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Colorado - Wed. 03/04/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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WORLD’S LARGEST ACIDIC GEYSER WAKES UP IN YELLOWSTONE AFTER SIX YEARS
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The world’s largest acidic geyser has erupted in Yellowstone National Park for the first time since 2020, ending a six year period of dormancy, park officials said. Echinus Geyser, located in the Norris Geyser Basin, resumed activity on Feb. 7, producing eruptions lasting up to three minutes and sending water as high as 30 feet into the air, similar to activity levels seen in 2017. Researchers said it is unclear whether the eruptions will continue into the busy summer season, noting that the geyser often becomes active for only a month or two before going quiet again.
Echinus is unusual because of its acidic water, a rare trait among geysers since acid typically erodes the rock that forms a geyser’s plumbing. Scientists said Echinus remains intact because its acidity is relatively mild, comparable to vinegar, and results from a mix of acidic gases and neutral water. Historically, the geyser erupted at regular intervals, sometimes soaking visitors, but activity became increasingly sporadic in recent years, with only a handful of eruptions recorded between 2018 and 2020.
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EPIC PASSES FOR 2026–27 GO ON SALE WITH DISCOUNTS TARGETING GEN Z
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Vail Resorts has put its 2026-27 Epic Pass products on sale, unveiling a pricing strategy aimed at attracting younger skiers and snowboarders by offering 20 percent discounts to those ages 18 to 30. The full Epic Pass is priced at $1,089 for adults over 30, a $38 increase from last year’s early bird price, while young adults and teens will pay $869. The Epic Local Pass is set at $809 for adults over 30 and $649 for 20 somethings and teens. Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz said the pricing reflects a long term effort to engage Gen Z, whom the company views as critical to the sport’s future but more limited in disposable income.
Early buyers will also receive 10 Epic Friends tickets offering 50 percent off lift tickets, and skiers who purchased lift tickets this season may qualify for additional discounts of up to $175 on select pass products. Katz, who returned as CEO last year after previously leading the company from 2006 to 2021, said the strategy is part of broader efforts to refresh the brand and build long term participation. Epic Pass prices typically increase later in the year, often around Memorial Day and again in September.
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BIG 12 DEBUTS LED GLASSFLOOR COURT FOR MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TOURNAMENTS
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The Big 12 Conference will introduce a full LED video court for both its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments this March, debuting the ASB GlassFloor during postseason play. The court, announced in February and unveiled publicly this week, allows for rapid graphic transitions and interactive features, including dynamic court designs, shot charts, immersive animations following key plays, and fan engagement elements during timeouts. Video shared ahead of the tournaments showed the surface shifting instantly between team specific branding and Big 12 tournament graphics.
While new to the conference, the GlassFloor technology has previously been used in EuroLeague competition and at the 2024 NBA All Star Game. The Big 12 women’s tournament begins March 4 and runs through March 8, with a potential March 9 final if BYU advances due to its policy against Sunday play. The men’s tournament follows from March 10 through March 14, featuring a conference that currently includes five teams ranked in the AP Top 25.
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WHY THE DENVER LAUNCH OF WAYMO ROBOTAXIS ISN’T DELAYED BY THE LACK OF SNOW
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Denver’s unusually low snow winter will not delay Waymo’s plan to begin offering robotaxi rides later this year because the company’s artificial intelligence system draws winter driving data from cities across the country that experienced heavier snowfall, company officials said. Waymo has been testing about a dozen autonomous vehicles in Denver since September with human safety operators onboard to help the system adapt to winter conditions that can interfere with sensors. Company officials said the “Waymo Driver” benefits from shared learning across its national fleet, including vehicles operating in snowier cities such as Minneapolis, Detroit and New York.
