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Colorado - Wed. 05/21/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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BOBBY STUCKEY OF BOULDER'S FRASCA FOOD & WINE EARNS JULIA CHILD AWARD
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Awards have been abundant for Frasca Food and Wine and its founders, Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan McKinnon-Patterson, since the Boulder restaurant’s launch in 2004. The James Beard Foundation has been particularly generous (Frasca is a finalist in this year’s Outstanding Restaurant category and has won three previous awards), and there is also the Michelin star it received in 2023 and 2024. But a new honor is giving Stuckey a chance to not just accept an accolade for himself and his restaurant, but to use his prominence in the hospitality industry to help first-generation college students pay for their education.
On Friday, May 16, Stuckey was named the 11th recipient of the Julia Child Award, given out annually by the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts in Santa Barbara, California, to an “individual or team who has made a profound and significant difference in the way America cooks, eats, and drinks.” The award comes with a $50,000 grant, which is donated to a food- or education-based organization selected by the winner. Stuckey and his wife, Danette, are using the monetary award to fund the Bobby and Dannette Stuckey Endowed Scholarship for students at the School of Hospitality at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Stuckey’s alma mater. The scholarship provides funding to NAU hospitality students who are the first in their family to attend college and who maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.
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'SESAME STREET' SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH NETFLIX
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“Sesame Street,” the 56-year-old institution of children’s television, has signed a new distribution deal with Netflix, as well as a separate deal with PBS, the show announced on Monday. That means new episodes of “Sesame Street” will now be available to the more than 300 million subscribers of Netflix, giving the program significantly more reach than in the past. New episodes will also be available on PBS the day they are released on Netflix, the first time in roughly a decade that the public broadcaster will have access to brand-new “Sesame Street” content. The new agreements will go into effect later this year.
The deal is a much-needed shot in the arm for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit that produces “Sesame Street” and has been in the throes of a financial crisis. Sesame Workshop laid off about 20 percent of its staff this year after several grants dried up, and, more significantly, it confronted a significant loss in revenue with the expiration of its current distribution deal, a lucrative contract with HBO.
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TORNADOES THAT HIT BENNETT, ELBERT COUNTY WERE RATED EF2
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Two tornadoes that tore across parts of Adams, Arapahoe and Elbert counties on Sunday, leaving dozens of destroyed or damaged buildings in their wake, were rated EF2, National Weather Service meteorologists said Tuesday. The ratings of two other confirmed tornadoes on the Eastern Plains remain unknown. All four tornadoes hit between 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday. EF2 tornadoes reach wind speeds between 111 mph and 135 mph and are marked by “considerable damage." Damage often includes roofs torn off of well-constructed homes, buildings shifting on their foundations, destroyed mobile homes, cars tossed across long distances, and snapped or uprooted trees.
In the last 30 years, Colorado has seen an average of 45 tornadoes a year. Only 2.9 percent of those have been ranked EF2, and fewer than 1 percent were ranked EF3. That’s fewer than two per year. The last time multiple strong tornadoes hit Colorado on the same day was on Aug. 8, 2023, when an EF3 and two EF2 tornadoes touched down on the Eastern Plains.
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LOW SNOWPACK LEADING TO AN EARLY, AND VERY LOW, PEAK RUNOFF FOR THE ROARING FORK RIVER
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The central mountains of Colorado, including Aspen, are currently experiencing a snowpack that is only 42 percent of the seasonal average, a dramatic shortfall that is already producing consequences for river flows, drought conditions, and fire risk across the region. Meteorologist Kris Sanders with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction confirmed the snowpack is not only low, but melting rapidly. “We peaked at pretty close to normal, around 80 percent, but normally we see the snowpack last a little longer,” he said. “It has been melting quicker.” The zero snow water equivalent is projected by the end of May. In other words, there soon won’t be any water content left in the central mountains’ snowpack. He added that the central mountains are forecast to remain abnormally dry, with moderate drought conditions likely persisting through the summer. “The further west you go on the I-70 corridor, the more severe or extreme drought conditions we are expecting.”
