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MOFFAT COUNTY SHERIFF INVESTIGATES POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OF CATTLE LAWS

It appears the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of cattle theft.  While they’ve not come out and said as much, they do say they are investigating possible violations of the Colorado Revised Statutes that govern the branding of cattle and the procedures with strays.  The investigation was spurred by a call from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Brand Inspection Division.  The Department and the sheriff’s office are working together on the case.  No other information has been released.

 

 

WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS BEING LOOKED AT BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The Moffat County Commissioners have signed a letter directed to James Cagney of the US Interior Department, stating there are no areas in the county they would like to see designated wilderness.  The county has 10 Wilderness Study Areas, which have the same rules and restrictions as wilderness, and the commissioners would like to see that land released.  However, the Interior Department hasn’t seemed interested in releasing any areas.  When the request from the federal government was first made, local interests, including land use, energy, producer, wildlife and environmental reps got together and unanimously decided none of the study areas qualify for wilderness designation, primarily because they are not roadless.  The letter signed today states as much, but leaves the door open for conversation.  The letter dictates though, that any discussion must involve the release of WSAs inMoffatCounty.

 

MOFFAT COUNTY REVISES CHILD ABUSE REPORTING POLICY

The Moffat County Commissioners have signed off on a policy adjusted by Social Services to reflect state law.  The state conducted an investigation into reporting procedures in child abuse and neglect cases after fatalities on the front range.  It was feared that certain social services departments across the state were not looking into suspected cases reported to them.  While drafting a bill to require departments to respond back to required reporters, such as medical personnel and school officials, with information about how they’re handling the case, the State Health and Human Services Department realized there was nothing preventing case workers from giving the same information to the reporting citizen.  Determining that that could violate victims and civil rights, they included a provision NOT to call back the average citizen who has reported a suspected case.  However, Moffat County Commissioner Tom Gray felt that may feed the public perception of inactivity.  While the new policy reflects the state law, it also requires local case workers call the average citizen back, and, without revealing details of the case, assure the reporter that the case is being attended to.

 

SMOKE VISIBLE FROM WILDFIRE WEST OF MAYBELL

Firefighters are managing a lightning sparked wildfire 24 miles west of Maybell.  They’re treating it as a prescribed burn, allowing it to burn up fuels in the area.  Smoke will be visible over the next few days.  The blaze has so far consumed about 40 acres.  When a fire starts in a fairly manageable area, and no structures or power poles are threatened, firefighters have the flexibility to allow it to burn.  The fire is burning in pinyon-juniper and poderosa pine, and authorities say it will help improve wildlife habitat.

 

MOFFAT COUNTY ROAD 107 CLOSED FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

TheMoffat County Roadand Bridge Department is shutting down County Road 107 today to start a bridge replacement project.  The road is closed from Highway 13 South turnoff, just north of the Tri-State entrance, to the intersection of Ranney and Highway 394.  Crews will likely allow access to residences in the area, but during the project, through traffic will not be allowed.  Questions can be directed to the county’s road and bridge department.

 

FOREST SERVICE TO GRIND UP VEGETATION FOR HABITAT IMPROVEMENT

The U-S Forest Service is planning what they call a mechanical habitat enhancement and fuels treatment project next week.  The idea is to crush and grind large woody vegetation with heavy equipment.  Officials say by creating an improved food source and favorable habitat conditions, they hope to encourage deer and elk to stay in the area, instead of migrating to lower elevations, where they tend to cause agricultural damage.  The project will take place nearAldrichLakes, about halfway between Meeker and Craig, in an area managed by the Blanco Ranger District of theWhite RiverNational Forest.  It has the support of local land owners and wildlife organizations.  Officials warn though that the project could last into the archery hunting season and even into the first rifle season.  The areas where the equipment will be working will be closed for public safety, so hunters should check its status at the Blanco Ranger District Office in Meeker before going out on their hunt.

 

ROAD PROJECT HALTS WORK DURING PRO CYCLING CHALLENGE IN STEAMBOAT

A road construction project on Highway 40 between Steamboat and Kremmling will be put on hold next week during the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.  Riders will be using the highway, and Colorado Department of Transportation reps say their work will only worsen an already dangerous situation for them.  All temporary traffic devices and equipment will be cleared from the road.  The bicycling event has a stop in Steamboat the night of the 26th.  The next day, the riders will travel Rabbit Ears Pass on their way to Breckenridge.  The work stops from the 25th through the 28th, and resumes again Monday the 29th.  C-DOT officials want to remind motorists that when work resumes, there will continue to be up to 45 minute delays for travelers between 6 in the morning and 8 in the evening.