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Happy Friday, Longmont! We’ve entered a glorious period of the year when the stars of American entertainment align, offering a solemn bliss to all middle-aged dads and retirees: All four major professional sports are active at the same time. The NBA began its regular season Tuesday, the NHL and NFL started in September and the MLB’s World Series starts today. God bless America.
Today — Highlights from yesterday’s State of the City address, a local musical is nearly sold out before opening night, and a local brewery’s new beer.
Let’s dive in.
TOP STORY
🌎 Excitement (and doubt) abound at Longmont’s State of the City address
Longmont City Manager Harold Dominguez breaks down the state of Longmont
There was a lot to cheer for during the State of the City address at the Longmont Museum.
For roughly three hours, some of the top ranking figures in Longmont discussed the latest developments in local education, infrastructure, finance, and more. Among those addressing the crowded auditorium: City Manager Harold Dominguez, Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley School District Dr. Jackie Kapushion, and President of Front Range Community College Dr. Colleen Simpson.
We built this city:
Dominguez highlighted the highly-anticipated 1st & Main Transit Center, aspects of Longmont’s financial situation and 2027 budget, and plans for the future. Here’s some of his top comments:
The 2027 budget is among the most difficult he’s ever had to work through. The city’s biggest obstacles included slowing sales, use, and property tax revenue, as well as persistent inflation, high interest rates, and collective bargaining increases.
But, big things are happening: the 1st & Main Transit center, the relocation of Front Range Community College to downtown, the Coffman Street extension and passenger rail, among others.
Dominguez highlighted other nearby projects, which include the rehab of the South Pratt Parkway bridge.
Dominguez said Longmont has had to make major investments in roads (as we’re sure you’ve noticed), noting that transportation is the most costly of the city’s capital improvements expenses, totaling over $16 million. Dominguez lamented the detours and delays, but said this is the product of Longmont’s recovery from the infamous 2013 floods.
What’s next:
Dominguez said Longmont’s abandoned sugar factory is the next piece of Longmont his team will tackle. He highlighted the sustainable initiatives the city aims to use bolster viability of redevelopment at the site, like plans to use wastewater to power the heating and cooling of future buildings.
School’s gold:
Kapushion lauded rising graduation rates across SVVSD schools. She reported she anticipates the average graduation rate to rise to 97.8%, an improvement from last year’s 96.8%, a mark which was already the best in the Denver Metro area. Kapushion said she expects her schools will repeat that number and may even top all of Colorado.
Simpson had achievements of her own to tout:
FRCC will be the first community college in Colorado to train students in laser welding.
Simpson added her school is in early conversations to launch a new electric vehicle program, as well as a radiologic technology program.
“We are Longmont’s talent engine,” Simpson said.
A panel discussion at the end of the event offered attendees an opportunity to submit their own questions online. Some expressed more pessimistic perspectives…
One anonymous individual took issue with a ballot question that asks voters to approve a tax increase to help fund passenger rail. “Why should Longmont pay more for something that was promised 22 years ago?”
“Can anyone help me understand why Longmont has approved all of these apartment buildings?” another anonymous individual wrote.
“How will Longmont create jobs that pay enough to live here, & ensure transportation & development benefit existing residents & businesses?” a third person wrote.
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Longmont’s hidden gem of a brewery
Worried about the Broncos this Sunday? Ease your nerves during the game with good company and a cold one (or two, depending on Bo Nix’s performance) from Grossen Bart Brewery. Or, if you’re hoping to watch a different team hit the gridiron, Grossen Bart has access to any NFL Sunday action you’re hoping yo catch. Find your community at Grossen Bart Brewery, 1025 Delaware Ave.
Headlines
3 Big Things
Longmont teacher wins prestigious journalism award: The National Scholastic Press Association has selected Longmont High School educator Annie Gorenstein-Falkenberg for its highest honor — the Pioneer Award. The award recognizes journalism advocates and educators who have made significant contributions to scholastic journalism through leadership, mentorship and a commitment to student press freedom. The 12-year LHS veteran is an English teacher, journalism adviser, and helms the school’s yearbook program. Under AGF’s leadership, the program has expanded in both enrollment and publication sales, scored four NSPA Pacemaker Finalist awards and three Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crowns, per an St. Vrain Valley School District news release.
