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MOFFAT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE USES REVERSE 9-1-1 SYSTEM
The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office is pleased with the way their “Reverse 9-1-1″ system works. The Sheriff’s Office used the system last week, after finding that the suspect in a domestic violence incident fled on foot with a gun. The incident happened in the West View area west of Craig. When deputies responded to the initial call, they learned the suspect had taken off from the scene and had a gun he had already discharged earlier. The Reverse 9-1-1 call went out to residents in that area, warning them not to open their doors to strangers. Sheriff Tim Jantz said the system helps reduce the chances that a fugitive situation will turn into a hostage situation. The suspect was eventually found in a haystack about a half a mile from where the incident originated. He was taken into custody without incident. Jantz says once the suspect was caught, a new message was immediately sent to residents, letting them know the situation had come to a close.
DINOSAUR QUARRY VISITORS CENTER BRINGS IN SIGNIFICANTLY MORE VISITORS TO MONUMENT
Dinosaur National Monument officials say, since the opening of the new Quarry Visitors Center, visitation to the monument has increased dramatically. There were over 15,000 more visitors in 2010 than in 2009, a nearly 8% increase in visits. Even more impressive are the Visitor Quarry Center numbers. While in 2009 the number of visits was recorded at 144, last year there were over 1,600 people visiting the center. While officials say they can’t predict how those numbers will be next year, they say it’s clear having the new Quarry Visitors Center open has significantly increase public interest in the monument.
COLORADO CAUCUSES MAY MEAN LESS IF ROMNEY KEEPS ROLLING
Colorado advanced its caucuses by a month in hopes of having a bigger say in the presidential nomination, but analysts say Mitt Romney may have unstoppable momentum in the GOP race by the time Feb. 7 rolls around. Some of Romney’s opponents may even drop out by then. Former Colorado GOP chairman Dick Wadhams says Romney will be in a strong position if he wins the South Carolina primary on Saturday. Eric Sondermann, chairman of a Denver media consulting firm, says the Colorado caucuses will matter only if something dramatic happens in South Carolina or Florida. State Republican Chairman Ryan Call insists Colorado will have a say because only about 5 percent of the GOP delegates will have been allotted by Feb. 7.
REPUBLICAN PARTY MAY HAVE HARD TIME APPEALING TO HISPANICS
The Republican Party is beefing up its minority outreach nationwide and preparing to put its rising Latino stars on the campaign trail amid concerns that tough immigration rhetoric in the presidential primary is taking on an increasingly anti-Hispanic tone. But immigrant-rights groups and some political watchers say the damage may be irreversible. They say the GOP has severely hampered itself as it looks to woo the critical Latino voting bloc that could decide who wins key states like New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado and Florida next fall. The government projects Hispanics will account for roughly 30 percent of the population by 2050. Overall, Hispanics traditionally tilt Democrat, meaning the Republican Party is looking at a future threat to their power if they don’t make inroads with this politically pivotal group now.
COLORADO ATTRACTS MORE NEW RESIDENTS THAN MOST
More than 300 days of sunshine a year, a low cost of living and the great outdoors are just a few of the reasons people are moving to Colorado from other states. That’s according to statewide reports which say last year more than 31,000 people relocated to the state. That puts Colorado in fifth place for net domestic migration, after Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Washington. Among people between the ages of 25 and 44, census estimates show Colorado was the number one spot for relocating.
MANY COMPANIES RECEIVING JOBS CREATION MONEY FROM THE STATE NEVER CREATED JOBS
Records show one-third of the companies that got state aid to create Colorado jobs between 2000 and 2007 went out of business or merged. Reports say economic incentives arranged through the Colorado Economic Development Commission have a mixed record. 50 companies reportedly negotiated with the commission for state aid during that period, and 18 got far enough along in the process to get money. Six of those went out of business or merged. All but one of the firms that merged cut jobs. State officials say Colorado law requires a company to maintain the jobs it promised for at least a year before it gets any money from the commission’s strategic fund. Officials say they regularly review jobs data provided by the companies.
STEAMBOAT FIREFIGHTER PREPARE FOR FUNDRAISING BALL
Steamboat firefighters are preparing for their annual fundraising ball. Tickets for the event are on sale now. There’ll be live music, dancing, and dinner. Proceeds from the event will go to the Fire Fighter Community Assistance Fund, and the Public Safety and Education Fund. The Assistance Fund helps get people back on their feet after a disaster, while the Education Fund helps pay for educational materials. Tickets are $65 and you can get them from any Steamboat firefighter. The Fireman’s Ball takes place January 28th at 5:30 at the Steamboat Grand.
In high school sports:
Over the weekend:
In basketball:
Little Snake River Valley boys beat Saratoga.
The Hayden boys fell to West Grand Friday while the girls won. Saturday, both teams beat North Park.
Moffat County’s boys lost to Eagle Valley Friday and beat Battle Mountain Saturday. The girls beat both.
The Steamboat boys and girls beat Battle Mountain Friday. Saturday the boys lost to Eagle Valley while the girls won.
Soroco ‘s boys lost to Rangely Friday and Vail Christian Saturday. The girls also lost to Rangely Friday, but beat Vail Christian Saturday.
In wrestling:
Hayden finished 2nd at the Rangely tournament, placing 7 wrestlers. Soroco placed three.
Steamboat placed two at Evergreen.
In hockey:
Steamboat topped Aspen Friday and Pueblo County Saturday.
In girls swimming:
Moffat County won all but 1 race against Delta.
Tomorrow:
In basketball:
The Moffat County boys go to Basalt at 7.
