Wednesday letters: Correctional center closure, thank-yous and more

Correctional center closure would be ‘crushing blow to the Western Slope’
This is a response to the PI article from Wednesday, January 22, 2025, “Proposal to close Rifle Correctional Center sparks concern.” My gosh, another crushing blow to the West Slope! First, the State of Colorado gets rid of hundreds of oil and gas related jobs from the West Slope, now this issue. I don’t understand why its ok to spend millions of dollars to reintroduce wolves that most western slope residents don’t want but cancel 56 well paying jobs. State of Colorado, get your head on straight!
I urge every Garfield County municipality mayor to convene with Mike Samson at the next Mayors’ meeting, February 13, 2025, 6 pm at the Rifle Administration Building and come up with a plan to preserve jobs in Garfield County. This my opinion only nor do I suggest anyone else’s opinion. Thank you.
Art Riddile, New Castle mayor
Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family thank you
A huge thank you to all who participated and were involved in making the Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family program a success again this year. Our generous donors, including Mike Picore, Bay Equity Home Loans, Glenwood ANB Bank, Rifle ANB Bank, Glenwood Bank of Colorado, Target, Larry Stewart and the Young Guns of Rifle, Ben West with Integrated Mountain Properties, Garfield & Hecht and numerous personal donors. You put big smiles on a lot of children’s faces and made the Christmas season very special for the families. It is a joy working with all of you to make the holiday spirit someone’s reality.
With Sincere Gratitude,
Jill Wentling, Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family Coordinator, Glenwood Springs
Proceed with caution
We are at a critical juncture in time in relation to the watershed and the environment, with development projects filling the dockets of community planning departments all over the state of Colorado (and indeed – the West), increasing the need for more land and more water to accommodate more housing. Fortunately we can have our voices heard through the public hearing process as we navigate this important discussion about our precious resources.
The insatiable thirst for more has put critical riparian areas and the habitat it supports at risk. The West is comprised of 1% wetland areas of which half of threatened and endangered species depend on.
In the watershed of Canyon Creek, the rare and endangered terrestrial orchid ‘Ute Ladies’ Tresses’ is being threatened along with habitat for deer, elk, red fox, mountain lion, bobcat, golden eagle, bald eagle, bear, brown trout and numerous other creatures who depend on this significant water resource, by an unprecedented call for water if approved.
We need to slow down and carefully consider the impact unchecked development has on the larger picture of our watersheds in order to facilitate conscientious planning and growth. Intact riparian areas act as the cardio-pulmonary delivery system to our life-giving watersheds and if not protected will disappear. Please join the discussion at this Wednesday’s planning commission meeting in Glenwood Springs regarding the Nutrient Farm PUD. Let’s proceed with caution and consider the big picture.
Connie Engeler, Glenwood Springs
Buddy Program ‘strengthens the fabric of our community’
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the Buddy Program, which has profoundly impacted my family and so many others in our tight-knit community. My journey with the Buddy Program began 15 years ago, when my son Max, then five, was paired with a remarkable Big Buddy who guided him through countless milestones. Watching my son flourish under the support and friendship of his mentor inspired me, years later, to become a Big Buddy myself.
Since becoming a Big Buddy, I have experienced some of the most rewarding moments of my life. Volunteering in this way has allowed me to connect with an incredible young person, offering them encouragement and a trusted confidant. It has also expanded my appreciation for the profound difference one person can make in a child’s life.
I have witnessed firsthand how this organization fosters meaningful connections, promotes positive self-esteem, and provides invaluable mentorship opportunities. It truly strengthens the fabric of our community.
I am also proud to serve on the Buddy Program’s Board of Directors and recently became its president.
To the dedicated staff, volunteers, and participants who bring this mission to life daily, please accept my deep appreciation. You exemplify the power of compassion, generosity, and hope. I encourage everyone in the Roaring Fork Valley to learn more about the Buddy Program, and consider how you, too, can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
Katie Goldsmith, Aspen
Confluence neighborhood will create deep connections in Glenwood Springs community
Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley is pleased to announce that The Confluence neighborhood has officially begun, located at 8th and Midland in Glenwood Springs. This critical development will feature six beautiful ownership condominiums built in partnership with Vederra Modular—a first for Habitat for Humanity RFV. Our build team is eager to embrace this innovative, time-saving, and cost-saving approach to quality home building. As we are starting our own Modular Facility in Rifle, this will give our team the opportunity to learn new skills as we bring this project to life.
These six two- and three-bedroom condominiums will become homes for six hardworking local families up to 100% AMI. The benefits are profound: financial and social stability, educational advancements for children, and a deeper connection to the Glenwood Springs community.
Habitat for Humanity RFV is honored to contribute to the opportunity of six families that will live and work in Glenwood Springs. The Confluence will be completed by the end of 2025. Thank you to the City of Glenwood Springs for your support in this project.
The Habitat RFV Build Team has secured the sight and established on-site off-street access. Our goal is to limit the impact on the neighborhood, and we appreciate the neighbor’s patience and understanding over the next few months through the construction process.
Sincerely,
Gail Schwartz and the Habitat RFV Team, Glenwood Springs

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