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Rotary scholarship applications available

The Craig Rotary Club is seeking applicants for the 2007-08 Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year of study abroad. The program increases awareness of and respect for cultural diversity and instills the Rotary ideal of "Service Above Self."

Applicants must have completed at least two years of university or college course work or must have a secondary school education and have two years employment in a recognized vocation at the time the scholarship begins. Candidates are expected to be proficient in the language of the host country.

Rotarians, their children, grandchildren and spouses are not eligible. Completed applications must be received by March 10. For more information or for an application, call Rich at 826-5173.

Antler hunters warned: Don't harass deer, elk

Antler collecting is growing in popularity in Colorado. But as more people venture onto winter range to search for sheds, deer and elk can be adversely affected, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Big-game animals shed their antlers during January and February, and collectors seek to pick them up as soon after they drop as possible.

But when collectors approach deer and elk, it causes significant stress in the animals.

"Winter is a tough time of year for deer and elk; they are working just to maintain their weight and strength," said J. Wenum, area wildlife manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife in Gunnison. "When people get within a half mile of them, the animals get nervous and burn valuable energy as they are forced to move away."

Wildlife managers urge collectors to stay as far away from the animals as possible. It is not illegal to collect antlers; however, it is illegal to harass wildlife.

In addition to stressing the animals, collecting activity often moves deer and elk from public land onto private land. Deer and elk move in bunches at this time of year, and herds of animals can cause significant damage to crops, fences and property.

Division of Wildlife officers will be patrolling popular areas during the antler-shedding season.

Habitat for Humanity extends deadline

The Moffat County Chapter of the Routt County Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity has extended the date for accepting applications for its first renovated house to Feb. 15.

The goal is to provide decent affordable housing to low-income residents.

In lieu of a down payment, a qualifying family must work on their house and upcoming housing projects for 350 hours.

Applications may be picked up at Social Services, The Visiting Nurse Association, Boys & Girls Club of Craig and the Moffat County School Administration Building and may be returned to Brass Key Realty at 840 W. Victory Way.