Mountain Almanac for the Week of March 17

Tuesday, March 17

Yoga. Community yoga classes are scheduled at the Church in the Wildwood on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. and another class is slated for Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, call 719-213-0848.

Community Meeting on Woodland Park Golf Course. A community meeting will be held on March 17 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center regarding the future operations of the Shining Mountain Golf Course,  now owned by the city of Woodland Park. City officials want to hear from the public regarding their desires and wishes for the course operation and its associated facilities. In addition, city officials will update the public on their current plans and what has occurred since they took over the course in the fall of 2025. The meeting will occur from 5:30 to 7 p. m. See related story in this week’s TMJ.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from TMJ. A variety of local eateries, bars and casinos are offering special meals and drinks for this annual Irish tradition. Plus, McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub in Divide will feature the final festivities of its St. Patrick’s Weekend.  A special performance of Mountain Eire Irish Dancers will occur at 4:30 p.m. McGinty’s (normally closed on Tuesdays) will remain open all-day St. Patty’s Day and feature special drinks and culinary treats in keeping with the St. Patty’s spirit.  It also will serve as a prime setting for viewing the college Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness”) for the “First Four.”

Wednesday, March 18

Wellness Walk. Scheduled for March 1 at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Meet at the upper level and choose a one, two or three-mile hike. Maps are available. Healthy living tips and mindfulness exercises are available to enhance your walk. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Free admission

The Cripple Creek City Council will meet on March 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the CC Council Chambers at city hall.

Thursday, March 19

TOPS. Takes Off Pound Sensibly. Meets every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Ave.) Green Mountain Falls, Co 80819. Affordable, effective weight-loss.

The Woodland Park City Council will meet on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the WP Council Chambers, located next to city hall.

Ute Pass Kiwanis Tiki Time Bingo. Scheduled for March 19 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, starting at 6:30 p.m. It is time for a little island vacation! Break out your island wear and join us for some fun! $20 gives you 10 chances to win! All proceeds benefit the children of Teller County. The Rollong Gourmet Food Truck will have food for sale and the bar will be open. For more information, call 719-642-8679.

Saturday, March 21

Teller County Republican Assembly. The first major test for many Republican candidates seeking county and state offices will occur at Teller’s GOP Assembly on March 21 in Divide at the Summit Elementary School. The assembly begins at 9 a.m., with check-in starting at 7:30 a.m. For more information, visit the Teller County Republican facebook page, or contact the county clerk and recorder’s office.

 

Upcoming

Hit the Ice. Ice Rink Opening at Meadow Wood Sports Complex! Great news! The outdoor ice rink at Meadow Wood Sports Complex is OPEN and ready for skaters! We’re excited to welcome everyone back out to the ice as conditions have improved. The Meadow Wood Ice Rink schedule is LIVE and subject to change based on weather and ice conditions. Before heading out, we encourage you to check the schedule for open skate, open hockey, or any reserved times. You can view the LIVE schedule anytime by scanning the QR code posted at the rink on the city’s website.

Take a Hike.  The New Year is a prime opportunity to partake in a kick-off of scheduled New Year hikes at Mueller State Park. Typically, improving your health is one of the most coveted New Year resolutions. Nothing can allow folks to reach this goal in the Teller high country then hitting nearby trails. Mueller State Park offers regular weekend treks, which also offer a little information on the park’s wildlife attributes. Visit the park’s website of call them at 719-687-2366 for more details.

Best Of 2026 Voting. TMJ’s annual Best Of contest, one of the most competitive and longest-running in the region and is now moving into final stages.  You can participate and vote for your favorites in nearly 100 categories, including top casinos, restaurants, entertainment, recreation options, burger and steak dishes, seafood delights, margaritas, premiere personalities and politicians and public servants, and much more.  This one serves as the real Bragging Rights showdown in the area. Visit www.facebook.com/mountainjackpotnews to cast your tally, or just scan the QR code, available at every weekly issue of TMJ.

STR Meetings.  The Teller County Commissioners are holding a variety of open meetings on the area’s short-term rental (STR) situation, and what type of rules and permits should be permitted. Check with the county’s government website for details.

Chamonix Casino & Resort Concerts. Upcoming music concerts at Chamonix Casino & Resort in Cripple Creek for early 2026 include tribute acts and dinner shows. Key events include Red Corvette (Prince Tribute) on Feb 28, ZoSo (Led Zeppelin tribute band) on April 11, and Dueling Pianos on April 4, 2026. These events feature dinner and show packages. For more information, visit the Chamonix website.

City Municipal Election.  April 7 is the deadline for returning ballots for Woodland Park’s 2026 municipal election.  Voters will select a new mayor and four council positions.  For more information, visit the city government’s website.

DDA Micro-Grant Program. The Woodland Park Downtown Development Authority is pleased to relaunch its Micro-Grant program for 2026. Grants are open to businesses and homeowners within the DDA boundaries of Woodland Park. The Micro-Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance for eligible projects that meet the Program’s eligibility requirements.  The DDA’s Micro-Grant Program intends to enable or assist qualifying business-owner applicants with customer-facing Projects that, for example, but without limitation, enhance building design, aesthetics, and public experience with higher quality materials, lighting, signage, and façade elements; improve public safety around buildings; add new public realm enhancements, such as landscaping or seating; include other pedestrian enhancements; meet building code compliance; and further the objectives and purposes of the DDA within the District, such as stimulating economic vitality therein.

For comprehensive information about the Downtown Development Authority’s 2026 Micro-Grant Program, including the eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the DDA Micro-Grant Information Center.