News: Monday November 30, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 30th, 2009

Gov. Ritter will join officials from the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol at a news conference on the first day of Colorado’s new law that prohibits texting while driving for all motorists and prohibits drivers 18 and younger from using cell phones. The Governor will honor Colorado Springs area students who helped design the public awareness announcements that will be used to publicize the new law.
Source: News Release  (Posted 5:11p by Jim Kapp)

Federal officials are hoping to get some public input about a prescribed burn. The Meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10 in Reservoir Gulch, 14 miles south of Silt.  The Daily Sentinel says , the burn, which could occur as early as next spring if the conditions are right could cover as much as 1,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management land and 1,300 acres of National Forest lands.  A meeting to discuss the burn will be 6:30 p.m to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Bureau of Land Management Office in Silt, 2300 River Frontage Road.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:13p by Jim Kapp)

It’s been more than 10 years in the making and the City of Montrose is looking to facelift its downtown area. And with the economy in the shape it’s in now’s a better time than ever to boost local businesses.  According to NBC 11 News Bob Brown, the owner of Around the Corner Art Gallery in Downtown Montrose says businesses in the area are taking steps to revitalize the area.  He and others are creating a Downtown Development Authority, a group that could fund improvement projects and help attract new businesses to the area and help promote downtown in general. City officials  are encouraged and say that kind of environment has been missing from the downtown area for a long time.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:10p by Jim Kapp)

THE LOVE LIGHT WREATH is once again on display for the Holiday season in the Gallery Lobby at Montrose Memorial Hospital. It will be displayed through January 3, 2010 according to Dale Cracraft, Director of Montrose Hospital Volunteer Services.  Persons wishing to remember a friend or loved one may sponsor a light on the wreath with a $5 donation.  The names of those being remembered are displayed beside the wreath.  Contributions will be accepted through Wednesday, December 23, and will be used to benefit patients at the hospital.  For more information, interested persons may stop by the Golden Leaf Gift Shop at the Hospital, or mail a check to Montrose Memorial Hospital Volunteer Services, 800 South Third Street, Montrose, CO  81401.
Source: PSA  (Posted 4:03p by Jim Kapp)

Kathy Deltonto spoke with us last week regarding healthy options for RE-1J school district students. Deltonto says that the nutritional services in Montrose are self-funded and that the district’s general fund only pays for things such as kitchen equipment.  Deltonto says while they’d like to raise the price of their school lunches, that would be unwise considering the amount of homelessness and low-income within Montrose and Olathe schools (113 students to-date are considered homeless in RE-1J schools). She points out that on average, 58% of RE-1J students are on free & reduced lunches and in some schools up to 78% students are on free & reduced lunches.  The lunches in Boulder cost students $5.00, mainly because they have a lot of organic food incorporated into their lunches, meanwhile RE-1J students pay $2.00 a meal, one of the lowest prices in the state.

Three years ago the state required schools to maintain a wellness policy regarding their foods and vending, and Deltonto says Montrose County RE-1J has one of the strictest policies (they don’t have anything over 30% sugar).  She also said the schools will try to incorporate a salad bar in each school starting second semester next year.

When asked the purpose of their strict wellness policy program she said it’s to offer the healthiest meals possible at an affordable price, and to serve the students to the best of their ability.

Deltonto says one of the biggest pushes in this wellness program is education, not only for the students, but for the families in the community. She says American’s are so used to super-sized portions everywhere they go, that when they get what appears to be a small portion at school, that it’s actually a normal-recommended-sized portion.

Deltonto says she has numerous resources available to the community and encourages families to call or stop in for additional information. She did mention the free lunch program will take place again this summer.  This program is available to anyone under 18.  Those over 18 are welcome to attend, but will have to pay a small lunch fee.  Details on the free summer lunch program will be available at a later date.

To contact Kathy Deltonto at the Montrose County RE-1J School Nutritional Services, call: 970-252-7912 or visit her at the Nutritional Offices at the new administration building near the bus barn (Apollo Rd).
(Posted 12:55p)

With so many big-ticket items on the table, like health care reform and climate policy, it’s easy for an issue like the estate tax to get lost in the shuffle. It’s the tax paid on the estates of multi-millionaires when they die. But the devil is in the details, says Mike Lapham of United for a Fair Economy. He says several powerful groups have been working to repeal the estate tax for quite some time. Lapham says one of the biggest misconceptions about the tax is that it affects everyone. The estate tax has been cut five times since 2001 – and it expires at the end of this year, so Congress must decide on a plan for next year within the next few weeks.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 12:18p)

The New Community Coalition in Telluride is hosting an Integrated Design Workshop this Friday for anyone who should have a voice in the design phase of buildings. The Norwood Post says this includes architects, engineers, designers, general contractors, owners, interior designers, tradesmen, and Building & Planning Department staff, as well as anyone else involved in or wanting to learn about building.  The all-day event will have two guest speakers and will focus on green building.  The workshop will be at the Wilkinson Public Library Program Room in Telluride from 8-5 this Friday.  The cost is $20 and includes lunch. For more information or to register call Kim at 728-5208.
Source: Norwood Post (Posted 12:19p)

Update on Grand Junction shooting. On 11/28/09, at approximately 0124 hrs. the Grand Junction Police Department received a 911 call from 610 Gunnison Ave. about an unknown adult male at the residence whom the homeowner wanted removed.  Officers were dispatched.

A 2nd 911 call came in that stated the intruder was in the backyard and had now been shot by the homeowner, a sworn officer with the National Parks Service.  In addition to officers being dispatched, GJFD was also dispatched and arrived shortly after officers.  The male who was shot was transported to St. Mary’s for treatment.  There is no update on the male’s condition at this time.  The homeowner’s family was at home during the incident.

The Grand Junction Police Department has consulted with the Mesa County DA and at this time, no charges have been filed.  Investigation is continuing.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 12:04p)

Colorado’s ban on texting while driving takes effect tomorrow. It will be illegal for drivers to text, e-mail, or tweet behind the wheel. Violators risk a $50 fine and repeat offenders could get a $100 ticket. The new law also bars those under 18 from talking on their cell phones while driving.

According to AAA, 18 other states and the District of Columbia have passed texting-while-driving laws. A national survey by the organization found that 95 percent of drivers disapproved of texting behind the wheel but that 18 percent of them admitted to texting or e-mailing while driving in the past month.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:28a)

Two young women were seriously injured this past weekend after playing at the old DMEA plant in Montrose (30 west S. 4th Street). Montrose Police Commander Gene Lillard says five people including the two women were cited for trespassing and consumption of alcohol.  The women fell about 4-5 stories onto the concrete floor. Both were transported to St. Mary’s in Grand Junction, one was released and the other remains in fair condition.
Those cited:
Mitchell, Ricky A 02/14/83
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
Second Degree Criminal Trespass
Probation Violation
Bond $750.00

Mitchell, Sarah M 07/25/89
Montrose, CO
By Montrose PD
Trespassing
Underage Consumption of Alcohol
Bond $300.00

Drown, Joshua R 06/07/88
Delta, CO
By Montrose PD
Trespassing
Providing Alcohol to Person Under 21
Bond $300.00

Stephanie Pickett–Listed in fair condition at St. Mary’s hospital

Sean Gaetz
Source: Montrose Police Department   (Posted 11:17a)

LifeArts:  Create Your Best Life is a free lecture series that will give you tips and strategies to improve and enhance your life.  The next lecture; Emotional Eating will be December 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Montrose Library Conference Center.  Shirley Harvey, LCSW will present the lecture.

“Emotional eating means that you eat unconsciously, you eat when you are not hungry, or you eat to sooth unpleasant emotions.  Eating for these reasons can be irrational and can become a habit.  It can contribute to a lifelong pattern of unsuccessful dieting” says Harvey.  During this lecture we will discuss:

• What kinds of thoughts trigger emotional eating
• What emotions are most commonly associated with emotional eating
• Some practical and simple ways to begin to get control of emotional eating and change your habits.

Shirley Harvey is a state licensed clinical social worker.  She has 32 years experience working in various mental health settings in California and Colorado.  She has lived in Montrose for 15 years and worked as a psychotherapist at the Center for Mental Health, with the school district as an elementary school therapist for children and families, and in private practice.  Shirley is married and has one son.  She lives with her husband of 25 years along with a menagerie of animals.

For more information please call Meg at 249-9656.

LifeArts is a collaborative effort between the Center for Mental Health, Montrose Memorial Hospital, Montrose Regional Library and Volunteers of America.
Source: PSA   (Posted 10:34a)

The Montrose Area Merchants Association (MAMA) is pleased to announce that Mike and Phoebe Benziger have been chosen as the 2009 Holiday Parade of Lights Grand Marshals, and on Saturday, December 5, they will lead the Holiday Parade of Lights.  Dr. and Mrs. Benziger have been selected as the Grand Marshals so that the Montrose community might recognize their dedication to serve and support the Montrose community.

Phoebe Benziger has been the office nurse for Dr. Van Gemert for the past 24 years. She has also been an aerobics instructor for 23 years. Phoebe is currently serving on the Montrose Community Foundation Board, San Juan Healthcare Foundation, Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club, and the Montrose Medical Alliance. Phoebe’s hobbies are golfing, quilting, road biking and shopping in Montrose.

Mike Benziger has been a pathologist at the Montrose Memorial Hospital since 1978. Mike currently serves on the Montrose RE-1J School Board and the Wells Fargo Board. Mike has also been the president of the Montrose Soccer Club and still coaches youth soccer and basketball teams. Mike’s hobbies are riding his road bike and attending his wife’s exercise class.

Mike and Phoebe have 4 daughters, 1 son, 1 dog, and a bird. Although their children have grown and left the area for college, the Benzigers remain entrenched in supporting youth activities. You will often find them stomping and screaming from the stands at local athletic events. They are proud of their remodeled 100-year-old Victorian home in downtown Montrose, which affords them the ability to walk to Main in Motion during the summer.

The Benzigers have been instrumental in a bevy of community projects ranging from the construction of the new track at Montrose High School to the expansion of the Montrose Animal Shelter. They also underwrite local music performances and events.

Christmas may be the season of giving but the Benzigers live their lives in a year-round spirit of giving. Both Mike and Phoebe feel lucky to call Montrose their home these past 30 years. They can’t imagine living anywhere else!

The Benzigers will be escorted courtesy of The Black Canyon Classics Car Club in a 1962 Ford Galaxy 500 convertible.  MAMA’s Holiday Parade of Lights is a spectacular sight and a wonderful community event not to be missed.  This year’s theme, Home is Where the Heart Is, is sure to spread holiday spirit to participants and spectators alike.  The Holiday Parade of Lights will head west on Main Street beginning at Stough Avenue and ending at Rio Grande.  Congratulations to Mike and Phoebe Benziger, the 2009 Holiday Parade of Lights Grand Marshals!
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:33a)

GJPD investigates shooting. On Saturday, November 28, 2009, at about 0124 hours, officers from the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a residence located in the central part of the city on a report of a shooting.  Responding officers found an adult male in the backyard of a residence with a single gunshot wound to the chest. The male was transported to a local hospital and underwent surgery for his injury.

Interviews were conducted and all the involved parties have been identified. No arrests have been made at this time. Investigation is continuing.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:49a)

A CDOT investigation reveals that about two broadside accidents a year happen at the intersection of Highway 133 and Samuel Wade Road in Paonia, but says there isn’t enough funding to perform any major safety projects in that area.  According to the Delta County Independent, it appears the town of Paonia has written to CDOT several times regarding this dangerous intersection only to be continuously turned down for funding.  CDOT does point out that existing traffic controls are in place and in adequate condition, but does say the current width on Samuel Wade Road limits them from making major adjustments.  CDOT did suggest a possible roundabout for the intersection. CDOT’s conclusions on the dangerous intersection were presented to Paonia Town Council earlier this month.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 7:12a)

The Telluride Region Habitat for Humanity board has acquired enough money to complete two more houses before the dead of winter arrives. The Norwood Post writes that in addition to the money, the board has also seen a few changes including new president, Nina Kothe, and new vice president, Ian Evans. The Habitat for Humanity Telluride Region also has a new construction manager and volunteer coordinator.  Habitat is asking for volunteers to help complete the two houses and asks that you call 728-5515 to learn more.
Source: Norwood Post (Posted 7:11a)

Those who wish to purchase a ticket for the house up for raffle in Montrose have until the 31st of December to do so. Tickets can be purchased at the Restore at 311 N. 4th Street in Montrose.  The house, valued at $250,000 is at 925 S. 2nd Street in Montrose.
Source: PSA   (Posted 7:10a)

Road work begins today. Montrose County Public Works will close Carnation Road between 5400 and 5500 Road for culvert replacement beginning today for about three weeks.  Motorists are asked to use alternate routes.  For more information call Montrose County Road and Bridge at 249-5424.
Source: PSA   (Posted 7:10a)

About a week and a half ago, over 300 people showed up to the public hearing regarding the possible annexation and zoning of Gunnison Rising, a 633-acre proposal on the east side of town that could include park and open space amenities and a possible regional headquarters for the Division of Wildlife.  According to the Gunnison Country Times, two surveys conducted by the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce show a shift in support of the project.  The idea of the annexation has been ongoing since 2006.  City Council is expected to conduct a first-reading of the proposed annexation Tuesday December 8th.
Source: Gunnison Country Times (Posted 5:58a)

The lack of pipeline capacity to ship natural gas out of Colorado and the resulting lower prices for the state’s producers are being addressed with the completion of new lines. KJCT says the Rockies Express $6.5 billion pipeline from western Colorado to western Ohio began service this summer.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 5:57a)

The Montrose Meth Coalition Drug Endangered Children Food Drive is being held this Saturday from 9a-1p at Safeway. Help with holiday food baskets for folks raising children whose homes are affected by meth addiction.  Learn more by calling Theresa at 250-7414.
Source: PSA   (Posted 5:51a)

NEWS: Friday November 27, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 27th, 2009

Our offices will be closed today in observance of Thanksgiving. We will open on Monday November 30, 2009 at 8:30am.

