Estes Valley Voice Podcast

ESTES PARK — From thousands of yellow ducks floating down Fall River to residents gathering in Bond Park to pray for rain, this week reflected the strong sense of community that continues to define Estes Park.The 38th annual Great Estes Park Duck Race once again brought together volunteers, families, visitors, and local nonprofits for one of the valley’s most beloved traditions. More than 11,000 ducks filled the river during the Rotary Club event, helping raise funds for scholarships and community organizations across the region.Education also remained in focus this week as Jennifer Roberts was officially appointed to fill an opening on the Estes Park School Board. Roberts said she hopes to help guide the district during its transition toward a new superintendent while bringing a strong community perspective to the role.Meanwhile, local creativity continues to grow through a collaboration between two Estes Park business owners working to expand hands-on artistic experiences for residents and visitors. The partnership reflects the growing importance of arts and creative spaces within the local economy.The community also gathered this weekend for Rain on the Rockies, an event centered around prayer, music, and reflection during an especially dry spring season. The gathering highlighted ongoing concerns about drought and wildfire risks across Colorado.That message connects closely with continued efforts from fire officials and educators promoting wildfire preparedness through the “Living With Fire” campaign, encouraging residents to prepare homes, evacuation plans, and defensible spaces ahead of summer.

BIGFOOT DAYS REÚNE A MILES EN ESTES PARKEstes Park volvió a colocarse en el mapa nacional con la celebración de Bigfoot Days, considerado uno de los festivales de su tipo más grandes del país.Miles de asistentes llenaron Bond Park, el Historic Park Theatre y distintas sedes del pueblo para disfrutar de conferencias, actividades familiares, música, competencias y experiencias alrededor del fenómeno Bigfoot. El evento no solo atrajo visitantes de distintas partes del país, también generó movimiento económico para negocios locales y reafirmó el papel de los festivales temáticos como parte de la identidad turística de Estes Park.BANCA COMUNITARIA DESTACA SU IMPACTO LOCALEn temas económicos, esta semana destacó una reflexión sobre el papel de la banca comunitaria y su impacto en la economía local.La conversación subraya cómo instituciones financieras locales continúan siendo clave para apoyar pequeños negocios, proyectos comunitarios y crecimiento regional, en un momento en que el acceso a relaciones bancarias cercanas sigue siendo un valor importante para muchas comunidades rurales y de montaña.CONTINÚA DIÁLOGO SOBRE CERTIFICACIÓN DARKSKYSigue avanzando la conversación sobre una posible certificación DarkSky para Estes Park.Residentes y autoridades continúan explorando lo que implicaría proteger los cielos nocturnos mediante estándares de iluminación responsables. La iniciativa ha despertado interés por sus posibles beneficios en conservación, calidad de vida, astronomía y turismo sostenible.RENUNCIA PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DEL REC DISTRICTEn noticias de gobernanza local, el presidente de la junta del Estes Valley Recreation and Park District presentó su renuncia.La salida representa un cambio importante para una organización que juega un papel central en instalaciones recreativas, programas y servicios comunitarios, y abre preguntas sobre liderazgo y prioridades futuras para el distrito.ROTARY CELEBRA 100 AÑOS DE SERVICIO EN ESTES PARKEsta semana también se celebró un importante aniversario: 100 años de Rotary en Estes Park.La conmemoración reconoció un siglo de servicio bajo el lema Service Above Self, destacando décadas de proyectos comunitarios, liderazgo cívico y apoyo a iniciativas locales e internacionales. La celebración también sirvió para reflexionar sobre el legado de una de las organizaciones de servicio más influyentes de la comunidad.CAMP ST. MALO RECIBIRÁ NUEVO SACERDOTEY en noticias de comunidad y fe, Camp St. Malo dará la bienvenida a un nuevo sacerdote el próximo 4 de mayo.El nombramiento marca una nueva etapa para este emblemático sitio de retiro espiritual en la región, conocido por su historia y significado para muchas generaciones.

Estes Park, Colorado — This week in the Estes Valley highlighted key developments impacting the community, from honoring a local sports legend to ongoing discussions about housing policies and environmental initiatives.A Legacy Honored in Colorado SportsFormer Estes Park mayor and Olympian Wendy Koenig has been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding achievements both in athletics and public service.Koenig represented the United States in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games, excelling in the 800-meter race. She made history as one of the first American women to break the two-minute barrier in the event.Beyond her athletic career, Koenig has played a significant role in the Estes Park community, serving on the Town Board and later as mayor.Housing Discussions Highlight Community ConcernsAt the April meeting of the Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA), officials addressed ongoing concerns related to deed-restricted housing and its impact on homeowners.Residents voiced concerns about the current resale formula, stating that it may limit their ability to build long-term equity. The discussion reflects broader challenges in balancing affordability with financial opportunity for local residents.Additionally, an offer to purchase portions of the Fall River Village complex was considered and ultimately rejected, reinforcing the commitment to preserving workforce housing in Estes Park.EPHA officials indicated they will continue evaluating potential policy adjustments to improve transparency and fairness.Civil Rights Case Results in Corrective MeasuresIn a separate development, the Estes Park Housing Authority received a preliminary ruling in a civil rights case tied to an administrative error.The issue involved housing availability information being mistakenly sent to individuals not on the official waiting list, leading to a discrimination complaint.As part of the ruling, EPHA must pay a $1,000 fine and implement corrective actions, including staff training and ongoing compliance reporting.The agency stated it will fully comply with the requirements and is actively reviewing its internal processes.Community Focus on Protecting the Night SkyOn the environmental front, Estes Park hosted a dark sky measurement event, bringing together approximately 40 participants, including local leaders, experts, and community members.The initiative aims to preserve the quality of the night sky, an important natural resource that supports scientific research, wildlife conservation, and the region’s tourism experience.

Resumen semanal: Comunidad, economía y prevención marcan la agenda en Estes ParkEstes Park, Colorado. — Esta semana, el Valle de Estes ha sido escenario de importantes conversaciones comunitarias, muestras de solidaridad y análisis sobre el presente y futuro de la región, destacando el papel del turismo y la preparación ante riesgos ambientales.Uno de los temas principales fue la reunión comunitaria realizada en el YMCA of the Rockies, donde empleadores, patrocinadores y líderes locales abordaron el impacto del programa de visas J-1. Durante el encuentro, se discutieron desafíos clave como la disponibilidad de vivienda, la coordinación entre organizaciones y la importancia de los trabajadores internacionales para sostener la industria turística local. Los participantes coincidieron en la necesidad de fortalecer la comunicación y mejorar los sistemas de apoyo.En el ámbito social, la comunidad volvió a demostrar su solidaridad a través de diversos eventos de recaudación de fondos. Este domingo, la kermés organizada en apoyo a Diego Salgado reunió a una gran cantidad de asistentes, reflejando el respaldo de la comunidad en momentos difíciles. Diego continúa recibiendo ayuda, mientras estos esfuerzos no solo buscan aliviar necesidades económicas, sino también fortalecer el sentido de unión entre los residentes.En materia económica, el más reciente reporte de impuestos sobre ventas correspondiente a enero confirma que el turismo sigue siendo un motor clave para Estes Park. Los sectores relacionados con visitantes mostraron un desempeño sólido, contribuyendo a mantener ingresos estables durante la temporada invernal, lo que resalta la relevancia del turismo durante todo el año.Por otro lado, autoridades y expertos han comenzado a advertir sobre el riesgo de incendios forestales de cara al verano. Las condiciones secas y factores ambientales podrían aumentar la probabilidad de siniestros en la región. Ante este panorama, se hace un llamado a residentes y visitantes a mantenerse informados y adoptar medidas preventivas.En conjunto, estos temas reflejan una comunidad activa, resiliente y consciente de los retos y oportunidades que enfrenta, reafirmando el compromiso colectivo por el bienestar del Valle de Estes.

Weekly News Recap from the Estes ValleyThis week in the Estes Valley, several events and initiatives highlight the strength, culture, and community spirit of the region.The Estes Park Chamber of Commerce recently honored 16 local women during the annual Women of Impact event. The recognition celebrates their leadership, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the community, reinforcing the important role women play in shaping the future of the Estes Valley.Looking ahead, the community will gather on March 21 for “An Elder A-Fair,” a symposium focused on healthy aging. The event will provide valuable resources, information, and support for older adults, addressing the needs of a growing senior population in the area.Meanwhile, the popular Dine Around event returns this March, featuring 39 local restaurants. Every Thursday evening, residents and visitors can enjoy $6 tasting plates, offering a unique opportunity to explore the diverse culinary scene while supporting local businesses during the slower season.In community faith news, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church will host a film screening about St. Maximilian Kolbe, a priest remembered for his selfless sacrifice during World War II. The event aims to inspire reflection and highlight a powerful story of courage and faith.Additionally, Camp St. Malo and Annunciation Heights have officially unified under one Catholic shrine ministry. This transition is expected to strengthen spiritual programming and expand retreat opportunities in the region.These stories reflect the ongoing efforts to celebrate community, support local initiatives, and strengthen connections across the Estes Valley.

