1 year ago: Polluted discharge from the Moffat Tunnel continues to be released into the Fraser River

During a March 11, 2025, Grand County Board of Commissioners meeting, Grand County Water Quality Manager Katherine Morris explained that polluted water from the Moffat Tunnel enters the nearby Fraser River, which is a main tributary of the Colorado River. This ongoing problem began after the tunnel was completed, and Grand County government began advocating to fix the problem nearly two decades ago. Groundwater from cracks in the mountain rock seeps into the tunnel, and that water carries coal dust, heavy metals and other particulate matter, which can travel into the Fraser River through the runoff. The railroad built a treatment plant in 2017, but issues have continued — even worsened in some cases, Morris said.

— From the March 26, 2025, edition of Sky-Hi News

5 years ago: Long-term assistant county manager, hired as Grand County manager

On March 23, 2021, all three Grand County commissioners agreed that Ed Moyer, who has served as assistant county manager for nine years, was the best fit for the position of county manager. Moyer has been serving as interim county manager since December when commissioners voted to remove Kate McIntire from the position she held for 21 months. This was not the first time Moyer served as county manager in an interim capacity, having done it twice previously during transitions between other county managers.

— From the March 26, 2021, edition of Sky-Hi News

30 years ago: Grand County officials approve expansion of gravel pit outside of Granby

A gravel pit special use permit was amended by the Grand County Board of County Commissioners allowing the Thompson gravel pit just outside of Granby to expand from 8.2 acres to 50 acres. The amendment to expand the permit includes permission to add a portable asphalt and concrete batch plant and three rock crushers. Co-owner Ron Thompson said no more than 11 acres would ever be mined at a time. Conditions for the permit include spraying roads to mitigate dust, efforts to keep equipment from interfering with views, setbacks to property lines and environmental improvements. Board members added a provision which calls for limiting mining operations to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and no mining operations on Sundays.

— From the March 28, 1996, edition of Sky-Hi News

50 years ago: Auction date set for sale of King Mountain Ranch northwest of Granby

The King Mountain Club, an internationally known resort on the site of the late John King’s ranch 20 miles northwest of Granby, will be sold at auction in Denver April 4, 1976. Bidders for the ranch, which occupies more than 117 acres, will be required to qualify by presenting $100,000 in cash, cashier’s check or a certified check, or an acceptable letter of credit for $250,000. About 25,000 sale brochures were sent out to prospective buyers, and the auction was advertised in major business periodicals, including the Wall Street Journal. Included in the sale of the property are facilities for 150 guests, including extensive entertainment facilities and a 4,500-foot landing strip for private planes.

— From the March 25, 1976, edition of Middle Park Times

90 years ago: US Forest Service to allow 10-year grazing permits with certain requirements

The U.S. Forest Service announced new regulations, calling for 10-year grazing permits to be allowed for stockmen who have been grazing for several years and will agree to various requirements. The policy will also allow the Forest Service to reduce permits in over-grazed areas, providing more options for managing erosion caused by possible over-grazing.

— From the March 26, 1936, edition of Middle Park Times

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