CORE Respondents Wildfires- Independence Day

As of 2PM on Friday, the 3rd of July, the Aspen Acres Wildfire is now increased to almost 77000 acres and evacuations for towns near Florence are in effect. Highway 67 from Florence to Wetmore is reportedly closed and anything west of Highway 67 in that stretch is on evacuation status. Since tge Federal Prison is on the east side of the highway, it is not being evacuated. Alternate route to Westcliffe is Highway 50 to Highway 69.

For many years I felt that journalism needs a network of independent reporters who were a phone call away to report and record on a local story in their community and region. I think of regional reporting as extended family — like a cousin or aunt who has the skills to let people know what is happening. Today I am at a hotel in the Denver area, after a wonderful trip to Long Island, where I grew up.

During our trip, a wildfire broke out near our Colorado mountain home. It is the devastating Aspen Acres Wildfire that has ravaged Southern Colorado. While our town is not in its path, hundreds of homes in Rye, Beulah, Custer and Fremont counties have been evacuated and many completely destroyed. We were due back yesterday but have opted to stay put in Denver with some of our extended family on our CORE Respondents network.

On July 1, I announced that I would start a network of Community Organizations for Responsible Entrepreneurship. Like me, many are independent writers, photographers, musicians, producers, authors, and entrepreneurs who are willing to respond, report and record what they see, hear, and experience in their community on a regular basis. I have found that community radio and media has been a great resource to us in making basic decisions on what to do at such a time as this.

To join our informal or formal network, email Richardbeattie809@gmail.com.