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Articles by John Chalstrom
MCSD addresses financial challenges
A perfect storm of economic challenges will complicate the ability of the Moffat County School District to continue toward its goal of restoring the district’s financial health. At the Sept. 28 meeting of the Moffat County School District Board Directors, a comprehensive presentation was given regarding the financial state of the district which highlighted progress in financial reporting, but also showed that the district beginning FY27 with an estimated $3.8 million deficit in its general fund.
Morris optimistic about the future of Moffat County High School
Nearly three months after assuming the helm of Moffat County High School, Carly Morris is leading the building with an optimistic vision for growth and continual improvement. A native of Bellingham, Washington, Morris received her B.A. and M.A. in special education from Western Governors University and afterwards, embarked on a career in education that led her from her native Washington to posts in Sudan, Uganda, Pakistan and Alaska before arriving in Moffat County.
Kellogg seeks to unseat Lukens in House District 26
James Kellogg, an engineer from Gypsum who has long roots on the western slope, is seeking to knock off incumbent Meghan Lukens of Steamboat Springs in the upcoming House District 26 election. Kellogg, a Republican, advanced to the general election after winning an uncontested primary in June. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Kellogg earned a B.S and and M.S. in civil engineering before embarking on a thirty year career on the western slope.
Opinion: Three months later, scant information released regarding Baggs shooting incident
Unanswered questions remain in the aftermath of a shooting incident that occurred in Baggs, Wyoming over three months ago that resulted in the alleged perpetrator being shot dead and a Carbon County Sheriff’s deputy being seriously wounded.
Kirk Deeter: The scribe of Trout Unlimited
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the 2026 edition of Colorado Hunter & Angler Magazine. Trout Magazine, the official publication of Trout Unlimited, provides insightful articles on angling, conservation and clean water preservation which has resulted in it becoming one of the finest outdoor magazines published. And much of this well-deserved reputation is due to the dedication of its Editor-in Chief and Yampa Valley resident, Kirk Deeter.
Colorado Hunter & Angler Magazine
This week will mark the end of a labor of love for the Craig Press as Colorado Hunter & Angler Magazine hits the racks. For the past several years, readers in Northwest Colorado have become familiar with Colorado Hunter Magazine. This year, the magazine has merged with the now defunct Yampa Valley Adventures: Northwest Colorado Angler, to provide insights into the incredible fishing opportunities available in the region.
Data center zoning review process to begin Wednesday
The Moffat County Zoning and Planning Commission will be conduct a discussion meeting on Wed., Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. to consider potential regulations related to data centers. The meeting will be held in the Commissioners Chambers of the Moffat County Courthouse. According to a Public Notice, this meeting will be the beginning of an ongoing review process. The Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding a series of meetings and discussions before developing any recommendations.
A life of show and tell — Davidson set to retire from museum
As an elementary student in Moffat County, Dan Davidson’s favorite activity in school was show and tell. And for the past 40 years, the director of the Museum of Northwest Colorado has continued that passion and is now set to retire and pass the torch to a new generation of historians.
Baggs shooting leaves Wyoming sheriff’s deputy in critical condition
Details are emerging around a shooting in Baggs, Wyoming on June 8. The incident left a Carbon County Sheriff’s deputy critically wounded and resulted in the death of a Baggs resident. The identity of the deceased suspect will not be released until an investigation is completed by the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, according to Carbon County Coroner Brittany Nyman.
Details emerge in Baggs shooting — Wyoming sheriff deputy in critical condition
Details are emerging surrounding a shooting in Baggs, Wyoming on June 8 that resulted in the death of a Baggs resident and left a Carbon County Sheriff’s deputy critically wounded. The identity of the dead suspect will not be released until an investigation is completed by the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, according to Carbon County Coroner, Brittany Nyman.
Moffat County Sheriff’s Department releases information regarding shooting incident in Baggs
According to a news release from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Department, local law enforcement officials were called to assist their Wyoming counterparts in what was called a “critical incident” near Baggs Monday afternoon. An additional news release issued by the Moffat County Sheriff’s Department early Tuesday morning added clarity to the series of events that resulted in multiple law enforcement agencies from Northwest Colorado to dispatch to the Wyoming border community.
Craig pastor sentenced for assault and strangulation of his son
Parrish Terry, a Craig pastor who was found guilty of one count of felony assault in the second degree and misdemeanor assault in the second degree in March, was sentenced last week in Moffat County Court. Terry was sentenced to three years of supervised probation, 100 hours of community service and a 90-day suspended jail sentence. If Terry successfully completes the terms of his probation, he will not be required to serve the jail time.
