LISTEN TO LOCAL NEWS
HAMPTON OWNERS RESPOND TO REVERSE DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT
The owners of the Hampton Inn in Craig have responded to a “reverse discrimination” lawsuit filed by former employees who said they were fired because they were white. Century Shree Corporation is the hotel’s parent company, and through their attorney,Wyoming’s Tim Kingston, denied any impropriety. The lawsuit claims the hotel’s owners feel that white workers are lazy, and therefore fired its white staff, replacing them with Hispanic workers in the laundry and housekeeping departments. In a press release from their attorney, Century Shree disputes that discrimination occurred and insists they’ve had very thorough protections for all employees from discrimination for several years. The lawsuit also claims the hotel has not kept proper employee records, although that was not addressed in the release. The case was filed on behalf of the fired employees by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
SMALL FIRE CLEARS MOFFAT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Moffat County High School was evacuated yesterday, after someone smelled smoke inside the building. It turns out the smoke was coming from a small fire outside the building, on the east side of the school. Firefighters haven’t been able to determine yet how the blaze started. The person who first smelled the smoke pulled the fire alarm, and the school was cleared for about 20 minutes. Nobody was hurt, and there was no damage reported.
LEAP FUNDING WILL BE CUT IN HALF THIS WINTER
A huge drop in federal funding could mean that 17,000 people in Colorado will not get help with their energy bills this winter. The 2012 federal budget is not finalized yet, but as it stands now, funding for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) will be cut by 50 percent. Under new guidelines in Colorado, a family of four must make less than $2,800 a month, or $33,500 a year, to qualify. That means about 17,000 fewer people will qualify and will not be able to get help with their heating bills. The head of the program at the Colorado Department of Human Services says this comes at a difficult time because requests for help will continue to rise. Applications for the winter season start being taken on Nov. 1.
(help from 9 News)
STEAMBOAT UTILITIES CREW REPLACING WATER MAIN
Steamboat’s Utilities Department is replacing about 6,300 feet of water main along the 13th Street corridor. The city has contracted with Native Excavating to replace the old iron piping with 12-inch PVC. The work started late last month at Ferrell Gas near the Jamestown Bridge, and is expected to reach 13th and Critter Court by early next month. After shutting down for the winter, crews will resume the project in the spring. During the work, motorists will encounter one-lane closures and brief delays.
POSTAL SERVICE TO HOLD MEETINGS IN NORTHWEST COLORADO
The U-S Postal Service is still taking comments regarding which small post offices should be closed to save them money. The service has encountered financial hardships during the sluggish economy, and is considering shutting down some of its lesser used facilities to cut costs. They’ve been holding public meetings to gather the importance of each facility. Those meetings are now moving into Northwest Colorado. The first will be Monday evening at 6 at the Hamilton Community Center. Two other meetings will be held regarding offices in Moffat County. The Little Snake River Museum will host the meeting about Slater’s post office Tuesday at 6, and Maybell’s post office will be discussed at the Maybell Community Center at 6 on the evening of October 21st. Those interested in making comments regarding the Taponas office in Routt County will meet at the Taponas Community Club October 27th at 7.
AG COMMISSIONER JOHN SALAZAR TO VISIT STEAMBOAT NEXT WEEK
John Salazar will be in Routt County next week. The state’s Agriculture Commissioner has been invited by the Routt County Cattlewomen to their Fall meeting. Salazar will engage the audience in a discussion about the future of the agriculture industry. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. The meeting starts with a social meet and greet. It will be held October 12 at 6pm at Olympian Hall.
CRAIG CHAMBER NEEDS DONATIONS FOR CRABFEST AUCTIONS
The Craig Chamber is looking for donations for their silent and live auctions during the 9th annual Crabfest. Crabfest is later this month, and those interested in making a donation will get recognition for their business through the chamber. All money raised from the auctions goes to the Moffat County Visitor Center. Crabfest is October 29th at the Boys and Girls Club of Craig. The night also includes a crab dinner, a live comedian, and a performance by the Moffat County High School Theater Department. If you’re interested in donating something to be auctioned off, call the Craig Chamber.
MOFFAT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATING HOMECOMING WEEK
Moffat County High School’s Homecoming is this week. The theme is “Under the Sea”. Today is Twin Day, where students are encouraged to pair up and dress alike. Tomorrow is Cowboy/Redneck Day. Royalty will be crowned during an assembly tomorrow. The Bonfire will be held behind the school at 8. Tomorrow is also the last day for students to turn in their guest forms for Saturday’s homecoming dance.
LITTLE SNAKE RIVER VALLEY HOMECOMING WEEK CONTINUES
Little Snake River Valley is also celebrating Homecoming this week. Today is Jersey Day, where students can wear any sports jersey of their choice. Tomorrow is Rock and Roll Rattlers Day. Tomorrow also marks the culmination of the week’s Penny Wars, and class competitions will take place throughout the day. The class that accumulates the most points will be declared the Class of the Year. After lunch tomorrow, there will be a boys volleyball competition, followed by a pep rally in the big gym, where royalty will be announced. The assembly is followed by a parade, and then a powder puff football game.
IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:
YESTERDAY:
IN BOYS GOLF:
STEAMBOAT’S ERIC SOBEK FINISHED IN A TIE FOR 63RD AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT IN WINDSOR.
TOMORROW:
IN BOYS SOCCER:
MOFFAT COUNTY GOES TO BATTLE MOUNTAIN AT 4.
IN BOYS TENNIS:
STEAMBOAT GOES TO THE REGIONAL TOURNAMENT IN GRAND JUNCTION.
