By Shannon Lukens.
UPDATED ON FRIDAY MORNING — Sad news out of Virginia today. Jesse Hamric, from the Class of 2024 at Steamboat Springs High School, died yesterday in a lake. There was an electrical current of some kind in the lake. Two people tried to help him and they were also shocked and taken to the hospital. The school district has notified families. Mental health and crisis support professionals will be at the high school from 3-5 p.m. today. There is a prayer vigil at Holy Name Catholic Church at 6 p.m. tonight. Jesse’s father is the principal of Steamboat Springs High School and his mother is a teacher at Strawberry Park. Our condolences to the family.
A small brush fire in Craig yesterday turned into a bigger fire when a gas line was compromised. This was in shrubbery between the Subway and a liquor store. A Reverse 911 call was issued for a shelter-in-place to those in the area, while Atmos Energy crews shut the leak. No one was hurt and no structures were damaged.
Yampa Valley Electric has announced Scott Blecke as the new CEO of YVEA and Luminate Broadband. He starts August 19.
The holiday weekend continues with happy locals and visitors celebrating the 4th of July throughout Northwest Colorado.
4TH OF JULY 2024 IN NORTHWEST COLORADO
Parades were held in Steamboat Springs, Yampa, Meeker, and Craig for the 4th of July. (Pictures will eventually be on the Steamboat Radio Facebook page.)
John Shipley announced the parade with Brian Harvey, and he’s announcing the rodeo four nights in a row.
“America’s birthday. 248 years of freedom. Everybody celebrates the independence of America on the 4th of July.
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo also is Friday and Saturday night. And, there’s Ladies Ranch Bronc Riding.
In Steamboat Springs, the winner of Best Original Theme was Yampa Valley Bank.
The Best Group was Perry Mansfield.
Best Commercial Float was Wild West Balloon Adventures.
Best Parade theme went to the Veterans of Routt County.
The Veterans Center in Steamboat Springs hosted veterans and parade-goers with food and hot dogs after the parade. Then there was a groundbreaking to begin the $3M renovation of The Veterans Center at 924 Lincoln Ave. in downtown Steamboat Springs. Bruce Hannon is on the Veterans Center board and helped raise the money to get the renovation going.
“It’s a monstrous weight off our shoulders. I can’t wait to take it easy for ten months during construction.”
The building gets turned over to the company doing the work this weekend. The Veterans Center building was built back in 1898 and now it is being completely renovated.
More on the Story — VETERANS CENTER BREAKS GROUND ON RENOVATION
In the Jumpin’ and Jammin’ competition, Ella Wilson was the big winner.
The 139th Annual Range Call continues through the weekend in Meeker. There is a vendor fair in downtown Meeker today with the CPRA Rodeo tonight at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds.
The Off-Highway Vehicle Club has the OHV Poker Run Saturday in Meeker. That starts at 8 a.m. Saturday morning at Ma Famiglia on Market Street in Meeker. Then the Range Call ATV Rodeo is at noon on Sunday. Find out more at MeekerRangeCall.com
For questions, call Amy Sanger with the Wagon Wheel OHV Club at 970-366-2477.
Yampa and Craig had fireworks last night. Steamboat Resort had a drone show at the base. It was absolutely packed.
There are still fireworks Saturday night at Steamboat Lake in North Routt County. More information is at FriendsofColoradoStateParks.com
The Steamboat Springs Farmers Market is on Saturday. Stop by the Guest Experience tent on 7th Street. Answer a survey question and you’ll get a free pair of sunglasses while supplies last. It’s also Market Bag Week where you can get a free Farmers Market reusable grocery bag.
Also Saturday morning, the First Baptist Church invites everyone to a Pancake Breakfast at 10 a.m. That’s at 3200 Divine Way.
Then on Sunday, there’s the Oak Creek Farmers Market.
Keep heading on down 131 a bit for the annual SoRoCo Ranch Rodeo this Sunday afternoon and evening. It’s hosted by the Egeria Park Roping Club. It’s just north of Toponas, at 11370 CO Hwy 131. The rodeo starts at 4 p.m. and then the dinner is at 5:30 p.m. Questions? Email Sorocopto@gmail.com To register a team, email TiffanyGates.tg@gmail.com
And remember, personal fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Colorado. Please Respect Vets, Pets & Neighbors.
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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.