elections be funded? If voter turnout is low, does this truly reflect the desire of most residents?
We would encourage voters to also consider the numerous opportunities already available and possible new avenues to enhance the voices of Glenwood Springs citizens. For instance, residents can actively participate in existing City Council meetings and with the Planning and Zoning Commission, voicing their concerns and contributing to discussions on city development. By serving on or participating with existing advisory boards and commissions, residents can collaborate on issues ranging from park enhancements to infrastructure development, enriching governance with diverse perspectives and insights.
Looking ahead, the upcoming City Council election in April 2025 presents an opportunity for residents to actively engage by running for available seats or supporting candidates who align with their values and priorities. The most recent City Council election had two unopposed seats. Having more than one candidate vying for each seat will offer residents a broader selection when it comes to their representatives.
In addition to enhancing participation in these already existing venues, how could these processes be made more accessible and easier to navigate? What additional proactive outreach could the city do that would make it easier for the community to engage? How else might community members like to participate to ensure that their voices are being heard?
In conclusion, we appreciate the intent of Ballot Measure A, but we encourage the voters to weigh all the pros and cons of the measure as well as other avenues for productive community engagement. Most of all, we encourage residents to vote by April 23.
Angie Anderson is President and CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association. Nicole Christianson is chair of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association Board.
What: Experience the vibration of sound from bells, chimes, didgeridoo, flute and gong that will assist you in deep meditation and into the present moment.
When: 6:30-8 p.m., April 19
Where: True Nature Healing Arts, 100 N. 3rd St., Carbondale
How much: $55 per person
“Objects in Mirror” a women’s VOICES theater project
What: VOICES presents “Objects in Mirror,” a women’s VOICES Theater Project, an original work of theater that involves music, humor, storytelling, and movement.
When: 7:30-9 p.m., April 19-20 and 2-3:30 p.m., April 21
Where: Thunder River Theatre Company, 67 Promenade, Carbondale
How much: $25 per person
Lost Pages at Steve’s Guitars
What: Utah based band, “Lost Pages,” takes a trip to Steve’s Guitars in Carbondale for a live performance.
When: 8-10:30 p.m., April 19
Where: Steve’s Guitars, 19 N 4th St., Carbondale
How much: $20 per person
Tinsely Ellis performance at the Ute Theater
What: Atlanta-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis will celebrate the release of his first-ever solo acoustic album, Naked Truth, with a live solo acoustic performance at the Ute Theater
When: 7:30 p.m., April 24
Where: Ute Theater, 132 E. 4th St. Rifle
How much: $15-35
5 Point Adventure Film Festival
What: The 17th Annual 5 Point Adventure Film Program.
When: 7-10 p.m., April 25-27
Where: Carbondale Recreation Center, 567 Colorado Ave. Carbondale
How much: $35-50
Paint n Sip’ Nights
What: Enjoy a social evening at the Community Art Center creating a painting on canvas to take home. Each paint night includes quality painting supplies, instruction, and a glass of wine or a non- alcoholic beverage. 21+ only.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m., April 26
Where: Glenwood Springs Community Art Center, 601 E. 6th St.
How much: $37.50 per adult
Saturday Morning Cartooning
What: Learn how to draw retro cartoons with cartoonist Brian Weller. For ages 5-12, parents are encouraged to join.
When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., April 27
Where: Glenwood Springs Community Art Center, 601 E 6th St.
How much: $25
Buddy Program’s Noche de Lotería
What: Bring your friends and family along for the Buddy Program’s Noche de Lotería, a classic Mexican game of chance.
When: 6-8 p.m., April 27
Where: Glenwood Springs Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Rd.
How much: Free
Kray Van Kirk at Steve’s Guitars
What: Kray Van Kirk brings freshness and epic finery to his performance at Steve’s Guitars.
When: 8-10 p.m., April 27
Where: Steve’s Guitars, 19 N 4th St. Carbondale
How much: $20-25
5 Point Afterparty Featuring Rattlesnake Milk
What: Come celebrate a weekend of 5 Point Film at La Raza with music from Austin’s finest new band, Rattlesnake Milk.
