By Shannon Lukens.
Loretta Conway has been removed from her job as executive director of the Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Center. She and her husband, Bill, who was the Director of Operations have been there 13 years. The Court Sports 4 Life Foundation made the decision. Steve “Moz” Modzelewski is the chair of the board. He says the center has grown from a small mom-and-pop facility to one with a $10Million capital base.
“We need move on to the next generation of leadership for the center to take it to the next stage.”
Loretta Conway confirmed to Steamboat Radio News that they have been let go. They would like to stay in Steamboat Springs, but they are looking for other opportunities now. “It is what it is. It came on suddenly, but we’ve accepted it.”
The Conways have helped extensively with the fundraising for the new pickleball building that is being built next to the tennis bubble. It is an $11 million expansion project that will open in May or June with 12 indoor pickleball courts.
Modzelewski said letting the Conways go was a wrenching decision.
“This was a very wrenching decision. I told people it was painful. But we think that this will be for the best of the community and the center and we’re incredible appreciative of all that the Conways have done for this community.”
Ricky Jenkins has assumed the role of Interim Executive Director. The Conways said they’ll help with the transition. A nationwide search for a new executive director will start immediately.
More on the story — CONWAY IS OUT AS HEAD OF STEAMBOAT TENNIS & PICKLEBALL CENTER
Paul Bony of Steamboat Springs has been appointed to the state’s Community Access Enterprise Board. He will serve as a representative of a business or organization that supports electric alternatives to motor vehicles. He is the Energy and Transportation Director with Yampa Valley Sustainability Council.
SoRoCo Middle School has been recognized as a 2024 Colorado Trailblazer School to Watch, by the Colorado Association of Middle Level Education. The school in South Routt County will be recognized at the National Schools to Watch Conference in June, in Washington D.C.
More on the Story — SOROCO MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVES STATEWIDE HONOR
Paula Cooper Black is this year’s Hazie Werner Award Winner, in recognition of her longstanding commitment to the Yampa Valley community. The honor was announced by Steamboat Resort. Paula Cooper Black is a local female community member who represents Hazie Werner’s legacy through volunteer work, community commitment, and support of local organizations. She’ll be honored at the Steamboat Art Museum on Feb. 23.
Paula Cooper Black and the Snowball Grant recipients will be celebrated on Hazie Werner’s birthday February 23 at the Steamboat Art Museum from 5:30-7 p.m. The celebration will include previous Hazie Werner Award recipients and the public is invited to attend.
Routt County Search and Rescue has set up a Beacon Training Park. It’s at the base of Howelsen Hill ski area. It’s a place where you can practice using your avalanche safety equipment, in case you have to save someone’s life quickly. More on the story
The 2024 Colorado State Wrestling Championship Tournament is at Ball Arena, Thursday through Saturday. We will have live coverage on 55 Country/KRAI AM of wrestlers from Northwest Colorado.
The Moffat County Wrestling teams have four boys and six girls going to the state tournament. They are HayLee Staker, Kayla Deaton, Abby Martinez, Kenleigh Pubanz, Callah Caperton, and Amanaki George who actually goes to Steamboat Springs High School but wrestles with the Bulldogs. The boys are Eli Frederickson, Blake Hill, Kaeden Martinez, and Zach Hedman.
The wrestling powerhouse from Meeker High School is sending 11 wrestlers to the state tournament including the defending Heavyweight State Champion Judd Harvey, weighing in at 215 pounds.
SoRoCo High School in Oak Creek is sending Aiden George, Dash Duksa, and Larhae Whaley.
The Hayden Tigers have five state qualifiers: Chase Preston, Ethan Silva, Triston Day, Logan Silva, and Tommy Weber.
Steamboat Springs High School has one wrestler going to state. That’s Regional Champion Henry Dismuke who is a senior.
The whole list, and the times of our coverage on 55 Country KRAI AM is all at KRAIRadio.com
More on the story — 2024 COLORADO WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
From CHSAA:
2024 Colorado Wrestling State Championship Tournament: Brackets, Results and Schedule
Returning Champions, Unbeaten Wrestlers at the 2024 State Wrestling Tournament
Check out what’s happening in the Yampa Valley on the Community Calendar on our website.
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