News; Thur. Jan 29, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 29th, 2010

The Grand Junction Police Department has closed the investigation into the disappearance of James “Jim” Walker. Evidence shows Walker purchased a bus ticket to Denver last week, and video shows Walker at the bus station with a suitcase on January 21.  Based on this evidence and interviews conducted during the investigation, we believe Walker left Grand Junction on his own accord and that no foul play was involved.
Source: News Release  (Posted 5:54p by Jim Kapp)

News; Jan 29, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 29th, 2010

Gov. Bill Ritter is urging a group looking at water issues statewide to offer some ideas on how to meet the state’s needs. The Daily Sentinel says that  Ritter is calling on the Interbasin Compact Committee to meet more often this year to speed up work on figuring out how Colorado will meet the water needs of its growing population. The state’s population is expected to double to 10 million by 2050.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:22p by Jim Kapp)

The disappearance of Grand Junction man, Jim Walker, still has police puzzled. The Daily Sentinel says that police are working on several tips but have not been able to locate him.  Walker was last seen Jan 21^st when he was near Carville’s Auto Mart on North Ave. trying to sell his Chevy Suburban.  He had told several people that he did find a buyer for the vehicle.  He was selling it because he wanted a more fuel-efficient vehicle and needed some money to pay bills….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:02p by Jim Kapp)

A lively discussion led to the Paonia Town Council turning down a resolution which would have established an intergovernmental agreement with the Delta County Clerk and Recorder to handle the April 6 municipal election with a mail in ballot.   The Delta County Independent reports that if passed, there would have been no local polling station.  The cost to have a local election is about $1,500. The election is budgeted for $3,000 to cover legal costs if necessary. A mail in ballot election costs about $1,200.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 5:04p by Jim Kapp)

News; Jan 29, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 29th, 2010

Republican Business man Don Coram is seeking the District 58 Statehouse seat vacated by State Rep. Scott Tipton who in turn  is running for the 3^rd Congressional District. The Montrose Press reports that Coram says his primary purpose for running is to protect the area he loves.  Coram also feels its import to reduce the government’s level of participation, protect property rights and the free enterprise system….
Source: Montrose Press (Posted 4:05p by Jim Kapp)

On Dec. 20^th of last year, 16 yr old Ariel Davis was walking in the area of 1714 H Road when she was struck by a car. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.  According to NBC 11 News the Delta Police have finished their investigation of that incident and have now turned it over to the district attorney’s office.  It’ll be up to them to decide whether or not charges will be filed in this case.  Police have not released any other details….
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 4:06p by Jim Kapp)

An avalanche swept a local skier down an Upper Bear Creek pitch on Tuesday causing him to suffer broken elbows and a few other injuries. According to the Daily Planet, Garan Mangan Dimuzio was able to rescue himself after struggling for a few hours and then went to Montrose Memorial Hospital.  Dimuzio had been skiing with a partner along avalanche paths outside the ski area boundary.
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 4:07p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Friday January 29, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 29th, 2010

The public is welcome to join the Town of Cedaredge at a reception for the four police chief candidate finalists. The finalists are David Todd, Terry Seames, Steven Smith, and Robert Yant. The Delta County Independent says the reception will be next Thursday at the Howard Johnson Express Inn in Cedaredge, beginning at 7:30 p.m. For additional information contact Cedaredge Town Hall at 856-3123.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 11:58a)

A Carbondale man has been convicted of attempted murder for cutting his ex-girlfriend outside her home in 2008. The Aspen Times says 26-year-old Ian Ranney faces up to 48 years in prison after an Eagle County jury convicted him Thursday. Ranney said he simply meant to scare his ex-girlfriend when he waited outside her home at the Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park in September of 2008 and lunged at her with a 12-inch knife. She was deeply cut from her cheek to ear but survived. A doctor testified during the trial that the knife came within one-eighth of an inch of severing an artery and killing the woman. Sentencing has not been set.
Source: Aspen Times (Posted 11:54a)

It was a close call Wednesday for a candidate in running for the open House District 54 seat as he nearly lost his life during a campaign event. Bob Hislop was with his two opponents, Ray Scott and David Cox in Cameo when he started choking on food he was eating.  He wasn’t able to talk and couldn’t stop coughing when Linn Armstrong performed the Heimlich Maneuver on him.  Hislop told the Daily Sentinel that now he “knows what George Bush felt like when he threw up on the Japanese Prime Minister.” Once able to speak, Hislop thanked Armstrong profusely.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 8:15a)

Topless women in Boulder are attracting attention from city officials who want to expand the college town’s nudity ordinance. According to the Daily Camera, city council is scheduled to take up a proposal next week to expand the definition of public nudity to include exposure of a female nipple. The ordinance would make it a municipal offense to be naked in public places or view. Residents in the college town have debated for years whether to ban such events as the Halloween night Naked Pumpkin Run and an annual nude bike ride. The expanded nudity ordinance would apply to anyone over 10 and carry a possible $1,000 fine.
Source: Daily Camera (Posted 8:14a)

