By Shannon Lukens.
Students are back in school today in Hayden, SoRoCo, and Moffat County. School starts tomorrow for the kids in Steamboat Springs.
No cell phones in the classroom starting Monday, Jan. 6, in the Hayden School District. This is for kids in grades six through 12. Superintendent Eric Owen says the Board of Education has taken active steps to intentionally prioritize student learning during class time and “it was identified that eliminating the distraction to students of use of their personal electronic devices was an important step toward that goal.” Hayden students will turn in their personal electronic devices when they enter a classroom, with notifications off, and they can pick up their phones when they leave class. They are allowed to use phones in between periods and at lunch.
If there is an emergency, the teacher will allow the kids to communicate with their family. If a parent or guardian needs to reach the student, parents can contact the school and the student will be notified and can leave class to take the call.
Cell phones aren’t allowed in class in Steamboat Springs unless approved by the teacher. Moffat County students have to have their electronic devices off and out of sight when in the classroom. Cell phones at SoRoCo High School can be used during class at the discretion of the teacher.
More on the Story — New Cell Phone Policy goes into effect Jan. 6 at Hayden schools
Governor Polis has announced new appointments to statewide boards and commissions. Two people from Northwest Colorado have been recognized. Steamboat Springs Police Chief Mark Beckett will serve on the Peace Officers Standards and Training Board through June of 2027.
Staci Nichols of Craig will serve as a member on the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. Her term expires in August. Staci is with the Northwest Colorado Center for Independence.
U-Haul has released statistics for 2024. Steamboat Springs is listed as one of the leading growth cities in the state. And of the top 17 Colorado communities listed, Steamboat Springs is one of the smallest in population. However, on the national list, Colorado dropped down to the 40th growth state in 2024, according to U-Haul. The Centennial State went down 31 spots from 2023, as far as more U-Haul arrivals than departures.
More on the Story — Steamboat Springs is listed as a top U-Haul destination in Colorado
Christmas tree recycling continues this week in Craig. Drop off your trees at the City Road & Bridge Shop at 1710 Yampa Ave. in Craig between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. For questions, call 970-824-4463.
In Steamboat Springs, Christmas trees can be dropped off to be mulched up and recycled in the Emerald Park parking lot.
More on the Story — Emerald Park has free Christmas Tree Recycling
The Routt County Board of County Commissioners are meeting at 9:30 a.m. this morning with the County Manager and County Attorney for a work session. They’ll meet for a committees update. Agenda
Steamboat Springs High School Volleyball Coach Wendy Hall will be inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame in the Colorado High School Coaches Association.
Hall has been the head coach of the volleyball team at SSHS since 1989. She says it is a huge honor for her, especially that a coach on the Western Slope is recognized.
“But it’s not just about me. It’s about so many athletes over the years, and so many parents of athletes, and so many assistant coaches that have built this program to what it is today, and I think it’s an honor for anybody who has ever been a part of the program, for sure.”
Not only has Wendy Hall coached the team for 36 years, she is also a Steamboat Sailor, having graduated from SSHS in 1982. The Hall of Fame Banquet is in April, in Parker, Colo.
More on the Story — Colorado High School Coaches Association to honor SSHS Volleyball Coach Wendy Hall
Registration is open for the ESports Spring Season at Steamboat Springs High School. Scholarships are available. The first practice is Tuesday, Jan. 7. Pre-season games start Jan. 29. The team typically meets from 3:40-5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the SSHS Library. Student athletes interested in Super Smash Bros competitions will meet Mondays and Wednesdays. Those interested in competitive Mario Kart 8 will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays. Athletes are welcome to join both teams. The ESports team is also looking for students interested in streaming and/or announcing.
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.