On April 24 at 6:30 p.m., the Hutchins Water Center will host “An Evening with Jonathan Thompson” in the University Center Ballroom. The event will be open to the public and will include a slideshow, discussion, and reception.

Thompson is the author of the book “River of Lost Souls: The Science, Politics, and Greed behind the Gold King Mine Disaster.” According to a news release from CMU Public Relations Director David Ludlam, “the book tells the story of the 2015 Gold King Mine disaster that made international headlines and resulted in pollution of the Animas River in southwestern Colorado.”

According to Coordinator of the Water Center Hannah Holm, this event is part of partnering with other groups, such as the Colorado Canyons Association and the Grand Valley Audubon Society.

“Since he was editor for High Country News for a long time and just doing journalism in the west for a long time, I’m sure some people will come out just because they like his writing,” Holm said.

Thompson has laid a foundation in southwestern Colorado’s journalism, with a previous owner and editor position at the Silverton Standard & the Miner newspaper in Silverton and an editor-in-chief position at High Country News. He also won the Society of Environmental Journalist’s Outstanding Beat Reporting award in 2016.

Students are encouraged to RSVP for the event at coloradomesa.edu/water-center, and will have an opportunity to “mingle” with Thompson and other event guests at the reception. Complimentary beer will be provided by Palisade Brewing, and light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. The event is free for students and the community.