In Brief: Yep, another snowstorm inbound; Aspen School District buys homes; autism film to air Thursday
Courtesy of CDOT and NWS
Storm may bring foot and half to parts of high country
A strong spring storm is expected to bring up to 20 inches of snow in some areas of the high country with the bulk of the snow anticipated from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Rain and snow are anticipated to impact most of eastern Colorado Tuesday into Wednesday.
Road conditions in the mountains will create difficult driving conditions during this storm and motorists are urged to avoid traveling in the high country, if possible, transportation officials warned.
Snow accumulations will mostly stay within the mountains and foothills and will be accompanied by strong wind gusts.
The Colorado Department of Transportation said its snowfighting crews will be out in full force ahead of the storm and will remain on the roads clearing them of snow and ice until the storm is out of the area and the roads are safe. They urged motorists to be mindful when driving near snowplows, saying it’s better to be traveling behind them rather than passing them. and motorists should never pass snowplows on the right.
Road closures are likely, they said, especially in areas that will see heavy snow and wind gusts. Transportation officials also urged motorists to be prepared for the potential of being stopped due to adverse conditions or a crash. Items every motorist should have in their vehicle include water, snacks, phone charger, games (if traveling with children), sand, shovel and a full tank of gas. Motorists need to ensure they are traveling in a 4WD or AWD vehicle with 3/16″ of tread depth and are carrying chains or approved alternative traction devices in the high likelihood a Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is activated.
They suggested motorists visit COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app to check on road closures and conditions as well as checking to see if there is a Traction or Chain Law in place.
Aspen School District buys more housing for employees
Aspen School District has acquired 18 housing units in Snowmass Village for its employee housing program.
The $10.5 million acquisition is a strategic step toward delivering on the district’s goal of offering housing to all full-time employees by 2036, school officials said.
“Our housing program is essential to recruiting and retaining world-class teachers and staff,” said David Baugh, Aspen School District superintendent. “We are especially excited about these units in Snowmass Village, where a large number of our students live. To be able to house our teachers in their community is just wonderful.”
In November 2020, voters in Aspen and Snowmass Village approved a $94.3 million bond election, which was earmarked for new staff housing and upgrades to school buildings and the campus. The bond issuance has allowed the district to double its housing inventory, from 50 district-owned units in 2020 to 102 units.
Housing Director Elen Woods-Mitchell said, “The recent acquisition is the result of continued
community generosity that expands beyond the bond. The district has enjoyed fostering
relationships with sellers who support our housing goals.”
The two newly acquired buildings, on Assay Hill Court, offer one- and two-bedroom units in move-in-ready condition.
Award-winning film on autism to air Thursday
Three local nonprofits have come together for a community screening of the award-winning film “In a Different Key.”
Ascendigo Autism Services, Aspen Education Foundation and Aspen Family Connections have joined forces to bring the film to the local community The film portrays the story of the first person diagnosed with autism and the community that embraced him. It has won awards at the Sonoma International Film Festival, the Phoenix Film Festival, the Oxford Film Festival and several other festivals.
The film will be screened at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Aspen District Theater (located in Aspen Elementary School.) There is no charge to attend and no reservations required.
A local group, The Friendship Circle, will be providing respite care for families of children and with autism or IDD during the film. Families who would like to take advantage of this care can RSVP directly to Kaleb Cook at kaleb@cookinclusive.org.
