RESEARCH ASSISTANTS – Ridgway High School students (left to right) Jack Middleton, Abel Lannan and Tashi Hackett presented the results of their research on possible sister cities to Ridgway Town Council last week. Mountain towns in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Dominican Republic made the cut. Next step: contact. (Photo by Peter Shelton)

BUILDING OPTIMISM – Tom How (left) and Daniel Key of Sjoden Wood Designs worked on a new home in the Cobble Creek Golf Community Tuesday morning. The spec home is being built under the direction of contractor Bert Welz, who said he’s optimistic for the region’s construction trade. (Photo by William Woody)

GROWTH INVESTMENT – Students took advantage of a "living classroom" at the Telluride School's new Grow Dome this spring. The Dome, which will be open to the public for tours Wednesday, May 22, was funded in part by a Telluride Medical Center's Physical Education Program (PEP) grant. (Courtesy photos)

PINHEADS, PIXELLATED – The Pinhead Institute holds its annual fundraiser, entitled Minecraft Mania,at the Sheridan Opera House this Sunday, May 19. (Courtesy photo)