Colorado officials said the state will begin regulating Waymo once it starts carrying passengers, placing the service under Public Utilities Commission oversight that will require licensing, insurance and crash reporting. Consumer safety advocates have criticized Colorado’s relatively permissive approach to autonomous vehicle regulation, warning it provides less enforcement authority than states such as California. Denver transportation officials said Waymo is responsible for determining whether it has completed sufficient winter testing before launching passenger service, and no start date has been announced.
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ASPEN SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON GOLF CAMPUS FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
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The city of Aspen is launching a comprehensive facilities master plan for the Aspen Golf Club campus and is inviting residents to help shape future improvements through a public survey open through March 31. The plan will focus on improving and modernizing facilities that support golf, tennis and Nordic programs, while the golf course itself will remain unchanged. After nearly 30 years of use, the planning effort will evaluate campus buildings, operations, staff workspaces, programming opportunities and sustainability upgrades to guide reinvestment over the next several decades. Project goals include increasing operational efficiency, expanding programming, reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and providing adequate workspace and storage for staff and leaseholders.
City officials said the survey is designed to gather feedback on community experiences, priorities and expectations, and encouraged residents to visit the campus before responding. Following the survey period, the city will host a community town hall from 4 to 6 p.m. April 22 at the Aspen Golf Clubhouse to share initial findings and continue public discussion. To participate in the survey, visit aspencommunityvoice.com/aspen-golf-club-master-facilities-plan between March 1 and March 31.
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PITKIN COUNTY NAMES NEW MAROON BELLS SUPERVISOR
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Pitkin County has named longtime Open Space and Trails ranger Olivia Niosi as the new facilities and operations supervisor for the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, according to a county staff memo. The county-funded position is based in the White River National Forest and is intended to help manage the heavily visited area amid ongoing U.S. Forest Service staffing and funding challenges. Niosi has spent the past five summers as a seasonal ranger with Open Space and Trails and previously worked as a naturalist with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. County staff said Niosi’s familiarity with the area will support continuity, crew leadership and the visitor experience at the Bells. With her transition into the new role, Open Space and Trails is seeking to fill a seasonal ranger position and has a natural resources technician opening as well.
The county is also working with partners to bolster public lands staffing, including a new visitor information specialist position for the White River National Forest being recruited by the Forest Conservancy as part of a 30-week pilot program based at the reopened Aspen-Sopris Ranger District office in Carbondale.
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A STATE GRANT PROGRAM AIMS TO HELP COLORADO COMMUNITIES REIN IN HUMAN-BEAR CONFLICTS
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As reports of human bear conflicts reached a record high in 2025, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering $1 million in state grants to help communities reduce encounters driven largely by unsecured trash and other attractants. The program, created by state law in 2021, will award grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to local governments, nonprofits, homeowners’ associations, tribes, schools and businesses for projects that use proven, cost-effective methods to curb conflicts. Parks and Wildlife recorded 5,299 reports statewide in 2025, exceeding the seven-year average since tracking began, with about 67 percent tied to trash. The highest number of reports came from the southwest region around Durango and the northwest region including Pitkin, Eagle and western Garfield counties.
Colorado is home to an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 black bears, and conflicts tend to rise when natural food sources are limited. While most incidents did not result in bears being killed, wildlife officials said early reporting helps prevent escalation. The agency plans to seek stronger enforcement authority during the 2026 legislative session and is encouraging communities to apply for grants by May 29.
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MINI-FILM FEST EXPLORES EVERYDAY DEMOCRACY IN GRAND JUNCTIONMINI-FILM FEST EXPLORES EVERYDAY DEMOCRACY IN GRAND JUNCTION
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Rocky Mountain Public Media will host a Mini Film Fest on Wednesday, March 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Central Library, Mesa County Libraries, 443 N. 6th St. in Grand Junction, as part of its Everyday Democracy: Stories That Build Us series. The program features a collection of short documentaries examining identity, belonging, and civic life through personal stories, including This Is America, reflections on contemporary life across cities and small towns; MnM, a portrait of chosen sisters Mermaid and Milan in the drag ballroom community; In Your Opinion, Please, capturing live on air calls from Montana listeners sharing their views with Yellowstone Public Radio; La Orquesta, following Juana Alzaga as she builds Georgia’s first youth orchestra for immigrant families; and Classroom 4, set inside a prison classroom exploring the human cost of mass incarceration and the power of shared learning.
