LISTEN TO LOCAL NEWS

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AT CRAIG ANESTHETIST ARRESTED

Earlier this week, management of The Memorial Hospital at Craig launched an internal investigation after being notified by staff of unusual behavior of a provider. The investigation revealed that Richard Dickerson, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), was illegally taking prescription medication from the hospital. The hospital immediately notified the Craig Police Department, which, after conducting its own investigation, arrested the individual. Mr. Dickerson, who was an independent contractor utilized by the hospital and had at worked the facility for less than one month, is no longer treating patients at The Memorial Hospital.
“While we are disappointed in this individual’s actions, we are pleased that our internal protocols alerted us to the situation and allowed us to address it quickly without disruption to our patients or employees,” said CEO George Rohrich. “This is an isolated incident that is not reflective of the commitment and dedication our employees demonstrate every day.”

M.C.H.S. DRAMA DEPARTMENT ASKS COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT THEIR DIRECTOR AS SHE DEALS WITH TRAGEDY

The Moffat County High School Drama Department is asking the community for a strong show of support for their play director.  Director Heather Dahlberg learned yesterday her mother, brother and sister-in-law were killed in a plane crash in Minnesota.  The plane was bringing them to Moffat County so they could enjoy Heather’s play.  Last year, Dahlberg’s mother and father flew in to support their daughter by attending “The Sound of Music”.  While here, her father died of a heart attack.  The drama department is performing “Rehearsal for Murder” tonight, tomorrow night, and Saturday night, and the cast and crew are asking the community to show their support for Dahlberg through attendance.  The play starts at 7 all three nights, and admittance is $5.

 

TWO ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DEFRAUDING MOFFAT COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES

The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and County Social Services Offices within the district are sending the message that they won’t tolerate fraud among its benefits programs.  Earlier this month, 34 year old Mario Delgado and 29 year old Natasha Plantiko were arrested on suspicion of defrauding the Moffat County Social Services Department.  They’re accused of not disclosing accurate income information, which likely increased their benefits.  They’ve been charged with theft of up to $20,000 and forgery.  If convicted they could each face up to 6 years in prison, fines and restitution.  The investigation was conducted by the District Attorney’s Office.

 

TIPTON DISCUSSES MEDICARE IN REPUBLICAN BUDGET

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched what they call the “Medicare March”, a campaign to get citizens call in their displeasure with Representative Scott Tipton’s support of the Republican budget.  The Committee says the budget will bankrupt Medicare.  The recorded phone are aimed at senior citizens, and are intended to scare the citizen into contacting Tipton.  In fact, at the end of the call there is an option to be directly connected to his office.  Tipton says the phone calls are misleading.  In fact, he says the budget being presented was actually worked on by some of his democratic colleagues.  He counters that it’s the president’s policies that are taking money away from senior health care.  Tipton says the budget likely won’t make it through the Democratic controlled Senate.  He says the Senate hasn’t passed a budget since before the invention of the iPad.

 

STEAMBOAT HOME DESTROYED BY EARLY MORNING FIRE

A house in Steamboat burned down early yesterday morning.  The residence near the Steamboat Cemetery went up in flames at around 2 in the morning.  The home’s renter was able to get out of the house without injury, but he was treated for smoke inhalation.  Firefighters say the house is destroyed, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED FOR LONE MOUNTAIN

The Bureau of Land Management will be performing a prescribed burn this weekend just south of Slater, Colorado.  Burning is expected to begin tomorrow, and could last a week, depending on the weather.  The operation will be on Lone Mountain, where 722 acres of sagebrush will be burned to improve wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire fuels.  Smoke will likely be visible along the Little Snake River Valley.

 

MOFFAT COUNTY HIGH SENIORS AND FORMER GRADUATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Anyone who has graduated from Moffat County High School within the last two years can apply for the Citizen’s Academic Scholarship.  Current seniors at the school are also encouraged to apply.  The scholarship was developed by local citizens, and is given to students intending to attend Colorado Northwestern Community College.  The scholarship was developed three years ago to help support local academics.  The organizers and contributors of the program believe that continued education is one of the most important decisions an individual will make in their lifetime.  Applications can be picked up at Moffat County High School or the Craig Daily Press.  The deadline to apply is April 15th.  If you have questions, call 824-4994.

 

MARIJUANA TRAINING PROPOSAL PASSES THE STATE SENATE

A marijuana proposal aimed at training people who work in medical marijuana businesses has cleared the Colorado Senate.  The Senate voted 24-11 yesterday in favor of a “responsible medical marijuana vendor” designation.  The optional designation would allow pot shops to train employees in state marijuana regulation and how to spot fake marijuana cards.  In exchange, the businesses could get a break if they run afoul of state regulations. A similar designation already exists for the alcohol industry.  The marijuana industry backed the measure. It now heads to the House.

 

SENATE INTRODUCES BILL TO CLOSE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LOOPHOLES

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate, intended to close loopholes when it comes to campaign financing rules.  The bill was prompted by a Supreme Court ruling that protected the privacy of some significant campaign donors.  The DISCLOSE Act would require any organization that spends $10,000 or more during an election cycle to file a report with the Federal Elections Commission within 24 hours, detailing the amount and nature of each expenditure over $1,000, as well as the names of all of its donors who gave $10,000 or more.  Transfer provisions have been placed in the bill to prevent donors from using shell organizations to hide their activities.  Another aspect of the measure requires any organization putting an ad on TV or radio to list its top funders in the ad.  The head of the organization also must appear in the ad to state that he or she approves the ad, just as candidates must do now.

In high school sports:
Today:
In baseball:
Meeker is on the road to play a double header with Grand Junction’s J-V squad.  The first game starts at 2:30.

In girls soccer:
Steamboat hosts Battle Mountain at 6:30.
Rangley goes to Coal Ridge at 6.

In girls lacrosse:
Steamboat heads to Fruita Monument for a game at 4.

Tomorrow:
In baseball:
Rangely goes to Grand Junction at 1.

In girls soccer:
Moffat County is on the road to Grand Valley at 4.

In boys lacrosse:
Steamboat travels to Eagle Valley at 4.