High Country Spotlight & Shopper

06/06/2026

At last week's Cedaredge Board of Trustees meeting, town officials addressed a series of consequential issues ranging from water rights and infrastructure planning to road standards and highway safety.

At last week’s Cedaredge Board of Trustees meeting, town officials addressed a series of consequential issues ranging from water rights and infrastructure planning to road standards, highway safety,

06/05/2026

"Although most public commenters supported renewing A Kidz Clinic's lease agreement with the district, the board ultimately voted against doing so."



Delta County School District 50J
Delta County Schools Community Hub

At the May 28 meeting of the Delta County School Board, board members officially selected Franchesca Esplin as the district's newest board member following interviews conducted during a previous special

06/05/2026

"This year's production, "The Holdup of the Muddy River Bank or, There's a Snake in My Boot!", written by longtime Crawford melodrama legends Rick and Kathy Steckel, delivers a lively mix of mistaken identities, suspicious characters, outrageous comedy, and plenty of small-town western charm."

The Crawford Melodrama Players are ready to kick off another season of humorous, dramatic, and over-the-top Western antics during Pioneer Days 2026, as the curtain prepares to rise once more.

06/05/2026

"For 25 years, Starr's Guitars has been far more than a retail shop. It has been a gathering place, a source of encouragement, a classroom, a repair bench, a music hub, and, for many in the community, a place where people feel they belong. This year, owner David Starr is celebrating a quarter century of business in Cedaredge. This is a remarkable milestone for any independent business, and especially one devoted to the art of making music."



Starr's Guitars

Walk into Starr's Guitars on Main Street in Cedaredge, and you will immediately notice something that cannot be purchased online. It is the feeling of music and inspiration.

06/04/2026

"It's that time of year again! Say hello to Crawford Pioneer Days, running Thursday, June 11, through Saturday, June 13. This year's parade theme, "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave," celebrates the community spirit and patriotic pride that make Pioneer Days a cherished Crawford tradition. Enjoy long-standing traditions while discovering something new. With a little bit of everything for everyone, you're sure to have a blast!"



Crawford Pioneer Days

It's that time of year again! Say hello to Crawford Pioneer Days, running Thursday, June 11, through Saturday, June 13. This year's parade theme, "Land of the Free, Home of

06/04/2026

"Paonia Town Administrator Stefen Wynn resigned in May, effective July 11, after a months-long barrage of criticism from residents complaining about everything from the town's Verkada surveillance system to the broken water fountain in town hall. Wynn secured millions in grants and loans to repair Paonia's crumbling infrastructure and received high marks from the board of trustees, especially for his work with the budget. But the 41-year-old Wynn had a rocky three-year tenure, enduring pointed attacks by former trustee Bill Brunner and former planning commissioner Pete McCarthy."

Paonia Town Administrator Stefen Wynn resigned in May, effective July 11, after a months-long barrage of criticism from residents complaining about everything from the town's Verkada surveillance system to the

06/04/2026

We’re not on TickTok, but we’re here to talk ticks.

While they may not seem as intimidating as a charging bear or bison, ticks are among the most common safety concerns for hikers in parks. These tiny hitchhikers can carry diseases, so it's important to protect yourself before, during, and after your adventure.

Ticks are clingy. Set boundaries. Plan ahead by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants whenever possible. Don't give ticks a lift. Stay on trails and avoid brushing against tall grass, shrubs, and logs where ticks like to wait for a passing host.

After spending time outdoors, check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks, and shower as soon as possible. Tumble-dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes or wash them in hot water. If you find a tick on you, remove it promptly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. If you develop a fever, rash, or other symptoms after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider.

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/ticks-and-tickborne-diseases.htm

Thank you for coming to our tick talk.

Image: Closeup of a female Deer Tick/NPS

06/04/2026

Get ready to dive into the world of literature with The High Country Spotlight's latest feature! We're thrilled to announce that our monthly Book Review article series is now live, and it's all thanks to the talented North Fork native, Eldyn Molina!
The first review is out now, so be sure to check it out and discover your next favorite book!

A book review is a funny thing. I, for one, have always held them suspect. It's sort of predicated on a relationship built on trust. You can only trust a

06/03/2026

UPDATE: Services have been restored at the North Fork Clerk and Recorders Office . Delta County, CO - Government

06/03/2026

After years of sharing the stories of Delta County, Senior Writer and Editor Stu is heading off on a new adventure titled "Stu and Marla Hit the Road."

We're grateful for the many stories, columns, and conversations he's brought to the pages of the Spotlight over the years. Thankfully, this isn't a farewell, just a, till next time.

Join us in wishing them safe travels and plenty of adventures ahead.

May the Force be with you, Stu.

Farewell, Stu, esteemed editor and senior writer.