SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 Form 8-K Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 20, 2000 HIGH COUNTRY BANCORP, INC. - ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Small business Issuer as Specified in its Charter) Colorado 0-23409 84-1438612 - ------------------ -------------- ------------------ (State or Other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer Jurisdicction of File Number) Identification No.) Incorporation or Organization) 130 West 2nd Street, Salida, Colorado 81201 - ---------------------------------------- ---------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(719) 539-2516 -------------- Not Applicable - ------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. On March 20, 2000 the registrant announced that it is commencing a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 10% of the Company's outstanding common stock, or approximately 119,025 shares, over a twelve month period. For more information, see the Company's press release, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS. Exhibit 99.1 Press Release dated March 20, 2000 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly author- ized. High Country Bancorp, Inc. By: /s/ Larry D. Smith --------------------------- Larry D. Smith President Date: March 20, 2000