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MONEY AVAILABLE FOR NATURAL RESOURCE PROJECTS IN COLORADO AND WYOMING

Proposals seeking funds for local natural resource projects through the Medicine Bow-Routt Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) are due August 31.  The funding is provided for counties through Title 2 funds of the Secure Rural Schools Act.  Funding is available for projects that will enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water quality. This includes lands on the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests and other near-by lands in Albany and Carbon counties in Wyoming, as well as Jackson, Rio Blanco and Routt counties in Colorado.  The RAC works closely with the U.S. Forest Service to recommend projects that will benefit Forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources; maintain roads, trails, and other infrastructure; or control noxious weeds.  Albany County will get over $24,000, Carbon County gets just under $59,000, Jackson County will get nearly $17,000, Rio Blanco County gets over $36,000, and Routt County will receive over $42,000.  Over $815,000 of Title 2 money has been used for projects in the 5 counties since the program began.  For more information, click here.

NEW STUDY SAYS MOFFAT COUNTY IS GAINING COLLEGE GRADS

A new study shows Moffat County is getting smarter.  The study, done by the news site DailyYonder.com and Mississippi State’s Southern Rural Development Center, determines the amount of college education a rural community is receiving.  According to the study, in 1970 9.3% of those over 25 had college degrees in the county.  In 2010 that number was 14.9%.  While that’s a nearly 6% jump, the national average is 27.9%, and the statewide average is 35.8%.  The national rate in 1970 was only 10.7%.  The numbers show that while more Americans are getting a higher education, rural areas still struggle in retaining their college educated residents.  Researchers say a large part of the reason for that is the lack of the type of attractions an urban area can provide.  There are far more people in Moffat County that have a partial college education.  In 1970 12.5% of adults had some college education; that number went up to 35.7% in 2010.  Only 11.6% of adults in Moffat County are without a high school diploma.  That’s lower than the national average of 15%.

NORTHWEST RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET IN MEEKER

The Bureau of Land Management’s Northwest Resource Advisory Council will meet later this month in Meeker.  The Council makes recommendations on land issues to the BLM.  This month’s meeting will focus on topics such as Wild Horse Management, The Northwest Sage Grouse Environmental Impact Study, and the BLM’s coal permitting process, among other subjects.  The meeting is open to the public, with 2 public comment periods scheduled throughout the day.  It will be held at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds August 23rd from 8 to 3.

MOFFAT COUNTY FAIR CONTINUES THROUGH THE WEEKEND

The Moffat County Fair continues is going on all week.  Livestock shows and the entries in the Pavillion and under the grand stands will be available for viewing all day.  There will also be live entertainment, games and music throughout the grounds today.  The Craig roping club holds an event at 6 tonight.  Despite earlier reports, roping club officials say entries ARE open to the public, however you must have your own horse to enter.  Tomorrow will see more livestock shows throughout the day.  Moffat County Older Americans Day will be observed by the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary with a lunch for seniors from 11 to 1.  Bingo takes place at 4 in the covered picnic area.  Bingo is free, but you are encouraged to bring a can of food for the Interfaith Food Bank of Craig.  The miniature Bull Riding will be at 6.  Don’t forget that KRAI and 55 Country will be serving free Coca-Cola floats during Saturday’s buyers barbecue at 4.  For a complete schedule, click on the Moffat County Fair tile on this page.

SBA/FEMA MAKE MORE FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced they are making more financial assistance available for homeowners and businesses in counties affected by wildfire.  The new determination by the SBA will make low interest disaster loans available to homeowners and businesses hit hard by wildfires this summer.  Businesses and non-profits are also eligible for economic injury loans, which are intended to help businesses, especially those that are dependent on tourism dollars, keep their employees on the payroll.  FEMA’s expansion of their declaration allows state and local governments across the state to apply for new funding through the Hazard Mitigation Program.  The idea is to allow local emergency managers to come up with mitigation plans for preventing future wildfires, however it isn’t clear whether those mitigation efforts will allow loggers to clear dead trees from federal lands, including wilderness or “wilderness study areas”.

STUDY SHOWS MIXED RESULTS ON BUSINESS CLIMATE

Some Colorado communities say local economies are improving, but some say they are still falling behind.  A survey by the Colorado Municipal League shows a majority of the businesses contacted said they are growing, but more than a quarter reported yesterday that they are flat or below par for the year.  Many have already been forced to cut their budgets this year, and they welcomed news that business may be turning around.  CML president Aden Hogan said municipalities need to continue to invest in activities and programs that help small business, promote tourism, encourage local shopping and expand private sector jobs.  The group represents more than 260 communities statewide.

OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY FROM THE CRAIG RELAY FOR LIFE COMMITTEE

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is currently looking for volunteers to help plan the 2013 Relay for Life in Craig.  If you would like to be a part of the 2013 Relay for Life committee, please contact Leeann Cline at (970) 629-5245 or email Leeann at mrsllcline@gmail.com.

Any participant from the 2012 Craig Relay for Life that wishes to have copies of photos taken during the event, please call Robert Libbee, owner of Quality Plus 1hr photo, at (970) 824-3813.

BRONCOS PLAY AT CHICAGO IN PRESEASON OPENER TONIGHT

The Denver Broncos play at Chicago tonight in their first pre-season game.  You can catch it live on 55 country with the pregame at 4:30 and the kick-off at 6:30.