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Seasonal restrictions to protect nesting birds of prey

FORT COLLINS – To protect nesting birds of prey, the Roosevelt National Forest began implementing annual closures in several popular recreation areas within the Canyon Lakes and Boulder Ranger Districts on Feb 1, 2025.  In the Boulder Ranger...

Free Boulder Canyon Extra bus service

BOULDER COUNTY - To provide additional travel options between Nederland and Boulder, the Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has contracted with Via Mobility Services to operate one additional round-trip in the afternoon...
Central City Council receives an update on the BelvidereCommunity Development Director Jeff Noffsinger updated the council on the certificate of occupancy for the Shoofly section of the Belvidere Theater and informed them about the final steps needed to complete Phase 1 of the project.
CENTRAL CITY – The Central City Council convened for a work session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, to discuss the relocation of the Visitor Center to the Belvidere Theater and ongoing concerns about housing needs within the area. The meeting,...
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Listening to public commentsGilpin County Community Development Director Rob Gutierrez with his assistant Rachel Vigil fielding questions and listening to comments at Housing Needs Assessment Open House on January 28, 2025.
The Gilpin County Community Development Department held an open house meeting on January 28, 2025, at the Gilpin County Courthouse to roll out the final draft of the 2024 Housing Needs Assessment report and take public comments and questions about it.
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Community News
DancingGrooving to the music.

UllrGrass Beer & Music Festival

UllrGrass Beer & Music Festival DAVE GIBSON GOLDEN – When the founder, songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist of Coral Creek newgrass band Chris Thompson and his wife Susannah formed UllrGrass Beer & Music Festival 11 years ago, their intent...

Aldridge at Gilpin Library: As I see it

GILPIN COUNTY - The rich and sometimes unexpected interplay between people and nature is often the subject of Dave Aldridge’s photographs. He is drawn to scenes which reflect the ways people interact with the world. Aldridge tries to evoke both...
A man of character. A man dedicated to his family and community. Hearing about the loss of our friend Chip Smith weighs heavy on our hearts. The memories of our time with Chip will always be a part of our lives.  How wonderful it was to work...
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BLACK HAWK – A new daycare center, Gilpin Mountain Kids, will soon open its doors at 10655 Highway 119, the former location of Eagles' Nest Early Learning Center.  The closure of Eagles' Nest in 2023 created a childcare shortage that has...
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Community eventThe community of Coal Creek gathers to celebrate CCCIA's 26th Annual ChiliFest.
CCCIA has already hosted a chili competition for a quarter century. This year, they're starting the next quarter century!
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Government
CENTRAL CITY – The Central City Council convened its regular meeting on Feb. 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 141 Nevada St., following a work session. Mayor Jeremy Fey and council members Zane Plsek, Todd Williams, Chuck Spencer, and Marcia...
NEDERLAND - Water and land conservation were the prime subjects on the Nederland Board of Trustees’ agenda for Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Before the start of their meeting, the Board held a closed Executive Session pertaining to both Nederland and...
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT) received a brief report from Town Administrator Jonathan Cain regarding the potential impact of a freeze on federal funding. Though the BOT heard of which major Town projects are...
Police and fire
Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office Reports, October 2024 On 10/1/24, at approximately 4:05 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to a theft at the 300 block of Gregory Street at the Grand Z Casino. A report was taken. On 10/1/24, at approximately 6:10 p.m.,...
Golden Gate Fire Board motions fail John Scarffe Golden Gate Canyon All motions failed before the Golden Gate Fire Protection District Board during a regular meeting on January 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Grange, 25231 Golden Gate Canyon Rd,...
Gilpin County – Gilpin County CSU Extension, Timberline Fire Protection District, Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office and Clear Creek Watershed & Forest Health Partnership will be hosting their second film on forest health on Saturday, February 8,...
Calendar of events
Keep It Local