We hope all of our listeners had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we’re thankful to have you!!

NEWS: Wednesday November 25, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 25th, 2009

After six months of negotiations, unionized Colorado grocery workers at Safeway and Kroger Co.’s King Soopers and City Market chains are going to start voting on the companies’ last, best and final contract offers. According to NBC 11 News United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 have said that their ballots will be mailed out starting Friday.  Voting is expected to take two weeks.   The two unions represent about 17,000 workers at those chains plus Albertsons, whose workers are waiting on more contract talks.  All of the workers’ contracts expire in May….
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:01p by Jim Kapp)

The Federal Aviation Administration is close to wrapping up its investigation of the parents who reported that their son floated away aboard a helium balloon. The Daily Sentinel reports that the field work in the investigation of Richard and Mayumi Heene has been completed and they expect the results to be released in about two weeks.  It was the Heenes who falsely reported that their 6yr old son went missing and was thought to be in a runaway balloon on Oct. 15^th.  They fabricated that story in hopes of landing a deal on a reality show.  Both have pleaded guilty to criminal charges.  The FAA investigation is a civil one and possible penalties range from a letter of reprimand to a fine.  No word on how much that fine would be….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:03p by Jim Kapp)

The Colorado State Patrol continues to investigate a crash that  injured six teenagers near Rifle yesterday afternoon. KJCT reports the driver lost control of the car on I-70 and it rolled over.  The kids involved in the accident were from ages 15 to 19.  Four of them were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the vehicle.  So far in the investigation police say alcohol and drugs were not a factor but speed might have been.  The driver and 3 others who were seriously injured were airlifted to St. Mary’s hospital and the other two were taken to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs….
Source: KJCT (Posted 3:52p by Jim Kapp)

Seven Colorado State Parks will benefit from a $647,400 grant, provided by the Colorado State Forest Service through funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will employ crews from the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) in beetle kill forest restoration projects. The funds were awarded to the CYCA for work in the state parks and will employ 78 individuals in seasonal and full-time positions during the next 17 months.
Source: News Release  (Posted 3:53p by Jim Kapp)

Pet owners in the City of Delta may be paying more for their pet licenses and more often. According to the Mountain Valley News, Delta Police Chief Robert Thomas addressed the city council last week and suggested a few changes regarding pet ordinances.  Some councilmen took issues with a couple of those suggestions, particularly the one about renewing licenses.  Councilman Pfalzgraff said he would like to see the issue tabled for now and have it re-worked after he and Chief Thomas are able to get together and talk about it….
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 3:55p by Jim Kapp)

On the topic of our furry little friends, Effective December 31, 2010, the town of Cedaredge will eliminate all funding for their animal shelter. According to Mountain Valley News, the 2010 town budget shows a cut of $25,000 to the animal control services.  At the time of elimination, a qualified agency may take over the shelter, leaving the town responsible only for animal control functions.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 3:55p by Jim Kapp)

The Montrose Area Merchants Association (MAMA) is pleased to announce that Mike and Phoebe Benziger have been chosen as the 2009 Holiday Parade of Lights Grand Marshals, and on Saturday, December 5, they will lead the Holiday Parade of Lights.  Dr. and Mrs. Benziger have been selected as the Grand Marshals because of their dedication and support of the  Montrose community .  Phoebe Benziger has been the office nurse for Dr. Van Gemert for the past 24 years. She is also y serving on the Montrose Community Foundation Board, San Juan Healthcare Foundation, Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club, and the Montrose Medical Alliance.  Mike Benziger has been a pathologist at the Montrose Memorial Hospital since 1978. He is currently serving  on the Montrose RE-1J School Board and the Wells Fargo Board.
Source: News Release  (Posted 3:57p by Jim Kapp)

The Western Slope takes the hit again, as 36% of it’s budget will be cut next year, with the funds being appropriated to the Front Range to fight the pine beetle outbreak.  According to the Telluride Watch, the news was given to County Commissioners of Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, and Delta Counties last week.  The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests cover three million acres of public land.  San Miguel County Commissioner Art Goodtimes says this will upset a lot of people, brining awareness to this serious issue, in hopes for future legislation to be passed.
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 11:41a)

Effective December 31, 2010, the town of Cedaredge will eliminate all funding for their animal shelter. According to Mountain Valley News, the 2010 town budget shows a cut of $25,000 to the animal control services.  At the time of elimination, a qualified agency may take over the shelter, leaving the town responsible only for animal control functions.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 11:39a)

Western State College Assistant Head Football Coach and Defensive Coordinator Brenton Illum will return to his alma mater as Evangel University’s next Head Football Coach. The announcement was made yesterday in a press conference in Springfield, Mo. Illum graduated from Evangel in 1998 and was the linebackers coach from 1998-2001.

“It will be extremely hard to leave the men that I’ve recruited and coached at Western State,” Illum said. “Western will have 10 seniors on defense next fall and those are all guys who I’ve recruited and invested my life in. I will miss them all very much. Returning Evangel’s program to prominence though is a great opportunity that I simply could not pass up.”

Illum spent four seasons at Western State as defensive coordinator. With two All-RMAC players this season, the Mountaineers posted one of the best rushing defense performances in Division II this season against Colorado School of Mines and were ranked in the top half of the conference in pass defense and pass defense efficiency.

Last season, Illum coached the Mountaineer of the Year, Sione Pongia.

Illum was a part of two Heart of America Athletic Conference championship teams as a student assistant coach at Evangel. The Crusaders made three NAIA Division II national playoff appearances, including a semifinal appearance in 1996 and quarterfinal finish in 1997.

After graduation, Illum remained on the coaching staff that won the HAAC championship in 2001 and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

Illum accepted his first coordinator position at Fort Lewis for the 2002 and 2003 seasons and led the Skyhawks to dramatic turnarounds in takeaways and points allowed. As recruiting coordinator, he brought in the first winning season at Fort Lewis in 20 years.

Illum returned to the Springfield, Mo., area as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision institution Missouri State. He was the Bears’ special teams coordinator and coached linebackers in 2004 and defensive tackles in 2005.

Since entering the coaching ranks in 1998, Illum has coached six All-Americans and more than 30 all-conference performers.

It’s also a return to Evangel for Illum’s wife, Molly. She was a standout volleyball student-athlete for the Crusaders before graduating in 1999. The two have been married 11 years.

“We’re extremely excited for Brenton and Molly for this great opportunity,” said Western State Head Football Coach Pat Stewart. “We’re extremely thankful for everything they’ve contributed to our football program. Evangel University has hired one of the best coaches in the business. Brenton has played a big role in all of the future success of Western State football. We wish them only the best.”

“The search for Coach Illum’s replacement will begin immediately,” Stewart said. “We hope to have his replacement on board quickly.”
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:33a)

It will soon be illegal for drivers in Colorado to text, e-mail or tweet when they’re behind the wheel. The ban passed by the Legislature will take effect Tuesday. The new law will also bar drivers under 18 from talking on their cell phones. The law that passed is weaker than one originally proposed at the Capitol. It would have also barred adult drivers from talking on cell phones unless they used a handsfree device. Under the new law, texting while driving is a secondary offense so police can only cite violators if they’re pulled over for another violation first, such as speeding. Drivers could be fined $50 for texting while they drive and repeat offenders could be fined $100.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:43a)

Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a meth-lab bust last week near Cedaredge, resulting in the arrest of three people. Mountain Valley News reports that John Hanley and Anglia and Dean Schmid were arrested on charges of manufacturing and possession of a schedule-2 controlled substance and are all being held at the Delta County Jail on a $60,000 bond.  Praise goes to witnesses who called in using the Crime Stoppers tip line, as these people have been under investigation for several months.  Prior to this bust,  it had been more than six years since a meth- lab was discovered in Delta County.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 7:46a)

Someone has a lot of explaining to do regarding missing tombstones, indecipherable bookkeeping, and other poor caretaking of the Olathe Cemetery. The issues raise so many questions that the Denver Post actually covered the story in today’s paper.  Ten years ago cemetery caretaker Miles Standish, who was originally hired to keep the grass and greenery neat, was fired by the cemetery board for insubordination.  A move that actually gave Standish back his job via a petition, and caused the volunteer board members to lose their positions.  It took until Tuesday, for Standish to turn over the two burial books that were supposed to match, to the board.  The board says, the books appear to be completely separate and have names scratched out, new names written, only to be scratched out again, lot number changes, and so-on.  The article says in the early 90’s Standish deeded a lot, that was given to a deceased baby, to himself, and moved the tombstone to another lot.  However there is no record of the baby in any of the books.  Some questions may never be answered, after all, historic burial books were destroyed in a town hall fire in the 1930’s, but with the books turned over to the Olathe Cemetery Board, some may be answered.  Standish is expected to retire at the end of the year.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 7:44a)

Tomorrow is the opening day for a handful of Colorado Ski Resorts, but some experts see an El Nino winter for the state, which could mean bad news for the tourism industry.  The Daily Planet says that the National Weather Service predicts December, January, and February will be below average in precipitation this year.  Hopes are that the spring brings in bigger storms.  The last El Nino winter in Colorado was in 2006-2007.
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 7:44a)

Holiday travelers are expected to make this one of the busiest Thanksgiving weeks in the history of Denver International Airport. KJCT says the airport is predicting that this could be the second-busiest Thanksgiving week in its history with more than 960,000 passengers at the airport through Monday.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 7:21a)

The Montrose Fire Department responded to a fire on S. 5^th Street yesterday afternoon after a report of smoke coming from the basement of an apartment complex.  It appears the fire started in the wood stove chimney chase in one apartment and progressed into the fire wall between that apartment and it’s neighboring apartment.  There was a significant amount of fire, smoke, and water damage to both apartments.  No injuries were reported.  About $115,000 worth of damage was done to the apartment complex.
Source: Montrose Fire Protection District   (Posted 6:04a)

The Town of Olathe approved their 2010 budget Monday night. According to the Daily Press, next year’s budget reflects expected revenues over $2 million, which is about a $1 million increase from this year’s budget.  Olathe is looking at several large projects next year including an upgrade to the police department communications system.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 6:04a)

It’s the time of year where toys are flying off the shelves, but a website wants you to check into the toys for safety reasons before making your purchase.  The Daily Sentinel reports on toysafety.net, (or toysafety.mobi on your smartphone) a website launched by the Colorado Public Interest Research Group.  This is the group’s 24th annual survey of toy safety.  It appears more than 130 toys were recalled this year due to this list.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 6:02a)

The Eagle County Commission is reviewing a budget proposal for next year that includes cutting 30 full-time jobs. The Vail Daily says the plan also cuts more than $1 million from community programs as the county faces a projected $4.4 million deficit in the general fund by 2012. The county said yesterday that the preliminary 2010 budget is 14 percent lower than operating expenditures in 2009.
Source: Vail Daily (Posted 6:01a)

NEWS: Tuesday November 24, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 24th, 2009

Shortly after 6PM Tuesday night the Montrose Fire Department responded to a blaze at an apartment complex on South Fifth Street at the intersection with Lot in Montrose. Smoke was pouring from the roof of the building, but there were no details as to the extent of damage nor report of any injuries at the time of this report.
Source: Colorado Radio Newsroom eyewitness. (Posted 6:33PM by Jay Austin)

Today and tomorrow  will be typically busy pre-Thanksgiving travel days at most airports and passengers should be at ticket counters at least two hours before departure. The Denver Post says recent cuts in seat capacity by U.S. airlines mean planes will be even more packed than usual during the Thanksgiving travel period, and passengers should allow for  adequate time for check-in and security screening….
Source: Denver Post (Posted 3:46p by Jim Kapp)

A Clifton man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of another man during a child’s birthday party is scheduled to enter a plea next month. The Daily Sentinel reports that Michael Simpson waived his preliminary hearing yesterday and will enter a plea on Dec. 22^nd.  He is accused of killing 50 yr old Marco Ramon Estrella  and wounding 3 others this past summer outside an apartment where they were celebrating a child’s birthday….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 3:45p by Jim Kapp)

It appears Xcel Energy will abandon its plans to have Colorado ratepayers pay for expensive dinners and luxury hotel stays for its employees. KJCT reports that the Utility has agreed to remove $280 thousand in charges that would have been included in its pending $136 million rate increase.  These expenses were exposed after a Minnesota attorney questioned similar spending and proposed rate increases in that state.  Xcel is based out of Minneaopolis.  Lawyers for Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission also requested a breakdown of their expenses and rate increase request.
Source: KJCT (Posted 3:44p by Jim Kapp)

The Cedaredge Lodge will be hosting a “Paying It Forward” Thanksgiving dinner open to the public. Their free dinner is free is Thursday at 1 o’clock.   In addition to dinner, drinks, & desserts they will be watching football and playing games. RSVP at thecedaredgelodge.com.
Source: PSA   (Posted 12:12p)

Aspen Police are still investigating the death of a woman whose body was found near the Pitkin County Library last week but say the death appears to be accidental. NBC 11 News says that investigators are examining a sprinkler head found in the same area where a passer-by found the body of 54-year-old Cheryl Lurie on November 16.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 12:11p)

More people seem to be heading home for the holidays this year in Colorado. The Daily Sentinel says DIA expects more fliers to pass through the airport this week than during Thanksgiving week last year. The airport predicts more than 960,000 passengers between now and Monday.
Source: Daily Sentinel/AP   (Posted 10:48a)

Gov. Bill Ritter, Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien, the Colorado Coalition to End Hunger and Share Our Strength, the leading national organization working to end childhood hunger, today announced the “Campaign to End Childhood Hunger in Colorado.”

The campaign, which is supported by President Obama (see attached letter), will immediately work to increase the number of children enrolled in school breakfast and summer lunch programs while developing a comprehensive plan to end childhood hunger in Colorado by 2015.

“Colorado’s future rests firmly in the hands of our children,” Gov. Ritter said, kicking off the campaign at Place Bridge Academy in Denver. “This campaign will continue the progress we’re making to improve the health and education of Colorado’s most important resource, giving all kids a chance to live up to their God-given potential.”

