Steamboat Today: Photos for December 2006

This 45-pound boa constrictor is just one of many exotic fish and reptiles Gavin Graham houses at his Tropical Rockies store in Steamboat.

Published on December 31, 2006

This 45-pound boa constrictor is just one of many exotic fish and reptiles Gavin Graham houses at his Tropical Rockies store in Steamboat.

Published on December 31, 2006

Gavin Graham stands in front of his 210-gallon fish tank in the relaxation reef room at Tropical Rockies in Steamboat Springs. The tank is home to a self-sustaining coral reef ecosystem.

Published on December 31, 2006

Winter triathlons consist of run, bike and ski race sections with the bike race taking place on groomed Nordic trails with participants on mountain bikes, often modified with wider tires and increased fork clearance. This picture was taken at the 2006 World Winter Triathlon Championships in Sjusjoen, Norway.

Published on December 31, 2006

Competitors get a running start at the 2006 World Winter Triathlon Championships in Sjusjoen, Norway. The U.S. Winter Triathlon National Championship will be held Feb. 4 near Winter Park to determine the qualifiers for this year's worlds in Italy.

Published on December 31, 2006

Sarah MacCarthy goes for a mid-day skate-ski at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center last week. Steamboat's top multi-sport athletes agree that skate skiing provides the best winter cross-training option for their races.

Published on December 31, 2006

Steamboat Springs basketball players Michael Vandahl, seated, and Tanner Stillwell have overcome knee injuries to restore the winning chemistry the Sailors found during their summer offseason. Now at full stregth, the team is ready to get back on the court against Western Slope League opponents this week.

Published on December 31, 2006

David Manthei

Published on December 31, 2006

Canadian Alpine snowboard team rider Matt Morrison cruises to a third-place parallel slalom finish at the first Race to the Cup event Nov. 20 to 21 at Copper Mountain. Morrison will race among a competitive international field of Olympians and World Cup veterans at the second Race to the Cup event Friday and Saturday at Howelsen Hill.

Published on December 31, 2006

U.S. Snowboard Team member and Steamboat resident Erica Mueller was the top American finisher (sixth overall) at the Race to the Cup parallel slalom event Nov. 21 at Copper Mountain. The second Race to the Cup event, which is a U.S. qualifier for the World Snowboard Championships, will be held at Howelsen Hill on Friday and Saturday.

Published on December 31, 2006

Steamboat's Vic Wild races in the parallel giant slalom event at the first Race to the Cup event Nov. 20 and 21 at Copper Mountain. Wild was disqualified but went on to take ninth in the parallel slalom the next day. He will have his chance to qualify for the World Snowboarding Championships at the second Race to the Cup event Friday and Saturday at Howelsen Hill.

Published on December 31, 2006

Kris Wahlers, senior ranger at Stagecoach State Park, drags a flat rubber mat behind a snowmobile to groom the new cross-country ski trails at Stagecoach Reservoir.

Published on December 31, 2006

24-year-old Kona Ward credits Colorado Mountain College's Alpine Campus hotel and resort management program for his immediate success in the real world. CMC officials are discussing a program partnership with the University of Delaware.

Published on December 31, 2006

Outgoing Routt County Sheriff John Warner, behind desk, visits with sheriff-elect Gary Wall on Friday. Wall takes office Jan. 9 and has yet to name an undersheriff.

Published on December 31, 2006

Developer Jim Cook has a clear vision for the future of downtown Steamboat Springs. He hopes his high-end developments will spark new life in the downtown corridor without erasing the history of the community.

Published on December 31, 2006

This new home in Silver Spur Estates includes 4,500 square feet of living space and is listed for $795,000. The first lot in the subdivision sold for $65,000 in the 1990s. In 2006, a lot sold for $275,000, pushing the price of custom homes above $700,000.

Published on December 31, 2006

Mazzola's owner Rex Brice, left, and Holiday Inn owner Scott Marr partnered to open Rex's American Grill & Bar. The restaurant has already become a locals' favorite, and Marr and Brice say they have been surprised by the response since the restaurant opened Dec. 1.

Published on December 31, 2006

This 3,000-square-foot home in Silver Spur is listed for $779,000 by Joy Rasmussen of Colorado Group Realty.

Published on December 31, 2006

Developer Jim Cook sits in front of a model of Riverwalk. The downtown project is one of several that will drastically change the look of downtown Steamboat Springs.

Published on December 31, 2006

The Steamboat Ski Area will light up tonight with the traditional torchlight parade and fireworks show to celebrate the New Year.

Published on December 31, 2006

Mazzola's owner Rex Brice, left, and Holiday Inn owner Scott Marr partnered to open Rex's American Grill and Bar. The restaurant has already become a locals' favorite, and Marr and Brice say they have been surprised by the response since the restaurant opened Dec. 1.

Published on December 31, 2006

Freeskier Tony Gallina rides the rail during the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge on Headwall Friday evening. Top freeskiers and snowboarders tested their skills during the event hosted by the Steamboat Ski Area.

Published on December 30, 2006

Christmas trees sit in front of a wood chipper near Howelsen Ice Arena. The annual Christmas tree recycling program officially kicks off next week.

