|
Colorado - Tue. 07/14/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
|
|
View in Browser
|
|
|
| |
SIZE OF TWO NATIONAL MONUMENTS IN UTAH REDUCED BY 90% EACH
|
| |
|
|
| |
President Donald Trump on Monday sharply reduced the size of two national monuments in Utah, undoing protections established by his predecessors on public lands that are sacred among many Native Americans. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah have ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and scenic canyons, as well as coal and uranium deposits that state officials want made available for development. Trump issued proclamations under the Antiquities Act to reduce their size by about 90 percent each.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument, combined, spanned more than 3.2 million acres, an area nearly the size of Connecticut. The president reduced them Monday to less than 303,000 acres. Bears Ears was the first national monument created at the request of tribal nations that consider the land sacred. The landscape contains ancestral villages, ceremonial and burial sites and features in some tribes’ creation and migration stories. Its designation honored five tribes in the region — Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Ute Mountain Ute and Uintah-Ouray Ute. Home to hundreds of thousands of objects of cultural and scientific significance, Bears Ears is jointly managed by an agreement between tribal nations and federal agencies. Grand Staircase-Escalante consists of cliffs, canyons, natural arches and archaeological sites, including rock paintings. It holds large coal reserves, while the Bears Ears area has uranium.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
THIS LOCAL MARKET NAMED BEST GROCERY STORE IN COLORADO
|
| |
|
|
| |
A Fort Morgan market in its fourth generation of family ownership was named the best grocery store in Colorado by a food and recipes website. Edwards Right Price Market, 1201 E. Platte Ave., took home the honor from Lovefood.com, which made a pick for the best grocery store in every state in the U.S. The choices ranged from single shops, like Edwards, to multistate chains, and was based on a combination of staff experiences, customer reviews, and other awards and accolades. The Edwards family has operated a market in Fort Morgan for more than 90 years, expanding its footprint and updating its offerings during that time.
“The unassuming store, here since 1933, has a fantastic meat counter with ready-to-cook options such as bacon-wrapped chicken and marinated pork,” Lovefood.com wrote. “There’s also a deli, bakery, locally grown fruit and vegetables, and a fabulous florist, while display boards tell the story of how the store came to be.” Earlier this year, an American Consumer Satisfaction Index survey showed what consumers thought of large national chains.
Here are results for the nine chains operating already in Colorado, along with Aldi, which has plans to open 50 stores in the state over the next two years:
- Trader Joe's
- Sam's Club
- Aldi
- Costco
- Whole Foods
- Target
- Kroger (including King Soopers and City Market)
- Save A Lot
- Walmart
- Albertsons Companies (including Albertsons and Safeway)
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CARBONDALE MOUNTAIN FAIR SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
The 55th Annual Carbondale Mountain Fair will return during the final weekend of July, and organizers are seeking volunteers to help make the event a success. The Carbondale Arts event has relied on volunteers since “Mother of the Fair” Laurie Loeb brought a group of Carbondale community members together in 1972 to create a festival modeled after a traveling Chautauqua that had come through Carbondale the year before. Throughout the years, Mountain Fair has added events and fun activities including wheelbarrow racing, pie-eating contests, wood-splitting competitions, the greased pole climb and the drum circle. This year, music will be played by Velvet Daydream, Noodle Soup, Hand Turkey, Moontricks and more at the Oasis and the main stage at Sopris Park. The Kids’ Carnival and Cantina and Oasis Watering Hole will be open throughout the weekend. Vendors will also sell artwork, clothing, jewelry and other goods. For more information, visit carbondalearts.com.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
CITIZEN SCIENTISTS NEEDED IN SEARCH FOR BENEFICIAL BEETLE
|
| |
|
|
| |
RiversEdge West is looking for citizen-scientists to help it collect data for its river restoration research into the effects of the tamarisk beetle in the Grand Valley. Community members can aid in documenting this important biocontrol at RiversEdge West’s Beetle Blitz, on Thursday, July 16, in partnership with Colorado Mesa University and the Palisade Insectary. Tamarisk beetles are a biological control tool used to manage invasive tamarisk, which threatens rivers and riparian ecosystems across the West. The beetles feed exclusively on tamarisk, which helps native plants to recover. It was first released by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in 2001.
