By Shannon Lukens.
UPDATE: Many have received their ballots, but we have just heard from the Routt County Clerks office that some ballots are still being delivered because of the holiday on Monday. Ballots are being delivered this week so you should get yours if it isn’t in the mailbox already. You can also check that everything is correct at GoVoteColorado.gov
When you get your ballot, fill it out and you can turn it in anytime now before election day on Nov. 5. Here’s Moffat County Clerk Stacy Morgan
“Here in Moffat County, you can bring your ballot to the secure ballot drop box, right by the front door, at the courthouse. You can’t miss it.”
Here’s Routt County Clerk Jenny Thomas.
“As soon as your ballot is voted ready, you can return it to one of the county-controlled 24/7 drop boxes. They are located at 2025 Shield Drive near the CLEF, or in the alley behind the historic courthouse at 522 Lincoln Ave. We also have drop-offs during their regular business hours at Oak Creek Town Hall, Hayden Town Hall, Clark Store and Yampa Town Hall. If you have any questions, reach out to the clerk’s office.”
If you don’t have your ballot, you can check that your voter registration is correct by going to GoVoteColorado.gov County Clerks encourage you to “Don’t Delay – Vote Today.”
Livestock protection dogs can be placed with livestock producers, for free. It’s a program with USDA and APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) Wildlife Services. It’s to help with wolf conflict, or any livestock conflict with mountain lions, black bears, or coyotes.
Lauren Emerick is a Non-Lethal Wildlife Specialist with the program. She says the guardian dogs provide protection for livestock when the rancher can’t be around.
“A properly trained and bred livestock protection dog will use escalating aggression and stick with their flock or their herd. If a threat comes in, they’re able to drive it away and provide that extra set of eyes and protection when you can’t be there.”
Emerick says the right breed of guardian dog is important, such as Turkish Kangals or Bulgarian Karakachans. The dogs are specially bred and raised to watch your livestock. The presence of dogs can deter predators.
It’s also important never to feed or approach a Livestock Guardian Dog, if you think it has been abandoned. It’s just working.
For more information on the Livestock Guardian Dog program, reach out to Lauren Emerick at Lauren.Emerick@usda.gov/ 248-819-1702.
More on the Story — Livestock producers have access to livestock protection dogs for free from USDA
Dogs Help Protect Livestock Against Predators
From ColoradoSheep.org — Etiquette with Livestock Guardian Dogs
If you encounter a band of sheep…Listed below are actions to take to minimize conflicts if you are near a band of sheep.
DO…..
- Keep your dog on a leash and never allow your dog to run towards or harass the sheep
- Watch for livestock protection dogs near sheep (usually large white or tan dogs)
- Remain calm if a livestock protection dog approaches
- Stop and get off of your bike, put your bike between you and the dog
- Tell the dog to “go back to the sheep” or say “no” in a firm voice
- Keep your distance from the sheep and choose the least disruptive route around the sheep
- If the sheep are trailing, be still and quiet and wait for them to pass
DO NOT…..
- Chase or harass the sheep or dogs
- Try to outrun the dogs
- Throw things at the dogs
- Make quick movements
- Feed the dogs
- Take a dog with you
- Attempt to befriend or pet the dog
Save the date for this Thursday and Saturday. STARS is hosting Beyond the Fantasy movie as part of the Steamboat Mountain Film Festival at STARS Ranch. A QR Code to get your ticket is on our website.
A pair of Steamboat Springs High School tennis players are headed to the state championships in Pueblo today. The doubles team of Damien Dobson and Matthew MacEntee took second place last weekend in regionals and will now compete at state this weekend. Matthew MacEntee is a junior.
“Well, we got second in our region so we won’t be the highest of seeds but we’re hoping to go down there and have fun and win a couple matches.”
It’s Homecoming Week at Hayden High School. Today is Classic Color/Shirt Day and Powder Puff Football tonight at 7 p.m.
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.