The Mountain Jackpot

Trail Fight Persists Over CSU Proposed Closure Action Rick Langenberg If you want to enjoy the historic and folksy, outdoor Green Mountain Falls pool for a final lap this summer, the clock is ticking. In lively meeting on July 7, the GMF Trustees set the stage for closing its current swimming pool facility, the sole outdoor aqua hub in the Ute Pass. Moreover, the GMF pool is one of the oldest outdoor swimming facilities in Colorado, serving the region since the 1940s.

Teller Favorite “Outsider” Pulls Upset; Makes Resounding Showing Rick Langenberg The June 30 Colorado primary election has finally concluded, with a winner declared in the closely contested GOP gubernatorial race. Late last week, Victor Marx, the popular outsider candidate, the founder of All Things Possible Ministries, retained slight margin over Barb Kirkmeyer, the state Senator for District 23, in the Colorado Republican primary battle for governor.

Tuesday, July 14 Yoga classes meet at Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., plus Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For details, call 719-213-0848. Wednesday, July 15 Wellness Walk. Scheduled for July 8 at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Meet at the upper level and choose a one, two or three-mile hike. Maps are available. Healthy living tips and mindfulness exercises are available to enhance your walk.

Rainstorms Predicted, But not Enough to Douse Extreme Fire Dangers Trevor Phipps As devastating wildfires continue to blaze across the country’s western states, the state and region will remain on a red alert status with fire dangers escalating to a level not experienced in recent years. Many fires are scorching the state, with the Aspen Acres blaze gaining prominence as the largest in the country.

Chef Trevor’s Barbecue Cooking Tips for the Summer of 2026 Trevor Phipps I know this is the time of season when everyone gets excited about hosting get-togethers that involve firing up the barbecue or smoker. However, while Teller County is currently in a Stage 2 fire ban, many outdoor cooking options like smokers and charcoal grills are illegal. Under a Stage 2 ban, propane grills are allowed, but only if they are located far enough away from any combustible materials.

Guest Column By Angus Mugford, PhD Nearly 1 in 8 Americans have turned to GLP-1s to shed pounds. For many, these drugs offer a powerful starting point to trimming their waistlines — but not a complete path to long-term health. Lasting health isn’t defined by the scale. Sustainable improvements come from building healthier lifestyles over time — especially regular physical activity — which no pill or injection can replace. And not all exercise is equally effective.

Commissioners Still Holding Work Sessions Regarding STR Regulations Trevor Phipps The controversy surrounding the handling of short-term rental (STRs) properties – an issue that continues to command center stage attention throughout the state – has now invaded the unincorporated sections of Teller County. As the Teller commissioners take their time to decide whether to officially allow or ban STRs, or permit them with certain guidelines, verbal sparks are definitely igniting.

City Leaders Hope to Get “Head Boss” Pick Finalized Within Four and a Half Months Rick Langenberg For the first time in four-plus years, the city of Cripple Creek must pick a new full-time head boss to run its government operations. With this pending decision comes plenty of unanswered questions, as the city faces big challenges in the economic development and infrastructure arena.

Local Voters Render Mixed Results Rick Langenberg So much for apathy in Teller County, with the June 30 primary vote generating a nearly 50 percent turnout in the local High Country, based on preliminary results. That’s an amazing participation rate for the contest that will serve as the preamble for the big general election showdown in November. Yes, the so-called political experts got this one way wrong, as many insiders feared a dismal turnout.

Teller County Doubles Down in Aggressive Prevention Efforts Stage Two Ban Remains in Place Trevor Phipps and Rick Langenberg As giant blazes rage across Colorado and other western states, local fire concerns have escalated to a danger level not seen in years. The region got a slight reprieve last weekend with temperatures cooling off slightly from a sizzling, near record peak during the earlier week.