NEWS: Friiday February 26, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 26th, 2010

Five-time Grammy Award winning country artist Wynonna Judd is coming to the 2010 Sweet Corn Festival. Wynonna first gained fame as part of one of the most successful musical duos of all time, The Judd’s.  On top of that amazing  feat, she also holds multiple gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA in excess of 30 million units sold for albums released throughout her illustrious 25-year career. In addition to her countless musical achievements, Wynonna became a New York Times best-selling author in 2005 with the release of her long-awaited autobiography, Coming Home to Myself, released in conjunction with her live CD and DVD, Her Story: Scenes from a Lifetime.

Tickets go on sale for the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival April 1st at 10:00am at the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival Office (420 Horton Ave, Olathe), and will be available in May at all area City Market stores. Advance ticket prices are: General Admission Adult-$19, General Admission Senior-$14, Child-$4, Reserved Seating are $50, $60, and $80 (includes festival and concert). For more information call the Festival office at 970-323-6006. This year’s Corn Festival is Saturday August 7, 2010.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 7:12p)

There’s a bill in the Colorado House that’s not sitting well with some animal welfare groups. NBC 11 News reports that House Bill 1124 mainly concerns the restructuring, training, and backround checks on animal control officers.  Many animal welfare groups feel this bill would just make investigating animal cruelty cases that much harder.  The sponsor of the bill, Dem. Representative Wes McKinley feels this bill is more about protecting animal owners….
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 4:50p by Jim Kapp)

James Dobson has made his last radio broadcast for Focus on the Family, the conservative Christian ministry he founded 33 years ago. KJCT reports that Dobson has revealed  that he has a lump in his throat but feels God is in control.”  Dobson has been gradually withdrawing from the organization, stepping down as president in 2003 and as chairman of the board last year.

Dobson and Focus say his parting is amicable.  Our stations will continue to carry all the Focus on the Family programs at their regular scheduled times…
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:22p by Jim Kapp)

In response to plummeting tax revenues, last year Telluride decided to  axe some projects, put some other capital projects on hold and laid off employees. Well now the Telluride Planet is reporting that officials are cautiously optimistic and have seen some signs of recovery.  Two of the town’s most significant tax sources appear to be on the mend. In January, the town’s sales taxes jumped to $472,339, a nearly 4 percent increase over those collected last year.
Source: Telluride Planet (Posted 4:23p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Friday February 26, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 26th, 2010

A new Four Corners monument is under construction at the site where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet. According to the Cortez Journal, the project broke ground February 10th after more than a decade of disputes and funding issues with the four states and two tribes involved. The monument will include a larger plaza, an improved vendor village and an interpretive center with restrooms. The Four Corners Heritage Council says it has confirmed with the federal Bureau of Land Management that the monument is in the correct spot, despite recent questions about the exact location. Some experts said last year that the Four Corners marker is off-target by between 1,800 feet and 2 1/2 miles. It is the only place where four U.S. states meet.
Source: Cortez Journal (Posted 11:29a)

GJPD makes arrest in stabbing case. The Grand Junction Police Department has arrested 29-year-old Justin Vicino in connection with the stabbing that took place at the Monument Inn on Wednesday night.  Vicino is currently in the Mesa County Jail on charges of felony menacing and 1st degree assault with a deadly weapon. The case remains under investigation.

Source: Press Release   (Posted 11:12a)

Training has paid off. Colorado’s top law-enforcement officer says the response to the shootings at a Littleton school shows that training for teachers, students, and police has paid off. But Attorney General John Suthers said Thursday that officials can’t relax their guard. Suthers spoke to a conference on school safety training two days after a gunman wounded two students at Deer Creek Middle School. A teacher tackled the suspect, who was arrested. Suthers says more than 250 students have been killed in school shootings nationwide since the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School. Suthers says there’s no way to stop a determined shooter, citing killings at Colorado’s Platte Canyon High School in 2006, at Virginia Tech in 2007, and the University of Alabama this month.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 10:31a)

Grand Junction PD makes arrests. An investigation that began last summer has lead to the arrest of 7 people for a number of crimes.  Those crimes include a home burglary, forgery, distributing ecstacy and marijuana, distributing imitation drugs, and other felony crimes.  The names of those arrested in connection with this investigation are:

