News Archives - Salida Chamber of Commerce

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PRESS RELEASE: SALIDA, COLO – Andy Rohrich is serving as the new Chaffee County Sheriff effective September 12, 2024. The Chaffee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously to appoint Rohrich to serve as Sheriff for the remainder of the 2024-2026 Sheriff’s term during a BOCC Special Meeting on September 12th. The BOCC had previously named Rohrich as Interim Sheriff on September 10, 2024, following the retirement of John Spezze. He was sworn into the office by Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder, Lori Mitchell, after his acceptance of the appointment to the Sheriff position.

Applications are open for the first cohort of the Emerging Early Childhood Educators Program. If you have ever been interested in becoming an Early Childhood Professional and serving the children of Chaffee County please contact Sarah Romack at (719) 221-5114 or email her at sromack@ccecc.org. This program includes 18 credits of free ECE courses at CMC, coaching, career navigation and experience in an early childhood center.

Tickets are available now for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County 2024 Great Futures Gala. The Gala will be held at Mt. Princeton on September 25^th and will feature dinner, a live auction, inspiration from Club kids, and entertainment by Denver Piano Shows Dueling Pianos. Tickets are $75 each and are available now through their website: bgcchaffee.org/upcoming-events

Steve from Vino Salida will be actively looking for new owners to purchase Vino Salida before his lease runs out at the end of May. Please reach out to Steve at Steve@VinoSalida.com if you or someone you know may be interested!

Wilderness First Aid & Remote Care:

Learn how to respond to emergencies and give care in areas that do not have immediate emergency medical services (EMS) response. Topics covered will range from dealing with trauma and medical and environmental emergencies in a remote location as well as calling for help and evacuation considerations. The American Red Cross CPR and AED certificate is also included in this course.

Course Date:
09/21-22/2024

Deadline to sign up:
09/18/2024

The Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation announced today it has initiated a leadership transition plan as current Executive Director Jake Rishavy gradually winds down his leadership of the organization and pursues the acquisition of a longstanding local business institution. Rishavy’s intended acquisition of Heart of the Rockies Radio Group in Salida was simultaneously announced in a statement from the company.

According to leaders of the EDC’s Board of Directors, the extended transition plan will allow the EDC to conduct strategic planning this fall and initiate its search for its next Executive Director while seamlessly continuing its programs that grow year-round, non-tourism-related employment in Chaffee County.

The Chaffee Housing Authority invites you to participate in an important survey regarding affordable housing issues and a potential ballot measure this November. Click Read more to see how to participate in the survey.

Chaffee County Housing Authority presents for the Chamber Board of Directors. One of the most important strategies for The Chaffee County Housing Authority is to preserve existing affordable housing and create new affordable housing that is permanently affordable long into the future. Click HERE to view their mission, and HERE to view the presentation.

Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) has been preparing for another active respiratory illness season, and is excited to announce that the new COVID-19 vaccine is now in stock. CCPH is proud to provide the community with access to this most recent update of the COVID-19 vaccine, and has been eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze has announced his retirement, effective September 10 2024, following a 44 year-long career in the law enforcement sector.

The Chaffee Housing Authority, in cooperation with the City of Salida, is asking short term rental owners and vacation home owners within the City of Salida and the surrounding area to transition their short-term rentals, rarely-used vacation homes, unoccupied accessory dwelling units, or other under-used houses to a long-term rental for local workforce. If you or someone you know has a housing unit that is generally empty or generally hosts out-of-town visitors, the Chaffee Housing Authority would happily match your home with members of the local workforce who are unable to find rental homes in this unprecedented rental market. More information can be found by visiting the Chaffee Housing Authority’s website at www.chaffeehousingauthority.org and select the Open Doors Program for more information and to apply to participate in the program.

