TMJ News

04/08/2024

The Gold Hill Theaters in Woodland Park will show this New Documentary on these weekends through the rest of August.
Aug. 10th - 11th, 17th - 18th, 24th - 25th, 31st and Sept. 1st.

Purchase tickets here https://goldhilltheatres.com/ or at the door at Gold Hill Theatres

The Colorado Midland Railway was the first Standard Gauge railroad to pierce the Rockies through the Great Divide, bringing commerce, to many cities and towns along the line. The Ute Pass (from Colorado City to Divide) was transformed from homesteads and mining camps to resort towns and transportation hubs for gold, cattle, timber, produce, and their world-famous excursions. Witness the tenacious characters that took the bull by its horns and transformed the area from homesteads to resorts and towns that still carry the history of the Colorado Midland to this day.

03/08/2024

03/08/2024

“Don’t Mess With Cripple Creek”

Head City Lobbyist Outlines Big Fiscal and Political Battles

~By Rick Langenberg~

"Don’t Mess With Cripple Creek."

That is the overriding message the gaming community has stressed in dealing with state lawmakers over the last decade and in digging inside the political trenches.

More importantly, the city wants to make sure any attempts to snag revenue or do end-around attacks against the gambling towns in creating illegal competition are squashed head-on.

“Nobody is going to mess with Cripple Creek,” boasted Solomon “Sol” Malick, president of the Peak Government Affairs group, in addressing the city council recently. Malick has served as the head government lobbyist for Cripple Creek for 10-plus years, a stint he described as extremely successful.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/08/03/dont-mess-with-cripple-creek/

03/08/2024

County Commissioners Staunchly Oppose Ballot Initiatives 50 and 108

Editor’s Note. The following is a guest editorial, authored by Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams and Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue.

It focuses on two proposed ballot initiatives dealing with what some have classified as drastic ways to reduce the high property tax increases Colorado residents have confronted. These plans are drastically different from a bipartisan measure approved by state lawmakers in the most recent session, which addressed this complex issue. This latter bipartisan approach was supported by both Williams and Pogue and by many county commissioners. Many elected leaders, though, are against the newly proposed property tax-related ballot initiatives.

~By Dan Williams and Tamara Pogue~

As county commissioners, we are deeply invested in the welfare of our communities and are sensitive to the affordability crisis exacerbated by the recent increase in property values, which has led to higher property tax bills for virtually every resident of Colorado.

While we’re from opposite sides of the aisle, and from very different parts of the state, we are united in the belief that property tax relief needs to be balanced not only with the pressures on our family budgets, but with the cost of vital community services we all count on. That’s why local control is so vital.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/08/03/county-commissioners-staunchly-oppose-ballot-initiatives-50-and-108/

02/08/2024

Military and veterans get free entry into Colorado state parks in August

To thank U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is offering free admission to all Colorado state parks to active-duty military, veterans, and the National Guard for the month of August.
Military members and veterans, resident and nonresident, can pick up a free August Military Pass at any Colorado state park or CPW office by showing proof of service. Passes become available on Aug. 1, 2024.

The free park pass allows visitors to experience Colorado’s state parks and the diverse wildlife and landscapes they support. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, and hunting and fishing licenses. The pass is not valid for accessing State Wildlife Areas.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/08/01/military-and-veterans-get-free-entry-into-colorado-state-parks-in-august/

02/08/2024

Recreation Access Tool Identifies Opportunities to Ensure All Coloradans have Close-to-Home Access to Colorado’s Outdoors

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced a new Colorado Recreation Access Map featured in the upcoming 2024 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) which is now out for public comment. This innovative tool, developed by Trust for Public Land (TPL), shows that 80% of Coloradans live within convenient walking access to Colorado’s public outdoor recreation spaces and the state continues working to reach 100%. The tool also explores recreation access across the state to help communities better understand where Coloradans can access parks, trails and open space within a 10-minute walk or 10-mile drive from home, as well as where future outdoor recreation opportunities are.

“Colorado’s outdoors offer outstanding experiences in nature that should be easily accessible to all Coloradans,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “With this tool, CPW and our partners can find information to help us understand where there is access to parks, trails and open space, and where future investments are needed to ensure everyone has outdoor recreation opportunities close to home.''

