|
Colorado - Tue. 07/15/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
|
|
View in Browser
|
|
|
| |
THE SPRINGS RESORT NAMED BEST HOT SPRINGS & BEST SPA RESORT IN U.S.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Colorado earned eight honors across five categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for health and wellness destinations. The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs was named both best hot springs and best spa resort in the U.S., offering 24/7 access to 50 mineral pools, aqua yoga, sound bathing, and spa treatments. Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes ranked No. 6 for both yoga retreats and meditation centers, with nature-based spiritual programs and access to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya. Denver’s Oakwell Beer Spa placed No. 3 among day spas, featuring beer-infused hydrotherapy and infrared saunas. Sway Wellness Spa also ranked for its high-tech treatments, including AI-powered massage. Glenwood Springs had two hot springs in the top 10: Iron Mountain Hot Springs (No. 5) and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort (No. 10), both praised for their variety of pools and family-friendly amenities.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CALIFORNIA RANCH FOR SALE FOR $50 MILLION
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Tech entrepreneur Don McKinney, known for founding startups including one sold to Lucent for $3.7 billion, bought a 1,100-acre ranch atop Sonoma Mountain in 2014 for $12 million. Over a decade, he spent $33 million restoring it, adding greenhouses, lakes, a woodshop, and renovating historic buildings. Now listed for $50 million, Sonoma Summit Ranch features a rebuilt 1950s main house, a party barn, and terraced stone landscaping. McKinney, a conservation advocate and skilled woodworker, moved there full-time in 2016 and hosted Jeffersonian dinners with partner Cindy Mercer. He’s selling to focus on philanthropy, seeking a buyer who will steward the land.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
COLORADO POET LAUREATE ANDREA GIBSON DIES
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Andrea Gibson, Colorado’s poet laureate and acclaimed spoken-word artist, died July 14 at age 49 after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer. A queer activist and Boulder resident since 1999, Gibson was known for powerful work on LGBTQIA+ issues, mental health and social justice. Named poet laureate in 2023, Gibson championed poetry across Colorado. Gibson’s death was announced by their wife, Megan Falley. The social media post read, "On July 14th, at 4:16 a.m., Andrea Gibson died in their home surrounded by their wife, Meg, four ex-girlfriends, their mother and father, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs. Gibson's final poem and documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light" reflect a profound embrace of mortality and beauty. Governor Polis called Gibson “truly one of a kind.”
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
PITCO TO ACQUIRE BRUSH CREEK PARK & RIDE FROM CDOT
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Pitkin County will acquire the 27-acre Brush Creek Park and Ride from CDOT for $10 under a quitclaim deed signed July 1. The property, deed-restricted to transportation and non-commercial uses, includes 400 paved and up to 1,200 unpaved parking spaces. Six RFTA routes and one seasonal Snowmass Village Shuttle run through Brush Creek, the key intercept point for traffic into Aspen and Snowmass — as it was originally called the “intercept lot.” County ownership will streamline local control, enforcement, and event permitting. Overnight parking may be restricted, but paid parking is unlikely. Food trucks and housing are prohibited under the deed terms. The Elected Officials Transportation Committee will discuss future management on Aug. 16. Violating the deed terms could revert ownership to CDOT.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
STARS ABOVE ASPEN TO RETURN TO ASPEN MOUNTAIN
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Aspen Mountain will host its 7th annual Stars Above Aspen event on Aug. 12, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Sundeck. In partnership with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, the evening features stargazing from 11,212 feet, telescope stations, cosmic crafts, an inflatable planetarium, and space-themed music. A free sunset yoga session runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and food and drinks will be available. Tickets are $25 for adults and free for kids 10 and under, including gondola access. The last ride up is at 9 p.m., and down at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 per adult and free for children ten years old and younger. The last ride up the gondola will be at 9 p.m. and the last ride down is at 10 p.m. For more information and to find tickets, go to aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/stars-above-aspen.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CITY OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS TO HOST VIRTUAL TOWN HALL ON HOMELESSNESS
