Stories for February 18, 2007

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Routt County Spotlight: Melanie Guerra

Melanie Guerra

Heading south of the border

Steamboat's 'Blues Break' means annual pilgrimage begins

Marsha Sanford expects to see plenty of braids and tans when students return from next week's "Blues Break."

The Record for Feb. 16

The Record for Feb. 16

New agricultural markets

The sale of my lambs the past two seasons has awakened me to the changing nature of agricultural markets. It also has reminded me that the buyer has specific traits in mind that affect the desirability of the livestock offered for sale. This is, of course, reflected in the purchase price. This relationship between producer, product and purchaser is at the heart of some of the new niche marketing.

Jimmy Westlake: Saturn at opposition

On Feb. 10, the ringed planet Saturn was at its closest point to the Earth for the year, a point called opposition. At the moment of opposition, the Earth is positioned exactly between Saturn and the sun, placing the two planets as close together as they can be.

Joanne Palmer: Our lady of the Perpetual Washing Machine

There's a place I go to worship every morning. The windowless room is quiet with creamy white walls. As soon as I cross the threshold a feeling of hope comes over me. Maybe today will be the day I triumph over dirt. I stand in front of my washer and dryer to make an offering. Plink. In go the new khaki pants I bought for my son. He didn't even make it to the car before the dog jumped on him with her wet paws. Pif! Paisley boxers. Mmmmf! Thick ski socks. Thunk! Camo pants, camo jacket, camo T-shirt, the fashion of choice for fourth-grade boys. As the water rises, I add detergent and make my plea, "Oh great Tide, please do what the ads promise. Get these stains out."

Looking back: Town officers elected April 5

Hundreds of eager spectators stood in line on Lincoln Avenue Wednesday ready for the street events, which launched the 19th annual winter carnival in Steamboat Springs. The new snow that had fallen for two days previously was well packed, giving a smooth glistening surface for the street races and specialty events. Music from the Logsdon public address machine added piquancy to the brilliant scene of gala-colored sport suits worn by the contestants. Skiers from various competing clubs were easily recognized by their colors and letters - the red and white, blue and white, purple and orange, green and white, black and yellow, mingled in a kaleidoscope stream of complimentary contrasts.

Victoria honors historic materials

No fewer than five mixed commercial/residential projects are poised to go vertical in downtown Steamboat Springs this summer.

Business File for Feb. 18

John C. Noonan, president of Storm King Surveying and Mapping Inc., has become a charter member of the RTRN Chapter of the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado.

Cresting departures

January airport passenger traffic may project holiday numbers

The true story of Steamboat's holiday airline traffic probably won't be known until January figures are official.

David Moss: What a mistake

To Sheriff Wall: Congratulations on fulfilling your "wink, wink" campaign promise to minimize drug enforcement in Routt County. Your decision to not fund GRAMNET goes a long way toward that end.

Oak Creek makes transfer to balance budget

Increasing property taxes may be answer to question of town's struggling general fund

The Oak Creek Town Board agreed Saturday to transfer $304,793 from its utility funds to balance the town's depleted general fund.

Stephen Dearholt: Council hypocrisy

The ethical lapse of accepting a ski pass is minor compared to the hypocrisy shown by the entire City Council concerning the lack of parking at the newly approved library expansion. Is it ethical for the City Council to approve new construction for the library with 21 too few parking spaces?

Loretta Van Norstrand: Devious motives?

Residents should expect high ethical standards from public officials, and refusing gifts of any sort should be at the top of our expectation list. When City Council members violate the public trust, it is, at best, disappointing.

A date debate

School district takes look at making changes to calendar

Changes could be in store for the Steamboat Springs School District's school year calendar, but district officials first want to be sure parents are on the same page.

Tease photo

Dreams come true

Specialized skis allow boys to hit the slopes with their families

Horizons recently gave Kyle Taulman and Remy St. Pierre a gift many Steamboat residents might take for granted - a day of skiing with their families.

Local woman dies in accident

Weather likely contributed to Colo. 131 crash

A 37-year-old Steamboat Springs woman died Friday afternoon after the tow truck in which she was a passenger slid off Colorado Highway 131 and down a steep embankment north of Phippsburg.

A gem of a deal

Emerald Mountain exchange could close this week

A transfer of lands that is more than 13 years in the making - and will add more than 4,000 acres of public open space to the Steamboat area - could be finalized this week.

Season ends for Sailor hockey

The Sailors' season ended in a flurry of first-period penalties and Air Academy power play goals as the No. 2 seed Kadets eliminated No. 15 seed Steamboat Springs, 6-2, Saturday in Colorado Springs.

Best of the Web for Feb. 18

The following comments were made on stories posted to steamboatpilot.com. The posters' steamboatpilot.com usernames are included:

John F. Russell: Spring ahead on field

After Friday's blowing snow and icy roads, the possibility of having an early spring might seem unlikely.

Mader takes fourth in rematch

The state semifinals, a packed Pepsi Center crowd, and up against the state's No.1-ranked wrestler can be a lot to handle.

Soroco wrestlers place 3rd

Soroco wrestling coach Jay Whaley thought his wrestlers were a little humbled by their Friday night performances when Justin Iacovetto, Joel Schlegel and Dennis Morgan all dropped semifinal matches at the CHSAA 2A State Wrestling Tournament.

Setting their sights high

Sailors come together to finish conference play undefeated

They weren't a very good basketball team.

Michael Pierce: Sour grapes

It has been fascinating reading ethics questions about a City Council member by former City Council members.

Our view: Getting on the same page

It is good to see the Steamboat Springs City Council and the Yampa Valley Housing Authority start to hash out their differences.

Steamboat team skis to top finishes

Despite high winds, low temperatures and downright miserable conditions, Steamboat Springs High School Alpine ski coach Chad Bowdre left the state championship ski meet in Vail with a smile on his face.

Doolin takes sixth

Hayden 140-pound wrestler drops regional rematch

Hayden wrestler Mitch Doolin got his qualifying ticket to the state championships with a win against Dove Creek's Denny Beanland at the Feb.10 regional tournament.

New faces in South Routt real estate

Town & Country Properties' owners eager to serve community

After being compelled to move to the Stagecoach area 10 years ago, Kerry and Dave Eaton are looking forward to helping the newest South Routt residents find their slice of heaven.

County's future business leaders thrive

More than 20 students qualify for FBLA state competition

While some teenagers sing in the shower, Soroco High School senior Emily Strait practices her speech. That practice should come in handy two months from now.