Jeremiah Ray Carey- 4-10-91
Matthew Don Carey- 2-3-90
Andrew John Martinez-  5-30-88
Kari Mae Johnson-  7-26-89
Amadeo Sean Coria- 10-29-90
Nicholas Ryan Diaz- 8-29-90
Derek Preston Paiz-  12-7-89

The investigation, which was conducted jointly with the Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Western Colorado Joint Drug Task Force, and the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office remains ongoing.  Because of that, the arrest warrant affidavits and search warrant affidavits remain sealed.  If anyone has information about criminal activities associated with those arrested they can call Crime Stoppers at 241-7867, send the information via the web at www.241stop.com, or text a tip to CRIMES (274637) with the word TIP729 in the message.  The identity of the person providing the information will remain anonymous.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:28a)

NEWS: Friday February 26, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 26th, 2010

There might not be an election in Orchard Mesa. The Orchard Mesa Board of Trustees voted unanimously earlier this month to not hold an election in April if there are only three candidates vying for the three open seats. The Delta County Independent reports that by the town not holding an election, they would save themselves $3,500. During the February 10th meeting, no one in the audience or on the board opposed the idea. The board has 20 days before the election to call it off.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 7:12a)

A Montrose woman is recovering after a possible Samurai sword attack earlier this month. According to the Daily Press, Mason Williams was arrested February 19th after his wife was found with a 2-inch deep cut in her neck in their home.  The couple, featured in a “homelessness” story in the Daily Press in the past, have differing stories on how the woman’s throat was cut. Williams was charged yesterday will second-degree assault.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 7:11a)

A Central High School student that brought a gun to school earlier this month has been sentenced. NBC 11 News says 15-year-old Cody Jensen pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon on school grounds and was sentenced Thursday to 18 months probation, five days in a detention facility, and 100 hours of community service.  Jensen is just one of five Central High School students facing charges for possessing a handgun. The other four students will appear in court next month.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 6:57a)

NEWS: Friday February 26, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 26th, 2010

New housing report released. According to a report released this week by the Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing Foreclosure filings in Colorado’s largest counties fell 3 percent last month as compared to January of last year. Looking locally, Montrose County is up 24 foreclosures from this time in 2009. Of the 288 filed in Montrose County last year, 118 files are still in the foreclosure process. The number of foreclosures has steadily increased in the past five years. Click HERE to read the entire report.

Montrose Numbers:
2009 = 288 foreclosures open in 2009
The breakdown of the actual files opened in 2009 through today is as follows:
118 files are still in process
113 files Sold
57 files Withdrawn (which means the property owner, brought their payments current or developed a work out plan with their lender)

2008 = 159
2007 = 102
2006 = 87
2005 = 83
Source: Department of Local Affairs
Source: Montrose County Treasurer’s Office
(Posted 12:31p)

The recent vacant seat on the Montrose Recreation District Board of Directors has been temporarily filled. The Daily Press says Barbara Sharrow, field manager for the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office was appointed Tuesday. Sharrow is the interim board president as Jerilyn Sheldon left the position last month.  She’ll serve until the district’s board election, April 30th.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 5:54a)

Reservoir reopen. Upon learning that the closure of a reservoir in Grand Junction wouldn’t keep it off the statewide “impaired waters” list, the City of Grand Junction has decided to reopen it.  NBC 11 News says the Juniata Reservoir was closed earlier this week after high levels of mercury were discovered in small-mouth bass there.  The city says water in the reservoir is completely safe to drink.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:53a)

Classes are scheduled to resume Monday at Deer Creek Middle School, the scene of a shooting Tuesday that left two students injured. Police seized photos of youths who appear to be in their teens from the room of the suspect, 32-year-old Bruco Strong Eagle Eastwood. His father speculated that his son may have had online contact with students at the school before the attack.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 5:53a)

NEWS; Thur. February 25, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 25th, 2010

