Stories for July 2001

Residents quickly stem fire

Quick action by landowners and trail riders Tuesday afternoon controlled a fire on a ranch that was caused by a lightning strike. Trail riders told Fritz and Beth Aurin of the oak brush fire on their property off County Road 129.

Workers plant trees to help Big Creek Lake

Campers at Big Creek Lake northeast of Walden can look forward to a healthy future. After numerous pine trees in the campground were infected by dwarf mistletoe, a parasitic plant that can eventually kill the trees, U.S. Forest Service officials cut down 2,500 trees that were dead or would eventually die. That left some of the campground, which has 54 sites, looking barren.

Crews get control of wildfire

Public meeting scheduled to discuss Mad Creek blaze

As fire crews took big steps toward containing and controlling the Mad Creek fire in the past two days, locals are being invited to take a look at the fire and the work firefighters have done. From 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, the Forest Service Office in Steamboat Springs will host a public meeting where residents can view an aerial video of the fire and talk to forest managers.

Thunderstorm pushes rainfall total

Steamboat tops average in July, still below normal for year

Two significant rain showers in Steamboat Springs during the final days of the month nudged the July precipitation count past the 92-year average. A National Weather Service observer in Steamboat Springs measured .42 of an inch of rain on July 27 and another .41 of an inch on Tuesday. The observer also measured 1.47 inches of rain in July prior to Tuesday, making the total rainfall in July 1.88 inches.

Commercial flights suspended

Travelers, agents hail taxis, curse construction

The loss of commercial flights at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden for 10 days is turning out to be a small boon for Alpine Taxi. Flights on Great Lakes Aviation, the only commercial carrier at the airport during the summer season, ended Tuesday morning.

Summer Club meet brings swimmers together

When the Summer Club swim championships get under way Friday, Steamboat Springs will be hoping for the same fortune it had three weeks ago in Craig. "We'd love to win the thing, but we just don't know how strong the other clubs are," said Patti Worsley, Steamboat assistant coach.

Supreme challenge

Steamboat local participating in six-day adventure race

For the past several months, Travis Wilkinson has been trying to prepare for one of the biggest races of his life the Four Winds 2001 Supreme Adventure Race in the Teton Valley region of Idaho. The problem the 29-year-old Steamboat Springs resident has been faced with is trying to figure out exactly what he wants to focus on as he prepares for the 350-mile journey across the mountainous terrain of the Tetons.

Exhibit competition this weekend

The Routt County Fair and Rodeo will not get fully started until next weekend, but local 4-H members will be competing in the fair's first event Saturday in Hayden. The 4-H exhibit/demonstration day, fashion revue and Awards will kick-off the 87th annual Routt County Fair. The exhibit and demonstration competition will start at 8 a.m. at Hayden High School, 495 Jefferson Ave.

Residents get chance to 'steer' city buses

Transit officials seek direction on where to go and where to stay away

The residents living along the city's yellow bus line and other lines will get the chance tonight to discuss how far and how often the city's free bus travels through their neighborhoods.

County fair starts Aug. 11

Officials hope new indoor arena will be up next year

A look into the near future will be a prominent theme as the 87th annual Routt County Fair and Rodeo gets under way at its home in Hayden. The theme for this year's event is "New Beginnings for Old Traditions."

Pinnacle of competition

World-class freestyle and nordic events coming to Steamboat in December

Local ski fans hoping to get a taste of Olympic-caliber competition this winter will not have to wait until February and make the six-hour drive to Salt Lake City.

Local woman donates hair to nonprofit

Lopped-off locks will be used to make wigs for sick children

Local longhairs leaning toward a new look for fall can restore a child's self-esteem in the process of having his or her own hair cut.

Little Friends Day Care closes

Parents in South Routt scramble to find replacements

Little Friends Day Care, a 24-year-old child-care center in Oak Creek, has been forced to close on short notice, sending parents scrambling for child care and baby sitters.

Local Boy Scout reports back from national event

It's Scout Jamboree time! We're here. We made it to the jamboree.

Attorney mum on fire opinion

Routt County's attorney refused to comment publicly on the opinion recently released by the state Attorney General's office regarding the responsibility of fire districts. During a meeting with major players in the county's emergency circle, County Attorney John Merrill said he'd prefer to discuss the AG's opinion during a private, executive session with the county commissioners.

4-Hers not faring well in sale of raffle tickets

The odds of winning Colorado's new Powerball Lottery Jackpot is 1 in 80.1 million. By comparison, the chances of winning the Routt County 4-H Club's drawing for a new pickup look pretty good.

'Dream wedding' in Steamboat hits roadblock

Weekend activities disrupted as groom forced into three-day stay at Yampa Valley Medical Center

Brian and Naomi Blaser never thought their dream wedding in Steamboat Springs would instead turn into a three-day stay at Yampa Valley Medical Center. The Denver couple arrived in Steamboat Friday night for a dress rehearsal and dinner, but an elbow infection and fever landed Brian in the hospital late that night.

Cowboys, cowgirls walk away winners from rodeo

2001 Steamboat Springs Professional Rodeo Series and entries for the events remained strong. More than 197 cowboys and cowgirls took a shot at earning a check as part of last weekend's performances.

Where the green grass grows

Some residents in rural Routt miffed about cattle grazing in their yards

When Richard and Pam Wilson built their log home on 35 acres just outside of town, they didn't expect to be serenaded by a herd of Angus and mixed cows in the morning. "Any given day I'll have 70 cows in my yard during the summer," Richard Wilson said.

School district pressed to fill positions

With the plethora of recent retirements, maternity leaves and internal relocations, the Steamboat Springs School District is biting its nails to fill positions at Soda Creek Elementary and Steamboat Springs High School before the first day of school Aug. 27.

Volunteers spruce up trail

26 hikers put finishing touches on mountain biking path

Twenty-six hikers, joined by several playful four-legged companions, treaded up Lower Bear Trail Sunday morning carrying rakes and hoes.

Fight Night II a big hit

With his last name tattooed to his back as if he were wearing a football jersey, the mighty Ryan Quinn tore through larger opponents at Fight Night II to win the heavyweight championship.

Make a splash for a great workout

How can you beat the heat and get a great workout? Try the swimming pool. Swimming and other water exercises are a wonderful way for people of all ages and abilities to get into shape.

Crews start controlled burn

Firefighters hope to contain Mad Creek fire

Crews at the Mad Creek fire burned 200 acres in a controlled burn Sunday evening in hopes to secure a line on the most active sections of the fire. Meanwhile, the amount of land affected by the fire increased to 670 acres and is about 20 percent contained, as dry conditions, winds and a lot of dead trees made for prime fire conditions over the weekend.

BIRTHS

Births July 29, 2001

CSAP scores get mixed reviews

Soroco students do well in reading, writing but falter in math

Soroco 10th-graders scores on the Colorado Student Assessment Program tests were all well below the state average, while fourth, fifth and sixth graders scored well.

WEEKLY PLANNER

Weekly planner for July 30 to August 3

IN BRIEF

Gimme shelter

Some Routt County residents call traditional teepees home

Johnny, Gigi and Josie Walker peeked through the front door of their 18-foot teepee 15 years ago and watched a bear guzzle a box of wine and pass out drunk.

ASKED & ANSWERED

We've all witnessed the crowds of people standing near the elk statue at West Lincoln Park whipping their fly-fishing lines into the lake during a free clinic.

AROUND TOWN

Around town for July 29, 2001

ENGAGEMENT

Hope and Balser

Real Estate Transactions

Real estate transaction for July 18-July 25

CLASS NOTES

Class notes for July 29, 2001

LETTERS

Letters for July 29, 2001

OUR VIEW

Saying goodbye

Flip open the brand new fall program guide of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and you'll be instantly reminded of the late Skeeter Werner Walker she's right there on page one where she belongs.

PAULA R. MEYERS

1935-2001

DAVID L. WILHELM

1961-2001

ARTHUR R. HUDSPETH

1909-2001

ARNOLD E. LIESKE

1911-2001

GLADYS M. "SKEETER" WALKER

1933-2001

THE RECORD

The record for July 21-28

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

The cost of keeping police officers

The high cost of living in Steamboat Springs and the low pay of area law enforcement officers recently has come into the limelight as these agencies struggle to keep officers from being hired away to areas where the high-cost of living is more manageable and salaries are more attractive. J.D. Hayes, Steamboat Springs' director of the Public Services Department, gives his perspective on the issue and what it can mean for the community.

LOCAL BRIEFING

Restoring Walden's gem of the forest

Campgrounds get overhaul by U.S. Forest Service

Chuck Oliver weaved a white government-owned Ford Expedition through a dry landscape in North Park, northwest of Walden. The sagebrush-spotted meadows ran seemingly endlessly in every direction except to the west. There, foothills pointed like arrows to the snow-covered peaks of the Park Range in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness.

A taxing issue

If they can be convinced that child care, like public school education, is an essential public good, voters will be willing to make a financial commitment to it, says Aspen's highest child-care administrator.

Death at the Crossroads

County officials move to make intersection safer

County officials plan to make improvements to a Y-shaped intersection on County Road 14 where numerous car accidents have occurred, including one that claimed the life of a 12-year-old Loveland boy last weekend.

Back to basics

New Triple Crown World Series rule brings back wooden sluggers

The cracking of wooden bats has replaced the hollow popping sound of aluminum bats at home plate this weekend.

Steamboat spirits high despite loss

While it would seem difficult to pick a bright spot in a 13-0 loss, Steamboat coach Rick Coram congratulated his team for its defensive effort Saturday.

Good sports

Steamboat locals show off their Olympic spirit by volunteering

With just more than six months left until the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, dozens of local athletes are working hard for a shot at Olympic glory.

Of bids and birdies

Tournament, auction and barn dance all part of Ski Town Golf Classic

The largest golf tournament in Steamboat Springs will tee off at the Sheraton Steamboat and Haymaker golf courses Aug. 17 and 18.

SIDELINES

Aces finish season on the win side The Steamboat Smart Aces tennis team concluded its first-ever USA League season with a 6-2 record.

AFTER THE WHISTLE

Who's calling the shots?

Don't be surprised if you read this advertisement in the "Help Wanted" section of the newspaper someday:

ENERGY EXPRESS

Play ball! Just don't foul up with injuries

While overall participation is down, with baseball ranking as only the sixth most popular team sport in America, as well as No. 6 among kids age 6 to 17, the number of players 35 and over has risen 18.6 percent since the late 1980s, according to a recent Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association study.

