Freelance journalist, published author and combat veteran - U.S. Army.
Articles by Ike Fredregill
‘Big shoes to fill’ in Glenwood Springs City Hall
In six short years, Glenwood Springs City Manager Debra Figueroa helped guide the city through three natural disasters, two major bridge replacements, the final planning stages of the city’s ambitious fire evacuation route via South Bridge and the longest sustained detour in the nation’s history. But for her staff, memories of Figueroa might always be etched by the gads of glitter now working their way into city hall’s every nook and cranny.
GWS ordinance hailed as ‘innovative’ housing solution
Glenwood Springs’ aging lodging establishments could help address the city’s growing housing crisis, said Assistant City Manager Jennifer Ooton. During the Glenwood Springs City Council’s regular meeting Thursday, council members approved an ordinance aimed at facilitating hotel and motel conversions into extended-stay lodging and multifamily residential units. “[City] staff believes our region is at a critical point regarding housing,” Ooton told council members.
GWS issues permit allowing farmers market to reopen
The Glenwood Springs Downtown Market will return Tuesday (July 12) after a brief hiatus related to safety issues, according to a city news release. “As a city we are committed to the safety of our citizens and our visitors,” City Manager Debra Figueroa said in the release. “We have worked hard with the downtown market to make sure that safety is the first priority.” On June 28, a propane leak at the farmers market ignited, injuring at least one person.
Glenwood Springs 125th Annual Strawberry Days experiences record-breaking attendance
Following a two-year, pandemic-related hiatus, the 125th annual Strawberry Days drew in more people than ever before, a Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association spokesperson said. “Overall, this year went really well,” said Tara Harman, the GSCRA director of operations and special events.
History takes root as Glenwood Springs Garden Club celebrates 91st anniversary
About 90 years ago — well, 91 to be exact — a group of 10 Glenwood Springs women rallied together with a passion for plants, trees, birds and community. They formed the Glenwood Springs Garden Club and began sowing seeds throughout the area — some of which sprouted into the trees that now shade Grand Avenue. And others, which continue to cultivate a vibrant community of gardeners, green thumbs and greenskeepers.
Continuing with Glenwood Springs’ inclusive summer programming, the city is hosting its first annual Pride Celebration on Friday
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Bethel Plaza, the event is slated to include live music, a drag show, speakers from the LGBTQ community and a host of food options from nearby businesses offering specials in concert with the celebration, said Kaleb Cook, Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation Department therapeutic recreation supervisor. “Pride month is universal, and showing our support is essential to the community,” Cook said. “This event is for everyone.
Glenwood Springs’ Sixth Street revamp hits first speed bump with alternate design option
A proposal to close Maple Street’s access to Sixth Street as part of a planned rebuild project was rejected by neighbors and business owners June 15, then by Glenwood Springs City Council on June 16. Intended to rehabilitate Sixth Street from the highway of its past to a small-town business corridor for motorists and pedestrians alike, the road revamp follows a master plan laid out by the city and Glenwood Springs Downtown Development Authority more than five years ago.
I-70 traffic predicted to worsen as state’s population grows
As traffic projections outline a potentially bleak travel experience for future motorists along Interstate 70, the Glenwood Springs City Council voted Thursday to re-join a coalition dedicated to improving the mountain thoroughfare.
I-70 traffic between Glenwood Springs, Denver predicted to worsen as state’s population grows
As traffic projections outline a potentially bleak travel experience for future motorists along Interstate 70, the Glenwood Springs City Council voted Thursday to re-join a coalition dedicated to improving the mountain thoroughfare.
Teenage Police Explorers to help Glenwood Springs police direct traffic during Strawberry Days Parade
Glenwood Springs Police Department’s youngest enlistees will hit the streets this weekend, directing traffic and maintaining order during Strawberry Days. As members of the department’s Police Explorer program, three local teenagers are scheduled to patrol the parade alongside and under the supervision of Glenwood’s finest, Sgt. Dan Scott said. “This is a great opportunity for the explorers to get some hands-on training while learning how to interact with the community,” Scott said.