Published on December 30, 2006

Freeskier Glenn Little takes a nasty fall while practicing for the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge on Friday afternoon on Headwall at the Steamboat Ski Area. Little recovered from the fall to advance into the top four of the event.

Published on December 30, 2006

Sgt. Eric O'Hara (middle) is currently spending his two-week break at home in Steamboat Springs from his tour of duty in Iraq. O'Hara serves in the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Third Brigade of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne division in the city of Tikrit, about 90 miles northwest of Baghdad.

Published on December 30, 2006

Summer Laws is the executive director of Communidad Integrada.

Published on December 29, 2006

Steamboat Springs alum Joel Adams, No. 35, practices with his CU Buffaloes teammates recently. Adams is a walk-on who has garnered the acclaim of team coaches.

Published on December 29, 2006

Steamboat Powdercats photographer and videographer Dave Genchi was paralyzed Dec. 21 during a snowboarding accident on Buffalo Pass. A recovery fund has been set up at Wells Fargo in Genchi's name.

Published on December 29, 2006

Georgeanne Raftopoulos pulls her bag from the belt at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport on Thursday. Raftopoulos flew in from Missouri to visit her father in Craig.

Published on December 29, 2006

Three-year-old Charlie Greene has a hard time containing his smile as he waits for a push from buddy Lauren Graham, 7, Thursday at the Soda Creek Elementary sledding hill. The spot was a popular place for children to hang out during their holiday break.

Published on December 29, 2006

Two members of the band One Year Yesterday - Nate Lotz and Tyler Johnson - grew up in Steamboat Springs. This pop/rock band is based out of Los Angeles and will perform tonight at the Steamboat Mountain Theater after The Last Call.

Published on December 29, 2006

Daniel Ossen's tattoo

Published on December 29, 2006

Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes

Published on December 29, 2006

One Year Yesterday

Published on December 29, 2006

Did you know that the Village Inn Restaurant has 16 different types of pie, are open 'til midnight seven days a week and give a local's 10 percent discount?

Published on December 29, 2006

Eminem

Published on December 29, 2006

Emerald City Opera's New Year's Eve Gambler's Ball is Sunday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort. The best-dressed lady with elbow-length gloves and a tiara will win two tickets to the Outstanding Artists Recital Series Concert on Feb. 7.

Published on December 29, 2006

The Beatles' "Love"

Published on December 29, 2006

Susan Schiesser deals at last year's Gambler's Ball, a fundraiser for Emerald City Opera. This year's Gambler's Ball has a Monte Carlo theme, and will feature roulette, craps, blackjack and Texas hold 'em poker.

Published on December 29, 2006

"Elk River," a quilt by David Taylor, is part of the eclectic first exhibit at the Steamboat Art Museum.

Published on December 29, 2006

This painting was done by Helen Rehder, who will the building - that now houses the Steamboat Art Museum - to the city of Steamboat Springs with a stipulation that it be used as a museum.

Published on December 29, 2006

A Curtis Zabel sculpture is in the foreground of the back room of the Steamboat Art Museum. The theme of this exhibit is diversity.

Published on December 29, 2006

This painting of an elk on Hahn's Peak was done by Curtis Zabel, who is also well-known in this community for his sculptures.

Published on December 29, 2006

Yampa Valley Regional Airport Manager Dave Ruppel

Published on December 28, 2006

Willoe Maynard, left, and Olivia Wright play in the snow Wednesday afternoon. Like more than one thousand other local children, the girls are out of school for the holiday break.

Published on December 28, 2006

Steamboat Mavericks Freeride Team snowboarder Spencer Tamblyn launches out of the Mavericks Superpipe during its Friday opening. Tamblyn plans to announce while other top local freestyle skiers and riders compete in Friday's Jeep Terrain Park Challenge competition at the base of the ski area.

Published on December 28, 2006

Laurel Street's Alden Wade looked like he is ready to do his part to help build a new playground at his School. Wade will not actually be doing the work, but thanks to a grant, the students will be getting a new playground soon.

Published on December 28, 2006

The City of Steamboat Springs installed traffic signs that alert drivers to their speed as they enter the downtown corridor. A similar sign was installed at the other side of town at the edge of the West Lincoln Park. The police department hopes the signs will deter drivers from speeding through downtown.

Published on December 28, 2006

Steamboat Springs firefighters climb a ladder Tuesday night to get onto the roof of building B at The Pines Condominiums. The building caught fire, and the cause is still under investigation.

Published on December 28, 2006

Trisha Fribis and Tyler Cardona, of St. Louis, Mo., enjoy a ski lesson at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area on Wednesday. The next three days are expected to be the busiest days on the slopes this season. A pending winter storm could lay down a fresh layer of snow - and create transportation problems reminiscent of last week.

Published on December 28, 2006

Gavin Graham, of Tropical Rockies, holds a python during a demonstration for students in the city's School Days Off program.

Published on December 27, 2006

Cory McConnell takes off the 50-meter jump in the light of night at Howelsen Hill. The Hitchens Brothers Wednesday Jump Series, which will feature four events begins Jan. 3.

Published on December 27, 2006

Construction on the new North Routt Preschool continues in Clark. The preschool is scheduled to open in April, but funds still are needed to help pay for final construction costs.