Lt. Gov. O’Brien, former president of the Colorado Children’s Campaign and long-time children’s advocate, will co-chair the initiative for the administration.

“I am proud to be a part of Colorado’s efforts to end childhood hunger. This is a big first step to create a plan and a partnership so that children can lead healthier, more productive lives,” Lt. Gov. O’Brien said.

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet said, “As a father of three school-aged girls and a former superintendent, I know that kids perform better when their stomachs are full, The Hunger Free Schools Act, which I introduced earlier this year, would bring our nutrition programs into the digital age and make sure every child has access to healthy meals during the school year and summer months. If we want to educate a nation of future leaders, we need to make sure our kids — all Colorado kids — have access to the healthy, nutritious food they need to grow, learn and thrive.”

Joining the Governor, Lt. Governor and Sen. Bennet to lead the campaign are Share our Strength and the Colorado Coalition to End Hunger. More than 17 million children in the United States face hunger and more than 18 percent of U.S. children live in poverty, according to 2007 Census data. Share Our Strength has a national plan to end childhood hunger in America by 2015 which is built on public-private partnerships at the state level. Share Our Strength has committed $200,000 over two years to the Colorado Campaign.

“Share Our Strength’s mission is to surround kids with nutritious food where they live, learn and play,” said Bill Shore, Share Our Strength’s founder and executive director. “The Campaign will help close the gaps between Colorado kids in need and the federal programs that can help them. Colorado is among the first states in the nation to work with Share Our Strength to eradicate childhood hunger in America by 2015.”

The Colorado Coalition to End Hunger is the lead Colorado-based nonprofit organization for the campaign. “Too many children in Colorado are facing hunger, and in this modern day and age, that is simply unacceptable,” said Executive Director Kathy Underhill. “Together with the Governor’s Office and Share Our Strength we will work to give all children in Colorado a fair start.”

The campaign will be led by a statewide working group representing a broad and diverse coalition of businesses, religious, educational, agricultural and civic leaders.

In the first year, the Campaign will see that thousands of additional Colorado children have nutritious meals by focusing on school breakfast and summer nutrition programs. With fewer than 38 percent of eligible children in Colorado receiving school breakfast, and only 8.2 percent of eligible children receiving summer meals, there is enormous opportunity to quickly make progress addressing childhood hunger. In the process, millions of dollars of additional federal support will flow to Colorado helping children without putting additional pressure on the state’s budget.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:46a)

Colorado business fined big for teen’s death. Federal officials say teens as young as 14 were hired to drive front-end loaders and forklifts at a company that operates grain elevators in southeastern Colorado. The Denver Post says a 17-year-old worker died in one of Tempel Grain’s elevator in May and the company has been fined more than $1.5 million for allegedly violating safety rules.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 8:49a)

Montrose High School Junior Drew Trujillo was named to the All-Colorado Golf Team over the weekend. The Daily Press says Trujillo was also recently named to the Denver Post’s All-State Team and to the All-Regional Team.  Trujillo led the Indian golf team as its medalist, winning the league title and the regional tournament.  The boys finished 3rd at this year’s state tournament.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 8:01a)

The former Montrose High School band teacher who is accused of sexual assault on a child is set for trial in April. Andrew Burke allegedly had sex with a student during the 2007-2008 school year.  The girl eventually told someone about the affair after he showed up at her house uninvited and startled her.  The Daily Press reports that the 37-year-old is free on bond and will appear in court April 5th for a pre-trial conference.
Source: Daily Press contributed to this story   (Posted 7:59a)

With several towns contributing to the cause, a late-night bus service will be available between Gunnison and Crested Butte every Saturday starting this weekend. According to Crested Butte News, RTA asked surrounding towns to contribute to the $925  to cover the costs of the service.  The Saturday night bus services will leave Gunnison at 9 o’clock and get to Mt. Crested Butte at about 10pm.  It will turn around and take people back to Gunnison at 10:15pm.
Source: Crested Butte News (Posted 7:58a)

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations to fill 10 positions on the Advisory Council for the newly designated Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (NCA), a 209,610-acre natural resource gem located in parts of Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties that includes the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. Nominations are being accepted through Dec. 21, 2009.

The Dominguez-Escalante NCA Advisory Council will play a key role in assisting the BLM during the development of the NCA’s Resource Management Plan. Council members will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior and BLM on matters regarding the preparation and implementation of an RMP for the area.

Members are sought who are committed to working together with other broad interests for the long-term benefit of the NCA resources and those who enjoy and rely on them.  Individuals with interest or expertise in working with the geological, cultural, archaeological, paleontological, natural, scientific, recreational, wilderness, wildlife, riparian, historical, educational, and scenic values of the NCA, or with the water resources of the area, should consider submitting a nomination.  Stakeholders who have an interest affected by the planning and management of the Conservation Area and Wilderness may also nominate themselves for consideration.

Members serve without monetary compensation but are reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. The Advisory Council will meet a minimum of two times per year, although nominees can expect to meet much more frequently during key planning periods.  Nominees can expect to commit 15-40 hours or more annually for meetings, field trips, document reviews and other involvement.

Membership categories are as follows:

• One member shall be appointed after considering the recommendations of the Mesa County Commission;
• One member shall be appointed after considering the recommendations of the Montrose County Commission;
• One member shall be appointed after considering the recommendations of the Delta County Commission;
• One member shall be appointed after considering the recommendations of the permittees holding grazing allotments within the Conservation Area or the Wilderness; and
• Six members shall reside in, or within reasonable proximity to, Mesa County, Delta County, or Montrose County with backgrounds that reflect:
  • The purposes for which the Conservation Area or Wilderness was established; and
  • The interests of the stakeholders that are affected by the planning and management of the National Conservation Area and Wilderness.

  Nomination forms may be obtained from the Grand Junction and Uncompahgre field offices or online at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/National_Conservation_Areas.html.

  Complete nomination packets should be mailed to Dominguez-Escalante NCA Manager, BLM Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506. Individuals may nominate themselves or others, and nomination packets should identify the specific category or categories of interest in the nomination letter and form, as well as describe the knowledge and experience that qualifies the individual for membership. Letters of reference from the interests or organizations the nominee wishes to represent must accompany the nomination form. Final selections will be made by the Secretary of the Interior.

  The nomination period closes on Dec. 21, 2009 as announced in the Federal Register on Nov. 20, 2009.

  For additional information, please contact Katie A. Stevens, Dominguez-Escalante NCA Interim Manager, at (970) 244-3049.
  Source: Press Release   (Posted 7:57a)

Montrose city crews will re-stripe the lanes on South 12th Street—at the intersection of Townsend Avenue—this  morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. The re-striping is expected to last until 2:00 p.m.    During the procedure, traffic on both eastbound and westbound 12th  Street will be restricted to the right lanes only.

The re-striping will alter the lane configuration of South 12th Street on either side of Townsend. The right lanes will accommodate both right-turning traffic and through traffic, while the left lane will be restricted to left turns only. Currently, the left lane is designated for both left-turning and through traffic. The re-striping is designed to enhance both pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Source: PSA   (Posted 7:56a)

Last night the Montrose Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees discussed and finally approved the draft 2010 budget. There was some discussion involving an included $1.6 million for cardiology expenses, considering a contract hasn’t even been signed yet; however CEO Dave Hample argued that, while trying to be conservative, expected revenue within the cardiology department should be incorporated.  The total expected operating expenses for Montrose Memorial Hospital in 2010 is just under $67 million dollars which is about an 8% increase from this year’s expenses.  Draft 2010 Budget in numbers:
Total Net Revenue: $70,866,276 (7.5% difference from 2009)
Total Operating Expenses: $66,917,630 (7.8% difference from 2009)
Net Income (Loss): $2,228,358 (-11.7% difference from 2009)
(Posted 6:03a)

A new virtual front door to Montrose opened today with the launch of a unified community Web portal, www.montrose.org. This new and innovative portal was created through a cooperative effort involving Montrose County, the Montrose Economic Development Corporation, the Montrose Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Montrose Recreation District, and the City of Montrose.

The montrose.org portal site features community news and events from all of the partner organizations as well as a variety of valuable information resources for residents, visitors and businesses. The portal also creates a unified and coordinated Web presence that is designed to appeal to businesses and individuals looking to relocate to Montrose.

Unified navigation options under the “Explore Montrose” tab are part of what makes this site special. By using the tab on each partner site, site visitors can navigate between partner sites and the portal itself and locate information resources without knowing which organization provides them. A “Search Montrose” feature on the portal site allows users to perform information searches across all of the partnered sites.

In conjunction with the launch of www.montrose.org, each partner organization has launched redesigned Web sites that have been created to greatly enhance the on-line services that they provide.

“Our vision was to create a Web portal that would sharpen and enhance how our community is represented on the Web,” said Scott Sellers, Montrose assistant city manager. “Through the cooperation of the portal partners we have been able to greatly improve the quality and appeal of each partner site, while also achieving a whole new level of access to services and information.”

Users who wish to access partner sites directly can continue to do so using the organization’s existing Web site address.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:00a)

A Palisade man is arrested for his involvement in several church and business burglaries. Richard Marques was arrested by Rifle Police Officers on Saturday. NBC 11 News says the 19-year-old’s charges include burglary, theft, and criminal mischief, among others. The burglaries were committed in Rifle over the past few months.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:58a)

The Colorado State Patrol and 51 law enforcement agencies across the state are conducting the state’s first Thanksgiving week DUI crackdown. The special “Heat Is On” enforcement period officially begins at 6 p.m. tonight and continues until 3 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30th.  It is the first of three DUI enforcement periods between now and New Year’s.

Last year seven people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Colorado during Thanksgiving week, which represented more than one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities during that time period.

“The entire state will have much more to be thankful for this year if we can make it through Thanksgiving week without having to make a single DUI arrest,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.  “We encourage everyone to make the right choice this holiday season by not drinking and driving, so that everyone can enjoy the holidays with their friends and family.”

The following law enforcement agencies and the Colorado State Patrol have filed the following plans for Thanksgiving DUI enforcement:

Saturation Patrols
Adams County SO
Alamosa County SO
Arapahoe County SO
Basalt PD
Boulder County SO
Broomfield PD
Castle Rock PD
Colorado Springs PD
CSP Troop 1-C Castle Rock
CSP Troop 1-D Adams
CSP Troop 2-C Lamar
CSP Troop 2-D Pueblo
CSP Troop 3-A Greeley
CSP Troop 3-C Fort Collins
CSP Troop 4-A Fruita
CSP Troop 4-B Craig
CSP Troop 5-B Alamosa
CSP Troop 6-B Frisco
Denver PD
Douglas County SO
Evans PD
Firestone PD
Gilpin County SO
Grand Junction PD
Greeley PD
Greenwood Village PD
Lakewood PD
Littleton PD
Lone Tree PD
Minturn PD
Pagosa Springs PD
Thornton PD
Washington County SO
Woodland Park PD

Increased Patrols
Auraria Campus PD
Avon PD
Boulder PD
Brighton PD
Calhan PD
Commerce City PD
Cortez PD
CSP Troop 1-A Limon
CSP Troop 2-B CSpgs
CSP Troop 4-C Glenwood
CSP Troop 5-A Durango
CSP Troop 5-C Montrose
CSP Troop 6-A Golden
CSP Troop 6-C Broomfield
CSP Troop 6-D Gaming
Denver PD
Eagle County SO
Fraser/Winter Park PD
Frederick PD
Fremont County SO
Gilcrest PD
Gilpin County SO
Green Mountain Falls MO
Idaho Springs PD
Kiowa County SO
Larimer County SO
Logan County SO
Longmont PD
Loveland PD
Manitou Springs PD
Mesa County SO
Morgan County SO
Pueblo County SO
Pueblo PD
Silt PD
Teller County SO
Wheat Ridge PD

The Thanksgiving travel period is also an important time to remind travelers to wear their seat belts and make sure children are properly restrained in the appropriate child safety seat.  More than 60 percent of people killed in traffic crashes over Thanksgiving week in Colorado last year were not buckled up.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:55a)

NEWS: Monday November 23, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 23rd, 2009

Olathe elementary teachers have come up with a rather fun and unique way for children to learn, something they can relate to….ipods. The Montrose Daily Press reports that  last winter the teachers  implemented a new program to improve students reading by recording stories, poems, and even vocabulary words as mp3 files and loaded them onto ipod shuffles.  Select children would then take them home, listen to them and follow along with the text.  To date many teachers have received positive feedback from both parents and students…..
Source: Montrose Press (Posted 5:22p by Jim Kapp)

City crews will restripe the lanes on South 12^th Street—at the intersection of Townsend Avenue—Tuesday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. The restriping is expected to last until 2:00 p.m.    During the procedure, traffic on both eastbound and westbound 12^th Street will be restricted to the right lanes only.  The restriping will alter the lane configuration of South 12th Street on either side of Townsend. The right lanes will accommodate both right-turning traffic and through traffic, while the left lane will be restricted to left turns only. Currently, the left lane is designated for both left-turning and through traffic. The restriping is designed to enhance both pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Source: News Release  (Posted 5:25p by Jim Kapp)

As the holiday season fast approaches so does an increase in volume of traffic on the roads. Hwy Safety Attorney Douglas Horn says that last  there were 473 crashes on the hwy resulting in 548 fatalities.  This year we can reduce that number by following basic safety rules meaning seatbelts for all passengers, driving sober and at a safe rate of speed, and refrain from driving while distracted.  That includes no texting on cell phones while driving.   Horn says that driving while texting is a major part of what he calls “the distracted driver epidemic”.   There is currently technology being developed that could prevent drivers from texting but Horn also wants you to be aware that there are stiff civil penalties that you could incur if you cause bodily harm to another driver because you were driving while distracted.  Remembering basic driving rules and be alert to our surroundings will greatly improve our chance of having a safe, accident-free holiday season…..
Source: Press Release  (Posted 4:05p by Jim Kapp)

The Colorado State Patrol and 51 law enforcement agencies across the state are conducting the state’s first Thanksgiving week DUI crackdown. The special “Heat Is On” enforcement period officially begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24 and continues until 3 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30^th.  It is the first of three DUI enforcement periods between now and New Year’s.
Source: News Release  (Posted 4:05p by Jim Kapp)

Up in the sky, it was a plane, no it was a bird, no it was a meteor. Many heard about the meteor that was visible over the Grand Valley at about Midnight last Wednesday but not many saw it.  According to KJCT a Grand Junction police officer was on patrol when his dashboard camera captured the whole thing.  Scientists say that it may have been the size of a microwave or refrigerator but broke apart upon entry into our atmosphere.
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:03p by Jim Kapp)

A new study says Colorado is in a better position than any other state to continue fixing its health care system in a way that strengthens the economy and contains costs for families, employers and taxpayer-funded medical programs like Medicaid.