The event begins at the Confluence Center of Colorado, 2596 Dos Rios Dr. in Grand Junction, and will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants will head out into the field to collect valuable data on tamarisk beetles and river health. At the end of the day, the citizen scientist volunteers will submit their data and discuss the day’s findings with restoration experts. Breakfast, coffee and field equipment will be provided. Participants should wear sun-protection, closed-toe shoes, long pants and bring a reusable water bottle. The event is free, but advance registration is required at riversedgewest.org/get-involved/events/beetle-blitz-community-science-program.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
COLORADANS HIKING STATE'S ICONIC 14ERS TO MARK 150 YEARS OF STATEHOOD
|
| |
|
|
| |
Hikers from around the state will be climbing to the top of some of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks next month to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood. Half a century ago, Coloradans celebrated the state’s centennial with a similar event. This year’s 14er climbs are meant to carry that legacy forward, while highlighting the state’s history of outdoor recreation. The America 250 — Colorado 150 Commission, in partnership with the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, recently announced the event, which will take place on Colorado Day, Aug. 1.
Colorado Mountain Club is a partner helping to lead the Summit 2026 event. It has chosen experienced team leaders to guide the hikes of several of the state’s iconic 14,000-foot mountains, including on the Western Slope. Hikers will be evaluated by experience level to ensure that participants are matched to a mountain that meets their skill level. Interested climbers can apply to join a Summit 2026 team through Colorado Mountain Club. Register for your specific peak at CMC.org.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS CHAMBER ANNOUNCES ANNUAL NAVIGATOR AWARD WINNERS
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Steamboat Springs Chamber announced its 2026 Navigator Award winners and 20 under 40 honorees on Thursday. The annual awards honor chamber members who “lead the way in internal policy, community contribution and economic development.”
The four Navigator Awards winners are:
- iFurnish for Business of the Year
- Scott Yeates of Mythology Distillery for Business Leader of the Year
- Tim Wohlgenant of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation for Nonprofit Leader of the Year
- Meg Franges of First Impressions of Routt County for Young Professional of the Year
The 20 under 40 award winners are:
- Abbey Foriger of The Foraged Voice
- Alexis Saltrese of The Common Bar
- Alice Butler of Discovery Learning Center
- Brandon Marr of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Steamboat
- Cecilia Morter of Steamboat Springs Chamber
- Cody Mertens of Christy Sports
- Emily Osterman of BookTrails
- Hannah Erhart of Hannah the Birth Coach and Aces High Waste and Recycling
- Jacqui Hahn of Strawberry Park Elementary
- Katie Berning of Friends of the Yampa
- Kaylee Tully of Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty
- Keriann Beadnell of Steamboat Ski Resort
- Lauren Alkire of Yampa Valley Autism Program
- Matt Stonehill of SingleTrack Accounting and Stonehill
- Michael Fitz of Routt County
- Nia Tyson of Nia’s Babysitting
- Pamela Nebel of First Impressions of Routt County
- Reed Weatherholtz of Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Colorado
- Samuel Hahn of U.S. Forest Service, Hahns Peak/Bears Ears District
- Stosh Kopczynski of City of Steamboat Springs, Parks and Recreation
The awards ceremony is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 29 at Mythology Distillery. Advance registration is required at TinyURL.com/2zhr273z.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
STORM SEWER WORK FOR FRISCO EXIT 203 PROJECT TO BRING OVERNIGHT CLOSURE OF DILLON DAM ROAD
|
| |
|
|
| |
Construction on the Interstate 70 Exit 203 interchange project will include storm sewer work this week, bringing overnight ramp closures and detours for motorists traveling through Frisco. Crews are scheduled to work on the storm sewer in the evening Tuesday, July 14, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. During that time, the westbound I-70 off-ramp to Colorado Hwy. 9 at Exit 203 will be fully closed. Drivers will be detoured to Exit 201 at Frisco Main Street before returning eastbound on I-70 to access the Colorado 9 off-ramp. If asphalt is available, crews also plan to pave Dillon Dam Road Tuesday night. That work would require a full closure of the intersection of Hwy. 9 and Dillon Dam Road, with traffic detoured via 10 Mile Drive.
