English transcript:
Ski industry workers
Ski areas in Colorado and across the country are concerned about reported processing slowdowns for seasonal worker visas ahead of the 2025-26 ski season. A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows people from other countries to participate in temporary work and education programs in the U.S., with the purpose of promoting cultural exchanges. Colorado employs about 8,500 J-1 workers each year across a variety of jobs, including in the ski industry, at lodging properties and in other rural businesses.
Breckenridge budget
Breckenridge is coming down from a post-pandemic sales tax boom and some officials are wondering if investments to partner with Breckenridge Ski Resort on events could help slow the drop. A Breckenridge finance department projection puts sales tax collections at $33.5 million yearly from 2026 to 2030, reversing a previous upward trend. Breckenridge collected around $36.4 million in 2023 and $39.6 million in 2024.
Illegal cellphone use
State troopers are cracking down on drivers who use cellphones while on the road. This year, state troopers have issued 701 tickets related to using electronic devices while driving. That’s an 188% increase — nearly triple the 243 citations issued during the same period last year. This is the first year that Colorado’s new hands-free law has been in effect. The new law extended the ban on cellphones beyond just texting to include holding or manually using a phone in any way.
Events
- Nov. 18: A free food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon at FatherDyer Church in Breckenridge.
- Nov. 18: A free community dinner is from 5-7 p.m. at the Summit County Elks Lodge in Silverthorne.
- Nov. 19: A free bilingual story time is from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Summit County Main Library in Frisco
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