Keep it Local: Hub Ned

Workers from Nederland often struggle to commute down windy mountain roads. In 2017, married couple Jennifer and Steve Karowe were tired of the drive and thought up a solution: a place to work where you live. That year they founded Hub Ned...
The perfect additionA flower's beauty can either be the feature star on display, or can be the right complement for another piece of art.
Keep It Local: New business budding in Nederland
There are few things in nature as multifaceted as the flower. They come in many species, regionally specific classes, thriving in different environments, holding distinct roles in their ecosystem, and taking on symbolic roles, emotionally...
Keep It Local: Nedernet Inc.
NEDERLAND - Nedernet began as a novelty idea at the dawn of Wi-Fi. Now, it is a company that became essential during the pandemic. And it offers what few communities have: an independent local network provider.  In 2001, David Hardy and...
Keep It Local: Hair By Holly LLC
NEDERLAND - Holly Phillips is a hair stylist unlike any other—although, in this wonderfully unusual community of ours, that may be too broad a statement. You see, Phillips, owner of Hair by Holly LLC, sees herself as part of a community ...
Proposed Eldora Ski Mountain acquisition

Nederland finds path forward for Eldora acquisition

<p><strong>A new year</strong></p><p>Eldora Mountain Resort, New Year’s Day 2025.</p>
NEDERLAND - Since the news broke of the Town of Nederland’s idea to acquire the Eldora ski area, affiliates across the state have taken notice. Certain parties have expressed their interest in the prospect of investing, or even partnering, and...

FAQs 2.0: Eldora Mountain Acquisition 

FAQs 2.0: Eldora Mountain Acquisition  Since our first FAQs, Town administrators have been collecting more information on making the Eldora Mountain Resort acquisition a reality. Below are a new set of questions from the community as well as...

Full speed ahead on Eldora acquisition

NEDERLAND - The potential of the Town of Nederland acquiring the Eldora ski area dominated the Board of Trustees’ (BOT) first meeting of the new year, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.  An Executive Session was held before the meeting regarding...

How to manage the mountain

The Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT), after citing positive feedback from the community, announced their intention to continue pursuing the potential acquisition of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. The next steps for the Town would include entering...

Nederland, handle its own issues first

Dear Editor, If Nederland is not capable, or, will not fund its own police department, how is it possible - or sensible - for it to even remotely fantasize of buying Eldora Ski Resort? The concept of Nederland even considering a possible ski...
'Make it accessible' — Local business owner John Thompson hopes that Nederland focuses on making Eldora locals-friendly and financially-friendly.
NEDERLAND - Two weeks ago, The Mountain-Ear broke the story that the Town of Nederland is considering the acquisition of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. The concept has struck the community, sparking spirited discussion about whether the idea is worth...
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Weighing in on the Eldora question

Enthusiasm growingSince the announcement of the Town

NEDERLAND – Months after POWDR announced the sale of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, the Town of Nederland has expressed interest in purchasing the Boulder County ski area. While the town sees the acquisition as an opportunity to enhance local...

Ned BOT plowing ahead on Eldora acquisition

Visiting hours are over?The Nederland BOT is considering shutting the doors to the Visitors Center in 2025 because it is operating at a deficit.

NEDERLAND - On Tuesday, November 19, 2025, the Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT) began exploring the next steps in the process of pursuing the acquisition of the Eldora ski area. The prospect has been in the works for several weeks and was made...

Ned releases Eldora acquisition FAQs

What is the purpose of the Eldora Mountain acquisition?  The Town of Nederland is considering the acquisition of Eldora Ski Mountain to foster new community-centric benefits, including improved local recreational opportunities, economic...

Arts & Entertainment
Music of the Mountains

Music of the Mountains: Laurie Dameron

Music has always brought joy to her life. She hopes her music can bring joy to those who need it!

Music of the Mountains: The Daniel Rodriguez Band

Daniel Rodriguez built his storied musical career in Nederland, and he's coming back for a big performance!

Music Listing for February 2025

Here are the live music performances in the Peak to Peak area for February 2025!