Longmont is ahead of schedule for October rain: Technically. In the month of October, Longmont typically accrues 0.71 inches by this point. As of now, Longmont has tallied 0.77 inches (although more than half of that came on one day). Sure, it’s not a lot, but in this parched day and age, you have to take the wins when they come. More help *could* be on the way. There’s a 20% chance of rain tomorrow night, up to a 50% chance on Sunday, and a small chance Monday.
Mike O’Shays celebrates 45th anniversary: Inflation — it’s the worst. Luckily, one of Longmont’s most iconic establishments is offering visitors a return (kind of) to the prices of 1981, the year it opened its doors. To celebrate 45 years in business, the Irish pub is offering visitors top items from its menu for the same price they were 45 years ago (if you buy another entree at regular price). Regardless, there aren’t many opportunities to get a prime rib dinner for $9.95, anymore. You can also get Fish & Chips for $5.50 and a Double Cheeseburger for $3.95. The offer is good through October 31.
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Events
Happening this weekend
Day of the Dead Family Celebration: This weekend, the dead return to Longmont. The city is hosting yet another Dia De Los Muertos party to honor fallen loved ones, as well as celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. The outdoor street festival will feature traditional live music & dance, face painting, sugar skull decorating, crafts, food trucks, a Gigantes procession and more. It takes place tomorrow from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 4th Avenue and Kimbark Street. This year marks the event’s 26th edition in Longmont — it’s the longest-running Day of the Dead celebration in Colorado.
Monsters, Myths, and Alien Invasions: Nothing says Halloween like the supernatural and extraterrestrial. The Longmont Museum is hosting Monsters, Myths, and Alien Invasions: an Afternoon with Astrobiologist Dr. Graham Lau. Visitors will join Doc Graham for an exploration of our ideas about aliens, discuss mythological history and debate the existence — and philosophy — of aliens. The event takes place on Sunday from 2:30 - 4 p.m. Admission is free but registration is required. Learn more here.
The Rocky Horror Show opens at Longmont Theatre Company: Opening night for the classic comedic horror musical has arrived. LTC’s production of The Rocky Horror Show opens curtains tonight for the first of just eight shows. If you’re interested in scoring tickets, you may want to act fast — tickets for all but two shows are sold out. The only shows with tickets remaining are the 10:30 p.m. (yes, p.m.) tomorrow and the 10:30 p.m. on Halloween night, next Saturday. On the bright side, it’s a great excuse to drink more coffee. Get your late bird tickets here.
Last Call
Today’s Longmont weather forecast predicts a cloudy day with a high of 78 degrees and a low of 45 degrees, per the National Weather Service.
Gas prices are ticking down. The average cost for a gallon of unleaded gas in Longmont-Boulder is $4.25, per AAA. That’s six cents less than a week ago and 14 cents below a month ago.
The 4th Annual Feria del Tamal (Tamale Fair) takes place tomorrow night at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. A free drone show follows the fair around 8 p.m.
The high school boys soccer regular season ends tomorrow and postseason action begins Wednesday.
The Pumphouse Brewery has a new beer on tap: The Boardwalk. It’s a San Diego-style West Coast IPA.
Dan from Georgia Boys BBQ won Longmont Restaurant Week’s citywide cocktail competition, the BarBoss Battle. Manny from 24 Carrot Bistro took 2nd place and Grace from Jefes Tacos & Tequila came in 3rd.
The City of Longmont is hosting a Trunk or Treat event today at the Clark Centennial Park parking lot from 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Jesters Dinner Theatre is holding auditions this weekend for two upcoming plays: Scrooge and Forever Plaid.
New movies releasing in theaters today include supervillain horror-thriller Clayface and animated fantasy Wildwood. Check Regal Village at the Peaks showtimes here.
Until next time,
The Longmont Brief
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