El Distrito Escolar de Roaring Fork anunció que el viernes implementará un periodo corto de cuarentena para personas que estuvieron exponiendo a un caso empedernido de COVID-19, según a una versión de noticias.

La versión dice que las cuarentenas han cambiado de 14 días a 10 para estudiantes. Los periodos de cuarentena para el personal ahora serán 10 días sin resultados negativos de COVID-19 o siete días si tienen un resultado negativo de COVID-19 prueba entre de 5-7 días después de la expocision.

“Sabemos que las cuarentenas causan trastorno para todos en nuestras escuelas. Nuestra esperanza es que este periodo corto puede proveer algún alivio,” Superintendente Rob Stein dijo en la versión. “Pero es crítico que todos continuarán sus partes para mantener a Covid afuera de nuestras escuelas para acortar las cuarentenas todo lo posible.”

Los periodos cortos de cuarentenas son de Salud Pública del Condado de Garfield, que revisa sus protocolos de cuarentena para alinearse mejor con las directrices emitidas en diciembre por el Centro para Control y Prevención de Enfermedades.

Aunque Roaring Fork Escuelas tienen escuelas en los condados de Garfield, Eagle y Pitkin, el distrito planea mover adelante con la implementación de los protocolos de cuarentena de Salud Pública del Condado de Garfield en todas escuelas para asegurar constancia y prevenir confusión.

El distrito permanece compañeros comprometidos con todos los tres condados, la versión dice.

The city of Glenwood Springs, in conjunction with Voces Unidas, hosts a virtual Town Hall Community Conversation, “Serving our Latina and Latino Community,” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The presentation will be presented in both English and Spanish, and is to be live streamed on Facebook.

“The purpose of the meeting is to listen and discuss social justice in our community and better understand community questions,” according to a city news release issued Tuesday.

Speakers are to include Glenwood Springs Police Chief Joseph Deras, who will discuss community policing. Angie Anderson from the Glenwood Springs Chamber will also give a brief update on the “Stop the Spread Campaign” and COVID-19-related issues.

There will be a question-and-answer session during the town hall meeting. Questions will be taken from participants on the phone and online, according to the release.

During the event, those who choose to participate on the phone via Zoom will be able to press the “raise hand” button to ask a question by pressing *3 on their phone.

Those watching the live stream on the Glenwood Springs Facebook page can enter their question in the fields below the streaming player.

The meeting login information can be accessed on the calendar link at cogs.us/calendar, and on the Facebook event page.

A vehicle dragging an unsecured metallic item is suspected of causing five spot fires on two major roadways in Garfield County, a local fire chief said Tuesday.

“Our best guess at this point based on some cursory investigation work, (it’s) a dragging chain or a tow strap from a vehicle,” said Glenwood Springs Fire Chief Gary Tillotson.

The Glenwood Springs Fire Department was called around 11:15 a.m. Monday to three areas on Interstate 70 near New Castle where the fires were first reported. Tillotson said most of the fires they suppressed were minor.

“They were relatively small,” he said. “One of the three that we responded to had pretty much reduced itself to smoldering when we arrived.”

The most significant fire consumed about 1/10th of an acre.

“We really didn’t have any kind of huge flame lengths,” Tillotson said.

Along with Glenwood fire, the Colorado River Fire Rescue and the Colorado Department of Transportation assisted.

Carbondale & Rural Fire District spokesperson Jenny Cutright said their department was also called to two brush fires along Colorado Highway 82 near Red Hill at 10:47 a.m. Monday.

“Someone called in a small brush fire on the side of the road,” she said. “It was very small, fortunately.”

Cutright said it took less than 45 minutes for the department to suppress the fire and clear the area.

With that, Curtight emphasized that motorists need to be careful in securing things like chains or tow straps when traveling.

“It is still really dry out there even though it is December,” she said. “We still need significant moisture to get beyond the drought we’re in. I’d really encourage people to really be aware.”