Published on December 27, 2006

Steamboat Springs firefighters climb a ladder Tuesday night onto the roof of a The Pines Condominiums building at 520 Ore House Plaza off of Pine Grove Road. The 12-unit building was evacuated, and people staying in the condos had to find a different place to stay the night.

Published on December 27, 2006

A City of Steamboat Springs bus makes its way along Hilltop Parkway on Tuesday. The city recieved a grant from the Federal Transit Administration and Color-ado Department of Transpotation to establish new routes.

Published on December 27, 2006

Go-Fer Foods, a convenience store on Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue, has closed, and the property owners currently are talking with developers about the future of the site.

Published on December 27, 2006

Matthew Schmidt and Micah Merrifield enjoy the food the Board of Realtors' Community Christmas Dinner.

Published on December 26, 2006

Banks & Shane will begin playing at 8 p.m. Saturday night at the Hazie Werner Hospitality Foundation Almost New Year's Eve Party.

Published on December 26, 2006

Master puppeteer Jim Gamble will be presenting a marionette performance of "Peter and the Wolf" at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort.

Published on December 26, 2006

Hannah Barkey, 13, sews her canvas shade together for the Steamboat Sealed Air Shade she invented as part of the Bubble Wrap Competition for Young Inventors. Barkey had to use Bubble Wrap in the invention.

Published on December 26, 2006

The Steamboat Springs Figure Skating Club's annual holiday ice show is Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Howelsen Ice Arena.

Published on December 26, 2006

Tad Scott stands in front of a military Humvee in Iraq. Tad's brother, Merkin, is organizing a drive to put together care packages to be send to troops in Iraq.

Published on December 26, 2006

Enjoying their filling meal, Ray and Ruth Furbush attended their first Board of Realtors' Community Christmas Dinner yesterday

Published on December 26, 2006

One of Donna Hellyer's many activities is working part-time at the Hayden Heritage Center, where she enjoys sharing knowledge of West Routt history with visitors.

Published on December 25, 2006

The Eroica Trio will perform Strings in the Mountains' Holiday Gala Concert on Wednesday at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort.

Published on December 25, 2006

Santa Claus finds his way through the new snow at the Steamboat Ski Resort on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006.

Published on December 25, 2006

Published on December 24, 2006

Besides working the rodeo arena, Steamboat Springs sophomore Kacey Bull, left, bumps it up a notch on the volleyball court.

Published on December 24, 2006

Steamboat Springs sophomore Kacey Bull competes in the barrel racing event June 22 at the Colorado State High School Rodeo Finals.

Published on December 24, 2006

John F. Russell/Staff Margi Missling-Root didn't let the cramped quarters of the Bud Werner Library stop her from doing grant research last week.

Published on December 24, 2006

The Historical Society of Oak Creek and Phippsburg has acquired this home and will move it next to Bucket Park to be used as a visitor center.

Published on December 24, 2006

Steamboat's Houston Mader eyes a massive holiday hoagie before wrestling practice Friday. Mader is one of Steamboat's wrestlers who has developed diet plans to adjust to the two-pound weight allowance that wrestlers use to move into lighter weight classes after the winter break.

Published on December 24, 2006

Members of Steamboat Springs High School's El Pomar Youth in Community Service group are, from left, Max Pensack, Kristin Toy, Miriam Pensack, Mark Shenfield, Hannah Hoovler and Meghan Hanrahan.

Published on December 24, 2006

Walter Webber, shown here in the Santa Claus outfit, was well-known for adorning his electrical truck with Christmas trees and pine boughs. He would deliver handmade candy and popcorn balls to children in Steamboat Springs on Christmas Eve.

Published on December 24, 2006

There have been a lot of changes at Winter Park Resort since Intrawest started managing the mountain and developing the base area in 2002. Construction is occurring on phase one of the base area. The phase is expected to cost more than $100 million and includes 194 residential units, a commercial core know as the Village, a parking garage and a gondola to the parking area.

Published on December 24, 2006

Kylie Hawes, a senior at Steamboat Srings High School and a Republican, often finds herself alone on the right at school.

Published on December 24, 2006

A group of students - from left, Sierra Romick, McKenzie Worden, Bryn Stillwell, Hanna Kurowski and Jessi Eagerton - visit with one another during lunch at Steamboat Springs High School. Josie Pacana argues that the school's lack of diversity affects students' cultural and political awareness.

Published on December 24, 2006

Kaye Shattuck, who is visiting her daughter this week from Washington, enjoys the warm waters of the Old Town Hot Springs on Friday morning. The cold air and warm water mixed to make it a foggy and enjoyable experience.

Published on December 23, 2006

Sam Samlowski didn't let Friday morning's chilly weather keep him off the ice of the outdoor rink at Steamboat II. Samlowski and his friend A.J. Strickland spent the day off from school firing a few slap shots on the ice.

Published on December 23, 2006

Nearly two dozen Steamboat Springs Middle School students were recognized for their achievement on an international math test.

Published on December 23, 2006

The proposed Victoria development could soon replace Rocky Mountain Wine and Liquor on Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat.

Published on December 23, 2006

Kindergartner Cosette McLaughlin, right, plays during the Strings in Concert holiday program Friday afternoon at the Lowell Whiteman Primary School. The concert was a way for students, parents and teachers to kick off the holiday weekend on a festive note.

