La Voz del Valle de Estes 14 de Julio 2026

La Voz del Valle de Estes 14 de Julio 2026

CHILD CARE SUPPORT, STRONG SALES TAX GROWTH, HOSPITAL FINANCE DISCUSSIONS, AND BIG THOMPSON FLOOD MEMORIES HIGHLIGHT THIS WEEK IN ESTES VALLEY ESTES PARK — Local leaders continue working to strengthen the Estes Valley through investments in working families, healthcare, and long-term community planning, while residents are also being invited to reflect on one of the region's most significant historical events. New Child Care Fund Supports Working Families A new initiative aimed at making child care more affordable is now available for eligible Estes Valley families. The Estes Valley Childcare Fund is designed to ensure that qualifying households with children under age five spend no more than 10% of their income on child care. The remaining cost will be paid directly to participating child care providers, helping both families and local businesses by allowing more parents to remain in the workforce. The program is funded through revenues generated by the lodging tax approved by voters in 2022. Community leaders say the investment addresses one of the area's biggest workforce challenges by expanding access to reliable child care while strengthening local providers. May Sales Tax Revenue Continues Upward Trend The Town of Estes Park also reported encouraging economic news this week. Sales tax collections for May increased 11.7% compared to the same month in 2025, reflecting another strong start to the summer tourism season. Higher sales tax revenues provide additional funding for essential municipal services, infrastructure improvements, and community projects. While tourism remains the primary economic driver for Estes Park, town officials will continue monitoring revenue trends throughout the remainder of the busy summer season. Hospital District Board Reviews Financial Commitments The Park Hospital District Board is scheduled to consider several significant financial matters during its Tuesday meeting. Among the agenda items are discussions regarding potential funding commitments involving UCHealth as well as ongoing retirement plan obligations for district employees. Board members will review these financial responsibilities as part of the district's long-term planning efforts to maintain sustainable healthcare services for the Estes Valley community. Community Invited to Share Big Thompson Flood Memories As the 50th anniversary of the Big Thompson Flood approaches, the Estes Valley Voice is inviting community members to help preserve an important chapter of local history. Residents who experienced the devastating 1976 flood—or whose families were affected—are encouraged to share personal stories, photographs, and memories. The project seeks to honor those who lost their lives, recognize the resilience of survivors, and preserve firsthand accounts for future generations. Half a century later, the flood remains one of Colorado's most devastating natural disasters and continues to shape the region's collective memory. As Estes Valley continues to grow and evolve, this week's stories reflect both the community's investment in its future and its commitment to remembering the events that helped define its past. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com

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