Estes Valley Voice Podcast

by Mayor Gary Hall

It's summer and we just passed the 4th of July, so let’s talk tourism.

There’s a wide variety of opinions on the topic of what factors impact tourism behavior and numbers. 

What levers do we change or adjust to keep our tourist trade healthy? As the Town Board considers all of its various business, we must weigh how our decision impact our tourism industry.  

This was the topic when Jamie Palmesano (of Brownfield’s store fame) spoke at our June 24 Town Board meeting. (You can read her talk in the July 5, 2025, Estes Valley Voice.) Jamie’s talk was a shining example of how public discourse should be approached. Her gentle and insightful presentation was powerful and helpful.

Ms. Palmesano spoke of the myriad factors that impact tourism numbers and behavior. She mentioned RMNP reservations, paid parking, the Loop, “outrageous lodging prices,” the economy, politics, Visit Estes Park, even “complaining locals,” There’s probably others, like competition from other destinations, post-COVID societal changes and cost increases, and more. 

Her point was that it’s the sum of many factors that are affecting visitation patterns and tourist behavior. She then asked the Town Board members to use our positions to ensure that visitation remains stable and healthy. 

Indeed, we should.

Jamie ended her talk with a quote from Trustee Mark Igel that stated that the decisions we make today can fundamentally change the nature and character of Estes. I agree. You’ve heard me mention the Iroquois philosophy of the “seventh generation:” What impact do our actions have on our descendants seven generations from now? 

I met with Jamie to explore her statements. We certainly agree that tourism is essential to the success of Estes. Since the first settlers realized that tourism was an effective way to earn a living up here, Estes has found ways to house, entertain, and feed our visitors, and has offered goods and services to sell to those guests.

We all benefit in some way from tourism.  Even those of us not involved in the tourist trade rely on the Town services that are fed by the influx of tourism dollars.

Jamie’s key concern is that we have “overwhelmingly fewer repeat visitors.” Obviously, the world changes and generational cycles move forward, but are our policies and programs causing those visitors to now stay home or go elsewhere? 

She believes that there are noticeably less people in town. (I’ll be eager to see the June and July economic dashboard reports when they come out; May shows Park numbers up.). Jamie also contends that the atmosphere, vibe, energy, pulse, of the town has changed. Vibe and pulse are certainly subjective considerations. I’ve always felt, and still feel, a palpable vibrancy and strong pulse in Estes, in the shops, the arts, the dialogue. But I’m just one person.

I do believe that the pulse of America has changed in recent decades, and not all for the good, with lots of bad behavior in the public and online eye. (I will continue to advocate for all of us to avoid joining in that negative culture.) Jamie said that they hear from countless people that Estes is less welcoming and friendly. That should concern all of us. Certainly, a welcoming and friendly attitude is the single most powerful tool we have.

Wouldn’t it be nice if “happy attitudes” solved all challenges? I’d love that, but we live in the real world. A cheery smile won’t address all of work on infrastructure, budgets, staff, policies, though it doesn’t hurt to maintain that cheery smile. 

Read full story here: Friendly stewards

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Story by Patti Brown

Estes Park Police arrested Thomas Chase Hill, 32, on Saturday, July 26, on second-degree burglary with forced entry, theft from burglary, first-degree arson with endangering life, and criminal mischief. Hill was booked at the Larimer County Jail in Fort Collins.

The charges relate to the burglary of weaponry from Blades, a knife and specialty weapons store that sells swords at 145 E. Elkhorn Ave., and a fire at the Haber Motel, 397 E. Elkhorn Ave. Both incidents took place late Friday night.

A man with the same name and birthdate was arrested in October 2020 and charged with first-degree arson and reckless endangerment for a fire in Kremmling that burned a shed and a car inside the shed.

The individual pleaded guilty to fourth-degree arson and was sentenced to two years of probation and 45 days in jail in addition to mental health and substance abuse evaluations and treatment.

According to reporting by McKenna Hartford of Sky-Hi News, when that man was being sentenced, he interrupted Grant County Judge Nicholas Catanzarite, saying that the judge would face consequences from God for sentencing him to jail.

Hill will make his first court appearance on Thursday, July 31, at 8:30 a.m. and is scheduled for another on Aug. 4.

The EPPD has asked the public for any information, including videos, that might aid their investigation. Anyone with information should contact EPPD Detective Mason at 970-577-3870 or email [email protected].

This is the second time this month that the EPPD has made an arrest on charges of arson. On July 10, Steven Allen Poff was arrested on charges of fourth-degree arson for allegedly starting an illegal campfire on West Elkhorn.

