NEWS: Wednesday December 30, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 30th, 2009

With the appointment of Jesse Smith as the new Montrose County Manager, the Board of County Commissioners encourages the community to meet Mr. Smith at a welcome reception Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.  The reception will be held at the Montrose County Administration Board Room, located at 161 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose.

Following an extensive and comprehensive interview process, the BOCC officially appointed Jesse Smith as County Manager at the BOCC meeting on Monday, December 21.  The County Manager is an appointed position reporting to the BOCC.  Mr. Smith will officially begin his duties as County Manager on Monday, January 4, 2010.

Western Colorado 211 says its calls show more families are concerned about keeping their heat on this holiday season than worrying about toys. A report from NBC 11 News says the 211 hotline has found that more people are looking for help with their heating costs than trying to get toys for the kids or even food.  To date, 211 has already given out over 1500 referrals for the Low Energy Assistance Program known as LEAP.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:12p by Jim Kapp)

A Paonia man has pleaded not guilty to killing a miner who disappeared in 1981 while participating in a national protest over cuts in black lung disease benefits. The Daily Sentinel says that Christopher Sorensen entered a plea to a single count of first-degree murder at the conclusion of his preliminary hearing yesterday.  The judge bound him over for trial and set his bond at $100 thousand.  Sorensen is accused of shooting to death 29-year-old Anthony Yanish, also of Paonia.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 4:30p by Jim Kapp)

As usual law enforcement agencies will be out in full force setting up check points throughout the state looking for DUI’s. However, Grand Junction police officer David Keech has taken it one step further.  According to KJCT, says the public can help keep drunk drivers off the streets.  He suggests if you know someone who’s drunk and can’t stop them from driving call the police.  You don’t need to give your name.  Just details on where the driver is headed and the description of the vehicle.  Officer Keech has also enlisted the help of local bars, restaurants, and even alcohol retailers.  The police understand that it is difficult to report a friend, but they feel your call could save a life….
Source: KJCT (Posted 3:50p by Jim Kapp)

Many of the rivers and tributaries along the San Miguel landscape are beautifully wild and scenic areas. A federal designation of wild and scenic  could mean protection for these areas particularly the free-flowing bodies of water.  According to the Daily Planet the Bureau of Land Management recently released a 155 page draft entitled “Wild and Scenic Eligibility Report” and it says that one of the first step in achieving that designation is identifying segments of the San Miguel and its tributaries, The Dolores and Gunnison Rivers for Wild and Scenic status.  The initial report identifies roughly 55 miles of the main stem of the San Miguel River  and pieces of several of its tributaries as Wild and Scenic status…..
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 3:52p by Jim Kapp)

Colorado’s estimated population has surpassed 5 million for the first time as it grew at the fourth-highest rate nationally. The Denver Post says U.S. Census Bureau estimates released today show the state’s population went slightly over 5 million in July. The population rose by nearly 90,000 people from last year for a 1.8 percent increase.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 11:39a)

The public is invited to a homecoming of local soldier, U.S. Army Spc. Joel Minning at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Junction Regional Airport. The Daily Sentinel says Minning has been serving in Iraq.  A ceremony will be on the airport’s second floor.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 11:38a)

The Montrose Fire Department responded to a house fire yesterday evening on 6500 Road after a smoke alarm alerted the occupants.  The fire started at the chimney and spread throughout the home into the attic.  No injuries were reported and damage is estimated around $200,000.
Source: Montrose Fire Protection District   (Posted 10:30a)

Grand Junction is off of Accident Alert as of 10:30 this morning. If you are involved in a traffic accident in the City of Grand Junction, you may call the police immediately.
Source: PSA   (Posted 10:29a)

In a move to save the county $800,000 next year, Mesa County is cutting its employees retirement benefits next year. The Daily Sentinel says under the new plan, effective January 1st, Mesa County employees will have to contribute only 3 percent of their pay towards a retirement account instead of 5 percent.  The county intends on matching the 3 percent.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 9:56a)

A Hotchkiss man is his own Christmas miracle after surviving a fall off of a cliff in the adobes near the Gunnison River Pleasure Park last Friday. According to Mountain Valley News, 22-year-old Reece Farmer was with some friends when he lost his footing causing him to fall 70 feet down the cliff.  A helicopter had a major challenge landing in the steep canyon and four hours later, once night fell, was Farmer rescued.  He sustained a few injuries including a fractured vertebrae.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 6:57a)

A Colorado disability group is joining advocates nationally in suing over access to Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister stores. According to the Denver Post, the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition claims customers in wheelchairs have trouble getting into the stores and that sales counters are too high.  The suit was filed in Denver federal court last month.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 6:56a)

A judge plans to hear more arguments in Colorado’s first legal dispute between a marijuana dispensary and a city. KJCT says CannaMart is suing the suburban city of Centennial for shutting it down a couple of months ago. The city says it forced the dispensary to close because municipal law forbids businesses that violate federal law. Colorado is 1 of 14 states that have medical marijuana, but the drug remains illegal under federal law. CannaMart says that cities cannot ban dispensaries because the state constitution allows medical marijuana. A decision would get a lot of attention as other cities in Colorado mull whether they can ban or limit the sale of medical marijuana. The Arapahoe County hearing started last week and continues today.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 6:55a)

On December 12, 2009, MAMA gave away $2,000 in MAMA Bucks to 10 lucky winners at two locations. Photo A is of the winners at the Centennial Plaza drawing, and from left to right they are:  Yesenia Padilla ($100), Joe Scherben ($100), big winner Courtney Cryer ($500), Steve Villalobos ($100), Jacque Ramey ($100), and K  Maratea ($100). Photo B is of the winners at the Camelot Gardens drawing, and from left to right they are:  Pat Chavez ($100), Gary Maxon($100), Ed Sly ($100), Jessi Colebank($100), Lanay Crow($100), and big winner Amy Hasler($500).

Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:13a)

Just before 10 Sunday night, the Delta Police Department was dispatched to the area of 1714 H Road for a vehicle verses pedestrian accident. Upon arrival officers learned that 16 year old Ariel Davis had been walking in the area and was struck by a vehicle traveling west on H Road.  Davis was transported to the Delta County Memorial Hospital and later transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.  Not even 24 hours later, Davis was pronounced dead by physicians at St. Mary’s Hospital. The traffic collision is still under investigation by the Delta Police Department.

Also under investigation by the Delta Police Department is a fatal one-vehicle rollover.  The accident happened Saturday night on Highway 50.  No further details have been released.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:46a)

A 21-year-old man accused of killing his brother at their home in Rifle is scheduled to go to trial April 12 on a charge of first-degree murder. NBC 11 News says Heath Johnston has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the death of 26-year-old Samuel Johnston at their home a year ago. Police say Johnston told them his brother was unhappy and asked to be killed.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:45a)

Yesterday morning, Durango Police Officers responded to a robbery call at the Bank of the San Juans after a male subject brandished a handgun and stole an undisclosed amount of money. Witnesses describe the suspect as a white male adult, 5’ 6”, medium build, between 40-50 years old, with a salt and pepper colored goatee.  He wore a blue conductor-style hat with thin white stripes, sunglasses, a dark jacket with Marlboro written in red letters on the back, a Bronco tee shirt, dark gray jeans and dark tennis shoes.  He carried a semi-automatic handgun and placed the money into two bags:  one fluorescent green and one fluorescent orange.  Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Investigator Cindi Clay at the Durango Police Department, 970-375-4730 or to remain anonymous, please call CrimeStoppers at 970-247-1112.

(Photos courtesy of Durango Police Department)
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:45a)

Due to inclement weather in Grand Junction, the Grand Junction Police Department will be on ACCIDENT ALERT. Drivers involved in minor collisions are instructed to report the accident at the Grand Junction Police Department lobby as soon as practical within the next 48 hours.

The following circumstances WILL require a police response to an accident scene:

1. Accidents involving injury, suspected injury, or death
2. Accidents involving suspected intoxicated drivers
3. Accidents requiring towing services
4. Hit and Run accidents involving injury or death
5. Accidents involving City or other governmental vehicles or property

The ACCIDENT ALERT will remain in effect until further notice.
Source: PSA   (Posted 5:44a)

NEWS: Tuesday December 22, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 22nd, 2009

If you’re planning on some recreational activity in the backcountry the U.S. Forest Service has a warning for you. Watch out for beetle-killed trees falling to the ground.  NBC 11 News reports that the Forest Service has temporarily closed some campgrounds and cut down trees as many of these destructive insects have wiped out over 2.5 million acres of pines in Central Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming.  The big concern among Forest Rangers is not only the safety of those involved in recreational activity but they’re also concerned about dead trees falling on power lines, roads, and trails or tumbling down during wind storms.  The Forest Service is getting an additional $40 million to address the beetle epidemic and help clear dead trees.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:31p by Jim Kapp)

The Delta Police Department are busy  investigating two separate car accidents. One was a fatal single-vehicle rollover on Highway 50.  The other also involved a fatality.  This one took place on H Road Sunday night. According to The Daily Sentinel , the  pedestrian, 16 yr old Ariel Davis ,was transported to St Mary’s where she died late last night from her injuries.  The driver’s name was not released and  Delta police are still investigating the accident….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:22p by Jim Kapp)

Vail Mountain has won authorization from the U.S. Forest Service to add a high-speed ski lift, restaurant and maintenance facility, and to upgrade another lift and expand snowmaking. The Daily Sentinel reports this afternoon that White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams has signed a record of decision authorizing the projects.  All the projects appear to be within the boundaries of the ski area’s permit to use forest land.  Those who are opposed to these projects have a 45 day window to appeal….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:25p by Jim Kapp)

Gov. Bill Ritter and state lawmakers today announced a major step forward in tackling Colorado’s high foreclosure rate, unveiling legislation that will speed up the sale of abandoned homes and protect neighborhoods from vandalism and declining property values.  Speaking at a neighborhood community center, Gov. Ritter said the legislation will cut in half the time it takes lenders to sell an abandoned home that’s in foreclosure. This will allow those homes to be re-occupied more quickly so they don’t become a safety hazard, a magnet for vandalism and other crimes and a drain on nearby property values.
Source: News Release  (Posted 3:46 by Jim Kapp)

The five juveniles involved in a prank at the Delta Walmart Saturday have apologized to the Delta Police Chief for staging a fake kidnapping inside the store. According to NBC 11 News the five visited with the Chief and brought him a written apology. In the letter they apologized for their actions at the Walmart store on Sat. Dec. 19^th and take full responsibility for their actions.  Officials say the letter was signed by each of them.  No charges were filed against the juveniles.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 3:45p by Jim Kapp)

Around 9:25 a.m.  this morning, Durango Police Officers responded to a robbery call at the Bank of the San Juans at 1710 Main Avenue after a male subject brandished a handgun and stole an undisclosed amount of money.  He fled on foot northbound through the east alley behind the bank.

Witnesses describe the suspect as a white male adult, approximately 5’ 6”, medium build between 40-50 years old, with a salt and pepper colored goatee.  He wore a blue conductor-style hat with thin white stripes, sunglasses, a dark jacket with Marlboro written in red letters on the back, a Bronco tee shirt, dark gray jeans and dark tennis shoes.  He carried a semi-automatic handgun and placed the money into two bags:  one fluorescent green and one fluorescent orange.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Investigator Cindi Clay at the Durango Police Department, 375-4730 or to remain anonymous, please call CrimeStoppers at 247-1112.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:58a)

Tomorrow is the last day to donate $5 to the Love Light Wreath on display at Montrose Memorial Hospital. All contributions benefit patients at the hospital.  Donors remember loved ones by sponsoring a light on the wreath in their name.  The wreath is on display until January 3rd.
Source: PSA   (Posted 11:52a)

The owner of Valley Investments in Grand Junction appeared in court this morning. The Daily Sentinel says Philip Lochmiller and his son, also Philip Lochmiller (the II), are free on bond after being charged with several counts of conspiracy and money laundering in connection with the collapse of their business.  Former employee Shawnee Carver has also been charged.  It’s report that about 400 investors had pumped some $31 million, according to the indictment.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 11:07a)

The Delta Police Department is investigating two separate car accidents. One was a fatal single-vehicle rollover on Highway 50.  Another is a vehicle-pedestrian accident that has left one person in the hospital.  This accident happened on H Road Sunday night. Two people were walking alongside the road and the driver claims he/she didn’t see the pedestrians.  Names are being withheld, pending investigation.
Source: Delta Police Department   (Posted 10:54a)

A Colorado disability group is joining advocates nationally in suing over access to Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister stores. According to the Denver Post, the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition claims customers in wheelchairs have trouble getting into the stores and that sales counters are too high.  The suit was filed in Denver federal court last month. Lawyers for the national Equal Rights Center claim similar problems in nine states and filed a lawsuit November 24 in Maryland.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 10:56a)

Gift cards could have more value in Colorado starting next year. Fees that chip away at the value of gift cards would be banned under a bill two state lawmakers plan to introduce in the next Legislative session, which starts in January. The legislation is being drafted by Senator Lois Tochtrop and Representative Debbie Benefield, both Democrats, and has the backing of Governor Ritter. It would bar companies from charging fees for using cards or not using them, as well fees for checking card balances and activating cards. Gift card holders would also be able to get cash back when their balance drops below $5. The bill won’t stop cards from expiring because a new proposed federal rule would give consumers at least five years to use gift cards before they expire.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:18a)

The company that intends on constructing a Uranium Mill in Montrose County is one step closer to ground breaking.  The Telluride Watch writes that last Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has determined that an application for a radioactive materials license it received from Energy Fuels is complete.  The next step is a review process and two public meetings.  The first meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Thursday January 21 at Nucla High School, and the second is tentatively set for Wednesday February 17 at the Montrose Pavilion.  Two environmental groups, the Sheep Mountain Alliance and the Paradox Valley Sustainability Association believe there are deficiencies in Energy Fuels radioactive materials license application.  The proposed Piñon Ridge Mill is to be located about 12 miles west of Naturita and 7 miles east of Bedrock along State Highway 90.
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 6:55a)

The man accused of killing his son and injuring three others in an alcohol-fueled crash, pleaded guilty in court yesterday. The Daily Press says Juan Prieto-Gonzalez was originally charged with 13 offenses, but his plea agreement allowed ten of those to be dismissed.  Prieto-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and to two counts of vehicular assault.  The accident happened April 5th after he ran through a stop sign in Olathe, crashing into another vehicle.  His son, José was just 8-years-old.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 6:54a)

Three members of the Pueblo Regional Communication Center have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Colorado State Patrol says it appears at least one dispatcher was distracted while “watching a Christmas movie” in sending a trooper to a crash on I-25.

