Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 31st, 2010

Palisade town leaders say layoffs for town employees are a very real possibility if their financial situation does not improve. NBC 11 News explains that Town administrator says sales tax revenues continue to drop, down 24% from last year.  If that continues the town may have no choice but declare some layoffs.  Palisade is facing a possible budget shortfall of $250 thousand this year.  At this time however, they are planning to continue with a number of capital projects.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:08p by Jim Kapp)

A woman accused of stealing a dog that was allegedly killed by her brother on Colorado National Monument pleaded not guilty this afternoon. The Daily Sentinel says that Melissa Lockhart entered her plea in Delta County Combined Courts this afternoon.  Earlier this week her brother Steve Romero pleaded guilty in the dragging death of Buddy the dog on Dec. 30^th.  According to her arrest affidavit, Lockhart told her brother to get rid of the dog after it attacked a family cat.  She is being charged separately by federal authorities with allegedly misleading investigators in that case.  Lockhart is scheduled for a jury trial on Aug. 16.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:10p by Jim Kapp)

Some of the state’s more downtrodden economies are getting a boost from the stimulus act and the Telluride Foundation. The Daily Planet has learned for example, in the west end of San Miguel, Dolores, and Montezuma counties, 27 community groups were awarded $306 thousand yesterday in hopes of creating jobs and stimulating the economy.  As of now, Dolores County has one of the highest jobless rates at 18%…..
Source: Daily Planet (Posted 5:11p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Wed. March 31, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 31st, 2010

A snowmobiler who is 36 hours overdue is cause for concern as many authorities are ready to  launch a search and rescue mission on the Grand Mesa. NBC 11 News reports that Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Heather Benjamin says a Delta County man has been missing for 36 hours and was on an apparent snowmobile trip by himself on the Mesa. Officials did find the man’s vehicle in a parking lot on the Mesa.  Rescue teams that have been deployed will consist of rural area deputies, search and rescue snow skippers, communication team and a ground crew…..
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 3:55p by Jim Kapp)

The Grand Junction Police is seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating suspect(s) that were involved in a burglary and theft at Bob Scott’s RV on Grand Park Dr. in Grand Junction. Sometime between the hours of 6pm on March 25^th and 9:30am on March 27^th suspect(s) broke into the property and stole televisions and stereos from several trailers that were parked on the lot.  If you have any information on this or other crimes contact Crimestoppers at 241-7867.  You will remain anonynmous  and could get up to $1000 cash reward if the tip leads to an arrest….
Source: Press Release  (Posted 3:56p by Jim Kapp)

Sweitzer Lake State Park in Delta will open for boating on Fri. April 9^th this year.  The opening had been delayed because of recent cold weather. Vessels planning to launch outside of posted inspection times will require a pre-inspection seal attached prior to launch.  To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species all vessels must be inspected prior to launch….
Source: Press Release  (Posted 3:58p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Wednesday March 31, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 31st, 2010

A jury has found Allen Grabe guilty of murdering his own son. The verdict came down around 10:00 am this morning. NBC 11 News says the jury found Grabe guilty on charges of first degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. On the murder charge, Grabe was sentenced to life. On the charge of child abuse resulting in death he was sentenced to 48 years. Grabe was given credit for 507 days already spent in jail. The defense says it will appeal.  During the trial, Grabe’s defense argued that Grabe was insane and didn’t know right from wrong the night he shot his 13-year-old son nine times while he slept. The prosecution painted a different picture saying Grabe knew what he was doing was wrong.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 11:00a)

State offices are to be closed Friday as they take another mandatory furlough day. KJCT writes that about 15,500 executive branch employees are taking the seventh of 8 unpaid furlough days ordered by Governor Ritter this fiscal year to save about $27 million in the state budget. The last scheduled furlough day this year is May 28. State parks will still be open Friday, even though the visitor centers will be closed. It’s also business as usual for state troopers, state hospitals and nursing homes, the unemployment benefits office, Legislature and courts.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 11:54a)

Since February 13, 2010, the Delta Police Department has responded to twelve Burglary reports. All twelve burglaries were businesses, 10 of which are located on the Highway 92 corridor.  The person(s) burglarizing the businesses have gained entry, damaged property, and removed an undisclosed amount of cash.  Each reported burglary is under investigation.