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
On Thursday, July 24, the City of Glenwood Springs will host a virtual town hall webinar on homelessness via Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m. Officials will share information and take questions about law enforcement response, encampments, fire concerns, intervention efforts, and resources. Panel participants include City Manager Steve Boyd, City Chief of Public Safety Joseph Deras, Garfield County Sherriff Lou Vallario, and District Attorney Ben Sollars. Join the Webinar at zoom.com/join, use Webinar ID: 867 2971 3659, and Passcode: 81601. Community members are invited to learn more and submit questions ahead of time at gwsco.info/homelessness. The meeting will also be streamed live to the City’s YouTube page. Spanish interpretation will be provided. For other accommodations, please contact ADAteam@cogs.us or 970-384-6441.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
GRAVITY HAUS CLOSING ASPEN LOCATION AMID EXPANSION, CITING HIGH COSTS
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Gravity Haus, a Colorado-based hospitality and social club chain, will close its Aspen location at 315 East Hyman Ave. on Sept. 1, less than a year after opening. Affiliates UnRavel Coffee Bar and Boat Tow restaurant will also shutter. The company cited Aspen’s high business costs and misaligned profitability timelines as reasons. Gravity Haus has 35 Aspen employees and will try to relocate them. The brand, which has locations in Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and Winter Park, received a $64.5 million investment in 2023 to expand nationally. New sites include Jackson Hole, Moab, Truckee, Denver Highlands, and Big Sky. Members receive discounts through an Ikon Pass partnership.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
PLATEAU VALLEY RANCH CONSERVED FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT, SCENIC VIEWS
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Bieser Ranch, a 614-acre family-owned property in Plateau Valley, will be permanently protected through a conservation easement placed by the Bieser family. The land, visible from Powderhorn Mountain Resort, includes shrublands, aspen stands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and a stretch of Willow Creek, providing vital habitat for elk, moose, bears, and more. The ranch, owned by the same family for over 100 years, received a Centennial Ranch designation in 2018 and is used for seasonal grazing. Tom Bieser, motivated by his deep connection to the land, sought to preserve it from development. The property borders public lands and serves as a wildlife corridor. Conservation was made possible by Colorado West Land Trust, Great Outdoors Colorado, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
GRAND JUNCTION'S SALES TAX COLLECTIONS FLAT COMPARED TO LAST YEAR
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Sales tax collections in Grand Junction are flat compared to last year and 3.3 percent below 2025 budget projections for the general fund. City Manager Mike Bennett said the city is managing conservatively, evaluating vacancies and prioritizing expenses. Despite the shortfall, most budgeted plans continue. Cannabis tax revenue is up 36 percent from 2024 and 20 percent above projections, attributed to new stores and cautious budgeting. April showed positive sales tax growth, but continued flat revenue may affect 2026 budget planning. Capital projects are bond-funded and likely unaffected, though adjustments may be needed to balance the Capital Improvement Fund. Similar trends are reported across Colorado.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
KVNF RAFFLES OFF NEW TOYOTA 4RUNNER
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
KVNF Community Radio on the Western Slope is raffling off a brand-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5, featuring a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, 4WD, valued at $45,658. This annual raffle is a fundraising effort used towards KVNF’s operating costs. Tickets are 1 for $20 or 3 for $50. Tickets will be sold through Aug. 28. The drawing is Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. Tickets are anticipated to sell out and can be purchased online at kvnf.org/raffle, at the KVNF office, 233 Grand Ave. in Paonia, or at Hellman Motor Co., 750 Hwy. 92, in Delta. The summer raffle is sponsored, in part, by Alpine Bank.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
VOLUNTEERS FOR OUTDOOR COLORADO’S CAIRN PROGRAM ACCEPTING MENTOR APPLICATIONS