Following the screening, participants will gather for a facilitated conversation focused on access, community power, and who gets to belong and be heard. Sandwiches, salads, and drinks will be provided, with seating available on a first come, first served basis. The event is produced in partnership with Mesa County Libraries and in collaboration with the PBS documentary series POV and is part of Rocky Mountain Public Media’s Above the Noise civic dialogue initiative. To learn more, visit the link below.
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HILLTOP’S BRAIN INJURY SERVICES TO HOST 5TH ANNUAL “GUARDIANS OF THE ROADWAY” CAR SHOW
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Hilltop’s Brain Injury Services team will host its 5th Annual Car Show, themed “Guardians of the Roadway,” on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1405 Wellington Ave. in Grand Junction. The family-friendly event celebrates safety, community, and shared responsibility on the road while raising funds for Hilltop’s Brain Injury Services programs, which provide critical resources and support to individuals and families impacted by brain injury. Car enthusiasts from across the region are invited to showcase classic, custom, and specialty vehicles and compete for trophies, with show-car registration and donations benefiting the program.
The afternoon will feature music, food and drinks available by donation, a raffle with prizes, and activities for all ages, including a balloon artist and Matchbox cars. Participants will park in the west and east parking lots, while guests are asked to park across the street in the dirt lot. Community members are encouraged to attend, enjoy the cars, and learn more about Hilltop’s work supporting brain injury recovery and awareness. For more information, visit the link below or call 970-263-1760.
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PALISADE WEIGHING ITS OPTIONS WITH CONDEMNED COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING
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Palisade officials are weighing whether to renovate or demolish the nearly 80 year old Veterans Memorial Community Center after the building was condemned following a boiler failure. Town trustees held a public meeting to review the building’s history, condition and costs, hearing that the structure, built in 1947, does not meet current building or accessibility codes and contains asbestos. Estimates presented to the board put demolition at about $1 million, compared with nearly $4 million to renovate the building to meet modern standards, including Americans with Disabilities Act requirements such as an elevator. Some trustees said sentimentality should not outweigh practicality, while others expressed concern about spending limited funds on temporary fixes.
Members of the public suggested alternative locations for a new community center, including Peach Bowl Park, while representatives of the local American Legion said veterans felt excluded from the discussion. Trustees said any future plan should honor veterans while meeting broader community needs. No decision was made, and town leaders said further public input will be needed before determining the building’s fate.
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STATE OF THE CITY: “WE’RE AWESOME” — MONTROSE OFFICIALS HIGHLIGHT A BUSY 2025, PREVIEW THIS YEAR’S PLANS
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Montrose city leaders used their annual State of the City address to highlight a busy 2025 marked by major infrastructure investment, downtown revitalization and public safety initiatives, while outlining priorities for the year ahead. Officials pointed to the completion of the city’s “Year of Main Street” project, which invested about $9 million in water and sewer replacement, street resurfacing and accessibility improvements along the Main Street corridor. City staff also highlighted expanded downtown programming, new business openings and public art projects, including six new murals.
Looking ahead, leaders said a city owned childcare facility with 50 spots for infants through preschoolers is expected to open in mid April. Police Chief Blaine Hall cited concerns about juvenile gun violence and domestic violence, noting the creation of a Domestic Violence Task Force and new housing partnerships for victims. Finance officials said major capital projects, including a new public works facility estimated at more than $75 million, will rely on bonds and tax revenue largely generated by non residents, as Montrose does not levy a property tax.