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Story by Patti Brown

A structure fire broke out at the Haber Motel, 397 E. Elkhorn, late Friday night. The 911 call was received at 11:50 p.m. A second alarm was called at 12: hub 18 a.m., and the fire was called out at 2:33 a.m.

The smell of smoke was strong around the intersection of Wonderview and Big Thompson Avenues as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

The Estes Valley Fire Protection District, the Estes Park Police, and officers with the Larimer County Sheriff were on the scene within minutes. 

More than a dozen firetrucks and law enforcement vehicles crammed into the parking lot between The Egg of Estes and the Estes Thai restaurants. 

First responder vehicles also lined Wonderview Avenue on the east side of the two-story motel. Flashing red and blue emergency lights lit up the night sky, and flood lights were set up to illuminate the building during the incident.

Firefighters were seen going up and down an outdoor staircase at the six-unit motel and repeatedly entering rooms on the upper level. 

One first responder at the scene told the Estes Valley Voice that no injuries had been reported. 

According to a statement from the EVFPD this morning, “the fire originated outside of the hotel, the cause is under investigation. A fire investigator and dog were requested from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to perform the investigation.”

Onlookers reported that shortly before the fire was reported, a white male smashed a window at Blades We’ve Got the Edge, a knife and weapons store at 145 E. Elkhorn Ave., across the street from the Wheel Bar. 

Reportedly, a sword was taken from the store window. While the fire was being extinguished, an adult male was arrested for burglary. The police did not indicate if the individual was swashbuckling at the time of his arrest.

It is unclear if these two incidents are related. According to a statement received this morning from the EPPD, the police and the fire district are investigating the fire. 

This story will be updated as more information about the fire and burglary becomes available. 

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March 17, 1955 to July 14, 2025

Douglas Paul Semeyn, longtime resident of Estes Park and a devoted 40-year employee of the YMCA of the Rockies, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on July 14, 2025, at the age of 70.

Doug was born March 17, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he grew up surrounded by the love of his parents, Thomas and Dorothy Semeyn, and his brother Steve. He fondly recalled childhood summer camping trips near Lake Michigan and later shared that love with his children.

A youthful fondness for swimming set a course to his future in Estes Park, where he first worked as a seasonal lifeguard for the YMCA of the Rockies in the summer of 1976. The YMCA and Estes Park captured his heart, and he continued to return to work there each summer until finishing graduate school, when he started his first year-round position. It was also here that Doug met his former wife, Kay, and shared the joy of raising their family in this special place.

During his years at the YMCA, Doug made lifelong friends, with many growing to feel like family. He became a welcoming presence for international staff, taking them on adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park and to Rocky Church, and earning nicknames like “Papa Doug.” His kindness, optimism, and love for the YMCA of the Rockies were evident to everyone who knew him.

Doug was also an avid photographer who found joy in capturing the natural beauty of Estes Park. He took and shared thousands of pictures that showcased his deep love for the area and his family.

Affectionately known as “Grandpops” to his grandchildren, he cherished spending time with his children and their families.

In recent years, he loved taking his daughter Ashley to music shows around Estes Park and at the YMCA during her summer visits and beautiful drives through Rocky Mountain National Park.

His other children, Lauren and David, along with their spouses and his three grandchildren, were fortunate to share many wonderful days with him in Estes Park shortly before his passing.

Doug’s absence will be deeply felt, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and connection to others will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held in Hyde Chapel at the YMCA of the Rockies at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, followed by a casual YMCA-style cookout reception at the Upper Cookout. All are welcome to attend either or both events.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the African Children’s Mission, where his son David serves as executive director, or the YMCA of the Rockies International Employee Fund with “international programs” designation.

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Story by Patti Brown

Nick Mollé Productions and the Rocky Mountain Channel won two Emmy Awards Saturday night for their latest PBS film, “Water, The Sacred Gift.” Seán Doherty received the Emmy for outstanding photography, and Mollé received the Emmy for director.

The documentary tells the story of the watershed in the Rocky Mountains threatened by a changing climate. It debuted April 12, 2025, at the Historic Park Theater in Estes Park during the Rocky Mountain Channel’s Environmental Film Festival.

The ceremony for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Heartland Chapter was held in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

The day before Mollé won the award for the PBS film, Congress cut $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, eliminating all federal support for NPR, PBS, and their member stations.

“I didn’t realize how much this would mean to me until they announced it, and having Sean follow me up as we won two, was a cosmic experience. Score two for educational television,” said Mollé.