Last Thursday at approximately  1:30 am, the Colorado State Patrol was notified of a motor-vehicle crash on southbound Colorado 25 near Fountain, CO.

A Mazda sedan struck a deer and became disabled in the right lane of traffic. A passenger in the Mazda contacted the Patrol at 01:37 a.m. to report the accident and advise the Mazda was in the lane of travel with no lights or flashers.

At 01:50 a.m., approximately 13 minutes later, a Ford Explorer driven by Heather Clinton, 20 of San Manuel, Arizona lost control while approaching the Mazda. The Ford rolled into the center median.  Ms. Clinton and a passenger, Earl “E.J.” Clinton, 22 also of San Manuel were ejected during the rollover. The occupants of the Ford were siblings.

Ms. Clinton sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Clinton sustained serious injuries and was transported to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs.

During the course of the initial investigation, the Colorado State Patrol learned of a delay within the Pueblo Regional Communication Center.  There was a nine-minute delay between the dispatch center receiving the initial call from the passenger in the Mazda, and the time a trooper received the information from dispatch. The trooper was dispatched at 01:46 a.m.

“We are proactively coming forward with this information because we are holders of the public trust” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It’s important that we step forward even when the news isn’t good.”

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and are committed to a thorough and comprehensive internal investigation. I met earlier this afternoon with Heather and E.J.’s  parents to discuss the findings of our preliminary investigation. The thoughts and prayers of the Colorado State Patrol are with the Clinton family.”

Anyone who may have witnessed this accident is encouraged to contact the Colorado State Patrol at 719-248-8991.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:54a)

Toys for Tots in the Grand Junction area are way down this year and NBC 11 News continues to hold their emergency toy drive in hopes to fulfill every child’s wish this year.  Officials say 3,300 children were signed up to receive toys as of the second week of December, and that number has since shot up.  Along with toys, Toys for Tots monetary donations are down in the Grand Valley.  The 11 Cares Emergency Toy Drive has been extended through today.  You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the 11 News studios located at 2531 Blichmann Avenue until 5 o’clock today.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 6:53a)

A former Grand Junction mayor and former Mesa County employee has slapped the county with a lawsuit, alleging she was discriminated against and fired because of her age and race.  According to the Daily Sentinel, Cindy Enos-Martinez has made several accusations against the county including that her supervisors passed her over for a promotion, gave her more work than her co-workers, attempted to phase out employees over the age of 50, and failed to protect her while she was on medical leave.  Mesa County has 20 days to respond to the lawsuit.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:45a)

Andrew Romanoff, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate,  announced that top veteran Democratic strategist Bill Romjue has joined the Romanoff team as campaign manager.

“I am delighted to put a talented leader like Bill Romjue at the top of our team.  I have enormous respect for his service to our country and his skill as a campaign manager,” Romanoff said. “Bill shares my determination to fight for the families of Colorado, who have been forgotten by too many federal officials. Bill believes, as I do, that the choice of our next U.S. Senator should rest not with the power brokers in Washington or on Wall Street but with the people of Colorado.”

Romjue brings more than 30 years of political experience to the table. He has played key roles in a host of national campaigns, including the presidential runs of both Jimmy Carter and Gary Hart. Most recently, Romjue was a senior adviser to Joe Biden during his 2008 presidential campaign. He also served as chief of staff to House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt from 1984 to 1988. Prior to his political career, Romjue served in the U.S. Army and earned a Bronze Star during the Vietnam War.

“I am as enthusiastic as I have ever been about any race in America.  This campaign is about the future of our country, and Andrew Romanoff is the best possible Coloradan to lead us forward,” Romjue said.  “Andrew has spent nearly a decade standing up to powerful special interests and fighting tooth and nail for his constituents.  That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need in the U.S. Senate today.”

Romjue will lead a growing team on the Romanoff campaign. He joins more than 200 elected officials and thousands of supporters across the state who are backing Romanoff’s bid for the U.S. Senate.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:44a)

Court records say a Greeley woman suspected of using a prepaid mobile phone to make up to 48 false calls for help to 911 was a volunteer firefighter. According to the Greeley Tribune, court records say Caryn Sodaro allegedly told investigators that after she made phony suicide and ambulance calls to 911, she would then listen to authorities’ reactions on her department-issued police radio.
Source: Greeley Tribune (Posted 5:43a)

Montrose County Public Works will close Carnation Road between Highway 348 and 5400 Road for culvert replacement starting today for about three weeks.  Motorists are asked to use alternate routes.  For more information call the Montrose County Road and Bridge Department at 249-5424.
Source: PSA   (Posted 5:41a)

NEWS: Monday December 21, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 21st, 2009

Referencing the alleged kidnapping that occurred at Wal-Mart on 12-19-09 Chief Robert Thomas was visited today by five youth who brought him a letter. That letter says:

“Dear Police Chief Thomas,

We would like to apologize for our actions Saturday night at Wal-Mart on December 19, 2009.  What we did was very wrong and at the time we were not thinking about the consequences of our actions.  We take full responsibility of our actions and we are deeply sorry for wasting your time on us.  We will never attempt a stunt like this again.  Once again we are deeply sorry for we have done.”

The letter was then signed by the individuals involved and they personally presented it to Chief Thomas.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:40p)

During the early morning hours of December 13, 2009, five males were shot while at a party at 2984 Krista Court, Grand Junction. The victims, whose  ages ranged from 16-22 years old, were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital and treated.  The three victims who had stayed at the hospital have now been released.  Witnesses are still being identified and the investigation remains active.  No further information is available at this time.
Source: Press Release  (Posted 5:22p by Jim Kapp)

Earlier Shawnee Carver along with Philip Rand Lochmiller and his son, who were all part of Valley Investments,  were formally charged in mail and securities fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The Daily Sentinel reports that Carver faces one count each of conspiracy to commit mail and securities fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering and 10 counts of mail fraud.  Carver did not appear in court because of a death in her family.  The younger Philip Lochmiller is free on a $100 thousand unsecured bond and appeared last week and pleaded innocent in a Denver court.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 4:06p by Jim Kapp)

Federal prosecutors say eight people in Colorado Springs posed as veterans to collect fraudulent unemployment benefits. The Colorado’s U.S. Attorney has indicted six men and two women for collecting over $200 thousand in unemployment benefits designated for veterans.  The attorney’s office did point out that 5 of those individuals charged once served in the military but they had applied fraudulently for benefits for others.  Officially, the 8 are accused of submitting false names, social security numbers, and dates of birth.  They’ve been charged with conspiracy and receipt of stolen government property….
Source: Press Release (Posted 4:08p by Jim Kapp)

A group of people in Golden, Co. are credited with saving the life of a 3yr old who was hit by a car in a Walmart parking lot on Saturday. According to KJCT, eyewitnesses say the child left his grandmother and bent down to pick something up.  While doing so a driver looking for a parking spot did not see him and the boy was wedged between the chassis of the vehicle and the ground….
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:09p by Jim Kapp)

This past weekend wrapped up the Telluride World Cup, the only US qualifying stop for the Winter Olympics. Placing for the US in the Snowboardcross (SBX) competition are Lindsey Jacobellis and Faye Gulini with a first place finish and Nate Holland and Nick Baumgartner taking second. See the results at tellurideworldcup.com.  In the team SBX format, national teams of two race each other. Four racers go down the course and once they cross the finish line, a sensor drops the gate of their teammate and the racing ensues till the first athlete crosses the finish line.
Source: Telluride World Cup   (Posted 12:12p)

Home for the holidays after all! Jacob Finnegan, a Marine, lands at the Montrose Regional Airport at 11:30 this morning.  Jacob is a graduate of Montrose High School and is home on leave from Iraq.  Stop by and welcome Jacob home at the Montrose Regional Airport at 11:30 this morning!
(Posted 10:22a)

Around 9:30am this morning, Anthony Jonathan Logan returned to his home. He was found in good condition and is doing well. Logan was reported missing by the Grand Junction Police Department Friday night. No further information is available.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:05a)

Today President Barack Obama will present the first-ever SAVE Award to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee from Loma, Colorado. Nancy Fichtner was one of four finalists for the first SAVE (Securing Americans Value and Efficiency) award.  The SAVE Award contest asked federal employees to offer ideas on how to make government more efficient and effective. Fichtner works at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center as a fiscal program support clerk.

BIOGRAPHY – NANCY PATRICIA FICHTNER

Loma, Colorado

Fiscal Program Support Clerk, Grand Junction, Colorado Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Nancy is the daughter and granddaughter of Veterans.  She grew up in Seiad Valley, California on a ranch and graduated from Ashland High School in Oregon.

Nancy currently works in the financial department at the Grand Junction, Colorado Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), but has prior experience in pharmacology.  She has been with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for almost 6 years.

Nancy is single working mom with two children. Alex 19, and Kasey Ann 16, both attend Fruita Monument High School and volunteer at the Grand Junction VAMC. Alex plans on joining the Marines after graduating in May 2010.  Kasey Ann plans on becoming an ultrasound technician after graduating in May of 2011.

Nancy’s family enjoys the outdoors and takes full advantage of the western lifestyle.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:00a)

(((OFFICIAL REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE SAVE AWARD AND MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE

11:21 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody.  Good morning.  Before I begin, I want to say a brief word about the historic vote which took place early this morning.  The United States Senate knocked down a filibuster aimed at blocking a final vote on health care reform, and scored a big victory for the American people.  By standing up to the special interests — who’ve prevented reform for decades and who are furiously lobbying against it now — the Senate has moved us closer to reform that makes a tremendous difference for families, for seniors, for businesses, and for the country as a whole.

For those who have insurance, reform will mean greater security and stability.  No longer will people with preexisting conditions be excluded from coverage.  No longer will people who are seriously ill be dropped from coverage.  And no longer will families be allowed to go broke because they’re forced to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses.

Many people recall the enormous fights around the Patient’s Bill of Rights that never got done.  Well, you know what, the Patient’s Bill of Rights is embedded in this health care bill and — to make sure that all Americans who have insurance right now are getting a fair deal from their insurance companies.

Small businesses and those who don’t get insurance through their employer will finally be able to get insurance at a price that they can afford with tax credits to help.  And Medicare will be stronger and its solvency extended by nearly a decade.  Seniors will get more assistance with prescription drug costs than they’re getting right now.  And finally, these reforms will help the inexorable and unsustainable rise in health care costs that are overwhelming families, businesses, and the federal budget.

The Congressional Budget Office now reports that this bill will reduce our deficit by $132 billion over the first decade, and by as much as $1.3 trillion in the decade after that.  So I just want to be clear, for all those who are continually carping about how this is somehow a big spending government bill, this cuts our deficit by $132 billion the first 10 years, and by over a trillion in the second.  That argument that opponents are making against this bill does not hold water.

Now, embracing this kind of responsibility in Washington is what also brings us here today.  I am pleased to be joined this morning by my Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Ric Shinseki; my budget director, Peter Orszag; and our special guest, last but not least, the winner of the first annual SAVE Award — and that’s Nancy Fichtner of Loma, Colorado.

Having met with Nancy a few minutes ago, I can tell you Nancy means business.  She is a single working mom; she’s a clerk with the VA; she’s an artist; she’s an outdoorswoman; and she is an avid hunter.  In fact, somewhere in the western United States, there is an elk that is breathing a sigh of relief because Nancy is here instead of where she would have been:  hunting with her kids.  (Laughter.)  And I believe her children are here — where’s Nancy’s kids?  There they are right there.  It’s great to see you guys.  Nancy’s daughter — she skins and guts her elk, so don’t mess with her either.  (Laughter.)

We’re all here for a simple reason.  At a time when we face not only a fiscal crisis, but also a host of difficult challenges as a nation, business as usual in Washington just won’t cut it.  We need a government that’s more efficient, that’s more effective, and far more fiscally responsible.

When my administration walked through the door, the country faced a growing economic downturn as well as a deepening fiscal hole.  Washington had passed massive tax cuts for the wealthy and an expensive new entitlement program without paying for any of it.  Health care costs continued to rise, year after year.  And little effort was made to cut wasteful spending.  As a result, over the previous eight years, the national debt doubled — doubled.  In January, the deficit stood at $1.3 trillion.  And we had to make the difficult decision to add to the deficit in the short term to prevent the potential collapse of our economy.

But as I’ve said, in the long run, we can’t continue to spend as if deficits don’t have consequences; as if waste doesn’t matter; as if the hard-earned tax dollars of the American people can be treated like Monopoly money.  That’s what we’ve seen time and time again.  Washington has been more concerned about the next election than the next generation.  It’s put off hard choices in spending bill after spending bill, budget after bloated budget.

Government contracting is a perfect example.  Between 2002 and 2008, the amount spent on government contracts more than doubled.  The amount spent on no-bid, non-competitive contracts jumped by 129 percent.  This is an inexcusable waste of money.  And that’s why, back in March, I ordered federal departments and agencies to come up with plans to save up to $40 billion a year in contracting by 2011.  And over the past six months, agencies have been making cuts by looking for better deals, by ending contracts and doing work in house, and by opening up no-bid contracts to competitive bidding.  Because of these efforts, I’m proud to announce today that we are on track to meet our goals.  Twenty-four departments have identified more than $19 billion in savings for this year alone.

And this is only the latest example.  At my very first Cabinet meeting, I directed every secretary to join us in scouring the budget, line by line, to find ways to make government more efficient and less wasteful.  Together, we identified more than 100 programs to scale back or end completely, as well as other ways to cut costs, finding $17 billion in savings so far.

We’re also going after roughly $100 billion wasted on improper payments to contractors, organizations, and individuals. To put this in perspective, these mistakes, and in some cases abuses, cost taxpayers more each year than the budgets for the Education and Homeland Security Departments combined.

We have done what some said was impossible:  preventing wasteful spending on outdated weapons systems that even the Pentagon said it doesn’t need.  And I’ve insisted from the beginning that health care reform will not add one dime to our deficit.  And as I just noted, not only is it not adding to our deficit, it’s actually reducing it.

