1 year ago: Summit County nonprofit sets up livestream camera to observe local ospreys

The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District has set up a solar-powered camera on the nesting platform of an osprey couple near the Dillon Ranger Station in Silverthorne to livestream the raptors’ activity. The pair is likely the same couple that attempted to build a nest on a crane in an active construction site in 2023. A nesting platform was constructed outside the Dillon Ranger Station, which was adjacent to the construction site, which the birds quickly took to. A team installed the camera late in 2024 so it would already be set up when the ospreys returned. When the first osprey arrived back at the nest on April 2, 2025, it was ready to go and captured footage of the raptor returning to the nest.

— From the April 26-27, 2025, edition of Summit Daily News

5 years ago: State legislation clears the way for new carpooling app to launch

When Erwin Germain was ready to launch his new carpooling venture TreadShare, there was one issue standing in his way: He needed the appropriate legislation to ensure his business was legal and viable. Germain tried to launch his app in 2019, but was stopped by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission because of a state statute on the books. The bill was signed into law on April 19, 2021, meaning TreadShare can officially be up and running in time for the 2021-22 ski season. The app allows Colorado residents to upload their upcoming trips into the system or find other travelers who would pay a fee to accompany them on their ride to or from the mountains.

— From the April 24, 2021, edition of Summit Daily News

10 years ago: Breckenridge earns No. 4 spot for small towns on arts vibrancy study

For the second year in a row, Breckenridge has ranked No. 4 in an arts vibrancy study released by the National Center for Arts Research. The Arts Vibrancy Index for 2016 placed the town in the fourth position in the Top 20 vibrant medium and small communities in the U.S., the same ranking it received in 2015. To assess arts vibrancy across the country, the report incorporates four measures under three main rubrics: demand, supply, and public support for arts and culture on a per capita basis. Jackson, Wyoming took the No. 1 spot in the study for medium and small communities with populations under 1 million. Glenwood Springs was No. 2, with Santa Fe, New Mexico at No. 3. 

— From the April 22, 2016, edition of Summit Daily News

15 years ago: Security upgrades could open Dillon Dam Road 24 hours a day

Drivers may have access to the Dillon Dam Road 24 hours a day in the near future, thanks to plans for security improvements to the Dillon-Frisco connection put forward by the Dillon Dam Security Task Force. The task force has put together a plan for the road proposing two guard shacks, roadway improvements including roundabouts and increased lighting. Officials say the project would make the road safer and allow it to remain open 24 hours. In 2011, the road was open between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and staffed by two Denver Water guards, who sat at either end of the stretch of road that crosses the dam. The arrangement came about following a decision by Denver Water in 2008 to close the road due to an unspecified threat.

— From the April 20, 2011, edition of Summit Daily News

1 year ago: Summit County nonprofit sets up livestream camera to observe local ospreys

The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District has set up a solar-powered camera on the nesting platform of an osprey couple near the Dillon Ranger Station in Silverthorne to livestream the raptors’ activity. The pair is likely the same couple that attempted to build a nest on a crane in an active construction site in 2023. A nesting platform was constructed outside the Dillon Ranger Station, which was adjacent to the construction site, which the birds quickly took to. A team installed the camera late in 2024 so it would already be set up when the ospreys returned. When the first osprey arrived back at the nest on April 2, 2025, it was ready to go and captured footage of the raptor returning to the nest.

— From the April 26-27, 2025, edition of Summit Daily News

5 years ago: State legislation clears the way for new carpooling app to launch

When Erwin Germain was ready to launch his new carpooling venture TreadShare, there was one issue standing in his way: He needed the appropriate legislation to ensure his business was legal and viable. Germain tried to launch his app in 2019, but was stopped by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission because of a state statute on the books. The bill was signed into law on April 19, 2021, meaning TreadShare can officially be up and running in time for the 2021-22 ski season. The app allows Colorado residents to upload their upcoming trips into the system or find other travelers who would pay a fee to accompany them on their ride to or from the mountains.

— From the April 24, 2021, edition of Summit Daily News

10 years ago: Breckenridge earns No. 4 spot for small towns on arts vibrancy study

For the second year in a row, Breckenridge has ranked No. 4 in an arts vibrancy study released by the National Center for Arts Research. The Arts Vibrancy Index for 2016 placed the town in the fourth position in the Top 20 vibrant medium and small communities in the U.S., the same ranking it received in 2015. To assess arts vibrancy across the country, the report incorporates four measures under three main rubrics: demand, supply, and public support for arts and culture on a per capita basis. Jackson, Wyoming took the No. 1 spot in the study for medium and small communities with populations under 1 million. Glenwood Springs was No. 2, with Santa Fe, New Mexico at No. 3. 