David HernandezA recap of the week's top storiesWomen of ImpactThe Estes Park Chamber of Commerce recognized 16 local women during the Women of Impact event, honoring their leadership, community service, and contributions to the Estes Valley.Aging Well SymposiumOn March 21, the Estes Valley will host “An Elder A-Fair,” a community symposium focused on aging well, featuring resources, discussions, and services for older adults.Dine Around ReturnsDine Around is back this March with 39 local restaurants offering $6 tasting plates every Thursday evening, encouraging residents and visitors to support local dining.Film on Maximilian KolbeOur Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church will screen a film about St. Maximilian Kolbe, the priest who sacrificed his life to save another prisoner during World War II.St. Malo designated an archdiocesan shrineCamp St. Malo and Annunciation Heights have officially united under one Catholic shrine ministry to strengthen spiritual programs and retreat opportunities in the region.

David HernandezEstes Valley Weekly News RoundupEstes Valley saw a week of growth, transition, and resilience across the community.The new Club House Fairway Tavern is set to open May 1 at the 18-hole golf course. Operated by Gaffner Hospitality Group, the restaurant will offer a casual yet modern dining experience, serving everything from quick bites between rounds to weekend prime rib dinners.Visit Estes Park announced a staff reorganization under CEO Sarah Leonard. The restructuring includes position changes and the creation of new roles focused on visitor experience and data science, signaling a strategic shift in how the destination approaches tourism marketing and analytics.At the Estes Valley Fire Protection District meeting, board members participated in a work session on the Colorado Open Records Act, reinforcing their commitment to transparency and public accountability. The district also continues its search for a new fire chief and is evaluating structural improvements to strengthen public safety services.In education news, School Board Vice President Ava Kendall resigned effective Feb. 24, citing family reasons. The board also discussed enrollment trends and long-term facilities planning during its recent session.Public safety crews responded to a second-alarm fire at the Expedition Lodge on Lake Avenue Friday night. Firefighters contained the blaze, safely evacuated occupants, and reported one injury. The cause remains under investigation.

David HernandezNew Development for Public Safety — Proposal for a New Police BuildingIn municipal news, the Town Board is reviewing a proposal for a new location for the Estes Park Police Station. After 52 years in its current building, the department is considering constructing a new facility on a site located on the northwest side of Community Drive and Manford Avenue.The current building, which was originally a 91-year-old school, no longer meets the growing needs of the community. The proposed site would offer improved access, adequate parking, and enhanced security. A final decision is scheduled for a vote on March 10.International Connections — Sister Cities AgreementWe continue with positive cultural news: the historic Sister Cities relationship between Estes Park and Monteverde, Costa Rica, which began in 2004, now has a permanent display in the municipal building.Recently, Mayor Gary Hall and Sister Cities Association President Dave Thomas selected a special location at Town Hall to hang the signed agreement. This partnership continues to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges between both communities and represents shared values of cooperation and global understanding.Youth Art and Mentorship — “Mentor/Student” ExhibitionThrough March 16, you can visit the “Mentor/Student” exhibition at the Art Center of Estes Park.The exhibit features artwork created by elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as adults, all guided by artist mentors. The show highlights local talent and emphasizes the importance of arts education and intergenerational collaboration.Transparency Concerns — Questions About Park Hospital District FinancesIn health and administration news, Park Hospital District Treasurer Brigitte Foust has raised concerns regarding the presentation of recent financial statements, as well as two $100,000 checks.This has prompted discussion about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds within the district.That’s all for today on La Voz del Valle. Thank you for joining us and staying informed about what’s happening in our community. Be sure to follow us for more updates, local stories, and events that matter.

David  HernandezThe Estes Valley Voice Spanish-language podcast recaps our top news stories each week with host David Hernandez. Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories that we need to cover? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish-language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezWelcome to La Voz del Valle de Estes, your community news update with the stories you need to know. Let’s get started.EVICS has received a $1 million grant from the Colorado Health Foundation to support the development of a new facility and expand services for families and children in the Estes Valley. This investment strengthens early childhood education and family support programs in our community. EVICS will host an open house on February 6th to celebrate the grant and share more details about the project.After nearly seven hours of public discussion, the Town of Estes Park approved the annexation and zoning for Elkhorn Lodge Phase II, covering approximately forty acres. The approval allows the lodging development to move forward following extensive community input and debate.A house fire in Allenspark destroyed the home of Joe and Betty Edwards. Fortunately, the homeowners and their pets were able to escape safely. Members of the community have stepped in to help, and donation efforts are currently underway to support the family as they recover from this loss.At the January Estes Park School Board meeting, board members focused on the search for a new superintendent following the announced departure of the current superintendent after more than twenty years of service. The board also discussed district finances, student achievements, and school safety updates. A new superintendent is expected to be selected by April.Rock band Everclear performed two nights at the historic Stanley Hotel. The shows featured many of the band’s classic hits and offered a unique live music experience for residents and visitors in Estes Park.Despite recent expansions in childcare options, including additional space at the YMCA, childcare availability in Estes Park continues to fall short of demand, especially for infants and toddlers. Funding from the 6E childcare tax has helped, but access to childcare remains a major challenge for working parents in the valley.Jeremiah Polucha, a longtime officer with more than twenty years of experience, has been appointed to a new leadership position within the Estes Park Police Department. His background includes emergency response, special events coordination, and collaboration with neighboring agencies.

David Hernandez The Christian Church of Estes Park will begin a ten-week Financial Peace University course for Estes Valley residents this evening. The program, which teaches Dave Ramsey's plan for budgeting, paying off debt, and building wealth, is designed to help individuals and families take control of their money and plan for a more secure future, said Keith Pearson in a recent interview with the Estes Valley Voice.“Financial Peace University is not about where you’ve been with money,” Pearson said. “It’s about giving people clear tools, encouragement, and a plan so they can move forward with confidence.”The Bible-based program, which costs $50 per household, will be held in the church’s youth room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. An online option is also available beginning Wednesday evening.The program will be led by Keith Pearson, a financial planner and president of Upslope Ventures, Ltd., who is a certified Financial Coach Master Trainer by Ramsey Solutions. Pearson has served as the board president of the Estes Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the board of the Colorado Association of Distributors, and on the corporate leadership council of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation.Class Details (in-person) - 4655 US-36, Estes ParkTuesdays, starting February 106 p.m. to 8 p.m.10 weeksAt the church, Youth RoomClass Details (online)Wednesdays, starting February 117 p.m. to 8 p.m.10 weeksZoom

David HernandezEVICS receives $1 million grantLocal organization EVICS has received a $1 million grant from the Colorado Health Foundation to support the development of a new facility and expand services for families and children in the Estes Valley.This investment strengthens early childhood education and family support programs. EVICS will host an open house on February 6th to celebrate and share more about the project.Elkhorn Lodge Phase II gets approvalAfter nearly seven hours of public discussion, the Town of Estes Park approved the annexation and zoning for Elkhorn Lodge Phase II, covering about 40 acres.The decision allows the project to move forward as a lodging development, following significant community input and debate.House destroyed by fire in AllensparkA devastating fire destroyed the home of Joe and Betty Edwards in Allenspark.Thankfully, the homeowners and their pets escaped safely. The community has stepped up to help, with donation efforts now underway to support the family as they rebuild.School Board discusses leadership transitionAt the January Estes Park School Board meeting, members focused on the search for a new superintendent, following the announced departure of the current superintendent after more than 20 years of service.The board also reviewed district finances, student achievements, and safety updates. A new superintendent is expected to be selected by April.Childcare remains a challenge for working parentsDespite recent expansions, including new childcare space at the YMCA, childcare availability in Estes Park still does not meet demand, especially for infants and toddlers.Funding from the 6E childcare tax continues to help, but the issue remains a major concern for working families in the valley.New leadership role at Estes Park Police DepartmentJeremiah Polucha, a veteran officer with over 20 years of experience, has been appointed to a new leadership position within the Estes Park Police Department.His background includes emergency response, special events coordination, and interagency collaboration.

