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Vail Daily
Obituary: James Spiker
James Lester “Jim” Spiker, 93, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Eagle, Colorado. Born on January 22, 1931, in Macomb, Illinois, Jim was a beacon of kindness and creativity throughout his life. Jim was cherished for his caring nature, creative spirit, and boundless enthusiasm. Known as a true gentleman, he generously contributed to the lives of those around him at every opportunity. His legacy of kindness and dedication to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him.
Comedian Ben Roy to headline Vail Comedy Show this week
Vail Comedy Show welcomes Maine native and Denver-based comedian Ben Roy for a special pop up show on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Mango’s in Red Cliff. Ben’s latest comedy special is on Hulu, he starred in and created a TV show that ran for three seasons on TruTV and later HBO MAX called ‘Those Who Can’t.’ Roy answered these questions in advance of his visit.
Food trucks roll into Gypsum, with some help from the town
The intersection of Valley Road and U.S. Highway 6 in Gypsum is usually busy. But there are days when a number of drivers stop at one of the half-dozen food trucks at the intersection. Itzy Hernandez, owner of Itzy’s Coffee, has worked at the intersection since she was in high...
Prep previews: Vail Christian girls volleyball team eager to settle unfinished business
Last fall, the Vail Christian girls volleyball team won its second-straight 2A Western Slope title, posting a 14-0 league mark. But a 3-2 regional tournament loss to Ignacio burst the Saints’ hope of a state berth. Appropriately, the team’s motto going into the 2024 campaign — which begins on Aug. 22 at North Fork — is ‘unfinished business.’
For Rocky Mountain wildlife, every choice matters in the game of survival
Nestled among the towering peaks and expansive forests of the Rocky Mountains lies a vibrant array of wildlife. When you witness a fawn galloping across a meadow, you might not consider the daily choices they make that could shape their survival, mating, and overall well-being. From the majestic elk to...
Lewis: Some things should not be decided by popular vote
Imagine if we approved new drugs or new airplanes by popular vote. Companies would lobby their case, and the people would decide. Sounds pretty crazy to me. We have teams of professionals at organizations like the Food and Drug Administration and Federal Aviation Administration making those decisions because the average person simply does not have the time or the skills to properly evaluate the merits and risks.
As Colorado’s tourism economy booms, recreation leaders ask: Are current trends sustainable?
Colorado’s tourism economy is booming, with record-high visitation and visitor spending in 2023. The state saw 93.3 million visitors who spent $28.3 billion last year, according to a report released Aug. 5 by the Colorado Tourism Office. Compared to 2022, that’s a 3.6% increase in travelers and a 3.9% increase in spending. Looking back further to 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, the state saw a 7.3% increase in travelers and a 16.8% increase in spending.
Avon Recreation Department resurrects kickball league after 14-year hiatus
The Avon adult kickball league has lain dormant the last 14 years — until this summer. Four teams of 15 players participated in the six-week long kickball season, which culminated in a championship match on Wednesday. “Avon Recreation has a current goal of building back its recreation programs for...
Bat tests positive for rabies in Silverthorne, sparking warnings from Summit County Public Health Department
A bat found in Silverthorne tested positive for rabies this week, according to a news release from the Summit County Public Health Department. A concerned resident reported the bat to Summit County Animal Control. It is the first case of rabies in Summit County so far this summer. “While rabies...
Alpaca to school: Curious animal greets students at mountain town school during first day back
Students, teachers and parents at Crystal River Elementary School in Carbondale got a surprise on their first day back Friday, an RFSD news release states. A lost alpaca wandered onto the school playground early in the morning, delighting some and confusing others. The friendly animal, quickly named “Ed” by the school community for his “apparent love for education,” seemed to enjoy exploring the playground and the ball field.
Letter: Thoughts from Canada on wolves
Hi from Canada. We are happy that wolf conservation is happening, but I am wondering why the wolves have such a need to kill livestock over natural food sources. Wolves watched in Canada’s north mostly kill smaller animals even down to mice in the winter. And then the sick and maybe young from herds — but only if needed. Were the wolves reintroduced to a habitat that can not sustain their food needs?
Here’s a way-too-early forecast for Colorado’s 2024-25 winter season
Early forecasts are providing hints at how the 2024-25 winter season may shake out in Colorado. This week, several ski areas announced opening dates, including Keystone Resort, Vail Mountain and Steamboat Resort. While nothing about the upcoming season is certain, confidence is building for the return of La Nina, the...
Letter: Thanks for sharing the road
First I want to thank all the drivers who passed me this summer giving me extra space on the road. To the driver who did not, shame on you. And to those texting, talking on the phone or whatever — please pay attention because we bikers have only about 4 inches of rubber on the road versus your car with a lot more.
Letter: One more reason this place is wonderful
I am here in the Vail Valley working for the summer. I am a golf caddie looping at a local private club. I am here from St. Augustine, Florida, and just want to tell you and everyone in the valley: what a wonderful existence you have!!. I have thoroughly enjoyed...
Voboril: Rooster tales
The drive to Chukar is no joke, certainly not a road on which it is advisable to drink a hot cup of coffee, both for burn risk and increased anxiety reasons. Off-camber and rocky, it is enough of a deterrent to keep the masses away. Combined with the steep trail...
Travis Bossow retires as president of RA Nelson
After 31 years with RA Nelson, including 14 as president, Travis Bossow is retiring from the employee-owned custom home and commercial builder with offices in Avon and Carbondale. Jason Morley will be stepping into the role of president after 20 years with the company. Morley began his career with RA...
Colorado Mountain College in Edwards set to celebrate dental hygiene academic program
Colorado Mountain College Vail Valley at Edwards will host an Aug. 21 ribbon-cutting celebration for the college’s new Oral Health Clinic and dental hygiene academic program. The Colorado Mountain College Foundation will unveil the Oral Health Clinic that will accept patients from the community and will serve as the...
Fall prep previews: strong senior class will lead Vail Christian football into 2024 campaign
The Vail Christian football team always seems to be blessed with superb veteran leadership. One year after saying goodbye to eight seniors, including multi-dimensional yardage monster Will Neumann, the Saints enter the 2024 season behind the strength of another strong senior class. “We’re senior-heavy this year, but I mean we...
Vail Valley real estate sales volume rises, prices dip as summer winds down
As summer is winding down in the Vail Valley and local students prepare to go back to school next week, the local real estate market is holding steady. July saw higher sales volume and lower prices compared to June. In July, 97 homes sold, which was a 54% increase from...
VIP packages now available for Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup men’s and women’s races
Excitement is already building for the upcoming 2024 Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Beaver Creek this December, and it’s no wonder: the historic double-weekend of racing will feature both men’s and women’s World Cup ski racing for the first time ever. Today,...
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