— From the April 22, 2016, edition of Summit Daily News

15 years ago: Security upgrades could open Dillon Dam Road 24 hours a day

Drivers may have access to the Dillon Dam Road 24 hours a day in the near future, thanks to plans for security improvements to the Dillon-Frisco connection put forward by the Dillon Dam Security Task Force. The task force has put together a plan for the road proposing two guard shacks, roadway improvements including roundabouts and increased lighting. Officials say the project would make the road safer and allow it to remain open 24 hours. In 2011, the road was open between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and staffed by two Denver Water guards, who sat at either end of the stretch of road that crosses the dam. The arrangement came about following a decision by Denver Water in 2008 to close the road due to an unspecified threat.

— From the April 20, 2011, edition of Summit Daily News

30 years ago: Teachers express concerns about changes to school schedule

Some teachers are expressing concerns about changes to the Summit School District’s elementary education schedule. For the 1996-97 school year, elementary school students throughout the district will get 60 minutes of instruction each week in art, music, Spanish and physical education. Each of the four classes will be taught in two 30-minute sessions during the week. For most students, the changes will mean less time in the gymnasium and music room and more time learning Spanish, art and core subjects such as reading, math and social studies. Teachers throughout the district are crying foul, saying the changes represent a 40% to 46% reduction in PE programs. Superintendent Dr. Nadine Johnson said she will consider the teachers’ concerns and follow up at a later district meeting.

— From the April 23, 1996, edition of Summit Daily News

125 years ago: Dillon school board extends term by one month due to kids enjoying school

The Dillon school board has decided to extend the school term by one month, with classes letting out on June 1, 1901. The students have shown great interest in their studies, which led to the decision to extend the year. According to the Summit County Journal, Miss Mabel Curran, the teacher at the Dillon school deserves much of the credit for the pupils’ enthusiasm. She was reported to be one of the most efficient teachers the school has ever had, and “a handsome and genial young lady as well, and is greatly beloved by her pupils as well as some of the older generation.”

— From the April 27, 1901, edition of Summit County Journal

30 years ago: Teachers express concerns about changes to school schedule

Some teachers are expressing concerns about changes to the Summit School District’s elementary education schedule. For the 1996-97 school year, elementary school students throughout the district will get 60 minutes of instruction each week in art, music, Spanish and physical education. Each of the four classes will be taught in two 30-minute sessions during the week. For most students, the changes will mean less time in the gymnasium and music room and more time learning Spanish, art and core subjects such as reading, math and social studies. Teachers throughout the district are crying foul, saying the changes represent a 40% to 46% reduction in PE programs. Superintendent Dr. Nadine Johnson said she will consider the teachers’ concerns and follow up at a later district meeting.

— From the April 23, 1996, edition of Summit Daily News

125 years ago: Dillon school board extends term by one month due to kids enjoying school

The Dillon school board has decided to extend the school term by one month, with classes letting out on June 1, 1901. The students have shown great interest in their studies, which led to the decision to extend the year. According to the Summit County Journal, Miss Mabel Curran, the teacher at the Dillon school deserves much of the credit for the pupils’ enthusiasm. She was reported to be one of the most efficient teachers the school has ever had, and “a handsome and genial young lady as well, and is greatly beloved by her pupils as well as some of the older generation.”

— From the April 27, 1901, edition of Summit County Journal

Summit County’s best budtender has worked at High Country Healing in Silverthorne for three years and has no plans of stopping.

Pele Marley was working at a Wendy’s on the Front Range in 2014, only able to work the drive-thru window thanks to a broken arm, when a friend asked if he wanted to try working at a dispensary.

“I was just like, ‘That’s the dream come true,'” Marley said. “‘Absolutely, I would love to take the time to try and take this head on.'”

Marley worked at other dispensaries, learning “essentially everything” he knows about growing marijuana. He said he visited High Country Healing and liked its atmosphere for around four years before he decided to drop off a resume.

“I was like, ‘Honestly, I’m ready to work for you guys,'” Marley said. “This seems like the perfect kind of environment.”

Marley said he moved to the mountains to snowboard and learn more about growing cannabis and its medical effects. Three years into working at High Country Healing, he says he has learned “so much more” about marijuana’s effects and found coworkers that feel like family.

Helping customers find the right product for their needs makes Marley love his job, he said. It can take a few tries to find the right fit for someone, he said, but once people find what works for them, they stick with it.