In an interview with the Estes Valley Voice at his office on Elkhorn Avenue in May, Mollé said writing, editing, and refining the film took a year and a half. The award-winning documentary has also received a Silver Telly in Videography and Cinematography, a Silver Telly Award in Nature and Wildlife, and a Bronze Telly Award in Film and Shorts.

Molle’s next project is “Stream of Conscience,” a film whose title Molle says is intended as a pun about the Colorado River. That production will have a bit of the feel of his film “Wild Ride: The Peak to Peak Highway” and will take viewers on a journey along the waterway that begins at La Poudre Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows 1,450 miles to the Gulf of California in Mexico.

The Colorado River is a critical resource relied on by seven basin states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming – and some 40 million people for drinking water, hydropower, agricultural irrigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat.

Mollé and Doherty’s film can be streamed on PBS.

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Story by Patti Brown

The Estes Valley Voice has been selected as a finalist for two 2025 Local Independent Online News Publishers – LION – awards: one for public service and the other for community engagement. The nominations are an honor as we mark our first anniversary this Saturday.

LION is a national publishers association with more than 575 members that helps digital news startups develop sustainable business operations. They received 250 award submissions and will present the awards at the 2025 Independent News Sustainability Summit in St. Louis in September.

A news publication should report the news and serve as a platform for public discourse about the news. Toward that end, we sponsored or served as a media sponsor for several community engagement events during our first year.

In August 2024, we hosted a community screening of the documentary “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink.” The award-winning film looks at what is happening to community journalism across the country as newspapers close down or become what is called a ghost publication.

In October right before the November General Election, we hosted another screening of a documentary, “Trusted Sources,” followed by a panel discussion about the role of the media in political news with panelists Vanessa Otero of the Media Bias Project, Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, Rev. Elizabeth Jameson, and Estes Valley Voice Journalist Elisabeth Sherwin.

We served as media sponsors of the Dementia Together symposium at the Community Center in October 2024. One in ten older Americans 65 years and older has dementia. Dementia is a serious mental health and economic crisis that affects both the patient and their family members.

After winning a Colorado Open Records Act lawsuit, the Estes Valley Voice sponsored a Colorado Sunshine Law symposium for members of local elected boards and interested community members. The seminar, presented by the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition in February 2025, was attended by more than 50 elected officials.

As the community with the largest percentage – 40% – of individuals 65 and older in Colorado, the Estes Valley Voice is committed to highlighting the needs and concerns of seniors in our news, features, and commentary writing. Toward that end, we co-sponsored an author talk with Ron Pevney on the 10th anniversary edition of his book Conscious Living, Conscious Aging, in February 2025. The talk was held at the Good Samaritan Society – Estes Park Village.

We organized and sponsored a public forum in April 2025 for candidates running for the Estes Valley Fire Protection District and the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. We also published voter guides that explained the role of special taxing districts in Colorado and collected candidate statements from candidates running for the three special districts that held elections in May.

As a tourist town with many retail businesses that cater to visitors, we hosted “Tariff$ and the Local Economy,” a panel discussion in May to address questions and concerns about tariffs. The event was moderated by Adam Crowe, the Economic Development Manager for Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development, and included Scott Applegate, Bank of Estes Park;  Mark Ell, Alpha Capital Management Group, LLC;  Mauree McCann, owner of The Mad Moose, and Rajiv Poudel, owner of Estes Village and several other area businesses, May 2025.

In the past 12 months, we have published 665 original, boots-on-the-ground news stories. We have 300 paid subscribers, and in the last 28 days, we have had more than 85,000 page views. The clicks on our advertising exceed industry standards tenfold.

Those are good statistics for a startup independent news publication in a community of 12,000 people. They tell us that the community wants local news 

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Story by Barb Boyer Buck

In honor of the memory of local musician Dick Orleans, the Estes Arts District presents a free concert every year, Friends of Folk. This year, the event will take place on Tuesday, June 24 from 3:30-10:00 p.m. at Performance Park. While admission is free, all proceeds from the sale of beverages and food will benefit the local artists’ scholarship fund and future Friends of Folk benefit events.

Headlining the festival is ShinyRibs, an Austin-based band with a mix of Texas Blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn- driven Memphis Soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock. This is a high-energy, nine-piece band led by Kevin Russell, the charismatic frontman that engages the audience with his antics as well as his music. They will be the last performance of the evening.

Before ShinyRibs, The Burroughs take the stage with their “sweaty soul music.” This group has performed on stages all over the United States, but they came from Greeley, Colo.  They, too are a group of nine who play a wide variety of instruments including horns, guitars, and drums.  The frontman is John Burroughs who encourages the audience to participate in their funky grooves.