Published on December 23, 2006

Shirley Stocks and Rod Hanna carry a painting to be hung at the Steamboat Art Museum, 807 Lincoln Ave., on Thursday. The museum opens to the public today.

Published on December 22, 2006

Linda Taylor, left, unloads a box of donated toys with the help of Lisa Idzahl. For the 10th straight year, the Toys for Tots drive in Routt County was a resounding success.

Published on December 22, 2006

First-grader Jacob VanDerWerf concentrates on his notes during the Strings in Concert performance at the Lowell Whiteman Primary School on Friday afternoon.

Published on December 22, 2006

Nicole Zedeck warms up before the Strings in Concert holiday show.

Published on December 22, 2006

Steamboat Springs' Ryan McConnell races toward the finish of Thursday's SmartWool slalom race at Howelsen Hill. McConnell was the top Steamboat finisher in the men's event, placing second behind Riley Thompson. The Steamboat men's team had 10 racers finish in the top 15. Steamboat's Heidi Hillenbrand won the women's race. Eight of the top 10 women were from the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. SSWSC teammates Lauren Letson, Brianna Bambic and Kathleen Lyon finished second through fourth, respectively.

Published on December 22, 2006

Local skier Matt Kane plows through 14 inches of powder at the Steamboat Ski Area on Thursday. The snow was great for skiers and riders but wreaked havoc on mail service and inbound airline flights.

Published on December 22, 2006

Winter Olympian and X Games medalist Erin Simmons takes flight at the Steamboat Ski Area on Thursday.

Published on December 22, 2006

Payton ReNea Roop was born at 6:58 a.m. Wednesday on the side of U.S. Highway 40 near Hayden. Roop's mother, Sarah Fredrickson, and father, William Roop, thought they were going to make it to Steamboat for the delivery but ran out of time near Twentymile Road. West Routt Fire Protection District Chief Bryan Rickman delivered Payton Roop in the back of an ambulance.

Published on December 22, 2006

UPS driver Phil Pryke clears packing peanuts from a truck Thursday. UPS's hub in Denver was closed because of a blizzard that hit the Front Range, so Steamboat drivers were able to catch up on housekeeping items.

Published on December 22, 2006

Sam Daniels, a ticket scanner for Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp., ushers skiers into the gondola building Thursday. More than a foot of fresh snow greeted skiers and riders Thursday morning - as did the longest lift lines of the season.

Published on December 22, 2006

Steamboat Springs residents Tom Whiddon, left, and Scott Schaffer hold the Yule Log on Thursday. They were the first to find the log using clues provided by local historian Jayne Hill.

Published on December 22, 2006

A Steamboat Springs firefighter hits a hot spot in the remains of a barn just off Routt County Road 43 and 43A on Thursday afternoon. A UPS driver alerted the home's owner, Jalynn Hoffman, at about 2:30 p.m. Hoffman said she came out of the front door of her home, which is adjacent to the barn, to find the structure completed engulfed in flames. The cause of the blaze has not been determined.

Published on December 22, 2006

Jan Meckley's tattoo

Published on December 22, 2006

Michael David (Cupid), from left, Michael Brumbaugh (Donner) and Patty Zimmer (Blitzen) are part of the eight elite reindeers that drive Santa Claus's sleigh and are involved in a sexual harassment scandal.

Published on December 22, 2006

"Tha Blue Carpet Treatment" by Snoop Dogg.

Published on December 22, 2006

Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan.

Published on December 22, 2006

A Brokedown Melody Soundtrack. By various artists but produced by Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records.

Published on December 22, 2006

Malia Fraioli and Ellie Bender are Hermey and Rudolph in the production of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" holiday ice show. The show is at Howelsen Ice Arena on Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 29.

Published on December 22, 2006

Nicole Zedeck, from left, Jordan Broyhill, Alta Kaster, Keala Fraioli, Lilly Patterson, Hannah Krats and Libby Lukens will perform in the production of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" holiday ice show. The show is at Howelsen Ice Arena on Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 29.

Published on December 22, 2006

Guitar wizard Brent Rowan will be performing his first acoustic Christmas concert tonight with singer and keyboardist Regi Stone. They hope to make this an annual tradition.

Published on December 22, 2006

Djate and The Rockers will be performing tonight and Saturday at the Tugboat Grill & Pub. Djate, who is a Steamboat Springs resident, said the band will rock out and rock 'n' roll.

Published on December 22, 2006

Allison Plean

Published on December 22, 2006

"Sweet Peas," acrylic painting by Lance Whitner. Her paintings are hanging in the Comb Goddess.

Published on December 22, 2006

"Sweet Heart Rose," acrylic painting by Lance Whitner. Her paintings are hanging in the Comb Goddess.

Published on December 22, 2006

"Dad's gate," acrylic painting by Lance Whitner. Her paintings are hanging in the Comb Goddess.

Published on December 22, 2006

"Two Tomatoes," acrylic painting by Lance Whitner. Her paintings are hanging in the Comb Goddess.

Published on December 22, 2006

"Winter," acrylic painting by Lance Whitner. Her paintings are hanging in the Comb Goddess.

Published on December 22, 2006

"Horse With Fences," acrylic painting by Lance Whitner. Her paintings are hanging in the Comb Goddess.