UNDER THE SUN

Let it blow

Most locals probably have their own story about seeing the Routt Divide Blowdown, similar to Brandon Tolman's tale in the feature story on this page. The stories are probably memories that will stick with people.

When the wind blows

Only one trail remains impassable four years after Routt Divide Blowdown

When Brandon Tolman and his dog Sydney stepped on Trail 1101 near Wyoming last year, beginning a two-month, 600-mile backpacking trek across the state, he didn't know that seeing the Routt Divide Blowdown in the remote areas of the Routt National Forest would have such an affect on him.

INSIDE OUT

Help needed with bike trail today The Routt County Riders mountain bike club needs your help today.

BUSINESS FILE

Wilson makes list of top Realtors Susan Wilson of Coldwell Banker, Silver Oak, was ranked in the top 10 for the first quarter of 2001 in gross commission income in the state of Colorado for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation.

Developing Stagecoach

Having waited patiently since the 1970s, Wittemyers are ready to create new subdivision

Chris Wittemyer says he and his father, John, have had interest from parties interested in purchasing the entire 337-acre parcel they now call "The Meadows at Stagecoach."

Routt County foreclosures see increase

The Routt County Public Trustee's Office has already begun to process more foreclosures this year than it has totaled in each of the last six years. However, it remains to be seen how many of the 26 foreclosure proceedings already undertaken this year will finally result in people losing their homes and property.

Strauss dreams big for 'Rodeo'

Just about any time Mary Jo Strauss boarded an airplane in the last five years she took the time to dream and plan for the day when she would take Rodeo Natural Skin Care products on the cowgirl circuit.

Latch-key kids have alternatives

Steamboat Springs after-school programs abound

Parents need not fear of what to do with their children after the school bell rings and before the dinner bell rings when the school year begins Aug. 27.

Back in the ring

Amateur boxers anticipate Fight Night 2

Gary "Froggy" Saunders was a 17-year-old amateur when he met two of the most successful middleweight boxers of all time who told him to quit fighting. Gene Fullmer and Carmen Basilio, who are in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, were at a car show in Denver for a promotional appearance in 1959.

Mad Creek fire battle continues today

The Mad Creek fire kept hot on Friday, but did not spread significantly. However, winds forecasted for the area today could change that.

Oak Creek seeking water meters

Town manager: Flat rate inefficient

Adhering to a 1995 ordinance, officials in Oak Creek are investigating what it will take to put water meters at every home and business in the South Routt town. Right now Oak Creek meters 20 to 25 water users while the rest of the town pays a flat rate, Ray Leibensperger, Oak Creek town manager said.

CSAP scores baffle principal

Same students passed different proficiency test in March

The Colorado Student Assessment Program for high school students is only one test out of many, Steamboat Springs High School Principal David Schmid said. Schmid said high school students take about six tests through the course of a school year and the CSAP is one that needs a more in-depth review.

Ski patrol headquarters on the move

Emergency services make way for condos

The members of the Steamboat Ski Patrol are often spread out all over the mountain on a winter day that's part of their job. But this year, ski patrol will be spread out in other ways.

City sees money in hangars

Steamboat airport to focus on private business

The Steamboat Springs airport is not going to get commercial air service anytime soon, city officials say. With that in mind, the city is doing its best to turn the airport into a slightly more profitable enterprise and enhance general aviation services for private planes. The Steamboat Springs City Council decided this week to allow Dunn Properties to lease 25 to 30 acres for hangar sites just north of the Steamboat Springs Airport.

U.S. Forest Service to discuss its beetle plan

The U.S. Forest Service will hold two public meetings to discuss its plan to deal with the spruce bark beetle and mountain-pine beetle epidemics happening in Routt County. The plan is described in its Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which was recently released by Medicine Bow/Routt National Forests officials.

Bike path plan moves forward

Trail builders seek volunteers

After four years of talking to the public, creating plans and finding grant money, the Routt County Riders mountain bike club is ready to put the finishing touches on the Lower Bear Trail on Sunday. But they need some volunteers to ensure that it will only be a one-day job.

Mad Creek Fire continues to burn

Concerted containment efforts begin

Though firefighters woke to rain clouds in Routt County after battling a wildfire on Wednesday, the second coming of the Mad Creek Fire increased its acreage, burning to 290 acres by Thursday morning and by that afternoon had consumed 340 acres. "That bit of moisture didn't really affect the fuels in that area," Forest Service spokeswoman Punky Moore said.

Steamboat says goodbye to its 'queen'

From the Colorado mountains to New York City, 'Skeeter' Werner Walker left her mark

The friends of Gladys "Skeeter" Werner Walker filled the nave of Holy Name Catholic Church to capacity Thursday afternoon. They spilled into a spare room downstairs where the memorial service for one of Steamboat's greatest skiing legends was carried via closed circuit television.

Harmonica highlight of Rockin' Jake's act

Although he wasn't born in the bayou of Louisiana, he may as well have been. Rockin' Jake has swamp blood flowing through his veins.

Fire district question smolders

Attorney opinion does little to clarify matter

Colorado's Attorney General has sent down a much-awaited opinion that has clarified what kind of responsibility fire districts have when it comes to fighting fires in their districts both wildland fires and structure fires. Routt County Sheriff John Warner requested the opinion after Steamboat Springs pulled out of a wildland fire agreement that included the city, county and area rural fire districts.

BRIEF POINTS

James Brown tickets on sale Tickets for the James Brown concert Aug. 31 at the Ford Amphitheater Vilar Pavilion in Vail are on sale now.

NIGHTLIFE

Tonight Rockin' Jake plays a blend of zydeco, blues, rock and swampy funk at the Tugboat.

'Carousel' visits twists, turns of life

Red, orange, blue and green ribbons circled around the house floor of the Julie Harris Theatre as high school and college student actors danced during technical rehearsal of Perry-Mansfield's "Carousel."

Home is where the yurt is

The wooden-framed circular yurts dotting the backcountry or the outskirts of a campground give outdoor lovers a clean getaway from city life.

Shoulder month promising

May sales tax receipts show upward swing

Business leaves Steamboat Springs in May faster than the snow with owners packing up for the month and tourists taking a break until the summer. That said, trends this May could prove promising for mountain businesses willing to stay open during shoulder season months, said Sandy Evans-Hall, the executive vice president of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.

Officer reportedly almost run over

Oak Creek woman arrested for 'riding while intoxicated'

An Oak Creek woman faces numerous charges after being arrested Tuesday night for trying to run over a police officer with a horse she was riding.

Paying tribute to 'Skeeter'

Steamboat says goodbye to one of its best-loved residents

It figures Gladys "Skeeter" Werner Walker had plenty of suitors during her single years she was an astute businesswoman with movie-star looks. And then there was that not insignificant quality Olympic skiing fame. Ultimately, it took a football legend, Doak Walker, to sweep a Steamboat skiing legend off her feet. Together they drafted a chapter in Steamboat history, entertaining visiting greats from the sporting world in their unpretentious home and setting the tone for the community's friendly image.

Youths square off in Shootout

Impressive scores recorded in golf tourney

Henry Howard capped off a three-day stint on the greens with a top finish at the Steamboat Golf Club's sixth annual Cowboy Shootout Wednesday.

Conference focuses on disaster

Training, teamwork and communication discussed

The odds of losing all hydraulic power on a DC-10 were a billion to one, Capt. Al Haynes says.

Virginia Andrew, 86, dies

Virginia Andrew, a columnist for the Steamboat Pilot for more than 50 years, died Wednesday at the Doak Walker Care Center here.

Buckles retires at 19

Pain from chronic injury forces promising Steamboat skier to hang up skis

She was on track to become one of Steamboat Springs next big Olympic stars, but after years of dealing with a chronic injury that left her in extreme pain on the slopes, skier Brett Buckles has decided to retire.

Plan of action to be defined today

Firefighters continue work on Mad Creek blaze

Dry conditions, downed trees and wind stoked up the Mad Creek Fire this week, causing smoke to trickle into the air north of Steamboat Springs and fire officials to re-examine containing the blaze.

Hayden CSAP results mixed

Fourth-graders struggle in reading, writing

Hayden School District officials viewed the school's test scores on the Colorado Student Assessment Program with mixed feelings. "We have some very good areas, and areas where we are not very good," Superintendent Scott Mader said.

Planning commission to hear new subdivision application

The city Planning Commission will hear an application tonight for a new residential subdivision along the outskirts of the Sheraton Golf Course.

IN BRIEF

Gas line break disrupts ice arena construction Construction on ice rink improvements took a bit of a detour Wednesday morning when a subcontractor tapping into a sewer line hit a gas line, said a city official.

Math scores deserve 'serious look'

Steamboat students outperform CSAP state averages

Steamboat Springs School District has surpassed the state's scores in reading, writing, math and science in the Colorado Student Assessment Program for fourth- through 10th-grade students.

Hayden to host Colorado Days again

Weekend to feature food, music and a parade

For the past 10 years, Hayden's Don Johnson has spent a good portion of his time organizing Hayden's tradition of celebrating Colorado Days. "I have to wear a lot of hats this week," Johnson said. "I have obligations with the chamber, Lions Club and Shriners, but it is all worth it. "The event always works out and it is a good time."

Transportation tax passes council's 1st reading

The transportation tax proposed by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association passed first reading by City Council Tuesday night with debate focusing on how much of the tax would go to the city's bus system.

Ski area raises its prices for passes

Skiers, riders have until Aug. 15 to get lowest rates on season and value cards

The Steamboat Ski Area has announced its season and value pass programs for the 2001-02 ski season reflecting price increases ranging from 2.2 to 4 percent, depending on the type of pass. Local skiers and riders have until Aug. 15 to get the lowest prices on season and value cards.

City adopts new CD Code

Final version of draft approved after much revision

The city of Steamboat Springs finally has a new Community Development Code. In the planning and development stages for six years, the code got final approval Tuesday night from the Steamboat Springs City Council.

Making waves

When Charlie Stoddard made his way to the starting blocks at the Western Slope Championships, he had a few more jitters than he normally does before a big meet. "It's kind of scary when you're at the blocks and looking out at that pool," said Stoddard, a 10-year-old member of the Steamboat swim team.