The Carbondale Police Department assisted on the call.

rerku@postindependent.com

Glenwood Springs will be among several sites across Colorado Wednesday hosting a “Don’t Punish Pain Rally,” scheduled from 1-3 p.m. at Centennial Park.

According to organizers, the rally is meant to call attention to those who suffer from debilitating chronic pain and who are unable to have legally prescribed pain medications as a result of new CDC guidelines regarding opioids.

“The vast majority of chronically ill and chronic pain patients have developed good patient/provider relationships with their doctors, but the government has ‘critically fractured’ these relationships,” a press release about the rally states.

“Many in the chronically ill community are disabled from the pain they endure every second, every minute, every hour and every day of their lives … but have been expunged,” the release states.

For more information about the local event, contact organizer Sky Quarto at squeue42@protonmail.com

Hy-Way Feed & Ranch Supply and Rifle CrossFit host an event this coming Saturday to raise awareness and funds for Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.).

O.U.R. is a nonprofit designed to rescue and rehabilitate children exposed to sex trafficking; 100% of the proceeds from this event will benefit O.U.R.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the event will kick off with a 5K fun run through the town of Silt. The race is $35/per individual. Group, student and family rates are available online.

The family awareness march down Main Street in Silt will precede the race, and is completely free for families to participate in.

The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park in Silt — 500 Home Ave. Check-in starts at 8 a.m.

Sequoia Glen 5K

The 21st and final Kenny Cline Memorial Sequoia Glen 5K run/walk is slated to take place in West Glenwood at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

The race takes runners on a scenic, uphill journey above the Glenwood Fish Hatchery on paved and dirt roads, before descending via the same route to the finish line on Donegan Road.

Registration begins at 2 p.m. on race day. Entry fee is $20, with all proceeds going to help local animal shelters and the Schneegas Wildlife Foundation in Silt. Costumes are encouraged in celebration of Halloween. Contact 945-0979 for more race info.

The wonderful world of education, information, entertainment and access to technology are just some of the perks of holding a card to visit and use one of the six branches of the Garfield County Library District.

For the remainder of September, card-holding patrons — new or renewing — can also take advantage of numerous business-sponsor promotions from Carbondale to Parachute.

September is National Library Sign-Up Month, in conjunction with the American Library Association. This year’s theme is “Lasso a Library Card — Libraries are Wonderful,” in honor of DC Comics superheroine Wonder Woman.

The goal for the Garfield County Library system is to get 2,000 new or renewed library cards during the campaign. More than 25 local businesses and organizations have signed on as sponsors, offering various discounts to anyone who shows a valid library card during the month.

“Every year we try to get a certain amount of new sign-ups, and this year we decided to get our business community involved,” said Kat Coco, library specialist with the Silt Branch Library.

This year in particular, with the increase in online services offered by the libraries and given the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on businesses and schools, the district has signed up numerous people from outside the area and several patrons who are new to the area, Coco said.

Former patrons are also rediscovering the libraries.

“We had one person come in whose card had expired in 2012,” Coco said. “It’s just like a new signup, we’re just updating the information.”

With people looking for more things to do during the COVID restrictions, a lot of patrons are turning to resources such as Hoopla, Canopy and RB Digital for online movies, e-books and even comic books — including Wonder Woman, of course.

“More people are also using our book stacks and our computer services,” Coco said.

Once response by the Garfield County Libraries during the pandemic, and with more people turning to online platforms for video conference meetings and educational materials, was to offer wifi hotspots that can be used anywhere for immediate internet connection.

“That’s been really great for people, especially in places where internet service isn’t as good,” Coco said. “You just turn it on wherever you are, and it works.”

Many young people have also begun using the libraries more to access online education curriculum and homeschooling programs, she said.

“We have several students who come in regularly to study,” she said, adding that distancing protocols are in place and patrons must wear masks while in the libraries.

Those who sign up for or renew their library cards this month can also receive free Wonder Woman schwag, including keychains and pins.