A Grand Junction husband and wife have been arrested on charges they sexually assaulted a teenage boy on multiple occasions, The Daily Sentinel reports that the couple told the police that the encounters with the boy were intended to teach him about sex.  Cassandra Bell Lyle and Ricky Edward Lyle, 49, were advised they could each be charged with six counts of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, six counts of sexual assault on a child in a pattern of abuse and six counts of enticement of a child.  Mesa County Judge Bruce Raaum ordered them held on $200,000 bonds.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:27p by Jim Kapp)

Sheriff’s Office Investigators are asking the public to be aware of a classified ad scam that is circulating the area. The ad states a 2007 Bobcat T300 track loader for sale at an asking price of $4500, a price well below market value.  Investigators say the information is false even though it has been published nationwide.Sheriff’s Office says the public should be wary of classified newspaper ads selling items for prices that look to good to be true.
Source: News Release  (Posted 5:25p by Jim Kapp)

A man is in stable condition after he was stabbed and sent to the hospital earlier today . KJCT explains that the stabbing took place at the Monument Inn on North Ave in Grand Junction.    The police are calling this a first degree assault.  The incident occurred just hours after police held a workshop with hotel owners to help prevent and deal with situations like that one….
Source: KJCT (Posted 4:22p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Thursday February 25, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 25th, 2010

The Montrose Police Department is trying to locate a runaway juvenile. 14-year-old Destiny Rae Youngs is described as 5’2”, 110 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes. If you know the whereabouts of Destiny, call the Montrose Police Department at 252-5200.
Source: Montrose Police Department   (Posted 11:00a)

Four Montrose City Council Candidates are answering questions during tonight’s Tri-County 912 and ICaucus meeting. The four candidates are in running for the District I and District II seats (Jesse Bailey, Thomas Smits, Bill Brougham, & Carol McDermott). The forum begins at 6:30 at the Montrose Association of Realtors office on Merchant Drive (behind the Ford/Nissan dealership).  There will be a forum on March 9th for the council At-Large District and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Candidates.
Source: PSA   (Posted 1:22p)

Montrose County road closure. Montrose County Road & Bridge will close 5400 Road between Banner Road and Carnation Road starting tomorrow (February 26) until March 19 for a culvert replacement. 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: PSA   (Posted 12:36p)

New housing report released. According to a report released this week by the Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing Foreclosure filings in Colorado’s largest counties fell 3 percent last month as compared to January of last year.  Looking locally, Montrose County is up 24 foreclosures from this time in 2009. Of the 288 filed in Montrose County last year, 118 files are still in the foreclosure process. The number of foreclosures has steadily increased in the past five years. Click HERE to read the entire report.

Montrose Numbers:
2009 = 288 foreclosures open in 2009
The breakdown of the actual files opened in 2009 through today is as follows:
118 files are still in process
113 files Sold
57 files Withdrawn  (which means the property owner, brought their payments current or developed a work out plan with their lender)

2008 = 159

2007 = 102

2006 =   87

2005 =   83
Source: Department of Local Affairs
Source: Montrose County Treasurer’s Office
(Posted 12:31p)

A backcountry skier killed in a Colorado avalanche has been identified as 60-year-old John Joseph Kelley, an Aspen carpenter. KJCT writes that the Pitkin County coroner’s office says Kelley died Tuesday from suffocation when he was buried in the slide near a backcountry hut outside Aspen. He was in a group of 8 skiers. Authorities say no one else was injured.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 10:34a)

Library usage grew significantly in Gunnison and Crested Butte last year. According to the Gunnison Country Times, compared to 2008, the number of individuals checking things out in the library increased by 16,000 people.  While everything increased, the most checked out things were adult and juvenile fiction books and DVDs.
Source: Gunnison Country Times (Posted 10:34a)

NEWS: Thursday February 25, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 25th, 2010

A Grand Junction gravel company has been ordered to pay $498,000 in a sex discrimination case. According to the Daily Press, United Companies fired three people, including one woman who claimed she was harassed daily because of her gender.  The other two fired were men who backed her in her claims.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced the settlement agreement yesterday.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 8:29a)

Opening of Veteran Trauma Court today. Judges, probation officials, legislators, representatives of the district attorney and public defender and state and El Paso County health and human services offices will gather for a news conference at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at the El Paso County Judicial Building to announce the formal opening of the newly developed Veteran Trauma Court.