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Are you passionate about the outdoors and looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is seeking adult mentors for its Cairn Program—a year-long leadership and outdoor education experience for high school students (ages 14–18) along the Front Range. As a mentor, you'll guide a small group of students through monthly outdoor adventures, help foster their leadership skills and play a key role in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards. It's also a great opportunity to grow your own leadership experience in a collaborative, impact-driven setting. Applications are due July 31, 2025. Apply now at voc.org/cairn-applications-mentors.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
COMMERCIAL & VOLUNTARY CLOSURE ENACTED FOR YAMPA RIVER
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Due to water temperatures exceeding 75°F for two consecutive days, the City of Steamboat Springs has enacted a commercial and voluntary recreational closure of the Yampa River. All commercial outfitting operations are suspended, and the public is asked to avoid river activities such as tubing, swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. Notices are posted at popular access points, and city staff will continue monitoring conditions at the 5th Street Bridge. Officials emphasize the closure’s importance for protecting the river’s long-term health and thank the community for its cooperation.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CSP TO PARTNER WITH HIGH COUNTRY AGENCIES FOR INCREASED SAFE DRIVING ENFORCEMENT THIS WEEKEND
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies announced increased presence and enforcement of Colorado's traffic and safety laws this weekend, especially in the high country. Officers are especially targeting aggressive and impaired driving. On Friday, July 18, enforcement officers will up their numbers on Colorado roads in five destination counties that draw many visitors. According to CSP, visitors and residents of Colorado have been negatively impacted by aggressive and impaired drivers. The operation aims to raise awareness of the responsibility drivers have and encourage voluntary compliance with posted speed limits, Colorado's new hands-free law and safe lane changes.
Participating Agencies include:
- Colorado State Patrol – Troop 4C
- Summit County Sheriff's Office
- Lake County Sheriff's Office
- Eagle County Sheriff's Office
- Garfield County Sheriff's Office
- Pitkin County Sheriff's Office
CSP is advising those who suspect an impaired driver to avoid the vehicle and call CSP at (*277) or 303-239-4501 after safely pulling over. To report a suspected impaired driver CSP asks that individuals be prepared to provide a vehicle description, license plate number, location and direction of travel, driver description and the driving behavior being demonstrated.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
COLORADO WILDFIRES
|
| |
|
|
| |
More than 7,600 acres of Colorado’s Western Slope have been burned by four lightning-sparked wildfires. Gov. Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration Sunday for the ongoing wildfires, as well as another large fire burning on the edge of Utah that could spread into Colorado. The four currently burning in western Colorado were all sparked by lightning during the same Thursday storm and have continued to grow. State resources will join hundreds of firefighters already on the ground in three western Colorado counties to fight the wildfires. Gov. Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration for Montrose, Delta, and Mesa counties. A fifth fire, Deer Creek, is burning in Utah and threatening to cross into Colorado.
South Rim Fire (Montrose County)
- Burning in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- Grew to 3,633 acres; 0 percent containment.
- Mandatory evacuations in Bostwick Park.
- Fire behavior intensified due to gusty winds and drought.
- Over 300 personnel and multiple aircraft deployed.
Turner Gulch & Wright Draw Fires (Mesa County)
- Turner Gulch: 1,470 acres
- Wright Draw: 249 acres.
- Mandatory evacuations along Hwy. 141 (mile markers 120–131).
- Over 200 firefighters on scene; more resources incoming.
Sowbelly Fire (Montrose, Delta, Mesa Counties)
- Burning in Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area.
- Over 2,274 acres burned; 0 percent containment.
- Active fire edges on southwest and northeast fronts.
Deer Creek Fire (Utah, near Montrose County)
- Over 11,000 acres burned; 0 percent containment.
- Could spread into Colorado, evacuations in Utah near the border.
- Crews digging containment lines along the state border.
- Paradox is the closest Colorado town to the Utah fire, which is about 30 miles west of Nucla and 10 miles east of the state border.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARKET UPDATE - 07/14/2025 Close
|
| |
|
(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
|
| |
|
Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 07/10/2025)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
|
| |
|
| |
Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Make changes to your subscription or unsubscribe here. |
| © 2025 Alpine Bank. |
| |
|
|