TPL developed the Colorado Recreation Access Mapping tool to demonstrate how outdoor recreation opportunities currently serve Colorado’s communities and how future projects could enhance close-to-home access.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/08/01/recreation-access-tool-identifies-opportunities-to-ensure-all-coloradans-have-close-to-home-access-to-colorados-outdoors/

02/08/2024

WP Council Retreats From Plans to Kill School Sales Tax Hike

Measure to End Controversial Levy May Land on the Ballot

~By Trevor Phipps~

For the last year, the battle surrounding the Woodland Park RE-2 School District and its governing board dominated city council meetings with passionate comments from both sides of the aisle.

But at least for now, a sales tax hike, initially approved in 2016, will stay intact. But the door is open for a potential ballot issue that could bring this issue to a citizens vote.

The school tax matter has quite a storied history.

A conservative group, which secured re-election last November, following a super-tight vote, came under fire regarding the way the tax money was being allocated.

In fact, many pointed their fingers at the school district’s superintendent and board of directors saying that the sales tax dollars were not being spent, according to the intent of the voters initially. On the other side of the argument, school board proponents viewed the criticism as a direct attack against the district residents. Moreover, they believe that the tax critics wanted to punish the school board by removing the increase.

On July 18, the issue finally came to a conclusion. The council voted to kill a proposed ordinance, which would have ended the sales tax increase. But at the same time, discussion ensued regarding the possibility of a city council member or a group of citizens deciding to put an issue on the election ballot. This would open the door for voters to permanently end the sales tax increase.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/08/01/wp-council-retreats-from-plans-to-kill-school-sales-tax-hike/

02/08/2024

Rocky Mountain Vibes Look For Repeat Comeback

Team Sports New Players for Second Half of the Season

~By Trevor Phipps~

Now that the summer season is in full swing, nobody has a good excuse to not see a baseball game.

Another key fact to consider: Not wanting to make the crazy drive to Denver to watch a game is not a viable excuse. In case you haven’t checked the local baseball reports, the Rocky Mountains Vibes are located just down the down the hill from Teller County in the east part of Colorado Springs, and they have played more than half of their season games in 2024.

But fret not, the last half of the season for the Vibes is always the prime time, when the team seems to turn things around. Last year, the Vibes had a less than impressive first half of their season before manager Les Lancaster went to work.

At the season’s halfway point last year, Lancaster revamped the roster in a really good way. In fact, the Vibes had an amazing rebound and earned the chance to compete in the first post-season playoff game in franchise history. However, they were eliminated in the first round, finishing just shy of a Pioneer League Championship.

This year, Vibes fans hope for more of the same. And the way the season is shaping, they just might get this result. Luckily the Vibes started the second half of their season in July with a slightly better record than they had last year.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/08/01/rocky-mountain-vibes-look-for-repeat-comeback/

02/08/2024

Teller County Fair 2024

The county fair has returned in 2024 with brand new bleachers and landscape work completed that allows many more spectators to comfortably watch the various events that take place at the fairgrounds every year.

The festivities that celebrated the county’s 125 years of history kicked off on July 26 and run until Sunday. The Tough Truck Competition kicked off last weekend and the Demolition Derby is this Saturday at 2 p.m. Photos By Trevor Phipps

01/08/2024

A Very Interesting Documentary for sure...
Showing at the Gold Hill Theatres

31/07/2024

Butte Theater Offers Crowd-pleasing Summer Shows

Hefty Entertainment Lineup Slated Through the End of 2024

~By Trevor Phipps ~

It is safe to say that during the summertime, Teller County has become a sizzling hot spot for entertainment.

In the last few months, thousands of visitors have flocked into town for various events and festivals, and to try their luck at the casinos.

However, for those who attend the events and want something more to do, the Butte Theater is striving as a hub for family entertainment. For their summer shows, the Butte has partnered with Chameleon Arts and Entertainment for live performances that run Wednesday through Sunday throughout the summer season.

Tourists and locals alike both enjoyed the famous “Darling of the Donkey Derby” melodrama that was shown during Cripple Creek’s popular Donkey Derby Days event and in the early part of the summer. The play, which showcased Cripple Creek when it was a gold boom town in the late 19th century, received great reviews.

