NEWS FOR FRIDAY JULY 1ST

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO LOCAL NEWS

STORMS

One of the many storms that tore across Moffat County yesterday ripped the roof from a 100 year old barn and sent Jim Thomas and Mary Seed running for shelter on their ranch 1 mile north of Maybell near the Yampa River. Mary said they were watering livestock around 12:30 when the storm struck, and feels very lucky they took refuge in a newer barn which was not damaged. She also reported that – 5 large trees were uprooted on their property – sheets of water were blowing off the river – a boat and 500 gallon water tank went airborne – and a horse trailer were lifted off the ground. She likened the experienced to a tornado.  Meteorologist Don Day says although the area received straight line winds of up to 83 miles an hour, which would be strong enough to cause those results, there was no official tornado report filed.  Day says this week’s wild weather will subside a bit for the holiday weekend.  He also says despite the amount of rain received over the last couple of days, the fire danger in Northwest Colorado hasn’t been dampened much.  Day reports that a flash flood washed out parts of Highway 318 between Maybell and Sunbeam yesterday.

JULY 4^TH CELEBRATIONS

There is plenty to enjoy during the holiday weekend in Northwest Colorado.  In Craig, there will be a parade Monday at noon that makes a loop from City park, down Victory Way to Yampa Avenue, up to 6th Street, and back to City Park.  Afterwards, a free barbecue will take place at City Park, with games and activities available for the kids.  In Steamboat, the 108th Cowboy Round-up Days take place all weekend with free concerts, a parade, the annual Art On the Mountain in Gondola Square, and the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, among other events.  The Saddleback Mountain Cattle Drive has been canceled.  In Meeker, residents and visitors can enjoy the Range Call Celebration.  The weekend includes rodeos, a parade, a bank robbery reenactment and a concert Saturday by Danny Gokey.  Fireworks will be held at about 9:45 in Meeker, Craig, Steamboat and Baggs.  Visit the events page for more information on each town’s celebrations, and to find out the best spot for watching Monday’s fireworks.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

Emergency personnel would like to remind residents and visitors to Northwest Colorado to use fireworks safety this fourth of July weekend.  Children should always be supervised when using fireworks, as even the mildest of fireworks can cause burns and other injuries.  Law enforcement reminds users that anything that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal.  Others, such as sparklers and snakes can cause burns or start fires if not used correctly.  Most injuries reported by fireworks are to those 15 and younger.  If you have any questions as to the legality of your fireworks, call your local law enforcement.

CAMPERS KEPT IN TENTS

A call to Steamboat law enforcement Wednesday afternoon kept campers at Steamboat Lake State Park in their tents for a short time, while officers determined whether a camper with a firearm was suicidal.  A man called police to let them know his wife, who had gone camping without him, may be suicidal and in possession of a gun.  Officers contacted the woman, and learned the concern was unfounded.  Nearby campers were told to stay in their tents, until they were sure the situation was under control.

THE HEAT IS ON

The Colorado State Patrol is revving up their “Heat Is On” campaign for the holiday weekend.  The campaigning is a summer long effort, with special periods of intense enforcement during holiday weekends.  Increased patrols and extra DUI checkpoints began across the state last night and will continue through Tuesday morning.  Since the campaign began on Memorial Day Weekend, nearly 500 DUI arrests have been made.  During last year’s 4th of July enforcement period, 10 alcohol related traffic fatalities were reported and 620 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence.

MOSQUITO SPRAYING

Mosquito control efforts begin tonight in Moffat County.  Moffat County Pest Management will start spraying for mosquitoes this evening, and the operations could last through the weekend, depending on weather conditions.  Pest management reps have always said that the chemicals used are only effective on mosquitoes and flies, but still recommend anyone with breathing difficulties stay inside during the spraying.  They also recommend keeping pets indoors during those times.  Spraying is scheduled to start at around 6:30.

WIDE LOAD

A wide load moving through Moffat County will slow down traffic on Highway 40.  Buchanan Hauling will bring a large piece of machinery through Moffat County on its way from Utah to Wyoming.  The truck will follow Highway 40 to the Craig bypass, and then turn north on Highway 13 to Baggs.  They will pull off on turnouts along the road as traffic backs up behind them.  Delays can be up to half an hour.