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Colorado - Wed. 05/06/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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COLUMBINE HEALTH SELLS 8 COMMUNITIES TO HEALTHCARE REIT
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Columbine Health Systems has sold eight Northern Colorado senior-living communities to National Health Investors Inc., effective May 1, with Generations LLC named as manager. Terms were not undisclosed. The sale includes four independent-living communities: The Worthington and The Winslow in Fort Collins, The Wexford in Loveland, and The Windsor in Windsor. The transaction also includes two patio-home communities — Columbine Patio Homes in Fort Collins and Westwood Patio Homes in Windsor — as well as two assisted-living communities: New Mercer Commons Assisted Living in Fort Collins and Lakeview Commons Assisted Living in Loveland. Columbine said Generations shares its values and will prioritize a seamless transition. The sale follows other recent divestments by Columbine, including regional property sales in December and ancillary business sales on March 31.
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BOATING, WATER SKIING COULD FACE MAJOR IMPACT FROM LOW WATER LEVELS THIS SUMMER
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Front Range reservoirs are starting the season low and that could limit boating and water skiing this summer. Boyd Lake in Loveland is at roughly one third of capacity. CPW says the Heron Cove boat ramp is closed and all vessels must launch from the main ramp, and if needed officials would limit the number of boats launched for safety rather than close boating entirely. Cherry Creek Reservoir did not refill last year and begins 2026 low. Expected evaporation of about 3 vertical feet plus low snowpack could force ramp closures or boating limits depending on precipitation. Barr Lake started the season full so closures are unlikely until July or August, and Chatfield is expected to see few impacts after a 2020 expansion raised its full level by 12 feet. CPW warns of low water hazards — sandbars, rocks, stumps and debris — and urges slower speeds and vigilance.
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AS COLORADO GAS PRICES NEAR $4.50 PER GALLON, DRIVING TO WORK IS LIKE TAKING A PAY CUT
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Rising fuel costs are pinching Colorado workers, contractors and small businesses. The state average for regular gas was $4.44 on Monday, about 16 percent higher than a month ago, 45 percent higher than a year ago and 51 percent higher than before the war that followed U.S. strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Rideshare driver Kareem Sawadogo says a fill-up jumped from about $40 to more than $65, forcing some drivers to cut hours. Lyft and Uber added short-term relief and fuel discounts that expire May 26. Diesel averaged $5.51, up from $3.33 a year ago, worsening strains on truckers amid a third year of freight recession. Prices vary regionally with Vail at $4.70 and Durango at $4.27. Officials warn higher fuel and insurance costs are effectively reducing take-home pay.
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NEW CASTLE RIDES INTO TRAIL TOWN STATUS
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The International Mountain Bicycling Association has awarded New Castle a Trail Town designation in recognition of years of work by town officials, volunteers and trail advocates. The Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association and Colorado Mountain Bike Coalition say the honor reflects expanded trail miles, inclusive access for hikers, bikers, horses and e-bikes, and improvements to infrastructure such as parking and signage. Volunteers and professional builders have developed routes including the Burning Mountain Loop (rated double-black for difficulty), and stewardship remains largely volunteer driven despite nearly nine years of paid seasonal trail staff across the region. Organizers cite IMBA best practices, upcoming volunteer stewardship days and ongoing efforts to secure licenses for trails on BLM and private land.
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- GS Post Independent, 05.04.26
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COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ANNOUNCES OUTDOOR EQUITY GRANT FUNDING
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife has opened applications for its Outdoor Equity Grant Program to expand outdoor access for underserved youth and families, accepting requests from April 30 to June 2 for projects that “help instill a sense of wonder, excitement and responsibility for the environment in Colorado youth.” Grants will award up to $100,000 per project to support environmental learning, outdoor education and pathways into conservation careers. Awards will be announced in November. Since the program began four years ago, more than $8.5 million from the Colorado Lottery has funded efforts that have provided outdoor experiences to an estimated 80,000 Coloradans. Applicants can join a virtual Q&A on May 8 at 10 a.m. and sign up via CPW.State.co.us/outdoor-equity-grant-program.