Several officials will be available to answer questions, including 4th Judicial District Judge Ronald Crowder, a retired Major General of the Army National Guard, who was instrumental in launching the effort to establish Colorado’s first court specifically designed to meet the unique needs of military veterans with service-related trauma disorders who have entered the criminal justice system.

The grant-funded court is modeled after other problem solving courts such as drug and mental health courts. It will offer eligible offenders an alternative to incarceration through treatment and counseling and regular court appearances.

The Colorado Division of Behavioral Health estimates approximately 1,540 veterans will receive diversion and treatment services through the life of the five-year grant.

Those eligible for treatment and counseling services through the court are military veterans charged with a lower-level felony in the 4th Judicial District who experienced trauma related to military service and have been diagnosed with a trauma spectrum disorder and exhibit a willingness to actively participate in treatment and recovery and fully cooperate with the court.

The project is a collaborative effort among local, state and federal partners. The core of the team includes the 4th Judicial District and associated justice-related agencies, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, the Colorado Public Defenders Office, El Pomar Foundation, Mental Health America of Pikes Peak Region, Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group, Peak Research LLC, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program, Give an Hour and the Colorado Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Services.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 8:28a)

NEWS: Thursday February 25, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 25th, 2010

Montrose County has named Cindy Bennet as its new Finance Director.  Cindy has worked for the County for 8 years.

“Cindy is well qualified for this position.  She started working for the County in 2003 as an accountant and did such a phenomenal job she was promoted to senior accountant, then to accounting supervisor and now to Director of the Finance Department,” said Jesse Smith, County Manager.  “She has extensive knowledge of the County’s financial history.  Her experience will serve Montrose County and its citizen’s well,” concluded Smith.

Prior to working for the County, Bennet worked as the Office Manager for TUFF Coat and as an accountant for McGuire & Associates, Groskopf & Groskopf and Kennedy & Coe all accounting firms in Montrose.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in Business Administration from Mesa State College.

Bennet  lives in Montrose and has two teenage sons, one is a sophomore at Montrose High School and the other is a freshman at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:58a)

Grand Junction Fire Department officials have wrapped up their investigation into the massive fire at Bestway Services early Monday morning. Fire Department Spokesman Mike Page tells NBC 11 News that the fire of the portable toilet business was accidental. Investigators say it started in the southeast corner of the building but the exact cause of the fire has been listed as undetermined. The fire caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage and the building is considered a total loss.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 6:58a)

No emergency at MHS. People driving or walking past Montrose High School yesterday afternoon may have seen a handful of emergency vehicles on campus. There was no emergency; crews were just conducting a routine inspection at the high school.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:58a)

Just before 9:30 last night, Grand Junction Police responded to a room at the Monument Inn on North Avenue on the report of an adult male who suffered a stab wound.  The male was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and remains in stable condition.  No further information is available.  No suspects are in custody, and anyone with information on the stabbing is encouraged to call the Grand Junction, non-emergency dispatch line at 242-6707.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:57a)

Paonia is going green to save some green. The Delta County Independent says the Town of Paonia recently received a grant from the StEPP Foundation which will allow the Town Hall to have photovoltaic panels installed.  These solar panels could provide up to half the electrical needs at the facility. The project costing $36,500 was paid for by grants and in-kind donations; Paonia taxpayers will put zero dollars into the project. The panels are expected up this spring.
Source: Delta County Independent (Posted 6:57a)

The House Finance Committee yesterday killed a bill that would have allowed Colorado convenience stores to sell full-strength beer. The bill had gotten the backing of another committee earlier this month but faced strong opposition from both liquor store owners and craft breweries.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 6:57a)

NEWS: Thursday February 25, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 25th, 2010

The fire that killed two Western State College students January 30th has been ruled accidental. Gunnison Fire Marshal Dennis Spritzer tells the Gunnison Country Times that “There was no indication in any way that it was intentional.”  The fire appears to have started on a couch that was on the front porch. Students Adam Lockard and Lucy Causley were the only two of the six occupants that didn’t make it out alive.
Source: Gunnison Country Times (Posted 5:55a)

SMPA and DMEA explore consolidation. The Boards of Directors of San Miguel Power Association, Inc. (SMPA) and Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) are announcing today that the two associations are beginning a process to investigate whether there are significant financial, environmental, technological and—most important—customer service reasons to consider consolidating the two electric cooperatives into a new joint cooperative.

