Hickenlooper addresses secretary of the interior

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has joined Sen. Cory Gardner, Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Scott Tipton in addressing the Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell regarding the situation at Colowyo Mine.

In his letter, the governor urged Jewell to do “everything possible” to prevent mining operations at Colowyo from being halted, eliminating 220 jobs and creating economic hardship for Northwest Colorado.

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“We have expressed our concerns to (the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement) about these impacts and pledged to play whatever role we can to minimize them, including participation as a cooperating agency in OSMRE’s supplemental environmental review,” Hickenlooper wrote. “Given the importance of this mine to the economies of the region, I ask that you do everything possible to respond to the judge’s order and remedy the situation as expeditiously as possible.”

Like the three congressmen, Hickenlooper also encouraged Jewell to consider appealing the judge’s ruling.

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“In addition, we encourage you and OMSRE to appeal the decision if appropriate, given the potential adverse impacts on mines in Colorado and other federal permitting decisions.”

Police remind residents to lock their vehicles

According to Cmdr. Bill Leonard, Craig Police Department has seen an increase in vehicle break-ins and stolen vehicles over the past two weeks.

In the past three days alone, there were three vehicles reported stolen. All three have been recovered with no damage.

“Joyride situations, they take vehicle and then dump them here in Craig some place,” Leonard said.

In all three cases the keys had been left in the vehicle.

Leonard said the Craig Police Department urges people to lock their vehicles and not to leave valuable items in plain sight.

“Definitely take your keys and lock your vehicle,” he said.

Rio Blanco, Moffat to host event on Colowyo

On June 3, Rio Blanco, Moffat County and Tri-State will come together to discuss the recent Office of Surface Mining ruling against Colowyo at a community forum from 6 to 8 p.m. at Moffat County High School auditorium.

Craig Mayor Ray Beck and Meeker Mayor Regas Halandras will open the discussion, and Colowyo Mine Manager Chris McCourt will give overview of the issue. The following officials also will speak at the event:

■ Tri-State Senior Environmental Policy Analyst Doug Lempke

■ Tri-State Board Chairman Rick Gordan

■ Tri-State Chief Executive Officer Mike McInnes

■ Rio Blanco and Moffat County commissioners

The community is encouraged to attend to show support for Colowyo and Tri-State.

Summer Reading 2015 kicks off in Hayden

It’s time for Summer Reading 2015 at the Hayden Public Library, and the theme this year is “Every Hero Has A Story!”

Join Hayden Library staff in June and July for their annual summer program to celebrate reading. Children will be able to play games, do Crafts, engage in various activities and contests.

The programs are for all ages. Registration begins May 26 and continues all summer. If you sign up, you’ll receive a reading bag, reading logs and other fun items.

■ Programs for preschoolers will be at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday starting June 9

■ Programs for kids ages 5 and up will be at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday starting June 4

■ Each Friday, bingo and Cooking will be at 11 a.m. starting June 5.