KRAI & 55 Country

07/08/2024

The Memorial Service for Moose Barrows is this Wednesday. His family has asked that we share his obituary and details for the service. Here is more on this longtime legend and Olympian from Steamboat Springs.

A memorial service for Steamboat Springs Olympian Jim “Moose” Barrows is at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at the JASDIP Ranch on Routt County Road 14. Moose’s sister, Nancy Gray, says her family has received hundreds of

07/08/2024

Monday's news has details on the memorial service for Jesse Hamric from SSHS, the fireworks that went wrong at Steamboat Lake, and a bunch of things happening Monday and this week in the Yampa Valley,

By Shannon Lukens. Photos from a prayer vigil at Holy Name Catholic Church Friday are courtesy Alie Alexander. A memorial service has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m. this coming Saturday afternoon for Jesse Hamric. It’s at the

07/07/2024

A couple of fireworks went off up at Steamboat Lake Saturday night, and then things didn't go as planned. There was an explosion. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. Here's more on what happened to this longtime fireworks tradition in North Routt County.

By Shannon Lukens. (Cover photo courtesy Anette Kahn.)   The fireworks up at Steamboat Lake Saturday night didn’t go as planned. “It was an explosion,” according to Karl Bunker who owns the Steamboat Lake Marina. “We had

07/05/2024

A small brush fire in Craig yesterday turned into a bigger fire when a gas line was compromised. This was in shrubbery between the Subway and a liquor store. Eventually, a Reverse 911 call was issued for a shelter-in-place to those in the area, while Atmos Energy crews shut the leak. No one was hurt and no structures were damaged.

Thank you to Ally Rose for sharing photos with us from a safe distance. Her son Malikai loves seeing fire trucks. Craig Fire/Rescue had a crew on scene right away, while other members of the fire department were helping with the fireworks.

07/05/2024

Our condolences to the Hamric family of Steamboat Springs.

UPDATE Sunday afternoon -- Memorial Service Announcement from the Hamric Family:

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Jesse Cyrus Hamric, which occurred on July 4th, 2024. Jesse was the beloved son of Jay and Heidi Hamric and brother to Jake and Izzy.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, July 13 at 12:30 p.m. at Steamboat Christian Center, 821 Dougherty Rd, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. Hoodies, beanies, scheisties, football/baseball jerseys, mismatched outfits, dress up clothing, or whatever.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for the family and the future “Jesse Cyrus Hamric Foundation for Courage and Love.”

ORIGINAL POST --
We are very sad to report the death of Jesse Hamric, SSHS Class of 2024, and the son of Jay and Heidi Hamric. A letter has been sent to families at the high school and it is below. Our condolences to the family and friends of the Hamrics. Jay Hamric is the principal at Steamboat Springs High School and Heidi Hamric teaches at Strawberry Park Elementary.

There is a prayer vigil tonight at 6 o’clock at Holy Name Catholic Church.

Jesse Hamric was 18 years old. He also played football and baseball for SSHS.

Dear Steamboat Springs High School Students and families-

We wish we could reach out to each of you personally, as we have extremely painful news to share with all of you. It is with a heavy heart that we share that Jesse Hamric, a recent high school graduate and the son of Jay and Heidi Hamric, has passed away in a tragic accident while on a family vacation in Virginia. We are aware that the news of this loss has reached many of you but wanted to ensure that all of the members of our school community were notified.

A significant loss of this nature can be hard to understand and can be especially challenging when we cannot all be together to navigate the array of emotions that follow this type of news. If you find that you and or your family members are in need of support, or just need a place to be with others, Steamboat Springs High School (SSHS) will be opening its doors between 3-5 p.m. today, Friday, July 5, for staff and students. There will be mental health and crisis response professionals available to support as we process this difficult information and begin to grieve this incredible loss. We will have a message box available that we will get to the family if you would like to drop off a card, convey your condolences to the family or share a special memory of Jesse.