And now showing in July and August, is a musical put on by the professional theater company that tells the story of a group of pre-teens testing their luck at a spelling bee. The show titled, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is filled with catchy musical numbers and jokes that will make people of all ages crack up laughing.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/30/butte-theater-offers-crowd-pleasing-summer-shows/

For free tickets to a show at the Butte Theater courtesy of the Mountain Jackpot Newspaper e-mail [email protected]!

31/07/2024

Childcare Center Development in Cripple Creek Hits Preliminary Jackpot

Community of Caring Project Striving to Address Desperate Local Needs

~By Rick Langenberg~

Cripple Creek is a gambling town that has sported big wagers on mega developments, new casino expansions, city festivals and even heritage tourism bids.

Now, town leaders are throwing their chips onto the table to tackle a desperate need in the community: Early childcare education and daycare services. The result of this wager could determine whether Cripple Creek’s ambitious housing and boom population aspirations thrive, or if the community’s bid to attract families instantly dies.

The Cripple Creek City Council recently gave the thumbs-up for the city to become the lead applicant for an ambitious Community of Caring project that could offer childcare for local employees for their young kids, ranging from infants to 12-years-of age. The city will act as the key fiscal agent in endorsing the project, a slot that was earlier explored by Teller County. The nearly $4 million center is slated for completion in 2026 and will be done in two phases of development.

The two-story,9,000-square-foot-plus facility will be located next to the Aspen Mine Center (AMC) West facility on Bennett Avenue, which already houses a spree of services. At total build-out, the facility will be capable of handling nearly 100 kids, with extended daily hours.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/30/childcare-center-development-in-cripple-creek-hits-preliminary-jackpot/

31/07/2024

Teller Sheriff Blames State Lawmakers for Jeopardizing Residents’ Safety

County Leaders Double Down On Need for 287g ICE Agreement

~By Trevor Phipps~

After confronting a recent legal setback in a five-year-long lawsuit, the sheriff has fired back in a highly publicized press conference, taking direct aim at state lawmakers and their immigration policies.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell went as far as accusing the state of preventing law enforcement agencies from keeping their communities safe.

Earlier this month, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled against a previous decision made by District Judge Scott Sells that basically concluded that the Teller County Sheriff’s Office’s 287g agreement with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency didn’t break any federal or state laws.

The appeals court sent the issue back to District Court, and asked a new judge (Judge Scott Sells has since retired) to take another look at the lawsuit and consider a new law passed in 2019 by state lawmakers. This law states that no law enforcement agency can hold people for ICE on civil immigration retainers.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/30/teller-sheriff-blames-state-lawmakers-for-jeopardizing-residents-safety/

31/07/2024

Don't miss the Shining Mountain Golf Course weekly scramble!

29/07/2024

Check out this week's local events at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/29/mountain-almanac-for-the-week-of-july-30/

29/07/2024

Argument Against Expanding “Slaughterhouse Capacity”
Dear Editor:

I was disappointed to learn the United States Department of Agriculture is spending $110 million to expand slaughterhouse capacity across the country.

Instead, this money should be put toward cultivated-meat research. For those who don’t know, cultivated meat is grown from animal cells, without slaughter. Such funding would help prepare the new protein for mass production.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/29/argument-against-expanding-slaughterhouse-capacity/

29/07/2024

Teller County Gaining Major Distinction as “Purple Heart County”

Local Area Surrounded by Military/Veteran Tribute Signs

~By Trevor Phipps~

The entire Southern Colorado region has gained acclaim as veterans’ country, partially due to the high number of military bases in the state.

Teller County has played a major role in reinforcing this image, as it sports one of the highest populations of military veterans per capita, possibly in the nation. As a result, locals are motivated to honor those who have served, every chance they get.

For the last year or so, local Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient John Bartlett has worked tirelessly to launch a grandiose campaign to turn the entire county into “Purple Heart Countr.” This has become a key symbolic gesture of this pro-veteran movement that has attracted much media attention. His main purpose is to remind people of all ages of the efforts veterans have made in giving the ultimate sacrifice to keep the country free.

