Today on Colorado Edition: We visit with people near the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Denver's City Park. Plus, we explore what we can learn about the ski industry from the story of Granby Ranch. We also meet an ice farmer in Ouray, and discuss the future of the Colorado River with a pair of experts.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The day was first made a holiday in Colorado in 1985, before it was celebrated nationally, thanks to the effort of former state lawmaker Wilma Webb. Earlier today, there were events held around the state to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, including the 35th annual Marade in Denver, and events in Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland and Boulder, among other cities.
You can listen to KUNC's Stephanie Daniel’s full interview with Wilma J. Webb here.
The Life And Times Of Granby Ranch
A lot of people use the long holiday weekend to head to the ski slopes. While this is good for most resorts — one in Grand County is experiencing problems. The county overall struggled more than other parts of the state after the 2008 recession. But with things largely turned around, Granby Ranch has not been able to keep up financially. The mountain ski community now be put up for foreclosure.
Jason Blevins has reported on Granby Ranch for the Colorado Sun, and he joined us to explain what’s happening. And a note to our listeners, Granby Ranch has been a KUNC underwriter.
Ice Farming In Ouray, Colorado
The 25th Ouray Ice Festival begins on Thursday. The festival is, according to its website, “an absolute ice climbing mecca” and hundreds will gather in the town for a celebration of ice climbing. To learn more about the festival and the work that goes on behind the scenes, we spoke with Tim Foulkes, an ice farmer at the Ouray Ice Park.
The Future Of The Colorado River
The Colorado River flows downstream of Grand Junction, Colorado in August 2018.
Credit Luke Runyon / KUNC
A few weeks ago on the show, we talked about a gathering of water managers from across the Southwest. They were meeting in Las Vegas to talk about the future of the Colorado River. And today, we’re going to dig into what’s ahead for the river in the coming year with a few experts.
Jennifer Pitt, the Colorado River program director for the National Audobon Society, and Brad Udall, the senior water and climate research scientist at the Colorado Water Institute at Colorado State University, both joined us to talk about the impact drought has on the people living along the Front Range.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions:
- “Lupi” by Orange Cat
- "One Little Triumph" by Piano Mover
- "On Early Light" by Cholate
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.