In this difficult time, it can be hard to know when to reach out to the Hamric family to share your love and support. It can be challenging to find a balance between allowing the family space, time and the privacy to grieve and wanting them to know that there is immense love and support around them. In the immediate, please keep the Hamric’s in your thoughts and prayers. We will communicate any information we receive regarding a gathering to honor Jesse and show our love and support to the family.

If you find you or someone you know need(s) immediate crisis support, please contact:

Colorado Crisis Support: 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255

Safe2Tell: 1.877.542.7233 https://safe2tell.org/

Please take a moment to care for yourself, lean into those around you for support, and take care of each other. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Sincerely,

Celine Wicks, Superintendent
cwicks@ssk12

Here is a press release from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia.

In the early morning of July 4th, 2024, Bedford County Dispatch received a call for a possible drowning at Smith Mountain Lake.

Fire, Rescue and Law Enforcement units arrived on scene and were advised by friends and family that when they realized the victim was in distress, two of them jumped into the water to assist, and immediately felt shocked. They were able to remove the victim and begin CPR before rescue units arrived on scene.

The victim was transported to the hospital and passed away. The two witnesses who attempted to assist the victim were treated on scene and released.

The victim was an adult male from out of state, who was visiting friends with his family.

Sheriff’s Office personnel are conducting an investigation at this time and are waiting for the medical examiner to determine an exact cause of death. Currently, no foul play is suspected.

There will be no further media releases at this time.

Sheriff Mike Miller

UPDATED at noon Friday with a statement from Steamboat Springs School District.

Steamboat Springs High School Opens Doors for Grief Support Following the Passing of a Recent Graduate

July 5 2024
We are deeply saddened by the passing of a recent Steamboat Springs High School graduate. If you find that you and or your family members are in need of support, or just need a place to be with others, Steamboat Springs High School (SSHS) will be opening its doors between 3-5 p.m. today, Friday, July 5, 2024, for staff and students. There will be mental health and crisis response professionals available to support as we process this difficult information and begin to grieve this incredible loss. Please take a moment to care for yourself, lean into those around you for support, and care for each other. Our thoughts are with all of you.

If you find you or someone you know need(s) immediate crisis support, please contact:

Colorado Crisis Support: 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255

Safe2Tell: 1.877.542.7233 https://safe2tell.org/

https://www.steamboatschools.net/news-and-annoucements/details/~board/news-and-announcements/post/steamboat-springs-high-school-opens-doors-for-grief-support-following-the-passing-of-a-recent-graduate

07/05/2024

Here's the news for Friday.

By Shannon Lukens. Yampa Valley Electric has announced Scott Blecke as the new CEO of YVEA and Luminate Broadband. He starts August 19. Press Release from YVEA The holiday weekend continues with happy locals and

07/04/2024

Here's the news for the 4th of July.

By Shannon Lukens. It’s tubing time on the Yampa River. Flows on the Yampa River have dropped below 700 cubic feet per second (cfs) this week which traditionally signals the start of tubing season for commercial and

07/03/2024

Here are a few river rules for the 4th of July, and beyond.

07/03/2024

Welcome to Dr. Neal.

New superintendent Dr. Mathew Neal has moved in and is getting right to work. Exciting times at Moffat County School District! Wishing our community a safe and Happy Independence Day!

07/03/2024

These are both important meetings. Please save the date and attend if you can.

07/03/2024

Wednesday's news has big updates on Craig Dispatch, Casey's Pond, and trash service in Routt County. Plus, we have some fun events on Wednesday night in Meeker and Yampa.

By Shannon Lukens.   Craig Emergency Dispatch services for Colorado State Patrol aren’t being done in Craig at night right now. Dispatch for northwest Colorado is being rerouted to the Alamosa and Montrose Regional Centers at 6:30

07/02/2024

A waste company out of Parker, Colo., has purchased the routes for Waste Management in Steamboat Springs and Routt County, along with Twin Enviro for waste and recycling. The sale went into effect Monday. Apex says there will be no disruption to service.