The latest Purple Heart Trail Sign unveiling took place last Tuesday morning at the intersection of Hwys. 67 and 24 in Divide. Before the event started, officials from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) already had the sign hung underneath the POW/MIA Memorial Highway sign, but it was covered with a tarp.

A handful of local Purple Heart recipients were present at the ceremony as well as county officials. Some of the key community leaders and local dignitaries included Woodland Park Mayor Kellie Case, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell and several of his main deputies, and other well-known county employees. County Commissioner Dan Williams gave an introductory speech and read the proclamation to incorporate the local highways as a part of the national Purple Heart Trail System.

According to Williams, the process to get large highway signs placed on state and federal highways was not an easy road. Williams along with Bartlett had to get the proclamation passed by state lawmakers and signed by the governor of Colorado.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/29/teller-county-gaining-major-distinction-as-purple-heart-county/

29/07/2024

Ribbon Cut on New GMF Horse Rehabilitation Center

Injured Racers and Abused Animals Getting Second Chance to Thrive

~By Rick Langenberg~

The Green Mountain Falls’ equestrian heritage is making a heroic comeback with a new humanitarian twist.

This theme dominated the ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Green Mountain Falls Horse Wellness Meadow project, an effort aimed at saving the lives of performance, race animals, as they chart a new course and transition into a new career and hopefully secure an adopted home. The facility, which is slated for completion in September or sometime this fall, involves a partnership between the Historic Green Mountain Falls Foundation and the Elite Equine Rescue group. It also is backed by the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. From a regulatory and political standpoint, the project plans have already gotten the okay by the GMF Planning Commission and the GMF Board of Trustees.

The goal is to provide an area to rehabilitate performance horses so they can serve a new purpose, other than racing down the track.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/29/ribbon-cut-on-new-gmf-horse-rehabilitation-center/

29/07/2024

Fishing Conditions Improve as Water Levels Drop

Spinney Reservoir and South Platte River Emerge as Local Angler Hot Spots

Trevor Phipps

Anglers across the state have been a little discouraged this summer as water levels are reaching extremely high levels in lakes and rivers. This equates to tough conditions for catching fish.

In fact, in the past few weeks, the South Platte running through Deckers (about 20 miles north of Woodland Park) has looked rather devoid of vehicles. This is a much different scene from the last few years, with every parking area packed with fishing buffs, in search of that elusive catch.

But with summer swinging into full stride, temps are warming up and water levels are becoming a bit more manageable. This has resulted in drastically improved conditions, with anglers reportingly landing “monsters” at local fishing spots.

Most of the experts agree that fishing has improved, but water levels are still high, making angling a little more technical. Most of the online fishing reports have a stern cautionary message. They warn those out in the rivers and lakes to be aware, while wading, and that water flows are still very fast and dangerous.

According to the Orvis Fly Fishing Reports at https://fishingreports.orvis.com/west/colorado, the state’s big hot spot for fishing currently is the Upper Gunnison River. Orvis, meanwhile, ranks Spinney and the South Platte as the best local options.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/29/fishing-conditions-improve-as-water-levels-drop/

24/07/2024

Views From the Editor

Enjoying the Summer of 2024

~By Rick Langenberg~

As we cruise through the Summer of 2024, special events and politics are still the magic buzz words for local Tellerians and Ute Pass residents.

No big surprises here, as we experience what appears like a bonanza tourist season, and then prepare for the presidential elections this November. This is a strange combination as we crown local festivals and political drama as the preliminary winners of our magical summer.

First the good news: The infamous Summer of Fun is turning into a big success, with record crowds at area events and good times by most attendees. It’s good to see special events making a great comeback on The Mountain, after the COVID woes of several years. Luckily, the doomsday talk of not having special events has ended.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/23/enjoying-the-summer-of-2024/

24/07/2024

Deadly Waters!

State on Track to Set a Record for Fatal Deaths at Area Recreation Hotspots

High Snow Runoff and Limited Safety Measures Identified as Main Culprits

~By Trevor Phipps ~

Before the summer season officially arrived, Colorado officials warned the public of the growing dangers along state waterways that are used frequently by local recreation buffs who love such activities as boating, tubing and rafting.