NEWS: Friday January 29, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 29th, 2010

Delta County reports that while the entire state has seen an increase in food stamps, they have seen an approximate 30% increase in assistance now compared with this time last year. The Delta County Independent says that statewide, food assistance case loads are about 40% higher over the same time.  Of all Colorado counties, Delta is in the middle range of food stamp spending increase year over year. Hinsdale County showed the lowest increase at 4%, and Routt County the highest with 124%.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 6:49a)

While the three medical marijuana dispensaries already in operation in Telluride will get grandfathered in under the ordinance passed Tuesday, new one’s will have to abide by the codes. According to the Telluride Watch, Telluride Town Council voted 6-1 to approve an ordinance that requires applicants to come up with a “dispensary plan” as well as maintain a current and valid business license and sales tax license. Earlier this week, Olathe passed an ordinance that includes the caregiver to pay a $3,000 application fee. These towns are among many statewide to adopt local regulations regarding the medical use of marijuana passed by Colorado voters in 2000.
Source: Telluride Watch (Posted 6:48a)

Suspect flees on bike. A white male entered the Walgreens in Clifton located at 572 32 Road around 9:15 a.m. and demanded an undisclosed amount of narcotics. The suspect was armed with a handgun and was wearing a mask on his face. He is described as age 20-40 years old, approximately 6 feet tall with a thin build, wearing a brown or black suede jacket, a light gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and a maroon baseball cap. The suspect left Walgreens and was last seen on a bike. No employees were injured in this incident. And as a precautionary measure four schools were advised by law enforcement to go into shelter in place at 9:30 a.m. That advisory was lifted by law enforcement at 10:30 a.m. Anyone with information about this suspect or this incident should call 911. This investigation remains on-going.
Source: Press Release    (Posted 6:48a)

A Montrose family invites the public to a benefit spaghetti dinner to alleviate some of their daughter’s funeral expenses. Lita Montano was 26 years old when her life was taken from her as the result of domestic violence on December 6, 2009. She leaves behind two young children (11-year-old Isaac Morales & 10-month-old Aaliyah Montano). The spaghetti dinner is $10 per plate at the Turn of the Century on February 27th from 1-6 with music until midnight. If you can’t make it but would like to make a donation, mail to Darlene Mora & Sofia Evans at 121 N. 9th St. Montrose, CO 81401. For more information call Darlene at 569-0064 or Sofia at 209-1892.
Source: PSA   (Posted 6:46a)

NEWS: Friday January 29, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 29th, 2010

Notice of public hearing. Notice is hereby given for a public hearing concerning holding Primary Elections by Mail Ballot for Montrose County. The hearing will be held February 10, 2010 in the BOCC Board Room at 161 S. Townsend Ave. beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Public is invited to attend Written comments will be accepted through the close of business February 24, 2010. Written comments can be mailed to P.O. Box 1289 Montrose, CO 81402, brought to our office at 320 S 1st St. Room 103 or emailed to elections@montrosecounty.net A final decision will presented to the Board of County Commissioners on March 1, 2010. The final decision will be made in the best interest of Montrose County.
Source: PSA    (Posted 5:55a)

The White House has confirmed that President Barack Obama will visit Colorado in February to attend an event with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. White House spokesman Adam Abrams said today that the details are still being worked out. Craig Hughes, Bennet’s campaign manager, says Obama will be in Colorado to campaign for the senator, who is running for election. A date hasn’t been set. Bennet was appointed by fellow Democrat Gov. Bill Ritter to the Senate last year to complete Ken Salazar’s term. Obama appointed Salazar as Interior secretary. Bennet faces former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in the primary. Former Colorado Lt. Gov. Jane Norton and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck are among at least a half dozen Republican candidates.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:55a)

Mesa State College is hoping they will be put on the map after they seal the deal on the fourth body farm in the entire country. A body farm, the nickname for a forensic anthropology center, is a stretch of land where forensic and criminal experts place corpses donated to science in homicide scenarios and study how the bodies decompose. The Daily Sentinel says that while other body farms are in hotter, more humid climates, Mesa State can teach experts more about the way a body decomposed in a higher altitude and drier climate.  The school is waiting to hear to hear back about donation forms and legal paperwork before proceeding with the idea.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:54a)

Colorado lawmakers are promising a marathon debate as the House takes up a plan by Governor Bill Ritter to impose taxes on Internet purchases, junk mail, candy, and soft drinks. KJCT reports that House Majority Leader Paul Weissmann told colleagues to bring their sleeping bags, tooth brushes, and teddy bears when the House takes up 11 measures to balance the state budget on Friday. The House Finance Committee spent 13 hours debating 6 of the bills on Wednesday and Republicans promise a major fight when the full House begins debate.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 5:51a)