“Colorado has already made progress toward health care delivery system reform,” states the new analysis,  The Future of Colorado Health Care. “In fact, Colorado probably has more potential for transformative health system change than any other state in the nation. This progress is evidenced by several initiatives underway in Colorado.”

“Colorado isn’t waiting for Washington on healthcare reform,” Gov. Ritter said. “We’re taking aggressive steps to contain costs, improve quality and increase availability. We’re making great progress, and this study confirms our strategy is leading us toward a sustainable, affordable and secure healthcare system for Colorado’s families and small businesses.”

The report says the cost of doing nothing is not an option in Colorado. Colorado has the seventh-highest healthcare costs in the nation, health insurance premiums already eat up 22 percent of the media family income, and premiums are projected to grow 10 percent a year for workers and employers.

“Failing to enact health reform in Colorado will lead to higher health care costs, more uninsured Coloradans and higher health spending, especially by businesses,” found the study which was led by the New America Foundation and the University of Denver’s Center for Colorado’s Economic Future.

The study praised recent Colorado reforms enacted by Gov. Ritter, including establishing the Center for Value in Health Care and advancing the Colorado Regional Health Information Organization.

It also said that additional Colorado reforms could cut premiums by 6 to 17 percent by 2019, the study says. “Focusing Colorado’s health care delivery system on value and efficiency will allow the state to deliver higher quality care at lower costs over time, while freeing up resources for other state priorities,” the study says.

The study was supported by The Colorado Health Foundation and The Colorado Trust.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 12:52p)

A new virtual front door to Montrose opened today with the launch of a unified community Web portal, www.montrose.org. This new and innovative portal was created through a cooperative effort involving Montrose County, the Montrose Economic Development Corporation, the Montrose Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Montrose Recreation District, and the City of Montrose.

The montrose.org portal site features community news and events from all of the partner organizations as well as a variety of valuable information resources for residents, visitors and businesses. The portal also creates a unified and coordinated Web presence that is designed to appeal to businesses and individuals looking to relocate to Montrose.

Unified navigation options under the “Explore Montrose” tab are part of what makes this site special. By using the tab on each partner site, site visitors can navigate between partner sites and the portal itself and locate information resources without knowing which organization provides them. A “Search Montrose” feature on the portal site allows users to perform information searches across all of the partnered sites.

In conjunction with the launch of www.montrose.org, each partner organization has launched redesigned Web sites that have been created to greatly enhance the on-line services that they provide.

“Our vision was to create a Web portal that would sharpen and enhance how our community is represented on the Web,” said Scott Sellers, Montrose assistant city manager.   “Through the cooperation of the portal partners we have been able to greatly improve the quality and appeal of each partner site, while also achieving a whole new level of access to services and information.” Users who wish to access partner sites directly can continue to do so using the organization’s existing Web site address.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 12:29p)

Mesa County is looking to really trim their budget this year which includes eliminating some jobs. The Daily Sentinel says county parks maintenance and services are also being scaled back. Parks staff will be delaying some maintenance on facilities until the economy rebounds. The article says all trims and cuts are due to the tough times.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 11:12a)

Montrose YoungLife is inviting the community to join them in offering their young friends a place to build relationships with caring adults in the community while also exploring the person Jesus. YoungLife meets in homes and is open to any and all young people from 6th thru 12th grade.  No pressure, no requirements, no change required, just hope for tomorrow.  Their leaders meet their young friends wherever they are in life and love them unconditionally, regardless of their response to our message.  Youth are never charged to attend their local club.  If they want to join them at one of YoungLife’s excellent resorts designed with teens in mind, there is a fee, but some scholarships and fundraising opportunities are supplied.  Let them know if you have a young person that would like to attend, or if you would like to join their committee or leadership team.  They are currently at the end of the year fundraising campaign, so if you, or someone you know, is looking for an organization in which to invest that has life long lasting returns, please contact Kim McMillin at 589-5722 or email montroseyl@gmail.com for more information.  Their area is funded primarily through local donations. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent provided by law and YoungLife is a charger member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.  YoungLife was established in 1941 and has its worldwide headquarters in Colorado Springs.
Source: PSA   (Posted 11:00a)

Mesa County Chief Deputy District Attorney Tammy Eret announced her resignation last week. Eret will leave the DA’s office in early January to work for local law firm Hoskin, Farina, and Kampf.  She tells the Daily Sentinel that the offer was one she couldn’t refuse, and says it was best for her family.  Eret is currently in the middle of a 5-week murder trial against Miriam Helmick.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 10:26a)

DMEA’s board of directors recently approved the cooperative’s budget for 2010. DMEA is not planning a rate increase for the second year in a row.

“We hope that our holding the line on rates will help our member-owners during tough economic times,” said Dan McClendon, DMEA’s general manager. “We’ll continue in 2010 to work to help our members save energy and money and we hope to play a role in repowering our local economy.”

This is the second year in the row that DMEA has not had a rate increase. In late 2008, the co-op’s board of directors asked staff to do everything possible to not pass through a $1.8 million increase in DMEA’s wholesale cost of power. DMEA accomplished this through a variety of means including cost cutting, deferring some projects and drawing down some of the co-op’s very high equity.

“This year we were fortunate in that our power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, did not increase the cost of power to its member systems,” noted McClendon. “The cost of wholesale power represents roughly 70% of our overall operating expenses, so the decision by Tri-State’s board not to increase its rates is a major factor in our being able to hold our rates constant. We commend their work to control costs while enhancing their rebate programs for energy efficient appliances, lights and other conservation measures and hope they’ll expand such efforts.”

McClendon also explained that energy prices have moderated in part because of global economic conditions that factor into our local cost of energy. The price of petroleum, gasoline, natural gas, coal and other energy sources have come down as compared to the previous year.

“We believe that as the economy recovers energy costs will start to climb. Therefore, DMEA will continue to emphasize the importance of energy efficiency, conservation, demand-side management and any way we can find to help our member-owners save energy and money.”
Source: Press Release   (Posted 8:47a)

They say it’s a situation they’ve never seen before – energy assistance offices in Colorado say even though the price of natural gas and home heating is down this winter, the rough economy has still meant an increase in the number of households needing help to pay energy bills. Skip Arnold is executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. Arnold says while funding for his group and other organizations that help people with energy bills is down due to economic conditions, there is still plenty of help available.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 8:44a)

Montrose County Public Works will close Carnation Road between 5400 and 5500 Road for culvert replacement beginning Monday November 30th for about three weeks.  Motorists are asked to use alternate routes.  For more information call Montrose County Road and Bridge at 249-5424.
Source: PSA   (Posted 8:44a)

Local football teams put up a tough fight this season as four teams made it to the playoffs. Dreams of a state championship title however, came crashing down as all teams lost the fight this past weekend.  Norwood was defeated by Dayspring Christian 42-12, Montrose was defeated by Heritage 43-24, Olathe fell short to Kent Denver 34-31, and Delta was defeated by Pueblo Central 34-7.

Stay tuned for local basketball and wrestling action by  clicking the Sports Guide link at the top of this page.   (Posted 7:49a)

A San Miguel County family is offering trees on their land up as Christmas Trees in exchange for a donation to their ranch. According to the Daily Planet, the Schmid Family has lived on the Wilson Mesa since the 30’s and started a Christmas Tree Farm in the 60’s.  Now, it looks more like a forest, and the family says some thinning out would do the farm some good.  The Schmid Family Ranch is hosting a cut-your-own-tree day for December 13th.  They ask if you plan on stopping by, to call first at 728-0870.
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 7:48a)

Baby boomers, Generation X, and now Generation E – where the “E” ties into ecology, clean energy economics, and social equity. It’s the term used in a new report to describe the leaders of the sustainability movement on college campuses, and thousands of projects at 160 campuses across the country have been documented. Report contributor Julian Keniry with the National Wildlife Federation says they found the sustainability movement has grown beyond recycling. At the University of Colorado at Boulder, the annual Rocky Mountain Sustainability Summit has expanded from a campus-only event to a multi-state gathering of western colleges and universities.  She says most importantly, the report quashes the myth that students are apathetic when it comes to the clean energy economy. Green efforts at Colorado College and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs are also highlighted in the report.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 7:48a)

The Montrose High School Student Council is once again sponsoring a Blood Drive at the high school. The St. Mary’s Bloodmobile will be there tomorrow from 9-2.  The blood drive is open to students no younger than 16-years-old.  Adults may donate but have to sign up as visitors in the main office.  Anyone donating must weigh at least 120lbs.  Call the school if you have additional questions.
Source: PSA   (Posted 7:47a)

Early Sunday morning, Senator Josh Penry announced his support for Scott McInnis, who’s in the running to be the next Colorado Governor. Penry’s announcement comes shortly after he, himself, bowed out of the race. Read Penry’s email below:

Dear Friends,This morning in a small park in Grand Junction I endorsed Scott McInnis to be the next Governor of the State of Colorado.Experience and new energy are now on the same team, and that’s good news for our state, our party, and the cause of conservative reform and good government that Colorado desperately needs.It’s bad news for Bill Ritter and a Democratic legislature that has rubber stamped his big tax, big fee, no drill economic agenda. The Democratic monopoly in Denver has helped usher in the worst economy in 60 years. Soon, it will be their turn to take a number in the unemployment line.My endorsement of Scott is an enthusiastic one – it comes on the heels of two weeks of talks between Scott and I as well as other leaders in local government, the state legislature, and leading Republican names like Tom Tancredo. Those talks resulted in a common-sense conservative reform agenda that will be unveiled in the coming days – it’s a governing vision that will get Colorado’s economy moving again, and at long last rally the Colorado Republican Party on the principles and priorities that make us strong. Look for more on that soon.It also positions Colorado Republicans for a historic comeback in 2010.On the morning of election day in 2004, Colorado was Republican Country.The Grand Old Party in the Centennial State claimed a Governor, two United States Senators, five Members of Congress, a state Treasurer, Secretary of State, and a majority in both the State House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate.By that evening, everything changed. And over the next five plus years, Republicans witnessed a literal electoral collapse, with Democrats taking the Governor’s office, both US Senate Seats, five Congressional Districts, the state House, Senate and the Treasurer’s and the Secretary of State’s office too.

The reasons for our Party’s demise are by now well documented: a well-funded, well-organized and highly-motivated Democratic and liberal machine out-smarted and out-maneuvered a Republican Party that was, for its part, divided, undisciplined, and underfunded.This week, the long march back begins for Colorado Republicans.  On the heels of runaway election sweeps in New Jersey and Virginia, Colorado Republicans have a once in a generation chance to return our governing philosophy to a leadership position in Colorado – to defeat an incumbent Governor, to re-establish conservative control of both chambers of the Colorado legislature and in other key seats as well.And my endorsement of Scott McInnis is one part of that. This election is about something more than personalities and personal ambition – it’s about reclaiming this State, and demanding common sense and leadership from government.I left the Governor’s race last week to focus our resources and our common purposes on taking back the electoral real estate we’ve lost – yes, beating Bill Ritter, but also rallying our resources to make sure we elect conservative reformers to Congress the statehouse and courthouses across Colorado.It’s a little different role then we envisioned five months ago, but it’s a critical fight for Colorado.  And right after I finish a little turkey and a lot of mashed potatoes with the family, it’s a fight that I will wage vigorously.For his part, Scott is eager to earn your support and vote. Ask him questions and hear him out. My bet is he’ll convince you he’s the right man to be Governor – like he did me.Thanks for your time. Best wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving.Most Sincerely,Josh
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:55a)

Mesa County is putting up a fight with landowners to clean up their property of junkyard waste. The Daily Sentinel says there are two specific properties, one just outside De Beque and another near Fruita, that house thousands of used tires with no real purpose and no proper permit either.  Apparently the home in De Beque belonging to Stan Eisenach was granted building permits to use the tires, but the permits expired in 1997.  He is subject to hefty daily fines for violating a state law.  These two properties, and others, are acting as waste disposal sites, without the proper permits.

At about 12:52 P.M. on November 22, 2009 Grand Junction Police received a report from a victim reporting she had been robbed at gun point in the parking lot of 2680 B ½ Rd.  The victim was unharmed. We contacted possible suspects and are completing interviews at this time.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:54a)

On November 21, 2009 at approximately 8:52 P.M. on Rio Grande County Rd. 3 in Rio Grande County a Colorado State Trooper was seriously injured in a single vehicle crash. Trooper Ryan Hafner was attempting to locate a suspected drunk driver when the crash occurred.  Hafner was transported to the San Luis Valley Medical center in Alamosa, CO and later airlifted to St Anthony’s Central with serious injuries.  His conditions is stable at this time.  The location of the crash was approximately 1/2 mile east of Monte Vista, CO.  Hafner joined the State Patrol in January of 2009. This is all the information available at this time, an update will follow as more information comes available.