Finally, I’ve issued a challenge to every man and woman who works for the federal government:  If you see a way that government could do its job better, or do the same job for less money, I want to know about it.  That’s why we started the SAVE Award, to draw on those who know government best to improve how government works.  We asked federal employees to submit reform proposals based on their experiences.  And in a testament to the seriousness with which these folks are taking their jobs, we received more than 38,000 proposals in just three weeks.

From these submissions, four finalists were selected and put to an online vote.  Nancy is here because she won.  Her idea stems from her experience at the VA Medical Center where she works.  She noticed that whenever patients left the hospital, leftover medications like eye drops or inhalers were just thrown away.  And often, veterans would have to go right back to the pharmacy to refill what was discarded.  So the VA is paying twice — it’s waste, plain and simple.  And thanks to Nancy — and to Secretary Shinseki and the folks at Veterans Affairs — we’re putting a stop to it.  The change is already underway.

Of course, Nancy’s proposal was just one of many great ideas that came to us.  We’ve already begun to implement a host of suggestions made through the SAVE contest.  And while promoting electronic paystubs or scheduling Social Security appointments online or re-purposing unused government supplies may not be the most glamorous reforms in history, when taken together, these small changes can add up; they add up to a transformation of how government works.

And that’s why we’re going to turn the SAVE Award into an annual event.  That’s why we’re holding a forum at the White House next month to seek more ideas from the private sector, specifically about how we can better use technology to reform our government for the 21st century.

After years of irresponsibility, we are once again taking responsibility for every dollar we spend, the same way families do.  It’s true that what I’ve described today will not be enough to get us out of our fiscal mess by itself.  We face a deficit that will take some tough decisions in the next year’s budget and in years to come to get under control.  But these changes will save the American people billions of dollars.  And they’ll help to put in place a government that’s more efficient and effective, that wastes less money on no-bid contracts, that’s cutting bureaucracy and harnessing technology, that’s more fiscally responsible, and that better serve the American taxpayer.  That’s the government we need.  That’s the government I intend to implement.  That’s the kind of government that the American people deserve.  And that’s the kind of government that people like Nancy are helping to build each and every day.

So, Nancy, congratulations.  We’re proud of you.  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  We’re very proud of your mom.  (Laughter.) That’s great.

Thank you, everybody. END               11:31 A.M. EST)))
Source: White House Press Release   (Posted 10:37a)

The city of Montrose has decided to abandon its proposal for a roundabout at the South First Street and Cascade Avenue. Numerous comments about the roundabout were received in the wake of a public open house where the city presented conceptual design plans for the Downtown Traffic Improvements Project.

The primary focus of the project is to improve traffic flow on Townsend Avenue by relocating the existing traffic signals to North Second and South Second Streets. The project will also address traffic conflicts and congestion on South First Street adjacent to the post office. Changes to secondary downtown intersections, particularly along Cascade Avenue, are being proposed to address changes in traffic patterns that will occur when the Townsend signals are relocated.

A roundabout was proposed as the most effective device for handling increased traffic flow at the South First and Cascade intersection. However, many voiced their concern that the roundabout would harm downtown businesses by eliminating a significant number of parking spaces.

Since the open house, the city’s traffic engineers have considered several changes to the roundabout design that would address concerns about parking. They have concluded that these impacts cannot be reduced without restricting access for large trucks. As a result, plans for a roundabout have been eliminated in favor of a stop-controlled intersection. Traffic data indicates that a stop-controlled intersection will not cause unacceptable delays at the intersection, although delays will be longer than with the original proposal. The shift to a stop-controlled intersection
will likely require the change to a right-in/right-out access on the east leg of the Townsend and South First intersection.

City officials share the public’s concern for maintaining a healthy business atmosphere in the downtown area and they appreciate the constructive input that has been received. The public will have the opportunity to review the revised design at a third public open house to be held at the Elks Civic Building from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 8:21a)

The town of Telluride has incorporated some changes within their departments, including swearing in a new police chief. The Telluride Watch reports that Deputy Chief Chris Broady was sworn in last week as Chief of Police after Dale Wood stepped down earlier this month.  Broady has 22-years experience as an officer and nine of those years as a Deputy Chief.  Other changes within Telluride have been with the Property Maintenance Department and the Recreation, Plazas, and Environmental Services Department.  Some of these departments simply relocated while others are an entirely new department.
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 6:20a)

Cold weather, the holidays and plenty of food on hand can prompt some bad eating habits for the next couple of weeks. But Colorado has a reputation to uphold – earlier this year, a national survey showed the state has the lowest percentage of obese adults in the nation. To keep it that way – without feeling like a Grinch – registered dietitian Nikki Ver Steeg suggests choosing just one special food to splurge on. Ver Steeg says there are also ways to prepare your own holiday goodies with fewer calories. One tip is to incorporate natural applesauce as a basic ingredient in baking. Use it to replace one-half of the cooking oil in recipes that call for oil…which cuts the fat in the recipe and adds some nutrition as well.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 6:20a)

There remains a restriction on wood burning in fireplaces and non-EPA certified phase II woodstoves until 3 o’clock today. The Western Slope Air Watch issued the restriction last Thursday for the western Colorado valleys including the communities of Grand Junction, Delta, and Montrose.
Source: Learn When To Burn   (Posted 6:19a)

Delta kidnapping was simply a teenage prank. Saturday night there was a report of a kidnapping at the Wal-Mart in Delta.  Through the investigation and media reports, the female allegedly kidnapped was located. Investigation by the Delta Police Department identified several male suspects. A short time later, the victim and suspects admitted the entire incident was a staged prank. All are safe. Individuals involved in this incident accepted responsibility for their actions and were apologetic to the City of Delta, media, and law enforcement personnel. The Delta Police Department met with the parents of each juvenile involved. At this time, the Police Department has decided not to pursue criminal charges against the involved youth.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:50a)

The man who fell while climbing at the Ouray Ice Park last week is a Montrose resident. 72-year-old Charlie Winger was lead climbing when his ice tool dug into some unstable ice, causing him to fall about 10 feet onto a ledge.  Winger is suffering from two broken ribs and two bilateral fractures of outer vertebrae.  He’s got 25 years of ice climbing under his belt and says this was a climb well within his ability.  He praises the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team for their outstanding response and assistance.
(Posted 5:50a)

A Cortez man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the beating death of his girlfriend. According to the Cortez Journal, Ignacio “Michael” Ray Rael had faced a first-degree murder charge in the October 2008 death of Diane Cordova. A jury convicted him Friday of the lesser charge, which carries a maximum 48 year prison sentence. Prosecutors say Rael donned leather gloves with weights in them and beat his girlfriend to death. Medical experts testified during the three-week trial that Cordova suffered at least 15 blows to her face and multiple blows to the head. Defense attorneys say witnesses, many with felony records, offered confusing testimony. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 12.
Source: Cortez Journal (Posted 5:49a)

Seven Northside Elementary School students will be on Rocky Mountain PBS throughout the state this week. The elementary school, based in Montrose, produces a show called Northside’s Super School News broadcast.  Today’s broadcast will air at 10:25 this morning on channel 6 if you have cable.  Learn more at rmpbs.org and mcsd.org.
Source: PSA   (Posted 5:47a)

NEWS: Sunday December 20, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 20th, 2009

Kidnapping in Delta was a prank. On December 19, 2009, the Delta Police Department commenced an investigation in reference to an alleged kidnapping at the Wal-Mart Store in Delta, Colorado. Through the investigation and media reports, the female allegedly kidnapped was located. Further investigation identified several male suspects. The victim and suspects admitted the entire incident was a staged prank. The victim and suspects are safe.

Individuals involved in this incident accepted responsibility for their actions and was apologetic to the City of Delta, print and television media, and law enforcement personnel. The Delta Police Department met with the parents of each juvenile involved. At this time, the Delta Police Department has decided not to pursue criminal charges against the involved youth.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 8:13p)

MISSING GRAND JUNCTION MAN–(Official release sent to media December 19, 2009 at 10:54pm) The Grand Junction Police Department is asking for help from the citizens of the Grand Valley. On December 18th, 2009, ANTHONY JONATHAN LOGAN failed to come home. ANTHONY was last seen at the Hastings Store, located at 2401 North Avenue. ANTHONY has not been seen since this time and we are asking for help in locating him. ANTHONY was last seen wearing a white down jacket with a fur collar, blue jeans, red shoes and a red baseball cap.

ANTHONY is 25 years old. He is five foot and six inches tall. He has brown hair and blue eyes. ANTHONY has learning disabilities, but can carry on a normal conversation. If you have seen ANTHONY or if you know of his location, please contact the Grand Junction Police Department at 970-242-6707.

(Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of NBC 11 News)
Source: Press Release (Posted 12/20/09–6:00am)

NBC 11 News posts that Anthony sometimes goes by AJ.  He is a client with Mosaic and lives with a host family.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 6:20a)

NEWS: Friday December 18, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 18th, 2009

A woman leaving the West Elk Inn in Hotchkiss on Saturday, Dec. 5, notified Paonia Police that she had been abducted by gunpoint and forced into a vehicle, and then assaulted on Back River Road. The man she identified as her assailant was Patrick Casey Washburn.  According to the Delta County Independent she suffered significant but not life-threatening injuries.  The woman was able to walk back to the West Elk Inn after she was thrown out of her abductor’s vehicle.  After she drove home she called for an ambulance and arrest warrant for sent out for Washburn.  He was picked up in Grand Junction on Dec. 9^th and is now being held at the Delta County jail on a $75,000 bond.  He’s been booked on a number charges including second degree kidnapping, reckless endangerment, sexual assault, and felony menacing….
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 5:28p by Jim Kapp)

Colorado budget officials say state revenues dropped another $40 million, bringing this year’s shortfall to $601 million. The Daily Sentinel reports that budget officials have told state lawmakers that even though this year’s shortfall is at $601 million they feel the recession may be over in Colorado but the recovery will be a long and rocky one.  Currently forecasters are predicting a budget shortfall of $1.5 billion next year unless lawmakers take quick action when they convene in January.  The fiscal year ends in June….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:29p by Jim Kapp)

A handful of doctors are writing almost all of Colorado’s referrals for medical marijuana. Now state health authorities are asking for new guideline how physicians should be doing that.  According to KJCT, The Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment says that only 15 doctors account for 73% of all the state’s marijuana patients.  Primarilary what the Public Health and Environment dept would like is for the  state lawmakers to write rules clarifying when doctors can refer patients to marijuana. That would make it easier for state health authorities to refer suspect doctors to the state Board of Medical Examiners.
Source: KJCT (Posted 5:32p by Jim Kapp)

The Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment announced this morning that the owners of the proposed Pinon Ridge Uranium Mill company, belonging to Energy Fuels Resources Corp, had successfully  completed the initial application. According to the Daily Sentinel, that approval will now lead to a year-long comprehensive technical review by the dept.  The Paradox Valley facility would be located 12 miles west of Naturita….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 4:31p by Jim Kapp)

Today is the last day for the Montrose Meth Coalition Drug Endangered Children’s food drive. Drop off boxes will be at both Alpine bank locations, U.S. bank, Bealls and Genesis Christian Marketplace until the end of the day.
Source: PSA  (Posted 4:31p by Jim Kapp)

Also a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to pick up your toys if you applied for the toys for tots program. If you haven’t been contacted by anyone then you are approved.  The toys can be picked up at the Old Montrose Daily Press Building on the corner of South First and Park Ave. from 8am to 2pm.  A picture I.D. is required.  If you have any questions call their hotline at 901-5369…..
Source: PSA  (Posted 4:31p by Jim Kapp)

Telluride Planning and Building Director Chris Hawkins has resigned his position effective early January. The purpose of his resignation is so that he devote his attention to becoming the new Community Development director for the Town of Mountain Village.  The Telluride Watch reports Hawkins replaces former director Sally Vecchio, who by mutual agreement, resigned her position in July after holding it for 14 months.  Hawkins has 18 years of professional planning experience, 15 of which was with mountain resorts and communities in Colorado….
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 4:30 by Jim Kapp)

Two Montrose women have been accused of burglary and assault after allegedly breaking into another woman’s home, beating her and taking off with her guest’s pants. The Montrose Press reports that both Cara Cawthon and Lindsay Lyon were arrested on Wednesday.  Lyon posted bail while Cawthon remains in jail on a $30,000 bond.   The victim, Rachel Medina, was also arrested for another jurisdiction’s warrant.  Formal charges are expected to be filed on Monday.
Source: Montrose Press (Posted 4:25p by Jim Kapp)

The Uncompahgre River corridor is a vital asset to Montrose and to much of western Colorado. The city was awarded a $75,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to develop the first-ever City of Montrose Comprehensive Uncompahgre Riverway Master Plan.  The plan will include approximately ten miles of the Uncompahgre River corridor from Racine Road to La Salle Road.

The need for a riverway plan was identified in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan update.  Additionally, during the city’s recent economic assessment process the river corridor was highlighted as a strategic economic development area.  A well-developed Master Plan will help maintain the natural beauty and function of the river, as well as provide guidance for economic development and job creation on surrounding properties.

The primary components of the Master Plan will be to:
-Develop plans for existing and future city park and open space properties near the Uncompahgre River and a continuous hard-surface recreation trail to connect them.
-Incorporate the recommendations of the Montrose River Corridor Working Group.
-Identify key areas for development within and adjacent to the river corridor.
-Identify critical wildlife habitat areas and develop a plan that prioritizes areas in need of habitat restoration and protection.
-Identify fishery improvements needed along the ten miles of river.
-Create a plan for educational opportunities along the river, including watchable wildlife areas with educational signage.

By creating the plan, the city will have a valuable tool for directing its long-term efforts toward the Uncompahgre River – the “jewel” of Montrose.
Source: City of Montrose (Posted 11:57a)

November unemployment Numbers released. Montrose ‘s unemployment rate has gone up.  It was 7.3 percent in October and is now 7.8 percent.

Labor Force
Colorado’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell one tenth of one percentage point to 6.9 percent in November from the revised October estimate of 7.0 according to Donald J. Mares, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “Both employment and the unemployment rate are now holding steady which marks a turning point for Colorado’s economic recovery,” said Mares. “Over-the-month job growth, while slight, is positive news after months of job declines.” Last November the unemployment rate was 5.4 percent.