IN BRIEF

Locals come to families' aid Numerous Steamboat Springs residents and businesses have offered assistance to the Loveland families affected by the death of Joshua Johnson, a 12-year-old Loveland youth who died in a car wreck Sunday in Routt County.

Tournament offers experience

Local team taking part in Triple Crown World Series

To say that the 14-year-old traveling baseball team from Steamboat Springs is a long shot to win its division at this weekend's Triple Crown World Series would be an understatement. However, that hasn't stopped the young players on this team from eagerly anticipating their first game which will come on Friday morning.

Competition is close in Town Challenge

Intensity is expected to be running high tonight as local riders battle to take control of their division in fifth race of the Town Challenge Mountain Bike Series. But local rider Brad Cusenbary isn't worried about where he is in the standings in fact, he didn't even know where he was standing before the phone rang on Tuesday afternoon.

Bighorn sheep reintroduction planned

DOW working to bring wild animals to Muddy Pass, Park Range areas

If the Colorado Division of Wildlife has its way, 50 bighorn sheep could be living east of Muddy Pass by next summer.

Voters to decide tax increase

Property levy would help fund early childhood education

Routt County voters will get to decide in November whether they want to raise their property taxes to help fund early childhood education. The Routt County Board of Commissioners passed a motion Tuesday that will put the measure on the ballot.

Developer proposes affordable-housing project in Hayden

A developer has approached town officials about building 20 to 25 homes within the Golden Meadows Subdivision. Ron Wendler and Craig Rathbun of Colorado Group Realty are interested in acquiring a little more than five acres of property, which is located on East Harvest Drive.

Third time's a charm

The board of First Impressions may yet get the opportunity to go to the voters with a half-cent sales tax proposal in November. The third time proved to be a charm Tuesday night for the child care advocacy group, whose attempts to ask a ballot question to fund early childhood education had been dismissed by the council twice before. This time, however, the group came back with a proposal that addressed most of the city's substantive concerns.

Routt County leading Colorado in coal production

Colorado's coal mines are on track to produce more coal than last year, and Routt County is leading the way.

Community comes through for needy

Christmas in July drive sees half-ton truck filled with supplies to aid families

It took only a week for the Steamboat Springs community to donate enough supplies and cash to create 75 bundles for needy families.

A passion for performance

Award-winning pianist working his magic at Strings Tent

Antonio Pompa-Baldi stretched his fingers and sat down at the Strings in the Mountains house piano to get accustomed. "Even the same model from the same company can be different," Pompa-Baldi said. "And they're alive, made of wood. The action of the piano changes all the time."

State OKs grants to buy Yampa fire truck, Hayden school bus

Yampa Assistant Fire Chief Dan Allen danced a jig at county offices Friday after learning his beleaguered fire department was likely to receive a state grant for a new truck.

Not wearing a seat belt a factor in many deaths

In 1999, 33 children between the ages of 6 and 14 died in car accidents in Colorado. Of those who died, 20 were not wearing seat belts.

Stock draw all important

Twenty-one cowboys were hoping to cash in on the saddle bronc riding event in the fifth week of the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, but when the dust settled, it was three local guys who found themselves in the money.

Weekend tournament draws tennis enthusiasts

All last week Matt Mooney told his father that he was going to beat him in the Ore House tennis tournament.

Loveland youth dies in Routt County accident

A 12-year-old Loveland boy visiting Steamboat Springs for a soccer tournament died in a one-car accident Sunday morning. Josh Johnson was killed after being partially ejected from a sport utility vehicle when it flipped while traveling south on County Road 14 just before 10 a.m., Colorado State Trooper Brad Keadle said.

LOCAL BRIEFING

Local briefs for July 22

City takes another look at taxes

Council to hear pleas from First Impressions, chamber

First Impressions, the county's child-care advocacy group, will be making its final plea to City Council tonight to place a half-cent city sales tax on the November ballot.

Deputy allegedly attacked

A 46-year-old Oak Creek man faces an assault charge on a peace officer for allegedly attacking a Routt County Sheriff's deputy with a telephone early Friday morning.

Knights fall in softball tourney

Local team defeated in championship round

After five games last weekend in the annual Steamboat Classic fastpitch softball tournament, it was easy to see that Chris Lyman of the Western Slope Knights was running out of gas by Sunday night.

Businesses reaping benefits

Locals cater to influx of visitors to Steamboat Springs for sports tournaments

The massive influx of people for several weekend activities was a boon for local businesses. Close to 14,000 people were expected to come into town for the Steamboat Mountain Soccer Tournament and the Steamboat Classic, a fastpitch softball tournament.

Locals honored for giving to community

The mountains and lakes at Storm Mountain Ranch provided a majestic backdrop as the Yampa Valley Community Foundation recognized Steamboat Springs' giving spirit at its "Celebration of Philanthropy."

Book signing set to spark local authors

Successful writer recounts life during WWII while living in Walden

Bud Werner Memorial Library hosts a local author book signing, reading and discussion with Michala "Mickey" Miller for a brown bag lunch program.

Research key in understanding ailments

The diagnosis of a medical condition can seem overwhelming at first.

SIDE LINES

CHSAA holding summer clinic DENVER The Colorado High School Coaches Association will hold its annual summer clinic July 27-28 at the Sheraton Tech Center in Denver.

INSIDE OUT

Stagecoach burn deemed a success STAGECOACH Colorado Division of Wildlife officials say a controlled fire near Stagecoach Reservoir in April to improve elk grazing areas is showing signs of success.

ENERGY EXPRESS

Basic butt squeezing can ease spinal stenosis pain

Spinal stenosis is not the name of some new rock band. Not yet, anyway.

UNDER THE SUN

Price hike could have been better thought out

Last year local merchants who depend on patronage from out-of-state hunters learned that the Colorado Division of Wildlife was granted permission by a legislative bill to raise hunting license fees from out-of-state hunters by nearly double.

Duplexes work for Kreissigs

Couple finds profitable niche with Bear Meadows

Kimberly and Peter Kreissig typically put in a hard day on the job, make dinner, put the kids to bed and then retreat to their office.

Teen turns talent into business

Accomplished cyclist Ethan Johnson creates Mountain Bike Tours

Ethan Johnson didn't want to contemplate spending the entirety of his 16th summer working behind a counter. So he began spinning his wheels. Johnson conceived a plan to combine one of his two great passions in life with what he hopes will become a profit-making venture.

BUSINESS FILE

Cantafio receives Republican award Steamboat Springs attorney Ralph A. Cantafio recently received an award from the National Republican Congressional Committee and was named to one of its sub-committees.

Is it a hotel or a home?

Steamboat Grand owners battle commercial tax designation

When is a hotel not a hotel? The Routt County Board of Commissioners will have a chance to ponder that question this year when, acting as the County Board of Equalization, commissioners hear a property tax appeal from the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel Condominium Association.

Stop and smell the lupine

Along with the snowpack melt, river flow and dry season, experts say wildflower season is about two weeks ahead of time.

BIRTHS

ASKED & ANSWERED

Baking at 7,000 feet

Baking double fudge brownies, a carrot cake or a delectable French pastry may pose some difficulties at 7,000 feet above sea level.

Weaving together history

Artists create traditional art with contemporary technique

Powerful yellow rays emanate from an exploded universe of color. The rays burst past a checkered spiral of green, red and black into the star-speckled darkness as golden waves radiate in all directions. Through the elaborate stitching of carefully chosen fabrics, patterns and threads, David Taylor had captured the Big Bang on an award-winning quilt.

AROUND TOWN

Around town for July 22

IN BRIEF

In brief for July 22

WEEKLY PLANNER

Weekly planner for July 23-27

Tagging activity for youths

Oak Creek puts focus on its younger residents

Though their lives can be inundated with hi-tech video game systems, flashy dirt bikes, millions of compact discs and thousands of channels on television and just plain hanging out, teenagers tend to repeat the same five words through the summer: "There is nothing to do."

Learning in nature's classroom

Study emphasizes environment, conservation

Fishing for Stone or May flies in the Yampa River may seem more like a sport than a study, but educators in the Yampa Valley are encouraging their students to learn about the habitats that surround them in order to appreciate where they live.

CLASS NOTES

Class notes for July 22

THE RECORD

The record for July 14-20

LETTERS

Letters for July 22

OUR VIEW

At home in a resort town

It goes without saying that Steamboat Springs is a ski resort town. But a look at 2000 Census data shows Steamboat may be less of a resort town than other resort towns in Colorado, especially when it comes to housing data.

ALFRED CAMILLETTI

1907-2001

MARY DEANE ROOT

1926-2001

GLEN A. CARY

1921-2001

RICHARD N. STODDARD

1924-2001

James Alan "J.R." Romcevich

1952-2001

Hakan Stig Lindgren

1959-2001

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Fire and rain in Routt County

Routt County's Emergency Manager Chuck Vale takes sometime to answer questions regarding an area radio service to alert travelers to inclement weather and questions regarding the Wildfire Safety Council and the smoldering egos fanning the flames of the agency.

River flow shallows with dry weather

Fish not negatively

The Yampa River is about two weeks ahead of historical summer low-flow time, but officials say the fish population is not being stressed too bad by the early conditions. Experts have said that the snow melt started early, which caused peak river flows to be about two weeks early.

Steamboat sees more permanent residents

Ask people who moved to Steamboat Springs in the past two decades why they chose the Yampa Valley over all the other western valleys that contain ski towns. They'll probably tell you it's because there is a real community here.

Cuffed by Cost

Area officers are finding out crime isn't the only thing that doesn't pay

Dave Kleiber has chased fugitives with the U.S. Marshals, worked on a special city crime unit and been part of an FBI task force. His biggest challenge these days, however, is figuring out how to make mortgage payments in Steamboat Springs.

AFTER THE WHISTLE

Making the right choice

When I was a kid, growing up in Denver, I never even stopped to question the plan that was laid out in front of me.

Getting their kicks

Ogden's Jacqueline Cosnyka tallied four goals against Steamboat Springs Saturday night to help lead the Lady Lakers into the Steamboat Mountain Tournament soccer championships.

Young hot rod

10-year-old gears up for National Soap Box Derby in Ohio

In perhaps the biggest competition of his childhood career, Michael Weston knows there is little he can do to prepare for a victory.