News; Thur. Jan 28, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 28th, 2010

The heavy snows in southwestern Colorado are really starting to take their toll. NBC 11 News reports that  the roof of a Durango ballroom has collapsed under the weight of heavy snow. The roof caved early this morning.  Serious damage was done to the ballroom and conference center at the Iron Horse Inn.  A night employee was alerted to the crash at about 3am.  No one was hurt but earlier in the week La Plata County officials warned that flat-top roofs were at risk because of all the snow that’s fallen in such a short period of time.  On Monday alone Durango got about 18 inches of snow….
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 8:03p by Jim Kapp)

One day after authorities allege she failed to appear in court when she promised, the woman charged in connection with the death of a dog, Melissa Lockhart, of Fruita, is expected to be released from federal custody this afternoon.  The Daily Sentinel reports that U.S. Magistrate Judge Milburn has set bond at $5,000, unsecured.  Meanwhile, her brother, Steven Romero, pleaded not guilty at a 4 p.m. hearing at the courthouse to a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 8:05p by Jim Kapp)

A key defendant in the investigation into the trafficking of Southwest artifacts is expected to take a plea deal. The Daily Sentinel has learned that Durango antiques dealer Vern Crites surrendered five truckloads of American Indian relics last summer.  His defense attorney was in federal court negotiating a plea deal for Crites.  The case broke last summer and 26 arrests were made in Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico…
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 8:15p by Jim Kapp)

With the inclement weather hitting the area in the last couple of days, especially in the Grand Valley, the morning commute has been a bit difficult.  In fact this morning a school was involved in a minor accident.  KJCT reports that the driver had lost control of the bus and crashed into a building.  It was then hit by another car.  No injuries were reported and there is no more details at this time…..
Source: KJCT (Posted  8:19p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Thursday January 28, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 28th, 2010

Governor Ritter applauds $1.4 million grant to advance high-speed rail. Today, Governor Ritter praised the announcement that Colorado received $1.4 million in High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail grants from the Recovery Act to create a sophisticated plan for connecting rail transit systems in Colorado.

“High-speed rail is an important component of building Colorado’s transportation infrastructure to provide more sustainable and affordable options for Coloradans,” Governor Ritter said. “These grants complement work already being done by a network of groups and my bi-partisan transportation panel.”

The two grants were awarded to the Colorado Department of Transportation and are among $8 billion in grants announced today by President Obama and Vice President Biden to develop the country’s first nationwide program of high-speed intercity passenger rail service.

Colorado was awarded a $1 million grant to conduct a Connectivity Study.  This $2 million study (including $1 million in state funds as a match) will examine at how high-speed rail systems outside the Denver metro area might interface with RTD’s FasTracks system.

This study will build upon previous rail studies to determine where high speed intercity passenger rail stations would ideally need to connect with RTD lines to maximize ridership. It will also examine whether such connections are feasible.

Colorado was also awarded a $400,000 grant to develop a State Rail Plan. The grant will be matched with $400,000 in state funds. A State Rail Plan is required to qualify for a national designation of a high speed rail corridor allowing for future federal funding opportunities. This plan will also be included as part of the National Rail Plan and will consider other nearby state rail plans so that potential for transcontinental connectivity for both freight and passenger rail is enhanced.

Both studies are expected to be underway this summer and will include extensive stakeholder and public input.

These grants add to $143 million from the Recovery Act already being put to work in Colorado to improve transit systems around the state and to create jobs. The Regional Transportation District is using $40 million to help finance the West Corridor Line project, which is underway. The remaining funds are being used by RTD, Mesa County and the cities of Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley and Pueblo. About $10 million is being used to build a new bus maintenance facility in Summit County.

At least $6.7 billion in Recovery Act funding is expected to come to Colorado through more than 100 different programs, including tax cuts for 1.8 million families, increased safety net benefits and infrastructure projects that are creating or saving thousands of jobs.

For more information about the Recovery Act in Colorado, visit www.colorado.gov/recovery.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 1:17p)

NEWS: Thursday January 28, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 28th, 2010

San Miguel Power Association, Inc. (SMPA) will kick off its new energy tracking program, Watch-A-Watt, Monday, February 1, 2010. The program provides SMPA members access to electronic devices called, Kill A Watts, which measure the kilowatt hour consumption of various home appliances. SMPA is donating three Kill A Watts to each library within their service territory. All members will have the ability to check out the device just as they would a library book.