The Garfield County commissioners even got into the spirit of things last week, proclaiming September as “Library Card Sign-Up Month,” with a special emphasis on signing up youth.

Sign up online for a library card at garfield.marmot.org/MyAccount/SelfReg. A list of businesses participating in the promotion is available at www.gcpld.org/content/lasso-library-card.

jstroud@postindependent.com

The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued an advisory for motorists traveling the Interstate 70 mountain corridor this weekend to plan for heavy traffic and to be prepared for closures in Glenwood Canyon.

Continuing repairs from the recent wildfire are ongoing, and weather-related impacts are also anticipated that could close the canyon in the event of a debris flow from the fire burn area.

“Denver metro motorists heading into the mountains should expect variable conditions as well,” CDOT advised in a Friday morning news release.

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for the central mountains, including I-70 and much of the Western Slope.

“The forecast includes rain and the potential for heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, which could cause mudslides, debris flow or rockfall onto I-70 in Glenwood Canyon,” according to the CDOT advisory.

“Burn areas from the Grizzly Creek Fire have increased vulnerability for mudslides and rockfall. It is possible that any of those impacts could require a safety closure in the canyon.”

There is also ongoing repair work to power poles being conducted by Xcel involving helicopter operations that will also likely require closures on Saturday in Glenwood Canyon, the release stated.

I-70 reopened on Monday after an extended closure due to the Grizzly Creek Fire. Motorists should be prepared for reduced speeds and no stopping in the canyon. Rest areas and the bike path continue to be closed for public safety.

“Highway closures can last for as little as a few minutes or for as long as several hours,” CDOT further advises, suggesting that travelers be supplied with an emergency kit including water, snacks, flashlight and a blanket.

“Remember to also carry water for your pets if you’re traveling with animals,” CDOT suggested. “You may even consider packing some items to keep you or children occupied while waiting in the car.” 

The Glenwood Springs Water Department is extending its outdoor lawn watering restriction through Friday, and is implementing an odd-even day watering protocol thereafter.

Beginning Saturday at 6 a.m., households are able to water their lawns on alternating days. This will extend through Saturday, Aug. 29, according to a Thursday evening press release from the city.

“Odd-numbered home addresses can water on odd days of the month. Even-numbered home addresses can water on even days of the month,” according to the release. “Most irrigation controls have this as a built-in setting option.”  

The city is requesting that residents do not water lawns for a longer duration of time than normal. Watering should only occur before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., city water officials advise. 

The release further explains that excess water usage can drop the water storage levels in a water tank, meaning less water at that moment for firefighting use. 

“Please keep water consumption to a minimum in your household or business,” the release further advises. “Items to consider are shorter showers, less or no bathtub filling, no filling of pools, dish washers set on the water-saving mode, less-frequent washing machine loads, minimum car washing, etc.”   

The restrictions will be reviewed daily and any changes will be communicated with city water customers.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS EMITE MAYORES RESTRICCIONES DE USO DEL AGUA

El Departamento de Agua de la Ciudad de Glenwood Springs está extendiendo la restricción “NO REGAR SU JARDIN” hasta el viernes 14^th de agosto e implementando un protocolo de riego de día impar.

A partir del sábado 15 de agosto de 2020 a las 6:00 am, los hogares pueden regar su césped en días alternos. Esto se extenderá hasta el sábado 29 de agosto. Las direcciones de casas numeradas impares pueden regar en días impares del mes. Las direcciones de casas numeradas pares pueden regar en días pares del mes. La mayoría de los controles de riego tienen esto como una opción de configuración integrada. 

La ciudad está solicitando que los residentes no regar césped por una duración más larga de lo normal. El riego solo debe ocurrir antes de las 10 a.m. o después de las 6 p.m.

El exceso de agua puede disminuir los niveles de almacenamiento de agua en un tanque de agua, lo que significa menos agua en ese momento para el uso de la lucha contra incendios. 