Kalmeyer shatters own record in grueling Hardrock 100 long-distance race

With only her headlight splitting the seemingly endless darkness along the grueling dirt and rock trail, Betsy Kalmeyer searched for the comforting lights of the Sherman aid station at 3 a.m. last Saturday.

Jr. golf tourneys get under way

A series of three golf tournaments will keep juniors busy over the next few weeks in Steamboat Springs.

Real Estate Transactions

Real Estate Transaction July 12-17, 2001

Request for bond reduction denied

Suspect apparently injures self after hearing

A Routt County Jail inmate had to be taken to a local hospital Friday for injuries to his arms and neck about three hours after a 14th Judicial District judge declined to lower a $100,000 bond set in June. James Theodore Kirts, 53, was taken to Yampa Valley Medical Center at about 8 p.m. for minor injuries to his arms and neck, Routt County Sheriff John Warner said.

'Skeeter' Werner Walker dies

Steamboat sees an 'end of an era'

Steamboat lost a skiing legend Friday when Gladys "Skeeter" Werner Walker died at the Doak Walker Care Center after a long illness. She was 67. Skeeter was the oldest of three siblings who were born in Steamboat Springs and grew up to become Olympians. Like brothers Buddy and Loris, Skeeter trained on Howelsen Hill and took her talent to the Alps.

Mountain biker suffers head gash

Trail ride lands resident in the emergency room

Steve Elkins has looked in a mirror he knows he doesn't look his best this week, but he consented to be photographed for the newspaper anyway. Elkins wants to send a message to people using the Springs Creek Trail slow down and watch out for other people.

Soccer swarm

Almost 120 teams swoop down on Steamboat

Taking a break from the beaches back at home, the Hockessin Tide of Delaware rolled into Steamboat Springs this week to compete in the local Mountain Soccer Tournament.

Making a connection

Forums, chamber music bring artists to life

French lectures and music will expound at the base of Steamboat Ski Area next week as Strings in the Mountains celebrates its fourth week of the season.

BRIEF POINTS

Guided alpine hike, lunch set The Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. presents a High Alpine Guided Hike and Gourmet Lunch Experience through Sept. 1 Fridays and Saturdays.

Area programs awarded grants

Two area programs received a total of $15,000 in grants from the Women's Foundation of Colorado. Steamboat Springs' Desert Research Institute was awarded $5,000; Craig's Yampa Valley Partners received $10,000, the fourth-largest amount given by the foundation. The Desert Research Institute, working out of the Storm Peak Laboratory on Mount Werner, is one of several atmospheric research branches of the University of Nevada.

Wild about Mushrooms

After the little drizzle of a Steamboat Springs rainstorm, an earth-growing fungus emerges from the Colorado forests, taking the shape of a mutated flower or bulb.

Suspect faces new charges

About 11 hours after Michael Pope was released from the Routt County Jail on a technicality the man allegedly wasted little time to commit a crime similar to the one he was arrested for last week.. Pope, 32, of Steamboat Springs was arrested just after 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning for allegedly stealing a 1998 Jeep Cherokee.

Content standards director chosen

New school district administrator hails from Texas

The Steamboat Springs School District has selected Kelly Stanford as the district's interim director of content standards, Superintendent Cyndy Simms announced. If approved by the Steamboat Springs School Board, Stanford, 34, will replace Judy Harris, who has been named the new principal at Soda Creek Elementary School.

County planning amends mining permit

The Routt County Planning Commission made few friends Thursday night in forging out a recommendation to extend a concrete plant and an asphalt-batch plant permit by one year and nine months for LaFarge Corp. LaFarge originally asked for a seven-year extension for a permit to run the plants that would have ran out in March of 2003. That permit also allowed the company to mine in the North and South pits, which are just south of U.S. 40 on Colorado 131. However, LaFarge officials came to the table Thursday with a proposal that could have ceased operations in 2004, pending a gravel mine permit for another property gaining county approval.

Unique sideshow sure to turn heads

The Know Nothing Zirkus Zideshow bringing zany antics to Level'z

They may be sadistic, raw and vulgar for the rural city of Steamboat Springs, but without a doubt, The Know Nothing Zirkus Zideshow will bring strange looks, laughs and wide eyes to the stage at Level'z Thursday night.

Hayden officials study impact fee

Before Hayden officials approve of an impact fee that new development would have to pay for roads, the Town Board will require time to thoroughly examine the policy. On Thursday night, Trustees got their first look at the 14-page proposed document.

Forest Service history revisited

Volunteers can 'log on' the old fashioned way

One face of the old Mad Creek Barn is bowed in the middle, its lodgepole log cabin walls sagging into a wide wooden frown. Once the barn of an original homesteader in the valley, it had gone the way of so many local barns and cabins left to slump curiously by county roadsides until recently.

City begins counting signatures

In two brown accordion envelopes, two of the members of the petitioner's committee attempting to force impact fees to a vote handed over the petitions to the city on Thursday morning. Thursday's exchange marked the end of a two-week frantic signature-gathering period for the petitioners and the beginning of a period of counting and verifying for the city clerk's office.

Standing room only

Restaurants break a few dozen eggs

The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association likes to count heads on pillows, but downtown at The Shack Cafe, they're counting eggs about 2,520 of them. The Shack, an institution on Lincoln Avenue, expects to whisk through 14 cases of eggs during the next three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That's four cases on Friday, and five each on Saturday and Sunday, with 15-dozen eggs to a case.

Steamboat teens get chance of a lifetime

Local Scouts set out for national jamboree

A dozen Steamboat Springs Boy Scouts will fly to New York today to take part in an 18-day adventure that includes the Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree. The National Jamboree is held once every four years at Fort A.P. Hill near Bowling Green, Va. The event runs from July 24 through Aug. 1, but the Steamboat Springs contingent will also tour sites on the East Coast in the days leading up to the Jamboree and the days following.

Philanthropic efforts honored

It's defined as an "effort to increase the well-being of mankind," and "a love for mankind, in general." On Sunday the Yampa Valley Community Foundation will host its annual "Celebration of Philanthropy," giving recognition to the people and businesses that have given to their community. The foundation will present awards to Denny and Joy Swanson, Maggie McElhinny and the Steamboat Pilot & Today, in the individual, youth and business philanthropists of the year.

Handful of swimmers head for the big pool

Although the regular season has concluded, 12 members of the Steamboat Springs swim team will be competing in Cortez this weekend in the Western Slope Championships. "I don't really want to go that far, but they have a nice pool there," said Kyle Steitz Thursday.

NIGHTLIFE

Tonight Judge Roughneck plays a ska, funk and reggae blend at the Tugboat. The Tugboat is located at 1860 Ski Time Square; 21 and older only.

'Yowzers!' takes in much influence

Children key to plot; grant allows them free admission

Steamboat Community Players received firsthand exposure to the community support for the arts that is alive and well.

Dancers prepared to spark emotion

Concluding the high school/college students' fifth week at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, Linda Kent and her professional group of choreographers have collaborated to create an Evening of Dance.

Groups delay impact-fee vote

Final efforts to get a petition signed by Steamboat residents to force impact fees to an election have been slowed by counter-efforts by the city and a local citizens group, said a petitioner.

Softball players love tournaments in Steamboat

Some of the best fastpitch softball teams in the state will be in Steamboat Springs this weekend for the annual Steamboat Classic.

'Once in a lifetime' shot

Eighty-three-year-old golfer Bill Neish wasn't saying how much it cost to buy a round of drinks for the Steamboat Men's Club.

Inspired by animals

Steamboat woman competing in triathlon to raise funds for local shelter

It was nothing but a hound dog. But the red tick mixed with red bone known as Murphy prompted Diane Gallagher to enter a triathlon to raise money for the local animal shelter.

Fight Night tickets a hot commodity

Despite a shaky start to the Steamboat Springs Fight Night series, tickets for the sequel are in heavy demand.

Memorial service planned for Nordic skier

Memorial services for Hakan Lindgren, a significant figure in nordic skiing both in the United Sates and in Sweden, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Scandinavian Lodge on Burgess Creek Road.

CMC benefactor honored

Jim Calaway inspires others to contribute

Carbondale philanthropist Jim Calaway was honored this week in Steamboat Springs for his contributions to Colorado Mountain College.

Justice facility design in question

Sticking points include location of entrance

The Denver-based architects designing Routt County's new courthouse brought two drawings to town Wednesday to present to committee members spearheading the effort. The architects centered the two drawings on what committee members said they were looking for but those same committee members quickly shot down the two drawings, saying they were not "formal enough."

Suspect released on technicality

Judge: Prosecutors failed to file charges promptly

A 32-year-old Steamboat Springs man who faces 10 charges was released from jail on his own recognizance Wednesday because of a technicality.

School sewer hookup up for recommendation

LaFarge Corp. will go in front of the Routt County Planning Commission tonight to seek a recommendation to renew its special use permit for operating a concrete batch and asphalt plant in the North Pit.

Man pleads guilty to DUI charges

A 24-year-old Steamboat Springs man with a prior drunken-driving conviction pleaded guilty to his second and third drunken-driving offenses Wednesday in Routt County Court.

City sees decrease in premiums

Steamboat gets high marks for keeping insurance claims low

Risk Manager Carol Teasdale was presented with an award Tuesday night for helping keep the city's insurance claims at a minimum in 2000.

Infestation picks up pace

Forest Service monitoring spruce bark beetle epidemic

The spruce bark beetle epidemic in the Routt National Forest is spreading a year or two faster than expected, but trees near urban areas have not been affected, at least not yet. The Forest Service has identified four spots in the Routt National Forest where mature spruce trees are hosting the beetles, said Andy Cadenhead, team leader for the U.S. Forest Service.

Family runs afoul with 'nasty rooster'

The Kaatz family home in Steamboat Springs looks normal enough a two-story house with wood siding, a detached garage, an SUV parked out front and children playing. But closer inspection reveals more like chickens, geese and ducks pecking for bugs in the yard and lizards laying eggs inside the living room.

Mobile homes' fate addressed

Alternately called "too restrictive" by mobile home park owners and "watered down" by an advocate for mobile home tenants, an ordinance designed to protect mobile home owners from displacement passed City Council on first reading Tuesday night.

Powderkeg volleyball tradition lives on

Neal Rooney and Paige Harrington of Denver walked off the sand volleyball courts at Howelsen Hill Sunday as the big winners of the Powderkeg.