“They still get the same thing every single time because they know it works,” Marley said. “I feel like I helped guide you to that conclusion, and that makes me feel good.”

A good budtender needs to be genuine and empathetic, according to Marley. He tries to understand if a customer is dealing with some physical or emotional pain or stress so he can give them the best experience possible.

“Everyone has their own thing going on,” Marley said. “It’s like, how can you intertwine that in with your day-to-day work? … How can you make what you do at work more beneficial to what they have going on?”

High Country Healing won the Best Marijuana Dispensary and Accessories category in the 2025 Best of Summit contest, and Marley said its focus on healing helps make it special. 

“There’s a difference in just smoking to get high and smoking because it helps you alleviate some of the things so that you can get through your day to day,” Marley said.

Workers at High Country Healing care about staying on top of the latest information in the marijuana industry, Marley said, to help their customers the best they can.

For more information about High Country Healing, visit HighCountryHealing.com.

This story originally published in the Best Of Summit 2025 magazine.

When people think of good grub in Colorado they don’t typically think about seafood. 

As a landlocked state, Colorado is best known for its beef, green chili and Palisade peaches, but South Ridge Seafood Grill in Breckenridge bucks this trend.

Although the seafood restaurant may be located at an elevation above 9,000 feet, South Ridge Seafood Grill prides itself with offering customers a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere along with meals that rival, or even top, those in coastal towns and cities. 

From elegantly plated appetizers to decadent large-plate entrees, South Ridge has something for everyone on the menu.

In terms of appetizers, South Ridge offers a house-smoked trout dip that is served with toasted pita chips, oysters on the half shell and Vietnamese-style grilled calamari. For those wanting to enjoy a salad for their appetizer, South Ridge has a warm seafood salad bruschetta as well as a salad featuring Bibb lettuce, spring vegetables, avocado and dill ranch. 

On the entree menu, South Ridge has Alaskan cod fish and chips, grilled Rocky Mountain Red Trout, 1 pound of Alaskan King Crab, Maine Lobster trail, Atlantic sea scallops and teriyaki glazed ahi tuna.

The restaurant also offers desserts. All of South Ridge’s dessert options are $12 and include dishes such as a dark chocolate fudge cake, a rhubarb strawberry tart, a blueberry-lemon cheesecake bar and a vanilla creme brulee. 

South Ridge also offers plenty of options for kids to enjoy as well. The kids’ menu at South Ridge includes options such as cheese ravioli, grilled shrimp, small Kobe burgers, grilled trout and grilled-cheese sandwiches. 

“Our product is really good,” owner Kelly Brenholt said. “We look for the best products as far as fish and seafood go. It is a hard place to have seafood because we are landlocked, so we go searching for the best product and the best delivery option for us. We don’t put stuff on the menu that we know we can’t serve well.”

South Ridge hosts a robust happy hour special from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday. Happy hour includes discounts on appetizers as well as cocktail, beer and wine specials. 

Beyond the food at South Ridge, the restaurant also boasts a rooftop patio that allows guests to take in views of the Tenmile Range as they dine. 

South Ridge Seafood Grill is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Appetizers range from $4 to $22, excluding a chilled shellfish platter featuring six shrimp, 12 oysters, six crab legs, a lobster tail, 12 mussels, a seafood salad, a smoked trout dip and toppings for $120. Large dishes range from $22 to $40, excluding the pound of king crab. Kids meals range from $8 to $16.

The restaurant is located at 500 S. Main St. #2B in Breckenridge. For more information, visit SouthRidgeSeafoodGrill.com.

“I think it is because it is mostly chef driven,” Brenholt said of the restaurants popularity. “Our kitchen staff hasn’t changed in years. It is a very chef-driven restaurant. The staff and the kitchen are amazing.”

This story originally published in the Best Of Summit 2025 magazine.

Yesterday – A Tribute to the Beatles comes to Dillon Amphitheater July 3, according to a news release from the town of Dillon.

The show is open to all ages and tickets are $20, going on sale Friday, April 17.

Yesterday joins a growing lineup at the Dillon Amphitheater this summer, rounding out a jam-packed Fourth of July weekend at the venue.

The tribute band has been performing the Beatles since 2000, has toured across the world and has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine.

1 year ago: Skier injured after sliding about 1,100 feet in avalanche at Sky Chutes

A skier suffered injuries in an avalanche on April 12, 2025, in the K Chute of a popular backcountry spot in Summit County known as the Sky Chutes, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. On that day, a group of four skiers left Breckenridge Resort through a backcountry access point with plans to ski the K Chute. One skier triggered the avalanche, which broke above him, sweeping him down the path and out of sight. One of his companions was able to locate him and the party took him to St. Anthony Summit Hospital. Subsequent backcountry skiers coming to the area found the avalanche and began to search for an avalanche transceiver signal before calling 911. Summit County Rescue Group members were called and got as far as driving to the base of the Sky Chutes before being informed that the skier had already made it to the hospital.