While for-profit corporations seek immediate profit gain from mergers, rural electric associations are member-owned and focused exclusively on the potential benefits for their members, employees and the communities they serve.

Both associations were formed in 1938 following the passage of the Rural Electrification Act signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, at a time when electricity was available in urban areas only. Decades ago, each association successfully integrated new member-customers through mergers/acquisitions.

While the two associations do not know at this early stage whether a consolidation will be the eventual outcome, both boards feel it is in the best interest of their members to look at the possibilities. The process of looking into a consolidated organization will take several months. As information becomes available, DMEA and SMPA will keep their members, employees and the public informed.  SMPA  and DMEA are both committed to serving their members in the southwestern Colorado area in keeping with the highest of standards. Whatever the outcome of this process of investigation, this core value is something that will not change.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:54a)

Two City of Montrose employees were laid off Tuesday as a result of the recession. City spokesperson David Spear tells the Daily Press that a city building department technician and a code compliance officer were among 12 positions that have been eliminated since 2008. The city doesn’t have any more layoffs planned.
Source: Daily Press (Posted 5:53a)

The special meeting that was to be held by Delta City Council tonight has been canceled. The meeting was to publicly announce the new City Manager. This will now take place at next week’s regular meeting. The finalists are Peter Brixius, Karen Cumbo, JM Kerby, Alan Lanning, Ben South, and D. Craig Whitehead.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:53a)

Statement by US Attorney David Gaouette regarding the sentencing of Kristen Parker: “Today’s sentence should provide victims of this crime some measure of resolution, as Kristen Parker will be spending the next 30 years of her life in federal prison.  This sentence is appropriate, and reflects the seriousness of Ms. Parker’s criminal conduct.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office went out of its way on behalf of the victims of this case.  The government required as part of the plea agreement that the defendant make a videotaped statement, discussing in detail her criminal conduct, for the benefit of the victims.  This video was then shown to victims and provided publicly.  The government also required that Parker sign consent to release her medical records to the victims of her crime.  Today’s sentence should truly send a message that there are very serious consequences for these types of actions.  I would like to thank the special agents with the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Pena, and everyone with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their hard work on this important case.”

Parker was sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn to serve 360 months (30 years) in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Parker was also ordered to pay restitution to Rose Medical Center of Denver and the Audubon Surgery Center of Colorado Springs totaling $506,935.  Lastly, Parker is to pay $1,000 to a court sponsored victims of crime fund.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 5:52a)

NEWS; Wed. February 24, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on February 24th, 2010

During debate over the tax hikes, hundreds of Colorado businesses showed up at the Capitol to oppose the tax bills, saying they were job-killers. Pepsi officials told lawmakers that a new soda tax will jeopardize as many as 800 jobs.  A new tax hike on candy threatens 150 workers at Grand Junction confectioner Enstrom’s, and the more than $3.3 million the company spends each year with more than 300 Colorado vendors.
Source: News Release  (Posted 5:05p by Jim Kapp)

Parker was sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Court to serve 30 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. The Denver Post says Parker was also ordered to pay restitution to Rose Medical Center of Denver and the Audubon Surgery Center of Colorado Springs totaling $506,935.  Lastly, Parker is to pay $1,000 to a court sponsored victims of crime fund.  Kristen Parker was  a surgical tech accused of infecting dozens of patients by replacing clean syringes with used ones…..
Source: Denver Post (Posted 5:07p by Jim Kapp)

A Grand Junction police officer was involved in a traffic accident at the intersection of Fifth Street and Pitkin Avenue in downtown this afternoon. The Daily Sentinel reports that an officer driving east on Pitkin behind a van which ran a red light on 5^th St.  The officer pursued the van and was then hit on the driver’s side of his car by a silver Pontiac.  Neither the officer or the woman driving the Pontiac were hurt.  However, the woman in the Pontiac was issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle…..
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:09p by Jim Kapp)