Summer soccer season comes to end

When the Steamboat Mountain Tournament concludes Sunday, players in the local youth soccer program will have competed in their final tournament of the year.

Group continues ag preservation effort

Even as the nonprofit Community Agriculture Alliance holds its annual meeting with a barbecue at Harmony Ranch today, letters are making their way to people who could help stop the loss of Routt County's agricultural lands.

Hayden looks at impact fees

Following Steamboat Springs' lead, the community of Hayden is contemplating impact fees on new development as a way to pay for costs associated with growth. The town's administration, with the help of a consulting firm, has drafted a proposed policy that would establish transportation fees for new residential, commercial and industrial development within the town.

Tennis with a twist

Weekend tournament will raise money to aid junior players in Steamboat

This weekend's tournament at the Tennis Center will offer plenty of heated competition on the court; however, Steamboat Tennis Association President Ed Mooney says the event will have a Steamboat twist.

Agriculture club offers unique interstate program

A group of 4-H members from Vermont are enjoying a wide-eyed week at ranches and homes in Routt County.

Teacher turnover hits Hayden schools

The Hayden School District has had to fill seven teaching positions and one counselor position this summer because of retirements or teachers leaving the district.

North Routt revisits past

School gains historic designation

Routt County commissioners granted historic status to the Old Clark School, paving the way for a newly formed charter school to apply for grants to buy the 1-acre site. Several weeks ago, a group of North Routt residents pitched in to buy the property from a Clark-area family.

Marriott unveils new brand

Marketing of former ASC property begins

On Monday, the day American Skiing Co. announced it was once again free to close real estate sales at the Steamboat Grand Hotel, a division of the Marriott hotel chain revealed a new brand created to market a former ASC Grand Summit hotel near Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Weekend rodeo rebounds

Crowds increase after post-holiday slump

Bareback rider Cimmeron Gerke rode "I'm a Surprise" to the bank at last weekend's Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series.

ASC financial deal frees up Grand sale

Company's plan to sell Steamboat Ski Area 'on track'

American Skiing Co. announced Monday it has arranged financing needed to free the Steamboat Grand Hotel from a lawsuit that had frozen real estate closings at the 232-unit property at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area.

Steamboat Speed tackles adversity

The Steamboat Speed girls soccer team advanced to the quarterfinals of the All American Girls Cup in Blaine, Minn., before suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the White Bear Express.

City may pass law to protect trailer owners

The Steamboat Springs City Council is poised to pass an ordinance potentially unprecedented in Colorado designed to protect mobile home park residents from some of the consequences of redevelopment of the land under their trailers.

Reimbursement decision up to Fire Council

City wants to be paid for fighting wildfires

The Wildland Fire Council will be asked to help decide whether the city of Steamboat Springs will be reimbursed for fighting wildland fires in its district, even though the city is not a member of the Wildland Fire Council. The decision came during a contentious meeting Monday between the City Council, county commissioners and the Steamboat Rural Fire Protection District.

County looks at YVRA funding

Commissioners may dedicate part of sales tax to airport

The Routt County Commissioners are looking at dedicating a permanent source of tax revenue for the Yampa Valley Regional Airport. The funding would come from the current sales tax collected by the county. If the tax money isn't enough to cover the airport's budget, then YVRA will be forced to increase landing fees and other fees collected in airport operations.

AFTER THE WHISTLE

For the love of the game

For some reason, golf is a game I just can't walk away from and believe me, I've tried. My dad first introduced me to the game when I was a kid. Ever since that faithful day, I've tried unsuccessfully to master this game.

Summer fun at Howelsen Beach

The sand volleyball courts at Howelsen Hill took on a party-like atmosphere this weekend as the annual Powderkeg Doubles Volleyball tournament took center stage.

Champagne Plastic?

The Winter Olympics are still seven months away, but members of the U.S. ski-jumping teams are off to a head start.

School vs. slopes

David Lamb takes a break from U.S. Ski Team

When Steamboat Springs alpine racer David Lamb stepped into the starting gates last season, he realized something was missing.

Softball games rescheduled

Teams in the coed B division of the Steamboat Springs summer softball league will be busy the next four weeks making up games after the season's first rainout last Tuesday night.

SIDE LINES

Massage makes good horse sense Lindsey Grannis of Steamboat Springs has completed the necessary requirements to become certified in equine massage therapy.

INSIDE OUT

Take a bus trip to another time Yampatika and local South Routt historian Paul Bonnifield are offering a historic bus tour of South Routt and the Rock Creek Stage Stop.

ENERGY EXPRESS

Fit in some family playtime during summer vacation

Summertime is a great time for you to make fitness a part of your family's routine. Here are some helpful hints to help you get started:

A devil of a hike

The view from the top along Devil's Causeway is the worth the climb

Mike Canterberry had his thumb out while standing south of Oak Creek on Colorado 131 last week. When he flagged down a truck the second one since Steamboat he plopped down on the seat and was pleased to hear the ride would take him all the way to Toponas.

UNDER THE SUN

Win, lose or draw

By now if you applied for a limited big-game license in the limited-license drawing, you should have received either the license or refund in the mail.

BUSINESS FILE

Billy Kidd receives Huega Award Billy Kidd, Steamboat Ski Resort's director of skiing, received the Jimmie Huega Award at the Far West Ski Association's 69th Annual Convention Awards Banquet June 9 in Reno, Nev.

Million-dollar market

The broader Steamboat Springs real estate market has a 3-year supply of homes priced between $1 million and $2 million dollars. Jump the price to more than $2 million and current inventory increases to a 5-year supply.

Big Agnes earns magazine award

The Big Agnes sleeping bag system designed by partners Brad Johnson and Bill Gamber won the prestigious "Killer Value" award from Outside Magazine.

As ASC struggles, IntraWest grows

Intrawest Corporation seems to be succeeding where American Skiing Company could not selling second homes at ski areas before they're even out of the ground.

Lincoln Avenue storefront getting facelift for new tenant

Easily among the most sought-after retail addresses in Steamboat Springs are storefronts on Lincoln Avenue between Eighth and Ninth streets. The south side of the street, which gets the winter sun, is even more desirable.

Agnes bags big business

Steamboat outdoors company expands reach with sleeping bag made in China

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Bill Gamber never imagined himself pulling off business deals in Guangdong Province, China. But that was before he met Big Agnes.

Art in the Park has 'excellent' showing

Nearly all the blades of grass at Elk Park lay flat as an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people went from craft booths to food vendors to musical events at Sunday's Art in the Park, which concluded the two-day event. "It's been excellent," said Nancy Kramer, executive director of the Steamboat Springs Arts Council. "We have a nice variety this year. It's been a little cool though, not as hot, so that might affect some of the vendors."

Christmas in July project starts

Organizers look to fill truck with supplies for the needy

Routt County United Way's Christmas in July project starts today an attempt to fill a half-ton Dodge truck at Steamboat Motors with toys and supplies for the needy. Organizers are looking at a "basics vs. toys" scenario, although toys are welcomed. However, toiletries, paper products, diapers, soaps and cleaning and school supplies are preferred.

Family donates land to town

Thanks to a generous land donation by the Garrity family, the town of Oak Creek will have a new nine-acre tract of land to manage that could result in a public recreation area.

Hydration key in high altitudes

Drinking fluids important for safety in Routt County

Over the course of an average day, most people brush their teeth once or twice, visit the bathroom several times and eat a few meals without much thought. But studies show that many of us forget one important thing: to drink water.

A beautiful day for a race

Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, scenery the backdrop for Mountain Madness runs

Once a year for the past 23 years, the nondescript electric pole behind the tennis courts on Howelsen Parkway is surrounded by activity. It serves as the starting and finish line for the Mountain Madness Half Marathon and its 10K and fun runs.

Man arrested for assault

Victim lost front tooth in February incident

A 19-year-old Virginia man who allegedly knocked a tooth out of the mouth of a Colorado Mountain College student during a fight in February was recently arrested. James Sellers Jr. of Virginia Beach was arrested by the Routt County Sheriff's Office Wednesday. He was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued in April.

Tests allow lake to re-open

E. Coli forced temporary closure of Stagecoach Reservoir

After closing its beach Wednesday because of a high E. coli count in the water, Stagecoach State Park officials re-opened the public swimming area Friday morning after water tests showed the reservoir was clean. Stagecoach State Park Manager Fred Bohlmann said the high count of E. coli, or Escherichia coli, came from water tests park officials took at the beach on Monday. The results came back on Wednesday showing the south part of the beach with a high count, at 370 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. The permissible limit set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is 235 colonies per 100 milliliters.

Charter school signs contract, hires director

While still protesting a condition that could deprive their school of money, the board members of the North Routt Charter School agreed to sign a contract Thursday night that will guide the school for the next three years. The board also hired its first director Mary Bramer, who will work part time.

Power plant value increases

Routt County avoids setback felt in Moffat

Moffat County Commissioners are staring at a $450,000 loss in property taxes this year, due to a dramatic decrease in the assessed valuation of the coal-fired Tri-State Generation and Transmis-sion power plant. Fortunately for the Routt County Board of Commissioners, the assessed valuation of the Hayden Station power plant rose this year, Routt County Assessor Amy Williams said. That means Routt County will avoid the financial blow its neighbor to the west is absorbing.

Players give 'Fantastick' perfomance

Seventh Street Playhouse's first-ever Summer Theater Festival debuted with a touching musical and a strong performance by Steamboat Community Players in "The Fantasticks." Local director Matt Murphy's cast was terrific in its debut, showing talent that soared as high as their voices.

Forging a new trail

Howelsen Meadows nordic skiing path is being extended

Area residents who have spotted what appears to be road construction wrapping around the east flank of Howelsen Hill needn't worry. The construction is not a two-lane road leading to the newest luxury housing subdivision; rather, it's a path to improved cross-country skiing at Howelsen.

Drug charges land man and woman in jai

A 30-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman face multiple drug charges after authorities allegedly found heroin, marijuana and marijuana plants inside a residence over the weekend. Christopher Peter Claps of Steamboat Springs and Ariana Browning of Denver were arrested Saturday morning at a trailer in the 33900 block of County Road 33.