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STEAMBOAT SKI & RESORT CORP. CLOSES ON DEAL TO PURCHASE RESORT GROUP
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Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. has completed its acquisition of Resort Group, a Steamboat Springs based property and rental management company, marking a strategic expansion into lodging and hospitality, according to a company news release. Resort Group manages more than 400 nightly rental properties and oversees 77 homeowners’ associations through entities including Mountain Resorts, Simply Steamboat and Steamboat Association Management. Ski Corp. officials said combining Resort Group’s local experience with the resort’s brand and systems will create a broader lodging platform benefiting guests, property owners, employees and the community.
Resort Group was incorporated in 1986, though its largest hospitality arm has operated in Steamboat Springs since 1976, and was founded with the goal of providing comprehensive property management services and stable local employment. Company leaders said Resort Group will continue operating under its existing structure and management team following the acquisition, positioning the combined operation to expand Ski Corp.’s presence in property management and nightly rental lodging while maintaining established relationships in the Steamboat market.
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NEW TAX DEDUCTION AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS
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The IRS is providing seniors with information and resources regarding the 2026 tax filing season. For eligible taxpayers aged 65 or older, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a temporary deduction of up to $6,000 ($12,000 for married couples filing jointly). The deduction begins to phase out when modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). It’s completely phased out when MAGI reaches $175,000 ($250,000 for joint filers). The deduction can be claimed whether you take the standard deduction or itemize deductions. The IRS tip sheet also includes information on the Earned Income Tax Credit and Social Security benefits. For details: https://bit.ly/4aI9aui
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TRUSTED FIDUCIARY LEADER JOINS ALPINE BANK WEALTH MANAGEMENT
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Alpine Bank Wealth Management (ABWM) is excited to announce that Lorni Sharrow has joined the organization as vice president and senior fiduciary officer. Sharrow brings nearly three decades of experience in trust and estate law, fiduciary administration, mediation, and nonprofit leadership. A fifth-generation Coloradoan, she has spent her career advising families and organizations on complex legal, financial, tax, and legacy matters. In her role, Sharrow works closely with ABWM colleagues on trust and estate administration and fiduciary matters, with a focus on carrying out trust intent and balancing beneficiary needs with applicable trust and tax law.
Before joining ABWM, Sharrow practiced as a trust and estate attorney, served as a mediator, and held leadership roles at the University of Denver. Sharrow earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She remains active in her community through ongoing board service and volunteer work. Alpine Bank Wealth Management is proud to welcome Sharrow to the team. Learn more about Sharrow and Alpine Bank Wealth Management at the link below.
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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME 2026: WHEN CLOCKS SPRING FORWARD
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As winter gives way to spring, most of the United States will once again adjust to daylight saving time, a seasonal shift designed to extend evening daylight but often accompanied by short term sleep disruption and renewed debate about its value. The practice has been part of U.S. timekeeping for more than a century, shaped by energy concerns, transportation needs, and evolving public health research, and it continues to affect daily routines for millions of people each year.
- When it starts — Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks move forward one hour and sunrise and sunset occur later.
- When it ends — Clocks will “fall back” one hour on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, returning most of the country to standard time.
- Who does not observe it — Hawaii and most of Arizona do not follow daylight saving time, nor do U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Why it exists — Congress introduced daylight saving time in 1918 during World War I to conserve energy, later standardizing its use nationwide through the Uniform Time Act of 1966 while allowing states to opt out.
- Health effects — Research has linked the springtime change to short term increases in sleep problems, traffic accidents, heart attacks, and strokes, particularly in the days immediately following the shift.
- How to prepare — Sleep experts recommend gradually moving bedtimes earlier, getting morning sunlight, and limiting caffeine and evening screen use before and after the change.
- Future of the time change — Proposals to eliminate seasonal clock changes or make daylight saving time permanent have gained attention in recent years but have not yet been enacted nationwide.
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MARKET UPDATE - 03/03/2026 Close
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(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
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Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
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Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
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30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 02/26/2026)
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*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
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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.
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