La Voz del Valle de Estes 15 de Junio 2026

La Voz del Valle de Estes 7 de Julio 2026

The first week of July brought several important developments across the Estes Valley, from wildfire precautions to community initiatives and local leadership. Due to elevated wildfire risk, the Town of Estes Park postponed its annual Fourth of July fireworks display, while Rocky Mountain National Park entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, prohibiting campfires and other activities that could spark a wildfire. Despite the change, the holiday weekend remained full of parades, live music, and community events. Bank of Estes Park also presented its annual Golden Antler Award to an anonymous community member whose years of quiet generosity have made a lasting impact on the Estes Valley, recognizing the importance of serving others without seeking recognition. The Republican Kelley Dennison will challenge Congressman Joe Neguse in Colorado's Second Congressional District. This week also marked a milestone for Estes Valley Voice, which celebrated publishing its 1,616th story, highlighting the ongoing importance of local journalism in keeping the community informed. Residents also had the opportunity to meet Estes Park's new police commander during a community coffee event designed to encourage open conversation and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public. Finally, the Estes Valley Latino Alliance met this week to discuss new initiatives focused on strengthening the Latino community. Members reviewed plans to improve community resources, increase support for Latino-owned businesses, expand cultural programming, and begin preparations for upcoming events such as Hispanic Heritage Month and Día de Muertos, while continuing conversations about leadership, representation, and community engagement. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com

La Voz del Valle de Estes 29 de Junio

MÚSICA Y COMUNIDAD ESTA TARDE EN ESTES PARK Si aún no tiene planes para este lunes, hoy se llevará a cabo una nueva edición del Community Minded Music Seriesen Mountain Shop. El evento ofrecerá música en vivo con artistas locales, presentaciones de jóvenes músicos y un intercambio comunitario de ropa, con el objetivo de promover la sustentabilidad y reunir a la comunidad en un ambiente familiar. La entrada es gratuita y las actividades comenzarán esta tarde. APRUEBAN MILLONARIAS MEJORAS AL SISTEMA DE AGUA El Town Board de Estes Park aprobó el nuevo Plan Maestro del Sistema de Agua 2026, un proyecto que contempla más de 100 millones de dólares en inversiones durante los próximos veinte años. El plan busca modernizar la infraestructura de agua potable, reemplazar tuberías envejecidas y garantizar el suministro para el crecimiento futuro de la comunidad. Durante la misma sesión, los fideicomisarios aprobaron el nuevo Código de Resiliencia ante Incendios Forestales, una normativa impulsada por el estado de Colorado que fortalecerá los estándares de construcción para reducir el riesgo de incendios. Las nuevas reglas aplicarán únicamente a nuevas construcciones y remodelaciones importantes, por lo que las viviendas existentes no estarán obligadas a realizar modificaciones. En esa misma reunión también fue aprobada una solicitud de rezonificación para un terreno ubicado en Valley Road. ESTES PARK SERÁ SEDE DE IMPORTANTE CONFERENCIA ESTATAL El Estes Arts District fue seleccionado para recibir el Colorado Creative Industries Summit 2028, uno de los encuentros más importantes para artistas, organizaciones culturales y líderes creativos del estado. La designación representa un importante reconocimiento para Estes Park, cuyo Distrito Creativo fue aprobado oficialmente hace menos de un año. Se espera que la conferencia atraiga visitantes de todo Colorado y genere un importante impacto económico para los negocios locales. ECONOMÍA LOCAL CONTINÚA SUPERANDO EXPECTATIVAS La recaudación del impuesto sobre ventas continúa mostrando resultados positivos durante 2026. De acuerdo con el reporte más reciente, los ingresos generados hasta el mes de abril se mantienen por encima de las proyecciones presupuestadas, reflejando una actividad comercial sólida durante el inicio de la temporada turística. Funcionarios municipales señalaron que estos recursos permitirán seguir financiando proyectos de infraestructura, servicios públicos y programas para la comunidad. PARK TAVERN APUESTA POR UNA NUEVA EXPERIENCIA Y en información de negocios locales, Park Tavern presenta una renovada propuesta para este verano. El restaurante reabrió con un menú actualizado, nuevos cocteles, una terraza renovada y una imagen completamente refrescada. Los propietarios afirman que el objetivo es ofrecer una experiencia más moderna sin perder el ambiente acogedor que caracteriza al establecimiento, y los primeros comentarios de los clientes han sido positivos, con varios visitantes regresando apenas unos días después de su primera visita. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com