Not even two weeks ago, in two separate accidents, three other state troopers were injured alongside the highway:
The Colorado State Troopers who were involved in an accident in Aurora over the weekend (November 13-15) have been identified as Trooper Ron Greasley and Trooper Jason Burger. Trooper Greasley, a 14-year veteran of the state patrol was transported to Aurora South Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries. Trooper Burger a 1-year veteran of the state patrol sustained moderate injuries. The two men were struck by their vehicle when an SUV crashed into it on the side of the highway. This accident came within 48 hours of Trooper Randy White being struck by an SUV while investigating a crash near Fruita. His injuries are also considered severe but not life-threatening. As a result of these accidents the Colorado State Patrol will hold a press conference this morning (November 17th) to discuss the dangers faced by not only the officers but the public and public service officials working on the roads.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:54a)

NEWS: Friday November 20, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 20th, 2009

A 14-year-old Colorado girl has died after an accident on an intermediate trail at Breckenridge Ski Resort. The Daily Sentinel reports that the ski patrol at the resort was summoned to the trail just before noon today.  The girl was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.  No details were made public and the resort did not release the girl’s name.  The coroner’s office is planning to release more information later…
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 4:22p by Jim Kapp)

Although there are signs of a slow economic turn around there are still some disturbing figures when it comes to foreclosures. KJCT says that statewide in Colorado there were over 12 thousand new filings in the 3^rd quarter which ended Sept. 30^th.   For the year new foreclosures were up by about 18% compared to the same period last year.
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:25p by Jim Kapp)

Mesa State College is offering two fewer programs for students to minor in, after a quality and productivity study was done on the college. NBC 11 News has said that Mesa State has evaluated its academic programs and after the Academic Program, Quality, Priorities and Productivity Report has decided to phase out two programs, B.A. Sociology with an Anthropology Concentration and a B.A. Social Science.  The college will continue to offer classes in those areas, but students will no longer be able to declare them as an area of concentration.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 3:47p by Jim Kapp)

The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 350 volunteers and partners at a reception Nov. 18 in Grand Junction. In 2009, volunteers and partner organizations donated more than 23,000 hours of their time to public lands projects. These contributions combined with in-kind donations from local businesses are valued at nearly $600,000.  Volunteers worked on projects ranging from monitoring and maintaining the shooting range at 27 ½ Road to assisting the Wild Horse Program, surveying cultural sites, monitoring wildlife and endangered plant species, building and maintaining trails, and assisting with visitor services.
Source: News Release  (Posted 4:31p by Jim Kapp)

It’s been long overdue but now it looks as though The Colorado National Monument will get a much needed face lift. The Daily Sentinel reports that because of  emergency government funding secured by park officials, the ranks of Colorado National Monument’s trail builders have swelled, at least temporarily, to include specialized workers from Grand Teton National Park. By the time crews are done, the public can expect to take a trip down a path from Artists Point overlook and navigate a route to Ute Canyon Overlook. Improvements also are slated for Fruita Canyon Overlook. Work on much of these trails came as a result of  $228,000 in government stimulus funds.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 3:45p by Jim Kapp)

Big budget cuts in Delta as they decided to not have the Council Tree Pow Wow in 2010, saving them about $41, 00 next year alone.  The Delta County Independent says at a budget meeting last week the city also decided to cut back the city’s flower program and not fund the Delta County Economic Development program for the year.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 11:43a)

Colorado’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent in October, according to Donald J. Mares, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “While the continued decline in the unemployment rate is very good news and our economy is faring better than many other states, this remains a difficult time for many Coloradans” Mares said.  “We must continue to focus on assisting job seekers and employers to achieve a sustained recovery,” he continued. The October 2008 unemployment rate was 5.3 percent.

The number of working Coloradans fell 9,600 over the month to 2,474,300 out of a civilian labor force of 2,658,600. The number of residents unsuccessfully seeking work declined by 3,200 to 184,300. Last October, total employment was 2,595,500, the civilian labor force was 2,739,800 and the number of unemployed was 144,300.

Local economic conditions were mixed as the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) declined in 28 of Colorado’s 64 counties, increased in 25 and remained unchanged in 11. The lowest rate was 2.1 percent in Cheyenne County and the highest was 13.5 percent in Dolores County. Last year, the unemployment rate declined in 7 counties, increased in 53 and was unchanged in 4. In October 2008, the lowest rate was 2.1 percent in Yuma County and the highest was 7.3 percent in Crowley County.

Wage and Salary Employment
The monthly survey of Colorado business establishments indicates nonfarm wage and salary jobs (not seasonally adjusted) decreased 4,500 in October to 2,246,400.

Employment in five of Colorado’s eleven major industry sectors increased over the month. Government added 7,300 jobs and education and health services payrolls increased 1,900. Professional and business services increased 500 and trade, transportation and utilities, and information each increased 300. Leisure and hospitality lost 7,100 jobs; this industry is expected to pick up again over the next few months as the ski season peaks. Construction and manufacturing continued to decline with losses of 4,800 and 1,100 jobs, respectively. Financial activities declined by 900 jobs and other services and mining and logging declined by 600 and 300, respectively.

Nonfarm payroll employment decreased over the year by 4.3 percent, or 100,500, from the October 2008 level of 2,346,900.

Two of Colorado’s eleven major industry sectors increased over the year. Education and health services grew 7,100 and government increased 6,100. The three goods producing industries account for almost half of Colorado’s employment losses: construction, manufacturing, and mining and logging are down 25,800, 14,900 and 6,400, respectively. Professional and business services and trade, transportation and utilities are down 21,200 and 18,800, respectively. Other losses are: leisure and hospitality (9,600), financial activities (8,600), information (4,700), and other services (3,700).

National
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s unemployment rate was 10.2 percent and nonfarm payroll employment declined by 190,000 in October. Temporary help services has added 44,000 jobs since July, including 34,000 in October. From January 2008 through July 2009, temporary help services had lost an average of 44,000 jobs per month.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:36a)

During last week’s Cedaredge Town Council meeting a one-year moratorium was placed on medical marijuana dispensaries. The Delta County Independent says Cedaredge is one of tons of cities around the state placing a hold on the opening of the pot stores.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 10:50a)

The Salvation Army will start collecting donations at its red kettles at King Soopers and Safeway stores today. Governor Bill Ritter will also help kick off the season with a ceremony at the state Capitol.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:49a)

Today begins a weekend long American Indian Heritage Month celebration with paintings at the Montrose Hampton Inn and then tomorrow the Ute Indian Museum will host a full day of events.

Friday, November 20
Kessley LaRose, Sr. Artist Reception
A member of the Northern Ute Tribe in northeast Utah, Kessley’s
paintings of Indian encampments and mountain ranges evoke a sacredness
of Native American Heritage.
An original oil has been purchased for the Hampton’s permanent art
collection. All Montrose Hampton Inn guests in November will be
entered in a drawing to win one of four of Kessley’s original oils.

Saturday, November 21
(EVENTS ARE AT UTE INDIAN MUSEUM)
1 p.m. Dedication ceremony
Unveiling of a marker placed by the Daughters of the American
Revolution, who were instrumental in the acquisition and development
of the 8.65 acre museum park. DAR delegates from Washington DC and
local chapters from Grand Junction and Gunnison will present.
Reception to follow.
6 p.m. Ute Indian Museum Benefit Reception and Silent Auction

Sunday, November 22
9:30 a.m. Sign in, greetings and refreshments
9:45 Ute Indian Blessing
10 a.m. Ute Indian History & Culture with Roland McCook

Saturday, November 28
9 a.m. Sign in, greetings and refreshments
9:30 a.m. Ute Cultural Rights and Protection with Betsy Chapoose,
Department of Natural Resources
10:30 a.m. Ute Ethnobotany in the Grand Basin States with Kessley
LaRose, Sr.
11:00 a.m. Ute History in Colorado with Dr. David Steinman of Meeker, CO
Lunch – Brown bag lunch available for purchase
1 p.m. The Ute are back in Rocky Mountain National Park! with Sue
Langdon, Park Ranger-Supervisor, Rocky Mountain National Park
2 p.m. Creating Your Own Ute Garden with Curt Swift, Aline LaForge and
Sally Crum
3 p.m. The Colorado Wickiup Project with Richard Ott and Curtis Martin
4 p.m. Closing Ceremony and Blessing
Source: PSA (Posted 11:49a)

A person in a chicken costume ruffled the feathers of Durango’s city council as they discussed rules for backyard fowl. At a council meeting Tuesday, someone in a chicken costume wordlessly entered council chambers just as they were discussing a recently-passed backyard hen ordinance. The costumed chicken took a few turns, flapped its arms, and then sat down. Several minutes later the chicken left, but not before leaving an egg on the floor. Council members told The Durango Herald they were perplexed by the costumed chicken but found the visit humorous. The council voted 3-2 earlier this month to make it easier to keep backyard chickens.

Source: Durango Herald (Posted 7:19a)

The Colorado National Monument Visitor’s Center should reopen next week after some reconstruction on the inside. The Daily Sentinel says other changes at the National Park include trail improvements, better signage, and some fencing.  Colorado National Monument hosts 43 miles of trails and had over 150,000 visitors last year.  These improvement projects are made possible through emergency government funding secured by park officials.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 7:18a)

While Ouray County hasn’t made any decisions yet on whether or not to pave County Road 1, it’s found that residents are more concerned with hidden costs.  According to Ouraynews.com, at a meeting last week, Ouray County Commissioners reiterated that traffic studies show some sort of upgrade is needed, and they will keep the public’s safety in mind.  The project would cost an estimated $2.67million dollars for the next 10 years. Learn more at ouraycountyco.gov.
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 7:17a)

Last night, Montrose City Council and those in attendance heard the results of a 3-month long study conducted by the National Community Development Corporation. The study focused on four organizations within Montrose and ultimately found that these organizations need to devise a more effective way of promoting Montrose to the outside, as well as within.  The group found that the Chamber of Commerce is lacking a clear mission and is currently not running as an effective organization. The study shows that the VCB could benefit from restructuring. MAMA appears to have a lack of accountability and half the people interviewed felt they are performing poorly.  MEDC was the only group of the four that received a significant response in “excellent”.  The general consensus was that they have a competent staff. NCDS recommends a restructuring of the Chamber, a transfer of MAMA into a retail enhancement council, to form a new hospitality group within the VCB, and to leave MEDC as is.  Below is a brief synopsis of the presentation:

What we heard
Chamber of Commerce

1. Not effective organization
2. Lacking clear mission
3. Need for restructuring

No one (very few) felt the chamber was effective right now
Needs to be more skilled to represent business community

VCB

1. Is functioning “as well as can be expected”
2. No one stated they are performing “excellent”
3. Could be positive force in driving Montrose economy moving forward
4. Needs restructuring…would benefit from

MEDC

1. Only organization significant response in “excellent”
2. Consensus has competent staff
3. Would NOT benefit from restructuring

MAMA

1. Performing poorly (1/2); performing ok (1/2)
2. Disbanding completely
3. Lack of accountability

What we Recommend

• Restructuring of Chamber of Commerce
• Craft a bold strategy and implement it (is unsustainable financially)
• Updated and strengthen funding options
• Transform MAMA into Retail Enhancement Council or restructured chamber
• Optimize the VCB (currently functioning reasonably within Chamber)
  • Form new hospitality group
  • MEDC
    • On proper course
    • No change needed at this time   (Posted 6:47a)

Last night, the Montrose Education Foundation recognized the 50 teachers up for the Teacher of the Year Award in the RE-1J school district. The selection of the Teacher of the Year will take place in May.  Last year’s recipient was Silas Almgren, Montrose High School math teacher and swimming coach.  The 50 teachers are listed below:
Crystal Sabatke-Smith-Centennial Middle School-English
Jackie Schneider-Centennial Middle School-Math
Meghan Waschbusch-Centennial Middle School-6th Grade Teacher
Lynn Eckart-Columbine Middle School-Music
Roman Hassell-Columbine Middle School-Social Studies
Dana Huskey-Columbine Middle School-6th Grade Teacher
Leslie Maddox-Columbine Middle School-6th Grade Teacher
Ann Nichols-Columbine Middle School-Physical Education
Kurt Scriffiny-Columbine Middle School-Social Studies
Amber Cox-Cottonwood Elementary School -2nd Grade Teacher
Marti Isler-Cottonwood Elementary School-4th Grade Teacher
Sarah Pankey-Cottonwood Elementary School-Kindergarten
Sheryl Radovich-Cottonwood Elementary School-4th Grade Teacher
Abigail Stetson-Cottonwood Elementary School -2nd Grade Teacher
Jackie Benson-Johnson Elementary School-Kindergarten
Karyl Dimmick-Johnson Elementary School-Physical Education
Jody Hovde-Johnson Elementary School-2nd Grade Teacher
Mike Nadiak-Montrose High School-Science
David Saksek-Montrose High School-Chemistry
Debbie Baas-Northside Elementary School-Reading Intervention Teacher
Vi Conklin-Northside Elementary School-English as a Second Language Teacher
Sherrie Gallegos-Northside Elementary School-4th Grade Teacher
Cheri Isgreen-Northside Elementary School-Art Teacher
Lynn Neal-Northside Elementary School-Kindergarten
Robyn Unger-Northside Elementary School-4th Grade Teacher
Debbie Watkins-Northside Elementary School-Computer Lab Teacher
Cheri Jackett-Oak Grove Elementary School-5th Grade Teacher
Joy Styer-Oak Grove Elementary School -2nd Grade Teacher
Suzie Thorpe-Oak Grove Elementary School-5th Grade Teacher
Paul Althaus-Olathe Elementary School-5th Grade Teacher
Tanya Frederick-Olathe Elementary School-Gifted & Talented Teacher
Jill Henwood-Olathe Elementary School-English as a Second Language Teacher
Suanne Hughes-Olathe Elementary School-5th Grade Teacher
Mary Morris-Olathe Elementary School-5th Grade Teacher
James Blennis-Olathe Middle School-6th Grade Teacher
Judy Hauger-Olathe Middle School-8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Kari Keller-Olathe Middle School-7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Jeff Mitchell-Olathe Middle School-Language Arts
Sara Rector-Olathe Middle School-6th Grade Teacher
Jennifer Mitchell-Olathe Middle/High School-Math
Eve Donohoe-Olathe High School-English
Thomas Godfrey-Olathe High School-Social Studies
Stacia Greiner-Olathe High School-Speech and Senior Seminar
Lance Ready-Olathe High School-Science
Darren Sofka-Olathe High School-Math
Jennifer Stansberry-Olathe High School-Business Teacher
Harvey Starbuck-Olathe High School-English Teacher
Toni Brown-Pamona Elementary School -2nd Grade Teacher
Gail Rust-Vista Charter School-Teacher
Laura DeHart-Kindergarten (no school listed)
(Posted 5:58a)