The number of working Coloradans rose 6,300 over the month to 2,480,700 out of a civilian labor force of 2,664,200. The number of residents unsuccessfully seeking work declined 2,700 to 183,500. Last November, total employment was 2,593,200, the civilian labor force was 2,741,600 and the number of unemployed was 148,400.

November is typically a month of rising unemployment at the local level. This year was no exception as the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) rose in 52 of Colorado’s 64 counties, fell in 7 and remained unchanged in 5. The lowest rate was 2.8 percent in Cheyenne County and the highest was 14.4 percent in Dolores County. In November 2008, the unemployment rate increased in 60 counties, declined in 2 and was unchanged in 2. Last year, the lowest rate was 2.5 percent in Yuma County and the highest was 8.4 percent in Crowley County.

Wage and Salary Employment
The monthly survey of Colorado business establishments indicates nonfarm wage and salary jobs (not seasonally adjusted) increased 600 in November to 2,247,000.

Employment increased in three of Colorado’s eleven major industry sectors over the month. Trade, transportation and utilities added 5,400 jobs, driven by seasonal gains in retail trade. Education and health services payrolls increased 1,300 and mining and logging added 200. Construction continued to decline with losses of 2,800 jobs, leisure and hospitality declined 1,700 and professional and business services lost 1,000. Manufacturing lost 500 jobs and there was little to no change in information, financial activities, other services and government.

Nonfarm payroll employment decreased over the year by 3.9 percent, or 89,900, from the November 2008 level of 2,336,900.

Two of Colorado’s eleven major industry sectors increased over the year. Education and health services grew 6,900 and government increased 4,200. Construction experienced the most severe losses, down 21,900, while trade, transportation and utilities and professional and business services are down 17,300 and 16,200, respectively. Payrolls in manufacturing declined 13,300 and are down 6,400 in mining and logging. Other losses are: leisure and hospitality (9,600), financial activities (8,300), information (4,300), and other services (3,700).

National
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s unemployment rate fell to 10.0 percent and nonfarm payroll employment declined 11,000 in November. Temporary help services, typically a leading indicator of job change, increased 52,000. From January 2008 through July 2009 temporary help services lost 813,000 jobs, since July 2009 employment in this sector increased 117,000.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:54a)

Last night Montrose City Council adopted a resolution describing property to be acquired by the City for roadway and other public purposes. A representative from Jacobs Engineering spoke during last night’s meeting saying he doesn’t foresee a problem obtaining this land, but that this ordinance should be adopted just in case.  Ordinance 2009-38 also states that the city can acquire this property through eminent domain if need be.
(Posted 11:45a)

A 72-year old man’s condition is unknown after he fell 12 feet while climbing at the Ouray Ice Park Wednesday. The man was lead-climbing with a partner when he fell.  He was rescued by the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team and transported to the hospital.  The reason for his fall is unclear at this time.
Source: Ouray Mountain Rescue Team
Source: Daily Press contributed to this story
(Posted 10:40a)

Montrose Police continue to investigate a Ridgway man accused of sexual assault on a child. Johnny Carey was arrested yesterday and is currently being held in the Montrose County Jail on a $60,000 bond.  At this time, Carey is the only suspect in this case.
Source: Montrose Police Department   (Posted 10:39a)

Montrose Community Foundation has awarded Montrose RE-1J Special Olympics a grant for $1000. The grant support programming for the team. The Special Olympics Volleyball team, which is made up of Montrose High School student partners and Special Olympics athletes, recently earned a Silver Medal at the state games held on the campus of the Colorado School Mines.  Members of the team are now beginning the winter sports season, including skiing and snowshoeing, and will attend the winter games in Leadville. The basketball teams are getting ready for the area games to be held at Mesa State in Grand Junction in February.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:51a)

The Hotchkiss town council told town engineer Joanne Fagan to go ahead with submitting a crosswalk plan to CDOT in hopes to obtain funding for a badly needed crosswalk light.  According to the Delta County Independent, the area in question is on Highway 133 between Hotchkiss K-8 School and City Market.  CDOT gave approval on the crosswalk, but never on a flashing crosswalk light.  CDOT informed the town of Hotchkiss that if they issue at least five citations at that crosswalk a day, there is the possibility of them paying for the light in the future.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 8:21a)

Montrose County Sheriff, Rick Dunlap, is hoping for another four years. Dunlap, who took office in 2006, tells the Daily Press that since he’s been on, the Sheriff’s Office has made a lot of changes for the better including beefing up his deputy staff.  Dunlap faces former Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Shawn Cline in next year’s election. Multiple calls to Dunlap have not been returned.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 8:01a)

Last night, City of Montrose Administrative Services Director Virgil Turner discussed with city council their recent acquisition of property. The donors, apparently long-time Montrose residents, wanted to remain anonymous, but agreed to the deed put together by the city.  The only condition for the city is that they protect the view corridor for adjacent homeowners.  The property, appraised at $80,000, is located at Woodgate and Kinikin Rd.
(Posted 8:00a)

Last week, Pat Means was sworn in as the Mayor of Cedaredge, after a unanimous decision to elect her by the Cedaredge Town Council December 3rd.  According to the Delta County Independent, Means replaces Tony Sluski, who resigned as Cedaredge Mayor November 16th.  She will serve as Mayor until April 2010, when she plans on running for another term.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 8:00a)

Local officials and community supporters, including astronaut Neil Armstrong, gathered on the Telluride Regional Airport reconstructed runway yesterday to celebrate the official re-opening of the airport.  Yesterday’s event was a recognition of the completion of Phase II of the airport’s reconstruction—a modernization project that included the removal of the existing runway, reducing grades, widening safety areas, extending the length of the runway, and adding all new runway lighting.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 7:59a)

Convicted murderer Miriam Helmick has been transported from the Mesa County Detention Facility and put in the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections. According to the Daily Sentinel Helmick had been held in Mesa County for more than a year after she was released from a Florida jail.  She was found guilty last week on 14 counts from first degree murder to check forgery.  She has been sentenced to life in prison.  A public defender speaking on her behalf said she will probably seek an appeal.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 6:13a)

A former Grand Junction High School activities director was sentenced to 10 years to life on probation yesterday. The Daily Sentinel says Johnnie Walker was found guilty by a Mesa County jury in September on felony counts of attempted internet luring of a child and attempted child enticement.  Walker was originally arrested in 2007.  The article says the courtroom was full of former and current coaches yesterday, all in support of Walker.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 6:10a)

Montrose County is currently accepting photos for consideration for the cover of the updated land use master plan. Photos will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 1, 2010.

The winning photo will be chosen on the basis of the best overall representation of Montrose County.  Ideas for consideration include, but are not limited to, natural resources, agriculture, tourism, and transportation.  Photos representing the various geographical planning areas of Montrose County, including the West End, Maher, North Valley (Olathe/Pea Green area), and the South Valley (Montrose, Colona, Cimarron area), will also be included in the Master Plan document.

Photos for consideration may be delivered to the County Administration Building located at 161 S. Townsend Ave., attention Stephanie Barnett.  There is no limit as to how many photos may be submitted by any one individual.  All photos submitted for consideration must include the name and contact information of the individual submitting the photo.  Photos not selected will be available for pick-up at the county administration building after March 1, 2010.  Winners will be announced at the February 22, 2010 Board of County Commissioner meeting.
Source: PSA   (Posted 6:09a)

About 100 starving sled dogs have been seized from a racing business in Colorado. NBC 11 News says an anonymous tip led authorities to Pawsatrack Racing Sled Dogs in the Park County town of Hartsel, about 70 miles southwest of Denver.  Authorities say they found six dead husky-type dogs and seized 30 starving dogs. On Thursday, animal protection authorities took the remaining 70 dogs. As of Thursday afternoon no one had been charged.
Source: NBC 11 News/AP   (Posted 6:09a)

NEWS: Thursday December 17, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 17th, 2009

Grand Junction High School’s former athletic director was sentenced earlier today according to the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office. The NBC 11 News reports that Johnnie Walker will spend 10 years to life on probation.  Prosecutor David Waite says that Walker, who has already registered as a sex offender will also have to complete sex offender treatment and pay fines and court costs….
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:31p by Jim Kapp)

Local officials and community supporters, including astronaut Neil Armstrong, gathered on the Telluride Regional Airport  reconstructed runway today to celebrate the official re-opening of the airport. Heralded as the Best Airport for Mountain & Resort Flying in the U.S. / Canada, today’s event was a recognition of the completion of Phase II of the airport’s reconstruction—a modernization project that included the removal of the existing runway, reducing grades, widening safety areas, extending the length of the runway and adding all new runway lighting, offering both commercial and general aviation pilots a much smoother landing. Phase III of the reconstruction will likely begin in 2010 and will widen the remaining safety areas and add an engineered material arresting system…..
Source: Press Release  (Posted 5:30p by Jim Kapp)

Convicted murder Miriam Helmick has been transported from the Mesa County Detention Facility and put in the custody of the Colorado Dept. of Corrections. According to the Daily Sentinel Helmick had been held in Mesa County for more than a year after she was release from a Florida jail.  She was found guilty last week on 14 counts from first degree murder to check forgery.  She has been sentenced to life in prison.  A public defender speaking on her behalf said she will probably seek an appeal….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:27p by Jim Kapp)

Canine Christmas program volunteer Patty Jensen is working with the Montrose Animal Shelter in their Adopt a dog for Christmas campaign. A program that looks for temporary homes for adoptable dogs over the holidays.  According to the Montrose Press, the program was initially inspired by Jensen when her cancer-stricken mother dog was scheduled to be put down.  But she was able to keep the dog through Christmas and give the sick animal a few extra days of care and happiness.  If you’re interested in the adopt a dog campaign contact the Montrose Animal Shelter at 240-1487…
Source: Montrose Press (Posted 5:25p by Jim Kapp)

Montrose Community Foundation has awarded Montrose RE-1J Special Olympics a grant for $1000. The Special Olympics Volleyball team, which is made up of Montrose High School student partners and Special Olympics athletes, recently earned a Silver Medal at the state games held on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines.  Members of the team are now beginning the winter sports season, including skiing and snowshoeing, and will attend the winter games in Leadville. The basketball teams are getting ready for the area  games to be held at Mesa State in Grand Junction in February.
Source: Press Release  (Posted 4:13p by Jim Kapp)

The holiday season so far has not been very merry for many Colorado drivers. Law enforcement agencies have been out in force since the Thanskgiving weekend and between then and Dec. 11^th over 1000 people have been arrested for DUI in Colorado.  The Colorado Dept. of Transportation has developed a web site to help drivers find information on ways to prevent drinking and driving.  That sight is PlanAheadColorado.com.  CDOT has also developed a new iphone application to help users estimate their blood alcohol concentration based on their weight, sex, time period and the number of drinks.  Law enforcement agencies will remain on high alert for drunk drivers as they continue their Heat is On campaign right through Jan. 4^th…
Source: Press Release  (Posted 4:12p by Jim Kapp)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on a draft Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Report conducted by the Uncompahgre Field Office. The report is the first step in a Wild and Scenic River evaluation for the 900,000-acre field office, which is being conducted as the field office revises the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan. The Draft Eligibility Report provides an inventory of river and stream segments on BLM-administered lands, and identifies those segments that meet the eligibility criteria necessary for federal Wild and Scenic River consideration.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was passed in 1968 to preserve selected rivers or sections in their free-flowing condition in order to protect “the water quality of such rivers and to fulfill other vital national conservation purposes.” To be eligible under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, a river or stream segment must possess one or more “outstandingly remarkable values,” have sufficient water quality to support those values, and be “free-flowing.” The BLM evaluated 174 river and stream segments and found 35 to be eligible.

The draft report identifies five segments of the San Miguel River (approximately 55 miles), two segments of the Dolores River (approximately 20 miles), and two segments of the Gunnison River (approximately 18 miles) as eligible. Eligibility review does not take into account potentially conflicting uses or the manageability of a river segment, which will be addressed in the upcoming suitability phase.

At this stage, the BLM is specifically looking for information regarding free-flowing condition and outstandingly remarkable values, including vegetation, wildlife, cultural, recreation, hydrologic, geologic, and scenic. Public comments on the draft report will be accepted through Feb. 26. The report is available at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo/uncompahgre_rmp.html.

Comments can be emailed to uformp@blm.gov or mailed to the Uncompahgre Field Office, Attn: RMP Revision, 2645 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401.

“Once the eligibility study has been finalized, we’ll be working with stakeholders to look at each eligible segment to determine whether or not it is suitable for Wild and Scenic River consideration,” said Uncompahgre Field Manager Barb Sharrow. “Public involvement in this process is essential.”

The suitability study will be included in the Resource Management Plan revision, which will analyze a range of possible recommendations. The BLM may or may not actively recommend suitable segments for Wild and Scenic River designation, based on input from stakeholders and the public.

River segments determined to be eligible are afforded interim protective management by the BLM until a suitability study is completed. The Resource Management Plan revision and suitability analysis is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

The Cache La Poudre River is currently the only river in Colorado with segments included in the Wild and Scenic River system. For more information on Wild and Scenic Rivers, visit http://www.nps.gov/rivers/.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:28a)

A Delta man accused of sex assault and child abuse was arrested again after he failed to appear in court December 2nd. The Daily Press says Reginald Jackson was originally arrested in September after allegedly touching three young girls inappropriately at a Delta church.  The 49-year-old is set to appear in court January 14th.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 10:21a)

Governor Bill Ritter today kicked off a strategic planning initiative that will assess the state’s higher-education systems and develop a comprehensive roadmap for the future of Colorado’s 27 public colleges and universities.

“We’re tackling some of the biggest challenges facing Colorado head on – K-12 education, energy, transportation and the worst economy since the Great Depression,” Gov. Ritter said. “And now it’s time to turn our attention to higher education, because without question, higher-ed is one of the keys to our recovery and our future. It drives economic growth and it opens doors of opportunity for people all across Colorado.

“As we rebuild our economy and position Colorado for strong sustainable growth, we must look beyond just the next year,” the Governor said. “We need to look out 10, 20 and 30 years. And the only way we get there is with a vibrant higher-ed system that can meet the needs of a 21^st century Colorado. Our greatest resource in this state is our people and our families, and they deserve nothing less than colleges and universities that are accessible, affordable, accountable and of the highest quality.”