The Delta Police Department is offering the following information to business owners and residents in an effort to aide them in protecting themselves from would be burglars.

• Use Deadbolts on doors and entrances if possible.
• Install an alarm system; make sure it is used and functioning properly.
• Install a camera system with recording capabilities and record 24 hours a day.  (Save overnight recordings for several days before recycling the storage device).
• Use a safe, anchored or bolted down, for storage of cash and valuables. File cabinets and desk drawers are not adequate storage and are easily broken into.
• Install steel flashing around strike plates and door latches to prevent prying the door open or “popping” of door latches.
• Change the locks if someone looses their key, or an employee vacates employment.
• Change alarm system codes and safe combinations if an employee vacates employment.
• Install motion lights around the exterior of the building or residence.
• Lock all doors and windows, leave a light on, and close the blinds or curtains when closing up or leaving.  A dark building is vulnerable.
• If possible, leave some sound on (like the TV or a radio), at a normal volume.

There are many things you can do to protect your property, residence, or business.  Some security devices can be costly to purchase and install, others are fairly inexpensive.  Insurance companies sometimes offer rebates or lower premiums for some security systems.  Check with your insurance provider to determine what incentives they offer.  Homeowners, and even renters insurance, may also offer incentives for added security systems.  In some areas multiple businesses or residents may be able to share costs on a system to monitor exterior areas of their properties.

Crime prevention can be a daunting task.  The key is to protect yourself from becoming a victim by discouraging would be criminals.  Know your neighbors and watch out for the security of each other’s properties. Lastly, report all crimes to law enforcement.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 10:34a)

NEWS: Wednesday March 31, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 31st, 2010

Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn is getting a homecoming celebration today from one of her sponsors. Vail Daily says Vail Resort congratulates Vonn after winning her third consecutive World Cup overall title this season, plus a downhill gold medal and super-G bronze at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Source: Vail Daily (Posted 10:23a)

On March 30, 2010 just before 8:00 p.m. Delta Police and Fire Department personnel were dispatched to the 1400 block area of A Street for a report of a fire. The fire was located in the brush on the hill side just west of the 1400 block of A Street.  Upon arrival police officers located eight residences in the area that would be in danger if the winds were to spread the embers of the fire.  The residents of the eight homes were contacted and asked to evacuate for safety reasons.  Delta Fire Chief, Adam Suppes, advised police personnel the evacuation would be temporary with an estimated time of about 20 to 30 minutes.  Officers staged the residents in a safe location nearby while the fire was extinguished.  Once the fire was extinguished the residents were allowed to return to their homes.  No damages to the homes were reported and all persons were safe and accounted for with no injuries being reported.  A fence and lawn did sustain damages estimated at about $1000.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 9:37a)

Westbound traffic in Glenwood Canyon will switch over to eastbound lanes through the rockfall work zone tomorrow morning. The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Flatiron Construction Corporation will switch traffic tomorrow, starting around 7 AM. Westbound traffic will be switched onto the inside eastbound lane through the work zone, separated from the single lane of eastbound traffic by a concrete barrier. Putting both directions of traffic onto the eastbound lanes will enable the contractor to complete repairs on the concrete retaining wall and the westbound bridge deck. While in this configuration, the speed limit for eastbound traffic will remain at the lowered 40 mph; the speed for westbound traffic will be lowered to 25 mph, however, due to the lane switches in this short section-which is approximately 1,000 feet. The width restriction remains at 14 feet.

REPAIR WORK: The repair work is taking place between mile markers 124 and 125, just west of Hanging Lake Tunnel. The work will involve bridge deck and bridge wall/rail repairs (including 150 feet of new steel bridge rail); guardrail repairs (about 120 linear feet) to hillside concrete barrier; median concrete barrier repair (replacement of 400 linear feet); removal and replacement of 690 square feet of concrete retaining walls; straightening of steel bridge girders using a flame straightening process; some lighting and electrical repairs; and repairs to the bike trail below. Finally, the contractor will use approximately 500 tons of base course material on the roadway, as well as 400 tons of patching asphalt to repair the driving surface.