Current Roaring Fork River flows at Glenwood Springs are around 900 cubic feet per second (cfs) due to recent cold. The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center expects peak flows to reach 2,000 cfs within 10 days, a steep drop from the usual 6,000 cfs typically seen in early June. In terms of fire risk, drought conditions increase vulnerability across the landscape. The highest fire danger this season is predicted to be further south, especially in the San Juan Mountains. Residents are encouraged to visit aspenfire.com for information on how to improve wildfire preparedness at the household and community level.
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30 ROARING FORK HIGH SCHOOLERS RECEIVE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS
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The Aspen Flight Academy's high school program announced on Monday that thirty Roaring Fork Valley students have been awarded scholarships. The aviation program at Aspen High School is one of very few aviation schools available to high school students across the country. Students in seventh grade can begin taking classes on aviation. By the time they are in ninth grade, they can begin logging time in the air, primarily at the Aspen Airport. This scholarship opens up that opportunity for students from Rifle to Aspen. “Our mission for students is to be able to give these students, who would love to be a pilot and get into the aviation industry, the opportunity,” said Jeff Posey, chairman on the flight school board of directors. “It is an expensive industry to get into, though, expensive job training. So, we give scholarships to do that.”
Posey estimates the rough cost of the instruction to be around $30,000. Each year, there are about 15 to 18 Aspen Flight Academy high school students who receive their private pilot’s license. From there, they can begin flying through private lessons. Many students take their education further and some graduates fly commercially. One student, Nick Belinski, is now a Top Gun flight instructor in the U.S. Army.
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MESA COUNTY STILL BELOW AVERAGE ANNUAL PRECIPITATION
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Despite weekend storms that dropped around a quarter inch of rain around the valley, Mesa County remains significantly behind average precipitation totals for this time in May. The storm even dropped snow in higher elevations above 9,000 or 10,000 feet. The rain also came with temperatures about 10 degrees below normal for this time of the year. Snowpack statewide is below average at 55 percent of the median. The Colorado Headwaters River Basin, which covers Mesa County and portions of the high country, was slightly ahead of the state at 58 percent of median. Even with the weekend rain, Mesa County is about a quarter of an inch behind the average for this time in May. Annually the area has seen 1.2-inches of precipitation, compared to the 3.5-inch annual average for this time of year. Temperatures will begin to rise though the rest of the week nearing 90-degree Fahrenheit this weekend.
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CHIPETA ELEMENTARY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW PLAYGROUND AFTER $550K GRANT
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A group of Chipeta Elementary School students grabbed shovels last Friday evening and broke ground on what will soon be the new Chipeta Community Park. The project will move forward this summer thanks to a $550,000 grant from the Colorado Health Foundation along with $89,000 in in-kind city of Grand Junction demolition and site prep work, Mesa County Valley School District 51 earthwork and site preparation, a $10,000 grant from the Western Colorado Community Foundation, and a $3,500 art and mural grant from the city.
The project will see a turf field installed along with various forms of playground equipment, more places for shade, more trees, picnic tables, a better basketball court, a Blue River Path to serve as a race track and a path for students with unfocused energy, and murals by local artists lining the walls of the playground. Additionally, as construction takes place over the summer, a time capsule will be buried featuring memorabilia from the school. The capsule will be unearthed in 20 years.
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DURANGO POLICE NAB IRWIN, A KANGAROO, FOR SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR
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For the second time in less than a year, the Durango Police Dept. captured a pet kangaroo that escaped its confines and went for an early-morning hop through a downtown neighborhood. Irwin, the red kangaroo, was reported on the lam shortly before 6:30 a.m. Monday near East Second Avenue and College Drive – “about where it was the last time we dealt with it,” said Cmdr. Nick Stasi. “Somebody driving by saw the kangaroo near the street, and they were concerned for its safety, so they gave us a call.” Officers last dealt with Irwin in September, when he led police on a pursuit through the same neighborhood. While officers may have doubted the reporting party’s veracity eight months ago, this time they had no reason to second-guess the eyewitness’ account. “Our officers, kind of knowing a little bit of the backstory and just the uniqueness of the kangaroo, were very excited to go find this thing again and rescue it one more time,” Stasi said.
