The Rev. Jon Swope and the congregation at the Faith Baptist Church in Meeker loves kids and tries to have special programs just for them.
The church offers a Patch the Pirate Club on Wednesday nights for kids kindergarten up to sixth grade that runs from September to the end of May every year.
Faith Baptist Church will also be having a Vacation Bible School Aug. 14 to 17. They will have a penny offering, games, all kinds of door prizes, and a Bible lesson every night from internationally known John Wayne impersonator, Dr. Gene Howard. The Bible school will begin at 7 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.
For more information, call the church at 878-3139.

DOW asks people to report animal sightings
Wildlife watchers in the western half of the state can help the Colorado Division of Wildlife track moose and river otters by reporting any sightings to a local DOW office.
Moose were transplanted in Northern Colorado in the 1970s and in southwest Colorado in 1992. Since then, the population has increased steadily. But because the moose are solitary animals and spread out over wide areas, it is difficult for wildlife managers to track their progress.
If you spot a moose or river otter while you are out hiking, fishing or sightseeing, please make some notes if possible. Wildlife managers need location, GPS coordinates if possible, type of terrain, number of animals, color, sex, and if animals are adults or juveniles.
To report a sighting, call (970) 255-6100; Monte Vista, (719) 587-6900; Gunnison, (970) 641-7060; Montrose, (970) 252-6000; Durango, (970) 247-0855.

Bible school is today at First Christian Church
Vacation Bible School/Summer Ministries program takes place daily at First Christian Church from today through July 21. The church will be turned into a construction zone that will teach “Building Character Like Jesus.”
The week of activities will include great lessons, games, creative crafts and appearances by guest missionaries Andrew and Johana Stringer and family who are serving in Colombia. Classes are available for students from kindergarten (age 5 by Sept 1) through adults. Child care is provided for nursery and pre-school age children of anyone attending the adult class.
Sign up in the church foyer beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, July 18, or call the church office at 824-6024.

Division of Wildlife
taking public input
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is seeking public input on its Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
The strategy will guide how DOW works with other agencies and approach species conservation.
A copy of the draft and more information on the program can be found at wildlife.state.co.us.
There will be a series of public meetings throughout the state later this month.
Starting July 25 in Denver at the Holiday Inn, Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St., south of DOW Headquarters.
There will also be a meeting in Colorado Springs, July 26, in the DOW classroom at 4255 Sinton Road; in Grand Junction, July 27, in the DOW office at 711 Independent Ave; in Durango, July 28, in the Quality Inn (4 Seasons Room) at 455 South Camino Del Rio.
All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and last for approximately two hours.
Public comment will also be accepted by e-mail at: co-cwcs@earthlink.net

Sweet Adelines chapter
seeking new members
The Yampa Valley Chapter of Sweet Adelines is looking for new members.
The singing group is a great way to meet new friends and have fun performing. The group is learning new music for its next show. For information call Ivy Davis at 824-5746.

Annual SPLASH Party will be this week
Grand Futures Prevention Coalition and the City of Craig Pool will host their annual SPLASH Party July 26 and July 27 at the city of Craig pool.
The event will feature prizes, pizza and music. The party will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 26 for fifth and sixth graders and from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 27 for seventh and eighth graders. Admission is $5 per person. Please call 824-5752 with questions.

Church invites children to Serengeti Trek
St. Michael’s Catholic Church will host Serengeti Trek Vacation Bible School today through July 22. The Bible School will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day. The Serengeti Trek program will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for children ages 4 to sixth-grade. Each day, children will sing songs, play teamwork-building games, enjoy snacks, experience Bible adventures and other activities.
Call Debra Frazier at 824-2124.

Colorado State Patrol recruiting applicants
The Colorado State Patrol is currently recruiting applicants for the next cadet class. Applications and detailed information about the State Patrol may be obtained at its Web site at http://www.csp.state.co.us
The minimum age is 21. A high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, no felony or domestic violence convictions are required. Polygraph and background investigation also is required. Those interested may contact Trooper Brad Millard at (970) 209-2955.

New BNI chapter forming in Craig
BNI, an international networking organization specializing in business referrals among members, is opening a new chapter in Craig.
BNI generated more than 2 million referrals in 2004, which resulted in more than $1 billion worth of business for its members. The new Craig Chapter meets at 7 a.m. July 20 at the Holiday Inn.