In addition to the closures, shoulder restrictions remain in place on both sides of the I-70 bridge at Exit 203 while bridge widening continues. Daytime work is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with overnight work from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. throughout the week. The Exit 203 project is expected to continue through fall 2027, with a winter shutdown planned. The project will reconfigure the interchange and surrounding roads, add a frontage road beneath Colorado Hwy. 9 to improve traffic flow and expand bicycle and pedestrian connections. More information is available at CODOT.gov/projects/i70-exit203-interchange-frisco.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
ALPINE BANK OPENS BENEFIT ACCOUNT FOR FIVE 'SNYDER FIRE' FIREFIGHTERS
|
| |
|
|
| |
Alpine Bank has established a dedicated benefit account to support the families of five firefighters impacted by the Snyder Fire in Mesa County. Three of the firefighters tragically lost their lives in the line of duty and two were critically injured. Alpine Bank is launching the effort with an initial $25,000 donation, to be split equally among the five families. The bank has a longstanding commitment to supporting the communities it serves, especially in moments of hardship.
“This hits close to home for all of us,” said Alpine Bank Regional President Tyler Dahl. “When something like this happens, you don’t hesitate. You show up. These firefighters were there for our communities and now it’s our turn to stand beside their families and support them however we can. That’s what neighbors do.” The benefit account is open for donations now through Aug. 31, 2026, with all funds going directly to the firefighters' families. Information on how to contribute can be found at alpinebank.com/snyderfire.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
VOLUNTEERS FOR OUTDOOR COLORADO’S CAIRN PROGRAM ACCEPTING STUDENT & MENTOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-27
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
The Cairn Program is an award-winning high school program that guides and challenges students to become caretakers of Colorado’s natural resources. Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is currently accepting both high school student and adult mentor applications now through July 31, 2026. Founded in 2008, the Cairn Program engages 20 students throughout the school year in monthly outdoor activities and stewardship projects across the Front Range. For more information and to apply as a student or mentor, visit voc.org/cairn-program.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
WILL COLORADO SEE ITS WORST WILDFIRE SEASON SINCE 2020?
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado is on track to see its worst wildfire season since 2020, when flames raced across nearly 1,163 square miles, but the start of monsoon season could dampen this year’s infernos. So far in 2026, fires have consumed more than 270,000 acres in Colorado, or 423 square miles. That’s bigger than all Colorado’s wildfires between 2021 and 2024 combined and more than half the acres burned in 2025. It’s only July.
- On average, since 2020, Colorado wildfires have burned roughly 58,000 acres by July 9. The state normally sees 17 “large” fires, or those that consume more than 100 acres in timber or 300 acres in grass. As of Thursday, it had reported 31 for 2026.
- Colorado wildfires consumed 355,232 acres in 2025, or 555 square miles
- 80,958 acres in 2024 or 126 square miles
- 40,996 acres in 2023 or 64 square miles
- 56,403 acres in 2022 or 88 square miles
- 56,056 acres in 2021 or 87 square miles
- 744,120 acres in 2020 or 1,163 square miles
Colorado’s three largest wildfires on record sparked in 2020:
- The 208,913-acre Cameron Peak fire
- The 193,812-acre East Troublesome fire
- The 139,007-acre Pine Gulch fire
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
ADVICE FOR HIGH-HEAT DAYS
|
| |
|
|
| |
As temperatures spike in Colorado with hotter weather, so does the rate of medical related visits to hospital ERs, urgent care, inpatient and outpatient clinics. During recent hot weather in mid-June heat-related illnesses made up 14 percent, or one in seven visits, to see a doctor. Some groups are especially vulnerable to the heat. That includes children, children with asthma, people with heart disease, pregnant persons, the elderly and laborers working outside. Folks are urged to keep an eye on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness, according to the Weather Service. It advises acting fast and moving to a cooler area, loosening clothes, sipping water and seeking medical help if symptoms don’t get better. Heat stroke is more serious and can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment isn’t given. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness or becoming unconscious. If someone has symptoms of heat stroke, the agency advises calling 911, moving the person to a cooler area, loosening clothing and taking off extra layers and cooling with ice or water.
The National Weather Service offered several key tips to stay safe:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in an air-conditioned room
- Stay out of the sun
- Check up on relatives and neighbors.
- Take extra precautions when outside.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
- Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Other health agencies also provided tips to avoid trouble from the toasty temps. Larimer County, for example, suggests:
- Dress for the weather: Lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is advised.
- Never leave kids or pets in cars: On a 90-degree day, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can hit 110 degrees in merely 10 minutes.
- Limit alcohol: It can make it more difficult for the body to regulate temperature.
- Protect your skin: Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARKET UPDATE - 07/13/2026 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 07/09/2026)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
*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. |
| © 2026 Alpine Bank. |
| |
|
|
