News

This is the KOTO Community Radio news for Thursday, Feb. 20. I’m Mason Osgood, and I’m Luis Tavares.

Headlines:

• West End Roundup with the San Miguel Basin Forum.
• Commissioners hear from senators’ staff on federal funding cuts.
• Large avalanche triggered in Bear Creek.

Today on the West End Roundup with the San Miguel Basin Forum, KOTO’s news team chats with editor Reagan Tuttle about awards for local community members, the Susan Rice Awards ceremony, and a recall election in Nucla.

Several West End residents were recognized for their service to the community at the Nucla-Naturita Chamber of Commerce banquet on Feb. 15. Nonprofit leader Mikaela Gordon, with the West End Economic Development Corporation, won Citizen of the Year.

“She was recognized by the Nucla-Naturita Area Chamber of Commerce in their annual cycle of awards that they present at their banquet in February,” Tuttle said. “She was given the title Citizen of the Year, and I know many in the community feel she’s so well deserving of this.”

The Rimrocker Historical Society was named Business of the Year, despite being a nonprofit, due to its contributions to the community and cultural preservation. The organization also took on the Dominguez-Escalante education project, originally led by Nucla resident Carol Hunter.

“They really keep the history alive with what they do,” Tuttle said.

Vicky Allen was named Community Star for her nonprofit work, particularly with Hoff and Paw. Jack Lee received a Legacy Award for his long-standing community leadership, including his work with the Chamber of Commerce.

The Susan Rice Community Compassion Award recognizes a Western community member who embodies Rice’s commitment to service.

“The Susan Rice Community Compassion Award will be presented on Feb. 23 to Joanne Sharp at the Naturita Public Library,” Tuttle said. “Susan Rice was a community volunteer and former library branch manager who gave tirelessly to the community, whether it was for the homeless, the hungry, or children.”

A recall election is underway for Nucla Mayor Kirk Yerkey.

“At this point, Kirk is still the mayor of Nucla, and he is still leading town meetings,” Tuttle said. “His recall election has been set for April 1, and he has chosen not to step down or resign.”

Yerkey has faced criticism for missing meetings and an altercation with a code enforcement officer over his dog getting out repeatedly. He has apologized for his actions. The recall election will determine his future, with alternative candidates on the ballot.

Federal Funding Cuts

At a San Miguel County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 19, John Whitney, senior advisor to Sen. Michael Bennet on public lands and tribal affairs, and Lisa Pool, Sen. John Hickenlooper’s Southwest regional director, shared updates on federal funding cuts and layoffs.

“If you’re not squeaking, you’re not getting grease,” Whitney said. “So it’s really a time for people to advocate.”

Concerns were raised over President Trump’s funding freezes for local governments, specifically funds that were obligated or contracted for local government programs.

“What Sen. Bennet would be very concerned about is an illegal impoundment of money and a delay in getting this money out the door,” Whitney said. “The Constitution is clear that Congress has the power of the purse.”

Budget reconciliation in Congress is beginning, with the House considering $2 trillion in cuts.

“No program is off limits,” Pool said. “Think Medicare, Medicaid, federal civilian and military retirement, SNAP, farm programs.”

Bennet and Hickenlooper are pushing back against funding freezes affecting Colorado programs and federal workforce layoffs, particularly cuts to the U.S. Forest Service.

“We will push back on this because it’s going to have devastating impacts on Western Slope communities,” Whitney said. “Among the people laid off were the regional timber forest strike crew—these are the folks who mark all the trees for timber sales and make those sales happen. Without them, forestry and thinning projects may not move forward.”

Ten percent of the Forest Service staff was recently laid off, with potential further cuts affecting permitting for Colorado ski areas.

“I have not talked to Telluride Ski Resort yet, but I’ve spoken with senior leadership at other ski areas, and they are very concerned,” Whitney said.

San Miguel County Commissioner Anne Brown highlighted the county’s biggest concerns: Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and health and human services, which together receive about $4.5 million in federal funding.

“If I were a betting person, which I sometimes am, I would bet PILT would make it through, but it might take what we sometimes call a haircut,” Whitney said.

Avalanche in Bear Creek

A large avalanche was triggered just outside the Telluride Ski Resort boundary on Feb. 19. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) reported the avalanche danger was high above the tree line.

“The most dangerous slopes are above tree line and face northwest to southeast,” CAIC forecaster Krista Bayer said. “Recent avalanche activity and collapsing snowpacks indicate an unstable slope.”

A skier was caught, carried, and partially buried but was able to self-rescue with the help of a ski partner and other backcountry skiers. The CAIC rated the avalanche as R3D3—large enough to bury a car or house. It traveled over 1,500 vertical feet.

“Pay attention to the avalanche forecast,” San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters said. “When it says conditions are hazardous, it’s hazardous.”

Weather Forecast

The National Weather Service forecast for the Western San Juans calls for a 40% chance of snow this evening, with a low around 20 degrees. Friday brings a slight chance of snow with partly sunny skies, a high near 38 and a low of 15 at night. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 45 and calm winds.

This has been the news for Thursday, Feb. 20. Thanks for listening. Have a story idea or news tip? Call the news team at 970-728-3206.