Speaking to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and many of the state’s college presidents, Gov. Ritter introduced Jim Lyons and Dick Monfort as the co-chairs of a steering committee that will lead the strategic planning effort. The committee will develop and recommend a master plan for a higher education system that today serves 220,000 students.

Monfort spent 20 years in the cattle business, is a vice chairman of the Colorado Rockies and sits on the University of Northern Colorado Board of Trustees. Lyons is a co-chair of the Governor’s Jobs Cabinet and a prominent attorney in Colorado. They will work closely with Rico Munn, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and Don Elliman, the governor’s chief operating officer.

College and business leaders around Colorado praised today’s launch and the naming of Monfort and Lyons.

“Colorado’s system of higher education needs a coherent and comprehensive plan for the future, said CCHE Chairman James Polsfut.  “This planning process will give us a chance to determine what the state wants out of its higher education system and how we can deliver it.”

“A strong higher education system is invaluable to the business community,” said Kelly Brough, CEO and president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “In order to continue to recruit new businesses and retain the companies we have, we must be able to say that we have a higher education system that can educate and prepare Coloradans for the jobs of today and the future.”

“Dick Monfort and Jim Lyons are outstanding people who I have had the pleasure to work with for many years,” said University of Colorado President Bruce D. Benson. “They have a deep commitment to higher education and our state and will do a great job leading the study. It’s important that it take a thorough look at all our colleges and universities to ensure we can provide high-quality, accessible and affordable education for all Coloradans. To achieve that, we have to be realistic and deliberate in how we direct our current low funding levels. We also need to look for new revenue streams to sustain our colleges and universities.”

“I am very enthused and grateful that Jim Lyons and Dick Monfort have stepped forward in this leadership capacity,” said Joe Blake, chancellor of Colorado State University. “I look forward to working with them and being a part of this important process involving the future of public higher education.”

“My hope is that this process will lead to some visionary ideas about how we can secure the future of higher education in Colorado,” said Jay Helman, president of Western State College in Gunnison. “Colorado has an opportunity to take the lead in a re-visioning of higher education that could benefit the entire country. Nearly every state is faced with substantial funding challenges for higher education. If we can have open and bold discussions about our future, we have an opportunity to strengthen higher education in Colorado and to lead much-needed reform in other states.”

“We’re very pleased that this initiative is moving forward, and look forward to participating in a process that will benefit all Colorado,” said Stephen Jordan, president of Metropolitan State College in Denver.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:56a)

As a gift during this holiday season, West Vail Pass, Colorado, along Interstate 70, has been chosen as the official site for the first-ever North American Wildlife Crossing Structure Design Competition entitled ARC. Signifying the official site selection was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this month between the ARC steering team and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The MOU sets in motion the design competition which will engage interdisciplinary design teams from around the world to explore new methods, new materials, and new thinking when designing wildlife crossings structures. West Vail Pass was chosen as the top site out of a total of 22 candidate sites across North America.

The timing of this competition comes on the heels of Gov. Bill Ritter’s recent effort to promote wildlife connections between Colorado and New Mexico. “Wildlife is one of the most important resources in the West. It is part of our heritage, and its protection should be part of our legacy,” said Gov. Ritter.

The ARC competition establishes Colorado as a leader and an innovator in wildlife conservation and driver safety. Once completed, Colorado will have a cost-effective solution that will provide safer roads and protect the wildlife that generates over $3 billion a year in hunting, fishing and wildlife watching related revenues.

“The state of Colorado is delighted to be hosting the first-ever North American wildlife crossing structure design competition. The competition will cultivate innovative ideas to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions,” said Gov. Ritter.

Ensuring wildlife can move freely across roadways and rail lines using mitigation measures such as wildlife crossings was a recommendation of the Transportation Working Group for the Western Governors’ Association Wildlife Corridors Initiative.

Crashes between motor vehicles and wildlife are a threat to human safety and to wildlife, costing Americans more than $8 billion annually along with hundreds of lives lost. A recent scientific publication by the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) calculated the average total costs associated with a single animal-vehicle collision for three species: $6,617 for deer, $17,483 for elk, and $30,760 for moose.

“Identifying new options for mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions is particularly critical in Colorado’s high country, especially as traffic increases on our state highways,” CDOT Region 3 Transportation Director Weldon Allen said. “Safety is one of the Core Values that all stakeholders in the I-70 Mountain Corridor study agree need to be factored in to every effort and project. An innovative design for an I-70 wildlife crossing will give CDOT and its regional planning partners another alternative as we work together to plan and implement safety measures along this corridor.”

Wildlife crossings, including overpasses and underpasses, connect habitats and allow animals to cross major highways safely. With the impacts of climate change forcing animals to move and adapt to shifting habitats, landscape connections for wildlife become even more important. The price tag, however, prevents many wildlife crossings, especially overpasses, from ever being built. The ARC Competition will challenge entrants to design cost-effective wildlife crossing structures of the future while also reconnecting habitat for wildlife.

“The road network, and all the luxuries it affords, is a remarkable societal and engineering achievement. But unless we, as a society, figure out a way to lessen its impact on wildlife and wild processes – the relevance of that achievement is diminished,” said Tony Clevenger, wildlife ecologist for the WTI and initiator of the ARC Steering Team.  “The crossing structures of today are built of concrete and steel. The possibilities for lighter, more durable, mobile and less expensive structures exist – the ARC competition encourages innovative thinking out of the box.”

The site of the competition is located where natural and human-dominated worlds collide: approximately 10,000 feet above sea level and 90 miles west of Denver along I-70. With species ranging from the diminutive marten to stately moose, it serves as the perfect setting for design teams to let their imaginations run wild. But any winning design will also have to be rooted in practicality and will help inform wildlife crossings across North America.

“Wildlife corridors are increasingly essential as our transportation system continues to grow and human and wildlife domains overlap. Across the nation accidents involving wildlife are on the rise and animal populations are increasingly impacted. The ARC competition will improve traveler safety and environmental sustainability by making creative solutions more affordable and more easily adopted nationwide. West Vail Pass is ideally suited to evaluating this problem and I’m eager to see the innovative solutions that it produces,” said Representative Jared Polis, who is the Congressman for Colorado’s second Congressional district where the competition is located.

ARC is more than a competition; it is an ideology that spans disciplines, species, geography and aspirations. The name emerged directly from the science of road ecology – the interactions between road systems and the natural environment. Initiated by the WTI and the Woodcock Foundation in New York City, ARC quickly drew additional support from the Edmonton Community Foundation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.  ARC continues to draw mounting support from federal and state agencies, universities, professional associations and non-profit organizations in the U.S. and Canada.

Further information about the ARC Competition and a full list of the eighteen sponsors is available at www.arc-competition.com. Complete entry rules will be available in spring 2010.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:30a)

It may not seem like it, but Montrose and Ouray County realtors are saying now is a great time to buy. In an article by the Telluride Watch, home sales for these two counties are still down from last year, but recent sales are up.  The federal government continues to offer all kinds of incentives for first-time buyers.  One banker in Ouray says right now, prices are down, interest rates are low, and now is the best time to buy a house, first-time buyer or not.
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 7:00a)

Colorado sportsmen and landowners want to be sure their voices are heard by the US Interior Department as it reviews its oil and gas leasing program. Energy companies are accusing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar of favoring alternatives like wind and solar power. Salazar has struck back in speeches, saying it will take all kinds of energy to make the country less dependent on foreign producers. And those who are concerned about wildlife habitat and recreational uses of the land point out that millions of acres have been snapped up…for oil exploration that isn’t happening. Ann Morgan with The Wilderness Society says it’s one indication the leasing program needs to change. Morgan says the BLM needs to slow the pace of leasing and exercise tighter control of how the leaseholders handle water, wildlife and other sensitive issues. Salazar says the Interior Department made 34 oil and gas leases this year…and 38 are planned for 2010.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 6:59a)

Following an extensive and comprehensive interview process, the Montrose Board of County Commissioners is anticipated to appoint Jesse Smith as County Manager at the BOCC meeting on Monday, December 21. Smith brings both private and public sector professional experience in addition to a diverse and highly-qualified skill set for local government management to the county.  He recently relocated to Montrose from Garfield County where he served as the Assistant County Manager for eight years.  During his tenure with Garfield County,  Smith was highly involved in the development of the oil and gas industry within the County.  He has direct oversight experience with several county operation programs and departments in addition to an elaborate educational and management history.  His background includes professional credentials in higher education, local government, and the private sector.  Smith has a both a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in Management and a PhD ABD in Education and Management.

Nearly sixty applicants initially applied to become the next Montrose County Manager.  The Board of County Commissioners and an internal hiring committee selected Jesse Smith through a comprehensive and detailed process including in-person interviews with the hiring committee and the BOCC, an in-person meeting with county staff and elected officials and a public reception.

“We are excited to welcome Jesse to Montrose County,” said County Commissioner Gary Ellis.  “In addition to several years of government management experience and the ability to represent a broad cross-section of organizational leadership, Smith demonstrates the ability to openly interact and communicate with different facets of the community to promote an open and cohesive approach to county management.”   Smith is anticipated to start his new position as County Manger January 4, 2010.  The County Manager is an appointed position reporting to the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:11a)

While there was no actual bomb found, the Durango Police Department continues to investigate the felony-level threat. Just before 10 yesterday morning, dispatch received an anonymous bomb threat against the “Courthouse,” Fort Lewis College, Miller Middle School, and Durango High School.  All judicial buildings in the Durango area were shut down and Durango schools and Fort Lewis College were evacuated.  All schools and businesses are to be open for normal business hours today.  If you know anything about this incident, call Crime Stoppers at 970-247-1112.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:10a)

Valley Investments owners Pillip Lochmiller, his son, as well as another employee indicted for conspiracy and fraud. Owners and operators of Valley Investments, Philip R. Lochmiller, age 61, of Mack, Colorado, and Philip R. Lochmiller, II, age 38, presently of Olathe, Kansas, as well as a Valley Investments employee, Shawnee N. Carver, age 33, of Grand Junction, Colorado, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver Tuesday on conspiracy and fraud charges, U.S. Attorney David Gaouette and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge James Davis announced.  The indictment was sealed pending the defendants’ arrest.  Lochmiller was arrested without incident yesterday afternoon.

Philip R. Lochmiller and Shawnee Carver will both make their initial appearances today at 1:00 pm at the Federal Courthouse in Grand Junction, Colorado, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gudrin Rice.

According to the indictment, Valley Investments (which was first called Valley Mortgage) was incorporated in Colorado in 1994, and was originally engaged in the business of originating or brokering home mortgages.  The business was located in Grand Junction, Colorado.  From its inception until it closed in May 2009, Lochmiller and Lochmiller, II operated and controlled Valley Investments.  Beginning in approximately 1999, the Lochmillers and others entered into the affordable housing real estate development and housing sale business.  The business primarily involved the acquisition, using investor funds, of vacant land or existing mobile home parks, converting them to mobile or manufactured home subdivisions.

Between November of 1999 through April 2008, Valley Investments acquired five properties purportedly to develop affordable housing subdivisions.  To finance the properties, Lochmiller and Lochmiller, II, advertised and solicited investments from individuals by promising a short duration high percent interest rate to be paid monthly.  The advertisements characterized the investment as a “solid security” secured and recorded by a Deed of Trust in the investor’s name.  The Lochmillers also represented to investors that Valley Investments used investor funds exclusively to acquire the properties and finance the development of the subdivisions they owned.  Further, they represented that the company generated large profits by selling manufactured homes together with lots within their subdivisions.  They later promised investors a return as high as 18 percent on their investments.  In exchange, investors were to receive a promissory note and a recorded first Deed of Trust on individual lots, worth a minimum of $20,000 at a 50 percent loan-to-value ratio.

From 2005 through May 2009, defendant Shawnee Carver was a full-time employee of Valley Investments, and a personal assistant to Lochmiller, II.  She had full and exclusive access to data and interacted with investors.

The indictment alleges that Lochmiller failed to disclose a prior conviction for securities fraud in California.  It also states that they failed to disclose that the Colorado Division of Securities issued a letter in June of 2001 insisting Valley Investments to cease the offering and advertising of unregistered securities. Both Lochmiller and Lochmiller, II failed to disclose prior Bankruptcy filings.

All three defendants were salaried employees.  The indictment alleges that Lochmiller and Lochmiller, II directed and caused Valley Investments to pay numerous personal expenses on their behalf.  Lochmiller, II also received bonuses of 1 percent of the amount invested through him.  Between 2000 and 2009, Lochmiller and Lochmiller, II caused Valley Investments to receive approximately $31,000,000.00 from approximately 400 investors.

The indictment alleges that from 1999 through May of 2009, the three defendants did knowingly and willfully conspire to devise a scheme to defraud, and obtain money or property by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.  It also alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme to commit securities fraud.

As part of that scheme, Valley Investments did not own sufficient property or assets to secure the investments as represented.  Despite this fact, the defendants continued to solicit investor funds for several years despite knowing that the business was not generating sufficient profit.  Because the business operation was not sustainable, the three defendants allegedly used new investor funds to make interest payments to existing investors, operate the daily activities of the business, and fund the Lochmillers’ personal expenditures.  The Lochmillers and Carver continued to misrepresent to investors that the business was thriving, and did not disclose to new investors how their money was being used.  Also, because there were not sufficient funds, the defendants did not file all of the Trust Deeds on behalf of investors, and most of the filed Trust Deeds were not the first encumbrance of the properties named and were thus worthless.  The indictment further alleges that Carver notarized forged signatures of investors for fraudulent releases of Deeds of Trust.

In May 2009 the State of Colorado Division of Securities issued a Cease and Desist order to Valley Investments. Less than two weeks later Valley Investments closed its doors.  Further, a Denver District Court Judge appointed a Receiver over Valley Investments and all related entities.

“Investors should always remember the old saying that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said U.S. Attorney David Gaouette.

“Unfortunately, there are many people out there who are unscrupulous and tempting potential investors with false claims.  Law enforcement will investigate these criminals and our office will prosecute them, but the public needs to be wary and only invest after thoroughly checking out these claims of large profits.”

“These arrests demonstrate the FBI’s continuing commitment to aggressively investigate complex financial crimes, especially when the targeted victims are vulnerable and elderly,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge James Davis.  “We are especially appreciative of the tremendous cooperation from the victims in this case.  The success of this investigation to date is tribute to the combined efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, including the IRS-CID, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Grand Junction.”