REGULAR TRAFFIC IMPACTS: Work will be done during the day, Monday through Saturday. There will be a single lane of traffic open in each direction, but motorists may encounter occasional traffic stops, when safety or equipment mobilization warrant. The speed limit is reduced from 50 to 40 mph; delays should be very minimal. Motorists are urged to obey the reduced speed limit and maintain a safe following distance while driving through the work zone. There is a 14-foot width restriction. While the Glenwood Canyon bike path should open sometime in April, the section between the Shoshone power plant and Hanging Lake rest area will remain closed for safety until the project is completed in May. Thank you for going ” Slow for the Cone Zone !”

ROCKFALL INCIDENT INFORMATION: Just after midnight, on March 8, a large rockslide hit I-70 in Glenwood Canyon near mile marker 125, just west of Hanging Lake Tunnel. I-70 was closed in both directions to all traffic between Glenwood Springs (mm 116) and Dotsero (mm 133). The interstate reopened to a single lane of traffic in each direction on the afternoon of Thursday, March 11.

The rockfall brought 20 boulders onto the interstate, ranging in size from 3 feet to10 feet in diameter. The largest weighed about 66 tons. The rocks made holes in the elevated sections of roadway-the largest being in the westbound lanes (closest to the hillside) and measuring 20 feet by 10 feet. Another hole in the lower eastbound lanes measured 6 feet by 6 feet. There were a half a dozen other holes and “dips” in the roadway, as well as areas where rocks were embedded. Most of these repair areas were approximately 5 feet by 5 feet. Rocks were scattered over 100 yards of roadway. Also damaged were three sections of steel guard rail and median barrier.

For information about other CDOT projects, the public may log on to www.coloradodot.info or call 511. To receive information directly, log on to this web site and click the icon in upper right corner entitled “Sign up for Email and Wireless Alerts.”
Source: Press Release   (Posted 8:54a)

NEWS: Wednesday March 31, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 31st, 2010

A fifth person is in the running for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. The Daily Sentinel writes that John Hargis Sr., a disabled Vietnam-era Navy veteran, is running as an Independent for the seat currently held by John Salazar. The article claims the Del Norte man would represent the Constitution and Colorado in Congress. Hargis Sr. is up against another Independent, Jake Segrest of Fruita, and Republicans Bob McConnell and Scott Tipton.
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 8:48a)

Well, it’s settled then, for another year at least. Current Delta County Schools Superintendent, Mike McMillan is keeping his current position for another year after announcing not only his retirement, but a replacement.  Both have since fallen through. Mountain Valley News says that the school district violated it’s own policies when they accepted a replacement, who was to be former Assistant Superintendent Ed Longfield, without launching a search. Longfield since has said he’s going to decline the offer and stay Superintendent in Manitou Springs. McMillan’s decision to remain with Delta County Schools was made Monday.
Source: Mountain Valley News (Posted 8:47a)

A Senate committee is holding hearings on plans to keep a tighter rein on Colorado’s workers’ compensation program. KJCT says the Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing legislation Wednesday that would change the makeup of the board of directors, cap the company’s surplus and limit surveillance. Lawmakers say the company needs tighter regulation to ensure workers get the treatment they need and the treatment companies paid for.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 8:47a)

The recession has dealt some tough challenges to Hispanics in Colorado and the rest of the nation, according to a survey released this week by AARP. More than 400 Hispanics over age 45 were polled. The results – Hispanics are more than twice as likely to have lost a job and, over 40 percent had problems paying for essential items, such as food and utilities, over the last year. Rocky Egusquiza with AARP says many Hispanics in the so-called “sandwich generation” are stretched especially thin. She says that financial squeeze can lead some to borrow against their retirement and make other decisions that come with long-term consequences. She adds that there are tools for financial planning, retirement and help enrolling in government programs that Hispanics can access online: aarp.org/realrelief.
Source: Colorado News Connection   (Posted 8:46a)

NEWS: Wednesday March 31, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 31st, 2010

