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Tanker in accident on Rabbit Ears not empty

A tanker that rolled on Rabbit Ears Pass on Saturday was not empty, officials said Thursday.

Colorado State Patrol trooper Brian Abbrecht said the driver of the truck, 43-year-old Jeffrey Samuel Miller, of Montrose, was hauling about 48,000 pounds of powdered concrete when he lost control of the semi-trailer coming down Rabbit Ears Pass and rolled the truck onto its top.

Crews worked to clean the little concrete that was lost in the accident, he said.

Miller reportedly lost control of the truck because he was driving under the influence of alcohol, was speeding and had burned out his brakes.

"He literally set his brakes on fire because he was coming so fast around a curve. That's what caused the accident," Abbrecht said. "That and the alcohol."

Miller reportedly lost control of the truck as he rounded a curve, crossing the eastbound lane of traffic and coming to rest in an embankment off the left side of U.S. Highway 40.

Miller was arrested Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving with an open container.

Veterans can sign up

for VA health system

The Routt County Veterans Affairs Office is encouraging local vets to apply for the VA health system. Local veterans affairs officers Michael Condie said a community-based outpatient clinic, or CBOC, for vets could be built in Craig if sufficient use is proven. Having a CBOC in Northwest Colorado would eliminate the need for many vets to travel to the Grand Junction VA medical facility.

To sign up for the VA health system, stop by the Veterans Workforce offices in the Sundance at Fish Creek shopping center in Steamboat Springs or in Craig. Call 879-5489 or 824-3246.

Advocates seeking

volunteers to help victims

Advocates Against Battering and Abuse is seeking community volunteers interested in helping victims of domestic violence. Advocates will host a 25-hour volunteer training beginning in September. Anyone interested in the program is asked to call 879-2034.