
By Shannon Lukens.
Today is the Yampa Valley Gives Rally for Routt County on the courthouse lawn in Steamboat Springs.
Wednesday was the rally in Moffat County where 25 Moffat County nonprofits were recognized.
Moffat County Commissioner Don Broom had a list of why local nonprofits are so important.
“I want to say this. Everyone should be thankful for nonprofit organizations. I want to mention a few things.
- They provide support during people’s most difficult times.
- Their services often represent a turning point in people’s lives.
- Give people purpose.
- Provide people a safe place.
- Make people feel valued.
- Step in when others won’t.
- Make the impossible their mission.
- Bring solutions and awareness to their problems and issues that in many instances would otherwise go unnoticed.
- Show us that there is still hope for change driven by communities.
- Teach us the value in investing in human capital.
- And what barriers can be broken when people work together.
- And let’s not forget to give people strength today and hope for a better tomorrow.”
Marco Borja helped organize the event for United Way of the Yampa Valley.
“Yampa Valley Gives Day is really important to everybody because it really supports our communities and helps the agencies get the funding that they need.”
NONPROFITS GATHERED WEDNESDAY FOR YAMPA VALLEY GIVES DAY

Steamboat Springs School District Superintendent Dr. Celine Wicks has been appointed to the Colorado Educator Preparation Advisory Committee. Eight people are on the statewide committee which will provide input on relevant topics related to educator preparation and educator quality.
Press Release from the Steamboat Springs School District
Olivia Scheele who is the Infection Preventionist at Memorial Regional Health in Craig has received a national honor, for a $50,346 scholarship. It allows Scheele an opportunity for professional development and more education in the field of infection prevention. Scheele was one of three chosen out of 425 applicants.
Here is more from MRH:
Inaugural Recipient of APIC CAH Scholarship to Elevate Healthcare Standards at MRH Craig, Colorado – November 29, 2023
Olivia Scheele, Infection Preventionist at Memorial Regional Health, has been selected as one of the distinguished inaugural recipients of the APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) CAH (Critical Access Hospital) Scholarships, a national honor awarded to only three individuals out of 425 applicants. The $50,346 scholarship is poised to revolutionize the quality of care at Memorial Regional Health and contribute to the broader field of infection prevention.
The generous award presents Olivia Scheele with a unique opportunity for professional development and education, allowing for advanced training, conference attendance and participation in workshops dedicated to infection prevention and control. The financial support will not only bolster Olivia’s expertise but also empower Memorial Regional Health’s healthcare professionals with cutting-edge insights, enhancing their ability to implement evidence-based practices.
The impact of the APIC CAH Scholarship extends beyond education. With the scholarship, funds will be allocated towards the acquisition of state-of-the-art technology, including high-tech sterilization systems and infection surveillance tools. This strategic investment aims to fortify MRHs capabilities in identifying and managing potential outbreaks promptly, creating a safer healthcare environment for both patients and providers.
Additionally, MRH will continue to strengthen existing infection prevention programs. By developing comprehensive training programs for staff, the scholarship will foster a culture of awareness and adherence to best practices. This commitment to ongoing education ensures a well-informed and vigilant healthcare team.
Olivia Scheele said “I am excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we can collectively make on the quality of healthcare at our critical access hospital.”
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The Foundry Treatment Center in Steamboat Springs has announced it now accepts Medicaid insurance plans from Rocky Mountain Health Plans. The Foundry treats addiction and mental health disorders. https://www.forgingnewlives.com/
The Routt County Board of County Commissioners are holding a special meeting about the Hayden Skate Park, which would go in behind the fairgrounds. The meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in commissioner chambers in the historic Routt County Courthouse.
Skate Park Presentation from the Town of Hayden
Routt County Discussion Timeline for the Hayden Skate Park
Keep your sidewalks clear. The City of Steamboat Springs says business and property owners are responsible to clear the snow from their sidewalks. And don’t push it into the street or parking spaces.
Moffat County High School Theater presents James and the Giant Peach, starting tonight.
Sophomore MaryAnn Booker plays James.
“Y’all should totally stop by and watch James and the Giant Peach. It’s a fun musical with jazzy music and really funny lines.”
Sophomore Jaxom Gunderson is the narrator, in the role of Latahlord.
“It’s going to be a good one because we put a lot of work into this and there will be a lot of pretty cool music. I cannot get it out of my head.”
It’s a cast of ten main characters, with 15 ensemble members, six techs, and three stage crew. An orchestra of 21 musicians plays throughout the performance.
James and the Giant Peach is at 6 p.m. today and Friday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, with two more performances at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $8 and available at Moffat County High School and at the door.
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH STARTS THURSDAY AT MCHS
The KRAI Holiday Drive is all day tomorrow at Centennial Mall. The four nonprofits collecting food, toys and presents, and gift cards are Interfaith Food Bank, Christmas for Seniors, Christmas for Kids, and Open Heart Advocates. Cindy Jones is the president of the Interfaith Food Bank in Craig. She says they need non-perishables that haven’t expired.
“Well we are looking for non-perishable items that are in current expiration. And all canned food, soups, pasta, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, those types of items. We are also open to money donations. That way we can buy what we need throughout the year.”
Jones has more on how important the KRAI Holiday Drive is for the Interfaith Food Bank.
“It is our main fundraiser that the community supports, the food bank through this once a year through this annual fundraiser.”
The Interfaith Food Bank is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 517 Breeze Street.
This is the 25th year for the KRAI Holiday Drive, brought to you by Memorial Regional Health and Yampa Valley Bank. We are all very proud to help make a difference in the Moffat County community. Find out more at KRAIRadio.com See you Friday.
Check out what’s happening in the Yampa Valley on the Community Calendar on our website.
For the KRAI Time, Temp, and Weather Hotline, call 970-824-1918.