She can talk to the animals

Animal communicator to offer seminar here

When Joan Ranquet visits a barn of horses, there is often more chatting than riding. Ranquet, an animal communicator and healer, will teach beginning animal communication Sunday in Steamboat.

Pawn shop record leads to arrest

A 24-year-old former Steamboat Springs man faces a felony for allegedly providing false information to a local pawn shop. Bryan C. Sullins has been charged with providing false information on a pawn shop slip for compact discs he allegedly pawned at Mr. Money Pawn Shop in March.

Child-care providers discuss issues

Project would unify funding

Just days after the Steamboat Springs City Council's decision to reject a proposal to place a half-cent sales tax increase to subsidize child care on the November ballot, child-care providers gathered in Steamboat Springs Thursday to discuss a pilot project designed to unify funding for the child-care industry.

Support for weather radio 'overwhelming'

Attorneys bolster DA's office

District Attorney Paul McLimans has hired two recent law school graduates to fill vacancies created by the departure of a veteran deputy district attorney and the pending maternity leave of a second. The new attorneys are David Moffat and Charles Lance. They are assisting Assistant District Attorney Kerry St. James and Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Wittemyer.

Disc golf course ready for action

The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. has opened a new par-36, 9-hole golf course at the base of the ski area. Best of all, there are no greens fees.

Superpipe dream to become reality

Steamboat Ski Area to install new attraction

Effects of fees at issue

Answers to affordable housing question continue to elude city

Led by City Councilman Jim Engelken, the city is taking its first steps toward finding a way to reduce the negative effect impact fees might have on affordable housing. Impact fees, which will pay for growth-related capital needs in the city, are assessed on all new residential and commercial development.

BRIEF POINTS

Museum hosts lunch series The Tread of Pioneers Museum presents the 2001 Brown Bag Lunch Series at noon every Friday through August.

A spectrum of artistry

Tinker Regan answered the phone with the music blaring as she sat in her art space and painted on silk. She went to the Grand Canyon not long ago and was in the process of painting a spring-fed creek called Elves Chasm.

Get ready for a 'fantastic' performance

The Steamboat Community Players will kick off the troupe's first-ever Summer Theater Festival tonight with the showing of the classic musical tale "The Fantasticks."

Series to rock Slopeside

On Sunday, Slopeside Grill will kick off its annual six-week concert series that promises plenty of funk, jazz, rock and reggae.

Student actors learn social views in play

As rain hammered the top of the Julie Harris Theatre at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp Tuesday night, the high school- and college-age students' voices rang out through the storm.

EDGE OF STEAMBOAT

Weekend will bustle with activity

Rainbow Weekend, a 21-year tradition in Steamboat Springs, kicks off today with hot air balloon launches, a surplus of art and, of course, the rodeo.

Western melodrama sure to entertain

Upstairs in the Ore House, on a small stage in the corner of the room, amateur actors perform a saloon scene during the restaurant's annual dinner theater.

NIGHTLIFE

Tonight On his way to becoming the next blues legend, Michael Burks and his three-piece band comes to Steamboat for a show at the Tugboat. The Tugboat is located at 1860 Ski Time Square; 21 and older only.

Half-marathon coincides with balloon launch

Race organizer Susie Pace is expecting about 150 runners to show up for the 23rd running of the Mountain Madness Half Marathon this Sunday. "Most people show up and register the day of the races," Pace said. "So it's hard to say exactly how many we are going to have for sure."

Riders pedal to help brain injury survivors

Scott La Point suffered from serious brain injuries when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle. There'll be a strong sense of irony when he pedals 466 miles July 22-28 to raise money and awareness for The Hangout, a drop-off center for survivors of brain injuries. "It's extremely important," said Jim Kittel, a former Steamboat Springs resident who suffered a brain stem stroke in May 1995. He's also the president of The Hangout. "We're the only organization of this type, where people with brain injuries can decide to regain their dignity."

Coyotes, dragon claws and weepers, oh my!

Willows are a local favorite

If you ask a friend about willows, they will often recall large weeping willows and their many troublesome traits. The weepers are unquestionably graceful and picturesque standing tall (up to 70 feet) by a pond.

World War II ace arrested on DUI charge

A 78-year-old Steamboat Springs man scheduled to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame later this month was arrested early Thursday morning on suspicion of drunken driving. Robin Olds also faces charges of resisting arrest, eluding and weaving. Olds was booked into the Routt County Jail and later posted a $2,000 bond.

Grant fund ranking not 'kiss of death'

Soroco school officials optimistic about funding

The Soroco School District's proposal for an Energy Impact Grant to pay for a much-needed roof on its elementary school received a second priority ranking behind the town of Hayden's bid for a major revamp of its water treatment plant.

Ski Time traffic plan offered

The Planning Commission decided Thursday night to recommend a proposal to City Council that would turn the entrance into Ski Time Square into a looped drive with room for buses to turn around.

Project plan clashes with code

Commission struggles over community needs

A conflict between the zoning of a parcel next to the Copper Ridge Business Park on County Road 129 and the needs of the community spurred debate on a potential new residential/commercial development in west Steamboat.

Logging puts squeeze on traffic

Harvesting blowdown proves to be dangerous

The U.S. Forest Service is warning that Seedhouse Road near Clark is about to get a little busier as logging of the blowdown area begins next week in the Routt National Forest.

Customers come to rescue in bookstore

Rain, lightning rock Routt County

Steamboat Springs' popular bookstore "Off the Beaten Path" was closed Wednesday as employees salvaged books damaged in the wake of Tuesday's severe thunderstorms. "It sounded like a waterfall," said Path employee Erica Fogue. "We thought it strange, being in a bookstore."

Teams converge for volleyball tourney

Every July the green grass at the base of Howelsen Hill is transformed into a beach as some of the hottest volleyball players in the region arrive in Steamboat Springs hoping for a shot at a Powderkeg Doubles title.

County fair royalty candidates sought

Local girls between the ages of 15 and 19 who are skilled in horsemanship are encouraged to apply for the Routt County Fair and Rodeo Royalty to fill the lady-in-waiting vacancy.

Man accused of stealing sister's truck

Man accused of stealing sister's truck A 24-year-old Steamboat Springs man faces a felony charge for allegedly stealing his sister's truck early Wednesday morning.

Council considers pay raise

Salary increase for elected officials would be first in more than a decade

The elected officials of Steamboat Springs, four of whose seats are up for grabs this November, may be asking the voting public for a raise. City Council President Kevin Bennett asked the other City Council members Tuesday if they would be interested in putting a council raise on the ballot in November, giving all seven City Council members a raise for the first time in more than a decade.

Women Rally for Cure

Local golfers hold annual event to raise breast cancer awareness

Local golfer Linda Danter doesn't know anyone who hasn't been touched in some way by the devastating effects of breast cancer.

Mixed-use project to be reviewed

A local realtor is hoping to open the door a little wider for entry-level housing in the west Steamboat area.

June frost damage kills bear food

Bears all over Colorado will find oak acorns missing from the menu this fall. However, in Northwest Colorado, the bruins' diet could be even skimpier.

Airline subsidy tax favored

Council willing to put chamber-backed plan on ballot

With four tax proposals potentially on their way to the November ballot before Tuesday night's City Council meeting, only one a chamber-supported proposal to pay for airline guarantees will likely make it to the voters.

City bypasses property tax maybe next year

A property-tax question looms on the horizon for the voters of Steamboat Springs, though it will not likely be an option on the upcoming November ballot.

Claim of self-defense denied

Yampa man to stand trial for attempted murder

A 34-year-old Yampa man's claim he legally shot a man in his home last winter in self-defense was denied by a 14th Judicial District judge. Because of Judge Richard P. Doucette's ruling, Warren Dean Hillbolt III will stand trial in August on charges of attempted murder and violent crime with the use of a deadly weapon.

ASC mum on debt renegotiations

American Skiing Company announced Tuesday it has successfully renegotiated the terms of its senior loan of $165 million but withheld the details of the terms.

Man riding across the U.S. to save horses

When cowboy, horse trainer, trick rider and former jockey Bill Newman rode into Steamboat Springs on his stallion, he bedded down in one of the more comfortable places he's been in 40 days the dirt floor of a local stable. Newman began his trip from Carson City, Nev., with $12 in his pocket and plans to eventually ride down Pennsylvania Avenue in our nation's capital.

Moffat County officials vow to fight bill

Local support for wilderness proposal sought

About 600 Steamboat Springs residents will be asked to support a congressional bill that could put more than a million acres of Colorado land under the protection of the Wilderness Act much of which is in Moffat County and strongly opposed by county officials.

Officials plan burnout of their own to help contain fire north of town

To control a wilderness fire 11 miles north of Steamboat Springs, authorities are planning to battle the blaze with a fire of their own.

Intrawest remains guarded on acquisitions

Officials of Intrawest Corp., thought by many to be a likely purchaser of the Steamboat Ski Area, remained guarded Tuesday in their comments about any acquisition plans.

Council rejects child-care proposal

Saying the proposal had flaws, the Steamboat Springs City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to reject a motion to place a half-cent sales tax to subsidize child care on the November ballot.

Bishop likely to take helm

Former assistant principal may fill middle school position

Although summer is a difficult time to fill shoes in the school district, former Steamboat Springs Middle School Assistant Principal Tim Bishop likely will step in to take over as the interim principal.

LaFarge looking to mine gravel on More Ranch

LaFarge Corp. wants to renew its special-use permit to maintain operations of a concrete batch and asphalt plant in the north pit. The move would help buy the company time so it could receive a permit to mine gravel on the More Ranch.

Hall remodel cost skyrockets

The total cost of remodeling City Hall has shot from just less than $400,000 to almost $800,000 since final figures were released by the city's architects.

Some 'Howlers' get more than they bargain for

A few alpine slide patrons make contact with track, receiving scrapes and burns

The rapid, stuttering sound of metal on concrete quickly followed 6-year-old Christopher Birtch and his brother, Benjamin, 10, as the two came racing around the final corner of the Howler, Steamboat Springs' Alpine Slide.

County holds off on enacting fire restrictions

Routt County's emergency manager has backed off a plan to implement fire restrictions, saying conditions are not critical enough at this time.

