Jackson County Sheriff Dustin Weber resigned effective March 1st, citing doubled health insurance premiums on his $59,000 salary and dispatcher wages “below poverty level.” His departure leaves a department already struggling with crumbling jail facilities that won’t meet new state standards by July 1st. Local realtors told commissioners workforce housing shortages are affecting businesses countywide.
Fremont County foreclosures jumped 41% to 83 cases in 2025, with veterans accounting for 26 of the filings. Four property owners successfully avoided losing their homes by curing payments during the process.
Alamosa County officials warned federal Medicaid reimbursements will drop from 50% to 25% starting in 2027-28. Public Health Director Jody Kern reported potential funding cuts if Colorado faces federal freezes for following medical association immunization recommendations rather than CDC guidelines.
Custer County confronted an emergency services crisis after Florence Fire Department announced it will no longer provide coverage to county areas, contradicting statements made two years ago. The county faces a $40,000 E911 funding shortfall with Fremont County.
Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs pursued an $800,000 federal highway safety grant for North Pagosa Boulevard reconstruction. Officials secured over $3.4 million in flood recovery funding following October 2025 damage, though FEMA continues denying federal disaster declarations.
Grand County and Pitkin County each approved $6.5 million water rights acquisitions for Twin Lakes Reservoir shares yielding 45 acre-feet annually for western slope use.
Aspen City Council adopted the city’s first comprehensive strategic plan and advanced a major affordable housing ordinance for 845 Meadows Road. Eagle County commissioners approved over $1.1 million in new spending and launched a fully electronic building permit system after years of development.
Salida Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend R2 zoning for a 15.06-acre development featuring 66 single-family homes at 4.4 units per acre, significantly less dense than their original 72-unit R3 proposal repealed after a citizen petition last year.
Buena Vista trustees approved a USGS groundwater monitoring agreement, liquor license for Orpheum Social, and 2025 budget amendments. Two residents requested consideration regarding hardships created by the short-term rental moratorium.
Walden discussed abandoning a sidewalk grant after investing $100,000 with no state reimbursement. Mayor Oberbroeckling recommended walking away from the CDOT project that began in 2022 but has faced continuous delays.
Mineral County approved $58,000 in road infrastructure investments, including experimental Hermosyme soil stabilizer for three miles and walk-and-roll equipment for $30,000.
Breckenridge honored four officers for life-saving actions. Officer Callum Schneider applied a tourniquet in Summit County’s first use of the Whole Blood Program. Officer Gabrella Bachman performed CPR for five minutes during a cardiac arrest before the patient’s revival.
Chaffee County Sheriff’s Deputy Seth Hoffman pursued a grey pickup truck that reached 121 mph before losing traction on Highway 285. Garrett Allen Heifner, 24, of Salida, faces 11 charges including vehicular eluding and DUI.
Ark Valley Turning Point USA held its first member orientation at the Buena Vista American Legion, drawing 25 residents. The 501(c)4 organization registered with the Colorado Secretary of State on December 31, 2024.
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