— From the April 15, 2025, edition of Summit Daily News

5 years ago: County seeks public input on Quandary Peak shuttle, reservation ideas

On April 14, 2021, Summit County officials shared a survey on social media asking people for their input on how to potentially solve parking and congestion issues around Quandary Peak, one of the state’s most popular 14,000-foot mountains. A group of stakeholder have developed some potential fixes to help manage increased use, preserve the visitor experience and protect resources in the Quandary Peak area. Possible solutions include requiring permits to hike the peak, a shuttle service and mandatory carpools. (Officials eventually required parking reservations at the peak’s trailhead, as well as providing a shuttle service.)

— From the April 17, 2021, edition of Summit Daily News

10 years ago: Summit Cove residents report mixed success with new cell tower

The Summit Cove subdivision between Keystone and Dillon has been notorious for a complete lack of cellular coverage for some time, with many homeowners resorting to signal boosters in their homes to receive calls. Some callers reported they still need to stand next to those same antennae to make or receive calls, even after a new Verizon tower, located at Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue Station 12, went live in early February 2016. Since plans for an AT&T tower near the landfill between Keystone and Summit Cove were scrapped, Verizon was the sole carrier in the area at the time. 

— From the April 13, 2016, edition of Summit Daily News

15 years ago: Summit County residents annoyed by ‘American ghost town’ ranking

Some residents have expressed their irritation with an article that appeared in Yahoo’s online finance section April 11, 2011. Summit County has somehow landed itself third in a recently published list of the “American ghost towns of the 21st century.” The rankings were based on vacancy percentages released by the U.S. Census for 2010 and local residents and officials say those numbers lack context. Summit County had a 61% vacancy rate in the Census data, but local real estate professionals and county officials say the percentage does not account for the county’s many second homes, owned by part-time residents who are not counted in the county’s census population numbers.

— From the April 13, 2011, edition of Summit Daily News

1 year ago: Skier injured after sliding about 1,100 feet in avalanche at Sky Chutes

A skier suffered injuries in an avalanche on April 12, 2025, in the K Chute of a popular backcountry spot in Summit County known as the Sky Chutes, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. On that day, a group of four skiers left Breckenridge Resort through a backcountry access point with plans to ski the K Chute. One skier triggered the avalanche, which broke above him, sweeping him down the path and out of sight. One of his companions was able to locate him and the party took him to St. Anthony Summit Hospital. Subsequent backcountry skiers coming to the area found the avalanche and began to search for an avalanche transceiver signal before calling 911. Summit County Rescue Group members were called and got as far as driving to the base of the Sky Chutes before being informed that the skier had already made it to the hospital.

— From the April 15, 2025, edition of Summit Daily News

5 years ago: County seeks public input on Quandary Peak shuttle, reservation ideas

On April 14, 2021, Summit County officials shared a survey on social media asking people for their input on how to potentially solve parking and congestion issues around Quandary Peak, one of the state’s most popular 14,000-foot mountains. A group of stakeholder have developed some potential fixes to help manage increased use, preserve the visitor experience and protect resources in the Quandary Peak area. Possible solutions include requiring permits to hike the peak, a shuttle service and mandatory carpools. (Officials eventually required parking reservations at the peak’s trailhead, as well as providing a shuttle service.)

— From the April 17, 2021, edition of Summit Daily News

10 years ago: Summit Cove residents report mixed success with new cell tower

The Summit Cove subdivision between Keystone and Dillon has been notorious for a complete lack of cellular coverage for some time, with many homeowners resorting to signal boosters in their homes to receive calls. Some callers reported they still need to stand next to those same antennae to make or receive calls, even after a new Verizon tower, located at Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue Station 12, went live in early February 2016. Since plans for an AT&T tower near the landfill between Keystone and Summit Cove were scrapped, Verizon was the sole carrier in the area at the time. 

— From the April 13, 2016, edition of Summit Daily News

15 years ago: Summit County residents annoyed by ‘American ghost town’ ranking

Some residents have expressed their irritation with an article that appeared in Yahoo’s online finance section April 11, 2011. Summit County has somehow landed itself third in a recently published list of the “American ghost towns of the 21st century.” The rankings were based on vacancy percentages released by the U.S. Census for 2010 and local residents and officials say those numbers lack context. Summit County had a 61% vacancy rate in the Census data, but local real estate professionals and county officials say the percentage does not account for the county’s many second homes, owned by part-time residents who are not counted in the county’s census population numbers.

