By Shannon Lukens.
Keenan Hayes of Hayden is the first PRCA ROOKIE Bareback Riding World Champion in the history of the pro rodeo. It happened Sunday night in Las Vegas at the National Finals Rodeo. Here’s what Keenan had to say when he received his gold belt buckle, on the stage in Vegas, courtesy of RFD TV.
Twenty-year-old Keenan Hayes finished the season with a single-season earnings record of $434,050. He turns 21 next month.
Keenan Hayes’ last ride, from of RFD TV
Keenan Hayes on stage, from of RFD TV
ROOKIE BAREBACK RIDER KEENAN HAYES MAKES PRCA HISTORY WITH HIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
A federal judge has rejected a request by Colorado Cattlemen and Gunnison County Stockgrowers to block wolf reintroduction in Colorado. At the hearing Friday, the state said it is planning to release five wolves from Oregon as soon as today. That would be on private or state land in Eagle, Grand, or Summit counties.
From the Colorado Sun; Dec. 15, 2023 — Colorado wolf releases may happen within days after federal judge rejects ranchers’ lawsuit
A wolf update for livestock producers is being hosted by the Moffat County Extension Office from 5-7 p.m. today. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials will be there with the latest on the reintroduction of wolves. It’s at the Moffat County Extension office at 1198 W. Victory Way, Suite 106, in Craig. A link to register in advance is on our website. Light refreshments will be provided. For questions, call or email megan.stetson@colostate.edu 970-826-3402.
File photo
Brad Meeks will take over as the interim superintendent for the Moffat County School District. Meeks retired as superintendent of the Steamboat Springs School District in 2022. He is replacing Jill Hafey who is stepping down as superintendent in Moffat County on Jan. 1.
From the animal shelter in Moffat County, they have adopted a dozen cats and kittens so far in December, which is above average. They still have 16 cats and kittens left and nine dogs and puppies.
Humane Society of Moffat County
Law enforcement officers from throughout the Yampa Valley gathered at Walmart Sunday for Shop with a Cop. They were paired up with happy families to shop for Christmas presents.
Tabitha Callies organized the event for the Routt County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is one of our favorite community events to engage with the community. I think part of what makes it so special is the kids getting so excited because they’re the heart and soul of this event and their smiles and laughter reminds us of the true magic of the holiday season.”
Walmart provided gift cards to the 12 families from Hayden, Oak Creek, and Steamboat Springs, to do their holiday shopping.
Law enforcement groups in attendance were the Routt County Sheriff’s Office, Steamboat Springs Police, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Hayden Police, and Colorado State Patrol.
SHOP WITH A COP DELIGHTS 12 ROUTT COUNTY FAMILIES
SOROCO Middle School has been notified that they are a “school to watch,” according to the Colorado Association of Middle Level Education (CAMLE). Their board will visit Soroco Middle School in Jan. 28 for the next step of recognition. The School to Watch honor is a national recognition.
The Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic is this week. Giant Slalom Races are on All Out at Steamboat Ski Resort Dec. 18-19. Wednesday, Dec. 20 is the night slalom on Howelsen Hill with the final day of racing at Howelsen Hill on Dec. 21.
Those competing are the top regional and collegiate ski racers from the United States and Canada, and 15 countries, with big prize money on the line.
Highlighting the field are four U.S. Ski Team athletes from Steamboat, headlined by Cooper Puckett, fresh off his NorAm slalom victory on the World Cup course in Beaver Creek. He’s joined by local U.S. Ski Teamers Roman Elvidge, Jay Poulter and Tatum Grosdidier, and they’ll be competing for $34,000 in prize money against an international field with over fifteen nations represented.
The race is named after former SSWSC alpine racer Murphy Roberts of Steamboat Springs, who died unexpectedly in 2016 when he was 22 years old.
For the full schedule, live video links, and spectator information, go to www.sswsc.org.
Santa Claus is taking a break to spread cheer and share the holiday spirit starting tonight and every night through Christmas Eve. Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue is providing the ride to Santa, and they’ll journey through different neighborhoods starting around 5 p.m. Tonight, he’s in the Tamarack, Cherry, Hilltop area, and also Fish Creek Trailer Park and Alpen Glow, which is the Walgreens traffic circle.
SANTA CLAUS TO VISIT STEAMBOAT SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOODS ON A FIRE TRUCK
Those experiencing loss can attend a Blue Christmas Service. It is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 846 Oak Street in Steamboat Springs. The service is to support those who are grieving or feeling down this holiday season. It is hosted by the hospice program at Northwest Colorado Health, in partnership with local faith-based communities. For more information, contact Dr. Jo Anne Grace at 970-846-8319.
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.