By Shannon Lukens. Waste Management and Twin Enviro Services have both been purchased by Apex Waste Solutions out of Parker, Colo. The sale went into effect on July 1. A person at Apex says they will

07/02/2024

Emergency calls to the regional Craig Dispatch center are being re-routed through Alamosa and Montrose at night right now. Colorado State Patrol says it's a staffing issue, but the re-routing is not uncommon. Here are the details.

Colorado State Patrol
Moffat County Sheriff's Office
Craig Police Department

By Shannon Lukens.   Craig Emergency Dispatch services for Colorado State Patrol aren’t being done in Craig at night right now. Dispatch for northwest Colorado is being rerouted to the Alamosa and Montrose Regional Centers at 6:30

07/02/2024

Fourth of July will be busy busy busy in Northwest Colorado. We've been working on a big list of everything happening from Yampa to Craig, to Steamboat Springs to Meeker, and up to Steamboat Lake. Here's the list, with pictures!

By Shannon Lukens.   Here is a list of what is happening during the 4th of July in communities across Northwest Colorado. Email any other 4th of July activities to [email protected] and they can be added to

07/02/2024

Tuesday's news has balloons, Hayden Police is hiring and they'd like your help, and a digging reminder from Atmos Energy.

By Shannon Lukens.   The Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo is back, July 26-28. Balloons will take off from various locations throughout the Yampa Valley, with a few around Bald Eagle Lake as in the past. Karen Beauvais

07/01/2024

The Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo is July 26-28 in Steamboat Springs. The Moffat County Balloon Festival is Aug. 2-4 in Craig. Lots of balloons this summer! Here are the details.

By Shannon Lukens.   Balloon festivals are scheduled again this summer in both Steamboat Springs and Craig.   The Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo returns to Steamboat Springs this summer with the event scheduled for July 26-28. Balloons

07/01/2024

Monday's News has more on the life of Moose Barrows, a post office update, Moffat County mosquitos, and a Steamboat Springs athlete in the Olympic Trial Finals. That and more.

By Shannon Lukens.   Steamboat Springs Olympian Jim “Moose” Barrows has died. He was 80 years old. Barrows grew up ski racing for Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. He was passionate about the community, as he

06/30/2024

Aerial spraying for mosquitos in and around Craig and Maybell is July 1-3. Here's when they'll do it and what to do if you see them spraying in your area.

By Shannon Lukens.   Moffat County will be spraying for mosquitos Monday through Wednesday, July 1-3. This is in Craig and Maybell, and adjacent areas, and spraying depends on the weather. It will be done either in

06/29/2024

UPDATE Saturday afternoon: Moffat County Coroner Jesse Arthurs writes, “His name: Michael Harp, 54, of Sandy, Utah. An autopsy is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, in Grand Junction.”

A 50-year-old man from Sandy, Utah, died in a rafting accident on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument Thursday. His boat was pinned on a rock in the rapid named Hells Half Mile in the Canyon of Lodore, and the man was pinned under the raft. The group managed to dislodge the man, who had lost his lifejacket and he drifted downriver. A commercial rafting group found the victim’s body about 10 river miles downstream from the accident.

The body was transported to the Moffat County Coroner, who has not yet been able to notify the family, therefore the name has not been released.

Dinosaur National Monument expresses appreciation for Classic, Adrift, River Runners Transport, Moffat County ACTSS (Advocates, Crisis, Trauma, and Survivor Services) and monument staff who assisted in search and recovery efforts, and offers condolences to the family and river community impacted by this incident.

https://www.nps.gov/dino/learn/news/6-27-24-fatality.htm

Dinosaur National Monument
Moffat County Sheriff's Office
Photo courtesy NPS Photo/Dan Johnson

06/28/2024

Olympic skier and lifelong Steamboat Springs resident Moose Barrows died this morning. Here's more on this legend of the Steamboat Springs community.

By Shannon Lukens. (Picture from the Cowboy Downhill in 2022.)   Jim “Moose” Barrows of Steamboat Springs passed away this morning, June 28, 2024. Barrows was 80 years old.   Barrows’ sister, Nancy Gray, says he grew

06/28/2024

U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has received another harsh letter from U.S. Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, and 17 other U.S. Senators. The concern this time is about ballots being delivered on time.