Cracker Barrel

Friday, February 7 Children’s Storytime: Stories! Song! Movement! Music! Play! Every Friday morning from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. we hold storytimes for ages 0 to 4 years old. From 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., we read books, sing songs, learn some ASL, and...
FOOD
Here’s a classic—easy to make and generally liked by all. The only un-healthy item is the condensed cream of mushroom soup, but using a from-scratch substitute is a LOT more work. As for tuna, the tastiest is packed in olive oil. If you use that,...
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… You packed in the morning and I, stared out the window and I  struggled for something to say You left in the rain without closing the door I didn't stand in your way … Now, I miss you more than I missed you before And now where I'll...
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School Zone
The Women's 5kFreshman Libby Chandler approaches the starting line.

Eldora Classic Nordic Ski Race

Eldora Classic Nordic Ski Race ELDORA SKI RESORT – A grateful Nederland Nordic Ski Team Coach Dan Vardamis related that “Eldora is a huge supporter of the community and youth Nordic skiing. To show that support they...

Nederland High senior wins science scholarship

NEDERLAND - After his freshman year as a Nederland High School student Keahi Pelkum Donahue started a scientific research project. This was not a typical school research project. A scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration...
The meeting of the Gilpin RE-1 school district board of education on January 21, 2025, included Yoga presentations by students, reports on student testing results, an extensive discussion on the 2025/2026 school year and unanimous approval on first reading of the 2025/2026 salary schedules. The board deferred until the next meeting consideration of changing the policy on graduation requirements (IKF).
Girls wrestling: the fastest-growing sport DAVE GIBSON COLORADO – In the throes of the Great Depression, the year was 1936. Supported by American farmers, FDR was elected to his second term in a landslide victory over Alf Landon. The...

School Calendars

Nederland Middle High School Calendar Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. - SAC Meeting Thursday, February 6 at 6 p.m. - PTA Meeting Friday, February 7 All Day - HS Alpine Ski team at Eldora Friday, February 7 All Day - HS Nordic Team at Gold...

Obituaries
Forrest Anderson August 29, 1947 - January 8, 2025
Forrest Anderson was a third generation Coloradan born in Greeley in 1947 and raised in Fort Morgan. He spent many days of his youth playing along muddy agricultural ditches with his sisters and cousins. He was always interested in art and...
John Walter Bayer January 29, 1950 - November 4, 2024
My beloved partner, John Walter Bayer (Jack, Jackie Bayer, Jackie Bear, Jackster) died on November 4, 2024. This kind man was born to Grace and John Bernard Bayer in Oceanside, NY on 1/29/1950. Jack was a star athlete playing soccer and lacrosse...
Dr. Charles “Chip” Smith November 5, 1953 - January 30, 2025
Chip was born on November 5, 1953, to Charles Max Smith and Beverly Arlene Smith in McCook, Nebraska. He passed away on January 30, 2025, with friends and family by his side. Chip lived life to the fullest and had many life chapters. He attended...
Peter Orr O'Sullivan February 1, 1959 - January 18, 2025
Peter Orr O'Sullivan passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 18, 2025, at the age of 65. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his sudden death. He was loved by many, and was smart and always had a quick wit, he loved to make...
Shawn Clutter
Remembering those we lost in 2024
PEAK TO PEAK - Each year we take pause to remember those we love and have lost in the year that has passed. Not everyone places an obituary in The Mountain-Ear so this is not a complete list of community members who have walked on in...
Mountain Columns

Quenching thirst for body and adventure

Crystal clearWater purity is enjoyed visibly, but also enjoyed by the body, as it has abundant health benefits.

Bursting with energy, I craved a challenging hike, but it was snowing and a foot of accumulation was expected. I opted instead for a spin on my bike. No music played gently in the background this time. I wanted to feel my heart rate increase and...

Mountain Spirit Astrology Aquarius

The Sun in Aquarius is the visionary who assists us in designing our future. This sign is the new power in the stars, because Pluto has entered Aquarius for a 20 year stay. In order to understand the bearer of electrical energy better, let us...

