Boaters at state parks will see heightened enforcement of boating under the influence laws as Colorado Parks and Wildlife participates in the national Operation Dry Water Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 1.

The three-day operation is designed to educate boaters and reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to alcohol and drug use on Colorado waterways.

It is timed to coincide with a busy July Fourth weekend of holiday celebrations on the water.

“Alcohol use remains the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths in the United States,” said Grant Brown, Colorado’s boating safety program manager, in a news release. “CPW encourages everyone to stay safe by staying sober while on the water. We want Colorado boaters to have a fun and enjoyable time on the water, but to do so responsibly.”

Boaters registering a blood alcohol content level exceeding the .08 state limit should expect to be arrested for BUI and face other serious penalties, including fines, having their boat impounded, potential jail time and loss of boating privileges. Operation Dry Water patrols will include increased patrols, breathalyzer tests and checkpoints as well as boater education and outreach. However, fellow boaters remain one of the most important tools CPW has on the water.

“If you see someone drinking and boating or being dangerous on their watercraft, please let us know,” Brown said. “It is no different than calling 911 to report a drunk driver on the road to keep your family and community safe. Don’t let someone else’s bad decision impact the safety of everyone else on the water.”

Sons of the American Legion meeting to be held in Hayden

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 89 will be holding a meeting at 7 p.m. July 5 at the American Legion hut, 220 South Third St. in Hayden.

The Sons is a program of the American Legion, and membership is open to males whose parents or grandparents were eligible for American Legion membership or are current Legion members. The Sons support their American Legion posts in fundraising and in other activities, such as honor guards.

“We’ve only been a paper squadron for the past few years,” said Gaylon Kent, commander of Squadron 89. “We have about 10 members, and we would like to see that grow, both with Hayden residents and others from Routt County. We’re the only Sons squadron in the county so you don’t have to live in Hayden to join.”

Kent said that American Legion members who qualify for Sons membership are also encouraged to join. Kent is a past commander of Post 44 in Steamboat Springs and is currently commander of District 14.

There are no age restrictions, and some Sons members are signed up shortly after birth. Membership dues are $15. For more information, call Kent at 970-846-9721.

Tread of Pioneers Museum kicks of summer walking series

• The Tread of Pioneers Museum and its heritage partners begin weekly summer walking tours and the Brown Bag Summer Storytelling Series this week through Aug. 31. Programs are as follows.
• Olympic Heritage Tour: 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday. Tour starts at Howelsen Hill Lodge, 845 Howelsen Parkway.
• Mineral Springs Walking Tour: Join a Yampatika Steamboat Springs naturalist from 9 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday. Tour starts at the Steamboat Springs Art Depot, 1001 13th St.
• Downtown Historical Walking Tour: Tour starts at 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Thursday. Meet at Tread of Pioneers Museum, 800 Oak St. Tour is co-sponsored by Historic Routt County.
• Brown Bag Summer Storytelling Series: Hear history with the locals who lived it from noon to 1 pm. every Friday at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, 800 Oak St. For speakers and topics, visit treadofpioneers.org.

Applications for county fair royalty now open

Applications are now available for Routt County girls age 8 to 18 who are interested in running for 2019 Routt County Fair Royalty. Applications may be downloaded from routtcountyfairroyalty.weebly.com, picked up at the Routt County Extension Office or emailed to those interested from a board member. Applications are due by 5 p.m. July 15 to the Routt County Extension Office or to a Routt County Fair royalty board member. Tryouts will be held in conjunction with 4-H Exhibit Day on July 27 at Soroco High School. For more information, call Tiffany at 970-638-1021.