John Rhoads, owner of D&J Rare Gems in Salida, is giving away a minimum of four “Chaffee County Diamonds” through a recently launched treasure hunt. The “diamonds” he’s giving away in this quest are quartz crystals. He is hiding certificates for a minimum of four gems. Each of the “diamonds” are roughly 11 carats, cut by Rhoads in a “brilliant diamond pattern. The certificate has no cash value. The certificates are in jars and once a jar is found, the finder must contact Rhoads to collect their prize. Clues can be found on his website, DJRareGems.com.

D&J Rare Gems had a drawing for a free gem on September 18 at the Mountain Mail. They will have 3 more drawings for a free gem. Click Read more to see the details and find out how to enter the drawing!

Together, we can preserve the beauty and vitality of our cherished environment. Let’s protect our lands, waters, and wildlife together. There are many upcoming options to help steward our land. There will be dispersed campsite cleanups on September 14th from 9:00am -12:00 pm, a National Public Lands Day clean up on September 28th, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, and a Fourmile Creek Restoration Project on October 9th & 10th, 26th & 27th, 8:30am–2pm. Sign up today and be a part of something meaningful!

Elizabeth Anne’s Haven Fundraising Gala was a success! 120 tickets were sold for a total of $8,400. Donations, auction items and tiered donations brought in $11,414. The total amount raised is $19,814!

Couple’s Coach Heather Barron is offering a Fall Special on her Relationship Refresh package. This includes $50 off of 90-min relationship coaching session with Heather. Reach out to Heather at (719) 221-9347 to book your session today!

The Salida Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands completed a forest health project in the Threemile Creek and Browns Creek areas off Forest Service Road 272 near Nathrop, Colo. The intent of this project is to create forest conditions that are more resilient to insect infestations, lessen disease susceptibility and reduce the likelihood of high intensity wildfire.

The timber from this project is decked and available to the public for firewood with the purchase of a fuelwood permit beginning July 1, 2024. Fuelwood permits are available for purchase on the Salida Ranger District annually from June 1 through Nov. 30. Fuelwood tags and maps of the designated cutting areas are issued with the fuelwood permit. All loads of firewood must be tagged with a valid fuelwood tag. Cutting fuelwood without a valid permit is punishable by a fine. The cost for a fuel wood permit is $10 per cord with a minimum purchase of three cords. Personal use fuelwood permits can be purchased at the Salida Ranger District Office at 5575 Cleora Rd, Salida, Colo. 81201.

Free basic medical, dental, and harm-reduction services. Salida United Methodist Church on Mondays from 12-4pm and Buena Vista Community Center on Tuesdays from 1-4pm. No appointment necessary.

Beware, ghouls and goblins! The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is gearing up for its 10th Annual BOO at the Bridge, and this year, we’re expanding the spooky fun into your neighborhood! If you find a mysterious ghost-shaped air freshener on your car, don’t be alarmed—you’ve just been BOO’d! It’s our ghostly way of inviting you to join us for BOO at the Bridge, a fang-tastic, family-friendly event where you can trick-or-treat at America’s Highest Suspension Bridge. What to do when you’ve been BOO’d? Share the scare and invite a friend to BOO at the Bridge! For a chance to win four tickets, tag us on social media with the ghoul friends and family you’re bringing to BOO. Don’t forget to use #BooAtTheBridge to let us know you’re ready for a spooky-good time Mark your calendars for BOO at the Bridge, Saturday, October 19, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating, hair-raising fun rides, and haunting surprises across the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge. Perfect for families and fearless adventurers alike. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration high above the Arkansas River. Watch for tickets to be available on October 1st at BooAtTheBridge.com. Don’t wait—share the scare, and we’ll see you at BOO at the Bridge!

Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce Enhances Organizational Structure to Better Serve the Business Community

Salida, CO — September 3, 2024 — The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a strategic reorganization aimed at enhancing its ability to support and advocate for the local business community. This initiative reflects the Chamber’s commitment to fostering a thriving economic environment in Salida and the surrounding region.

Adults & Children Ages 5+…Give us a try!