Kill A Watt devices will be available at the following libraries for SMPA members’ convenience:

Ridgway Public Library – 300 Charles St., Ridgway, CO 81432; (970) 626-5252
Ouray Public Library – 320 6^th Ave., Ouray, CO 81427; (970) 325-4616
Silverton Public Library – 1111 Reese, Silverton, CO 81433; (970) 387-5770
Wilkinson Public Library – 100 West Pacific Ave., Telluride, CO 81435; (970) 728-4519
Norwood Public Library – 1110 Lucerne St., Norwood, CO 81423; (970) 327-4129
Naturita Public Library – 411 W. 2^nd Ave., Naturita, CO 81422; (970) 865-2848
Nucla Public Library – 544 Main St., Nucla, CO 81424; (970) 864-2166
Rico Public Library – 2 N. Commercial St., Rico, CO 81332; (970) 967-2103

The Kill A Watt is a simple device that measures the kilowatt hour usage, among other things, of an individual household appliance. Plug an appliance, such as a television or refrigerator, into the Kill A Watt, which is plugged into your typical household outlet. The Kill A Watt will show you what your appliance is using in kilowatt hours, the same measurement used by SMPA on electricity bills.

“One of the most common challenges for people is recognizing what is using electricity in their home. The lights may be off and no one home, but if something is plugged in it is using power,” said SMPA General Manager Kevin Ritter. “Our Watch-A-Watt program will help members identify exactly what is using power in their home. It’s different for everyone.”

The co-op identifies old appliances, especially water heaters, washing machines and refrigerators, as some of the most common culprits of high energy usage. Next on their list are electric space heaters. Used sparingly and in small spaces, the co-op says spaces heaters can do their job well. However, all too often space heaters are used as an alternative, rather than a supplement, to a heating system. They are being used to heat too large of spaces for too long, and that’s when they become energy hogs.

Contact your local library for availability and check out policies, which may vary between organizations. For more information visit www.smpa.com. Information about the Watch-A-Watt program is located under the energy efficiency menu tab.

San Miguel Power Association, Inc. is a member owned, locally controlled rural electric cooperative with offices in Nucla and Ridgway, CO. It is the mission of San Miguel Power Association, Inc. to demonstrate corporate responsibility and community service while providing safe, reliable, cost effective and   environmentally responsible electrical service. SMPA serves approximately 9,600 members and 13,000 meters and supports local communities with $200,000 annually in property taxes.
Source: PSA   (Posted 1:02p)

A new private school is set to open in Crested Butte this fall. According to the Gunnison Country Times, the Studio Art School will offer an upper elementary and middle school academic program.  Tuition for the school will be over $3,500. Interested families will undergo an interview process and need to contact Sue Wilson by March 15th at 275-6339.
Source: Gunnison Country Times (Posted 12:46p)

NEWS: Thursday January 28, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on January 28th, 2010

Notice of public hearing. Notice is hereby given for a public hearing concerning holding Primary Elections by Mail Ballot for Montrose County.  The hearing will be held February 10, 2010 in the BOCC Board Room at 161 S. Townsend Ave. beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Public is invited to attend Written comments will be accepted through the close of business February 24, 2010.  Written comments can be mailed to P.O. Box 1289 Montrose, CO 81402, brought to our office at 320 S 1st St. Room 103 or emailed to elections@montrosecounty.net A final decision will presented to the Board of County Commissioners on March 1, 2010. The final decision will be made in the best interest of Montrose County.
Source: PSA   (Posted 12:36p)

The White House has confirmed that President Barack Obama will visit Colorado in February to attend an event with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. White House spokesman Adam Abrams said today that the details are still being worked out. Craig Hughes, Bennet’s campaign manager, says Obama will be in Colorado to campaign for the senator, who is running for election. A date hasn’t been set. Bennet was appointed by fellow Democrat Gov. Bill Ritter to the Senate last year to complete Ken Salazar’s term. Obama appointed Salazar as Interior secretary. Bennet faces former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in the primary. Former Colorado Lt. Gov. Jane Norton and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck are among at least a half dozen Republican candidates.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 12:14p)

Mesa County Drug Task Force seizes marijuana. Ezell Pounds, 39, of Los Angeles was taken into custody yesterday afternoon after a suitcase he was traveling with was found to have 34 pounds of marijuana inside. Pounds is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility with no bond.

(Photo courtesy of MCSO)
Source: Press Release   (Posted 12:00p)

Suspect flees on bike. A white male entered the Walgreens in Clifton located at 572 32 Road around 9:15 a.m. and demanded an undisclosed amount of narcotics. The suspect was armed with a handgun and was wearing a mask on his face. He is described as age 20-40 years old, approximately 6 feet tall with a thin build, wearing a brown or black suede jacket, a light gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and a maroon baseball cap. The suspect left Walgreens and was last seen on a bike. No employees were injured in this incident. And as a precautionary measure four schools were advised by law enforcement to go into shelter in place at 9:30 a.m. That advisory was lifted by law enforcement at 10:30 a.m. Anyone with information about this suspect or this incident should call 911. This investigation remains on-going.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:27a)