The Alphas are coming 

Gen Alpha prioritiesThe National Park Service reports that Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve was a recent case study for research on water balance, which clarifies climate impact on the environment. The results can be used to sustain local wildlife and vegetation, as well as inform wildfire preparedness.&nbsp;

Peak to Peak - “I’m scared we’re all gonna die,” Emma whispered. The five year old was creating an elaborate scene in the play room with two doll houses, numerous pieces of furniture, a variety of trees, people of all shapes and sizes, cars (“a...

Life in Nature: Winter living

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - Winter in the mountains is no joke, at least for us humans.  As I write this article, the snow is falling along with the temperatures, and we are about to take our first dip into the negatives for 2025. This...

Building strong families through nurturing parenting

Learning togetherParents come together at Nederland Elementary School to build stronger families.

NEDERLAND - In our close-knit community, we share the goal of raising resilient children. Our collective experiences and the knowledge from neuroscience remind us that children thrive when they feel seen, soothed, safe, and secure with caring...

Some Words for the Week

I often write about how humans are supposed to be the shepherds of nature how our place in the world was to tend to the forests was to tend the animals was to help the cycle of coexistence not to break it but I realize now the limit of my...

Opinion
Letters to the Editor

Gratitude to Senator Michael Bennet

Dear Editor, In a time of threats, theft of our national resources and risks not only to our national security but our personal lives, Senator Bennet is stepping up. Last week’s confirmation hearings of Russian sympathizer Tulsi Gabbard and...

Ready, shoot, aim!

Dear Editor, Donald Trump’s impulse to politicize the tragedy from the airplane collision with the Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan International Airport is sad, yet predictable. He blames others, but there is evidence that he is at least...

Ned Class of 2026 is raising money for After Prom

Dear Editor, We are at 94% of our $5,000 goal! We are asking the community and local businesses to help us raise the last $300. There are two days left! The fundraiser ends at midnight on February 7. What is After Prom? Nederland “After Prom” is...

The party of law and order?

The party of law and order? Dear Editor, The latest outrage by the new administration is the pardoning of 1500 rioters who stormed the Capital on January 6. About 600 of these rioters were convicted of serious crimes of violence against the...
Peak Perspectives
This Monday, January 27, I received a call to unlock our music store so the property folks could check it out for a leak. I was thankful to pull up to the door and find our friend Asher Hughes standing there with a spare set of keys,...
PEAK TO PEAK – However you think of the new administration in Washington, there are changes taking place that will affect us. One thing is dramatically clear: there is little attention paid to Main Street in the new plans, and much power given to...
GILPIN COUNTY - At the January 14 meeting of the Gilpin County Commissioners, The Mountain-Ear (TME) and the Weekly Register-Call (WRC) performed their annual dance/duel in competition to be the newspaper of record for Gilpin County. As you will...
Featured video

Ignite gets a sparkling new home at Eldora

On a day fittingly alternating between snow and sunshine, Eldora Resort held a grand opening ceremony for their new Caribou Lodge on October 30, 2024, in front of a cheering crowd. The new building located at the beginner area will house the Ignite Adaptive Sports program (Ignite), the children’s ski school, a cafeteria, a family warming room, a retail store and modern restrooms with glove boxes behind every toilet.

Our Podcast
Pets

The Caring Pathways: End-of-life care for mountain pets

A warm welcome on a cold dayDr. Megan Coveyou greets a pair of furry companions outside a cozy mountain home. Her visit brings compassionate in-home care to pets and their families, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.

GILPIN COUNTY – Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments a pet owner will ever face. The bond we share with our furry companions is built over years of love, trust, and companionship, making the thought of parting incredibly...

The air was stinging cold, as temperatures that mid-January morning dipped below zero degrees. But up in the mountains, nature not just survives, it thrives in this weather. Just off of Magnolia Road, the open fields that stretch before a...
Around the region
Nederland

Nederland February Night Skies

Mars retrograde geometryPlanets go retrograde because we are standing on a moving platform, the earth.

Nederland February Night Skies Frank Sanders Tungsten Valley Last month we used Mars’ currently backward (retrograde) motion, in Gemini, to pose the question of why planets sometimes go in reverse across the sky. This month, we interview our...

