Ray Erku, Post Independent Journalist Profile

Articles

Wolf depredation claims two calf deaths in Crystal River, Roaring Fork valleys

1 month ago | vaildaily.com | Ray Erku

A pack of wolves is reported to be responsible for the death of two calves and injuries to others recently in the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys, local ranchers said Tuesday. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating multiple livestock depredations reportedly carried out by the Copper Creek wolf pack, according to Ginny and Tom Harrington, members of the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association and operators of the Crystal River Ranch south of Carbondale.
Wolf depredation claims two calf deaths in Crystal River, Roaring Fork valleys

1 month ago | summitdaily.com | Ray Erku

A pack of wolves is reported to be responsible for the death of two calves and injuries to others recently in the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys, local ranchers said Tuesday. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating multiple livestock depredations reportedly carried out by the Copper Creek wolf pack, according to Ginny and Tom Harrington, members of the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association and operators of the Crystal River Ranch south of Carbondale.
Next phase approved for Snowmass affordable housing project

1 month ago | aspentimes.com | Ray Erku

A major rental workforce housing project proposed for Snowmass Village is proceeding to its next phase. Snowmass Town Council on Monday unanimously approved a preliminary plan application for the Draw Site, an effort to create 63 employee housing units uphill and adjacent to town hall. The latest estimate for the project is about $64.64 million.
Aspen hospital changes name

1 month ago | postindependent.com | Ray Erku

Rebranding aims to strengthen recruitment, retainment, and more Aspen Valley Hospital is reintroducing itself as Aspen Valley Health, officials announced Monday, May 12.
Why spring skiing should be taken seriously

2 months ago | aspentimes.com | Ray K. Erku |Ray Erku

Standing atop Ajax on Wednesday convinced me spring skiing sometimes transcends powder days. Skiers lounged upon Sundeck lawn chairs like Audrey Hepburn on South Beach. Though my favorite runs were carpeted with casseroles of mashed potatoes encrusted upon beds of coarse pebbles, phalanxes of instructors and their pupils practically diminished. Fifty-degree temps, a gentle breeze, and an iridescent, bluebird horizon cloaking snow-capped peaks greeted me at every lift.
‘Trying to be in the moment’: Aspen basketball falls short in overtime

Mar 8, 2025 | aspentimes.com | Ray Erku

Less than two seconds remained in the fourth quarter. Timnath junior Jack Hemme, who eventually ended the game with 18 points, had just hit an allotted two free throws after getting fouled driving the baseline, putting the Cubs up 48-46. What seemed like a nanosecond later, Aspen junior Kristo Klavins took a miraculous inbound pass and drained what ostensibly was the game-winning 3-pointer. Pandemonium ensued. Skiers and fans rushed the court. But, according to the referees, the game wasn’t over.
Aspen boys basketball eliminates Pagosa Springs in first round of state playoffs

Mar 7, 2025 | aspentimes.com | Ray Erku

It was a recipe for success. Aspen High School senior Tommy Franceshci was reliably consistent in the paint. Fellow senior Luke Holloway nailed a 3-point buzzer-beater to close out the first half. Aspen stretched its lead to an irreparable 18 points with less than a minute left. And presto — the Skiers clipped 30th-seeded Pagosa Springs 52-30 in the first regional round of the Class 4A state basketball tournament. “This is a good reminder of the urgency,” Aspen coach Cory Parker said.
Aspen airport director announces his departure

Feb 6, 2025 | aspentimes.com | Ray Erku

No joke from this office jester. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Director Dan Bartholomew, 55, was dead serious when he announced his resignation on Thursday. “This has to be a joke,” Deputy Airport Director Diane Jackson said of Bartholomew’s announcement. “He’s teasing me that he’s leaving because I truly was just as surprised as everyone.”Jokes aside, his resignation as director will be effective April 5, according to Pitkin County.
Parking, façade design tweaks considered for Aspen Armory project

Jan 13, 2025 | aspentimes.com | Ray Erku

Aspen leaders are considering an additional $1 million in proposed design tweaks and soft costs for an ongoing project to reopen its Armory Hall as a local food hub and community gathering place, according to a Monday work session. The proposed alterations will increase project design costs to nearly $3.3 million, city documents show.
Pitkin County Democratic Party chair announces retirement

Jan 11, 2025 | aspentimes.com | Ray Erku

Betty Wallach made a promise to her family two years ago that her tenure as Pitkin County Democratic chair would be one term and one term only. Her word was kept on Friday as she told The Aspen Times that she plans to retire from her position in early February. “This was a promise made to my family that no matter what, even if there was no one available to run this time, I would not run again,” Betty said.