David HernandezEstes Valley News SummaryThis week in the Estes Valley, several important developments are shaping the community.The Estes Valley Fire Protection District has begun a reorganization process following multiple staff resignations. An internal audit was conducted, and the interim fire chief has been authorized to restructure departments and hire key personnel to improve efficiency, safety, and emergency response across the district.The community was also invited to tour the Elkhorn Lodge renovation project, giving residents a closer look at the progress made so far. The tour comes ahead of a Town Board vote on land annexation, which is necessary for the project to move forward into its next phase.In legal news, a judge ruled in favor of the Estes Park Hospital District in a lawsuit concerning the redaction of public records. The court determined that the district was not required to redact certain documents before release. Estes Valley Voice has announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing the importance of government transparency.Meanwhile, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District selected a new concessionaire for the golf course restaurant. The updated dining concept is expected to open in March and aims to serve both golfers and the broader community with expanded food and event options.Finally, four residents have officially filed paperwork to run for the Estes Park Town Board ahead of the April municipal election. The candidate pool includes both current board members and new challengers, setting the stage for an important local election season.

The Estes Valley Voice Spanish-language podcast recaps our top news stories each week with host David Hernandez. Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories that we need to cover? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish-language podcasts are available on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezTina Harris announced she will seek reelection as Larimer County Clerk and Recorder in 2026.The victim of the fatal mountain lion attack that occurred on January 1 on the Crosier Mountain Trail has been identified; authorities have reopened the trail with safety recommendations.Estes Park School District Superintendent Ruby Bode announced her resignation effective at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.The Park Hospital District board announced a meeting with very short notice, without including a financial report.News Briefs: a new commander for the Estes Park Police Department, the 2026 Community Police Academy, Christmas light recycling available through January 15, and a wildfire prevention talk on January 21.The Estes Valley Voice Spanish-language podcast recaps our top news stories each week with host David Hernandez. Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories that we need to cover? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish-language podcasts are available on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezEstes Valley Voice released its 2025 Annual Report:– Over 1,110 original stories published– Coverage of local elections and community forums– Free promotion for nonprofit organizations– News remains free and accessible to the publicPixel the Snowman Snowglobe winners announced:– Winners: Marty Miranda and Becka Gatchel– More than 125 community members participatedNews Briefs:– Information meeting for Town Board candidates on January 6– Community forum with State Senator Janice Marchman on January 8More local news at Estes Valley VoiceThe Estes Valley Voice Spanish-language podcast recaps our top news stories each week with host David Hernandez. Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories that we need to cover? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish-language podcasts are available on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.Thank you for supporting local journalism.

David HernadezThe Estes Valley Fire Protection District has extended Interim Fire Chief Warren Jones’ contract through the end of 2026. This decision is intended to provide the District with stability and allow time to carefully select a permanent fire chief.Estes Valley Voice is involved in a legal process seeking greater transparency regarding attorney billing records from the local hospital district. A judge will review the case, and the decision could affect public access to information.During the holidays and throughout the year, local organizations such as the Quota Club of Estes Park, Blue Santa, Bright Christmas, and Crossroads Assistance Ministry continue to support families, seniors, and community members in need.The Estes Valley Voice Spanish-language podcast recaps our top news stories each week with host David Hernandez. Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories that we need to cover? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish-language podcasts are available on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezWeekly News Summary – Estes Valley• Featured interview with Ericka Santana, a Latina business owner in Estes Park, sharing her story, challenges, and advice for entrepreneurs in the community.• Historic Park Theater begins a new chapter under the management of Whimsadoodle, Inc., with plans to revitalize the space through expanded cultural programming and events.• Experts warn that recent strong winds are increasing wildfire risk in Colorado due to dry conditions, urging residents to take extra precautions.• During the Estes Park School Board meeting, students were recognized for artistic achievements, programs for gifted students were reviewed, and winter sports were discussed.• Local justice update: An Estes Park man was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for tax evasion and operating a Ponzi scheme that impacted more than 200 victims. The judge stated the actions were driven by greed, not necessity.The Estes Valley Voice Spanish-language podcast recaps our top news stories each week with host David Hernandez. Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories that we need to cover? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish-language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezEstes Park news recap podcast in Spanish (8 de Deciembre)The Estes Valley Voice provides a Spanish-language recap of our top news stories each week with David Hernandez.Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories we need to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezEstes Park news recap podcast in Spanish (8 de Deciembre)The Estes Valley Voice provides a Spanish-language recap of our top news stories each week with David Hernandez.Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories we need to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezEstes Park news recap podcast in Spanish (17 de Noviembre)The Estes Valley Voice provides a Spanish-language recap of our top news stories each week with David Hernandez.Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories we need to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezEstes Park news recap podcast in Spanish (17 de Noviembre)The Estes Valley Voice provides a Spanish-language recap of our top news stories each week with David Hernandez.Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories we need to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezEstes Park news recap podcast in Spanish (17 de Noviembre)The Estes Valley Voice provides a Spanish-language recap of our top news stories each week with David Hernandez.Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories we need to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezThe Estes Valley Voice provides a Spanish-language recap of our top news stories each week with David Hernandez.Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories we need to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezThe Estes Valley Voice provides a Spanish-language recap of our top news stories each week with David Hernandez.Please let us know if you, your business, or organization would like to become a sponsor of this work.Let us know how we’re doing. Do you have ideas for stories about stories we need to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.

David HernandezEstes Park news recap podcast in Spanish (27 de Octubre)Each week, David Hernandez provides a Spanish language recap of the Estes Valley Voice for members of our community.  Let us know how we’re doing? Do you have ideas for stories about stories we nee to be covering? We want to hear from you.Our Spanish language podcasts are accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.The Estes Valley Voice would like to find a podcast sponsor to support this work. If you, your business, or organization is interested, please contact our newsroom at [email protected] or 970-586-1888.

David HernandezListen to the Estes Valley Voice podcast presented by David Hernandez, who recaps the latest community news in Spanish each week.If you have stories that you think the Estes Valley Voice needs to report, please reach out to us at our newsdesk or email David at [email protected]. We want to hear from our readers and listeners.

Listen to the Estes Valley Voice podcast presented by David Hernandez, who recaps the latest community news in Spanish each week.If you have stories that you think the Estes Valley Voice needs to report, please reach out to us at our newsdesk or email David at [email protected]. We want to hear from our readers and listeners.

La Voz del Valle de Estes 5 OctubreHistoria de David Hernandez

Escucha el último pódcast de noticias de Estes Valley Voice en español con David Hernández.Listen to the latest Estes Valley Voice news podcast in Spanish with David Hernandez

Story by Elisabeth SherwinThe garden is a metaphor for many things in Prof. Camille Dungy’s life.In 2013, it represented the beginning of a guerrilla war with her Homeowners Association.Spoiler: She won.When she and her family moved from Oakland, Calif., to Fort Collins in 2013, they moved into an established, traditional suburban neighborhood with well-maintained grass lawns.Not good.Dungy wanted a prairie garden to attract butterflies and bees. She wanted a garden that could thrive in the natural environment of Northern Colorado. She wanted a drought-tolerant garden with lots of native plants. And a pesticide-free garden.In hindsight, all these things seem so reasonable, so desirable. The HOA should have given her a medal.Instead, in the early years, a woman walked around the neighborhood with a ruler, measuring too-tall grass and weedy vegetation to report violators to the board.What was a rebel gardener to do?“They did not love my garden,” Dungy told the audience earlier this month at the Estes Valley Library.“But my first patch was small,” she said. She and her husband, Ray, had to bring in quantities of soil, railroad ties, and river rocks for landscaping, which could not be done overnight.The idea was to start small and reclaim sections of the yard as time and the seasons allowed.As the years went by, neighbors admired their work. Now, she said, everyone in the neighborhood uses railroad ties for landscaping, and many neighbors trade native plants.“I was right,” she said. “I was going to move slow so (the HOA) could catch up with me.”Dungy writes about her garden in her 2023 book, “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden,” which is about gardening, yes, and much more. She is also an essayist, poet, and professor of English at Colorado State University.She writes about Black history and recent politics, and again, her garden becomes a metaphor for a heterogeneous environment.And, oh by the way, the HOA eliminated its rule against “non-standard landscaping.”

The Estes Valley Voice wants to help bridge the gap and lower the height of the silos between the English and Spanish-speaking communities in the Estes Valley by making the news we publish accessible to non-native English speakers whose first language is Spanish. According to data from the 2023 American Community Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that 12% of the residents of the Estes Valley speak Spanish at home.Toward that end, this summer, we installed an English-Spanish translator toggle button on our website. And this week, the Estes Valley Voice is introducing a Spanish-language news podcast, which will review the week’s top news stories with podcast host David Hernandez.The podcast will be accessible on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple, the same channels as our English-language podcasts, which are produced by Brett Wilson.The Estes Valley Voice is seeking a podcast sponsor to support this work. If you, your business, or organization is interested, please contact our newsroom at [email protected] or 970-586-1888.