Your first 2 classes are FREE! Visit highcountryjiujitsu.com or call 571-334-8719

REALTORS of Central Colorado (ROCC) is hosting a homebuyer workshop on September 26, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Poncha Springs Town Hall. This event is free with no obligation, and we will be serving a light dinner. Our goal is to provide information on the processes of homeownership to our community.

Bringing our Valley Hope and the Salida Distillery are partnering Wednesday, September 25th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on an event designed to make participants “feel good inside and out.”

If you’re a woman who is committed to beautiful relationships, and curious about how masculine and feminine energies influence your intimate connections, then join Brie for IGNITE. Come, reclaim your feminine fire in Crestone, Colorado

September 19-22, 2024.

Click to see the monthly specials at Arlie Dale’s Jug Liquors!

Kim’s Gym aims to be a healthy, supportive community for all ages. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or have years of experience.

Enjoy a variety of group fitness classes and workout in a fun, friendly, group environment. Classes include HIIT, Senior Circuit, Mat Pilates, Yoga and Strength. Check out our full schedule HERE!

Kim’s Gym is offering a new class that is an inspirational, motivational, and empowering workout for women and young girls of all ages.
This calisthenics based workout will build self-esteem, self-worth and self-love through mindful exercise and motivational speech. It is a workout that encourages personal growth, bravery and confidence. Light weights and body weight are used for resistance.

Click Read More to learn about class information for Laura’s Dog Training classes!

There is a great need for licensed childcare in Chaffee County, especially for infants and toddlers. Please help us mend this childcare crisis and become a licensed home childcare provider!

Enjoy a relaxing getaway in Mount Princeton’s Creekside suites. Delight in a 60-minute massage for two!

This offer is valid Sundays-Thursdays, August 12th, 2024-October 31st, 2024.

Promo Code: MASSAGE. Some exclusions may apply.

On 8/27/24 The Leadville Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands announces updated occupancy and use regulations for the Collegiate Peaks and Mount Massive Wilderness areas. The district would like to highlight that in addition to the original regulations, campfires are now prohibited above 11,000 feet in elevation.

These regulations will protect wilderness resources and character, manage recreational use and comply with U.S. Forest Service policy and the 1964 Wilderness Act. Wilderness areas provide a natural environment for plant and animal species and offer opportunities for solitude and recreation in a place mostly undisturbed by modern human development. In addition, wilderness areas protect watersheds that provide clean drinking water to surrounding communities, filter and clean the air and sequester carbon.

Great news! We have an additional private treatment room so that our clients can rehabilitate in a safe environment with one on one care from my staff!

We have a great NEWSLETTER and it is free….. Just go to Website: www. arkansasvalleyPT.com to sign up today!

Is hosting Little Shredders- Roller Skating, Skateboarding and Scooters For Age 7 and Under at Ramps and Alleys, every Friday from August 16th-April 25th at Ramps and Alleys, 645 E. Rainbow Blvd. Each session is $10! Open Skate sessions will be at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds from 4-6pm every Sunday! Skate rentals will be available and donations for the open skate are welcome. The Ark Valley High Rollers are looking for community members to join their Roller Derby team. Click here for more information! Click here for information on joining the Junior Roller Derby team. The City of Salida and Ramps and Alleys Skate Shop will be hosting the Salida Bowl Bash, a Youth Scooter Competition on September 15th from 9am-5pm. In partnership with Collegiate Peaks Bank, Ramps and Alleys has established the Izan Wheeler Youth Sports Scholarship to help kids find the financial aid they need to do the things they love. Currently, the applications are open in the fall/winter and spring/summer. Scroll down on this page to see more details: https://www.rampsandalleys.com/ramps-and-alleys-clubhouse

Riveting Experience Jewelry Upcoming Events!

See what’s going on at Riveting Experience Jewelry: a Repair, Repurpose, and Re-gift event on September 18; lots of prizes being given away on Art Walk weekend; and a 5th Anniversary event with lots of prizes being offered October 11-13! Come have fun making jewelry and gifts!

