12/10/25: As birds migrate across the state for the winter, CPW is expecting an increase in wild birds infested with highly pathogenic avian influenza, and is warning the public to avoid sick wildlife. Waterfowl and shorebirds are particularly vulnerable to Avian Influenza as they tend to gather in large numbers. Highly pathogenic avian influenza exists naturally across bird species, but a few years ago, a new strain was confirmed in Colorado that causes high mortality rates in wild and domestic birds with no identified cure or treatment. Birds infested with avian influenza may move slowly, swim in circles, or be unable to fly. CPW encourages the public to contact wildlife officials if they find dead or sick birds.
12/11/25: Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper released statements today decrying the Senate’s vote not to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. The Democratic Bill proposed a three-year tax credit extension that would protect Americans from paying double premiums or losing coverage altogether. The current subsidies will expire on January 1st.
12/22/25: Lift-Up has hired a new executive director. The nonprofit operator of food pantries and supplementary food programs from Parachute to Aspen has been without a permanent director for almost a year. Elyse Hottel has served as the organization’s interim executive director on a contract basis since January.
Samantha Freese will take the helm as executive director. A New Castle resident, Freese most recently served as financial literacy and marketing director at YouthEntity.
In August, LIFT-UP announced it was closing thrift stores it operated in Rifle and Parachute and selling the commercial buildings, citing shrinking revenues.
LIFT-UP operates five brick-and-mortar food pantries and a mobile pantry, serving more than 5,000 area residents. LIFT-UP also hosts community soup kitchens in partnership with churches in Glenwood Springs and Rifle, provides 2,000 emergency food bags a year to families and individuals in crisis, and distributes holiday meals, senior food boxes, free diapers and other support to those in need.
12/23/25: On Saturday President Trump denied Colorado’s two Major Disaster Declaration requests for the Elk and Lee fires and the record-breaking flooding across the southwest in October. Governor Polis as well as both the state’s Senators have released statements asking the President to reconsider approving the requests and unlocking FEMA funding to support recovery efforts for residents and businesses affected by the disasters. The White House has not released an exact reason for the decision.
12/29/25: Monarch Mountain is offering free lift tickets to skiers and riders affected by the current closure at Telluride Ski Area. Telluride is currently closed by order of its owner, Chuck Horning, the result of an impasse on negotiations for a new 3-year contract with the ski patrol union there. With the Telluride patrol on strike, Monarch Mountain owner Bob Nicolls has made his own counter-offer.
To help impacted guests keep their winter plans on track, Monarch will give a complimentary three-day lift ticket to any guest who can provide proof of a valid Telluride Season Pass or Telluride day-ticket purchase dated between December 29 and January 8. The offer is also open to active Telluride ski area employees and their dependents with valid verification.