Peter Brixius
Editor’s note: An end of an era for city goverrment came to an end last month as City Manager Peter Brixius stepped into the world of retirement. Brixius’ steady leadership in an an era of transition is to be commended. This profile of Peter was published in the 2025 edition of “Moffat County Locals.” On behalf of the Craig Press, we thank Peter for his service and wish him well in retirement.
Hume takes helm of city hall
Share this story KC Hume assumed his responsibilities as the Craig city manager on April 20, 2026. Erin Fenner/File photo In the past 30 years, KC Hume has served as a police officer in Craig, Moffat County Sheriff, fire chief and as a member of the Moffat County school board. A life of public service dedicated to the place he loves and has called home his entire life — Craig.
MCSD makes substantial progess in financial reporting
The Moffat County School District has improved its financial reporting and organization, according to an annual audit released by the district last month. Last spring, during his first year as the superintendent of schools, Mathew Neal discovered poor financial reporting for the years prior to his tenure. Credit card reconciliation had not occurred in nearly two years and bank account reconciliations were eight months in arrears.
MCSD makes substantial progess in financial reporting
The Moffat County School District has improved its financial reporting and organization, according to an annual audit released by the district last month. Last spring, during his first year as the superintendent of schools, Mathew Neal discovered poor financial reporting for the years prior to his tenure. Credit card reconciliation had not occurred in nearly two years and bank account reconciliations were eight months in arrears.
Craig City Council approves city manager contract for former Moffat County Sheriff KC Hume
After a roller coaster week regarding the hiring of a new city manager, the Craig City Council voted on Thursday to extend a contract to former Moffat County Sheriff, KC Hume. However, the final vote to approve the contract resulted in an evenly divided city council. It took Mayor Chris Nichols’ vote to break the tie and approve extending a formal job offer to Hume.
Anglers cast a wary eye on summer fishing
Warm temperatures in late winter have provided open water and outstanding fishing opportunities in the Yampa Valley, but with a historically low snowpack many anglers are worried about what conditions may mean for this coming summer. Rachael Gonzales, Northwest Colorado public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, acknowledged the worries that many anglers may have as they look at the current conditions. “We simply don’t know. It is Colorado and certainly anything can happen.
Resolution to appoint KC Hume as new Craig city manager pulled from City Council agenda
In a surprising turn of events, the Craig City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to amend its agenda to remove a resolution that would have approved the hiring of former Moffat County Sheriff KC Hume as city manager. Courtesy/KC Hume In a surprising turn of events, the Craig City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to amend its agenda to remove a resolution that would have approved the hiring of former Moffat County Sheriff KC Hume as city manager.
Craig pastor found guilty of felony assault
Parrish Terry, pastor of Craig’s Church of Destiny, was found guilty of one count of felony assault in the second degree and misdemeanor assault in the second degree in a jury trial held last Thursday in Moffat County District Court, according to a 14th Judicial District news release. Terry, 58, of Craig, had been arrested on June 15, 2025 after an interview with a juvenile conducted by the Craig Police Department.
Craig pastor found guilty of felony assault
Parrish Terry, pastor of Craig’s Church of Destiny, was found guilty of one count of felony assault in the second degree and misdemeanor assault in the second degree in a jury trial held last Thursday in Moffat County District Court, according to a 14th Judicial District news release. Terry, 58, of Craig, had been arrested on June 15, 2025 after an interview with a juvenile conducted by the Craig Police Department.
Hayden superintendent named as finalist in Woodland Park
Eric Owen, the superintendent of schools for Hayden since 2023, has been named as a finalist for the superintendency in Woodland Park. According to a news release from the Woodland Park school board , Owen is one of three candidates being considered for the position.
City Manager search narrows
The search for a new city manager for the city of Craig narrowed this past week as four finalists were named on Friday according to a news release from the city. Craig Press File Photo The search for a new city manager for the city of Craig narrowed this past week as four finalists were named on Friday according to a news release from the city. Peter Brixius, the current city administrator, announced his retirement last year.
Mushing with compassion: Snow Buddy Dog Sled Adventures
Dog sledding evokes images of the vast, empty Alaskan wilderness. Hardy dogs traversing an unforgiving landscape carrying cargo to isolated outposts in which only the strongest and stubbornly independent individuals thrive. The stories of Jack London have greatly influenced this image of sled dogs forging a path through the wild to bring a glimmer of civilization to an otherwise untamed land.
Craig native Brandi Babin named Ms. United Universe
Craig native Brandi Babin was recently named Ms. United Universe. Babin is an advocate for women, an entrepreneur and mother of four. United Universe Pageants/Courtesy photo For the second time in five years, Craig native Brandi Babin has stood alone on the top of the pedestal in one of pageantries’ top honors by claiming the title of Ms. United Universe, having previously taken the title of Ms. United States in 2021.
