By Shannon Lukens.
A cash-only bond of $300 was set for Kaiden Bogda Tuesday by Routt County Judge Erin Wilson. Bogda is the man who allegedly assaulted a Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club ski coach at Steamboat Resort on Jan. 4, by punching him in the head multiple times and possibly causing serious injuries. Charges include assault in the second degree, reckless endangerment, and failure to remain on the scene of a skier vs. skier crash. Steamboat Resort has confirmed that Bogda’s ski pass has been suspended, as Judge Wilson ordered Bogda have no contact with Steamboat Resort, or the victim in the case. District Attorney Matt Karzen had asked for $5,000 bond, describing the incident as, “unhinged, unprovoked violence that placed many people including children at risk. A court date was set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
More on the Story — Judge sets bond for Kaiden Bogda
U.S. House Representatives Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Jeff Crank (CO-05), and Gabe Evans (CO-08) of Colorado have released a joint statement about wolf introductions into the state. It says Colorado farmers and ranchers being slighted and ignored during the reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado. The statement is asking the incoming Trump Administration to take immediate action by stopping further introduction of wolves into the United States.
More on the Story — Four U.S. House Representatives from Colorado issue statement on wolves
34-year-old Jessica Leier of Steamboat Springs has been sentenced to five years in the Larimer County Community Corrections for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, which was fentanyl. It caused the death of Serena Nichols in March last year. Community corrections provides a sentencing or placement alternative instead of prison, for criminals convicted of felonies.
Press Release from 14th Judicial District; Jan. 13, 2025.
“JESSICA LEIER SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FOR DELIVERING FENTANYL THAT CAUSED DEATH”
Routt County, Colorado – Jessica Leier, 34, was sentenced today to five years of community corrections after a sentencing hearing in Routt County District Court. The sentence was imposed after Ms. Leier entered a guilty plea to Distribution of a Controlled Substance-Fentanyl, a class 2 drug felony, for acts that caused the death of Serena Nichols on March 5, 2024 in Steamboat Springs, CO. During sentencing, the District Attorney’s Office recommended the Court sentence Ms. Leier to between 4.5 and 5 years of prison for her actions that caused the death of Serena Nichols. Per the Colorado Office of Community Corrections website, community corrections provides a sentencing or placement alternative, in lieu of prison incarceration, for criminal defendants convicted of felony offenses.
The investigation was led by Detective Christian Barnett of the Steamboat Springs Police Department and the prosecution of the case was handled by Chief Deputy District Attorney Joseph Bucci.
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Angelica Salinas was sworn in Tuesday to the Routt County Board of County Commissioners.
“I am super excited to get to work and to start serving the people of Routt County who elected me. It’s really an honor to serve as Routt County Commissioner and I’m looking forward to working for our great community.”
She replaces Tim Corrigan who is retiring from the job after 12 years as a Routt County Commissioner.
“You know I’m really excited to have spent the last 12 years of my life being a Routt County Commissioner. It was the honor of my life. I hope that I left Routt County in a place as good as I found it. And my charge to the incoming commissioners is to do the same.”
Commissioner Tim Redmond from Hayden was also sworn in for another term.
More on the Story — Routt County Commissioners and a new judge are sworn in today
Also, four new members were elected to the Routt County Fair Advisory Board. They are Nancy Wilson, Tess Metzker, and Courtney Anderson. Tina Decker is renewing her term.
In Moffat County, Tony Bohrer and Melody Villard were sworn in for another term as well.
“Commissioner Bohrer and myself are the first commissioners to ever be sworn in here at the new Moffat County Courthouse and I think I can speak for both of us when I say we are looking forward to tackling the challenges and taking full advantages of seeking opportunity for Moffat County in the next four years.”
They join Donald Broom on the Moffat County Board of County Commissioners, who was not up for re-election. Commissioner Villard will be the Commission Chair.
More on the Story — Moffat County Commissioners Villard and Bohrer are sworn in
Also Tuesday morning, Judge Billy-George Hertzke was sworn in as District Court Judge and Water Judge for the 14th Judicial District. Judge Hertzke was raised in Hayden and went to Meeker High School.
Judge Hertzke replaces Judge Michael A. Ohara, III, whose term ended on Monday after just over 22 years.
Tonight, legendary sports broadcaster Verne Lundquist is speaking at Steamboat Art Museum. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 5:30 p.m. Link to Purchase Tickets
The STAND group, which is Steamboat Team to Disrupt Antisemitism and Discrimination has a presentation of African American Experiences in Routt County. That’s at 5 p.m. in Library Hall.
Check out what’s happening in the Yampa Valley on the Community Calendar on our website.
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