Gov. Ritter has issued a state of emergency in Boulder County where the Four Mile Canyon wildfire continues to rage. The state has received a fire management assistance grant from FEMA to manage and control the fire that is threatening hundreds of homes and buildings.  U.S. Senator Michael Bennett says that FEMA assistance will help firefighters contain the blaze but as a whole the state needs to do more to prevent these disasters.  So far, over 7 thousand acres have burned forcing at least 3500 people to evacuate their homes.  There is no estimate on how many homes and buildings have been destroyed….
Source: News Release  (Posted 5:28p by Jim Kapp)

Late yesterday afternoon the Burning Mountain Fire Crew were dispatched to a structure on fire in the Apple Tree Community south of New Castle. When they arrived they found a single-wide mobile home on Lot 44 engulfed in flames and smoke.  Officials requested help from Rifle and Glenwood Springs fire depts.  All departments were able to extinguished the fire within an hour however, the residence is considering the home a total loss.  There were no injuries reported…
Source: News Release  (Posted 4:02p by Jim Kapp)

A Colorado rafting guide is still missing nearly two months after she fell into the Arkansas River. Authorities say Kimberly Appelson’s body has not been found despite weeks of searching since she was thrown from a raft July 11th.  The Summit Daily says that the search has included lowering the river and underwater cameras. Six people have died at the Frog Creek Rapid (Salida) since 1990.

(Photo courtesy of Summit Daily)
Source: Summit Daily (Posted 12:35p)

The search has been called off for a Durango man who vanished after reportedly flashing a knife at a DOW officer. The Durango Herald says that Kevin Haugen was last seen August 27th and threatened suicide, and then fled on foot. He wasn’t being sought by police at the time of the incident. Authorities believe he’s left the area.
Source: Durango Herald (Posted 12:38p)

During the initial phase of the investigation a 17 year-old male was identified by witnesses on scene as Isaac Garcia and was later taken into custody, transported to the Department of Youth Services in Grand Junction and is being held on suspicion of 2nd degree murder.  The investigation also revealed that there had been a large house party at this residence and the victim joined the party uninvited and an altercation ensued which resulted in the death of Mr. Culmer.

The investigation is ongoing and further information will be released as it becomes available.
Source: Press Release    (Posted 10:19a)

Name of stabbing victim identified. In the early morning hours of September 5, 2010 at a house party at 14566 Mustang Lane in Montrose, Colorado there was an altercation which resulted in the death of a 19 year-old, Zachary Culmer. Results of the forensic autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a stab wound to the neck, the manor of death is  homicide. The case is being investigated by the Montrose County Coroner’s Office as well as the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, the Montrose Police Department, the 7th Judicial District and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Source: Press Release    (Posted 9:49a)

CRIME STOPPERS is asking for your help solving a burglary that occurred at Pioneer Museum 803 East Tomichi Avenue Gunnison, Colorado. Between 6:00PM on 08/30/10 and 6:00 PM on 09/03/10 the Pioneer Museum was illegally entered and World War II items were stolen from the museum. Three flight soft helmets, a Nazi military helmet, a German military ammo belt, three replica grenades and a replica grenade launcher were stolen. Anyone with information regarding this burglary or similar crimes is asked to contact the Gunnison Police Department at (970) 641-8000 or Crimes Stoppers. If you have information about this crime or any other crime, contact CRIME STOPPERS at 641-8280. You may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime doesn’t pay, but CRIME STOPPERS does.
Source: PSA    (Posted 11:27a)

Authorities say a University of Wyoming football player was killed and three teammates were injured when a pickup drifted off a Colorado highway and crashed. The Colorado State Patrol says 19-year-old Ruben Narcisse of Miami was killed in the early Monday crash. Nineteen-year-old Trey Fox of Glenwood Springs, 18-year-old Christian Morgan of Aurora, and 19-year-old J.J. Quinlan of Everett, Washington, were injured. According to NBC 11 News, Colorado troopers say Fox was driving and apparently fell asleep. Investigators say alcohol and drugs aren’t believed to be factors.
Source: NBC 11 News/AP    (Posted 7:49a)

Under the new federal health care reform plan, care is expected to become more patient friendly for the more than 700,000 rural Coloradans. Among the provisions: the plan will pay an increased share of doctor bills for seniors, lower costs for outpatient prescriptions, and offer better reimbursement for rural ambulance services. David Adamson is executive director of the Mountain Family Health Centers in Glenwood Springs – he says remote Community Health Centers like his are part of the focus of the Affordable Care Act. Nearly 10% of rural patients have no regular source for health care or advice. Steven Siegel of the Uncompahgre Medical Center in Norwood says his practice is known as a “frontier clinic.”  Federal health care reform also provides $11 billion dollars in funding nationwide to help build and improve Community Health Center service.
Source: Press Release    (Posted 9:17a)