The Estes Park band Stepmother Nature will perform electric soul and funk music, headlined by vocalist Sophie Frankl. These local musicians can hold their own with the better-known acts at Friends of Folk and their rock and funk blend will be sure to get the audience up to dance! They most recently performed at the Pride in the Park at the Slab in downtown Estes Park.

River Mann takes its inspiration from American roots music, contemporary folk, progressive rock, and classical music.  Led by Estes Park’s own William Thomas, the songwriter performs lead vocals and guitar, expresses the human condition “with sincerity and passion.”  He is joined by Madalyn McCoy on violin, Gabriel Anthony on slide guitar. James Davis on bass, and one of Colorado’s most explosive young drummers, Mr. Benjamin Waterson.

Salom Songbird is a string band that performs” scathing lullabies” as a free-spirited acoustic trio.  Their songs are a combination of the various backgrounds of each of the musicians, Ariele Macadangdang, Joy Adams, and Bryan Dubrow which include influences from old time and bluegrass, to jazz, pop, and even death metal.

SnowBelt Bluegrass is a duo from Estes Park that performs “toe-tapping blugrass music.”   Max and Ann blend bluegrass, old-time, folk, and improvisational jams to create a sound that includes original songs, fiddle-tune standards, and creative exploration.

Jazon Lenz is an Estes Park-based artist specializing in live looping. During his 13 years of service with the 43rd Army Band, Jason was awarded the Colonel Finley Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award. He is currently raising money for his first Solo Album, “Dimples and Diastema.”

Food trucks available onsite include Mangia Mangia (pizza), Rations, and WesTex BBQ.  Numerous sponsors throughout Town have made this event possible.

The Estes Valley Voice Arts& Entertainment page is sponsored by the Historic Park Theater. Tonight, June 23, at 8 p.m. 7 Nations – Celtic Rock Band will perform live at the Historic Park Theater. Tickets are $25.

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Story by Barb Boyer Buck and Patti Brown

Over 500 people gathered along Elkhorn Avenue in downtown Estes Park on Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and noon to take part in the local “No Kings” rally. This demonstration was one of dozens of protests held in communities throughout Colorado and one of hundreds occurring nationwide on Flag Day.

The protests were set to counter a military parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday that went down Constitution Avenue with 128 Army tanks, 6,000 troops, and a 21-gun salute on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump.

The No King rallies were coordinated nationally by 50501, a national advocacy organization that opposes the Republican president. An estimated 11 million people participated in today’s rallies.

According to members of the Estes Park Police Department who were on hand to monitor the crowd, the Estes Park protest was peaceful, aside from the honking of cars in support of the protesters and the ringing of bells, the banging of some bongo drums, and the singing of patriotic songs by protestors.

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Story by Audrey Brice

The Cleave Street redevelopment project has been a key part of the Estes Park Downtown Plan since its conception in 2018. The purpose of the project has been to transform what has been an underutilized alley into a pedestrian-friendly corridor. However, delays and disruptions have frustrated some local business owners with the process.

According to Jamin Rucker, a civil engineer in the public works department, the Cleave Street project was scheduled to begin in spring 2024, but was postponed to allow utility companies time to complete the undergrounding of all overhead services. At the request of citizens and nearby business owners, the project’s start date was further delayed to avoid construction during the summer and fall of 2024.

A major, unforeseen challenge that delayed the completion of Cleave Street was the discovery of a shallow utility duct bank containing phone and cable lines owned by CenturyLink/Lumen. According to Rucker, these lines conflicted with the planned concrete depth in two sections totaling about 350 feet along Cleave Street. 

The duct was identified before construction began, but the information at that time suggested it would be buried deep enough to avoid interference. The issue was uncovered in late December 2024 and took around three months to fully resolve, halting work in that area during that period. 

“Minor delays are anticipated and addressed throughout all projects, but this situation was unique,” said Rucker. “We are grateful for ABC Asphalt’s ability to adapt to this unforeseen circumstance on Cleave Street this past winter. They remained productive in other areas to keep the project on schedule as much as possible.”

According to Rucker, it has been difficult to predict a completion date for the project, citing disruptions including available supply of materials and fairly constant spring thunderstorms that slowed the project’s progress.

“We have reopened Cleave Street Friday through Sunday and hope to have the road fully open to all traffic very soon,” said Rucker. “Some minor tasks, such as the installation of benches and protective bollards for the new electric transformers, may not be completed until the third week of June.”