— From the April 13, 2011, edition of Summit Daily News

30 years ago: County commissioners amend code to allow for larger accessory apartments

On April 15, 1996, the Summit County Board of County Commissioners amended the county’s development code regulations concerning accessory apartments in an effort to encourage more affordable housing throughout the county. The original provision on such units, in place since 1991. allowed accessory apartments of 600 square feet or less — or no more than 45% of the primary residence — to be included as part of a single family residence. Under the new provision, accessory apartments can be up to 900 square feet, allowing space for three people to reside together. The number of accessory units allowed in a subdivision remains limited to 10 percent of the total units, and the accessory units must be established and occupied in a manner that preserves the residential character of the neighborhood in which it is located.

— From the April 17, 1996, edition of Summit Daily News

125 years ago: Snow slide shuts down rail traffic over Boreas Pass after mild winter

The Colorado & Southern Railway has experienced more trouble on the High Line over Boreas Pass over one week in April 1901 than it has for the rest of the winter combined as the operators dealt with issues from snow and ice on the tracks. A huge avalanche on the night of April 14 covered about 300 feet of track near Uneva Lake, averaging 20 feet in depth. Rail travel required the use of the Rio Grande Railroad track between Dillon and Leadville on April 15 and 16 while crews cleared the rails. On April 17 the west-bound passenger train from Como got ice-bound on Boreas Pass and did not arrive into Breckenridge until midnight April 18. The Summit County Journal reported the track is clear and with spring weather’s arrival, it’s expected that ice and snow troubles are over for the season.

— From the April 20, 1901, edition of Summit County Journal

30 years ago: County commissioners amend code to allow for larger accessory apartments

On April 15, 1996, the Summit County Board of County Commissioners amended the county’s development code regulations concerning accessory apartments in an effort to encourage more affordable housing throughout the county. The original provision on such units, in place since 1991. allowed accessory apartments of 600 square feet or less — or no more than 45% of the primary residence — to be included as part of a single family residence. Under the new provision, accessory apartments can be up to 900 square feet, allowing space for three people to reside together. The number of accessory units allowed in a subdivision remains limited to 10 percent of the total units, and the accessory units must be established and occupied in a manner that preserves the residential character of the neighborhood in which it is located.

— From the April 17, 1996, edition of Summit Daily News

125 years ago: Snow slide shuts down rail traffic over Boreas Pass after mild winter

The Colorado & Southern Railway has experienced more trouble on the High Line over Boreas Pass over one week in April 1901 than it has for the rest of the winter combined as the operators dealt with issues from snow and ice on the tracks. A huge avalanche on the night of April 14 covered about 300 feet of track near Uneva Lake, averaging 20 feet in depth. Rail travel required the use of the Rio Grande Railroad track between Dillon and Leadville on April 15 and 16 while crews cleared the rails. On April 17 the west-bound passenger train from Como got ice-bound on Boreas Pass and did not arrive into Breckenridge until midnight April 18. The Summit County Journal reported the track is clear and with spring weather’s arrival, it’s expected that ice and snow troubles are over for the season.

— From the April 20, 1901, edition of Summit County Journal

The Dillon Amphitheater has unveiled its full lineup for Mountain Music Mondays, a widely popular and free concert series that spans throughout the summer.

The series will feature 13 acts, plus an additional bonus show for the Fourth of July. Most shows will start with opening sets by local bands and artists.

In keeping with tradition, for one dollar from every bar sale each night will benefit a different local nonprofit.

This year, concerts will begin 30 minutes earlier than last: Gates open at 5 p.m. and music commences at 6 p.m.

Here’s what to expect this summer:

• Monday, June 15, Fruition, with special guest Magoo
• Monday, June 22, The Polish Ambassador, with special guest DJ Chiilla
• Monday, June 29, National Repertory Orchestra
• Sunday, July 5, 101st Army Band
• Monday, July 6, Queen Nation, with special guest Frisco Funk Collective
• Monday, July 13, Black Uhuru, with special guest High Five
• Monday, July 20, Neighbor, with special guest CB3
• Monday, July 27, MarchFourth, with special guest Beau Thomas Band
• Monday, Aug. 3, Just Jayne and Sophia Scott
• Monday, Aug. 10, The Crane Wives, with special guest Brye
• Monday, Aug. 17, Billy Failing, with special guest O’Connor Brothers Band
• Monday, Aug. 24, Oh He Dead, with special guest Ghanay Moreau & The Keepers
• Monday, Aug. 31, Neal Francis, with special guest Satellite13
• Monday, Sept. 7, Ozomatli, with special guest Los Hermanos Latin Funk

Dillon Community Church considers itself a home for locals, seasonal vacationers and visitors. The nondenominational Christian church started in the Old Dillon Schoolhouse in 1913, according to head pastor Jim Howard, before it was moved ahead of the planned flooding that created Dillon Reservoir.