Council to consider child-care tax

Half-cent sales tax meant to help fund children's providers may be sent to voters in November

The finger paints have dried out at the Young at Heart child-care center, and the center can't afford to replace them right now. That's just one indication of how tough times are in the child-care business, said center Director Karla Haddock. And finger paints are a small concern when compared to the high rate of turnover on her staff, Haddock said. Starting pay at the center is $8.50 per hour, a rate Haddock said is eclipsed by salaries in the restaurant industry.

Group to give housing plan

New affordable-housing proposal may be the solution

Members of the latest committee to study the affordable-housing problem in Routt County may be close to hammering out a new plan that could satisfy many of the factions torn apart by the issue.

Fire breaks out north of town

Blaze not threatening any structures, private land

Fire crews mobilized Monday evening in an attempt to control a wilderness fire burning 11 miles north of Steamboat Springs. Authorities plan to use natural barriers to control the 30-acre fire burning dead, downed timber just north of Swamp Park, said Rusty Ruszin, a fire information officer based at the Craig Interagency Dispatch Center.

Developers step up

Brothers kick in a $10,000 donation to help Habitat for Humanity

As Habitat for Humanity works on finishing its first home in Routt County, it is already making plans to build a duplex next summer. Habitat got a boost toward its next goal of building a duplex in the West End Village development when a developer recently stepped to the table with a $10,000 donation. An additional $10,000 has also been kicked in by future residents of Storm Mountain Ranch.

Spirit of giving rekindled

United Way, Steamboat Motors holding Christmas in July

To bring Christmas in July, Steamboat Springs will have only one week to fill the bed of a half-ton Dodge truck with toys and other materials starting July 16.

Group hopes to rake in dough

Children's museum plans Krispy Kreme fund-raiser

Hands-On! Children's Museum hopes to raise funds for its short- and long-term goals by providing Steamboat with warm doughnuts from Krispy Kreme for its summer fund-raiser.

Hippotherapy rides into second summer

Humble Ranch program helps clients with physical challenges

Something special happens at the Humble Ranch Education and Therapy Center every time a rider mounts up for a hippotherapy session. The movement and rhythm of the horse's walk transfers to the rider's body and activates the healing process.

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Since the Steamboat Springs City Council moved to enact impact fees on developers, the question of why these fees are necessary continues to come up. We've asked City Councilwoman Arianth. Stettner her view on impact fees and what they will mean for our future.

Circus Arts gets audience in on the act

A nine-foot woman was standing on Lincoln Avenue at 10th Street Saturday morning flagging down passing automobiles in a shiny red and black dress.

Council to review tax plans

Before the groups vying for public money in the next year can even begin to try to court Steamboat's discriminating voters, they will have to win the City Council over.

Fizzle turns into Sizzle

Holiday is hot despite falling in the middle of the week

Don't ask Mark Meade about inflatable water toys. He saw 500 to 700 pass in front of his cash registers last week and he won't be able to sell any more at his store for the rest of the summer. Meade is the manager of the local Wal-Mart store. He said during the week of July Fourth he experienced a remarkable run on all things inflatable.

Wild encounters

Horseback riding offers a glimpse at natural wonders

Even with the best of intentions on all sides, even with a sturdy guide, even with a light breeze barely rustling the leaves of the aspens, it is a tense moment. In summer, as the elk finish giving birth to their calves, they are on high alert for predators. And despite their casual appearance, humans out for a gentle horseback ride through the forest could spell danger.

INSIDE OUT

Commission may change game rules Grand Junction The Colorado Wildlife Commission will consider annual changes to regulations, seasons and bag limits for small game and upland game birds, and give preliminary consideration to late-season waterfowl regulations at its meeting July 12 and 13 in Grand Junction.

ENERGY EXPRESS

Fitness alert: Hot tips to beat the heat

The hot and hazy days of summer are here and fitness fans are working up a sweat all over the place running, biking, playing tennis, inline skating, golfing, walking you name it. Whatever your summertime sport or activity, if you want your body to work well and stay cool, you need to pay attention to the following:

AFTER THE WHISTLE

Something's missing

I had spent about an hour and a half sweltering under the heat of a blazing sun last Wednesday photographing Steamboat Springs' annual Fourth of July parade.

The Cowboy Way

Family life on the rodeo circuit

Heather Milligan, of Torrington, Wyo., stood with several other mothers just outside the white steel fence that surrounds the Romick Rodeo Arena during Friday morning's slack.

Carmichael looks forward to Salt Lake, as spectator

It's been almost 10 years since Steamboat Springs freestyle skier Nelson Carmichael got a taste of Olympic glory in Tignes, France.

Adventurer to share stories today

A world-class kayaker with about 30 years of experience will share his stories today at Olympian Hall. Chris Spelius, an Ohio native who spends much of his life on the Futaleufu River in southern Chile, will present a slide show starting at 6 p.m. on the top floor of the Howelsen Ski Lodge.

New route for next race in Town Challenge

Local mountain biker Joan Donham hasn't checked out the next course in the Town Challenge series, but she isn't waiting until Wednesday to get her first taste of the Howelsen Hill terrain.

Catamount clubhouses

Facilities at golf course and lake could be done by May 2002

Construction is beginning this summer on a pair of clubhouses that are part of the overall Catamount Ranch and Club development south of Steamboat Springs.

Frustrations mount over YVRA flights

Local travel agents are scrambling to accommodate clients who had purchased tickets to fly Great Lakes Aviation between Denver and Yampa Valley Regional Airport near Hayden July 31 through Aug. 9.

Graystone would add homes near Sheraton

The developers of a new residential subdivision at the Sheraton Steamboat golf course are tentatively scheduled to go back to the city Planning Commission on July 27.

A market for fine jewelry

Hofmeister finds a niche in Steamboat

Rick Thielemann stands in his compact workshop and gestures casually at a tray on the countertop strewn with small plastic bags.

BUSINESS FILE

Alpine Taxi adds to its DIA schedule Alpine Taxi in Steamboat Springs has increased the schedule of shuttles it will run to Denver International Airport July 31-Aug. 9 in order to help offset the loss of commuter airline flights during that 10-day period.

LOCAL BRIEFING

Local briefing for July 8

ANNIVERSARY

Alvin and Irene Balser

Air and art

A colorful tradition continues in Steamboat

Colorful hot air balloons and a plethora of art will cover the sky and town July 14 and 15 in celebration of the 21st annual Rainbow Weekend.

AROUND TOWN

Around town for July 8

More than just cows, crops

FFA provides 'premium leadership' to South Routt grads

When Soroco High School graduates Megan Baker and Tyler Knott joined the National Future Farmers of America, it might have been expected. Both come from ranching families who settled in Moffat and Routt Counties long time ago.

Keeping on her toes

Local dancer bound for Boston

Although she always considered herself too small to play sports, Andrea Bereznak is now a formidable presence on the dance floor. "She is definitely looked up to by my dancers when she comes to town," said Stephanie Hunter, director of Steamboat Ballet. "They are kind of intimidated by her because she's just so good."

LETTERS

Letters for July 8

OUR VIEW

The show should go on

The traffic was bad, and there were an inordinate number of hitchhikers about, but overall, this music festival thing is worth exploring again based on the success of the first Independence Incident.

JAMES A. CHENEY

1957-2001

THE RECORD

The record for June 30-July 6

TRANSACTIONS

REAL ESTATE FOR JUNE 28-JULY 4

Two Denver-area boys face numerous traffic violations after they allegedly tried to elude officers on motorcycles just before midnight Friday.

Firefighters expect to have a fire north of Clark in the Routt National Forest contained by this morning. On Friday, fire crews continued mop-up work of the Big Red Fire that has burned close to 45 acres in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area since Wednesday.

Juveniles lead police on chase

Two Denver-area boys face numerous traffic violations after they allegedly tried to elude officers on motorcycles just before midnight Friday. The chase came to an end about 11:45 p.m. when the two Highlands Ranch boys crashed on a sharp curve on Howelsen Parkway.

Event celebrates heritage of Steamboat Springs

The spectators who lined Lincoln Avenue and Brooklyn Bridge waited patiently for 45 minutes Friday afternoon as the second annual Soda Creek Western Mercantile Cattle Drive got started a little late. When it finally got started, horse-drawn carriages and men and women on horseback led and followed the 175 cattle as they mooed and marched their way down Lincoln Avenue.

Cattle drive causes traffic jam

A cattle drive scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday did not get under way in downtown Steamboat Springs until 45 minutes later, which caused traffic delays for numerous motorists. The second annual Soda Creek Western Mercantile Cattle Drive brought traffic to a standstill in the area, especially for motorists trying to get through town on U.S. 40.

Summer tourist traffic takes a breather

Locals will get a chance to take a deep breath this weekend as summer tourism wanes to moderate levels before gathering new momentum for the balance of July.

Resident gets stuck on Fish Creek Falls

Search and Rescue says man was not a skilled climber

Routt County Search and Rescue members Jamie Neault and Mike Hirshman rappelled down the face of Fish Creek Falls late Friday afternoon to successfully pluck a Steamboat man from the 90-foot cliff. Cameron Billingsley, 19, was scrambling alone on the wet rocks next to the falls without equipment when he apparently reached a point that he felt unsafe climbing further, or descending the cliff.

Holiday sees nine drug-related arrests

Nine men who came to Steamboat Springs to enjoy Fourth of July festivities ended up in the Routt County Jail on alleged drug charges. From Tuesday through early Thursday morning, authorities made nine arrests that involved drugs.

ASC gets debt reprieve

Skiing company's stock bounces back

American Skiing Company has been granted additional time to renegotiate the terms of its debt with its senior lender. The company now has until July 9 to finalize the negotiations. The company says it has completed its talks with Fleet National Bank, which serves as the lead underwriter of its "senior resort credit facility."

Skiers hot at Fourth of July jump

Local takes first special event victory

For most of this summer, Alex Glueck, Tommy Schwall and Adam Schwall have shared an apartment in Park City, Utah. This week, however, the three Steamboat Springs natives squared off on the 90-meter, plastic-covered jumping hills in Lake Placid, N.Y. at the 2001 edition of the Fourth of July ski jump.

Swim team heads to Craig en masse

The Steamboat Springs swim team will pack into Craig Swimming Pool with a full arsenal Friday. "We are really excited because this is a big meet for us and some of the boys especially are trying to qualify for the Junior Olympics," said Patti Worsley, Steamboat assistant coach.