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IMPORTANT WATER RIGHTS PROTECTED BY CONSERVATION OF GUNNISON COUNTY RANCH
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Colorado West Land Trust announced a conservation easement on nearly 500 acres of Buck Creek Ranch along Hwy. 133 between Paonia Reservoir and McClure Pass that will keep the property in livestock grazing and hay production in perpetuity while protecting senior water rights and wildlife habitat. About 182 acres are irrigated using senior rights from East Muddy Creek, Buck Creek and tributaries, which sustain agriculture and create seasonal wetlands for birds and other species. The ranch’s ponds, riparian corridors and migration routes support elk, mule deer, moose, black bear and mountain lion, and connect to adjacent national forest and the Raggeds Wilderness. Conserving the property also preserves scenic views along the West Elk Scenic Byway.
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- GJ Daily Sentinel, 05.04.26
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PARKS, WILDLIFE COMMISSION TO MEET IN GJ
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The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will meet at the Grand Junction Convention Center on Wednesday and Thursday, convening at 8 a.m. each day and running into the afternoon. The meeting is open to the public except for any executive sessions and can be viewed live on Parks and Wildlife’s website. A general public comment period is scheduled for Thursday from 10:55 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. In-person commenters must sign up at a registration table.
Among agenda items, the commission will consider adoption of big game limited license numbers Wednesday at about 10:30 a.m., and on Thursday will receive a wolf program update at 8:05 a.m., hear a prairie dog conservation briefing at 9:20 a.m., get a 10-year strategic plan presentation at 1:25 p.m., and review 2027 OHV trail grant funding recommendations at 1:45 p.m. Times are approximate and Parks and Wildlife warns that high attendance may limit opportunities for public comment. The agency encourages online comments via its Engage page at engagecpw.org/pwc-public-comment.
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- GJ Daily Sentinel, 05.03.26
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MID-YEAR WEST SLOPE WATER SUMMIT IS MAY 19
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Montrose County will host a free Mid-Year West Slope Water Summit on Tuesday, May 19 at the Montrose County Event Center from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast is included and registration is required. Speakers include Commissioner Sue Hansen, the Colorado River District with a hydrology update on snowpack, runoff forecasts, reservoir storage and drought outlook, Steve Pope of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association on local agricultural water issues, and Scott Murphy of the City of Montrose on BREEN and water-wise landscaping. The summit invites community members, industry leaders and water users to hear expert insight and discuss regional water solutions. Register at westslopewatersummit.com.
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- Montrose Press, 05.04.26
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STARTING CANNON SET TO IGNITE 20TH ANNIVERSARY FOR 12 HOURS OF MESA VERDE
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The 12 Hours of Mesa Verde returns to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds this Saturday, May 9, for its 20th edition, a sun‑up to sundown mountain‑bike endurance race over a 16.4‑mile loop at Phil’s World that draws riders from across the Western U.S. The event raises funds for local youth organizations including Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, Good Sam’s Food Pantry and the Pinon Project. The cannon fires at 7 a.m. as competitors start in waves and teams hand off a clothespin baton after each circuit. The Fairgrounds will host Cap’s Kids Races and packet pickup is Friday, May 8, noon to 9 p.m. at Kokopelli Bike and Board in Cortez. Volunteer coordinator Ginny McDonald said community volunteers keep the event running. More information and volunteer roles are at 12hoursofmesaverde.com.
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- Durango Herald, 05.04.26
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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS SEES MARCH SALES-TAX REVENUES DROP 12%
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The preliminary March report for the city of Steamboat Springs shows combined sales, use, accommodation and short-term rental tax revenue fell 12.37 percent from March 2025, a decline of about $667,000, leaving year-to-date collections down roughly $884,000 and about 5 percent below projections that had assumed a 1 percent decline from 2025. Major sector drops included liquor and marijuana at about 25 percent, sporting goods 19 percent, lodging 20 percent, restaurants 14 percent and utilities 6 percent. Accommodation tax revenue fell 18 percent, and short-term rental tax collections dropped nearly 20 percent, about $675,000. Building use tax plunged almost 77 percent year over year, with officials noting use-tax can swing with development activity. For more information on city taxes, visit SteamboatSprings.net/119/Municipal-Tax.