An A-frame building placed next to the schoolhouse after the move housed the church from the 1960s to 2002, when the church built its current facility on the same site. 

Howard said the church, with around 220 members, sees 3,000-5,000 total visitors a year, with attendance fluctuating through the seasons. 

The evangelical church has a “statement of faith” that outlines core evangelical Christian beliefs, like belief in the Trinity.

“Anything outside of that basic theology, we agree to disagree,” Howard said. “We can have fun discussions about it. We can tease each other, and we can laugh.”

The church describes its attitude toward differing beliefs in its congregation with the statement: “In essentials — Unity; In non-essentials — Freedom; In all things — Charity.” 

Howard said members are unified on essential beliefs, free to believe different things outside of those issues and encouraged to act with charity, or love, in all matters. A key belief in the church is the importance of showing people love.

“Jesus summed up the law of Moses in two commands: love God and love people,” Howard said. “Paul basically said loving people is at the heart of the law, and that’s what God desired from us.”

Howard said the church shows people love in many ways, including ministries. The church has Bible studies; men’s, women’s, children’s and student groups; and groups that Howard said are less about having religious discussions and more about spending time with one another, like hiking, skiing and offroading groups.

Christian theology encourages environmentalism, Howard said, because people should care for and enjoy God’s creation. 

“At one level, we have things like LED lighting and recycling,” Howard said. “On the other level, we love to get out into (nature) and play. I mean, we live in the High Country of Colorado. We’d be crazy not to get out and play.”

Dillon Community Church also looks to love people through programs like its food bank and benevolence group, which Howard said serves 3,000-4,500 meals and donates $75,000 to $110,000 per year, respectively.

Sunday services at the church are a “journey,” Howard said, that bring people together through worship. It starts with “fun” — like music, poetry or drama — for a half hour. Howard then preaches for around 30 minutes, the congregation gives offerings and, lastly, they take communion.

“Then people hang around,” Howard said. “We eat cookies and coffee, and people talk.”

More information about Dillon Community Church can be found at DillonChurch.org.

This story originally published in the Best Of Summit 2025 magazine.

1 year ago: Crowd rallies in downtown Frisco for ‘Hands Off!’ protest against Trump policies

A protest in downtown Frisco joined the more than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations scheduled to take place across the United States on April 5, 2025. A sizeable crowd rallied at and around the intersection of Colorado Highway 9 and Main Street in Frisco in broad opposition to policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. Summit County’s “Hands Off!” demonstration was organized locally by residents including Sara Furey, a Breckenridge resident, and Sheri Paul, a Silverthorne resident.

— From the April 7, 2025, edition of Summit Daily News

5 years ago: Blue River Horse Center finds new home north of Silverthorne thanks to Peak Materials

The Blue River Horse Center has found a new home after all thanks to a generous lease agreement from Peak Materials and Kilgore Cos. The 80-acre site is at 35405 Colorado Highway 9, 15 minutes north of Silverthorne. The auxiliary property of Peak Materials was known previously as the Hillyard Ranch before the company purchased the property from Julie Hillyard. The one-year lease agreement will allow the nonprofit organization to continue its equestrian-based emotional awareness and leadership training programs for the 2021 season. (As of 2026, the now-named Summit Valley Horse Center continues to operate out of the same location.)

— From the April 11, 2021, edition of Summit Daily News

10 years ago: Mamula elected mayor; Bergeron, Dudick, Wolfe take council seats

Following in his father’s footsteps, Eric Mamula will serve as Breckenridge’s next mayor, according to a preliminary vote that was tallied on the evening of April 5, 2016. He was elected by a 63.53% margin, for the town’s first contested mayoral election in 32 years. His father, Sam Mamula, served as mayor through 2004. Mamula, the owner of Main Street restaurant Downstairs at Eric’s, previously served two terms on Breckenridge’s town council in 2004 and 2008, helping establish the town’s recreation center and ice rink. Breckenridge voters also filled three town council seats Tuesday evening, electing Jeffrey Bergeron, Wendy Wolfe and Mike Dudick each to a four-year term.

