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HOUSE FIRE
Craig Fire/Rescue responded to a fire at a house in the 400 block of Tucker Street last night. According to Batallion Chief Dennis Jones, the blaze started, and was contained in the kitchen. He said a frying pan was left on the stove and caught fire. The fire spread to the wall, but the resident extinguished it before the fire department showed up. Jones says no one was injured and the house suffered minimal damage.
SOUTH ROUTT MARIJUANA
The South Routt School Board may get entangled in the medical marijuana debate. The board has sent a letter to the Oak Creek Town Board stating the benefits that patients receive and the revenue it provides the town aren’t worth the stress the industry puts on their school. The school board meets tonight to discuss whether they will make a statement about the issue, or take action; although it’s not clear what action they would or could take. The town board has already given their go ahead for an election to determine whether the town’s residents want the industry to have a presence. It’s not clear yet when that election will take place.
BOTTOM UP CAMPAIGN
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade is coming into the final stages of the Statewide Economic Development Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to determine the state’s biggest needs, by taking information from various regions throughout the state. The Bottom Up Campaign will eventually draft a statewide blueprint of each regions financial needs. There are now 14 regional statements available for review online. The office is asking the public to review those statements and comment on them. Feedback will help the state to produce what they say will be the most transparent, inclusive, and best work product available. Comments can be made until May 27th. You’ll find the regional statements at advancecolorado.com.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT
A concert will be held tonight at Craig Middle School, and the crowd is expected to be larger than normal. That’s because the concert will be the first after the death of band teacher Craig Smith. Tonight’s concert was prepared by Smith, who died suddenly over the weekend of a brain aneurysm at the age of 64. Moffat County High School band teacher John Bolton will take Smith’s place as conductor tonight. The concert starts at 7 in the high school auditorium. A balloon release in Smith’s honor will take place afterwards on the football field. A memorial service will also be held tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 in the high school auditorium.
WHERE THE HELL’S MAYBELL
The “Where the Hell’s Maybell” bike ride takes place this weekend. Bicycle riders will make the 30 mile ride from Northwest Storage to the Maybell Park. Those wanting an easier start can begin their trek at Western Knolls. The Northwest Storage start time is 7, while the Western Knolls start time will be 7:30. Breakfast will be available for 6 dollars after the ride. You can register for free by calling 826-20-29.
HORSE VIRUS
(AP) Officials say the number of confirmed cases of a fatal horse virus in Colorado has risen to six. The Colorado Department of Agriculture said yesterday that five of the horses with the equine herpes virus had been to the same horse show in Ogden, Utah. One horse that tested positive for the virus and another showing symptoms were both euthanized. Officials say test results are pending on 14 others showing signs of the disease. Horse owners who want to transport their animals are being advised to call their veterinarian. The veterinarian will have to request a permit number for the horse’s health certificate, already required for entry. The disease isn’t a threat to people, but horses showing signs of neurological or respiratory problems should be taken to their veterinarians. The closest confirmed cases are in Mesa County.
CENSUS – HISPANICS
(AP) The Census Bureau says Mexicans are becoming a larger part of Colorado’s booming Hispanic population and their numbers are increasing in parts the state where the state is seeing some of the biggest growth. Census officials say Colorado is 20.7 percent Hispanic. Of that number, the census data released today shows that 15.1 identified themselves as Mexican. In 2000, that number was 10.5 percent. The Hispanic population’s growth has been largely concentrated along the Front Range in the past. But state demographer Elizabeth Garner says jobs in the service industry, mining, and tourism is attracting more Hispanics to the Western Slope. The census data out today also provides new demographic information for the state, including housing occupancy rates, the percentage of married people, household size, and the state’s median age.
LEGISLATOR CRASH
(AP) A Texas district attorney says a Colorado lawmaker involved in a fatal crash will not face charges in connection with the December accident in the Panhandle. Hartley County district attorney David Green announced yesterday that a grand jury declined to indict Colorado Sen. Suzanne Williams. Investigators say Williams’ car drifted into oncoming traffic along U.S. 385 on Dec. 26 and crashed head-on into another car, killing 30-year-old Brianna Gomez of Amarillo. Gomez’s unborn child was delivered by cesarean section. The Colorado legislator’s 3-year-old grandson was ejected from her vehicle, but she managed to find the boy and put back into a car seat, according to a preliminary investigative report. Williams was wearing a seat belt, though her 41-year-old son and two grandsons, were not. All survived.
