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CNCC CRAIG CAMPUS OPENS FOR CLASSES TOMORROW

The dozens of politicians and academics in attendance were well outnumbered by the hundreds of others who attended the dedication, ribbon cutting and open house at the new Craig campus of “Colorado Northwestern Community College” this afternoon.  .  Construction at the new campus site begin 18 months ago on the 14,000 square foot Career Technical Building, which will house the Power Plant Technology, Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, and Industrial Electrician programs.  A 70,000 square foot academic building will be home to all of the Craig Campus general academic programs including Nursing.  The next construction project planned for CNCC, is the first of a number of 32 bed dormitories.  Limited classes begin at the new campus tomorrow.   Pictured: VP of Administration, Gene Bilodeau.

SHOOTING DEATH

A shooting accident claimed the life of a Meeker man over the weekend. 32 year old James Berthelson, also known as “Jeb”, fired a handgun.  The bullet ricocheted off of a piece of metal and struck the man in the abdomen. The shooting occurred in a rural area about 40 miles northeast of Meeker late Friday night. Medical personnel responded to a ranch house where Berthelson had been taken by a friend. They were unsuccessful in their attempts to save the victim, who had lost a large amount of blood. Berthelson was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

NEW JUDGE IN HAYDEN

Hayden has anew city judge.  Colette Byrne-Erickson will take over the spot, which is considered part-time.  Byrne-Erickson also works as the Municipal Court Prosecutor in Steamboat.  She replaces Steve Frasier who retired earlier this year.  She’ll work in Hayden for 2 days a week, while still performing her Steamboat duties.  Byrne Erickson will officially start the post when she is sworn in at the Town Council’s next regular meeting.

 

CHAMBER BOARD ELECTION

The Craig Chamber of Commerce is looking for people interested in serving as a board member.  The chamber board has 4 terms coming to an end next month.  Those seats are held by Gail Severson, Don Jones, Jeff Smith, and Ryan Duran.  There are twelve board members total.  It’s the board’s duty to authorize the chamber’s work program, approve and monitor the budget, and direct the chamber’s general operations.  Board members also must be chamber members in good standing with the organization.  If you’d like to submit your name, you can submit a letter of interest to the chamber in person or by email.

 

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

The Steamboat School District needs candidates for the upcoming general election.  There will be three seats up for grabs; those are in districts 2, 4, and 5.  Petitions can be found at the district office, and must be picked up by the 18th.  This year’s general election will be held November 1st.  Anyone with questions can call the school district administration offices.

 

RIBBON CUTTING

Colorado Northwestern Community College is inviting the public to their ribbon cutting ceremony at their new campus.  The event is expected to last all afternoon, with guided tours of the new facility.  Everyone is invited.  The ribbon cutting will take place at 12:30 this afternoon at the new campus’ north entrance. Tours will continue as needed until around 4.  Refreshments will be served and staff will be on hand to answer questions.

 

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

The Emergency Conservation Program may be able to help farmers and ranchers who were negatively impacted by flooding this year.  The program provides funding and other assistance for rehabilitating land damaged by natural disasters.  This year’s flooding in Routt County makes farmers and ranchers there eligible.  There are other assistance funds as well, such as the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program, and the Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, that are helping out in Routt County.  The Routt-Jackson-Grand-Summit Farm Service Agency is providing the information on these assistance funds.  More information is available at www.fsa.usda.gov.

 

HISPANIC BALLOTS

An increase in Spanish speakers could trigger new ballot requirements in 16 Colorado counties.  The county clerks are awaiting federal notification within the month that they must provide election materials in Spanish as well as English, under provisions of the Voting Rights Act.  The Colorado secretary of state’s office says there’s a chance the entire state could be ordered to provide dual-language ballots.  Ten counties, including Denver County, already are required to provide dual-language ballots or interpreters. Two counties, Montezuma and La Plata, provide Ute and Navajo interpreters because those languages are spoken rather than written.  The 16 additional counties, which haven’t been identified, say they don’t have much time to prepare for off-year elections this November.

 

MOFFAT COUNTY FAIR

The Moffat County Fair continues today.  The 4-H and FFA halter and performance horse show will last much of the day today.  Tomorrow at 8 is the 4-H Dog Show.  Starting at 6 tomorrow, visitors can view the awards for the 4-H general and consumer science projects.  A dessert social will be included.  If you’d like a complete schedule of this year’s Moffat County Fair, click on the Moffat County Fair Logo.