— From the April 6, 2016, edition of Summit Daily News

15 years ago: Silverthorne eyes a new downtown design focused on 4th Street ‘core’

After town officials, business owners and citizens met with economic development and planning experts during Silverthorne’s town core assessment process, town officials say the have information they can use to develop a new downtown. A main recommendation that came out of the meeting was to use Fourth Street at a “core axis” for the area, meant to enhance pedestrian connectivity to the Silverthorne Recreation Center, Rainbow Park, the Blue River Trail, Silverthorne Pavilion and Silverthorne Transit Center. The group also recommended building a pedestrian-focused plaza east of the existing pedestrian bridge near the Silverthorne Pavilion.

— From the April 8, 2011, edition of Summit Daily News

1 year ago: Crowd rallies in downtown Frisco for ‘Hands Off!’ protest against Trump policies

A protest in downtown Frisco joined the more than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations scheduled to take place across the United States on April 5, 2025. A sizeable crowd rallied at and around the intersection of Colorado Highway 9 and Main Street in Frisco in broad opposition to policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. Summit County’s “Hands Off!” demonstration was organized locally by residents including Sara Furey, a Breckenridge resident, and Sheri Paul, a Silverthorne resident.

— From the April 7, 2025, edition of Summit Daily News

5 years ago: Blue River Horse Center finds new home north of Silverthorne thanks to Peak Materials

The Blue River Horse Center has found a new home after all thanks to a generous lease agreement from Peak Materials and Kilgore Cos. The 80-acre site is at 35405 Colorado Highway 9, 15 minutes north of Silverthorne. The auxiliary property of Peak Materials was known previously as the Hillyard Ranch before the company purchased the property from Julie Hillyard. The one-year lease agreement will allow the nonprofit organization to continue its equestrian-based emotional awareness and leadership training programs for the 2021 season. (As of 2026, the now-named Summit Valley Horse Center continues to operate out of the same location.)

— From the April 11, 2021, edition of Summit Daily News

10 years ago: Mamula elected mayor; Bergeron, Dudick, Wolfe take council seats

Following in his father’s footsteps, Eric Mamula will serve as Breckenridge’s next mayor, according to a preliminary vote that was tallied on the evening of April 5, 2016. He was elected by a 63.53% margin, for the town’s first contested mayoral election in 32 years. His father, Sam Mamula, served as mayor through 2004. Mamula, the owner of Main Street restaurant Downstairs at Eric’s, previously served two terms on Breckenridge’s town council in 2004 and 2008, helping establish the town’s recreation center and ice rink. Breckenridge voters also filled three town council seats Tuesday evening, electing Jeffrey Bergeron, Wendy Wolfe and Mike Dudick each to a four-year term.

— From the April 6, 2016, edition of Summit Daily News

15 years ago: Silverthorne eyes a new downtown design focused on 4th Street ‘core’

After town officials, business owners and citizens met with economic development and planning experts during Silverthorne’s town core assessment process, town officials say the have information they can use to develop a new downtown. A main recommendation that came out of the meeting was to use Fourth Street at a “core axis” for the area, meant to enhance pedestrian connectivity to the Silverthorne Recreation Center, Rainbow Park, the Blue River Trail, Silverthorne Pavilion and Silverthorne Transit Center. The group also recommended building a pedestrian-focused plaza east of the existing pedestrian bridge near the Silverthorne Pavilion.

— From the April 8, 2011, edition of Summit Daily News

30 years ago: Grant allows Breckenridge to add more lights to Kingdom Park ballfield

With help from a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, the Town of Breckenridge plans to install lights at a second ball field at Kingdom Park. On April 9, 1996, the council passed a resolution approving a grant agreement with Great Outdoors. According to Director of Leisure Services Bob Pfeiffer, the total cost of installing lights at Kingdom Park’s north bail field is estimated at $50,000. The grant will cover $14,000 of that cost.

— From the April 11, 1996, edition of Summit Daily News

125 years ago: Former Summit County clerk and miner dies of pneumonia in Cripple Creek

News of the death of Capt. George Ryan reached Breckenridge via telegram on April 6, 1901. Ryan died of pneumonia on April 5 in Cripple Creek, where he had been living and mining for the past year. Born in Canada in 1838, Ryan’s family eventually settled in Peoria, Illinois. In 1861 he enlisted in the Illinois Infantry to fight in the Civil War. He lost his left arm at the Battle of Spanish Fort and was eventually promoted to the rank of captain. He returned to Illinois to farm until reaching Summit County in the 1870s, where he made a “snug fortune” out of the Oro Mine — he was elected as the county clerk in 1883 and 1885. He and his family moved to Utah in 1891, where he had lived until returning to Colorado in 1900.