Gold Hill

Gold Hill School Fall Fiesta Fundraiser 2024

A community eventThe Gold Hill community comes out to support the school at the Fall Fiesta Fundraiser.

GOLD HILL - The Gold Hill School had an amazing annual Fall Fiesta Fundraiser at the Gold Hill Inn. This is not only a school event it is an a Gold Hill community event. The community tuns out to support the school year at year. There is a silent...

Black Hawk

Bobtail Mine improvements take center stage

Bobtail Mine improvementsBlack Fox Mining presented a video to the Black Hawk City Council on January 22, outlining the improvements made thus far on the Bobtail Mine. The mine will attract tourists, allowing them to ride a train through the tunnels.

BLACK HAWK – The Black Hawk City Council convened on January 22, 2025, at 3 p.m., with all council members present, including Mayor David Spellman and Aldermen Paul Bennet, Jim Johnson, Greg Moates, Benito Torres, Linda Armbright, and Hal...

Gilpin County

Gilpin Parks and Rec

What’s Happening in Gilpin County Parks & Recreation  Gilpin County Community Center, 250 Norton Drive bit.ly/gilpinparksandrec, 303-582-1453, http://www.facebook.com/gilpincounty.org/ 2025 Pool Hours please call to confirm prior to...

Boulder County

Boulder County reaching for solutions for homelessness

BOULDER COUNTY - The first Boulder County town hall meeting of 2025 took place over Zoom last week. Boulder Board of County Commissioners discussed their plans to address homelessness this year. Included was a presentation from Heidi Grove, the...

Wild Bear

Greenhouse and art with a beautiful purpose

  Colorado Mountain Living is a brand that emerged as Amy and Bryan Hager documented their journey of moving to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and building their dream rural homestead. …

Allenspark

AFPD Offers CPR and AED training

Practice makes perfectVolunteer firefighters provide one-on-one compression lessons for Allenspark residents during the CPR and AED use education class.

The Allenspark Fire Protection District (AFPD) invited the community to join them at its first community education event of 2025, on Thursday, January 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. The free one-hour-long event covered the basics of Cardiopulmonary...

Central City

Curt Halsted’s Retrospective Art Exhibit: A legacy of inspiration

Honoring a legacy: Curt Halsted

CENTRAL CITY – Gilpin County School District's longtime art teacher, Curt Halsted, is retiring after 24 years of shaping young artists and fostering creativity within the community.  To mark this significant transition, Halsted has curated a...

Coal Creek Canyon

Santa "Paws" at CCCIA

Elvis the dogSalais brought his dog, Elvis, to get a hug from Santa.

Santa visits with pets John Scarffe Coal Creek Canyon Santa Claus came to the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association Hall at 31528 Highway 72 for the annual Santa Paws event on Saturday December 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa...

Golden Gate Canyon

Making wreaths at the Grange

Checking the greensGrange Secretary Jayne Ruesch checks the supply of greens on December 7.

Making wreaths at the Grange John Scarffe Golden Gate Canyon About 20 members, friends and relatives of the Golden Gate Canyon Grange made Holiday wreaths on December 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Grange, 25231 Golden Gate Canyon Rd,...

PETS of the Week Special Edition
Studio Tour Recap

Peeping art amongst the leaves

Local artist WANDERWEIRD has their colorful, nerd culture-inspired mosaics on display at Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery in Nederland.
The second annual Peak to Peak Studio Tour took place on September 21 and 22. Galleries and visitors enjoyed a colorful event in the mountains.

Colorado artists shine at Gilpin Arts

Artwork by Colorado artists decorates the rustic walls of Washington Hall, home of the Gilpin Arts Association.

Artwork by Colorado artists decorates the rustic walls of Washington Hall, home of the Gilpin Arts Association. There is every kind of medium here …

Inspired by nature Laurence Delaunay – Lolo – has been a professional painter in Nederland for nearly 20 years. She enjoys painting animals and landscapes on large canvases “in a semi-abstract, …
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