Glenwood Springs’ 125th Strawberry Days to bring music to the mountains
Performers from around Colorado line up to play at summer festival These boots were made for stompin’ along to the beat of live music, and this weekend, that’s just what they’ll do. Glenwood Springs’ 125th Annual Strawberry Days is scheduled to host 11 live performances at Two Rivers Park, starting Friday evening and running through Sunday afternoon, said Tara Harman, Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Foundation’s director of operations and special events.
Infant formula shortage could last months in Garfield County
A shortage of infant formula could affect Garfield County parents for months to come, but local and state agencies are working to reduce the impacts. For weeks, the nation’s supply of infant formula has dwindled, hampered by supply chain issues and recent formula product recalls, the Centers for Disease Control reported. “The supplies are coming in, but slowly,” said Chistine Dolan, the Garfield County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program director.
Glenwood Springs summer event schedule loaded with activities for whole family
Glenwood Springs is planning a lineup of events that could have locals and visitors alike wagging their tails through the dog days of summer. In other parts of the world, the space below bridges might be reserved for trolls, but Glenwood Springs Parks And Recreation spokesperson Steve Frederick said the city prefers the more entertaining options. On June 23, the city is scheduled to begin the weekly and free Movies Under the Bridge event, which runs through August.
Colorado transportation grant to fund Sixth Street revamp in Glenwood Springs
Sixth Street, once Glenwood Springs’ main artery, is to be revitalized as a multimodal community thoroughfare with the help of a $1.1 million grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation, a city news release states. “These funds will help us to enhance pedestrian and bike safety while encouraging the Sixth Street Corridor to become a vibrant, walkable district integrated with greenspace and public art,” Mayor Pro-tem Charlie Willman said in a news release.
Glenwood Springs looking forward to a more normal tourism season
Cross your heart, throw salt over the shoulder and bow your head for a moment in silence, Glenwood Springs summer tourism season is looking strong — barring any natural disasters, interstate closures or historic weather events. Reservations for the area are healthy heading into the first week of the summer season, Visit Glenwood Springs Director of Tourism Lisa Langer said. “The tourism outlook is looking very strong this year,” Langer said.
Glenwood Arts Festival brings handcrafted artwork to Bethel Plaza
More than 60 art vendors are scheduled to offer their wares Saturday, Sunday and Monday beneath the Grand Avenue Bridge as part of the Glenwood Arts Festival. Organized by Colorado Events, a Boulder-based nonprofit organization specializing in art festivals since 2002, the Glenwood Arts Festival provides residents and visitors an opportunity to browse hand-crafted artwork in Bethel Plaza during Memorial Day Weekend, Colorado Events Executive Director Steve Wallis said.
Imagine Glenwood proposes ‘thank you’ signage for drivers who don’t speed on Grand Ave.
The residents behind “Slow Down in Town” and “Take a Minute,” have a new idea for encouraging Grand Avenue travelers to slow down — killing them with kindness. During the city council’s Thursday meeting, Imagine Glenwood co-founder Diane Reynolds proposed Glenwood Springs invest up to $25,000 in portable radar signs to be placed along Grand Avenue, which could detect motorists’ speeds and respond with messages praising those who go the speed limit or slower.
Building relationships in D.C. is cornerstone of Glenwood Springs grant funding strategy
Over the course of five meetings in two days, Glenwood Springs city staff and council members bolstered relationships with key officials and members of Congress in Washington, D.C., City Manager Debra Figueroa said. “Visiting the Capitol allows us to provide those at the highest levels with a narrative of our community’s needs,” Figueroa explained. Mayor Jonathan Godes, council member Ingrid Wussow and City Attorney Karl Hanlon joined Figueroa in meetings on May 12 and 13 with Sen.
Glenwood Springs housing committee recommends November tax questions
An ad hoc committee created by the Glenwood Springs City Council recommended Thursday that council members consider tax questions for the November ballot, which could help staunch the area’s housing crisis. During the council’s regular session, ad hoc committee member and Community Builders Executive Director Clark Anderson presented the committee’s findings on Glenwood Springs’ housing needs and recommendations for future solutions.