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- Steamboat Today, 05.04.26
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ARAPAHOE BASIN TO REOPEN FOR ONE MORE WEEKEND OF SKIING & RIDING
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Arapahoe Basin extended its season, announcing on May 2 that closing day will be pushed to Sunday, May 10 after receiving about 14 inches of snow the prior week. The resort had planned to close May 3 but will now be closed Monday, May 4 through Thursday, May 7 and reopen Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10. Lift tickets are $39 through closing day, and both the 2026-27 Ikon Pass and A-Basin season pass will be valid for the extra weekend. Black Mountain Express and Lenawee Express will operate regular additional weekend hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), and live music by Moonstone Quill is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
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THESE ARE THE HIRING HOT SPOTS WHERE COLLEGE GRADS ARE LANDING GOOD JOBS
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A new ADP analysis reported by the Wall Street Journal finds that several fast-growing Sunbelt and second tier metros are the best places for recent college graduates to land degree level jobs, weighing hiring activity, wages and affordability to produce an overall ranking; Birmingham, Ala., tops the list, followed by Tampa, with other high scorers including San Jose, Columbus and Raleigh — the results show that strong early career prospects are unevenly distributed and often concentrated where healthcare, tech and research employers are hiring.
- Birmingham, Ala.: Overall leader. ADP’s metrics place Birmingham at the top for 20-somethings with college degrees, reflecting solid hiring activity tied to regional research and healthcare employers.
- Tampa, Fla.: Southern growth hub. Tampa ranks near the top as a fast-growing Sunbelt metro where entry level hiring and affordability combine to favor new graduates.
- San Jose, Calif.: High wages, mixed affordability. San Jose scores highly overall despite high living costs, showing that strong wage levels can still produce a top ranking for landing degree-level roles.
- Columbus, Ohio: Unexpected strong performer. Columbus earned a top five score this year, illustrating that markets outside the Sunbelt can offer competitive early career opportunities when hiring and cost factors align.
- Raleigh, N.C.: Tech and health concentration. Raleigh’s mix of technology, health and finance employers helps sustain above average hiring for recent grads, keeping it among the most promising launchpads.
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- Wall Street Journal, 05.03.26
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WHILE GROWTH SLOWS STATEWIDE, SMALL TOWN POPULATIONS IN COLORADO BOOM
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Colorado’s statewide population growth slowed to 0.4 percent last year, yet several small Front Range and Plains towns are posting double digit gains driven largely by new housing developments. Local officials and residents praise added housing supply but worry about water sufficiency, strained services and infrastructure as builders such as LGI Homes expand projects from Berthoud and Bennett to proposed annexations like North Tree in Calhan.
- Statewide growth: 0.4 percent (2025)
- Elizabeth: grew from about 1,300 (2018) to roughly 3,000 (2024)
- Berthoud: rose from about 8,000 (2018) to about 13,000 (2024)
- Bennett: increased from under 3,000 (2020) to nearly 4,000 (most recent estimate); Bennett Ranch is an LGI Homes project
- Calhan: current population about 760; proposed North Tree annexation would add about 475 single family homes with lot sizes under 8,000 square feet and two neighborhood parks; LGI Homes is listed as a buyer in title documents
- Regional housing need: El Paso County/Colorado Springs assessment shows a shortfall of 7,585 housing units, about 6,000 of which should be for sale
- Local fiscal and resource concerns: Calhan saw a 20 percent decline in sales tax revenue from 2022 to 2024; town leaders are pursuing an annexation impact report and discussing a 300-year water sufficiency rule for new projects
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- Denver Gazette, 05.03.26
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MARKET UPDATE - 05/05/2026 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 04/30/2026)
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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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