Published on December 22, 2006

"Ice Skater," acrylic painting by Lance Whitner. Her paintings are currently hanging in the Comb Goddess.

Published on December 22, 2006

Team Rossignol skier Mark Iverson cruised to the win in the Nordic Challenge Criterium ski race at Howelsen Hill Wednesday night. Iverson is a former Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and Montana State University skier.

Published on December 21, 2006

Korie Steitz of Steamboat Springs and Montana State University was the first woman finisher in Wednesday night's Nordic Challenge Criterium ski race at Howelsen Hill. More than 30 skiers pushed through heavy snow in the demanding race.

Published on December 21, 2006

Howelsen Hill Ski Area lift operator Matty Gerhart helps Winter Boese, 6, load onto the poma lift Wednesday. The city has produced renewable energy certificates equivalent to the amount of energy needed to operate the ski area.

Published on December 21, 2006

City Market produce clerk Rebecca Wattles stocks squash Wednesday. Store officials don't think the blizzard that struck the Front Range on Wednesday will affect the availability of groceries at the Steamboat Springs market.

Published on December 21, 2006

Cristina Pimenta, left, and her brother Bito catch snowflakes while shopping downtown with their parents, Bito Sr. and Melissa, on Wednesday. The afternoon snowfall was a gift for skiers but a nightmare for travelers trying to make it to the Yampa Valley from Denver.

Published on December 21, 2006

Andy Wirth is vice president of marketing for American Skiing Company's Western resorts.

Published on December 20, 2006

On Tuesday, Intrawest and ASC agreed to a sale of the Steamboat Ski Area.

Published on December 20, 2006

One of the ski area's first gondola cars

Published on December 20, 2006

Officials from American Skiing Co. and Intrawest closed Thursday on the sale of the Steamboat Ski Area for $265 million.

Published on December 20, 2006

Ski legend Buddy Werner and Storm Mountain Ski Area founder Jim Temple

Published on December 20, 2006

American Skiing Co. CEO B.J. Fair said Steamboat has done a great job of creating value for the ski area in the past five years.

Published on December 20, 2006

Ellie Zwak, 7, enjoys a book with paraprofessional Drew Finkbeiner on Tuesday at Strawberry Park Elementary School. Ellie was born with a heart problem that required extensive surgery and impacted her motor skills and vision, and she has made remarkable progress in the past year.

Published on December 20, 2006

Lynn Bier, left, serves dinner to Debbie Freseman at the annual Steamboat Board of Realtors Community Holiday Dinner last year. Bier is one of 40 Realtors and family members volunteering to help with the annual event at the Community Center.

Published on December 20, 2006

Ellie Zwak, 7, enjoys a book with paraprofessional Drew Finkbeiner on Tuesday at Strawberry Park Elementary School. Ellie was born with a heart problem that required extensive surgery and impacted her motor skills and vision, and she has made remarkable progress in the past year.

Published on December 19, 2006

Ski School instructor David Boswell, center, helps a 5-year-old beginner skier onto Southface lift Monday afternoon with the help of lift operator Ricky Comeau, right. Employees were told Tuesday morning that Intrawest ULC is acquiring the ski area for $265 million.

Published on December 19, 2006

The 66-passenger jets being flown for United Express by SkyWest airlines on the route between Denver and Yampa Valley Regional Airport offer first-class and economy-plus seating.

Published on December 19, 2006

Postal clerks Ken Grady, left, and Cathy Shryock search for packages for post office patrons Monday. The Steamboat Springs post office has little space for parcels, and officials are asking customers to retrieve them as soon as possible. Life is simpler in Bond.

Published on December 19, 2006

Brad Maxwell, owner of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in downtown Steamboat Springs, mixes white chocolate into the fudge mix Sunday morning.

Published on December 18, 2006

Brad Maxwell, owner of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in downtown Steamboat Springs, mixes white chocolate into the fudge mix Sunday morning.

Published on December 18, 2006

Aspen's Tommy Miles sneaks a goal past Steamboat goalie Jeff Dawes. The goal was the only blemish on Dawes' day, as he stopped 30 shots to help Steamboat skate to a 1-1 tie with Aspen at Howelsen Ice Arena on Saturday.

Published on December 17, 2006

Steamboat Springs goalie Jeff Dawes makes a sprawling save on Aspen's Matt Cooper. Dawes stopped 31 shots in the Sailors 1-1 tie against Aspen on Saturday.

Published on December 17, 2006

The "Taste of History" South Routt cookbook includes 280 recipes, and several pages detailing local history and historical photos. Money from cookbook sales will support the South Routt School District.

Published on December 17, 2006

University of Colorado skier Lucie Zikova finished second in the second slalom race of the Rocky Mountain Trophy Series Steamboat Holiday Classic on Saturday at Howelsen Hill.

Published on December 17, 2006

Steamboat Springs' J1 racer Jennifer Allen finished 18th in the second slalom race of the Rocky Mountain Trophy Series Steamboat Holiday Classic on Saturday.

Published on December 17, 2006

Kindergartner Paige Barnes wraps a beaded wire around her horseshoe Friday. Barnes made holiday presents during the annual Winter Gift Festival at Hayden Valley Elementary School.