On Saturday, September 18th, Roland McCook, descendant of Chipeta, will bless the River Uncompahgre as a symbol of peace flowing through the community of Montrose as part of the Peace and Remembrance Gathering which begins at 9:30 am at the Peace Pole in Ute Indian Park (across the street from the Ute Indian Museum).  The Open Heart Drum Circle will be drumming for peace for Mother Earth and the Veterans of Foreign Wars #874 will honor our fallen heroes who have given their lives for peace.  Everyone is invited to attend this gathering for peace, which is part of the Weekend of Unity and Peace.  The Weekend kicks off on the Friday evening before with a Peace Dinner, sponsored by the Western Colorado Friends of Tibet, at the Guru Restaurant in Montrose.  Saturday’s activities include two free films and a panel discussion about the evolution of humanity, prayer doves for Mother Earth, all at the Ute Indian Museum and afternoon activities in Baldridge Park including a community peace circle and photo around the duck pond, the Dances of Universal Peace (for all ages), a compassion meditation and Peace Potluck.  Peace services will be held at several local churches on Sunday and the Weekend ends with a dedication of the Peace Symbol at 138 N. Mesa.  You can add your hand print to the Hands for Peace Poster at the Montrose Library.  Call 252-0908 for more information.
Source: PSA    (Posted 7:50a)

Below is the official press release from Montrose County, sent Monday September 6, 2010:
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Montrose Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation and 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating an apparent stabbing that occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 5th at 14566 Mustang Lane off of Marine Road.  A 19 year-old male is dead and a 17 year-old male is in custody.  The investigation is ongoing and more details will be released when they are available.
(Posted 5:53a)

Highway 50 at the Mesa/Delta County line was shut down in both directions for about a half an hour last night. Two crashes, one involving a Mesa County Sheriff’s vehicle and another just a few feet away, sent one person to the hospital. According to KREX, a car crashed into a Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy’s patrol car while he was responding to an accident nearby. Luckily he was out of the vehicle and not injured in the accident. The person who struck the patrol car was ticketed for careless driving. No word on their condition at this time.
Source: KREX (Posted 5:51a)

A wind-driven wildfire in the Colorado foothills has destroyed some structures and triggered evacuations, but no injuries have been reported. The Daily Camera says that the fire broke out yesterday in Four Mile Canyon northwest of Boulder. No word on what officially started the fire but wind has spread the fire to 3,500 acres and 1,000 homes have been forced to evacuate. Authorities say one fire vehicle has been destroyed. At least four roads in the area have been close and heavy smoke is hanging over the area.
Source: Daily Camera (Posted 5:51a)

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is now giving big-game hunters the opportunity to share their Colorado hunting accomplishments with others. Beginning this year, hunters can submit stories and photos to be posted on a new “Hunter Testimonials” page featured on the DOW website.

“We are extremely excited about the debut of this new online hunting forum,” said Tyler Baskfield, DOW communications manager.  “This is a great way for people to share their hunting experiences and to showcase the diversity of Colorado’s big-game hunting opportunities.”

The DOW encourages hunters of all experience levels, ages and backgrounds to participate.

“We are really looking for diversity,” said Baskfield.  “We want to give everyone the chance to share their story, from the hunter who shoots their first cow elk to the seasoned enthusiast who harvests a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.”

Hunting stories should be limited to 250 words and be accompanied with high-resolution, digital photos detailing the experience.  All submissions will be edited and reviewed to ensure DOW rules and regulations are followed.  Publication is not guaranteed, and photos and stories become the property of the DOW.

For submission instructions and to view the DOW’s “Big-Game Hunter Testimonial” page, click here:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/HunterTestimonials/

For more news about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/news/index.asp?DivisionID=3
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
Source: PSA    (Posted 5:50a)

Area churches in Montrose have banded together to help feed the hungry. The churches formed a group called “Weekend Blessings”.  The Daily Press explains that Weekend Blessings fills a much needed void.  While Christ’s Kitchen serves meals each week day, it does not serve on weekends.  So this group fills that gap.  Coordinator for Weekend Blessings, Carolyn Hickerson, says this concept also grew out of the Backpacks for Kids program….
Source: Montrose Daily Press (Posted 5:35p by Jim Kapp)

A day after Troy Martinez died from a gunshot wound, friends are remembering him as having a wonderful personality and enormous heart. KJCT writes that last night, they held a candlelight vigil for the teenager who just started his sophomore year at Central High School in Grand Junction.  It was a vigil organized by his friends at Central High School. Their relationship as students kept them together, but outside of school is what kept them close.  While they don’t know what exactly happened yesterday afternoon, they do know one thing. They’ll never forget Troy.  Meanwhile the Sheriff’s office is continuing its investigation and understands that those close to Martinez want some answers but they’re trying to cover aspect of the case first…..
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:50p by Jim Kapp)

District Judge Brian Flynn has rejected a plea agreement in a drug case for a Grand Junction man convicted of dragging a dog to death. According to the Daily Sentinel the judge said the plea agreement was weak especially coming from one who has low prospects for rehabilitation considering he’s got a rap sheet that includes six prior felonies and several trips in and out of prison in several states.  The person in question, Steven Clay Romero, shook  his head in disbelief and escorted back to Mesa County jail.  He’s scheduled for trial on Jan. 4^th…..
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 4:52p by Jim Kapp)