Plants that thrive here

Our gardening hats are off to plants that can take the heat to plants that stand up to our blustery winds. We raise a trowel in salute to shrubs and flowers that don't need daily rainfall or rich soils.

Overall, police enjoy quiet holiday

Police enjoyed a quiet two days even though thousands of people were in town for the Fourth of July festivities and a music festival.

Police enjoyed a quiet two days even though thousands of people were in town for the Fourth of July festivities and a music festival. Police arrested 24 people from Tuesday through early Thursday morning. Nine of the arrests involved drugs and seven were for drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The rest of the arrests were for warrants or other minor traffic offenses.

Flight has tough time reaching DIA

YVRA provides pit stop

More than 100 airline passengers bound for Denver from Boise, Idaho, made an unexpected stop at Yampa Valley Regional Airport this week not to mention a second unplanned stop in Cheyenne, Wyo. The United Airlines Boeing 737 left Boise at 9:43 a.m. Tuesday, four minutes ahead of schedule, according to United spokeswoman Lize Meagher. The plane was carrying 103 passengers. The pilots learned en route of severe thunderstorms over Denver, and as the holding patterns over Denver International Airport became full, they were instructed by Denver Center to land at YVRA.

Battling the blaze

Firefighters start mopping up fire in Big Red Park

Weary firefighters took a small victory Thursday against an increasing number of wildland fires, including 23 new blazes during the July Fourth holiday. A Durango Fire Helitack crew stationed about three miles from a fire northeast of Big Red Park said that the site had entered "mop-up status" around 4 p.m. Thursday.

Everything 'fine' on law enforcement front

As the commanding officer, Steamboat Springs Public Safety Director J.D. Hays did not get a call in the wee hours Wednesday morning. To Hays this means everything is running smoothly as numerous law enforcement officers keep a handle on the large group of tourists visiting Steamboat Springs for the Fourth of July holiday.

Fans defy heat at Incident

Security problems at show less than expected

"Dance, dance, dance, hippies, dance," Charlie Hunter told the scantily-clad crowd Wednesday, the second of the two-day Independence Incident festival. "But don't pull down your pants." An audience ranging in age from several months to several decades braved the blistering heat to hear the Charlie Hunter Quartet, Ben Harper and the String Cheese Incident at the Steamboat Ski Area. Those who didn't camp out under makeshift tents and gigantic umbrellas threw frisbees and sipped from water guns. A large crowd surrounded the biggest non-musical star of the event a tall, silver pipe spraying a cool mist.

Parade of pride

Hundreds turn out for Fourth celebration down Lincoln Avenue

In a methodical manner, 9-year-old Matthew Melton walked back and forth tying white and blue balloons to the back of an 18-wheeler carrying the 4-H Club. His friends perched on hay bales to watch the strange carnival of people and animals on Yampa Avenue preparing to go down Lincoln Avenue for the 98th Annual Cowboy Roundup Days Vectra Bank Parade.

Miller family dominating running series

Midway through the Steamboat Springs Running Series, three members of a single family hold the top spots in their divisions. Dan and Kathy Miller, along with son Davis, are leading the way in the points system.

Peter Pan takes flight today

Dance ensembles open traditional interpretation of play

The first junior/intermediate session at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp is coming to a close by kicking off its youth festival with three dance pieces preceding the showcase of "Peter Pan." The youth festival begins at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Friday at the Julie Harris Theater on the Perry-Mansfield campus.

Hayden grad wins 4-H award

For the second year in a row, a Routt County girl has won a prestigious 4-H award that is given to one member in the state. Hayden's Daleena Babcock was awarded the Outstanding Junior Leadership Award at the state 4-H conference June 21 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Officials plan hefty enforcement for holiday

As tourists flock to Steamboat Springs for Independence Day, authorities are cracking down on drunken drivers not only because of an expected increase in traffic but also because of a rash of alcohol-related crashes that have killed four people in as many months. The Fourth of July holiday is one of the most traveled days of the year, and local authorities are stepping up enforcement to keep drunken drivers off the roads in Steamboat Springs and Routt County.

Victim's dad asks for driver not be prosecuted

Bruce Campbell lost his son in a deadly car crash Sunday. On Monday, Bruce Campbell wrote a letter requesting that his son's lifelong friend Mario James Lintz be released from jail and not prosecuted on felony charges for the accident that killed 19-year-old John Campbell.

Fans flock to Independence Incident

Die-hard Blues Traveler fans baked in the 90-degree heat Tuesday afternoon, while other concert-goers found every bit of shade available while awaiting the arrival of The String Cheese Incident. "It was 90 in Denver," one fan said. "I came up to the mountains to get away from the heat."

Tourney to benefit local high school tennis teams

The largest fund-raiser of the year for the Steamboat Springs High School tennis teams will kick off July 20 at the Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs. Beccy Brane, co-coach of the Steamboat girls tennis team, said a singles and doubles tournament sponsored by Ore House will highlight a fund-raiser for the girls and boys teams.

Motivation pays off for tennis player

On Tuesday Steamboat Springs tennis player Kimberly Heckbert was still recovering from a busy weekend. The Steamboat Springs High School junior had just returned from Wyoming, where she collected the title in the girls 16- year-old division at the Governor's Cup, which was played in Cheyenne. She also placed fifth in the girls 18-year-old division at the same tournament.

Speed gathers momentum

For the past two weeks, the members of the Steamboat Speed girls soccer team have listened to head coach Rick Garth preach about defense. The coach's motivation to improve his squad's defensive presence on the field was the result of losing three straight games at Denver's Nortel Cup in mid-June. It was the first time in the squad's four-year history that it lost three straight games in any tournament and Garth wasn't going to let his players forget about it.

Garden masterpieces featured in tour

For 31-years, Marie Bridges has steadily been transforming her Hayden yard into a masterpiece full of flower and vegetable gardens. The yard features numerous trees, flowers, vegetables and more than 40 herbs.

Operations halted on Yampa River Sunday

Operations were halted for close to half an hour Sunday on a section of the Yampa River just before the 13th Street bridge, in front of Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Longtime ranchers leading parade

Stankos named grand marshals for July 4 event

Last year, Jo Stanko drove a tractor down Lincoln Avenue for the Fourth of July parade. This year, as Jo and her husband, Jim, are the grand marshals of the parade, she's not sure what will be their ride.

The scoop on lactose intolerance

Dairy products, other foods cause discomfort for many

After drinking milk or eating dairy products, do you suffer from gas, nausea, bloating, cramps or diarrhea? If so, you might be lactose intolerant.

Staying afloat

Tube-rental businesses facing city restrictions, decreasing river levels

Tim Griggs was enjoying the best of both worlds on an inner tube; the cold waters of the Yampa washed over him, battling the hot Sunday sun as 3-year-old Avery sat in his lap. While it is still early in the season, the undercurrent of disappointed sentiment from the business side of tubing continues to flow.

Routt County tradition being re-created

Nearly 175 head of cattle will be driven down Lincoln Avenue on Friday afternoon

It's a practical tradition that still carries on today on a smaller scale: the cattle drive. Bill May, who will have close to 175 head of cattle driven down Lincoln Avenue for the second annual Soda Creek Western Mercantile Cattle Drive on Friday, still regrets missing a massive cattle drive his friend had done many years back. The friend traveled more than 150 miles from Mexico to the border, with a final count of 10,000 steer when he finally came north.

Officers gear up for holiday

Extra patrols will be on hand for music festival

Organizers of the Fourth of July music festival are paying $20,000 for additional law enforcement officers for the two-day event in Steamboat Springs.

Campers urged to be cautious

Forest Service stresses camping etiquette for holiday

The U.S. Forest Service is welcoming concert-going campers to the Routt National Forest during the Independence Incident, but officials want to make sure the expected 2,000 visitors to the public land are well-informed about camping etiquette.

'Friends of Cheese' imperative

Fans volunteer to promote bands, clean up after concerts

When the band The String Cheese Incident strolls into Steamboat Springs for the Independence Incident Music Festival this week, a couple of novel volunteer groups will be ready to lessen the impact the expected 10,000 to 15,000 concert-goers will have on the community.

Tuesday, July 31

Public meeting scheduled to discuss Mad Creek blaze

Steamboat tops average in July, still below normal for year

Travelers, agents hail taxis, curse construction

Steamboat local participating in six-day adventure race

Transit officials seek direction on where to go and where to stay away

Officials hope new indoor arena will be up next year

Monday, July 30

World-class freestyle and nordic events coming to Steamboat in December

Lopped-off locks will be used to make wigs for sick children

Parents in South Routt scramble to find replacements

Weekend activities disrupted as groom forced into three-day stay at Yampa Valley Medical Center

Sunday, July 29

Some residents in rural Routt miffed about cattle grazing in their yards

26 hikers put finishing touches on mountain biking path

Firefighters hope to contain Mad Creek fire

Saturday, July 28

Soroco students do well in reading, writing but falter in math

Some Routt County residents call traditional teepees home

Hope and Balser

Saying goodbye

1935-2001

1961-2001

1909-2001

1911-2001

1933-2001

The cost of keeping police officers

Campgrounds get overhaul by U.S. Forest Service

County officials move to make intersection safer

New Triple Crown World Series rule brings back wooden sluggers

Steamboat locals show off their Olympic spirit by volunteering

Tournament, auction and barn dance all part of Ski Town Golf Classic

Who's calling the shots?

Play ball! Just don't foul up with injuries

Let it blow

Only one trail remains impassable four years after Routt Divide Blowdown

Having waited patiently since the 1970s, Wittemyers are ready to create new subdivision

Steamboat Springs after-school programs abound

Friday, July 27

Amateur boxers anticipate Fight Night 2

Town manager: Flat rate inefficient

Same students passed different proficiency test in March

Emergency services make way for condos

Steamboat airport to focus on private business

Thursday, July 26

Trail builders seek volunteers

Concerted containment efforts begin

From the Colorado mountains to New York City, 'Skeeter' Werner Walker left her mark

Attorney opinion does little to clarify matter

May sales tax receipts show upward swing

Wednesday, July 25

Oak Creek woman arrested for 'riding while intoxicated'

Steamboat says goodbye to one of its best-loved residents

Impressive scores recorded in golf tourney

Training, teamwork and communication discussed

Pain from chronic injury forces promising Steamboat skier to hang up skis

Firefighters continue work on Mad Creek blaze

Fourth-graders struggle in reading, writing