By Shannon Lukens. U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet of Colorado have sent another letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. They want to know what the U.S. Postal Service plans to do to get mail-in

06/28/2024

Friday's news has a big Tri-State update, CSP is on extra patrol Friday night, and there's a lot happening this weekend, of course!

By Shannon Lukens.   A Settlement Agreement has been reached for a long-time partnership between Tri-State Generation and Transmission, with Moffat County and the City of Craig. One part of the settlement is that the communities will receive

06/28/2024

Local Colorado State Patrol officers have asked us to pass along that they are doing some extra focus on finding impaired drivers Friday night until early Saturday morning, especially in Routt County. They’ll have extra patrols out, so find a sober, designated driver.

If you think you see an impaired driver, call CSP at *277, or dial 911. Be prepared to provide the following information: vehicle description, license plate number, location and direction of travel, driver description, and the driving behavior being demonstrated. All emergency calls can be made to 9-1-1.
Colorado State Patrol

06/27/2024

Tri-State has reached a settlement agreement with Moffat County and the City of Craig. It's worth millions in annual payments. Here are the details.

By Shannon Lukens. A Settlement Agreement has been reached for a long-time partnership between Tri-State Generation and Transmission, with Moffat County and the City of Craig. One part of the settlement is that the communities will receive

06/27/2024

A press release from the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Parks and Wildlife today says, "Polis Administration Provides Additional Funding for Non-lethal Wolf Deterrents. This is for the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association in Grand County. Here are the details.

By Shannon Lukens.   Another $28,000 is being sent to the Middle Park Stockgrowers (MPSG) Association in Grand County to help with non-lethal wolf deterrents, such as range riders. The announcement came today in a press release

06/27/2024

Here's the news for Thursday. It includes the gas leak downtown, median work on Hwy 40, the Union Pacific building is finally getting torn down, and a trio has been teaching fitness for a long time in the Yampa Valley. That and more.

By Shannon Lukens. Part of downtown Steamboat Springs was evacuated and power was out for several hours Wednesday morning into early afternoon. “The gas leak was caused by a construction accident that hit a gas line.”

06/26/2024

Here's the news for Wednesday. It has an update from the officer-involved shooting last Friday in Craig, a new principal at Sandrock Elementary, links to primary results. and a survey on smartphones. We've got the link, and more.

By Shannon Lukens. Those involved in the shooting last Friday at Cedar Mountain Trailer Park have been identified. The name of the man who died is 27-year-old Jesus Fuentes Vega of Craig. Moffat County Coroner Jesse Arthurs

06/25/2024

Travel and Leisure has done a feature on Moffat County called, “This Colorado County Is Home to Wild Horses and Canyons With Dinosaur Tracks — Here’s How to Explore It.”

The author is Elaine Glusac, who is a freelance writer and travel columnist for The New York Times. She has reported on travel for nearly three decades and has previously been honored as "Travel Writer of the Year" by the Society of American Travel Writers.
Travel + Leisure Co.
Craig Chamber of Commerce & Moffat County Visitor Center

The past is within easy reach in Colorado’s Moffat County, where wild horses roam and canyons conceal dinosaur tracks. But all eyes are looking toward the future, too.

06/25/2024

A new principal for Sandrock Elementary has been announced as has a new Exec. Director of HR for the Moffat County School District. Here's more on who is headed to Moffat County to work with the school district.

By Shannon Lukens. The new principal for Sandrock Elementary in Craig will be Julie Spencer. She has most recently been on the administration staff in Littleton in the Jeffco School District. She starts July 22. Christie Haas

06/25/2024

The law enforcement officers involved in the shooting of a man at the Cedar Mountain Trailer Park in Craig have been identified, as has the man who died. Here are the details.

Craig Police Department
Moffat County Sheriff's Office

By Shannon Lukens. (Photo courtesy Olivia Cordova.)   Those involved in the shooting last Friday at Cedar Mountain Trailer Park have been identified. The name of the man who died is 27-year-old Jesus Fuentes Vega of Craig.