Crested Butte Mountain Resort plans a protest today of a U.S. Forest Service decision blocking its proposal to expand on 276 acres on Snodgrass Mountain. Crested Butte News says resort supporters will stage the protest at the agency’s regional office in Golden. The ski area contends the agency did not follow the procedures it follows at other ski areas in its decision.
Source: Crested Butte News (Posted 5:55a)

Two suspects are dead and two officers are wounded after a bank robbery and chase in suburban Denver. Westminster police spokesman Trevor Materasso tells the Denver Post the injuries to the police officers weren’t life-threatening. The chase began yesterday just before noon after officers tried to pull over a man and woman suspected of robbing a bank. The suspects allegedly fired at the officers but the officers were able to stop them after spinning out their car about 1.5 miles away. A shootout then broke out and the male suspect was killed. The woman was wounded and taken to a hospital where she later died. The Westminster Police Department is working with several agencies to investigate multiple crime scenes.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 5:53a)

Today is the last day the Montrose High School softball team is selling blankets which will benefit the Salvation Army and Homeward Bound Shelters.  If a blanket is purchased for personal use, a portion of the proceeds with be donated to the shelter.  They are black with the MHS logo printed on them.  Order yours at blanketbenefit.com.
Source: PSA   (Posted 5:53a)

NEWS: Thursday November 19, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 19th, 2009

Yesterday the City Engineering Dept. held an open house at the Elks Civic Building to discuss a proposed roundabout on the corner of South 1^st and Cascade Ave. Ed Mooreland owner of Budgetline Furniture was one of the owners that will be effected by the proposed changes and he and fellow business owners concern are the lack of parking spaces that will be available if the roundabout is constructed. These proposed improvements will be made possible thanks to a 1.15 million grant from the Colorado Dept. of Local Affairs.
Source: Ed Moreland of Budgetline Furniture  (Posted 5:32p by Jim Kapp)

Yesterday Fort Carson paid tribute to 15 of its soldiers killed in Afghanistan last month. The Daily Sentinel reports that the post has suffered its worse loss in a single month since the Vietnam war.  Eight soldiers from the 4^th Infantry Division were killed in a single battle on Oct. 3^rd, seven soldiers from the 4^th Engineer Battalion were killed in three separate incidents….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:25p by Jim Kapp)

A $16 million federal grant to upgrade county roads on Log Hill Mesa and west of Ridgway would be welcome. Ouraynews.com says that most citizens who spoke at last week’s meeting held by the Board of County Commissioners to explain the grant did not mind the upgrade proposal but did raise concerns about the project pertaining to hidden costs and the county’s future responsibilities of maintaining and meeting health, safety and public welfare mandates…
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 5:22p by Jim Kapp)

Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that he has appointed Barbara J. Kelley of Denver, a prominent attorney with expertise in finance, real estate and business, to serve as the new executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Her appointment is effective Dec. 1.   Kelley is currently a partner with the law firm Kamlet Reichert. She has been practicing law for more than 30 years, is a member of the American, Colorado, Denver and Sam Cary bar associations….
Source: Press Release  (Posted 4:11p by Jim Kapp)

Yesterday morning, London time, 46 yr old Marcus Bebb-Jones was arrested at his home in Worcestershire, England. He was taken in by members of the Metropolitan Police, Extradition Unit, New Scotland Yard.  He is wanted for the murder of his wife Sabrina.  Both Marcus and his wife, Sabrina, were owners of  the Hotel Melrose in Grand Junction back in the late 90′s.  In 2004 a cattle rancher came across a skull at the summit of Douglas Pass.  The skull was later identified as that of Sabrina Bebb-Jones.  This arrest comes after an extensive 12 year investigation conducted by several law enforcement agencies.  The arrest warrant states that he is wanted for Murder in the first degree, concealing death, and Domestic violence.  Marcus Bebb-Jones remains in custody at this time and will now enter into the extradition process where efforts will be made to return him to the United States to stand trial.
Source: News Release  (Posted 4:06p by Jim Kapp)

Aspen police have not ruled out foul play in the death of a resident whose body was found in snow at a park next to the Pitkin County Library. The Daily Sentinel reports that according to the coroner’s office 54 yr old Cheryl Lurie died of a blow to the head but they’re not sure how she got that injury.  Police say she was last seen at a bar and restaurant at the Wheeler Opera House around 6:30 p.m. Sunday and was walking in the direction of her home.  And they are in the process of investigating all leads….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 4:07p by Jim Kapp)

The Grand Junction Police Department is looking for suspects that broke into Green Natural Solutions, a marijuana dispensary on Rood Avenue. According to KJCT, there were surveillance videos showing two men breaking in and stealing cash, marijuana and paraphernalia, all worth over $1000.  The break in occurred over a month ago and the police could use the public’s help.  If you have any information on the suspects, contact Crime Stoppers at 241-stop. Or you can go to 241stop.com.  Information leading to an arrest can earn you a $1000 reward.
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:08p by Jim Kapp)

Last spring a handful of Norwood residents wanted to start a community garden, and just last week was it trenched. The group needs a lot of volunteers to help finish it and get it running by spring.  The Norwood Post says the plan is to offer individual plots for a yearly fee.  Learn more at norwoodcogarden.org.
Things the group still needs:
*water pump
*1,000-1,200 gallon underground water tank
*barbed wire for fence
Source: Norwood Post (Posted 12:33p)

A person in a chicken costume ruffled the feathers of Durango’s city council as they discussed rules for backyard fowl. At a council meeting Tuesday, someone in a chicken costume wordlessly entered council chambers just as they were discussing a recently-passed backyard hen ordinance. The costumed chicken took a few turns, flapped its arms, and then sat down. Several minutes later the chicken left, but not before leaving an egg on the floor. Council members told The Durango Herald they were perplexed by the costumed chicken but found the visit humorous. The council voted 3-2 earlier this month to make it easier to keep backyard chickens.

(Photo courtesy of Durango Herald)
Source: Durango Herald (Posted 11:54a)

Colorado Professor of the Year comes from Fort Lewis College. From growing up in a small, industrial town in New Jersey, where only a fraction of his classmates went to college, to the 2009 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Colorado Professor of the Year: that describes Dr. Ron Estler.

For almost 30 years, Dr. Estler has taught in the Fort Lewis College Department of Chemistry, where he serves as department chair today. To speak to him is to hear that he’s just as fired up about teaching as a new professor on their first day.

“If I’m not excited about what I’m trying to convey to the students,” he says, “I should not expect the students to be.”

Indeed, Dr. Estler is doing what he loves in a place that he’s passionate about. Before coming to Fort Lewis College, he taught chemistry at the University of Southern California. He’s quick to mention that USC was very good to him, but he also recalls teaching freshman chemistry courses in massive auditoriums with 500 students or more.

“It was not my idea of what quality education was all about,” he remembers.

Since arriving at FLC in the early 1980s, Dr. Estler has reveled in the chance to focus on his teaching, though he maintains a strong focus on teaching through research. In his time here, he’s published more than 60 scientific papers and involved countless students in his work. That idea of mixing teaching and research is prevalent across the Department of Chemistry and it’s one reason the department is so successful.

“[The Department of Chemistry has] that ability to turn kids onto science,” he acknowledges. “That’s what we’re really good at.”

“I’ve been to lots of [schools] that charged maybe ten to twenty times more than we do. We have better science at Fort Lewis than they do.”

The evidence of that statement is in the number of students from Fort Lewis College who go on to earn their graduate degrees. In a National Science Foundation study done a few years ago, Fort Lewis College ranked 15^th out of more than 1,200 schools for the number of undergraduate students going on to earn a Ph.D.

Dr. Estler also sees the impact an FLC education has on his students by the fact that he’s now starting to see children of his former students taking his classes. Often that second generation makes a point to tell him that their parents told them to take his class.

“It is very unsettling,” he says of teaching the children of former students. “It is also one of the most rewarding things I can think of.”

Part of the nomination process for the Colorado Professor of the Year award was reaching out to former students for letters to accompany his nomination. Some of those former students sent Dr. Estler the letters they wrote.

“When I read those letters,” he says, choking up a bit, “that was the award.”

Dr. Estler will be in Washington, D.C. on November 19 to accept his award. He now becomes the fifth professor from Fort Lewis College to be named a Colorado Professor of the Year.

The award is administered by both the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). This year, more than 300 of the top professors from across the country were considered.

“I’m honored and humbled to be included in that group,” he says, “but I’m going to predict there are going to be many more CASE Professors of the Year in Colorado out of Fort Lewis.”

(Photo courtesy of Ft. Lewis College)
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:27a)

The Montrose- Olathe Adaptive Ski Program will hold its 12th Annual Chili Dinner and Silent Auction tonight from 5-8 PM in the Montrose High School cafeteria.   Chili, salad, dessert, and drinks will be served.  Prices for adults are $5.50, children under 12 are $2.50, and children under 5 are free.   City sales tax will be assessed to auction item purchases. Over one hundred silent auction items have been donated by local businesses.  This fundraiser helps seventy-five special needs students ski with the Telluride Adaptive Sports program and the  Powderhorn Adaptive Ski program.  For more information about the chili dinner and silent auction or to donate an item, please call Jayne Peterson at 249-2576.
Source: PSA   (Posted 10:37a)

The Colorado State Parks Board will listen to informational presentations about the use of off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration fees at the board meeting, tomorrow, between 10 a.m. and noon. The meeting will be held in Frisco at the Town of Frisco Council Chambers at 1 Main St.

The parks board will not make a decision on two proposals to re-distribute the majority of the OHV registration fees to enforcement of OHV laws, purchasing additional signs to mark OHV trails and restoring areas damaged by unauthorized OHV use.

During the two-hour educational work session, presentations will be made by representatives from Responsible Trails America, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, the Colorado State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Program, federal land management agencies, county governments, the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition and the Colorado Snowmobile Association. There will be no additional time for oral public comments.

The Colorado State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Program registers and permits all OHVs, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies, Jeeps (operated off-road), three-wheelers, and dirt bikes. In 2009, the program distributed $3.1 million in grants, generated by the user fees, to build, maintain and plan motorized trails and to support volunteer programs for motorized trails throughout Colorado.

Throughout 2009, Colorado State Parks is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities.

Attracting more than 11 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,531 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,000 campsites, and 57 cabins and yurts.  For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.colorado.gov/parks
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:32a)

More drinking-water systems across Colorado are treating their water with chlorine following the deadly salmonella outbreak in Alamosa last year. State health officials announced Wednesday that animal waste that seeped into an underground storage tank likely caused the outbreak. The report said that the bacteria may not have grown had Alamosa used chlorine to disinfect its water supply.

According to the Denver Post, the city had a waiver exempting it from a state requirement to use the chemical since 1974. Following the outbreak, the state sped up its review of waivers and has revoked at least 72 of them, including Alamosa’s. Others are being reviewed. The Alamosa outbreak was the nation’s worst waterborne-disease outbreak since 2004. One person died and as many as 1,300 were sickened.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 9:23a)

The holiday season is upon us, and many Coloradans are already planning their big meals – but new research being presented finds a large number of people in the state don’t have easy access to the groceries needed to make it happen. Dr. Allison Karpyn is with the Pennsylvania-based Food Trust, which conducted a study at the request of the Colorado Health Foundation. She says although the Centennial State has a reputation for healthy residents, they found many Colorado communities with poor access to supermarkets also have high incidences of diet-related diseases.  Karpyn says they recommend starting a dialogue between community leaders, elected officials and supermarket operators to address the problem. She says in other states that conversation has led to public investment or some sort of fund that has helped bring supermarkets back to under-served areas. Overall, the research found supermarket access in Colorado is far below the national average.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 9:22a)

It’s a year away, but Colorado politics are heating up as a Dolores resident recently announced his bid for candidacy for the 58th House District Seat. In an article by the Cortez Journal, Republican Mark Rodgers will battle Montrose businessman Don Coram for the seat, currently occupied by Scott Tipton.  Rodgers publicly announced his bid last Friday, and Coram announced the day before. Tipton endorsed Coram immediately after his annoucement.  Tipton is vying for the 3rd Congressional District, a seat currently held by John Salazar.  The election takes place November 2010.
Source: Cortez Journal (Posted 6:48a)

Last night the Montrose Downtown Development Authority held their fourth meeting of the year in an effort to inform the public of their goals. A DDA is a legal entity that sets forth and shepherds a long-term vision for the downtown area.  The authority is governed by 7 appointed members.  Assistant Montrose City Manager Scott Sellers says this should be of interest to all residents and retailers in Montrose, not just those downtown. Because a DDA requires an April 2010 vote from downtown property owners, business leaseholders, and residential tenants, these meetings are an outreach to explain the benefits of creating an authority in Montrose, the only city in the entire state of it’s size that doesn’t have this type of organization.  Learn more at montrosedowntown.com.    (Posted 6:47a)

The Montrose Police Department and other emergency personnel responded to a call at North Seventh/Park reference a plane crash yesterday. During the investigation it was learned that a small, single engine plane lost power and attempted an emergency landing. Due to at least one vehicle, at the time, traveling northbound on Park Avenue, the same direction that the pilot was traveling, he attempted to land the plane behind and to the left (west) of the vehicle.

The plane struck a tree with the left wing causing the plane to spin into the street. The pilot was the only passenger. Unconfirmed reports say the pilot is Montrose Memorial Hospital ER doctor Douglas Borgo.  He sustained lacerations and bruises as a result of the crash.  It appears he was treated and released from Montrose Memorial Hospital.

The Montrose Police Department conducted the preliminary investigation. NTSB has been notified. At this time the plane is being housed in a hanger at Montrose Regional Airport for inspection by NTSB. Additional information will be available today.

