By Shannon Lukens.
Courtesy photo
A mature, pregnant cow in Jackson County has been killed by an uncollared wolf. It has been confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The rancher, who does not want to be identified, says it happened after they fed their cattle on Feb. 4.
“…and everything was fine. Everything was healthy. And went down on Feb. 5 and she was killed then.”
The Jackson County producer says they have had wolf tracks around his ranch which is in north Jackson County, maybe ten miles from the Wyoming border. He also says it is an uncollared wolf which was confirmed by CPW. That means it wasn’t one of the wolves introduced in Colorado
“So I know they’re around. We’ve seen the uncollared wolves before. In the back, we found a collar and a tag, just on the northwest end of the ranch, a wolf collar, so we’ve known they’ve been around. Again, I’m not sure why we’re spending money reintroducing wolves when they’re already here.”
He says he is in the process of filing a claim with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A Media Statement from CPW says damage specialists will work with the producers in the area to have tools for non-lethal mitigation to try to reduce the likelihood of future conflicts.
More on the Story — Jackson County Rancher says CPW has confirmed a wolf kill of his cow
Young Tracks Pre-School and Day Care has been closed down by the State of Colorado Department of Early Childhood, due to child abuse allegations. The City of Steamboat Springs has issued a press release to clarify a few things. One is that this is an ongoing criminal investigation so the agencies involved are limited by state ethical rules as to what is released to the public. The City of Steamboat Springs says all victims have been encouraged to get medical care. No local law enforcement agencies closed the day care center. It was the State of Colorado. Anyone charged is presumed innocent. The investigation is ongoing.
A support group is meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, and noon on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 480 Rollingstone Drive for anyone who would like to participate. It is being organized by Brighter World and local mental health providers.
If you have information concerning this case, please contact Detective Sergeant Sam Silva at 970-879-1144.
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Feb. 15, 2025
Young Tracks Investigation Ongoing — Integrity of Case Requires Community’s Assistance
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-February 15, 2025-It is apparent that the recent closure of Young Tracks, and the events leading to that closure, has created a great deal of fear and concern in the local community.
It appears some of the information circulating is not accurate, and in order to avoid unnecessary fear, misguided hostility or the spread of inaccurate information, it is our responsibility to clarify certain aspects as the law enforcement agencies involved in the criminal investigation and prosecution side of the issue.
First, in any ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution, the agencies involved are limited by state ethical rules from releasing certain information to the public. While this is understandably frustrating for some, it is the law, and it is also necessary to preserve the integrity of the case.
While information may be disclosed in the court proceedings, police and prosecutors generally do not publicly disseminate or discuss the facts of a case. This is necessary for many reasons, including to protect the privacy interests of innocent persons, and ensure that any accused person receives a fair process in court, free from any bias or inappropriate animosity, which can threaten the legal viability of a criminal case.
With that in mind, here is some information important for the community to know:
- All known victims have been encouraged and have access to medical care, including medicolegal exams with forensically trained nurses.
- The State of Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood is the entity responsible for licensing, and it is that agency that closed Young Tracks. No local law enforcement agency has involvement in the licensing process or authority to open or close a day care center.
- Any person who is charged or may be charged criminally in this matter is presumed innocent under the United States Constitution, and nothing good comes from the spread of inaccurate information or the irresponsible dissemination of threats or calls for violence or retribution.
- The investigation is ongoing.
Brighter World is partnering with mental health providers to host support groups for parents dealing with the aftermath. The support groups will meet from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, and noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb 20, at 480 Rollingstone Drive and are free for all participants. Anyone looking for information on resources for daycare can visit FirstImpressionsRouttCounty.org or contact Pamela Nebel, the First Impressions of Routt County Program Specialist, at 970-875-4227.
If you have information concerning this case, please contact Detective Sergeant Sam Silva at 970-879-1144.
Nancy Gray is the recipient of the Hazie Werner Award this year. Nancy Gray was born and raised in Steamboat Springs. She worked at Steamboat Resort for 53 years, mostly as a ski instructor. She has been highly involved in Winter Carnival, the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church, and she was a longtime swimming instructor and lesson coordinator.
The Hazie Werner Award is presented by Steamboat Ski Resort. A reception is Feb. 26 at the Steamboat Art Museum.
More on the Story — Nancy Gray is honored as this year’s Hazie Werner Award winner
Routt County Riders has received a $50,000 grant from Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation. It’s part of the Community Health Benefit Fund which will help improve bike safety outreach and education in the local community. Routt County Riders will use it to support their school safety programs and distribute more bike helmets.
More on the Story — Routt County Riders receives $50K grant from YVMC Foundation
UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center has been named among the 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the U.S. by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the eighth consecutive year for YVMC has been recognized.
It will be a quiet week in Steamboat Springs. It’s Blues Break meaning no school, and many families have headed out of town, probably somewhere warm.
In state wrestling..
Congratulations to Meeker’s Cade Blunt, who is the new CHSAA State Wrestling Champion in 2A, 175 pounds. Other local finalists who finished second in state are:
Koy Weber – Meeker
Kayla Deaton -Moffat County
Reese Davis – Rifle
Results from consolation:
- Kaeden Martinez 3rd – Moffat County
- Zach Hedman 5th – Moffat County
- Isaac Valencia 4th – Rifle
- Clay Crawford 3rd – Meeker
- Ayden Christian 5th – Rangely
- Ryleigh Hedman 6th – Moffat County
- Ruth Leblanc 4th – Meeker
2025 Colorado Wrestling State Championship Tournament.
Courtesy photo
And in Nebraska, Steamboat Springs High School graduate Cole Sittig coaches the Crawford High School Rams wrestling team and he has been named the Boys High School Wrestling Coach of the Year for Nebraska.
Steamboat’s Cody Winters has medaled again on the World Cup circuit. Winters finished 3rd in Snowboard Cross at a World Cup competition in Italy late last night. That bronze medal goes with another bronze in a World Cup Snowboard Slalom in January. Winters is the only athlete on the World Cup circuit to be competing in two different disciplines, let alone medal in both. Photos courtesy US Snowboard Team
From U.S. Ski and Snowboard — First Career Podium for Winters
Check out what’s happening in the Yampa Valley on the Community Calendar on our website.
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