Steamboat Today: Stories for August 2, 2009

Water sports options limited in Routt County

Steamboat stores cater to dedicated enthusiasts

Why aren't water sports - water skiing, wakeboarding and the variations that have flared up in the past five years - more popular in Routt County?

Joel Reichenberger: Living with MS

Lane Malone is the prototypical Steamboater. She explained that in her free time, she likes "mountain biking, telemark skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and trail running."

Rugby captures league title

Steamboat squad leads early, hangs on to seize championship

Three shrill blasts from the official's whistle signaled the end of the game, but plenty of mystery remained as Steamboat and Breckenridge players filed off the rugby field Saturday afternoon at Whistler Park in Steamboat Springs.

Running Series event offers steep challenges

Mount Werner Classic draws 94 competitors

Some of the challenges in Saturday's Steamboat Springs Running Series event, the Mount Werner Classic, were obvious.

John F. Russell: Dreams heat up on local ice

Ten-year-old Val Katsman is living proof that Olympic dreams can be found in small packages. It's true that, at first glance, he looks like any other child. But this pre-teen can explain the difference between an axel and a Lutz with the same enthusiasm most children his age describe the latest video game released for the Xbox.

Real estate transactions for July 24 to 30, 2009

Missed the Boat gets 1st-round Grammy nomination

Local band Missed the Boat recently added "Grammy-nominated" to its name. The idea of being nominated for the music industry's most prestigious awards is new to the band, which formed in late 2007 and has been playing a danceable blend of bluegrass, folk and rock for audiences in Steamboat Springs ever since.

Beth Bagley: Bear shooting

I am married to the "bear killer," and I know the whole story of the incidents before and after the accidental shooting July 20. Kent tried to do the right thing by calling 911 to report the bear in the trash behind our house, but neither the police nor DOW responded. It was 10 p.m., and he was trying to load the car in order to leave the next day for his business trip, so (after getting no help from the officials) he decided to scare the bear off by shooting his rifle into the gravel behind the bear. It was eating from the trash container and was partially hidden from view. After the warning shot, and the bear didn't run away, Kent gave up and came inside. He left the next day for his trip as planned and learned later that the bear was shot and killed. While in Montana, he called Jim Haskins at the Division of Wildlife and voluntarily came forward with what he had done. My husband is not a contemplative murderer! He admitted his mistake and now is trying to put things right. I've read all the negative comments from readers and pray that you'll open your hearts to forgive my husband of his wrongdoing. I can assure you, it won't happen again.

Aigner accuses developers, officials of malfeasance

In e-mails obtained by the Steamboat Pilot & Today, exchanged in May between Community Alliance organizer Steve Aigner and local developer Tony Connell, Aigner levels about a dozen accusations against developers, public officials and the Yampa Valley Housing Authority.

New tenants sign on at Howelsen Place

Art gallery opened in June; Quiksilver, gelato shop on the way

Howelsen Place is steadily stocking commercial tenants, and among them are new art, clothing and food vendors. Linda Cullen plans to move her Quiksilver shop to the development at the southwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Seventh Street.

Some Steamboat parents find child care alternatives in down economy

On most days, Ty Norcross stays at home with his 3-year-old son and 6-month-old daughter. Those are the days he can't find work. Norcross is one of many Steamboat Springs parents who have found alternatives to costly child care services for infants to 5-year-olds in Routt County amid tough economic times.

Demolition derby drivers needed

Routt County Fair starts Friday with Open Horse Show

Demolition derby drivers are in short supply for this year's Routt County Fair, but organizers hope the numbers pick up. No one had signed up as of Thursday, though Don Hayes said he'd received oral commitments from people interested in mashing metal.

Routt County Spotlight: Jessica Lynn Raiford

Occupation: Caterer, Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co.

On the Market: Rollingstone golf club broadens membership eligibility

Sheraton Steamboat Resort's Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club has expanded the geographic boundaries for membership eligibility at the club.

Fairfield Inn seeks to add 23 suites

The owners of the Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Steamboat Springs are seeking city approval to add 23 suites to the 65-room hotel, but a decision to build the addition likely won't come until the economic recovery is further along.

The Jail Report for July 25 to 31

The following is a list of people booked into the Routt County Jail on suspicion of the listed charges. The arresting agency is listed in parentheses.

Best of the Web: Good luck, Doug Diamond

This Massachusetts old man will be very sad to see Doug leave (Black Mountain Tavern in Oak Creek). He and his staff and his customers' outgoing friendliness were singular to me. They each made the place unique. So long and best wishes for the future. I really mean it!

John Whittum: Smart growth

The controversy about the Community Alliance recently ignited by the July 24 Steamboat Today article and its selectively chosen comments made in Iowa by Steve Aigner prompt me to respond. Neither the image of the Alliance as presented by the reporter nor Aigner's statements quoted truly represent our organization.

SmartWool president moves up to Timberland position

SmartWool President Mark Bryden is leaving for pastures that are, if not greener, a little different.

Jason Sear never gave up during 18-month fight with cancer

Throughout his 18-month fight with a rare kind of cancer, Jason Sear would look at his family members like they were crazy if they acted sad, said his wife, Stacey Sear. He kept a strong face for his three children, falling asleep each night during his rigorous treatment schedule to the sound of them playing in the hallway and the comfort of their school pictures on his nightstand, she said.

The Record for July 31

12:18 a.m. Vandalism was reported at Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue. A man was arrested for third-degree assault, criminal mischief, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joe Cosby: Ease leash laws

Several weeks ago, I started to get signatures on a petition to appear before the City Council to ask them to find an alternative to the current leash law enforcement, one that would make Steamboat friendlier to dog owners.

Christine Hands: 700 annexation

Has anyone ever taken the time to read the West Steamboat Springs Area Plan? The plan originated in 1999 and later was updated in 2006. That was before the days when a development team actually worked arduous hours with the city's planning staff to fulfill the guidelines of the WSSAP.

Patricia Muhme: Think of Lorna

I am saddened by the recent, senseless death of Lorna Farrow. My heartfelt thoughts go out to her family and friends.

Our View: Wanted: A slew of good candidates

Residents always are better served by contested elections, which offer not only choice, but also specific attention to issues important in our community. As this year's local election cycle begins, we hope there are residents who answer the call to public service and step forward with bids for elected office.

Hayden Reader of the Week: Andrew Kleckler

The seventh Hayden Public Library Reader of the Week is 6-year-old Andrew Kleckler.

DeVincentis will not seek re-election, Connelly will

2 Steamboat Springs School Board seats up for grabs in November

Steamboat Springs School Board member John DeVincentis, who has represented District 1 since 2005, won't seek re-election, he said this week. However, board member Denise Connelly, also elected that year, said she plans to run again for her District 3 seat.