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Work progresses on the Colorado Department of Transportation's project to widen and resurface a stretch of highway north of Craig on Colorado Highway 13, between mile markers 123 and 128, the Wyoming state line. The project also entails installing safety improvements between mile markers 111 and 123.

This project was awarded to Simon Contractors of Cheyenne, Wyo., for $4.5 million.

Work began May 21 and will be completed by mid-October, weather permitting.

The project involves recycling of the existing pavement, a new asphalt overlay, shoulder widening, guardrail upgrades and final striping. This work also includes drainage improvements such as a concrete box culvert extension, pipe extension, pipe replacement, embankment work and erosion control.

Traffic delays of up to 15 minutes should be anticipated during daylight hours - about 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Monday through Saturday.

The speed limit will be lowered to 35 miles per hour through the work zone during working hours. At this time, some work is scheduled on weekends (including some upcoming Sundays), and no work is scheduled on holidays.

A width restriction of 11 feet is in effect during working hours to allow sufficient working area for the construction equipment and personnel.

In a news release, CDOT and Simon Contractors reported that motorists' patience and safe driving through the work zone is appreciated. Motorists are urged to obey signs and lowered speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid accidents.

For information on other CDOT projects, the public may log on to www.cotrip.org, www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state.

Moffat County Library story-times

The Moffat County Library will host story-time at 11 a.m. today in the covered patio area of Moffat County Fairgrounds. This week's theme is Father's Day.

Bring a lunch, drink, sunscreen, hat and bug spray. All story-times are subject to weather conditions, so call 824-5116 to confirm.

Chapter Hour for ages 8 and older is from 2 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday in the Teen Corner of the library. The book for June is Thomas Rockwell's "How to Eat Fried Worms."

Healthier Living class begins June 24

If anyone in the community is affected by a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, emphysema or cancer, he or she is encouraged to participate in an upcoming class designed for better living.

The free, six-session Healthier Living class starts Tuesday, June 24, and will take place on Tuesdays through July 29 at Sunset Meadows II, 633 Ledford St. The class is from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, call Cathy Vanatta at Aging Well at 629-0141. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Anyone interested may also call Colorado Northwestern Community College at 824-1135.

Moffat County Commission action

At its Tuesday meeting, the Moffat County Commission:

• Approved allocating about $8,400 from the Moffat County Jail Fund, made up of sales tax revenue, for replacing the keypad entry system at the Public Safety Center. The entry system has been failing since it was installed, and now four of 12 doors into the Safety Center are blocked off. The Craig Police Department and Colorado State Patrol agreed to pay equal shares with the county for the project.

• Approved establishing a law enforcement firearms shooting range near the Moffat County Landfill.

• Approved a resolution to transfer ownership of the new hospital site west of Craig from the Moffat County Associated Junior College District to Moffat County. The Commission was concerned accepting ownership of the property would make the county liable for loans taken out to pay for the new hospital construction, but attorneys representing The Memorial Hospital said the county would never be liable to pay any balance due on the construction loans. Should the loans default, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guarantee the loans, HUD would assume ownership of the hospital to recoup its losses. HUD will not be able to close the hospital and collect tax dollars to make up any loss, TMH attorneys said, because the ballot question approved by voters stipulated the money could only be used for hospital operations and capital needs.

• Awarded a $1,537,730 bid to Connell Resources, out of Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs, for asphalt to overlay 5.5 miles on County Road 7. It was the lowest of three submitted bids.

• Signed a contract with the Federal Aviation Administration to accept its grant of about $111,240 for a new terminal building at the Moffat County Regional Airport.

• Approved a conditional use permit for the Overland Pass Pipeline Co. to install a natural gas liquids pipeline through Moffat County from Rio Blanco County to Wyoming, on the condition it present a written weed prevention plan that is agreeable to county officials.

• Approved a conditional use permit for Wyoming Interstate Co. to build a gas compressor, on the conditions it build an earthen burm on two sides, fence the compressor site and build the compressor away from clear site lines.

• Approved a conditional use permit for Green River Energy to conduct seismic exploration on lands that it leased mineral rights, on the condition the company obtain an access agreement with the surface land owner.

Course to educate teachers on agriculture

Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Institute is scheduled to take place June 16 through 20 at various locations in Craig, including the Moffat County High School agricultural building and Wyman Museum.

Class times vary. Activities include tours of local farms, ranches and food production activities. Teachers can earn two credits from Colorado State University for participation.

The cost is $250. Scholarships are available for pre-registered teachers. For more information, call 824-3338 or (970) 881-2902.

Luau-themed bowling contest to benefit ACS

"Pigs on Parade," the Moffat County Sheriff's Office Relay for Life team, is scheduled to sponsor a luau-themed bowling extravaganza from 7 to 11 p.m. June 28 at Thunder Rolls Bowling Center.

The cost is $25 a person and includes shoe rental. Prizes and refreshments will be provided. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society's local programs and national research projects, advocacy and education.

Entry is limited to the first 16 paid teams and will be accepted no later than June 23. Teams should include four to five people. For more information, call Charlene at 826-2306 or Nancy at 824-4495.

Bank hosts Customer Appreciation Day

First National Bank of the Rockies will host a Customer Appreciation Day at the Craig branch, 600 Yampa Ave., on June 27. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"We want to thank our customers and the community for their business and invite them to come in, enjoy some lunch and hopefully win a great prize," bank manager Robert Wiens said in a news release.

In addition to a barbecue of bratwurst and hotdogs, bank customers can enter to win one of several miscellaneous prizes, including a barbecue grill, fire pit and camping set, which includes a power chill cooler, two camp chairs, a lantern and a canopy screen tent. Customers can enter the drawing for the prizes now until the drawing takes place at 2 p.m. June 27.

"We think it's a great way to kick off summer by offering our customers the chance to win something to enjoy this beautiful area we live in, not to mention letting them know how much we appreciate them choosing us as their bank," Wiens said.

Farmers Market starts today

The first Thursday Farmers Market of the year is planned for today in Alice Pleasant Park. All items must be Homegrown or Homemade. Call Carol at 824-5343.