Thanks to Jerry Sutherland and a handful of other volunteers from the Black Canyon Racing Assoc. horse racing returns to Montrose. It’s been about six years since the track at the fairgrounds hosted a meet of any size.  According to The Watch it’s taken two years of hard work to get the track back to racing form.  It was the county that urged the association to getting the track back in shape.  That meant re-welding fences, repairing the track, and smooth out the surface.  Sutherland explains that one of the main goals of the association is to bring more races in next year and have more than just one race meet.  The first race meet this year will be Sept. 11th and 12^th….
Source: The Watch (Posted 3:45p by Jim Kapp)

Cottonwood Elementary School kids no longer have to lunch in the gymnasium, but their new “cafetorium” also benefits the kids, school and community in other ways. The Daily Press describes the new gym as being quite versatile.  This new facility includes a new lunchroom which has bathrooms, water fountains and windows.The cafetorium will also serve as the school autditorium and art classroom.  Plus, it not only be used by the kids but the community in general.  The school opened the cafetorium next to the gym earlier this week, and students poured in Tuesday eager to eat in their new lunchroom.
Source: Montrose Daily Press (Posted 3:47p by Jim Kapp)

Colorado could join 15 other states in allowing advanced-practice nurses to administer anesthesia without a doctor’s supervision. The Denver Post reports Gov. Bill Ritter is leaning toward making the change to help rural hospitals who don’t have anesthesiologists on staff. A decision is expected in the next two weeks. Anesthesiologists are fighting the proposal, saying it would put lives at risk. Rural hospitals that don’t have anesthesiologists currently allow nurse specialists to administer anesthesia under a doctor’s supervision. However, they say doctors are wary of taking on that responsibility. The 15 other states that don’t require doctor supervision are primarily western and rural, including Montana and Idaho.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 11:53a)

Wednesday afternoon’s opening presentation by Club 20 CEO Reeves Brown and Rocky Mountain Health Plan CEO Steve ErkenBrack will feature a discussion of federal health care legislation.  Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher will deliver the keynote address following the Thursday luncheon.  The concluding session on Thursday afternoon will allow Western Slope legislators to present opening remarks and discuss with other participants isues that affect the aging, including subjects generated in the small-group discussions.  Moderating the closing session will be Rich Mauro, Senior Policy and Legislative Analyst for the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).

Those planning to attend may RSVP to Lee Bartlett of the Region 10 Area Agency on Aging (AAA) at (970) 249-2436, ext. 14, and pay the fee at registration. The registration fee of $30.00 covers all Roundup sessions, handout materials, the Wednesday evening dinner and entertainment as well as the luncheon on Thursday.

AAA is dedicated to developing a network of services for adults age 60 and over to assist them in maintaining independence within their communities. To learn more about AAA programs and services please call (970) 249-2436.
Source: PSA    (Posted 10:12a)

Today is the 46th anniversary of the signing of the federal Wilderness Act, which is legislation that can be used to protect wild areas on public lands. Suzanne Jones with The Wilderness Society says Coloradans have a long bipartisan history of preserving public lands. Last year, wilderness protection was extended to two regions in the state: the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness near Grand Junction, and the vast majority of the backcountry in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Source: Press Release    (Posted 9:46a)

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is meeting on September 13-15, 2010, at Ute Water Conservancy District’s Headquarters Office, 2190 H ¼ Road, Grand Junction, CO  81505. The agenda is available on the CWCB website.   CWCB staff memos and other materials will be available September 3, 2010, on our website. The meeting will be “streamed” via the internet through the CWCB’s website.  Click on the “Listen to the meeting LIVE!” link, found on our home page just before the meeting begins. Presentations are also being made available.  To watch presentations that accompany agenda items, click the “Watch Presentations” link on the CWCB website homepage just before the meeting begins. The CWCB is implementing a new email system in an effort to improve our communication with citizens, customers, and constituents.  If you do not wish to receive notices of Board activities, please let us know. If you need more information about this Board meeting, please contact Lisa Barr at lisa.barr@state.co.us.
Source: PSA    (Posted 9:46a)

A popular grocery store in Delta is shutting it’s doors. The Delta County Independent says the 35 year old Delta Super grocery store is shutting down due to hard economic times. The Cedaredge Mercantile, owned by the same family, is not closing. Delta Super has everything inside marked 10% off with the exception of tobacco products.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 6:54a)

The Mesa County Coroner has ruled the death of the teenager killed in Clifton as a homicide. Wednesday afternoon, Mesa County Deputies responded to a home in Clifton on reports of a shot fired. Troy Martinez was found dead on scene and his friend told authorities that they were just disassembling a .22-caliber bullet when it discharged and hit Martinez in the chest. The friend was led away in handcuffs with evidence-protective bags around his hands; however no charges have been filed. Martinez was a student at Central High School.
Source: Press Release    (Posted 6:54a)

Mark your calendars because from 10-2 on Saturday October 9th, the City of Montrose will be holding a Hazardous Waste Day. In years past there was no charge, and while the minimal fees are still being worked out, it was noted during last night’s city council meeting that there will indeed be fees for dumping hazardous waste this year. More information will be available as the date gets closer.
(Posted 6:54a)