Leading Glenwood Springs’ community toward a better future
Julie Olson’s dedication to addressing domestic violence and sexual assault, no matter how uncomfortable for a community, has so far benefited the lives of more than 10,000 women, said Trish Kramer, a 2010 ATHENA Award recipient. Olson was named Glenwood Springs’ 2022 ATHENA on Tuesday during an Glenwood Springs Resort Chamber Foundation award ceremony at the Hotel Colorado.
Flu cases, newest omicron variant drive Garfield County viral infection rates up
Garfield County’s “viral load” is ticking up as COVID-19 omicron variant No. 5 cases increase alongside a late-blooming influenza and cold season, Public Health Director Joshua Williams said. During the Garfield County Commissioners regular session Monday, Williams, who took over the director role in January, informed commissioners Tom Jankovsky and Mike Samson the county was experiencing higher than average virus transmission rates. Commissioner John Martin was absent.
Flu cases, newest Omicron variant drive Garfield County viral infection rates up
Garfield County’s “viral load” is ticking up as COVID-19 Omicron variant No. 5 cases increase alongside a late-blooming influenza and cold season, Public Health Director Joshua Williams said. During the Garfield County Commissioners regular session Monday, Williams, who took over the director role in January, informed commissioners Tom Jankovsky and Mike Samson the county was experiencing higher than average virus transmission rates. Commissioner John Martin was absent.
Glenwood Springs housing committee to make potential tax revenue recommendations
Plans for a local affordable housing program could move forward Thursday, following Glenwood Springs City Council’s review of an ad hoc committee’s findings. In 2021, council members discussed adding tax questions to the fall ballot, which could have increased accommodations taxes and applied an attractions tax to admission-ticket sales around the city. The additional taxes could have gone, in part, toward addressing Glenwood Springs’ growing housing crisis.
Go and Do: Let your inner child soar above Glenwood Springs
Flying a kite is a lot like how I imagine it would be to walk a flying toddler on a leash, or perhaps, an energetic cat on a hang glider. It was fun, but I had zero control over what happened from one moment to the next. Also, people look at you like you’ve lost your marbles, but they’re not sure if you’re a threat to society or a mix of mildly annoying and entertaining.
Midland Avenue motorists can look forward to smoother travels after two years of bumpy rides
Major paving is complete along South Midland Avenue, but the $13.2 million South Midland Project isn’t finished quite yet, Glenwood Springs Spokesperson Bryana Starbuck said. “The South Midland Project is tracking well with our overall project schedule,” Starbuck said, “and, we’re looking good for our summer completion goal.” Some smaller paving projects, such as driveway connections, are scheduled to continue, she added.
Jet stream-induced winds cause West Glenwood power outages
A jet stream hovering over Colorado has caused breezy days throughout Garfield and Pitkin counties, but winds could calm down by Thursday, a National Weather Service spokesperson said. “Normally the jet doesn’t sit above us for long,” NWS meteorologist Tom Renwick said.
Glenwood Springs electrical rates to increase about 5%
The average homeowner in Glenwood Springs could see their electrical bill increase nearly $4 a month this year, and again in 2023, Public Works Director Matt Langhorst said. City council approved a 5.2% electrical rate hike Thursday during the council’s regular session. The increase is a first in seven years for the city.
Glenwood Springs City Council to partner with Habitat for Humanity on housing projects
Glenwood Springs City Council approved two Habitat for Humanity proposals for housing projects Thursday, which are slated for construction on city property. Two parcels, located at Airport Road and the intersection of Eighth Street and Midland Avenue, were previously identified by city staff as potential sites for affordable housing projects. Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork was the only applicant to respond to the city’s request for proposals at either location.
Glenwood Springs Lions Club taking a look back on 100 years of community building
Four years after two Chicago businessmen founded the first Lions Club in 1917, about a dozen residents from Glenwood Springs followed suit, forming one of the city’s first organizations dedicated to strengthening community bonds. A century later, members of the Glenwood Springs Lions Club still work diligently — funding scholarships, promoting eye care and volunteering around the city — to uphold that legacy.