Moreover, officials say if property safety measures are not employed during these outings, recreation-goers could easily face a deadly outcome.

Due to high levels of snowpack, water levels in rivers and reservoirs have reached record numbers making many waterways across Colorado a recipe for fatalities, according to recent reports.

Luckily, Teller County has only experienced one water-related death that happened last spring. On May 25, CPW and local authorities initiated a search for a missing fisherman only to find his vehicle, trailer, boat and life jacket left behind. On June 4, CPW issued a press release stating that the body of the missing fisherman from Canon City was found using a skilled underwater recovery team.

But this isn’t the story for nearby waterways, regarded by some authorities as a possible body of death unless users follow safe precautions.

In fact, this year drowning and other deaths associated with bodies of water started made headlines early in the season. By early June, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division (CPW) had already reported 16 water-related deaths during the spring. This is half the state had recorded for the entire year in 2023.

And these soaring rate of fatalities on the Colorado waters is only getting worse.

The Colorado Sun recently reported that at least 32 people have died in the state’s rivers and reservoirs so far this year. The number is on track to surpass the record number of 42 water deaths the CPW tracked in 2022.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/23/deadly-waters-state-on-track-to-set-a-record-for-fatal-deaths-at-area-recreation-hotspots/

24/07/2024

Ute Pass Area Celebrates 86th Annual Bronc Day This Saturday

A Hefty Lineup Slated For GMF Festival

Building Ute Pass Community

Bronc Day--one of Colorado’s oldest festivals (since 1939)--will be held this Saturday (July 27) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the historic mountain town of Green Mountain Falls.

The Bronc Day Festival is filled with activities for children and families, including a parade, arts and crafts, vendors, a pie judging contest, food trucks and free swimming at the community pool. New this year is a beer garden from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bronc Day begins with a pancake breakfast at Church in the Wildwood, starting at 7 a.m. A parade of horses, rodeo royalty, vintage cars, Smokey Bear and more starts at 10 a.m. (Rumor has its Bigfoot will be around.)

After the parade, head over to the iconic Gazebo Lake for food, vendors and children’s activities, including gunny-sack races and other old-fashioned games, rubber-duck races, Storybrooke Princesses’ face painting, Professor Higgins’ Magic, Cool Science and Dinosaur Resource Center activities and more.

“All Aboard for Ute Pass” is this year’s Bronc Day theme. It celebrates the Midland Railway, the first standard gauge railroad built over the Continental Divide in Colorado. It transported hundreds of vacation-seekers to Green Mountain Falls and other towns in the Ute Pass area.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/23/ute-pass-area-celebrates-86th-annual-bronc-day-this-saturday/

23/07/2024

View this week's local events at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/22/mountain-almanac-for-the-week-of-july-23-2024/

23/07/2024

Check out the latest arrest reports from the Woodland Park Police Department at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/22/busted-in-woodland-park-july-20-2024-edition/

23/07/2024

Read the latest arrest reports from the Teller County Sheriff's Office at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/22/busted-in-teller-county-july-18-2024-edition/

23/07/2024

New study finds first evidence of “staggering disease” in a mountain lion in North America

A new study published this week in the journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases” reports the first finding of rustrela virus in a mountain lion in North America.

In May of 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife euthanized a sick mountain lion in Douglas County that was unable to use its hind legs. An analysis of tissues from the mountain lion revealed the presence of the rustrela virus, which was recently identified as the cause of “staggering disease,” a usually fatal neurologic syndrome recognized in domestic cats.

The lead author on the paper, former CPW Wildlife Pathologist Dr. Karen Fox, said that the diagnosis of staggering disease was challenging, and final confirmation was only possible through collaboration with researchers at the Friedrich-Leoffler-Institut in Germany.

Fox, currently a research scientist with Colorado State University, emphasized that scientists don’t yet know how widespread the virus is in either domestic cats or wildlife populations. In Europe, rustrela virus causes staggering disease in cats, but also has been found in a wide range of other species, including rodents, a donkey and marsupials.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/22/new-study-finds-first-evidence-of-staggering-disease-in-a-mountain-lion-in-north-america/

23/07/2024

Participate in CPW Day of Giving, donate and gift outdoor memories to support Colorado’s outdoors

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is hosting a 24-hour fundraising campaign, CPW Day of Giving, on July 25, 2024, to raise funds for state park and wildlife programs and increase awareness of how donors can support CPW in a valuable way.
CPW’s mission is to perpetuate the state’s wildlife resources, provide a quality state parks system, and provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado‘s natural resources.