La Voz del Valle de Estes 15 de Junio 2026

Trustees approve new police technology contract At their June 10 meeting, the Estes Park Board of Trustees approved a new five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise to modernize technology used by the Estes Park Police Department. The contract, valued at approximately $380,000, includes upgraded body cameras, Taser devices, drone software, and digital evidence management systems. Town officials said the investment reflects the growing demands of modern law enforcement, where investigations increasingly rely on video footage, digital communications, and electronic records. Prior to the vote, Eighth Judicial District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin presented his annual report to trustees. McLaughlin discussed several ongoing criminal cases and highlighted the expanding role digital evidence plays in investigations throughout Larimer and Jackson counties. Housing discussions continue with first joint study session Housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Estes Park, and local leaders took another step toward addressing the issue this week. The Estes Park Housing Authority and the Board of Trustees held their first joint study session, creating an opportunity for both organizations to discuss current housing conditions, workforce needs, and future priorities. The conversation focused on the ongoing shortage of attainable housing for local workers and residents, a challenge that many business owners say continues to impact employee recruitment and retention. Art Center exhibition showcases color, texture, and imagination The Art Center of Estes Park is welcoming visitors to a new exhibition featuring the work of artist Astrid Paustian. Titled Journey Through Colors and Textures, the exhibit highlights Paustian's abstract style, which combines vibrant color palettes and layered textures to create visually engaging compositions. Paustian's artistic journey evolved over many years while balancing family responsibilities and professional commitments. Today, her work reflects both personal expression and a willingness to experiment with color, form, and movement. Summer visitors arrive amid inflation concerns As temperatures rise and schools let out for the season, Estes Park is once again welcoming an influx of summer visitors. Restaurants, lodging properties, attractions, and retail businesses are beginning one of the busiest periods of the year. However, business owners are also keeping a close eye on economic conditions that continue to affect consumer spending. Inflation and fuel costs remain concerns for travelers across the country, leading some families to make adjustments to vacation budgets. Even so, local businesses remain optimistic that strong visitation numbers will help sustain economic activity throughout the summer months. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com

La Voz del Valle de Estes 8 de Junio 2026

Another busy week in Estes Valley brought a mix of community celebrations, environmental stewardship, economic updates, and ongoing legal developments. Pride in the Park Celebrates Five Years One of the highlights of the week was the fifth annual Pride in the Park celebration. What began as a small gathering has grown into a meaningful community event that brings together residents, visitors, local organizations, and businesses. Residents Turn Out to Protect Local Forests Environmental conservation was also front and center this week as hundreds of residents participated in the BeetleBlock pheromone packet giveaway. The program, designed to help protect trees from destructive bark beetles, saw all 560 available packets claimed within minutes. The overwhelming response demonstrates how seriously Estes Valley residents take the health of local forests and the long-term protection of the mountain landscape that defines our community. With beetle activity remaining a concern throughout Colorado’s mountain regions, many homeowners are eager to take preventative steps to safeguard their properties and surrounding trees. Gas Prices Offer Some Relief Drivers received a bit of good news this week as gasoline prices declined slightly across Colorado and much of the nation. While Estes Park continues to experience fuel prices that are somewhat higher than larger Front Range communities, the recent decrease provides modest relief as the busy summer tourism season begins. Lower crude oil prices have contributed to the trend, although experts continue to monitor global factors that could influence prices in the months ahead. For local residents, seasonal workers, and visitors alike, any reduction at the pump is a welcome development during a season that often brings increased travel throughout the region. Federal Tax Fraud Case Nears a Verdict Meanwhile, attention remains focused on a federal tax fraud case involving local businessman Predmore and several co-defendants. This week marked a significant stage in the proceedings as jurors began reviewing evidence after hearing testimony and arguments presented during the trial. The case has drawn considerable public interest due to its scope and the potential implications for those involved. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com

La Voz del Valle de Estes 01 de Junio 2026

A Strong Start to the Summer Season Recent sales tax reports offer encouraging news for Estes Park's business community. Sales tax collections increased nearly 10 percent during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Lodging tax revenues saw even stronger growth, reflecting increased visitation and continued confidence in Estes Park as one of Colorado's premier destinations. Behind these numbers are local restaurants welcoming guests, retail shops serving customers, lodging providers hosting travelers, and business owners investing in the future of our community. For many local businesses, the summer months represent a significant portion of their annual revenue. After several years of economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits, these figures provide a welcome sign of stability as the busy season begins. But economic growth often raises another important question: Who is supporting that growth, and can they afford to remain part of the community they help sustain? Housing Remains the Community's Biggest Challenge A recently released regional housing report once again highlights one of Estes Park's most pressing concerns. Affordable housing continues to be a growing challenge for residents across a wide range of professions and income levels. For years, housing discussions focused primarily on lower-income households. Today, the issue extends much further. Teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality employees, service providers, and many other essential members of the workforce increasingly struggle to find housing within the community they serve. The impact reaches nearly every corner of local life. Businesses face ongoing recruitment challenges. Employers work harder to retain staff. Employees often commute long distances to jobs in Estes Park. Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations all feel the effects of a limited housing supply. Housing is no longer simply a development issue. It has become an economic issue, a workforce issue, and ultimately a community issue. As community leaders continue discussing potential solutions, many agree on one fundamental principle: a healthy future for Estes Park depends on creating opportunities for the people who work here to also live here. Protecting Access to Community Healthcare Another important conversation this week centers around the future of Salud Family Health Centers. The organization, which provides healthcare services to many families throughout the region, is facing significant financial challenges that have raised concerns among residents and community advocates. For many individuals and families, Salud represents far more than a healthcare provider. It serves as a critical access point for preventive care, routine medical services, and affordable healthcare options that might otherwise be out of reach. When access to healthcare becomes uncertain, the effects extend beyond individual patients. Employers, schools, families, and the broader community all feel the impact. Supporters argue that maintaining accessible healthcare services is essential to the long-term well-being of Estes Park. As discussions continue, many residents are calling for collaboration among local leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to explore ways of preserving these important services. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com