TLN May 15, 2025

Skier caught and injured in avalanche near Ophir, homeowners insurance rates increase and some policies are dropped because of wildfire risk, Rep. Jeff Hurd (D3-COLO) speaks by zoom with San Miguel County Commissioners, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife still trying to capture and collar bighorn sheep in the area.

Skier partially buried in Bear Creek avalanche, local and state officials concerned over Forest Service layoffs, Wilkinson Public Library's visitation and digital circulation numbers increase, road and bridge department updates the county on timeline for repairing road and reopening Imogene Pass, and Telluride AIDS Benefit hits the runway this weekend.

This week, in honor of Valentine's Day, we asked some locals to share their thoughts about love.

Locals participate in "A Day Without Immigrants," two men sentenced to federal prison for fentanyl death in San Miguel County in 2021, mining claims including Bear Creek Falls listed for sale, and SMART is starting a new Montrose to Telluride bus route for commuters.

Gondola leadership committee hosts planning meetings about gondola stations, cost of eggs goes up because of avian influenza outbreak and Colorado's cage-free mandate, changes to child care assistance program (CCAP) result in funding shortfall, and natural avalanche on Ajax highlights changing conditions in the snowpack.

Colorado attorney general joins other states in lawsuit against executive order to overturn birthright citizenship, Chloe Hehir takes fourth in her first Freeride World Tour event in Spain, Colorado Parks and Wildlife completes second season of wolf capture and release, and this weekend is the 30th annual Ouray Ice Festival.

Telluride Town Council could amend short-term rental limitations to avoid Mountainside Inn lawsuit, Colorado's first avalanche fatality of the season involved a solo backcountry skier in the San Juan Mountains, Planet Bluegrass is looking to secure August dates for a concert, and Telluride residents show their support for victims of the California wildfires.

Explore Act protects fixed climbing anchors on public land, BLM to charge for overnight camping but not day use, report details threats to lynx habitat in the San Juan Mountains, and—yeehaw!—the San Juan Skijoring event is this weekend.

Cattle shooting is likely unrelated to suspected cattle rustling on the Western Slope, psilocybin therapy is now legal in Colorado, Telluride opens outdoor skating rink on the volleyball court, and according to CDC data, excessive drinking in San Miguel County is slightly lower than the state average.

As 2025 approaches, we are taking a look back at some of the top stories from 2024. From all of us at the Local News Network Telluride, we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.