The Storm King 14 should always be remembered

Thirty-one years ago on July 6, 14 individuals came to our community as part of a large contingent of firefighters to battle what became known as the Storm King Fire. They are Kathi Beck, Scott Blecha, Douglas Dunbar, Tamera Bickett, Levi Brinkley, Robert Browning Jr., Terri Ann Hagen, Bonnie Jean Holtby, Jon Kelso, Jim Thrash, Rob Johnson, Don Mackey, Roger Roth and Richard Tyler.

They came here to help save our lives and our community. I communicated with five different family members yesterday and today, and they all asked about local coverage — and I had to tell them there was none. If it wasn’t for Facebook and other social media, there wouldn’t have been any. Thanks to those who took the time to share with others how they remember that day.

That day, July 6, 1994, should forever be remembered in Glenwood Springs. That day, 14 of the people who came here to save us gave up their lives for us. Show them the respect they deserve.

Greg Little, Glenwood Springs

Wildfire danger ignored in Spring Valley parking

For four years — since moving to Red Canyon Road in June 2021 — my husband and I have been consistently reporting the illegal and dangerous parking situation caused by residents of Pinon Pines apartments. Vehicles continue to park illegally on Colorado Mountain College property and Garfield County property, and while some progress has been made, the threat has escalated to a new and alarming level.

Cars are now parking on dry, recently mowed grass — exactly the kind of condition that leads to catastrophic wildfires.

This is no longer just about property damage or disrespect for land use — it’s about imminent danger to the entire Spring Valley community. One spark from an overheated undercarriage or tailpipe, and we could be facing a fast-moving wildfire that puts lives, homes, wildlife and the college itself at risk.

We know this is CMC and Garfield County property. We’ve jumped through bureaucratic hoops for years trying to find the responsible parties and get action. But now, we’re beyond polite emails. This is a formal and public warning. You can’t replace human and animal lives that are in immediate risk. Furthermore, the people in those apartments are sitting ducks should a fire break out — many don’t drive, there are dozens of children, and only one way out.

Photos have been taken and documented. We are notifying local media outlets, authorities and the public via Nextdoor and social media. If a fire starts here, the responsibility will be crystal clear — and so will the consequences of continued inaction.

Our community has shown nothing but support and generosity toward CMC and Garfield County. We ask — why is this goodwill repaid with disregard and gross negligence?

You know what steps must be taken to prevent this disaster. We will continue doing our part to sound the alarm. Please, act now — before the next spark turns Spring Valley into another headline.

Julie Bielenberg, Glenwood Springs

Grateful for kindness after a hard fall

Random act of kindness by a motorist, who witnessed me (a senior citizen) take a bad fall in the UPS parking lot on Sunday. He asked me if I was OK. I said no! He left his vehicle and helped me get up. It all happened so fast, that I don’t think I even thanked him.

My numerous injuries — front face-first fall that left me on all fours and bloodied — didn’t make me cry, but the random act of kindness does. Furthermore, immediately after the accident, I went to the Village Inn, as I had to get something to eat. The manager and waiters and bus boys got me towels and napkins and ice for my injuries. Another random act of kindness.

It’s so nice when people are nice. I am very grateful and thankful for all the help I received that day in Glenwood Springs.

Doris Faust, Glenwood Springs