Story by Elisabeth SherwinGlen Haven resident Sibyl Gardner is a self-confessed writer. She writes everything from screenplays to novels, memoirs to essays. In a recent talk at the Estes Valley Library, Gardner described her three decades in TV, working in New York and Hollywood, on projects as diverse as MTV music video production in the 1980s to screenwriting for “Law and Order” and “Nashville” in the 2000s. She moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to make movies. While that didn’t happen, she’s still not ruling it out. She’s the kind of person who has a screenplay under her pillow. What did happen in L.A. was a series of jobs on various TV shows like “Frank’s Place,” “Law and Order,” and “Saving Grace.”“I wanted to do it all,” she said. “Movies, dramas, comedies, novels.” Gardner said her career was full of ups and downs. But she managed to make a living. You could join the Writers’ Guild and make money off residuals when the episodes you wrote were rebroadcast. She had a friend who signed a million-dollar deal as a writer for “E.R.”Previously, networks had to appeal to broad audiences. Shows couldn’t be too edgy.Then came cable TV, then HBO, then streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube came along. Now, writers can be very edgy, if you can find the work. In the land of TV and movies, Gardner knows one thing is true.“There would be nothing without the writers,” she said. “Actors can’t come up with it.” She recalled once having to rewrite an episode of “Nashville” on a plane flight.  That’s the kind of pressure that writers occasionally have to face. She also stressed the need for sparse writing that goes into a TV script.At the library meeting, Gardner read a descriptive paragraph from Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises.” “You couldn’t get that information into a script,” she said.She said the best job she ever had was writing for a friend’s TV show, “Any Day Now.”  The plot followed a group of black and white kids, and she described it as way ahead of its time. “You can see it on YouTube,” she said. But she would hesitate to recommend a young person head out to Hollywood to chase down a writing career.“Writers are not making the money they used to in salary or residuals,” she said. Still, Gardner knew she would always return to family property in Colorado. She left Hollywood 11 years ago but hasn’t given up on her many projects. She’s writing a novel called “Old Moms” and a time-travel novel. She has a comedy set in Boulder. She self-published her memoir, “Sibyl Rights.” Who knows what will happen next? Perhaps her novel, “Old Moms,” about new mothers in their 40s, will be made into a movie. “Heck, it’s worth a try,” she said. “I can’t stop writing,” she added. “I’m a writer.” 

The skies over Estes Park have been filled with smoke, and the air quality has been poor due to several fires on Colorado’s western slope, including the Lee, Elk, and Twelve Fires west and south of Steamboat Springs, and the Windy Gap Fire near Granby, involving some 75,000 acres.Particulates in the air can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and those with asthma and other respiratory conditions are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of poor air quality. People with breathing issues have been advised to stay indoors, wear a filtering mask, and run their air conditioners.According to an email from Stacey Sutherland, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District interim fire chief, “due to continued dry conditions, the danger of wildland fire, forest, and grass fires is still high in the Estes Valley, and to stay consistent with the Stage 1 Restrictions in unincorporated Larimer County above 6000’ and Rocky Mountain National Park, we are enacting the following: Pursuant to International Fire Code Section 307.1.1, I hereby issue an open burning RESTRICTION (Stage 1) within the Estes Valley Fire Protection District effective 13:00, Aug.7, 2025.”The EVFPD recommends that people living in the Estes Valley learn about preparing their property for the risk of wildfire and be aware of the current fire restrictions.  The Larimer County Commissioners today voted unanimously to adopt fire restrictions in unincorporated Larimer County. Due to above-normal temperatures, lightning strikes, and windy, dry conditions, the danger of wildfires, forest fires, and grass fires is great.The restrictions on open fires in the unincorporated portions of Larimer County will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on September 2, 2025. Restrictions on the use of fireworks, combustible devices, public fireworks displays, and incendiary devices are also in effect.This is not a fire ban, and the restriction only applies to unincorporated Larimer County over 6,000 feet.Larimer County has implemented a zoned approach to restrictions to address fire risk while still accounting for different climate areas. The county is divided into three zones: below 6,000 feet, 6,000–9,000 feet, and above 9,000 feet.To view a real-time, interactive map of the restriction area, click here.Current restrictions include:uncontained open firessmoking in the open is prohibited, including on trails, parks, and open spaces.fireworks or firework displaysincendiary devices, including sky lanterns, exploding ammunition, exploding targets, and tracer ammunitionweldingWhat is allowed:fireplaces or wood stoves located inside a residencegas-fueled fires, including grills and camping stovescamping and cooking fires in developed camping areasfires in permanently constructed masonry fire pitsAny person who knowingly violates the restrictions can be fined. Click here to read the Ordinance for the Regulation of Open Burning in Unincorporated Larimer County.EVV Emergency Information DirectoryThe Estes Valley Voice’s Emergency Information Directory can always be found on our website’s homepage.Read full story here:

Story by Patti Brown & Barb Boyer BuckThe Estes Park Police have secured three arrest warrants for David Anthony Morales, wanted for allegedly providing alcohol to minors at a closed business and offenses relating to sex offender registration.In February 2025, the Estes Park Police Department received a report of a party hosted by Morales at the Twisted Griffin Pub and Restaurant, located at 247 W. Elkhorn Ave, where alcohol was allegedly served to minors by Morales.The warrants are for two counts of failure to register as a sex offender, a class 5 felony; nine counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a first-degree misdemeanor; and five counts of unlawful acts, a second-degree misdemeanor.When the alleged incident occurred, the Twisted Griffin had just permanently closed. It had been owned by David Bard. Bards also owned and operated the Hyland Bard gift shop and the Griffin’s Nest Coffee and Tea Pub in Estes Park.According to EPPD, a total of fourteen underage victims were identified and interviewed. During the investigation, it was discovered that Morales failed to register as a sex offender as required by Colorado State Law upon moving out of Estes Park following this incident.In 2010, Weld District Court Judge Thomas Quammen sentenced Morales to 12 years in prison, followed by 10 years of sex-offender specific intensive supervised probation.According to court records, Morales was initially charged with sex assault, overcoming a victim’s will, and sexual assault against a victim who was incapable of appraising conditions for an attack in 2008, according to court records. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and attempted sexual assault.Estes Park Police believe that Morales is currently living in the Denver area. They ask the public to contact local law enforcement immediately with any information that could lead to his arrest. Morales’ most recent sex offender registration photo is attached.According to EPPD Chief Ian Stewart, “This was a complex investigation requiring many interviews, hours of evidence review, and working non-stop to eventually secure the appropriate arrest warrants to bring the case to a successful conclusion. I am very proud of the work our team has done.”

by Mayor Gary HallIt's summer and we just passed the 4th of July, so let’s talk tourism.There’s a wide variety of opinions on the topic of what factors impact tourism behavior and numbers. What levers do we change or adjust to keep our tourist trade healthy? As the Town Board considers all of its various business, we must weigh how our decision impact our tourism industry.  This was the topic when Jamie Palmesano (of Brownfield’s store fame) spoke at our June 24 Town Board meeting. (You can read her talk in the July 5, 2025, Estes Valley Voice.) Jamie’s talk was a shining example of how public discourse should be approached. Her gentle and insightful presentation was powerful and helpful.Ms. Palmesano spoke of the myriad factors that impact tourism numbers and behavior. She mentioned RMNP reservations, paid parking, the Loop, “outrageous lodging prices,” the economy, politics, Visit Estes Park, even “complaining locals,” There’s probably others, like competition from other destinations, post-COVID societal changes and cost increases, and more. Her point was that it’s the sum of many factors that are affecting visitation patterns and tourist behavior. She then asked the Town Board members to use our positions to ensure that visitation remains stable and healthy. Indeed, we should.Jamie ended her talk with a quote from Trustee Mark Igel that stated that the decisions we make today can fundamentally change the nature and character of Estes. I agree. You’ve heard me mention the Iroquois philosophy of the “seventh generation:” What impact do our actions have on our descendants seven generations from now? I met with Jamie to explore her statements. We certainly agree that tourism is essential to the success of Estes. Since the first settlers realized that tourism was an effective way to earn a living up here, Estes has found ways to house, entertain, and feed our visitors, and has offered goods and services to sell to those guests.We all benefit in some way from tourism.  Even those of us not involved in the tourist trade rely on the Town services that are fed by the influx of tourism dollars.Jamie’s key concern is that we have “overwhelmingly fewer repeat visitors.” Obviously, the world changes and generational cycles move forward, but are our policies and programs causing those visitors to now stay home or go elsewhere? She believes that there are noticeably less people in town. (I’ll be eager to see the June and July economic dashboard reports when they come out; May shows Park numbers up.). Jamie also contends that the atmosphere, vibe, energy, pulse, of the town has changed. Vibe and pulse are certainly subjective considerations. I’ve always felt, and still feel, a palpable vibrancy and strong pulse in Estes, in the shops, the arts, the dialogue. But I’m just one person.I do believe that the pulse of America has changed in recent decades, and not all for the good, with lots of bad behavior in the public and online eye. (I will continue to advocate for all of us to avoid joining in that negative culture.) Jamie said that they hear from countless people that Estes is less welcoming and friendly. That should concern all of us. Certainly, a welcoming and friendly attitude is the single most powerful tool we have.Wouldn’t it be nice if “happy attitudes” solved all challenges? I’d love that, but we live in the real world. A cheery smile won’t address all of work on infrastructure, budgets, staff, policies, though it doesn’t hurt to maintain that cheery smile. Read full story here: Friendly stewards

