Sue Hirshman, expert on the Black Swift Story by Kathryn R. Burke [Ouray, Colo. March 17, 2015] “The Black Swift could be called the most elusive bird on earth,” Hirshman believes. “The birds don’t make it easy to find or observe them.” They like to nest in caves, near waterfalls, where rocky ledges and […]
Susan Hale & Ann Mellick, CAIC Avalanche Forecasters Story by Kathryn R. Burke Susan Hale and Ann Mellick are avalanche forecasters for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). They work on the Highway 550 and 145 corridors in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to keep the highways safe for winter travelers. Both […]
Beth Goralski, ice and rock climber Story by Kathryn R. Burke [Ouray, Colo. October 20, 2015] Beth Goralski has been ice climbing since 2001. During a holiday vacation from Colorado State University, where she was a student, Beth took an ice climbing class. “I fell in love immediately” she said. “I had been rock climbing for […]
Lorraine Coyle, Evergreen Crystal Story and photos by Kathryn R. Burke [Montrose, Colo. November 18 2014] Thirty-five years ago Lorraine Coyle and her then-husband had a glass-etching business in Lake Arrowhead, California. A lot of their products were architectural – windows and doors primarily. “I also did smaller pieces, selling them at arts and […]
Joan Chismire, Ouray County Ranch History Museum Story by Kathryn R. Burke [Ridgway Colo., January 20, 2015]With optimism that an opportunity would eventually present itself in finding a more permanent home for the Ouray County Ranch History Museum, Chismire and the board worked tirelessly toward that goal. It took ten years. The museum started out in […]
Busy Bees with Jen Brock Story by Kathryn R. Burke [Ouray, Colo., January 16, 2018] Bees are our friends. Bees produce honey, the only food source that never goes bad. Bees pollinate, a process that can produce a healthy garden with a bountiful crop. Bees have an enviable communication system with the plants they […]
Marian Austin, Colorado firefighter Story by Kathryn R. Burke [Ridgway Colo., January 20, 2015] Log Hill Firefighter, Marian Austin retired from the Army at the end of June of 2001. Her last assignment had been at the Pentagon, “Where I worked was next to section that got hit on 9-11,” she says. “I wanted to […]