(Photo courtesy of Daily Press)
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:49a)

A company that wants to build a uranium mill in Western Colorado has begun seeking state approval for the project. According to NBC 11 News, the State Health Department said yesterday that Energy Fuels filed an application to build a uranium and vanadium mill 12 miles west of Naturita. The mill would be able to process up to 500 tons a day. If approved, the Department said it would be the first new uranium mill built in the nation in more than 25 years.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:51a)

A former Grand Junction resident is due back in London court next week after being arrested on suspicion of killing his wife in 1997. The Daily Sentinel says Marcus Bebb-Jones lived in Las Vegas for a few years after telling people his wife ran off after an argument.  He currently resides in Kidderminster, Worcestershire with their son.  Bebb-Jones and his wife Sabrina ran Hotel Melrose in Grand Junction in the late 90’s.  The case on Sabrina went cold until a rancher found her skull near Douglas Pass in 2004.  The case was turned over to Garfield County.  It’s unclear at this time whether Bebb-Jones will be extradited back to Colorado.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:50a)

NEWS: Wednesday November 18, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 18th, 2009

The saga to build or not to build a uranium mill on the West End continues. It appears that now Energy Fuels Resources Corp. is taking its case to the State.  NBC 11 News has learned that the State Health Dept. said earlier today that the mill company has filed an application to build a uranium and vanadium mill 12 miles west of Naturita.  The state, in turn, has 30 days to determine if the application is complete.  If everything appears in order then the company would have to once again hold at least two public meetings on the proposal and the Montrose County Commissioners would also have to review the company’s environmental study…..
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:10p by Jim Kapp)

The Montrose Police Department responded to a call at North Seventh/Park reference a plane crash. During the investigation it was learned that a small, single engine plane lost power and attempted an emergency landing. Due to at least one vehicle, at the time, traveling northbound on Park Avenue, the same direction that the pilot was traveling, he attempted to land the plane behind and to the left (west) of the vehicle. The plane struck a tree with the left wing causing the plane to spin into the street. The pilot was the only passenger. He sustained lacerations and bruises as a result of the crash.
The Montrose Police Department conducted the preliminary investigation. NTSB has been notified. At this time the plane is being housed in a hanger at Montrose County Airport for inspection by NTSB. Additional information will be available tomorrow.
Source: Press Release and MFPD  (Posted 4:05p by Jim Kapp)

About $150,000 worth of damage was done to a carport, shipping container, and workshop after it caught fire early this morning. Montrose Fire Department responded to W. Maple Grove Road around 3:45 this morning and found the carport completely engulfed in flames.  At this time, investigation yields no intentional cause for the fire.  No one was injured. Montrose Fire Protection District Fire Chief Bob Pistor says there will be no investigation on their end, saying owner John Morrow and renter Ron Miller hadn’t moved anything inside the carport for at least four days.  The area held old vehicles, tires, a skid loader, riding mower, a roofing tar-pot, and other odds & ends.
Source: Montrose Fire Protection District   (Posted 11:34a)

A Colorado teachers’ union is hoping  to prevent budget cuts to public schools and may plan a lawsuit. According to KJCT, The Colorado Education Assoc. is expected to initiate a campaign to support the state’s constitutional provision that protects education funding.  Earlier Gov. Bill Ritter, in an attempt to close the expected $1 billion budget gap next year has asked schools to give up $110 million in funding.  The governor’s office claims this is not in violation of amendment 23….
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:08p by Jim Kapp)

City Market and King Soopers’ final offer to the union representing its employees includes pay increases and increases in health care benefits. According to the Daily Sentinel the offer also includes a plea from the company president asking for employees to ratify the contract.  In addition to bonuses and health care benefits the company has offered nearly $40 million to help stabilize the pension fund.  Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 have taken a strike vote against Safeway.  City Market employees could be locked out if Safeway workers walk out.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 4:10p by Jim Kapp)

A Palisade police officer once accused of harassing a former girlfriend is back on the job. The Daily Sentinel reports that Officer Stephen Tonello returned to duty last week after an investigation found there was no violation of department rules and regulations.  It appears the case was dismissed and the alleged victim did not want a criminal prosecution.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 10:56a)

The Cedaredge Lodge will be hosting a “Paying It Forward” Thanksgiving dinner open to the public. Their dinner is free and will be on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26 starting at 1 o’clock.   In addition to dinner, drinks, & desserts they will be watching football and playing games. RSVP and learn more at 856-3727 or by visiting thecedaredgelodge.com.
Source: PSA   (Posted 10:56a)

San Miguel County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Placerville Park last week to what appeared to be approximately ten carcasses from recently killed and dismembered deer and elk.  Investigation revealed there to be no evidence indicating any wildlife laws or regulations had been violated in the supposed harvesting of the animals. The carcasses were soon thereafter, cleaned up.
Source: San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office
Source: Division of Wildlife
(Posted 10:38a)

A Colorado teachers’ union is working to prevent budget cuts to public schools and says a lawsuit is a possibility. The Denver Post says the Colorado Education Association has launched a campaign to support the state constitutional provision that protects education funding. Governor Ritter is asking schools to give up $110 million in funding.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 10:38a)

If you attended the old school in Crawford, now the Crawford Town Hall, the Friends of Crawford Town Hall Group need you as they are assembling people who attended the old school for a photograph. This is a part of their efforts to renovate the building that is now used as a community center and Town offices. The picture will be at 1 o’clock this Sunday in front of the building.
Source: PSA   (Posted 10:37a)

Montrose High School NJROTC will be hosting their annual benefit Turkey Shoot at the MHS NJROTC class rooms this Friday. This event will start at 8:00 am and end at 5:00 pm.  All proceeds will go to the MHS adaptive ski program.  $1.00 per target or 6 targets for $5.00.  Please come help this worthy program and have fun in the process, skill is neither required nor desired.
Source: PSA   (Posted 9:52a)

The Montrose Police Department has informed us that Liliana Leyva has been found safe and is back at home.  The 15-year-old was reported as a runaway on November 4th.   (Posted 9:49a)

The Montrose Police Department invites the public to learn about law enforcement by participating in the 13th year of the Citizen’s Police Academy.  Participants in the course will learn fascinating details about the Montrose Police Department including:

History of the department
Criminal investigations
Traffic laws
Patrol procedures
Community policing
Animal services
SWAT
Pursuit Driving
PD support staff
Police hiring process
Internal affairs
Firearms use
Officer survival
School resource officers
Victim’s advocate

Past graduates of the Citizen’s Police Academy have highly recommended this nine-week course that is scheduled to start on January 18 at 6:30 p.m. Classes will be held on Monday nights and will be approximately two hours in duration. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to apply. Applications are available at the Montrose Police Department and must be submitted by January 11, 2010.  Please join us for this fun and informative opportunity to learn about the Montrose PD. For further information about the Citizen’s Police Academy, please call 252-5257 or stop by and see Commander Gene Lillard.
Source: PSA   (Posted 9:02a)

It wasn’t business as usual in Cedaredge as trustees opened their email boxes Monday only to find a resignation email from Mayor Tony Sluski. According to Mountain Valley News, the email stated that he resigned for personal reasons, but did enjoy working with everyone.  Sluski has been the Cedaredge Mayor since last April’s elections.  The trustees will appoint an interim mayor at tomorrow’s meeting.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 8:54a)

The New Community Coalition out of San Miguel County is asking area communities to contribute $30,000 to fund their new program, the See Forever Community Leadership Program.  In an article by the Telluride Watch, the See Forever program will encourage and train future community leaders by providing them with knowledge, tools, and skills to more effectively lead the organization they work within.  Applications will be available by early next year. Learn more about the program at seeforeverprogram.org.
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 8:53a)

A geological consultant for Garfield County is questioning whether a natural gas seep near Silt is originating from just one gas well, as state officials maintain, and if repairs to the well are adequate. KJCT says county commissioners have asked the state to estimate how long the seep will last if it’s coming only from one well, or identify other sources and address them.
Source: KJCT/AP  (Posted 8:53a)

During yesterday’s Montrose Airport Advisory Board Meeting, new Operations Manager, Larry Blackwell was introduced.  Blackwell began his work with the Montrose Regional Airport in August, filling the position that was left vacant after Jeff Precup took a job elsewhere.  Also introduced during yesterday’s meeting was Deputy John Foechterle.  Foechterle has been with the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office for 3 ½ years and is now the full-time deputy at the airport.  In other airport news, Director of Aviation, Lloyd Arnold informed the board that Hopkins Field in Nucla now has new lights, new signs, a new ramp, and a new self serve fuel system.  Arnold says the runway still needs repairs and is working on applying for a grant to cover the cost.   (Posted 7:21a)

Ouray County Social Services has seen a major increase in applications to their Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, which just started accepting applications last week.  Ouraynews.com says LEAP is a six-month federally funded program administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services. This program helps people pay home heating costs.  The county department is concerned because they didn’t budget enough, and will more than likely go over budget, which they say never happens.  Ouray County Social Services met with their County Commissioners last week to tell them the problem.
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 7:21a)

Montrose High School senior Kelsie Dardis signed a letter of intent to play volleyball with Western State College yesterday. The Daily Press says Dardis has played varsity volleyball for the Indians since her sophomore year.  She says it came down to two schools, Western and Mesa State, but said during her tour of Western State in Gunnsion, that she saw first-hand how the team functions and what direction it was headed in.  Dardis signed with the Mountaineers as a middle hitter.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 7:20a)

An 8-year-old Fruita boy is well on his way to recovery after almost losing his life from an asthma attack. NBC 11 News says Andre Crespin had an attack so bad that it stopped his heart.  He was hooked up to a breathing machine at a hospital in Denver, but the Crespin family says, “by the grace of God,” he recovered, and was able to go home a week earlier than expected.  Even more exciting for the family, is that Andre has been cleared to wrestle again, a sport he’s loved since he was three.  The family says their son’s attack and recovery is a miracle and has opened their eyes that life is more than just them.  Lee Crespin, Andre’s dad, says life “is about people and people helping people.”
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 7:20a)

Montrose Downtown Development Authority Steering Committee to Host Informational Meeting.  The Montrose Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Steering Committee will host a public meeting to discuss the benefits of the Montrose DDA today at 6:30 p.m. in the Montrose Public Library conference room.   During the one-hour presentation, the Steering Committee will answer questions such as:

• What is a DDA?
• What are the financial requirements from downtown entities?
• What downtown entities are included in the DDA?

The information session is the seventh in a series of nine advertised outreach meetings that the DDA Steering Committee will be holding in anticipation of the April 6, 2010, DDA election.  The remaining two meetings will be held December 7 and January 12.  The final meeting will feature Heidi Hamm, executive director of the Grand Junction DDA, who will showcase successes from Grand Junction and will be available to answer questions.   Please see montrosedowntown.com for times and locations of these final two meetings, and to obtain more information about the Montrose DDA.
Source: PSA   (Posted 5:59a)

Telluride has received some federal money and is hoping new jobs will be created as a result. According to the Daily Planet, the majority of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act money was awarded to the Telluride Foundation which will provide insurance to children of low-income families as well as create jobs in the West End of San Miguel, Dolores, and Montrose Counties.  This money also allowed Telluride to hire a town marshal; a position they had to cut this summer as they trimmed their budget.  In all, Telluride received about $1.5 million dollars in federal stimulus funds.
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 5:58a)

Winter Park Resort is opening its ski season today with special prices on lessons and lift tickets. The resort 67 miles west of Denver says it will have three lifts and 33 of its 3,060 acres open today. Winter Park is the seventh Colorado resort to open for the season.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:57a)

NEWS: Tuesday November 17, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 17th, 2009

Several businesses in the Grand Valley are in hot water today after they were caught selling alcohol to minors over the weekend. NBC 11 News reports that  several downtown restaurants, multiple liquor stores, a winery, and even Chuck E Cheese were all busted for selling alcohol to minors during a sting operation Friday and Saturday.  Penalties for violations include fines anywhere from $200 – $5,000 and suspension or even revocation of a liquor license.  Lisa Maestas, liquor enforcement investigator for the Grand Junction Police said the purpose of this sting operation is to send a message to all businesses that they will do everything they can to keep communities safe….
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 4:05p by Jim Kapp)

Montrose Police need your help in locating at juvenile runaway. Liliana Leyva is a 15-year-old female who has been reported as a runaway since November 4, 2009. She is 5’01″ 110 pounds, black hair and brown eyes. Liliana was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black sweater and white tennis shoes.  Liliana may be in the company of a 14-year-old female. If anyone has seen Liliana Leyva, please contact the Montrose Police Department at (970) 252-5200. Commander Gene Lillard tells us the girl is not in any trouble, but does need to be contacted for her safety and well-being.

(Photo courtesy of Montrose Police Department)
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:22a)

Montrose Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terri Leben was asked for her resignation yesterday after consultants with the National Community Development Services determined that maybe she wasn’t the best person for the job. The group, out of Georgia, was hired by the city to evaluate four main Montrose economic development organizations. They conducted interviews with 44 people with relations to the Chamber (MAMA, VCB, etc).  Terri tells us she didn’t give the resignation, therefore causing her to be terminated.  No word on her replacement at this time.    (Posted 12:55p)

If you attended the old school at Crawford, Colorado, (which is now the Crawford Town Hall), the Friends of Crawford Town Hall Group need you! They are assembling people who attended the old school for a photograph. This is a part of their efforts to renovate the building that is now used as a community center and Town offices.

If you can,  join them on Sunday, November 22nd, at 1 pm in front of the building. The local VFW will be serving lunch at 11:30, with games and Bingo all afternoon. You can come and stay for the fun, and get in on a part of the history-making photograph! Ask any relatives or friends that you know to be there also, whether you attended one year or all twelve years!

