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