Story by Patti BrownEstes Park Police arrested Thomas Chase Hill, 32, on Saturday, July 26, on second-degree burglary with forced entry, theft from burglary, first-degree arson with endangering life, and criminal mischief. Hill was booked at the Larimer County Jail in Fort Collins.The charges relate to the burglary of weaponry from Blades, a knife and specialty weapons store that sells swords at 145 E. Elkhorn Ave., and a fire at the Haber Motel, 397 E. Elkhorn Ave. Both incidents took place late Friday night.A man with the same name and birthdate was arrested in October 2020 and charged with first-degree arson and reckless endangerment for a fire in Kremmling that burned a shed and a car inside the shed.The individual pleaded guilty to fourth-degree arson and was sentenced to two years of probation and 45 days in jail in addition to mental health and substance abuse evaluations and treatment.According to reporting by McKenna Hartford of Sky-Hi News, when that man was being sentenced, he interrupted Grant County Judge Nicholas Catanzarite, saying that the judge would face consequences from God for sentencing him to jail.Hill will make his first court appearance on Thursday, July 31, at 8:30 a.m. and is scheduled for another on Aug. 4.The EPPD has asked the public for any information, including videos, that might aid their investigation. Anyone with information should contact EPPD Detective Mason at 970-577-3870 or email [email protected] is the second time this month that the EPPD has made an arrest on charges of arson. On July 10, Steven Allen Poff was arrested on charges of fourth-degree arson for allegedly starting an illegal campfire on West Elkhorn.

Story by Patti BrownA structure fire broke out at the Haber Motel, 397 E. Elkhorn, late Friday night. The 911 call was received at 11:50 p.m. A second alarm was called at 12: hub 18 a.m., and the fire was called out at 2:33 a.m.The smell of smoke was strong around the intersection of Wonderview and Big Thompson Avenues as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.The Estes Valley Fire Protection District, the Estes Park Police, and officers with the Larimer County Sheriff were on the scene within minutes. More than a dozen firetrucks and law enforcement vehicles crammed into the parking lot between The Egg of Estes and the Estes Thai restaurants. First responder vehicles also lined Wonderview Avenue on the east side of the two-story motel. Flashing red and blue emergency lights lit up the night sky, and flood lights were set up to illuminate the building during the incident.Firefighters were seen going up and down an outdoor staircase at the six-unit motel and repeatedly entering rooms on the upper level. One first responder at the scene told the Estes Valley Voice that no injuries had been reported. According to a statement from the EVFPD this morning, “the fire originated outside of the hotel, the cause is under investigation. A fire investigator and dog were requested from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to perform the investigation.”Onlookers reported that shortly before the fire was reported, a white male smashed a window at Blades We’ve Got the Edge, a knife and weapons store at 145 E. Elkhorn Ave., across the street from the Wheel Bar. Reportedly, a sword was taken from the store window. While the fire was being extinguished, an adult male was arrested for burglary. The police did not indicate if the individual was swashbuckling at the time of his arrest.It is unclear if these two incidents are related. According to a statement received this morning from the EPPD, the police and the fire district are investigating the fire. This story will be updated as more information about the fire and burglary becomes available. 

March 17, 1955 to July 14, 2025Douglas Paul Semeyn, longtime resident of Estes Park and a devoted 40-year employee of the YMCA of the Rockies, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on July 14, 2025, at the age of 70.Doug was born March 17, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he grew up surrounded by the love of his parents, Thomas and Dorothy Semeyn, and his brother Steve. He fondly recalled childhood summer camping trips near Lake Michigan and later shared that love with his children.A youthful fondness for swimming set a course to his future in Estes Park, where he first worked as a seasonal lifeguard for the YMCA of the Rockies in the summer of 1976. The YMCA and Estes Park captured his heart, and he continued to return to work there each summer until finishing graduate school, when he started his first year-round position. It was also here that Doug met his former wife, Kay, and shared the joy of raising their family in this special place.During his years at the YMCA, Doug made lifelong friends, with many growing to feel like family. He became a welcoming presence for international staff, taking them on adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park and to Rocky Church, and earning nicknames like “Papa Doug.” His kindness, optimism, and love for the YMCA of the Rockies were evident to everyone who knew him.Doug was also an avid photographer who found joy in capturing the natural beauty of Estes Park. He took and shared thousands of pictures that showcased his deep love for the area and his family.Affectionately known as “Grandpops” to his grandchildren, he cherished spending time with his children and their families.In recent years, he loved taking his daughter Ashley to music shows around Estes Park and at the YMCA during her summer visits and beautiful drives through Rocky Mountain National Park.His other children, Lauren and David, along with their spouses and his three grandchildren, were fortunate to share many wonderful days with him in Estes Park shortly before his passing.Doug’s absence will be deeply felt, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and connection to others will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.A celebration of life service will be held in Hyde Chapel at the YMCA of the Rockies at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, followed by a casual YMCA-style cookout reception at the Upper Cookout. All are welcome to attend either or both events.In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the African Children’s Mission, where his son David serves as executive director, or the YMCA of the Rockies International Employee Fund with “international programs” designation.

Story by Patti BrownNick Mollé Productions and the Rocky Mountain Channel won two Emmy Awards Saturday night for their latest PBS film, “Water, The Sacred Gift.” Seán Doherty received the Emmy for outstanding photography, and Mollé received the Emmy for director.The documentary tells the story of the watershed in the Rocky Mountains threatened by a changing climate. It debuted April 12, 2025, at the Historic Park Theater in Estes Park during the Rocky Mountain Channel’s Environmental Film Festival.The ceremony for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Heartland Chapter was held in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.The day before Mollé won the award for the PBS film, Congress cut $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, eliminating all federal support for NPR, PBS, and their member stations.“I didn’t realize how much this would mean to me until they announced it, and having Sean follow me up as we won two, was a cosmic experience. Score two for educational television,” said Mollé.In an interview with the Estes Valley Voice at his office on Elkhorn Avenue in May, Mollé said writing, editing, and refining the film took a year and a half. The award-winning documentary has also received a Silver Telly in Videography and Cinematography, a Silver Telly Award in Nature and Wildlife, and a Bronze Telly Award in Film and Shorts.Molle’s next project is “Stream of Conscience,” a film whose title Molle says is intended as a pun about the Colorado River. That production will have a bit of the feel of his film “Wild Ride: The Peak to Peak Highway” and will take viewers on a journey along the waterway that begins at La Poudre Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows 1,450 miles to the Gulf of California in Mexico.The Colorado River is a critical resource relied on by seven basin states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming – and some 40 million people for drinking water, hydropower, agricultural irrigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat.Mollé and Doherty’s film can be streamed on PBS.