Lawyers for Paige Birgfeld’s estate were in a Mesa County Courtroom on Monday. Birgfeld’s father, Frank, explains that the hearing was more of a formality to allocate money from Paige’s estate to her children. Paige Birgfeld has been missing for some time and according to KREX her father, who is the head of the estate, wants to give his grandchildren a monthly stipend.  Monday’s hearing was to determine how much will be allocated.
Source: KREX (Posted 5:56a)

In a related story the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office says Internet rumors claiming the body of missing Paige Birgfeld has been found are false. She had disappeared in the summer of 2007, and according to NBC 11 News, recent Internet posts claim her body had been found but the Sheriff’s Office says the allegations are not true. The case is an active and on-going investigation.
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:54a)

A story we brought to you yesterday courtesy of Crested Butte News regarding the health of the CEO of Gunnison Valley Health has since been updated. Randy Phelps didn’t have a heart attack; his March 20th episode has been labeled primary ventricular fibrillation. He has undergone placement of an internal defibrillator, not a pace maker, and is continuing rest at his residence in Gunnison County.  COO Betsy Bair is currently serving as the Interim CEO of Gunnison Valley Health during Phelps’ rehabilitation.
Source: Press Release
Source: Crested Butte News contributed to this story
(Posted 5:51a)

NEWS: Tues. March 30, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 30th, 2010

In a nod to downtown customers, Montrose Farmer’s Market has decided to open a Wednesday market at Main Street and Uncompahgre Avenue this summer. The Montrose Press says that according to market director Frances Baer this move is an effort to serve the downtown area and keep customers happy.  In the past the Farmer’s market was held on South Cascade on Saturdays.  Right now the market board is seeking a new site for a future home for the Farmer’s Market…
Source: Montrose  Press (Posted 5:02p by Jim Kapp)

An elderly woman was in serious condition with burns and smoke inhalation and two others were taken to the hospital late Monday night after a fire destroyed their home in Grand Junction. Another woman was taken to the hospital and later released and a man was transported to the hospital suffering from respiratory burns and smoke inhalation.  The Daily Sentinel reports that firefighters from both Grand Junction and the Lower Valley Fire Protection District were on the scene just after 11pm.  The names of the three were not released and an update of their conditions is not available at this time.  It took the firefighters until 1am to bring the blaze under control.  The two story home is considered a total loss….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 5:03p by Jim Kapp)

Lawyers for Paige Birgfeld’s estate were in a Mesa County Courtroom on Monday. Birgfeld’s father, Frank, explains that the hearing was more of a formality to allocate money from Paige’s estate to her children. Paige Birgfeld has been missing for some time and according to KREX her father, who is the head of the state, wants to give his grandchildren a monthly stipend.  Monday’s hearing was determine how much will allocated.  The meeting was closed to the public and Frank Birgfeld himself is not clear what came out of Monday’s proceedings…..
Source: KREX (Posted 5:05p by Jim Kapp)

In a related story The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office says Internet rumors claiming the body of missing Grand Junction mother Paige Birgfeld has been found are false. She had disappeared in the summer of 2007 according to NBC 11 News. Recent internet posts claim her body had been found but Sheriff’s office say the allegations are false. The case is an active and on-going investigation…
Source: NBC 11 News (Posted 5:05p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Tue. March 30, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 30th, 2010

The Tea Party Express, which kicked off a cross-country tour on Saturday in Searchlight, Nev., is expected to stop tomorrow in Grand Junction. The Daily Sentinel says that Sarah Palin kicked off the protest in the home of Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.  The party’s theme is “Just Vote Them Out” and here in Colorado conservative are looking at targeting Democratic U.S. Rep. John Salazar….
Source: Daily Sentinel (Posted 3:52p by Jim Kapp)

NEWS: Tuesday March 30, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 30th, 2010

Update of Gunnison Valley Health’s CEO:
It was determined that Randy Phelps, CEO of Gunnison Valley Health did not have a heart attack. Rather, his episode has been labeled primary ventricular fibrillation. He has undergone placement of an internal defibrillator, not a pace maker. Phelps is continuing rest at his resident back in Gunnison County.
For original story, find below in today’s news.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 1:54a)

The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the county of a burn advisory. There is a high wind advisory in affect until 8 o’clock tonight and there has already been an incident this morning. Again, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the county to withhold burning for the day due to high winds.
Source: PSA   (Posted 11:06a)

San Miguel Sheriff’s Office Commander Eric Berg presented a check for $10,275.00 to John and Kimberly Kirkendoll to help reimburse aircraft and operating expenses incurred during their Haiti relief effort flights.  The Kirkendoll aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2, was used to haul emergency supplies from the Dominican Republic to a variety of remote airstrips and roads throughout Haiti. Dents observed in the aircraft’s horizontal stabilizer and a hijacked load of relief supplies suggest this was quite the adventure.

