RIFLE IN NEED OF NEW SENIOR CARE CENTER
Rifle—Rifle’s aging care center has been meeting the needs of senior citizens for over half a century. The E. Dene Moore Care Center’s time is up. A water leak in the lower level of the facility last year took six months and a half million dollars to repair. That was the impetus for the Grand River Hospital District to get moving on a bond and mill levy campaign to build a new care center that would double the current bed capacity to 100. Tonight, Grand River C-E-O Jim Coombs and other staff members will hold a telephone town hall meeting to discuss the need for a new senior care center, how it will benefit the community and how the bond and mill levy will impact homeowners from Battlement Mesa to Silt. A new center will cost about 90 million dollars. Tonight’s 90-minute telephone town hall begins at 7. You can join in by calling toll free, 888-409-5380. A town hall open forum will also be held this Thursday night from 6 to 7:30.
PITCO OPEN SPACE PLANS
Aspen/Carbondale—Time is running out for people to weigh-in on plans to utilize some coveted open space for a trail and parking lot up valley. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails wants the public’s opinion on the plan for the Emma Open Space Agricultural Lands and Historic Buildings. The county program is also putting a plan together for a parking lot on Prince Creek Road and a 1.5 mile long trail near Carbondale. An open house is being held tomorrow afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30 at Basalt Town Hall. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails officials hope to adopt the plans June 22nd.
WRNF CAMPGROUNDS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Glenwood Springs—The ground may be a little wet but it won’t dampen the spirits of thousands of people planning to camp this Memorial weekend. Despite the snow, rain, wind and hail this month across the state, most campgrounds are open. The White River National Forest officially opened for camping season last Friday with a few exceptions in Summit County where spring snowfall has been abundant. Camping in the White River National Forest continues to attract record crowds offering 68 family campgrounds, a half dozen group sites, 17 picnic areas as well as many overlooks and boat launches. Campers are being warned about inadvertently attracting animals. A food storage order is in place for developed sites in the Rifle, Rio Blanco, Sopris, Aspen, Eagle and Holy Cross Ranger Districts. Anything that might attract an animal like food, drinks, garbage or pet food must be stored in sealed containers inside vehicles, a bear-resistant container or canister while outside of vehicles. Officials also warn to be prepared for Colorado’s ever-changing weather conditions and before leaving your campsite, make sure all fires are snuffed out and all trash is picked up. Big crowds are expected this weekend.
