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INCUMBENTS FAIL TO RETAIN SEATS IN PRIMARY ELECTION

A heavy schedule of attack ads didn’t seem to help Jean White, as the target of those ads, Randy Baumgardner soundly defeated her in yesterday’s primary election.  Baumgardner entered the race when his House District 57 seat was moved, due to redistricting.  In Moffat County, another incumbent was defeated.  Chuck Grobe took 63 percent of the vote, beating out Audrey Danner for the republican nomination for Moffat County Commissioner.  Jim “Moose” Barrows won over two opponents in the race for the Routt County District 1 Commissioner seat.  In Rio Blanco County, Jon Hill won the Republican nomination for County Commissioner District 2, and Jeff Eskelson made the November ballot for County Commissioner District 3.

FIRE BANS BEING STRENGTHENED ACROSS NORTHWEST COLORADO

The City of Craig and Routt County have strengthened their fire bans.  Craig City Council Members last night approved a ban on ALL fireworks and open flames.  The fireworks ban includes those that are normally legal in the state.  The open flames ban covers ANY kind of open flame, except your backyard barbecue grill. Routt County upped their ban to a Stage 2 ban, again meaning no open flames are allowed within unincorporated Routt County.  Smoking is only allowed inside your vehicle or home.  Tools with combustible engines must have the proper spark arresters. Yampa River and Elkhead State Parks officials are also stressing fire bans to visitors.  There will be no fires at those facilities; that includes in grates and charcoal grills.  The only exception is at the Yampa River State Park Headquarters campground.  You can get fire safety tips, by clicking here.

MOFFAT COUNTY GRAD SWIMS AT OLYMPIC TRIALS

A Moffat County graduate’s attempt to make the Olympics came to an end last night.  Kelsey Conci was a state champion swimmer for Moffat County High School during her senior year in 2008.  Conci competed in the semi-finals for the 100 meter backstroke at the Olympic Trials last night.  She started the day in a field of 168, and made it through the various heats to last night’s semifinals.  The women with the top 8 times moved on to tonight’s finals.  Conci finished 11th last night, ending her spectacular run.

WHITE RIVER ANGLERS ASKED TO LIMIT THEIR FISHING TIMES

Anglers who enjoy fishing the White River are being asked to be selective with their fishing times.  Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials say the low flow of the White River is creating added stress for the fish in the river.  While there are no plans at this time to implement a voluntary closure like the one imposed on the Yampa River in Steamboat last week, it could come to that if conditions don’t improve.  For now, they’re just asking anglers to fish only in the cooler, early morning hours.  Wildlife officials say there are also ares anglers can fish that aren’t affected by low flows.  You can find out more about those areas, by clicking here.

OREGON WOMAN SURVIVES WYOMING PLANE CRASH

A woman flying from her home in Bend, Oregon to Salina, Kansas made an unscheduled stop in Wyoming last week.  Jana Van Amburg’s small plane experienced engine problems over White Mountain in Sweetwater County.  She was able to land the plane in sagebrush, but had to climb up part of the mountain to get a cell phone signal.  She was able to guide deputies to her crash site, and Sheriff Rich Haskell said Van Amburg’s experience and skill ensured a happy outcome.  The crash itself is still under investigation.