City of Craig and Moffat County preliminary election results
Chris Nichols, running unopposed for his second term as the mayor of Craig, has garnered 686 votes. In a contested city council race, Joe Herod, incumbent Michelle Gottshall and Jnl Linsacum are the apparent winners defeating Shawnna Elmore and Denise Rae Kleinschnitz. As of 8 p.m., Herod had received 27.19% of the vote, (599), Gottshall 25.10%, (533) and Linsacum 23.15, (510). Kleinschitz and Elmore received 15.89% and 8.67% of the vote respectively.
Newcomers to Steamboat Springs School Board
The following are unofficial results reported by the Routt County Clerk’s office as of 7:23 p.m. Tuesday evening. Unofficial results released just after 7 p.m. Tuesday indicate Jane Toothaker and Kim Lemmer will be the newest members to the Steamboat Springs School District Board of Directors. They will replace outgoing members Chresta Brinkman and Katy Lee. Preliminary results showed that Toothaker and Lemmer defeated AJ Summers and Lauren Rennolds by substantial margins.
Hayden school board candidates cite staffing, housing shortages as key challenges for district
Three individuals vying for two positions on the Hayden School District Board of Education presented their cases for election Tuesday evening during a candidate forum sponsored by the Hayden Education Association. The three candidates are Ericka Lucas, Tharles da Silva and Elizabeth Galvan. Lucas, a physical therapist who moved to Hayden in 2014, highlighted her professional experience as a business owner who has managed three LLCs and a private physical therapy clinic.
Feathered Elk Ranch now open - sporting club delivers exceptional experience for shotgunners
The Feathered Elk Ranch announced plans late last fall to open a sporting club south of Hayden. Now fully open and operational, the ranch delivers on its promise of offering an exceptional experience for those with a passion for shotgun sports. Located south of Hayden on County Road 37B, the Feathered Elk Ranch is the result of a dream for Robert Miller and his son, Thomas.
Feathered Elk Ranch now open - sporting club delivers exceptional experience for shotgunners
The Feathered Elk Ranch announced plans late last fall to open a sporting club south of Hayden. Now fully open and operational, the ranch delivers on its promise of offering an exceptional experience for those with a passion for shotgun sports. Located south of Hayden on County Road 37B, the Feathered Elk Ranch is the result of a dream for Robert Miller and his son, Thomas.
Hospital leaders voice concerns of service cuts due to ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper convened a roundtable of Western slope health care and civic leaders on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Memorial Regional Health in Craig to discuss the possible impacts of U.S. House Bill HR1 on rural healthcare., commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill“, which was signed into law on July 4. The primary concern of the health care executives in attendance was the potential loss of Medicaid funding which Western slope hospitals and clinics rely on for their operations.
Local hospital leaders voice concern over service cuts due to ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper convened a roundtable of Western Slope health care and civic leaders on Wednesday at Memorial Regional Health in Craig to discuss the possible impacts of U.S. House Bill HR1 on rural healthcare, commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was signed into law on July 4. The primary concern of the health care executives in attendance was the potential loss of Medicaid funding, which Western Slope hospitals and clinics rely on for their operations .
Craig man arrested in alleged stabbing attack Monday evening
An attack on a woman Monday evening in Craig has resulted in the arrest of a man who is now facing multiple felony charges including attempted first-degree murder. Craig Police were dispatched to the 500 block of Yampa Avenue at 7:19 p.m. in the city after receiving a report of a disturbance. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a female victim who had suffered multiple stab wounds, according to Craig Police Chief Mike Cochran.
District attorney clears Craig police officer of wrongdoing in April shooting of suicidal man
After shooting a Craig resident multiple times in an April incident, a Craig police officer was cleared of wrongdoing Monday in a report by Colorado’s 14th Judicial District. Troy Curtis Jr. of Craig was shot multiple times after refusing to comply with multiple directives from police to drop his gun and twice discharging a firearm.
DA’s report clears Craig police officer of wrongdoing in April shooting of resident
After shooting a Craig resident multiple times in an April incident , a Craig police officer was cleared of wrongdoing Monday in a report by Colorado’s 14th Judicial District. Troy Curtis Jr. of Craig was shot multiple times after refusing to comply with multiple directives from police to drop his gun and twice discharging a firearm.
Wildland fires near Maybell result in arson arrest
A Wyoming man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of arson related to a series of wildland fires near Maybell on Sunday and Monday. According to a news release from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Kobe John Dimich of Casper, Wyoming was arrested near mile marker 39 on Highway 318 after a witness reported seeing a male subject lighting fireworks in the vicinity and leaving at a high rate of speed. Dimich. Dimich was charged with DUI and multiple counts of arson.
