Today on Colorado Edition: We get a glimpse at how recent wildfires are impacting local school districts, and we’ll hear about a new podcast focused on the sage grouse, a bird that lives in the sage brush. And ahead of Día de Muertos, we’ll speak to an artist about a community ofrenda they created in Denver. We’ll also learn about a local theater in Northern Colorado that may or may not be known for ghosts.
Wildfires And Learning Outcomes
Over the weekend, we got a lot of snow in parts of Colorado. At least half a foot of snow was reported in Grand Lake, helping to stall the East Troublesome Fire, which continues to burn in Grand County just south of the Cameron Peak Fire. And as we know, these fires impact just about everything under the sun. That includes schools, something we’re going to take a look at now with Erica Breunlin, from the Colorado Sun. She’s been reporting on how two school districts near these fires have been impacted.
A New Sage Grouse Podcast
You’ve probably heard of the sage grouse, a bird that lives in the sage brush. Their declining populations have made them the subject of conservation efforts across the country. Sage grouse are native to Colorado, and are found in 11 Western states. And the birds are now the subject of a new podcast from Ashley Ahearn called “Grouse: The Troubled Bird That’s Dividing the West.” The final episode of the podcast will be released Tuesday, and Ashley joined us to tell us about this troubled bird, and the challenges the species is facing.
The Ghost (Tours) Of The Rialto Theater
In May of 1920, while the country and the world were still recovering from the 1918 flu pandemic, the Rialto Theater was built in downtown Loveland. 100 years later, another pandemic has thwarted anniversary plans and forced budget cuts for the historic venue. But one group has found a way to make the theater’s ghosts live on. As we look ahead to Halloween, KUNC’s Stacy Nick has more takes us there.
And a note to our listeners, the Rialto Theater is an underwriter of KUNC.
A Community Ofrenda
The Chicano Humanities and Arts Council and History Colorado have partnered to commemorate Día de los Muertos, with shrines at several locations around the state, including a community ofrenda at the History Colorado Center in Denver. The Ofrenda opened on Oct. 9 and will be on view until Nov. 9. Arlette Lucero, a Colorado artist and educator, led the creation of the altar, she joined us to explain what views can expect, and how COVID-19 has impacted its creation.
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:
- “When In The West” by Landsman Duets
- "Mknt" by Simple Machines
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman, and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. KUNC news director Brian Larson is our executive producer. We get production help from Rae Solomon.
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.