Published on December 17, 2006

Kindergartner Logan Ballou and third-grader Lacey Warning work on their snowman ornaments Friday during the Winter Gift Festival at Hayden Valley Elementary School.

Published on December 17, 2006

The developers of the Red Hawk Village subdivision in Stagecoach say they can't find any buyers for the homes on which they voluntarily placed deed restrictions.

Published on December 17, 2006

Moots racer Jon Cariveau took an early lead to earn a healthy win Dec. 9 at the Colorado State Cyclocross Championships in the Masters 35+ division.

Published on December 17, 2006

Ed Veronda, a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Craig, reads to Brianna Flores on Friday. Steamboat Springs officials say the Craig organization provides an example of what can be done locally to address after-school program needs.

Published on December 17, 2006

Peter DeWolf, owner of Mona's Tasty Toffee Co., with the toffee that won a blue ribbon at the Routt County Fair this summer.

Published on December 17, 2006

The Bear Claw III development site is on the hillside between the South Face Chairlift and the Steamboat Gondola. The original Bear Claw condominium building is visible at the top of the photo.

Published on December 17, 2006

Trendwest Resorts/Wyndham Vacation Ownership has begun construction on 142 new timeshare condominiums on Pine "Grove Road. The site is the empty meadow in the middle ground. The Steamboat Ski Area Meadows Parking lot is in the foreground. The Sports Authority building at Wildhorse Marketplace is in the middle of the photo.

Published on December 17, 2006

Jon Cariveau, left, races up a slippery mud section at the Dec. 9 Colorado State Cyclocross Championships at Longmont's Xilinx campus.

Published on December 17, 2006

Growth in Stagecoach is booming, but the rapid construction of single-family homes is only complicating the community's future. While some residents talk about incorporating Stagecoach, county officials warn that such a step may be impractical.

Published on December 17, 2006

Pianist Rebecca Duryea, with daughter Kailee, performs at the Concordia Lutheran Church's Cantata Choir rehearsal.

Published on December 17, 2006

Bob Bauder, center, and other deeper voices from the male section add balance to the musical sounds of Concordia Lutheran Church's Cantanta Choir rehearsal.

Published on December 17, 2006

Jon Cariveau, far right, celebrates his third-place victory in the Masters 35+ division of the Boulder Cup on Nov. 5 with his son Ely. The race was the fourth stop on the country's premier six-race series, the Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross. Cariveau's training partner and fellow racer Glen Light noted how the Masters division is the next fastest race division to the pro/elite class, featuring experienced and retired pro racers. New Jersey's Roger Aspholm won the division, center, and Littleton's Dennis Farrell took second.

Published on December 16, 2006

Anne Hanson and Moose Barrows look through a pile of stuffed animals donated to a toy drive at the Children's Hospital in Denver.

Published on December 16, 2006

The Mountain Madrigal Holiday Sampler and champagne reception will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Depot Art Center. Pictured above are Margi Briggs-Casson, front, Chris and Otto Kucera, center, and Nancy Kramer.

Published on December 16, 2006

Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel bell captain Martin Dragnev unloads an Alpine Taxi on Friday afternoon. With winter jet service under way at Yampa Valley Regional Airport, the lodging community is gearing up for a busy couple of weeks.

Published on December 16, 2006

Hayden wrestler Zathan Bark lost his match, 4-0, to Rangely's Keane Raley in the 145-pound class at Friday night's tri-match between the two schools and Soroco. Rangely beat Hayden, 45-21, and also beat Soroco, 54-18. Hayden beat Soroco, 48-15.

Published on December 16, 2006

The stage wagon on display at the Steamboat Springs Visitors Center was used at the turn of the 20th century for daily service between Steamboat Springs and Wolcott. A one-way ticket cost about $6.50 in 1903.

Published on December 16, 2006

Colorado's newest renewable energy powered chairlift, the Sunshine Express, officially opened to the public after a short ribbon cutting ceremony by (from left to right) Janet Faller, US Forest Service; Jamie Kingsbury, US Forest Service; Doug Allen, VP-Mountain Operations-Steamboat and Chris Diamond, President-Steamboat, on Friday at the Steamboat Ski Area.

Published on December 16, 2006

Steamboat Springs musicians Lee Wren, left, and Kenyon Brenner were named to the All-State Jazz Band. Brenner is one of two alto saxophonists named to the band, and Wren is one of five trumpeters.

Published on December 16, 2006

Soroco High School senior Bryan Luark and his quarter horse, Boomer, were named champions in the 14- to 18-year-old age group at the National Reigning Horse Association North American Affiliate Championships on Dec. 1. Bryan's parents, Niki and Pat Luark are pictured at far left.

Published on December 16, 2006

Brent Rowan and Regi Stone will perform an Acoustic Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Friday at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel.

Published on December 16, 2006

Gracie Day, 3, tells Santa what she wants for Christmas during his visit to the Hayden Public Library on Thursday.

Published on December 15, 2006

Freshman Genna Bradley takes a practice dive Thursday at Moffat County High School.

Published on December 15, 2006

Yampa Valley Regional Airport employees watch the pending landing of an American Airlines winter jet service flight Thursday. Ski season flights ramp up today and kick off the beginning of the busy holiday tourism period.

