BLM HEAD DEFENDS MOVE OF HEADQUARTERS, STAFF OUT WEST

Acting Bureau of Land Management Director William Perry Pendley, speaking at the Society of Environmental Journalists annual conference in Fort Collins Friday, said moving the top executives of the BLM to locations in the West will make the staff more responsive to the public. It will make the agency "closer to the people, closer to the ground," said Pendley, a longtime Colorado resident.

VACATION HOMES DOMINATE RESORT MARKETS

Colorado has five counties where more than half of the homes are vacation properties, and the state’s vacation homes, those near ski resorts, are among the most expensive in the country, according to a new study from the National Association of Realtors. More than half the housing inventory in Pitkin, Jackson, Summit, Grand and Eagle counties are vacation properties. Only Nantucket and Dukes counties in Massachusetts and Cape May County in New Jersey have a higher percentage than the five Colorado counties. NAR defined a vacation-home county as one where 20 percent or more of the homes are used primarily for seasonal, recreational or occasional use.

TRIO AWARDED NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS

The Nobel Prize in economics was awarded Monday to a trio of U.S.-based economists, Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer, for their “experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.” Starting in the mid-1990s, the trio pioneered the testing of specific policies to improve educational outcomes and health, and address other problems associated with the lives of the very poor.

ASPEN NOW A ONE GAS STATION TOWN

The Conoco gas station at 232 E. Main Street in Aspen has closed in preparation for the development of a bank building on the site. The closing leaves the Shell gas pumps at the Local's Corner about a block away as the only gas station left in town. The next closest gas station is at the Aspen Business Center about three miles from downtown. Mike Haisfeld is the owner of both the Conoco and Shell stations in town as well as stations in Basalt and Carbondale, and he is considering implementing a loyalty program across all three stations.

SKICO HONORED WITH GOVERNOR'S MEDAL

On Oct. 12, the Governor's Leadership Celebration was held at History Colorado, and the Aspen Skiing Co. was awarded a Colorado Governor's Citizenship Medal for its role in the community. Skico was recognized for its work in the community that respects and nurtures "…the delicate balance between 'resort' and 'community.''' At the ceremony, the late Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was honored with the Colorado Mountain Leader award, and part-time Aspen resident Tim Gill received the Vanguard Legacy award.

GATHERING THE "GEESE" IN RIDGWAY

Last weekend was the Ouray County Railroad Days at the Ridgway Railroad Museum and the highlight of the weekend was the gathering of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad's retired Galloping Geese. The "gathering" included the RGS Goose No. 5 from Dolores, RGS Goose No. 4 from Telluride, the RGS Motor No. 1 and the replica of the RGS Model T Inspection Car. There were rides available on Numbers 1, 4 and 5 on Saturday and Sunday, as they are still operable. The museum has a half mile loop track on a 16 acre site located at 200 N. Railroad St.

DURANGO-LA PLATA AIRPORT PLANS UNVEILED

Officials of the Durango-La Plata County Airport hosted a public meeting Monday to present four options for the long-term development of the airport and receive community input on what residents want and need from the airport over the next 20 years. Four different options to bring the airport from its current 40,650-square-foot terminal with three gates to five full-sized gates properly supported by concessions and restrooms were presented. All the options would more than double the size of the terminal, with one option being to build a completely new 121,500-square-foot terminal adjacent to the current one.

RACHEL BROWN NEW DIRECTOR OF DURANGO TOURISM OFFICE

Rachel Brown, the marketing and communications director for the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefits District in San Francisco, has been selected to be the new executive director for the Durango Area Tourism Office. Brown was selected after an interview process of the five finalists by four different community panels, some 40 people from the community, tourism industry and other local organizations. The current interim director of DATO, Barbara Bowman, will work with Brown for about two weeks and then serve as a consultant when needed by DATO.

VAIL TOWN COUNCIL: APPEAL HEARING FOR BOOTH HEIGHTS TONIGHT

The Vail Town Council has scheduled four hours at its regular meeting tonight to hear appeals concerning the Vail Planning and Environmental Commission’s Aug. 26 approval of the Booth Heights housing proposal. The proposal approved by the Planning and Environmental Commission has 61 units on a 5.4-acre parcel just north of the East Vail interchange on Interstate 70. The units are a mix of 30 deed-restricted apartments, 19 deed-restricted for-sale townhomes and 12 free-market townhomes.

SPRING CREEK VILLAGE APARTMENTS IN GYPSUM TO START CONSTRUCTION

Almost a year after the Gypsum Town Council gave approval for a 282-unit project at Spring Creek Village site in Gypsum, financing has finally been secured and construction is slated to begin on the project. It is planned that 150 income-restricted units will be ready for occupancy by summer 2020. All of the phase 1 tenants must not earn more than 60 percent of the county's median family income. After the 150 phase 1 units are built, the remaining 132 units will include both open market and units with less restrictive income requirements.

HUGE WEEKEND IN SUMMIT: KEYSTONE AND A-BASIN BOTH OPEN FOR SEASON

On Friday, Keystone Resort announced it would open Saturday, its earliest opening day in at least 20 years. It was on target to be the first resort to open for the 2019-20 season in North America. Just two hours later, Arapahoe Basin said that not only would it also open Saturday, it would start running a lift at 3:30 p.m. on Friday to become the first to begin operations for the season. Although A-Basin did win the race to be first to open, a large crowd showed up at Keystone for the 8:30 a.m. start of the gondola.