Por favor, mantenga el consumo de agua al mínimo en su hogar o negocio.  Los artículos a tener en cuenta son duchas más cortas, menos o ningún relleno de bañera, sin llenado de piscinas, lavavajillas en el modo de ahorro de agua, cargas de lavadora menos frecuentes, lavado mínimo de automóviles, etc.

Estas restricciones se revisarán diariamente y si se puede realizar algún cambio, la información se pondrá al público con esas actualizaciones

The Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame announced it partnered with the Rifle Heritage Center and Museum on a long-term loan of several 10th Mountain Division artifacts for the museum’s military exhibition. 

Artifacts on loan include an Army-issued reversible parka, sweater, mountain pants, a rucksack and skis. The CSM also provided arctic white mitten and pant covers. Items on loan belonged to 10th Mountain Division veterans Richard “Dick” Over (110th Signal Co.) and Harry A. Erwin (SVC Company, 86th Mountain Infantry).

In addition to this exhibit showcasing objects from both Over and Erwin, the display plans to tell the story of 10th Mountain Division veteran Clarence Franklin “Monk” Dawson (H Company, 86th Mountain Infantry).

Dawson was a longtime New Castle resident who died in 2019. He wasn’t able to continue to Italy with his fellow company, due to having contracted rheumatic fever. He held the 10th Mountain Division in high regard. Dawson trained with his company while at Camp Hale, Colorado. He was quite a character, and well-loved and respected in the Rifle community.

According to the release, Kathy Runia, president of the Rifle Heritage Center, said that these new artifacts would provide many educational opportunities for visitors. Runia, who is from Leadville, is happy to be able to keep the history of Camp Hale alive, with many guests to the new display sharing their stories with staff and volunteers.

Along with the new exhibit, the Rifle Heritage Center has a worksheet available for educators that tell the story of the 10th Mountain Division and Camp Hale. 

The Rifle Heritage Center is the largest museum in Garfield County, and is home to a wide variety of exhibits and interactive displays that come together to tell the story of Rifle’s past. The museum is housed in a historic two-story building that was built in 1952.

A feeling of wanting to be involved drew Parachute resident Whitney Simms to jump in and organize an event at 11 a.m. Saturday in Rifle.

Simms joined the Facebook group LET HER SPEAK, a nationwide one-day peaceful protest that will convoy through cities and towns across America at the same time. 

“This LET HER SPEAK event has kind of caught my attention, the more that I’ve delved into the information that has been presented to me, it has just lit a fire underneath myself personally to at least bring light to this issue here in our area,” Simms said.

The event hopes to bring light and awareness to the rules a third party candidate must meet to be included in the presidential debates, and is asking the Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen be allowed to debate this fall.

The Commission on Presidential Debates rules state that in order to be included in the national debates a candidate must receive at least 15% support across the five national polls.

“The more people I talk to about it, regardless of what side of the political spectrum they are on, pretty much everyone agrees that third parties should be allowed to debate on the stage,” Simms said. “We are just trying to shine light on that and get the American people to use their voices and come together see what we can’t do to make a change here in our country for the better.”

Simms said for anyone interested in participating in the family friendly event they will begin gathering at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at the Rifle High School parking lot. She is encouraging people to decorate their vehicles as they convoy from the high school down Railroad Avenue to south Rifle, before circling back through Third Street and back to the high school. 

“We are going to be respectful of COVID-19 using open spaces, asking anyone that is coming to wear a mask. If you don’t want to wear a mask we just ask politely to stay in your vehicle and remain in there during the gathering before and afterwards out of respect for the governor’s mandate,” Simms said. “Its not in any shape of form asking to vote for any political party, actually have a couple of people who are interested who are hardcore Republicans.”

Participants are encouraged to stream online during the event, with everyone’s live videos and pictures being compiled together in the end.

“Our goal is to get as many pictures and videos as we can,” Simms said. “At the end of the day we are all more alike than we are different. If we could just set those differences aside I think we as Americans could actually agree on quite a bit of things.”

kmills@postindependent.com