“Money laundering creates an untaxed economy that uses legitimate businesses to conceal criminal activity,” said Christopher M. Sigerson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office.  “IRS-CI has the financial investigators and expertise to follow the money and deprive criminals of their gains.”

“Postal Inspectors partnered with fellow law enforcement agencies in this investigation to assure the arrest of individuals utilizing the U.S. Mail for fraudulent means,” said U.S. Postal Inspector In Charge Shawn Tiller.  “This is an offense the Postal Inspection Service takes very seriously.”

Philip Lochmiller faces one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, 20 counts of money laundering, and 10 counts of mail fraud.

Philip Lochmiller, II, faces one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, 8 counts of money laundering, and 10 counts of mail fraud.

Shawnee Carver faces one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and 10 counts of mail fraud.

Conspiracy carries a penalty of not more than 5 years’ incarceration, and up to a $250,000 fine.  Conspiracy to money laundering carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $500,000.  Money laundering carries a penalty of not more than 10 years’ incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000.  The penalty for mail fraud is up to 20 years incarceration and not more than a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS CI), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with substantial assistance from the State of Colorado Division of Securities and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Heldmyer.

These charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:08a)

More police killed by gunfire in 2009 than in 2008. According to preliminary statistics compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a national nonprofit organization that tracks officer-related deaths, the number of officers killed in the line of duty by gunfire increased 24 percent from 2008.  MSNBC writes that 2009 was a particularly perilous year for officers involved in gun disputes.  The Montrose Police Department was personally affected this past summer with the shooting death of Sgt. David Kinterknecht. And as a remembrance this holiday season police survivors are encouraging law enforcement families, friends, and law enforcement agencies to decorate with blue lights, otherwise known as Project Blue Light.  The color blue is symbolic of peace.

AP Map of officers killed by gunfire this year
Source: MSNBC (Posted 6:04a)

The Montrose Meth Coalition is holding a food drive through tomorrow to benefit Drug Endangered Children and kinship homes of those children. Drop-off boxes can be found at Alpine Banks, US Bank, Bealls, and Genesis Christian Marketplace.  For more information call Theresa at 250-7414.
Source: PSA   (Posted 6:03a)

NEWS: Wednesday December 16, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 16th, 2009

The number of officers killed in the line of duty by gunfire increased 24 percent from 2008, according to preliminary statistics compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a national nonprofit organization that tracks officer-related deaths.  According to MSNBC 2009 was a particularly perilous year for officers involved in gun disputes.  And of course everyone remembers what happened in Montrose this past summer with the shooting death of Sgt. David Kinterknecht.  Another fatality added to that list.  And as a rememberance this holiday season police survivors are  encouraging law enforcement families, friends, and law enforcement agencies to decorate with blue lights, otherwise known as Project Blue Light.  The color blue is symbolic of peace…..
Source: MSNBC (Posted 5:23p by Jim Kapp)

Owners and operators of Valley Investments were indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver yesterday on conspiracy and fraud charges, U.S. Attorney David Gaouette and FBI Special Agent in Charge James Davis made that announcement today.    According to the indictment, Valley Investments (which was first called Valley Mortgage) was incorporated in Colorado in 1994, and was originally engaged in the business of originating or brokering home mortgages.  The business was located in Grand Junction, Colorado.  The business primarily involved the acquisition, using investor funds, of vacant land or existing mobile home parks, converting them to mobile or manufactured home subdivisions….
Source: Press Release  (Posted 5:15p by Jim Kapp)

School District 51 cut more than $1.5 million from its 2009/2010 budget. According to NBC 11 News money was taken from almost every department.  District 51 also plans to spend less on travel and borrow money from reserves to meet next year’s budget requirements. Teachers’ salaries, however, were not cut.  Instead the district is offering early retirement to more than 250 teachers hoping that will save them extra money down the road….
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:12p by Jim Kapp)

Officials have determined that there is no longer a threat as a result of this incident, but continue to investigate the felony-level threat. Anyone with any information about the threat is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 247-1112 or the Durango Police Investigations at 375-4730.  Representatives from Durango Police, La Plata County Sheriff, Durango 9-R School District, Fort Lewis College, and other agencies all coordinated their efforts during this emergency response.  Durango School District 9-R and Fort Lewis College will be open for classes and La Plata County will be open for business as usual tomorrow.
Source: Durango Police News Release  (Posted 5:10p by Jim Kapp)

There was an apparent bomb threat at Miller Middle School in Durango and Durango High School. Superintendent Keith Owen issued a statement saying that until Durango Police Department has cleared the buildings, both Miller Middle School and Durango High School (including its parking lot) will be closed.  Durango Police have cordoned off the high school and not allowing anyone on the premises.  Police say the threat was called in just before 10:00 am Wednesday morning.  The threat was also made against the “Courthouse,” and Fort Lewis College.  La Plata County has closed the County Courthouse building at noon and has not  reopen today.  Neither has Fort Lewis College after they evacuated their campus….
Source: DurangoSchools.org (Posted 4:06p by Jim Kapp)

A Grand Junction man is in a lot of trouble after brandishing a BB gun on a Grand Valley Transit bus Monday. According to the Daily Sentinel, Chad Thompson was reading texts a woman was sending and receiving to a friend about problems she’s been having with an ex-boyfriend.  He then allegedly pulled up his shirt to reveal the grip of a black gun, asking her if she’d like him to take care of it.  Thompson could face up to 24 years in prison if charged with and convicted of felony endangering public transportation, among other charges.  He appears back in court December 29th.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 12:03p)

The 2010 budget for Cedaredge was discussed last week and trustee Bruce Bertram brought up an item he had a problem with. Mountain Valley News says Bertram didn’t like the $10,900 that was budgeted for a trustees golf benefit…saying that money should go back into the budget to be allocated elsewhere.  His motion was never seconded as another trustee said the golf course is depending that money.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 12:02p)

Norwood girl on rodeo team. The 2009-2010 Wrangler Division All-Star Team, the newest junior high rodeo program in North America, recently added Norwood cowgirl Jordan Williams to the team. According to the Norwood Post, the Wrangler division is modeled after the Wrangler Champion Pro Rodeo team.
Source: Norwood Post (Posted 10:40a)

At Fort Carson today, Governor Ritter will sign a proclamation supporting the “Helmets to Hardhats” program, which helps connect veterans to construction companies looking for workers. He also plans to sign an executive order in Pueblo encouraging state agencies to buy American-made products when they use federal stimulus funds for construction projects.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:37a)

Last night,  Delta City Council approved the reallocation of a full-time police officer to a full-time School Resource Officer. Delta Police Chief Robert Thomas said the importance of having a School Resource Officer is obvious. As of November 30th, the Delta Police Department has responded to 58 calls at Delta District 50 schools.  These calls resulted in 21 arrests.  Officer Brian Lyninger assumes the position of School Resource Officer, immediately.  Officer Lyninger is in the process of obtaining a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
(Posted 7:47a)

During the early morning hours of December 13th five males were shot while at a party at 2984 Krista Court in Grand Junction. The victims, ranging from 16-22 years old, were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital and treated. At this time, three of the five victims remain in St. Mary’s Hospital in FAIR condition. Witnesses are still being identified and the investigation remains active. The Daily Sentinel says that according to Joshua Anton (the suspect)’s dad, he was acting in self-defense when there was an altercation earlier in the day.  During bond arguments Monday, District Attorney Pete Hautzinger told a judge he’s considering filing five counts of attempted murder.
Source: Press Release
Source: The Daily Sentinel contributed to this story  (Posted 7:46a)

An unidentified Paonia woman was allegedly abducted at gunpoint from the parking lot at the West Elk Inn in Hotchkiss December 6th. Mountain Valley News says Patrick Washburn of Glade Park is being held on a no-bond warrant in connection with the incident.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 7:45a)

Less money for construction projects has led Colorado State University to cut 10 positions in the facilities management department at the Fort Collins campus. KJCT says the 10 positions include architects, project managers and designers. It’s unclear how many of the jobs are currently filled. The facilities department has already eliminated 25 vacant positions.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 7:45a)

The Olathe School-Based Community Health Clinic held it’s ribbon cutting and open house yesterday. Olathe Elementary School Principal Joe Brummit says Olathe is the perfect place for this school-based clinic and is proud to help his students as well as the community from his own backyard. The facility operates as a community clinic, a school-based clinic, and a center for mental health. It’s located at 211 N. Roberts Avenue in Olathe.

(Olathe Elementary School students L to R: Janalyn Barba, Frankie Jimenez, Soledad Almanza, Sarah Baugh, Garrett Hall, & Trenton Clow)

(Nurse Practitioner Birgitt Schmalz and her red student exam room)

(Debbie, a receptionist at the clinic assists a member of the community)
(All photos by Janine Mayfield)
(Posted 5:51a)

Montrose Regional Airport is looking at a record year of enplanments. At the end of November, the airport had over 84,000 enplanements, or seats booked, on a flight leaving Montrose.  The record year for enplanements is currently 2007.  This Saturday is the ski-season kickoff party, free to the public.  The event is at the Montrose Regional Airport from 11a-2p.
(Posted 5:50a)

Senator Michael Bennet’s Western Slope regional representatives, Randy See and Jerry Otero, want to hear from constituents from Ouray County. Ouraynews.com says See and Otero will be at the Community Room of the Ridgway Town Hall from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today.  Information, comments, and questions gathered today will be relayed to Senator Bennet.
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 5:50a)

Federal prosecutors who will debrief a surgery technician accused of infecting patients with hepatitis C have agreed to let patients submit questions, but the patients won’t be allowed to attend the debriefing. Channel 9 News out of Denver says patients had asked a judge to let their attorney attend the questioning of Kristen Parker, who pleaded guilty to swapping dirty syringes for ones filled with powerful painkillers meant for patients.
Source: 9News (Posted 5:49a)

NEWS: Tuesday December 15, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 15th, 2009

A Grand Junction man is under arrest for presenting a fake prescription at two local pharmacies. NBC 11 News reports that 19 yr old Joshua Stewart was caught by a City Market employee of trying to get a prescription for oxycodone pills at both City Market and Rite Aid Pharmacy.  He was arrested and taken to the Mesa County jail where he was booked on two counts of fraud and two counts of second degree forgery.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:30p by Jim Kapp)

A homeless Grand Junction man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of breaking glass doors on a Grand Junction health clinic. The Daily Sentinel reports that Brian Wilson was brought into court on Monday and told of the charges against him which include felony criminal attempt and misdemeanor charges of  criminal mischief as well as resisting arrest.  Two workers inside the business had told Wilson that the clinic is closed on Sundays but he became agitated and started beating on the glass door with his fists.  The door was valued at $800.  Interestingly enough the clinic, Grand Junction Urgent Care is owned and operated by Dr. Sam Jahani, whose offices were raided and patients’ medical files taken Oct. 14 by officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:32p by Jim Kapp)

A property owner outside Aspen may be ordered to cut down a few trees because they were planted without the proper county permits and could eventually block the view of nearby mountains from a road. KJCT says that the Pitkin County Commissioners will make their decision tomorrow whether the blue spruce on the Watson Divide Ranch have to be removed. The 830-acre ranch is covered by a conservation easement managed by the Aspen Valley Land Trust, which has final say over new landscaping. The trust has told the county it doesn’t object to the trees.  Ranch owners offered to cut three trees Monday but commissioners told them to wait until the final decision.
Source: KJCT (Posted 5:21p by Jim Kapp)

Colorado union workers were split today on contract offers with two grocery chains. The Daily Sentinel reports this afternoon  that one group rejecting Safeway’s last and  best, final offer, while King Soopers employees accepted an offer from their employer.  After Safeway’s union workers turned down the latest offer one union spokesperson said that they’re hoping Safeway will continue to negotiate even though some workers have voted to reauthorize a strike.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 3:55p by Jim Kapp)

The husband of a missing Utah woman is hindering the investigation because he failed to show up for an interview on the advice of his lawyer. KJCT reports that so far police have not considered Josh Powell, the husband, a suspect in the disappearance of his wife Susan.  However, his decision not to be interviewed is delaying the investigation and search for his wife.  Susan Powell was reported missing Dec. 7^th when she didn’t show up to work and her children weren’t dropped off at day care.  Josh told police that he took his two boys camping at around 2am that day and returned in the eve.  Investigators have not been able to verify the camping trip because snow has covered that site by Simpson Springs  on the historic Pony Express Trail in Utah’s west desert.
Source: KJCT (Posted 3:58p by Jim Kapp)

While it doesn’t happen daily, the Montrose Police Department warns businesses and consumers of counterfeit money. Commander Gene Lillard says it’s extremely wise to check all your bills for the proper markings of a real bill and if you suspect a counterfeit one, to call the police department immediately.  Serious consequences could occur if you knowingly spend counterfeit money.
(Posted 11:27a)

Open House tonight! Until 7:00pm tonight is an open house of the new Olathe School-Based Community Health Clinic.  The clinic is located near Olathe Elementary School at 211 N. Roberts Avenue.
Source: PSA   (Posted 11:27a)

Colorado joins Buy American movement. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Jr. will sign an executive order on December 16 instituting a Buy American policy for state government purchases using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The executive order comes after strong urging from business and labor groups, including the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) and the United Steelworkers (USW).

“Buy American policy is a good deal for Colorado’s taxpayers and workers,” said Scott Paul, executive director of AAM, a non-partisan partnership of several leading U.S. manufacturers and the United Steelworkers. “Colorado’s taxpayers understand the issue at hand.  This is part of a longstanding U.S. policy and is consistent with our international trade obligations.  It’s terrific to see Colorado joining many other states to adopt Buy American requirements that reflect the will of the overwhelming majority of Americans.”

A Harris Interactive poll conducted earlier this year found that 84% of Americans support requirements for American-made materials in tax-payer funded infrastructure investment.

“We’re pleased to see Governor Ritter instituting a Buy American policy,” said USW District Director Bob LaVenture.  “This is an important step in supporting manufacturing jobs throughout Colorado.  Other nations are utilizing their own stimulus plans for their economies and Governor Ritter obviously understands the importance of this for Colorado and for the U.S. economy.”