San Miguel Sheriff Bill Masters organized the fund raising effort when he had learned that the Kirkendoll’s deployed to Haiti after the earthquake struck on January 12th.  John Kirkendoll is a long time Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy and Search and Rescue volunteer.

Donations poured in from various sources inside and outside of San Miguel County.  On the subject Kimberly stated, “You have no idea the strength we gained from learning that the Telluride community and our friends were there for us and for the people of Haiti.”  Of particular note is the $1600.00 donation raised primarily by the 2nd grade elementary students and the freshman students of the Norwood Public School District.

(Photo courtesy of San Miguel Sheriff’s Office)
Source: Press Release   (Posted 1:33p)

San Miguel County’s Jennifer Dinsmore, has been named West Region Emergency Manager of the Year for 2009 by the All Hazard Emergency Management Division of the Colorado Emergency Manager’s Association. Dinsmore holds two titles with San Miguel County: Chief Administrative Officer and the Emergency Manager.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 12:02p)

Grand Junction and Clifton fire crews responded to a structure fire in the 400 block of 30 1/4 Road this morning. KJCT reports that the home was empty at the time of the fire.  The home appears to be a total loss.
Source: KJCT (Posted 11:06a)

NEWS: Tuesday March 30, 2010Posted by Janine Mayfield on March 30th, 2010

Three people are injured after a house fire in Grand Junction last night. KJCT writes that an investigation is underway, but the home at 947 23 Road is a complete loss. One of the three injured is in serious condition.
Source: KJCT (Posted 8:35a)

Last night the Olathe Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum for those running for town mayor and one of three open trustee seats. The three mayoral candidates are Tom Lavato, Rob Smith, and Linda Steele, and the four trustee candidates are Tim Barrientos, Wayne Blair, Lou Cooper, and Kim McMillion. Several questions were asked of the candidates by those in the audience, and in a mock vote, 5-2 voted in favor of the $3,000 business license fee for medical marijuana dispensaries. Other questions asked include financial accountability, fixing Main St., and how each would try to increase the town revenue.
(Posted 8:34a)

The last witness took the stand yesterday in the second week of an accused murderer’s trial. KREX reports that fourteen witnesses were questioned about Allen Grabe’s personality prior to the September 2008 shooting. Grabe has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his 13-year-old son, Jacob. Closing arguments are expected today.
Source: KREX (Posted 8:34a)

The CEO of Gunnison Valley Health remains in critical condition at St. Mary’s Hospital after suffering a cardiac event March 20th. According to Crested Butte News, Randy Phelps was rushed to Gunnison Valley Hospital after falling ill in his Gunnison home and has since been recovering in Grand Junction. COO Betsy Bair is currently serving as the Interim CEO of Gunnison Valley Health during Phelps’ rehabilitation.
Source: Crested Butte News (Posted 8:34a)

Two southern Utah residents have pleaded guilty to stealing government property and illegally trafficking in American Indian artifacts. Brent Bullock and Tammy Shumway entered the pleas Monday in U.S. District Court. Bullock and Shumway were among 26 people indicted after a long-running federal sting targeting those who illegally dig up, sell and collect Indian artifacts in the Four Corners area. Each faces a maximum of 12 years in prison. Sentencing is set for July.
Source: Press Release   (Posted 8:33a)

Colorado House members are gearing up for this year’s budget debate. KJCT says today, lawmakers hold caucuses to develop strategies for the $18 billion state budget that begins July 1. House Republican Leader Mike May says government reform will be the House GOP’s top priority this year.
Source: KJCT/AP   (Posted 8:33a)