COLORADO ECO-DEVO COMMISSION APPROVES FIVE PROGRAMS FOR INCENTIVES

The Colorado Economic Development Commission Thursday approved five programs for state job growth incentives tax credits. The largest of the programs approved was a Denver corporate travel management company. The company has some 200 workers in Denver and is considering relocating its headquarters to Dallas, Phoenix or Tampa. The commission approved up to $8.85 million in tax incentives for the addition of 1,739 jobs. A health care technology company received $2.1 million in job growth tax incentives tax credits for creating 298 new jobs. The commission also approved three smaller requests.

PASSENGERS RETURN TO DIA: REMOTE PARKING LOT WILL RE-OPEN FOR WEEKEND

With the decline in passenger numbers at Denver International Airport due to the pandemic, airport officials closed the remote parking lots. Then, as passenger numbers began to return, there were not enough drivers available for shuttle vans and the lots remained closed. Now, because of the crush of passengers on weekends, DIA is temporarily reopening the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot. Customers can park at the lot from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. After the lot closes Saturday, the shuttle service will continue from the terminal so customers can get to their vehicles. Passengers who plan to use the Pikes Peak Lot should allow an extra 45 minutes to get the terminal.

MESA AIR HAS PLANS TO DELIVER FOOD/DRINKS BY DRONES

Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group announced that it is planning to partner with Flirtey Inc. of Reno, Nev. to test home delivery of food and beverages via drones in Nevada by the end of this year. The regional carrier's plans come as big e-commerce players including Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google unit, as well as a number of startups, are pursuing drone delivery to household consumers. Mesa plans to test the use of drones, with four drones, with options for another 500 from Flirtey over the next four years to expand the service in the U.S. and to New Zealand.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL APPROVES WEST GLENWOOD ANNEXATION, REZONING

The long delayed and anticipated vote on the proposed rezoning and annexation of nearly 16 acres in West Glenwood, the 480 Donegan project, finally came to a vote at Thursday’s Glenwood Springs City Council meeting. The council voted 4-3 in favor of approving the annexation and rezoning. The developer, R2 Partners, reduced the proposal from 400 apartments to 272 housing units, including 40 for-sale townhomes, 13 live-in units and 220 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

VACCINATION PROOF REQUIRED FOR SOME VENUES, ACTIVITIES OF ASPEN SKIING CO.

The Aspen Skiing Co. announced Thursday that vaccinations will be required for all guests to enter SkiCo "owned and operated" hotels, full-service seated restaurants, Powder Tours and those instances where "prolonged close contact while unmasked might occur." Proof of vaccination will not be required for lift access, ski/snowboard lessons, market-style restaurants, rental shops or ticket offices. For those 12 and older, vaccination proof is showing an approved vaccine card, photograph of a vaccine card or an approved vaccine verification application along with proof of identity when entering or checking in to the restricted facilities or activities.

COLORADO SUPREME COURT DECLINES TO HEAR APPEAL TO REINSTATE TINA PETERS

The Colorado Supreme Court has declined to take up Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters’ appeal to reinstate her to oversee the county’s Nov. 2 election. Scott Gessler, a former Republican secretary of state, made the appeal representing Peters, arguing that the Mesa County District Court does not have the authority to remove or replace Peters or Deputy Clerk Belinda Knisley. The state Supreme Court, in a terse statement, said it would not accept jurisdiction in the matter.

BROADBAND, FIRE DISTRICT GET MINERAL LEASE FUNDING

The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District made its fall cycle of grants of mineral lease funds, with $350,000 going to the town of Collbran for the construction of a fiber optic broadband network to connect the Plateau Valley region with the Interstate 70 fiber optic access point near De Beque. The project provides broadband service to the area including Mesa, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Molina and Vega State Park. The second lease district grant award went to the East Orchard Mesa Fire Protection District, which was awarded a $50,000 mini grant for the purchase of a brush truck. For more information on the MCFMLD, eligibility for grants and grant cycles, go to mesafml.org.

MORE PARKING COMING TO MONTROSE AIRPORT

Passenger numbers are hitting record highs at the Montrose Regional Airport and earlier this month, the Montrose County commissioners approved $3.4 million to construct 570 new parking spaces at the airport. The contract for construction was awarded to Williams Construction, the company with the lowest bid. The commissioners hope for completion of the first phase of the project before the holiday season begins Dec. 14. The project will be completed in the spring. The commissioners also awarded a contract for designing a new stoplight near the airport entrance.

KEYSTONE OPENS TODAY

Keystone Resort will join Arapahoe Basin with an October opening. Keystone announced on social media Thursday that the resort will open 40 acres for skiing and snowboarding today, Friday, Oct. 22. Keystone will open at 9 a.m. with the Schoolmarm and Silverspoon runs, accessed by the River Run Gondola and Montezuma Express chairlift. Opening day events include a DJ on hand with free donuts and hot chocolate at the base of the River Run Gondola.

10 MOST-IN-DEMAND GREEN JOBS

CNBC Make It used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile its most in demand green jobs right now, with average salary:

1. Environmental specialist: $63,915
2. Civil engineer: $93,970
3. Environmental health and safety specialist: $94,129
4. Forester: $78,129
5. Environmental technician: $40,158
6. Solar photovoltaic installer: $63,200
7. Arborist: $77,322
8. Environmental manager: $72,301
9. Solar consultant: $109,191
10. Senior civil engineer: $93,003

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE AT THE SHERBINO IN RIDGWAY

Party with a purpose in celebration of the Ouray County Changemakers, topped off by a rockin’ dance party with the big sounds of The Saints! The event takes place Sunday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sherbino Theater in Ridgway. Come learn how leaders from a variety of organizations, including Second Chance and the Ouray Trails Group, and many others, have made our county the best…and how you can too! This event is inspired by the Plaindealer column “Joy of Purpose” by Jeff Pryor and Alex Mitchell and will feature numerous non-profit leaders from the community. This show is open to all ages, and is free of charge. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test (72 hours prior or less) is required for entry. The Sherbino Theater is located at 604 Clinton St. in the heart of downtown Ridgway. For more information, visit the link below or call 970-318-0892.

JOIN WSVC EVERY SUNDAY DURING FOOTBALL SEASON

Join the Western Slope Veterans Coalition every Sunday during football season! The facility is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 801 Colorado Ave., in Glenwood Springs. To learn more about the WSVC, visit online at westernslopeveterans.org or call 970-233-8735.