Published on December 15, 2006

Election judge Joanna Stanko tells voters about the new electronic voting machines while they waited in long lines at the Steamboat Pilot & Today for the Nov. 7 election. Routt County has appointed a citizens review committee to examine what went wrong on Election Day and how to prevent those problems in future elections.

Published on December 15, 2006

David Hasselhoff and '80s hair bands were huge in Germany. And this band will be huge in Steamboat on Saturday.

Published on December 15, 2006

Susanne Holloran and Marles Humphrey with the manuscript of their book, "Lilies of Our Valley: Stories of Routt County Women." They will be doing a book signing at Off The Beaten Path Bookstore from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Published on December 15, 2006

Neil Young

Published on December 15, 2006

My Chemical Romance

Published on December 15, 2006

Buffalo bronze sculpture by Don Beeler. He has created more than 70 pieces since he began sculpting in 1995.

Published on December 15, 2006

"King of the Mountain," bronze sculpture of five elk by Don Beeler. Elk are his favorite animals to sculpture because of their large and intricate horns.

Published on December 15, 2006

Bronze sculpture by Don Beeler. He has created more than 70 pieces since he began sculpting in 1995.

Published on December 15, 2006

Bronze sculpture by Don Beeler. The cowboy is Robert Etbauer riding his horse named Bobby Joe Skoal. Etbauer is a two-time world champion saddleback rider and his horse is a three-time world champion.

Published on December 15, 2006

Leah Andres' tattoo

Published on December 15, 2006

Leah Andres

Published on December 15, 2006

Bronze sculpture by Don Beeler. The cowboy is J.C. Trujillo riding his horse named Smith Velvet. Trujillo is a world champion bareback rider and his horse is also a world champion.

Published on December 15, 2006

David Moran will be performing his Rocky Mountain Campfire show every Tuesday night this winter at the Steamboat Springs Mountain Theater.

Published on December 15, 2006

Jebus is a local band that will be performing Saturday night at the Pirate's Pub in Jade Summit Restaurant. Pictured here from left to right is Kevin Williams, Russell Funke, David Willis, Brett Johnson and Bob Gumbrecht.

Published on December 15, 2006

Michael Vandahl and his Sailors teammates hope a motivational speech from 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein will help Steamboat's performance during a Wyoming tournament that begins today.

Published on December 14, 2006

Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel bellmen Jon Sassea, left, and Andy Buchholz are gearing up for the start of the winter tourism season, which officially kicks off today with jet landings at Yampa Valley Regional Airport.

Published on December 14, 2006

Routt County planning staff maneuver through a maze of filing cabinets in their office Tuesday. Construction of the new Routt County Justice Center means that renovations at the Routt County Courthouse and Annex will provide new offices and more space for county staff.

Published on December 14, 2006

Jane Robey, right, Sam Zwak, second from right, and cast members for the Christian Heritage School production of the Christmas musical "Miracle on Main Street" meet Wednesday. The performance is at 7 p.m. today at Christian Heritage School. For more on the Christian Heritage School, see page 10.

Published on December 14, 2006

A rendering of the revised design for the proposed Steamboat Springs Community Center, which the Steamboat Springs Planning Commission will review tonight. This view is from the north, facing U.S. Highway 40. Thirty feet of landscaping and a parking access road lie between the building and the highway. The Yampa River is behind the building.

Published on December 14, 2006

Kyle Pietras clears snow off the Ice & Hoops rink in Steamboat II on Tuesday. The rink will open soon, Pietras said.

Published on December 13, 2006

UCLA Bruins senior outside hitter Katie Carter helped her team sweep the University of Hawaii in the NCAA regional finals on Saturday and will play the University of Nebraska in the national semifinals at 5 p.m. Thursday in Omaha. Carter, a 2003 Steamboat Springs High School graduate, is second on the team in kills per game and third on the team in blocking.

Published on December 13, 2006

UCLA Bruins senior outside hitter Katie Carter hits the ball in a match against Washington State earlier this season. Carter helped her team sweep the University of Hawaii in the NCAA regional inals on Saturday and will play the University of Nebraska in the national semifinals at 5 p.m. Thursday in Omaha. Carter, a 2003 Steamboat Springs High School graduate, is second on the team in kills per game and third on the team in blocking.

Published on December 13, 2006

Blaise Holden, left, goofs around during the Steamboat Springs High School forensics team's practice Tuesday. The team is hosting Performance Night for the community at 7 p.m. Friday.

Published on December 13, 2006

Hayden resident Ray Birch was sworn in Monday as the town's police chief. He replaces Jody Lenahan, who retired in October.

Published on December 13, 2006

Peter Wharton, 7, mails a few of the 110 Christmas cards his family is sending out for the holidays at the Steamboat Springs Post Office on Tuesday. This is the busiest time of the year for the post office, which will handle about 1,600 incoming parcels every day.

Published on December 13, 2006

Children from the Discovery Learning Center make mini-pizzas at the Steamboat Grand under the tutelage of Executive Chef Carl Eklund. After their work was finished, the children ate their pizzas.

Published on December 12, 2006

Ed Mumm returns a pair of his reindeer to the pasture where they roam off Routt County Road 36 on Monday. The two reindeer were taken to Ardys Brookshire's home during a visit from Soda Creek Elementary School students, who went to see the animals with Santa and his sleigh.