Drought won’t impact Glenwood Springs drinking water supply
Despite persistent drought conditions, Glenwood Springs water supply can easily accommodate city users’ needs and more for the foreseeable future, Public Works Director Matt Langhorst said. While snow water equivalent, aka snowpack, feeding the basins north of Glenwood Springs is 8% below average, Langhorst said the city’s main water sources — Grizzly and No Name creeks — provide more than enough water to meet the city’s needs, even in the dry years.
Drought won’t impact Glenwood Springs drinking water supply
Despite persistent drought conditions, Glenwood Springs water supply can easily accommodate city users’ needs and more for the foreseeable future, Public Works Director Matt Langhorst said. While snow water equivalent, aka snowpack, feeding the basins north of Glenwood Springs is 8% below average, Langhorst said the city’s main water sources — Grizzly and No Name creeks — provide more than enough water to meet the city’s needs, even in the dry years.
Voters strike down West Glenwood annexation
Nearly 16 acres in West Glenwood, aka 480 Donegan, will no longer be brought into Glenwood Springs city limits after residents voted Tuesday to repeal the City Council’s November annex decision. The second question on Tuesday’s special election ballot, a referendum for annexation repeal, was brought to the city by a group of residents dissatisfied with the proposed development’s public engagement process, safety implications and potential density.
Voters OK Glenwood Springs airport protections
Voters strongly supported adding language to Glenwood Springs city charter, protecting the municipal airport from significant changes without future elections. Nearly 2,400 Glenwood Springs voters completed ballots during this special election, with roughly 81% of respondents voting yes to amending Glenwood Springs’ charter.
Glenwood Springs City Council to review affordable housing proposals, electrical rate increases
A partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the city of Glenwood Springs could move forward Thursday, potentially adding more than 20 affordable residences to the area. City council is scheduled to review two Habitat for Humanity proposals for affordable housing developments on city property during the council’s regular session.
Over 20,000 people’s data potentially compromised in phishing scam targeting Valley View Hospital
A phishing scam granted outside users access to four Valley View Hospital email accounts, potentially impacting the personal data of about 21,000 people, including hospital employees and patients, a Valley View spokesperson wrote in an email. A Valley View news release Friday states the hospital learned in January that thousands of peoples’ personal information could have been accessed when an unauthorized third party gained access to several employees’ email accounts.
Glenwood Springs youth offered opportunity to soar
Kids with an eye on the sky have an opportunity to stick their heads in the clouds Saturday at the Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport. Young Eagles Rally Day offers youths, ages 8-17, a free opportunity to fly with a local pilot, Airport Manager Meredith Fox said. “It’s important to keep aviation alive in the younger generations with events like these,” Fox explained.
Glenwood Canyon restoration continues, summer closures to be weather dependent
Repairing Glenwood Canyon, Interstate-70 and mitigating future debris flow damages has cost state, federal and local governments about $27 million so far, a Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson said. Joined by partnering agencies, CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew briefed media outlets Tuesday on efforts to repair the damage done to Glenwood Canyon by wildfires and historic debris flows in recent years.
Glenwood Canyon restoration continues, summer closures to be weather dependent
Repairing Glenwood Canyon, Interstate 70 and mitigating future debris flow damages has cost state, federal and local governments about $27 million so far, a Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson said. Joined by partnering agencies, CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew briefed media outlets Tuesday on efforts to repair the damage done to Glenwood Canyon by wildfires and historic debris flows in recent years.
Bond lowered for Glenwood Springs’ juvenile accused in March stabbing
New evidence, or the lack thereof, was raised by a defense attorney during a bond hearing for a 17-year-old Glenwood Springs resident accused of attempted murder in March. Angel Rivas Tellez, 17, allegedly entered a home by force in south Glenwood Springs at about 2 a.m. on March 8, then stabbed a sleeping victim nearly 40 times, District Attorney Jeff Cheney told Judge James Boyd on Friday.
