Episode #167
La Voz del Valle de Estes 28 de Septiembre 2026
La Voz del Valle de Estes | September 28, 2026 By David Hernández An Estes Valley nonprofit that supports people in crisis received statewide attention this week. Meanwhile, plans for a new wastewater treatment plant are moving forward, the Town is seeking input on the future of its parks, and debate continues over the hospital district’s agreement with UCHealth. Crisis Advocates featured in statewide campaign 9NEWS journalist Kyle Clark featured Estes Valley Crisis Advocates in his Word of Thanks campaign. The nonprofit provides free, confidential support around the clock to people affected by crime or trauma. Its advocates help people make safety plans, understand victims’ rights, and connect with other services. The organization also operates My Sister’s Place , a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. The attention comes as the nonprofit faces a loss of about $100,000 in federal funding, according to 9NEWS. The campaign raised more than $7,700 in its first 24 hours. Anyone seeking an advocate can call 970-577-9781 during office hours or 970-586-4000 after hours and ask for a crisis advocate. Wastewater plant construction could begin in November The Upper Thompson Sanitation District expects construction of its new $100 million wastewater treatment plant on Mall Road to begin in the first week of November. Project engineer Steve Ravel said the contractor could mobilize as early as November 2 , provided the remaining state and Larimer County approvals are completed. The construction contract runs for a little more than two and a half years. The district will also hold public meetings on proposed 2027 sewer rates and other fees on October 20 and November 17 . Both meetings begin at 4 p.m. at 2196 Mall Road . The board could vote on the rates at either meeting. What higher interest rates mean for homebuyers and sellers In a column for Estes Valley Voice , the Estes Valley Board of REALTORS® explains how higher borrowing costs can affect local housing decisions. It encourages buyers to compare lenders and consider the full monthly payment, including taxes and insurance. Sellers can evaluate their asking price and, where permitted, consider contributing toward a buyer’s closing costs or a mortgage rate buydown. The column also notes that the Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates . A change in its benchmark rate does not necessarily produce an equivalent change in mortgage rates. Town seeks input on 20-year parks plan Estes Park is inviting the public to review and comment on its proposed Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan , which will guide decisions about Town-owned parks and open spaces over the next 20 years. More than 800 residents, students, visitors, and community partners contributed ideas during earlier stages of the process. Their priorities included protecting wildlife habitat, improving walking and trail connections, expanding accessibility, and creating spaces for young people. The plan is scheduled to go before the Board of Trustees on October 13 . Community members can review it and submit comments through the Town’s website before the meeting. Hospital district board reaffirms UCHealth agreement The Park Hospital District board voted 4–1 to reaffirm its affiliation agreement with UCHealth. Director Tom Leigh opposed the resolution and called for an independent legal review of provisions he believes may conflict with Colorado law governing special districts. His proposal to change the agreement’s budget provisions did not advance because it received no second. Legal spending remained a point of disagreement. According to the board packet cited by Estes Valley Voice , $202,689.42 in legal fees was listed as payable as of August 31. Directors discussed ways to improve their review of invoices and oversight of future legal work, but did not adopt a new policy at the meeting. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com
