Some 1,200 signified the definite desire on the part of these residents of a five-county area for the establishment of a junior college in this area.

Only 500 names of property owners were needed on the petition to the Colorado State Department for the college. The petition was brought to the Saturday meeting of the junior college planning committee in Hayden.

It was learned at the Hayden meeting that Eugene Vorhis’ recommendations for the site or sites of the college would be withheld until two federal education consultants from Washington arrive to survey the area in early February. The wind-up meeting of the junior college committee will be held in March.

The Rangely school board has proposed a bond issue be held in May to support a technical school site there. Plans and estimated costs have been made, with Rangely making the amazing offer to support the entire cost.

The five-county area seeking a junior college for this area includes Routt, Moffat, Grand, Jackson and Rio Blanco counties. If approved by the state department, a general election will be held to decide the location of the college.

Ski conditions are excellent as season starts

Hundreds of skiers were out to test the Steamboat powder snow during the weekend, and conditions on the hill were reported “excellent” as the season moved into full swing this week.

Manager Crosby Perry-Smith said night skiing would start Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. The tow lift is now running daily starting at noon, and special parties often can arrange for the lift at other times with permission of the hill manager.

There has been much improvement on the ski hill this year. The T-bars have been lowered, making a safer ride and less wear and tear on the equipment. The hill itself has been expertly refaced where needed, under the direction of Perry-Smith. Bud’s Sporting Goods will keep an ample supply of ski rentals and other ski equipment on hand at the lodge for slat-minded visitors.

For those who like to soar high in the sky, the jumps – ranging from beginner to expert – have been properly graded and the landings painted. Completion of the major jump has been one of the big accomplishments this year, and it is ready for the many events coming up this winter season.

Ski brochures destroyed on Olympic order

The Chamber of Commerce has had to destroy 3,000 brochures advertising the winter season here because a picture of amateur skiing great Buddy Werner, a hometown youth, appeared on the cover.

Chamber Manager Ralph Vessey labeled the ruling of the Olympic officials “utterly ridiculous,” but since no one here wants to endanger Werner’s standing, the brochures were destroyed. Buddy is the outstanding skier in the United States and one of the top skiers in the world and our top hope in the 1960 Olympics.

Vessey said Werner was not paid for the picture. Werner, who soon will be leaving for training in France, said he did not even know the picture was used.