Stuff by Olivia Emmer

  • Locations: News Published

    How does La Niña impact Colorado snowfall?

    La Niña means that water temperatures in the Central Pacific Ocean are lower than average for at least three months in a row. Courtesy graphic. La Niña means that water temperatures in the Central Pacific Ocean are lower than average for at least three months in a row. Courtesy graphic.

    The world is currently experiencing a La Niña cycle, which means that water temperatures in the Central Pacific Ocean are lower than average for at least three months in a row. The threshold to be in La Niña is at least 0.5 degrees Celsius lower than average, or about one… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Wilderness Workshop engages the Latino community in conservation

    Snowshoers strike out from the Centennial trailhead in New Castle for a Wilderness Workshop-led hike. Photo by Olivia Emmer. Snowshoers strike out from the Centennial trailhead in New Castle for a Wilderness Workshop-led hike. Photo by Olivia Emmer.

    By Olivia Emmer
    Sopris Sun correspondent

    A father and daughter enjoy the Centennial, aka, East Elk Trail of the White River National Forest. Photo by Olivia Emmer.

    It’s a sunny winter morning and the trailhead parking lot reverberates with upbeat chatter. English and Spanish words float…

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  • Locations: News Published

    More older adults seeking meal delivery

    Valley Meals and More volunteers Steve Schumacher & Bartlett at Crystal Meadows Senior Housing in Carbondale. More than 50 residents participate in the program. Courtesy photos Valley Meals and More volunteers Steve Schumacher & Bartlett at Crystal Meadows Senior Housing in Carbondale. More than 50 residents participate in the program. Courtesy photos

    As 2020 have dragged on, many people are feeling the strain of prolonged isolation to protect family and community from COVID-19. 

    One group particularly affected is older adults, who are at higher risk for bad outcomes from a coronavirus infection, and may already face factors that… read more →

  • Published

    Glassier Open Space gets a management plan update

    A wildlife camera captured this image of a herd of elk on Glassier Open Space. Adequate cover, shallower snows, and access to shrubby forage, typical of habitat on the Crown, are features that species like elk and deer rely on to survive winter. A wildlife camera captured this image of a herd of elk on Glassier Open Space. Adequate cover, shallower snows, and access to shrubby forage, typical of habitat on the Crown, are features that species like elk and deer rely on to survive winter.

    By Olivia Emmer
    Sopris Sun correspondent

    Last week, after a six month process, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PCOST) board approved an update to the 2015 Glassier Open Space management plan. Glassier, owned in partnership with Eagle County, is located off of Hooks Spur Road in Basalt, at… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Ozminkowski sees science in both medicine and arts

    Kaitlyn Getz Ozminkowski. Photo by Erin Danneker /Eyedrop Design Kaitlyn Getz Ozminkowski. Photo by Erin Danneker /Eyedrop Design

    Kaitlyn Getz Ozminkowski is an artist, known primarily for her ceramics, and an EMT at the Respiratory Acute Care Center at Rifle’s Grand River Hospital.

    Q: Where are you from and how did you end up in Carbondale?

    A: Originally I’m from Columbus, Ohio. I was working at a craft… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Post office desperate for more mail carriers

    Postmaster Kim Ballantine took over the Carbondale post office in July. Postmaster Kim Ballantine took over the Carbondale post office in July.

    Several days in November there was a line out the front door of the Carbondale post office.

    Complaints swirled about potential mail delays, particularly during election season.

    Now, as the Christmas holiday season has begun — traditionally a hectic time for any post office… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Local businesses making your ‘stuff’ last

    Local businesses making your ‘stuff’ last thumbnail Claire Wright of Cosecha Textiles offers reupholstery services in the Carbondale area. Photo by Sue Rollyson

    By Olivia Emmer
    Sopris Sun Correspondent

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018 the U.S. generated 17 million tons of textile waste- just over 100 pounds per person. In that same year, the recycling rate for all textiles was 14.7 percent, and over 11…

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  • Locations: News Published

    What happens if the Pitkin County landfill closes?

    What happens if the Pitkin County landfill closes? thumbnail

    About half of Carbondale’s trash is hauled to the Pitkin County landfill, according to the Town’s hauler, Mountain Waste. The rest goes to Glenwood Springs’ South Canyon landfill. The Pitkin County landfill, if no changes are made, could close in three years, but a modest expansion is likely… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Waiting for the storm that ends fire season

    Waiting for the storm that ends fire season thumbnail

    On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Grizzly Creek Fire grew 150 acres. 

    The total burn area is now recorded at 32,641 acres and 91% contained. According to Marcia Gilles, Deputy District Ranger for the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest, “We were able… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    How to ‘cure’ an ailing ballot

    How to ‘cure’ an ailing ballot thumbnail

    Voter registrations have been ramping up in the final weeks leading up to the election. According to Garfield County Clerk and Recorder, Jean Alberico, as of Oct. 13 there were “35,938 active registered voters and 4,662 inactive voters [in Garfield County]. Voters are only put into inactive status… read more →