Retired Newspaper Boxes Are Becoming Sidewalk Art Hubs
Austin, CO · November 8, 2026
Watching the frost melt off the orchard fence lines is the easiest chore on the docket this morning. Give the sun a moment to warm the valley before heading out to today’s afternoon gallery stops.
The Lead
Old metal newspaper racks once anchored to valley street corners are getting an unexpected second life as neighborhood creativity stations. Dubbed "News to Muse," the grassroots initiative transforms retired Delta County Independent coin boxes into vibrant sidewalk cabinets packed with free art supplies, small canvases, and sketchpads. Spearheaded by local organizers and artists, the brightly painted boxes invite anyone passing by to take a pencil, leave a watercolor sketch, or donate surplus paper and brushes. With popular installations already humming outside gathering spots like Lazy J Coffee in Crawford, the project is expanding this month into partnership with the Delta County Libraries. Staff members plan to position additional boxes outside branch buildings across the valley, ensuring every aspiring maker has round-the-clock access to basic tools. Organizers hope to unveil the next customized library box before the holiday rush begins.
Local Pulse
Cedaredge Trustees Settle Sidewalk Scope Dispute Roads Municipal officials finalized a contract compromise this week, clearing the path for downtown pedestrian walkway upgrades to advance smoothly.
Crawford Board Appoints Ruben Santiago Clerk City Hall Trustees voted unanimously to hire the experienced administrator, filling the vacant municipal desk ahead of upcoming winter meetings.
Today's Outlook
- High 62°F · Low 34°F — Clear
- Keep a heavier jacket handy for the freezing morning, but expect comfortable sun by afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
Pre-Holiday Yoga & Sound Healing Delta Library (211 W 6th St), Delta, 9:30 AM · $44 Restorative breathwork, mindful movement, and soothing sound bowls.
Fall Weekend Hours Pioneer Town Museum (388 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Paid Walk historic boardwalks and explore the museum's new Mosasaur exhibit.
Sunday Gallery Hours Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), Cedaredge, Noon–3:00 PM · Free Stroll the Starr Family Gallery and browse handcrafted local gifts.
Tomorrow
Morning Exercise Class The Stolte Shed (388 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 9:00 AM · Free
soulFULL Yin Yoga Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), Cedaredge, 8:30–9:30 AM
Tuesday
Gentle Chair Yoga for Men Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), Cedaredge, 8:45–10:00 AM
Snacks and Stories Teen Book Club Delta Public Library (211 W 6th St), Delta, 4:00 PM · Free
Historical Society Board Meeting The Stolte Shed (388 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 5:30 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Amanda Cerise Serving both Cedaredge Middle and High schools as counselor, Cerise was named a finalist for Colorado High School Counselor of the Year. A licensed professional counselor, she tailors post-graduation paths and personal wellness support for hundreds of local Surface Creek students each season.
Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources every morning. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.