The Governor will formally sign the executive order at 4 pm on Dec. 16 at USW Local 2102, 1414 East Evans, Pueblo, Colorado, 81004.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:53a)

There was standing room only during last night’s Olathe Board of Trustees meeting. The crowded room was interested in one item on the agenda, discussion on an amendment of the medical marijuana ordinance.  Currently the state has no regulations on medicinal marijuana businesses, but Olathe is looking to add some regulations. The majority of the people were in support of William Hewitt, owner of THC with TLC.  Discussions remained civil and lasted just under and hour last night.  No action was taken.  The item, Ordinance 2009-22, will be on the December 28, 2009 work session agenda.
(Posted 10:33a)

In other marijuana news, two people severely burned in a house fire near Breckenridge appear to have been injured when at least one of them was trying to make hashish.  Summit Daily News says the house caught fire Sunday when the victims were using butane fuel canisters, which are dangerous indoors. They were approved to grow medical marijuana.
Source: Summit Daily News (Posted 10:31a)

As if the shooting story out of Clifton couldn’t get any more complicated, the man whose apartment was shot into was that of a former Grand Junction police officer.  According to the affidavit, Derek Sheley allegedly fired shots into Courtney Crooks’ apartment Sunday night, causing a 3-hour standoff and the SWAT team to break into the apartment.  It was then they learned the 46-year-old is a paraplegic.  Crooks was fired from the Grand Junction Police Department this summer for a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence. He pleaded not guilty and is headed to trial in February.  Sheley faces charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, prohibited use of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless endangerment, and barricading himself.

Source: Mesa County Sheriff’s Office
Source: Daily Sentinel contributed to this story
(Posted 7:46a)

Winter pile burns planned in Mesa County. Federal fire officials from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit say they could begin to burn slash piles in Mesa County as early as this week.

Crews will aim to burn up to 300 piles on Black Ridge west of the Colorado National Monument, 100 piles on the Uncompahgre Plateau south of highway 141 and 60 piles five miles east of the town of Mesa.

The piles were generated from fuels reduction projects. Crews will be conducting the burns when weather, moisture, and fuel conditions allow January through March.

During burn periods, smoke is likely to be visible from the town of Mesa, and the Black Ridge burns will be visible from Grand Junction, Fruita and Loma.

Weather conditions will be monitored and burns will be implemented when conditions are suitable for safe and effective prescribed burns and good smoke dispersal. All prescribed fires in the Upper Colorado River are conducted under an approved burn plan with smoke permits from the State of Colorado.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 7:45a)

There haven’t been any unexpected problems or delays in the construction of the “Place to Play” addition at Ridgway Schools. According to Ouraynews.com the building that will house a music room, gym, locker rooms, and climbing wall broke ground August 20th and is set to be complete in March.  In 2008, voters approved a $2.1 million dollar bond referendum to construct the building.
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 7:45a)

The Colorado Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with US Livestock Genetics Export Inc. (USLGE),  recently hosted a delegation of Russian livestock producers. The group visited Colorado to learn about livestock practices and herd health management through sessions at Colorado State University and ranch visits.

“Over the past two years, Colorado has hosted several Russian cattlemen with the goal of educating them about the benefits of buying Colorado cattle and genetics,” said Dawn Velásquez de Pérez, CDA international marketing specialist. “We hope through education and cooperation, Russian cattlemen will return to Colorado in the spring when they are making purchasing decisions.”

While in Colorado, the delegation visited Aristocrat Angus Ranch in Platteville, Colo.; Altenburg Super Baldy Ranch and Horton Feedlot in Wellington, Colo.; Figure Four Cattle Company in Somerset, Colo.; and Rocky Mountain Sire Services in Bennett, Colo. They also attended seminars at Colorado State University to learn about nutritional requirements, trade and disease issues, beef cattle genetics and performance evaluations.

“The state’s recent cold weather presented a great opportunity to demonstrate how similar Colorado’s climate is to Russia,” said Velásquez de Pérez. “Our visitors felt that Colorado cattle would perform well in Russia and acclimation time would be minimal.”

For more information, contact Dawn Velásquez de Pérez at (303) 239-4123, e-mail dawn.velasquez@ag.state.co.us or visit www.coloradoagriculture.com.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 7:44a)

Vernon L. Estes, age 54, of Montrose, Colorado, was sentenced last Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn to serve 120 months (10 years) in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney David Gaouette and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Copp.  Following his incarceration, Estes is to serve 5 years on Supervised Release.  He will also be required to register as a sex offender.  Estes, who appeared in court in custody, was remanded.

Vernon L. Estes was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on April 23, 2009.  He pled guilty before Judge Blackburn on September 25, 2009.  He was sentenced on December 11, 2009.

According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, starting in March of 2008, Estes accessed the internet from his home computer in Montrose, Colorado, to “chat” in a Yahoo! Chat room.  Estes, using a made up persona, purported to be a modeling agent who was soliciting young teenage girls to manufacture child pornography.  As part of the solicitation, Estes distributed videos and photos of child pornography.  Instead of communication with young teenage girls, Estes was in fact “chatting” with undercover agents from three separate and independent law enforcement agencies: The Oregon Intercept Task Force, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bay County, Florida Sheriff’s Office.

On April 29, 2009, a detective with the Bay County, Florida Sheriff’s Office was posing as a 13-year old girl.  The defendant through his made up persona introduced himself as a modeling agent living in Hawaii.  He told the girl that he represents girls from eight years old through high school age.  Estes initially sent non-sexual pictures of young girls.  The undercover officer, posing as the 13-year old girl, then asked questions about the type of modeling and whether it was nude modeling.  Estes then sent samples of child pornography.  From April 29, 2008, until May 12, 2008, the defendant continued to entice who he believed was the 13-year old to engage in sexual activity.  Based on investigative information gathered from Oregon, Washington, and Florida detectives, ICE agents in Grand Junction applied for and received a search warrant for Estes’ home.

On June 10, 2008, agents went to Estes’ home.  When confronted, according to the plea agreement, Estes admitted that he had been posing as a modeling agent and visiting chat rooms on Yahoo! trying to get girls under age 18 to send him live images of themselves modeling in the nude.  Four computers were seized from the defendant’s home.  Digital forensic analysis conducted by ICE resulted in the discovery of 660 chat log files, including chat logs from Estes’ made up persona.  Images and streaming videos of child pornography were also found on Mr. Estes’ computers.

“The criminal conduct of this defendant shows how someone using only their home computer can set in motion a string of events aimed to entice innocent young girls to enter the world of child pornography by submitting photographs that will be traded among other criminals and even worse, remain on the internet for years to come,” said U.S. Attorney David Gaouette.  “Today’s sentence is not only appropriate for this defendant but will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others who see nothing wrong with engaging in similar criminal acts.”

“Anyone who produces, buys, shares or possesses child pornography should take special note that five law enforcement agencies cooperated with this investigation and prosecution,” said Jeffrey Copp, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Denver.  “ICE routinely works with our law enforcement partners to bring justice to the victimized children, and, we hope, to deter anyone who might be tempted to engage in this perverted hobby.”  Copp oversees a four-state area which includes: Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with substantial help from the Oregon Intercept Task Force, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bay County, Florida Sheriff’s Office.

Estes was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Heldmyer.  The sentencing hearing was handle by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Smith.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:14a)

Mesa County approved a disheartening budget last night. NBC 11 News says with the elimination of 33 jobs, this is the county’s biggest budget cut in decades.  The original cut was for 26 million, but after number crunching, next year’s budget is trimmed only by a little less than 13 million dollars.  Out of the 33 jobs, most were already vacant, but 11 workers are being laid off effective January 1st.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 6:13a)

Senator Bennet secures additional COPS funding to help police departments facing budget cuts put more cops on the beat. Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado,  announced yesterday Senate approval of $298 million in funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services  (COPS) Hiring Program, which administration officials estimate will lead to the hiring or rehiring of 50,000 additional cops.

The funding was included in an omnibus appropriations bill that passed the Senate late yesterday. The bill is now headed to the president’s desk for his signature.

“More COPS funding means more officers on the beat,” Bennet said. “This funding is vital for our small towns and cities struggling with budget shortfalls to hire and retain police officers. I will continue to fight to make sure this funding is delivered to Colorado’s towns and cities.”

The Senate initially passed $100 million in COPS Funding in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act of 2010, while the House’s version allocated $298 million. Bennet and Senator Amy Klobuchar, joined by 31 of their Senate colleagues,  pushed for the final bill to include an additional $198 million in funds requested by the Administration and funded by the House to help local police departments maintain their current ranks even as they face budget cuts.

Despite increased funding for COPS over the past year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, just 14 percent of COPS Recovery Hiring Program requests were funded because of high demand and strained resources. The COPS program is essential to sustaining and enhancing local efforts to prevent domestic violence and drug trafficking during this recession.

Additional resources for local law enforcement agencies means more cops on the beat, or in some cases, that a community can maintain the law enforcement jobs that it has.  The COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) provides support to achieve these goals.  9 Colorado departments took advantage of funding available through the CHRP this year.

Already this year, the program has helped boost funding for Police Departments across Colorado:

• The Haxtun Police Department received $416,985 to assist the department’s efforts to secure area schools.
• The Colorado Springs Police Department received $436,119 to assist the department’s efforts against child endangerment and protect communities from sexual predators.
• The Denver and Aurora Police Departments received more than $350,000 to assist efforts to secure city schools.
  Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:16a)

Man settles some claims in ‘popcorn lung’ lawsuit. A Colorado man who developed “popcorn lung” from regularly eating microwave popcorn and its artificial butter flavoring has settled his claims against a flavor developer. According to KJCT, Wayne Watson says he regularly ate two bags of microwave popcorn a day for years. In 2007, he was diagnosed with a lung condition linked to the flavor chemical diacetyl, found in popcorn flavoring.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 6:07a)

NEWS: Monday December 14, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 14th, 2009

An explosion in a house where marijuana was being grown legally for medical use has resulted in two people being severely burned, according to Summit County authorities. The Denver Post reports that Summit County Sheriff’s dept along with deputies and members of the Red, White, and Blue Fire Dept. were summoned to a home just outside of Breckenridge early Sunday Morning.  The man who had called for emergency help took two of his roommates to the Summit Medical Center following the fire and explosion.  When deputies and firemen got there they saw bloody footprints in the snow as well as window frames, insulation and other debris scattered in the interior of the home.  The man who drove his roommates to the medical center said he believed the explosion was the result of one of his roommates attempting to make hashish — or hash — in the room through a process using butane….
Source: Denver Post (Posted 5:25p by Jim Kapp)

People who are repeatedly caught drinking and driving will not face mandatory jail time after a Colorado commission studying the issue rejected the proposed penalty. A report from NBC 11 News says  the commission came to that decision after studying the issue and rejected the proposed penalty.  The commission had supported a similar proposal back in October members felt the wording needed to be adjusted and made clearer.  The Commission members had also supported lessening the penalties for other driving offenses to clear jail space for repeat dui offenders.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:27p by Jim Kapp)

The West End School District has seen the light….literally.  They have just recently completed a multiple year parking lot project at its administration building in Naturita thanks to the help of San Miguel Power Assoc. According to the Telluride Watch the district was able to purchase and install two state-of-th-art light emitting diode security lights in the bust parking lot.  The Power company also equipped one of the new light poles with a meter and plug-in.  In all, San Miguel Power Assoc. donated $2400 in labor and materials to the project…..
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 5:30p by Jim Kapp)

There’s a good chance smoke will be visible in many parts of the Western Slope tomorrow as federal officials plan on burning piles of material cut in fuels-reduction projects. The Daily Sentinel reports crews are expected to burn up to 300 piles on Black Ridge west of the Colorado National Monument, 100 piles on the Uncompahgre Plateau south of Highway 141 and 60 piles five miles east of the town of Mesa.  Crews will continue to make routine burns as weather moisture and fuel conditions permit through March…..
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 3:42p by Jim Kapp)

Authorities say a paraplegic man in a wheelchair held police at bay for 3 hours following a report of a shot fired through an apartment wall. The Daily Sentinel says 46-year-old Derek Sheeley faces charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, prohibited use of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing, and reckless endangerment following Sunday night’s standoff. Mesa County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Heather Benjamin says SWAT team members who raided Sheeley’s apartment initially thought he was quadriplegic. It was later determined that Sheeley has full use of his arms and partial use of his legs.Benjamin says Sheeley had a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.20 and provided no immediate explanation for the gunshot into his neighbor’s apartment.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 12:34p)

Yesterday Gunnison County Sheriff’s Officers were summoned to the Gunnison Valley Hospital regarding an accidental shooting. Investigations revealed that a 22-year-old Gunnison male received a non-life threatening wound while hunting for coyotes in the Willow Creek area.  The man said that his gun accidentally discharged when he was attempting to remove debris from the tip of the barrel.  The man lost the tip of his finger in the shooting.
Source: Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office   (Posted 11:37a)

This past weekend was Montrose’s 4th Annual “Stuff the Bus” Toys for Tots campaign. Over 500 toys were collected at this event alone, much more than last year.  Toys for Tots is looking for volunteers to fill bags this week and for smaller toys such as stocking stuffers. Collection boxes are available until Wednesday.  Get details by calling Ellen at 901-5369.

(By Janine Mayfield. Photos L to R: Aurora Lance Cpl. Broc Cartwright. MHS JROTC members Devan Harrison & Chad Hobbs)
(Posted 11:37a)

A VA employee is the first-ever winner of the President’s SAVE Award — a contest for federal employees to come up with the best idea to save taxpayer dollars and make the government perform more effectively and efficiently. Nancy Fichtner, fiscal program support clerk at the Grand Junction, Colo., VA Medical Center, will present her idea to President Obama at the White House December 21. Her idea is that Veterans leaving VA hospitals should be able to take the medicine they’ve been issued during hospitalization home with them instead of throwing it away when discharged. In most hospitals across the country, medicine that is used in hospital such as ointments, inhalers, eye drops, and other bulk items is not given to patients to take home; instead, it is thrown out. Fichtner says that Grand Junction and other VA hospitals could easily change this practice through VA’s automated pharmacy barcode system by including an outpatient barcode on inpatient medication labels. “Putting the second barcode on the medication label would allow inpatients to take medications home with them,” Fichtner said. “It has the potential to save millions of dollars industry wide.” Prior to her current job, Fichtner worked in the medical center’s pharmacy. She learned about the SAVE Award program from an e-mail sent to employees in October. She almost missed the deadline because she didn’t open the e-mail until the day before submissions were due. “I made the submission because it was such a good idea and will help a lot of Veterans,” Fichtner said. “It will save money, benefit Veterans and is easy to implement.”

