Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. is extending mountain operations to weekends through Oct. 22, weather dependent. This will be the first time summer operations have been extended into October.
Ski Corp. also reports that the Outlaw Mountain Coaster is nearing completion and expected to open in early September.
The gondola and Bike Park will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. while Coca-Cola Adventure Zone activities operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Adventure Zone includes the mountain coaster, Maverick mini golf, bungee trampoline and aclimbing wall.
The Steamboat Bike Shop will be open for guests weekends through Oct. 22 with guided tours and lessons, and the Bear River Bar & Grill will serve a full menu and bar.

YVSC hosts annual garden tour at Elkstone Farm at 5:30 p.m.

Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is hosting the organization’s annual garden tour at Elkstone Farm from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The tour will highlight Elkstone’s commitment to sustainability through its permaculture practices. Space is limited. Tickets are $20 and available at yvsc.org. Tickets includes tour and hors d’oeuvres featuring Elkstone products.

Community Bible Study for women in area to begin Thursday

Area women are invited to attend Community Bible Study, which is an interdenominational worldwide organization designed to give women of all ages an in-depth weekly Bible study. This year, the program will begin from 8:45 to 11 a.m. Thursday at host church Concordia Lutheran Church, 755 Concordia Lane in Steamboat Springs. The study will start with the book of Daniel and conclude with Revelation. During the Bible student, a well-balanced program for children of all ages will be offered. Call Susie Rinn at 970-879-2045 or Lori Harrington 970-870-3455 for more information or visit cbsclass.org/classes/steamboatsprings.

Gov. Hickenlooper appoints education leader to state council

Brandon LaChance, executive director and principal of the North Routt Community Charter School, was recently appointed to Gov. John Hickenlooper’s redesigned Education Leadership Council, which was established in 2011 to provide a forum to discuss statewide education issues.
“We’re pulling together many of the best minds in education, government and workforce to create a broad strategic vision that includes all levels of education — from preschool through college and beyond — in the state of Colorado,” said Gov Hickenlooper in a news release.
As part of the ELC, LaChance will help in the development of a vision, strategic plan and recommendations for consideration by the Governor and General Assembly. The ELC will utilize existing work from the Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Higher Education; will benchmark Colorado’s performance against other states and countries; will create a structure to gather feedback from a broad array of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, special needs populations, community leaders and education interest groups; and develop potential legislative and budgetary recommendations for consideration by the Governor and General Assembly.
LaChance has an undergraduate degree in education and an advanced degree in school administration and leadership. LaChance began his role at North Routt Community Charter School in 2013. He earned the Peabody Energy “Leaders in Education” award in 2014 and is a member of the Rural Education Council.
“We are proud to see another member of our education community contribute at the state level to benefit our children,” said Steamboat Springs School District Superintendent Brad Meeks in a news release. “Brandon’s passion for learning and creating opportunities for students, while being aware of the ever-changing landscape of education, makes him an excellent choice to serve on this Governor’s council.”

Community Recycling Drop-Off planned

Yampa Valley Sustainability Council will host a community recycling drop-off day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Meadows Parking Lot. At this annual one-stop-drop event, residents can responsibly recycle electronics, mattresses, household hazardous waste, appliances, bikes, books, yard waste, light bulbs and more. Fees apply for some items. Most recyclers will accept credit cards this year. Check yvsc.org for a comprehensive list of items accepted, prices and payment methods accepted for all items.
New this year, YVSC is offering a commercial recycling drop-off from 1 to 4 p.m. by appointment only. Businesses that arrive without an appointment will be turned away. To sign up, email cameron@yvsc.org.