McIntyre sworn in as Moffat County Sheriff
At a moving ceremony held on July 2 in the Moffat County Courthouse, Undersheriff Chip McIntyre was officially sworn in as the new sheriff of Moffat County following the retirement of KC Hume. Prior to the swearing in, the visibly emotional outgoing sheriff, KC Hume, shared personal thoughts and reflections on his career and the job of sheriff. Hume said that, “We have worked diligently to serve the citizens of Moffat County. We don’t make widgets at the sheriff’s office. Our deliverable is service.
Photos: Yampa Fourth of July parade
Readers around Steamboat and Routt County make the Steamboat Pilot & Today’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism. Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Adventurous women: The sisterhood of fly fishing in the Yampa Valley
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the July/August edition of Yampa Valley Adventures Magazine. “You don’t need beauty or brawn to fly fish — you just need a willingness to wet a line.“ Historically, fly fishing has been a male-dominated sport.
Moffat County School District suspends high school principal search
Superintendent Mathew Neal said the Moffat County School District will suspend its search for a new high school principal for the 2025-26 school year. In a phone call to the Craig Press on Wednesday afternoon, Neal indicated that the high school’s current assistant principals will serve as co-principals on an interim basis. According to a news release issued by the school district, the process included a nationwide search followed by a community engagement process for hiring.
Moffat County gets $2 million grant for multi-use event center
The first step toward the building of a multi-use events center at the Moffat County Fairgrounds was realized on Tuesday when it was announced that the Office of Just Transition intends to award Moffat County a $2 million Just Transition Community Funding grant. The construction of an event center was an integral part of a feasibility study commissioned by the county. Last November, C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc.
Moffat County School District faces tough financial decisions amid declining enrollment, increased costs
The Moffat County School District Board meeting on Feb. 24 featured discussions surrounding an inherited and difficult financial reality, which is in turn forcing current leadership to make tough decisions to ensure long-term sustainability. Declining enrollment, increasing operating costs and financial mismanagement in previous years has left the district with few options to correct course.
From the Editor: Creating community partnerships in Craig, Moffat County
The Craig Press has been in the midst of transition over the past year. Like many print publications, it is seeking an identity in an ever-changing world flooded by digital information. This makes it a challenge to get voices heard and stories told amid the shouts and cries of multiple platforms. Yet, community-driven journalism is vital to steering conversation and keeping citizens informed on the issues that impact daily life in Northwest Colorado.
Colorado Hunter wants to hear from its readers
Colorado Hunter, the magazine serving Northwest Colorado, would like to hear from our readers about any exciting hunting adventures that took place this fall. If hunters have a story to share that would be exciting to our readers, please let us know. Prepare a 500-word story along with photographs. The best story will be published in the 2025 edition of Colorado Hunter.
Har Mispacha to celebrate High Holy Days amid a somber mood
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, commenced at sundown Wednesday, ushering in a period of self-reflection and atonement that will last for 10 days. This year, the High Holy Days are taking on a heightened significance given the events that have rocked the Jewish world since the massacre of nearly 1,200 Israeli citizens by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza.
With a few possible scenarios for Whistler Park, Steamboat school board set to talk housing crisis at Monday meeting
Faced with the possibility of 41% of its staff members leaving the district in the next five years, the Steamboat Springs School District is taking preliminary steps to address the housing affordability crisis by examining the feasibility of creating district-owned workforce housing.
Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024
A beautiful sunrise welcomed the second day of the Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival at Loudy Simpson Park in Craig on Saturday. Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 3, 2024 John Chalstrom/Craig Press Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 3, 2024 John Chalstrom/Craig Press Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 3, 2024 John Chalstrom/Craig Press Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 3, 2024 John Chalstrom/Craig Press Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug.
Community groups respond to alleged threat of violence toward drag show performance
Community groups have issued statements of condemnation in the aftermath of an alleged threat of violence directed towards patrons of a drag show that occurred on July 17 at Schmiggity’s. According to the arrest affidavit, John Noble Clark of Steamboat was charged with a felony count of inciting destruction of life or property and misdemeanor charges of harassment, bias motivated crimes and menacing.
Neal believes relationships are the heart of education
Mathew Neal was handed the reigns of the Moffat County School District on July 1 and has embarked on an ambitious start towards his journey as the superintendent of schools. Growing up on a ranch in between Fort Collins and Walden, Neal saw Craig as an opportunity to return to his roots and lead a school district that embodied the values of hard work, strong community connection and a school district ready for stability.
Photos: Town of Yampa celebrates Independence Day
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