(Nancy seated at desk–courtesy photo)
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:39a)

The Colorado Department of Revenue says sales-tax collections for the state in November were lower than the previous year. The Denver Post says Department of Revenue figures show the state collected $168.4 million last month. Compared to the same month last year, it’s a 9.1 percent decrease. The figures were released as Gov. Bill Ritter and lawmakers await the latest state economic forecast expected to be unveiled Friday.Previous forecasts show the state in a $560 million budget shortfall this fiscal year. A budget shortfall of $1 billion is predicted for next year. Fiscal years end in June.
Source: Denver Post (Posted 10:37a)

The Montrose High School Winter Concert is being held tomorrow (Tuesday, December 15, 2009) at the Montrose Pavilion. The public is invited to attend free of charge.  Concert begins at 7:00pm.
Source: PSA   (Posted 10:32a)

Tougher rules in a tough economy…at least that’s how Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association is looking at things. The Daily Planet says TMVOA collects all the real estate transfer taxes within Mountain Village but last year lost out on more than $70,000 in collections.  They have since, altered their exemptions practices.  The new rules state that a property must be current on it’s payments to TMVOA in order to qualify for a RETA exemption.
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 7:20a)

A new report takes a look at the needs of one of Colorado’s ‘invisible populations.’ “Outing Age 2010″ is a ten-year update on a national study that looks at life for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors. Ken Helander of the GLBT Community Center of Colorado says the report finds one thing that hasn’t changed over the last decade – there isn’t much that’s officially known about this group. Helander says he’d like to see questions on sexual orientation and gender identity included on all publicly-funded research. The report also recommends that government should consider LGBT elders as a vulnerable population and find a way to ensure access to culturally sensitive health care. Helander says despite some scattered efforts, the report shows most GLBT seniors still do not feel comfortable at traditional senior service centers and clinics.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 7:19a)

Long showers could be a thing of the past at one University of Colorado dorm teaching students green habits. According to the Daily Camera, university officials are considering installing shower timers that would either shut off or give students warnings about the amount of time they’ve spent using water. The university says it could test the timers at the Baker Hall dormitory, where several students are already taking a course on environmental sciences. CU officials say they will decide next month what kind of device would be equipped on the showers. One option would be to reduce water pressure after a certain time, or shut the water off completely after five or 10 minutes. Students would have to wait for a period of time before being able to turn on the shower again.
Source: Daily Camera (Posted 7:18a)

Former Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff made a few stops on the Western Slope this weekend, and was in Montrose yesterday. Former Montrose County Commissioner Bill Patterson held a fundraising event at his home, where Romanoff spoke of many things including the differences between him and his challengers for the US Senate seat: 1) record of legislative leadership, longest of all the candidates, 2) he knows something about Colorado–been here 16 years, 3)   how each candidate is approaching the campaign, his is fueled by and focused on people of Colorado.  Appointed Senator Michael Bennet is up for a special election next year.  Eleven are vying for his seat: Andrew Romanoff, Steve Barton, Ken Buck, Ryan Fraizer, Robert Greenheck, Gary Kennedy, Vincent Martinez, Jane Norton, Cleve Tidwell, Mark Van Wyk, & Tom Wiens (uselections.com).  Romanoff is expected to talk in Delta and Grand Junction today.

Monday December 14, 2009
Delta (Meet & Greet)
311 Main Street (C&J Restaurant)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Grand Junction (Meet & Greet)
599 Main Street (Main Street Bagel)
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
(Posted 6:13a)

A shooting occurred in Fruitvale over the weekend putting one man behind bars. The Daily Sentinel says Joshua Anton has been arrested five times since January 31, 2008.  The 20-year-old allegedly fired several shots.  No information has been released on any victims.  The article doesn’t mention any fatalities, but does say the home is owned by Great Style Inc. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office believes the shootings were not random.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 6:08a)

Two Ouray County high school students were recently accepted into prestigious military schools. Ouraynews.com says Ouray senior Jake Link was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and Ridgway senior Vance Hawk was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  All graduates of U.S. military academies receive bachelors of science degrees.
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 6:07a)

Wildcat Mining Corp.’s application to reopen an old gold mine in Idaho has been rejected by county planners who say the mine’s access road is unsafe. According to the Durango Herald, mining company owners say they still plan to pursue opening the mine in La Plata Canyon. It dates to the early 1900s.
Source: Durango Herald (Posted 6:06a)

NEWS: Friday December 11, 2009Posted by Janine Mayfield on December 11th, 2009

A Loma woman is headed to Washington, D.C. to present President Barack Obama with her plan on how to save millions of dollars a year on health care costs. NBC 11 News has learned that Nancy Fichtner, a Grand Junction VA Medical Center employee was one of 38,000 federal employees who entered the President’s SAVE contest and she won.  Her idea is to allow discharged patients to take home medications that are currently being thrown away and since discarding that medicine is considered a hazardous waste and costs extra money, this plan could kill two birds with one stone.  She and her family are heading to Washington on Dec. 21^st…
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:06p by Jim Kapp)

A rare bird in these parts was spotted yesterday at the Ouray Hot Springs. A pelican, of all things was perched in the warm waters of the hot springs pool.  KJCT reports that although these animals are generally warm weather creatures.  This one might have lost his way going south and was attracted to the heat of the pool.  Pelicans normally do hang out in watered areas.  Residents are concerned the bird may have been injured and have contacted The Dept. of Wildlife….
Source: KJCT (Posted 5:10p by Jim Kapp)

Knowing what to do in the event of an avalanche is a matter of life and death, not only for you, but your companions as well. The Silverton Avalanche School is holding a free companion-rescue workshop tomorrow from 10am to 2pm.   The event will include beacon training, strategic shoveling techniques, evacuation, and other topics.  It is open to the public.  To find out more and to register call 970-769-4356….
Source: PSA  (Posted 4:28p by Jim Kapp)

Gov. Ritter announced today that he has awarded 14 new Energy Economic Development grants to a variety of recipients throughout the state for their efforts in finding renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that will help create and retain jobs as well as strengthen local economies and save money and energy.  One of those grants was awarded to Western State College in Gunnison for a project that converts a gas boiler system to a woody biomass heating system.  The total amount of these grants are about $1.5 million and are funded by the Recovery Act…
Source: Press Release  (Posted 4:02p by Jim Kapp)

Democratic Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff will visit the Western Slope this weekend for a variety of campaign events.

Saturday December 12, 2009
Gunnison (Fundraiser)
422 Tomichi Trail
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (422 Tomichi Trail)

Sunday December 13, 2009
Ridgway (Meet & Greet)
53 County Road 12a
10:00AM-12:00PM

Montrose (Fundraiser)
2796 Foxtail Way
2:00PM-3:00PM

Monday December 14, 2009
Delta (Meet & Greet)
311 Main Street (C&J Restaurant)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Grand Junction (Meet & Greet)
599 Main Street (Main Street Bagel)
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Source: Press Release   (Posted 1:07p)

The Ouray County Board of Comissioners received good and bad news from Road & Bridge Supervisor Chris Miller earlier this week. Ouraynews.com says all of the county’s bridges passed inspection during a recent audit–that’s the good news.  The bad news is that vandalism has been occurring on Log Hill Mesa.  Someone is stealing street signs, stop signs, and damaging private property. Witnesses say the suspects drive a diesel pickup truck.  If you are a witness to vandalism on Log Hill Mesa, you’re asked to call dispatch at 252-4010 as not to tie up the 911 Emergency line.  As of Monday, 37 street signs were stolen from neighborhoods on the mesa. 
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 12:42p)

Russell Stover is offering a one-day deal tomorrow that benefits the Montrose High School girl’s tennis team. Coupons have been made available to shop with at the Russell Stover candy store that will donate 10% of your total purchase to the tennis team.  The deal is only good for Saturday December 12, 2009.
Source: PSA   (Posted 12:25p)

Montrose County Public Works will keep 5800 Road between Jasmine and Ida Road closed for a water line replacement until December 16th. The road is open to local traffic only.  Motorists are asked to use alternate routes.  For more information call the Montrose County Road and Bridge Department at 249-5424.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:16a)

Hundreds of DUI and criminal cases could be affected by the discovery of faulty blood-alcohol tests in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs News Channel 13 says police said Friday they found about 82 tests so far that show a higher blood-alcohol content than the true result. An internal investigation found problems with tests at the Metro Crime Lab since January. More than 1,000 blood-alcohol samples since January are being retested, with the new results being forwarded to the district attorney.
Source: News Channel 13 (Posted 10:46a)

Both Montrose Fire Department Stations 1 and 2 responded to a structure fire on N. Ute Avenue last night. The fire was burning in the office area of Mayboca’s Auto Body & Paint.  The fire spread to the attic.  No injuries were reported.  The cause of ignition is undetermined at this time, but doesn’t appear to be intentional.  About $50,000 damage in property and contents was caused to the building, rented by Juan Mayboca, and owned by Moses Martinez.
Source: Montrose Fire Protection District   (Posted 9:31a)

Grand Junction Police are seeking victims and witnesses in an active investigation. The Grand Junction Police Department is involved in an active investigation of Travel Masters travel agency, 1133 Patterson Road, Suite 5.   They are requesting contact from anyone who has recently, or is currently in the process of, purchasing travel arrangements through Travel Masters. Anyone with information regarding Travel Masters is asked to call the GJPD Investigations Section at 970-244-3568.

A message on the business’ phone alerts those calling that after 16 years, they are closing their doors, and says they will contact those who have booked with them.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:10a)

A RED NO-BURN air quality advisory is issued until 3:00pm Monday December 14 for the western Colorado valleys including the communities of Delta and Montrose. A restriction on wood burning in fireplaces and non-EPA certified phase II woodstoves is in effect for the forecast period.
Source: Learn When To Burn-Western Slope Air Watch   (Posted 9:03a)

Dozens of Colorado businesses are turning off their lights from noon to 1 p.m. today as part of an initiative to conserve energy called Lights Out Lunch. Residents who pledge to turn off their lights too can get discounts from participating restaurants and a chance to win prizes.  Learn more about conserving energy at lightsoutlunch.com.
Source: Lights Out Lunch   (Posted 8:28a)

No charges will be filed in the death of a 42-year-old Pear Park woman who was shot nine times in the driveway of a neighbor who says he fired his gun in self-defense. According to the Daily Sentinel, prosecutors say Crystal Nash had a blood-alcohol level of 0.184 percent when she pointed a gun at her neighbor Tom Jarvis, upset that he may have called police about a party at her home on November 1, 2009. Nash showed up at Jarvis’ doorstep with a gun allegedly stating she was going to use it. According to the article, Jarvis shot Nash 9 times, emptying his gun, saying he thought he was going to die when she raised her gun.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 7:32a)

Two Delta County projects have been awarded money from Great Outdoors Colorado. As reported in an article by the Delta County Independent, Delta County will receive $200,000 for the expansion of the county fairgrounds and the Town of Orchard City will receive $123,500 for the construction of a picnic pavilion at its town park.  Statewide, the GOCO Board awarded almost $4.5 million dollars to 44 projects.  Great Outdoors Colorado is the result of a citizens’ initiative passed statewide in 1992.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 7:27a)

A fraternity whose Boulder chapter lost its charter after an alcohol poisoning death at the University of Colorado plans to return to campus this winter for recruiting. According to the Daily Camera, National Chi Psi leaders revoked the Boulder charter after freshman Gordie Bailey died in 2004. He suffered alcohol poisoning in a ritual for pledges.
Source: Daily Camera (Posted 7:26a)

Senator Michael Bennet’s Western Slope regional representatives will be in Ouray County next week and want to hear from constituents from the County.  Ouraynews.com reports that Randy See and Jerry Otero will meet with members of the public who would like to relay information or comments to Senator Bennet Wednesday December 16th from 11a-1p at the Community Room of the Ridgway Town Hall.  If you’d like to schedule an appointment call Jerry at 241-6631.
Source: Ouraynews.com (Posted 7:24a)

A local family has already received their Christmas present, and are thanking their lucky stars too. Their 15-year-old son, Brody Horan has made it back to Montrose, alive, and out of a chemically induced coma after a skiing accident November 27th.  According to the Daily Press, Horan was not wearing a helmet when he endured a skiing accident at Telluride Ski Resort.  He sustained a subdural hematoma and was rushed to the hospital.  Doctors and Horan’s family say it’s a miracle he’s alive, let alone able to recover to almost 100%.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 6:26a)

A Delta County Dispatcher was recognized this week for assisting the National Terrorist Screening Center in locating a person on their list. Mountain Valley News says Joyce Paul was taking a call about a year ago in regards to domestic violence, when the person’s name popped up on the screen as a flagged individual by the Feds.  It was for security purposes that the NTSC waited until now to recognize Joyce for her actions on the phone that day.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 6:26a)

The Colorado Department of Education says it plans to implement new standardized tests that could eliminate the Colorado Student Assessment Program, or CSAP. KJCT says the department says the new tests would not be multiple-choice and instead focus on fewer topics and require students to show they understand and can apply solutions to problems in an essay in some cases.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 6:25a)

Montrose and Olathe Before and After-School programs receive funding. The applications for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Programs were funded for the total amount of $443,311 for year one of a five year grant for the Before and After-School Programs located at Centennial Middle School, Olathe Elementary School and Olathe Middle School.  The funding cycle will begin June 1, 2010.  The grant amount decreases 10% per year from the original year one award; therefore, the total award over the course of the next 5 years will be approximately $1,775,185.00.

According to 21st CCLC Director, Erica Jiron, “We want to thank everyone in the community for your support and continued dedication to the Before and After-School Programs in Montrose and Olathe.  We couldn’t be more thrilled, and look forward to providing continued services to the families in our community!”
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:23a)

Colorado health officials are now urging public health agencies and health care providers to make H1N1 flu vaccinations available to everyone as supplies allow, not just high-risk populations. KJCT says that nearly all the demand for the vaccine in high-priority groups has been met.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 6:12a)