Eleanor Hayes
Senior Editor, Government Coverage
With a career spanning 25 years in local journalism, Eleanor Hayes has become Summit's foremost expert on city hall. Before joining The Summit Tribune as Senior Editor, she was the lead political reporter for the Northwood Gazette, where her investigation into municipal bond allocations won a State Press Association award. Eleanor holds a Master's in Public Administration, which informs her deep analysis of legislative processes and fiscal policy. She believes that diligent, fact-based reporting is the cornerstone of a healthy local democracy.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Letter Proposes Buyouts to Solve Dillon Amphitheater Noise
A recent letter to the editor proposes the Town of Dillon use critical workforce housing funds to buy properties from noise-affected residents near the Dillon Amphitheater.
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Southern Marin Annex Opens, But Will Local Needs Be Met?
Renovated at a cost of $1.
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Summit County Council Grapples with Short-Term Rentals' Impact on Housing Affordability
With 1,900 operating nightly rentals, Summit County, Utah, has more short-term rentals than any other county in the state, prompting its Council to consider unprecedented restrictions on these propert
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Colorado Mountain Destinations Enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
The Spring Creek Fire in the White River National Forest has burned nearly 20 acres and is about 20% contained, signaling an aggressive start to Colorado's wildfire season.
Jun 19, 2026 · 2 min read
What Are the Federal Rule Changes Impacting Homeless Services in Summit County This Year?
This year, a federal rule change could redirect up to 30% of Summit County's homeless service funding, forcing long-standing shelters and outreach programs to drastically cut services or close.
Jun 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Breckenridge Accelerates Dark Sky Compliance for 2025
Breckenridge Town Council members voted to convert 365 town-owned streetlights a full year ahead of schedule, shifting $1.
Jun 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Insurance Market Trends: Property ILS and Casualty Outlooks
Catastrophe bond issuance surged to $16.
Jun 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Breckenridge hosts vibrant Pride month events and march
RuPaul's Drag Race alums Coco Montrese (as Janet Jackson) and Jade Jolie (as Taylor Swift) performed at Breckenridge's 10-Mile Pride celebration, showcasing an entertainment caliber rarely seen at loc
Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Romero's stance on Trump, mail-in voting, and the Constitution
We have us a domestic enemy," declared Dwayne Romero, a local official, invoking language typically reserved for national threats while discussing his oath to the U.
Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read
Xcel Energy implements power shut-offs amid high winds on Front Range
Boulder businesses faced average losses of $25,000, impacting 20,000 workers, during Xcel Energy's December power shut-offs, according to the Denver Gazette .
Jun 11, 2026 · 2 min read
Colorado gas prices trend downward, offering relief
In just one week, Colorado experienced the nation's most significant weekly drop in gasoline prices, with a decrease of 33.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Colorado gubernatorial candidates Bennet, Weiser detail western Colorado plans
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet claims to have spent more time in rural Colorado than urban areas, directly addressing the Western Slope's long-standing feeling of being overlooked by Denver, despite his
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Colorado Republican candidates propose solutions for urban rural divide
Republican candidate Victor Marx aims to dramatically accelerate housing development across Colorado by mandating that all project permits be approved or denied within a strict 120-day window.
Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read
Silverthorne seeks paddle donations for new public art project
The town of Silverthorne is asking its residents to rummage through their garages for an unusual donation: old paddles, destined for a permanent public art installation.
Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Summit City small business policy impact: Some wins, but growth stalls.
Last year, Summit City allocated $5 million to "small business growth," yet only 15% of those funds reached businesses with fewer than five employees, according to the City Auditor's report.
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Keystone's Riefstahl Prioritizes Community, Pedestrian Safety
Keystone's municipal elections were canceled due to a lack of candidates, leading to Suzanne Riefstahl's appointment as the newest town council member, according to SummitDaily .
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Wisconsin Cities Seek Local Sales Tax Power Amid State Fiscal Squeeze
In Harris County, Texas, officials adopted a 3.
Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Congress moves to undo monument plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante
In a move poised to redefine federal land protections, Utah lawmakers have introduced resolutions to overturn the 1.
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Local businesses face extinction from online retail and corporate giants.
One in five small retailers open in January had ceased all transactions by October, a stark indicator of the silent crisis facing neighborhood shops.
Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
ADU Trends in Summit County Reveal Stark Divide in Affordable Housing
Summit County offers up to $60,000 in reimbursements for new Accessory Dwelling Units, yet proposed changes would remove income caps for who can rent them.
Jun 3, 2026 · 4 min read