Officers’ biggest concern was keeping Irwin safe, especially making sure he didn’t get hit by a car. It is legal to own red kangaroos, but with pet ownership comes certain responsibilities, he said. It was not immediately known how Irwin got loose. It is believed he escaped through an open or unlocked door. No citations were issued. Irwin, named after Steve Irwin – aka ‘the Crocodile Hunter’ – was taken to the La Plata County Humane Society. He was picked up later that day by his owners. No officers were scratched or injured.
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AFTER A NEARLY THREE-YEAR CLOSURE, THE EAGLE POOL HAS A REOPENING DATE
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Eagle’s new pool is opening on Thursday, June 5. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m., and the doors will open to the public at noon. Pool passes went on sale May 19, and are available for in-person purchase at the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink, the Gypsum Recreation Center, and the Edwards Field House. The overhaul of the community pool is a collaborative effort between the town of Eagle, Mountain Recreation and a $500,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado.
The $13 million project includes:
- Nearly double the water surface area with a zero-depth leisure pool and a separate six-lane lap pool
- Four new family changing rooms
- Two new water slides
- Shade structures and new lounge chairs
- The return of Willy the Frog, plus basketball, ziplines, water play features and more
The original Eagle Pool closed in 2022 following the discovery of significant water loss. A third-party assessment found the pool was settling in the northwest end, compromising filtration and preventing proper chemical treatment, ultimately failing to meet health code requirements. Construction on the new pool began on May 9, 2024. Mountain Rec is continuing to hire lifeguard positions for the summer with pay starting at $20.50 per hour for certified lifeguards. You must be at least 15 years old to become a lifeguard. Mountain Rec will provide training opportunities throughout the summer. For hours of operation, lifeguard training, swim programs and more information, visit MountainRec.org.
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YAMPA VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 'GROW YOUR OWN' EDUCATOR FUND
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The Yampa Valley Community Foundation has launched the “Grow Your Own” Routt County Educator Advancement and Recruitment Fund to strengthen local schools by recruiting and retaining top educators. Backed by an anonymous $50,000 gift, the fund will provide grants to address staffing shortages and support current school employees seeking further education or credentials. All five public school entities in Routt County, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, South Routt, North Routt Community Charter and Steamboat Montessori, are collaborating on the fund, which aims to address workforce challenges exacerbated by financial pressures and the housing crisis.
Donations made by Aug. 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000, doubling the impact of community contributions. The fund supports a variety of professional development opportunities, from helping paraprofessionals become licensed teachers to assisting current educators in earning specialized degrees. Recipients must commit to three years of service in their district, ensuring long-term benefits for local schools. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online or by mail to YVCF. Details on how staff can apply for grants will be shared by school districts later this summer. For more information or to donate, visit yvcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.
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FRISCO & DILLON MARINAS PREPARE TO OPEN
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The Frisco Bay Marina and Dillon Marina will open May 23 and 24, respectively, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The Frisco marina will offer various equipment rental options, and the Island Grill restaurant on site will open Friday as well. The marina will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours starting June 28. Rental options available starting Friday at Frisco include captained pontoon boat tours, powerboats, fishing boats and paddle sports equipment, including kayaks, canoes and pedal boats. Stand-up paddleboards will be available to rent starting June 13. The marina will not rent them until then due to safety concerns about cold water temperatures. Guests can make rental reservations online at FriscoMarina.com or by phone at 970-668-4334. The locals appreciation program will run June 2-26 and Sept. 1 through Oct. 9, offering Summit County residents discounts on rentals.
