Jack Weinstein: Irish pub opens Friday

Weinstein_Jack
Steamboat Springs — Steamboat’s newest bar will open Friday. McKnights Irish Pub & Loft is scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m., co-owner Kerry Shea said.
Shea, who with partners Brent Pearson and Malcolm Scott also owns Cruisers Sub Shop and The Rusted Porch, said McKnights would serve traditional bar fare. But Shea said it’s an “authentic Irish pub,” from the stone treatment to the menu that will include shepherd’s pie and Guinness.
“We wanted to elevate it and take it and really drive home that when you come here, you feel like you’re in an Irish pub,” he said. “That goes for the decor, menu offerings and spirits.”
Shea said the loft area would include pool tables and space for live music and parties.
McKnights is located in Wildhorse Marketplace in the space formerly occupied by Kyteler’s Irish Pub, which was plagued by a variety of issues and never opened.
■ Steamboat Springs Human Resources Director John Thrasher is retiring after more than 30 years with the city. His last day is Feb. 2.
Thrasher is moving to Delta to become a fruit farmer. Thrasher said he plans to grow apples, peaches, pears, cherries and grapes, but not the type used for making wine.
“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “Whether I grow any fruit, we’ll see.”
Thrasher joined the city in 1981 as director of Parks, Open Spaces and Recreational Services Department when City Hall was located in the building that is now Cugino’s and only 65 people worked for the city. There now are more than 240 full-time employees on the city’s payroll. Thrasher became assistant city manager in 1991, took on human resources and internal services responsibilities in 1993 and even served as city clerk for a few City Council meetings. He became the full-time human resources director in 1995.
A public reception will be held for Thrasher on Jan. 19.
Wendy DuBord, the city’s director of internal services, and Police Chief J.D. Hays also are retiring. Their last day is Jan. 6.
■ Howelsen Hill Ski Area has extended hours through Thursday, with the exception of Christmas Day and Monday, when it will be closed.
The ski area will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 30.
Normal operating hours will resume Dec. 31. The deadline to buy season passes at the early season price is Dec. 31. Visit http://www.steamboatsprings.net/rec or call 970-879-4300 for more information.
■ The city is accepting Christmas trees to recycle through the end of January. They can be dropped off at the northeast corner of the parking lot at Howelsen Ice Arena.
Because the trees will be used for mulch given to residents and in city parks, all tinsel, lights, nails, ribbons and other decorations must be removed. The city asks that residents not recycle their wreaths at the tree drop-off location.

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