Happy Monday, Longmont! A happy Monday, indeed. The Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Rams last night in a primetime thriller, and that means two things: 1) Everyone gets to be happy the Broncos won, and 2) Everyone gets a free donut at King Soopers. So, don’t forget to stop by and ease the sting of the Monday blues with a chocolate-glazed.

Today — Longmont’s new bus service to DIA launches, trouble at a Main Street bar and Longmont High’s football team continues to roll.

Let’s dive in.

Taking the bus isn’t usually exciting. But there are always exceptions.

The Regional Transportation District officially launched a new slate of service changes yesterday. Among them, a SkyRide bus service that offers a direct ride between Longmont and Denver International Airport.

What you need to know:

Rewinding:

Route AL is the beginning of a new era for transportation in Longmont. Prior to yesterday, Longmont residents were forced to take an RTD bus to a connecting ride in Boulder or Denver to reach DIA — a trip that required well over two hours to complete.

Up until last June, many residents used an airport shuttle company called Eight Black. But on June 13, the company abruptly announced a decision to shut down operations permanently, leaving many locals in the lurch.

Riding together:

Similar to most of America and mitosis, division is common in Longmont. Such is not the case regarding this topic, however. In a recent survey, 98% of 257 respondents reported the service change would have a positive impact, according to RTD. 1% indicated it would have no impact, and 1% perceived the change negatively.

Shattered window spoils grand opening party: As Drifters Thrift Bar was celebrating its grand opening Saturday night, the party was cut short after a window near the front door of the downtown Longmont business was shattered. Official details about what caused the window to break were not immediately available. Social media posts from people who said they witnessed the incident claimed a chair was thrown at the window, that a person was later detained by police, and there were injuries. The Longmont Brief has not independently confirmed those details. Longmont Public Safety has not yet responded to a request for comment. According to a note left on Drifters’ front door, the owners stayed late on Saturday to repair the window, and decided to remain closed on Sunday. Drifters will re-open on Monday.

Longmont High football is still undefeated: The LHS football squad improved to 5-0 over the weekend when they edged #25 Greeley West 29-22. It’s a stunning start for the Trojans who won just one game last year. Their ranking has vaulted all the way to #8 in 4A Colorado, led by junior quarterback Tanner Reed (1,021 passing yards, 11 TDs) and senior wide receiver Andrew Geworsky (5 TDs, 446 receiving yards). Granted, this whole story needs an asterisk — Longmont lost to Sand Creek 42-7 in week 3. But, Sand Creek later had to vacate the win after learning one of their players was ineligible.

Big week for good causes: Last week, the Longmont Museum announced that more than 200 people attended its 3rd annual Sunset Soiree, raising more than $160,000 to support the museum’s new permanent history exhibit. The Skyline Kiwanis Club of Longmont kept the good vibes rolling when it announced raising $24,000 for St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity from its recent golf tournament.

Musical instrument drive: The St. Vrain Fine Arts Department is hosting its annual musical instrument drive this week. SVFA is asking the community to donate gently-used instruments to St. Vrain Valley Schools’ music program to help relieve the financial burden facing families of students pursuing music courses. There are two days this week you can donate: Thursday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drop-offs take place at the Lincoln School Building on 619 Bowen St.

Cocktail contest: Longmont’s best bartenders are flocking to Martini’s Bistro on Wednesday to participate in an evening of *spirited* competition. Bartenders representing Martinis Bistro, 24 Carrot Bistro, Pelo’s Deli & Provisions, The 99 Bar Saloon, West Side Tavern, and Dry Land Distillery will play their hand, each creating an original cocktail. Visitors can sample every competition cocktail, and watch as judges evaluate each creation for quality, seasonality, presentation, balance, and spirit representation. Learn more and buy tickets here. If you can’t make this event (or don’t want to have to buy tickets to do so), save the date for Bar Boss Battle. It’s the concluding event of Longmont Restaurant Week and general admission to the cocktail contest is free.

Free comedy show: Head to Bricks on Main this Thursday night for its monthly free comedy show featuring some of the top comics in Colorado. Shake up your weekday routine by laughing it up in downtown Longmont. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30. Food and a full bar is available.

Key: Sport (win - loss, ranking (if in Top 25)): most recent result. next scheduled event.