Rucker noted that this week, ABC was working to finish concrete removals where the street has cracked and where the heated drain pan must be replaced at the west end of the street. He added that final tasks for the project include decorative stonework on the landscaping walls, sealing concrete expansion joints to waterproof them, landscaping, and installing benches, bollards, and trash receptacles.

The original budget for Cleave Street’s redevelopment was approximately $3.1 million, with a low bid of just under $2 million. Although unexpected costs have arisen, certain contract items were removed to control expenses. Town officials expect final costs to remain within the contract amount and significantly below the initial budget.

For businesses near Cleave Street, project delays have been frustrating. Mark Igel, owner of The Taffy Shop and Town Board Trustee, expressed frustration with limited access to his businesses and the unpredictability of the project schedule.

“That construction has been very difficult for us with access to the business,” said Igel. “It has impacted us by making it hard to get to the property. As a business, so far, the impact has been entirely negative.”

Despite frustrations, Igel acknowledges the efforts of those involved in the project to accommodate businesses impacted by the construction.

“I think it’s really important to recognize their efforts above and beyond to help us with that. They have provided heavy equipment to move in heavy deliveries. They’ve helped us with the big things that we need to move in and out,” said Igel. 

Read full story here:

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Story by Patti Brown

If you see a kid dressed up as one of the Mario Bros. running around on Friday afternoon, you’re probalby in the right place. If you see an adult dressed up like a cartoon racecar driver and nostalgically remembering their childhood, you’re absolutely in the right place.

Kelly and Andrew Kessler, owners of Estes Park’s historic Ride-A-Kart, have stepped up the local go-kart game in Estes this summer with the addition of 10 sweet new electric go-karts.

Each of the cars, which can be pushed to a speed of 22 miles per hour, sports the logo – and in several cases the flagship colors –  of a sponsoring Estes Park business.

While red seems a favorite color, the new cars are painted in a rainbow of hues. The Quality Inn car is bright green. The Stanley Hotel car is white and red. The Bank of Colorado’s car is dressed in a dignified black and gold befitting of a banker. Ride-A-Kart’s car is a sporty red. The Bull Pin car is yellow and black. The Seven Keys Lodge is a handsome navy and orange. Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company’s go-kart is a flashy orange.  8Inkwell & Brew, “purveyors of the finest writing implements, journals, cards, coffee and tea,” has a bright blue car. The Estes Park Mountain Shop’s car is silver and red. And the KMAC Guides car is a solid red with a white logo.

The StockKart+One Model E cars are manufactured by Amusement Products LLC in Tennessee. Each vehicle is outlined with LED lights that are programmed and synchronized to trip the light fantastic as drivers speed around the track.

The racetrack has been souped up, in addition to new karts. Drivers can aim their cars to drive over markings on the track, which will allow the car to increase in speed. If they drive over other markings on the track, their speed will decrease. They can also drive over markers that can slow other cars down.  

The go-kart industry is moving away from gasoline-powered karts. Electric karts are less expensive to operate and maintain, quieter, and run cleaner than gas-powered karts.

The new cars have two driving modes: family and rookie. To drive a kart in family mode, an operator needs to be 56 inches or taller. To drive a kart in rookie mode, an operator needs to be 46 inches or taller. Drivers must be 18 years or older to take a passenger, and a child passenger must be 36 inches or taller. A five-minute ride costs $12 per driver and $3 per passenger.

Ride-A-Kart will celebrate its new fleet Friday afternoon, June 13, from 4 p.m. Drivers who dress up as their favorite race car character – think Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi Speed Racer, Tom Slick, Baron Otto Matic, and the NASCAR Racers – will receive a 50% ticket discount. The Mangia Mangia Pizzeria food truck will be on hand to fuel the drivers.

History of Ride-A-Kart

Ride-A-Kart is a third-generation Estes Park business that began in 1959 as a dirt racetrack at the corner of US Highway 34 and Mall Road operated by Harvey Coleman. In 1989, Coleman passed the business on to his sons Don and Gary, and in 2022, it was passed on to Gary’s daughter Kelly and her husband Andrew, who celebrated their wedding reception in 2018 on the property.

Over the years, the site grew to include a petting zoo and a Christmas-themed gift shop. The historic Phil “Casey” Martin’s Silver Streak Train, which operated in downtown Estes Park for many years, was moved to the Ride-A-Kart campus in 1973. A mini-golf course was added in 1989, and a second course was added in 1992. Additional amusements were added over the years, including an arcade, an extreme trampoline, batting cages, water balloon wars, bumper cars, water bumper boats, and a Trackman indoor golf stimulator.

Ride-A-Kart is located at 2250 Big Thompson Ave. Click here for more information about hours and the amusement activities.

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