TLN October 5, 2023

Telluride Mountain Club submits trail proposal to Forest Service, U.S.P.S. plan to move mail processing to Denver concerns local residents, Diamond Ridge rezoning appeal is dismissed, and Telluride Gay Ski Week kicks off Saturday.

Local leaders discuss the future of the gondola, bill introduced in the state senate would establish a panel to oversee construction permits in wetlands, Telluride Regional Medical Center hires an executive director, and avalanche mitigation at the east end of the valley draws a crowd. *Avalanche footage by Michael Mowery and Kathrine Warren

Colorado Senate Bill 33 to raise property taxes on short-term rentals could be amended at first committee hearing, the feasibility study on the Down Valley Connector Trail is complete, Sheep Mountain Alliance is circulating a petition against a uranium/vanadium mining project in Slick Rock, and Mountain Village is considering an ordinance to prohibit helicopters from landing in unauthorized locations.

Brian Aitken acquitted on second degree murder charge but trial ends in a hung jury on the other assault charges, the town of Telluride’s budget—with more than $66 million in expenditures last year—is now online for 2024, Telluride Ski Resort and the Town of Telluride have signed an agreement to collaborate on the plans for the Lift 7 base area, and a ski patroller stays busy in the summer by handcrafting signs for the ski runs.

Dr. Peter Harrelson perishes in avalanche accident, Brian Aitken attempted murder trial is underway in Montrose, Ouray County Plaindealer newspapers are stolen after reporting on an alleged sexual assault that occurred in the police chief’s home, and KOTO Lip Sync is the hottest event during the coldest month

County to install avalanche gates on Ophir Road, real estate sales down in 2023, San Miguel Power Association planning for community-scale microgrids, and sharing the slopes with wildlife.

Skijoring is done with team of three: two riders and a horse. One person on horseback tows another person on skis or a snowboard through a race course. It is a fantastic spectator sport and the annual San Juan Skijoring event is this January 12–14, 2024, at the Ouray County Fairgrounds.

Telluride Ski Resort assures community that Hoot Brown Terrain Park will open this season, county sheriffs nab theft and stabbing suspects, county proclaims Jan. 10 "Sheriff Bill Masters Day" in honor of his 45 years of service, and some intrepid local ladies are taking the plunge.

Sheriffs warn about ice jam on San Miguel River, San Miguel Power to issue dividend checks to consumers, Rep. Lauren Boebert announces she will run in District 4, and holiday tree recycling open until Jan. 31.

As the new year approaches, Local News Network Telluride takes a look back at some of the top stories from 2023. From all of us at LNN, here's to a happy and healthy 2024.