— From the April 13, 1901, edition of Summit County Journal

30 years ago: Grant allows Breckenridge to add more lights to Kingdom Park ballfield

With help from a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, the Town of Breckenridge plans to install lights at a second ball field at Kingdom Park. On April 9, 1996, the council passed a resolution approving a grant agreement with Great Outdoors. According to Director of Leisure Services Bob Pfeiffer, the total cost of installing lights at Kingdom Park’s north bail field is estimated at $50,000. The grant will cover $14,000 of that cost.

— From the April 11, 1996, edition of Summit Daily News

125 years ago: Former Summit County clerk and miner dies of pneumonia in Cripple Creek

News of the death of Capt. George Ryan reached Breckenridge via telegram on April 6, 1901. Ryan died of pneumonia on April 5 in Cripple Creek, where he had been living and mining for the past year. Born in Canada in 1838, Ryan’s family eventually settled in Peoria, Illinois. In 1861 he enlisted in the Illinois Infantry to fight in the Civil War. He lost his left arm at the Battle of Spanish Fort and was eventually promoted to the rank of captain. He returned to Illinois to farm until reaching Summit County in the 1870s, where he made a “snug fortune” out of the Oro Mine — he was elected as the county clerk in 1883 and 1885. He and his family moved to Utah in 1891, where he had lived until returning to Colorado in 1900.

— From the April 13, 1901, edition of Summit County Journal

Starting Saturday, April 11, Breckenridge History will display its newest exhibit, “Moments That Made US,” to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

The exhibit will be on display at Breckenridge Welcome Center Museum and available for public viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 

The exhibit aims to explore how generations of Americans have given meaning to central themes from the Declaration of Independence.

Breckenridge History is able to host the exhibit thanks to a multi-state effort to engage more Americans in celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. History Colorado, a state historical society and Smithsonian affiliate, originally created the exhibit and since reformatted it to suit local venues.

The Breckenridge Welcome Center Museum is located at 203 S. Main St.

Voters in the 2025 Best of Summit contest say no one does live music better in the county than Breckenridge’s Moonstone Quill. 

Originally founded by Dan Shukis and Nate Spencer in 2020, Moonstone Quill seamlessly blends bluegrass, rock and country into a plugged-in American sound. 

Shukis and Spencer turned the unexpected stillness of the COVID-19 pandemic into a chance to chase their passions. Having both been musicians since childhood, the two soon found themselves playing side by side during those quiet months of the pandemic. Out of shared rhythm and connection, the formed Moonstone Quill.

“In the summer of 2020 I reconnected with Nate when I wasn’t working at the time and neither was he,” Shukis said. “Everything was partially locked down, but there were still open mics going. That summer we were just kind of like carpooling and going to open mics and stuff like that. … We were really born in that weird time when everything was locked down or sort of locked down.”

After coming together to play music in open mics across Summit County, Shukis and Spencer eventually recruited more musicians to be part of the band.

The current version of Moonstone Quill includes Shukis, Spencer, Nick Beato and Ian Hunt. Together, the four musicians form a band that includes guitars, a harmonica, a mandolin, a bass, a pedal-steel guitar and vocals.

“It is a really flexible sound and bluegrass is probably the easiest genre to pin on us,” Shukis said. “Every time that we play it is really the combined efforts of everybody that is in the band doing their thing. That is why it is kind of hard to pin a genre on us.”

While the four-piece band each plays their own instrument, the group of musicians all lend their voices to the band. The mix in voices creates a layered and unique sound that can be hard to find in other bands in the area.

Since officially becoming a band five years ago, Moonstone Quill has gradually gained notoriety within Summit County and in the region. The band is now a mainstay throughout the High Country and is commonly booked for weddings, festivals and other gigs all year round.

After being named the Best Local Band/Musician around Summit County in 2023 and 2024 in the Best of Summit contest, Moonstone Quill was once again named the Best Local Band in this year’s awards. 

After five years of honing their craft, the honor carries deep meaning for Shukis and Moonstone Quill. The award not only reflects the community’s love for the band, but also validates the countless hours of practice and personal sacrifices its members have made.

“I am super appreciative of it,” Shukis said. “We are coming up on being five years old, and it is cool to be … locally known in a small town where locals sort of stand apart from tourists and there is more of tight-knit, local community.”

To view Moonstone Quill’s schedule, visit MoonstoneQuill.com.

This story originally published in the Best Of Summit 2025 magazine.