For more information, contact Hetty at 921-6151 or Shirley at 921-7411.
Source: PSA   (Posted 12:24p)

Governor Bill Ritter plans to direct medical marijuana dispensaries to start paying sales tax. The Denver Post says Ritter’s move comes after Colorado Attorney John Suthers concluded in an opinion issued Monday that medical marijuana is considered personal property that can be taxed and shouldn’t be treated like prescription drugs, which are tax exempt.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 12:18p)

The manager of a local Montrose restaurant thanks two Montrose Police Officers after catching a burglar red-handed early Saturday morning. According to the Daily Press, Sgt. Phil Freismuth and Officer Michelle Farmer caught Zachary Velasquez after a short foot chase and Tasing incident when responding to a burglary alarm at Fiesta Guadalajara around 2:00am Saturday morning. The 24-year old was free on bond yesterday, and faces a handful of charges including 2nd-degree burglary.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 9:09a)

State health officials say Coloradans are recycling and keeping more of their trash out of landfills, though the economic downturn has weakened demand for recycled material. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says that 35 percent of waste generated statewide was diverted from landfills, up from 28 percent the year before. Some of the waste was recycled, while some was composted.
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
(Posted 9:08a)

Colorado State Patrol has said Montrose resident Tom Boylan’s crash off of Red Mountain Pass was purely accidental. The 82-year-old was last seen driving away from his house late at night October 20th, which his family found odd since he didn’t like to drive at night.  This prompted a statewide alert.  Boylan was found deceased in his SUV about 400 feet down Highway 550 November 5th.  According to the Daily Press, Ouray County Deputy Coroner Stephen Lance says Boylan died at some point before the morning of October 29th but can’t be any more specific.  Funeral services for Boylan were held last Friday.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 9:00a)

Last night Grand Junction City Council passed a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. KREX reports that the moratorium will take affect in 32 days.  At least one year will pass before another dispensary can open in Grand Junction. This will allow council time to come up with their own plan regarding rules and regulations.

A man accused of killing a 3-year-old girl was sentenced to 32 years in prison yesterday.  The Daily Sentinel says Charles McEachern pleaded guilty in September in Mesa County Court to a charge of child abuse resulting in the death of Miranda Baca.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 8:59a)

The Colorado State Troopers who were involved in an accident in Aurora over the weekend have been identified as Trooper Ron Greasley and Trooper Jason Burger. Trooper Greasley, a 14-year veteran of the state patrol was transported to Aurora South Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries.  Trooper Burger a 1-year veteran of the state patrol sustained moderate injuries.  The two men were struck by their vehicle when an SUV crashed into it on the side of the highway.  This accident came within 48 hours of Trooper Randy White being struck by an SUV while investigating a crash near Fruita. His injuries are also considered severe but not life-threatening.   As a result of these accidents the Colorado State Patrol will hold a press conference this morning to discuss the dangers faced by not only the officers but the public and public service officials working on the roads.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:59a)

The Delta Police Department is asking for the public’s help after finding that more than 30 sprinkler heads from Mountain View Ball Park have been stolen.  These sprinkler heads require a specific tool for removal.  Estimated loss is over $500. Also an American Flag was found near Delta Middle School.  If you are missing your flag, or know anything about the missing sprinkler heads, call the Delta Police Department at 874-7676.
Source: Delta Police Department   (Posted 5:58a)

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced that their agencies would acquire seven parcels of high value conservation land, totaling 5,026 acres in Colorado, Montana and Nevada for $11.7 million.  The largest is a 4,573-acre property within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado.

The acquisitions are authorized by the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act of 2000, which established a special land conservation fund to purchase private “inholdings” in western states from willing sellers whose acreage is surrounded by or next to lands managed by Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service, and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.

“These land purchases are a very worthwhile and much needed investment,” said Secretary Salazar. “The properties being brought into public ownership are remarkable for their extraordinary natural, scenic, recreational, cultural, and historical value.  Their acquisition will benefit the American people now and in the future.”

“Conservation of forests and wildland areas of national significance will provide important environmental and recreation benefits for generations of Americans,” said Vilsack.  “Today’s announcement is an important step toward this shared goal and an example of how the FLTFA program succeeds by enabling close cooperation between USDA and the Department of Interior.”

Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey, noting that the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act is set to expire next year, said, “By using revenues from Federal land sales to acquire private inholdings from willing sellers, this law is a great tool for conserving America’s signature landscapes for future generations.  The Obama Administration has recommended that Congress extend the law so that more Americans may benefit from these types of fiscally responsible, targeted land acquisitions.”

The purchases are funded from already completed Federal land sales. Under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, the Bureau of Land Management is authorized to sell fragmented or isolated parcels of public land that are difficult to manage, as well as lands that may have residential or commercial value, and then use the proceeds to support land-conservation purposes.

In addition to the property for the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado, the Bureau of Land Management would acquire three other parcels, including a 37-acre property within the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail corridor in Montana and two parcels totaling 7 acres within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would acquire 280 acres within the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Montana.  The U.S. Forest Service would purchase two Nevada properties in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.  The property on the Huboldt-Toiyabe National Forest totals 123 acres is just east of the Tahoe Basin with creek frontage and a portion of the federally designated Pony Express National Historic Trail.  The property within Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a 5- acre parcel adjacent to the Mount Stirling Wilderness Study Area.  The property contains Horseshutem Spring, a unique water feature in the area that supports many plant and wildlife species.

The Canyons of the Ancients property accounts for about 25 percent of the private lands inside the Monument and contains 25 documented sites of cultural importance, including Jackson’s Castle and the Skywatcher Site, a 1,000-year old Ancestral Puebloan solstice marker.  The property is believed to contain more than 700 other as yet undocumented sites of cultural importance.

Since 2007, the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture have approved more than $66.8 million under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act for land acquisition by BLM, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.  This funding enabled the acquisition to date of 28 parcels (16,700 acres).
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:37a)

Yesterday Colorado Governor Bill Ritter praised the federal government’s decision to purchase thousands of acres from willing sellers in Colorado, Montana and Nevada, including nearly 4,600 acres within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

“On behalf of the people of Colorado – and the millions of people who visit our great state every year – thank you to Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack for leading this effort,” Ritter said. “Adding nearly 4,600 acres to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a tremendous accomplishment that will allow us to protect one of Colorado’s most treasured natural, cultural and archeological areas now and in the future.

“My administration will continue to look to the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to bring balance and responsible land-management practices to the multiple uses within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.”
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:57a)

NEWS: Monday November 16, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on November 16th, 2009

Federal officials plan to spend $11.7 million for about 5,000 acres of private land in national monuments, forests and recreation areas in three Western states. According to the Daily Sentinel, the largest purchase was for over 4500 acres in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in southwestern Colorado.   One of the reasons the government is so interested in this area is because it has the country’s highest known density of archaeological sites.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:30p by Jim Kapp)

Earlier today at the Montrose Board of County Commissioners meeting discussions were held concerning a possible resolution for a policy on the procedure of naming and addressing unincorporated areas. After a lengthy discussion between the Planning Board, County Engineer, County Commissioners and Scott Rebus  from EMS and Montrose Fire Protection District the Commissioners decided to approve the resolution as is for a policy on naming addressing streets and roads.  Mr. Rebus’s biggest concern was trying to maintain a degree of consistency of how roads would be labeled to make it easier for both emergency response teams and landowners… (Posted 5:25p by Jim Kapp)

The Colorado State Troopers who were involved in that accident in Aurora over the weekend have been identified as Trooper Ron Greasley and Trooper Jason Burger. Trooper Greasley a 14 year veteran of the state patrol was transported via ambulance to Aurora South Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries.  Trooper Jason Burger a 1 year veteran of the state patrol sustained moderate injuries.  This accident came within 48 hours of Trooper Randy White being struck by a pickup while investigating a crash near Fruita, His injuries are also considered  severe but not life-threatening.   As a result of these accidents The Colorado State Patrol will hold a press conference tomorrow morning to discuss the dangers faced by not only the officers but the public and public service officials working on the roads.
Source: Press Release  (Posted 4:12p by Jim Kapp)

Medical marijuana continues to spark debate in towns across Colorado. According to NBC 11 News several cities throughout the state will discus moratoriums on new marijuana dispensaries this week.. Grand Junction is scheduling their debate this eve.  Other cities like Pueblo, Loveland and Fort Collins will hold their discussions later this week.  Colorado voters approved medical marijuana in 2000, but the number of dispensaries took off earlier this year after the Obama Administration signaled it would defer to state laws on marijuana. Colorado now has more than 100 dispensaries.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 4:10p by Jim Kapp)

The Delta Police Department is asking for the public’s help after finding that more than 30 sprinkler heads from Mountain View Ball Park have been stolen.  These sprinkler heads require a specific tool for removal.  Estimated loss is over $500. Also an American Flag was found near Delta Middle School.  If you are missing your flag, or know anything about the missing sprinkler heads, call the Delta Police Department at 874-7676.
Source: Delta Police Department   (Posted 11:34a)

This Saturday, the Montrose Diabetes Coalition and One Community are hosting the Diabetes Extravaganza at the Montrose Health & Human Services from 8:00a-3:00p. The event is free and open to the public and includes guest speakers and vendor booths. There will be free retinal eye exams by appointment only: call Sandy at 209-6113.   All diabetics attending the extravaganza will be able to receive a free H1N1 vaccine. The Montrose County Health and Human Services building is located at 1845 S. Townsend Avenue.
Source: PSA   (Posted 11:33a)

On November 15, 2009 at approximately 5:10 p.m., two Colorado State Troopers were involved in a serious injury crash on Highway 225 near Parker Road in Arapahoe County. The troopers were investigating a previous crash on northbound Highway 225. Both troopers were standing on the left shoulder of the roadway.  A gold 1998 Ford Explorer lost control on the icy roadway.  The Ford Explorer struck the silver 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Patrol Car parked on the left shoulder.  The patrol car was pushed into the center concrete median barrier and into both troopers.  The Ford Explorer then struck a green 2001 Nissan Pathfinder that was involved in the previous crash.

The Colorado State Troopers were transported to Aurora South Hospital with moderate and serious non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the Ford Explorer has been identified as Edilberto Garcia-Castro, age 30 of Aurora, Colo.  The passengers were identified as Brenda Marcelo, age 26 and Fernanda Garcia, age 4 both from Aurora, Colo.  No injuries were sustained and all were properly restrained in the vehicle.

The driver of the Nissan has been identified as Andrew Chernyak, age 47 of Aurora, Colo.  The passenger has been identified as Lesya Chernyak, age 43 of Aurora, Colo.  No injuries were sustained and both were properly restrained.

Edilberto Garcia-Castro has been charged with the following:

· Careless Driving causing Injury
· Exceeded Safe Speed for Conditions
· Drove without a Valid Driver’s License

Alcohol or drugs are NOT suspected as contributing factors.  The leading contributing factor in this crash was the driver traveling too fast for the road conditions.  The road conditions at the time were described as wet and icy.

The Colorado State Patrol would like to remind motorists to slow down and use caution as they drive through inclement conditions and when approaching an accident scene.

With three troopers being hit and injured this weekend this is a reminder of the dangers that of our officers, firefighters, EMT’s and highway workers encounter on a daily basis.

More information will be released as it becomes available.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:31a)

A man who was pulled over for speeding yesterday afternoon is facing a lot more charges today. The Daily Sentinel says Grand Junction resident, Gilbert Stanely was pulled over for going 70 in a 35mph zone on North Avenue.  According to the affidavit, when the officer pulled Stanley over, Stanley became combative and swung at the arresting officer.  Stanley, whose 10-year-old daughter was with him at the time, had to be Tased. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and simple child abuse, along with obstructing an officer, speeding, reckless endangerment, driving with a revoked license, and driving as a habitual DUI offender.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 6:59a)

Governor Ritter will walk a mile on a treadmill in the state Capitol today to raise funds and awareness for the Cunningham Foundation’s 4 Quarters for Kids Program. The foundation’s program educates and feeds children in Ethiopia. The overall goal of the foundation’s Step-by-Step Project is to raise enough money to feed 1,000 children and have participation that would cover the 8,325 miles from Denver to Yetebon, Ethiopia, where the Cunningham Foundation’s work is being done via Project Mercy. Governor Ritter and First Lady Jeannie Ritter spent three years in Zambia, Africa, running a food distribution and nutrition center as Catholic missionaries.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:59a)

Football playoff action continues this weekend as four local teams continue to move toward the championship trophy. Olathe won their 25th straight game in a row after beating Salida 52-7.  They enter the quarterfinals and will be on the road this weekend.  Montrose defeated Standley Lake 28-0 and will host a home game this weekend.  Delta edged out D’Evelyn 14-6 and will also host a home game this weekend.  Norwood will compete in the semi-finals at home this weekend after a win over Miami Yoder, 25-8. Stay tuned to local sports action right here!  Click on the Sports Guide link at the top of the page.
(Posted 6:59a)

On November 13, 2009 at approximately 8:00 p.m., a Colorado State Trooper was involved in a serious injury crash on Highway 6 and 20 Road in Mesa County. The trooper was investigating a previous crash on eastbound Highway 6. The trooper wearing a reflective vest was partially in the lane of traffic collecting evidence.  The trooper was then stuck by a black 2004 GMC Sierra. Both the vehicle and trooper came to rest in the lanes of Highway 6.

The driver of the GMC has been identified as Tracy Conklin, age 47 of Grand Junction.  Ms. Conklin sustained no injuries.

The Colorado State Trooper has been identified as Trooper Randy White.  Trooper White a 24 year veteran of the state patrol was transported via ambulance to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction with serious non-life threatening injuries.

Alcohol or drugs are NOT suspected as contributing factors. This crash is still under investigation. Charges are pending. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:59a)

A group of Telluride merchants are working together in an effort to make downtown festive for the holidays. In an article by the Daily Planet, the plan is to get the town to look they way it did in 2002 when a Budweiser commercial was shot there.  The timeline set by the Telluride Retail Association is December 2nd, the town’s Noel Night. Telluride businesses also plan to decorate vacant window fronts and stay open late for business one night a week.
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 5:58a)

Today, all U.S. and Colorado flags will be lowered on all public buildings throughout the state in honor of U.S. Army Specialist Jonathon Sylvester. NBC 11 News reports that the 21-year-old from Colorado Springs was killed on November 2nd in Iraq. He had joined the Army in 2008, and this was his first deployment. His funeral is today.
Source: NBC 11 News/AP   (Posted 5:56a)