Published on December 12, 2006

Young Tracks Preschool & Childcare 3-year-olds, from left, Gracie Eastman, Winter Calhoon, Jack Robinson, Lance Johnson, Kylie Kuhl, teacher Lisa Klingener, Edna Ponce and Adler Souther learn the alphabets by fishing for letters to complete a worksheet after a Monday afternoon nap.

Published on December 12, 2006

American Brett Camerota climbs a hill during Sunday's Mountain Resorts World Cup B 7.5-kilometer cross-country race at Howelsen Hill. Camerota led the American team with an eighth-place finish.

Published on December 11, 2006

Tino Edelmann topped the field in Sunday's Mountain Resort's World Cup B sprint event at Howelsen Hill. The German was second after the jumping portion of the event, but took the victory in the 7.5-kilometer cross-country race.

Published on December 11, 2006

Justin Iacovetto drives a team of Belgian horses on an old-fashion sleigh ride at the Saddleback Ranch Cowboy Christmas on Sunday. The event featured activities such as tubing, visits with Santa, sleigh rides, and served hot chocolate and cookies.

Published on December 11, 2006

Finn Dresen, 4, with his dad Charlie Dresen had as much fun going up the Yee-Haw Tubing Hill as they did going down it at the annual Saddleback Ranch Cowboy Christmas on Sunday. The tubing hill and its towrope are new this year. People hiked up the hill Sunday because more snow is needed before the towrope can be used.

Published on December 11, 2006

Little Vikings Lucas David Morter (green) and Alex Blair (purple) head out on the trail during Wednesday night's Nordic session. The 5-year-olds are part of the popular Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club program.

Published on December 10, 2006

Five-year-old Sam Brown waits for coaches' instructions during the Little Vikings cross country session Wednesday night.

Published on December 10, 2006

Oak Creek Fire Protection District Chief Chuck Wisecup stands outside the new Stagecoach fire station, which he said he hopes will be operational by the end of December. Next to Wisecup is the district's new fire truck, its first new vehicle since its inception in 1978.

Published on December 10, 2006

Steamboat Springs High School hockey players Matthew Lettunich, from left, Jim Terry, Timmy Ascher and Greg Engalls head into Howelsen Ice Arena on Saturday. Because it's a Tier 2 sport, each player's family must spend about $1,000 a season for the athlete to participate.

Published on December 10, 2006

Austrian skier Lukas Klapfer leads a pack of skiers up a hill on Howelsen's 15-kilometer race-course during Saturday's Mountain Resorts World Cup B event. Klapker came from 17th after the jumping to win the first World Cup B of the season.

Published on December 10, 2006

Vail Christian's Hannah Morris puts the pressure on a Soroco player Saturday during their first home game.

Published on December 10, 2006

U.S. Ski team member Brett Camerota rounds a corner during Saturday's 15-kilometer cross-country race at Howelsen Hill. Cameroata was the top American finisher in the opening World Cup B, placing second behind Austria's Lukas Klapfer.

Published on December 10, 2006

Steamboat Springs native Bryan Fletcher launches off Howelsen Hill's big jump during Saturday's Mountain Resorts World Cup B competition.

Published on December 10, 2006

Sailor Lizzie Stoll draws a foul during Saturday morning's finale game for the Sailors in the Steamboat Springs Shoot-Out. Steamboat lost, 82-24, to Falcon.

Published on December 10, 2006

Sailors Cameron Petet draws a foul as he goes up against D'Evelyn's Andrew Hooper. The Sailors were defeated, 62-41, Saturday at the 8th annual Steamboat Springs Shoot-Out.

Published on December 10, 2006

Steamboat Sailor goalie Jeff Dawes guards the net as teammate Bjorn Lickteig offers protection during the second period of the Sailors' game against the Summit Tigers at Howelsen Ice Arena on Saturday. The Sailors won, 3-1.

Published on December 10, 2006

Regis University offered a two-year outreach program in Steamboat Springs for students interested in earning a bachelor's degree in nursing. On Dec. 2, 11 local women who took advantage of the opportunity attended their final class and enjoyed a luncheon to celebrate.

Published on December 10, 2006

The homes in Anglers' Retreat reflect a blend of Tuscan and Arts and Craft style - call it luxury cottage style. Builder Jerry Stanford consults with Architect Leslie Weisshaar on subtle changes to each home that give them a singular look while preserving the overall theme.

Published on December 10, 2006

The interior finishes at Anglers' Retreat are of the highest quality. Two of the planned 18 homes are under construction with work on the final two homes in the project scheduled to begin in the spring.

Published on December 10, 2006

Blue Mountain Cabinet Co. co-owner Tony Borean examines the cutting tools on the company's automated cutting machine on Thursday at the shop in Copper Ridge Business Park.

Published on December 10, 2006

Tony Borean starts Blue Mountain Cabinet Co.'s Italian-made cutting machine. Blue Mountain Cabinet Co. owners Mike Scott and Borean refer to the machine as the first employee at their new custom cabinet shop. It's a time- and cost-saving machine that precisely cuts the boards they use for their cabinet applications.

Published on December 10, 2006