Colorado is home to 43 world-class state parks, more than 960 species of wildlife and 23 million acres of public lands, ranging from wetlands to forests, canyon landscapes to mountain lakes, and peaceful eastern plains. Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado.

Donors make a big difference in CPW’s work. Every contribution goes a long way to help protect our wildlife and natural spaces, support our state parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and introduce new people to the wonders of Colorado‘s great outdoors.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/22/participate-in-cpw-day-of-giving-donate-and-gift-outdoor-memories-to-support-colorados-outdoors/

20/07/2024

Free sunscreen stations at select Colorado state parks, recreate responsibly

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Colorado Department for Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are partnering with UCHealth, and IMPACT Melanoma to raise awareness about skin cancer and offer free sunscreen to state park visitors.

Visitors to seven of Colorado’s state parks can use free sunscreen stations to protect themselves from the sun’s potentially damaging rays during outdoor adventures.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/19/free-sunscreen-stations-at-select-colorado-state-parks-recreate-responsibly/

20/07/2024

CLINT VAHSHOLTZ HONORED AT 2024 PPIHC Hall of Fame Induction Leads Winslow BMW Parade of Champions

The results of the 102nd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, are now part of race history. Competitors from thirteen nations and sixteen states, including 21 from Colorado, traveled to Colorado Springs to challenge the mountain on June 23. One legendary Colorado driver played a big part in this year’s festivities.

HALL OF FAME

Clint Vahsholtz was inducted to the 2024 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame on June 20 along with broadcaster, Beck Bechtelheimer, and local racing hero, the late Ted Foltz.

Clint is the second generation in the Vahsholtz racing dynasty on Pikes Peak. Fans from the 1970s through the 2000s cheered on Leonard Vahsholtz, Clint’s father. Since 2011, Clint’s son, Codie Vahsholtz, third generation, is proving he has what it takes to keep the family legacy going strong.

In the early 1990s, Clint entered the motorcycle division, setting two division records in four years. In 1996, he made the seamless transition from two wheels to four when he entered the Super Stock Car division, garnering a win and Rookie of the Year honors. His amazing career includes 24 division wins, multiple division records, and in 2020 an overall King of the Mountain championship.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/19/clint-vahsholtz-honored-at-2024-ppihc-hall-of-fame-induction-leads-winslow-bmw-parade-of-champions/

20/07/2024

From Fire Devastation to Scenic Mountain Glory

Pikes Peak Ranch Touted as a Remote and Spectacular Event Venue

New Owners Plan to Host Weddings, Yoga and Art Activities

~By Trevor Phipps~

Nestled in the high mountains near the community of West Creek, the Pikes Peak Ranch ranks as a true hidden gem of the Pikes Peak region that not many people previously knew about.

However, the secret is now out, courtesy of recent ribbon cutting and grand opening, organized by the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce.

One of the ranch’s main assets, though, is the fact that it sports a remote location.

After driving on Hwy. 67 north of Woodland Park for about 30 minutes, visitors first can only see a giant wooden sign at the ranch’s entrance labeling the 160-acre property.

As visitors wind up a dirt road to the top of the hill, the cabins of the ranch can be seen along with its trophy-level mountain views. The lodge and the main event area sit on top of a small mountain that overlooks the entire valley.

The amazing amenities and scenic backdrop of Pikes Peak Ranch, which once was victimized by the devastating Hayman fire, are now receiving more attention, especially for those who like to enjoy events in spectacular, remote mountain settings.

On June 29, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce held their official ribbon cutting ceremony to introduce the ranch’s new owners and their plans for the property. The new owners of the Pikes Peak Ranch, Jack and Mariah Hoesly, hosted a large crowd of more than 300 people, including many local business operators, civic leaders and residents.

Read more at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/2024/07/19/pikes-peak-ranch-touted-as-a-remote-and-spectacular-event-venue/