It looked more like a pep rally than a grand opening Friday at Moffat County National Bank.

The bank, which is locally owned and operated, held a grand opening ceremony at their site on Mack Lane.

MCNB has been up and running for about six weeks, but decided to have a grand opening ceremony to coincide with Moffat County High School’s first home football game.

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“We wanted to have a grand opening and show our community support,” bank President Dave Fleming said.

The MCHS football team, dance team and cheerleaders came out for festivities, which featured a barbecue of 4-H beef.

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Since the bank opened in its temporary location on Mack Lane, Fleming said locals have been supportive.

“Things are going well,” Fleming said. “We’ve had a lot of support so far.”

The bank has plans to break ground on a permanent site right next door sometime next year, Fleming said.

He hopes to start planning the new site this month.

Elk Run upgrades

Randy and Cindy Looper, the owners of Elk Run Inn on Victory Way, continue to work on the exterior of their motel.

The Loopers recently finished the playground and reshingled the roof.

The playground replaces the old pool.

“We get positive comments that the ugly pool is gone,” Randy Looper said.

Responses from the guests have been positive, Looper said.

“The guests with kids love it,” Looper said. “My kids love it.”

Customers at the market next door let their kids play on it while they shop.

The Loopers have owned the Elk Run for a little over a year and said improving the building’s appearance is an ongoing project.

Randy said he plans to do some more landscaping and build a gazebo.

Gas price check

Fuel prices have leveled at about $3.25 in Craig in the last week.

That comes after the national average for a gallon of unleaded jumped from 2.07 on June 1 to 3.07 by Sept. 1.

While higher prices at the pumps mean everyone has to tighten their budget a little, there are a few simple things people can do to improve gas mileage.

Rex Wilmouth, the director of the Colorado Public Interest Research Group, CoPIRG, said there are a few simple ways drivers can improve fuel economy.

First, Wilmouth says to take it slow. No matter what kind of car you drive, your fuel economy goes down the faster you go. Wilmouth said driving 70 mph uses 20 percent more fuel than driving 55 mph.

Also, idle your car less and drive less aggressively to cut down on fuel costs.

Wilmouth also said some basic maintenance can save on fuel. Keeping tires properly inflated can increase fuel economy by 3 percent and a new air filter can increase economy by 10 percent.

Wilmouth’s advice may only help a little, but when filling up the tank makes you cringe, every little bit helps.