Craig Daily Press

Lightning from a storm that moved through Craig late afternoon Thursday was the cause of several fires, Craig Fire/Rescue officials said.

The Fire Department reported to five calls for lightning strikes and resulting smoke. One call, received at about 4:45 p.m. Thursday, developed into two small fires, located north of Moffat County Road 112 north of Craig.

“They had the potential to grow into much larger fires,” Fire Capt. K.C. Hume said.

The other fires were extinguished by the time firefighters arrived.

“I think lighting strikes started fires, and the rain would come by and put them out,” Johnston said Friday morning. “The only saving grace was the rain following the lightning. Without the rain, we’d probably still be out there.”

Johnston said he is pleased to see the community realizes the seriousness of the dryness — there currently is a fire ban in place — and called the authorities to investigate.

To report a fire, call 911 or the dispatch center at 824-8111.

Commission to consider new judges

The 14th Judicial District nominating committee will meet Aug. 1 at the Grand County Courthouse to interview and select nominees for a governor’s appointment to become the next county court judge in Grand County.

The vacancy, which was effective July 5, was created by the appointment of Judge Mark Clarkson Hoak to the district court bench.

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must be a qualified Grand County elector and have a high school degree or the equivalent. The annual salary for the position is $74,006.

The initial term of office is two years. Thereafter, if voters approve the appointed judge, the position would have a four-year term.

Nominating committee members are: Robert Aaberg, of Craig, Robert Anderson, of Granby, James Newberry, of Hot Sulphur Springs, Michael Ritschard, of Kremmling, and Kristopher Hammond, Nancy Smith and Ron Smith, all of Steamboat Springs.

Squirrels a problem at college

Colorado Northwestern Community College has been dealing with a varmint problem on the college-owned lot north of the Craig Campus building.

Richardson ground squirrels have built a sizable colony near the college, and grounds maintenance technician Tony Aldrich has made an attempt to eliminate the squirrels. After pounding plastic pipe into four or five holes, a poison was applied and the holes capped. Aldrich said the poison should pose no threat to the general public, or to dogs being walked near the col­­lege.