Sage Smiley
News DirectorSage Smiley is an award-winning reporter and editor and the News Director for Aspen Public Radio.
Before moving to the mountains to work at Aspen Public Radio, she most recently lived on the tundra of Western Alaska, where she was news director for KYUK Public Media. She’s also worked as an editor, news director, host, reporter, researcher, and Arabic translator at public radio and podcast outlets from Alaska to Amman.
When not thinking about public radio, she can often be found in or around a body of water.
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Nearly 35,000 voters in Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties have already cast ballots in the 2026 midterm Elections. Voters are deciding on several key races and ballot issues. -
Pitkin County leaders have approved a visionary document that outlines county priorities and policies for the next 24 years. Freelance reporter Kaya Williams spoke to Aspen Public Radio about the highlights of Pitkin County’s vision for the coming decades, and how residents may see the updated priorities play out in their daily lives. -
The nonprofit High Country Volunteers connects over 100 local nonprofits with volunteers from across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. This story is part of our “On the Ground” radio series that highlights solutions to local and global issues from Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley organizations. -
Carbondale's beloved Crystal Theatre transitioned from a traditional business model to a nonprofit last year, allowing its leaders to fundraise and explore new programming. This story is part of our “On the Ground” radio series that highlights solutions to local and global issues from Roaring Fork and Colorado River valley organizations. -
Reporter Kaya Williams has closely followed the development of complex plans to redo the Lift One corridor. She spoke with Aspen Public Radio’s Sage Smiley about a new sequencing agreement that maps out a construction plan over the next three years. -
There are 73 short-term rentals in unincorporated Pitkin County, compared to over 2,300 in the City of Aspen and Snowmass Village, or about 4,200 in Breckenridge, according to a recent study. -
Much of the local economy from Aspen to Parachute is focused on the outdoors. But this summer’s drought and the record-low snow year raise questions about how businesses can diversify in a changing climate. -
Last winter’s record-low snowpack stressed many businesses in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Whether they’ve been around for decades or are just starting out, they hope it’s not the new norm. -
Bonfire’s new roastery in Glenwood Springs nearly doubles the size of the facility, and makes a home for a more efficient roasting machine. The location will be open to the public to visit and learn more about Bonfire’s coffee. -
A power outage from Glenwood Springs to Silt shut off electricity to thousands Saturday afternoon. Residents reported a flash and a boom near New Castle along a transmission line that afternoon, but as of the evening, Xcel Energy had not confirmed the cause of the outage.