Online bookings for Dillon’s boat, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals are now available. Boat tours and sailing lessons cannot yet be booked. The Frisco public boat ramp will open Friday, too, along with the retail stores at the marina. The Island Grill at Frisco will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
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NFL VOTED TO LET PLAYERS INTO THE OLYMPICS
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The NFL just made a decision that could electrify world sports. With flag football set to debut at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, NFL owners on Tuesday approved a proposal that will allow the league’s biggest stars to represent Team USA. The prospect of adding some of America’s most popular athletes to the Summer Games would represent an injection of star power not seen since Michael Jordan and the Dream Team demolished all comers at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Which NFL players will actually fit best on an American flag football roster? It turns out that settling on a starting lineup may prove trickier than winning the gold medal—and that’s especially true because of the Olympic rules.
Typically, at world championships, a flag football team has 12 players, with five on the field at any one time. For the 2028 Games, however, roster sizes are limited at 10—eliminating any wiggle room. For the U.S., that means versatility is key. Flag football also prioritizes different skills than the version of the sport we all know and love. There’s no place for hulking linemen or ginormous run-stuffers. And since flag is no contact, cornerbacks who thrive by jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage would be as out of place as a tackling dummy. The field dimensions change the game, too. On a field that’s only 50-by-25 yards, players have far less room to operate.
The Wall Street Journal came up with its own dream team:
- Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Running Back: Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
- Wide Receivers: Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State Buckeyes)
- Center: Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Defensive Backs: Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars), Cooper DeJean (Eagles), Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston Texans), Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore Ravens)
- Pass Rusher: Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)
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COLORADO'S MEDIAN AGE IS NEARING 40 AND GETTING OLDER
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Everyone is getting older, of course. But for years, Colorado’s population was getting younger. As the state and its outdoor activities became a prime attraction for young professionals who moved here for a job and then started a family, a number of babies helped bring down the median age — at which half of the population is older and half is younger. But there are fewer babies being born and Colorado has seen migration into the state slow down. Also, long-time Coloradans are retiring and staying put. “It’s largely aging in place,” said Kate Watkins, the state demographer who took on the role in December. “And we’re seeing lower birth rates across counties. Some of our more rural counties tend to have, on average, slightly higher fertility rates than more metropolitan areas. But across the board, we’re aging in place.”
- According to U.S. census data, the median age in Colorado back in 1950 was 29.5, dropped to 27.9 in 1960 and fell even lower by 1970, to 26.2. It started heading up in the 1980s, getting above 29 years old. It’s now 38.5, according to the state demographer’s forecast, which is projected through 2050.
- In 1990, four out of six Denver metro counties (Broomfield didn’t become a county until 2001) were among the 20 youngest in the state, led by Adams County, ranked seventh at a median age of 31.7 years. El Paso County has remained one of the youngest for decades.
- By 2010, there were six in the youngest 20. Adams was the youngest county statewide, but even its residents had aged to a median age of 32.5 years.
- This year, five Denver-metro counties remained in the 20 youngest (Adams dropped to fourth and aged up to 36.1 years).
- For 2050, the forecast has just three Denver-metro counties in the youngest 20. Adams, the third youngest, is expected to celebrate a median age of 39.2 years.
- Nationwide, Colorado is nowhere near the oldest state. At a median age of 37.9 years old, Colorado finished in a three-way tie for 41st oldest in 2023. Or, on the flip side, tied for ninth youngest of all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Colorado is growing older at a much faster rate than most other states. That’s because there’s a greater population of residents aged 65 and older. Between 2010 and 2020, Colorado was the third-fastest aging state for the percentage increase in the population 65 years and over. During that decade, the population of Coloradans 65 and older rose 58.1 percent to 319,070 people. Only Alaska and Idaho grew at faster rates of 73.3 percent and 59.1 percent, respectively. The same age group nationwide increased 38.6 percent during the same period.
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MARKET UPDATE - 05/20/2025 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 05/15/2025)
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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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