Check out the end of season specials through the end of September, buy one get one: Guided Rock Climbing and Guided Mountain Biking! Click Read More for details!

View the Library’s Monthly Programs!

FREE CAR SEATS!

“Dad’s” Car Seat Program continues at the Salida Pregnancy Resource Center. We still have car seats to gift to Dads for infants up to one year of age in the Salida, Buena Vista, and surrounding areas. To register for the program, contact the Salida Pregnancy Resource Center at 719-539-7436 or visit the Center at 215 East Third Street. The Center is open Monday 10-3p, Wednesday 12-5p, Thursday 12-5p, Friday 11-4p, closed on Tuesday and Federal Holidays. To read the full press release, click here!

Salida Theater Festival will take place September 23rd-October 6th!

The Salida Theater Festival is a in their second year as a non-profit unity, as of 2024. The Salida Theater Festival is an all volunteer organization designed to market and promote the Salida Theater Festival. The volunteers bring together multiple theater production companies to participate in each year’s festival. These companies are mainly local to Chaffee County, but invitations also go out to outside companies. In 2023, the Salida Theater Festival had a company in Chicago, and in 2024, there will be one from Denver. Not only does the Salida Theater Festival bring a multitude of shows to Chaffee County, but they also offer Free Theater Workshops in partnership with the Salida Creative District. These workshops are for actors and directors of all skill levels It is the Salida Theater Festival’s goal to collaborate with artists based locally and beyond to foster a safe artistic platform for growth, conversation, and innovation. Salida Theater Festival brings quality, sustainable, and inspirational theatre to our community that celebrates the humanity in us all. Please check out www.salidatheaterfestival.com/ for more information!

Salida Walking Tours Schedule for May 15 – September 1

DAILY
MAY 15 – SEPTEMBER 1
Outlaws, Whores & History Tour – 11 a.m.
History on Tap – 3 p.m.
Ghost & Murder Walking Tour – 8 p.m.
Haunted Pub Crawl – 7:30 p.m.

Central Mountain SBDC, is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming series of FREE live virtual workshops designed to empower you and supercharge your business growth.

Why Attend?
Our immersive workshops are tailored to help you elevate your skills, broaden your horizons, and scale your business to new heights. By attending, you’ll gain access to expert insights, connect with industry leaders, and discover practical strategies to enhance your expertise—all at no cost to you! Plus, these workshops are not just live sessions; you can revisit the content at your convenience with our on-demand options.

The Leadville Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands has special assistants to help them complete trail maintenance and manage its wilderness areas. While the assistants are the four-legged furry kind, they may not be the ones you’d expect—they’re llamas! Well trained llamas are docile, easy to handle and transport, low maintenance and walk at a similar pace as their human coworkers, which make them great additions to the wilderness trail crew.

We are excited to have our colleagues at the Southern Colorado SBDC will be continuing the Outdoor Industry Summit and take it to a whole new level. The Outdoor Industry Summit will take place September 19th-21st in Canon City. Register before September 1 and get EARLY BIRD pricing for access to 3 DAYS of collaboration, discussion, and incredible networking opportunities within the outdoor industry. We’ll see you there!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and The Conservation Fund announced the purchase of private land for conservation and land management. In partnership with The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit conservation organization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service acquired nearly 130 acres west of Divide, Colo. The Wagon Tongue Company property lies just south of Lake George and between Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir.

JVAM

HRRMC

The Mountain Mail

Heart of the Rockies Radio

Anytime Fitness

Woodland Motel

First Colorado Land Office

Salida Mountain Sports

American Classic Inn

50West Productions

Kate Woolman State Farm

Collegiate Peaks Bank

Monarch Mountain

Barbara Pearson Sawyer

Mt Princeton Hot Springs

Dragonfly Gifts

High Country Bank

McDonald's

Home & Design

Peaks Integrity Wealth Management, LLC

Coffee by Topo

Katwin Hinerman – HomeSmart Preferred Realty

Go To Guide

Columbine Manor