Question A could make Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport only city property given specific protections by charter
A special election May 3 could determine whether a resident-initiated petition adds new language to the Glenwood Springs city charter, protecting the Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport from significant changes without voter approval. A similar petition circulated in 2021, but City Clerk Ryan Muse was not able to verify enough of the petition signatures for the initiative to be added to the November 2021 ballot.
Ballot Question B to finalize 480 Donegan annex or repeal
Voters will decide the fate of a potential property annexation for residential development at 480 Donegan during the May 3 special election. Although Glenwood Springs City Council voted in November to annex nearly 16 acres in West Glenwood for residential development, opponents successfully submitted a referendum in 2021 to repeal the annexation.
Glenwood Springs ofrecerá opciones gratuitas para eliminar desechos durante el Día de la Tierra
Jennifer Prosser deja cartón y otros materiales reciclables en el centro de reciclaje de Glenwood Springs. Chelsea Self/Post Independent Los aparatos electrónicos usados, las jarras de gasolina vieja y las hojas muertas rara vez hacen una buena combinación, pero el 16 de abril Glenwood Springs le pedirá a los residentes esas tres cosas y más para celebrar el Día de la Tierra.
Following a seven-year hiatus on rate increases, Glenwood Springs is exploring options for increasing electrical fees for city residents, Public Works Director Matt Langhorst said. In 2019, the city began a study on potential increases for both water rates and electrical rates. While water rates increased during the pandemic, Langhorst said city staff didn’t want users to be pinched by increases to both utility rates at the height of a global pandemic.
Go and Do: Whittling away your free time in the Roaring Fork Valley
Ike Fredregill uses a pocket knife to shave the edges off a piece of drift wood he found while hiking around Rob Roy Reservoir in Wyoming. Chelsea Self/Post Independent It’s not everyday I get to encourage our readers to play with knives, but whittling wood might just be humankind’s second oldest playtime hobby — right after throwing large rocks into bodies of water.
Garfield County, Colorado governments talk oil, gas permitting changes
New Castle’s New Hope Church hosted a different congregation Wednesday as oil and gas producers and government officials coalesced to discuss the state of Colorado’s newest energy regulations.
Glenwood Springs to explore Sopris View trail design costs
Building hiking trails on property behind Glenwood Springs’ Walmart stuttered forward Thursday, following a pair of city council motions. During the council’s regular session, City Attorney Karl Hanlon presented terms and conditions presented by parties involved in a potential trail system, dubbed Sopris View. Displaced and homeless residents have previously created long-term campsites in the area, which were addressed in a recent cleanup effort by the city and Garfield County.
Glenwood Springs to increase city staff pay 5%
City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation employee Mike Viramontes works on leveling out the mulch at Sayre Park in Glenwood. Chelsea Self/Post Independent archive photo In response to rising inflation, Glenwood Springs City Council unanimously approved a 5% pay increase Thursday for city employees. Glenwood Springs Chief Operating Officer Steve Boyd told council members annually increasing sales tax collections could cover the cost of the raise.
Up-lifting news: Sunlight Mountain Resort closes out record season with details on summer events, construction plans
Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort sits quiet after the ski season wrapped up on April 3. Chelsea Self/Post Independent Coming off the mountain with a second season of record-breaking revenues, Sunlight Mountain Resort is wrapping up the year with a round of cheers. “We’re really riding high at the end of this season,” said Troy Hawks, Sunlight’s marketing and sales director.
Jennifer Prosser drops off cardboard and other recyclables at the Glenwood Springs recycle center. Chelsea Self/Post Independent Used electronics, jugs of old gasoline and dead leaves rarely make a good combination, but on April 16, Glenwood Springs is asking residents for all three and more in celebration of Earth Day.
Glenwood Springs city clerk reviewing multiple campaign materials for possible violations
Additional information was requested Thursday from attorneys representing R2 Partners following a response to a campaign inquiry from the city clerk, Glenwood Springs City Attorney Karl Hanlon said.
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