David Hernandez

Estes Valley Weekly News Roundup

Estes 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 Hernandez

New Development for Public Safety — Proposal for a New Police Building

In 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 Agreement

We 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” Exhibition

Through 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 Finances

In 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 Hernandez

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 Hernandez

Welcome 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.

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 Park

• Tuesdays, starting February 10
• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• 10 weeks
• At the church, Youth Room

Class Details (online)

• Wednesdays, starting February 11
• 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• 10 weeks
• Zoom

David Hernandez

EVICS receives $1 million grant

Local 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 approval

After 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 Allenspark

A 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 transition

At 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 parents

Despite 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 Department

Jeremiah 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 Hernandez

Estes Valley News Summary

This 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.