GOVERNOR'S TOURISM CONFERENCE, 2019 AWARD WINNERS

More than 500 travel and tourism industry representatives and elected officials met in Denver Sept. 29-Oct. 1 for the 2019 Governor's Colorado Tourism Conference. At the annual awards dinner, Monday, Sept. 30 these individuals and organizations were honored:

• Colorado Tourism Office Board Chairman's Award: Barb Bowman, Visit Grand Junction
• Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative Award: Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival
• Outstanding Sustainability Initiative Project or Program: Vail Resorts' Commitment to Zero and the Hanging Lake Management Plan
• Governor's Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Colorado Tourism: Mary Ann Mahoney, CEO, Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Governor's Award for Outstanding Marketing Program: Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop marketing program
• Jack Snow Volunteer Award: William "Bill" Miller

BALLOON GLOW TO WARM UP DURANGO OCT. 18

As a kick-off to the Animas Valley Balloon Rally weekend, the Durango Business Improvement District invites community members to the Downtown Balloon Glow, Friday, Oct. 18, in the 500 block of Main Ave., in front of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot – weather permitting. The “glow” is scheduled between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., but attendees are advised to arrive around 6 p.m., to view the visually impressive inflation of the balloons. A family-friendly event, the Balloon Glow will feature four hot air balloons, plus four “candlesticks” – the baskets solely with the burners as traditionally seen in the Snowdown Parade. For additional information, visit DowntownDurango.org or call 970-375-5067. For information on the full balloon rally, visit the link below.

ALPACAS AT THE SILT LIBRARY

Alpacas will be visiting the Silt Branch Library’s patio for a special event as part of the library’s Explore Our Outdoors series. Come visit these furry friends from Silt’s very own Sopris Alpaca Boutique at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. In addition to petting the alpacas, you can learn about a day in the life of an alpaca, how their wool becomes yarn, and about the business of raising and caring for animals. This event is free and open to all. For more information call the library at 970-876-5500.

PURSEAPALOOSA SHOPPING EVENT

The Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital will be hosting a Purseapaloosa Shopping Event on Friday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Main Street Room in the Springhill Suites. Donations of new and gently used handbags/purses are being sought for the event. Donations can be dropped off at any Mesa County Alpine Bank until Wednesday, Oct. 23. Please contact Sandra Legg at 970-270-4593 with questions. Proceeds will benefit the St. Mary’s Fund and the Micah Montag Pediatric Campaign.

GHOST TOUR IS BACK IN GLENWOOD

The Glenwood Springs Historical Society is bringing back the popular Historic Ghost Walk through Linwood Cemetery in town this Halloween season. The Ghost Walk was discontinued last year, but will return with a new cast of characters in the cemetery portraying pioneers from the town's past. Tours are scheduled at 6:30, 7:15 and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26. Tickets are available at the link below.

CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF VAIL SKI SWAP WITH GOLDEN TICKET

The Vail Ski Swap will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The Ski Swap returns to the Dobson Ice Arena Oct. 25-27 and to celebrate its 50th year, the organizer of the Ski Swap, the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, in partnership with Alpine Bank, will hold a Golden Ticket giveaway for 50 kids. Through Oct. 21, any school-aged child up through high school can log on to http://www.VailSkiSwap.com and fill out an online form to enter the contest. At random, 50 young people will be selected to receive a $50 Golden Ticket, which can be applied to any purchase of youth ski and snowboard equipment at the swap.

BLACK CANYON BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

The Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club (BCBGC) in Montrose is a safe place where area youth ages 6-18 can go after school and during the summer to participate in programs and activities that help develop the assets needed to be caring, responsible members of the community. It also offers them an opportunity to develop friendships and relationships with a diverse group of individuals. BCBGC emphasizes positive values in the relationships members have with each other and with their adult leaders. It helps boys and girls make appropriate and satisfying choices in their physical, educational, personal, social, emotional, vocational and spiritual lives. For more information about BCBGC, visit them online at www.bcbgc.org.

ALPINE BANK REIMBURSES EAGLE & ROUTT COUNTY TEACHERS

Under its Teacher Reimbursement Program, Alpine Bank is reimbursing Eagle and Routt County School District teachers for up to $200 in school supplies purchased before Dec. 1, 2019. This program is open to all educators in the Eagle and Routt County school districts. You must have an existing Alpine Bank Liberty checking account with direct deposit, or open a new one, in order to qualify. Eagle County School District teachers with questions please contact Betsy Wood at betsywood@alpinebank.com or call 970-870-7424. Routt County School District teachers please contact Alice Klauzer at aliceklauzer@alpinebank.com or 970-871-1901. This program is made possible by Alpine Bank customers who use the Education Loyalty Debit Card. Last year alone in Eagle County Education Loyalty Card customers helped generate $25,860 in donations by the bank to support education. Routt County Education card users spurred Alpine to donate $7,700.

SUMMIT HIGH JAZZ BAND FUNDRAISER OCT. 16

The Dillon Dam Brewery hosts the Summit High Jazz Band for a fundraising performance Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 to 7 p.m. Plus it's Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. with half-price appetizers and $3 pints. Come a little early and take advantage of Happy Hour, get a good seat and support these great performers. To learn more, visit the link below, or call 970-262-7777.