Story by Patti BrownThe Estes Valley Voice has been selected as a finalist for two 2025 Local Independent Online News Publishers – LION – awards: one for public service and the other for community engagement. The nominations are an honor as we mark our first anniversary this Saturday.LION is a national publishers association with more than 575 members that helps digital news startups develop sustainable business operations. They received 250 award submissions and will present the awards at the 2025 Independent News Sustainability Summit in St. Louis in September.A news publication should report the news and serve as a platform for public discourse about the news. Toward that end, we sponsored or served as a media sponsor for several community engagement events during our first year.In August 2024, we hosted a community screening of the documentary “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink.” The award-winning film looks at what is happening to community journalism across the country as newspapers close down or become what is called a ghost publication.In October right before the November General Election, we hosted another screening of a documentary, “Trusted Sources,” followed by a panel discussion about the role of the media in political news with panelists Vanessa Otero of the Media Bias Project, Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, Rev. Elizabeth Jameson, and Estes Valley Voice Journalist Elisabeth Sherwin.We served as media sponsors of the Dementia Together symposium at the Community Center in October 2024. One in ten older Americans 65 years and older has dementia. Dementia is a serious mental health and economic crisis that affects both the patient and their family members.After winning a Colorado Open Records Act lawsuit, the Estes Valley Voice sponsored a Colorado Sunshine Law symposium for members of local elected boards and interested community members. The seminar, presented by the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition in February 2025, was attended by more than 50 elected officials.As the community with the largest percentage – 40% – of individuals 65 and older in Colorado, the Estes Valley Voice is committed to highlighting the needs and concerns of seniors in our news, features, and commentary writing. Toward that end, we co-sponsored an author talk with Ron Pevney on the 10th anniversary edition of his book Conscious Living, Conscious Aging, in February 2025. The talk was held at the Good Samaritan Society – Estes Park Village.We organized and sponsored a public forum in April 2025 for candidates running for the Estes Valley Fire Protection District and the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. We also published voter guides that explained the role of special taxing districts in Colorado and collected candidate statements from candidates running for the three special districts that held elections in May.As a tourist town with many retail businesses that cater to visitors, we hosted “Tariff$ and the Local Economy,” a panel discussion in May to address questions and concerns about tariffs. The event was moderated by Adam Crowe, the Economic Development Manager for Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development, and included Scott Applegate, Bank of Estes Park;  Mark Ell, Alpha Capital Management Group, LLC;  Mauree McCann, owner of The Mad Moose, and Rajiv Poudel, owner of Estes Village and several other area businesses, May 2025.In the past 12 months, we have published 665 original, boots-on-the-ground news stories. We have 300 paid subscribers, and in the last 28 days, we have had more than 85,000 page views. The clicks on our advertising exceed industry standards tenfold.Those are good statistics for a startup independent news publication in a community of 12,000 people. They tell us that the community wants local news 

Story by Barb Boyer BuckIn honor of the memory of local musician Dick Orleans, the Estes Arts District presents a free concert every year, Friends of Folk. This year, the event will take place on Tuesday, June 24 from 3:30-10:00 p.m. at Performance Park. While admission is free, all proceeds from the sale of beverages and food will benefit the local artists’ scholarship fund and future Friends of Folk benefit events.Headlining the festival is ShinyRibs, an Austin-based band with a mix of Texas Blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn- driven Memphis Soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock. This is a high-energy, nine-piece band led by Kevin Russell, the charismatic frontman that engages the audience with his antics as well as his music. They will be the last performance of the evening.Before ShinyRibs, The Burroughs take the stage with their “sweaty soul music.” This group has performed on stages all over the United States, but they came from Greeley, Colo.  They, too are a group of nine who play a wide variety of instruments including horns, guitars, and drums.  The frontman is John Burroughs who encourages the audience to participate in their funky grooves.The Estes Park band Stepmother Nature will perform electric soul and funk music, headlined by vocalist Sophie Frankl. These local musicians can hold their own with the better-known acts at Friends of Folk and their rock and funk blend will be sure to get the audience up to dance! They most recently performed at the Pride in the Park at the Slab in downtown Estes Park.River Mann takes its inspiration from American roots music, contemporary folk, progressive rock, and classical music.  Led by Estes Park’s own William Thomas, the songwriter performs lead vocals and guitar, expresses the human condition “with sincerity and passion.”  He is joined by Madalyn McCoy on violin, Gabriel Anthony on slide guitar. James Davis on bass, and one of Colorado’s most explosive young drummers, Mr. Benjamin Waterson.Salom Songbird is a string band that performs” scathing lullabies” as a free-spirited acoustic trio.  Their songs are a combination of the various backgrounds of each of the musicians, Ariele Macadangdang, Joy Adams, and Bryan Dubrow which include influences from old time and bluegrass, to jazz, pop, and even death metal.SnowBelt Bluegrass is a duo from Estes Park that performs “toe-tapping blugrass music.”   Max and Ann blend bluegrass, old-time, folk, and improvisational jams to create a sound that includes original songs, fiddle-tune standards, and creative exploration.Jazon Lenz is an Estes Park-based artist specializing in live looping. During his 13 years of service with the 43rd Army Band, Jason was awarded the Colonel Finley Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award. He is currently raising money for his first Solo Album, “Dimples and Diastema.”Food trucks available onsite include Mangia Mangia (pizza), Rations, and WesTex BBQ.  Numerous sponsors throughout Town have made this event possible.The Estes Valley Voice Arts& Entertainment page is sponsored by the Historic Park Theater. Tonight, June 23, at 8 p.m. 7 Nations – Celtic Rock Band will perform live at the Historic Park Theater. Tickets are $25.

Story by Barb Boyer Buck and Patti BrownOver 500 people gathered along Elkhorn Avenue in downtown Estes Park on Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and noon to take part in the local “No Kings” rally. This demonstration was one of dozens of protests held in communities throughout Colorado and one of hundreds occurring nationwide on Flag Day.The protests were set to counter a military parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday that went down Constitution Avenue with 128 Army tanks, 6,000 troops, and a 21-gun salute on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump.The No King rallies were coordinated nationally by 50501, a national advocacy organization that opposes the Republican president. An estimated 11 million people participated in today’s rallies.According to members of the Estes Park Police Department who were on hand to monitor the crowd, the Estes Park protest was peaceful, aside from the honking of cars in support of the protesters and the ringing of bells, the banging of some bongo drums, and the singing of patriotic songs by protestors.

Story by Audrey BriceThe Cleave Street redevelopment project has been a key part of the Estes Park Downtown Plan since its conception in 2018. The purpose of the project has been to transform what has been an underutilized alley into a pedestrian-friendly corridor. However, delays and disruptions have frustrated some local business owners with the process.According to Jamin Rucker, a civil engineer in the public works department, the Cleave Street project was scheduled to begin in spring 2024, but was postponed to allow utility companies time to complete the undergrounding of all overhead services. At the request of citizens and nearby business owners, the project’s start date was further delayed to avoid construction during the summer and fall of 2024.A major, unforeseen challenge that delayed the completion of Cleave Street was the discovery of a shallow utility duct bank containing phone and cable lines owned by CenturyLink/Lumen. According to Rucker, these lines conflicted with the planned concrete depth in two sections totaling about 350 feet along Cleave Street. The duct was identified before construction began, but the information at that time suggested it would be buried deep enough to avoid interference. The issue was uncovered in late December 2024 and took around three months to fully resolve, halting work in that area during that period. “Minor delays are anticipated and addressed throughout all projects, but this situation was unique,” said Rucker. “We are grateful for ABC Asphalt’s ability to adapt to this unforeseen circumstance on Cleave Street this past winter. They remained productive in other areas to keep the project on schedule as much as possible.”According to Rucker, it has been difficult to predict a completion date for the project, citing disruptions including available supply of materials and fairly constant spring thunderstorms that slowed the project’s progress.“We have reopened Cleave Street Friday through Sunday and hope to have the road fully open to all traffic very soon,” said Rucker. “Some minor tasks, such as the installation of benches and protective bollards for the new electric transformers, may not be completed until the third week of June.”Rucker noted that this week, ABC was working to finish concrete removals where the street has cracked and where the heated drain pan must be replaced at the west end of the street. He added that final tasks for the project include decorative stonework on the landscaping walls, sealing concrete expansion joints to waterproof them, landscaping, and installing benches, bollards, and trash receptacles.The original budget for Cleave Street’s redevelopment was approximately $3.1 million, with a low bid of just under $2 million. Although unexpected costs have arisen, certain contract items were removed to control expenses. Town officials expect final costs to remain within the contract amount and significantly below the initial budget.For businesses near Cleave Street, project delays have been frustrating. Mark Igel, owner of The Taffy Shop and Town Board Trustee, expressed frustration with limited access to his businesses and the unpredictability of the project schedule.“That construction has been very difficult for us with access to the business,” said Igel. “It has impacted us by making it hard to get to the property. As a business, so far, the impact has been entirely negative.”Despite frustrations, Igel acknowledges the efforts of those involved in the project to accommodate businesses impacted by the construction.“I think it’s really important to recognize their efforts above and beyond to help us with that. They have provided heavy equipment to move in heavy deliveries. They’ve helped us with the big things that we need to move in and out,” said Igel. Read full story here:

Story by Patti BrownIf you see a kid dressed up as one of the Mario Bros. running around on Friday afternoon, you’re probalby in the right place. If you see an adult dressed up like a cartoon racecar driver and nostalgically remembering their childhood, you’re absolutely in the right place.Kelly and Andrew Kessler, owners of Estes Park’s historic Ride-A-Kart, have stepped up the local go-kart game in Estes this summer with the addition of 10 sweet new electric go-karts.Each of the cars, which can be pushed to a speed of 22 miles per hour, sports the logo – and in several cases the flagship colors –  of a sponsoring Estes Park business.While red seems a favorite color, the new cars are painted in a rainbow of hues. The Quality Inn car is bright green. The Stanley Hotel car is white and red. The Bank of Colorado’s car is dressed in a dignified black and gold befitting of a banker. Ride-A-Kart’s car is a sporty red. The Bull Pin car is yellow and black. The Seven Keys Lodge is a handsome navy and orange. Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company’s go-kart is a flashy orange.  8Inkwell & Brew, “purveyors of the finest writing implements, journals, cards, coffee and tea,” has a bright blue car. The Estes Park Mountain Shop’s car is silver and red. And the KMAC Guides car is a solid red with a white logo.The StockKart+One Model E cars are manufactured by Amusement Products LLC in Tennessee. Each vehicle is outlined with LED lights that are programmed and synchronized to trip the light fantastic as drivers speed around the track.The racetrack has been souped up, in addition to new karts. Drivers can aim their cars to drive over markings on the track, which will allow the car to increase in speed. If they drive over other markings on the track, their speed will decrease. They can also drive over markers that can slow other cars down.  The go-kart industry is moving away from gasoline-powered karts. Electric karts are less expensive to operate and maintain, quieter, and run cleaner than gas-powered karts.The new cars have two driving modes: family and rookie. To drive a kart in family mode, an operator needs to be 56 inches or taller. To drive a kart in rookie mode, an operator needs to be 46 inches or taller. Drivers must be 18 years or older to take a passenger, and a child passenger must be 36 inches or taller. A five-minute ride costs $12 per driver and $3 per passenger.Ride-A-Kart will celebrate its new fleet Friday afternoon, June 13, from 4 p.m. Drivers who dress up as their favorite race car character – think Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi Speed Racer, Tom Slick, Baron Otto Matic, and the NASCAR Racers – will receive a 50% ticket discount. The Mangia Mangia Pizzeria food truck will be on hand to fuel the drivers.History of Ride-A-KartRide-A-Kart is a third-generation Estes Park business that began in 1959 as a dirt racetrack at the corner of US Highway 34 and Mall Road operated by Harvey Coleman. In 1989, Coleman passed the business on to his sons Don and Gary, and in 2022, it was passed on to Gary’s daughter Kelly and her husband Andrew, who celebrated their wedding reception in 2018 on the property.Over the years, the site grew to include a petting zoo and a Christmas-themed gift shop. The historic Phil “Casey” Martin’s Silver Streak Train, which operated in downtown Estes Park for many years, was moved to the Ride-A-Kart campus in 1973. A mini-golf course was added in 1989, and a second course was added in 1992. Additional amusements were added over the years, including an arcade, an extreme trampoline, batting cages, water balloon wars, bumper cars, water bumper boats, and a Trackman indoor golf stimulator.Ride-A-Kart is located at 2250 Big Thompson Ave. Click here for more information about hours and the amusement activities.

Story by Barb Boyer BuckIn a packed five-hour meeting that began at 7 p.m. on June 10 and adjourned five and a half hours later on June 11 at 12:30 a.m., the Estes Park Town Board voted five to two remove Belle Morris from the Transportation Advisory Board.“I think it has grown into something it was never intended to be,” said Mayor Gary Hall at the Town Board meeting on June 10. He was speaking about the Transportation Advisory Board, and its effectiveness in providing recommendations on transportation issues to the Town Board, for which Trustee Mark Igel is the liaison.After a passionate discussion among the Trustees about the consequences and implications of removing a citizen from an appointed position to an advisory board, Igel motioned to remove Morris from TAB, citing issues with her decorum and performance. Trustee Bill Brown seconded the motion.Igel’s initial motion to oust Morris began as an item on the agenda of the May 27 Town Board meeting. No information was included in the board packet for the public to review or the Trustees to consider at that time. The matter also came up late on the agenda and since two board members were gone that evening, the Trustees decided to continue the matter until last night’s meeting, with a recommendation that the TAB board take advantage of the mediation services provided by Restorative Justice. However, this did not happen as both parties needed to agree to participate.“I met with every member of the TAB individually, confidentially, because I wanted to hear what their opinions were,” continued Hall. He also met with Igel and Morris together and separately.Hall received letters, some of which were confidential, that expressed concern about Morris, and others that thought the problem was Igel’s approach as liaison to TAB. While what he discovered was concerning, he said, “It’s not a personality or person difference that we’re talking about here, but I do think that the committee is dysfunctional. It’s not going to get better just leaving it alone.”Suggestions from the Trustees ranged from sunsetting the entire committee to appointing both a new chair and a new liaison.During public comments on the matter, TAB member Wally Wood and his wife, Melissa Wood, spoke out in support of Morris and against his removal.Morris spoke to advocate for herself in her role as a volunteer on the advisory board.Aracely Thomas attended her first meeting as a new TAB member in May. Thomas said she left the meeting wondering if she had made the correct decision to join the TAB based on the tension in the room between the chair and Trustee Igel. Thomas explained that Morris questioned the process of how the new members were vetted to serve on the advisory board. Thomas raised the concern that it appeared to her that Morris was not satisfied that the process of Thomas’ appointment was legitimate.Misti Marcantonio, another TAB member, told the Trustees that she wanted to ensure respectful dialogue was encouraged on the TAB. Marcantonio said she had been met with dismissive responses such as eye rolls, head shaking, and audible scoffing from Morris when she expressed a dissenting opinion. Marcantonio credited former Public Works Director Greg Muhonen, who has been the Town staff liaison to the TAB, for encouraging Marcantonio to contribute to discussions even when rebuffed by Morris.Marcantinio also suggested that, since Trustee Frank Lancaster has been on vacation with Morris on more than one occasion, his personal relationship with her would bias his ability to fairly cast a vote regarding whether or not Morris should be removed from the TAB.Lancaster clarified that he and his wife had purchased trips through a local nonprofit organization’s fundraiser, as had Morris and her husband, and that he had also had the opportunity to be involved in a few other social events with Morris. He dismissed Marcantinio’s conc

Story by Suzy BlackhurstMaintaining hope, continuing political action from cross-partisan constituents, and persistent small victories in Congress are among the most important strategies that will lead to political change in the nation’s capital, U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat, told a packed audience at the Allenspark Fire Station Community Room Wednesday afternoon.Neguse’s town hall meeting followed a press conference in Estes Park at the Lake Estes Marina, where he and Sen. John Hickenlooper, along with Larimer County EMS Director Lori Hodges, Former Rocky Mountain National Park Superintendent Darla Sidles, and Tracy Coppola, senior program manager for the Southwest Regional Office of the National Park Conservation Association, made a joint appearance to highlight a message that the Trump administration is threatening Colorado’s national parks and public lands, including Rocky Mountain National Park.Neguse, Hickenlooper, and the other speakers in Estes Park stressed that additional proposed budget cuts could hamstring wildland firefighting efforts as Colorado heads into peak wildfire season and called out the Trump administration’s proposals to sell our public lands. From the press conference in Estes Park to the town hall in Allenspark, Neguse quickly segued to messages of encouragement and motivation to continue what he called a “vociferous outcry” against actions currently occurring through presidential executive orders and other decisions coming from congressional actions.“There’s no singular solution that’s going to stop the draconian cuts from taking place or the purges of the workforce from material rights. It’s going to require all of us, those who share my worldview, lifting their voice in support of more thoughtful, pragmatic policy and making the case that we’re what’s happening right now,” Neguse told the audience of more than 60.Throughout nearly 40 minutes town hall meeting, Colorado’s Second District Congressional representative continued to stress hope. “I don’t mean the kind of nebulous, fuzzy, hard-to-define hope. I’m talking about hope that requires faith and hard work. Sacrifice. And I believe that if we all lift our voices together, that we can change the course.”Neguse pointed to specific actions he and his other members of congress were taking on specific issues, saying he believes that “one by one, day by day, week by week, month by month, by taking every opportunity and building on small victories, however small, we can eventually tip the scales.”Neguse described a 14-hour Natural Resources Committee meeting followed by a 21-hour Rules Committee hearing that began at 1 a.m. the same day, but ultimately, a constituent outcry that led to the provision’s removal.Those types of “wins” combined with thinking about the legacy left to his children and those he serves today help Neguse maintain hope for the future. “I derive so much strength from my constituents, from being able to visit all of you,” noting the crowds of 500 to 1,600 who attended recent gatherings in Steamboat Springs and Louisville. Neguse said he also derives “hope from the recognition that our country has been through a lot. Think about how much progress the country has made. Now, none of that has been easy. It didn’t happen overnight. It required great sacrifice.”“It’s not to minimize what we’re going through right now, and the obstacles we’re facing right now. The hurdles are incredibly difficult. But we have been tested before, and we’ve always found a way to rise,” he said.