When: 10 p.m.-2 a.m., April 27
Where: Thunder River Theatre Company, 67 Promenade, Carbondale
How much: $30
International Jazz Day at the Vaudeville
What: An evening of fun featuring the band GOOD TROUBLE. International Jazz day is an event started by Herbie Hancock many years ago to promote peace throughout the world through music.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m., April 28
Where: Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, 915 Grand Ave.
How much: $15 for members, $20 for general
Garfield County Library schedules for April 22-28
A Spring into Wellness workshop is being held in Silt on Thursday evening, along with a writer’s workshop in Glenwood Springs. Children’s Day, or Dia del Nino, is being celebrated in Rifle on Saturday afternoon, and later that same day, Rifle is holding a presentation about ranchers facing the challenges of wolf reintroduction. Be sure to visit the libraries’ events pages because some may require pre-registration or include details not listed here. The webpage can be found here: https://www.gcpld.org/news-and-events.
Library locations are:
Parachute: 244 Grand Valley Way
Rifle: 207 East Ave.
Silt: 680 Home Ave.
New Castle: 402 West Main St.
Glenwood Springs: 815 Cooper Ave.
Carbondale: 320 Sopris Ave.
MONDAY
Parachute:
SPARK at 11:30 a.m.
Rifle:
Learn to Play the Ukulele at 4:30 p.m.
Beginner Guitar for Adults at 6:15 p.m.
Silt:
Club de Bolsitas Rojas at 10:30 a.m.
New Castle:
Seed Library: Opening Day at 10 a.m.
Exposicion al Idioma Ingles Clase Para Adultos at 6 p.m.
Carbondale:
Club de Bolsitas Rojas at 10:30 a.m.
In Stitches Knitting Club at 1:30 p.m.
English in Action: Open Hours at 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Rifle:
Great Expectations Circle of Parents at 10:30 a.m.
New Castle: Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
Glenwood Springs:
Storytime at 11:15 a.m.
WEDNESDAY
Parachute:
Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
Focus Kids (during Storytime) at 10:30 a.m.
Rifle:
Preschool Playgroup at 10:30 a.m.
Parent Futuring Alliance and Bookclub at 6:30 p.m.
English/Spanish Conversation Circle at 6:45 p.m.
Silt:
Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
Glenwood Springs:
Club de Bolsitas Rojas at 10:30 a.m.
PAWS to Read at 2:30 p.m.
SPARK at 2:30 p.m.
Carbondale:
SPARK at 2 p.m.
THURSDAY
Parachute:
Little Red Bag Club at 10:30 a.m.
Club de Bolsitas Rojas at noon.
Rifle: Storytime at 11 a.m.
Geri-Fit at 5 p.m.
Silt:
Spring into Wellness at 6 p.m.
New Castle:
Tiny Hands at 10:30 a.m.
Glenwood Springs:
Get the Wiggles Out! at 11:15 a.m.
Writing Workshops at 5 p.m.
Carbondale:
Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
Coding Club with the Aspen Science Center at 3:45 p.m.
FRIDAY
Parachute:
Baby & Me Storytime at 11:30 a.m.
Homeschool Luncheon at 12:30 p.m.
Rifle:
SPARK at 11:30 a.m.
Club de Bolsitas Rojas at noon.
Anime Club at 2:30 p.m.
Silt: Shake Your Sillies Out at 10 a.m.
Meal Monkey at 11:30 a.m.
SPARK at 11:30 a.m.
New Castle:
Club de Bolsitas Rojas at 10 a.m.
SPARK at noon.
Carbondale:
Creator Club at 3:30 p.m.
Curso Basico de Computacion Para Adultos at 5:15 p.m.
SATURDAY
Rifle:
Dia del Nino (Children’s Day) Celebration at 1 p.m.
Ranchers Facing the Challenges of Wolf Reintroduction at 6 p.m
