Steamboat Pilot & Today

Man who died in crash was a U.S. Marine Corps recruiter

The Grand Junction man who died in a car accident east of Hayden on Wednesday night was a U.S. Marine Corps recruiter named Justin Allen Parks, Colorado State Trooper Brett Hilling said.

Parks, 26, died instantly after he lost control of the Dodge Stratus he was driving east on U.S. Highway 40. The car slid into the westbound lane and was struck by a Ford pickup.

The occupants of the pickup sustained minor injuries, including bruises on their chests and stomachs and cuts on their faces.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Hilling's initial investigation shows that both vehicles were traveling at or near the 65 mph posted speed limit. Troopers initially thought Parks was driving faster than the speed limit. Drugs and alcohol are not thought to be factors in the accident.

It was raining at the time of the accident.

Sobriety checks will be held starting at 9 p.m.

The Steamboat Springs Police Department will conduct sobriety checks from 9 p.m. today to 2 a.m. Saturday.

The checkpoints are held in conjunction with the DUI Checkpoint Colorado Program. The mobile checkpoints will be at several locations within city limits.

Police Capt. Joel Rae said the purpose of the sobriety checks is to prevent drunken driving and not simply to put drunken drivers behind bars.

At the checkpoints, drivers can expect to answer a questionnaire about the checkpoint process and whether drivers think they are effective.

During checkpoints established Aug. 14, 2004, police officers stopped 208 vehicles and arrested one person on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Steamboat Springs Transit seeks winter drivers

Steamboat Springs Transit is looking for winter drivers who are interested in completing a four-week class and earning their commercial driver's licenses. The class begins Oct. 17, and drivers are paid during the course. SST drivers earn $12.61 an hour and can receive a winter season bonus of as much as $1,000 if they do not get in any accidents. They also receive a pass to the Howelsen Hill Ski Area and Howelsen Ice Arena. To arrange an interview, call 879-3717 or visit the Transit Operations Center, 1463 13th St.