March 11, 1947 – May 19, 2025Kent H. Smith was a sixth-generation sign-maker who grew up in his father’s sign shop and took over production when his father passed away. His search for a career led him to further fields. In high school, he trained for technical theater, primarily stage lighting, toured with Premiere Dance Arts, and lit shows at Denver Auditorium Theater and Red Rocks for national performers. Deciding to pursue a career in education, he graduated from Colorado State College with a degree in historical research. He taught history, civics, economics, and driver education in Grover, Colo., where he served briefly as the superintendent of schools. He also taught at the University of Northern Colorado. These pursuits lasted all his life.During his college years, Kent met Judy Findlater, an education major with a theatrical background. Their partnership lasted 59 years. After marriage, they lived in Fort Lupton, Grover, Greeley, and Estes Park – always in his beloved Colorado.With two daughters to support, Kent returned to Smith Sign Studio full-time in 1971 and discovered that entrepreneurship agreed with him. Judi joined him in the office in the 1980s. Smith Sign Studio is still in operation as his daughters have followed family tradition and returned to complete the jobs on order. Audri has found her entrepreneurial spirit rejuvenated, and she and her sister, Cassi, will continue future production with the assistance of the grandchildren who “grew up in the shop.”In the 1980s and 1990s, Kent acted as a sign product consultant and representative for several national manufacturers. He has written instruction manuals, texts, labels, advertising, and many trade magazine articles and other publications.  While no longer a school teacher, Kent has always been an educator. With over 70 years in the business, he established a reputation as a teacher and mentor, influencing many others entering the field or exploring a new facet of the art of sign creation. A member of a brotherhood known as the Letterheads, he enjoyed being an integral part of their efforts to continue and share the skills of the esoteric arts. He wrote the sign gilding manual, “Gold Leaf Techniques,” among other books published by their “Walden Illumination Division.” These include a community effort that resulted in “100 Years: A Celebration of Women, the Extraordinary Women of the Estes Valley,” which Kent curated.Throughout his life, he supported numerous causes, too many to innumerate. He wasalways active in civic affairs. In Greeley, where he lived and worked for over 40 years,he served as Chairman of the We CAN Committee and was a founder of theIndependence Stampede Troupe, a community theatre organization.Over the years, he also was an active member of the Colorado Historical Society, the Lions Club, and the National Railway Historical Society. He was President of the Rocky Mountain Sign Association and of the Southwest Sign Council, both affiliated with the International Sign Association where he was Chair of the Government Affairs Committee.He began participation in Estes with the Mountain Strong Committee in 2013. He served as a Board member for the Estes Chamber of Commerce, where he also, until recently, served on the Executive Committee and was a past board member of the Economic Development Corporation. Always a supporter of innovative education, Kent was most recently a member of the Long Range Planning Committee to explore the future of the Estes Schools.Kent was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a teacher, a mentor, a consultant, and afriend, beloved by his family and by many others. He will be sorely missed with eachunanswered appeal for advice.Read full Obituary here:

Story by Suzy BlackhurstJust before the three-day Memorial Day weekend – the traditional vacation season kickoff – optimism was the order of the day at the May 22 Visit Estes Park board meeting.“We’re cautiously optimistic,” said interim CEO Mike Zumbaugh, reflecting on the forecasting reports presented by Rachel Ward Oppermann, VEP’s marketing director.Zumbaugh pointed to Opperman’s report on 2025 vacation insights from Key Data, which gathers statistics from companies specifically booking short-term rental vacations. Opperman told the board that, according to Kelly Kessler, owner of Ride-a-Kart, Key Data reported that occupancy rates in the greater Estes Park area from May to September are currently 10% higher than last year, with average daily rates holding steady. “Even more promising, guest nights for June through September are up by 23% year-over-year,” Ward-Opperman said. While Key Data only reports short-term rental data, the information for Estes Park is considered a bellwether for the travel industry here.Ward-Opperman’s report is consistent with that of AAA. That company’s forecast calls for a strong summer travel season in 2025, with a record number of Americans expected to travel domestically.Reports from lodging property owners in Estes Park show that travelers are “booking on shorter windows,” Zumbaugh said. “They’re making decisions on shorter time frames,” he added.Even Estes Valley Recreation and Park District is noticing the trend. Camping operations are important to EVRPD’s overall seasonal operation income, and waiting for campground reservations at the Mary’s Lake Campground and East Portal can be difficult, Mary Davis, finance director, said at a board meeting last week.“We normally get filled, and that’s probably what’s going to happen,” Davis said. Last summer, at the beginning of the booking season, reservations lagged, “then we had all the walk-in traffic at the last minute. It’s usually not a problem at all,” she said.“I know some hotel owners, and they’re down. People might be a little bit leery,” of traveling Tom Carosello, executive director of EVRPD, said, in light of reports of a possible national economic downturn.Locally, first quarter lodging sales taxes collected for VEP only use year-to-date are down 1%. Collections were off $8,389, or 4.9%, from the money collected in March 2024. However, most of that can be attributed to lodging owners who did not meet the deadline for remitting their taxes to the state, or whose accounts have been delinquent for more than one month, Zumbaugh said last week. The state revenue department is responsible for collecting all money due, plus interest on delinquent accounts, Zumbaugh told VEP board members.According to data released early in May, town sales tax revenues received for March purchases increased 1.41% over 2024.  Staff is expected to provide an analysis showing classifications on sales soon.

by Mayor Gary HallEyesight is a treasure for those blessed to ​have it. It’s a wondrous thing to see the incredible variety of shades of green in the Rocky Mountain springtime.The other kind of vision is in our minds. ​Businesses write vision statements that describe the future state toward which they aspire.Many individuals imagine the future, and some use those ideas to propose or create inventions, national parks, projects, or art. We’ve had many ​Estesians who might be considered worthy of the tag of visionary. Some are recognized in their time, and some are recognized only later for their foresight. ​In times of turbulence, those with a vision can help calm the waters with their ability to imagine a better future and to convey that to others. We cannot directly control what the White House or Congress does, though we can attempt to influence through our duly elected officials and through our combined voices.Our best bet is to stay balanced locally, even when things seem to be careening nationally.  Every year, there are imbalances in our wonderful town. Last year, the Loop was in its final and most impactful stages. CDOT was working on 34 in the east and 36 in the west. Insurance was going up. The timed entry in RMNP continued to be controversial. The national economy was uneasy. Various factors led to a decrease in tourist travel. Many businesses were suffering. We had concerns about re-zonings, developments, and electric rates.Those who can envision a better future give us signposts to follow, and then we need to break and blaze the trail. We must keep our sense of vision of where we can and should be heading, and that focus helps us keep our balance, even when we’re walking through the storms.Fast forward to this year, with June about to be bustin’ out all over. Workforce housing, insurance, RMNP uncertainties, electric rates, developments/rezonings, and more are still issues.The Chocolate Factory is scheduled to open in July, and I’ve toured it a few times. This will be a unique and delightful experience. This is frosting on the cake for the Stanley-related ventures.Mr. John Cullen brought the Stanley Hotel back from the brink to a thriving status in these last thirty years. He just completed the sale of the Stanley to the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority for long-term proper management.He worked hard and diligently to help bring Sundance to Boulder. His work toward a film center is highly praiseworthy. And on top of it all, the Chocolate Factory in the Old Church Shops building will be absolute fun – it will bring out the kid in me.I have to tag Mr. Cullen as a visionary of our time. We need to give him kudos for his vision for Estes. Fifty years from now, I don’t think that tag will lose its luster. It will continue to shine.  West Elkhorn asphalt went quickly. The Tramway is open for the second year with its “new” owners. Cleave Street: Almost done. I can see the finished product in my mind’s eye, and then I see years of other artsy and fun evolution in that new dimension of the Estes experience.RMNP management has thus far weathered the staffing storms. They’re ready for the summer burst. Superintendent Ingram’s vision is his passion for the Park. The return of functional transponders, the grand opening of the north gate, the work of staff and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to restore ungulate-damaged parts of the Park, the hiring of seasonal employees: All in all, I’m feeling good about the Estes-RMNP connection.My greater concern is what Congress will do with the next budgets, but I hope there’s enough vision in those reps and senators to know the true and immense value of the gems of the Park system, including Rocky.  Read full Mayor's Message here: